I don’t know about anyone else, but I’ve been scared to death recently by the prospect of a Great Depression Two. I’ve found myself waking up an hour early, staring at the ceiling, wondering if all of this could be true. It is more selfish than anything. I don’t want to give up my comfort.I am not going to pretend like I know. I am not going to assign blame. I am not going to interject politics, because this is possibly a moment in America equal to, or bigger, than 9-11. I am comforted by one thought, and I am wondering if you feel the same:Thousands of generations of men and women have fought, struggled, and bled to achieve the freedom and greatness of this country. Our nation was a nation born out of hardship. We have endured hardship, and have survived. If we are to face another hardship, the greatness of the American people will see it through as they always have. We have to be vigilant. We can’t make the mistakes of other countries, and put our faith in politicians, businessmen, or those who promise to release the pain. Cycles in life, economies, and societies cannot be tamed, and we cannot fix what cannot be corrected by man. We have to hang together, or hang separately. We have to honor what societies have worked towards for thousands of years: the freedom to pursue our own life, liberty, and hapiness. It’s written into our social contracts, the Declaration and the Constitution. It says that our freedom and liberty comes something bigger than ourselves. It is a right that we cannot create for ourselves, but also reminds us that it is only US who can take it away. If we aren’t about to suffer a great depression, or total collapse, let’s be thankful for the brush that reminds us that this country isn’t perfect; that we CAN fail as a nation. If we do collapse or suffer hard times, lets keep a watch on those who say they’ll protect us. Those are usually the one’s who take it all from us. Our leader is the Constitution, the Declaration, and the spirit of freedom that is written within.
Friends, I have accepted a job as Executive Director of the Libertarian Party of Indiana. I will be leaving Abdul in the Morning on Friday 10-10-08. It wasn’t an easy decision in the beginning, but after the last two weeks, it’s a no brainer. We have a serious leadership gap in this country, and most Americans no longer trust the people they vote for. For most, including myself, my former party does not stand for what I believe. They say the things I believe, but their votes do not match their words.
I have been a Republican my entire life. I have worked for Republicans on a consistent basis for the past 7 years. I was a Republican until the beginning of this year. The power structure has made it clear that they will decide what is best for party members, and that new (or old) ideas are not open for discussion. So why fight members of my own party when there is already an establish party that aligns with my beliefs? Why fight my party AND the other party? I gave switching parties very serious consideration, because I consider politics, voting, and government a very serious business. We are seeing that currently. I couldn’t ignore the fact that I could find few things that my Libertarian friends believed.
I believe in as much personal and economic as a responsible society can allow. George W. Bush has produced a government that has limited both, and the current Presidential candidate is not much different. My party has left me, and they aren’t too intersted in changing to keep me.
It was a freeing choice. Yes, poll numbers are currently low, and many consider it a wasted vote… But I am tired of throwing away my country to keep power, or to keep the other guys out of office. This has become painfully clear now that Republicans and Democrats have led us to the brink of Socialism and the next Great Depression. These people can no longer be allowed to “solve” our nations problems. Americans have to start voting for what they truly believe, and not for what they know. Are you a Republican or Democrat because that’s what your parents were? Do you truly understand economics? Do you tuly know what Republicans, Democrats, Greens or Libertarians believe?
Voting for the lesser of two evils is no way to run a government.
I will miss the battles with Abdul every morning, and I will miss the enjoyment from hearing that listeners enjoy our show. It has been a life-changing experience, and I am sad to go. But I feel like I am sitting on the side-lines, and I need to get involved. Here is the press release announcing my departure:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Chris Spangle, Former Producer of Abdul in the Morning, Joins Libertarian Party of Indiana as Executive Director
Indianapolis, IN, October 3, 2008 - Chris Spangle, most recently the producer of Abdul in the Morning Show on Newstalk 1430 WXNT Indianapolis has joined the Libertarian Party of Indiana as its Executive Director.
Chris was born in Indiana, and raised in Plainfield, where he currently resides. He attended IUPUI, majoring in History while acting as President of the IUPUI chapter of College Republicans. He has been active in Indiana politics including his work on numerous campaigns. Mr. Spangle joined the Libertarian Party earlier in 2008 and recently said, “America is at a crucial moment. Our government is out of control. Republican and Democrat administrations have irresponsibly led America to the brink of financial ruin and have lost the trust of the American people.”
“In the Libertarian Party I have found a principled organization that promotes both economic and personal freedom. We have a message that can resonate with all Americans and I look forward to strengthening our party,” he added.
Chris will be leaving his post as the producer of Abdul in the Morning Show on Newstalk 1430 WXNT in Indianapolis on October 10, 2008 in order to take on the new role.
Todd Singer, Chairman of the Libertarian Party of Indiana, praised Mr. Spangle by saying, “Chris Spangle brings solid campaign experience from the political work he did while at IUPUI, and unique insights from his time on Abdul in the Morning. His youth, enthusiasm and media experience will be integral to our outreach operations.”
ABOUT THE LPIN The Libertarian Party is the third largest political party in the United States and is rapidly growing. The Libertarian Party believes in and promotes fiscally responsible, non-intrusive government that is administratively competent and socially tolerant.
CONTACT: Todd Singer, Chairman Libertarian Party of Indiana (317) 920-1994 lpinhq@lpin.org
Obama is apparently taking advice from Keith Olbermann these days. At 6:03 in this video, Olbermann implores Obama to start proclaiming ENOUGH, more. Start being angry!
So Obama took his advice, and proclaimed ENOUGH during his piggish press conference today. Go to the 1:45 minute mark.
I don’t mind that his campaign has been one of the most aggressive Democrat Presidential Campaigns. I kind of like it. I don’t like that he always acts as if he is above it. Plus, if Americans are so tired of divisive politics, why are Bill O’Reilly and Hannity and Colmes the most watched news programs on TV?Also, here is a video of the Clintons on Barack Obama. Obama will go to Bill’s Harlem office tomorrow to… well… no one knows. Any speculation?
I am suprised that the party of CHANGE! are reverting to their old ways this close to an important election. Then Abdul posts this:
“Reportedly they met with County Chairman Ed Treacy prior to the Council meeting. According to my sources, Treacy encouraged them to do what they could to slow down the budget process until November in an effort to embarrass Mayor Greg Ballard and the Republicans.”
Hocking the reform and change message for the last 19 months must not have trickled down to the Marion County Democrats. I was expecting a reversal of the failed policies of the past from all Democrats.
I hope good Democrats and Republicans will stop letting politicians get away with this stuff. No matter what your party affiliation, it is time for citizens to stand up and say, “Stop playing games with our money.”
“John McCormack catches this quote from Obama’s high dollar fundraiser at Jon Bon Jovi’s house:
“I hope you guys are up for a fight. I hope you guys are game because I haven’t been putting up with 19 months of airplanes and hotel food and missing my babies and my wife – I didn’t put up for that stuff just to come in second.”
Airplanes? Hotel food? What horrible fate has befallen this noble man. Has one man ever sacrificed so much, for so many?UPDATE from a reader:
What about his kids!?!? What kind of father would be selfish enough to forsake the tender care of his growing daughters to run for the presidency!?!?”
Here is the series from Investor’s Business Daily that every Democrat and Republican should read:Barack Obama has styled himself a centrist, but does his record support that claim?In this series, we examine Senator Obama’s past, his voting record and the people who’ve served as his advisers and mentors over the years. We’ll show how the facts of Obama’s actions and associations reveal a far more left-leaning tilt to his background — and to his politics.
Election ‘08: Democrats’ reintroduction of militant Michelle Obama in Denver was supposed to show her softer side. But it only highlighted a radical part of her resume: Public Allies.
Election ‘08: One of the “lies” Barack Obama says are being told about him is quite true. It involves a staunch admirer of the Soviet Union and its communist society who helped launch Obama’s political career.
Election ‘08: The saying that a man is known by the company he keeps is true of political relationships. In Barack Obama’s case, some of the groups that support him are an indictment of his political orientation.
Election ‘08: Barack Obama’s economic blueprint sounds like one his communist father tried to foist on Kenya 40 years ago, with massive taxes and succor shrouded as “investments.”
Election ‘08: Most Americans revile socialism, yet Barack Obama’s poll numbers remain competitive. One explanation: He’s a longtime disciple of a man whose mission was to teach radicals to disguise their ideology.
Schools: While Obama’s children enjoy the best education money can buy, he wants to deny inner-city children the education change we can believe in — school choice. He prefers cradle-to-diploma collectivist education.
Election ‘08: Barack Obama says Washington shouldn’t just offer apologies for slavery, but also “deeds.” Don’t worry, he says, he’s not talking about direct reparations. Relieved? Don’t be.
Election ‘08: The man who includes being a community organizer on his short resume has a long association with a far-left group that would organize our communities into socialist gulags.
Election ‘08: The mainstream media have finally gotten around to revealing Barack Obama’s early mentor. But they’ve downplayed the mystery man’s communist background.
Election ‘08: Barack Obama the lawyer-organizer could use a crash course in economics. His economic plan’s assumptions, based on long-discredited Marxist theories, are wildly wrongheaded.
Election ‘08: Barack Obama calls it “Universal Voluntary Public Service.” We call it a plan for national involuntary servitude. Kennedy asked us what we could do for our country. Obama has ways to make us volunteer.
Election ‘08: A plan by Barack Obama to redistribute American wealth on a global level is moving forward in the Senate. It follows Marxist theology — from each according to his ability, to each according to his need.
Election ‘08: Before friendly audiences, Barack Obama speaks passionately about something called “economic justice.” He uses the term obliquely, though, speaking in code — socialist code.
Let’s start with Joe Klein explaining to dumb Republicans what a community organizer is (We’ll explain humor to Joe later)…“So here is what Giuliani and Palin didn’t know: Obama was working for a group of churches that were concerned about their parishioners, many of whom had been laid off when the steel mills closed on the south side of Chicago. They hired Obama to help those stunned people recover and get the services they needed–job training, help with housing and so forth–from the local government. It was, dare I say it, the Lord’s work–the sort of mission Jesus preached (as opposed to the war in Iraq, which Palin described as a “task from God.”)”Translation to all of you stupid, conservative bitter clingers: YOU ARE ALL IDIOTS! DON’T YOU UNDERSTAND THAT THE PROLIT… ERR… BLUE COLLAR WORKERS ARE ACTUALLY VERY STUPID? Don’t you hate mongering RE-Pub-Li-Cans understand that these people were 100% dependent on these major corporations to fund their meaningless existences where they just produced the next generation of gas attendants?And let me explain to you something… When those major corporations stop dolling out poor relief, the workers are lost. They stop feeling like Americans. They have no idea what to do… They are like deactivated robots, who need an advocate to activate them again.And then Barack Obama stepped in, and helped them find education. Sure, they could have called Ivy Tech, but how would they find the website WITHOUT HIGH-SPEED INTERNET! THEY CAN’T EVEN GO TO WWW.MONSTERJOBS.COM!!!They had no money for food, which explains why these lost souls never saw the little books filled with ads for apartments. And they couldn’t ask their family for help. Their parents are eating dog food because they need prescription drugs, and the cans take up way too much room! Besides, they had worked in a factory, then they’d go home, and that means they never had any connections or networking skills. Those are skills you can only learn in College! WHICH IS SOMETHING THEY COULDN’T FIND! WHICH IS WHY THEY COULDN’T GO TO COLLEGE! WHICH IS WHY THEY CAN’T MAKE MONEY! WHICH IS WHY THEY ARE POOR! WHICH MEANS THEY ARE DUMB! WHICH IS WHY THEY NEEDED HELP!CONSERVATIVES! STOP THE CLASS WARFARE! You’re so dumb. You all must be from Alaska.
The best event in Indy has set it’s monthly date for TONIGHT! We will be on the deck at Rick’s Cafe Boatyard on Eagle Creek Resevoir from 5 to 8 PM. They have fantastic food, a great view of the resevoir, and Corona Beers and Milagro Top Shelf Tequila and Corona Beer will provide drink specials.
It is like a meet-up group meets a Rainmakers networking event meets a barbeque on your back patio with friends. At this event last year, we had over 100 friends of the station come and mingle. We’ll be inside if it is sprinkling.
You shouldn’t say the following things if you are drunk, a City-County Councilor, and have just said, “Do you know who I am!??!”: The following is a summary of the police report. You can verify this by reading the police report here. (Not edited for language. Names of other suspects, DOB, Addresses, and other sensitive information edited out.)
Three IMPD officers have arrived at a west side residence. They see Doris Minton-McNeil in the front yard.
”I’ve got a pedophile in my house, and I just want him out! You need to go in and get him out!” McNeil yelled. Before entering a house to arrest someone that had a knife, the police wisely wanted to know whom they were chasing. The Councilor became indignant.
“That Mother F^&ker is a pedophile, and I called him out on it! And he got a knife, and he tried to cut me!” She then approached one of the officers, who had not yet spoken to her.
“You are an arrogant Mother F&%ker, and so is he,” McNeil yelled. She walked to another officer and stated, “I’ll talk to him, because he’s the only one not being arrogant.” The officer pressed her for more information on the pedophile. She started yelling again.
“You’re arrogant, and I don’t like you. You ain’t here to help me. You are a racist Mother F%$ker like all the rest!” She then asked, “What district are you from?!” She began asking for their Major, or Commanding Officer. They then searched the house, finding no one. They asked her where he was, and she yelled again.
“You Mother F%$kers are going to get this guy out of my house!” They continued wandering through the house, and she kept asking about their superiors. The officers could not find anyone. Without provocation, McNeil started yelling angrily again.
“You guys are a bunch of racist Mother F%$kers! You ain’t here to help!” Councilor McNeil wandered to the back of the house, while the officers were in the front of the house. She began yelling, so the officers ran back to check on her. When they reached her, she was fine. She was fumbling around with her City-Council business cards. She tried to give them to the officers. She became irate when the officers refused the cards. McNeil pushed the first officer in the chest that had refused her card. The officer (Officer Emily Perkins) fell, and hit her hand on the side of the house. The other two officers ran to Officer Perkin’s assistance. McNeil was ordered to put her hands behind her back.
“No! You can’t arrest me! I’m on the City-County Council.” McNeil began to yell out the names of city officials that the officers needed to contact. (Wouldn’t you love to hear that list? Leave guesses in the comments.) McNeil resisted being cuffed. She twisted her body, and moved her arms, to avoid being cuffed.
“All the white officers on this f%$kin department are racists!” McNeill yelled. “I’m not going to be arrested.” She then tried to break free again, causing her to be put in wrist restraints. She continued to yell about various city officials that should be contact. The officer assured her that their supervisors were on the way.
The officers smelled booze. Asked if she had been drinking, she replied, “I haven’t been drinking, I’ve only had two margaritas.” She asked to take a breath test. When the officer presented her with the test, she changed her mind.
“I changed my mind. I ain’t taking no test cause I ain’t drunk. “
She was loaded in to the wagon, and taken to lock-up. The report says that when she was taken out of the wagon, she “had urinated in her pants, and in the wagon.”
–30-
After reading this, is there any way that she can continue on the council? A lesson for all of those in public service: You are here to serve the public. We are not here to serve you, and you are not superior to those you serve.
Read the Police report here (Not edited for language. Names of other suspects, DOB, Addresses, and other sensitive information edited out.):
Ran into Dr. Woody Meyers. He is a delegate. His only future Political plans were to come into the convention and vote as a delegate.
Spoke to Congressman Joe Donelly. He had no public comment on Tony Zirkle… Hear that interview Monday.
We are in the Marriott. The room here is much smaller then the large hall the GOP had for their convention. Lunchtime is nearing an end, and folks are streaming into the hall. The crowd is a lot smaller then I figured it would be. It is also much youger then the GOP. Average age of attendee is 45. The GOP convention: 60. There are many more young people here then at the GOP convention.
I am sitting next to Amos. He wants to know who in the world would marry Abdul?! lol
About 1,000 delegates are here for the convention. I believe that is on par with the GOP, altough it does not look it.
1:30 PM
I thought Democrats had all this enthusiasm and energy. This is like sitting at a boring lecture. Maybe it will hit when Jill speaks around 3.
Andre Carson spoke. We won’t have that due to a mult-box issue. I promise that this time, it was not my fault, lol.
The organization here is weak. Twice in 15 minutes, people were called to speak, and they never showed up. People, pay attention!
The Democrats have officially nominated Richard Wood for Superintendent for Public Instruction. His slogan is “Experience, Dedication, and Results.” He is proud to be a party that looks to the future with vision and courage. At the end, the entire 8th district did not stand for Wood. There was a standing applause in the middle of the room (Districts 9, 2, 3, and 1.) The other districts (7, 4, 6 and 8 ) did not stand. Laziness or is there a meaning to this?
Wood had a power point slide show. Linda Pence has a video detailing how smart she is, and her accomplishments. It started with her fighting Shell Oil on behalf of a small town gas station owner. I think it’s clear they think they can win that race, and will pump a lot of money into it. Maybe they think the GOP will neglect Zoeller because he is not the “chosen” candidate.
More disorganization. Instead of bringing Pence right up after the video, and carrying on momentum, they went to a Louis Armstrong song, and then the chairman cam up and talked about how great life is. Then he finally announced Pam Carter, after a long speech on how long he’s know Pam Carter. Pam Carter was the first African-American and Female to be elected Attorney General.
Pam Carter forgot to nominate Carter, but the Chairman of the convention (Sherrif Dominguez from Lake County) quickly stepped up and officially nominated her.
Pence walked out to the theme of Law and Order. Andre Carson walked out to Stronger by Kanye.
2 PM Update
No mentions of Mitch, Bush or Cheney yet. You’d think in an hour, there would be more GOP hate-mongering.
About 1/4 of the room did not stand and cheer for Pence. Three-Quarters did not stand and cheer for Bauer. Where is the energy, people?
Bauer is the first person to hit Mitch Daniels. “Four years ago, a dark cloud came over Indiana. THEY SOLD OUR TOLL ROAD! I like Australians. I love Kangaroo Dundee. I just don’t want them to have our money.”
Bauer says Mitch raised property taxes a Billion Dollars. Bauer was apparently there to nominate Oxley. That was not expressed. Oxley had 3/4 of the room stand and cheer for him. He came out to Mellencamp’s Small Town.
Oxley thanked Bauer, and called him a “close confident.” I wonder how he spells “potato?” He also says Hoosier incorrectly. He says, “Whooysher.”
Oxley hit Mitch. He might be the heavy in the campaign. He went on with a list of Mitch Daniels uaccomplishments. One that stood out was that many Whooyshers die because Mitch Daniels doesn’t care about them, and does not give them health insurance. He made fun of the island in a sea of despair commercial by saying Mitch is on “Fantasy Island.” While speaking, someone in the crowd yelled out, “Privative Mitch!” That got a healthy laugh.
2:40 PM Update. Convention on time, to the suprise of the IDNC staff.)
JLT video is running. BATHROOM BREAK! Birch Bayh received the biggest applause pop, until Evan came on-screen. No sighting of Evan Bayh, Brad Ellsworth, Bart Peterson, Andy Jacobs, Frank Anderson or Baron Hill yet. They may be here, but will not speak and I have not seen them.
JLT is right in front of me, waiting to walk up the center aisle. She is taking a lof of deep breaths, and looks nervous. I don’t blame her. The crowds are more energetic with the sight of JLT, but the level is not the same as it was for Mitch. It is not as intense as the Obama crowd at Plainfield, or the crowd at Ben Davis for Hillary.
JLT is clearly standing on a box. (Mitch, while JLT’s same height, did not.)
None of the speakers, with the exception of Bauer, is particulary energetic. The crowds politely clap. The speeches are clearly memorized and rehearsed.
There are almost no mentions of Obama, Bush or McCain. This is clearly a convention focused on Change in the Governor’s Mansion. JLT only mentioned Mitch once in her speech, with a few slight digs. Her speech was focused on her strengths. The words “fighter” and “change” were mentioned a million times.
She says she will get our economy moving again. ? She will give tax breaks to companys WITH health insurance benefits. No more free rides under JLT when it comes to business. Indiana will also become a national leader in the Green economy. She will also “stop the Daniels obsession with privatization.” She also told the crowd how much she loves them. The entire crowd went, “Awww.” I felt like I was at Sex in the City!”
This speeach, which can be heard on A.I.M. on Monday or podcast, is one of the most uninspired speeches I have ever heard. I am so bored. She could not be more droll or monotone. She has no central message. It is just the standard platform that Democrats ALWAYS bring foreward. There is talk of change and progress, but then she offers up the same ideas that O’Bannon and Kernan brought forward! How do the 1,000 delegates here not see that? She even walked off stage to Tom Petty’s “Won’t Back Down!”
As soon as she was done speaking, people headed for the door. Many didn’t stay for the balloon drop.
Hear that interview Monday.