This op-ed originally appeared in the Riverside Press-Enterprise Once in a while, even in the California state Legislature, we witness democracy in action or a rare moment when a well-intentioned, but harmful, strongly supported and lobbied bill, is rejected due to a lack of votes. In the final days of the Legislature’s 2014-2015 session, the right number of elected officials listened …
Republicans for Bernie Sanders?
As I write, a few friends are posting pictures with Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) (Heritage Action Scorecard 65% and below the Republican average of 68%). I’m not sure that’s a good idea. In academia when we only understand the subject matter 65 percent of the time, we get a “D”. If Congress chooses Rep. McCarthy as the next Speaker I think we’re …
Voters: Choose Your Strongman for 2016!
As an avid observer of the presidential contest underway, I can’t help but notice (and be exasperated by) the large number of voters in both parties who seem to be clamoring for a “strongman” candidate – someone who is willing to bypass the separation of powers to unilaterally bring radical change to our country. I can’t really get into the …
Is the press biased? Is the Pope Catholic?
by Richard Rider Jaded cynic that I am, still I was stunned by the biased “news” story today in the nominally centrist SAN DIEGO U-T. It’s an awesome demonstration of how liberal bias in media is so strong that the reporters and editors don’t even think of it as bias. The “news” story below is an ode to Pop Francis …
Immigration, Cooperation with ICE & Public Safety
Email this morning from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department… On July 1, as Kate Steinle walked with her father in the Embarcadero District of San Francisco, she was fatally struck in the chest by gunfire. She was 32 years old. Within hours, police arrested Francisco Sanchez, an undocumented immigrant, who had been repeatedly deported from the U.S. Shortly before …
Atkins leads Block in early polling; allegations of lies and broken deals in brewing battle for Senate seat
See some updated information at the end of this post. —– A recent poll in the brewing battle between Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins and State Senator Marty Block for the latter’s current 39th District seat shows Atkins leading among likely voters: Head-to-head matchup (initial question): Atkins: 39% Block: 20% Undecided: 23% Neither: 19% After brief biographies provided: Atkins: 48% Block: …
Chula Vista Police Dept bought shoes for needy kids? Nope.
Here’s one of the ways our media fails to accurately report a story. Indeed, in this government “charity” category, this misrepresentation is more the rule than the exception. Granted, it’s not a big story. It’s a feel-good episode that might have raised some interesting points, but didn’t. HEADLINE: [Chula Vista] Police Dept. outfits kids with new shoes, socks …
Retiring Toni Atkins
If you read San Diego Rostra, you probably already know that dethroned Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins has chosen to challenge the incumbent State Senator from the 39th District, Marty Block — this is no small announcement. Say what you will about Atkins’ future plans, but the Democratic Assembly Caucus knows something that the voters of San Diego should know — …
On Vetting and Endorsing
I’m going to meet two candidates for Congress this week. Neither has a voting record. In light of our nation’s multi-generational slide from freedom and prosperity, I will ask questions in an attempt to understand their philosophy of government. I want to determine to my personal satisfaction if they have the requisite knowledge to initiate and lead necessary government reform. As one elected …
Labor not so happy
See prior post on Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins taking on Senator Marty Block for his current seat.
LA Times: Democratic clash — Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins to challenge Sen. Marty Block
As her tenure as Assembly speaker winds to a close, Toni Atkins is preparing for her next major political battle: intra-party combat. Atkins is taking on state Sen. Marty Block for his San Diego seat, a highly unusual challenge in a political culture that privileges — and fiercely protects — incumbents. Read it at The Times
Does being a Republican necessarily mean you want efficient government?
What about taking on rapidly increasing water rates? Guest Commentary by Mark Robak, Board Member, Otay Water District What five members of the San Diego Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) Board did Monday was incomprehensible, in blocking the proposed merger of the Fallbrook Public Utility District and the Rainbow Municipal Water District in North County. Worse yet, all five are …
Here Is How Ted Cruz Will Become The Next President.
Rand Paul’s planned attack of Trump, at tonight’s Republican Presidential Primary debate, is either a puerile stunt for publicity or a calculated cover for Ted Cruz to appear like a uniter. Either way, I think it makes Rand look like an “also-ran” candidate now. I hope I’m wrong but I suspect I’m correct. Want proof? Rand Paul is not raising money. While …
GOP: BREAKING: Supervisor Dave Roberts Just Cost Taxpayers $310,000
WOW! This is JUST hitting the news: San Diego Union Tribune: “Roberts’ Accusers Get $310k Settlement” NBC 7/39 San Diego: “County Supervisors Approve $310k Settlement For Roberts Accusers” What a disgrace. County taxpayers will now have to pick up the bill for Democrat Supervisor Dave Roberts’ irresponsible behavior. If he had any honor he would resign immediately — or at …
Los Angeles Korean businesses actively seeking to flee from CA to TX
One type of business has a special affinity for California — Asian businesses. They have substantial ethnic communities built up, and are comfortable being on a Pacific Rim state. But oddly enough, these Asian business people seem to have an interest in maximizing profits — or at least staying in business. Of course, all California businessmen have the same desires, …
Ode to the Leader, sung to the tune of The Offspring’s “Self Esteem”
Apply as it fits. But, with apologies to a great band: Now I’ll relate, this little bit That happens more than I’d like to admit Late at night, he knocks on my door He’s smiling big and he’s offering pork Now I know, I should vote nay But, that’s kind of hard when he’s ready to pay I may be …
Oddly enough, 2015 is shaping up as one of the safest years ever for cops
RIDER COMMENT: This year there’s certainly a war of words against cops, fueled by the press and social media. Maybe it will soon change into a significant war of bullets. But not yet. Indeed, latest stats indicate that 2015 will be one of the safest years for cops on record. Sadly, the press has ignored this reality, preferring hype and …
Two mics in the hand…
If you missed the fun a couple of months back, Assemblyman Matthew Harper had his microphone removed by Assemblyman and Labor Committee Chair Roger Hernández during a heated exchange on some now forgotten bill (yes, we remember the incidents, we don’t always remember the legislation). Although Hernández subsequently expressed regret over his heavy-handedness, that isn’t keeping Harper from having some …
Some political news and discussion you may have missed…
…over the holiday weekend: Pete Wilson campaigns for stepson Phil Graham says he has never traded on the well-known name of his stepdad, two-time California Gov. Pete Wilson. In fact, many with whom he has interacted have had no idea they are related. Now, however, Graham is grateful for the strong support of the former San Diego mayor and U.S. …
Notice all the mega-hurricanes since Katrina? Me neither. MSM mum on their 2005 doomsday projections.
Evidence of the liberal bias of MSM is overwhelming. But sometimes the best examples is what these networks and newspapers DON’T report. Consider this example. The media gave the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina extensive play last month. Naturally there was heavy emphasis on the failure of FEMA, with a generous amount of blame dumped on hapless George Bush (none …
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