Question for Judge Sotomayor

Wouldn't it be better to let others proclaim you wise instead of constantly doing it yourself?

Granted she didn't specifically name herself in, what is being shown as, numerous speeches she referred to wise women or wise Latina. The inference from her is obvious.

It would seem if someone has to refer to themselves as wise it is proving the opposite.

Zoo holds polar bear hostage

Maybe not but pretty close. One zoo was claiming if the state of Massechusetts cut their budget that zoo animals would have to die Governor Deval Patrick yesterday accused Zoo New England officials of creating a false and inflammatory scare with their warning that state budget cuts may force them to close two Greater Boston zoos and euthanize some animals. I'm surprised Mayor Coleman and City Council haven't tried that here. They are threatening to cut the police and fire why not threaten the lives of zoo animals? Vote for a tax increase or Colo the Gorilla dies.

Pimp your government

Seems to be the theme of the day. A former director of Governor Strickland's Faith-Based and Community Initiative pled guilty today of attempting to pimp out a teenager. Robert E. McFadden, 46, of 6290 Hyland Dr., Dublin, pleaded guilty to two counts of compelling prostitution for computer activity he conducted between September and October last year. Five other counts of pandering obscenity and promoting prostitution were dismissed. The pleas in Franklin County Common Pleas Court could land McFadden in prison for as long as 10 years. Judge Tim Horton set sentencing for Aug. 20. Judge Tim Horton? Wonder if he brought donuts? It's also reported that Nevada Senator John Ensign paid $96,000 in gifts to his mistress. Actually he didn't, his parents did. Statement on behalf of Senator John Ensign: In April 2008, Senator John Ensign's parents each made gifts to Doug Hampton, Cindy Hampton, and two of their children in the form of a check totaling $96,000. Each gift was limited to $12,000. The payments were made as gifts, accepted as gifts and complied with tax rules governing gifts. After the Senator told his parents about the affair, his parents decided to make the gifts out of concern for the well-being of long-time family friends during a difficult time. The gifts are consistent with a pattern of generosity by the Ensign family to the Hamptons and others. None of the gifts came from campaign or official funds nor were they related to any campaign or official duties. Senator Ensign has complied with all applicable laws and Senate ethics rules. Paul Coggins Your government at work folks.

President Obama's Popularity Dropping

Rasmussen has President Obama's popularity dropping like a rock. By their polling methods they have him at a -8. He's been in negative territory for a while now in the their polling. It seems some people are starting to step in front of the train, waving their arms and yelling STOP. Whether this is a long term trend that threatens his agenda remains to be seen.

Gone With the Wind

It seems T Boone Pickens wind farms were just hot air. He's abandoning the great plan for energy independence he was touting. Apparently he's unwilling to put his money where his mouth is. His commercials always sounded to me more like someone who saw a chance to make a lot of money than any altruistic motive. This also points out the absurdity of the idea that we can do away with oil by building windmills and producing solar panels.

Another one bites the dust

Another supervisor of mine goes bye bye. That's 10 in 5 years. I actually thought this one might stick around for a while.

The Danger of Joe Biden

This is where Joe Biden's habit of speaking out of turn is not amusing, it is dangerous. Vice President Joe Biden seemed to give Israel a green light for military action to eliminate Iran's nuclear threat, saying the U.S. "cannot dictate to another sovereign nation what they can and cannot do." "Israel can determine for itself — it's a sovereign nation — what's in their interest and what they decide to do relative to Iran and anyone else," Biden told ABC's "This Week" in an interview broadcast Sunday. "Whether we agree or not. They're entitled to do that. Any sovereign nation is entitled to do that. But there is no pressure from any nation that's going to alter our behavior as to how to proceed," Biden said. Has Israel just been given a green light? Is there a "clarification" to come? So we are left to wonder, is Joe Biden speaking for the administration or for himself? Usually when Vice Presidents speak on a matter like this there is no doubt but with Joe Biden, who knows. This leaves dangerous ambiguity. That's how wars start. If you recall, part of the reason Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait was an unclear statement from a diplomat. If the VP is indeed speaking for the administration it would be a stunning turn around. If not then they need to lock him away.

Getting Rick Nash Signed

Was a must do for the Columbus Blue Jackets if they were to be taken seriously by hockey fans.

To their credit they got it done quickly, even if there was an initial bump in the road.

Rick Nash always gave the impression that if the offer was reasonable he would prefer to remain in Columbus. Both sides gave a little and came to a contract.

As a couple of us were talking at work, if the Blue Jackets lost Nash, Columbus losing the Blue Jackets was probably inevitable. Now Columbus has two bona fide stars, Nash and Mason. They should be competitive for the foreseeable future.

Sarah Palin Resigning?

Sarah Palin is resigning as governor of Alaska? Interesting. It would be one thing to not seek reelection. Running for president while governor of Alaska would present innumerable logistical problems. It's another to resign. There could be a couple reasons for this. First it would put an end to all the frivolous ethics complaints against her that have become a cottage industry in Alaska. Secondly it allows her to be her own person, show up when and where she wants without being accused of neglecting her state. It will also be interesting to see her PAC financials when they come out. The cynic in me though wonders if there is a shoe to drop somewhere. Call it Sanforditis. Whether she is capable of being a presidential nominee or president I'll reserve judgment on, but she's an fascinating personality from outside the political establishment with potential. Hopefully there's nothing more to this resignation.

Huh?

So Mark Sanford asked his wife permission to see his mistress? How does that work? That must have been an interesting conversation. I can only imagine how most women would react to that. He's lucky he's still alive and intact.

To our friends up north

Today is Canada Day, the national holiday of our friends up north.

The Canadian-US relationship is one that is unusual in the world. We share a long, virtually unguarded border. Both our national futures are tied together. Canada can not thrive without a healthy US economy and a prosperous Canada is in our best interests as well.

In many ways the United States strength has allowed Canada to have the numerous social programs they have. Our military strength has allowed them to spend money on their programs that would have otherwise had to go to defense. If President Obama gets his way with national health care, where will the Canadians go for emergency care? Mexico?

Canadians have come to our aid many times though. They played a role in getting some Americans out of Iran when the Shah fell, preventing even more hostages. They have fought along side us in most of our conflicts. They were stalwart supporters after 9-11.

As in all relationships the US-Canadian one has hit its bumps in the road yet both nations share a common bond and a common future. Both are blessed to have the other as their neighbor.

A tip of the hat today to our Canadian friends.