What the GOP Cares About…
Arizona Republic: In our mailbag. In a week that sees the indictment of Republican Congressman Dick Renzi on the 22nd, the Republic reports that as of March 1st "in our mailbag were 36 letters on immigration; Rep. Rick Renzi, R-Ariz., 16." A whole week to respond to Renzigate, and what are the Republic’s editorial cranks … Read more
A TASL News Service Manifesto
by David Safier (TASL) The term “manifesto” is a bit overblown to describe this post, I know. Any manifesto worthy of the name should be at least twenty pages, right? But I like the sound of the word, so “manifesto” it is. A lot of my posts deal with that contentious place where money and … Read more
A Humble Poltician is a Good Politician
Link: Political Notebook by Daniel Scarpinato : Farley gets singed on procedural misstep. "After avoiding a possible ethics violation Thursday, state Rep. Steve Farley spent the rest of the day doing some soul searching and meditation. The whole incident started when Farley, D-Tucson, grabbed his mic on the House floor and complained that Rep. Andy … Read more
RenziGate Roundup 3/2
The House ethics committee has decided to open their own investigation into allegations of embezzlement and extortion against Dick using a 4-member, bipartisan sub-committee. The panel does not have the power to require Renzi’s expulsion from the House, although they can recommend this action and the House could unseat Renzi with a 2/3rds vote • … Read more
The Mother of All Libraries
by David Safier OK, the headline is a bit of a cheat. “The Mother of All Libraries” isn’t a boast by Saddam Hussein about his book collection in Baghdad. It actually refers to the public subscription library Ben Franklin set up in Philadelphia when he was a young man. (You can stop reading now if … Read more
The Presumption of Innocence and the Assumption of Guilt
Innocent until proven guilty. If ever there were a legal motto that is observed more the breach than in the main, this is it. The Presumption of innocence is a nice formality, but everyone, and especially conservatives, are generally ready to lock up a criminal who is merely charged with a crime. Regardless of the … Read more
When Bee Brings Gifts, Look for the Stinger
by David Safier Mike has been gently nudging me to write about a topic I’ve been avoiding – Tim Bee’s bill to allow all school districts in Arizona to participate in, and get the extra dollars for, the state’s “Career Ladder” teacher pay program. I’ve ducked and dodged until now, and not because I don’t … Read more
