Tom Bevan of Real Clear Politics asks, Will Feingold Get Swept Away by GOP Wave? I don’t know if Senator Feingold will be re-elected; I do know that his possible defeat should leave libertarians with mixed feelings. For although we oppose campaign finance restrictions and a big (spending) government, in many other ways Senator Feingold…
Politics
Elkhorn, Politics
Walworth County Board Wisely Rejects Expansion Proposal
by JOHN ADAMS •
One sees that the Walworth County Board voted, 8-3, to recommend against an expansion of the board’s size. (The 8-3 vote included all eleven current board numbers.) See, Walworth County Board Opposes Member Increase. This was the right decision — expanding the board because of politicians’ complaints of overwork at a time when too few…
Politics
“Barrett calls on union to drop Viagra lawsuit” — GazetteXtra
by JOHN ADAMS •
Great line: “Barrett says that, if elected governor, he would work to invest more money on education but [instead of money for Viagra] ‘dollars should be devoted to enhance performance in the classroom.’ Emphasis added. That’s just too funny, but it’s good to see that Barrett has (I think) a sense of humor. See, “Barrett…
Politics
Newt Gingrich: The Indispensable Republican – Esquire (Really?)
by JOHN ADAMS •
Republicans can surely do better than Gingrich. At least, one would assume that all the money a major party commands could conjure something better. If he’s truly indispensable, then the GOP’s defining indispensability sharply downward. See, Print – Newt Gingrich: The Indispensable Republican – Esquire.
Economy, Politics
Peggy Noonan: America Is at Risk of Boiling Over – WSJ.com
by JOHN ADAMS •
When the adults of a great nation feel long-term pessimism, it only makes matters worse when those in authority take actions that reveal their detachment from the concerns—even from the essential nature—of their fellow citizens. And it makes those citizens feel powerless. Inner pessimism and powerlessness: That is a dangerous combination. I see Noonan’s point,…
City, Politics
The Grass, Weeds, and Natural Lawn Menace in Whitewater, Wisconsin
by JOHN ADAMS •
Link: http://cityofwhitewater.blip.tv/file/3910060/ Whitewater, Wisconsin held its last Common Council meeting on July 20th. There’s another session tonight, but a part of the last session deserves notice as an example of a dodgy discussion. On the agenda of the last meeting, one finds this item, C-7, nestled in the middle: C-7. Review of and possible direction…
Politics
North Korean football team shamed in six-hour public inquiry over World Cup – Telegraph
by JOHN ADAMS •
The entire squad was forced onto a stage at the People’s Palace of Culture and subjected to criticism from Pak Myong-chol, the sports minister, as 400 government officials, students and journalists watched. The players were subjected to a “grand debate” on July 2 because they failed in their “ideological struggle” to succeed in South Africa,…
Government Spending, Politics
“Milwaukee County Supervisors Sidestep Proposals to Cut Their Own Pensions”
by JOHN ADAMS •
Economy, Government Spending, Politics
Walworth County Sunday on “Time to Open the Roadmap”
by JOHN ADAMS •
Politics
‘Contract on America’ Parody Actually Sounds Pretty Good | Cato @ Liberty
by JOHN ADAMS •
Ilya Shapiro’s right — the Democratic National Committee’s attempt to embarrass Republicans by producing a parody of the 1994 Contract with America actually lists good ideas that many Americans would support. Pretty good, indeed. See for yourself: ‘Contract on America’ Parody Actually Sounds Pretty Good | Cato @ Liberty.
Politics
Wisconsin County Board Sizes
by JOHN ADAMS •
Over at the GazetteXtra.com, Greg Peck asks Should Walworth County Board Expand?. He notes that Dane County’s considering downsizing its county board, at a time that Walworth County officials (some, anyway) are pondering an expansion. (The Walworth County Board was recently downsized, but now some supervisors are complaining about too much work.) Peck’s right to…
Politics
Amity Shlaes: Palin Mama Grizzly Shows Limit of Woman Wisdom
by JOHN ADAMS •
Politics
Update: Republicans Jump Too Quickly: “Baldwin Kept on Ballot After Board Nixes Complaint”
by JOHN ADAMS •
One of the characteristics of life in my small town is that when government makes a mistake, it’s never acknowledged as a mistake. There can’t be mistakes, really, in a place in which noble public servants and visionary leaders, transform the community from a near-utopia to complete utopia. At least, that’s the impression of their…
Politics
Gallup: Congress Ranks Last in Confidence in Institutions
by JOHN ADAMS •
The institution that inspires the most confidence is the military. Congress is the bottom dweller in Gallup’s list of sixteen institutions. Even Health Maintenance Organizations rank (slightly) higher. I’d guess that a Wisconsin version of this ranking would put our legislature at the bottom of a list of state-level institutions. See, Congress Ranks Last in…