RiteOn Blog

THE POLITICS OF REVENGE

RiteOn.org attended the 2nd Senatorial meeting that took place in O'Fallon on Saturday. As we forecasted (see our Nov. 30 commentary entitled "SATURDAY'S STATE COMMITTEE ELECTIONS") the Republican Party leadership mustered their gang of "groupies" and succeeded (by one vote) in electing a totally inexperienced person as State Committeewoman over a neutral, very experienced alternative. Though the experienced candidate was not in the Brazil camp, they had no difficulty pushing her aside to get to their main mission, more "revenge" aimed at people who supported Joe Brazil's candidacy in the Primary.

The Chair made the usual anti-democratic decisions. You know, recognizing your "friends" and ignoring or "talking over" the voices of those with a different view. The entire election process at the "2nd", for many reasons and in many areas, flagrantly violated the Republican Party's own rules of conduct for such elections and it will be interesting to see what, if anything, happens as a result. We believe there is more democracy practiced in some Banana Republics than was practiced yesterday in St Charles County! The entire process, as conducted, was an absolute disgrace and an affront to American democratic traditions.

Almost anyone can forecast what the result will be from the kind of Party politics that was on display yesterday. The elections in '08 are fast approaching and many national candidates are already on the trail. The St Charles County Republican Party, in the "tradition" of this past November 7th, is certainly doing its best to see to it that 2008 becomes a "Democrat year."

SATURDAY'S STATE COMMITTEE ELECTIONS

Missouri Senatorial District Republican Committees will meet this Saturday to elect Committee men and women to represent them on the MO State Republican Committee for the next two years. This election is viewed by most Party "insiders" as an indicator of "who" and perhaps, more importantly "what," is in control of the Party.

Members of the State Committee are expected to serve a ceremonial function. Unfortunately, many who seek these positions are only interested in the title and the opportunity to rub elbows with “the mighty.” Those good souls who view political activity as a way to be good citizens are soon discouraged, once they see how things actually work and who is locally "in the saddle." Many who try to get something done or suggest improvements run smack up against an entrenched political "cronies club" that will show its displeasure toward anyone who does not "kiss up."... (read more)

Thoughts for Tuesday

When the former Saudi resident known as Usama Bin Laden looked at the way the U.S. Airline system was structured, he came to realize that it had evolved in such a way that made it highly vulnerable and, therefore, the U.S. economic system was also vulnerable. He and his advisors organized an attack using the classic Middle East terrorist weapon, known as the suicide bomber. Not a new concept (Japan’s Kamikaze in WWII, etc.) but refined in strategy and technology by Yasser Arafat. He knew this was a concept alien to western societies and particularly not understandable at all by U.S. citizens and political leaders. Therefore...

Eminent Domain—Myth vs. Reality

EDITOR'S COMMENT: The following article (Eminent Domain - Myth vs. Reality) was sent to RiteOn.org by Steve Blechle, an expert on eminent domain, member of the Castle Coalition and recipient of the prestigious 2004 Castle Award.

After researching the most recent state legislation concerning Eminent Domain. With an election bearing down on us, politicians are mindful that the public wants legislation with some teeth in it to protect them for the "wrecking ball" of eminent domain abuse by local officials. The public did not get what it wanted out of the political leadership. The legislature has answered the need with a relatively worthless bill designed to make voters think they have "done something." RiteOn.org is of the opinion that the legislation provides only minor procedural mechanisms and it was enacted so politicians running for office could have a tool with which to persuade the uninformed. Our guess is that voters will resent being dealt with in such a shallow way. This legislation certainly won't persuade those who demand action that is meaningful and effective..... RiteOn.org