VOLuntarilyConservative

Blount County Young Republicans Hosting Debate Watching Party

2012-01-15T06:23:00.002-05:00

The Blount County Young Republicans will be hosting a Republican Presidential Debate Watching Party on this upcoming Monday, January 16th. The event will take place at the Court Yard Grill on Alcoa Highway, and guests are encouraged to arrive by 8:45 P.M. The debate starts at 9:00 P.M. and will last until approximately 11:00 P.M.

I plan on attending (providing that I can get at least one of the boys to sleep by then). As with most YR events, it will be a casual evening with informal discussions by Republicans under 40 who are concerned about our nation. For those not familiar with Court Yard Grill, it is on the right as you head south down Alcoa Highway just prior to entering the Alcoa Motor Mile. It's a big restaurant with green neon highlights.

Is the Sacrifice of Kerry Roberts a Sign of Bigger Problems?

2012-01-10T08:58:00.005-05:00

One could fill a book with the nuances of the redistricting plan put forth by GOP National Committeeman John Ryder and the Tennessee Republican Party - why lines were drawn here, how subtle differences impact voters there. It's chocked full of interesting decisions and - likely - more political favoritism and money than any of us will ever know.

The one decision which jumped out to me and a few others in the blogosphere is what is being done to Kerry Roberts. Roberts, a Tea Party favorite, persevered and eventually was elected to replace moderate Diane Black when Black moved on to the U.S. House. Now with redistricting, Kerry Roberts is being treated worse than any of the Democrats, basically ousted from the Senate by being drawn into another Republican's district that doesn't come up for election again until 2014. That means that Roberts' term will end when this session ends and, if he so chooses to run for the Senate again, he will have to do so in a contested GOP primary in 2014 against a sitting incumbent.

This sends a very dangerous message to the grassroots. Ken over at Blue Collar Muse is none too pleased, and the GOP needs to be clear with the Tennessee grassroots as to why this was done. I don't think I would want to disrespect the grassroots when, in all likelihood, the top of the ticket is going to be represented in 2012 by a candidate that the grassroots does not care for in Mitt Romney. And Ken might be the most important grassroots leader in Tennessee politics at this juncture, having worked over the past couple of years to strengthen the networking in the Volunteer State.

Lots of questions, and very few answers thus far...

Obama's Appointment of Cordray was Illegal

2012-01-05T06:52:00.002-05:00

Lots of Republicans are angry at President Obama's recess appointment of Richard Cordray as the head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). One argument being used that Obama's action was illegal is that the Senate is not in recess, instead being brought into session for a few minutes every few days.

I believe that the argument above is with merit. However, there's one that is just as good contained within the text of the Dodd-Frank Bill itself, the legislation that created the CFPB. That legislation states that the board needs a director to exercise its designated powers, and that director can exercise those powers once he or she "is confirmed by the Senate."

That obviously didn't happen here, and it is a reasonable interpretation of the law that the Congress specifically was stating through its legislative intent that the director not be subject to a recess appointment.

So, even if a judge found that the Senate is for all intents and purposes in recess, that doesn't win the day for Obama. He still doesn't have a director, as per the terms of the legislation that created a need to have one in the first place.

Someone needs to challenge Cordray's appointment in federal court - and soon - before the CFPB starts making a mess of things through actions that will be difficult to undo.

Red State Update: Iowa Caucus Report

2012-01-05T03:00:00.004-05:00

Well, who could have foreseen those results from Iowa a couple of weeks back? Despite average to below average debate performances and having done nothing of real note except for participate in Iowa evangelical leader Bob Vander Plaats' pay-for-pay scheme that "earned" Santorum the endorsement of several Iowa Christian religious leaders, Rick Santorum rolls out of Iowa with the most personal political relevance since he turned his back on Pennsylvania conservatives and worked for Arlen Specter's re-election.

Meanwhile, Bachmann does something that I can't remember ever happening - going from Ames Straw Poll winner to last amongst the active Iowa campaigns at the caucuses. Sure, her debate performances were uneven, but they weren't significantly worse than Santorum's - surely not worth twenty-points worse.

Perry comes out of Iowa not only disappointed, but significantly confused. Why on earth did he seem to signal his exit from the field Tuesday night, saying that he was returning to Texas instead of continuing on to South Carolina? Maybe it's just this experienced guy's opinion, but if it had been my call, I would have put a contrite but strong Rick Perry out in front of the cameras, shown that my candidate was a fighter and that he was going to carry the fight to South Carolina. Go all-in in the Palmetto State. Fight for Bachmann's supporters while courting Gingrich's unorganized crowd in the hopes that he straps on a figurative suicide bomb in his anger and tries to destroy Romney in a quixotic charge in New Hampshire. Stem Santorum's rise in South Carolina, where Santorum has no organization and has not campaigned with regularity. Come out of South Carolina in the top-two, marginalize Paul, and say that you are the candidate for the Anti-Romney movement. But what do I know...

I'll let Jackie and Dunlap from Red State Update take it from here on the Iowa wrap-up:

If You Missed the ABC Debate from December 10th...

2011-12-11T02:03:00.003-05:00

Stephen Green drunkblogged it over at PJ Media. Even as his blood alcohol level increased, his analysis remained pretty much on point.

Personally, I thought that there were several shots that landed against frontrunner Newt, but that he handled himself relatively well. It was Rick Perry's strongest debate by far, and Santorum likely had his strongest night, as well.

Romney needed to come on strong, which I don't believe that he did. He looked desperate at times, and tonight might be the beginning of the end of his campaign. The proposed bet of $10,000 towards Perry was awful and made him look out of touch with the average American. (If Mitt felt that he needed to bet someone during the debate, he should have tried to get Newt to put up that $300,000+ that he scored from Fannie and Freddie Mac. That ain't chump change - ask the taxpayers who picked up the tab.)

The real surprise might be Ron Paul, who kept his crazy positions and statements to a minimum tonight and actually scored on a variety of points. I've heard from more than one wonk "in the know" that has mentioned the possibility of a Paul win in Iowa without meaning it as a punchline.

All in all, a good debate for everyone - except Mitt. I can't believe that I'm going to have to vote for one of these folks in under three months. Given that I'm not seeing any bumper stickers, yard signs, etc., here in East Tennessee, I don't think that I'm alone in that camp.

Love Me Some Guy Fawkes Day

2011-11-05T01:21:00.003-04:00

Remember, remember the Fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
We see no reason
Why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot!

Of course, the putrid Freebaggers (thanks, Blue Collar Muse) who have adopted the Guy Fawkes mask as their symbol are laughable. Guy Fawkes had testicular fortitude. All that you have is poor hygiene and time to kill. Yeah, that's the same thing...

Cain as the Conservative Option

2011-10-26T19:17:00.004-04:00

Interesting ad that depicts Herman Cain as the conservative option that the Right has been complaining has been lacking from the previous election cycles.

Herman Cain Speaks on 9-9-9 in Detroit Today

2011-10-21T13:56:00.003-04:00

It was apparent to this observer from watching the debate earlier this week that the folks running against Herman Cain for the GOP nomination are relying on folks not being informed as to Cain's 9-9-9 tax plan. Their hope is that American voters remain confused as to the differences in state and federal taxes. Like Cain said in the debate, this is apples and oranges. Cain is trying to reform the federal tax program. Despite Mitt Romney's protestations, it wouldn't be legal for any sitting president to alter the way a state taxes its residents.

Cain explained a little more about his plan in Detroit earlier today. In the nearly 20 minute speech, Cain talks about incentives for capital gains by corporations and entrepreneurs, the deductions that businesses would have to work in "opportunity zones," how this activity would be an incentive for cities to work to help themselves, and other facets of the plan.

I am with Ann Coulter, who, as she stated last night on "Hannity," likes the plan more and more as Cain's political rivals keep attacking it.

The First Herman Cain Video

2011-10-17T10:39:00.004-04:00

It's tough to find a Herman Cain headline these days that doesn't reference his 9-9-9 tax reform plan, but what attracted me to Herman Cain in this presidential race were the points that he hits upon in the video below, which was released back in May.

Herman Cain's story is fascinating. I loved his story back when he ran for the U.S. Senate in Georgia. I love that his story doesn't begin with being born into a life of riches and entitlement, that it doesn't involve him taking on Ronald Reagan back in the 1980s, that it isn't built on the backs of Internet crazies, and that it shows so much resolve that you believe that he would sacrifice whatever it took for the country to succeed.

That's a breath of fresh air, even for this conservative to admit.

MORE: Michael Silence over at the KNS has a rundown of links to coverage of Herman Cain's weekend bus trip through Tennessee.

Ain't That the Truth...

2011-10-14T09:42:00.002-04:00

Is the Decline of Men Killing Marriage?

2011-10-13T03:33:00.004-04:00

Glenn Reynolds forwarded this column by Kate Bolick from The Atlantic magazine, and it is truly a comprehensive look at gender relationships and marriage in this country. There's something for everyone here - personal tales, statistics, racial breakdown, gender-based modern behaviors, and, most importantly and predictably, the typical indictment of marriage.

If you are going to read the entire article, I recommend that you set aside enough time to do so. This is no little ditty. If I had to guess, I would bet that it is Bolick's magnum opus, a personal tale of her own life intertwined with enough research to take months, if not years, to organize.

I had so many reactions regarding this column that it's hard to properly write about them. It is obvious to me that men ain't what they used to be. Bolick doesn't really get into the cause of this greatly; yes, she does state that the collapse of the manufacturing and construction industries in this country have something to do with the collapse, but it does seem to me to be more than that. Perhaps it is my obviously different background from Bolick, but the statistics she cites are the result of men not being men - the feminization of America. It can be seen everywhere - from the schools to entertainment options to the workplace. It is protected by Main Street and by Wall Street, by educational institutions, by the belief of "popular opinion," and very much so by the courts. Men are supposed to be softer, more in touch with our feelings, and nothing like the Neanderthals that our fathers and grandfathers were. You know who they were - men.

In the end, it seems that Bolick is embracing her single status and hitting the snooze button on what she terms as "marriage o'clock." I suppose that she would believe that I am about to resort to some singlism here, but I feel awful for Bolick in every respect throughout the article. That likely is because of where I am in life. I am very happily married with two wonderful boys. I suppose that I am successful in my career at age 35; I believe that my peers would say that I am respected in my field. My wife, who quite admittedly has a better academic pedigree but has similar degrees as I do (both having a JD, her BS being from Vanderbilt in Human ad Organizational Development, my BS degrees being in Chemistry from East Tennessee State University and Biological Sciences, my consolation prize from where I left medical school after 2 years), is also successful in her career. I suppose that is what is curious to me about Bolick's article - why does there have to be so many differences between individuals in a relationship? Why do we have to resort to my 3-year-old son's mentality, where we are constantly measuring ourselves against everyone in the room as soon as we enter? Why can't both pieces of a marriage be equal? Isn't that the goal? My wife and I are a team, and we must work on a team or we will fail at achieving our goals in life.

Who married down in my marriage? (Friends are going to have a field day with that one...) I have always said that Angela did, but isn't that what I'm supposed to say? Isn't that what I should say? I adore my wife, and if I thought that I was marrying down, how would that marriage have any chance of surviving? And how do we measure that? My wife has a better academic resume than I do, but I make more money than she does and have more clients. However, she has more responsibilities with the boys than I do, in that she gets them ready for "school" in the morning. But that is another problem I find with Bolick's column - why does she assume that only one party runs the house? Angela and I share the responsibilities in the house. She tackles laundry, dishes, and cleaning. I handle grocery shopping, all outside and lawn maintenance, garbage, and the cooking. But even that is subject to alteration as the need exists. The same division of labor occurs in our law firm. It's OK that she doesn't have as many billable hours as I do in a given month as long as I do, and vice versa. Again, it's a team concept.

The problem is that Bolick seems to be be stuck on this elitist thought that folks are defined by the cumulation of their resumes and demographics. It seems that she does not believe that changes when folks get married; she doesn't believe that "two become one."

Since there are lots of people inventing their own terms in this social science field, I will do so, as well. It seems to me that Bolick (to a lesser extent) and many of the women referred to in her work suffer from Yankee Mental Illness. This is a far-reaching psychosis that effects those in the metropolitan areas of the Northeastern United States to believe that they are unique, special, and monumentally different from all others who have come before them. When they realize that they are not, they become jaded, depressed, and crestfallen until they come to the point where they remember that they are unique, special, and monumentally different, which justifies their continuing on the same path. Yankee Mental Illness extends well beyond the topic at bar, but it does have some relevance here. In regards to Bolick's article, it means that these unfortunate women all think that they are characters in a bad "Sex in the City" episode (or, even worse, one of the movies based on the show that were without a doubt two of the worst things to ever be filmed - EVER). They keep having sex with the same guys who have no reason to settle down, and then they are shocked when these guys don't want to settle down. (Maybe they forgot to set the alarm on their "marriage o'clock.") They then run to their group of friends that are having the same troubles, give it a good cry, and then go out repeating the same behaviors until they are simply too old to do so. Then they give advice to other younger women going through the same situation, but it doesn't appear that they would ever encourage them to take a different path.

I legitimately feel bad for Bolick. When push comes to shove, it is apparent that she made a mistake when she chose to end the only relevant relationship of her life because she felt that there was "something else out there" (which may be as believable as the X-Files). Now her life is irreparably different because of that one choice. And, while that is not the message that Bolick tries to convey in her magnum opus, it is the one that I take away. Choices have consequences. Your life can be incredibly different based on one choice you make. Youth and innocence are not excuses; they do not provide "do-overs" so that you can make a different choice when the realization occurs that you made the wrong choice. Sometimes you realize when you are at the crossroads (Bolick likely should have before she broke up with Allan at 28, although she states that she assumed that another relationship was just right around the corner), and sometimes you do not. I suppose this goes along with some sort of "the devil's in the details" mantra. You need to treat every decision as if it were important, even if on the surface it is not. The course of your life could be at stake.

Mass. Couple Calls 911 After Getting Lost in Corn Maze

2011-10-12T05:52:00.002-04:00

How did the Yankees win the War again?

Incredible.

Election Schedule Chaos A Result of Romney "Gaming the System?"

2011-10-08T04:42:00.004-04:00

Well, Nevada moved up their primary into January. Given that New Hampshire and Iowa law dictates when their primaries are to be held, this very well could push New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation-primary to January 3rd and Iowa's caucuses to the day after Christmas. Yes, this ridiculous race by the states has caused the 2012 elections to being in 2011.

But this is getting more interesting since it very much appears that Mitt Romney and his uber-rich supporters are, in the words of candidate Jon Huntsman, "gaming the system" by having the primaries run in an order where he maintains momentum and collects victories early on in states where he is strong.

I suppose this can be spun one of two ways. Either Mitt Romney is a suburb strategist who will win at any cost, or Mitt Romney doesn't have the policy positions to win on an even playing field and his conniving suggests that perhaps he is running in the wrong primary. Not sure which spin will win out with the electorate (if either, given that voter apathy must also be seen as a possible "eh, who cares?" outcome), but both are equally plausible.

Herman Cain Coming to Tennessee Next Weekend

2011-10-08T04:04:00.005-04:00

Herman Cain, the new front-runner for the Republican nomination to become President of the United States, will be the first candidate to tour the state when he embarks on a bus tour next weekend. (Other candidates, such as Rick Perry and Jon Huntsman, have stopped in for fundraisers, but to my knowledge this is the first attempt at actual campaigning in the Volunteer State.)

Cain will start in West Tennessee in Bartlett on Friday, eventually making it into Middle Tennessee by the end of the day. Cain will then spend Saturday in Cookeville and Harriman before wrapping up the tour in Hawkins County at the Rogersville Heritage Days.

Here are the details (some of which have been updated since first announced):

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011
11:00 AM Central
W.J. Freeman Park Gazebo
2629 Bartlett Blvd., Bartlett, TN

2:30 PM Central
Bob's House of Honda
603A Vann Drive, Jackson, TN

7:00 PM Central
Humphrey’s County Fairgrounds Agricultural Building
234 West Blue Creek Road, Waverly, TN

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2011
8:30 AM CENTRAL
Tennessee Tech University
1 William L Jones Drive, Cookeville, TN

12:00 PM EASTERN
Roane State Community College
Outdoors, North Side of the Building,
Near the student lounge
276 Patton Lane, Harriman, TN

3:30 PM Eastern
Rogersville City Park
331 Park Blvd.
Rogersville, TN

Oil Prices Continue To Drop

2011-10-05T01:14:00.002-04:00

It cost less for a barrel of oil yesterday than at any time in the past year. In fact, oil prices have dropped over 30% from its high earlier this year.

So why haven't the price of goods also seen a likewise decline? We have seen prices rise at retailers over the past couple of years under the guise of energy costs haven risen. Since energy prices are dropping, shouldn't the savings be passed along to the consumers?

Problems at DOJ - and Beyond

2011-10-04T16:56:00.003-04:00

Now that House Judiciary has called for a special prosecutor to determine if Attorney General Eric Holder committed perjury regarding his "Fast and Furious" testimony (the program that was putting guns into Mexico), things may pick up.

As Owens notes in the article, this could be huge. Just file this under advisement for now, as this could be the straw that breaks the camel's back for this Administration if this rabbit hole goes as far as many think it does.

Tennessee Motorcyclists Look to go Helmetless

2011-10-04T16:36:00.002-04:00

TNReport has the story on the wave of support to revive the bill that would repeal the requirement for Tennesseans to wear helmets while riding a motorcycle.

But if we're doing this in the name of freedom, here's my question:

If a motorcyclist has the right to go without a helmet and splatter his brains all over the pavement, shouldn't those of us who prefer four wheels be allowed the choice of whether or not to wear a seatbelt?

It seems like the same argument. But I can guarantee that the State won't allow for the seatbelt requirement to lapse. Why? Because that is a common way that law enforcement can use to pull you over without actual probable cause so that they can search your vehicle for contraband.

Understanding the Whole Debit Card Mess

2011-10-04T08:47:00.004-04:00

Thanks to the Instapundit for tipping me off to a column by Professor Richard Epstein of the Hoover Institution that thoroughly explains how the debit card mess came about and why it is really the government's fault (specifically, Illinois Senator Dick Durbin and President Obama) that Americans and eventually the larger banks are being squeezed for no reason.

The column concludes:

The greater tragedy, however, lies in the overheated political scene that
allows demagogues like Senator Durbin to get his way. The current economy has
enough trouble without the Durbin Amendment. One of the economy’s bright spots
was the debit card, which in hard times became the life-line of millions of
people. Its use, measured both by card swipes and dollar levels, far exceeded
that of the credit-card. What possible reason is there for Congress and the
president to meddle in one of the few systems that work, even if the courts will
roll over to whatever they do? There is no one thing that can fix the American
economic system or its horrific political climate. But the prompt repeal of the
odious Durbin Amendment would be a fine place to start making amends.

West Virginia Governor's Race Today

2011-10-04T06:35:00.007-04:00

In a race that polling suggests is too close to call, a small percentage of West Virginians will choose between Democrat Earl Ray Tomblin, an establishment Democrat and career politician who has been in the West Virginia government since years before I was born, and Republican Bill Maloney, a drilling engineer who has never held public office but garnered significant Tea Party support in the primary. More on the candidates here.

Like most special elections, this race has garnered national attention due to its falling on a date where nothing else is occurring politically. Nearly $6 million in money from outside of the state has been poured into advertising for the candidates. And apparently it hasn't had a positive effect on turnout - only a smattering of voters have turned out for early and absentee voting.

Low turnout races are very difficult to predict. If the Republicans are able to carry the day, it would signal that the nation remains toxic to Democrats for 2012, especially President Obama, who the Republicans have made a campaign issue by saddling Tomblin with the political albatross that is the President. (Obama's approval ratings in West Virginia are some of the lowest in the country.)

What is interesting from a Tennessee perspective is how Tomblin has been tied to West Virginia's decision not to join the challenges to Obamacare. Tennessee's Democrat Attorney General (who is not popularly elected but should be) also elected not to join other states in contesting the unconstitutional mandates placed within President Obama's magnum opus. It will be interesting to see what part this may have in the West Virginia special election and whether that will translate into further Democratic losses here in Tennessee in 2012. It will also be a great measuring stick on whether Republican leadership ignores the bad advice of some of their own brethren and makes the Attorney General accountable to the voters.

If I had to make a prediction, I'd predict Tomblin wins. My basis for this unfortunate pick lies with many years of watching West Virginia go Democratic, union influence in the southern parts of West Virginia and their known propensity for intimidation, corruption, and voter fraud, and traditional polling in West Virginia that tends to run 2-3 points low for the Democrat (see previous reference to the unions).

MORE: CNN has more on the race. Seems that their analysis and my own aren't too far off - it will be close, but it's just hard to believe that Republicans would take a contested race in a union stronghold like West Virginia.

Are We Close to Seeing the Results of Redistricting?

2011-10-04T05:23:00.002-04:00

According to this post from Chas Sisk over at the Tennessean, yes.

Someone probably needs to notify the National Weather Service and FEMA, because the tears of all of the Democrats who have had their way with redistricting for the past 150 years may cause flash flooding throughout the state.

One Pundit's Love/Hate Relationship with the GOP Field

2011-10-03T12:51:00.003-04:00

RedState's Erick Erickson, who has long been a friend of this site, has a thorough piece today on what he dislikes about each of the Republican candidates. It's an interesting column, inasmuch as Erik is friends with several of the candidates.

But isn't that what races are about? No candidate should be everything that you want - that 100% perfect mix of policy, character, charisma, and background. One of my favorite candidates of all time was my former boss, Ed Bryant, and even he and I disagreed about issues, how to approach situations, etc.

And I guess that's one big problem I have - and that's folks that immediately grab on to a new candidate and start spewing their love for a candidate without knowing one actual thing about them. There's one member of the Republican State Executive Committee here in Tennessee who does that on almost every race, no matter if that race is a contested primary or not. He just goes giddy when a candidate announces, even if that is a first-time candidate with no record of achievement, votes, etc., or that candidate was an ambassador to Outer Mongolia and his record is unknown and undocumented. And this is someone who is supposed to be speaking for the Party. Go figure.

But he's not alone. Would anyone be surprised if Ron Paul supporters would justify Ron Paul's actions if he donned a ski mask and a shot gun and knocked off a bank? They'd probably say that he was a modern day Robin Hood, fighting back against the Fed or something. As Erik says in his column, Paul supporters are kinda scary. What seems to fuel them is this notion that the establishment won't make any concessions to them, which is odd given that they themselves refuse to make any concessions on any issue and openly state that they would never vote for anyone other than Ron Paul. If that's the case, why would anyone care to deal with them? They have abandoned their only real bargaining chips - their vote and support - right off the bat.

Supporting a candidate is not supporting a sports team. Sure, it's fun to be a UT fan and think that we're gonna give Alabama hell come the 3rd (actually 4th this year) weekend of October this year, no matter how unrealistic that is. But should that be the same for our political candidates?

Where are the Challengers?

2011-10-03T11:16:00.003-04:00

There's an article in Nashville's City Paper that talks about Senator Lamar Alexander's recent move to step down as Senate Republican Conference Chairman and to instead work on "bipartisan solutions." Also referenced are Lamar's recent fundraising efforts to put Tennessee dollars into the pockets of known RINOs Olympia Snowe and Dick Lugar.

There is quite a bit of gnashing of teeth and vitriol at Lamar's actions, and likely with good cause, as Tennessee elected him to represent their interests, not some bipartisan mumbo jumbo.

But here is my question regarding both Lamar and Senator Bob Corker, who, if you haven't noticed, is up for re-election in 13 months:

If the base in Tennessee is so filled with angst about their two Republican senators, then where are the primary challengers?

Lamar walked to his second full term in 2010. Bob looks to be uncontested in 2012 (unless someone is raising cash in the shadows, and that would have to be the mother of all stealth campaigns).

If Lamar and Bob are so far afield of the Tennessee conservative base, then why are they not being challenged at all?

UPDATE: Right on cue, Bob Corker added to Lamar's call for more bipartisan legislation.

If Christie or Palin want in, they had better get busy

2011-10-03T04:59:00.003-04:00

Lots of folks openly doubt whether New Jersey Governor Chris Christie or former Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin can organize a national campaign in time to be competitive at this late date. (Remember back in 2008, when everyone was saying that Fred Thompson was too late - in July.) Many of the skeptics cite fundraising and getting "boots on the ground" as the main obstacles.

However, there is one other major problem - getting on the ballot in all 50 states and the 6 territories/districts that each have individualized requirements and deadlines. It truly is a hodgepodge of requirements. Some are easy - Stephen Colbert exposed his native South Carolina's simple requirement in 2008 when he attempted ballot access there by simply writing a $25,000 check to the South Carolina GOP. One of the most arduous ballot requirements that I am aware of resides in the Commonwealth of Virginia, where a candidate has to collect over 10,000 signatures from registered Republican voters, with at least 400 of those being from each of Virginia's 11 congressional districts.

The reason I bring this up is that it is October 3rd. Individual state deadlines arrive in a matter of mere weeks. Within the next 45 days, we'll see the deadlines for Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Missouri, and New Hampshire pass. And that list is likely to grow. Many of the states are moving their primaries closer to the beginning of the year, meaning that deadlines are likely to be pushed up in those states so that ballots can be printed. In fact, on Sunday's "Meet the Press," it was the opinion of several members of the panel that Iowa could very well move their caucuses into December to protect their first in the nation status.

Dealing with this issue is not easy. However, it certainly helps to have a bunch of money; private consultants can be contracted to take care of some of the issues. The problem with that strategy is that you use the money that you need at the beginning to combat the attacks that are bound to come from all sides as soon as you jump into the race.

This might be immaterial. I'm starting to hear some talk that Christie might not want to rush into this and will pass on 2012. And I have contended from the premature end of Sarah Palin's governorship that she would flirt with the idea of running up until the very last minute and then parlay her position into a FoxNews talk show. My position over the years hasn't changed on that one.

Time is growing short. We need to solidify the field - so that we can begin whittling off the also-rans.

A President's Day Tradition

2011-02-23T01:07:00.002-05:00

Having viewed ridiculous descriptions of what President's Day means from the likes of CNN and MSNBC, I went with my tried and true President's Day tradition - Ronald Reagan's "A Time for Choosing" speech delivered at the 1964 Republican National Convention.

It's 28 minutes long, but this speech changed America because it marked the changing of a man - a man who became the greatest President of the United States in my lifetime. You see the passion for conservative principals that is in no way contrived or manipulative.

This is what I think of when we reach President's Day.

Education Musings

2011-01-28T00:13:00.003-05:00

Take a gander over at Liberty Postings - Sarah Moore's blog - to see what she thought of the State of the Union as it relates to education.

I agree with Sarah on all points but the importance of engineering and science education. While a liberal arts education is good for some things, when it comes to solving actual problems - like energy sources after fossil fuels are depleted - it is engineers and scientists that will lead the way, not lawyers, authors, historians, etc. But, as Sarah notes, Presidents have been saying this for decades. No progress has been realized, and, given this President's track record, I can't foresee any over his reign.

Locally, I am interested to see what happens to Fort Craig Elementary, the flagship year round school in Maryville. Due to a focus on the high school and the need to open a modern intermediate school and the costs that go with such changes, the Maryville School Board is seriously considering closing Fort Craig. It appears to be a bizarre move on the School Board's part to me, as somehow closing your best school will improve the educational benefit to the city as a whole, particularly when one takes into account that the savings of closing Fort Craig will only meet about half of the need to open the new intermediate school. Given the pride that Maryville natives have in their school system, saving a buck doesn't exactly seem to fit with the community values here.

From my standpoint, I moved away from an average school system so that my boys would be educated in one that was excellent. I obviously hope that move was not a mistake on this front, and these proposed changes are not positive in that regard.

Judge Young Retires

2011-01-18T01:52:00.004-05:00

The Honorable W. Dale Young, Judge of the Circuit Court of Blount County, Division 1, retired from the bench yesterday.

I had the pleasure of practicing before Judge Young for the past 6 years. Even if the case didn't turn out the way that I wanted, I always felt that my client had received a fair and impartial hearing. Judge Young wasn't afraid to hammer a deadbeat dad, but he also showed great compassion for litigants that were needing the court to right a wrong. And no one enjoyed adoptions more than Judge Young; he and his staff went out of their way to make sure that it was a day that the children and adoptive parents would always cherish and remember.

That being said, Judge Young's retirement has been expected. He has been of poor health for quite a while, and despite his attempts to keep up with his dockets, it was apparent to everyone that a Republican Governor would likely mean his retirement. (If you don't understand the need for a Republican Governor, research what happened last time that Governor Bredesen appointed a Circuit Court judge and the drama that ensued.)

Names have been floating for a while as to who will apply to replace Judge Young. Some of them include the following: the Honorable William R. Brewer, Judge of the General Sessions Court of Blount County (Division III); Rob Goddard, former County Attorney under Mayor Jerry Cunningham; and Tammy Harrington, Deputy District Attorney.

Some folks have said that I am a candidate. I can see why people would say that, since I have established residency in Blount County recently, have let it be known that I would like the opportunity to serve this community as a member of the judiciary, and have never turned down the experience of sitting for a judge when they are not available. However, at this time and until I feel otherwise led, I am not planning on submitting my name for consideration for the Circuit Court position.

Whoever is appointed to the bench will have a hard act to follow. In addition to Judge Young, Blount County has a great collection of jurists that have set a high standard for any newcomer to the bench to uphold.

Photo from Blount Today

MORE: Editorial on Judge Young's Service

Redrawing the Map

2011-01-18T00:43:00.003-05:00

Take a look at this dramatic reworking of Tennessee's congressional districts, which would leave the Republicans with an 8-1 advantage for the state's House seats.

It certainly wouldn't be uncalled for - the Tennessee GOP has been on the short end of the stick when it comes to redistricting for over 120 years - but I just can't see something this radical coming out of John Ryder's hands (the National Committeeman and Memphis attorney who has been itching to "have the pen after 2010"). I don't think that Marsha Blackburn (who now has plenty of seniority in the Tennessee delegation, second only to Jimmy Duncan) would like it because it strips off a bunch of reliable GOP areas and increases the amount of money she would have to use on television buys by adding in the Paducah affiliates. Plus, while I am all for dividing up the growing liberal base of Davidson County, it would be a tough sell to some Republicans there, not least of whom could be new Speaker Beth Harwell.

Just food for thought. I will say this - if you're looking for a simpler map than what we currently have, you are likely to be disappointed. Good conservative folks have worked too hard for too long to simply fritter away the chance to make Tennessee a red state for the next generation (or longer).

(Hat Tip: Post Politics)

Serving Historical Tea in Tennessee Public Schools?

2011-01-18T00:10:00.002-05:00

John Brown has a good read on the Tea Party's efforts here in Tennessee to alter public school history curricula. As John points out, some of their "efforts" aren't, well, historical.

Perhaps the Tea Party should consult with someone who knows their history - someone like John Brown, for instance - before they move forward on this initiative, lest they be as inaccurate as the errors they are trying to correct.

The Move to Maryville

2011-01-17T14:24:00.005-05:00

I haven't posted on here in a few months, but that is not to say that those months have been relaxing or unproductive.

In early summer of 2010, Angela and I decided that the time had come for us to explore leaving Knox County. We certainly were comfortable in Knox - we owned a nice house that was relatively inexpensive, had a great office arrangement in Fountain City that was not far from the house, a wonderful church home at Central Baptist Church of Fountain City, and great and inexpensive daycare for the boys at CBCFC - but we both knew that the time was rapidly approaching where change would be necessary.

First and foremost, I did not want my boys to attend Knox County Schools. It simply wasn't an option. If we had remained in Knox County, I would have placed the boys in private schools, and tuition for those is equal to or exceeds what I paid to attend college. Perhaps Knox County Schools are all well and good for some folks, but I wanted Leo and Wil to have as good of an education as could be provided, because that is essential for their lives to be fulfilling. (Did you know that I have yet to have someone convicted of a crime in court where they had a 4-year college degree? In fact, I have only had one person convicted where the person had a 2-year Associate's degree, and that was just recently.) I wasn't convinced that could happen in Knox County, where more of the emphasis seems to be on administration and fiefdoms rather than on quality teaching and moulding the students into future leaders of America.

Second, Angela and I felt that there was a location where we were already part of a community, even if we weren't living there. Even with living in Knox County, we worked almost exclusively in the courts of other counties and were traveling nearly 400 miles a week for work purposes. With my work weeks topping 100 hours routinely in 2010, that doesn't leave much time for community activities close to home.

Third, I didn't feel that I was having any impact whatsoever on Knox County. Besides my tax dollars, I didn't feel as if I was making a difference there. Now, that's not to say that changes couldn't have occurred that would have rectified my impact, but it wasn't what it should have been or what I expect of myself.

Thus, in September, Angela and I started working towards finding a new residence in Maryville. Maryville's schools are incredible; it's like having private schooling in a public school system. In fact, I've known some children that have been educated in Knox County's private schools who have transferred to Blount County, and their parents have told me to a man that they feel their children have received a better education in Maryville. Plus, with the majority of my practice and the majority of Angela's practice being in Blount County, it just made sense to look "south of the river" for a new house.

After a long search (and some divine intervention), we found that house in Royal Oaks, a golf course community in Maryville. (No, I have no idea where Shaq lives.) It's much more house than I ever could have dreamed I would own, and from the desk in my office, I can see the hole on the 13th green. It may take a couple more months to get settled (moving, Christmas, both boys having birthdays, illness, and snow have made December and January tough months for settling in), but I feel that it will be worth it in the long run.

So, in any case, we are officially in Blount County now. (I hope that my decision not to run for State Executive Committe in the 6th District makes sense now to those who wondered why I decided not to run for the vacant position.) My political involvement is certainly not dead - not by a long shot. The right opportunity will come along - you'll just have to trust me on that front for now.

And this blog is not dead. Yes, I have been working almost entirely off of FaceBook for the past year or so, but I am committed to making this blog more active in 2011. Besides, 2010 wasn't much to write about, to be honest. 2011 - I have a feeling this year will be a bit more interesting...

Finally, I still have a home for sale in Knox County. It is just out of the Knoxville city limits (you can avoid paying city taxes by a couple of hundred yards), has nothing wrong with it (it was as maintenance free as any owner could ask of a home), is on a quiet cul-de-sac, is part of a great subdivision which goes all-out for just about every holiday (especially Halloween and Independence Day), and is a steal given that I have priced it about $13,000 below what I paid for it in 2007. Plus, you receive awesome representation in the General Assembly through Senator Jamie Woodson and Representative Bill Dunn. So, if you're feeling so inclined...

Williams Will Not Be Speaker Come January

2010-11-03T00:08:00.003-04:00

Kent Williams is a true dolt. For someone like myself that longs for citizens to be represented in government by their best, their brightest, and men and women of the highest character, Kent Williams is a spur in my saddle. He is an example of everything that a representive shouldn't be, because he's from the wrong side of the bell curve.

That being said, at least he realizes that he won't be Speaker next year.

Hat Tip: Moderately Marvelous

With 63 (or more) Republicans in the House, he can be sure of that.

The funny thing is when he describes the Republicans "running over" the Democrats - and he pretends that he's one of the Republicans. Sorry, Kent, but sometimes you're the windshield, and sometimes you're the bug. You made your selfish choices, and now you - and the people of Carter County who stood behind you - are going to pay the price. And you've earned everything that you have coming your way.

November 2, 2010 - A Day I Have Long Waited For

2010-11-02T10:32:00.004-04:00

Many of my conservative friends have commented that today is like Christmas. I think I would rather compare it to Easter, personally, because this is more of a rebirth. A rebirth of Americans who care about individual freedom. A rebirth of Americans who care about their country and what it has always stood for. A rebirth of an electorate comprised of working folks that is more than a slave class for the lazy, the apathetic, and the drug-addicted.

I point to my posts in January of 2009 and applaud the D.C. Republicans for doing exactly what they should have done to bring about the fall of the Democratic Party - nothing. The Democrats were going to destroy themselves once they started pushing their socialist agenda, and the Republicans - having no real artillery to war with the Dems due to numbers in Congress - couldn't do much of anything to stop them. So they let the entire system implode on Obama, Pelosi, and Reid. Brilliant, and today will be the payoff for letting this occur at the hands of the Democrats. (Think that strategy was too simple? Tell respected liberal James Carville, who said in May 2009 that the Democrats would control all three branches of the federal government for 40 years.)

There are lots of numbers floating around as to how many House seats the GOP will pick up. The floor seems to be 45, with some folks going way out on a limb and setting the ceiling north of 87. Personally, I think it will be closer to the floor - around 60 or so - and that will be historic. I can't see the GOP taking the Senate, which is a shame. Nevada, Connecticut, Colorado, Alaska - I just don't see the GOP winning them all, and they need to if they want to reach the majority. There will be some nice wins, though, like Marco Rubio in Florida and sending Russ Feingold into early retirement in Wisconsin. I would love to see Linda McMahon pull out Connecticut more than just about any of the toss-ups, but the polls don't seem to be going her way.

But, as regular readers of VolCon (or, I suppose, former regular readers since work and fatherhood has dominated my life regularly and taken me away from blogging) know, I may enjoy the national trends, but it's my Tennessee that makes my heart beat. We are about to make Tennessee a conservative state for the rest of my lifetime. This is a vision held by many of us. We saw that the ideology of Tennessee's electorate didn't fit its representation as far back as the late 1990s. Yes, Don Sundquist was governor, but the Democrats held control of both chambers of the General Assembly and ran a close 5-4 in the Congressional delegation (which became a 5-4 Democratic advantage in 2002 when Lincoln Davis took Van Hilleary's spot in the 4th). So many of us started working incrementally with the goal of having Tennessee's General Assembly in Republican hands by November 2, 2010. At the end of the day, I believe we will have met that goal. And, with that victory, we can go about undoing the gerrymandered districts that Democrats have drawn over the years as a way of protecting their majority and their individual incumbency.

Yes, there are a few races that have my eye. I very much hope that Stacey Campfield wins in the 7th District Senate race. It very much appears that Randy Walker, the Democratic nominee facing Stacey, has violated federal law during his campaign. For all of Stacey's character and quirks, he has always fought for his house district, and I can't imagine that would be any different with his promotion to the Upper Chamber.

I also am curious to see how my good friend Jerome Cochran does against traitor/dolt Kent Williams up in Carter County. I certainly hope that Carter County's voters see that it would serve them better to have a proven legislator like Jerome as their representative in the House instead of a man without a party in Kent Williams. One way or the other, Carter Countians, Kent Williams will not be Speaker come January. I doubt he will be able to have any of his legislation passed out of committee by Republicans who he screwed over in 2009 or by Democrats who won't have the votes and owe him nothing.

While I haven't mentioned it, I can't understate how happy I am for my fellow Knox Countian, Bill Haslam, who will be Governor-Elect at the end of the night. Bill is easily one of the nicest guys I have ever known in politics, and I look forward to helping him in any way that I can as he goes about governing in what is going to be a tough time to govern (especially given how the man he is replacing has sold the problems of today down the line for payment tomorrow). If I know Bill at all, though, he is going to surround himself with smart, capable folks to tackle Tennessee's problems with capable solutions.

It's going to be a good night for conservatives, folks. Enjoy it. We've been quiet long enough.

MORE: Well, actually, Moore. As in, Nathan Moore and his picks in the Senate races. I agree with him, with the exceptions of Illinois and Nevada.

Election Day, 2010

2010-08-05T08:23:00.007-04:00

For many of my friends, today marks the end of their campaigns, some of which have spanned nearly 2 years. Today will be a long day for them, and tomorrow will likely be a day of reflection and, at the very least, rest.

Here are a few of the things that I will be looking at when election results start coming in from around the state:

- Governor - This is obviously the biggest item on everyone's mind this primary. Many, including myself, have analogized this race to 2006, where Bob Corker outspent Ed Bryant and Van Hilleary, who conveniently split the conservative vote. There are some differences, though. While I have tried to stay out of the race as much as possible (with the exception of demoralizing certain Ron Ramsey supporters on their failed logic on Facebook), it is apparent that Zach Wamp's campaign has been run in a superior manner to Ed Bryant's. It hurts me to say it, but that's this man's observation. Zach has raised more money and got more bang for his buck despite, in my opinion, not having the name recognition that Ed had going for him after his 2002 race against Lamar Alexander.

Will it make a difference? Polls indicate that it won't. I've seen some unreleased internals over the past several months that show Haslam delivering a victory address tonight. However, polls can be wrong; we'll have to see what shakes down tonight.

I like all three men in the GOP primary, and I will gladly support the winner come November. Bill Haslam has been friendly and courteous to me throughout his political career - even when he didn't have to be. Let's face it - we don't exactly go to the same parties, nor are we at the same point of our lives (Bill's kids are much older than mine, for instance). But Bill, his brother, and his father have always been cordial, and I think he could make a good governor of our state. My biggest concerns with Bill are his view on firearms (which doesn't mean much, since even the Democrats in Tennessee are pro-gun and wouldn't provide any traction should a Governor Haslam look to scale back firearms legislation) and his family's prior support of the state income tax.

Regarding Ron Ramsey, I don't believe that he was honest with me during his term as Lt. Governor. OK, I'll say it - I firmly believe that he lied to me on multiple occasions. And not just me, but others like Terry Frank (although her hate for Zach Wamp has led her to support Ramsey - go figure). Those who really know me know that the most important virtue that I covet in friends - political or otherwise - is trust and honesty. I haven't forgiven Ron (although I undoubtedly will), and that alone is enough for me to send my vote elsewhere.

That leads me to Zach Wamp. I knew Zach a little from my time in D.C., but I was able to spend quite a bit of time with him at the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis. He really was a great guy to hang out with, because you could have a regular conversation with him about UT football or movies or the like just as easily as we could discuss defense appropriations or the pending trouble with Tennessee's interstate system and how it's financed. We could debate religious issues, or we could play air guitar. I never fell for the "could have a beer with him" factor that was attributed to George W. Bush, but I certainly felt that Zach really was just a normal guy who was living an extraordinary life. Plus, I continue to be amazed at how responsive Zach is, always returning e-mails and calls within hours, even during the middle of a busy campaign and working for the 3rd District in D.C. Throw in how Zach has helped the 3rd District obtain manufacturing and scientific jobs and about as good of a record that a Congressman could in over a decade's worth of service, and Zach has my vote.

- 3rd Congressional District - I really have my eye on this race, because Chuck Fleischmann has been so slimy in his ads that I will venture into the nearby 3rd District to help out the Democratic nominee if he wins. Given his awful scorched earth tactics, I have to think that Mike Huckabee and Chip Saltsman will also be sullied by Fleischmann's ridiculous barrage of lies and attack ads about Robin Smith. On the other side of the coin, I always thought that Robin Smith should be in Congress, even before she was Chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party. She has always been a true conservative who wasn't afraid to speak her mind. If Robin wins tonight, it won't be long before she's stirring things up - in a good way - and taking Tennessee values to Washington, D.C.

- Tea Parties - I believe that today is the beginning of the end of the organized tea parties. From all accounts, the tea parties have decided to endorse candidates without any research as to if said candidate has any realistic shot at winning. It's like the difference between the NRA and GOA. Yes, the Gun Owners of American may be more ideologically pure, but the National Rifle Association is the endorsement that people covet because they back winners. The tea parties have no idea how to win elections because they're led by the same knuckleheads that endorsed folks like Michael Badnarik and Chuck Baldwin for president. You may be asking, "Who?" And that's exactly my point. From the childish antics of folks like Matt Collins to the embarrassing "hand notes" of Sarah Palin at Judson Phillips' convention in Nashville, those who have chosen themselves as the voices of this "movement" don't have the track record of a Grover Nordquist or even a Tom Ingram.

Keeping yourself ideologically sound is important - don't get me wrong on that point. However, what is just as important is winning elections. Some people just don't get that. These are the people who punished Van Hilleary in 2002 for the sins of Don Sundquist. They then turned around and voted for Van in 2006 when it was apparent that he had no chance of winning the race against Corker and Bryant, who was ideologically similar to Van. Now, in 2010, they will cast their ballots for Ron Ramsey (who has been last in every poll I've seen) and the carpetbagger Van Irion (who will be lucky to come in third in the 3rd Congressional District race). Despite some voices to the contrary, their votes matter greatly (as compared to being "wasted"), because they are helping to elect the candidate most ideologically opposed to their own views.

It is no secret that I love the grassroots, and at the grassroots level, I love those who are pissed off about Obamacare, the bumbling of the government to act on the floods in Nashville and Iowa and the oil disaster in the Gulf, the complete and total failure of the government's solution of throwing money at the problem of lost jobs as a way of fixing the economy, the federalization of the immigration problem, and the increased socialization of our country. I absolutely love that people are upset about these things and are motivated to do something about them, as apathy could be catastrophic. However, those people need to act for themselves and not listen to tea party leaders and groups like the Republican Liberty Caucus (who worship a deity named Ron Paul). Those folks have no idea how to win elections, and following them will only depress the impact that the conservatives grassroots can have.

- 7th District, Tennessee Senate - Can Stacey Campfield's hustle beat Ron Leadbetter's money and progressive supporters? I hope so. Stacey smoked Leadbetter last time in the House race, but with the district now encompassing more voters, this one could be close.

- State Executive Committee races - Nearly two-thirds of the races for Republican State Executive Committee - the group that makes decisions on the state party level - are contested. That is amazing, and I would love to think that people just want to get involved.

But something is amiss. Gobs of money have been spent on certain races for this unpaid position. In my own district, Ted Hatfield has spent well over $5,000 (as of last count, although I suspect it is at least double that when all of the receipts are counted) on yard signs, billboards, robo-calls, and direct mail pieces. For a position that is basically volunteer in nature? Same goes for Hobart Rice in the 4th District. His signs are everywhere. Something is just odd, and I don't think it's a coincidence that one candidate in many of these races is well-funded while the other is not. I'll say it here - I think someone is trying to buy the Tennessee Republican State Executive Committee. It might be a coincidence that this comes on the heels of Speaker Kent Williams getting booted out of the party, but I doubt it.

- Anderson County Juvenile Judge - First of all, there are good Republican judges, and there are bad Republican judges. There are good Democratic judges, and there are bad Democratic judges. I want to get that out of the way right off the bat.

That being said, it is my sincere hope that Brandon Fisher, the Democratic nominee for Anderson County Juvenile Court Judge, wins his election today. He very much appears to be the best juvenile court judge that Anderson County has had in a long while. Unfortunately, without Republican support in Anderson County, his term on the bench may be at an end. That is really a shame since the Republican nominee, Zach Farrar, has no experience - NONE - in Anderson County Juvenile Court. In fact, with the exception of two collections cases, he has no experience in any of the courts of Anderson County. I suppose if Anderson County wants to return to the bad old days where attorneys wouldn't take cases in their juvenile court...

I've only appeared before Judge Fisher one time, but it's a good story, so I'll include it here. I filed a Notice of Appearance to assist Angela in a particularly messy Termination of Parental Rights case. It was set for an all-day trial on a Monday. Unfortunately, Judge Fisher had a kidney stone come up over the weekend. Citing the need to conclude the trial for the permanence and well-being of the child, Judge Fisher refused medication that might result in the case being continued and heard the case on Monday. Not only that, but he passed the stone during the trial. Anyone can say that they care about children and their best interests, but not everyone has proof like that to show their level of concern.

I have some interest in other races, such as the 6th Congressional District, where I have been very impressed with Lou Ann Zelenik and Kerry Roberts, but comments on those races will have to wait for another day.

Frank Cagle

Twilight Time!

2010-07-02T18:45:00.002-04:00

I don't get the whole "Twilight" thing. Just don't. I thought the first movie was horrible, so much so that I haven't bothered with the second or the third. It seems to me that the whole series can be summed up as an ugly girl that has trouble choosing between necrophilia and bestiality.

So, to me, these songs seem pretty much spot on for the targeted demographic - Twilight fans.

Learning to be Married

2010-07-02T00:55:00.002-04:00

There was a good (and lengthy) read in this past weekend's Washington Post about marriage and how individuals find themselves ill prepared for the dynamic, often leading to divorce. I found it interesting on many levels, and everyone - no matter where your marriage is or how it functions - could probably benefit from the various approaches and scenarios in the piece.

I see many of the problems mentioned in the Post piece all of the time in court. I have gravitated away from handling divorces (by choice), but I oftentimes end up collaterally involved in them, either by way of representing the child as a Guardian ad Litem, in an Order of Protection linked to the divorce, or in Juvenile Court when one party makes allegations of dependency and neglect as a way of making headway in the divorce when the divorce judge has perhaps not seen aspects of the custody battle to the litigant's liking.

Please don't take this as bragging or anything of the sort, but I am truly blessed with my marriage. Angela and I don't really fight. On the surface, people may have a hard time believing that, with 2 lawyers who both work together in the same firm. After all, lawyers like to argue, right? But Angela and I really don't. When we have problems, we have problems, as in we have a problem with something that we will work together to overcome. Money, sex, in-laws - we have the same issues as other married couples, but we simply approach them constructively and as a team. That's why Angela is the perfect person for me to work with. If we have a problem at home, we develop a plan and work together to get over it. If one of us has a problem with a case at work, we do the same thing.

But I think that our marriage (and our work relationship) is probably a product of what we strive to be as individuals. Angela has a servant's heart, a direct product of her deep Christian faith. Our firm last year represented 99% indigent Tennesseans - men, women, and children. We are compensated for our work, but it is a form of service, as we take many cases that others within our profession would rather not touch.

And that selflessness is the key, in my opinion. The biggest problem I see in court - particularly in divorces but also in child support cases, child abuse, child dependency and neglect actions, and the like - is selfishness. People put themselves - their lust for flesh, their lust for money, their love of illegal drugs and the irresponsible actions that come from getting high, their love of being a child's friend in order to gain acceptance by the child instead of being a child's parent - above all else.

Angela is not a selfish person. She wasn't before, and she has become even less so since the birth of our two wonderful sons. I don't believe that I am a selfish person, and whenever I start to feel that some selfish needs are slipping into my psyche, I try to remember some lessons I learned long ago in Neyland Stadium way back in 1997. Although some people may not remember the group these days, Promise Keepers had a conference in Knoxville that summer. Not only did I recognize Jesus Christ as my own personal Lord and Savior that weekend, but I also saw great men - men like Tony Evans and Wellington Boone - talk about the need to serve as recognized in The Bible. They spoke with such passion that they made it almost seem like a competition. I remember Tony Evans yelling, "You WILL NOT outserve me!" That was over a decade ago - and it seems longer than that - but I still recall those words on a regular basis.

And that is what marriage has to be, in my opinion - two equally-yoked individuals serving together. Serving their children, serving each other, serving their community, and, through all of that, serving their God. Yes, it is important to know how to fight as a married couple, as well as how to manage money, prioritize decisions, learn to communicate, and all of the other marriage skills that counselors and marriage programs (such as the one described in the Post article)consider vital to marital survival. But all of that seems like details if you both are working together and not letting all of the other stuff divide you as a couple. Those skills mentioned above should be available for when something goes wrong.

I remember the old Athletic Director at ETSU, Keener Fry (who is currently Assistant AD at the University of Wyoming), speaking to our tennis team after we reported to campus for fall semester. Keener had just been named AD, and he was addressing each team individually as we went through such things as NCAA regulations, standards of conduct, and the like. One thing that Keener spent some time on was advice for life in the form of a list (which he had not authored but had provided to us nonetheless). I believe there were 22 points, many of them self-evident. While Keener acknowledged that these points were all important, two of them were vital: being as educated as you can be, and choosing the perfect mate for you as a spouse. And even with that, only the second one of those would be directly proportional to the happiness you would experience in life.

In the Post article, McCarthy writes the following:

A morning bird and a night owl won't ever fully eliminate their differences; nor will a spendthrift and a penny pincher. What distinguished satisfied couples from the miserable ones, he found, was how creatively and constructively they managed those differences.

And I think that is the crux of the article. Some of us are pairings of penny-pinching, Big Orange, conservative night owls. Those are the lucky ones who need to keep selfishness out of their marriage but, if they can do so, have the world at their fingertips. But most couples are just trying to be satisfied with what they have, working somehow to arrive at the level where the morning bird and the night owl are doing enough in the name of each other to keep one of them from flying the coup.

Democrats Taking Back the Tennessee House is NOT Based in Reality

2010-07-01T16:54:00.004-04:00

Despite our minor dust-ups over the years, Randy Neal (aka "South Knox Bubba") is a liberal blogger who I do respect. No, really. I'm serious. Randy does excellent work.

Randy is very strong at analysis of past events, and he probably missed his calling when he didn't go into investigative reporting. That plays to his strength.

But where Randy isn't good is in predicting election results. That's actually being kind. He sucks like a bilge pump. (I mean, he's no Mike Silence, so perhaps I'm being a little harsh...) He lets his heart have the final say after his head has done all of the legwork. You can't let that happen, because you're setting yourself up for heartbreak. I may not have wanted Barack Obama to win in 2008, but I didn't say that McCain was going to shock the world a few weeks out from Election Day. Likewise, I looked at wonks that said that Jim Bryson would stay within single-digits of Phil Bredesen in 2006 like they were mad. (Said wonks know who you are.) I think the world of Jim Bryson and believe this country would be a better place if more people gave of themselves as he does, but that didn't stop me from lecturing them that a 29-point beatdown was coming. (Even I couldn't see the 39-point margin of victory in that race, but at least I didn't let what I wanted - a win for "Big Jim" - overshadow by predictive skills.)

Which leads us to Randy's post over at KnoxViews today. Randy maps out how the Democrats can take back the Tennessee House this year. Yes, this year, in a year where Democrats are going to be dragged down by a national perception that they are mortgaging America's future for more government control and that the Democratic leadership is incapable of handling problems, from the mundane to the catastrophic. I thought 2006 was a toxic year for Republicans, and, generally, that ended up being correct. I don't think that even comes close to how bad this year could be for the Democrats. If the Republicans quit bickering amongst themselves (and I only mention that because some of the pseudo-Republicans, like the Republican Liberty Caucus, are only in this for themselves and could try to burn Rome since it can't be Eden), this could be a solid year for the Grand Old Party.

Randy's post should make most Republicans in Tennessee see how close we are to our goal of being able to draw the district lines in a manner that makes sense (take a look at our congressional districts for an example of districts not making sense) and eliminates the Democratic safeguards that have been allowed their Party to remain relevant at a time when they clearly are not in the Volunteer State.

Some of Randy's Republican targets are hilarious. Debra Maggert? REALLY? Look, Debra and I had a pretty bad turn this year about her ill-advised attempt to open up our juvenile courts to public eyes for crimes of a sexual nature, but Debra is VERY popular in her district. Same goes for Beth Harwell. And while I may like Nathan Vaughn and believe his loss in 2008 to be one of the few races I have incorrectly called this decade, I just don't see his momentum in Kingsport. Not now. I've been up in that neck of the woods recently, and areas where he had pockets of support are securely in Tony Shipley's corner now. Same goes for Matt Hill. My views on his effectiveness as a legislator aside, he is liked very much by his constituents. (Think Stacey Campfield - not many bills passed of consequence, but his supporters will do ANYTHING to help him secure victory.) I don't see Hill losing to Mrozek.

The bottom line is that the Democrats shouldn't buy the snake oil that Randy's selling. Perhaps they should look at the reality of the situation and ponder, "What if the GOP wins ALL of the up-for-grabs seats?" The number of seats actually in contention is probably about 7. If the perfect storm of Republican down-ticket momentum occurs, the Democrats could realistically be staring a 60-39 deficit square in the face.

And that's before we get the redistricting pen...

Zach Wamp's New Ad is a Winner

2010-06-30T21:12:00.002-04:00

Zach Wamp has garnered many high-profile endorsements during this never-ending campaign for governor. However, I was wondering if their impact would only be limited to fundraising. With this new ad, which was released tonight, it is apparent that their impact is more far-reaching.

It's a good ad. I am more a fan of the ad involving the 20/20 plan and jobs creation because of the substance, but this will connect with more people.

Woodson Endorses Robin Smith

2010-06-29T15:27:00.003-04:00

My State Senator, Jamie Woodson, issued an endorsement for 3rd Congressional District candidate Robin Smith today.

The Ron Paul crowd, which has created the absurd notion of Robin is not conservative because she was not created in the image of Ron Paul, will probably not support Jamie from now on, which means that she will garner less than one percent of her vote total in the next election than she did in the last election.

More on the Kagan Confirmation Hearings

2010-06-29T15:11:00.003-04:00

I have watched a good deal of the Senate Judiciary confirmation hearings on the nomination of Elena Kagan to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Those who see me daily in courtrooms across East Tennessee know that my ego - which everyone (correctly) says that I have in political settings - isn't nearly as strong in court. This probably leads back to my never wanting to practice law. In any case, I always give great deference to those whom I believe to be the intellectual heavyweights of the courthouse. Besides all of the judges (and because I am in demand, I wouldn't practice in front of judges that I didn't respect on all accounts), I take a backseat to lawyers like Joe Costner, Public Defender Mack Garner, Jim Hickman, Jeff Stern, and others. I don't consider myself to be in the same class as these guys. Do I work hard and get positive results? Sure. Do I oftentimes get results that some attorneys may not have achieved? I suppose so. But I don't consider myself to be one of the philosopher kings that sometimes appear in our East Tennessee courts.

Which leads me back to my viewing of the confirmation hearings today. In no way is Elena Kagan an intellectual heavyweight. Far from it. She doesn't deserve to carry Mack Garner's briefcase.

To my amazement, if Elena Kagan is confirmed to the Supreme Court of the United States, I am confident in stating that I am more qualified and more intellectually prepared for the job than a sitting U.S. Supreme Court justice. I suppose I should send a "thank you" note to President Obama for boosting my confidence.

Kagen was a Bad Dean, will be a Bad Supreme Court Justice

2010-06-28T23:32:00.003-04:00

There are a few great young scholars that have come out of Harvard Law (like Austin Bramwell). Among them is Ben Shapiro, who Ann Coulter pushed as a Supreme Court nominee when President Bush was looking to fill a vacancy on the Court.

Ben is in a unique situation because he has some experience with Elena Kagen, the ghost-like vapor with no real qualifications that President Obama has nominated to the Supreme Court. And, to listen to Ben and his tale of Kagen's blundering in Harvard's erroneous stand against the United States Military, what we do know should lead us to believe that Kagen has no place on the Supreme Court.

Now, Kagen told the Senate Judiciary Committee that she would be a model of impartiality and would act with deference to Congress. Of course, her lies before the Senate are as meaningless as Obama's campaign promises. Don't believe me? Obama's first SCOTUS nominee, Sonia Sotomayor, stated at her confirmation hearing that she saw situations where the individual right to bear arms existed. This was contrary to her prior opinions (as stated by Cato Institute Fellow David Kopel in his report to the Senate Judiciary Committee) and, today, to her vote with the minority in today's decision in McDonald v. Chicago.

It's interesting that the Right sees the problems with Kagen, just as they did with Harriet Miers. Yet, the Left - those who supposedly think for themselves and question authority - seem to march in lockstep with Obama's edict that Kagen is deserving of a lifetime appointment to the federal bench. They figure that if she's good enough for Obama, then she's good enough for them. Of course, if they keep putting forth intellectual lightweights as SCOTUS nominees, we will all suffer when the unfortunate day comes when Sotomayor or Kagen authors an opinion that actually manipulates a fundamental right.

It's interesting reading, for sure. The whole Kagen discussion probably amounts to nothing, because Senate Republicans don't have the cojones to band together and keep the unqualified nominee off of the bench. It doesn't make her more qualified, however, and we all need to realize that sooner rather than later.

A Deep Sigh

2010-06-28T23:10:00.003-04:00

My absence from blogging has not been the result of a conscience decision. I simply have not had the time for it. With the rise of Facebook, the little time that I do have is usually spent over there.

The primary drain on my time is work. Every week has seen me at the office for numerous all-nighters, sometimes spending over 110 hours per week working for Tennessee's children and indigent adults. It's trying work, and I'm admittedly not sure how much longer I can keep up this pace. Every year I say that I am going to work less than the previous year, and every year I end up letting myself down.

My boys have also been a welcome drain on my time. Leo amazes me every day with what he says, what he has learned, and how he is so much like his Daddy. Wil continues to grow; the days where we weren't sure he was going to make it seem like a distant dream. Angela is afraid that they both are "Daddy's boys," and she is probably right.

I am not abandoning this blog. I have a few points that need to be made over the time leading up to the elections this year, and this remains the best medium to do so. If anyone is still reading this blog (and I wouldn't blame anyone for having left with my unexplained absence), then you should have a few posts to look forward to as we go through the remainder of 2010.

God Taking Out the Best Cities?

2010-05-05T02:03:00.001-04:00

Jon Stewart asks - why New Orleans and Nashville?

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Nashville Flooding

www.thedailyshow.com

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Tennessee House Session Cancelled

2010-05-04T09:06:00.005-04:00

The headline here is not surprising, nor is the decision to delay the elections in Davidson County for a week or two. Both actions seem rather automatic given the tragic circumstances.

But am I the only one who got a chuckle out of Speaker of the House Kent Williams' e-mail? You know, Mr. Speaker, when people think that you're a moron functioning as a puppet of Jimmy Naifeh, it's probably not the brightest thing in the world to admit that you ran this - one of the easiest decisions for a chamber leader to ever make - by him. I mean, buddy, he was the only other legislator mentioned in the e-mail.

If you're thinking (as I am) that Speaker Williams needs to return full-time to his restaurant in Elizabethton, consider a donation to a real Carter County Republican:

Jerome Cochran for State Representative

116 South Main Street

Elizabethton, Tennessee 37643

Red State Update: Middle Tennessee Flooded

2010-05-04T08:54:00.003-04:00

Only hours after I was complaining that no national figures seemed to care that one of the 25 largest cities in America was underwater, two world-famous celebrity-types adopted the Nashville flood as their cause.

Thanks, Jackie and Dunlap!

Another Sign that the Apocalypse is Upon Us

2010-05-03T23:35:00.004-04:00

As many of you know, Angela, the boys, and I were in Nashville Saturday for the Republican State Executive Committee meeting. We were there when the rains came - and came - and came. Thanks to God's grace, our way home - Interstate 40 - was the only major road out of Nashville that wasn't inoperable due to the flooding. While the drive home was difficult, I've driven in worse in Chicago and the Shenandoah Valley. When looking at pictures from friends in Middle Tennessee over the past couple of days, it would be ridiculous for me to complain about the drive taking nearly four hours to complete given the destruction that my fellow Tennesseans are experiencing, the aftershocks of which will be felt for months and perhaps years to come.

What really upsets me, though, is that no one outside of our own seems to care. Tennesseans - our family among them - gave from our wallets, with our time, and through our prayers when such disasters as Hurricane Katrina and September 11th hit our fellow Americans. Our response was swift and significant. Does anyone feel that anyone - the media, the government, our fellow Americans - are overly concerned with the death and destruction that have ravaged the Volunteer State over the past couple of days?

Perhaps we are at the end of the world and I didn't notice. Reinforcing that statement is that MSNBC's Keith Olbermann - yes, THAT Keith Olbermann - seems to be the only person bringing attention to Tennessee, a state that in no way resembles his political perspective. (You can look out your window for the flying pigs now.)

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

This video is just one of many amazing accounts that will be relayed over the next few days of landmarks that we all have seen or frequent. In fact, this past Saturday, we stopped by Opry Mills for a late lunch on our way out of town. (I had promised Leo that if he was a good boy during the trip that we would eat at Rainforest Cafe, so I was keeping my promise in the face of what I knew would be a difficult trip home.) It now appears that where we were was under 8-10 feet of water within hours of us having been there. Incredibly sad, folks...

42 Months of Red State Update

2010-04-13T09:46:00.002-04:00

Yeah, it doesn't make any sense to me either to be celebrating a 3 1/2 year anniversary. Seems to much like pre-engagement rings and other such teenage crap.

However, I'm glad that Jackie and Dunlap dropped this video today. After the Monday I had (horrible day in Blount County Circuit Court where one of my long-time clients talked himself into a jail cell, followed by Angela's frustration at a certain miserable agency with the letters D, C, and S in it's name and attorneys with no morals, capped off by Jack Bauer torturing absolutely no one in "24" last night), I needed a laugh to start my Tuesday.

Mumpowerful Reflections

2010-03-29T02:44:00.003-04:00

A.C. Kleinheider provides some excellent commentary on the loss of Jason Mumpower as he serves his last weeks in the Tennessee House. This is a wonderful piece of reflection; it's probably the best post I've read this year on any subject.

Jason and I were at rival high schools during the same time back in the Tri-Cities. His rise to the House and eventually to leadership was astounding. Even with that - and this is just my personal reflection - Jason never really seemed to embrace the whole process. Whereas people like Ron Ramsey, Zach Wamp, and Lamar Alexander handle political situations and campaigning without batting an eye, Jason never seemed 100% comfortable with everything - in many ways like Ed Bryant, Bill Dunn, and David Davis. This is in no means judgmental or critical. It's simply an observation, and perhaps a relevant one. In my opinion, it's easier to leave something with which you're not 100% comfortable.

I wish Jason the best. He brought quite a bit of "out of the box" humor to functions, and he will be missed.

Another Knock on Palin

2010-03-29T02:31:00.002-04:00

Dan Cleary hits the nail on the head regarding Sarah Palin's stumping for RINO John McCain in Arizona - it accurately shows that she is not interested in getting any conservatives elected - except for herself, of course.

The 2010 primary season should be a very interesting one for U.S. Senate nominations on the GOP side. Establishment moderates (McCain, Charlie Crist) are being challenged by conservative firebrands (J.D. Hayworth, Marco Rubio). Well before the GOP picks up seats in both chambers come November, we'll have a good idea on whether or not this sort of change means anything at all to the American people or will be another example of "business as usual" on the Hill.

The Basketball Elite

2010-03-27T15:32:00.001-04:00

You're next, Sparty!

Red State Update: Jackie Rants on Obamacare

2010-03-23T21:54:00.001-04:00

There's also more references to "f-words" and "n-words" than you can shake a stick at.

As the Republic Crumbles...

2010-03-21T17:09:00.002-04:00

this seems appropriate.

Tennessee This Week

2010-03-07T12:09:00.004-05:00

I'm watching "Tennessee This Week" on this fine day here in Knoxville, and I have to wonder:

Do you have to be delusional to Chair the Tennessee Democratic Party, or is it the office itself that makes one crazy?

Seriously, I want to know. Chip Forrester is on WATE with Gene Patterson now talking about the great job that D.C. Democrats are doing and how Tennesseans want to elect candidates that will assist the "new leadership" in their legislative initiatives.

Really? I mean, really? He keeps referring to Tennessee as a moderate state, too. That's funny. I seem to remember Tennessee going red in 2006 and 2008 - very possibly more so than any other state in the Union.

I understand that it's Forrester's job to do what he can to help his candidates, but what one has to realize that is by openly lying about things viewers (or readers) know to be false, that one loses credibility. It's no different than a closing argument where your client has basically admitted to the charge (be it contempt or a criminal offense) during his or her testimony. If an attorney then tells the judge that in his closing that his client didn't commit a contemptible offense or commit the crime, he loses credibility with the judge. The judge might tune out that attorney and ignore any valid arguments that he may have regarding other issues, like sentencing.

By spreading the joy that Tennesseans have with Obama, Pelosi, and Reid - in the face of poll numbers that show the opposite - Forrester risks being hastened to nothing more than white noise. Or, at the least, being compared to Kevin Bacon...

Red State Update: Kill Sick People

2010-03-03T02:57:00.003-05:00

Dunlap has come up with a health care compromise for the Democrats and Republicans - just kill all of the sick people so that no one has to use the inept government-run health care system.

Just as long as you don't mess with Dunlap's disability filing... (You have no idea how this hits home, as there doesn't seem to be one person who is behind on their child support in this area that isn't somehow "disabled" for the purposes of not being thrown in jail.)

UT Makes Another Bad Decision

2010-02-26T16:21:00.004-05:00

Giving Al Gore - who has no real connection to my university - an honorary degree is a horrendous decision.

Jimmy Cheek and Jan Simek have been ineffective leaders for The University of Tennessee, and this is just one more sign of how out-of-touch they are.

Not one more dime, gentlemen. Start to act in the best interests of The University of Tennessee and her alumni. Until then, UT will receive not one more dime from me.

Recap of East Knox County Pro-Life Rally

2010-02-26T14:36:00.002-05:00

Fletcher Armstrong has a great recap of the pro-life rally earlier this week that occurred in East Knoxville. I'm sure that Planned Parenthood is shocked by the resistance to their presence in the most liberal area of Knox County.

Red State Update: Let Us Pray

2010-02-26T14:31:00.002-05:00

Jackie and Dunlap talk to Jesus about Tiger Woods.

A Census - and Nothing More

2010-02-18T06:33:00.003-05:00

Americans need to stand up to Washington's intrusion into our private
lives. What business of government is the number of times a citizen has been
married or what he paid for electricity last month? For those who find such
intrusion acceptable, I'd ask them whether they'd also find questions of their
sex lives or their marriage fidelity equally acceptable.

What to do? Unless a census taker can show me a constitutional requirement, the only information I plan to give are the number and names of the people in my
household.

That's been my plan all along. For some background information on the census, read the rest of Walter Williams' column.

NRCC Slams Herron on Pro-Income Tax Stance

2010-02-16T13:18:00.003-05:00

Roy Herron, who never met a race that he didn't think he should be a part of (even his campaign website is a little lacking on what race he's in - at least it says that he's running for Congress now), is being taken to task by the National Republican Congressional Committee for his previous pro-income tax stance.

Well, in all truth, they're ridiculing him for lying when asked about the state income tax on camera. But let's face it - they're really stamping him as "pro-income tax," which is more unforgivable in Tennessee than having been a part of the Sundquist Administration.

Good to see the NRCC starting early on this race. Herron is a strong adversary in the 8th with his mounds and mounds of cash.

Here's the ad:

Post Politics

Snow Day - Knoxville-style

2010-01-08T16:29:00.003-05:00

It's funny. Snow days with kids are more fun than snow days as a kid.

Here's my video proof (my first videos with the new Sharper Image camera, which is my excuse for the horrid videography) as Leo and Daddy throw down in an epic snowball war.

Economy Sheds More Jobs

2010-01-08T09:01:00.002-05:00

In a surprise to some of the liberal economists who - for the first time in recent memory - predicted actual job gains for the past month, it was announced this morning that the economy actual hemorrhaged another 85,000 jobs in December.

Given that we are now some time away from the misnamed "economic stimulus," how anyone can see it as anything but a colossal failure is beyond me. It was sold as being a job creation bill. It did nothing of the sort.

Should the Sixth District Look Outside the Box?

2009-12-21T04:23:00.003-05:00

A.C. Kleinheider has a very interesting column in today's Nashville City Paper. In the column, A.C. posits that noted anti-tax advocate, award-winning blogger, and conservative activist Ben Cunningham should consider running for the recently vacated Sixth District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

A.C. notes that he has talked to Ben and that he has not warmed to the idea of himself as a political candidate.

I'm of two minds on Cunningham for Congress. For the people of the Sixth District, and the American electorate as a whole, Ben going to D.C. would be fantastic. Ben is one of the best economic minds I know, and given that our political leaders are about to vote us into economic armageddon (if they haven't already done so by the time you read this), we're going to need people of Ben's intellect, experience, and character on Capitol Hill.

That being said, I know Ben and have to openly wonder if this would be a good thing for him. I always have to consider what public office - seeking it, working in it, keeping it - does to people. I saw the toll the grind of the Senate took on Senator Fred Thompson. I saw how tough it was for Congressman Ed Bryant to deal with the campaign grind. And both of my former bosses were experienced politicians at the time.

If Ben does decide to enter the fray, I am sure that he would find friends aplenty for his campaign. Ben has helped people throughout Tennessee to keep taxes low and to fight government waste. He has helped organize more conservative issue discussions than anyone could possibly know. While a potential Mae Beavers entry into the field might partially disrupt its formation, a Cunningham candidacy could very well formulate a grassroots network - both within the Sixth District and outside of it - that could be the difference in a divided primary where all of the other candidates look fairly similar.

I keep hearing the libertarians, tea partiers, and conservative grassroots talk about getting back to basics and keeping the politicians out of office. If that's really what you believe and you aren't so filled with apathy that you're willing to do something about it, you might want to contact ol' Ben Cunningham. He could be exactly the guy you want representing Tennessee in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Citadel Broadcasting Files for Bankruptcy

2009-12-21T04:02:00.003-05:00

In a move forecasted last week, Citadel Broadcasting filed for bankruptcy Sunday.

This is of interest for Knoxville residents because Citadel owns most of the radio stations in the area, including country giant WIVK, talk radio's WNOX, and the woefully disappointing sports talk network WNML.

Ad revenues are declining (and expected to stay that way), and it isn't hard for me to see why in terms of WNML's performance. I have personally spoken to businesses that contract with that station for advertising and told them that I wouldn't be frequenting their establishments as long as they continued to support certain shows on WNML ("The Sports Animal"), particularly the morning show with station program director Mickey Dearstone, Title IX-hire Heather Harrington, and former Vol Jeff Jacoby.

For me, my objection is aimed at the poor quality of their show and my view that Knoxville deserves a better brand of sports talk radio. Jacoby sometimes offers some decent analysis (as does Monday morning guest Pat Ryan), but Harrington often has no idea which teams are in which athletic conference, and Dearstone would never have survived in this market if he wasn't his own boss. How bad is the morning show? I know dozens of hardcore sports fans who have paid for Sirius/XM hardware and subscriptions just so they aren't exposed to this show; it's that bad.

I am in no way suggesting that the failure of WNML is the cause of Citadel's demise. However, it is a snapshot of how one failed network - carried out over several other markets - can bring down a huge corporation. I'm sure that WIVK is a financial success; the biggest country station in East Tennessee has driven competitor after competitor out of the market for decades. However, it's not realistic to expect for their gains to offset the losses of other failed ventures.

Will Citadel's filing have any lasting effects on Knoxville radio? Only time will tell, but we could see a few changes - hopefully for the good.

"Paging Lincoln Davis..."

2009-12-14T13:26:00.002-05:00

John jumped.

Bart jumped.

Your friends are all jumping off the bridge before they were pushed off in 2012. You've always been more of a follower than a leader, and the rumors have been flying that your campaign coffers are as dry as our federal government's.

There's no time like the present. Get closer to the edge and take the plunge...

Christmas is Coming...

2009-11-10T20:59:00.002-05:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Red State Update: Republicans Win

2009-11-05T14:21:00.001-05:00

Jackie and Dunlap go nuts over actual Republican victories from Tuesday.

GOP Run Amok in Arizona

2009-10-28T07:04:00.004-04:00

Blue Collar Muse has the story out of Maricopa County, one in a disturbing trend of recent Republican episodes that tend to fly in the face of liberty and freedom. This one involves blogging and First Amendment rights, which makes it a bit more troubling even than the NRSC's taking sides against conservative Marco Rubio in Florida or the NY-23 dust-up going on now involving Doug Hoffman. Those were deals involving political ideology (specifically conservatism). This Arizona mess seems more about pure free speech and the threat of going after professional licenses and reputations if someone dares defy members of the GOP in Maricopa County.

As with most threats against bloggers, though, I bet this one comes back and bites the perpetrators in the butt. People don't tend to react well when, after you pick up the torches and pitchforks to start the lynching, someone notices that the torch is actually the U.S. Constitution set ablaze.

Chilling effect, indeed...

Red State Update: The Conservative Bible

2009-10-28T03:18:00.002-04:00

Jackie and Dunlap take a walk on the heretical side.

"Bring on Your Wrecking Ball..."

2009-10-28T02:27:00.002-04:00

This is by far the busiest time of the year for me. Having tracked court activity for several years now, it's become apparent that my work in the courts kicks up a notch (which, especially this year, is hard to believe) between Labor Day and a few days before Christmas. With the recession (that will continue until jobs are actually created instead of lost, despite the claims of Obama's liberal economists) having enhanced poverty in this country, the amount of cases that we have accepted through appointment in the courts to assist indigent men, women, and children have kept us scrambling, for sure.

However, it's also a busy time on a personal level. Angela has now passed the 26-week mark for the new youngun, and the nursery isn't anywhere near finished. Also, this is the difficult scheduling time of year when UT's football season overlaps with UT's basketball season. This week, for instance, has both a basketball game on Friday night and a football game on Saturday night. Plus there's the holidays, which always adds a degree of difficulty in coordination.

One particular night, though, is very much on my to-do list. On November 18th, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band are playing Nashville's Sommet Center, and my wife - knowing that I had a chance to see Bruce in Chicago in 1999 but did not due to lack of funds and that I would use the same excuse again this time around - not only insisted on purchasing tickets but also mandated that she was coming with me (even though Bruce isn't exactly her cup of tea). We have seats in the 1st row of the mezzanine right next to the stage, but there are still general admission floor tickets still available as of Wednesday morning, if you are so inclined to join the festivities. Plus, since this show was rescheduled from earlier this year, Bruce has stated that it will be a special "Born to Run" show, meaning that the entire "Born to Run" album will be included in the middle portion of the show.

I can't wait. Bruce, who turned 60 a few weeks back, puts on one of the greatest shows, but he won't be around forever. Everyone hits their own wrecking ball. Writing of which, Bruce penned a new song for this tour, which he played this month as Bruce and Band closed out the Meadowlands in Jersey and the Spectrum in Philly on consecutive weekends, both of which are set for demolition in short order. Below is a clip from "Wrecking Ball" (thanks to Backstreets.com for linking to the video).

Bruce Springsteen performs his new song Wrecking Ball at Giants Stadium

Out of My Element This Weekend

2009-10-13T07:49:00.003-04:00

So, the UT football team has a bye week this weekend. No one was happier than my lovely wife, who was able to talk me into attending her reunion at Vanderbilt University.

Not knowing what to expect when hanging around the financial elites, I solicited advice from my network of friends as to how to survive this weekend, which, I dare say, is probably a little different from the blasty blast reunions at the University of Tennessee.

I was shocked at what I was sent. Take a look at what awaits me this weekend, courtesy of a Duke alum.

Egads. That truly is scary.

At least (assuming I survive the "football game" between a team that lost to Army last week and a team that got beaten like it's mascot had run into Michael Vick) there is something to look forward to. Box seats for Dane Cook at the Sommet Center on Saturday night should be a fun time.

Pray for me, Vol fans. Pray that I return from Nashville with my Wranglers on, pick-up truck in working order, and conservative values intact.

Red State Update: Obama's Prize

2009-10-13T07:43:00.002-04:00

Jackie and Dunlap offer commentary on why Obama wasn't deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Court Orders Girl to Public School, Saying Mother's Teachings are "Too Religious"

2009-09-28T14:30:00.003-04:00

A fascinating - and ultimately disturbing - case out of New Hampshire has a father using his child as a weapon against the mother post-divorce. Certainly nothing extraordinary there; I see the described situation nearly every day that I happen into a civil court where divorce matters are being litigated (whether they be juvenile matters, orders of protection, or other legal maneuvers that are ancillary to divorce proceedings).

What is interesting is the objection of the father. He doesn't want his child homeschooled by the mother. He thinks homeschoolers don't have enough social interaction and that will ultimately harm the child.

The judge found the 10 year old girl to be likable, socially developed, and intellectually advanced, testing well above her age-level.

He then ordered her into public school. (Guess that will bring her back to the pack, huh, judge?) The bottom line is that the judge found the mother to be too religious - and it was rubbing off on her child.

You can read more about this case here, here, here, here, and here.

ASIDE: Where is NOW on this issue? Surely this is a violation of a woman's right to choose, right? Does it matter that she's choosing to educate at home and expose her child to religion? Isn't that a fundamental right?

Happy Belated Birthday, Bruce

2009-09-24T06:53:00.002-04:00

Yesterday (September 23rd) was Bruce Springsteen's 60th birthday. I'm not sure which is harder to believe - that he's still performing at such a high level in 2009 or that he's 60 to begin with.

Happy 60th, Bruce. We may disagree about how to do so, but there's no questioning your passion for making America great.

Gameday at UT from a Bruin's Perspective

2009-09-17T23:35:00.003-04:00

Oftentimes, I think that some Vol fans take for granted what a unique and wonderful thing we have every Saturday in the fall on the banks of the Tennessee River.

Read this chronicle from a UCLA fan who made a sudden and unexpected trip across the country to see his Bruins play the Vols this past Saturday.

And think about how lucky we are every time you participate in a Vol Walk, chill on the Strip after a game, or raise the roof on a big third down, because not everyone has what we have.

American Disloyalty

2009-09-17T13:38:00.003-04:00

"Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile activity poses a real threat, not just to the United States, but to Iran's neighbors and our allies. The Czech Republic and Poland have been courageous in agreeing to host a defense against these missiles. As long as the threat from Iran persists, we will go forward with a missile defense system that is cost-effective and proven. If the Iranian threat is eliminated, we will have a stronger basis for security, and the driving force for missile defense construction in Europe will be removed." - President Obama, April 5, 2009.

"I think we are fully capable and secure dealing with any present or future potential Iranian threat.. The whole purpose of this exercise we are undertaking is to diminish the prospect of the Iranians destabilizing that region in the world. I am less concerned -- much less concerned -- about the Iranian potential. They have no potential at this moment, they have no capacity to launch a missile at the United States of America." - Vice President Joe Biden, September 17, 2009.

I certainly hope that I am not the only one who sees the irony that today, September 17, 2009, is the 70th anniversary of the Soviet Red Army's successful invasion of Poland at the Kresy, and that on today, September 17, 2009, President Obama has cowardly sent 4 of his minions to Poland to inform our former friends that will no longer consider their safety a priority.

I know that the focus for our country has been domestic as of late, as President Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and Max Baucus try desperately to destroy economic and social freedom in this country by the end of the year, but the action by Obama to turn America's back on our former allies is the largest foreign policy shift in recent times. No longer are we on the side of Great Britain, Germany, Poland, and so many of the other members of NATO and Eastern Europe who joined our causes, such as the war on terror, over the years. They have been replaced, because this maneuver puts us in bed with such countries as Russia, North Korea, Iran, China, and Venezuela, all who have spoken out against the missile defense shield and the prospects of America being able to defend itself and its allies from attack.

The tin-foil hat club that follows Obama as if he were the Pied Piper of Chicagoland will call this hyperbole and ridiculous, but I assure you that what Obama did today hurts our standing with our allies more than anything that President Bush ever did. Not that I care what they think, because I would be more interested in what people like Margaret Thatcher, Winston Churchill, Ronald Reagan, Tony Blair, and Angela Merkel feel about America turning its back on our friends.

And when you're reading Biden's quote above, keep in mind that it came out today that Iran does have the capacity to create a nuclear warhead. The International Atomic Energy Agency says so. Sorry, Joe, but you're timing - as usual - couldn't be worse.

The Washington Post

The New York Times

The London Telegraph

Don't Abandon the Vols

2009-09-16T09:04:00.003-04:00

It seems everyone thinks that UT needs a miracle to even come close to hanging with the mighty Gators at The Swamp this Saturday.

A miracle, huh? We've done that before...

I remember the "Miracle at South Bend." That's the great thing about miracles; you often don't see 'em coming...

A Perfect Place to Experiment

2009-09-16T08:59:00.002-04:00

It looks like astronomers have found a great lab environment to test out the Democrats' attempts at socialized medicine.

Let's get 'em on the first shuttle!

The Fraying of the Ties That Bind

2009-09-11T11:19:00.003-04:00

We're one day from a big game for UT football, so a large part of me does not want to dwell on the negative today. However, I've been quiet too long on our national trend towards self-destruction.

Pat Buchanan authored a great column that mirrors the analysis that I have been contemplating over the past few months. Buchanan focuses on the divergent opinions of the American public, yes, but he focuses mostly on how the reactions to these differences are dividing this country into different groups and sects.

Buchanan hits the nail on the head, but he could go further. I would say that these differences are causing great changes in our geographic demography. People with similar views are congregating in the same states. The statist media's attempts to make the American public think that there are few "red" and "blue" states but only a bunch of "purple states," but this is not the truth.

That's why, over the past 6 months or so, I have moved towards a startling conclusion (at least from my perspective) - the United States of America, comprised of 50 states in one federal union, is unlikely to survive my lifetime. At this point - given the brazen attempts by the current administration to socialize this country, end capitalism, and torch the freedoms that this country's founders fought and died for - it is not far-fetched to believe that at least one state decides that it's tired of being bullied by a federal government that asks for more but provides less, rewards laziness and excuses but penalizes hard work, and strips citizens of their individual rights and replaces them with more government bureaucracy.

This isn't 1861, folks. Anyone who thinks that states like Texas and Florida couldn't go it alone economically - or that smaller states like South Carolina and Georgia couldn't form confederations with other states of similar values and geography - aren't using their imagination. This isn't a case where the industrialized North has an advantage over the agricultural South. Times have changed. Technology has changed.

I'm not saying that I support secession. My more-recent ancestors fought for this country and its rich history and promise. But to think that what my generation never contemplated - that this country becomes so unrecognizable in its current state when compared to what America has been over its history - could become reality is shocking.

Change has come, for sure. And it seems to be intent on tearing this country apart.

A Big Orange Tuesday

2009-09-08T16:57:00.004-04:00

Things are looking up on ole Rocky Top after Saturday's pasting of Western Kentucky.

First, word surfaced from out of the guys at Volquest.com that 4-star quarterback Tyler Bray, who had witnessed firsthand the resurgence of the Big Orange against the Hilltoppers, had decommitted from San Diego State and was now headed to Knoxville to play his high school ball. Bray, who stands at 6'6" and weighs in currently at just over 200 lbs., burst on to the recruiting scene after stellar performances at summer football camps, taking home the overall MVP award at the elite Ultimate 100 camp and outperforming other UT targets like Jesse Scroggins, Blake Bell, and Barry Brunetti at the Elite 11 QB camp. Bray is rated the 6th best pro-style QB in the nation by Rivals and the 115th best overall player in America. Bray is striving to gain another 20 lbs. of muscle before arriving in Knoxville next January as a mid-term enrollee.

(For those in Knoxville, it was quite funny to listen to infamous Volquest stalker/Knoxville News Sentinel sports reporter Dave Hooker on his radio show today. Hooker continued to swear on the air that Bray was not committed to UT throughout the day, all in the face of stories on Volquest - complete with quotes from Tyler himself - that verified Bray's commitment to the Big Orange. I just find it funny that the KNS can't seem to have any "inside sources" despite their best attempts, while Volquest.com continues to scoop the Knoxville newspaper at nearly every turn. For orange-blooded fanatics like myself, the $9.95 per month that buys a subscription to Volquest is a no-brainer when compared to the alternative.)

Then came this quote from Coach Lane Kiffin - a call to arms, if you will - aimed at the Big Orange Nation that will be welcoming UCLA to Neyland Stadium this Saturday:

"We really need our fans. We need our stadium to be rockin'. We need our stadium to understand that we need them on all defensive plays, but especially third downs.

"Here's a quarterback making his first start on the road. Here's a left-tackle making his first start on the road vs. a great right end (Chris Walker). Here's a junior-college guard making his first start on the road. We need a our fans a lot, we need our stadium to be rockin' to help us win this game."

Hopefully, UT fans can grow off of a very good crowd (given the start time and opponent) from this past Saturday and create an environment similar to the one that California experienced 3 years ago when they made the cross-country trip to Neyland Stadium.

Finally, another Eric Berry for Heisman video is out. This one was debuted at the Western Kentucky game, and it was a crowd-pleaser. Catchy tune, for sure.

It's Football Time in Tennessee

2009-09-04T15:21:00.001-04:00

Don't call me at the office, because my brain is already at the Vol Walk.

It's Time

2009-09-01T02:06:00.003-04:00

This week has a great deal going for it. The weather has been incredible. The U.S. Open has begun play. Boomsday is just around the corner. There is so much to be thankful for.

And if you're a college football fan, a long, draining summer is coming to an end. Good times are coming, beginning with South Carolina's game to kick things off on Thursday night and rolling right through Labor Day weekend.

I have to admit - I don't think I have ever been so excited for the start of UT's football season. It certainly has something to do with the passion and the energy that the new staff, led by Head Coach Lane Kiffin, have brought to Knoxville. It's palpable, like the electricity in the air before a storm. I've felt it here before, but that was quite some time ago. Perhaps some of what I am feeling has to do with the level of openness that Coach Kiffin has brought to the program. I've been able to see my Vols practice and participate in scrimmages, even chat it up at Neyland with some of the players on my birthday.

Western Kentucky - I almost feel sorry for them. They have no idea what is coming. From their senior QB who has never started a game to their nose tackle that weighs in at 260 pounds, let's hope that they don't live up to their ranking as the 120th ranked team out of the 120 Division 1-A football teams. Of course, I don't feel sorry for them, since they signed to play the game and will be compensated well for their trouble.

Only 4 more days until IT'S FOOTBALL TIME IN TENNESSEE!

Questions Raised by Selections for Judicial Nominating Committee

2009-08-27T15:48:00.005-04:00

The Judicial Nominating Committee, the unconstitutional device created by the General Assembly which will continue the tasks previously designated to the heavily political and unconstitutional Judicial Selection Committee, has been named by Speaker Kent Williams and Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey.

The selections were curious in many parts, but two primary questions are generated by these selections.

1) What was Kent Williams thinking? It has been no secret that Kent Williams and his family have been begging (in a disparaging manner, mind you) the Republican State Executive Committee to let Williams back into the party. In particular, the Speaker's sister, Judy Veeneman, engaged in an open e-mail discussion with several members of the SEC that undoubtedly hurt her brother's cause.

With regards to Williams, I have preached patience and reflection to some of the SEC members and fellow Republicans. In my view, Williams simply asking to be let back in after his treachery in January is laughable. It's like asking for forgiveness from your wife for forgetting your anniversary but showing up san flowers or chocolates. You say you're a Republican, Kent - prove it. By appointing Democratic committee chairs on the more important committees, you're down in the count. Which is why I was wanting to see what Williams did on Judicial Nominating. Surely, he would be able to pick a Republican slate that would help Republicans to at least have a chance of being elevated to the appellate bench (not that this would cure the nearly 40 years of liberal rule on the Selection Committee, but it would be a step in the right direction).

So how did Williams do? Referencing the background information from the Tennessee Center for Policy Research, of the 8 members Williams selected, 2 were known Republicans, 3 were unknown or could not be easily determined by TCPR, and 3 were known Democrats. Some had given to such political moderates as Jimmy Naifeh and Randy Camp.

Williams failed, SEC. Let RNC Chairman Steele pour money into Carter County and take out the Democrat Williams. And have some cojones, House Republican Caucus, and let Williams caucus with the rest of the Independent Caucus in a phone booth on Broadway.

2) What was Ron Ramsey thinking? In full disclosure, I had applied to be one of Ron Ramsey's selections. Why? Because Ron Ramsey encouraged me to do so. It's also a great opportunity for public service that doesn't involve a commitment like relocation or abandoning my clients.

There were many great candidates for the positions. That being said, I am disappointed in a few of Ron's choices. Despite Ramsey telling a meeting of bloggers in Knoxville several months back that conservatives were needed on the Nominating Committee, Democratic contributor Jack Lowery was selected. That came as a surprise to me.

Probably most puzzling, though, given Ramsey's current position as a candidate for the Governor's Mansion, was his selection of political uberdonor Bill Young. (It's tough to tell, but Young might have contributed the most total money to politicians over the past few years out of the 236 candidates.) First, Ramsey had to know that Young's past financial support of Governor Phil Bredesen would not be looked at favorably by the conservative base of the Republican Party. That being said, Young's support has been almost entirely for Republican candidates, and the Bredesen contribution was the exception, not the rule.

The real concerns that Ramsey's primary opponents may seize upon are Young's occupation and Young's status as a "Ron Ramsey for Governor" contributor. Young is General Counsel for the most profitable non-profit corporation in the area - Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee. Obviously, I don't have to spell out the perception that many would have regarding these connections; I figure the Wamp, Haslam, and Gibbons campaigns can connect the dots for the voters there.

Overall, the selections were fine. The Nominating Committee is a great improvement over the Selection Committee that it is replacing. There are too many corporate attorneys for my liking; I prefer that those who are picking Tennessee judges to have been in a courtroom in the past decade. However, there are a few selections - as stated above - that are politically troubling given the dearth of possibilities that were available to Williams and Ramsey.

Will this keep Williams from getting back into the Republican Party? No, but it doesn't help his cause. Will this cause voters to pull the lever for Wamp instead of Ramsey? Who knows? Republicans I know are having a generally difficult time choosing a side in the Governor's race. Who knows what makes a difference when things are this close?

The Life of Colonel David Crockett

2009-08-20T15:17:00.004-04:00

I've been reading more lately - but in a good way. Most of my reading over this decade has been increasingly about political events, proposed legislation, news, and the law. Those readings are well and good; they make you knowledgeable in the topics of the day and keep you apprised of what is occurring in your community, state, and nation.

However, you need to digest more to keep things in perspective. Recently, I have been trying to branch out and read more texts - actual "dead wood" books. (My recent reference to Judge Bork's latest text is but one example.) I also find these books to be more uplifting than our politics, news, and such in 2009, as the current party of power looks to destroy all concept of individual liberty and freedom in its quest to cure what it views as "social injustice."

One such work is an oldie but a goodie. It's Edward S. Ellis' 1884 biography of the original Volunteer, entitled The Life of Colonel David Crockett. (You can find this book in paperback at Amazon.com. Just look for it in the left sidebar of this page.)

An interesting story from that book can be found here. It's a lengthy read by Internet standards, but the lessons are clear regarding principle over pragmatism, the overriding function of an elected official, and how voters will forgive a contrite man. As Crockett put it:

"Fellow-citizens -- I present myself before you today feeling like a new man. My eyes have lately been opened to truths which ignorance or prejudice, or both, had heretofore hidden from my view. I feel that I can today offer you the ability to render you more valuable service than I have ever been able to render before. I am here today more for the purpose of acknowledging my error than to seek your votes. That I should make this acknowledgment is due to myself as well as to you. Whether you will vote for me is a matter for your consideration only."

Davy Crockett is one of my favorite Tennesseans of all time, alongside Sam Houston and John Sevier. My son, David Leonidas, is partially named after Crockett (the David honoring Crockett and biblical King of Israel, and Leonidas honoring the great king of Sparta in Ancient Greece). Passages like the one linked to this post only make my admiration of Crockett's character and strength more resounding. Perhaps all of our elected officials need to seek his counsel when they, like Crockett once did, start exceeding the bounds of their office.

Report: U.S. Women Delaying Pregnancy

2009-08-18T16:15:00.002-04:00

Back in 1970, 1 in 100 births were to women 35 or older.

In 2006, that number has increased to 1 in 12 births.

There are many ways to look at these trends. Perhaps this is a sign that couples are waiting until they are more financially stable to have children. Or perhaps couples are ignorant to the medical risks that increase rapidly as a woman passes 35. You can read more about the study here.

In any case, the U.S. is in a unique position. Our population growth is strong. The numbers bear out that fact, especially when compared to European nations like Italy and the Scandinavian countries. Of course, that couldn't have anything to do with our past aversion to socialism or our superior health care system, could it, liberals?

Obama Endorses Gay Marriage, Attacks DOMA and States Rights

2009-08-18T16:09:00.003-04:00

Gee, didn't see this one coming. I guess Obama is trying to break Dubya's approval rating record.

What is predictable is the coverage. Sure, there's coverage on websites like the Huffington Post and other blogs, but nothing from the MSM sites. Way to go, state-run media!

A Simple Solution for Bart's Quandry

2009-08-10T10:05:00.004-04:00

When pressed as to why he won't meet his ~~bosses~~ constituents face-to-face regarding the health care ~~economy killing~~ bill, Tennessee Congressman Bart Gordon shot back with:

“There are over 700,000 in the 6th District in 15 different counties.”

Well, Bart, if the job is too difficult for you, then step aside and let someone else do it.

(H/T: Post Politics)

Bork, Lamar, and the Supreme Court

2009-08-10T09:21:00.003-04:00

"The neutral or nonpolitical application of principle has been discussed in connection with (Herbert) Wechsler's discussion in Brown v. Board of Education. It is a requirement, like the others, addressed to the judge's integrity. Having derived and defined the principle to be applied, he must apply it consistently and without regard to his sympathy or lack of sympathy with the parties before him. This does not mean that the judge will never change the principle he has derived and defined. Anybody who has dealt extensively with the law knows that a new case may seem to fall within a principle as stated and yet not fall within the rationale underlying it. As new cases present new patterns, the principle will often be restated and redefined. There is nothing wrong with that; it is , in fact, highly desirable. But the judge must be clarifying his own reasoning and verbal formulations and not trimming to arrive at results desired on grounds extraneous to the Constitution. This requires a fair degree of sophistication and self-consciousness on the part of the judge. The only external discipline to which the judge is subject is the scrutiny of professional observers who will be able to tell over a period of time whether or not he is displaying intellectual integrity."

The above is from Robert Bork's essay "The Case Against Political Judging," which is included in his recent book, A Time to Speak. It's a phenomenal book, although not a page turner. It includes some of his briefs (such as in the case on the constitutionality of the death penalty, Gregg v. Georgia), more noted opinions, articles, columns, debates, and even some pieces outside of the legal realm. It's probably best read in a piecemeal manner; that's how I approached it. At 715 pages, the amount of information contained in the book is immense. However, unlike some of the academic texts that I have been sent over the years, this one is quite readable. (For some reason, various philosopher kings author books that are written on an overly advanced level. Yes, I can read those books, but I certainly don't enjoy reading those books...) It would make an excellent addition to anyone's library, especially conservative lawyers.

Although it seems a little too late, I would like to have passed this text on to my friend, Senator Lamar Alexander. As a member of the Senate, I would have liked for Lamar to have referred to Bork's text when contemplating his vote on (now Justice) Sotomayor. I would have challenged Lamar to think if Bork, when speaking of the qualities of a good, strong, impartial judge, would have approved of this particular nominee.

Along those lines, I'm not particularly angry at the confirmation of Sotomayor to SCOTUS. She is a sure-fire liberal vote, much like the man she's replacing. And, like Souter, she's an intellectual lightweight who can't hold her own with others already on the Court. That's why I'm not mad. There are other, more sinister candidates that Obama could have chosen. Perhaps if another vacancy is created during Obama's term as POTUS (and it is likely), I should make sure that Lamar has A Time to Speak on his desk in D.C.

Start of Practice on The Hill

2009-08-04T20:10:00.002-04:00

I've worked all day on one pleading, one grueling day, for sure. It makes me rejuvenated, however, to know that football practice started for my Vols today. Only 30 more days until IT'S FOOTBALL TIME IN TENNESSEE!

What a Weekend!

2009-07-27T08:13:00.003-04:00

I want to give the 2009 Tennessee Statesman's Dinner the coverage it deserves, which means that y'all will have to wait until later on today for me to author a proper post. Unfortunately, today brings 5 cases in General Sessions Court and 1 case in Circuit Court, so my focus is on my clients on this foggy morning.

Have a great start to the week, and stay tuned!

MORE: A hearty congratulations to Nathan and Sarah Moore on the birth of their son this weekend. He arrived over a month early, which should be of no surprise. If he's anything like his parents, he probably has a full calendar of events for August that couldn't wait. Congratulations, Nathan and Sarah!

Red State Update: Sotomayor Confirmation Hearing

2009-07-16T06:25:00.004-04:00

Jackie and Dunlap start into the Sotomayor confirmation - but that doesn't last long as Dunlap launches into his hate for all judges, theology, and churches that will be joining him in Hell. Oh boy...

One Rough Week

2009-07-16T06:23:00.004-04:00

What I thought was going to be an easy week on the work front has been anything but. After attending the blogger meet-up with Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam on Monday evening, I have completed the series with Wamp, Ramsey, and Haslam. I have several thoughts on the meetings, but I have not had time to author a post as of yet. Perhaps this weekend?

Hitler's Reaction to the Palin Resignation

2009-07-10T18:27:00.000-04:00

Enuf said:

Red State Update: Sarah Palin the Genius

2009-07-09T16:33:00.003-04:00

Jackie turns full-out Sarah Palin apologist, and Dunlap plays the roll of the majority of America in trying to comprehend the former VP nominee's resignation as Governor of Alaska.

I have to say that this may be the best Red State Update of 2009 thus far.

Tennessee Firearms Association Meeting Tonight

2009-07-07T07:53:00.003-04:00

The Knoxville chapter of the Tennessee Firearms Association will have its monthly meeting tonight. Special guest speaker will be Knoxville Mayor and 2010 gubernatorial candidate Bill Haslam.

Monthly meetings are held at The IHOP restaurant in front of Lowes, on Chapman Highway at the intersection of John Sevier Highway in South Knoxville. A pre-meeting social hour is from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. during which you may wish to eat dinner from the menu. The meeting will begin at 7:00 P.M. and end at 8:00 P.M. Participation by those in attendance is always encouraged.

Gun owners, persons involved in the shooting sports, Second Amendment supporters and interested public are urged to attend; YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE A MEMBER TO ATTEND.

No word on whether Jackie and Dunlap will be making the trip from Murfreesboro to pepper Haslam with firearms questions. From the sounds of this ADULT RATED video (consider yourself warned...), they certainly have a new interest in owning firearms in Tennessee.

Obama and the Anti-American Dictator - What the Media Isn't Covering

2009-07-07T07:41:00.002-04:00

RedState's Erick Erickson sees cause for concern in Obama's private discussions with Venezuala's Marxist dictator, Hugo Chavez.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we’re so busy watching Barack Obama destroy American
capitalism in his domestic policy, we’ve failed to pay attention that he is also
destroying our long time foreign policy ideals too."

There is cause for concern here. Chavez destabilizes the entire region with his antics, like funding paramilitary groups in Columbia, and his anti-American rhetoric and hate for our country has been in place ever since his rise to power. Obama has really been making a mess of all things foreign policy lately - see Honduras, for an example - and cozying up to a power-mad Marxist dictator is not a step in the right direction. Of course, who could see this coming, with all of Obama's foreign policy experience before he applied for the biggest job in American politics?

Love that Chicken at Popeyes!

2009-07-06T22:24:00.002-04:00

Apparently, Popeyes Chicken is looking at opening another location in Knoxville. Unfortunately for me, it looks like they are still concentrating on the market around Farragut. Hey, Popeyes, how about some love for us on the eastern side of Knox County?

I remember a time when Popeyes was a weekly staple of my diet. After an afternoon at Wrigley Field watching the Cubbies, there wasn't much better than riding the Red Line down to Division Street and picking up some of that famous fried chicken.

It's great to hear about a company looking to expand in this horrific Obamafied economy. It seems like all that we hear is one bad report after another. It's a breath of fresh air to hear some good news for a change.

Facinating Thoughts on the Family from the Georgia Bench

2009-07-06T02:53:00.004-04:00

I read this column, penned by the Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court, and was blown away. I haven't read something so powerful in some time now, particularly in light of what I see everyday in the many manifestations of the aftermath of divorce.

The column is well worth the few minutes it takes to read it.

Red State Update: Al Franken

2009-07-05T23:39:00.003-04:00

Jackie and Dunlap talk about Al Franken joining the U.S. Senate and how it would be better if a comedian who was actually funny was elected to Congress.

When Told Not to Worry, It's Time to Start Being Concerned

2009-07-04T22:57:00.003-04:00

A quote from a recent op-ed in the New York Times:

"NRA leaders have misled many gullible people into believing that our weapons are going to be taken away from us, and that homeowners will be deprived of the right to protect ourselves and our families. The NRA would be justified in its efforts if there was a real threat to our constitutional right to bear arms. But that is not the case."

- Jimmy Carter, the worst of our 44 United States Presidents.

I really didn't think the power-mad Democrats would make a play for gun control during this congressional term - until I started reading quotes like this one from Carter. Now it seems like a mathematical certainty. Of course, this would be against the will of the American public, which, according to a recent Zogby poll, is overwhelmingly (to the tune of 74%) against new laws to limit civil liberties pertaining to firearms.

Good Times

2009-07-01T08:02:00.003-04:00

It's amazing how a little taste of victory can change your outlook on life. A good win Monday in court has certainly raised my spirits during these dog days of summer.

Yes, it is true that Greg Mackay, a tried and true Democrat, remains as the Knox County Administrator of Elections. But that should not be a surprise to anyone. It surely wasn't to me. If I had any doubts as to what was going down, they were alleviated when I arrived at 7:40 A.M. on Monday morning at the City-County Building and witnessed Mackay glad handing and backslapping Election Commissioner Paul Crilly. The liberals of Knox County had already said that Crilly was in Mackay's back pocket, so it didn't take much to put two and two together and reinforce their assertion.

What is quite sad, though, is one exchange that occurred while I was answering questions from the Election Commission Monday morning. I was asked about Convenience Voting, and I stated that I believed there were more pressing issues related to Knox County elections than a total reconstruction of how we do elections, that this was not the right time for such a discussion. Chairman Heagerty asked me what I meant by that. I replied that, for instance, that our voting machines were not compliant with the HAVA 2005 standard nor the TVCA standard that must be implemented by 2010. Heagerty asked if it was my opinion that our current machines did not meet those standards, and I replied that it was my understanding that no machines in Tennessee at this current time met both standards. I could tell from the reactions in the room that the commissioners either a) didn't believe me or b) didn't know what I was talking about.

In either case, it's a poor reflection on their employee, Mr. Mackay, if he has not kept the commission apprised of this looming problem. To reinforce my contention (with a tip of the hat to A.C.), the Secretary of State put out some information yesterday regarding the TVCA which backs up what I told the Election Commission.

Much like when Mackay - despite being told that what he was doing was going to jeopardize Knox County's lease with Knoxville Center management - placed an early voting location in East Town Mall despite a prohibition on solicitation there, it appears that Knox County elections are still behind the curve. (How do I know that the election office was warned? Because I was the one who warned them.)

And before there are calls of "sour grapes," please note that I told the Election Commission that I cared not if they gave the job to me or some other qualified candidate. I was honest in that I had a great job come Tuesday morning either way and that I was not exactly looking forward to exiting the practice of law for such a political apolitical position. That probably didn't help my candidacy, but it was the truth. I just think it's a shame what happened to keep the status quo in Knox County.

Cap-and-Trade on the House Floor Tuesday?

2009-06-22T19:34:00.002-04:00

There are some early rumblings that the so-called "Energy Tax" - also known as "cap-and-trade" - might hit the floor in the House tomorrow. Tennesseans should be concerned, because a recent study said that Tennessee could lose 80,000 jobs as a direct consequence of cap-and-trade. Even conservative estimates from the CBO say that every family would basically suffer a $1,600 annual "tax" from the passing of cap-and-trade.

(Just for perspective, 80,000 potentially jobless Tennesseans is more than the populations of Johnson City, Jackson, Kingsport, Bristol, Franklin, Morristown, and Bartlett.)

The following ad has just hit the airwaves in an effort to rally support against cap-and-trade.

If you would like to keep that extra $1,600 per year in your pocket, perhaps you need to call your representatives in Congress and let them know how you feel.

Sunday Morning Fred

2009-06-19T13:42:00.001-04:00

Word has come down that former Senator Fred Thompson will be on Meet the Press this Sunday. Set your Tivo accordingly.