Los Angeles County, California Sample Ballot

With 4 days to go before Election Day, it's time to take a look at my sample ballot - for Los Angeles County, California.  We'll see the choices / considerations that need to be made - and I'll offer my recommendations on not only the candidates - but also the numerous ballot measures that have become so commonplace in California elections.

As regular readers know, I see California as being in a major fiscal crisis - brought on primarily by years (decades?) of progressive political leadership, agendas, and policies.  We have some of the highest state income taxes in country - at both the personal and corporate levels.  The state government is bloated, inefficient, and filled with waste.  It is also in the pocket of special interests ranging from environmentalists to public and private sector unions.  If California would be a country, we would be in the top 10 in the world in terms of GDP - but we would also be very similar to Greece or Spain in terms of our debt, excessive government spending, and challenges.

Today, every single holder of an elected State-wide office is a Democrat - a progressive Democrat at that.  Only a few Republican legislators and a two-thirds majority requirement on tax increases that is part of our State Constitution protects us from annual tax increases to try to bring revenues up to the level of our excessive spending.  In a year where we have between a $16 billion and $20 billion budget deficit - our Governor wants to drive full speed ahead to spend between $66 billion and $120 billion on a high speed rail boondoggle that has no viable business plan or any private investors.

With that, let's look at the state wide ballot initiatives.

Proposition 30 - 'Temporary Taxes to Fund Education, Guaranteed Local Public Safety Funding, Initiative Constitutional Amendment'

This is Governor Brown's $8 billion tax increase - levied primarily on the 'wealthy' (except for an across the board .25 point state sales tax increase) that is to address a $16 billion (today) budget deficit - ensuring adequate funding for education and first responders across the state.  If it doesn't pass, the Governor has promised an additional $5.5 billion cut in education funds, closure of state parks, and layoff's of first responders / prison guards in order to 'balance' the budget.

The Governor's approach is simply base extortion.  It does nothing to repair the fundamental brokenness of the state or address our fiscal crisis.  It just tries to kick the can down the road a few more years.  It reflects the contempt the left / progressives / Democrats have to the voters and residents of California.

VOTE NO on PROP 30

Proposition 31 - 'State Budget, State and Local Government Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute'

This is an amendment to the State Constitution that establishes a 2 year state budget, sets rules for offsetting expenditures - and where the Governor needs to cut the budget during fiscal emergencies.  Returns to local governments $200 million that the State appropriates for its budget challenges.

This places more and stricter controls on the state budget process and attempts to limit some of the games being played by the Governor and Legislation to address the fiscal crisis - including dipping their hands into the pockets of local governments.  We need something to change - and this is as good of a first step as we can do at this time.  Far more is needed, but that would mean voting out the progressives that run this State.

VOTE YES on Prop 31

Proposition 32 - 'Political Contributions by Payroll Deduction, Contributions to Candidates Initiative Statute'

This prohibits unions and corporations from using payroll deducted funds, including union dues, for political purposes.  This is designed to end companies and unions from forcing payroll deductions from workers paychecks to fund political advocacy by the entity (company or union).

This is one of the most contentious propositions we face - and one that the unions, in particular the public sector unions, are spending over $60 million in adverts to prevent its passage.  It will hit right at the power of the unions to buy the government - and protect workers / union members from having to fund political causes and candidates that they do not wish to support.

VOTE YES on Prop 32

Proposition 33 - 'Auto Insurance Companies - Prices based on Driver's History of Insurance Coverage Initiative Statute'

This amends a current law in California to allow auto insurance companies to set premium pricing based on whether the insured previously was insured with any other auto insurance carrier.  It also allows drivers with previous coverage to receive a discount for having that coverage.

This is based on the calculation that those with auto insurance and maintain auto insurance coverage as required by state law - are more responsible drivers than those who do not have insurance or maintain continuous coverage.  The left hates this because it ranks new drivers and immigrant drivers as higher risks and need to pay higher premiums.

VOTE YES on Prop 33

Proposition 34 - 'Death Penalty Initiative Statute'

This proposition repeals the death penalty in California and commutes the death sentences of over 700 who are on California's death row to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The proposition is being promoted by those who are anti-capital punishment.  They cite the risk of false convictions as an added concern.  They are also using a fiscal argument - saying that it will be less expensive to keep these convicts in general population than on the segregated death row.

Another factor to consider is that California, while having a large death row population, does not execute its death row population.  The State Supreme Court is very progressive and anti-capital punishment.  With the appeals and legal processes, it can easily be 20-30 years before a convict has run out of options and is cleared to stand for their execution.

We have far better technology and information to take all reasonable precautions to ensure we only convict the guilty.  Once convicted, there are numerous appeals, new hearings, and new trials that take place before a convict would be executed.  So the odds of an innocent person being convicted and executed for a crime they didn't commit is pretty remote.  Furthermore some crimes are so heinous that committing them means that the person who did so has eliminated their right to remain alive.

VOTE NO on Prop 34

Proposition 35 - 'Human Trafficking Penalties Initiative Statute'

This proposition increases prison sentences and fines for those convicted of engaging in human trafficking.  In addition, those convicted have to register as sex offenders - and live under the limits and requirements of being registered sex offenders.

This should be a no-brainer to support.

VOTE YES on Prop 35

Proposition 36 - 'Three Strikes Law, Repeat Felony Offenders Penalties Initiative Statute'

This revises the current 'three strikes' law that imposes a life sentence on persons receiving the third felony conviction to only impose the life sentence when the third felony conviction is deemed serious or violent.  Permits judges to re-sentence those convicted of a three strikes violation when the third felony was not serious or violent.

Today, DA's and Judges already have considerable leeway in not imposing a third strike life sentence if the felony committed was not serious or violent.  Imposing it into law via the proposition will create more challenges and more limitations on this leeway.  Evidence shows that those who commit repeated felonies will continue to do so - and the only real way to stop those repeat crimes is to incarcerate them for life.  Keep the law as it is today.

VOTE NO on Prop 36

Proposition 37 - 'Genetically Engineered Foods Labeling Initiative Statute'

This requires California establish a totally unique and California food labeling process that increases government control and regulation, increases costs on food producers, and offers little or now additional safety or viable information to protect the consumer.  California already has regulated itself into a nightmare for companies to do business in the state - and this is just another major step deeper into that nightmare.  Our gas is already among the most expensive in the 48 continental states - and this would go a long way to make our food among the most expensive in the 48 continental states.

VOTE NO on Prop 37

Proposition 38 - 'Tax to Fund Education and Early Childhood Programs Initiative Statute'

This is the alternative to Proposition 30 - with 2 main differences.  First, the tax increases are spread across the board as opposed to being focused on just the 'wealthy'.  Second it mandates all revenues from this tax increase is dedicated to K-12 education - and for the first four years - also for paying down the state deficit (actually slowing the growth in debt slightly - very slightly).  Tax increase to be in effect for 12 years.

As with Prop 30 it is fundamentally flawed because of how its structured and the 'out' to be used to 'pay down' the state debt - which in other words is being fired into the maw of the State's general fund.  It does nothing to address the fundamental problems with the state when it comes to both fiscal structure and the broken education system which rewards only unions / administrators and not teachers, and clearly not students.

VOTE NO on Prop 38

Proposition 39 - ' Tax Treatment for Multistate Businesses Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Funding Initiative Statute'

The 'justification' of this - to permit California to collect corporate taxes from companies based on the sales that they do in California even if they do not have a physical presence in California - and then allocate the revenues from these taxes strictly to clean energy / environmental projects over the next 5 years.

This is a blatant reach outside the state to collect taxes and punish businesses for doing business in California.  It will increase costs for California's consumers and discourage business being conducted in California.  Then the revenues raised will be tossed into the 'Clean Energy' and / or 'Environmental' project black hole boondoggles.  Pushing 'clean energy' has contributed to California having some of the nation's highest energy costs and the excessive focus on environmentalism is leaving us energy poor and has devastated the state's agriculture industry.

VOTE NO on Prop 39

Proposition 40 - 'Redistricting State Senate Districts Referendum'

In November 2008, voters of California passed 'The Voters First Act', Prop 11, which took away the responsibility of redistricting state districts from the legislature and put it into the arms of a 14 member commission comprising of 5 Democrats, 5 Republicans, and 4 from neither major party.  In 2010, the scope of the commission was expanded to also include US Congressional Districts in the state.

While on paper, this is supposed to be as fair / unbiased process as possible, for many, it appears as if this has been about as unbiased as redistricting being done by a Legislature that is 60% Democrat.  During the public hearing process, organized efforts by the CA Democrat Party and their key allies, including the public sector unions, to manipulate the redistricting process.

This vote is to accept (Yes) the latest redistricting map or to reject (No) the map.  If the map is rejected, the districts will be reviewed and adjusted by officials supervised by the CA Supreme Court.

While not as bad as a legislative redistricting, the process continued to gerrymander district boundaries for political purposes.  I believe the voters need to send a message to the commission that this was intended for significant reform - and in delivering that, they failed.

VOTE NO on Prop 40

LA County Measure - A 

This is an advisory vote asking voters if we should change the California Constitution and the Los Angeles County Charter to make the position of the Los Angeles County Assessor an appointed position instead of an elected position.  Today, this is an elected position - and the current incumbent is currently being held in prison, unable to make bail, charged with corruption - taking bribes to reduce the tax liabilities of individuals and companies.

An appointed County Assessor would be directly accountable to the LA County Board of Supervisors - and able to be dismissed for inability to execute the job or malfeasance.

VOTE YES on Measure A

LA County Measure - B

This proposes a new County ordinance targeting the adult film industry which is very active in LA County.  The ordinance will require producers to obtain a County Health Permit, performers to use condoms, and expand the testing / education of performers on STD's - including regular reporting of results of regular health tests.

The adult film industry is already regulated - with performers undergoing regular monthly testing to ensure they do not have STD's or AID's.  The proposal takes the regulations to another level in an effort to protect the performers.  Yet, there is not a major problem with the existing regulations and processes.  With that, do we really need to expand the existing regulations, oversight, and enforcement?  Is that really the proper role of government?

It is only on this expansion of government, apparently above and beyond regulations and oversight that currently work, that I come down on opposing this measure.  If the current regulations and oversight were not working - if there were major reported health issues within this industry and with the performers that risked those outside the industry - then I could support this.

VOTE NO on Measure B

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority - Accelerating Traffic Relief and Job Creation - Measure J

This is a measure offered by the state chartered regional planning agency and public transportation operating agency for the County of Los Angeles which calls for a extension of the expiring .5% sales tax increase for an additional 30 years to fund transportation initiatives in the County.  Among the key transportation initiatives targeted, the $3-5B initiative to expand the LA Subway system 'to the sea' - from Downtown LA to the Santa Monica beach area as well as continuing to subsidize and keep fares for the LA Metro / Metrolink from increasing.

Little of the new initiatives will generate the promised benefits - and they are very LA centric as opposed to addressing transportation needs throughout Los Angeles County.  The current Metro system does not have a direct connection to Los Angeles International Airport - but building a subway 'to the sea' is the primary focus.  It takes over an hour on a commuter train to travel 35 miles into LA - but we aren't investing in better trackage or signals to improve the speed / usefulness while maintaining fares?

This agency has limited accountability to the people / taxpayer and is focusing on the wrong priorities.  We should not extend this tax increase until they become more accountable and refocus their attention on real improvements as opposed to progressive 'make work' efforts.

VOTE NO on Measure J

In terms of the individual races - here are my endorsements.

President and Vice President

The current Administration has a record of failure, incompetence, and fecklessness that has been unseen in this country since the Carter Administration.  The policies and agenda of the Obama Administration are preventing the economy from entering a robust recovery.  They have also increased the divides within this country - pitting 'us vs. them' in far too many areas.  It's beyond irresponsible to spend at levels that generate >$1T annual deficits and add over $6 trillion to the national debt.  The foreign and national security policy of the current Administration have weakened the US and emboldened our enemies.

VOTE for Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan

United States Senator

Democrat Diane Feinstein is seeking her fourth full term as the State's senior Senator.  In the Senate, she is a reliable progressive / liberal vote - and is one of the most liberal members in the Senate.  Her primary role in the Senate is to be a reliable progressive soldier.  She is arrogant and feckless.  Throughout the current race, she has refused to engage her opponent in a single debate - probably knowing that in that format, she would be exposed for what she is.  California needs a Senator who will work for all of the people of the state, not just the special interests including the unions and illegal immigrants.

VOTE for Elizabeth Emken

United States Representative

I'm in the 25th Congressional District, where we are represented by Rep. Howard 'Buck' McKeon, who is currently the Chair of the House Armed Services Committee.    While Buck has faced some additional challenges in the past several years over some minor local issues, he remains a strong conservative and advocate for the district as well as the members of the Armed Forces.  He understands what we need to do - where we need to go - and shares the conservative vision to obtain those goals.  He deserves another term in office.

VOTE for Howard 'Buck' McKeon

State Senator

I'm in the 27th State Senatorial District - one that has changed because of redistricting.  Todd Zink, the Republican candidate, is a decorated Marine Corps officer and Deputy District Attorney.  He is a conservative and has conservative vision for California based around fiscal responsibility, smaller government, and restoring the Golden State from the damage caused by decades of progressive leadership.

The state needs a real change - and voting for conservative Republicans is how we start that change process.  Plus, we need to prevent the Democrats from passing a two-thirds majority in the Legislature.  If we fail, then tax and spend will expand / continue.

VOTE for Todd Zink

Member of the State Assembly

This is a 38th District open seat - vacated by Cameron Smyth (R) who was term-limited out of office.  The choices are similar to the other individual races - a choice between a conservative Republican and a progressive Democrat with completely different visions for the future direction of California.  In this race, the lesser know Democrat has embraced a highly negative campaign - targeting the GOP candidate who has formerly worked for Buck McKeon and ran his own political consulting company.  Scott Wilk, the GOP candidate, defeated 2 other Republican challengers in a very contentious race - but has the skills and vision to represent the 38th District in Sacramento and try to promote change in California.

VOTE for Scott Wilk

Los Angeles County District Attorney

This is the sole County race for unincorporated LA County.  The Democrat candidate is the current Chief Deputy DA, Jackie Lacey.  The other is Alan Jackson, a gang homicide prosecutor, the Republican  candidate.  Lacey, would, if elected, become the first woman and first African-American to hold the office of LA County DA.   Both are more similar in their approach than different - for example, both support capital punishment.  While Lacey is a senior member in the DA's office, Jackson has a track record of successful high-profile prosecutions.

I think that with her experience and some of the intangibles around Jackie Lacy, she would be the better District Attorney - and she edges out Alan Jackson in my mind...but it's really close - because she does support several propositions that I do oppose (like softening three strikes).  The current DA, Steve Cooley, has endorsed her.

VOTE for Jackie Lacey


That is my look at the ballot that I am facing on Tuesday.  I see both the Country and the State moving in the wrong direction - and I am strongly advocating for changes in that direction.  I am also seeking to reduce the size and influence of government - and voting accordingly.

Please get out and vote on Tuesday, November 6.

LGF - A Look Back

As briefly mentioned in my "About Me" section of A View From the Ranch, my closest activity towards blogging was on 'LittleGreenFootballs'.  I found the blog in late 2002 / early 2003 and started in 2003 to contribute more frequently.

Back then, LGF, was focused on countering the 'idiotarians', (Daily Kos, Indymedia, Democratic Underground, etc), the 'barking moonbats' of the liberal blogosphere, in addition to highlighting the threat against Western Civilization being posed by radical fundamental Islam.  The site was a staunch defender of Israel - and the Israeli right to exist.  Many threads and comments addressed the linkage between the extreme progressive left and radical fundamental Islam.

It grew in size as more people joined - and not all were liked minded.  Some were trolls.  Some attempted to present cogent debates while others gamely tried to substitute opinion for facts.  But a community came from this that helped move the site forward to be one of the top sites in not only the conservative blogosphere - but in the overall blogosphere.

In June 2004, Charles Johnson, the man behind LGF, added a registration system.  Like many active commentators at the time, I became a member of the 'Class of 2004' - registered at 3:41pm on the first day that registration was required.  From that point until my decision to stop participating on LGF in early 2009, I made just over 9,000 comments and earned a positive 4,376 'Karma'.

Between June 2004 and Spring 2009 - I met / conversed online with many of the core of that community - and with those who were also developing their own blogs in the conservative blogosphere.

LGF leapt in stature during the 2004 Presidential campaign - and in particular around 'Rathergate' - exposing the 'fake, but accurate' smear memos aired by Dan Rather on 60 Minutes regarding George W. Bush's service with the Texas Air National Guard.  The 'throbbing memo' helped prove the documents were modern creations - not from a typewriter in 1972.

RIP Andrew Breitbart

Like many other conservatives who are active in the blogosphere / new media - first as a reader / commentator and now as a blogger - I was stunned this morning to wake up to the news that Andrew Breitbart passed away overnight.

Big Government, one of Andrew's websites, has this post:

In Memoriam: Andrew Breitbart (1969-2012)

Andrew passed away unexpectedly from natural causes shortly after midnight this morning in Los Angeles.

We have lost a husband, a father, a son, a brother, a dear friend, a patriot and a happy warrior.

Andrew lived boldly, so that we more timid souls would dare to live freely and fully, and fight for the fragile liberty he showed us how to love. 

Andrew recently wrote a new conclusion to his book, Righteous Indignation:

I love my job. I love fighting for what I believe in. I love having fun while doing it. I love reporting stories that the Complex refuses to report. I love fighting back, I love finding allies, and—famously—I enjoy making enemies.

Three years ago, I was mostly a behind-the-scenes guy who linked to stuff on a very popular website. I always wondered what it would be like to enter the public realm to fight for what I believe in. I’ve lost friends, perhaps dozens. But I’ve gained hundreds, thousands—who knows?—of allies. At the end of the day, I can look at myself in the mirror, and I sleep very well at night.

Andrew is at rest, yet the happy warrior lives on, in each of us.

Going through the blogosphere, there are some very touching observations, remembrances, and testimonials to Andrew Breitbart.  Unfortunately, there are also sites and bloggers who are highlighting the vile tweets and comments from those of the left who despised Andrew Breitbart for his stands and support of conservatism.  They are demonstrating the depths of their moral and intellectual bankruptcy in their comments...and making the case that Andrew fought so hard, with so much vigor, and enjoyment to make.

I'm going to highlight some of the comments, observations, and remembrances celebrating Andrew Breitbart.  These recall his energy and enjoyment to be doing what he wanted to be doing - his willingness to stand tall for what he believed in, fought the fight he believed in, and did so for the country he loved.  We have lost someone who set a strong example for us to follow - and our best tribute to honor and celebrate Andrew Breitbart is to follow his example.

My deepest condolences go to his wife and 4 daughters who lost a husband and father at a far too young of an age.  I also send my condolences to his wide circle of friends across the blogosphere, across new and old media, and the political spectrum who lost a fellow warrior, a leader, and an example.

From Matt Drudge of the Drudgereport:

DEAR READER: In the first decade of the DRUDGEREPORT Andrew Breitbart was a constant source of energy, passion and commitment. We shared a love of headlines, a love of the news, an excitement about what's happening. I don't think there was a single day during that time when we did not flash each other or laugh with each other, or challenge each other. I still see him in my mind's eye in Venice Beach, the sunny day I met him. He was in his mid 20's. It was all there. He had a wonderful, loving family and we all feel great sadness for them today... MDRUDGE

From Greg Gutfeld - Fox News 'The Five' and 'Red-Eye':

I met Andrew Breitbart in 2005 when I was asked to write for the Huffingtpon Post. He was running the show. Everyone who knew him - left and right - said he was brilliant, eccentric, one of a kind. I instantly fell in love with the guy. To this day, i've never met anyone as fearless. He was my first guest on Redeye, a show I got largely because he told people about me. He became a cheerleader for my work, but more important, a dear close friend I could confide in, about anything. My wife called him the wizard, for he could conjure up anything at any time with limitless energy.


He's the only person I know who operated without a safety net. He always knew things would turn out the way they were supposed to - so he didn't worry about money or, i guess, his health, too much.


He was the spiritual leader of the modern conservative, libertarian cause. He was immersed in pop culture and wished to drag the right into the modern world - knowing this is how America speaks to the world. He was the heart of the matter. The fighter. Losing him is like a fiery planet going dark.


My heart felt condolences go out to Susie and the kids.

Newsbusters, a project of the Media Research Center to highlight liberal bias in the media, Matthew Sheffield links to an interview of Andrew Breitbart where he recalls his second appearance on Bill Maher's HBO program...

I stood off to the side before I went out into the seating area opposite Professor Michael Eric Dyson, a race-bating sociology professor, and opposite Maher, in a hostile crowd. I went in, and it was a worst-case scenario, and the entire time I kept doubling-down on standing up for what I believe in. I defended Rush Limbaugh on the false charges of racism, I defended the Tea Party on the false charges of racism, the crowd booed me, Sarah Silverman mocked me, the audience interrupted me before I could get my sentences out.


But their boos, I got to sneer at the smirks from Bill Maher, and it was singularly hideous. I went back to my dressing room where friends and family were, and it was like a funeral. They started to rationalize how my life would eventually come back to me over months, perhaps years, and they thought it was like the death of my career, the end of my self-respect and dignity.


I looked at them and I basically looked at myself because I was starting to realize something interesting had happened. I looked at them and said “you don’t understand, that was the best moment of my entire life because I recognized the thing that I feared the most,” wholesale rejection from that many people, perhaps millions in the audience, watching on the television, the majority of the crowd, the popular host, the guest, Sarah Silverman, lovely, funny comedian that I like her type of work. Everyone rejected me, and it was an exultant moment, because I realized, yeah, it’s fun to be liked, but when standing up for what you believe in, it’s also very fun not to be liked.

Ed Feulner, of the Heritage Foundation, writes this of Andrew Breitbart:

It was with great sadness that I heard this morning Andrew Breitbart passed away from natural causes at the young age of 43. Our first thoughts turn to his family: his wife Susie and his four children. He loved them with the same passion he had for his crusades on behalf of freedom.

The prayers of the Heritage family are with them.

This is a loss for the entire country. The cause of truth and freedom will be without one of its biggest champions.

Andrew was fearless. He took on the entrenched powers of liberalism in this country, whether they were in the media, academia, unions or elsewhere, with a zest that was infectious. He had the unmistakable mark of a leader, showing others where they needed to do battle through the force of his own example.

Andrew was also an intellectual, though, and that is indeed a very rare combination. In his last book, properly titled “Righteous Indignation: Excuse Me While I Save the World,” he shined a needed light on the origins of the leftist threat to our freedoms. One such example was the FrankfurtSchool, a mid-20th century invasion of European Marxist academics who realized that taking over our universities would be the first step in seizing our brightest minds. I remember him sitting with me in my office while he was conducting this research and telling me with his trademark fascination about all he was finding out.

Roger L. Simon, CEO and one of the founders of PJ Media writes:

When a whirlwind dies, there is a sudden quiet. Los Angeles this morning is deathly silent.

Christian Adams doesn’t usually phone me at 6:20AM. What’s this, I thought grumpily, ringing him back on my iPhone. And now I sit hurriedly typing in my office where Andrew Breitbart, a man many years younger than I and twenty times more energetic, would sit with me half a dozen years ago or more when we we first met, typing out his end of the Drudge Report while gossiping non-stop and downing a soda.

He was astonishing even then. He would say to me, “You know, bloggers don’t know how to write headlines.” He was right, of course, and I wondered if he was talking about me. I was one of those bloggers, struggling to get a few hundred hits against the massive traffic he and Drudge were generating.

Among his many talents, Andrew was a brilliant headline writer.

And then came awesome entrepreneurship, spawning web sites the way guppies spawn babies — a man born of the Internet and born for it.

No more. Andrew Breitbart dead at 43.

My condolences to his wife and children.

My condolences to the conservative world.

My condolences to America, which has lost one of its truly great patriots. Andrew, more than anything, cared about his country. He worked for it non-stop. And now he has given his life for it.

RIP.

There are many more tributes and remembrances from other prominent bloggers and conservatives who were fortunate to count Andrew as one of their friends.  One noted that Andrew probably had 10 friends for every enemy.  Read them all.  Ignore the vile and the hate from the left or from his enemies...their actions reflect on them, not on Andrew Breitbart or his positions and actions.

In closing, I will repeat one comment from Roger L. Simon which expresses so well what I am experiencing..and I was only a reader / fan of Andrew:

When a whirlwind dies, there is a sudden quiet. Los Angeles this morning is deathly silent.

Palin, Newt, Mitt, and the GOP Establishment

This past weekend, former Alaskan Governor and VP candidate Sarah Palin, took to Facebook to provide not only an impassioned defense of GOP Presidential candidate Newt Gingrich, but to castigate the 'GOP Establishment' for their use of 'Alinksy' tactics against  Newt Gingrich.

The tactics and principles of the marxist Saul Alinsky are well detailed - the Obama campaign, with Barack Obama a trained community organizer of the Alinsky method leveraged these tactics and principles.  Key among these was the approach (as defined in David Horowitz's excellent source - Discover the Network profile of Alinsky)...

“Pick the target, freeze it, personalize it, and polarize it…. [T]here is no point to tactics unless one has a target upon which to center the attacks.” He held that the organizer’s task was to cultivate in people’s hearts a negative, visceral emotional response to the face of the enemy. “The organizer who forgets the significance of personal identification,” said Alinsky, “will attempt to answer all objections on the basis of logic and merit. With few exceptions this is a futile procedure.”

Sarah Palin's viewpoint is that the actions of Mitt Romney in the campaign to gain the GOP Presidential nomination are embracing the tactics of picking a target, freezing it, personalize it, and polarize it in this efforts to win the GOP Presidential nomination.  She also is holding those who are perceived to be the Republican Party Establishment, nearly all Romney supporters, are also doing the same in their efforts to demonstrate (or demonize) that Newt Gingrich is not the best candidate to be the Republican Presidential nominee and run against Barack Obama.

Newt Gingrich himself has been playing the victim card - complaining that his renewed run as the GOP front runner going into the last two weeks before the Iowa caucuses was derailed by massive negative and misrepresentative (Gingrich's claim) advertisements by both the Romney campaign and political action committees supporting Mitt Romney.  After rebounding on the basis of two very strong debate performances contrasting with sub-par Romney performances to gain a strong win in South Carolina, Gingrich has struggled in Florida.  Polls are now showing him in 2nd perhaps losing by as much as double digits.  Gingrich again is playing the victim card over the Romney and PAC negative advertisements about Gingrich's background, experience, and past positions.  He is again claiming that these are all false claims.  Adding to the turmoil was a rash of Republicans, supporting Romney, who directly challenged Gingrich's conservative credentials and his experience in Congress. 

This ultimately got to the point where Sarah Palin, who semi-endorsed Gingrich in South Carolina, and is also doing so in Florida, felt the need to attack the messengers for their attacks on Gingrich.

Newt Gingrich, throughout the efforts to play the victim card, was hardly just a victim.  He and his supporters have also been following and embracing 'Alinsky tactics' in his efforts to defeat Mitt Romney.  His advertisements, stump speeches, debate comments, and PAC also are working to 'pick the target, freeze it, personalize it, and polarize it'.  Romney is denounced as a 'Massachusetts liberal' who endorses Obamacare because it was based on Romneycare.  He was attacked for his wealth.  He was attacked for his tenure at Bain over the companies that ultimately failed.  The Gingrich PAC advertisement / 28 minute hit piece was found to be profoundly inaccurate on even the basic facts.

The issue really isn't the use of Alinsky tactics.  Conservatives and the GOP have learned from having the Alinsky tactics used on them.  The Tea Party has as it's foundation many elements of Alinsky tactics.  The Tea Party represents the grassroots creation of 'Conservative Rules for Radicals' - and has been far more successful in their implementation of the Alinsky rules than any democrat or progressive grassroots effort. 

The Tea Party has out 'Alinsky'ed' the Alinsky Marxists / progressives of the left because the Tea Party, supporting center-right values draws from and reaches out to this predominately center-right country in a manner the hard left cannot.

Return of the 'Evil Empire'

The New York Yankees have been called the 'evil empire' inside baseball for years.  The historical success of the team combined with the willingness of the Steinbrenner family to invest in the club by acquiring free agents add to the perception of those who dislike the Yankee's that they are an 'evil empire' 'buying championships'.

As in many cases, the perception is a bigger driver than reality.  After winning 4 world series in 5 years (1996, 1998. 1999, and 2000), the Yankees failed to win a championship until the inaugural season in the new Yankee Stadium in 2009.  While free agents played a role in these wins, what was known as the 'Core Four', Andy Petite, Jorge Posada, Mariano Rivera, and Derek Jeter were key elements - and all were 'home grown' players from the Yankee farm system.

Last year, the Yankee's lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Detroit Tigers after winning the American League East championship.  A key weakness to the club was the pitching rotation.  Both AJ Burnett and Phil Hughes were major disappointments and one of the comeback players of the year, Bartolo Colon faded badly in the 2nd half of the season.  The Yankees also had very spotty offense - with a number of key players having sub-par seasons.  The lack of offense also contributed to the early Yankee demise in the playoffs.

Many expected the Yankee executive team to rush into the the free agent market this off season to make major changes including addressing the very problematic pitching rotation.  However, with a payroll of over $200 million dollars, the Yankees did not take the old approach (which rarely worked well) of throwing more money at their problems.  Key pitching free agents were signed elsewhere as the Yankees remain very quiet until Friday the 13th.

On that day they made two deals which not only addressed the Yankee pitching woes, but also leaped the Yankees to have one of the strongest pitching rotations as well as being a strong favorite to compete in the 2012 World Series.

The first deal was a trade with the Seattle Mariners where the Yankees picked up the 23 year old power pitcher Michael Pineada as well as a promising A level minor league pitcher in exchange for their number 1 rated prospect, Jesus Montero, and pitcher / reliever Hector Noesi. 

Jesus Montero, as demonstrated in September 2011, is a superb major league hitter.  However, while slated as a catcher, his defensive skills were well below that of a major league catcher.  The Yankees used him primarily as a designated hitter - and that is likely the role the Mariners will use his as.  While this could be another Jay Buehner trade which ultimately haunted the Yankees on more than one occasion, gaining a young, power pitcher who had a stellar rookie season to add to the rotation is a major coup.

The second deal was signing the 37 year old former Dodger starter Hiroki Kuroda to a one year free agent contract.  Kuroda went 13-16 with a 3.07 ERA in 32 starts for the LA Dodgers and brings experience and consistency to the Yankee rotation. 

With these deals, the Yankees have gone from having a dearth of starting pitching to the welcome position of having a surplus.  The rotation now looks like 1) CC Sabathia, 2) Pineada, 3) Kuroda, 4) Ivan Nova, and AJ Burnett, Phil Hughes, and Freddy Garcia fighting over the 5th starter role.

Last year, Phil Hughes was bothered by a 'dead arm' for much of the season, but did have some strong games late in the season.  I am optimistic that 2012 will be far closer to 2010 for Hughes than 2011.

AJ Burnett has been bothered for parts of the last two seasons with some major inconsistencies - with some performances far below his past history.  These still seem to be more related to mechanics and mental challenges than to lost stuff - and I am also optimistic that Burnett will have a better year as he enters the last year of his current contract.  Garcia, one of the surprises for the Yankees in 2011, is a reliable 5th starter who can fill that role ably if Burnett or Hughes falter - or if there is an injury elsewhere in the staff.

The Yankee bullpen also looks stronger this year.  Mariano Rivera remains the closer, with David Robertson and Rafael Soriano providing the set-up functions.  Cory Wade, ex-Red Sox lefty Hideki Okajima (minor league contract signing), and the returning Joba Chamberlain (Tommy John surgery) add additional depth and options for Manager Joe Girardi.

Defensively, the Yankees remain unchanged from 2011 - with Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Robinson Cano, and Mark Texiera providing the core infield.  In the outfield are Brett Gardner, Curtis Granderson, and Nick Swisher.  Behind the plate is Russell Martin.

Backing up the outfield are Chris Dickerson and the re-signed Andruw Jones.

The biggest concern defensively remains Derek Jeter at shortstop - but his defense is not as bad as the DJ hater's contend.

In reality, the only real offensive need for the Yankees is an every day DH.  It's unlikely that the Yankess will pay for a big name free agent DH - or look to their past and consider lefty's Johnny Damon or Hideki Matsui for that role...a righty DH would be the best fit for the club.  They can survive without acquiring one - using existing players and rotating infielders into the role to provide them rest.

I am expecting that Curtis Granderson will prove this year his offensive numbers last year were no fluke - and that Alex Rodriguez will return to his 30+ home run, 100+ RBI average now that he is both healthier and has more opportunities for rest.  Robinson Cano will still demonstrate all the skills - and Gardner will still provide stellar defense, good hitting, and speed on the bases.

My only point of concern of the position starters is with Nick Swisher.  He struggled a number of times last season - and may have set the expectation bar a bit on the high side after a couple of seasons of overachieving.  His is a key catalyst for the club in the clubhouse and just has to settle to playing his game / having fun.  He may not reach the numbers of the earlier seasons with the Yankees, but he still offers advantages which is why his option was picked up by the club.

The Yankees, thanks to the stewardship of the Steinbrenners and GM Brian Cashman, also now have one of the better minor league systems.  We'll be seeing strong contributions from these players in the years to come.

With the deal earlier this month, the Yankee season is showing a lot more promise than it did. 

Contrast that with the Red Sox who lost their closer, have a very suspect pitching rotation, and have to deal not only with their unprecedented September collapse / clubhouse turmoil - but the loss of their Manager and General Manager.  Bobby Valentine?  Seriously?

Pitchers and catchers report on Feb 19th - just over a month from now.

Happy New Year - 2012

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Sydney Australia celebrates the 2012 New Year with their traditional massive fireworks display from the Sydney Harbor Bridge.

We will be celebrating New Year here in California at a friend's house - watching the 3 hour delayed replay of the New York City Times Square celebration - and the dropping of the ball to ring in 2012.

Living on the outskirts of the 2nd largest city in the US, I continue to be amazed that the major commemoration of the New Year here remains watching the replay of the event that took place 3 hours earlier in New York City.  Outside of some local theme park events, or local fireworks / gunfire, or hotel parties, there is nothing to compare with Times Square done in Los Angeles.

2011 was a very tough year - although there were a few bright spots.  Try as I might towards looking at 2012 with the same optimism as I usually do, it's hard not to be pessimistic as I look towards the New Year.  One of the things I have to ponder is if I will be still in California at the end of 2012 given the negative economic challenges affecting my business and my family.  But we are not alone facing these challenges or having questions as to what 2012 will bring us.  All we can do is keep our faith and our commitment towards working to make 2012 a better year than 2011.

Sports....

I'll be talking about a wide breadth of topics that interest me.  One of these is Sports. 

Ok, like most guys, I like sports.  I used to be quite active in sports - until age and injuries took a bit of a toll.  So, not being able to play like I once used to - I talk about sports.

So, here's a little about me and sports....

I don't have a favorite sport.  I do follow most sports.  In fact, I'll list the teams that I do follow in most major sports.  There are only a couple of 'major' sports (for those in the US) that I don't follow.  I don't follow basketball.  I've only played basketball for one 'season' when in school.  It's not a sport that this Canadian followed.  My one season was a 'championship' season.  I think my parents still have the trophy we won.  I sucked.  I think I scored 6 points all season - and that was across about 12 or 14 games.  The other sport that I pay very little attention to is NASCAR.  Boring.  Too many left turns for this conservative....

That said, here are the sports that I do follow.....

Baseball - I saw my first baseball game at the Houston Astrodome.  Not just any game at the Astrodome, but the exhibition game between the Colt .45's and the NY Yankees that opened the Astrodome.  Mickey Mantle hit the first home run at the Astrodome.  I've been a Yankee fan ever since.  A die hard Yankee fan.  A Yankee fan from the Horace Clark / Jake Gibbs / Joe Pepitone days thru Ron Guidry / Thurman Munson / Sparky Lyle to Derek Jeter / Mariano Rivera / Alex Rodriguez days.  I made Opening Day at Yankee Stadium 10 consecutive years...but still haven't been able to get back east to catch a game at the new Yankee Stadium.  My little league baseball career used exclusively bats from Bat Day at Yankee Stadium.  I spent more time on one visit to the Ft. Lauderdale area at the Yankee spring training complex than on the beach - and met / spent time talking to Don Mattingly.

Hockey - I grew up in Toronto and spent many of my early winters on the ice / pond.  After moving to the States, my skating suffered, but not my love of this game.  I am a home town fan - my favorite team is the Toronto Maple Leafs - but I do follow others closely.  When living in New England, I travelled often with friends to Montreal to see hockey games...and provide translation services for my American hockey friends.  While in New England, I learned to like the Hartford Whalers -and met / became friendly with a number of players.  I think I educated a couple of hundred people about hockey while there.  Joining a hockey league in the area, I got to skate in a couple of games with the then just retired Gordy Howe - who didn't appreciate my Maple Leaf jersey at the first practice...and met a lot of past / then present / and then future stars...too many to list.   When in NJ I followed the NJ Devils...and joined a few local leagues so my wife could experience 3am practices.  She even was drafted to be a scorekeeper at one game - and chided me for taking a penalty in front of my net [It was a bad call - I didn't crosscheck him!].  Still haven't gotten into the LA Kings though....  When in London, UK - during Hockey Season, I can be found in the Maple Leaf Pub on Maiden Lane between Covent Garden and The Strand. (I also remember being there the night the Blue Jays won the World Series...It's the Canadian home away from home in London....)

Yes, I still try to watch Hockey Night in Canada - and Coaches' Corner.

This is perhaps my number one sport to play.  Baseball being number two.

Football - I like all forms of football - American, Australian, and European.  In the NFL, I follow the NY Giants.  No real team to follow in the Australian rules football [How big is your....] - I just like watching it when I can.  In terms of soccer / football - I have no favorite team in the US, but do root for the US in the World Cup.  In Premier League football, Everton is my favorite.  I caught a number of games last World Cup in NYC - in bars that cater to the international clientele.  As for US college football - I watch or follow it rarely - but I do enjoy the local LA angst over UCLA or USC.

Rugby - I am a fan of Rugby - to me it reminds me of both the rugby I played when younger and the padless US football I played when younger.  While I get pressure to follow the All Blacks of New Zealand, who are my 2nd choice for rooting for, as an anglophile, I root for England first.  With our eclectic friends - rugby is a big draw as we count friends from England, Scotland, France, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, US, and Canada who enjoy these matches.

In terms of auto racing, the only version that get's my attention is Formula One.  But I don't follow it as close as I once did....