Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Monday, July 30, 2007
"Whether You Like It Or Not, Learn To Love It, Because Joe Biden Is The Best Thing Going!" Woooooo
I'm sorry Rudy but ..... is this the best you can do? Tell me again, what is your plan to fight poverty? Rudy, what are you going to do about racial disparities in this country? Rudy, when you're done writing letters for Scooter Libby, will you ever get around to writing a healthcare plan? In the words of Ric Flair, if you're gonna talk the talk, you got to walk the walk - and Joe Biden is doing just that ...... Wooooooo!
Friday, July 27, 2007
The New Smashing Pumpkins
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Memo To Gov. Sanford and S.C. Legislators: Make The Call To The Bullpen, We Need John Rainey
John Rainey is a practicing attorney, chairman of the board of Easlan Capital Inc., and Chairman of the SC Board of Economic Advisors. Mr. Rainey received his undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia and holds law degrees from the University of South Carolina and Georgetown University.
Sometimes I find myself writing the most obvious things. You won't catch me endorsing a Conservative too often, especially one who wears a Seersucker suit 24/7, but there's no question who Mark Sanford and the Legislators should get to be the next SC Treasurer ....... John Rainey. Not only would he be the best man for the job, but he warned us of Ravenel 10 months ago. There aren't three people in this state more conservative than Rainey, but if there is one Republican who will show common sense and integrity as State Treasurer, it's him. It would be easy to sit here as a Democrat and pout and say "but he's a Republican and he's going to vote in line with Mark Sanford on the B&C Board." Yes and No.
We can't make up for our mistake that we made back in November, but since we do have a new start and it's still early into the term, let's go ahead and get him warming up in the bullpen. Let's face it, Rainey is someone who Mark Sanford, the Senate, and the House can all agree on. My gosh! We should be begging John Rainey to accept this position. If I was Governor, as soon as I suspended T-Rav from his position, I would have immediately placed a call to John Rainey's log cabin in Colorado and made it clear that we desperately need him. I'm supporting Rainey because he is the most qualified and he was dead right 10 months ago! Exactly right. He also made us more aware on the real problems of our schools - Corridor of ShameEveryone remembers the Q&A that Rainey had with Ravenel back in August. Everyone saw first hand how much he cares for this state and how familiar he is with the Treasurer's position. This "Rocky Mountain Liberal" may or may not take the job if offered, but damnit, he would be the best man for it. Whether its education, economics, anything ..... this man is way ahead of the game. No offense to these guys, but trying to appoint Rick Quinn, Greg Ryberg, or anyone else over Rainey would be absolutely insane! Just because they ran for the Treasurer's position doesn't mean that they had any business being in the race. I thought the entire field of (R) Candidates were extremely unqualified but unfortunately if you have a R beside your name and pronounce your love for Dale Earnhardt, you will get elected in this state. No need to get a left and a righty going, just make the call to the bullpen and get John Rainey warming up.
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Gov. Sanford Names Wingate Interim Treasurer - Link
I'm fine with this for now, it's only temporary, but starting in January, I want John Rainey to be the Treasurer till the term ends.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Purdue Pharmaceutical
Imagine this…There is a drug dealer in your neighborhood. He’s been there over the past dozen years. He deals a drug that is as dangerous as heroin. He was warned of the dangers. People told him that over a five year period, deaths resulting from the use of this drug that he distributed jumped over 400%! Despite these dangerous revelations, that information was pushed under the table and this dealer continued to sell. He made millions upon millions. He told people that the drug was safer, less addictive, and was meant to feel good without having to worry about abuse becoming a problem. This despite all the evidence. And then finally after twelve plus years of marketing and selling and making money hand over fist, it all comes crashing down…
If I gave you this scenario about your neighborhood, as a good law abiding American, you would demand justice. Significant jail time. Throw away the key. The more adamant people against crime might be screaming for the death penalty. And who could blame any of these people for suggesting these easures? Unfortunately, the scenario that I provided for you did not happen on the hard streets of some urban city. The decisions to sell were not made in back alleys. And money was not exchanged on some dark street where the street lights had been knocked out to conceal identities. These decisions were instead make in corporate boardrooms, with coat and tie executives hiding the ill effects of Oxycontin in order to protect their growing stock options and second homes in the hills. The money passed through pharmacies and doctor’s offices across the nation, with misinformation being distributed to the people we trust our well-being with so that a couple of fat cats could get rich. And the sentence for this … no prison time, no throwing away the keys, locking them under the jail. A fine, a large one at that, but still nothing more than a fine. Welcome to America!
Last week, Purdue Pharmaceutical pled guilty to misleading the public and misbranding their drug, despite almost a decade’s worth of information that pointed out the potentially devastating effects of their drugs. Today, the FDA estimates that Oxycontin could be the most abused prescription drug in the United States. For the blatant disregard for the public’s well being, three top Purdue executives who deliberately hid the information from the public will be fined $600 million. Now, I know that $600 million sounds like a lot …and it is. There is no disputing that. However, when you take into account that these top executives probably have millions of dollars tied up in stock options, 401K’s, potential interviews, and other financially lucrative opportunities, $600 million isn’t that bad of a price to pay to avoid prison time. Aside from the numbers and figures, how likely is it that these suits pay anyway?
What I think we really see happening here is a number of problems that need to be addressed … and they aren’t partisan to Republican or Democrats. First of all, there is a double standard in America. If you are a black heroin dealer in Gary, Indiana, you are going to prison. If you are sleek, white executive, who deals Oxycontin, you pay a fine. Secondly, our government is held hostage by special interests. As Americans, we should be outraged that white collar coat and ties are able to get away with this. However, since pharmaceutical companies accounted for over $100 million in campaign contributions in 2000 alone, Congress typically turns a blind eye towards the actions of the pharmaceutical industry. Finally, as our country focuses on murder, rape, and your more traditional forms of drug abuse, we have ignored the white collar improprieties of Halliburton, Enron, and now Purdue Pharmaceuticals.
Isn’t it time that we hold everyone (person and business alike) to the same level of accountability?
Friday, May 18, 2007
Monday, May 14, 2007
Politics Rocks Statement To Rep. Kris Krawford: "I Don't Believe A Word You're Saying"
It was fortunate reading Rep. Crawford proclaim his heavy support for Sen. Leatherman. But a week from now, behind the scenes, will Rep. Crawford call Mr. Leatherman Senator Pork? or Dirty Dealer Leatherman? No one is buying what Kris Crawford is selling. We confirmed this from the very beginning of his statement when he said that "he has no intentions of opposing Leatherman in a future race for the S.C. Senate." My gosh, if you are not going to run against Leatherman then just come out and say "I am 100% sure I will not run against Sen. Leatherman." In my opinion, his statement was an attempt to give himself the opportunity to "flip-flop." He better be careful though. Voters love strength and hate wishy-washy politicians, especially SC Republican voters.
I had my suspicions about this man from the start, and now they have been confirmed. From now on, every time I see him speak on TV, or read any of Rep. Crawford's quotes in the paper, I'm sure there will be one thing that will keep running through my head, "I don't believe a word you're saying. I don't believe a word you're saying. I don't believe ..."
Thursday, May 10, 2007
It's Official: Representative Crawford Is Scared Of Senator Leatherman .... So He Says
In a phone interview from the State House with the Morning News, Crawford said the report had created such a buzz there that he felt the need to issue the statment. He said that he and Leatherman are working closely on a number of key issues and the report could not be further from the truth. Crawford’s statement went on to say: “ ... during Sen. Leatherman’s last campaign I appeared in a TV commercial for him. I have donated money to his campagin fund, and I have most recently been a host for a reception that was held for Sen. Leatherman in Florence. “Sen. Leatherman and I are friends, and we have assembled a great legislative team for Florence County and the Pee Dee. “We are working together closelyon several important issues that affect our region, and I am proud to be his colleague. “Not only will I not run for the Senate, I encourage Sen. Leatherman to run for re-election and wish to be the first to publicly endorse him.”
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Rep. Kristopher "Kris(sy)" Crawford vs. Sen. Hugh Leatherman
We are sitting around 13 months away from next year's primary election in Florence, SC. Word on the street has it that (R) Rep. Kris Crawford is planning a sneak attack against (R) Sen. Hugh Leatherman. Kris is a new and very wealthy House member. It is no surprise to anyone who is around the SC Statehouse, that Kris is a "yes man" or "thank you sir, may I have another" new house pledge to Mark Sanford. Word on the street also says that Sanford is planning on using his leftover out of state campaign cash to help Crawford defeat Leatherman. (Let's not forget, Crawford is a physician in Florence who probably has the capability to spend a lot of his own money as well)
Back on March 2, 2005, Senator Leatherman introduced Dr. Kristopher Crawford of Florence, S.C., as Doctor of the Day. If Crawford immediately turns around and runs against the legend, Senator Leatherman, then he has no spine whatsoever. The way I see it, Cris Crawford is jeopardizing his career by latching on to Sanford. Yes, Sanford did take 55% of the vote 6 months ago, but he's such a lameduck Governor. Unemployment and economic growth will continue to sit at a stand still. The public will get tired hearing the same ole samle ole 5 years in a row in the next few weeks. There will be tons and tons of negative press against him on the Coastal Insurance Crisis to begin with, followed by many other blunders that will probably come out. Also, keep in mind, Crawford will be running against a sitting Senator of 115 years who has performed great service for the people of Florence.
If Crawford runs against Sen. Leatherman and ruins his political career a year from now, I just hope that he doesn't act like a sore loser. You know, kind of like a kid that loses a game to 11 and insists that you play up to 15 instead. Next time I write This Blog again, I'll be sure to include him in the list.
Bill Self (Kansas Basketball Coach) --------------------- Rep. Kris Crawford
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Warm Up The Bus, Warm Up The Bus!
This blog in no way is meant to bash Gov. Mitt Romney. According to the most recent poll among Republican voters, - Poll Link - Romney is polling at 4%. I'm not one who puts a huge deal of stock in polls, but trust me, if you're only polling at 4% right now, that basically means that you have just a few more months left until you have to pull out of this race. I don't care how well he speaks, I don't care how well he looks, and I don't care how tall he is ...... he is done!
What I find amazing is that according to the poll, 3 out of 10 Republican voters won't vote for him simply because he is Morman. Only 2 out of 10 Republican voters won't vote for Guiliani because of his stance on abortion and gay marriage. The former New York mayor Guliani led among Republicans with 44 percent to McCain's 21 percent. Former House speaker Newt Gingrich of Georgia ran third in the latest poll with 15 percent, while former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney was fourth with 4 percent. Someone please tell the driver for the Romney campaign to warm up the bus, because this Republican Presidential game is about to come to an end for the Romney Team!
This really is of no surprise to me. I knew he was done as soon as I watched this video below.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Our Blog Has Officially Come To An End! Politics Rocks Wishes Everyone A Very Merry Christmas And A Happy New Year!
"Like many South Carolinians, Karen and her husband are avid hunters," Floyd Spokesman Hogan Gidley said.
Top Ten List: Top Ten Biggest Losers In The Mark Sanford Fanclub (**Updated)
1. Mark Sanford - SC Governor
2. The Herald Journal Editorial Staff- Spartanburg, SC Newspaper
3. Richard Eckstrom - SC Comptroller General
4. Katon Dawson- SC GOP Chair
6. Joshua Gross - Director of SC Club 4 Growth
7. Joel Sawyer - Current Press Secretary to Mark Sanford
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3 Possible Outcomes For Mark Sanford's Next 4 Years As South Carolina's Governor
Scott Baio from "Charles In Charge" -------- SC Governor Mark Sanford
After reading dumb idea # 1,587 from Mark Sanford the other week, I would love to ask for a recall of his position as Governor, but since that won't happen .... I'm going to predict 3 possible outcomes that will take place over the next 4 years, and which one I would like to see happen.
1. He stays the Libertarian course and just drives the Governor's office into the ground and proves why the Legislature should have the amount power that it does. This could involve continued income tax cuts for the super wealthy, continued pushing school vouchers to help you guessed it ..... , and/or trying to shrink government to the size of a borderline dictatorship.
2. He could do all those things in option number one, plus fight strongly against the Legislature even going as far as helping opposing candidates campaign against the elected Senators in their re-election primaries in 2008. If he is really able to get Katon Dawson and some others on his side, it could potentially swing some R's to switch parties. Don't think that's not a possibility, because it def. is.
3. (This is the one I would like to see) Sanford could change course, he could work with the Legislature, he could learn that investing is important, and he could really focus on bringing jobs to South Carolina! If Sanford could pull this off, then every sentence about his political career years later would start off with, "But no matter what, he was the one who helped make South Carolina ............"
Now, I know that seems so improbable as to be near impossible for that to happen, but it's his only chance to be remembered as a great Governor. If he could pull it off, he could still be remember as a Carroll Campbell . Think about it, as of right now, he will be remembered as the Governor that brought pigs into the Statehouse! No one wants to be remembered for that! No matter how bad he screws up things for the rest of his time as Governor, if he can compromise and get the Legislature to rally behind him and land a couple of solid deals bringing some industry into this state, he would be forever remembered as a great Governor! What does he have to lose? Why not give it a shot? This is a genuine outreach to try and help the Governor. This is our state and I still care! And you should too!
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Dear Abby,
Dear Abby,
I never thought I would write to you, but I need some advice. A few months ago, www.SCHotline.com removed Politics Rocks from their "Blogs and Websites" list on their website and have not placed it back on there ever since. I really don't feel bad at all for challenging Karen Floyd and making fun of her campaign manager/SCHotline owner's, Mike Green on a regular basis, but I wish I wouldn't have been removed from the site.
I consider my website smart enough, good looking enough, and doggone it .... people just like it. Granted, I'm not as smart as some of the other bloggers on here, and I don't use big words in my blogs. However, as I like to say, it's not the size of your words that count, but how loud the people scream in reaction to them! I really want to continue fighting the good fight, but I just don't know if I can do it anymore. If www.SCHotline.com wouldn't have damaged my heart like the way they did, I wouldn't even be thinking about retiring!
Abby, why did www.SCHotline.com remove me from their list? Did they have someone better come along to replace me? Did they just get super mad at me for supporting Jim Rex in the Superintendent of Education Race? Even though the boys running SCHotline are gutless and spineless, I'm still embarrassed to admit that I only lasted 2 months with them! Was it my fault or was it theirs?
Thursday, December 14, 2006
2006 Blogger Of The Year Award - Gervais Bridges
Campbell Adds Acute Accent Mark To Campaign Signs; Bauer Responds With Umlaut
Violation of time-honored language rules upsets some
B & P News - Columbia - In a new brand of political gamesmanship, Lt. Governor-candidate Mike Campbell this week added an acute accent mark to his Campbell’s Soup-style campaign signs. Lt. Governor Andre Bauer responded with his own new diacritical mark -- a prominent umlaut.“This is clearly a case of accent-mark envy,” said Bauer in a telephone interview with B & P News. “We saw this last election when Leventis put a tilde over his N. It wasn’t even pronounceable.” Campbell responded to the claim of diacritic envy by saying, "Is not," and then offering, "He started it."While the exchange between the Bauer and Campbell camps seems to have stalemated for now, some people -- including Governor Mark Sanford -- worry that political candidates are using too much discretion with their signs.“What is up with the ‘V’ in Lovelace? It’s a weird blue shape, like maybe a slice of pizza," noted Sanford. "He’s a doctor -- what if he goes to administer an IV and he inserts an ‘I-blue pizza’ instead? Sounds like malpractice to me.”Some South Carolina voters are also wary of the trend, and prefer candidates who opt for more traditional signs."I've always liked Jakie Knotts 'cause he sticks with plain ol' letters," said Lexington resident Duke Murray. "Not all them fancy vowels and whatnots."Educators agree that the signs could send the wrong message, especially to our schoolchildren.“I’ve always worried about politicians taking our liberty,” said Dreher High English teacher Jessamine Flowers. “But now, they’re taking liberties with the language I love to teach.”
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
This Is Interesting ....
2004, November Elections: The Herald-Journal Editorial Page endorsed all Republicans running for political office.
2006, November Elections: Endorsed 1 Democrat out of 7 Statewide Races (even endorsed Karen Floyd and Mark Sanford)
With a majority of the population currently placing vast amounts of confidence in newspapers and their editorial opinions, as citizens, we cannot allow these newspapers to mislead and be deceptive. We, the undersigned, ask the Herald-Journal Newspaper (Spartanburg, S.C.) to get a new Editorial Page Editor. Unfortunately, Michael Smith has been and still maintains a big delusional and extreme conservative view. His radical stance should come to an end now, and the Herald-Journal Editorial Page should get back to the sensible center.
Monday, December 11, 2006
You Know, This Sounds Like The Kind Of Stuff People Think Up While .....
Here's what Sen. Jake Knotts told us back in July!