Katy's Conservative Corner

Democrat Leader Meek Clueless About Iraq and Leadership

In a electronic newsletter sent today, NC Democrat Party Chairman, Jerry Meek, called on John McCain to share his "plan for Iraq" with the American people.

Meek wrote, "With 94 soldiers from North Carolina already having lost their lives in Iraq, North Carolinians want to hear a plan for Iraq going forward."

Katy's Conservative Corner must ask you, Mr. Meek, have you been drinking too much pre-nuptial champagne ? 

Unveiling such a plan would compromise national security and risk the lives of all our proud men and women who serve there, not to mention countless lives of freedom seeking Iraqis.   

Our presidential candidates can give us a general idea, but what Meek really wants to hear is the ole' cut and run rhetoric.  He and his ilk will be happy with nothing less than a complete withdrawal.

Meek and his fellow liberals have about as much patience as my two-year-old.  They don't understand the meaning of the term "war".  Sacrifices must be made and bringing true stabilization to the region will take years.  Why are we in such a hurry?  Please go back and read your history as wars are not short affairs.  The terrorists have plenty of time.  While they wait, they plan and plan ways to bring down the greatest nation on earth. 

We assume Meek's idea of a "plan for Iraq" would go something like this: 

Week 1 --Order all troops back into their bases with no one being allowed to venture out onto the streets and countryside of Iraq.

Week 2 -- Announce that we will pull all military and civilians out within the next six months and hand over all security to the Iraqi military and wish them good luck.

And so forth. 

Mr. Meek, this war is one for the heart and soul of all who are free and those who yearn to be free.  We cannot simply announce when and where we will do what, or the terrorists will be waiting for us.  Do you want us to re-create another Vietnam-style debacle?

By the way, congratulations on your engagement.  Those of us on the Right thought you were gay.

For Meek's complete article, click on the link below.

Hillary and the Kittens

Hillary Clinton is taking a stroll when she comes upon a little girl carrying a basket with a blanket over it. Curious, Hillary asks the girl, "What's  in the basket?"

She replies, "New baby kittens," and she opens the basket to show her.

"How nice," says Hillary. "What kind are they?"

The little girl says, "Democrats."

Hillary smiles, pats the little girl on the head and continues on.

Three weeks later, Hillary is taking another stroll, this time with Bill. They see the little girl again with the same basket. Hillary says, "Watch this, Bill; it's really cute."

They approach the little girl. Hillary greets the little girl and asks how the kittens are doing.

The little girl says, "Fine."

Then, smirking, she nudges Bill with her elbow and asks the little  girl,"And can you tell us what kind of kittens they are?"

She replies, "Republicans."

Abashed, Hillary says, "But three weeks ago you said they were Democrats!"

"I know," the little girl says. "But now their eyes are open"

Editor's Note: Your blogger has been under-the-weather for a few days, and posts this joke for your amusement.  KCC will be back in the saddle soon!

Tax and Spend Hillary Visits the Triangle

The woman, who once said "I have a million ideas.  The country can't afford them all" came to the Triangle this week to share some of these "ideas" with North Carolina's younger citizens and newest taxpayers.

Senator Hillary Clinton made national news, while speaking at Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh, on issues such as the economy, infrastructure, stem cell research, and the middle class.

She also unveiled a $12.5 billion dollar <gulp> federal program aimed at job training, promised to create a big bureaucracy for government-run health care, and threatened free trade with a re-negotiation of NAFTA.

  Linda Daves, chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party, said that "Senator Clinton proved in her speech...that her understanding of the economy is rooted in only two things: tax and spend".

Few NC Candidates Sign No Earmarks Pledge

According to Freedom Works, only a few North Carolina Members of Congress and candidates for Congress have signed the No Earmarks Pledge:

US Senate:

Neither Senator Elizabeth Dole nor Senator Richard Burr has signed.

US House:

Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-5th District)

Candidate Will Breazeale (R-7th District)

Candidate Derald Hafner (Party?-13th District)

Candidate Carl Mumpower (R-11th District)

Candidate Lance Sigmon (R-10th District)

Candidate Hugh Webster (R-13th District)

Obama Opens Offices Across NC, HQs in Raleigh

Today, Dome, the News and Observer's top political blog, reported that Barack Hussein Obama has opened campaign offices in a number of cities in North Carolina, with the headquarters in Raleigh.

Knowing that Obama won't wear an American flag pin, pledge the Flag, or even show common decency by placing his hand over his heart when the flag is displayed.  Thus, KCC wonders if Obama staffers will have an American flag in his offices or the one of the Cuban/Che Guevara specialty.

If Senator Obama and his wife Michelle are ashamed of this nation, they should go where they feel more welcome.  Your blogger suggests they might be happier in Iran.  Michelle would have to give up all of the freedoms she enjoys here, such as being able to work outside the home, wear fashionable clothes, and say what she thinks or feels, no matter how silly.

KCC is ashamed of Senator Obama's actions and statements regarding our fine nation, and feels the Republicans would have a grand old time with him during the Fall elections.  Just having Obama as the Democrat nominee, will draw so many conservatives to the polls, that John McCain's coattails might be much longer than earlier anticipated.

Editor's Note: Your blogger has been upset with the Republican National Committee and their process of allowing non-affiliated/independent voters to participate in Republican primaries.  She thinks these Independents selected our party nominee, rather than did actual registered Republicans.  KCC hopes this will be corrected before the 2012 election cycle.

Additionally, for those of you who want to condemn KCC for using Obama's middle name, we do so here because it IS his name.  Thus, it cannot be "racist" as some on the left have charged. 

Case in point:  In the 1992 primaries, former President George Bush (41) was running against Pete DuPont of Delaware.  DuPont's first name was actually Pierre, and Bush consistently called him that to point out what was a difference between them.

Attend Myricks' Picnic, Help Re-Elect the Strongest Leader NC Has on Terrorism

North Carolina's number one Leader on terrorism, Rep. Sue Myrick, is hosting a "family friendly" picnic on Saturday, May 3rd.

Normally your blogger wouldn't announce picnics and other fundraisers, but KCC feels it is vital to re-elect Mrs. Myrick and overfill her war chest, so that she can potentially help others running for Congress who are as strong on terrorism as she is.

Your blogger had the good fortune to see Mrs. Myrick and terrorism expert Steve Emerson speak at a forum sponsored by the Civitas Institute last Fall. KCC learned so much about what we have facing us and why we must continue to fight terrorism, both foreign and domestic.

Mrs. Myrick also voted against the 2009 budget, as she says it contains "no fiscal discipline."  Congrats to Mrs. Myrick for standing up for North Carolina values.  Your blogger only wishes others in our party were as strong and as fearless as she is.

The picnic details are below.

Hayes' House Challenger Kissell Flip-flops on Ear Marks

The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) is calling Rep. Robin Hayes' Democrat challenger a flip-flopper.  That might be good if both men were lounging along the North Carolina coast, but Larry Kissell can't seem to figure out where he stands on federal earmarks.

According to the NRCC, Kissell told the media in January that earmarks favor special-interest groups.  Then in March, he told The Hill, a congressional newsletter, that he would favor earmarks to get badly needed projects to the 8th district. 

According to The Insider, the NRCC said in a news release that "he can't make up his mind on whether he supports or opposes earmarks".

Kissell told the Fayetteville Observer (3/24/08) that "we need to get the rate of return up when it comes to what we send Washington versus what we get back..."

Your blogger believes that Kissell is showing his sour grapes on this issue. KCC understands that ALL lawmakers must show leadership and refuse earmarks and pork projects for real reform to take effect.

It seems to this blogger, that if elected, Kissell would just be another David Price. Price routinely comes back to his district to crow about all the pork and earmarks he has brought home.  That's not the kind of leadership North Carolina needs in Washington. 

Hat Tip: The Insider

Democrat Brunswick Sheriff Suspended from Office

For some months Brunswick County Sheriff Ronald Hewett has been under investigation by the FBI. SPINCYcle has reported several times that a Grand Jury has been meeting to hear testimony about abuses in office by Hewett.

The situation has gotten progressively worse. His own deputies, both current and former, petitioned the Brunswick District Attorney, Rex Gore, to remove the high sheriff from office. Employees say Hewett has been neglecting the duties of his office, demeaning and intimidating his employees, showing up drunk at crime scenes, and engaging in reckless and dangerous conduct to the
public.

The petition also stated that Hewett had tried to force department employees to work on his political campaign, while on and off duty, and that Hewett furnished his son a department car for personal use.

D.A. Gore has evidently been conducting a separate investigation from the FBI. The situation came to a head last night with Hewett suspended from office pending a formal hearing on Monday.

Under state law the county coroner, Greg White, will become acting sheriff. A Superior Court Judge Ola Lewis will determine whether Hewett's removal is permanent. If Hewett is permanently removed the Democratic Party of Brunswick County will have 30 days to name a replacement.

Sources in Brunswick are clearly dismayed at this latest turn of events. Hewett has been one of the most popular officials in Brunswick since his election in 1994, but sources say he started changing in 2005.

The drama now shifts to the courtroom Monday at noon.

Perdue and Moore Spend, Spend, Spend on Cable TV ads

According to yesterday's edition of "The Insider" both major candidates for the Democrat nomination for NC Governor have spent about the same on cable television ads.  Moore owed $41,000 this month to Time Warner Cable for advertisements while Perdue owed $40,000.

The Insider reported both candidates aimed for basketball fans during March Madness on Triangle-area broadcast channel WRAL.

PRICE MAY BREATHE EASIER, BUT TAXPAYERS DON’T LIKE EARMARKS

Augustus Cho, candidate for Congress from the 4th District, criticized Congressman David Price today over his comments about earmarks.

“According to David Price, taxpayers do not need to worry about earmarks.  I beg to differ,” Cho said.  “Earmarks are the most egregious examples of the Democrats’ inability to control government spending.”

Price spoke Wednesday at the Cary Chamber of Commerce.  According to the News and Observer, Price said that the recent attention to earmarks was unwarranted and exaggerated.  Price said “Everybody should take a deep breath.”

“When I get to Congress, I will not support earmarks,” declared Cho.  “The problem with these expenditures is that they are slipped into bills at the end of debate or even after a bill has passed in the summary language.  If a proposal cannot withstand the scrutiny of debate and transparency, then it has no business being included in any bill.”

“David Price may not have a problem with earmarks, but the voters of the 4th District do.  We do not support spending tax dollars for the pet projects of Congressmen buying votes for their re-election, and frankly, not even projects in our own district that do not merit full debate and disclosure."

In other campaign news, Cho announced last week that three well-respected legislators endorsed his campaign.  Former state Rep. Russell Capps (R-Wake), Rep. Paul Stam (R-Wake), and NC Senator Neal Hunt (R-Wake) all are backing Cho's Congressional bid.   Cho is being challenged in the GOP primary by BJ Lawson, a political newcomer.

Cho, who lives in Chapel Hill, is the past chairman of the Orange County Republican Party and a member of the Chapel Hill Board of Transportation.  Cho, a naturalized American citizen, joined his mother in the United States in 1968, and attended Linton Hall Military School in Bristow, VA. The family moved to Durham in 1973.  Cho graduated from Sanderson High School in Raleigh, the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, majoring in Economics, and Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. He is an author, and, until recently, a columnist.

Editor's Note: Your blogger was the Director of Public and Governmental Affairs at the Cary Chamber of Commerce from 1993-1995.  Everytime your blogger wrote something negative in the Chamber newletter about the Congressman, his office would be calling to have him speak to the group.

Thus, the Cary Chamber hosted Price regularly and he and his merry band of liberal tax bandits would show up in force.  Your blogger can now say, many years later, that she was sickened by Price's lies and failure to answer straight questions. 

Price prances around straight-forward questions like the winner of "Dancing With the Stars".

Look for more from Price on this blog in the coming months.

Rep. David Price Wrong on Earmarks

Americans for Prosperity’s North Carolina State Director Dallas Woodhouse (left) today released the following statement in response to U.S. Rep. David Price’s statement that costly and often-corrupt pork-barrel earmarks have “gotten a bad rap,” and his suggestion that taxpayer advocates who question the practice “take a deep breath” :

“Congressman Price’s defense of the earmarking system shows just how out of touch he is with North Carolina’s taxpayers. 
 
“He claims that pork-barrel earmarks don’t lead to extra spending, but the fact is earmarks are routinely used to buy votes for bloated spending bills that would never pass if nearly every Member of Congress didn’t have a pet project in them.

“Congressman Price claims that he opposes funding for unworthy “road to nowhere” projects, yet last year he opposed all 50 proposed amendments that would have killed funding for questionable projects all over the country.  Among the projects that Congressman Price deemed worthy of North Carolinians’ tax dollars: $50,000 for a Mule and Packers Museum in California, $150,000 for the American Ballet Theater in New York City, $200,000 for a Lobster Institute in Maine, and $100,000 to build a prison museum in Kansas. 

“Are these really necessary projects that North Carolina’s hard-working taxpayers need to be funding?  Congressman Price apparently thinks so, and that shows just how out of touch is really is.”

For More Information:

Price: Breathe Easier On Earmarks

Meredith Grad to Run for Nation's Second Highest Office? (spoof)

Silda Wall Spitzer, Meredith College '80, is now being rumored to be on Hillary's short list of VP candidates after her husband, the former New York state governor, disgraced her recently.

This would be a huge honor for the Meredith College community, as your blogger is part of the Meredith Class of '89.

Photo: Courtesy of Frank Rouse, Morehead City

Orr Criticizes McCrory for Ignoring Charlotte Constituents

  In a press release last week, former NC Supreme Court Justice, Bob Orr, blasted fellow gubernatorial candidate, Pat McCrory.  Orr announced that he had received the endorsement of the Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg.

Justice Orr said, “I am ... particularly pleased to have obtained the endorsement of an influential group in Mayor McCrory’s own city. However, I am concerned with Pat’s failure once again to reach out in his own community as shown by his failure to attend the meeting."

He added that “I am pleased to be endorsed by the Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg. I believe that my ability to bring all the people of our State together as one community is critical. Issues like public education, crime, and economic opportunities can only be addressed if we work together.”

House votes to expel Wright

Rep. Hugh Holliman says the State House is only as competent as the people serving in it.  Says the actions of one member have undermined the entire body and he will vote yes.

2nd Reading Tally

109 yes

5 no

The House has voted to expel Thomas Wright.

3rd Reading Tally taken by voice vote.  Speaker Hackney says the Ayes have it. 

Wright Talks, Says He is Innocent

Tune in now to the House Chamber audio at http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/Audio/StreamAudio.pl?stream=house

Wright says let voters decide in primary whether to return him to the House.  Says this is not the "appropriate" setting.

Saying A Lot vs. Saying Nothing At All by Bryan Gossage

Last week I urged my State Representative to call on his fellow Democrat, Rep. Thomas Wright, to resign from the State House. The News & Observer printed his response to me: "There's going to be a lot of things said by my opponent on this issue."

Actually I'm saying just one thing: Rep. Wright should resign now, and my own State Rep. should publicly say whether he agrees. After all, his own Democrat leaders in the State House have uncovered what they call "breathtakingly massive" fraud by Rep. Wright.

In his effort to protect Rep. Wright my opponent first claimed he couldn't say anything "until all of the information come[s] out".  But now that it has, his new reason to not call for Wright's resignation is that "due process" prevents him from commenting.

In reality, the media is reporting today that House Democrats plan to hold a special caucus meeting ahead of the legislative session to discuss Wright's expulsion.  My opponent, the Caucus Secretary, says he doesn't know what's on the meeting's agenda.  Media reports say they will discuss a censure motion instead of expelling Rep. Wright.  Certainly, they need to discuss the best way – politically - to handle this public relations nightmare.  So much for due process.

If my opponent believes in open government (this week is "Sunshine Week") and really wants due process, then he will either open his caucus meeting to the public or release detailed minutes after the meeting - verified by an impartial observer.

Don't hold your breath though, he's still keeping secret the audit results from the scholarship scandal in which donor contributions were used for scholarships for caucus members' families.

Editor's Note:

Katy's Conservative Corner has previously endorsed Brian Gossage over "Bow Tie" Ty Harrell in this race.  Gossage has proven himself a capable leader and has served his fellow citizens of Apex well since his election to Apex Town Council in 2003.  He was re-elected in 2007.

On a personal note, Bryan Gossage was the first non-family member to hold my then-month-old premature son.  He is married to Chloe and they have a 2-year-old daughter.

To learn more about Bryan Gossage, visit his website.

He may also be reached via:

Friends of Bryan Gossage
P.O. Box 1252
Apex NC 27502
919-338-1075

More on Wright

With the Thomas Wright (D-New Hanover) hearings Wednesday, the chit-chat nearly is out of control.

The Raleigh rumor mill has been telling your blogger that the House black caucus is planning a walkout.

Additionally, Rep. Earl Jones (D-Guilford), has stated that he will ask for a censure on Wright, rather than an outright dismissal, according to Gary Robertson of the Associated Press. 

Friend: Don't Blame Wright - You're Dirty, Too!

Katy's Conservative Corner has obtained three letters and a press release written by a Mr. Raymond Spencer.  All are available for download at the bottom of this post.

Spencer, apparently a friend of embattled Rep. Thomas Wright (D-Hanover), has made formal complaints of campaign reporting violations committed by Speaker Joe Hackney (D-Orange), Rep. Hugh Holliman (D-Davidson), and Rep. Rick Glazier (D-Cumberland). 

Spencer says in a press release (attached below), that he has uncovered violations of the law, including a class 2 misdemeanor.

Mr. Spencer is clearly going after the three that have persued Rep. Wright.  Rumor has been circulating for months that this might happen.  But, does this go far enough?   

In the general election of 2004,  Glazier was forced to file an amended campaign finance disclosure report of $42,000.  Spencer states that this discrepancy could have well pushed Glazer over-the-top in an election in which he defeated his Republican opponent by only 51% - 49%. 

Spencer wrote "If the Republicans and others had been aware that $40,000.00 was being pumped into the campaign at the last minute, they may well have reciprocated...This was a fraud upon the voting public in the 2004 election."

The letters that Spencer wrote to Gary O. Bartlett, executive director of the North Carolina Board of Elections, are availble for download below.  Apparently all three letters were also hand-delivered to a Wilmington-area newspaper, but were not acted upon.  Was this yet another cover-up of the media trying to protect one of their best sources?   We may never know, or we may find out during Thursdays hearings.

Wake GOP Convention Averts Superfluous Resolutions

The Wake County Republican Party held their county convention on Tuesday evening with one of the largest crowds in many years.  Many attendees were brand new activists, and were followers of Congressman Ron Paul (Libertarian/Republican Texas). 

These new activists arrived with 12 resolutions in hand that they passed out to everyone entering the convention hall.  Though registered Republicans, they are actually Libertarians in thought, word, and deed.  Their plan, your blogger learned, was to force these off-the-wall resolutions through the convention by suspending the rules.  They failed.

The convention, which started at roughly 7:15, featured a host of state and local candidates for office in 2008 and their speeches were still going strong at 9:15, more than fifteen minutes the past promised adjournment time to the Wake County Public School System.  (The Party had rented out the auditorium of Daniels Middle School for the evening.)

Finally, about 9:30, after the last candidate finished up, the convention got down to business.  County chairman David Robinson, appointed 13th Congressional District chairman, Bill Peaslee, as the convention chairman.  The alternates were seated and all delegates were officially selected as delegates to their respective district (2nd, 4th, or 13th) and State conventions.

Time was growing short, as the Wake GOP was already over the alloted time limit.  A motion to adjourn was made, with objections by the Ron Paul followers.  Peaslee, ever the parliamentary expert, explained that a motion to adjourn always takes precedence.

His gavel fell after a voice vote on adjournment.  Nearly all delegates rose from their seats to exit the building and head home at well after 10:00 p.m.

It will be interesting to see how the Ron Paul followers react to this, but in your blogger's opinion, there isn't much they can do.  In the opinion of most delegates, their proposed resolutions  did not belong at the county level.

Summaries of the 12 resolutions that were not heard are briefly summarized below.  Again, they had no business at a county party's once yearly convention. Katy's Conservative Corner suggests that they take their beefs to the Republican National Committee.

KCC will be blogging much more of the convention on Wednesday.  Be sure to check back throughout the day.

Click below to read brief summaries on the proposed but failed resolutions by the Libertarians in attendance.

Smith Campaign Announces Greenwood Rally Dates/Locations

State Senator Fred Smith has announced a list of dates and locations for his upcoming series of rallies with country music singer, Lee Greenwood.  Greenwood, noted for his patriotic songs, including "Proud To Be American", will perform his hits and other tunes he penned, especially for the Smith campaign.  Click on the link at the bottom of this post to get the dates and locations of these rallies.

Meanwhile, Smith is finishing up his seven-month-long series of Bar-Be-Que stops with visits to the North Carolina "finger counties", including Gates, Perquimans, and Pasquotank counties:

March 17 - Hyde County (12:00-2:00 p.m.)
March 17 - Dare County (6:30-8:30 p.m.)
March 18 - Gates County (8:00-10:00 a.m.)
March 18 - Perquimans County (12:00-2:00 p.m.)
March 18 - Pasquotank County (6:30-8:30 p.m.)

(Click on the link below to get more info regarding the Smith/Greenwood rallies.)