This Just In...

My most popular blogs

Kevin Fischer — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 13:44:06 GMT

As I post every Sunday, here are the top five most popular of my blog entries from the previous week:

1) Culinary no-no # 74

2) So it's the Foxes' fault?

3) Tom Moe was there with John McCain

4) So the whole Brett Favre deal is all in the past, right?

5) There are no heroes in Franklin development mess

VP humor

Kevin Fischer — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 13:17:00 GMT

Submitted by another loyal reader....

Top Ten Things Barrack Obama can ask Sarah Palin when he meets her the first time.

10- How do you load a gun?

9 - Is hunting scary?

8 - How do you get the bait on that hook thingy?

7 - What's it like having a spouse that isn't angry all the time?

6 - You were Mayor, then Governor,.......what's a budget?

5 - I've never delegated. Do you have a canned speech for that?

4 - What does "meeting a payroll" mean?

3 - Why do you have so many kids; haven't you ever heard of an abortion?

2 - What's it like actually being an executive?

1 - Yeah, but do the Germans like you?

Week-ends postscript

Kevin Fischer — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 13:03:00 GMT

From a loyal reader:

“Can I nominate (MSNBC’s Keith) Olbermann for *******, moron and idiot of the week? Do you have a category for that?”

No, I don’t have a category for that, but yes you can nominate Olberman, for VILLAIN OF THE WEEK.

The Commie Olbermann is such a hateful lefty he could be mentioned on Week-ends every week. This week, when the GOP Convention ran a tribute video to 9-11, Olbermann made asinine comments following the video, making him the perfect *******, moron and idiot of the week.

Olbermann would rather we forget and not talk about 9-11. Olbermann, like Barack Obama and Russ Feingold would prefer we cut and run and hide under our mattresses. Terrorists, those who want to destroy and kill Americans, must be dealt with head on and agressively.

Terrorism and how our nation confronts it is an important, legitimate political issue. Barack Obama clearly lacks the ability and experience to protect America from future attacks. Keith Olbermann doesn't want America to grasp one of Obama's key vulneabilities, and his post-video commentary, like many of his on-air stunts, was out of line.

The Barking Lot

Kevin Fischer — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 17:18:00 GMT

Even though I was very young at the time, I will never forget when Sugar was first diagnosed with cancer. I don’t remember the details except there was a tumor on her hip that quickly grew in size and needed to be removed. Surgery would not be cheap but it was our only option to keep her alive for any length of time. Our family chose to have the operation performed.

It was successful and for several years she remained cancer-free. It did come back a second time, however. This time we chose comfort measures because she was simply too old to put her through another operation. That time, the surgery alone could have taken her life.

She put up a great fight and stayed with us for quite some time. Eventually one illness on top of another took its toll and we had to make the excruciating choice to have her euthanized. She was the first of three pets (Tommy my cat and Skippy would be the second and third respectively) that I would hold in my arms those last moments of their lives.

That’s the downside of pet ownership. It’s a BIG downside. But it is also the “circle of life” that you commit to when you adopt a four-legged family member.

Ted Schneck is the founder of The Dog Cancer Ride. He has dedicated his summer to raise money for dog owners faced with helping their pets with cancer. You can read more about his story here.

His website offers more information on his ride: Click on the video link for his heartfelt story of why he decided to ride from the Oregon coast to the Atlantic coast. In his video he talks about the people who say, “You’re riding for dogs???!!!” as if it is the most ludicrous thing in the world. OK so maybe canine cancer doesn’t rate right up there with world hunger, AIDS and the babies that Angelina Jolie has yet to adopt. But for some owners, their dog is literally the last thing they have in their life, as documented in this letter to Ted:

“I am disabled and on Social Security. My dog is ALL I have in my life. I suffer from manic depression and to lose this dog who I have had for 13 years would literally kill me… I cry every night with my precious boy sleeping next to me, hoping that god will make him better. He has been through everything with me, homelessness, a divorce, just everything. He is literally my reason for breathing. I sold my transportation to pay for the last surgery he had. I have nothing left except him. Please, help me...”

I think his mission is commendable and I wish him the best of luck in his quest to help owners of dogs with cancer.
---Jennifer Fischer

Thanks, Jennifer and I concur.

It's time for DOGS IN THE NEWS, canines that made headlines the past week. As I've mentioned in the past on The Barkling Lot, the news isn't always positive. Machine, a bullgog, died during a delayed Delta Airlines flight, prompting an investigation.

Another dog's death in California has spurred a call to speed up the tracing of cellphones.

Here's an update on story previously reported on The Barking Lot. The mayor of Berwyn Heights is not happy with the findings of an inquiry into a raid at his home by sheriff's deputies in which the family's two dogs were shot and killed. Shame on those deputies.

How about we change the mood? Meet Antoine.

Antoine is one of the many great stories we hear about dogs assisting veterans.

Whatever happened to the 48 pit bulls trianed to kill that were taken from Michael Vick's illegal dogfighting scheme? The National Geographic Channel explored that question in a two-hour special Friday night but the program will be repeated. Details, including a preview video can be found here.

And the city of Houston is seriously considering a law to spay and neuter pets.

That's it for The Barking Lot. We close by noting we're now in the fall movie season. Two upcoming movies won't be classics, but they are based on dogs. Take a look.

Week-ends

Kevin Fischer — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 14:03:00 GMT

A look back at the people and events that made news the past week.
Week-ends is a regular weekly feature of This Just In...

HEROES OF THE WEEK

Michael Phelps

Chellsie Memmel

Millie Kleinschmidt

Christian the Lion and his friends

School nurse

VILLAINS OF THE WEEK

The Metro Hotel in Woking

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and the city of Milwaukee

MIlwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, again

MIlwaukee County Supervisors who successfully voted to override Scott Walker's veto of a sales tax increase referendum: Supervisors Gerry Broderick, Toni Clark, Elizabeth Coggs, Marina Dimitrijevic, Lee Holloway, Willie Johnson Jr., Patricia Jursik, Christopher Larson, Theo Lipscomb, Michael Mayo Sr., John Thomas, John Weishan Jr. and Peggy West.

(The tax and spend crowd is alive and well in Milwaukee)

QUOTES OF THE WEEK

"I fell in love with my country when I was a prisoner in someone else's. I loved it not just for the many comforts of life here. I loved it for its decency; for its faith in the wisdom, justice and goodness of its people. I loved it because it was not just a place, but an idea, a cause worth fighting for. I was never the same again. I wasn't my own man anymore. I was my country's."

"I fought for the right strategy and more troops in Iraq, when it wasn't a popular thing to do. And when the pundits said my campaign was finished, I said I'd rather lose an election than see my country lose a war."

"Again and again, I've worked with members of both parties to fix problems that need to be fixed. That's how I will govern as President. I will reach out my hand to anyone to help me get this country moving again. I have that record and the scars to prove it. Senator Obama does not."

"I'm very proud to have introduced our next vice president to the country. But I can't wait until I introduce her to Washington. And let me offer an advance warning to the old, big spending, do nothing, me first, country second Washington crowd: change is coming."

"Let there be no doubt, my friends, we're going to win this election. And after we've won, we're going to reach out our hand to any willing patriot, make this government start working for you again, and get this country back on the road to prosperity and peace."

"We face many threats in this dangerous world, but I'm not afraid of them. I'm prepared for them. I know how the military works, what it can do, what it can do better, and what it should not do. I know how the world works. I know the good and the evil in it. I know how to work with leaders who share our dreams of a freer, safer and more prosperous world, and how to stand up to those who don't. I know how to secure the peace."
John McCain at the GOP Convention

"Victory in Iraq is finally in sight; he (Barack Obama) wants to forfeit."

"Al-Qaeda terrorists still plot to inflict catastrophic harm on America; he’s worried that someone won’t read them their rights."

"Government is too big; he wants to grow it."

"I’ve learned quickly these last few days that if you’re not a member in good standing of the Washington elite, then some in the media consider a candidate unqualified for that reason alone. But here’s a little news flash for all those reporters and commentators: I’m not going to Washington to seek their good opinion. I’m going to Washington to serve the people of this country."

"I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a ’community organizer,’ except that you have actual responsibilities."
Sarah Palin at the GOP Convention

"He is the least experienced candidate for the president of the United States in at least the last 100 years. This is not a personal attack. It’s a statement of fact — Barack Obama has never led anything. Nothing. Nada."

"Governor Palin represents a new generation. She’s already one of the most successful governors in America and the most popular. And she’s already had more executive experience than the entire Democratic ticket combined."
Rudy Giuliani at the GOP Convention

"A week ago, most Americans had never heard of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. Now, following a Vice Presidential acceptance speech viewed live by more than 40 million people, Palin is viewed favorably by 58% of American voters. Perhaps most stunning is the fact that Palin’s favorable ratings are now a point higher than either man at the top of the Presidential tickets this year. As of Friday morning, Obama and McCain are each viewed favorably by 57% of voters. Biden is viewed favorably by 48%."
Rasmussen Reports

"Mrs. Palin accomplished several things last night. First, she introduced herself and her story to the American people in a compelling and warm manner, complete with effective pictures of her proud family. Secondly, she praised John McCain's leadership, service to country and independence in a way that made him come alive. Thirdly, she effectively deflected the media and liberal criticism of her by saying they really represented an attack on the small-town and suburban values she grew up with. Lastly, she skewered Barack Obama with gusto but without meanness. Her line about her job as a small-town mayor being 'sort of like a community organizer,'except that you have actual responsibilities' brought the hall to its feet in a frenzy."
John Fund, Wall Street Journal

"NOW WE SEE why the liberal establishment has been trying for the last few days to destroy Sarah Palin. She is a threat to their hopes to take the White House this year, a threat to their broader claims to speak for youth, for women, and for the future, and a threat to their attempt to control the high ground in the culture war. After her stunning success last night, some in the liberal media may retire from the ring for a while. Others, with the threat now even more evident, may redouble their assaults and become even more desperate and vicious. Surely they'll fail. A star was born last night."
Bill Kristol of The Weekly Standard

"A WEEK ago nobody had ever heard of her. Today she is the most talked-about woman in the world. And with good reason. Sarah Palin's sensational performance at the Republican Party Convention may turn out to be the tipping point of this rollercoaster American election. Obama fans hoping she would fluff her big night were in for a nasty shock.This speech has turned the election upside down. It was simply stunning."
British newspaper, The Sun

“(She) may look like Barbie, but if anybody questions if she's going to fight like G.I. Joe they weren't listening last night.”
Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen on Palin’s speech

"I've got to get the moose tracks, please. Moose tracks, you know, near and dear to my heart. I can't go wrong with it."
After speaking at a rally in Cedarburg Friday, Sarah Palin ordered ice cream at The Chocolate Factory. She was given a waffle cone with a giant scoop. John McCain ordered sorbet; Cindy McCain ordered a brownie.

“Maintaining infrastructure is not free.”
Milwaukee Alderman Bob Bauman, on a $20 vehicle registration fee the Common Council approved by overriding Mayor Tom Barrett's veto on an 11-4 vote. Residents will begin paying the "wheel tax" in November.

“I don't think we should be doing something to benefit absentee landlords.”
Barrett before the override.

“Starved to the point of anorexia.”
Milwaukee County Supervisor Chris Larson describing the state of Milwaukee’s transit system following a vote to override Scott Walker’s veto of a 1-cent-on-the dollar sales tax increase. Advocates say the tax, which passed 13-6, would pay for parks and transportation while providing property tax relief.

“I feel confident that when the voters fully realize this is a $130 million tax increase, come Nov. 4 they're going to vote overwhelmingly against the tax increase and for some degree of fiscal sanity.”
Walker forecasting defeat for the measure.

“I love these people. I go to church with them. It isn’t about us and them. This is not the kind of business retailers want to be next to. Am I saying shut them down? Not necessarily directly. But indirectly? Maybe.”
Fountains of Franklin non-developer David Hintzman, talking about Leonard and Verna Fox who own property adjacent to Hintzman's. Hintzman claims the elderly Foxes have violated city of Franklin ordinances, and that prevents him from attracting tenants to his site.

“They’re going to kill us."
Verna Fox, 74.

“We had a very peaceful life here until a year ago. We just want to be left alone.”
Leonard Fox, 78, who told the Journal Sentinel he believes he'll die if he retires.

OUTRAGE OF THE WEEK

The mainstream media was quick to report rumors about Sarah Palin's baby, the same bunch that IGNORED rumors for months about slimy John Edwards screwing around on his cancer-stricken wife. The Palin rumors were false, the Edwards rumors were true.

Read more from NRO.

MOST UNDER-REPORTED STORY OF THE WEEK

When Governor Doyle spoke at the DNC, he may have violated the state's ethics code. Read...

MOST OVER-HYPED STORY OF THE WEEK

The untrue, repugnant assaults on Sarah Palin by a disgustingly sexist, liberal media.

STRANGEST, MOST UNUSUAL STORY OF THE WEEK

Minnesota governor spent Sunday night riding with a rock star in a stolen van. Here's the story.

Flasher arrested.....at nude beach.

Duck stamp program error sends callers......to a sex line.

And maybe this isn't so strange after all.....Palin-mania is sweeping the country.

REMEMBER: Your suggestions/nominations for any of these categories every week are welcome, especially for HEROES OF THE WEEK. If you know of anyone in the community deserving of recognition, please e-mail me.

The biggest bust since Dolly Parton

Kevin Fischer — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 12:30:56 GMT

Milwaukee Brewer reliever Eric Gagne gave up the tying run in the eighth inning Friday night against San Diego in yet another disastrous outing, and then left the game to a loud chorus of boos.

Journal photos: Rick Wood

$10 million down the drain.

Ned Yost, please, please stop using this bum.

My deepest sympathies to Alderman Sohns

Kevin Fischer — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 04:20:00 GMT

I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Franklin Alderman Lyle Sohns’ mother Louise who passed away today.

Details will be in Saturday’s Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Alderman Sohns, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

UPDATE ON 9/6/08: Louise Sohns obituary

Coming up on This Just In...

Kevin Fischer — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 21:22:00 GMT

Why did this woman make Week-ends?

Watch for Week-ends Saturday morning, plus our weekly edition of The Barkling Lot with my wife, Jennifer.

Sunday, you'll find what my Most Popular Blogs were the past week, and I'll also post the Photos of the Week and Culinary No-no....gee, what # are we up to?....well, it'll be there Sunday. And lots in-between. So thanks for stopping by!

A major Milwaukee culinary no-no is no more

Kevin Fischer — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 20:45:00 GMT

Dream Dance could very well be the best restaurant in Milwaukee. It recently re-opened in a new location at the Potawatomi Bingo Casino with changes that make this stellar dining spot even better.

There was nothing wrong with the “old” Dream Dance per se. It boasted exceptional food and service. But it didn’t have convenient parking. Once outside of your car and inside the casino, to get to the restaurant, you had to maneuver your way through the labyrinth of bells and flashing lights and smoke and yes, some of the great unwashed. There were no restrooms in Dream Dance. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel dining critic Carol Deptolla in her review today says things have changed:

“And the physical changes at the restaurant, part of a $240 million expansion at the casino, are a vast improvement over the restaurant's previous home.

Longtime patrons will recall scurrying through the flashing, ringing, smoky maze to get to Dream Dance upstairs. Once inside, they found a fine restaurant, albeit windowless. If they needed a restroom, back into the casino they went.

The restaurant is on the first floor now, easily accessible from the outside (if not particularly well-marked on the exterior). Just leave your car with the valet at the main driveway or park in the ramp and head for the far eastern end of the complex. Giant doors in the lobby lead to the restaurant, sealed off from the din of the casino like an inner sanctum……. Restrooms are just down a short hall - inside the restaurant.”

Fine, but how’s the food?

Deptolla was impressed.

Culinary no-no #59 UPDATE

Kevin Fischer — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 20:31:00 GMT

Apparently that $14.95 fish fry at Serb Hall didn’t go over too well.

Today, American Serb Hall is advertising its Friday Fish Fry in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel………for $8.95.

But you won’t get cod or haddock for your $8.95. Instead, you’ll be served Alaskan Pollack.

Still beats $14.95.

The video you didn't see at the GOP Convention

Kevin Fischer — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 17:05:53 GMT

Rudy Giuliani gave a phenomenal speech Wednesday night at the GOP Convention. But it went long.

As a result, an introductory bio video of Sarah Palin wasn't shown as scheduled.

While the Democrat sleaze and dirt machine is in full operation, watch the video of a woman who has the left in a full panic.

Friday night on InterCHANGE

Kevin Fischer — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 04:34:00 GMT

Here are the topics we discuss on InterCHANGE Friday night on Milwaukee Public Television Channel 10 at 6:30 with a repeat broadcast at 11:00 Sunday morning:

1 - GOP Convention and the Presidential Campaign.

Was it a great speech by Sarah Palin, or just a scripted performance? Is she a pit bull or a hockey mom? Was she effective at bashing Obama? Does the fact that she has a pregnant 17-year-old daughter hurt her or help her? Will she steal any of the female vote from Obama? Does being a fairly inexperienced, small town Washington outsider help her or hurt her? Does she bring the conservative Christians to the polls? Will this selection prove to be brilliant or disastrous? The floor at the Democratic convention was filled with African-Americans, but there’s hardly a black face visible when they take a shot of the floor at the Republican convention. Why is that?

2 – Milwaukee Potholes.

The Journal Sentinel runs a front page headline story “investigation” about how it took a few days longer to patch pot holes in poor minority neighborhoods than it did in more well to do white neighborhoods? Who cares? Big deal or no big deal? An indication that City Hall ignores poor black neighborhoods? An example of the type of “investigation” that might be one reason the paper continues to lose readers?

And more...

Highlights from John McCain's GOP Convention speech

Kevin Fischer — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 03:42:00 GMT

Photos: NY TImes

"I fell in love with my country when I was a prisoner in someone else's. I loved it not just for the many comforts of life here. I loved it for its decency; for its faith in the wisdom, justice and goodness of its people. I loved it because it was not just a place, but an idea, a cause worth fighting for. I was never the same again. I wasn't my own man anymore. I was my country's."

"I've fought corruption, and it didn't matter if the culprits were Democrats or Republicans. They violated their public trust, and had to be held accountable. I've fought big spenders in both parties, who waste your money on things you neither need nor want, while you struggle to buy groceries, fill your gas tank and make your mortgage payment. I've fought to get million dollar checks out of our elections. I've fought lobbyists who stole from Indian tribes. I fought crooked deals in the Pentagon. I fought tobacco companies and trial lawyers, drug companies and union bosses."

"I fought for the right strategy and more troops in Iraq, when it wasn't a popular thing to do. And when the pundits said my campaign was finished, I said I'd rather lose an election than see my country lose a war."

"I don't mind a good fight. For reasons known only to God, I've had quite a few tough ones in my life. But I learned an important lesson along the way. In the end, it matters less that you can fight. What you fight for is the real test."

"You know, I've been called a maverick; someone who marches to the beat of his own drum. Sometimes it's meant as a compliment and sometimes it's not. What it really means is I understand who I work for. I don't work for a party. I don't work for a special interest. I don't work for myself. I work for you."

"Again and again, I've worked with members of both parties to fix problems that need to be fixed. That's how I will govern as President. I will reach out my hand to anyone to help me get this country moving again. I have that record and the scars to prove it. Senator Obama does not."

"I'm very proud to have introduced our next vice president to the country. But I can't wait until I introduce her to Washington. And let me offer an advance warning to the old, big spending, do nothing, me first, country second Washington crowd: change is coming."

"In my life, no success has come without a good fight, and this nomination wasn't any different. That's a tribute to the candidates who opposed me and their supporters. They're leaders of great ability, who love our country, and wished to lead it to better days. Their support is an honor I won't forget."

"Let there be no doubt, my friends, we're going to win this election. And after we've won, we're going to reach out our hand to any willing patriot, make this government start working for you again, and get this country back on the road to prosperity and peace."

"We have dealt a serious blow to al Qaeda in recent years. But they are not defeated, and they'll strike us again if they can. Iran remains the chief state sponsor of terrorism and on the path to acquiring nuclear weapons. Russia's leaders, rich with oil wealth and corrupt with power, have rejected democratic ideals and the obligations of a responsible power."

"We face many threats in this dangerous world, but I'm not afraid of them. I'm prepared for them. I know how the military works, what it can do, what it can do better, and what it should not do. I know how the world works. I know the good and the evil in it. I know how to work with leaders who share our dreams of a freer, safer and more prosperous world, and how to stand up to those who don't. I know how to secure the peace."

McCAIN'S ENTIRE SPEECH (SCRIPT)

McCAIN'S ENTIRE SPEECH (VIDEO)

Another reason Democrats have to worry

Kevin Fischer — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 03:29:00 GMT

Lots, I mean lots of people were interested in Sarah Palin's Convention speech.

From Fox News:

"Gov. Sarah Palin’s speech Wednesday night at the Republican National Convention drew 37 million viewers, which is more than those who watched Democratic vice president Joe Biden or potential first lady Michelle Obama or even Hillary Clinton during the Democratic National Convention in Denver. According to Nielsen ratings, Palin’s number was just 1.1 million viewers shy of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama’s record-breaking speech at the Democratic meeting Aug. 28, according to the most recent Nielsen Media Research ratings."

PALIN'S ENTIRE SPEECH (VIDEO)

Son of Ronald Reagan sees his father reborn

Kevin Fischer — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 01:57:00 GMT

Michael Reagan writes this about Sarah Palin's amazing performance wednesday night at the GOP Convention:

"I've been trying to convince my fellow conservatives that they have been wasting their time in a fruitless quest for a new Ronald Reagan to emerge and lead our party and our nation. I insisted that we'd never see his like again because he was one of a kind.

I was wrong!

Wednesday night I watched the Republican National Convention on television and there, before my very eyes, I saw my Dad reborn; only this time he's a she.

And what a she!"

This is incredible. Ronald Reagan's son compares Palin to his own father. Is there any doubt Sarah Palin has awakened the sleeping conservative base? No wonder Democrats aren't terrified, they're SARAH-FIED!

Here's Reagan's entire column.

My fill-in has connections?

Kevin Fischer — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 01:30:09 GMT

I think I'm stickin' close to this Gravelle character...

One of the great things about fall...

Kevin Fischer — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:54:00 GMT

High school football. I follow it religiously and have since my dad first took me to South Stadium in Milwaukee in the mid-60’s. I don’t think I’ve missed a high school football since, taking tickets, working on the chain gang, and now public address announcer since about 1977.

The NOW coverage of high school ball is exceptional. If you follow the sport like I do, put your knowledge to the test and enter this NOW contest for a chance to win weekly prizes. Do it before kickoff Friday night.

And take in a game and support these fine young athletes.

What John McCain will say tonight

Kevin Fischer — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:37:00 GMT

In his speech tonight at the GOP Convention, John McCain will promise to, “reach out my hand to anyone to help me get this country moving again."

“Again and again, I’ve worked with members of both parties to fix problems that need to be fixed and call for ending “the constant partisan rancor that stops us from solving these problems. I have that record and the scars to prove it. Senator Obama does not.

And let me offer an advance warning to the old big-spending, do-nothing, me-first, country-second Washington crowd: Change is coming.”

Source: MSNBC

He has a mighty tough act to follow in his running mate, and Rudy Giuliani was terrific, too. I think McCain will do just fine.

UPDATE FROM WALL STREET JOURNAL

Greendale votes yes...is Greenfield next?

Kevin Fischer — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A la Franklin, the village of Greendale has approved a tough ordinance restricting where sex offenders can live or enter. The Village Board voted to enact an ordinance that prohibits registered sex offenders from living in or entering within 1,000 feet of schools, public parks, park pathways or day-care centers. The vote was unanimous.

Here’s the story and a map of the safety zones. As you can see, there are few areas sex offenders can go in Greendale. Oh, well.

Greendale’s move, coming after Franklin’s sex offender ordinances held up in court, could spur action in next door Greenfield that is also considering such an ordinance. A few weeks ago, I attended a meeting of the Greenfield Common Council’s Legislative Committee/ Franklin Alderman Steve Olson engaged in a lengthy discussion with the Greenfield aldermen, explaining Franklin’s ordinances and taking questions.

Greenfield Alderman Linda Lubotsky supports a restrictive sex offender ordinance, Alderman Tom Pietrowski sounds to me as though he’s opposed, and Alderman Shirley Saryan has loads of questions. Saryan is on record calling the Franklin ordinances, “confusing.”

Greenfield, in my view, would be wise to follow in Franklin and Greendale’s footsteps.

JOHN McCAIN IN HIS OWN WORDS

More evidence our election system is screwed up

Kevin Fischer — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 23:03:00 GMT

The state’s Government Accountability Board announced in a press release today that, “ In a test comparison of Statewide Voter Registration System (SVRS) data with state Department of Transportation (DOT) data, four of six members of the Government Accountability Board (G.A.B.) failed the initial data cross-check…Three Board members’ DOT data did not match exactly with their voter registration information due to differences in the first and last name or middle initial, and one member’s birth date did not match.”

Just last week, this very same board voted not to perform retroactive checks of names on the statewide voter database back to January 2006 and not to impose penalties against registrants whose identification information did not match.

Two of the four GAB members who didn't match driver records are William Eich and Gordon Myse. Last week when the GAB took a pass on any effort to clean up the voting rolls, Eich and Myse had an especially cavalier attitude.

Eich said he wasn’t convinced voter fraud is widespread in Wisconsin. He didn’t think it made sense make sense to check the names of people who have voted in multiple elections since January 2006. Myse said people should just be allowed to vote unconditionally and fraud should be checked into later. Uhh, by then it’s too late, pal. The fraudulent votes are cast and nothing can be done.

This is why Wisconsin’s election system is dirty, desperately in need of repair. There is ample evidence that the system is fraught with problems, begging for fraud. Yet officials in charge want nothing to do with reform, even though we’re dealing with the precious right to vote. There are no assurances your vote next week in the primary and/or your vote in November won’t be cancelled out by a voter claiming to be someone he/she is not.

JOHN McCAIN IN HIS OWN WORDS