Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Tough Decisions

Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland has had to make some tough decisions during this recession.

Examiner.com:

Forced to make a decision he has tried to avoid since coming to office in 2006, Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland announced Wednesday that he wants to end the final year of a five-year, phased-in reduction in personal income taxes to replace money already budgeted for education that he and other lawmakers had expected to come from placing thousands of video slot machines at each of the state's seven horseracing tracks, a plan now stalled when the Supreme Court of Ohio ruled last week that it is subject to referendum.

Final year of income tax reduction plan frozen

Under the proposal Strickland announced today, which would require legislative approval, the income tax would increase by 4.2 percent starting Jan. 1, the same amount of the tax cut for this year that was part of a five-year, 21 percent cut approved by a Republican-controlled General Assembly in 2005.....

....Commenting on the governor's decision, Ohio State President E. Gordon Gee said he agreed with the decision. "I applaud Governor Strickland's proposal to balance the state budget by postponing a planned income tax reduction." With this move, he said, "the governor is taking decisive, responsible action to meet a significant projected budget shortfall. I am hopeful that members of the General Assembly will give prompt and serious consideration to this approach." Gee and The Ohio State University would likely have had to increase tuition had funding for education been impacted severely.....

Strickland had a courageous move to make. With the state income tax staying at the same rate, people will not be forced to pay higher taxes. If the measure would pass, that would help make up the state's expected deficit. It just makes sense.


Tuesday, September 29, 2009

The Beat Goes On...

> My husband and I buy and read books - lots of books. However, I can promise you that we will not be reading Sarah Palin's book. Signonsandiego.com:

One San Diegan knows all the details of Sarah Palin's soon-to-be released memoir, but don't ask her about it. She can't tell.

Lynn Vincent, Palin's ghostwriter, has signed a non-disclosure agreement. She has been hard at work on the book for the past few months with Palin, the former Alaska governor and John McCain's running mate.

So quick did their writing progress that the publisher announced yesterday that the 400-page memoir's release date, originally scheduled for spring, has been moved up to Nov. 17, with an e-book version following on Dec. 26.....


What does it say about writing that finishes early?

*** It appears that those who are against a woman's reproductive freedom are doing their part to continue to restrict a woman's choice in health insurance. New York Times:

....Abortion opponents in both the House and the Senate are seeking to block the millions of middle- and lower-income people who might receive federal insurance subsidies to help them buy health coverage from using the money on plans that cover abortion. And the abortion opponents are getting enough support from moderate Democrats that both sides say the outcome is too close to call. Opponents of abortion cite as precedent a 30-year-old ban on the use of taxpayer money to pay for elective abortions.

Abortion-rights supporters say such a restriction would all but eliminate from the marketplace private plans that cover the procedure, pushing women who have such coverage to give it up. Nearly half of those with employer-sponsored health plans now have policies that cover abortion, according to a study by the Kaiser Family Foundation....

Why can't conservatives stay out of a woman's personal choices?

* The Hill throws some reality into the faces of Republicans:

Republicans have touted 2010 as their comeback year, but the GOP lacks one key ingredient that could turn a good election night into a great one: open seats to win.

In the last three “wave elections,” the party that lost a large number of seats has been hampered by incumbents not running for reelection. But so far in the 2010 cycle, not a single House member has announced his or her retirement, though 18 — seven Democrats and 11 Republicans — have said they will run for higher office....

Republicans should not count their chickens before they hatch.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Creepy

If you're a woman like me and you've been following the Governor's race in Virginia, you probably have reached the same conclusion I have: Republican Bob McDonnell is creepy. Why would I say this?


A recent story in in the Washington Post details some info that McDonnell wrote about in his thesis at Pat Roberson Regent University. Is McDonnell interested in turning back the clock on working women, women's rights, and reproductive choice? He said he was against birth control for married couples!!!??

The Political Wire has these tidbits:

The Washington Post digs up a master's thesis written by Virginia gubernatorial candidate Robert McDonnell (R) in which he described working women and feminists as "detrimental" to the family.

McDonnell also said government policy should favor married couples over "cohabitators, homosexuals or fornicators." And he described as "illogical" a 1972 Supreme Court decision legalizing the use of contraception by unmarried couples.....

Wow! McDonnell must think the year is 1709 instead of 2009! What kind of backward-thinking person is McDonnell?


A picture tells it all (source: Who is the Real Bob McDonnell?):




Seriously, if this guy is endorsed by George Allen and Fred
Thompson, I'd stay away. We are known by the company we keep.




Virginia has been very progressive and I'd hate to see it turn back the clock because of some ancient, long held beliefs of Bob McDonnell. Is Virginia ready to move in that direction?

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Just My Opinion

With the recent story about a mix up involving a woman who had the wrong embryo implanted in her womb, it just brings to light the heartbreak that many people experience. The woman, according to the Toledo Blade, gave birth to the baby and gave the child to the biological parents.

The costs of IVF (Invitro Fertilization) puts it out of the reach of many couples. It is easier and less painful to adopt. Our two daughters were adopted as infants and today they are beautiful young women. Adoption is a perfect solution for those couples experiencing infertility. Sometimes, your own pregnancy was just not meant to be. For us, adoption helped us have a family.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Serious Concerns

* The Dayton Daily News has the story about a recent death that can be attributed to a young person who did not have health insurance:

Friends say the Miami University graduate who died this week after reportedly suffering from swine flu delayed getting medical treatment because she did not have health insurance.

News of Kimberly Young’s death Wednesday, Sept. 23, came as a shock to those who knew the vibrant 22-year-old who was working at least two jobs in Oxford after graduating with a double major in December 2008.

Young became ill about two weeks ago, but didn’t seek care initially because she didn’t have health insurance and was worried about the cost, according to Brent Mowery, her friend and former roommate.....

This is so sad. A young woman with so much promise loses her life because she doesn't have insurance.

*** Raw Story has a story about a controversy surrounding Chuck Norris and the American flag:

...Action flick star and conservative activist Chuck Norris seems an unlikely person to promote the desecration of the American flag, but in a recent comment piece he penned, he may have done just that.

In an article published earlier this week at the conservative news site WorldNetDaily, Norris suggested that supporters of the Tea Party movement find historical flags, such as the 13-star Betsy Ross flag, to fly in front of their homes as a symbol of opposition to the policies of the current government....

Does Chuck Norris suggest that people should desecrate the American flag? What is he thinking?


Thursday, September 24, 2009

Tsk. Tsk. Tsk.

Republican Rep. Eric Cantor is whining again.

MSNBC.com:

...Cantor said, "Health care in this building has made it so that it seems we can't get anything else done. We have burning issues out there in this country. First and foremost, Americans want to see job security return; they want to see economic security return. Somehow, they are unable to deliver on that because of the intransigence on the majority's part on even discussing on ways for us to agree on health care...."

What would Cantor have elected officials do? It has been very obvious that Cantor, Boehner, and the rest of the GOP refuse to move ahead on anything except to add "NO!" to nearly every single bill that comes up for a vote. Cantor and Boehner might be bored with talk about health care reform and the public option because they already enjoy health insurance. Their selfish attitude is evident in their lack of compassion for those who are going without insurance or medical attention.

Here is further evidence that Republican Rep. Eric Cantor just doesn't care about regular Americans---
> January 9, 2009, Cantor voted against the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 (Roll Call Vote 9).
> January 14, 2009, Cantor voted against the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (Roll Call Vote 16).
> March 5, 2009, Cantor voted against Helping Families Save Their Homes Act of 2009 (Roll Call Vote 104).
> May 21, 2009, Cantor voted against the FAA Reauthorization Act ...to improve aviation safety and capacity, to provide stable funding for the national aviation system.... on Roll Call Vote 291.
> July 20, 2009, Cantor voted against the Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009(Roll Call Vote 680).

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Keeping Track

* According to the Clerk of the House, Rep. Mary Jo Kilroy (OH-15) joined 330 other members of the House of Representatives to vote for the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2009. However, Republican Reps. John Boehner and Bob Latta voted against it (see Roll Call Vote 722).

* With Republican Jon Husted declared a non-resident of Kettering, Ohio, by Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner, how can he run for Ohio Sec. of State? If he can't substantiate his own residence, how can he question voters on their residency? He has no credibility.

* Here is something from the past that may come to haunt a Republican candidate----
Daily Kos (6/2/2005):

....In 2004, Ohio's central "Coingate" figure Tom Noe served as campaign manager for Judith Ann Lanzinger's successful run for Supreme Court Justice. After Noe and his wife had given the maximum-allowable $2,500 each, Vintage Coin partner Timothy LaPointe and executive assistant Susan Metzger donated a generous total of $3,750 at a fundraising event.....

Pictured below: Republican candidate for Ohio Supreme Court Judith Ann Lanzinger and Tom "Coingate" Noe.
Image Hosted by ImageShack.usPicture from Daily Kos

Tom "Coingate" Noe might still be in prison, but his past work lives on.

Here is a more recent picture of Noe from the New York Times (11/21/06) at his sentencing:

.....Mr. Noe was convicted of theft, corrupt activity and other offenses last week, and faced a minimum of 10 years in prison on the corrupt-activity charge alone.....



Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Staying Busy

Rep. Mary Jo Kilroy (OH-15) has been very busy putting together legislation to help the unemployed.
Dispatch:

The U.S. House of Representatives agreed to an amendment last week sponsored by Rep. Mary Jo Kilroy, D-Columbus, that could provide a boost to laid-off workers seeking scholarships for retraining at schools such as Columbus State Community College.

The amendment, agreed to by both Democrats and Republicans and folded into an education measure, would give community colleges that already offer programs for laid-off workers a better chance at winning federal education grants.

Aides to Kilroy cited a program at Columbus State where school officials provide a scholarship worth as much as $3,500 to students who are 25 or older and do not have a college degree. The scholarships allow the students to train for a new career.....

Kilroy and the Democrats are working to help everyone. The Republicans continue to restrict their vocabulary to the word, "NO!"

>>>> It appears that David Letterman has been getting some VIPs on his show. Last night he was visited by President Obama. LeBron James and former President Bill Clinton will be on the David Letterman Show tonight.

Monday, September 21, 2009

A Rainy Monday in Columbus

* Don't forget to watch President Obama on the David Letterman Show tonight!!!!!!

* Talk in Ohio seems to favor putting casinos in the state. Many Ohioans have expressed the support for casinos as a way to add new jobs and attract tourists to the state.

* Did you happen to catch the Emmy Awards last night? I watched part of it, but it was tooooooo slow and there were tooooooo many commercials.

* My heart goes out to Elizabeth Edwards, wife of John Edwards, with the continued story about her husband's possible child. Mrs. Edwards has had to endure painful cancer treatments and concern about her own children. It just breaks my heart every single time I see her on TV.

* Oklahoma must be sooooooooooo proud of some recent findings about their educational system.
News 9 of Oklahoma City:

Only one in four Oklahoma public high school students can name the first President of the United States, according to a survey released today.

The survey was commissioned by the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs in observance of Constitution Day on Thursday.....

Is this the reason why Oklahoma votes primarily Republican?

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Thursday's Notes

* The New York Times is reporting that Mary Travers has passed away. Mary Travers was part of the group, Peter, Paul, & Mary. Together they provided music and inspiration for many of us beginning in the 60's. My husband and I saw Peter, Paul, & Mary in concert several times and found them always fresh and wonderful. To her family and friends, I offer my sympathy. You can read her New York Times obituary here.

* Why does anyone, especially MSNBC still have right winger Pat Buchanan as some kind of political analyst? The man is anti-minority, anti-immigrant, and I have to turn him off as soon as he opens his mouth. Yuck!

* Sen. Baucus announced his bipartisan health care plan. The Republicans who worked on the plan had no intention of supporting anything that was created. So far, the entire, super secret, bipartisan, health care focused committee appears to have been a complete time waster. The Republicans "punked" Baucus into believing that they'd support his bill.

* Public Policy Polling is reporting:
Barack Obama's approval rating is only 45% with likely voters for this fall in New Jersey. Also, 8% of respondents think he is the Anti-Christ.....

I'd like to know exactly who those 8% are so that I can check their level of intelligence.

* The Dispatch is reporting the results of a new Quinnipiac Poll. Here are a few excerpts:

....Yet Ohioans trust Obama far more on handling health care than the GOP members of Congress. In fact, more see the Republican role as wanting Obama to fail rather than playing a constructive role in the debate....

....Overall, the president's job-approval rating in Ohio has rebounded to 53 percent from 49 percent in the university's July poll. And approval for his handling of the economy is back on the plus side by 2 points, up a bit from the negative 2 in the earlier survey.

Democrats still hold the upper hand in the race to succeed U.S. Sen. George V. Voinovich, a two-term Republican retiring next year. Both Democrats in the contest, Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher and Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner, top Republican former Congressman Rob Portman and Cleveland-area car dealer Tom Ganley in possible general-election matchups....

While the Ohio GOP continues to play their same old games, it appears that Ohioans still favor Democrats over Republicans.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Joe Wilson and the Rest of the Republicans

Washington Post:

After an hour of debate, the lawmakers approved a resolution, 240-179, that said "be it resolved, that the House of Representatives disapproves of the behavior of the Representative from South Carolina, Mr. Wilson."

To see how your member of Congress voted on this resolution, check the Roll Call # 699.

* Former President Jimmy Carter has expressed an opinion in an interview with NBC's Brian Williams. MSNBC.com has the story:

....former Democratic President Jimmy Carter attributed much of the conservative opposition that President Obama is receiving to the issue of race.

"I think an overwhelming portion of the intensely demonstrated animosity toward President Barack Obama is based on the fact that he is a black man," Carter said. "I live in the South, and I've seen the South come a long way, and I've seen the rest of the country that share the South's attitude toward minority groups at that time, particularly African Americans."

Carter continued, "And that racism inclination still exists. And I think it's bubbled up to the surface because of the belief among many white people, not just in the South but around the country, that African-Americans are not qualified to lead this great country. It's an abominable circumstance, and it grieves me and concerns me very deeply."

I agree with Jimmy Carter. I believe that too many Republicans are racists and that is why they've created their major opposition to everything President Obama has proposed.

Tuesday's Notes

* I want to offer my condolences to the family and friends of Patrick Swayze. I've watched the movie Dirty Dancing many, many, many times and it will always be a favorite.

>>> Note to Democrats----- Forget bipartisanship, just pass a health care reform bill with a public option!!!!! Republicans don't care and won't support anything.

Raw Story:

According to a new book -- excerpts of which are to be published in the next issue of GQ Magazine and detailed Tuesday -- former President George W. Bush was incredulous upon learning that Sen. John McCain was having trouble drawing a crowd and called his campaign a "five-spiral crash."

....Bush also is quoted as saying Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin was "being put into a position she is not even remotely prepared for" after McCain announced her as his vice presidential running mate.

“I’m trying to remember if I’ve met her before. I’m sure I must have.” His eyes twinkled, then he asked, “What is she, the governor of Guam?”......

It is amazing to see the Republican love fest on display.

Monday, September 14, 2009

The Crazy Right

> Gee. The teabaggers had approximately 20,000 marchers on Saturday in Washington, DC.
TrueSlant has more on the "Million Moron March" with pictures!!!! And, Rick Unger at True Slant indicates even more about Glenn Beck's marchers:

Let me put it this way -

Official attendance count at the Ohio State-USC football game – 105,000+.

Unofficial attendance count for Beck’s 9-12 protest event – under 25,000....

At least we know that intelligent people stayed away from the Beck lovefest. I was at the Ohio State-USC football game, and there were over 106,000 people in attendance at Ohio Stadium.


> Rick Santorum, former right wing U.S. Senator, is thinking about a run for the White House, according to Raw Story:

....Speaking to a gathering of Catholic leaders in Orlando, Florida, on Friday night, Santorum said that, as recently as six months ago, when President Barack Obama was riding high in the polls, he wouldn't have contemplated a run -- but the political environment has changed.

"I hate to be calculating, but I see that 2012 is not just throwing somebody out to be eaten, but it's a real opportunity for success," he told the crowd, according to LifeSiteNews.com.

The news site also reported that Santorum had "asked for prayers" for his 2012 run.....

Oh. I guess we'll have plenty of info on him. Does he still own that empty house in Pennsylvania that he claimed as his "residence" when he actually lived in Virginia?

Friday, September 11, 2009

Do it now!

* Make sure you stop over at ACT Blue and leave a contribution for Democrat Rob Miller, candidate for South Carolina's second district. (Miller is running against the infamous Republican Rep. Addison "Joe" Wilson.) Nearly one million dollars has been contribute to Miller's campaign through ACT Blue. Go ahead and put in a few bucks at http://www.actblue.com/entity/fundraisers/19079

Don't forget!

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Republicans Are Racists

You've really got to hand it to the Republicans. They are totally classless and liars. First, the Republicans had "town hall meetings" where their supporters repeated more Republican lies about health care reform. We know that "death panels," government paid abortions, forced sex change operations, and illegal immigrants getting free government health care are all LIES promoted by Republicans.

Now we have evidence that Republicans also disrespect the President. With Republican Rep. Addison "Joe" Wilson (SC-R) calling the President a liar, I think we have clear evidence that Wilson was grossly disrespectful. Is it because President Obama is more intelligent than they are? Yes. Is it because his election brought real change to Washington, DC? Yes. The primary reason that Republicans are disrespectful to President Obama is because he is African-American. The Republicans are racists.

The Chicago Tribune is reporting that Republican Rep. John Shimkus walked out of the President's speech before it was over. Shimkus can be and should be contacted at--- Phone: (202) 225-5271,
Fax: (202) 225-5880, Phone: (217) 492-5090, Phone: (618) 532-9676, Phone: (618) 344-3065, Phone: (618) 392-7737, Phone: (618) 252-8271.

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

Now Is the Time to Fix Health Care

My observations during President Obama's speech---

* Republican Rep. John Boehner seems to still be chewing on his dinner.

* President Obama said it will be against the law for insurance companies to drop your coverage because you got sick. "No one should go broke because they got sick."

* President just said something nice about a proposal from John McCain.

* Another picture of Boehner..... he looks like he has acid indigestion.

* Sen. Olympia Snowe looks happy.

* President addresses key controversies-----
"death panels" are lies, pure and simple. (at this point, few Republicans are clapping)

* Someone on the Republican side just yelled out at the President when he said illegal immigrants would not be covered. (NOTE: Republican Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina has been identified as the person who yelled, "You lie!" You can contact Wilson at---- FAX: 202-225-2455, (803) 939-0041, (843)521-2530, (202) 225-2452)

* President said to keep public option for those who don't have insurance and all the Dems stood and applauded and the Republicans remained seated and looked grumpy. So what else is new?

* President said Republicans should work together but some GOPers are acting like third graders while holding up some papers.

* President said that no government or insurance bureaucrat would get between you and the care you need.

* Yea! President said reason there is a deficit is because of the Iraq War.

* President Obama said he will protect Medicare. Just saw Republican Reps. Tiberi and LaTourette not clapping, just shaking their heads.

* President just said that his health plan will cost less than the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, and less than the tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. He said he will not waste time with those who say it is better to kill the plan than to approve it. He will not accept the status quo as the solution.

* The President talked about a letter he was given after the death of Sen. Ted Kennedy. Sen. Kennedy reminded the President that health care was a moral imperative.

* President said, "We came here not to fear the future, but to shape it."

Just talked to my 86 year old mother and she gave President Obama's speech an "A+."

Right now some Republican guy is talking but we switched the channel because we don't want to hear his remarks. (My husband said he doesn't want to watch people like him.) Now we are watching some HGTV which is much better than listening to something from the party of "NO!!"

Health care reform is a moral imperative.

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Bogus Warnings from the Right

The radical right, which seems to be the entire Republican Party, had themselves all concerned about President Obama's speech to school students. The right wasted their time and energy on creating a bunch of hoopla that was completely unnecessary. President Obama's speech was enlightening, intelligent, and inspirational. It was just what many students need to keep their focus on studying, setting goals, and staying in school.

The President told students to work hard in school because our country is depending on their success to make things better. How wonderful! He talked about personal responsibility. OMG! Awesome!

The recent tactics used by Republicans will not help them attract new people to their party. Their words and actions just get their base to follow them. Independent and Democratic voters have been turned off by the GOP, the teabaggers, the "birthers," and the "deathers." With nothing to offer but conspiracy theories and the same old ideas, people are getting sick of the Republicans.

Monday, September 07, 2009

Worth Seeing and Reading

I've just read President Obama's prepared remarks for tomorrow. His speech is posted at the White House website. Here are a few excerpts from the President's speech:

....no matter what you want to do with your life – I guarantee that you’ll need an education to do it. You want to be a doctor, or a teacher, or a police officer? You want to be a nurse or an architect, a lawyer or a member of our military? You’re going to need a good education for every single one of those careers. You can’t drop out of school and just drop into a good job. You’ve got to work for it and train for it and learn for it.....

....So today, I want to ask you, what’s your contribution going to be? What problems are you going to solve? What discoveries will you make? What will a president who comes here in twenty or fifty or one hundred years say about what all of you did for this country?

Your families, your teachers, and I are doing everything we can to make sure you have the education you need to answer these questions. I’m working hard to fix up your classrooms and get you the books, equipment and computers you need to learn. But you’ve got to do your part too. So I expect you to get serious this year. I expect you to put your best effort into everything you do. I expect great things from each of you. So don’t let us down – don’t let your family or your country or yourself down. Make us all proud. I know you can do it.....

The President's remarks are very good and will indeed inspire students to work harder in school. It makes you wonder why some parents are objecting to the President's words. Is it just an excuse for their racism?

Sunday, September 06, 2009

Sen. Franken Explains

Filling in for Rachel Maddow, Ana Marie Cox, explained how Sen. Al Franken's conversations about health care reform could get more attention:

Friday, September 04, 2009

Stay Stupid, Republicans!

Jonathan Alter of Newsweek said this evening that according to statistical analysis of the past election, the Republican Party is becoming older, whiter, more Southern, and "stupider." Seriously. Alter went on to say that the Democratic Party has more highly educated people than the Republican Party.

The recent right wing outrage is that President Obama will address school children on Tuesday. Some right wing Republicans do not want their children to listen to the President's message of studying, setting education goals, and staying in school. Obviously, being educated must be against the Republican agenda. They must like their party members dumb and uneducated.

* If you need some facts about health care reform, check out Facts about Reform for a full explanation.

* I'm watching a replay of Glenn Beck attacking Rockefellar Center. Glenn Beck works in one of the Rockefellar Center buildings, but he seems oblivious to this. Beck has lost over 50 sponsors because of his irrational blabbering and attacks on the President.

**** This just in from the Dayton Daily News:

Another round in the fight over whether state Sen. Jon Husted really lives in Kettering played out in the Ohio Supreme Court on Friday, Sept. 4, when Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner filed her response to Husted’s lawsuit.....

....on Friday, Brunner responded to the suit by denying most of the allegations Husted made in the 48-page complaint. And on the crucial allegation — that he has lived in Ketttering for the last 15 years — Brunner said she doesn’t have sufficient information to form a belief as to the truth of that.....

....Brunner spokesman Jeff Ortega said Brunner is now waiting for direction from the court before deciding the matter.

I'm not a lawyer, but I think it means that Husted hasn't proved he lives in Kettering.

Wednesday, September 02, 2009

"College Republicans Compiling Lists....."


"College Republicans Compiling List of Liberal Professors at Ohio School"


That is the headline from FoxNews.com. Here is more----

The University of Toledo's College Republicans are compiling a list of liberal professors who they claimed have a bias against conservative students.

The list will include professors who students say have let their political views interfere with the way they interact with students in the classroom.....

The original article is posted at the University of Toledo newspaper (The Independent Collegian).
If you'd like to contact the University of Toledo College Republicans, visit here.

I think this is all very frightening. What do these young college Republicans plan to do with their lists? Will they attack or harass liberal professors? Will they actually publish this blacklist? Isn't this all sound like the McCarthy era?

Ohio's Republicans Stuck in the Stone Age

Why are Republicans like cavemen??????



The Dayton Daily News has more:

When House Minority Leader John Boehner and four other Republican lawmakers convene an energy summit in Columbus tomorrow, they’ll be greeted by protestors dressed as cavemen.

No, it’s not the guys from that series of Geico commercials. Instead, it’ll be a handful of protestors irritated that the lawmakers, which will include Rep. Steve Austria, R-Beavercreek, Bob Latta, R-Bowling Green, Pat Tiberi, R-Columbus and Jean Schmidt, R-Loveland, opposed climate change legislation that passed the House earlier this summer.

The group, a coalition called Bring Ohio Back that includes the Audubon Society and the National Wildlife Federation in Ohio, is calling the group of five congressmen the “Stone Age 5.”.....

Do you think that Boehner realizes that he himself pollutes the air with his cigarette smoke? It is time to ignore these GOP righties and make our own path toward jobs and a cleaner environment. For more information, check out

to see how you can stop us from going back to the Stone Age.