Saturday, December 5, 2015

Timothy Sandberg (1946-2015) Warren Area High School Class of 1964



1964 Dragon yearbook

Also in the picture.
Mary Sandblade, Christina's younger sister, was my girlfriend throughout most of junior high school.

1967 Warren City Directory

  • Sandberg Ralph E (Edna M) design eng StruthersWells h204 N South
  • Sandberg Timothy L appr SW r204 N South
1983 Warren City Directory
  • Sandberg Ralph E & Edna M retd h204 N South St
  • Sandberg Timothy L & Mary E drftsmn SW h509 Conewango Av

'Tim' enjoyed an impressive run in the 2nd half of the 20th century.


Other members of the class of 1964:
David Holmberg.  (8/3/2015)
Susen Johnson Gebhardt.  (6/20/2015)
Delores Brady Geer.  (1/25/2015)
Judith McCool Madigan.  (1/26/2015)
Julia Barhight Verdot.  (9/5/2014)
Charles Lyon.  (1/12/2014)

Motivated by fear, Republicans won't attack Trump directly so as not to depress GOP vote in 2016



As set forth in 9/23/2015 NRSC Senior Staff memo.  (Which is based on the premise that Donald Trump is the Republican Party's Presidential nominee in 2016.)

Related post:
Republicans understand they will have an astronomical problem with women if Donald Trump is the Presidential nominee.  (12/5/2015)
Republican Party sets forth Trump lesson #1.  (12/5/2015)

Republicans understand they will have an astronomical problem with women if Donald Trump is the Presidential nominee



As set forth in 9/23/2015 NRSC Senior Staff memo.  (Which is based on the premise that Donald Trump is the Republican Party's Presidential nominee in 2016.)

Related post:
Republican Party sets forth Trump lesson #1.  (12/5/2015)

Republican Party sets forth Trump lesson #1



As published in 9/23/2015 NRSC Senior Staff memo.

Yup, 'can't be bought'.  That will be an easy sell!


National Republican Senatorial Committee

Scott Walker caught in another web of lies



As reported in State's handling of workers caught in workplace sex doesn't match Scott Walker's account.  (Madison.com, 12/5/2015)
Walker’s comments about their case are at least the second instance in which he told anecdotes about state workers to plug the civil service changes that aren’t supported by state records.  [emphasis added]

Related posts:
Friday news dump. (4:52 p.m.) Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development: Attracting, hiring, and retaining (TBD) the best of the best.  (11/13/2015)
Dear Scott Walker, I know someone you should look straight in the eye when spouting this nonsense.  (11/10/2015)
In light of recent actions by Walker and his appointees, does Roger Roth realize how silly he sounds?  (11/7/2015)
Sad Dan Knodl (R-Germantown) enters the Republican, civil service echo chamber.  (10/29/2015) 
Storytime at the Wisconsin Department of Administration.  (10/29/2015)
Terry Katsma (R-Oostburg): Have I got a speedy hiring process for you!! (10/28/2015)
Wisconsin Republicans gut civil service: Are you starting to see a pattern here?  (10/28/2015)
Dear Mike Rohrkaste, Perhaps you weren't paying attention in 2011. Two words: Act 10.  (10/28/2015)
Newspeak just where you'd expect it -- in an Americans for Prosperity news release.  (10/28/2015)
Just think. Once the legislature guts civil service, Scott Walker's former aides can be appointed to all levels of state government.  (10/6/2015)

Dear Scott Walker, What do you say about this kind of Rebecca Bradley nonsense?



Granted, Scott Walker's infatuation with Rebecca Bradley has nothing to do with civil service.  It does, however, have much to do with his perception of 'merit'.



Here's one of her 'meritorious' positions.


The full text of her column, "Control vs. Conscience".

Other Rebecca Bradley posts:
Brad Courtney pimps out Rebecca Bradley.  (12/4/2015)
Republicans use rule of law dog whistle to get signatures on Rebecca Bradley's nomination papers in non-partisan Supreme Court race.  (12/3/2015)
Rebecca Bradley recklessly alludes to how Scott Walker has politicized her Wisconsin Supreme Court race.  (11/19/2015)
Rebecca Bradley responds to JoAnne Kloppenburg comment with her 'rule of law' dog whistle.  (11/19/2015)
Rebecca Bradley and the company she keeps (The David Clarke edition)  (11/8/2015)
This Rebecca Bradley headline must be from The Onion.  (10/26/2015)
It's all about the money: Rebecca Bradley on political and election processes.  (10/20/2015)
On the topic of Rebecca Bradley, Scott Walker speaks loudly, clearly.  (10/19/2015)
5 days on the Wisconsin Supreme Court and already Rebecca Bradley is receiving awards.  (10/17/2015)
Rebecca Bradley asks issue advocacy groups to observe 'rule of courtesy'.  (10/16/2015)
To which the packed audience responded with a loud, unified chorus of "THAT'S DEBATABLE!!"  (10/12/2015)
Rebecca Bradley talks in code at her christening ceremony.  (10/9/2015)
UPDATE: Scott Walker's Supreme Court appointment: Is it all about the money or who gets the money?  (10/9/2015)
Rebecca Bradley hopes Scott Walker will punch her $1,350 ticket to a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court.  (10/5/2015)


Friday, December 4, 2015

GOP leaders and Donald Trump's latest poll numbers: Much more to be wary about



The behinders in the 11/27-12/1 CNN/ORC poll:
  • 4% - Chris Christie
  • 3% - Jeb Bush, Carly Fiorina
  • 2% - John Kasich, Mike Huckabee
  • 1% - Rand Paul
  • 0% - Lindsey Graham, George Pataki, Rick Santorum
Other stuff: 
  • 52% of Republican (278) and independent (176) respondents think that Donald Trump has the best chance of winning the election.

And what do GOP party leaders think?
It's a much different scenario.  Many leading Republican officials, strategists and donors now say they fear that Mr. Trump’s nomination would lead to an electoral wipeout, a sweeping defeat that could undo some of the gains Republicans have made in recent congressional, state and local elections.
As reported in Wary of Donald Trump, G.O.P. Leaders Are Caught in a Standoff.  (The New York Times, 12/1/2015)

Time for a Republican sing-along!  (Courtesy of the King of Power Pop.)



Related post:
They have a word for that kind of behavior: chickenshit.  (12/2/2015)

Democrat Tom Crofton (Rockbridge) to challenge Republican Ed Brooks (Reedsburg) in 50th Wisconsin Assembly District


Photo credit:  Democracy.com

As reported in Richland County supervisor will seek State Assembly seat.  (Reedsburg Times-Press, 12/2/2015)

Brooks showed some vulnerability in the 2012 Presidential election.

 A Libertarian Party candidate garnered 2.8% of the vote in 2012.


Public and academic libraries in the 50th Assembly District
Public libraries
Brewer Public Library, Richland Center
Elroy Public Library
Hatch Public Library, Mauston
LaValle Public Library
Necedah Community Siegler Memorial Library
New Lisbon Memorial Library
Reedsburg Public Library
Rock Springs Public Library
Wonewoc Public Library

Academic library
Miller Memorial Library, UW-Richland Center

Summing up Donald Trump's speech to the Republican Jewish Coalition in 18 harsh words




Quotes shared in Donald Trump's speech to Republican Jews was filled with anti-Semitic stereotypes.  (Vox, 12/3/2015)

The free-market Reason sez privatize infrastructure improvements; makes imprecise claim


As reported (with correction) in Is infrastructure spending a good investment?  (Reason, 12/3/2015)

And how did this deal work out?

Well, first of all, the original operator filed for bankruptcy last year.

Indiana Toll Road Seeks Bankruptcy as Traffic Declines. (Bloomberg Business, 9/22/2014)
Not the first time for this outcome.  The Indiana road company isn’t the first to seek creditor protection since the financial crisis. Operators of the South Bay Expressway, a 10-mile toll road near San Diego, and the 16-mile Southern Connector in Greenville County, South Carolina, each filed for bankruptcy in 2010 after experiencing low traffic.

A cautionary tale

The Indiana Toll Road and the Dark Side of Privately Financed Highways.  (Streetsblog USA, 11/18/2014)
Buyer beware.  At a time when government and Wall Street are raring to team up on privately financed infrastructure, a look at the Indiana Toll Road reveals several of the red flags to beware in all such deals: an opaque agreement based on proprietary information the public cannot access; a profit-making strategy by the private financier that relies on securitization and fees, divorced from the actual infrastructure product or service; and faulty assumptions underpinning the initial investment, which can incur huge public expense down the line. Though made in the name of innovation and efficiency, private finance deals are often more expensive than conventional bonding, threatening to suck money from taxpayers while propping up infrastructure projects that should never get built.

The highway is now operated by Australia's IFM Investors

Indiana Toll Road Exits Bankruptcy Protection.  (The Wall Street Journal, 5/29/2015)
Not the only problem with this model.  Toll roads backed by private financing have struggled in recent years because of heavy debt burdens put in place on the assumption of rising traffic and toll revenue. American Roads LLC, which operates toll roads in Alabama and Michigan, restructured its debt in chapter 11 protection in 2013. The Australian operator of the Pocahontas 895 handed over the 8.8-mile toll road outside of Richmond, Va., to a group of its European creditors, also in 2013. 

Related posts:
Lesson two in privatization.  (7/7/2012)
A lesson in privatization: Welcome to Hallandale Beach Florida and the world of aquatic risk management.  (7/5/2012)

Brad Courtney pimps out Rebecca Bradley


Photo credit:  LinkedIn

As quoted in Supreme Court candidates blast Rebecca Bradley for getting GOP help.  (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 12/3/2015)
To get on the ballot, the candidates must gather at least 2,000 signatures. The chairman of the state Republican Party, Brad Courtney, sent a mass email on Tuesday seeking volunteers to help gather signatures.

Other Rebecca Bradley posts:
Republicans use rule of law dog whistle to get signatures on Rebecca Bradley's nomination papers in non-partisan Supreme Court race.  (12/3/2015)
Rebecca Bradley recklessly alludes to how Scott Walker has politicized her Wisconsin Supreme Court race.  (11/19/2015)
Rebecca Bradley responds to JoAnne Kloppenburg comment with her 'rule of law' dog whistle.  (11/19/2015)
Rebecca Bradley and the company she keeps (The David Clarke edition)  (11/8/2015)
This Rebecca Bradley headline must be from The Onion.  (10/26/2015)
It's all about the money: Rebecca Bradley on political and election processes.  (10/20/2015)
On the topic of Rebecca Bradley, Scott Walker speaks loudly, clearly.  (10/19/2015)
5 days on the Wisconsin Supreme Court and already Rebecca Bradley is receiving awards.  (10/17/2015)
Rebecca Bradley asks issue advocacy groups to observe 'rule of courtesy'.  (10/16/2015)
To which the packed audience responded with a loud, unified chorus of "THAT'S DEBATABLE!!"  (10/12/2015)
Rebecca Bradley talks in code at her christening ceremony.  (10/9/2015)
UPDATE: Scott Walker's Supreme Court appointment: Is it all about the money or who gets the money?  (10/9/2015)
Rebecca Bradley hopes Scott Walker will punch her $1,350 ticket to a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court.  (10/5/2015)

Thursday, December 3, 2015

Republicans use rule of law dog whistle to get signatures on Rebecca Bradley's nomination papers in non-partisan Supreme Court race


Photo source: LinkedIn

As reported in GOP seeking signatures on behalf of Rebecca Bradley.  (Wisconsin State Journal, 12/3/2015)


Other Rebecca Bradley posts:
Rebecca Bradley recklessly alludes to how Scott Walker has politicized her Wisconsin Supreme Court race.  (11/19/2015)
Rebecca Bradley responds to JoAnne Kloppenburg comment with her 'rule of law' dog whistle.  (11/19/2015)
Rebecca Bradley and the company she keeps (The David Clarke edition)  (11/8/2015)
This Rebecca Bradley headline must be from The Onion.  (10/26/2015)
It's all about the money: Rebecca Bradley on political and election processes.  (10/20/2015)
On the topic of Rebecca Bradley, Scott Walker speaks loudly, clearly.  (10/19/2015)
5 days on the Wisconsin Supreme Court and already Rebecca Bradley is receiving awards.  (10/17/2015)
Rebecca Bradley asks issue advocacy groups to observe 'rule of courtesy'.  (10/16/2015)
To which the packed audience responded with a loud, unified chorus of "THAT'S DEBATABLE!!"  (10/12/2015)
Rebecca Bradley talks in code at her christening ceremony.  (10/9/2015)
UPDATE: Scott Walker's Supreme Court appointment: Is it all about the money or who gets the money?  (10/9/2015)
Rebecca Bradley hopes Scott Walker will punch her $1,350 ticket to a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court.  (10/5/2015)

Chris Christie puts all of his eggs in one basket -- New Hampshire style


And, right now, it seems to be working for him.


Chris Christie is doing well in NH. Will that be enough?  (Iowa Politics Now, 12/3/2015)

50 days -- and counting -- of campaigning in the Granite State
But Christie's laser focus on the first primary state means `he's spent little time building a presence in South Carolina and beyond that could turn a potential victory in New Hampshire's Feb. 9 primary into national momentum. In South Carolina, which holds its primary Feb. 20, Christie has no office open and a minimal grassroots network. He's spent little time campaigning there or in other Southern states that will hold primaries soon after.

Related posts: 
Trump remains solidly in 1st place in New Hampshire; Chris Christie on the rise.  (12/3/2015)
Donald Trump has won 24 New Hampshire Republican Presidential primary polls in a row.  (11/22/2015)
Carson drops to 4th in New Hamphire, tied with Bush; Trump still in 1st.  (11/19/2015)
Donald Trump maintains comfortable lead in New Hampshire; Rubio 2nd; Bush still struggling.  (11/18/2015)
Outlier? Carson falls to 6th place, behind Cruz, Rubio, Bush, and Christie, in latest NH poll.  (11/15/2015)
New Hampshire Republicans seem to be tiring of the Donald Trump Show.  (11/4/2015)
"Oh, wow!": Four Republican candidates peaking in New Hampshire. (11/2/2015)
New Hampshire Republicans not warming up to Ben Carson. (10/26/2015)
The two most recent New Hampshire Republican polls do little to change the picture out there.  (10/20/2015)
Donald Trump takes a commanding lead in New Hampshire -- but then it's a Gravis Marketing poll.  (10/10/2015)
It certainly looks as though the thrill is gone for Donald Trump in New Hampshire.  (10/4/2015)
Carson sacked for a 10-yard loss in New Hampshire.   (9/26/2015)
Donald Trump is losing steam in New Hampshire.  (9/16/2015)
Donald Trump continues to rock New Hampshire Republicans' world.  (8/26/2015)
Speaking of panic, I see that Scott Walker is now in 8th place in New Hampshire.  (9/13/2015)
The latest from New Hampshire: Outlier poll or more evidence that Scott Walker's numbers are ebbing.  (8/11/2015)
Donald Trump cruises to another win.  (8/4/2015)
Trump stomps the competition in New Hampshire; Kasich moves up to tie Walker for 3rd
.  (7/28/215) 
Donald Trump surges into 1st place in New Hampshire.  (7/27/2015)
Jeb Bush Experiencing Some Serious Slippage in New Hampshire.  (4/16/2015) 
Big spikes for Scott Walker, Donald Trump in most recent New Hampshire poll.  (4/13/2015)
New Hampshire Republican Presidential primary voters are having trouble making up their minds.  (3/31/2015)
Another day, another New Hampshire Presidential primary poll.  (3/28/2015)
New Hampshire: Jeb Bush holds slim lead among crowded GOP pack in NBC News/Marist poll.  (2/17/2015)

Trump remains solidly in 1st place in New Hampshire; Chris Christie on the rise



The behinders in the 11/30-12/2 Public Policy Polling poll:
  • 6% - Carly Fiorina
  • 5% - Jeb Bush
  • 4% - Rand Paul
  • 1% - Mike Huckabee, Rick Santorum, George Pataki
  • 0% - Lindsey Graham
Other stuff:
  • 'Unfavorable' leaders
    • 45% - Jeb Bush, George Pataki
    • 41% - Rick Santorum
    • 39% - Donald Trump

Related posts: 
Donald Trump has won 24 New Hampshire Republican Presidential primary polls in a row.  (11/22/2015)
Carson drops to 4th in New Hamphire, tied with Bush; Trump still in 1st.  (11/19/2015)
Donald Trump maintains comfortable lead in New Hampshire; Rubio 2nd; Bush still struggling.  (11/18/2015)
Outlier? Carson falls to 6th place, behind Cruz, Rubio, Bush, and Christie, in latest NH poll.  (11/15/2015)
New Hampshire Republicans seem to be tiring of the Donald Trump Show.  (11/4/2015)
"Oh, wow!": Four Republican candidates peaking in New Hampshire. (11/2/2015)
New Hampshire Republicans not warming up to Ben Carson. (10/26/2015)
The two most recent New Hampshire Republican polls do little to change the picture out there.  (10/20/2015)
Donald Trump takes a commanding lead in New Hampshire -- but then it's a Gravis Marketing poll.  (10/10/2015)
It certainly looks as though the thrill is gone for Donald Trump in New Hampshire.  (10/4/2015)
Carson sacked for a 10-yard loss in New Hampshire.   (9/26/2015)
Donald Trump is losing steam in New Hampshire.  (9/16/2015)
Donald Trump continues to rock New Hampshire Republicans' world.  (8/26/2015)
Speaking of panic, I see that Scott Walker is now in 8th place in New Hampshire.  (9/13/2015)
The latest from New Hampshire: Outlier poll or more evidence that Scott Walker's numbers are ebbing.  (8/11/2015)
Donald Trump cruises to another win.  (8/4/2015)
Trump stomps the competition in New Hampshire; Kasich moves up to tie Walker for 3rd
.  (7/28/215) 
Donald Trump surges into 1st place in New Hampshire.  (7/27/2015)
Jeb Bush Experiencing Some Serious Slippage in New Hampshire.  (4/16/2015) 
Big spikes for Scott Walker, Donald Trump in most recent New Hampshire poll.  (4/13/2015)
New Hampshire Republican Presidential primary voters are having trouble making up their minds.  (3/31/2015)
Another day, another New Hampshire Presidential primary poll.  (3/28/2015)
New Hampshire: Jeb Bush holds slim lead among crowded GOP pack in NBC News/Marist poll.  (2/17/2015)

On the issues: Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-California) on gun control


Quote source:  Congressman Duncan Hunter

Has not yet tweeted his thoughts and prayers.

Other Hunter posts:
Meet the members of the Republican Study Committee.  (7/4/2015)
No friend to the environment.  (11/26 /2014)

Related post:
Doug LaMalfa.  (12/3/2015)
Paul Cook.  (12/3/2015)
Kevin McCarthy.  (12/3/2015)

On the issues: Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-California) on gun control


Has  not yet tweeted his thoughts and prayers.

Other McCarthy posts:
The 3 contenders for Speaker of the House speak out on same-sex marriage.  (10/7/2015)
The 3 contenders for Speaker of the House speak out on climate change.  (10/6/2015)
Kevin McCarthy does a Scott Walker -- and that ain't good!  (10/1/2015)
Kevin McCarthy explains it all.  (10/1/2015)

Related post:
Doug LaMalfa.  (12/3/2015)
Paul Cook.  (12/3/2015)

On the issues: Rep. Paul Cook (R-California) on gun control


Quote source: On the Issues

Has tweeted his thoughts and prayers.



Other Cook posts:
No friend to the environment.  (11/20/2014)

Related post:
Doug LaMalfa.  (12/3/2015)

On the issues: Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-California) on gun control


Quote source: On the Issues

Has yet to tweet his thoughts and prayers.

Other LaMalfa posts:
Meet the members of the Republican Study Committee.  (7/3/2015)

Sam Notoro (1926-2015) Warren High School



1943 Dragon yearbook

1967 Warren City Directory (county section)
  • Notoro Dorothy 105 Center
  • Notoro Frank 8 Brown av
  • Notoro Mary 8 Brown av
  • Notoro Saml 105 Center
1983 Warren City Directory 
  • Notoro Sam & Dorothy; crane opr PDMS rClarendon PA

Just plain 'Sam'


Doctors for America once again ask Congress to lift federal ban on gun research


(You can sign the petition here.)

The background
What happened 20 years ago
As a result of the National Rifle Association's lobbying efforts, governmental research into gun mortality has shrunk by 96 percent since the mid-1990s, according to Reuters.  
Prior to 1996, the Center for Disease Control funded research into the causes of firearm-related deaths. After a series of articles finding that increased prevalence of guns lead to increased incidents of gun violence, Republicans sought to remove all federal funding for research into gun deaths.  
In 1996, Republican Rep. Jay Dickey removed $2.6 million from the CDC budget — the precise amount the CDC spent on gun research in 1995 — at a time when the center was conducting more studies into gun-related deaths as a "public health phenomenon," according to The New York Times. The NRA and some pro-gun Congressmen perceived this as more of an attack.

What happened 5 months ago. 

Quietly, Congress extends a ban on CDC research on gun violence.  (Public Radio International, 7/2/2015)
Dr. Fred Rivara, a professor of Pediatrics and Epidemiology at the University of Washington at Seattle Children's Hospital, has been involved with injury research for 30 years. He was part of a team that researched gun violence back in the 1990s and personally saw the chilling effects of the NRA’s lobbying arm. Rivara says that the NRA accused the CDC of trying to use science to promote gun control.  
“As a result of that, many, many people stopped doing gun research, [and] the number of publications on firearm violence decreased dramatically," he told The Takeaway in April. "It was really chilling in terms of our ability to conduct research on this very important problem.”

What happened yesterday

Hours before San Bernardino shooting, doctors urged Congress to lift funding ban on gun violence research.  (Washington Post, 12/2/2015)
On Wednesday morning, a group of doctors in white coats arrived on Capitol Hill to deliver a petition to Congress. Signed by more than 2,000 physicians around the country, it pleads with lawmakers to lift a restriction that for nearly two decades has essentially blocked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from conducting research on gun violence.

Source: CNN

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Trump supporters strain the resources of La-La Land



Wary of Donald Trump, G.O.P. Leaders Are Caught in a Standoff  (online headline).  (The New York Times, 12/1/2015)
With his knack for offending the very constituencies Republicans have struggled with in recent elections, women and minorities, Mr. Trump could be a millstone on his party if he won the nomination. He is viewed unfavorably by 64 percent of women and 74 percent of nonwhite voters, according to a November ABC News/Washington Post poll.



Related article:
They have a word for that kind of behavior: chickenshit.  (12/2/2015)

They have a word for that kind of behavior: chickenshit



Wary of Donald Trump, G.O.P. Leaders Are Caught in a Standoff  (online headline).  (The New York Times, 12/1/2015)

"As Trump Barrels On, His Party is Paralyzed" (print headline).  (The New York Times, 12/1/2015)

The word is even found in respectable dictionaries nowadays.




The newest Republican meme: Mock climate change by linking it to ISIS



As quoted in Republican Candidates Slam Obama's Focus On Climate Change.  (Wisconsin Public Radio, 12/1/2015)


As quoted in Republican Candidates Slam Obama's Focus On Climate Change.  (Wisconsin Public Radio, 12/1/2015)


As quoted in Republican Candidates Slam Obama's Focus On Climate Change.  (Wisconsin Public Radio, 12/1/2015)


As reported in Obama Admin Thinks SUVs Are a Greater Threat Than ISIS, Iran.  (FOX News Insider, 11/24/2015)

Did Obama consciously bait the trap?
“What a powerful rebuke to the terrorists it will be when the world stands as one and shows that we will not be deterred from building a better future for our children,” Mr. Obama said of the climate conference. 
The segue brought mockery, even castigation, from the political right, but it was a reminder of the importance Mr. Obama places on climate change in shaping his legacy. During his 2012 re-election campaign, he barely mentioned global warming, but the issue has become a hallmark of his second term.
As reported in Obama’s Legacy at Stake in Paris Talks on Climate Accord.  (The New York Times, 11/28/2015)

Related post:
The 'fresh face' meme of Scott Walker: Because his last name isn't Bush or Clinton.  (8/5/2015)
Meet the Republicans' same-sex marriage meme: "...five unelected judges..."  (6/27/2015)
Republicans need to generate a new climate change meme.  (1/21/2015)

The Marshall Islands and climate change: "We're talking about something that's happening NOW"




The Marshall Islands Are Disappearing.  (The New York Times, 12/2/2015)

More short-term thinking, no big picture among Republicans in Washington
The debate over loss and damage has been intense because the final language of the Paris accord could require developed countries, first and foremost the United States, to give billions of dollars to vulnerable countries like the Marshall Islands. Senior Republicans in Congress are already preparing for a fight, they say on behalf of the American taxpayer.

Photo credit:  Gage Skidmore via Wikipedia

Though Trump himself must certainly seem so.

As quoted in Republican Candidates Slam Obama's Focus On Climate Change.  (Wisconsin Public Radio, 12/1/2015)


Other climate change posts: 
Monthly global temperature record broken for 6th month in a row.  (11/18/2015)
The world continues to set a record pace in its warm ways.  (10/28/2015)
Cold enough for you?  (3/9/2014)

Inadvertently, Donald Trump describes how the world views the Republican candidates for President


Pavlovian in its predictability.

Photo credit:  Greg Skidmore at Wikipedia

As quoted in Republican Candidates Slam Obama's Focus On Climate Change.  (Wisconsin Public Radio, 12/1/2015)

You'll find a huge chorus of barking here.

Including this gem.

Text sourceOn Earth
Photo sourceU.S. Congress

Increasingly out of touch.  (If such a thing is possible.)

Many Conservative Republicans Believe Climate Change Is a Real Threat.  (The New York Times, 9/28/2015)

Trump maintains lead, Carson continues to fade, Bush a real nowhere man in latest national poll



The behinders in the 11/23-30 Quinnipiac poll:
  • 5% - Jeb Bush
  • 3% - Carly Fiorina
  • 2% - Chris Christie, John Kasich, Rand Paul
  • 1% - Mike Huckabee
  • 0% - Lindsey Graham, George Pataki, Rick Santorum
Other stuff:
  • Clinton tops all 'major' Republican candidates in head-to-head matchups
  • Top unsupportable Republican candidates
    • 26% - Donald Trump
    • 21% - Jeb Bush

Related posts:
It's a 4-way contest for the Republican Presidential nomination in 2 latest polls; Trump comfortably in 1st.  (11/22/2015)
Republican Presidential candidates tread water in national polls.  (11/19/2015)
A passel of polls lately, all of em' touting Trump's tenacity.  (10/20/2015)
Republican Presidential primary race is turning into a snoozefest.  (10/20/2015)
More of the same, pretty much, in latest Republican Presidential primary poll.  (10/19/2015)
Clearly, the manufactured glow of Carly Fiorina's September 16th performance is fading.  (10/12/2015)
For now, Investors' Business Daily poll looks to be an outlier as Trump is back in 1st place.  (10/7/2015)
 Blathering his way to oblivion, Donald Trump falls out of first place in latest poll.  (10/4/2015)
Nothing to write home about in latest Republican Presidential primary poll.  (10/3/2015)
Another ho-hum Republican Presidential primary poll.  (10/1/2015)
The September polls have not been kind to Donald Trump.  (9/27/2015)
Scott Walker down to zero in latest Republican primary poll -- behind Rick Santorum, no less.  (9/20/2015)
Ben Carson closes the gap with Donald Trump in latest Republican primary poll.  (9/15/2015)
Scott Walker joins the bottom feeders in latest national Republican primary poll.  (9/14/2015)
CNN/ORC poll gives Scott Walker a pity-pat, lifts him out of behinder bin.  (9/10/2015)
Scott Walker slides to 3% in latest national poll; has 8th place all to himself.  (9/3/2015)
Scott Walker is likely to BLAME CANADA for his latest poll showing.  (9/1/2015)
Donald Trump maintains his lead, Scott Walker continues to slide in national Republican Presidential primary polls.  (8/27/2015)
Donald Trump maintains a sizable lead in latest national Republican Presidential primary poll.  (8/18/2015)
Donald Trump maintains his lead in national polls; Scott Walker is yesterday's news.  (8/16/2015) 
Trump continues to ebb, Fiorina surges in latest national Republican Presidential primary poll.  (8/12/2015)
Running up to Thursday's FOX News GOP debate, Donald Trump continues to run the poll table.  (8/4/2015)
A hot bat: Donald Trump goes 10 for 11 in July.  (8/3/2015) 
Another day, another 1st place poll finish for Donald Trump (9 and counting).  (8/3/2015)
Donald Trump continues to run the poll table: 8 in a row.  (8/2/2015)
Trump wins 6th national poll in a row.  (7/30/2015)
In his last 5 'starts', Donald Trump is 5-0 in national Republican presidential polling.  (7/27/2015)
Trump wins 4th national poll in a row; Walker closes gap.  (7/23/2015) 
Trump takes his 3rd national poll in a row.  (7/20/2015)
Donald Trump takes 1st place in consecutive national polls.  (7/17/2015)
On day 2 of Scott Walker's presidential campaign, a just-released Suffolk University/USA Today poll has Donald Trump in 1st place.  (7/14/2015)
Monmouth University poll casts a pall over Scott Walker's presidential candidacy announcement.  (7/13/2015)
Scott Walker leads in Iowa Republican presidential polling, but nationally it's a different story.  (7/1/2015)
Republicans' 2016 Presidential primary preferences look like a bunch of scribbles when graphed.  (6/22/2015)
Has anyone else noticed that Scott Walker peaked 2 months ago in New Hampshire? (6/14/2015)
Same as it ever was, pretty much, in latest Fox News poll.  (6/3/2015)
The latest CNN/ORC Republican presidential primary poll likes the Florida boys.  (6/2/2015) 
5-way tie in latest Quinnipiac Republican presidential primary poll.  (5/28/2015)
Republican presidential candidates find little elbow room in latest Fox News poll.  (5/16/2015)
Latest Public Policy Polling (PPP) numbers keep Republican candidates in a jumble.  (5/14/2015)
The Florida Boys leave Scott Walker in "show" position in latest Republican presidential horse race poll.  (5/5/2015)
Tracking the national Republican presidential primary polls.  (4/3/2015)
Scott Walker tied for 2nd with 'Dunno' in latest CNN/ORC poll. (3/19/2015)
Don't know/no answer/somebody else/won't vote leads latest Quinnipiac Republican Presidential primary poll.  (3/6/2015)
Someone else/no one, Ben Carson have best 1-2 punch in Public Policy poll.  (2/24/2015)
On the merry-go-round: Mike Huckabee takes the lead in the latest Republican Presidential preference poll.  (2/18/2015)

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Out of (local) control: When it comes to anything resembling a train, Republicans just can't help themselves




GOP bill would block state money for Milwaukee streetcar.  (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 12/1/2015)

Brought to you by, among others, Jesse "Bathroom Bill" Kremer.  And I'm sure it's just what Kremer's constituents in the 59th Assembly district are screaming for.
Kremer said the measure would essentially be an expansion of a provision in the 2015-'17 state budget that created a transit safety oversight program. That provision was aimed at preventing a county containing a first-class city — that would only be Milwaukee — from incurring any expenses linked to the operation of a commuter rail system, unless the county would be fully reimbursed by the city.

Jesse Kremer is a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly on the strength of his winning 38.6% in the 2014 primary.  He was unopposed in the general election.

Other Kremer posts:
The 'bathroom bill' marriage of Jesse Kremer and Julaine Appling.  (11/21/2015)
ALEC/NRA waterboy Jesse Kremer blames the media.  (10/23/2015)
Waterboys for the NRA and ALEC: Rep. Jesse Kremer (R-Kewaskum) and Sen. Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg)  (10/13/2015)
Wisconsin Republicans continue their laser-like focus on jobs and the economy.  (10/7/2015)
Wisconsin Assembly candidate denounces tax breaks for wind energy but conveniently overlooks what big oil receives.  (8/7/2014)
Just what the Wisconsin legislature needs: Another ALEC disciple.  (8/7/2014)

Liberty Counsel to Mount Horeb School Board: "Please govern yourselves accordingly"


Mt. Horeb School Drops Book On Transgender Identity Following Lawsuit Threat. (Wisconsin Public Radio, 11/30/2015)



Well, at least Richard said 'please'.

What's curious to me, though, is that what he writes in his second paragraph....
I write on behalf of concerned parents regarding the attached “Dear Parent” letter that was sent November 19, 2015, to parents of primary school students within the Mount Horeb Area School District (“MHASD” or “the District”). [emphasis added]

...doesn't correspond to the headline of the story posted in the "Newsroom section" of Liberty Counsel's webpages.


Liberty Counsel is the same group that claimed to have a photo of 100,000 people in Peru attending a prayer meeting for Kim Davis.

Related article:
Community support follows cancellation of Mount Horeb school reading of transgender book.  (Wisconsin State Journal, 11/30/2015)
A reading by the Mount Horeb High School’s Straight and Gay Alliance (SAGA) will begin at 7:35 a.m. at the school’s flagpole. The other, hosted by parent Amy Lyle, is from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Mount Horeb Library.