Several years ago, I participated in a gathering of bloggers from across the nation at the Sam Adams Alliance in Chicago. Our gathering, Samsphere as it was called, gave me an opportunity to get to know some really terrific individuals - including Chet Zarko from Michigan.
Sadly, we learned yesterday that Chet had passed away at the age of 39.
Chet was a tireless supporter of transparency in government and was a well-deserved thorn in the side of elected officials who opposed his public records and Freedom of Information Act requests. His latest work, which he believed would set a precedent, was a case before the Michigan Supreme Court against the Michigan Education Association over whether or not e-mails sent by union bosses from school computers discussing union business were "personal communications" and thus exempt from disclosure.
Everyone's money was on Chet.
While fellow bloggers in Ohio will contact me about Ohio public records law, I always turned to Chet when it came to certain strategies or federal FOIA issues. And he was always quick to respond with good advice that proved right every time.
One of the things I enjoyed most about him was his quick wit. He was not only knowledgeable, but fun - combining intelligence and humor in his discussions and comments.
He fought for freedom and individual liberty wherever it was opposed. Michigan - and all of us - are better off because of his work and his efforts on behalf of those principles.
His life was short, but impressive, and full of good deeds. We will miss him very much.
Showing posts with label Sam Adams Alliance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sam Adams Alliance. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
Who are the activists in the Tea Party Movement?
The Sam Adams Alliance, a free-market organization in Chicago, recently published a study that looks at Tea Party activists, who they are, their motivations and future plans.
The report, The Early Adopters, is an insightful examination of the movement, in the words of the people who are involved and leading it.
Part of what they learned:
I hope you'll take the time to read the report and see for yourself how the activists involved in the movement see themselves.
There's also a video!
The report, The Early Adopters, is an insightful examination of the movement, in the words of the people who are involved and leading it.
Part of what they learned:
* A large number are politically involved for the first time. 47 percent of activists surveyed said that they were "uninvolved" or "rarely involved" in politics before their participation in Tea Party groups.
* When asked which issues were "very important" to them, 92 percent said "budget," 85 percent said "economy," and 80 percent said "defense."
* No respondents listed social issues as an "important direction" for the movement.
* 86 percent oppose the formation of a third-party.
* 90 percent cited "to stand up for my beliefs" when characterizing their initial reason for involvement.
* 62 percent identified as Republicans, 28 percent as Independents, 10 percent as "Tea Party"
I hope you'll take the time to read the report and see for yourself how the activists involved in the movement see themselves.
There's also a video!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Health Czar - Interrupted
Something to entertain you (HA!) on a Saturday morning:
After months of Americans happily sacrificing for the Health Administration Bureau, Health Czar O'Brien holds his first press conference, ready to answer the tough questions.
But when an uninvited reporter tries to stump him with a question touting free-market reform*, the bureau's audio/visual team thinks fast and debunks her question with, hands-down, The Best(TM) answer possible.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Election Day Video Contest
I've written about Ballotpedia and I hope you've been able to take advantage of the Ohio Issues page and the listing of endorsements.
Their Voter Integrity Project is hosting an Election Day Contest:
Video promo here
For details on the contest, click here.
Their Voter Integrity Project is hosting an Election Day Contest:
Election Day is fast approaching. With 130 million voters, we can expect potential chaos—including election fraud. Political forces across the ideological spectrum have been documented committing significant vote fraud and voter suppression. These illegal activities effectively negate your vote, along with the voices of countless of other Americans.
For this reason the Sam Adams Alliance has launched a video contest to document this year's election fraud. Working together, we will raise awareness in future elections.
Please spread news about the contest through your networks. Forward this message to former interns, employees, and everyone you know that plans to cast a vote next Tuesday.
Video promo here
For details on the contest, click here.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
John Fund at Samsphere
While I read John Fund's Wall Street Journal column on a regular basis, I'd never seen a photo of him or met him in person - until last night. And he's younger than I thought.
He was the guest speaker for Samsphere 2008 in Chicago last night.
Here are some of his 'words of wisdom':
* Conservatives find themselves in a dilemma as we are badly served by some party leaders who have debased the core principles which got them elected and, in doing so, have alienated the conservative base. Each of us who call ourselves conservatives bear the consequences.
* While conservatives should maintain our intellectual independence and philosophical integrity, we must realize that the way to promote corresponding policies is to win elections. That doesn't mean sacrificing core principles but it does mean building coalitions, focusing on the many things we have in common with others rather than the few differences we may have on specific issues. We need 50% plus one if conservative policies are to be put into place.
* Fund believes (as do many) in the concept of American exceptionalism. America - unlike any other country - is founded upon the principles of liberty and, even with all the changes throughout our history, the country and the common sense voter understands this and will lean toward principles of freedom, liberty, individual responsibility and less government intrusion. When voters are given a clear ideological contrast between choices for president, they will choose the conservative principles of freedom.
* The "left" knows this and so engages in a new strategy: to win the election without having one. Fund presents the idea of early voting and 'depressing the voter' as two aspects of that strategy. The constant inundation of polls and foregone conclusions in the election tends to depress the voter into not caring about anything except, perhaps, the personalities of the candidates. By the time the election rolls around, people are so depressed, they either don't vote or vote based upon who offended or annoyed them the least.
The country doesn't naturally vote with the 'left' and they know this. So, the way to win the battle under these circumstances is to not fight it, but to get their enemy to surrender before it even begins.
He also presents the idea that early voting is designed to 'avoid the contest' by getting people to vote prior to the debates on the issues. Since 1944, (that's 64 years!) democrats have won the popular vote in the country only once and that was in 1964. Even President Jimmy Carter won only 50% of the vote, failing to get that 'plus one.' In most of these races, the Democrat was ahead in the polls, but the final debates swung the vote. But if you've already voted prior to those final debates, when most people are just beginning to pay attention???
* Fund also had kind words about Pres. Ronald Reagan who said that Pres. Carter ran as a moderate but would govern as a liberal - because his base won't let him do anything but. And Reagan was right. We've seen a more recent example with the 2006 Congress, many of whom ran as moderates but are voting as the liberals they are.
* He mentioned the economy, too. Since the Reagan tax cuts, the U.S. economy has seen growth in 95% of the last 100 quarters (two and now possibly a third recession being the exceptions). Things have been good and many younger people today have no recollection or teaching about the failed policies of the left that gave us inflation, gas lines, etc.
* Referencing Reagan again, he said the former president's points are as valid today as they were then. The choice is not a horizontal line between left and right, but rather a choice on a vertical line upward to freedom or down to totalitarianism. And in response to a question from the audience about 'modernizing the message' and 'getting away from Reagan,' Fund said that the way we deliver the message can be modernized, but the message of freedom doesn't need to change as it is still the right one - and the one the American people will choose when given a ideological choice.
*********************
As for Samsphere, itself, I'm surrounded by bloggers from around the country - many of whom have done terrific things within their communities. (see left-hand column for a complete list and links to all their websites)
This is a "new media forum, hosted by the Sam Adams Alliance, where bloggers and e-activists from across the country can gather together to network and share ideas. Samsphere will be specifically geared toward bloggers and e-activists who focus on local and state-level politics, and who are dedicated to the principles of individual freedom and limited government."
I'm honored to be included in such a prestigious group and will post about today's activities and speakers, including one of my favs, Chuck Muth.
He was the guest speaker for Samsphere 2008 in Chicago last night.
Here are some of his 'words of wisdom':
* Conservatives find themselves in a dilemma as we are badly served by some party leaders who have debased the core principles which got them elected and, in doing so, have alienated the conservative base. Each of us who call ourselves conservatives bear the consequences.
* While conservatives should maintain our intellectual independence and philosophical integrity, we must realize that the way to promote corresponding policies is to win elections. That doesn't mean sacrificing core principles but it does mean building coalitions, focusing on the many things we have in common with others rather than the few differences we may have on specific issues. We need 50% plus one if conservative policies are to be put into place.
* Fund believes (as do many) in the concept of American exceptionalism. America - unlike any other country - is founded upon the principles of liberty and, even with all the changes throughout our history, the country and the common sense voter understands this and will lean toward principles of freedom, liberty, individual responsibility and less government intrusion. When voters are given a clear ideological contrast between choices for president, they will choose the conservative principles of freedom.
* The "left" knows this and so engages in a new strategy: to win the election without having one. Fund presents the idea of early voting and 'depressing the voter' as two aspects of that strategy. The constant inundation of polls and foregone conclusions in the election tends to depress the voter into not caring about anything except, perhaps, the personalities of the candidates. By the time the election rolls around, people are so depressed, they either don't vote or vote based upon who offended or annoyed them the least.
The country doesn't naturally vote with the 'left' and they know this. So, the way to win the battle under these circumstances is to not fight it, but to get their enemy to surrender before it even begins.
He also presents the idea that early voting is designed to 'avoid the contest' by getting people to vote prior to the debates on the issues. Since 1944, (that's 64 years!) democrats have won the popular vote in the country only once and that was in 1964. Even President Jimmy Carter won only 50% of the vote, failing to get that 'plus one.' In most of these races, the Democrat was ahead in the polls, but the final debates swung the vote. But if you've already voted prior to those final debates, when most people are just beginning to pay attention???
* Fund also had kind words about Pres. Ronald Reagan who said that Pres. Carter ran as a moderate but would govern as a liberal - because his base won't let him do anything but. And Reagan was right. We've seen a more recent example with the 2006 Congress, many of whom ran as moderates but are voting as the liberals they are.
* He mentioned the economy, too. Since the Reagan tax cuts, the U.S. economy has seen growth in 95% of the last 100 quarters (two and now possibly a third recession being the exceptions). Things have been good and many younger people today have no recollection or teaching about the failed policies of the left that gave us inflation, gas lines, etc.
* Referencing Reagan again, he said the former president's points are as valid today as they were then. The choice is not a horizontal line between left and right, but rather a choice on a vertical line upward to freedom or down to totalitarianism. And in response to a question from the audience about 'modernizing the message' and 'getting away from Reagan,' Fund said that the way we deliver the message can be modernized, but the message of freedom doesn't need to change as it is still the right one - and the one the American people will choose when given a ideological choice.
*********************
As for Samsphere, itself, I'm surrounded by bloggers from around the country - many of whom have done terrific things within their communities. (see left-hand column for a complete list and links to all their websites)
This is a "new media forum, hosted by the Sam Adams Alliance, where bloggers and e-activists from across the country can gather together to network and share ideas. Samsphere will be specifically geared toward bloggers and e-activists who focus on local and state-level politics, and who are dedicated to the principles of individual freedom and limited government."
I'm honored to be included in such a prestigious group and will post about today's activities and speakers, including one of my favs, Chuck Muth.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Samsphere Chicago 2008
The Sam Adams Alliance has decided to host Samsphere Chicago 2008, intended to enable bloggers and e-activists from across the country, who focus on local and state-level politics and who are dedicated to the principles of individual freedom and limited government, to gather together to network and share ideas.
When I was first notified of this event, I thought it was one of those national conferences that would feature hundreds of bloggers...so I responded that I would love to attend if I could arrange it in my schedule.
Then I got the invitation and realized it was a rather limited guest list with some pretty impressive names. Confirmed attendees include: Erick Erickson from Redstate Blog, who was recently named the sixty-ninth most influential conservative in the United States by the London Telegraph; Patrick Ruffini, who was the eCampaign Director at the Republican National Committee and webmaster for Bush-Cheney ‘04; Erik Telford, manager of new media for Americans For Prosperity; and Leslie Carbone, a writer from D.C. whose work has appeared in The Weekly Standard, The American Enterprise and National Review Online.
Oh - and one of my favs, Chuck Muth!
(And then I wondered why I had been invited - but I didn't want to ask and have them realize my invite might have been in error...LOL!)
So, in a couple of weeks, I'm Chicago bound - honored to be included in the group and excited about meeting with such influential and knowledgeable bloggers.
As with any conference, we'll have discussions and speakers (John Fund is already confirmed) and I will, of course, blog from the event to share with you what I learn.
When I was first notified of this event, I thought it was one of those national conferences that would feature hundreds of bloggers...so I responded that I would love to attend if I could arrange it in my schedule.
Then I got the invitation and realized it was a rather limited guest list with some pretty impressive names. Confirmed attendees include: Erick Erickson from Redstate Blog, who was recently named the sixty-ninth most influential conservative in the United States by the London Telegraph; Patrick Ruffini, who was the eCampaign Director at the Republican National Committee and webmaster for Bush-Cheney ‘04; Erik Telford, manager of new media for Americans For Prosperity; and Leslie Carbone, a writer from D.C. whose work has appeared in The Weekly Standard, The American Enterprise and National Review Online.
Oh - and one of my favs, Chuck Muth!
(And then I wondered why I had been invited - but I didn't want to ask and have them realize my invite might have been in error...LOL!)
So, in a couple of weeks, I'm Chicago bound - honored to be included in the group and excited about meeting with such influential and knowledgeable bloggers.
As with any conference, we'll have discussions and speakers (John Fund is already confirmed) and I will, of course, blog from the event to share with you what I learn.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Do recalls equate to fascism?
The Sam Adams Alliance has a daily email of their feature called "Common Sense" written by Paul Jacob. Today's column features a quote by an op-ed writer, Jack Lessenberry (who is also the ombudsman for our Toledo Blade newspaper) about the petition drive to recall Michigan legislators who voted for the recent tax hike in that state.
Here is Lessenberry's original column with the second item, "Political terrorism, Michigan-style:", featuring the quote.
Also, in my search for Lessenberry's original column, I came across this commentary on the issue. While it has some interesting email exchanges between the author and Lessenberry, I find myself agreeing with the following two statements:
"While I have mixed-feelings about recalls generally, there is no question in my mind of the People's right to use them at will..."
"Whether a recall is right should only be judged by whether enough people sign petitions asking for one."
Recalling Mussolini!
October 26, 2007
Leon Drolet and the Michigan Taxpayers Alliance are not very popular . . . with politicians and Lansing insiders.
But they were clear. Michigan taxpayers told legislators they would launch recalls against those who voted to push big tax increases against citizens.
So, after legislators did hike taxes, what could they expect?
The Michigan Taxpayers Alliance is now working with local leaders on recall petitions against those who voted to raise taxes. Recalls have already been filed against six legislators, and MTA promises that ten — five Democrats and five Republicans — will face recall in what the group calls the “first round.”
Citizen action sure can make a difference.
I love seeing voters hold elected officials accountable. Some folks? Not so much. Remember all the moaning by insiders over the recall of California Governor Gray Davis? Today, in Michigan, there’s even more hysteria.
In Detroit’s Metro Times, Jack Lessenberry impugns the recalls as “a form of fascism.” He compares recall to “When Benito Mussolini . . . [and] his Blackshirts used to intimidate and kill members of Parliament. . . .”
Amazing! Petitioning one’s government for a vote of the people to determine who will represent those people gets equated with political death squads murdering their opponents in cold blood. Who’d think that?
Someone without a good argument. Get a grip, Mr. Lessenberry.
This is Common Sense. I’m Paul Jacob.
Here is Lessenberry's original column with the second item, "Political terrorism, Michigan-style:", featuring the quote.
Also, in my search for Lessenberry's original column, I came across this commentary on the issue. While it has some interesting email exchanges between the author and Lessenberry, I find myself agreeing with the following two statements:
"While I have mixed-feelings about recalls generally, there is no question in my mind of the People's right to use them at will..."
"Whether a recall is right should only be judged by whether enough people sign petitions asking for one."
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