Archive for the 'Commentary' Category

A Speech Only a Lawyer Could Love

Posted on September 1, 2010 by Rhode Island Red

President Obama has turned the art of presidential speech making into the art of giving a deposition. You have to look close to catch the nuance and the legal loopholes:

1. The president said he is committed to Afghanistan. Except he made no mention of defeating the Taliban. How can that be? Does he honestly think we can end the al Qaeda threat in South Asia without defeating the Taliban? And why does he keep mentioning the timeline for withdrawal if he is committed to victory no matter what? No one believes Afghanistan will be ready for the kind of transition that just took place in Iraq by 2011. His commitment is rife with caveats and vague. It could mean he will stick it out. It could also mean he will come up with some kind of bogus plan to deal with al Qaeda that justifies cutting and running before finishing the job in Afghanistan.

2. The president said we have entered a new phase in Iraq. But he did not specify what that means. Everyone expects a new Iraqi government to ask the troops to stay beyond 2011. It is not clear whether the president would do that or just cut and run and say “mission accomplished.”

3. The president promised us the finest military in the world. He never said, however, what that meant. He did blame the poor economy on spending money to protect the nation (bogus) and the only “important” defense spending he talked about was about taking care of veterans, which is important, but not defense spending. Thus, he made no real commitment to defense. The “finest military in the world” could mean what ever he wants it to mean and that could mean a really second-rate military that he just calls the finest in the world.

The president in fact managed to make an entire speech without one concrete commitment to securing the freedom, peace, and security of the American people.

He did, however, promise to make the economy his most “urgent” task (as if he can just forget about national security now). Given what he has achieved with the economy so far…we should probably be afraid, very afraid.

Source: Quotations from Big Peace

Filed Under: Commentary, Media, Military and The Obamessiah 0 Comments

Reponse to Post at RI Future re Joseph Larisa

Posted on August 3, 2010 by Will Ricci

From the illustrious Pat Crowley at left-wing RI Future blog:

The Republican ethical swamp got a little muddier last Friday in a little noticed story. Joe Larisa, the man behind the Central Falls receivership debacle and the civil war in East Providence lost his appeals of an ethics finding. He’s got some ground to make up if he wants to join Don Carcieri in the ethically challenged category, but with November only a few months away hopefully there WON’T be time. Maybe Will Rici can help him out.

At least if you’re going to drag me into this, spell my name right… RICCI.

“Little Noticed” — By? It was published in the newspaper, wasn’t it?

“Republican” — Joseph Larisa has not been a registered Republican since 2006.

“Central Falls Receivership” — The only “debacle” is how that small city has been run into the ground by a thoroughly corrupt Democratic political machine. The receivership was requested by an all Democrat city council who weren’t willing to make the tough decisions necessary to right their ship on their own; unlike in East Providence, where tough decisions needed to be made, and were made for the good of the city.

“Civil War in East Providence” — Unlike the U.S. Civil War of 1861-1865, “the union” in this case, has yet to win a single (court) battle.

As for the issue of Mayor Larisa’s pro bono (that means at no charge, for the Latin impaired) representation of a member of the Board of Canvassers before the city council — during a time while he was a private citizen — he is convinced he was in the right and that the law, as currently being interpreted, is invalid. Time will tell if that is the case, since the law cited in the complaint against him does not address the issue of pro bono representation.

Larisa will be appealing this latest ruling to the Rhode Island Supreme Court. It’s clearly not about the money; the fine was only $500. He’s already spent thousands of his own money to defend his principled position. He could have paid the fine and made it go away quietly (like a number of Pat’s Democratic friends). It’s purely a matter of principle for him. I expect this to last well into his next term as Mayor.

Filed Under: Commentary, Government and Liberals and Leftists Closed

Kevin O’Neill Files to Run for RI State Senate 37

Posted on June 28, 2010 by The Ocean State Republican

Wakefield Businessman Kevin O’Neill Joins the Race for State Senator in S. Kingstown, Block I.

South Kingstown, RI – Successful businessman, father of four and South County native Kevin R. O’Neill today announced his candidacy for Rhode Island State Senate in District 37. O’Neill said he decided to run because Rhode Island government has stopped working for the people of South County and the rest of the state, and is in “desperate need” of new leadership.

“It’s clear that we can’t keep reelecting the same people to the State House if we want a different result. We need new leaders to step forward,” said O’Neill.

O’Neill is founder and president of the successful human resources consulting firm, O’Neill Consulting Group, which was named “fastest growing private company” in Rhode Island by the Providence Business News in 2008. The company provides executive search services for clients that include Dunkin’ Donuts, GAF and Nestle..

As Senator, O’Neill said his priorities in the state senate will be improving the state’s business climate which will allow businesses to create jobs and restoring fiscal sanity to the state budget process.

The new fiscal year hasn’t even started, and the state is already $100 million in the red, O’Neill said. “Everyone knew that the $100 million in federal Medicaid funds for Rhode Island were unlikely to be approved, but the legislature went ahead and included it as revenue anyway,” he explained. “Now the money’s not coming and the budget is in a shambles.”

“This type of rampant irresponsibility must be stopped immediately,” he added.

“South County and Rhode Island are in my blood and I feel a strong obligation to pitch in and help when I see that things are broken,” he added. “We are a great state and we can no longer afford a directionless government that holds us back.”

“As I meet friends and neighbors in this community one message rings clear, ‘why are elected officials in the General Assembly not listening to us? Why are South County’s needs being neglected in favor of the special interests of Senate leadership?’ As your Senator, I will work tirelessly to represent the people of South Kingstown and Block Island and will not fold to political pressure from a General Assembly more interested in personal gain than seeing that the people are served. “

Currently Chairman of the Board of the American Heart Association in Rhode Island, Kevin’s leadership helped the group raise more than $800,000 in the last two years to fund programs in the state. He is a former board member of the South County YMCA as well as the YMCA of Greater Providence.

Kevin is married to Chantel Byrd O’Neill. They have two sons and two daughters aged 12, 11, 9 and 8, who attend Monsignor Matthew Clarke Regional School in Wakefield. Kevin’s grandfather founded the heating oil company, O’Neill Oil Company, and was president of the South Kingstown Chamber of Commerce. His uncle was State Senator William C. O’Neill, for whom the former South County Bike Path was recently dedicated. Kevin is the son of the late John C. “Jack” O’Neill, Jr. and Jean Carlson O’Neill – the fifth of six children.

“My family is my inspiration to serve. My grandfather served in World War I and founded a successful company here; my Uncle Bill served as a State Senator, my father in the Pacific theatre in World War II and on the South Kingstown School Committee and Planning Board” O’Neill said. “I owe it to my wife, Chantel, and our four children to step forward and offer to serve. We want them to be able to stay in Rhode Island and raise their families here.”

Press Release: O’Neill for State Senate

Filed Under: Commentary Closed

Technical Difficulties… Please Stand By

Posted on May 21, 2010 by The Ocean State Republican

Update: The problem with the MySQL database appears to have been resolved.

This website is currently experiencing technical difficulties, having to do with its ability to connect and retrieve information from its MySQL database.

The problem has been causing sporadic complete site outages, or when it has been working, it has been loading very slowly. There has also been distorted or missing text in places.

The hosting company is aware of the problem and it should be fixed shortly.

If not, enjoy the weekend!

Filed Under: Commentary Closed

RIGOP Candidate Training School | Saturday & Sunday

Posted on May 20, 2010 by Dave Talan

Here is info about the FREE Candidate Training School that the R.I. Republican Party is offering, this weekend, to all our Legislative and local candidates, to people who are thinking about running but have not decided yet, and to key volunteers in these campaigns.

If you are not able to attend for the entire 2 days, we encourage you to come for whatever portion that you can.

If you are thinking about running, are a candidate, are campaign staff, please continue reading.

The Rhode Island Republican party will host a two-day “boot camp” training program for Republican candidates for state and local office, as well as key staff and volunteers,
THIS WEEKEND, MAY 22-23, 2010.

Each participating campaign will receive a 300-page manual filled with useful information and samples.

Topics to be discussed will include: campaign tactics, literature design, voter identification and get out the vote, volunteers, campaign themes, campaign plans and door to door campaigning.
If you want an attached file with a full agenda, just reply to this E-Mail, and we will send you one.

ALL REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES AND THEIR KEY STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.

Saturday & Sunday, May 22nd & 23rd
Registration begins at 8:30am
Program from 9:00am – 5:30pm both days
(candidates are strongly encouraged to participate in as much of the program as possible)

Community College of Rhode Island, Knight Campus
Fourth Floor, Room 4080
400 East Avenue, Warwick, RI 02886

Please RSVP to: contact [at] rigop [dot] org
For more information please call (401) 732-8282
OR EMAIL: eileenggrossman [at] aol [dot] com to RSVP

This extremely valuable training program and the related materials are being provided to our candidates at no charge thanks to the RI Republican Party and our sponsor Spectrum Marketing. Voluntary contributions to the Party will be sought to offset the cost of providing the program.

Filed Under: Commentary Closed

A Response to Mexican President’s Address to Congress

Posted on May 20, 2010 by The Ocean State Republican

Shortly after the President of Mexico addressed a joint session of the United States Congress today, in which he directly criticized the state of Arizona regarding its recently adopted illegal immigration law, Congressman Tom McClintock (R-CA) took to the floor of the House to denounce his remarks. The congressman made special note of mentioning Mexico’s own very exclusionary immigration policies, in sharp contrast to our own.

Rep. Tom McClintock (R-CA): “It is a disgrace that he would be cheered on from the left wing of the White House and by many Democrats in this Congress.”

Filed Under: Commentary Closed

Archambault thinks he’s running for General Treasurer…

Posted on May 3, 2010 by Phil Hirons

http://politicsblog.projo.com/2010/05/archambault-cal.html

Hey Steve, these people enter a legal business arrangement. “Studies indicate that independent contractors do not report about 30 percent of their income, he said.” Again if the arrangement is legal a 1099 form is issued and is reported to the IRS. If these small businessmen are claiming the same tax deductions that I’m sure you do as an independent lawyer, once more perfectly legal. Should people who hire you be forced to pay you as an employee?

Rampant corruption, rising crime and this is the best you’ve got?

Filed Under: Commentary Closed

Bill Lynch calling the kettle….

Posted on April 29, 2010 by Phil Hirons

http://www.golocalprov.com/index.php/news/breaking-lynch-responds-to-fox-endorsement-of-cicilline/

I can’t decide which ranks higher on the ”Did he actually say that” meter. “overly partisan Congress” or “16-year entrenched incumbent” as both being uttered by the most partisan and in the system democrat in RI.

Let’s not forget his 2008 adds proclaiming “vote for change, vote democrat” in Rhode Island.

Filed Under: Commentary Closed

Why the Left Needs Racism

Posted on April 20, 2010 by Rhode Island Red

The political left claims to love racial diversity, but it bitterly opposes such diversity on the political right. This is an obvious matter of political self-interest: Since 1964, blacks have voted overwhelmingly Democratic. If Republicans were able to attract black votes, the result would be catastrophic for the Democratic Party. Even in 2008, the Democrats’ best presidential year since ’64, if the black vote had been evenly split between the parties (and holding the nonblack vote constant), Barack Obama would have gotten about 48% of the vote and John McCain would be president.

To keep blacks voting Democratic, it is necessary for the party and its supporters to keep alive the idea that racism is prevalent in America and to portray the Republican Party (as well as independent challengers to the Democrats, such as the tea-party movement) as racist. The election of Barack Obama made nonsense of the idea that America remains a racist country and thereby necessitated an intensifying of attacks on the opposition as racist…

Read More: The Wall Street Journal

Filed Under: Commentary, Democrats and Liberals and Leftists Closed

TEA (Taxed Enough Already) Party Rally | TODAY

Posted on April 15, 2010 by Raymond McKay

Do Not Tread on Me…

Today is Tax Day. The last day that we must file our income tax reports with the government.

This week, we saw our General Assembly (GA) here in Rhode Island buckle under to union pressure. We clearly see that the GA, controlled by the Democrats, is run by the unions.

Two bills that would have provided relief to the taxpayer, required all government employees to have a fair healthcare co-pay, and allowed a checks and balance for School contracts were removed from consideration once the unions heard about them and met privately behind closed doors with Democrat leaders.

Quoting England’s former Prime Minister Margaret “Iron Lady” Thatcher: “Socialism is fine until you run out of the other guy’s money”. Well, we Rhode Island taxpayers, both personal and business, are broke and the GA needs to be held accountable.

The Conservative principles of lower taxes, smaller government, and self responsibility must be re-established here in Rhode Island.

Today, we must have our voices heard. We must let the GA know that they are being watched and we will not allow this brazen contempt for the Rhode Island taxpayer to continue. We must embrace political activism or we shall forever be sheep to the GA and unions. Apathy is something we Conservatives can no longer afford.

Today, we must join with the Tea Party folks and march on the Rhode Island State House. The Tea Party folks represent a re-awakening of America that scares the Liberals and Progressives. It is time for us to start taking back our government, to start controlling government waste and stop union greed.

This is the first step towards cleaning the General Assembly in November. If there ever was a time for you to be involved, TODAY is the day. NOW is the time.

The Conservatives have been called racists, hate mongers, and just plain evil. In reality, we Conservative Republicans and other conservatives are what made this nation once great: pro-American, pro-Constitutionalists. There will be those who will show up to discredit this movement, to be disruptive and to try and turn the rally into a media event that favors them rather than the truth. Do not give in to their taunting for our time is at hand. They know this and want to stop it. We must be resolved and un-wavering in our commitment and support for our ideals.

I will be at the State House today supporting my friends, neighbors, and fellow Rhode Islanders and I ask that you make time to do the same.

God’s speed and blessings to all of you, the State of Rhode Island, and indeed to the United States of America.

Conservatively yours,

Raymond T McKay
President, RIRA

P.S. – For those able to stay after the rally, we will be meeting up at the RIRA pub (our favorite) in downtown Providence.

Filed Under: Alerts, Commentary, RI Tea Party and RIRA Closed

‘Boehner for Speaker’ of the House Effort Launched

Posted on April 14, 2010 by The Ocean State Republican

John Boehner has officially begun his campaign for speaker of the House, according to campaign filings.

Boehner’s political team Tuesday filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to create the “Boehner for Speaker” joint fundraising committee with the National Republican Congressional Committee.

Now all Republicans have to do is grab 40-plus seats in November to actually win the House. Then Boehner can take that gavel away from Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

But the FEC filing is the latest sign that Republicans are taking very seriously their ability to take back the House of Representatives – and that Boehner, currently the Republican minority leader, will be making a run for the speakership…

Read more: Politico

Filed Under: Commentary Closed

John Robitaille Blasts House Supplemental Budget Plan

Posted on April 13, 2010 by The Ocean State Republican

John Robitaille, Republican candidate for Governor, issued the following statement regarding the supplemental budget.

“The supplemental budget scheme released last Thursday by the House Finance Committee is a clear signal that union endorsements and short-term fixes mean more than the fiscal stability and economic viability of Rhode Island. Make no mistake; this irresponsible budget will drive more businesses and taxpayers out of our state, and soon government will not just be the largest employer in Rhode Island, but it will be the only employer in Rhode Island.

“I don’t expect to hear any objections by Lincoln Chafee, Patrick Lynch or Frank Caprio to this latest taxpayer betrayal. As governor, I will never hesitate to stand up for Rhode Island’s taxpayers and small businesses, and will deplore this type of egregious pandering demonstrated by the House and Senate Leadership to the state’s union bosses.

“This election year budget panders to union lobbyists and continues to feed a bloated government to the detriment of all Rhode Islanders. The public employee unions need to recognize that Rhode Island can no longer sustain these budgets, which put even their own members’ future and security at risk. If we continue down this path, Rhode Island will become hideously unattractive to both business and the individuals who can create jobs and grow our state’s economy.

“This budget also fails to address long-term structural problems, pushes a looming unfunded pension liability into the future at a cost of over $2 Billion to taxpayers, and recklessly steers Rhode Island into an economic death spiral.

“I urge members of the House of Representatives to send this irresponsible budget back to the Finance Committee and place the public interest over special interests.”

News Release: Robitaille for Governor

Filed Under: 2010 Elections, Commentary and Republican Candidates Closed Tags: John Robitaille.

RI Finally Waking Up to Union Underhanded Tactics

Posted on April 13, 2010 by Rhode Island Red

The greed of these public union hacks at the state house was made abundantly clear with this latest move on the supplemental budget bill by Mr. George Nee of the AFL-CIO. “Don’t touch my union’s benefits!” The League of Cities and Towns had lobbied for a 25 percent co-share – a figure that would have saved a collective $17.6 million if all municipal employees paid that rate, according to a league review in January. Mr. Nee said union leaders objected to a mandatory co-share because it would be “an intrusion into the collective-bargaining process.” “To have it mandated or essentially decided by the General Assembly is basically unacceptable to us,” he said. Well Mr. Nee, the taxpayers do object to continue footing of the entire bill for your people. The private sector has been doing co-shares for decades and it is now time for the public employee unions to step up and do the same. State law does trump contracts and it would affect all of them. By running to speaker Fox to remove the co-share from this bill shows the total contempt you have for the taxpayers of this state.

Mr. Nee also wants mandatory binding arbitration this year and expressed that it was his “number one priority.” This would hinder any attempt to reduce the give-away deals that are present in many of these state and municipal collective bargaining agreements. Binding arbitration and perpetual collective bargaining agreements are bad legislation and puts the municipality at a disadvantage at the bargaining table and places an unfair tax burden on the property owners. These union groups have had it their way for decades but now they must be stopped to save the state from a pending receivership. The RI AFL-CIO leadership only cares about the public unions and not the welfare of the taxpayers of this state. Their constant dominance and lobbying at the state house has hurt every taxpayer of this state.

With this state being in the deplorable economic condition, perhaps the taxpayers should start calling for Rhode Island to be a right-to-work state and have “open shops.” The public unions are abusing the “privilege” they were given back in 1966 with the passage of “The Michelson Act.” Perhaps that law needs to be revisited and repealed as well. The taxpayers can and should push for that legislation to counter what big labor is doing to them right now; make it their “number one priority.” If this legislature is unwilling to listen to the taxpayers and allow themselves to be intimidated by these union hacks and their threats of withdrawing support for their re-election, then they will discover the voters will have the final say in the matter come November. Rhode Island is finally waking up to these unions and their underhanded tactics. The corruption is spreading in the municipalities and the unions do nothing to stop it; they pander to this behavior. Enough is enough – a change is needed now!

L.Chappell
Saunderstown, RI

Filed Under: Big Labor, Commentary and RI General Assembly Closed