Who is Dennis Burke, rumored to be our next U.S. Attorney?

May 6, 2009 By Chewie Shofir 11 Comments

The word is that competent, career prosecutor Diane Humetewa is about to be sacked as U.S. Attorney to make way for Janet Napolitano crony Dennis Burke. This is unfortunate.

Burke is known for little other than carrying Napolitano’s water at the Attorney General’s Office then at the Governor’s Office. While at the Governor’s Office, when he was considering running for Attorney General, he was featured in a TV ad for the governor – a blatant waste of tax dollars in order to promote Burke’s visibility. He and Napolitano’s other cronies left the office in disgrace when Napolitano left for Homeland Security: As Espresso Pundit has documented, Burke walked out with a killing from unused vacation, which was permitted to accumulate in amounts in excess of the limits set on state employees by the Department of Administration, $41,315.

The total haul for Janet’s people on the Ninth Floor, who along with her are responsible for the current fiscal mess, was over $870,000. As an attorney and Chief of Staff to Governor Napolitano, Burke is the one who either failed to see this legalized theft or allowed it to happen.

If merit were the rule of the day rather than cronyism, Burke wouldn’t get a job sweeping the floors due to his stunning mismanagement. As it is, he is set to replace the first Native American U.S. Attorney, and Burke probably has his sights set on even higher goals.

And let’s not forget that Burke is a member of the Phoenix Country Club, which Burke’s own buddy Terry Goddard ruled violated civil rights laws by discriminating against women. But did Burke make a statement for women by leaving the club? Of course not. He may talk a good game, but heaven forbid he sacrifice his golf game to stand up for women’s rights.

That’s quite a site–a political hack member of a country club that discriminated against women according to Democrat Terry Goddard replacing a Native American woman as U.S. Attorney. Think the press would pick this up if Burke were a Republican and Humetewa were a Democrat?

Filed Under: Crime and Punishment, Political Parties

Just Two Regular Guys Out for a Burger

May 5, 2009 By Shane 2 Comments

Another day in the life of President Obama and Vice-President Biden…

I’m sure there are lots of questions to ask here but the one that is plaguing me is, “Who puts ketchup on a swiss cheese and jalapeno burger?” What is the VP thinking???

Filed Under: Food, Human Condition

Arlen Specter’s Wild Ride

May 5, 2009 By Hack 6 Comments

If you have been following the machinations of Senator Arlen Specter (R D-PA) over the last couple of weeks it’s hard not to wonder if he has lost his mind or he just doesn’t give a damn anymore what people think.

Consider:

First Specter announces he is switching parties and in doing so decides not to use the tried and true excuse of that the “party left me” in explaining his decision. Instead he very candidly observes that he’s switching solely because he can’t win a Republican Primary. Or in other words to the Democrats – “I can’t get my own party to support me, so will you guys help out?

Then we have his comments on the Sunday talk shows where he states very plainly that if Jack Kemp would still be alive today if Congress had only spent more on cancer research – a very crass and tasteless way to make a political point.

But Arlen wasn’t done with using cancer for political purposes. Yesterday there was a story about an Arlen Specter website called Specter for the Cure where any reasonable person would think they are giving to a charity fighting cancer when in reality they are contributing to Specter’s reelection campaign.

Finally, we have a report today from the New York Times that Specter believes that the Courts should award the Minnesota Senate Seat to Republican Norm Coleman. Now, I happen to agree with Specter on this, but one wonders if this is the right move to make when you just switched to the Democratic Party. Especially considering that the last thing you want to do is upset the liberal base of your new party when you are trying to avoid a primary. Well, it only took a short time until the crazies over at the Daily Kos were inflamed by Specter’s comments and calling for his head.

He’s your problem now Democrats.

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections

No Respect

May 5, 2009 By Carnelian Saloon Leave a Comment

This video says it all and no, it does not mean the White House special ordered a shipment of drugs.

Filed Under: Border, Crime and Punishment, Human Condition

National Council for a New America?

May 5, 2009 By Veritas Vincit 14 Comments

So which is it Jon? The world as you see it or as Mitt sees it?

The event seemed more like the opening Town Hall meeting of Primary 2012 with all the usual faces the voters have rejected. They call it re-branding the GOP, but when are they going to get it, chasing the brand leader always leaves you facing the donkey’s … well you know where that goes.

Here’s what sounds disingenuous. Compare Senator Kyl’s attitude as expressed with the words coming out of Mitt and Jeb’s mouth’s. To explain, we’ll visit the recent past.

Understand what the role of the state party is [he means the grassroots right?] … the role of the state party is to elect Republicans to office. [He means if they uphold the Party Platform or not] Period. The role of elected officials is to take positions on issues … [the state party exists] to register voters. They need to raise money for the candidates. They need to get-out-the-vote on Election Day. [Do you see where he puts the thoughts and interests of the people he expects to renew his employment contract?]

Senator Jon Kyl exhibiting his contempt for anyone daring to have an opinion on an issue, especially if they are active members of his own party. Here’s the full interview from 2007 when Kyl was throwing his weight behind Lisa James in an effort to oust Randy Pullen as State Party Chairman.

“When the party itself got involved in the illegal immigration issue, it seemed to me that it exceeded its role because, clearly, Republicans were divided. It’s just not a proper role for the political party to get into.” [Doesn't matter that his views are at odds with 80% of the country's voters]

Senator Kyl contends the party exists to get Republicans elected, period.

This brings us to Mittens and Jeb … minus Sarah Palin of course [did you notice they invited her only after Rush Limbaugh mentioned her absence?]

GOP Leaders Begin

Effort to Re-energize Party

So here’s the conflicting statement:

“We have the opportunity instead to come from the grass roots and listen to the people and to look at different options for different strategies by listening to the people of America and having different voices and different Republicans and different leaders step forward and that’s what we are going to do,” he said. “We are not going to have just one idea that comes from one place.” [Mitt Romney]

Of course, is this another name for the Republican Big Tent Shadegg was talking about? What are ‘different’ Republicans?

Is this the new brand look?

Filed Under: Border, Campaigns & Elections, Political Parties

Your Daily Visit to Diversity Lane

May 5, 2009 By Veritas Vincit Leave a Comment

If you’d like more of this talented artist, or to know the story line of the characters click here.

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Culture, Media

A bad Brewer appointment

May 5, 2009 By Chewie Shofir 1 Comment

Hat tip to our friends at Liberty’s Apothecary for reporting on Brewer’s appointment of Judge Helene Abrams to the Children’s Justice Task Force. Abrams has a reputation as one of the most liberal members on the bench, and is more concerned with defendants’ rights than victims rights – antithetical to the purpose of the Task Force, which is actually funded by a grant to help victims. Sort of destroys the purpose of the grant! Can Brewer withdraw her appointment? Surely there are numerous better choices out there, who have experience with protecting victims. Liberty’s Apothecary covers Abrams’ poor record in detail.

Filed Under: Judicial

Burg Gets Biggs

May 4, 2009 By Sonoran Alliance 1 Comment

Here is the latest episode of The Burgundy Channel featuring an episode of State Legislator, Andy Biggs.

Filed Under: Media

PR: Sheriff Joe Arpaio Endorses Senator John Huppenthal for Superintendent of Public Instruction in 2010

May 4, 2009 By Press Release

PHOENIX – Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio today announced his endorsement of State Senator John Huppenthal for Superintendent of Public Instruction in 2010.

Senator Huppenthal, the current Senate Education Chairman, is weighing a potential run for this position in 2010 and opened an exploratory committee last month to measure public support. The current Superintendent, Tom Horne, cannot run for re-election due to term limits.

“I hope Senator Huppenthal runs,” said Sheriff Arpaio. “If he does, I’ll work hard to help elect him.”

“Senator Huppenthal’s legislation has helped prevent many juvenile crimes. He has been a driving force behind expanded school choice in Arizona,” said Arpaio. “Parents often know when a particular school isn’t working for their child. The ability to move a struggling student to a different school can help prevent that child from dropping out, using drugs or joining a gang.”

Huppenthal is one of Arizona’s leading authorities on education issues. In addition to being the current Senate Education Chairman, Huppenthal has served for 17 consecutive years on the State House and State Senate education committees.

Huppenthal played a key role in helping create school choice for parents. In 1995, as Senate Education Chairman, his legislation took the caps off charter schools. This legislation moved Arizona to first in the nation in school choice (ALEC rankings). In addition, Congressman Trent Franks named Senator Huppenthal one of three legislators most responsible for creating and expanding tuition tax credits in Arizona.

During Huppenthal’s legislative career he successfully developed and passed over 200 bills – the most of any legislator in Arizona history.

“Improving Arizona’s schools has been my life’s work” said Huppenthal. “I’ve worked closely with teachers and parents on education issues for nearly two decades, so I’m very familiar with the challenges and opportunities Arizona schools face.”

Sheriff Arpaio’s support would be a boost to a potential Huppenthal candidacy for Superintendent of Public Instruction. Arpaio has tremendous support statewide from Republican primary voters. Arpaio also enjoys widespread support among Independent voters and Democrats. According to the Statewide Rasmussen Poll conducted on March 17, 2009, Sheriff Arpaio had a higher approval rating than President Obama and the Governor with 68%.

For additional information, please call Senator John Huppenthal at (480) 330-3215 or visit www.ImprovingArizonaSchools.com.

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Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Press Release, Uncategorized Tagged With: Senator John Huppenthal, Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Superintendent of Public Instruction

How they choose a summer camp on Diversity Lane

May 4, 2009 By Veritas Vincit 8 Comments

Summer vacation is coming and parents are planning. Lets see how they’re doing it on Diversity Lane …

Filed Under: Culture, Family, Homosexuality, Human Condition, Political Correctness

Mesa Police Chief tells everyone not to worry about Mexican drug cartels

May 4, 2009 By Chewie Shofir 8 Comments

The U.S. Justice Department considers the Mexican drug cartels to be the greatest organized crime threat to the United States.

Testimony of Janet Napolitano before U.S. Senate on March 25, 2009

There were 5612 people murdered last year in Mexican drug cartel related killings, and the murder rate this year has increased by 50%. 1000 have been killed so far this year. The cartels are seeping into Arizona and the U.S., and the State Department has declared Mexico the most dangerous country in the world after Pakistan. Both the University of Arizona and Arizona State University issued warnings to their students this year about going to Mexico over spring break. Obama has imposed sanctions on the Mexican drug cartels. In one February sweep, the feds arrested 50 drug cartel members WITHIN THE U.S.; their presence here is increasing.

U.S. authorities are reporting a spike in killings, kidnappings, and home invasions connected to Mexican drug cartels, and at least 19 Americans were killed in 2008. The governors of Arizona and Texas have asked the federal government to send additional National Guard troops to help those already there supporting local law enforcement efforts against drug trafficking.

So it was astonishing to read Mesa Police Chief George Gascon’s article in the Arizona Republic today asserting there is nothing to be concerned about. Gascon, who is against local enforcement of immigration laws, having turned Mesa into a sanctuary city, wrote in an op-ed titled Why Cartel Violence is Unlikely to Affect You “it is important to understand that the kidnappings and violence related to human smuggling and the illegal-drug trade is not likely to spread into the general population.” Huh? Does Gascon think the ruthless drug cartels, which murder their victims in cruel, inhumane ways, care about “collateral damage?”

The cartels are murdering law enforcement and politicians. How many of us have family involved in law enforcement, prosecution or friends who are politicians? I have plenty of relatives and friends involved in both who are now potentially in danger. If Gascon is not concerned about the drug cartels, then he is going against our own federal government’s concerns, and neglecting the safety of his police officers. No wonder Sheriff Arpaio feels responsibility to do crime sweeps in Mesa.

Gascon writes,

For the most part, the narco-terrorism violence being experienced in Mexico has not crossed the border and probably will not for the following reasons:

Unlike Mexico, most U.S. law-enforcement professionals are the product of well-designed hiring, selection and training systems created to ensure police personnel are effectively screened, trained and supervised to enhance police performance and reduce public corruption.

Apparently Gascon dismisses the U.S. Marshall who was recently killed by the drug cartels as just collateral damage.

It is unfortunate that Gascon permits his pro-illegal immigration viewpoints to control his attitude towards protecting Mesa from crime. Fortunately, Sheriff Arpaio doesn’t.

For more information, check out the wikipedia entry on the Mexican Drug War.

Filed Under: Border, Crime and Punishment, Illegal Aliens, Illegal Immigration

Did Konopnicki just announce for Congress?

May 4, 2009 By Veritas Vincit 5 Comments

Arizona Capital Times

Konopnicki says he’ll need $2.5M to defeat U.S. Rep. Kirkpatrick

By Luige del Puerto

Sunday, May 3, 2009

State Rep. Bill Konopnicki, a Safford Republican, is considering a run for U.S. House in a swing district that just last year elected freshman Democrat Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick.

Konopnicki decided against running for Congress in the First Congressional District when it was an open seat. The Secretary of State’s Office records for last November show the district to be comprised of 159,000 registered Democrats and 134,000 Republicans with nearly 25% registered independents.

But before he plunges into the race, Konopnicki said he wants to see what kind of help is available. Konopnicki said he isn’t interested in serving in Congress unless Republicans take back the majority in the 2010 elections – something that will be difficult to predict in time to mount a serious campaign. “I’m not interested, quite honestly, in going and being the minority party,” he said.

Konopnicki complained, “I think that we are out of control in our spending. I think somebody has to put some checks and balances on the spending,” he said.

When did he ever complain about Napolitano’s spending habits?? Pay close attention, this is how a politician morphs and changes his image before the voters.

“It is too early to tell whether I am going to get in. But I think that will develop relatively quickly in the next few months,” he said.

So, is this going to be a Democratic Primary?

Seriously, is $2.5 million enough to overcome Konopnicki’s enemy list? The Party would be well advised to think running this horse over very carefully; this BigMac comes with a side order of vindictive and mean-spirited.

How is he rated? Here’s Project Vote Smart with a variety of issue ratings.

… and lets not forget this gem.

… legislators Sen. Jack Brown (D) and Rep. Bill Konopnicki (R), who were instrumental in passing Napolitano’s bloated budget…

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Illegal Employment, Political Science, State Government

Week of Mom’s Calling in Life as a Right for All

May 3, 2009 By Rightwoman 2 Comments

by Gayle Plato, M. Ed.

My son’s beautiful blue eyes look up, he’s frustrated that I am peeking in. “MOM don’t look it’s a secret!“ Oops, I spotted artist-in-residence Kindergarten creations, all in massive messy production; my son was busily making a mother’s day art project when I snuck in during class.

He’s a wild, bossy, alpha-male pied piper of mischief. My lil guy brings me joy, drives me crazy, rarely listens but always laughs off trouble, and mainly makes me feel old and tired on any given day. He’s is a miracle, as all babies are. But really, he is a miracle.

Mother’s Day comes up in one week and I embrace it as a mother who was called to be a steward of LIFE. It is my cause as I heard in my heart. Seven years ago I prayed with total devotion, asking God to help this one make it. I had lost others, and was losing hope again. An early ultra-sound showed definite pregnancy, but the doctor said not to get my hopes up. I was about eight weeks along and there was no sign of a heartbeat. Come back in two weeks and we’ll see. I think my doctor assumed I’d have another miscarriage as he said it looked as if I had two blighted ova.

The two weeks were desperately slow, and I found my way to St. Maria Goretti in Scottsdale. No one was there, just me, God, and I think my grandfather’s spirit stood by. I sobbed, prayed, lived in the moment with complete sadness. I let it go as I did not have control.

The ultra-sound was utterly frightening. I am certain, I will face my death with less trepidation, and know I can handle any crisis after that day. My doctor, with his abject dry wit, half-asleep countenence, and personality of a tortilla chip, looked at me with total surprise. Where there was once two ‘empty ova’ now was one perfect being, heart beating away. As we looked at the ultra-sound, the little ten week old fetus moved. It, became him-my son. He was a miracle- an angel: I named him Gabriel.

Right-to-life is personal to me. It is to every parent, but then, I have been blessed. My pain and loss showed me the light and the heart of life. I will never sit on any fence again, I write in the open, and I live everyday trying to remember what I was given.

Mother’s Day is a time to remember who gave us life, but also it may be the time to value all life with active understanding. While Swine Flu becomes an international fear-baiting illness, with pandemic bombs dropped by the media and our government, I think of who is dying right now. Numbers are dropping in Arizona, but depending on which study, 8-10% or pregnancies in Arizona end in abortion. If approximately 10,500 babies are aborted annually in Arizona(http://www.lifenews.com/state2621.html), that averages 28 babies a day– terminated.

Abortion is a pandemic with nearly 50 million abortions performed in the United States since Roe v. Wade became law. (http://www.nrlc.org/ABORTION/facts/abortionstats.html) This would be equivalent to the entire population of Canada, Australia, and Arizona combined ( wikipedia 2009 population estimates). No flu pandemic is as dangerous.

With this Mother’s Day, realize that the vast majority of abortions are performed on adult women. Women who feel trapped, financially strapped, and socially burdened may choose abortion. Arizona is going through one of the greatest economic recessions of it’s history and financial strife is a leading contributor to termination of unwanted pregnancy. We owe it to the children and the parents who are in turmoil to help women find good help.

Offer support and help women find good services. Here are some agencies I have personally referred, and I know every single synagogue, church, and secular counseling agency can help. But many counseling services are geared to pro-choice mindsets. We need to protect and provide for women unsure. Helping all of us have the best Mother’s Day ever is about helping more children come in and be a part of this world. Children are miracles offering us faith tenfold, inspiration to keep going, and a reason for all of this we do. Life matters and peace always begins in the womb.

ARIZONA RIGHT TO LIFE
http://arizonarighttolife.org/index.cfm/sections/Pregnancy_Help/1

CHRISTIAN FAMILY CARE AGENCY
3603 N 7th Ave
Phoenix,AZ 85013
(602) 234-1935
http://www.cfcare.org/pregnancy.htmlhttp://www.cfcare.org/pregnancy.html

1ST WAY
333 E McDowell Rd
Phoenix,AZ 85004
(602) 261-7522
http://www.1stway.net/

MAGGIES PLACE
PO Box 1102
Phoenix,AZ 85001
(602) 257-4648
http://www.maggiesplace.org/

Feminists for Life

www.feministsforlife.org

Filed Under: Family, Sanctity of Life, Uncategorized

How swine flu is transmitted

May 3, 2009 By Chewie Shofir 6 Comments

(from the internet)

Filed Under: Conspiracy Theories

Napolitano’s Influence on Diversity Lane

May 2, 2009 By Veritas Vincit 14 Comments

Filed Under: Border, Human Condition, Political Correctness

AZ Right to Life to Life Annual Conference

May 2, 2009 By Chewie Shofir 1 Comment

Click here to register – get your tickets now, since the price goes up after July 30

Filed Under: Sanctity of Life, Special Event

Reason Number One Arizona Requires Identification at the Polls

May 1, 2009 By Thomas Paine 9 Comments

On Tuesday, a judge in Ohio sentenced three pro-Obama activists for voting illegally in Ohio in 2008. The three were paid staffers for Vote Today Ohio, a non-affiliated PAC, whose purpose was to register Obama supporters in Ohio. Two of the three were residents of New York and one of California. All three registered and voted on the same day under a loophole in Ohio law that allowed immediate registration and voting for a period of seven days in October. The judge fined each of them $1000 and gave them a 60 day suspended jail sentence. (Columbus Dispatch Article).

Two other voters were convicted of illegally voting in Ohio a couple of weeks ago. Supposedly, there are another fifty prosecutions in the pipeline.

This incident should put to rest any complaints that Democrats have about Arizona requiring identification at the polls. If Ohio required identification at the polls, these three probably would not have voted illegally (or at least it would have been much harder for them to vote).

If Arizona is a battleground state in 2012, there will be groups like Vote Today Ohio and ACORN trying to pull these same tricks here in Arizona. Requiring identification at the polls makes this type of illegal activity more difficult. Maybe, that is why Democrats fought the passage of the voter identification law with such vigor.

Hat tip: Brad Smith.

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Voter Registration