Bastille Days, one of the better ethnic festivals of the summer in my opinion, begins today in Milwaukee and happens to coincides with the anniversary of the first French Prime Minister being appointed on this day in 1815. Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, 1st Sovereign Prince of Beneventum, or as he is more well known, “Talleyrand”, is widely regarded as one of the most powerful diplomats in European history… Today also marks the birthday of Netscape founder, dot com golden boy, multi-millionaire and former New Lisbon WI resident Marc Andreessen. He’s 38.
- Republican State Senator Ted Kanavas: If you don’t agree with me and my narrow take on issues, you’ve been brainwashed. Now go away! Candidate websites can either clearly communicate a stance and reach out to those interested in finding out more about them or, in the case of Sen. Kanavas’ site tell people they’re idiots and to go away. Effective communication either way!
- The transit and parks funding forum held at South Shore Park pavilion last night was a success. There were between 75 and 85 people in attendance and most importantly it was the citizens of Milwaukee County who got to talk to their elected officials, not the other way around as is usually the case. Thanks to Sen. Taylor, Sen. Plale, Rep. Richards and Rep. Sinicki for taking the time to listen and more importantly act on some of feedback going forward.
- Conservative blogger Aaron Rodriguez talks a bit out the upcoming Scott Walker vs. Mark Neumann battle for the GOP nomination for Governor. Most of it’s been said here and other places previously, but it’s interesting to see how conservatives, who mostly seem to support Walker, are dealing with the primary problem. One thing Walker will have to rectify to voters outside Milwaukee County is how he can claim to be “all about creating jobs” while at the same time highlighting the fact that he’s put hundreds of people out of work in Milwaukee County by slashing budgets.
- Yes, I’ve updated he look and feel of my weblog. The previous design had been around for nearly two years and it was time for a change… Less clutter, more room for content, and a cleaner look are the goals. Slightly inspired by the new graphics on MSNBC as they prepare for the switch to HD. There are a few bugs to work out, with nested comments especially, but hopefully you like it, or at the least, don’t hate it.
I live in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Milwaukee, WI with my wife Jen, our daughter Emerson, and sons Carter and Colton.
I’m curious where you get “If you don’t agree with me and my narrow take on issues, you’ve been brainwashed. Now go away!” Please expound….
He took the part I was referring to down off the website. If you clicked “I disagree” to any of the 5 questions about the state, or MPS, you were shown a message that said, “You’ve been brainwashed” and the website redirected you to the Governor’s homepage.
Who says blogs don’t have an impact!
Napoleon referred to Tallyrand as de la merde dans un bas de soie.
I like your new layout.
You Wrote: “One thing Walker will have to rectify to voters outside Milwaukee County is how he can claim to be ‘all about creating jobs’ while at the same time highlighting the fact that he’s put hundreds of people out of work in Milwaukee County by slashing budgets.”
I haven’t decided whom to support for governor yet, but cutting gov’t spending means there’s more money for the private sector to create jobs. Gov’t jobs and contracts, while appealing to those who win them, are generally not appealing to GOP-types as a policy goal. Bloated gov’t doesn’t create jobs; jobs are created by wealth which is created by the private sector. For me, a politician who doesn’t work to limit the size of gov’t would have a hard time convincing me he/she is “all about creating jobs.”
Thanks Matt.
Your second paragraph is kind of my point though. In order to win an election, not just the primary, either candidate will have to appeal to voters outside the GOP-types. I agree that the goal of Gov. is not to actually create massive numbers of new jobs, there are jobs that need to be done by government employees. Those who fall into that category also spend money and themselves create jobs with the income they have to spend.
There is a difference between the goal of “creating wealth” and providing employment. No one who works in the public sector goes into it with the goal of becoming rich, and that’s a choice that they(we) make.
Dan, I like the new look!