The Mexican Narco-State
May 9, 2008
Loudoun Insider
A rainy day gives me more of an opportunity to rant than I have had lately. I put forth in the comments to the post below that I believe our troops would be better utilized in Mexico than in Iraq. The government of Mexico is rapidly falling to the drug cartels, who are escalating and winning the war.
Here’s a photo from yesterday’s Washington Post (part of this article) showing an advertisement for drug hitmen hanging unmolested above a Mexican Army truck:
And today’s news tells us that Mexico’s national police chief, who was getting tough on the cartels, was gunned down in the capital city. Several other top police officials and prosecutors have been summarily executed as well. And of course we have all heard about the ongoing battles with Mexican army/narco-terrorists and US law enforcement officials along the border. No wonder so many Mexican citizens want to flee this corrupted country. Something drastic must be done. Having a state basically run by drug cartels on our southern border is unacceptable. We are supposed to be sending nearly 2 billion dollars to Mexico to help with their battle against the cartels, but are we certain this money is going to that use? Yet another reason for a wall.
The George W. Bush Legacy …
May 9, 2008
Loudoun Insider
Sucks. Big time. For a long time.
This coming election will end up being more of a reflection on the GWB Era than many Republicans would wish. I am truly fearful for the electoral hopes of the GOP for a long time coming. What a shame. This man was no heir to the Reagan Legacy.
Why is Fox Still Interviewing Kate Obenshain?
May 8, 2008
Too Conservative
She was interviewed a couple nights ago…and I can’t seem to figure out why.
Real leadership on illegal immigration in the Fairfax County budget
May 7, 2008
VA Blogger
The alternative budget put forward by Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield) included the full funding of $1.5 million for a third strike team for the zone enforcement task force. Herrity was joined in outspoken support by Supervisor Jeff McKay (D-Lee). They were able to successfully pressure the board to include $1.2 million in funding. I sat down for an interview with Supervisor Herrity, and asked him why he considered the strike team a priority, despite the $152 million shortfall:
“We’ve got a huge backlog in strike team cases, because this Board—before [Supervisor] McKay and I joined it—ignored the problem. If the Board had jumped on it early, we wouldn’t have a backlog.”
Town Elections Open Thread
May 6, 2008
Loudoun Insider
Today is town election day - Purcellville and Herndon will be two of the most closely watched in NOVA. Please post up results and discussion as appropriate.
$350 Million
May 5, 2008
VA Blogger
That’s the projected Fairfax County budget shortfall next year, compared to $152 million this year. That’s over twice as much. That makes this year look like a speed bump, as opposed to a brick wall. With all the hand-wringing and last-minute scrambling this year, next year looks to be an unmitigated disaster if the Board doesn’t take their head out of the sand.
Of course, our Beloved Chairman hopes that it won’t be his problem anymore, which is why he couldn’t care less about what problems we’re simply pushing off for another year instead of trying to fix. But Budget Chair Sharon Bulova will have her hands full, even if she gets her desired promotion. It’s easy to balance a budget when you have more money than you know what to do with. The measure of a leader is how you do when going gets rough.
Perhaps what the county needs is someone with a proper mindset, who understands that the real cost of a tax increase is more money out of the pockets of residents, who could use a little relief as they watch the value of their homes decrease while gas prices sky-rocket. Perhaps what the county needs is someone with a background in business, who knows how to get efficiency and squeeze productivity out of meager resources. If only there was someone we could turn to…
State Central Drama
May 5, 2008
Loudoun Insider
I’ve been inundated with emails and mailers in regard to the upcoming 10th District Convention and the election of State Central Committee members. The ‘New Start for the LCRC’ comment thread below has morphed into a big discussion on this matter.
Apparently there is quite the statewide movement to defeat anyone who so dared to vote for a primary in the US Senate race rather than the only truly conservative, ethical and just selection (irony alert!) of a convention. The party infrastructure absolutely cannot be dominated by close minded Puritans who think they absolutely know best. I hope some diversity remains after the upcoming district conventions are over.
2008 Senate Races Overview
May 2, 2008
VA Blogger
Taking a look at the map in 2008, Democrats are bound to increase their majority. In addition to the favorable winds, good recruiting, and monetary advantage is the fact that many more Republican seats are up than Democratic, and the Democrats that are up are safe incumbents.
Right now, a best case scenario for Republicans is a loss of three seats and a pick-up in Louisiana, resulting in a 53-47 chamber. A worst case is a loss of eight seats and no pick-ups, for a 59-41 chamber. Sixty seats is just out-of-reach for Democrats. Read on for a full recap. Read the rest of this entry »
Lets Let St. James Be
May 1, 2008
Too Conservative
St. James Catholic school has been in Falls Church for decades but its ability to properly teach its students well could be impacted if a proposed Hilton Hotel is built next door.
Fox 5 reported on the issue in a video here.
I signed their petition today and hope you will as well.
What do ya’ll think about this issue?
New Start for the LCRC
April 30, 2008
Loudoun Insider
Guest Post by Happy LCRC Member:
Last night’s LCRC meeting was amazing and a breath of fresh air. Chairman Glen Caroline ran a tight and exciting meeting that was highlighted by special guest Del. Howell, Speaker of the House of Delegates. The cooperation Speaker Howell talked about between state Republican leaders and the LCRC – and the desire to work together – speaks well to our goals in November and beyond.
The Chairman also announced his slate of officers and committee chairs and they are a diverse group of veterans from past years and new blood (see full list at http://www.loudoungop.com/index-3.html). One of the coolest things Glen did was pass around a sign up sheet to man the polls for November’s election already! It’s this kind of planning and proactive approach that is going to help rebuild the party.
Finally, the absolute most important thing that happened last night was the flood – and I mean flood – of new LCRC memberships. The party came out of the mass meeting with something like 143 members and approximately 34 or so NEW members joined last night – increasing the roles by 24%! Further Glen told the group that he has joined a challenge sponsored by Bolling and McDonnell, that calls for the LCRC to double its membership by September.
Its been said on this blog recently – but I want to repeat it: if you are a Loudoun County Republican and haven’t joined the committee, now is the time; if you are a past member and had some hesitations, please come back! Go to the new website and sign up or volunteer. It is a new day and a very exciting start to the new LCRC.
Looks like things are looking up!
Fimian for Congress kick-off event
April 29, 2008
VA Blogger
When: Saturday, May 17th, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Fairfax City Fire Hall
Who: Senator John Warner, Congressman Tom Davis, Congressman Frank Wolf, and of course, Keith Fimian.
How: Click this link for more information or to RSVP.
