Fort Wayne Left

Right to Work for Less Not Right for Indiana

2012-01-09T22:40:00.000-05:00

Right to Work for Less Not Right for Indiana

January 09, 2012

This article was penned by Allen County Democratic Party Executive Director Jack Morris:

There have recently been articles concerning legislation called “right-to-work” (RTW). Articles in favor of this legislation provided unsubstantiated claims and misleading information. They contend it is more difficult to attract businesses to Indiana without this legislation. These claims are not consistent with actual facts. At the end of this article I list numerous sources anyone can read to learn real facts. A fair review of the facts, as opposed to unsupported claims, demonstrates RTW legislation is not in the best interest of Indiana or its workers.

At the outset I acknowledge the right of those who advocate for RTW legislation. We need a full and complete discussion of any topic. However, we should look facts in support of each view and not rest upon bare assertion without verifiable facts. A review of the facts related to RTW legislation causes me to oppose this legislation.

Before an informed discussion on RT, it is appropriate to address the name. This legislation does not create any job or the right to any job. Further, the ‘right’ which it confers carries significant negative consequences with far reaching impact on the ability of a worker to obtain a job with a living wage (a wage which enables the worker to support his or her self and a family). These consequences lead opponents of RTW legislation to label this legislation as ‘right to work for less.’ In 2001, Monsignor Higgins the former director of the Social Action Department of the National Catholic Welfare Conference and longtime advisor to the U.S. Catholic Bishops on labor and civil rights, poverty, and religious tolerance pointed out that the “pressure for [right-to-work] legislation does not arise from workers seeking their ‘rights.’ Proponents are uniformly employers’ organizations and related groups.” He argued right-to-work laws “do not provide jobs for workers; they merely prevent workers from building strong, stable unions” (Higgins, 2001).

State Representative Win Moses addressing a town hall meeting on the "Right to Work" legislation.

Under U.S. labor law, workers already have specific rights. A worker does not have to join a union or pay costs of a union's political, legislative, social or charitable activities. A worker can refuse to join a union and still work for a company where a union exists. The worker only has to pay the cost of the collective bargaining and other activities which provide direct support to all workers. This is like any association designed to benefit all members. For example, homeowners are forced to pay the costs of a homeowners association even if they do not want the benefits from the activities the association carries out. A homeowners association can put a lien on a residents home if the dues are not paid. The RTW law would allow individuals to work at a job with all the benefits of a collective bargaining agreement without having to contribute to the cost of those benefits. In the context of a homeowner association this would be like allowing the homeowner to use the association pool, clubhouse, parks, security service, etc. without paying their fair share. No one can be forced to move into a neighborhood with an association; but, if they move in, knowing there is an association with benefits and a cost, they should pay their fair share. Likewise, a worker who chooses to work at a job covered by a collective bargaining agreement which assures certain rights for the workers should expect to pay a fair share of the costs of obtaining and maintaining those rights.

RTW laws are really government interference with the rights of workers and employers to enter into a contract. RTW laws allow a person who benefits by the contract to avoid paying the costs of obtaining the benefits gained by the contract. Clearly this approach weakens the worker side of the contractual bargain to the benefit of the employer. In the absence of organized labor there would be no contract between the employer and the worker. Indiana is an employment at will state, an employer does not need a reason to fire an employee. An individual employee has minimal bargaining position to obtain higher wages, safe work conditions or benefits such as health insurance. These are among the unfair treatment which led to workers becoming organized in unions; to allow negotiations for fair wages, benefits and safe work conditions.

The result of passage of RTW laws in some states was the creation of two competing labor climates within the United States, one (primarily in the Northeast, the Midwest, and on the West Coast) permitted “fair share” representation clauses in contracts and thus encouraged stable unions, higher wages, and better benefits for workers, the other (largely in the South and the Great Plains) outlawed “fair share” agreements through RTW legislation and inhibited the growth of unions and their positive effects for workers.

Two independent studies, one by the Indiana University Division of Labor Studies in January, 2006 and a March 2011 report from the Higgins Labor Studies Program from the University of Notre Dame researched the facts related to RTW legislation. Each of these studies document there is no support for the claim that RTW legislation helps economic development; and, there is clear documentation that workers in states with RTW laws make less income and receive less benefits. Further, review of their research demonstrates RTW legislation is actually harmful to the overall economy of a state and would be harmful for Indiana.

The Indiana and Notre Dame research refutes the claims that RTW legislation attracts businesses to a state. Further, The Work Environment Index (WEI), constructed by the Political Economy Research Institute (PERI) at the University of Massachusetts, ranked states in terms of working conditions. They found states with good working conditions (Including wages, benefits, safe working conditions, and good community resources) provide an attractive economic climate for business; not RTW laws.

The Indiana University study concluded adoption of a RTW law would be a fundamental step backward for Indiana and described RTW as nothing more than anti-union strategy disguised as economic development legislation. The study asserts Indiana and other states cannot win by joining the race to the bottom in terms of wages and working conditions.

Mayor Tom Henry addresses the crowd at the Fort Wayne "Right to Work" Town Hall

‘Right-to-work’ laws are an attempt to limit the capacity of unions to negotiate and even to survive. These laws threaten family values by lowering family incomes and reducing other benefits such as medical insurance. These results of RTW laws are in clear conflict with faith based teaching on the dignity of workers and have a negative impact on family values. As the U.S. Catholics Bishops wrote in Economic Justice for All, “No one may deny the right to organize without attacking human dignity itself” (U.S. Catholic Bishops, 1986).The Wage Penalty of "Right-to-Work" Laws by Lawrence Mishel, found that the mean effect of working in a right -to-work state results in a 6% to 8% reduction in wages for workers in these states, with an average wage penalty of 6.5%.

True economic development is the process of increasing opportunities and living standards for allresidents of an area. The claimed economic growth to be accomplished by the advocates of RTW does not address how ‘growth’ is distributed. The facts comparing wages in RTW to non-RTW demonstrate worker wages and benefits are lower in the RTW states. Real economic development is not compatible with falling wages and benefits for workers. Our present economic downturn is evidence of what happens when income disparity grows with workers suffering reduced incomes while prices continue to rise. Our working class drives our economy. The presence of unions raised wages for all workers, including non-union jobs and produced a middle and upper-middle class which became the core to our economy and our tax base. Unfortunately, as the disparity of wealth has grown, middle and upper middle class workers have lost ground under the fiction of economic development. Wages have stagnated or dropped. The tax base has also dropped without any increase upon those at the top thereby putting economic pressure on governments resulting in reduced benefits for the unemployed and underemployed (Those making lower pay that what their past experience and education would have paid and thus below their prior budgeted income.) Passing RTW legislation would increase this downward trend increasing the financial strain on our workers and their families.

The facts dictate rejection of RTW laws for Indiana. We have a great state with tremendous reasons for businesses to locate here. We, and most importantly our leaders, should sell the positive reasons for businesses to relocate here. Promoting economic development by RTW legislation is simply bidding to lower the rights of Indiana workers to gain employers who clearly do not value their workers. Indiana can do better. Economic development should occur by us selling the benefits of Indiana and not by selling out our working families. Call your government representatives and urge them to not sell out our working families and tell them to vote NO on right to work legislation.

REFERENCE AND SOURCES OF BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Adams, Roy J."Universal Joint Regulation: A Moral Imperative," Proceedings of

the 43rd Annual Meeting, Industrial Relations Research Association, 1990

Ady, Robert. 1997. “Discussion of a paper on The Effects of State and Local Public

Services on Economic Development.” New England Economic Review. March-April, pp.

77-82.

Belman, Dale "Unions, the Quality of Labor Relations and Firm Performance," in Unions and Economic Competitiveness, Lawrence Mishel and Paula B. Voos, eds., M.E. Sharpe, 1992

Bennett, J.T. 2001. Right To Work - Prescription for Prosperity and Opportunity. Washington, D.C.:

Catholic News Service. 2011. “Wisc. Archbishop: Don’t suspend workers’ rights,”

Catholic Reporter Online. February 18, 2011. http://ncronline.org/news/justice/wiscarchbishop-

don’t-suspend-workers-rights

Catholic Scholars for Worker Justice. 2011. “Statement in Support of Labor Unions.”

http://www.usccb.org/jphd/economiclife/pdf/economic_justice_for_all.pdfhttp://wwwcat

holicscholarsforworkerjustice.org/2011%20SOS%20for%20Labor%20Unions.pdf

Cowie, Jefferson. 1999. Capital Moves: RCA’s Seventy-Year Quest for Cheap Labor.

New York: Cornell University Press.

Dixon, Marc. 2007. “Limiting Labor: Business Political Mobilization and Union Setback

in the States.” Journal of Policy History 19: 313-44.

Dubofsky, Melvyn. 1994. The State and Labor in Modern America. Chapel Hill:

University of North Carolina Press.

Economic Policy Institute. 2011a. Wages and compensation stagnating. The State of

Working America. Washington, D.C.: Economic Policy Institute. Feb. 14, 2011.

http://www.stateofworkingamerica.org/charts/view/201

Economic Policy Institute. 2011b. Family income growth in two eras. The State of

Working America. Washington, D.C.: Economic Policy Institute. Feb. 14, 2011.

http://www.stateofworkingamerica.org/charts/view/49

Farber, H. S. 1985. "The Extent of Unionization in the United States." in Thomas Kochan, ed.,

Challenges and Choices Facing American Unions Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press.

Flavin, Patrick, Alexander C. Pacek, and Benjamin Radcliff. 2010. “Labor Unions and

Life Satisfaction: Evidence from New Data.” Social Indicators Research 98(3): 435-49.

Gordon, David. 1995. Fat and Mean: The Corporate Squeeze of Working Americans and

the Myth of Managerial "Downsizing." New York: Free Press.

Gould, Elise, and Heidi Shierholz. 2011. “The Compensation Penalty of ‘Right-to-Work’

Laws.” Economic Policy Institute Briefing Paper. February 17, 2011.

Higgins, Mgsr. George G. 2001. “Right to Work Legislation Back in the News,” The

Yardstick, July 30.

J.M., B.T. Hirsch, and D.A. MacPherson. 1999. Wage Differentials Across Labor Markets and Workers:

Lafer, Gordon. 2011. “What’s Wrong with ‘Right-to-Work’: Chamber’s numbers don’t

add up.” Economic Policy Institute Policy Memorandum #174.

Lichtenstein, Nelson. 2002. State of the Unions: A Century of American Labor.

Princeton: Princeton University Press.

Mishel, Lawrence. 2001. “‘Right-to-Work’ Laws and Economic Development in

Oklahoma.” Economic Policy Institute Briefing Paper. August 2001.

Moore, W. J., and R.J. Newman. 1985. The Effects of Fright -to-Work Laws: A Review of the Literature.

Moore, W.J., J.A. Dunlevy, and R.J. Newman. 1986. Do Right -to -Work Laws Matter? Comment.

Moore, W.J. 1998. The Determinants and Effects of Right -To-Work Laws: A Review of the Recent Literature. Journal of Labor Research Vol. 19, No. 3, pp. 449-69.

Michael E. Porter, The Competitive Advantage of Nations, Free Press 1990

James Heintz, Jeannette Wicks-Lim, Robert Pollin, Decent Work in America: The

State by State Work Environment Index, 2005

Stevans, Lonnie K. 2009. “The Effect of Endogenous Right-to-Work Laws on Business

and Economic Conditions in the United States: A Multivariate Approach.” Review of Law

and Economics 5(1): 595-612.

U.S. Catholic Bishops. 1986. Economic Justice for All: Pastoral Letter on Catholic

Social Teaching and the U.S. Economy.

http://www.osjspm.org/economic_justice_for_all.aspx

Vedder, Richard, Matthew Denhart, and Jonathan Robe. 2011. “Right-To-Work and

Indiana’s Economic Future.” Indiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

Wessels, W.J. 1981. Economic Effects of Right to Work Laws. Journal of Labor Research. Vol. 2, No. 3,

Zieger, Robert, and Gilbert Gall. 2002. American Workers, American Unions: The

Twentieth Century, 3rd edition. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press.

Jack Morris

Right to Work Forum

2012-01-06T12:53:00.000-05:00

RIGHT TO WORK

Public Forum

TOWN HALLMEETING

@ Public Safety Academy

(Behind Wal-Mart near Tillman Rd & US 27)

7602 Patriot Crossing

Fort Wayne, IN 46816

Saturday January 7^th 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

You are invited to attend a town hall meeting regarding the Right to Work Legislation that is currently up for vote at the Indiana Statehouse. This public forum looks to educate people on what Right to Work is as well as to hold a discussion on how the public feels about the Legislation. Please make every effort to make sure all Union Members and Union Leadership attends!

For More Information

Call (260) 490-5696

David Plouffe Campaign Update: Sept 7, 2010

2010-09-08T00:35:00.001-04:00

Unified Democratic Ticket to Tour State Monday and Tuesday

2010-06-26T22:06:00.002-04:00

Democratic nominees for treasurer, auditor, secretary of state to discuss platforms, jobs and economy

INDIANAPOLIS – Please join the Democratic candidates for state auditor, state treasurer and secretary of state as they travel the Indiana on MONDAY and TUESDAY introducing themselves to voters following Saturday’s Indiana Democratic Party’s State Convention.

Sam Locke, the candidate for state auditor and Pete Buttigieg, the candidate for state treasurer, will be joined by secretary of state candidate Vop Osili.

The following is a complete listing of news conferences and public events in which the candidates will participate. All times are local. The public and media are invited to attend all events.

MONDAY JUNE 28, 2010

6:30 – 7:30 a.m. Indianapolis

Plant gate visit (open to the media)

Indianapolis Casting Corp.

5565 Brookville Rd
Indianapolis, IN 46219-7192

**The nominees will visit with workers who, on Monday, will begin their last week at work at the eastside automotive facility as the plant prepares to shut down on Friday July 2, 2010.

Get Directions

10:30 a.m. Jeffersonville

News Conference

The Overlook, Van Dyke Park,

Corner of Spring St. and E. Riverside Dr.

3 p.m. Evansville

News Conference

Vanderburgh County Democrat Party Headquarters

200 S.E. 6th Street

7 p.m. Terre Haute

Meet and greet with voters (open to media)

International union of Operating Engineers Local 841

6801 S. U.S. Highway 41

TUESDAY JUNE 29, 2010

9 a.m. Fort Wayne

News Conference

Allen County Democratic Party Headquarters

1920 Bluffton Rd.

1 p.m. South Bend

St. Joseph County Democratic Party Headquarters

135 S. Lafayette Blvd.

2:30 p.m. Gary

News Conference

United Steelworkers – McBride Hall

1301 Texas St.

6:30pm-8:30pm Lafayette

Meet and greet with voters

Other Pub

3000 S. 9th St.

Hayhurst for Congress Office to open on April 12th

2010-03-30T21:56:00.005-04:00

Dr.Tom Hayhurst seeks to replace Mark Souder in rematch:

Fort Wayne, IN - The Tom Hayhurst for Congress Campaign will officially open their 2010 campaign office at 10 AM on April 12, 2010. The office is located at 1000 Airport North Office Park Complex, at the intersection of Lima and Cook Roads in northwest Fort Wayne. You can learn more about Tom and his vision for northeast Indiana at the official Hayhurst for Congress website. The candidate also maintains an official campaign page on Facebook.

"Someone"

Mark Souder - The Congressman of NO!

2010-03-30T20:57:00.001-04:00

Recent House Votes Small Business and Infrastructure Jobs Tax Act - Vote Passed (246-178, 5 Not Voting)

The House passed this legislation to provide tax incentives for small business job creation, extend the Build America Bonds program, and provide other infrastructure job creation tax incentives. It now goes to the Senate.

Rep. Mark Souder voted NO......

Disaster Relief and Summer Jobs Act of 2010 - Vote Passed (239-175, 1 Present, 14 Not Voting)

The House approved this measure that would provide funding for disaster relief, summer jobs and small business programs. The bill now goes to the Senate.

Rep. Mark Souder voted NO......

FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act - Vote Passed (276-145, 8 Not Voting)

The House passed this bill to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration through FY 2011 and expedite the transition to a new air traffic control system. The bill now heads to the White House for the President’s signature.

Rep. Mark Souder voted NO......

Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 - Vote Passed (220-207, 3 Not Voting)

On Thursday night, the House agreed to Senate amendments to this legislation that would make changes to the 2010 health care overhaul law and revise student loan procedures. It now goes to President Obama, who is expected to sign it on Tuesday.

Rep. Mark Souder voted NO......

Somalia: Libertarian Paradise

2009-05-12T01:13:00.000-04:00

The inimitable Andy Cobb is at it again, taking libertarians to task for their hatred of all things government. You know what has no government? Somalia. So Cobb and the Public Service Administration have made this video encouraging libertarians to vacation in the broken country maintained by "rational self interest and libertarian magic dust." Watch:

While Rome Burns. . .

2009-02-10T19:04:00.000-05:00

Tim Kaine on the Obama Economic Plan

2009-02-07T20:57:00.001-05:00

Stephanie Miller

2009-01-27T20:03:00.000-05:00

Allen County Inauguration Party

2009-01-14T20:55:00.000-05:00

ALLEN COUNTY

DEMOCRATIC PARTY

ALLEN COUNTY

INAUGURATION WATCH PARTY!!

Tuesday, January 20, 2009---10:00-2:00pm

At the spacious Come2Go Ministries Auditorium

323 W. Baker Street, Fort Wayne, IN in downtown Fort Wayne

No admission, complimentary coffee, juice, donuts

Modestly priced lunches for $2.00 OR

Bring your own lunch!

Multiple Large Screen TVs, Great Sound System, Food, Fun and an opportunity to share this historic event with fellow

Allen Co. Obama Supporters!!

Don’t miss it!

PLEASE RSVP to 478-8239-lv message

Paid for and authorized by the Allen Co Democratic Party, Mike Bynum, Chair

Obama's Thanksgiving Message

2008-11-27T11:17:00.001-05:00

Indiana: Voter Protection

2008-10-29T20:13:00.002-04:00

Be prepared when you go to vote. Do not be deterred from your right to cast your ballot:

The "Liberty to Hope" Tour

2008-10-29T19:19:00.001-04:00

CONNERSVILLE - The Barry Welsh for Congress Campaign is finishing in the same manner that they have operated under this entire election cycle, on the road. The Welsh Campaign is announcing “The Liberty to Hope Tour”. Welsh will cover 14 counties in 2 days on Saturday November 1st and Sunday November2nd.(See schedule below)

Barry Welsh will begin the tour in Liberty, in Union County on Saturday Morning, and end the tour on Sunday in Hope, In Bartholomew County. Welsh said,

“The reason for this tour is two fold, first to thank all of the tens of thousands of people that have already voted for us in early voting and to thank all of those that are working everyday for change. We also want to give a thank you and final opportunity to speak to all of our fellow candidates across the ticket. In addition to the well deserved thank yous, the tour also gives undecided voters a final chance to come out and meet me in person and ask questions that will inform their vote.

The voters will be able to see me in person and make up their own minds. That is yet another of the differences between my opponent and myself. For me it’s all about the people, and not the big money special interests. We have been to all of the counties numerous times, but we wanted to do one final tour of this great area. We are very excited about this tour, and are confident that it will push us over the top on November 4th. We will be in support of Gov. Candidate Jill Long Thompson and Lt. Gov. Candidate Dennie Oxley as much as possible when their tour comes through the district, but we are going out one final time on our own tour just to say thank you once again to the voters.”

For more information visit www.barrywelsh.org or call 765-465-7020

More of the Same

2008-10-26T18:01:00.001-04:00

McCain surrogates agree - no difference between the Mac and the W:

Obama Explains the True Meaning Of Being a Democrat

2008-10-24T21:14:00.001-04:00

Top 5 Reasons Obama Supporters Shouldn't Rest Easy

2008-10-21T20:10:00.001-04:00

1. The polls may be wrong. This is an unprecedented election. No one knows how racism may affect what voters tell pollsters—or what they do in the voting booth. And the polls are narrowing anyway. In the last few days, John McCain has gained ground in most national polls, as his campaign has gone even more negative.

2. Dirty tricks. Republicans are already illegally purging voters from the rolls in some states. They're whipping up hysteria over ACORN to justify more challenges to new voters. Misleading flyers about the voting process have started appearing in black neighborhoods. And of course, many counties still use unsecure voting machines.

3. October surprise. In politics, 15 days is a long time. The next McCain smear could dominate the news for a week. There could be a crisis with Iran, or Bin Laden could release another tape, or worse.

4. Those who forget history... In 2000, Al Gore won the popular vote after trailing by seven points in the final days of the race. In 1980, Reagan was eight points down in the polls in late October and came back to win. Races can shift—fast!

5. Landslide. Even with Barack Obama in the White House, passing universal health care and a new clean-energy policy is going to be hard. Insurance, drug and oil companies will fight us every step of the way. We need the kind of landslide that will give Barack a huge mandate.

Knuth responds to GOP dirty tricks - Asks GOP Chair to take action on bogus Web site

2008-10-20T22:25:00.002-04:00

Fort Wayne, IN – Today Allen County Council Candidate Kevin Knuth called on GOP Chairman Steve Shine to clarify the local Republican Party’s position on recent smear tactics that appear to be the work of one of its members. In a letter to Shine, Knuth noted that over the weekend, a “parody” Web site (www.kevinknuthforcouncil.com) was launched. This site asks for donations to be sent to the Allen County GOP. Knuth’s real site is www.kevinknuth.com. The parody site uses graphics stolen from the official site to make it appear real. “The site is offensive. It does not reflect my campaign for Council,” said Knuth. “Further, it goes far beyond parody as it makes an attempt to funnel donations to the GOP.”

A search of Internet records indicates that the bogus website is hosted on the same servers as websites for the Allen County GOP, the Allen County Sheriff and others. All of these sites are controlled by TEK Interactive. Dan Turkette is listed as “Principal Owner” of TEK according to Better Business Bureau Records, and is a well known GOP insider and a member of the Allen County GOP Central Committee. In addition Turkette is a founding member of the Allen County Conservative Breakfast Club. “I am concerned that the attempt to raise donations on this site will confuse those who may want to support my campaign. Shine needs to clarify the GOP’s position on this dirty trick. He should publicly denounce the move and cut all business ties between the GOP and TEK immediately. Failure to do so shows he approves of this meddling in the electoral process,” stated Knuth.

Rape Victim Assails Palin On Choice

2008-10-18T23:53:00.001-04:00

Women Against McCain-Palin have released this short, emotionally blunt advertisement in which a young woman relates how Sarah Palin's policies could have played out in her life, to her detriment.

"I was raped, and then I got pregnant. Sarah Palin believes the government should be able to force me to carry the pregnancy to term. Sarah Palin believes that the government should make that choice. Not me. Governor Palin, I didn't have a choice about being raped. But I should have a choice about this."

Souder Signs Violate City Ordinance

2008-10-14T18:25:00.001-04:00

Congressman Mark Souder is blatantly violating the city's ordinance regarding political signs. That ordinance prohibits campaign signs from being placed in the public right of way and requires that they may only be placed on private property. It further states that these signs can be no closer than 40 feet to any intersection. Souder has signs that violate these definitions in at least two areas that I observed today - The intersection of Covington and Scott Roads, in front of the city fire station

. . . and at the intersection of Covington and Dicke Roads.

Indiana Unemployment Hits 16 Year High

2008-09-19T14:34:00.000-04:00

Indianapolis, Ind. - In the midst of the worst financial crisis in this country since the Great Depression, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) today announced that unemployment rose yet again in Indiana to 6.4 percent, much higher than the national average.

In many of the hardest-hit areas of the state, unemployment rates are even higher, hitting unprecedented levels not seen in the state in the last 16 years. While Mitch Daniels sits idly by, Hoosiers are worried about their mortgages, keeping their jobs, and making sure their savings and retirement funds are secure.

"Apparently, the only thing that will climb higher under the failed policies of Mitch Daniels is unemployment. While good jobs are being sent overseas, honest Hoosiers are struggling at the hands of Daniels' ineffectual leadership," said Dan Parker, State Chair of the Indiana Democratic Party.

Indiana had the 5th-worst decline in employment compared to just one year ago. More disturbing, under the Daniels Administration, unemployment has increased by 16 percent.

"Mitch Daniels is full of empty talking points but no action. He has had four years to better the lives of Hoosier families, but his policies have resulted in the economic crisis Indiana is seeing today. We need a plan for Indiana to spur economic progress and bring relief to our state, but Mitch Daniels has been so out of touch for so long that he hasn't even recognized the dire situation we are all in, let alone offered a plan," said Parker.

Linda Pence Calls for Gas Price Investigation

2008-09-17T19:07:00.001-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wed., Sept. 17, 2008 Contact: Joel Miller (317)-750-5757

LINDA PENCE CALLS FOR INVESTIGATION INTO HIGH GAS PRICES

Hard-Working Hoosiers Deserve An Attorney General Who Will Advocate For Them

Indianapolis, Ind. - Today, Linda Pence, candidate for Attorney General, held a press conference to call attention to the skyrocketing price of gas. In Indiana, the average price of gasoline hit $4.17, marking a sudden and across-the-board increase in the state. Indiana is paying higher prices than 44 other states, but no one is currently investigating why. "When Hoosier families are wondering about the sudden and uniform increase, it is the responsibility of the Attorney General to look into the matter and demand an answer. The people of Indiana need someone who will advocate for their interests, and not roll over for Big Oil," said Linda Pence, candidate for Attorney General. Right now, the Attorney General's office touts a gas price-gouging hotline. However, when a constituent called the number, the message merely stated: "Thank you for calling the gas-gouging line. We want to let you know that we can only pursue gas gouging complaints when the governor declares a state of emergency. The governor has not yet declared a state of emergency, but we want to go ahead and collect your information. Please remain on the line for a representative, and thank you."

Linda Pence knows the Attorney General should do more, and stated today that she would "take a more aggressive and vocal role to investigate price gouging, price fixing and potential anti-trust violations." Leaving an innocuous outgoing message is not action; it is not the solution or answer Hoosiers deserve. They deserve a person of action; not simply empty words and rhetoric. While at the U.S. Department of Justice, Pence fought oil companies over oil pricing. She has a history of standing up for honest, hardworking Hoosiers in the face of Big Oil and the special interests. She believes it is not the job of the Attorney General to make excuses; it is the job of the Attorney General not to turn a blind eye to Big Oil. Rather in this situation, the Attorney General should actively investigate them with a robust, proactive agenda that will ensure consumers are protected.

If Pence were attorney general today, she would launch a serious investigation into the pricing practices of gasoline in Indiana. She would publicly pursue complaints in order to deter oil companies from trying to reap more money at the expense of Hoosiers. She calls on the Attorney General's office to report to the people of Indiana what they have done to ensure that the Hoosiers are protected and not being treated differently than any other state in the country, and make known what--if any--lawsuits have been filed. "Price gouging is good for the oil companies, but bad for all of us. This is all happening at a time when the oil companies are reaping record profits, but Hoosiers are paying record prices at the pump," said Pence. ###

"It's Over"

2008-09-12T23:29:00.001-04:00

Barack is finally going on the attack:

"Millionaires for Mitch"

2008-09-09T21:37:00.001-04:00

Kudos to Jen Wagner:

Barry Welsh on the Delaware County Election Board Hearing

2008-09-09T20:58:00.002-04:00

From Barry:

Today I attended a meeting of the Delaware County Election Board in support of all Ball State Students; the board's purpose was to explore the idea of opening an early voting center on the Ball State University Campus. Clearly, from the input given, the overwhelming majority of those attending this meeting were in favor of establishing such a center. The Board was informed that almost every other major University in Indiana had already established such centers. Testimony from University officials and Student Government representatives indicated they not only endorse the idea but they are also willing to offer financial logistical support. This is an idea whose time has come. The Election Board has scheduled another meeting on Wednesday September 17, at 1pm to answer questions that one board member had, and to give consideration to establishing a voting center on campus that would help students and serve as a pilot for possible additional centers around Delaware County. This is a bipartisan issue and so today I am inviting my fellow Congressional Candidates, Mr. Mike Pence and Mr. George Holland, and our two Gubernatorial Candidates, Jill Long-Thompson and Mitch Daniels, along with any Elected Official from State and Local government to join with me in attending next weeks meeting, or to send a letter to support this very bold imitative. Our young people are our future, and we need to support their efforts.

Barry Welsh

In addition, Barry faxed the following letter to Mike Pence:

Honorable Congressman Pence,

I am writing to ask you to join me in a bipartisan effort to benefit a community in our district. I am speaking of the area in and around Ball State University.

While we disagree on many issues, I hope that we share the same belief in the fundamental right of voting. The Delaware County Election Board is voting next Wednesday at 1 PM on placement of an early voting center on the campus of Ball State University. I hope you can join me or send a letter of support.

I believe that we should make voting as accessible as possible and especially to communities such as our State Universities out of which come the leaders, and elected officials of tomorrow. Ball State University should be allowed to join the other leading universities in Indiana which already successfully operate early voting centers. I trust you will agree.

The President of Ball State University supports this effort and has offered space and financial contributions. The Presidents of The Ball State Republicans and Democrats are supporting this in a bipartisan manner, and I am asking you, Congressman, to join me in following their example. The only reason to deny such a proposal would be playing party politics, and the future is too important for that. Voting should be a habit and we can make that happen by not allowing Voting to be a hassle.

Please join me in supporting this move to the future for the future.

Sincerely,

Barry Welsh

6^th District Democratic Candidate for United States Congress

Welsh to Represent BSU Students Tomorrow

2008-09-08T06:25:00.001-04:00

Sixth District United States Congressional Candidate Barry Welsh is scheduled to appear before the Delaware County Election Board this Tuesday afternoon. Welsh appeared before the same board in April at the request of Ball State University students who were concerned that voter registrations would not be processed. Welsh comes before the Election Board once again on behalf of the Ball State Students and this time it is to request an early voting station on campus and relocating the precinct polling place for the November 4^th general election.

"We should work to make voting more accessible to everyone. Since we have been under the Bush administration we have seen restrictions placed and people turned away. I plan to work to reverse that and make it as simple and convenient as possible to vote and I am starting with the Ball State Students." Welsh, who has requested a top level staff member from the Obama campaign to join him at the meeting, also said, "We are dealing with college students, and this will be the first time voting for many of them. We should make every effort to take as little time as necessary from these students who are juggling classes, studies, and work. If it is a good experience, they will be voters for life and our goal should be to make voting a habit not a hassle."

Welsh is challenging Mike Pence for a second time.

To schedule an interview with The Candidate, please call Peter Nelson at 765-465-7020

Are You Better Off?

2008-09-07T00:51:00.001-04:00

. . .than you were 8 years ago?

Help Barry Welsh!

2008-09-02T20:22:00.002-04:00

Today's the first day of a week-long Blue America contest, that we'd like to invite you to participate in. Some of our candidates have been endorsed by the DCCC's Red to Blue program, which makes it easier for them to access institutional Democratic money-- big donors, labor unions, single-issue groups, incumbents, etc. And some haven't. Blue America wants to spotlight nine of our House endorsees this week who may eventually wind up in the program but who need campaign cash to compete effectively now. These are the nine:

Sam Bennett (PA-15)- Lehigh Valley
Debbie Cook (CA-46)- Orange County
Larry Joe Doherty (TX-10)- northern Austin to Brenham and Katy
Alan Grayson (FL-08)- Orlando
Jared Polis (CO-02)- Boulder and Westminster out to Eagle County
Dennis Shulman (NJ-05)- northern New Jersey from Bergen and Passaic around to Warren County
Annette Taddeo (FL-18)- Miami-Dade from Miami Beach and Coral Gables down to Key West
Russ Warner (CA-26)- northeast L.A. suburbans from Rancho Cucamonga to Arcadia
Barry Welsh- (IN-06) east central Indiana centered on Muncie

Here is the link to vote for Barry Welsh:

http://www.actblue.com/page/blueamericacontest

Whether you donate a dollar or $20 or $2,000 to the candidate, of your choice, it counts as one vote-- although you can certainly vote for as many candidates as you'd like. The candidate who gets the most votes gets a $5,000 Blue America check. The winner will be announced on Saturday, September 6th. We'll be trying to gin up as much excitement as we can all week, we're hoping Linda Sanchez comes through by agreeing to do a live event in the winner's district and have challenged Emanuel, Hoyer, Wasserman-Schultz, and Van Hollen-- to each match Blue America's $5,000 contribution to the winner.

Rockin' Docs Musicfest 2008

2008-08-31T02:01:00.002-04:00

NEWS CONFERENCE September 2 at 10:00 a.m.

MAYOR TOM HENRY WILL PROCLAIM SEPTEMBER 2-5

ROCKIN’ DOCS MUSCIFEST DAY TO BRING AWARENESS TO COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE PROGRAMS

WHAT: News conference to acknowledge the contributions of Rockin’ Docs Musicfest to local medical charities by declaration of September 2 – 5 as

Rockin’ Docs Musicfest Day, bringing awareness of health care for the uninsured and underinsured in our community.

Tours of Matthew 25, a recipient of Rockin’ Docs Musicfest funds, will be available.

WHEN: 10:00 a.m.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

WHERE: Matthew 25 Health and Dental Clinic, 413 East Jefferson Blvd. outside, in front of the building

WHO: Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry

Nancy Schenkel, Director, Matthew 25 Health and Dental Clinic

Karen Rothermund, Director, Rockin’ Docs Musicfest

The ninth annual Rockin’ Docs Musicfest will be held at Headwaters Park on September 12 and 13, 2008.

Rockin’ Docs Musicfest has raised over $285,000 to benefit local medical related charities.

Mayor Henry gives Lloy Ball City Seal Pin

2008-08-30T00:53:00.000-04:00

Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry honors U.S. Men's Volleyball player and Olympic gold medal winner Lloy Ball, a native of Woodburn, at a community rally on the plaza of the City-County Building Aug. 28 for helping the U.S. Men's Volleyball team earn a gold medal at the Beijing games:

Ted Kennedy: "This is a Season of Hope"

2008-08-26T02:00:00.002-04:00

God Bless you, Senator Kennedy! Long may you roar in the United States Senate!

Mike Montagano's 2nd Ad

2008-08-22T22:34:00.000-04:00

The Great ANT Race

2008-08-21T18:42:00.002-04:00

Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 19, 2008 for the first Great ANT Race presented by Ophthalmology Consultants of Fort Wayne. The Great ANT Race, with supporting sponsors Baker & Daniels, Fort Wayne Dental Group and the Kosciusko Runners' Association will be a timed 5K Run/Walk with awards for various age groups.

Pre-registration, which closes September 22, will guarantee you a t-shirt and your size. You can find the registration form attached or visit www.aboitenewtrails.org. You can also register the day of event, with no guarantee of a t-shirt and/or its size.Please feel free to share this information with all that may be interested and we hope to see you at the Great ANT Race!

"Three Times" - Obama on Taxes

2008-08-20T19:49:00.002-04:00

Obama's new television ad will start getting pumped into several key states today - specifically, Colorado, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Virginia. Entitled "Three Times," the ad promises middle-class tax relief, contrasting the Illinois Senator's plan with McCain's tax breaks for large corporations:

"How can John McCain fix the economy, when he doesn't think it's broken?"

2008-08-18T12:48:00.001-04:00

Hat Tip to Thomas:

A nice spot that specifically targets Indiana while painting out John McCain's delusional out of touch views regarding the problems facing Hoosiers today -

McCain And Abramoff Linked In New DNC Ad

2008-08-16T11:34:00.001-04:00

John McCain helped end the career of Christian Coalition leader Ralph Reed with a 2006 Senate investigation of Reed's extensive work with disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff helping casinos shut down competition. Now McCain is doing a fundraiser with Reed -- and it's reviving scrutiny of the way McCain handled the Abramoff investigation. In a new web ad, the DNC hits McCain's turnaround: "Desperate to raise campaign cash to run more negative attack ads, John McCain is cozying up to Jack Abramoff's cronies." Watch:

Mayor Henry announces Homeownership Week

2008-08-14T19:36:00.001-04:00

Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry speaks about the value of homeownership at a news conference announcing Aug. 18-22 as Homeownership Week. Heather Presley, deputy director of Fort Wayne's Housing and Neighborhood Services, and John Hall, the Indianapolis Field Office Director for Housing and Urban Development, joined the Mayor at this press conference Aug. 14 at one of the homes that HUD funds helped to rehabilitate:

Mike Montagano's New TV Ad

2008-08-12T19:30:00.000-04:00

Day of Caring - Ft.Wayne Edition

2008-08-11T21:35:00.002-04:00

John Caywood of Neighborhood Code Enforcement gives a tour of the home City employees painted and landscaped as part of the United Way's Day of Caring:

Part I

Part II

Part III

Mitch Daniels - Change We Can do Without

2008-08-11T15:30:00.000-04:00

"Comeback" - New Long-Thompson ad

2008-08-10T09:12:00.000-04:00

Mike Pence thinks you're Stupid

2008-08-08T23:12:00.003-04:00

Message

Mike Pence has released a new online video who's purpose is obvious - he wants to portray himself to sixth district residents as a vision of what he wants people to think he is. His aim is to get voters to think about the image he presents to them, rather than looking at the truth.

Pence is proud of his eight year tenure in congress during the Bush years. The citizens of Indiana's sixth congressional district overwhelmingly agree with the rest of our great nation in expressing our relief at the nearing end of George Bush's reign. Good riddance, and on to finer and better government. A government that fits the original intent of it's founders - fair and equal representation of it's citizenry. ALL of it's citizenry, no matter their religious beliefs or lack thereof, their skin color, their personal values, or their socio-economic status! We've had enough deception, enough lies, enough of being sheep led by the wolves! Our people are ready to be REPRESENTED, rather than LED!

Compare this video from Mike Pence that he DOES NOT want you to see. The video is long, but at 4 minutes and 21 seconds into the link, Pence gives a clearly deceptive response. In his video release he wants us to think that he has integrity, but not telling the truth about where your campaign contributions come from is not integrity, at least not as Barry Welsh defines it as a pastor.

Look for yourselves and make your own decisions:

City engineer Dave Ross on Westbrook flood control

2008-08-07T20:36:00.000-04:00

Fort Wayne City Engineer Dave Ross talks about the meeting with residents Aug. 6 about the Westbrook flood control project scheduled to start later this month and the conceptual plans for the State Street improvement project:

MoveOn.org protest in Ft.Wayne tomorrow

2008-08-06T22:03:00.001-04:00

House Republicans have been "protesting" ever since Congress adjourned on Friday because Speaker Pelosi blocked their offshore drilling plan. Speaker Pelosi blocked their plan because it won't help lower gas prices—but it will line the pockets of Big Oil executives, the same people donating millions of dollars to Republicans.

But Republicans are working hard to make it seem like they're fighting for cash-strapped commuters—and not the oil companies that want to drill the most.

So tomorrow (Thursday), we're organizing our own action to highlight the GOP's extensive ties to Big Oil, and deliver a petition to our representatives calling for a big switch to clean energy. We've invited the media, and having a good crowd is critical to show them that voters don't want oil industry gimmicks, they want real solutions like alternative energy to solve our energy crisis.

Can you make it?

Here are the details:

What: Petition Delivery to Stop Big Oil Gimmicks and Demand Clean Energy
Where: Rep. Souder's office (in Fort Wayne)
When: Thursday, Aug. 7, 2008, at 12:00 PM.
RSVP: http://pol.moveon.org/event/events/event.html?event_id=48685&id=13422-3519438-tup3_Yx&id=13422-3519438-tup3_Yx&t=3

The event is sure to be a lot of fun. We'll tell the media and the Republicans that voters aren't buying their oil industry scams. Together, we'll deliver hundreds of thousands of signatures from voters who're demanding real solutions—renewable and clean energy sources.

Republicans have been dominating the debate around gas prices for weeks with their sham drilling plan. Oil drilling is a gimmick, and the only reason they're pushing for it is because their donors in the oil industry want it.

Their latest stunt is getting a lot of press coverage. But no one has challenged their ridiculous arguments, so we have to.

Here are few key facts about oil drilling:

It's a gimmick. The US only has 1.6% of the world's oil. And drilling could take over a decade or more to produce any oil.¹

It won't lower gas prices. Even after a decade-long wait the price will barely drop a few cents per gallon.¹

America knows drilling won't work. According to a recent poll, 54% of poll respondents said they did not believe more drilling would lower gas prices. And 63% said opening up public lands to oil and gas drilling is more likely to enrich oil companies than to lower gas prices for American consumers.²

Voters are ready for real solutions. The public overwhelmingly believes (76%!) that policymakers should focus on investing in new energy technologies including renewable fuels and more efficient vehicles rather than expanding exploration and drilling for more oil.²

Tomorrow, we'll call out the Republican stunt and remind the media and the Republicans that voters want real solutions—not oil drilling.

Can you join us tomorrow in Fort Wayne?

Evan Bayh opens for Obama in Elkhart

2008-08-06T18:48:00.000-04:00

Stormy Day in Aboite

2008-08-04T18:13:00.000-04:00

I snapped these shots with my cell phone around 11 AM this morning at the Village at Coventry; I don't recall ever having seen a storm like this before. Shortly before these pictures, the sky was overcast, and looked dark off to the west. I then observed what looked like a white band across the front of a dark band of clouds roll across the horizon. There was wind and lightning in the cloud formation, but no rain fell during it's passover.

As the formation passed overhead, one could observe it to appear to be pushing the lighter sky in front of it out of it's way as it moved eastward. Then, within 2-3 minutes, blue skies and white clouds appeared behind the dark mass. You can see that in the back of this photo:

Here are a couple of linear shots as the storm reached the shopping center:

The blue skies and clouds behind the front didn't last long; the real storm was moments behind them and poured rain for about 30 minutes before finally clearing.

Gay Scientists Isolate "Christian Gene"

2008-08-03T21:08:00.002-04:00

No dissing intended for the millions of true followers of the teachings of Christ - this one's aimed at the few intolerants among you who bend things to fit their own agenda and give Christianity a bad name in the process:

Mike Pence - "Congressman NO"

2008-08-02T10:27:00.007-04:00

Alaskan Republicans may be losing "Senator No", but we need look no further than our own 6th Congressional District to find our own Hoosier version. . .

Indiana's 6th Congressional District:

Recent House Votes

Foreclosure Prevention Act - Vote Passed (272-152, 11 Not Voting)

The House passed this housing-recovery package.

Rep. Mike Pence voted NO......send e-mail or see bio

Mike Pence doesn't care if you lose your home or not.

Consumer Energy Supply Act - Vote Failed (268-157, 10 Not Voting)

The House failed to attain the two-thirds margin needed to pass this bill to release 10 percent of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

Rep. Mike Pence voted NO......send e-mail or see bio

Mike Pence doesn't care what you pay at the pump. But he will fight hard for the interests of big oil.

National Highway Bridge Reconstruction and Inspection Act - Vote Passed (367-55, 12 Not Voting)

The House passed this bill that would help states and the Federal Highway Administration create a uniform inspection system for bridges and highways.

Rep. Mike Pence voted NO......send e-mail or see bio

Mike Pence isn't concerned about the safety of our bridges and highways.

In addition, Pence was one of 40 to vote against the GI Bill because the benefits to veterans was "too generous."

He voted against the Farm Bill then came back to the district and took credit for the Farm Bill!!

He voted against renewing Medicare Benefits.

Let's show Mike Pence that we do care about these issues by casting our votes for Barry Welsh!

Mayor Henry talks about his second Mayor's Night In

2008-08-01T22:54:00.001-04:00

As part of being accessible and available to residents, Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry hosted the second Mayor's Night In of his adminstration July 30, 2008. Residents met with the Mayor and members of his staff in his office. Mayor Henry talks about what he heard from residents and what he plans to do with that information:

Top 10 Signs that Obama is getting overconfident

2008-07-30T21:38:00.001-04:00

And they say that we liberals have no sense of humor. . .

Mayor Henry visits the Fairfield Neighborhood

2008-07-24T21:44:00.001-04:00

Crossover Support for Obama

2008-07-23T20:03:00.002-04:00

The Hoosier GOP stronghold of Hamilton County has some dissenting views:

Hat Tip - Jen Wagner

Mayor Henry announces new additions to downtown

2008-07-22T11:07:00.002-04:00

Mayor Henry announces new additions to downtown Fort Wayne:

Hat Tip - Jen Wagner

Senator Bayh on Indiana Teams

2008-07-18T18:25:00.001-04:00

Senator Evan Bayh recorded this special video to share why he thinks it's so important that you join a Campaign for Change Hoosier team today.

Watch Senator Bayh's video and learn about the Hoosier teams:

Obama / Long-Thompson set up shop in Summit City

2008-07-12T23:26:00.003-04:00

(Photo credit - Fort Wayne Journal Gazette)

As a part of his "States which John McCain has taken for granted" tour, Barack Obama’s presidential campaign opened a campaign office in downtown Fort Wayne, along with five other new offices across Indiana. The office, which serves jointly as a local office for the Jill Long-Thompson gubernatorial campaign, is located at 904 S. Calhoun Street, directly across the street from One Summit Square - Fort Wayne's tallest building - let the symbolism speak for itself!

Obama’s Indiana campaign staff announced that offices in Evansville, Fishers, Muncie and South Bend will also open today. An office in Bloomington will open Monday.

Fort Wayne City Councilwoman Karen Goldner, D-2nd, friend of this blog, as well as national delegate and volunteer for the Obama campaign, reported a huge turnout at the new headquarters this afternoon. She said the offices officially are for the “Campaign for Change,” a coordinated effort for Obama and Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jill Long Thompson.

In addition to the Fort Wayne office and several other satellite offices which also opened today in the Hoosier state, Obama opened an office at the state Democratic Party headquarters and plans to add at least 20 regional offices around the state in the coming weeks. He is also running TV ads statewide.

Some Republicans, scared shitless by Obama's inroads into this (insert laugh-track here) solidly Republican state, say Obama is simply trying to get Republican rival John McCain to spend significant resources in a state he otherwise would largely bypass.

Jay Kenworthy, spokesman for the Indiana GOP, said he doesn’t believe McCain plans to staff an office in Fort Wayne. The party opened a Victory Center in May at the corner of Harrison and Berry streets, which he said will be used by Republican candidates on every level. I had the pleasure of sitting across the street from the "Victory Center" this morning as my family and I enjoyed the 40th annual TRF parade. I snapped this photo of the sign on the front of the ~~"Victory Center"~~ Metro Building. Much like the views of the Republicans these days, things appear to be a bit warped. . .

NE Indiana CHP to hold free concert on July 26th

2008-07-12T21:23:00.003-04:00

The Northeast Indiana Chapter of Hoosiers for a Commonsense Health Plan is going to have a FREE concert on Saturday, July 26 from 1-3 PM at the Courthouse Green to celebrate Medicare's 43rd Birthday. The group asks that you provide your own lawn chair - they hope to have light refreshments available.

Music will be performed by Rosewood and Molly Brogan. Mayor Tom Henry will speak, and keynote speaker Kevin Boyd will speak on "Health Care is a Moral Issue". Check out their website to read the birthday flyer for this event as well as to see the t-shirts they have available for purchase.

TRF Parade

2008-07-12T15:42:00.000-04:00

What started out looking to be a very bad morning for a parade, cleared up just enough and just in time for the event. When we arrived at 7:45, it was raining lightly - by 8:15 it was a steady downpour. We took refuge in Cindy's Diner and enjoyed some "garbage" while the worst of the storms passed.

Having not brought any umbrellas, Jody decided to make a quick run to Walgreen's before the parade began,, just to play it safe. She returned 15 minutes later with two beach umbrellas which we affixed to our chairs. Sandy Thompson commented on the set up as she walked by later "Looks like you guys were ready for this morning"!

Overall, turnout was extremely light - obviously due to the weather. Up until nearly the start of the parade, there was but a single line of viewers along streets which would normally have several rows of people packed in like sardines. The photo above was taken 30 minutes before the 10 AM start of the parade.

Mike and Bethany Montagano walked the crowds before the parade

"I Like Mike"

The Flintstones pass by

One of the FWPD's new 3-wheel patrols

Local blogger, Mark Carboni, was a grand marshal

Mayor Tom Henry and Sandy Kennedy

Police Chief Rusty York

Wayne Township Trustee Rick Stevenson

Ft.Wayne for Peace - Driven by Bruce Hall

Check out a slideshow of these and more on my Flickr page.

And. . .

Check out the News Sentinel's TRF blog.

TRF Information

2008-07-11T22:00:00.002-04:00

Click the button to the left to learn anything and everything you need to know about the 40th Three Rivers Festival here in Fort Wayne. Don't forget to pick up your official TRF button at 3 Rivers Federal Credit Union, Meijer, National City Bank, Hires Automotive Center, Verizon FiOS Plus Stores, and Lassus Handy Dandy.

The 2008 TRF button pack is more valuable than ever, with $100 worth of coupons enclosed and a chance to win concert tickets and merchandise instantly.

And, enter to win:

• 1969 Plymouth Fury provided by Hires Automotive

• Airline tickets

• $500 Meijer shopping spree

• Marriott Fort Wayne Get-A-Way Weekend with dinner at Red River

John McCain Thinks We're a "Nation of Whiners" (Mashup)

2008-07-11T19:46:00.000-04:00

Concerned about the economy? Well in John McCain's book that makes you a WHINER! Phil Gramm, his economic adviser, has said that the United States is a "nation of whiners":

GOP challenge to Knuth candidacy tossed

2008-07-08T18:58:00.004-04:00

“I know it’s going to depress Mr. Shine that they are going to have to win the race in the ballot box rather than on a technicality” - Kevin Knuth

The Allen County Election Board speedily dismissed ACRP Chair Steve Shine’s challenge of rival Democrat Kevin Knuth’s candidacy for the Allen County Council. Speedily, as in within hours of Shines filing on Monday morning.

Shine claimed that Knuth’s appointment "wasn’t valid because of missing paperwork in the filing as it didn’t include a copy of an authorization form granting Democratic Chairman Mike Bynum the authority to fill ballot vacancies":

State law allows party caucuses to fill ballot vacancies if nobody files for an office, or the party precinct officials can grant that authority to the chairman so a caucus is not necessary. The deadline to fill vacancies was last week. Knuth’s filing for one of the party’s council vacancies did not include a copy of that authorization.

Shine said this means either Bynum was never given authorization or the paperwork was filed incorrectly, but the election board disagreed.

Though the form says a copy must be attached to each filing, the election board’s past practice has allowed chairs to file one omnibus letter to cover all filings in a year, according to Andy Downs, Democratic board member. Downs said Monday afternoon the letter was properly filed for Bynum and the board will not meet to discuss Shine’s complaint. Instead, it will send a letter to Shine explaining the situation.

Perhaps Shine, pictured here after his disappointment, should pay more attention to his daily regimen than to the affairs of those who continually best him. . .

"New Energy"

2008-07-08T17:43:00.002-04:00

The Obama Campaign released a new ad today which sets the record straight on energy policy and responds to the false, negative attacks by John McCain and the Republican party:

SCRIPT – “New Energy”

On gas prices, John McCain’s part of the problem.

McCain and Bush support a drilling plan that won’t produce a drop of oil for 7 years.

McCain will give more tax breaks to big oil.

He’s voted with Bush 95% of the time.

Barack Obama will make energy independence an urgent priority.

Raise mileage standards.

Fast track technology for alternative fuels.

A $1000 tax cut to help families as we break the grip of foreign oil.

A real plan and new energy.

OBAMA: I’m Barack Obama and I approve this message.

All of McCain's Base Belongs to Us

2008-07-04T19:41:00.002-04:00

A guest column by Seth Grahame-Smith:

It's over.

It's mathematically impossible for John McCain to win.

Were the great Tim Russert still with us, he would call the election for Obama at 7pm Eastern time. No, I'm not talking about November 4th -- I mean tonight.

Here we are in the present -- an electric casserole of breaking news ("Obama wears flag pin!"), Internet warfare ("lol McCain is teh oldz!"), and screaming gas bags who are terrified of women ("We'll do it LIVE!"). The MSM is trying to convince us that we're in for a twelve-round brawl. That McCain's going to give Obama a run for his $500M. That's all well and good, and I'm sure it'll make for some riveting television -- if you're the type of person who still watches Harlem Globetrotters games on the edge of your seat, convinced the Washington Generals will pull this one out.

But the truth is, it's not going to be close. Not even a little bit.

Imagine yourself in a high school history class a century from now. Imagine the teacher beginning the section on the elections of 2008 by setting the scene: "America's economy was in flames, we were fighting two wars with no end in sight, and global warming was accelerating at an alarming rate. The most despised president in 150 years was nearing the end of his two corruption-ridden terms, and had heartily endorsed his successor, John McCain -- who, despite a few ideological differences, planned on keeping the status quo intact. Running against him was a lightning-in-a-bottle candidate named Barack Obama. A candidate who had nearly six times the money to spend, drew crowds of 70,000, and who received support from a surprising number of disenfranchised Republicans -- even some of the Evangelicals who swept Bush to power. Obama was the story. He captured the imagination of young Americans and the world. Now, by a show of hands -- who thinks McCain won that election?" (A particularly easy question, since they're sitting in Barack Obama High).

Whatever you think about McCain -- whether you love him or hate him -- you can't deny that he's a victim of horrible timing. Everywhere you look, there are tidal forces -- geopolitical, economic, and social forces -- trending in Obama's favor. McCain is running on a war record in a country aching for peace. He's running on an admitted lack of economic knowledge in a country aching for economic reform. Healthcare, foreign policy, energy -- in each case his sales pitch is twenty years behind the curve, much like the declining party for which he has the unfortunate honor of being standard bearer. Worst of all, his base doesn't even like him. Sure, they might pull that lever, but they'll be holding their noses with the other hand. If Obama's base is "fired up and ready to go," McCain's base is more like "reheated and I'll get around to it."

All McCain's base are belong to us.

Call it whatever you want: arrogance, a jinx -- but let's be honest with ourselves -- this thing is over. I know, I know. "A lot can happen between now and November." I know that we Democrats are used to scurrying around like we're on Meerkat Manor, with a sky full of Neocon hawks overhead. I know that we've perfected the art of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. But can't you feel it in the smog-kissed air? Feel that this year is different? This year, we've got a candidate who refuses to cower in the face of the old Rove/Atwater/Dobson line of attack. A candidate who understands that you can't change the world unless you win, and that you don't have to sell your soul to do it. And despite some bruises, we've got a Democratic Party on its way toward unprecedented unity and energy.

I don't care if footage of Obama snorting coke off Scarlett Johansson's boobs surfaces in late October. All it will do is bolster his standing with white males. I don't care if McCain is introduced by a resurrected Jesus Christ at the convention. All it will do is piss off Joe Lieberman. McCain won't just be defeated, he'll be crushed. And not just Bob Dole crushed, but crushed in a way that redefines the political map for the next 25 years.

He'll be crushed so decidedly, that bartenders will coin a new drink called "The McCrush" -- vodka and Orange Crush over crushed ice, served in a hollow flip-flop with a sprig of pandering. The networks will switch over to infomercials at 10pm on Election Night, because they'll have nothing left to cover after Obama's victory speech. Webster's will add the word "McCained" to its thesaurus entry for "crushed." Gamers will start taunting each other with new words like "Obampwnd!" and "McNoob!." Somewhere, out there in the everlasting ether of death, Barry Goldwater will feel better about himself.

Jinx or no jinx, I'm not going to be a Meerkat Democrat -- not this year. This year, I'm celebrating the Fourth with some burgers, some fireworks, and a nice, cool McCrush.

This year I'm the friggin' hawk.

Beach Volleyball in Fort Wayne

2008-07-01T19:57:00.002-04:00

Have you checked out Beach Volleyball in Fort Wayne lately?

For those of you who may be unfamiliar with this, Mike Harvey runs an awesome facility here in Fort Wayne, called River City Bar and Grill. Drop in and see everything that Mike has to offer; you'll be glad you did!

Here's a clip from Mike's place from last summer:

Independence Dam State Park

2008-06-29T20:04:00.017-04:00

Kevin Whaley recently posted a story about "One Tank Trips" and asked for suggestions of nearby attractions that hadn't been covered in his post or the article he referenced from FortWayneHompage.net. I immediately thought of one of my favorite spots across the border in Ohio, Independence Dam State Park. I got it into my head on Friday to take the family up to the Toledo Zoo this weekend, perhaps that seed was planted when I read Kevin's post. And Independence Dam IS on the way. . . I discovered this gem quite by acccident about 20 years back. Back in my single days, I used to spend many of my days off exploring neighboring counties just to see what I could find. That's how I came across Independence Dam.

The park runs along a seven-mile stretch of the Maumee River just east of Defiance, Ohio. It's unique in that it's a rather narrow park, maybe a quarter-mile at it's very widest, that is squeezed between the Maumee River on one side and the old Wabash & Erie Canal and the former US 24 (Now Ohio 424) on the other.

There is one entrance, and cars may traverse the park for only a short way in, perhaps a mile and a half. Beyond that, it's pedal power or hoofing it. By car, you can make it past the dam (pictured below), several pavilion areas and to a playground that's a favorite stop for my kids. I've never ventured far beyond that point thus far; but the explorer in me yearns to return and bike or hike the remainder of the park at some point in the future.

Right at the very entrance to the park is Lock #13 of the old canal. The dam itself was built to provide slack water for the canal, and was named for the nearby canal town of Independence. The existing dam on the Maumee River was completed in 1924. This cement dam replaced the original wooden dam which was built in the 1800s for the canal system. At the time of the rebuilding of the structure, several organizations expressed support for a park between the old canal bed and the river and the Ohio Department of Public Works purchased private lands to create the park. The bustling burg of Independence once rivaled Defiance in size, but died along with the canals in the mid 1800's.

From the flip side of the sign, I learned that this canal was on the trunk line of both the Miami & Erie and Wabash & Erie canals. The two canals joined together at a point some 15 miles southwest of this location. Clicking either of these sign pictures will bring the text up to an easily readable size.

This shot is of the canal, at the site of Lock #13, facing towards Toledo.

This shot, from the same location, faces towards Fort Wayne.

Here are a couple of shots of the Maumee River from the park. I'm not sure that the pictures do it justice, but it's simply amazing how wide the Maumee is here, a mere 50 miles or so from it's birth here in Fort Wayne.

I encourage you to experience this park for yourself! From Fort Wayne, travel east on US 24 to just past Defiance, Ohio. You'll need to exit at State Route 281, which is clearly marked "Independence Dam". 281 will take you to State Route 424 in less than one mile, and 424 east takes you to the park entrance in just under two miles. Expect about a one hour drive and, pack a picnic lunch, your cross-trainers or bicycles, and fishing tackle if you're so inclined. Oh! And if you have little ones, look for this area at the end of the drivable part of the park. . .

Paul Helmke on DC vs Heller

2008-06-27T23:23:00.003-04:00

Paul Helmke: The Fight for Sensible Gun Laws Continues

Norman Goldman (filling in for Ed Schultz today) interviewed Paul Helmke this afternoon. He asked Helmke if he still considered himself a Republican after this turn of events. Helmke replied, "Well. . .sorta".

Souder sides with big oil AGAIN

2008-06-27T17:11:00.001-04:00

Rep. Souder Sides With Big Oil Against Working Families Struggling With Gas Prices

Votes Show Souder Out of Touch With Needs of Hoosiers

(Washington, DC June 27) - As gas prices soar and families struggle to make ends meet, Rep. Souder (R-IN) last night voted against legislation to lower gas prices and end profiteering by Big Oil barons and energy speculators.

“It’s almost unfathomable that at a time when his constituents are having to choose between putting gas in their cars or food on their tables that Rep. Souder would block common-sense legislation that would provide tangible relief and lead the way to a cleaner, more secure energy future,” said Caren Benjamin, deputy executive director of Americans United for Change, the progressive issue-advocacy group behind this summer’s Bush Legacy Tour www.bushlegacytour.com.

“This is just another – particularly egregious – example of how some members of Congress are putting loyalty to their corporate sponsors and to President Bush’s conservative corporate-driven agenda above the needs of the people they were elected to represent,” Benjamin added.

In lock-step with President Bush and presumptive Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), Rep. Souder voted against the “Use It or Lose It” bill, which would compel the oil industry to start drilling on the 68 million acres which they are currently warehousing or be barred from obtaining any more federal drilling leases until they demonstrate that they are diligently developing those lands.

Unbelievably, Rep. Souder also refused to support legislation to curb oil speculation and keep wheelers and dealers from getting rich off the backs of ordinary working people.

“Clearly, Rep. Souder is out of touch with the needs of the people of Indiana,” Benjamin said. “He must be held accountable.”

Uncle Jay Explains: Oil Prices

2008-06-25T20:14:00.001-04:00

How bubbly will those oil prices get, anyway? Pretty soon a bottle of oil will cost even more than a bottle of water! It’s affecting the news in many different ways, but Uncle Jay has explanations for everything. A few even make sense:

Maplecrest Extension passes 6-1

2008-06-24T17:18:00.002-04:00

$55 Million Dollar Project to proceed next year:

The Allen County Council today overwhelmingly approved the $55 million Maplecrest extension from Lake Avenue south to Adams Center Road. County Commisioner nelson Peters said "we worked hard to sell the project" and presentations by a variety of county officials and other supports swayed Council members who previously said they were leaning against the project.

The 6-1 vote in favor of a $25 million construction bond should allow work on the 1.5-mile extension by next year. The project, which is of great importance to businesses and residents of southeast Fort Wayne and New Haven,is expected to improve transportation and public safety and promote economic development, especially in southeast Allen County. But because the cost had doubled since 2002, some Council members had questioned whether the benefits were worth the expense.

Maplecrest Extension Hearing

2008-06-22T17:56:00.005-04:00

An important reminder from ourdems.org -

This Tuesday, June 24th, is the public hearing for the Maplecrest Road Extension. It is imperative that supporters for this project turn out en masse. Click the screen capture below for a full list of reasons why this project should move forward and be approved:

Tuesday, June 24 at 9:00 a.m. in the City-County Building, room 200

Why it is important:

* Public safety access to the Nelson Road industrial corridor and to River Haven.
* Provides a route over the railroad and river and closes two deadly railroad crossing.
* Opens the Nelson Road area for redevelopment and industrial growth and provides greater potential for positive growth in the area of Adams Center Road and S.R. 930.
* Provides better access for the employees of businesses that are often caught between two rails with trains blocking their access.
* Provides improvements for storm water drainage.
* North River Road floods when we experience a significant amount of rain, closing off access down an already dangerous and winding road.
* Provides faster travel times to Georgetown, downtown Fort Wayne, New Haven and southern Fort Wayne. This reduces fuel use and emissions.

Residents and business owners are strongly encouraged to attend the public hearing and speak and express their concerns and support of this project in front of the Allen County Council. Supporters of this project must "pack the room" to help this project happen.

Many business owners, residents and elected officials (both local and state) will be in attendance to continue to promote the significance of this project. Please plan to attend.

Even more reasons to visit Coney Island

2008-06-20T01:34:00.003-04:00

. . .as if you needed them!

A local asshat, err. . .disturbed caucasion youth, recently posted a diatribe against a local hero who works in a management capacity at one of Fort Wayne's most famous landmarks. Here are the videos in question:

I think I'll drop by and thank this dude in person. I already patronize Coney Island several times a month despite it's proximity to Steve Shine's "Liar's Club". Now I have a reason to drop by more often. . .It's good to know that I won't have to worry about running into Angry White Trash during my visits.

Long-Thompson & Oxley stop in Fort Wayne

2008-06-16T16:35:00.002-04:00

Long-Thompson introduces Dennie Oxley as her running mate:

Jill Long-Thompson met with a small crowd near Fort Wayne International Airport this afternoon to introduce Dennie Oxley as her choice for Lieutenant Governor. A short meet and greet took place before Rep. Win Moses took the podium to introduce Long-Thompson, who then in turn, introduced Oxley. Both candidates spoke for several minutes about their vision for the state of Indiana.

Long Thompson:

"Dennie;s legislative career demonstrates that he is an effective leader and a champion of working people. His experience in the legislature, in the classroom, and in the business world will be put to good use. He's exactly the kind of Lieutenant Governor we need to help bring new prosperity and opportunity to communities across Indiana."

Oxley:

"Jill is a proven leader with executive experience - and I'm honored to partner with her to fight for better opportunities for all Hoosier families. Together we will work to grow our economy, protect good-paying jobs, lower health care costs for working famiies, strengthen our schools and overhaul the entire tax structure to make Indiana more competitive."

Oxley was first elected to the Indiana House of Representatives in 1998, and represents portions of eight southern Indiana counties as well as serving as Majority Whip for the House Democratic Caucus.

UPDATE: Video of the event

Jill Long-Thompson "whistle stop" in Fort Wayne

2008-06-15T22:18:00.003-04:00

Jill Long-Thompson will be in Fort Wayne tomorrow as part of a whirlwind two-day tour around the state to announce her choice of State Representative Dennie Oxley for lieutenant-governor. She will appear at Mercury Air Center, right in front of Fort Wayne International Airport, for a press conference at 3:45 PM. The address for Mercury is 4021 Air Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46809.

Montagano responds to Souder

2008-06-13T23:08:00.001-04:00

Click image for a larger picture

Notes on the IN Dem's State Convention

2008-06-05T21:41:00.002-04:00

From: ACDP Vice-Chair Deb Morrone:

Have I MENTIONED that it is a GREAT YEAR to be a DEMOCRAT? (It is Always a great year to be a Democrat in fact)

I am very pleased to announce that Allen County has filled our allotment of delegates to the Indiana State Democratic Convention--AND we currently have a waiting list. Allen County will be sending 110 (our max allotment) of the 220 total Third Congressional District delegates to the convention!

This will be an exciting event--we have a great mix of first time and experienced delegates. Allen Co. also has several outstanding candidates running for many of the National Delegate slots. We have people running in the District Delegate Race, in the At Large Delegate race, in the Party Leader Elected Official Race, etc. We wish them ALL well.

The convention is the evening of Friday, June 20 and Saturday, June 21 at the Indianapolis Downtown Marriott. An agenda has now been posted online at www.indems.org. It is very informative-try to take a look at it prior to the conference.

For those of you with National Delegate aspirations, there is a link to very informative site detailing what to expect, etc. If you are elected, you will get many more details from the Party.

Delegates: PLEASE be sure to attend the next breakfast meeting on June 14. We will have all up to date information for you there. Also, we have had many inquiries about car pools to the event. Just after the breakfast meeting we will provide you and opportunity to get together with other delegates and explore sharing transportation. Whether you plan to go down on Friday OR Saturday, you should be able to find someone willing to share a ride! (Remember, parking is in excess of $25 and gas may be Over the $4.00 mark...this may be a great idea for many!!)

If you plan to stay over on Friday at the Marriot, remember to mention the convention to get the reduced rate. (A link to the Marriott is also on the INDEMS.ORG site) Some convention-goers have had great success with the travel websites and have been able to find 4-star downtown hotels at a much lower rate)

The Third District Caucus begins at 9:00 am on Saturday!

If you have additional questions--or even want to try your luck on the delegate waiting list, please let us know. Email us at information@allencountydemocrats.org.

New Look for the DNC

2008-06-05T20:55:00.004-04:00

The rather bland old DNC website has been updated - it's obvious that the designer of Barack's site has had a hand in this wonderful update. Click the screenshot below to go there:

Save the Maumee

2008-06-03T21:16:00.002-04:00

"Save Maumee Grassroots Organization was formed to create awareness about the conditions of the Three Rivers in Fort Wayne, IN, while facilitating ecosystem restoration projects to help the entire Great Lakes Watershed. Ultimately, we are trying to repair and improve the the St. Joe, St. Mary, and Maumee Rivers to help reverse years of pollution. Revitalizing the St. Joe/Maumee Watershed will protect and restore the environment, while improving the economic, aesthetic and recreational value. We are organizing projects that place a high priority on monitoring, developing and restoring rivers with a positive environmental impact."

Please click on the above screenshot to learn more about this organization.

Local Treasures

2008-06-01T22:27:00.000-04:00

A little over a week ago, Kevin Whaley ,published a post about Foster Park, the suspension bridge to be precise. I've enjoyed that site since I was a teenager a long long time ago, and have enjoyed sharing it with my kids as well. Today we made the trip there once more:

Samantha and Sabrina on the north end of the bridge

The bridge, looking north from the park side
A side view from a park trail

*Note to our out-of-town readers: Our rivers aren't actually dirty. They've always looked the way that they appear today; it's the local soil that colors them so muddily.

Views of the St.Mary's River from the bridge
One of many huge old sycamore trees along the riverbank

Just one of the many treasures to be found in our fair city. . .

Mark Wehrle "mini" Golf Outing

2008-05-28T22:03:00.004-04:00

Mark Wehrle, the Democratic candidate for the 84th Indiana House district, would like for you to "putter around" with him:

You are all welcome to join me at River City Links, 1227 Herbert Street, Sunday June 8th. Play the beautiful 18 hole course as our guest (Free). If interested, we play from 4:30 until 7:30. I will host conversation and golf.

Call 422-Putt(7888) for directions.

Nice folks of all ages are encouraged to come!

Paid for by "Wehrle", Mark Wehrle treasurer

Mr.Wehrle is running against Indiana Toll Road lease proponent, Randy Borror.

Why?

2008-05-23T21:13:00.003-04:00

With her trademark passion, intelligence, and devastating wit, Huffington Post editor in chief Arianna Huffington tackles the issues that are crucial to this year’s presidential election and, even more so, to the fate of the country.

Huffington makes the case that America has been hijacked from within by a radical element—the “lunatic fringe” of the Right that has taken over the Republican Party. Despite holding views at odds with the majority of Americans, these zealots have given us an endless war in Iraq, a sputtering economy, a health care system on life support, a war on science and reason, and an immoral embrace of torture.

But they haven’t done it on their own: they have been enabled by a compliant media that act as if there is no such thing as truth and are more interested in cozying up to those in power than in holding them accountable, and by feckless Democrats who have allowed themselves to be intimidated into backing down again and again.

It finally happened. . .

2008-05-21T17:03:00.001-04:00

Taken at Chadi's Marathon at the Village at Coventry this afternoon. . .

Snyderman House

2008-05-18T21:49:00.005-04:00

One week ago I posted a mystery photo of a long gone historical home here in Fort Wayne, and asked readers to submit their best guesses as to where the home was located and it's real name. That particular house was the lost Knee House located in southeast Fort Wayne, behind the old Heck's store on US 27 South.

Local blogger Cathy Dee incorrectly guessed that it was another lost local treasure, the Snyderman House, on the city's southwest side. But she reminded me of this newer, albeit no less interesting, home that was lost to "arson" in 2002. As she noted, the home merited a Wikipedia entry as well. I'll leave my "conspiracy theories" at the door on this one, and merely note that a certain local developer sorely wanted the land that this house stood upon. Here is the home in it's original glory:

And what little remained after it was torched:

From: The Architectural Record:

The 1972 Snyderman House in Fort Wayne, Indiana, a seminal early project of Michael Graves, burned to the ground on July 30. The house is perhaps the best example of the Modernist work of Graves’ early career. Arson is suspected, but has not been confirmed.

The home’s original owners, Sanford and Joy Snyderman, left the house in 1998 and sold it in December 1999 to developers Joseph Sullivan and William Swift who initially had plans to tear it down and develop a number of homes on the property. Local architect Matt Kelty, AIA, started a nonprofit organization called Eleventh Commission Inc. to potentially purchase the home and save it. The house has remained on the site in disrepair since 1998, and vandals "tagged" the house, knocked holes in interior walls, and broke glass.

The house was the subject of much attention in the past three years. Kelty told RECORD, “More than 3,000 attended the two open houses sponsored by Eleventh Commission, Inc., and at least two dozen student groups were provided private tours. Photographers of international fame visited to capture the deteriorating design on film, and members of academia who happened through the Midwest would call and meet us at the house.”

Fortunately enough, this lost treasure was quickly replaced by "cookie cutter" homes that were deemed Beazer than this old chestnut. Progress, but at what price?

Chris Matthews eviscerates right-wing wacko

2008-05-16T21:44:00.001-04:00

Chris Matthews took up President Bush's pointed attack on the Democrats in the Knesset yesterday, asking if Bush was "out of line." Radio talk-show host Kevin James didn't think so, saying - and I'm paraphrasing - "RRRRAAAAAHHHH! OBAMA BLAAAAHHHH! HAMAS LOVES BARACK, YAAAAHHHH!" Chris Matthews was quick to ask, "Why are you screaming?"

But the best was yet to come. Matthews, convinced that James was being a fatuous ass, called him out on his knowledge of geo-political history, asking James if he knew what Neville Chamberlain did at Munich in 1938. If you answered, "He signed the Munich Agreement, conceding a portion of Czechoslovakia to the Nazi regime," you are right. If you answered, "He talked to Hitler, and caused 9/11 to happen and made the Statue of Liberty cry, just like Barack Hussein bin Laden wants to!" then you are Kevin James:

Name that Ft.Wayne Landmark

2008-05-10T23:11:00.004-04:00

The above photo is of a local Fort Wayne legend at the height of it's glory. Like many local teenagers in the 1970's, I spent a fair number of hours there. Of course it didn't look near this grandiose at that late date, but it was a very solid structure and we never worried much about getting hurt there. This fine example of art-deco architecture was destroyed some 20 years ago. Can you tell me the real name of the property? Can you tell me the wrong name it was known as by the local kids? The location?

You know you're from Ft. Wayne when...

2008-05-08T20:36:00.003-04:00

You know you're from Fort Wayne when...

1. You remember the Glenbrook Ice Rink.

2. You remember when "Belmont's"didn't only refer to a liquor store.

3. You remember when I-69 was just two lanes.

4. You remember downtown before Headwaters Park & Courthouse Green.

5. You can properly pronounce the name "Goeglein" (GEG-line).

6. You remember the Coliseum before the expansion.

7. You remember the Coliseum before the Expo Center.

8. You remember when Science Central opened.

9. You know what "Gladieux " is and remember it catching fire.

10. You remember the Apple Orchard at Glenbrook.

11. You remember when the Roller Dome was THE place to be on Friday and Saturday nights.

12. You've been to Coney Island more timesthan you can count and you have no problems walking in through the back door.

13. You've eaten at the Elegant Farmer.

14. You remember when Memorial Stadium opened.

15. You remember when B. Dalton, Walden Books, Little Professor, and Reader's World were the biggest bookstores in town.

16. You remember when the Georgetowntheater was full-price.

17. You filled a prescription at Hook's Pharmacy.

18. You remember South Side HS and North Side HS before the renovations.

19. You remember Southtown Mall.

20. You've been to Safety Village.

2 1. You've bowled at almost every bowling alley in town.

22. You remember going to Lassus Stations without hearing from Jon Lassus every time.

23. You remember the old food court at Glenbrook.

24. You know what ten thousand burning tires looks like.

25. You remember the time before Jefferson Point when Glenbrook was the only place to shop.

26. You know that it's "State Boulevard" not "State Street".

27. You remember "Holiday 6" and saw movies there.

28. You remember when Southtown had more than Footlocker, Sears, and the MCL Cafeteria.

29. You remember when the TRF Midway was cool, and you didn't have to worry about getting shot.

30. You know what TRF stands for.

31. You remember when Lazer X and Ultrazone opened.

32. You've thrown apples on Johnny Appleseed's grave.

33. You remember going to McMillan Health Center in elementary school.

34. You remember Maplecrest when it was a two-lane, bumpy road that "teed" into Rothman.

35. You remember the times before Wal-Mart and Meijer...when you actually had to go to a grocery store.

36. You were ever on Happy's Place.

37. You remember listening to B106.3.

38. You remember the TRF Raft Race.

39. You ate at the Moonraker and shopped at Tepe's next door.

40. You went to Diamond Jims and still miss it.

41. You've eaten at Power's Hamburgers and remember it being open 24 hours a day.

42. You've managed to cram yourself into Cindy's Diner and not feel claustrophobic.

43. You remember when Hot 107.9 was Foxxy.

44. You remember the St. Mary's Church fire.

45. You remember when Dupont Road was out in the middle of nowhere.

46. You remember the days before I-469.

47. You remember the flea market next to Hillcrest Bowl.

48. You know the Wizards original mascot was actually a wizard...not some creepy dragon.

49. You knew about St. Francis College before the football team.

50. You bought something from Service Merchandise and had to wait for it to come out on the conveyor belt.

51. You remember when the first Meijer opened.

52. You remember watching Steve Shine on WFFT Fox 55.

53. You remember when Mike's Carwash at Glenbrook was full service.

54. You remember when an Express Wash at Mike's cost less than five dollars.

55. You remember the Trolley Restaurant on Wells St. next to where Edy's is now.

56. You've marched in the TRF parade for some reason or another.

57. You remember Penguin Point on Spy Run.

58. You're pretty much guaranteed to find a wooden nickel or two somewhere around your house.

59. You can name all the Halls Restaurants (including those that have closed) and know where they are located.

60. You remember when Lincoln was based in Fort Wayne.

61. You remember Baer Field before it was "internationalized".

62. You remember when Keltch Pharmacy was it's own store, not a part of Scott's.

63. You know what "Froggy's Pad" was.

64. You remember the Seyfert's factory on Hwy 3/Lima Rd. and what smelled like.

65. You know that Best Buy was originally located where Borders is now on Coldwater Road,
and that it was The Children's Palace before Best Buy.

66. You remember when Speice just sold shoes.

67. You know where Kittle's is even though you never shop there.

68. You know that our Pizza Huts are way better than anything outside of Dick Freeland's franchise.

69. You remember when Vernon Jordan was shotat the Marriott.

70. You remember when the Citilink buses were PTC.

71. You remember when Win Moses was mayor.

72. You know the difference between St. Joe Blvd, St. Joe Rd, St. Joe Center Rd, St. Joe River Dr,and Upper St. Joe Center Rd.

73. You can finish the sentence, "If you're not on Goshen road..."

74. You remember never being able to find parking at the downtown library.

75. You know what St. Francis' campus looked like before the renovations and expansions.

76. You remember when the police department was at South gate

77. You remember Showbiz Pizza before Chuck E. Cheese.

78. You've ever had a birthday party or attended one at the Roller Dome (north or south).

79. You remember Roller Dome North before they renovated it.

80. You remember Tilt at Glenbrook.

81. You remember when Coventry13 was the main movie theater.

82. You remember Denny's on Lima Road.

83. You've complained aloud in your car that St. Joe/St. Joe Centeris a screwed up intersection.

84. You were pissed that northwest Indianagot to keep 219 when the area codes were split up.

85. You've drank out of the lion shaped water fountain at the Zoo.

86. You've eaten at Atz's ice cream shop.

87. It doesn't bother you in the least that a road can change names 3 or 4 times in the course of a few miles.

88. You know the story behind Harry Baals Drive.

89. You remember the GTE Tower.

90. You've eaten at Willie's.

91. You remember Damon's and the fact that the place was cursed.

92. You remember Roger's, Lynn's, and Cub Foods.

93. Even if you know Scott's was generally overpriced, you're still pissed Kroger bought them out.

94. You remember Georgetownbefore the renovation.

95. You remember when there was more than one Big Boy.

96. You remember when the 14/69 Automall was built.

97. You remember when Roger's grocery baggers loaded your bags in your car for you.

98. You drove Harrison Street when it was one, continuous street.

99. You remember when Amtrak stopped in Fort Wayne.

100. You miss being told the "Fort Wayne National Bank Time ".

101. Bob Rohrman annoys you.

102. You've talked to Croaky the Frog.

103. You remember when Lutheran Hospital was on Fairfield.

104. You remember Hudson'sat Glenbrook

105. You've know the rumors about Devil's Hollow at night.

106. You remember the Children's Place in the mall having the little slide and stuff at the back of the store.

107. You know that the television was invented by Fort Wayne resident Philo T. Farnsworth.

108. You remember when the ACPL summer reading program actually had good prizes.

109. You've gone sledding down the huge hills at Franke Parkand Shoaff Park.

110. You remember Furrows behind Southtown.

111. You've ridden on the BMX track.

112. You've had your picture taken while sitting in the joey pouch at the zoo.

113. You remember listening to Charlie Butcher on 97.3 WMEE.

114. You know that the Detroit Pistons used tobe the Fort WayneZollner Pistons.

6th District voting favors Welsh

2008-05-07T22:40:00.002-04:00

Tuesday’s Primary Election results prove people in Eastern Indiana are ready for a change as they overwhelmingly came out to vote for Barry Welsh.

Barry Welsh received 94924 votes compared to 43795, which was the total for current Congressman Mike Pence. Welsh won handily in all but one of the 19 contested counties across the district, losing that single county by less than 300 votes.

“I want to thank everyone that voted for us, and ask for your vote again in November. We have worked tirelessly since before the 2006 elections and when we lost that race; we got up the next day and started working toward victory this November. That work is paying off as we have great name recognition and voter trust heading into the 2008 elections. People are ready for a change and we are that change.” Said Welsh upon learning that all counties had reported results.

Welsh continued, “We traveled the district on Primary Election Day and we knew that the results were going to be good, but we did not expect this. I told Brian Howey, who is a well-respected political journalist at an event in Anderson a few weeks ago, that we would beat my opponent by a count of 56 percent to 44 percent. We did not expect almost 70%, but what that shows is that the Independents and even some of the Republicans understand that my opponent has done little for this district with a Republican President and a Republican Congress, and they know that he will do even less with a Democratic President and a Democratic Congress. Now we roll up our sleeves and get to work to make sure those people come back to the polls in November
and we work to bring the change that this district is so desperate for.”

Welsh concluded, “My opponent stood by as thousands upon thousands of jobs left this district. People know that I am a fighter and I would have fought for those jobs and we might have saved some of them. People also know that I will fight to bring new jobs to this district and that is one of the reasons we will win in November.”

Links
Sec. of State Website and District Results:
http://www.in.gov/apps/sos/primary/sos_primary08?page=district&countyID=-1&p
artyID=-1&officeID=5&districtID=6&districtshortviewID=6&candidate=

Contact:
Barry Welsh 765-827-8325
barry@barrywelsh.org

An afternoon with the Obamas

2008-05-05T09:30:00.001-04:00

Today Barack Obama and his family came to Fort Wayne, IN for a pitch-in, pot luck picnic. Of course, I made sure my whole family showed up.

The previous evening, we had a couple of out-of-state Obama volunteers stay at our home, in addition to Sheri staying up to nearly 3:00am making enough pasta salad to feed an army. This morning, someone from Obama headquarters called to make sure we were coming and asked if we were going to stay and work the event. Sheri told them yes. The previous day, she had told another volunteer that we would be coming as a family and asked if it was alright to bring the kids. "Sure!"

We left home about 12:25pm and drove the five minutes to Headwaters Park along with over 80 cups of pasta and three kids in tow. We brought the pasta to the rear entrance only to be stopped and told that kids would have to wait until the gates opened at 2:30. Anyone who knows our family understands we have Dustin, who suffers from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, in addition to a five-year old and a four-year old. Sheri went back to the car and waited with the kids while I took the pasta in. I returned to the van because all the volunteers had to leave while the bomb sniffing dogs mad the rounds.

Later, I returned for instructions and asked one of the volunteer leaders if Sheri and the kids could help me out at the front as I signed in new volunteers. He said it was fine, so we went in - after going through an airport style security check point - and headed to the front gates to prepare for the throng.

Sheri went over to the food line to help get the pasta salad prepared properly and ran into some problems with an over zealous volunteer. Sheri berated the woman for speaking to a volunteer in that manner. The next thing you know, she is being told to step away and wait for the secret service. Needless to say, Sheri was concerned she had gone too far, but in reality, they had chosen our family to have our lunch next the Senator Obama and his family. I was pulled off the gate and after a briefing from a member of Obama's Senate staff, we were lead behind the ropes and seated along with a few others, including community leader, Denise Porter-Ross.

We had a pretty good time watching the long lines pass right past our table and took a certain delight in the looks on the faces of people who knew us. One volunteer called my cell phone and asked me how we rated. I explained that we were probably picked because we were volunteers and had children with us. She said she assumed I had donated a large chuck to the campaign. Uh, yeah. Sure.

We waited and waited while over two-thousand people made their way through the serpentine line to the food. Yet we were not allowed to leave the area to get our own food. We were told food would be brought to us. Unfortunately, we had to wait until it was close to time for the Senator to arrive before our trays were brought to us.

We knew once the Secret Service officers started multiplying that the time was near. They brought the food to the tables along with a few bottles of water. Then we hear the roar of the motorcycles as the motorcade approached the pavilion.

The Illinois Senator was introduced and came in flanked by his wife Michelle and their two daughters, Malia, nine, and Sasha, six. Michelle spoke first and explained how great it was to have the family together. It marked the first time the four had appeared together on the campaign trail since Iowa back in January. Michelle reached down and asked Sasha what everyone needed to do on Tuesday. Sasha replied, "vote for my Daddy."

After Michelle and the girls left the stage, Obama - who, according to the latest Zogby poll is leading Clinton in both Indiana and North Carolina spoke to the enthusiastic crowd. He discussed the distractions, Hillary's gas tax holiday, and how this race was about the people. It was your basic Obama stump speech, but hearing it live is always inspiring.

After his speech, he worked the line then came directly to our table. He shook my hand and when I asked if I could get a photo with him, he smiled a huge smile and said, "absolutely!" While my wife was snapping the picture, my son Harrison ran over and hugged Obama's legs. The Senator reached down, lifted a beaming Harrison up and asked him his name and how old he was. Sen. Obama spent nearly five minutes with us, discussing our lives and children. He even complimented McCartney on her red and blue toenails and fingernails. It was an amazing moment. I didn't even realize that news cameras were snapping away at our little chat until I saw all the cameras after Obama picked Harrison up.

Once Obama enters the White House in January, my children will have photos of themselves with the first black President of the United States. It was indeed a historic day for our family.

Obama Family Picnic Tomorrow

2008-05-03T20:42:00.000-04:00

Join the Obama family at a picnic in Fort Wayne on Sunday, May 4th:

Fort Wayne Family Picnic with the Obama Family

Headwaters Park
Pavilion
Fort Wayne, IN

Sunday, May 4th, 2008
Doors Open: 2:30 p.m.
Program Begins: 4:30 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public. Admission is based on a first come, first serve basis. Limited free parking is available in the lot adjacent to the pavilion; carpools are encouraged.

For security reasons, do not bring bags and limit personal items. No signs or banners are permitted.

Jill Long-Thompson is "Wright" Choice

2008-05-02T18:12:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends,

Hoosier Democrats have a great opportunity, not only in the presidential contest, but also in the primary for Governor to nominate the best and strongest candidates for November 2008.

I want to make sure you know about Jill Long Thompson, the candidate I'm supporting for Governor.

It's clear that Indiana is facing some hard economic times. We need a Governor who recognizes the unique challenges that each of our communities face and and who will provide our local communities with the tools necessary to be successful.

Jill Long Thompson can bring people together to rebuild our economy by protecting our good jobs and attracting new ones. She’ll work to improve our schools, provide affordable health care and make sure our tax code is both fair and equitable.

She has the experience and proven ability to help Indiana because she's done it before as a Congresswoman and as the U.S. Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development.

I hope you'll join me in voting for Jill in the Democratic Primary for Governor on May 6th. Check out her website below for more information.

- Dr.Phillip Wright

http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/

More of the McSame

2008-04-30T20:07:00.002-04:00

John McCain recently said, "No one has supported President Bush on Iraq more than I have." He was Bush's strongest ally in the march to war in Iraq. McCain consistently repeated the same misjudgments made by Vice President Cheney, Defense Secretary Rumsfeld, and President Bush. More than 4,000 American troops have lost their lives because of these misjudgments.

McCain says we could be in Iraq for 100 years, and has consistently opposed any plan to withdraw troops from Iraq. He'd rather dump billions more in Iraq than invest it in our economy back home.

McCain accuses folks who want to bring our troops home of "surrender."

Flashback - 1963

2008-04-19T22:40:00.004-04:00

I was looking through some old books and such this evening and ran across several old phone books that had been saved over the years. Have a look at the year 1963 in Fort Wayne:

Automobile Dealerships

Motels

Service Stations

Bill Clinton Returns

2008-04-12T23:41:00.002-04:00

Bill Clinton will visit northeast Indiana for the second time in less than a month on Monday when he stumps for his wife in Decatur. There are few details at this time, but Clinton plans to visit Indy and Corydon as well. No word yet as to whether of not Bosnia will be a subject of discussion. . .

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton’s campaign announced Saturday that Bill Clinton will visit Decatur, Corydon and Indianapolis. Details on the places and times of his visits will be released later, the campaign said.

It’s the second time in less than a month that Bill Clinton will be in northeast Indiana, trying to convince voters that his wife should be president. He spoke at Fort Wayne’s Grand Wayne Center on March 18.

Hillary Clinton was at Sara’s Family Restaurant in Fort Wayne on March 28, and her Democratic opponent, Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, was at Wayne High School in Fort Wayne on April 4.

Is Hillary cracking under the pressure?

2008-04-11T20:51:00.003-04:00

Former President Bill Clinton has earned hundreds of thousands of dollars speaking on behalf of a Colombia-based group pushing the Colombia Free Trade Agreement that his wife opposes. Watch her response to a question about this:

Allen County Dems Breakfast Meeting

2008-04-10T21:38:00.006-04:00

Just a reminder to the regular bunch and an open invitation to everyone else:

The monthly Allen County Democrats breakfast meeting will be held this Saturday, April 12th at Democratic Party headquarters located at 1920 Bluffton Road in Fort Wayne. Representatives from both the Obama and Clinton campaigns will be present to give presentations and answer questions about the candidates. This will be the final breakfast meeting before next month's primary, and possibly your last chance to hear from both campaigns in the same venue.

Coffee and doughnuts will available at 8:30, with the speakers taking the podium at 9:00. As always, we encourage you to bring a non-perishable food item to contribute to the local food banks. In addition, any spare plastic grocery bags you can contribute would be very greatly appreciated as a means to deliver the canned goods. Hope to see you there!

Welsh attack: Video Coverage

2008-04-10T17:57:00.002-04:00

Video from Channel 13 Indy:

Muncie GOP official attacks!

Hat tip: Jed Report

Muncie Meeting turns Violent

2008-04-09T20:32:00.003-04:00

Last night I wrote about Delaware County Republicans attempts to disenfranchise 100's of new Democratic voters by claiming they "didn't have the time or resources" to go through the huge number of registrations they received on Monday, the deadline to register. There was to be an emergency hearing today at 1 PM at the County Building in Muncie.

That meeting took place, and turned heated afterwards:

A Republican voter registration deputy faces battery charges after he tackled a newspaper reporter and hit the Democratic 6th District congressional candidate after a contentious Delaware County Election Board meeting this afternoon.
The meeting had just ended when Will Statom, GOP registration deputy and secretary of the local Republican Party, attacked Star Press reporter Nick Werner while Werner was interviewing Ball State University student Johanna Perez about hundreds of last-minute voter registrations for Democrat Barack Obama's campaign.
"He did not seem very happy that we were stating our opinions," Perez said afterwards about Statom.
Werner said Statom seemed critical of his reporting, sarcastically saying to make sure he screwed up the story again.
Statom had just walked past Werner when Statom turned around and pushed Werner against the wall, grabbed him and they fell to the ground, according to witnesses.
Barry A. Welsh, Democratic 6th district congressional candidate, who attended the meeting, stepped in, and Statom turned around and hit Welsh in the eye.
"When Nick went to the floor, I tried to break it up," Welsh said.

An eyewitness to the event has stated:

I was at the meeting - it was out of control. The man who attacked everyone was accusing Ball State students of being sloppy and wouldn't even vote anyway and then said to the african americans in the crowd "i dont have to take this crap for 'you people' " ... people were yelling at each other through the entire meeting and then the fight broke out afterward. As a student, I was very surprised to see adults act so childish.

When I hear more from Barry, I'll give you his perspective on the day's events. . .

Delaware County GOP wants to disenfranchise Dem voters

2008-04-08T23:10:00.006-04:00

In a sense, Muncie is like nearly every other city and town in our state this active primary season. Folks are registering to vote in record numbers. They're excited about their voice being heard. After all, for the first time in 40 years, our primary votes here in the Hoosier state actually carry some weight. People are rightfully excited and are flocking to join the democratic process this year.

For the last four months, the media has reported on the record number of new voter registrations, the huge interest in participation, and the large turnouts in every primary in every state this season. So states such as Indiana, and cities such as Muncie, have had ample time to prepare for this influx. Most states and municipalities have done an outstanding job of this, preparing extra ballots, adding staff as necessary, whatever it takes. That's where Muncie becomes nearly unlike everyone else - GOP members of the Delaware County’s Election Board are saying that registrations ,filed on time, will not count because there are too many of them and they are short staffed. This is nothing short of voter disenfranchisement and must not be accepted!

The Election Board office there is staffed by three Democratic appointees and two appointees of the Republican Party, which has declined to fill a third vacant position since 2006. Delaware County GOP Chair Kaye Whitehead stated that there "hadn’t been a need for another worker until the office was flooded with applications on Monday, the final day to register to vote in the May primary". Perhaps if Whitehead had found the time to pick up a newspaper, watch tv news, or surf the web over the last few months, she would have realized that some action was needed on her part.

But, then again, all of these record voter registrations and voter turnouts have been created by, and of benefit to, the Democratic contenders for president. So Whitehead has no reason to grease the wheels on the machine that she is partially in charge of. After all, by doing the right thing and serving the taxpayers of Delaware County, she only makes her own job more difficult come November. Despite the demographics of the area, Muncie is a college town. And college students have been voting for Barack Obama in a big way this election cycle. I can understand Whitehead's fear of allowing these youths to add their voice to the choir. But she has a greater responsibility to the populace that outweighs her partisan views. It's nothing short of a disgrace that she would attempt to deny their votes for the sake of her political party.

Phil Nichols, a Democratic member and president of Delaware County’s Election Board, has called for an an emergency meeting at 1 p.m. Wednesday in the Delaware County Building to discuss how to handle the flood of voter registration applications. Ball State students will be in attendance as well as 6th District Congressional Candidate Barry Welsh. If you are a BSU student or local citizen, I strongly encourage you to attend this event and make your voice heard.

McAuliffe on Fort Wayne

2008-04-06T12:49:00.001-04:00

Not surprisingly, depending on from where and whom you get your news, you likely get a variety of viewpoints. Take Terry McAuliffe for example. In today's Journal Gazette, he discusses the importance of Fort Wayne and the surrounding areas to the Clinton camp.

Benjamin Lanka of The Journal Gazette reports:

Terry McAuliffe, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton’s campaign chairman, made it quite clear the importance of northeast Indiana voter turnout for his candidate during his stop last week.

McAuliffe was in town to open Clinton’s local campaign office on Fairfield Avenue. He said it is vital for the party to have a fighter win the nomination, saying Vice President Al Gore should have won easily in 2000, but Democrats didn’t fight hard enough. He also said Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., should have won in 2004 but didn’t respond quickly enough to criticism about his military record.

He said Clinton will be that fighter in the fall election, but it will be important for Hoosiers to support her this May. He said about 20 percent of the state’s population gets Chicago television – which he called Obama’s networks, as Sen. Barack Obama hails from Illinois. To balance that out, he said other areas of the state, including Fort Wayne and surrounding areas will need to come out strongly for Clinton.

However, those of us listening to The Ed Schultz Show on Air America on Monday afternoon received a completely different message from Mr.McAuliffe. McAuliffe, en route to the Summit City to open the local Clinton campaign office after working his way up the state, made some rather disparaging remarks about our part of the world.

Ed Schultz asked him if he really thought Hillary Clinton could still win at this point, with the math being what it is and all. McAuliffe replied "Ed, I've been driving through Indiana all morning. I would NOT be sitting here in a McDonalds off of I-69, in Fort Wayne of all places, eating a filet-o-fish sandwich if I didn't believe she could win".

Interpret that however you wish, but what I took away from it was that it was a burden for him to be here. Much in the same manner as the Clinton campaign dismissed the importance of all of the 'little states that don't matter" a while back. Mr.McAuliffe, welcome to our small corner of a "little state" that all of a sudden seems to matter. Just for the record, although we ARE forced to endure mainly conservative talk radio on our radios, we do get satellite radio here in podunk as well. . .

So this Obama chap came to town

2008-04-04T17:06:00.002-04:00

I was up before the sun this morning to prepare myself to head to Wayne High School where I was volunteering with the Obama campaign. When we arrived, the sun was still below the horizon and the clouds were sprinkling on us. We each received our credentials and waited - and waited. The Secret Service and Sheriff’s department had to go through the entire school complete with sniffing dogs - I wonder how many Wayne HS students were shitting their pants over things they may or may not have left in their lockers.. We also had to wait fro the TSA to set up the screening stations that everyone had to walk through upon entering the building.

After we finally were inside, I discovered my job was to seat people in the VIP section - hey, I already had a ticket for this section, so I was cool with that. At one point, one of the gentlemen who walked around with little coiled wires coming out of their ears asked me to reserve a couple of seats for his crew - just in case they needed them. Oh boy, talk about being back in High School - now the Federal hall monitors were making me save seats.

Although the event was scheduled to begin at 11:00AM, there was a slight delay. Obama was introduced by Michael Riley, who was the Indiana campaign director for Sen. Robert Kennedy back in 1968. Oddly enough, my first presidential rally was at the ripe age of 13 in Indianapolis - exactly 40 years to the day. It was on that date that Robert Kennedy informed us all that Dr. Martin Luther King had been assassinated, so it was appropriate that the majority of Obama’s speech was about the legacy of Dr. King. And how fortunate for me to have a front row seat at a speech that in no way resembled the other stump speeches the Illinois Senator has given in recent weeks. Today was special.

After his speech, Obama kidded around about being finished, then went on to accept several questions during the town hall style meeting. He handled everything from gun ownership and unions to youth and the environment. The final question came from a youngster who appeared to be around 10 years of age. He wanted to know what inspired Obama to run for president. Obama responded by mentioning Dr. King’s book, “Why We Can’t Wait“. He said there was no time to wait. “Now is the best time.”

Below are two videos - the first is video of the events leading up to Obama’s speech and the second is Obama’s remarks about Dr. King.

All in all it was a very inspiring day.

Bike/Walk about Aboite on April 12th

2008-04-03T20:09:00.002-04:00

New Jill Long-Thompson ad

2008-03-31T19:47:00.001-04:00

Put Indiana Back on Track!