"...the right person with the right credentials speaking on behalf of this state..."

Upper Left Coast clear's up the confusion surrounding the Governor's conflict with OSU meteorologist George Taylor.

See...the Governor is uniquely equipped to determine good science and bad science.

ROFL!

Oregon Governor Seeks Space Program

In a little noticed move, the Governor has backed off from firing State Climatologist George Taylor. Inviting Mr. Taylor join him in a tour of the upcoming site of Oregon's new medical school, the governor asked Mr. Taylor about science, particularly why it was so "mathy". In the ten-seconds of tightly wound conversation between the two men, Mr. Taylor pointed out that science was dependant upon math because in that way, a theory, a thesis, could be stated and tested. And because it was written down, you can come back to it and look at it again.

As the Governor assumed Forward Looking Poses, for the cameras, it occured that perhaps the problem wasn't man-made interference.

But to be a Governor of Oregon means you have to be Forward Looking, Progressive Looking and, more importantly, Seen to Be Doing Something.

Therefore, tucked within the Governor's Health Plan is an item for a new Oregon Space Program. Although Oregon ranks 39th in population and 45th in unemployment now is the time we need to spend the money building a fleet of SpaceShips to carry water to the Sun.

It's not important that such a program would be seen as a Fool's Errand. In Oregon many programs are never held to a scale of either affordability, effectiveness or need. In fact, looking at the current state legislature, the biggest goal is undoing the cumbersome restrictions of the state's Constitution.

So, applaud the Governor his new space program. We'll soon be carrying Pure Oregon™ water to the Sun. It won't take many loads before we've reduced the Sun's temperature. And then, the World Will Be Safe, and our Governor will be recognized as the most Super-Duper Forward Thinker Ever™!

Thanks to a Tootsie

I've been reading e-Claire for at least three years... rarely lending her a comment but enjoying the soul cleansing one gets for putting words on paper--so to speak--and publishing for the world to see.

She gave me quite a gift by referring me to "SondraK". Way major cool.

If you haven't been to e-Clair yet, the link is over there---------->

Thank you, Claire.

Climate; the easy version

'Member Mark Twain? Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it"? And then there’s Hadleysburg. I grew up thinking that no common sense man or woman would ever be taken captive by the type of lying that's taking place in this state. 'Member that old Emperor Guy? the one with no clothes?

There is such an air of superiority prevalent among liberals today.

How does a simple man with a simple education argue against his government? Well, when it comes to the weather, maybe the best tool is simple common sense. There is no warming.

There are cold winters and colder winters. There are hot summers and hotter summers. But that has nothing to do with rain, or water. Don't think that farmers don't know about water tables.

If there's no water, farmers can't irrigate their crops. But that's not a consequence of "Global Warming". That's a consequence of too many people on the land. If you choose to continue developing upon a land mass that can't sustain you, you're going to run out of water. Pretty simple, eh?

But the rule of law runs counter to this. If you live in Los Angeles County, you take the water from your neighboring states. It's not illegal. You create law that allows you to take water from the Colorado River. It's legal. The fact that you've taken water from the Navaho or the Pima doesn't matter. You've ruined the sustainability of a region...but that's okay. The taking was legal.

That kind of taking was repudiated by the voters in the last election cycle. Fair is fair. You buy a thing with an understanding of its value, you should be able to expect that value to be there in two-five-twenty years.

But this "debate" has nothing to do with anything more that those who want to take. Name one single thing that you get from being on the "right side". Do you get warmer or colder summers? Warmer or colder winters? More hurricanes or fewer? See, I'm all for a perfect world. Damn. World isn't perfect? It isnt'?

But wanting a thing isn't the same as understanding how a thing is. When you build a sandcastle, part of the building has to be the understanding that when the high tide comes in, you lose your castle. If you live at the beach, you can miss high tide for a couple of days...if you build high enough. But that isn't where the fun is. Building sandcastles is a preliminist agreement of destruction. Much like birthing a child. Legislating longevity doesn't make sense to an adult. Somebody tell the Governor.

Who Shall Watch the Watchers?

It's an old question. For the last 490-years we've relied on educated, enlightened thinkers to observe and report. This break from knowledge by edict to knowledge as knowable as a condition of the human experience has led us to a society and civilization unthinkable 500-years ago.

I've always been bothered by the difference between knowledge and belief. There are things I know and things I believe. The only problem is when I start treating my beliefs as knowledge. And more well intentioned my belief, the more likely I'm to be seduced into believing as knowledge. For many, it's the emotional attachment to a belief that makes it so powerful. If you believe a thing is good--and it makes you feel good to think so--you're tempted to say "I know this is true!" And hooray for you. Duality carries this curse.

But standing distinctively in opposition to the feel-good school of the dualist lies Empirical rationalism. 'Member that old cogito thing? I applaud you your ability to feel good about things. I applaud the life you choose to lead as a result. There is nothing about your choices I can argue with. As long as you don't attempt to extend the dominance of your ideas over me.

Enter the Governor of the State of Oregon. For a man dedicated to state control over every possible area of your life, now we must add control over thinking.

George Taylor teaches at Oregon State University. He manages the Oregon Climate Service.

As past president of the American Association of State Climatologists he is someone respected by his peers. In other words, he is a scientist. And the Governor can't stand that. The Governor has an "initiative". Take a look at his web-page on Global Warming. The leading scientist at the top of the page? A zoologist. But ignore that.

Read on!

The Governor has a plan. Which in part states, "But scientists can´t say exactly how these gases will affect the world or when their levels will reach a crisis point." Still not clear what we're supposed to do? Neither, really, is the Governor. But it's important. According to the Gov's website: "However, experts from Oregon and around the world say there´s one thing we know for sure: The balance of scientific evidence suggests that our use of coal, oil and natural gas for energy is already having an impact on the world´s climate."

Enter George Taylor. See, Mr. Taylor disagrees with the Governor. Climates change, "but burning fossil fuels aren't necessarily to blame." And the State needs tame dogs on the payroll. Bills have been introduced. Budgets are going to be expanded. Restrictions on what you choose to do with your life will be made.

As much as liberals howl at the loss of liberty inflicted on the American people by the government listening into international phone calls, this one should make you sit up and take notice. What gas you use to drive your car, what power you use to drive your electric supply, what chemicals you use in your manufacturing process, the kind of car you drive, your boat, your television set, all these things are being set for regulation.

It doesn't matter to the Governor who disagrees with him. It doesn't matter that the UN report was flawed, or simply wrong.

The problem is that if we do nothing "The Oregon we enjoy today could be a much different place in the future because of global warming." (The gov's webpage).

Gee, ya'think? I sure hope so. If the Governor could just gain some perspective. Oregon ranks 39th in population density. Can you imagine the mayors of San Jose, Detroit and Indianapolis getting together and deciding to end Global Warming? What would the voters in Maine think if their governor began deciding that the people of Maine were going to take the first steps to end Global Warming? No matter how hard we shrive, as a state, as a political party, as a community, no effect of our actions will be felt by the Mother Ship. O curas hominum! O quantum est in rebus inane!

If we had an adult for a governor, this inane issue-seeking would end. We could look at ending the lottery and finding a real funding source for schools. We could look for private partners willing to step up and help children with medical and dental care. We could look to school districts to decide how much to pay teachers. We could let the med school teach our medical students. We could let people decide how to use their own land. We could let businesses decide how to invest their profits. We could be free to come to our own decisions.

Not what do you believe is the state of the global climate. But what do you know of the state of the world's climate. For how little you know it's impressive how much you want to believe.

Governor Promises to Spend More Money

The insane, if not comical, rate at which the gov intends to grow government spending is achieving ludicrous mass.

Not content to add hundreds of millions of dollars to the budget for kids, the elderly, teachers and public employees, we're going to have a new med school.

At Oregon State University!

Those of you who forget that the first rule of government is to grow itself better pay attention. When Oregon Health Sciences University was created, it was no longer a member of the state system, the Oregon University System. It remained affiliated, but was independant of the State Board of Higher Education.

So why not expand the current program at the State's current med school?

Well, it seems the Governor has gutted the program on the hill. According to Keith Thomson, Chairman, OHSU Board of Directors, the gov's budget calls for the current biennium call for : "cutting OHSU’s state funding by $33 million, down from $86 million in the current biennium and down from $123.6 million in the 93-95 biennium. Balancing Oregon’s overall budget would require a cut of less than 10 percent if spread across all agencies that receive state appropriations."

“When OHSU became a public corporation in 1995, we had a clear understanding with the state that it would need to continue to invest in our public missions if we were to continue to be able to deliver them. We needed a partnership,” said OHSU President Peter Kohler, M.D. “That partnership has produced significant benefits for Oregonians — benefits that I believe need to be preserved moving forward.”

But why is the Gov calling for a new program at OSU? Here's what his press release has to say: "The Governor’s budget includes more than $28 million for targeted workforce training in high-demand occupations, including the healthcare fields to address the workforce shortage facing Oregon as the baby-boom population begins to retire and Oregon’s aging population continues to grow. The Governor’s budget for OHSU includes funding for the program announced today beginning in the 2008-09 fiscal year. "

How did OHSU going to respond to the budget cuts it faces?

"Eliminate all state funding for indigent care in the hospital and clinics, reducing care for the poor to the levels provided by community-based hospitals (OHSU currently provides 2 times that level).
Eliminate the seven Child Development and Rehabilitation Center programs that are highly dependent on state funds.
Eliminate the statewide undergraduate nursing programs, leaving a reduced undergraduate program on Marquam Hill.
Raise all tuition in the dental school to the nonresident level.
Further increase medical school tuition.
Eliminate funding for the majority of statewide rural health education programs, including the Area Health Education Centers."

The Governor is killing one program, the State's Med Center, to begin a new one at the State's Agricultural and Engineering university.

And he's doing it for the kids.

OHSU Press Release December 7, 2004

Here's the complete press release from the Gov today:

Theodore R. Kulongoski
Governor

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 7, 2007

Contacts:
Anna Richter Taylor, 503-378-6169
Jake Weigler, 503-378-6496

Governor Announces New Program to Expand Health Care Workforce
Public-private partnership will help expand access to health care in rural Oregon

Salem – As part of his efforts to expand access to healthcare for all Oregonians, today Governor Ted Kulongoski was joined by Oregon Health and Sciences University, Oregon State University and Samaritan Health Services to announce a new public-private partnership to establish an OHSU School of Medicine Campus in Corvallis.

“This partnership will continue the progress we’ve made over the last four years in my healthcare workforce initiative,” the Governor said. “It’s about making sure that Oregon has the right number of healthcare professionals with the right skills, at the right time, in the right areas of the state.”

The Governor’s budget includes more than $28 million for targeted workforce training in high-demand occupations, including the healthcare fields to address the workforce shortage facing Oregon as the baby-boom population begins to retire and Oregon’s aging population continues to grow. The Governor’s budget for OHSU includes funding for the program announced today beginning in the 2008-09 fiscal year.

“The fact is, we are facing a serious challenge in preparing people for healthcare jobs,” the Governor said. “We have growing demands on our healthcare system coupled with more unfilled jobs in our system – the recipe for a perfect storm. That’s why we must act today to address these shortages and expand access for more Oregonians to enter the healthcare fields – which the program will help us accomplish.”

The Governor also highlighted his “everything that works” plan for health care, which is built around three principles: reduce costs, expand access and improve quality. The Governor also urged the legislature to adopt his budget, which would provide affordable healthcare for all uninsured children in Oregon, expand the adult population under the Oregon Health Plan, and help address the healthcare workforce shortage in Oregon by recruiting and training more healthcare professionals, particularly in rural Oregon.

“It is also my hope that the legislature will approve my funding request for the rural health care student program,” the Governor continued. “And that some of the students who come through this new partnership can receive help with their student loans – and then enter the field ready to help improve the health of our citizens.”

The Governor’s budget includes $1 million for the rural health care student loan repayment program, which helps health practitioners repay their student loans in return for serving in designated rural communities in Oregon.

“If we are going to make meaningful progress in expanding access to healthcare for all of our citizens – we must provide rural Oregon with highly trained medical practitioners – or that promise will ring hollow.”

For more information on the Governor’s healthcare budget, go to: http://governor.oregon.gov/ and look for the link under “Latest News”.

- 30 -

Is there hope?

I'm trying something. If it doesn't work, it doesn't work.

I watched Brigette Gabriel, author of "Because They Hate", on Fox. I know, it's Fox, so where's the truth, eh?

But then I clicked on AltaVista, my Web Search Engine, and the first link was an Amazon link for her book. After I clicked on purchase--or whatever--here's what came up.

See? Here's what I tried to do. When I clicked on purchase I was sent to a page that listed other books purchased by people who bought "Because They Hate". I was shocked by the number, the intensity, of what others had purchased.

Try it with Noam Chomsky. People who read books care about Islam. Click on the purchase button for "Failed States". Look, people who read the Left don't read. And if they do, it's bumper stickers, not books.

Like Barbie said, "Math is Hard". Today's lefty believes thinking is hard, but where's Barbie? (Footnote: the Barbie doll that said math was hard was pulled after feminists decided that it was "sexist". Doesn't matter that math is hard. What mattered was that the perception could have been raised that girls that play with dolls would think math was hard.)

And, somehow, that is sexist.

So many times clear thinking is sexist, patronizing, racist, ageist, elitist--and here's a favorite--facist, that those bearing the burden of the insult is galvanized into inaction. How do you defend yourself against the conviction of one of these -ism's? And, rhetorically, how did I get to this indefensible space?

Look. You didn't. Being clear thinking, or a critical thinker, isn't a rare occurance. It happens all the time. Lots of people do it. The problem is, what to do when accused of being a fill in the blank?

First, take a look at the accuser. Really. Just. Look. Ask yourself if you would trust this person with your child, or if childless, your niece or nephew. If you would, then just ask what they mean?

One of the keys of dealing with the left is, they have a story. It ain't gonna be pretty. But you can do more by listening than anything else you'll ever do in your life. See, people aren't bad. Even the bad guys I've known throughout life didn't hate their kids or their moms. Dysfunctional? You betcha. But bad? No.

You'll never win an argument by being right. Or, correct. But you'll never lose an argument if you listen. I mean, by definition, if you're never asserting your argument, but just listening to theirs, there is no contest of ideas. And, superior wit always trumps talking points.

And what am I trying that may or may not work? The linky thing.

Peace.

Veteran's Home in The Dalles

Did you know we even have a Veteran's Home in Oregon? It's a mark of respect for veterans, spouses of veterans, and parents whose children died while serving in the US Armed Forces. It's a home that provides long-term care to patients suffering from Alzheimers, as well as other inpatient and outpatient care.

Here's the latest press release from the Dept. of Veteran's Affairs, in part:Hundreds of military veterans, veterans' organizations, and supporters will gather on the steps of the Oregon State Capitol, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 14, for a Veterans Muster. Sponsored by the United Veterans Groups of Oregon (UVGO), the Muster is a public forum to show support for veterans and address pending state legislation that will impact Oregon's veteran community.
The Muster will highlight legislative goals Oregon veterans have for this year's session. Dick Lucht, Chair of the UVGO said the gathering would bring together veterans of all ages and military eras.
"This is a great opportunity for all Oregon veterans to come together in a show of unity and communicate the needs and interests that we have to our legislative leaders and the community and then ask for their support," Lucht said...

All veterans, their families, and the public are invited to attend. The UVGO is encouraging veterans to represent their organizations by wearing their covers, vests, and jackets.

All In the Family

Sgt. Donna Mitchell counsels her son Spec. Allan Vogel about the need for punctuality.

Received this from Kay Fristad, flak for the state's Department of Military Affairs:

Story and Photos By
Lt. Janette Arencibia

KABUL, Afghanistan – They spent most of their lives riding in the same vehicle. When headed out on a mission together in Kabul, Afghanistan, Sgt. Donna Mitchell and Spc. Allan Kenniston Vogel are required to ride separately. These warriors are Mother and Son, from Portland, Ore., now deployed to Afghanistan with the 41st Brigade Combat Team.
Military service runs in the family. Mitchell’s father, Billy G. Phebus, is a retired U.S. Army staff sergeant. Her brother is Staff Sgt. Steven D. Phebus, Air Force Reserve based in Portland. Her nephew, Jason Phebus, is stationed in Minot, N.D. with the Air Force.
“I was working at the recruiter’s office before leaving for basic and they told me to think of people who I knew that I could recruit,” Vogel said. “The first person that came to mind was my mother. My mother was prior enlisted and I knew she wanted to serve her country again.”
Mitchell served in the Air National Guard from 1976-1984. For three years, she worked as a computer operator. Her last five years of service she worked in base supply administration.
“Service to our country is in my blood,” Mitchell said, “my father is a retired drill sergeant.”
After serving in the Air National Guard, Mitchell worked at Kelly Services Temporary Agency and then stayed home to raise her boys.
Prior to enlisting in the Oregon Army National Guard, Mitchell worked with the State of Oregon as the Renewal Technician for the Oregon State Board of Nursing. After September 11, 2001, she felt compelled to get back in uniform.
Serving alongside her son works to her advantage and at times, has been an advantage to the command. Mitchell said one time she was asked to counsel her son regarding a timeliness issue.
“Master Sgt. Deathridge asked that I talk with him about tardiness,” Mitchell said. “Since that hour-long counseling between us, he has never been late.”
Vogal is just as quick to admit that at times, a good hour long time-out might be just what he needs. He is a role model and example to his younger brother who just finished basic training.
“My little brother, David Andrew Workinger, is serving with the 218th in Portland, Ore. and just finished basic,” Vogel said. “Now he’s my gun chief. He wanted to come here with us.”
Mitchell and Vogel hold each other in high regards and have an equal amount of respect and admiration for the other’s talents and skills.
“She is someone I am proud to recruit because of her people skills and her knowledge of the military,” Vogel said. “She really knows how to command people.”
Mitchell is proud of her son’s accomplishments and what his service means to the entire family.
“His enthusiasm for the military has been an inspiration to the entire family,” Mitchell said.
Together, Mother and Son are proud to serve in Afghanistan, keeping a strong tradition of military service all in the family.

An Executive Decision

Bless our governor.

One of the few guys who would worry about buying a new ambulance when the house is on fire. Now, you and I? we'd probably see to putting things right with the fire, first. But not in the state of Oregon. In this state, when things are getting hot and hairy, change the focus onto kids, the elderly, teachers* and public employees.

In this case, the gov's got a problem with all those stupid people who didn't want to lose their investments due to government restrictions upon their use. See, stupid people bought land thinking that "someday" they could develop it for use...housing development, business development. You know, stupid stuff.

Not that these stupid people thought they were stupid at the time they bought their land. They knew what the rules were, took a look at the price they would pay to make the purchase, and determining that it would be economically renumerative to, someday, make this land into something else profitable, bought it.

But then something unforseen happened. The state came in and changed all the rules.

They changed them for our own good. If, left to ourselves, we created affordable housing sites, or reasonable commercial sites, without applying to the state for its okay, this state would turn into a giant cesspit. Unimpeded development would result in urban sprawl. (You do remember "urban sprawl", don't you? Fortunately, we've escaped the clutches of urban sprawl. For proof, just drive up Highway 26 and take note of the lack of development west of Beaverton.)

So, rules were put in place. Growth would be permitted "here", but not "there". If you were fortunate enough to be "here" you were fine. But if you were "there", you were out of luck. Or stupid.

See, you're stupid to think on your own. And fighting for your rights as a property owner is stupid because the state has determined what uses your land should have. Can't you see the big picture? You can't? Ha! See? (stupid!)

Only the people in this state said that this taking from property owners was wrong. How do we know what the people think? They voted to set things right. They voted on Measure 37 back in 2004, which required "pay owners, or forgo enforcement by repealing, changing, not applying restrictions, when certain land use restrictions reduce owners' property value." All of a sudden, there were a lot of people who were no longer so stupid.

The only problem is, setting things straight is going to cost the state, the counties and the municipalities a lot of money. Unless they repeal, change, or not apply (did I write that?) the land use restrictions they put in place. And big gov and the Big Gov don't want that. So what to do?

Well, first, plan to spend a whole lot of money on things the state definately won't have money for. And if you haven't looked at what the governor wants to spend during the next biennium, maybe you should take a quick look. Governor's Budget Summary (pdf). The gov just wants to spend 14-billion dollars. But instead of taking a look at what the costs of Measure 37 would mean to state coffers, the gov has decided to take a walk. "Let's talk about kids, baby". Here's the latest from the gov:

"Governor Calls for Timely and Deliberate Response to Measure 37
Unveils legislation that creates an “express line” so small landowners move to front of line

Salem – Today Governor Ted Kulongoski unveiled legislation (Senate Bill 505) introduced at his request by the co-chairs of the Joint Land Use Fairness Committee, which establishes a first step toward addressing the flood of Measure 37 claims that have been filed in the final weeks of 2006.

“Oregon is facing a crisis as the 180-day clock runs down – either allow these developments to proceed, with irreversible impacts on local communities, or pay compensation for speculative claims that we cannot afford to pay,” the Governor said. “Measure 37 has unleashed an unexpected rush to development, and the legislature should act sooner rather than later to uphold what the voters intended when they passed this measure.”

The Governor’s proposal aims to uphold what the voters intended through the passage of Measure 37 in 2004 by establishing a process, or an “express line”, for individuals seeking to build a home, allowing them to receive first priority to move forward with their claims. All other claims will have a time out and maintain their legal standing to follow through with their claims while the legislature addresses the measure’s unexpected consequences.

“Measure 37 promised fair treatment for landowners to build a home on property they bought for that purpose, but it has turned into a fast track for developers to build on land that was previously beyond their reach,” the Governor continued. “We need to establish a time out period that is carefully designed to give priority to individuals seeking to build a home, lets all other claimants keep their place in line, and allows the legislature to review the measure to ensure its workings reflect the will of the voters.”'

So, instead of dealing with the issue, as you or I would if we were running the business, the gov says, don't worry, be happy. Don't forget. He's only gonna be here for three more years and then it's hasta la bye-bye, baby. Maybe if Hill Clinton get's elected the gov will become Secretary of Transportation. Does it matter he knows nothing about transportation? It hasn't bothered past governors.

*(Oh, that's right. Teachers are public employees.)