In May, my wife applied for private insurance and was rejected outright by the free market because of previous bad health. She's 22; I'm 23.
Last Wednesday while fishing up Black Smith Fork Canyon in Cache Valley, she got a bug bite on her hip. The next day it started oozing, aching and she got a fever and headache, so she called poison control. She described the spider she'd seen while sitting on the ground and the progression of the wound. They said she was describing a hobo spider bite and told her it can be serious.
As recommended, she went to the Instacare in Logan on Friday. The woman told her it's $120 to see the doctor. We don't have $120 in our bank account. The woman pointed to the bold-letter sign: "Payment due before receiving service." My wife left. That's the end of the story. We hope it's not a hobo spider bite.
This is free-market health care. Sens. Bob Bennett and Orrin Hatch are fighting for our right to choose which doctors to be turned away by. Thanks, you brave, government-health-care-insured men.
John Gilmore
Logan
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Best Health Care in the World: Spider Bite
Tribune Public Forum:
Monday, June 29, 2009
UTA, Rep Dougall; Bikes vs Segways
The Federal Stimulus money comes with some strings attached.
For UTA, those strings required that some of the money they got be spent on security.
They opted to buy six Segways.
And Rep Dougall (R-Highland) doesn't like it:
Bikes are illogical. Think about it: They either have to stay on their bikes or stop to lock them up.
Reading the article in the Trib, I started out against them (even though they were more effective than bikes), but grew to think it wasn't a bad idea from UTA.
What do you think?
For UTA, those strings required that some of the money they got be spent on security.
They opted to buy six Segways.
And Rep Dougall (R-Highland) doesn't like it:
"Sounds like they got some fun toys," said state Rep. John Dougall, R-Highland. "Wouldn't bicycles be more effective? If they're talking downtown Salt Lake, bikes would be healthier and more cost-effective."
Not that Dougall would support federal dollars for bikes, which UTA cops already had before the stimulus grant.
Bikes are illogical. Think about it: They either have to stay on their bikes or stop to lock them up.
Reading the article in the Trib, I started out against them (even though they were more effective than bikes), but grew to think it wasn't a bad idea from UTA.
What do you think?
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Rob Bishop says passage of clean energy bill will be as tragic as the death of Michael Jackson.
(h/t and headline stolen from Think Progress)
So, earlier in the programming, they covered the death of Michael Jackson. And then they talked about the Clean Energy Bill. And they had Rob Bishop (ES-UT) on.
I spoke recently with a political insider who has known Rep Bishop for years who said that his smart-alack remarks would be his undoing some day.
That being said, can we PLEASE get him to do more Chaffetzing?
-Bob
So, earlier in the programming, they covered the death of Michael Jackson. And then they talked about the Clean Energy Bill. And they had Rob Bishop (ES-UT) on.
I spoke recently with a political insider who has known Rep Bishop for years who said that his smart-alack remarks would be his undoing some day.
That being said, can we PLEASE get him to do more Chaffetzing?
-Bob
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Chaffetzing: Wrong on Census, ACORN, and USPS
Holly on the Hill has coined a new term:
However, here's the real definition of the term: Pulling stuff out of your rear end when you need to be in front of the cameras.
Take the recent proposal that got Holly coining the term:
Well, this make perfect sense if you don't know anything about the census, the Postal Service, nor the ACORN controversy.
First, let's get this ACORN thing out of the way.
Back in 2008, a group called ACORN went out and registered people to vote. Actually, they paid people to register to vote, and paid them based on how many people they registered. Since they were being paid on commission, some people registered fake people. ACORN flagged those registrations when they turned them into the county clerks. They turned them in because they are reuired by federal law to do so.
Of all the fake registrations turned in by ACORN, there has only been one employee chrged with voter fraud. He registered himself at four different addresses, and voted at three of them. For Republicans.
But, if you are Chaffetzing, don't let the facts get in you way.
Second, let's look at the Postal Service. As Rep Chaffetz says, there are about 750,000 postal workers, which happens to be about the same number that will be hired by the census. Rep Chaffetz says that we should just use the postal workers, because they know the neighborhoods.
Well, about half of them do. There are about 350,000 Letter Carriers. Those are the people who put the mail in your mailbox. The rest of the postal workers are clerks, drivers, or work in processing and data entry.
But, if you are Chaffetzing, don't let the facts get in you way.
Last, let's look at the census. Early next year, you will get a packet in the mail from the Census Bureau. You will be asked to fill it out based on how your household will look on April 1. Then, you mail it in.
After April 1, many of the 700,000 people hired by the Census Bureau will be going to the doors of the people who didn't fill their out to get them to fill it out. As anyone who has knocked on doors(whether in politics or on a mission) can tell you, it's hard to find people at home, so they'll likely have to make many visits to homes. After that, there will be a massive tabulation process (again conducted by some of those 700,000 people). The results will be presented to President Obama before December 31.
To think that this process could be handled by the Postal Service in just one day is...
well...
I need a word...
Chaffetzing.
And, if you are Chaffetzing, don't let the facts get in you way.
-Bob
P.S. And, am I wrong, or is Congressman Chaffetz advocating AGAINST putting 700,000 Americans to work?
retty soon, his name will become a verb and people will talk about “Chaffetzizing” or simply “Chaffetzing” when they mean a politician who actually stands on principle and brings forward workable solutions.
However, here's the real definition of the term: Pulling stuff out of your rear end when you need to be in front of the cameras.
Take the recent proposal that got Holly coining the term:
Congressman Jason Chaffetz is proposing another common-sense idea, this time regarding data collection and the census. Instead of hiring an additional 750,000 ACORN activists, why not utilize the 760,000 post office folks who already know the neighborhoods, are already in place and are not a partisan political group?
[...]
Rep. Chaffetz’ bill will create a “postal holiday” on the “Census Day” to allow the collection of Census information rather than the delivery of mail.
Well, this make perfect sense if you don't know anything about the census, the Postal Service, nor the ACORN controversy.
First, let's get this ACORN thing out of the way.
Back in 2008, a group called ACORN went out and registered people to vote. Actually, they paid people to register to vote, and paid them based on how many people they registered. Since they were being paid on commission, some people registered fake people. ACORN flagged those registrations when they turned them into the county clerks. They turned them in because they are reuired by federal law to do so.
Of all the fake registrations turned in by ACORN, there has only been one employee chrged with voter fraud. He registered himself at four different addresses, and voted at three of them. For Republicans.
But, if you are Chaffetzing, don't let the facts get in you way.
Second, let's look at the Postal Service. As Rep Chaffetz says, there are about 750,000 postal workers, which happens to be about the same number that will be hired by the census. Rep Chaffetz says that we should just use the postal workers, because they know the neighborhoods.
Well, about half of them do. There are about 350,000 Letter Carriers. Those are the people who put the mail in your mailbox. The rest of the postal workers are clerks, drivers, or work in processing and data entry.
But, if you are Chaffetzing, don't let the facts get in you way.
Last, let's look at the census. Early next year, you will get a packet in the mail from the Census Bureau. You will be asked to fill it out based on how your household will look on April 1. Then, you mail it in.
After April 1, many of the 700,000 people hired by the Census Bureau will be going to the doors of the people who didn't fill their out to get them to fill it out. As anyone who has knocked on doors(whether in politics or on a mission) can tell you, it's hard to find people at home, so they'll likely have to make many visits to homes. After that, there will be a massive tabulation process (again conducted by some of those 700,000 people). The results will be presented to President Obama before December 31.
To think that this process could be handled by the Postal Service in just one day is...
well...
I need a word...
Chaffetzing.
And, if you are Chaffetzing, don't let the facts get in you way.
-Bob
P.S. And, am I wrong, or is Congressman Chaffetz advocating AGAINST putting 700,000 Americans to work?
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Sen Bennett Defends his Pro-Tobaco Vote
In summary: "I'm not pro big-tobacco, I'm pro-small tobacco. And Another Government agency.
And I believe you are five.:
The Video:
And I believe you are five.:
The Video:
RIP Sam Weller
Sam Weller's is the coolest place downtown. He built a legacy.
Tribune:
Tribune:
Sam Weller, the venerable Salt Lake City bookseller, whose business thrived for more than 80 years despite threats from downtown redevelopment, a devastating fire and encroachment from national bookstore chains, died Tuesday. He was 88.
Weller was born in Germany and immigrated to the United States when he was just a child. His father, Gus, founded the Zion Bookstore in 1921. Weller took over the business when he was just 24, later changing the name to Sam Weller's Zion Bookstore. The store has been located at 254 South Main Street since 1961.
Family and friends say the business survived thanks to Weller's passion and foresight. He expanded the store's selection of nonfiction books about the West, and built one of the largest selections of used books west of the Mississippi.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Nebo School District Bond Election Tomorrow
June is an awful time to hold an election. So, if you want the voters to "give" their ok on something,do it when the smallest number of people will show.
Holly on the Hill has more:
Nebo district is the southern half of Utah County.
-Bob
Holly on the Hill has more:
There’s a saying that sunlight is the best disinfectant and right now, the Nebo School District needs some disinfectant. With almost no notice, on an off-time, the Nebo district is holding a bond election which will raise taxes an average of $300 per household. In a down economy and trying to sneak it in under the radar is under-handed and just plain wrong. To compound the problem, there are only 7 polling places instead of 30+ and half of those are in different locations.
Royce van Tassel of the Utah Taxpayer’s Association says the June election is an underhanded way of trying to pass a bond without the residents’ participation. If Nebo School District was confident in the measure, they should have waited until November, when voter turnout is sure to be higher. “It seems all too clear”, he said, “that the Nebo School District doesn’t want the taxpayers to weigh in on this.”
Nebo district is the southern half of Utah County.
-Bob
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Following the Utah Democratic Party Convention Online
Assuming you can't make it to the Utah Democratic Convention at Murray High School, here are some ways to follow the happenings:
*Assuming there are not internet snafus, I'll be liveblogging. Newer posts will appear below this one.
*Twitter. I'll be Tweeting, as will many other Utah Democrats (and others). Follow the #utpol and #utdem tags.
-Bob
*Assuming there are not internet snafus, I'll be liveblogging. Newer posts will appear below this one.
*Twitter. I'll be Tweeting, as will many other Utah Democrats (and others). Follow the #utpol and #utdem tags.
-Bob
11:15 AM Wayne Holland's first speech
Chairman holland gets to speak as chairman and later as candidate.
(this is quick and dirty, and not verbatum)
President obama, senator franken, and chairman joe hatch are our successes
many heros in the word, troops, etc. other couragous heros are dem elected officials and candidates. some are a cycle away.
and it's you, the precinct chair, vice chairs, etc.
today, after to successful election cycles, we meet in the shadow of five successful canpaigns no more walker, curtis, christienson.
weber and utah county, some candidates performed better and are poised for victory.
we need to move forward.
our nation is again proud of our president. america, freedom, democracy.
as we move forward, let us imagine sometime in the next decade, the speaker's gavel in litvack's hand, president's chair filled by sen jones, and the chance to elect a demo governor.
and we can and will elect a us senator.
the 2010 election starts today.
(this is quick and dirty, and not verbatum)
President obama, senator franken, and chairman joe hatch are our successes
many heros in the word, troops, etc. other couragous heros are dem elected officials and candidates. some are a cycle away.
and it's you, the precinct chair, vice chairs, etc.
today, after to successful election cycles, we meet in the shadow of five successful canpaigns no more walker, curtis, christienson.
weber and utah county, some candidates performed better and are poised for victory.
we need to move forward.
our nation is again proud of our president. america, freedom, democracy.
as we move forward, let us imagine sometime in the next decade, the speaker's gavel in litvack's hand, president's chair filled by sen jones, and the chance to elect a demo governor.
and we can and will elect a us senator.
the 2010 election starts today.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Old and Busted vs New Hotness
Basically, the choice Democratic delegates have tomorrow is simple:
Go with the current plan, or a plan of substance.
And, with the current plan, based on current growth, we'll have a majority in 2026. Assuming we don't blow this anti-gerrymandering thing.
And this is despite being in agreement with a majority of Utahns when it comes to many, many issues.
Change needs to come to Utah. To do this, Change needs to come to the Democratic Party of Utah.
The currents Chairman's position is like his campaign web site: plain, simple, and not very effective. Go ahead, look. Try to follow the contactlink. Stay a while. Oh, you're done? See. Nothing there.
Now, take a look at Jeff Bell's web site. Look around, watch the videos.
Which messaging arm do you want to lead this party?
-Bob
(and, let's ignore the fact that Jeff's site cost a fraction of what Chairman Holland paid The Summit Group for his.)
Go with the current plan, or a plan of substance.
And, with the current plan, based on current growth, we'll have a majority in 2026. Assuming we don't blow this anti-gerrymandering thing.
And this is despite being in agreement with a majority of Utahns when it comes to many, many issues.
Change needs to come to Utah. To do this, Change needs to come to the Democratic Party of Utah.
The currents Chairman's position is like his campaign web site: plain, simple, and not very effective. Go ahead, look. Try to follow the contactlink. Stay a while. Oh, you're done? See. Nothing there.
Now, take a look at Jeff Bell's web site. Look around, watch the videos.
Which messaging arm do you want to lead this party?
-Bob
(and, let's ignore the fact that Jeff's site cost a fraction of what Chairman Holland paid The Summit Group for his.)
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Jeff Bell on the issues
I've had people tell me that Jeff Bell has no substance on the issues.
I beg to differ.
The following are samples from his web site of just two issues:
Education / Vouchers
LGBT Equality / Common Cause
More reasons I am proud to endorse Jeff for State Party Chair.
I beg to differ.
The following are samples from his web site of just two issues:
Education / Vouchers
The party botched the after messaging from the incredible victory against the Republican Voucher fiasco and the Wal-Mart Academies Plan.
The anti-voucher fight could not have been won without Democrats and the Democratic Party and yet, when the dust settled and the back patting begun, the state party took two steps back and let everyone else claim credit - to the exclusion of Democrats - taking away the value of the voucher fiasco as a powerful campaign issue in the future.
In addition - why is it that every "education reform" bill offered by the Republican Legislature is a teacher penalties bill? Why aren't Democrats breaking down the info and distributing the truth in the most effective way possible?
LGBT Equality / Common Cause
The State Party's silence on this issue is embarrassing.
When I called the State Party last year to ask about messaging plans and strategy, imagine my surprise when I heard that the party had no plan.
"You can't talk about it when you're a Democrat in Utah," was what I was told by former Party Vice Chair Rob Miller. The silence from the party clearly illustrated that this was an official stance.
More reasons I am proud to endorse Jeff for State Party Chair.
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| From The SideTrack |
Endorsement: Jeff Bell for Democratic Party Chair
The party that I see today is bold, innovative and adaptive. -Peter Corroon, endorsing Wayne Holland
While I love Peter Corroon, I couldn't disagree more with this statement.
Bold? Some definitions:
1. not hesitating or fearful in the face of actual or possible danger or rebuff; courageous and daring: a bold hero.
2. not hesitating to break the rules of propriety; forward; impudent: He apologized for being so bold as to speak to the emperor.
3. necessitating courage and daring; challenging: a bold adventure.
4. beyond the usual limits of conventional thought or action; imaginative: Einstein was a bold mathematician. a difficult problem needing a bold answer.
5. striking or conspicuous to the eye; flashy; showy: a bold pattern.
6. steep; abrupt: a bold promontory.
None of these are attributes I give to the Utah Democratic Party. If anything, they try too hard to NOT rock the boat.
Innovative? Having a web site for the sake of having a web site is so 2002. (in fact, the first campaign to utilize the internet effectively was Jesse Ventura in 1998.) Knocking on doors to win campaigns is a great idea, as Patrice Arent showed. However doing things that have been done before, and a decade earlier, is not innovative. (and, I'm sure Sen Arent didn't invent door knocking.)
Granted, the "run a candidate three times to win" thing is innovative, but not very expedient. And what successes there have been belie that strategy.
However, bold, innovative, and adaptive ARE words I'd use to describe Jeff Bell.
One need only look at the video Jeff created in reaction to Holland's "Bold in Utah" Campaign Web site.
Now, can you imagine that level of communication and counter punch, immediately after a dumb statement from Our Republican friends (Gary Herbert, Orrin Hatch, Jason Chaffetz, Gayle Buttars)?
That is the future. The Future can be now, if you join with me in voting for Jeff Bell for Utah Democratic Party Chair.
-Bob Aagard
Former state party employee
blogger, TheWorldAccordingToMe.us
Founder, Mormons for Obama, Mormons for Dean
Candidate, Salt Lake County Secretary 2005.
UPDATE: I'm going to be posting several posts about this race today and tomorrow. I'll include links below for you:
Jeff Bell on the issues
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| From The SideTrack |
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
News Stories That Shouldn't Surprise Us
There have been two stories in the news this week that have people shocked (SHOCKED! I tell ya), but I'm not surprised at all.
The first story is that of the LDS Church's new Oquirrh Mountain Temple getting hit with lightning. You take the highest point for miles, build the tallest structure for miles on it, and top the building with a gold-guilded fiberglass statue with a lightning rod running through it, and then you're shocked (SHOCKED!) that it gets hit. It's not the first time a Temple has been hit, and it won't be the last.
The second one is the Iranian election. Really, You thought it would be a free and fair election?
That said, I think it is awesome that the people are taking to the streets to protest. Power to the people! I hope they succeed.
I doubt they will.
The first story is that of the LDS Church's new Oquirrh Mountain Temple getting hit with lightning. You take the highest point for miles, build the tallest structure for miles on it, and top the building with a gold-guilded fiberglass statue with a lightning rod running through it, and then you're shocked (SHOCKED!) that it gets hit. It's not the first time a Temple has been hit, and it won't be the last.
The second one is the Iranian election. Really, You thought it would be a free and fair election?
That said, I think it is awesome that the people are taking to the streets to protest. Power to the people! I hope they succeed.
I doubt they will.
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| From The SideTrack |
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Cherilyn Eager and Conservative Heretics
Cherilyn Eager made her candidacy for US Senate official today, with a rally (?) at Marie Calenders.
Which one was Mitt Romney -- the one who did a complete 540 on abortion (semi-pro life, then pro choice, then very pro life)), or was he the guy who as governor of that conservative hotbed of Massachusetts when they started allowing Gay Marriage?
Oh, he was the one who showed great personal fiscal responsibility by owning homes in 4 states and spending $25 Million of his own money to come in third. That guy.
Maybe that's what Gayle Ruzicka meant when she said of Eager: "I know she won't change. What she says is what she'll do — and that's important."
As Ethan at KSL pointed out:
Eagar began her campaign by taking shots at the other GOP candidates in the race.
"I'm told this is a four-way race. It's not," she said. "It's a two-way race: a race between three counterfeit conservatives and one authentic conservative. I'm the real deal."
She added, "I have one word to say about Bob Bennett: bailout," complaining he voted for the initial bailout for troubled financial firms (although he opposed later versions). She also said his actions have helped put America on a "bullet train to tyranny."
"I have two words to say about Mark Shurtleff and Tim Bridgewater: John McCain. At a time when the field had several great conservative choices, Shurtleff and Bridgewater chose the guy in the middle of the road," Eagar said. "And we all know what happens to the armadillo in the middle of the road."
She said she supported Mitt Romney for president.
Which one was Mitt Romney -- the one who did a complete 540 on abortion (semi-pro life, then pro choice, then very pro life)), or was he the guy who as governor of that conservative hotbed of Massachusetts when they started allowing Gay Marriage?
Oh, he was the one who showed great personal fiscal responsibility by owning homes in 4 states and spending $25 Million of his own money to come in third. That guy.
Maybe that's what Gayle Ruzicka meant when she said of Eager: "I know she won't change. What she says is what she'll do — and that's important."
As Ethan at KSL pointed out:
The Republican Party is looking for heretics when they SHOULD be looking for converts.
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| From The SideTrack |
Cyclists ticketed for running stop signs-- HORAY!
My family has been involved in the local cycling community for many, many years. In my younger days, I rode in some of the big rides, before they were popular. And, over the past 15 years, I have volunteered to provide support for many, many rides.
Both while helping on those rides, and at other times, I have seen several cyclists nearly miss getting injured while running through a stop sign. I have also seen the many news stories here locally where someone was seriously injured or killed while disobeying the rules of the road while on their bike.
As a pedestrian, I have been hit by cyclists twice in the past year. One ran a red light (at the intersection of Main and South Temple, one of the only roads cyclists aren't allowed on) and by a cyclist riding on the left-hand sidewalk (two laws violated) on 400 South. Both cyclists tried to argue with me, like I was an idiot. In the second instance, a police officer saw us arguing and stopped. While he took my side, he didn't issue a ticket.
I've seen this cyclist riding the same way numerous times (without a helmet, which makes it even more stupid), and I've seen her almost get hit again. The mean part of me wants to see her learn her lesson.
So, I was excited to see this story from the Washington Post:
I wish this would happen more often.
-Bob
Both while helping on those rides, and at other times, I have seen several cyclists nearly miss getting injured while running through a stop sign. I have also seen the many news stories here locally where someone was seriously injured or killed while disobeying the rules of the road while on their bike.
As a pedestrian, I have been hit by cyclists twice in the past year. One ran a red light (at the intersection of Main and South Temple, one of the only roads cyclists aren't allowed on) and by a cyclist riding on the left-hand sidewalk (two laws violated) on 400 South. Both cyclists tried to argue with me, like I was an idiot. In the second instance, a police officer saw us arguing and stopped. While he took my side, he didn't issue a ticket.
I've seen this cyclist riding the same way numerous times (without a helmet, which makes it even more stupid), and I've seen her almost get hit again. The mean part of me wants to see her learn her lesson.
So, I was excited to see this story from the Washington Post:
More than 700 cyclists were on the roads of Loudoun County over the weekend, some pedaling up to 150 miles, trying to raise money for a debilitating disease, multiple sclerosis.
But as they made their way Sunday in the untimed event, several rolled into an obstacle few foresaw: the long arm of the law.
According to cyclists and Loudoun authorities, several cyclists failed to come to complete stops at some intersections, and a county sheriff's deputy was waiting to pounce. Eight cyclists were ticketed for running stop signs that day in the Lovettsville and Purcellville areas, authorities said.
I wish this would happen more often.
-Bob
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| From The SideTrack |
UT-Sen: And then there were six
DesNews:
Vowing to wage a low-cost grass-roots campaign aiming to return the country to constitutional principles, Republican James Russell Williams III formally announced his candidacy Wednesday for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Bob Bennett, R-Utah.
"We have to change the way our politicians are running the government. The best hope for our country, and for our families, is to return to our core conservative principles of fiscal discipline, accountability, strong national security, limited government and immigration reform," he said.
He enters a crowded race. Already in it are Republicans Bennett, Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, and former congressional candidate Tim Bridgewater, and conservative Cherilyn Eagar is expected to formally announce her candidacy on Thursday. Also in the race is Democratic food business owner Sam Granato.
Williams, 36, of South Jordan, owns a small business called Creative Customs, which provides electronics work for car dealerships. He said he has never run for political office.
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| From The SideTrack |
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Is it time to take away Hatch's Keys?
I'm not one to call for a mandatory age for people to lose their driving privileges. After all, my great-grandmother got her first driver's license at the age of 75 and drove well into her 90's.
However, some people are scary dangerous on the road as they age.
Take these examples from Senator Hatch:
Washington Post May 21, 2009:
DeseretNews.com, This Afternoon:
I think the Hatch Family at least needs to have a sit-down with the Senator and have a serious discussion. For his safety, as well as that of everyone else.
-Bob
However, some people are scary dangerous on the road as they age.
Take these examples from Senator Hatch:
Washington Post May 21, 2009:
Sen. Orrin Hatch was test-driving a plug-in hybrid Hummer H3, and the 75-year-old Utah Republican was having some technical difficulties.
"How do you start this baby?" Hatch asked of the executives who built the 100-mile-per-gallon SUV.
"It's started," an official told Hatch.
"It's already on?" Hatch asked, surprised. "Heh, heh."
"Put your foot on the brake, then put it in drive," the official said. Nothing happened. "Is your foot on the brake? You have to have your foot on the brake."
"I think I've got it on," the senator replied.
"Nope," the executive said, pointing out the brake pedal. "There we go."
"No wonder," Hatch said. "I had it on the gas."
Oh, dear.
With a whine and a lurch, the Hummer began to accelerate, and for a few terrifying moments, Hatch was in control of the bright-red 5,000-pound truck. Well, not entirely in control. "All I've got to do is smash that car, I'll tell ya," he said of a vehicle in his path. The questions he asked were unsettling: "Squeeze that button? . . . Do I park it this way? . . . I'm going to miss the curb? . . . Is there a reverse?"
[...]
A few scary minutes later, he had completed his test drive and was parking the Hummer when a PR man from the company asked Hatch to take another spin because the photographers wanted to get another shot.
"Oh, they do?" Hatch asked, uneasily. After some struggle he asked, "Where's the reverse?"
"Foot on the brake -- there you go," the executive coached again.
"I've got it on," Hatch insisted. "What the heck?" he asked after more struggle. He felt for his cellphone, which was playing a noisy ring tone in the Hummer cabin. "I think we better leave it here," he said finally.
DeseretNews.com, This Afternoon:
Mary Ann Askers, "The Sleuth" columnist for the Washington Post, wrote Wednesday that a witness reported that 75-year-old Hatch "grazed" an unidentified woman with his beige Cadillac not far from the Capitol at the tail end of a nasty thunderstorm. "He hit her but she is OK," Askers said the anonymous source reported.
Hatch's office released a written statement to the Deseret News on Wednesday saying the senator actually narrowly missed the pedestrian.
"As he left the Senate Tuesday evening, Senator Hatch narrowly missed a pedestrian who was crossing the street near the Dirksen (Senate office) building," it said.
"The senator was driving slowly through the intersection of C and 1st streets when he suddenly saw an umbrella come down on his car. He immediately stopped, looked to his left and saw a woman who appeared to have jumped back clear of the vehicle."
The statement continues, "She seemed shaken and was obviously upset. So was the senator, who had not seen her and was mortified by what had nearly happened. Senator Hatch rolled down the window, told her he had not seen her an apologized profusely. Witnesses reported that she seemed to be OK."
The statement added, "The senator continued his drive home and, upon his arrival, alerted the Capitol Police about the incident. The senator feels terrible about the close call, but is so grateful the woman was not injured."
I think the Hatch Family at least needs to have a sit-down with the Senator and have a serious discussion. For his safety, as well as that of everyone else.
-Bob
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| From The SideTrack |
Friday, June 05, 2009
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
A Challenge for my "true free-market conservative" readers
Glen Warchol:
I agree with Glen. If there is enough business to run out of liquor licenses, then the market is proving the need for more, right?
Come on, conservatives. Prove Glen and I wrong.
-Bob
The Guv dragged Utah's liquor laws into the current millenium, but his replacement Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert has no intention of continuing the modernization. He tells the Deseret News that he will not take the next step to push for more liquor licenses statewide. Virtually no licenses are left and Salt Lake City in particular needs more to create a visitor-friendly entertainment district. Says Herbert:
Let's let [new liquor laws] play out in the marketplace before we … cue up again for a change in the liquor laws [including an increase licenses]. Let's see what the results of the current liquor laws are.
I don't know much about free-market economic theory — help me out here Rep. John Dougall and Sen. Steve Urquhart — but doesn't an artificial government cap on liquor licenses prevent the market from doing its thing? Basically handcuffs on the ol' Invisible Hand?
I agree with Glen. If there is enough business to run out of liquor licenses, then the market is proving the need for more, right?
Come on, conservatives. Prove Glen and I wrong.
-Bob
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| From The SideTrack |
Monday, June 01, 2009
EXCLUSIVE: Prominent Utah Democrat: "I have to wait for Matheson's decision" to decide on run for Governor
Tonight, I spoke to a prominent Utah Democrat whose name has been floated as a potential candidate for Governor in 2010.
The initial reaction I got from this person (who wanted to stay off the record) was that they needed to "wait until [Rep Jim] Matheson makes up his mind." This was because Matheson would have the advantage in a primary should he decide to run.
However, this person has thrown some thought into the race, saying that they needed to "raise about $2 Million" and that using the internet "Like Howard Dean and Barack Obama did" is going to be keys to victory.
So, as I said the other day, Jim Matheson needs to make up his mind. That way, other people can make up theirs, and the necessary fundraising and campaigning an get started.
-Bob
The initial reaction I got from this person (who wanted to stay off the record) was that they needed to "wait until [Rep Jim] Matheson makes up his mind." This was because Matheson would have the advantage in a primary should he decide to run.
However, this person has thrown some thought into the race, saying that they needed to "raise about $2 Million" and that using the internet "Like Howard Dean and Barack Obama did" is going to be keys to victory.
So, as I said the other day, Jim Matheson needs to make up his mind. That way, other people can make up theirs, and the necessary fundraising and campaigning an get started.
-Bob
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| From The SideTrack |
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