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The Seventeen Year Itch
May 15, 2013 | 6 comments
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Questions
May 1, 2013 | 50 comments
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Stifling Our Children
April 15, 2013 | 39 comments
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Thoughts on Gay Marriage
March 27, 2013 | 96 comments
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Baseball Saints and Sinners
March 13, 2013 | 13 comments
A Further Perspective
Independence for the Constitution State?
Connecticut voters may just overthrow the Democratic tyranny that has gripped them.
The other night in my hometown of Stamford, Connecticut, I had the fortune to be in the audience for a marvelous local production of 1776; a show which, in its original incarnation on Broadway in 1969, won a Tony Award for best musical over the likes of such blockbusters as Hair and Zorba. Having seen a 1997 revival and the somewhat disappointing movie version numerous times, I was surprised that my fellow audience members did not get all the jokes, and indeed laughed during the most poignant moments of the show.
Living as I have in Connecticut all my life I shouldn’t have been surprised, given the state of education in our state. Yet, the show’s climax — the victorious conclusion of the vote for American Independence — was accompanied by a hearty round of applause from folks who hopefully recognized their state’s key role in that historic occasion.
Now, call me an optimist, or one still in the thrall of what Clive Barnes called “a most striking, most gripping musical,” but this small event gave me hope that this revolutionary spirit might retake the somnambulant voters of the Constitution State, so much so, that they might be inspired to declare independence from the Democratic tyranny which has gripped us — particularly at the national level — for so many years. And in this era of tea partying, it’s looking more and more likely.
After having deposed longtime RINO Christopher Shays and replaced him with a genuine liberal two years ago, voters can send a message by sending Jim Himes home after only one term. This seems to be sinking in as his TV ads hysterically paint him as an independent, even though he voted with his party over 94 percent of the time. Not to worry, though, he claims to have said “no” to “Democratic leaders”; just not on the stimulus package, card-check, healthcare or cap and trade. This contest is now a dead heat.
Likewise, our gubernatorial race is tight one, with former Stamford mayor Dan Malloy in a dogfight with first-time candidate, businessman Tom Foley. Malloy, an old schoolmate of mine, has an impeccable Democratic pedigree, but that won’t help him in his hometown — where he was replaced by a Republican — as the city’s unemployment rate nearly doubled during his years in office. And as it is throughout most of the northeast, the people seem to prefer a daddy to run their nanny states: edge Foley.
It seems shocking to even contemplate, but this is not a good time to be a Democrat here in New England. Even old liberal warhorse and Ted Kennedy pal Chris Dodd mused about the coming onslaught: “The only second thoughts I’ve had [about the decision to retire] are about how brilliant the first thought was.”
Which brings us to the real heavyweight fight: Linda McMahon versus Dick Blumenthal for Dodd’s seat. Disregard what the polls say — just as in the special Massachusetts Senate race, dyed-in-the-wool Democrats are loath to divulge their true preferences to pollsters — the longtime Attorney General and the wrestling magnate are engaged in a death match.
So fearful are Democrats of losing this one, that they brought in the president to stump for Blumenthal; President Clinton, that is. And true to his reputation for spin-doctoring double-speak, he proclaimed: “All over America what members of the other party want to do is just make this a referendum on people’s disappointment, or anger, or apathy, with a good dose of amnesia thrown in. And if this is a referendum, we’ve got a lot of trouble here.… But the mid-term election is not a referendum, it’s a choice.”
But of course, it’s both a referendum and a choice; between a political outsider and a man once branded the worst AG in America. If there has ever been a better example of someone who loves despotically wielding the power of government against industry, and by extension, against the people who have an interest in that industry, I’d like to know who it is.
In Tuesday night’s debate, Blumenthal looked stiff, nervous and defensive; and with good reason. Compare their ideas on how jobs are “created”:
Blumenthal: I know about how government can help preserve jobs. And I want programs that provide more capital for small businesses, better tax policies that will promote creation of jobs, stronger intervention by government to make sure that we use the ‘Made in America’ policies and ‘Buy America’ policies to keep jobs here rather than buying products that are manufactured overseas, as WWE has done.
McMahon: Government, government government. Government does not create jobs. It’s very simple how you create jobs. An entrepreneur takes a risk. He or she believes that he creates goods or service that is sold for more than it costs to make it. If an entrepreneur believes he can do that, he creates a job.
Blumenthal’s only real asset is that in all his years as AG, he has yet to really campaign; the people don’t actually know him. His best hope is that no one was watching the debate. Still, given our state’s proclivity for suicide by taxation, I’d call the race leaning ever-so-slightly Democrat, but eminently winnable for the GOP if McMahon plays her cards right down the stretch.
drudge ette obama| 10.6.10 @ 6:21AM
It is definitely the year of the women. McMahon is fabulous-strong-articulate and fearless. Blumenthal would have served (poorly) under her in Vietnam - if he had actually been there. McMahon would have made a man out of the delicate Blumenthal.
I wish I could vote in Connecticut.
Dustoff| 10.6.10 @ 10:18AM
I have to laugh, years ago the dem's ran from Nam and hated us VETS. (can you say Kerry)
Now after the Gulf war, they want to become one of us. JERKS all of them!
glassfinger| 10.6.10 @ 2:02PM
Dustoff: Funny how that issue keeps coming around, isn't it? Too litle, too late... MACV, '69-'70, II CORPS...welcome home, brudda
Alan Brooks| 10.6.10 @ 7:02PM
"Connecticut voters may just overthrow the Democratic tyranny that has gripped them."
And replace it with a Gumplican tyranny.
John Fields| 10.6.10 @ 6:40AM
I am a lifetime CT resident and as much as I hope Ms Fabrizio is right, I am cynical. I know too many people who buy the drek that Clinton et al dish out
Ken (Old Texican)| 10.6.10 @ 7:34AM
Well John,
While it is true that there is very little tetosterone being produced north-east of the missisippi these days, miracles still can happen.
daddio| 10.6.10 @ 12:39PM
and it will take a miracle! My own state (NY) is the same way. The downstate folks would vote for Joseph Stalin if he called himself a democrat!
JKS| 10.6.10 @ 1:21PM
Uncle Joe was a democrat...
J Kelley| 10.6.10 @ 7:51AM
The RINO Chris Shays makes my point. He was replaced by a Real Liberal Democrat. Now there is a good chance for a real Republican. Shays would have voted with the Democrats. RINOs always cross the Aisle on big Dem issues. RINOs make the Republican party seem weak.
Doctor Right| 10.6.10 @ 8:05AM
As much as I'd like to see Linda McMahon win this race, I just don't think it's possible. Connecticut is a liberal state, and even the Republicans in Connecticut are of the squishy, mealy-mouthed RINO type (it makes it less awkward at all of those cocktail parties in Greenwich).
MArmstrong| 10.6.10 @ 1:42PM
As a 30yr resident of CT, I can tell you that the tide is turning. RINOs are not being tolerated as much as they used to be. Personally, I am not one of those "squishy, mealy-mouthed RINO type[s]", I am a Reagan conservative with libertarian leanings. I am far from the only one here.
Most of the people I know are not happy with either Blumenthal or McMahon, but if this is our choice, McMahon it is.
P. Smith| 10.6.10 @ 8:39AM
I wish the northeastern states would again declare their independence, but this time from the USA. Then I wouldn’t have to see the likes of Bernie Sanders, Pat “the leaker” Leahy , John Kerry and the other complete loser liberals. What kind of person could stand in a polling booth and pull the lever for clods like these, not a true American patriot that’s for sure.
PJ| 10.6.10 @ 8:55AM
As someone who is also from CT, I am also aware of the ethnic politics that exist in western CT, specifically Fairfield County where the state's money is located.
While there were many reasons that Independent Lieberman won the last senate battle in CT against a chosen Democrat, 1 of the undisclosed issues in that race was how pro-Israel the candidate was.
The Jewish vote naturally gravitates to a Democrat. Except on certain defense policies, Lieberman was & is almost as radical as Lamont. Lamont should have won.
Lieberman who is by birth and religion Jewish, is naturally pro-Israel. Why would the Jewish voters who have the money, take a chance on someone who may or may not be pro-Israel while they can vote for the candidate who will always be pro-Israel?
I would be pleasantly surprised if McMahon wins. IMO, Blumenthal is a lighter haired version of despicable Eliot Spitzer. Unfortunately, he has the Jewish vote.
RCV| 10.6.10 @ 10:46PM
This is the kind of not- so-subtle Yankee anti-semitism that was once highly prevalent in most of New England. Most of it, fortunately, has passed away with time. But some dinosaurs obviously survive.
Petronius| 10.6.10 @ 9:13AM
No matter who wins up there, that state is too far gone. A colleague who moved down here, told me he could not work enough hours to afford a mortgage on any habitable 2 bedroom house in that state. Nor could he afford the lawyers fees and insurance if he could put together a down payment and the property taxes after.
What keeps it going is the nature of it's conglomeration. The gentry who live in southern Ct. work in Manhattan. The insurance companies keep Hartford from disappearing along with the Stanley Works. Colt is down to the custom shop and the 1911 line. Why Ruger does not move out is beyond me. The activities at Yale have the regicides spinning in their graves. And Electric Boat is floundering. That leaves the B & B's, boutiques, and the Mystic Seaport.
Of it's voters: they talk like Americans but think like Scandinavians, passive to the end.
gearjammer| 10.6.10 @ 10:17AM
Don't forget your casinos.
Old Soldier| 10.6.10 @ 9:26AM
I wish John McCain had responded this way in the 2008 debates with Obama. He would probably be President today. Instead he responded with "slightly less government, slightly smaller programs, a little less frivolous spending."
Bob S| 10.6.10 @ 1:00PM
This reminds me of an old B.C. cartoon by the late Johnny Hart. Two of the comic's characters were running for "leader". One of them gave an impassioned speech about everything he was going to do. The other then gave a statement: "Well, there's not much I can add to my opponent's statements."
ccdemuth | 10.6.10 @ 9:30AM
Jim Himes voted in favor of the $787 billion dollar stimulus plan. After saddling your family with over ten thousand dollars in additional debt, we still have a ten percent unemployment rate.
Himes voted the healthcare bill into law, a law which is already projected to cost more than was advertised.
Himes voted to increase our national debt by a record $1.9 trillion dollars, bringing our total debt to a new high of $12.4 trillion dollars.
Himes voted with Nancy Pelosi-led Democrats 95% of the time.
After two years of votes that create too few jobs but too big a role for government, most voters in Fairfield County disagree with each of these votes. Two-thirds of these voters think that Washington is on the wrong track. What does Himes have to say about his record in Washington? With less than two months to go before the election, Himes has this to say to the voters:
“…I am proud as hell of what we have accomplished...
…I stand behind what we have done and what we have voted for...
…I stand behind what this president and this congress has been able to do…
…I am proud as hell, not just on the economy…
…I am proud as hell...I’m just proud as hell.”
If you want more of the same, then there is an incumbent congressman that is “proud as hell” of our current direction, but if you think that there is a better way, then you should know that Dan Debicella (http://www.debicella.com) thinks so too. If you would like to help Dan get across his message of free enterprise and individual liberty, than you can do so here: https://debicella.blue-swarm.com/donate. Please give what you can because Fairfield County deserves better.
PJ| 10.6.10 @ 9:32AM
"No matter who wins up there, that state is too far gone."
You're absolutely correct!!!!
The gentry's children are leaving the state along with the blue collar workers' kids. The middle class is leaving the state for financial reasons. CT is 1 of the most unfriendly states for retirees; so they're leaving. All who's left would be the very rich or poor. And how long do you think the rich will support the poor!
Detroit, MI is a hell-hole of a city. CT could very well be a state version of Detroit within a generation.
BTW, I told hubby we are leaving CT after he retires.
Albert| 10.6.10 @ 10:41AM
"And how long do you think the rich will support the poor!" Sad to say, probably forever. Marxist historiography asserts that history is a series of struggles between the very rich and the very poor. But this is false. The very rich and the very poor have always had a symbiotic relationship, wherein the very rich support the very poor economically, and the very poor support the very rich politically. And it is the middle class who pays for it and suffers under this patron-client relationship. Marxists and Democrats are eliminating the middle class wherever possible, because middle class votes are not reliable enough. Witness: Connecticut. Ancient Rome had the same system. They called it "panem et circenses" or, "bread and circuses." The rich Roman Patrician politicians would furnish shelter, food, and entertainment to the proles of the City, and the proles would be sure to vote appropriately. Those middle class farmers who actually fed everyone were screwed in the process and eventually driven from the Empire altogether. We are seeing the same thing today as Democrats "will not rest" until the middle class is eliminated and everyone votes Democrat in exchange for the government supplying their most basic needs, just as in Rome 2,000 years ago.
fantum| 10.6.10 @ 9:46AM
BLUMENTHAL IS A STINKING LIAR!
A Democrat lies about everything (Obama), lies about his military service (Blumenthal), sells his vote (Stupak), has an extramarital affair (Clinton), cheats on his taxes (Rangle), accepts bribes (Murtha RIP), takes bribes (Jefferson), buys a Senate seat (Jackson), backs underage sex-trafficking (Cleaver), lives with a pimp (Frank), lies about racism (Carnahan), gropes a masseuse (Gore), and on and on and on...
THEY ARE DEMOCRATS and IT IS EXPECTED OF THEM! They have no morals, there is no God, praise homosexuals, be politically correct, kill your baby, tax global warming, embrace illegals, bigger government is the answer to everything. THE MOST CORRUPT DEMOCRAT IS THE MOST EXALTED.
Democrats - The Party of Hate...
http://usataxpayer.org/url.asp?Show=75233528
Democrats - The Culture of Corruption...
http://usataxpayer.org/?0037628434
ENOUGH WITH "I the Obama" - Let's return to "We the People!"
Howard| 10.6.10 @ 10:01AM
It is sad to see how CT has changed over the years from a relatively low tax, low regulation state (same with NJ at one time), into a liberal bastion. The implementation of an income tax during the early 1990's was the beginning. It creates the illusion of tax relief for middle class, while eventually strangling them. Government worker pensions, medical insurance, and countless regulations have handcuffed this formerly hospitable state. They need a Chris Christie type governor now.
Bob S| 10.6.10 @ 1:04PM
Correction: EVERY state needs a Chris Christie type governor now.
Philemon| 10.6.10 @ 2:55PM
Chris Christie has a spine AND convictions that he lives and governs by. He was able to keep funding for Panned Parenthood and other similar groups out of the NJ state's recent budget by standing strong, and they've announced one clinic's closing and more are probably going to follow.
Way to go!
Chris Christie will run for and win the Presidency on 2012. You just wait!
Anthony| 10.6.10 @ 10:04AM
I think Lisa has this race exactly right. Old habits die hard in CT and Linda has this obstacle to overcome, however I think she can do it.
I've met Linda several times and campaigned with her; she is very bright, articulate and has a command of the issues, that at first I did not believe she would have.
More importantly, this woman has personality. People are attracted to her, not quite like Gov. Palin, but I have observed this up close. She picks up on what people are telling her and can contribute meaningful observations, not robotic platitudes. This woman gets it, and connects with people.
Blumenthal, on the other hand, is riding on his A.G. reputation, which for the most part, was a creature of the media hype that surrounded his every move.
Blumenthal is stiff and distant, and as hard as he tries, he can't connect with people. He is an elitist creature of government, just as Linda pointed out in the debate. Linda is Main Street, Blumenthal is government central.
This race is close and I suspect many Ds and Is will go into the voting booth and ponder what a vote for Blumenthal will do for CT and America. I suspect they'll then vote for Linda.
Kris in CT | 10.6.10 @ 12:38PM
Petronius said: " Of it's voters: they talk like Americans but think like Scandinavians, passive to the end."
Please - avoid these kinds of generalizations. They do a grave disservice to conservatives who are trapped in this liberal wasteland.
I live in the eastern part of CT and everywhere I go here I only see McMahon lawn signs. Absolutely no Blumenthal signs anywhere. I know what you'll say - the eastern part of the state is too low-populated to counteract the effects of the Fairfield County set. And it's true.
I only mention it because there are large swaths of CT that don't vote Democrat, who are not RINOs and who want to see change in this state.
We may become the majority voice in November. Stranger things have happened - Scott Brown anyone?
Bob S| 10.6.10 @ 1:08PM
That goes for NY as well- lots of conservatives (BTW- how many other states actually have a Conservative Party???), with their influence diluted by New York City. As proof of this, my congressional district had, at one time, Jack Kemp as our congressman!
Petronius| 10.7.10 @ 1:48AM
K in C
Pardon my cynicism, but just like thee, we are also swamped by parasites and supplicants. And like you, long for Constitutional purists whom we can support, knowing that we won't get betrayed, like Newt did to us 15 years ago. The people I know who live in CT want it both ways. They are pro forma liberals who voted for Dodd and co. then complain when they can't save any money.
If you are not captive to career and circumstance, load up the car and circle the midwest. You'll find that old fashioned normality is not against the law here.
Kris in CT | 10.7.10 @ 8:24AM
Petronius - thank you. There are plenty of conservatives here; our voices may be small compared to the liberal wasteland but ... we are being heard.
In January 2010 Blumenthal had a 40 point lead over McMahon. Today that lead has shrunk to the margin of error in any poll. It's not a slam-dunk for McMahon but it is a wake-up-call to the Dems in this state.
They can't just rollover everyone anymore.
And while career doesn't hold us here, other circumstances do.
kenny bunkport| 10.7.10 @ 5:08PM
four of the last five polls done on the race showed blumenthal with at least a 10 point lead..
Rasmussen Reports 10/5 Blumenthal +11
CNN/Time 10/1 - 10/5 +13
CT Capitol Report/MRG 10/3 - 10/3 +7
FOX News/POR-Rasmussen 10/2 +10
PPP (D) 9/30 - 10/2 +12
John| 10.6.10 @ 1:46PM
This may be the closest Connecticut has come to right the ship but, who knows. At the last election Connecticut residence had the opportunity to vote FOR a Constitutional Convention giving us the right to vote by referendum but, because by the power of the Democrat Party and the liberal media, many were convinced that it would be a bad thing because it would be abused by lobbyist -the public bought it and the measure failed to get enough votes. I was flabbergasted! Parallels were drawn with the city of Detroit and that's certainly no exaggeration. The tax rate in this state is unbearable and yet the legislature here is still spending like there's no tomorrow. The wife and I have already purchased our retirement property in Tennessee and within the next 8 to 10 years we're outta here.
dodson| 10.6.10 @ 4:27PM
I saw Blumenthal on a Fox show(maybe Cavuto) sometime in 2009. He had the personailty of a tree stump and did not appear to be bright. Could not imagine voting for him.
Why is it that the state AG position is a route to higher office in the Northeast? This is not the case in the South. Maybe we Scots Irish view them as a higher rank of Revenooer?
Don L| 10.6.10 @ 5:42PM
Far too many of my well educated friends took the daze-pill for Obama ignoring his anti-America record, his friends and associates ans they say in Chicago, his baby killing penchant, and his comical showboating with foam pillars and faux halos in his production of the First Black Messiah. I, for one, no longer have faith in democracy - it doesn't work, greed, envy and willful ignorance are it's fatal disease. Yes, I'll vote to throw them out -but I wish we didn't have to replace them so that I won't have to throw out this new breed in a few years.
RCV| 10.6.10 @ 6:07PM
So what system would you replace it with?
idalily| 10.6.10 @ 11:11PM
The Republic we started with.
GavInTucson| 10.7.10 @ 12:04AM
I raise my glass to you.
RCV| 10.7.10 @ 12:19PM
Ah yes, the good old days, when Blacks couldn't vote and were actually owned by their betters; when women couldn't vote; when non-property-owning white males couldn't even vote. When we were ruled by s small clique of gentlemen farmers. I can see why you're nostalgic. Giving the rest of humanity a say in their lives is sooooo exasperating.
idalily| 10.7.10 @ 2:53PM
Are you an American? I only ask because Americans know we are not "ruled". We are governed with our consent. All the things you mention have been dealt with constitutionally, and while we were still a true Republic to boot. So your point would be...?
RCV| 10.9.10 @ 12:05AM
My point would be that we are far more "self- governing" today than at any time or in any society in history. We should celebrate the extension of liberty we have, not harbor some misguided nostalgia for a utopia that never was.
GavInTucson| 10.7.10 @ 12:09AM
The Founders had no faith in Democracy either. That's why they formed a Republic. Read Article 4, section 4 of the Constitution.
Then read their own writings on the subject. They understood the folly of "mob rule." They clearly point out the differences between a Democracy and a Republic, and knew all to well that Democracy is a disaster.
CT resident| 10.8.10 @ 3:40PM
TRUE. In Connecticut we vote to get rid of one in office and then get rid of the new choice in the next election.
Old E Feller| 10.6.10 @ 10:04PM
Spat's Blumenthal has crossed through time even if his brain didn't survive the journey to see the joys of the Frankfurt's School's "aka today's Columbia School" of communist/totalitarian programs and propaganda and give it all a boost! Yeah, that occult Columbia. . . don't go a digging too deep into that evil mess (pardon the archaeological pun) if you know what's good for yeah. Well, gosh me gollies if he don't think it's owed to him so votes yourself into servitude yer stupid plebes! Ok, that didn't make his campaigns final cut but he was a rootin' fer it. Hey, what is a spat anyways. . .
GavInTucson| 10.7.10 @ 12:02AM
I think it's rather fitting that a draft-dodger was called in to defend a man that lied about his service "in Vietnam" many times, then claimed he "misspoke inadvertently" each and every time.
Kendall| 10.7.10 @ 4:47PM
The casinos in CT are floundering, too. Rumor has it that Foxwoods is in dire financial straits, not having made payments to the Malaysians who hold the notes. The whole thing was a fraud anyway. The Mashantucket-Pequots died out years ago (read "Without Reservation" by Jeff Benedict), but were cobbled together by local fraud Skip Hayward. They never had to prove their bloodlines to the BIA.
Kendall | 10.7.10 @ 4:52PM
Blumenthal's claim that he misspoke is his euphemism for lied. No person with half a brain "misspeakes" about serving in Vietnam. He simply thought no one in his audience was paying attention and he could get away with it. The man has no credibility. Moreover, he's a big supporter of cap and tax. Just more proof that he's a scientifici illiterate and panderer to the environmentalist wackoes. Linda's got his number on this issue and is rightfully pummeling him for his job killing position.
CT resident| 10.8.10 @ 3:58PM
CT is a disaster. Our cities are third world cities. Our tax money is going to welfare for non-Americans and our taxpayers are being robbed of their money. We are a communist state. Our Constitutional Republic is gone here.
I remember CT was a New England state in 1941 and now it is a communist state in ruins. Our infrastructure is in ruins. My city of Bridgeport was a city I was proud of in 1941. Now it is a third world city in ruins with undesirable people living there. The crime rate is very high.