NH’s Own Punxsutawney Phil: Governor Lynch

Like the famous weather predicting rodent from the Keystone State, New Hampshire has its own version of Punxsutawney Phil, and his name is Governor Lynch. But now the only time Governor Lynch seems to emerge from his lair is when most of his constituents are without those pesky modern conveniences, like heat, water or communication with the outside world.

N’er to be seen or heard from during our recent budget woes, Governor Lynch can always be counted on to pop out of his den when it is time to declare a State of Emergency. Putting on his best Timberland Duck Boots and canvas “I am in charge” jacket, Governor Lynch has perfected the illusion of leadership when New Hampshire is in need of being declared a disaster zone.

Bravo, Hopkinton John. While members of your Party are running around imposing excessive taxes and fees, while at the same time declaring war on small business with the recent ill-advised LLC tax, New Hampshire can sleep well knowing you can be found scurrying about the fallen trees and the out-of state line crews, as a fumbling media trips over themselves (and the downed branches) in a effort to get just the “right” action photo of you.

New Hampshire, Gambling Is Not The Answer

As New Hampshire continues to spend itself into bankruptcy, there are those that believe the answer to our financial woes rest in the false promise of gambling. Gambling is nothing more than gasoline to be thrown on the fire of irresponsible spending; and who are the willing pyromaniacs fiddling as Concord burns? Our representatives in Concord, and in particular the Democratic leadership of Norelli, Larsen, Hassen, and Governor Lynch.

It does not matter at this point whether any politician in Concord supports gambling or not. The real issues is that their lack of fiscal discipline has set New Hampshire on the road to economic ruin, which in turn has opened the door to the false salvation of another government sanctioned ponzi-scheme in the form of expanded gambling. Gambling does nothing more than encourage our commonsensical challenged representatives to add another link to the chain of debt we have placed around the necks of future generations.

The facts are simple:

Compulsive gamblers will increase by 100% to 500%, when gambling is introduced (Kindt, University of Illinois).

Casinos earn more than ½ their incomes from problem/pathologic gamblers (Grinols, University of Illinois).

The crime rate is nearly double for those communities that allow gambling (US News and World Reports analysis).

The promise of tourism dollars is greatly overstated. Most of the money made by those businesses that offer gambling comes almost entirely from in-State residents (Better Government survey in States that sponsor legalized gambling).

Gambling is nothing more than a regressive form of taxation. The poor always lose the greatest share of their income (Wisconsin Policy Research Institute report). In fact, casino gambling causes up to $289 in social costs for every $46 of economic benefit. (Grinols, University of Illinois).

Bankruptcy dramatically increase wherever gambling has been introduced: 1,000 Minnesotans annually file for bankruptcy since the introduction of riverboat gambling; gambling related bankruptcy has increase 40% in Detroit since the opening of a neighboring casino.
Each problem gambler cost society an estimated $15,000 to $60,000 per year (Goodman and Robert, Free Press). It has been calculated that for every $1 the State receives in gambling revenue, they will spend at least $3 in increased criminal-justice, social-welfare, and other related expenses (US House of Representatives on Small Business testimony).

The lure of big money is not just limited to the poor and the pathological. Corruption amongst government officials will increase as it did in Louisiana, Missouri, South Carolina, Arizona, as well as others States that legalized some form of expanded gambling. Dozens of officials were arrested and convicted in each of those States on gambling induced corruption (The National Gambling Impact and Policy Commission, US House of Representatives).

In fact the gambling lobby has become the single most powerful lobby in States that have legalized gambling (Goodman, US Gambling Study)

Study after study tells us that the social costs of gambling, such as increased crime, lost work time, bankruptcies and financial hardships faced by the families are costing the American economy as much as $54 billion annually. Is this what is in the best interest of New Hampshire? The solution to our fiscal crisis is right in front of our representative’s faces? They must do what thousands of our fellow New Hampshirites do every day…….live within our means? It’s the spending stupid, and no amount of gambling will help.

The morality of gambling is a debate we can have on another day; but the immorality of excessive spending is one we must confront today.

Jeff Chidester, is the host of the weekly radio show which can be heard every Sunday at 11:00am on 96.7 – the WAVE (www.967thewave.com)

New Hampshire Stimulus Spending Update: 22 Million Dollars, 221 Jobs Created…????

Stimulus: to spur, motivate or incentivize. Based on the numbers, none of that happen in New Hampshire:

Now New Hampshire.com: Stimulus Has Created 221 Private Sector Jobs in NH

New Hampshire has received roughly 22 million dollars in Federal Stimulus Funds, and only created 221 new jobs (22 million divided by 221 jobs = political farce!). And what is the Democratic response….we need more stimulus spending!

The NH Disadvantage: Liberals In Charge

There was a time when New Hampshire prided itself as a Conservative state, especially in matters of our budget and taxes. The people of New Hampshire did not think of themselves as Red or Blue staters, but as a Conservative staters. The very spirit of our State can be summed up in our motto, Live Free or Die, and our State nickname, The Granite State. There is no ambiguity in either of these proclamations.

I know that it may sound funny to some people, but it makes absolute sense if you knew someone from New Hampshire (and I don’t mean the carpetbaggers that have moved here). Call it a Yankee commonsense, or the deep connection we have to the founding of our country. But whatever it is, some current residents of New Hampshire have decided to take us in a different direction, and sadly that direction is ruining our great State.

There are those that have suggested that if you don’t like how New Hampshire has “changed,” than move. That is a typical response from a liberal that moved to New Hampshire because of our greatness, then proceed to make New Hampshire like the States they had fled! Besides, why should people who have lived here their entire lives pack up and move, and abandon the values the State embraced for centuries? If termites infest your house, you won’t pack and leave…..you would fight for your home. That is what New Hampshire natives need to do.

Study: NH's economic competitiveness deteriorates, now ranks 37th
NH House approves new capital gains, estate taxes
House Budget Includes Tax Increases

Representative Daniel Itse

For those of us who live in New Hampshire, we have long known of NH Rep. Daniel Itse’s dedication, thoughtfulness, and courage. Recently, the rest of America was given the opportunity to see first-hand why Rep. Itse is so widely respected by both Democrats and Republicans. For many in New Hampshire, Rep. Daniel Itse is one of those legislators who, if his name appears on a piece of legislation, it is a cause worth supporting.

Recently, Rep. Itse became somewhat of a national hero (a distinction he would downplay, but one that is well-deserved) after his appearance on the Glen Beck Show. Rep. Itse was invited on the show to discuss a bill he is sponsoring, HRC06 – State Sovereignty Bill:

General Court HRC6 Text

Jeffersonian principles - what a novel concept!

New Hampshire is truly blessed to have legislators such as Rep. Itse, not just because of this one issue, but for a lifetime of service to the cause of liberty. Rep. Itse is unselfish in his representation of the people who have entrusted him to be their voice in the New Hampshire House. Time and again, he has shown the strength of character and humility that few “politicians” possess, and should be the role model for all who are considering running for elected office (or who are currently actively serving).

NH Liberty Calendar: Rally for NH HRC6 - March 3, 2009

Gregg Appointed To Commerce: What Does This Mean For New Hampshire?

On February 3, President Obama announced the appointment of New Hampshire Senator Judd Gregg:

Gregg Tapped To Head Commerce

Now don’t get me wrong, I think that Judd Gregg is ideally suited to heads the Commerce Department, but where does that leave New Hampshire Conservatives? Try “concerned.”

The rumor at this writing is that Senator Gregg’s former Chief of Staff, Bonnie Newman, will be appointed to the seat. Newman has an impressive resume, but has never held elective office. Newman’s lack of elective experience and low name recognition make her an inviting target when the seat is up for grabs in two-years.

Current NH Congressman Hodes is expected to announce his candidacy for Gregg’s Senate seat sometime in the coming weeks. Prior to Gregg’s departure, Hodes had hinted at a run for the Senate, but Gregg’s departure will most assuredly cinch the deal for Hodes. Hodes has been mediocre Congressman, but sometimes-in New Hampshire, mediocre is the most important attribute; just look at how popular New Hampshire’s ineffective Governor Lynch is (Do nothing and don’t ruffle anyone’s feathers….presto 70% approval rating!). Most of the time New Hampshirians prefer their representatives to be like a New Hampshire winter, ..........dull.

More importantly, Hodes is a friend of NH’s other Senator, Jeanne Sheehan, as well as an early political supporter of President Obama. Should Newman run unopposed in the GOP primary for Gregg’s seat in two years, Hodes has a better than average chance of winning.

How should the NH GOP respond?

America The Weak: The Big O Is Not Ready To Lead

Ralph Peters provided an insight into the fate of the World under the Obama administration:

NY Post: America The Weak

Iran, Pakistan, Russia, Georgia, Cuba (with new oil wealth), Venezuela, and the list goes on. It is also not encouraging that Biden claims that he "has forgotten more about foreign policy" than his colleagues remember. Considering Biden has been wrong on almost every international crisis this country has faced dating back to 1973, do we really need two arrogant Liberals in the White House at the same time?

Mr. Peters wrote this article prior to Mighty Joe's (Biden) speech in Seattle on October 19, where he clearly reaffirmed Mr. Peters (as well as others) assessment of the troubles we would face if Obama were elected.

That ominous 3:00 a.m. call is looking more concerning if in fact Obama is on the other end.

Michael Addison: Judge Throws Out Cop Killers Confession

Officer Michael Briggs

Superior Court Judge Kathleen McGuire has thrown out the admission by cop killer Michael Addison, in the shooting death of Manchester, NH Police Officer Michael Briggs.

Judge McGuire ruled that the police violated Michael Addison’s rights by not immediately halting questioning when he said he wanted a lawyer.

Cop Killers Confession Thrown Out

Does this alleged police violation warrant throwing out the confession? Addison did not stop talking, nor was there any suggestion that Addison was coerced into a confession. In fact, Addison indicated he wanted to talk with the interviewing officers even after mentioning a lawyer. In light of these facts, did the police act inappropriately?

Obama: Americans Should Be Embarrassed

Presidential Candidate Barrack Obama appeared before another enthusiastic crowd in Powder Springs, Georgia, where he could be heard complaining about English-only policies. Obama told the audience that Americans should be “embarrassed” that most of us don’t speak a second language, in particular Spanish.

Sounding more like a contestant on “The Last Comic Standing,” he even mocked some American’s inability to speak French by stating “all we’s can say is “Merci beaucoup (in a flat, sarcastic tone):”

Obama" " Your kids should be learning Spanish."

This speech received NO major media attention, but when Phil Gramm stated that America has become a nation of whiners, it is the lead story with every major, Left leaning media outlet. But what does it matter, because like Obama has done so many times before, he needed to come out later to “clarify,” his comments:

Obama: What I meant....

First off Mr. Obama, what language is “we’s?” Secondly, American’s have nothing to be embarrassed about. What was embarrassing was watching the crowd you were talking down to in Powder Springs laugh and clap as you insulted them. This whole speech reeked of elitism, and you came off as very arrogant.

The truth is that when business people from around the world gather for a meeting, lets say in France, they are speaking English; I know, because I am in those meetings. The reality is that English is the business language of the WORLD. And until America freely surrenders it leadership in the world, English will continue to be the universal language for prosperity. The exception to that rule, large cities in the United States, such as Miami:

In Miami, Spanish is the primary language

A major city in the United States is now divided because of language, and to quote President Lincoln, “a house divided against itself cannot stand.” Language is a dividing factor of a culture; if we cannot communicate, we cannot be united. Want ads after want ads in Miami insist that the applicant must speak Spanish. If immigrants are learning our language Mr. Obama, please explain to us what is happening in Miami, as well as other major cities in America.

It is important to remember that not all Europeans speak a second language, in particular English, I know because I lived in Europe for five-years. There are many immigrants, mostly Hispanic, that are not assimilating into the American culture. Don’t believe me? Then why do I see Spanish signs everywhere I go, and I live in New Hampshire, where there is less than a 1% minority population. Or why do States such as California and Massachusetts have to spend millions to print most of their State forms in Spanish? And tell me why the number one radio station in LA is a Spanish speaking station.

English only laws help take immigrants out of the shadows, breaking down the barrier that is stopping many of them from succeeding in the United States, the inability to speak English. The answer has never been, nor should it ever be, for “Americans” to learn another language, but for immigrants to embrace their new home, and unite through one common language, English. Many immigrants (especially illegal) are not interjecting themselves into the American culture because we have failed to stay true to the promise of the American dream. The lack of wiliness not to learn the English language is supported by a subculture within the borders of our own country that encourages them to remain separate, a “house divided.”

Ultimately Mr. Obama, the question of how important it is that American’s speak a second language is an easy one to answer. On June 6, 1944, thousands of Americans soldiers landed on the shores of Normandy to fight for the emancipation of an entire continent. Over six thousand of those soldiers lost their lives on D-Day, and thousands more died fighting in Belgium, France, and Germany. At no time did anyone feel “embarrassed” that they spoke only English. Nor did those being set free care that their liberators spoke only English. There is one thing I can guarantee you Mr. Obama. The French people who were liberated by American soldiers in 1944 said “Merci beaucoup” with far more compassion and far less contempt than you did on July 8, and for that you should feel embarrassed.

“The Cheeseman” to the Judge: Super-size me please!

Luca Brasi must be rolling over in his grave. Carmen “The Cheeseman” DiNunzio, the “alleged” mob boss of the New England Mafia, had butt one request when he appeared before the judge....he needs a king-size commode:

Big Cheese Needs a Little Wiggle Room

Poor Carmen, what is he to do? To paraphrase The Godfather - "You can act like a man! [slap across the head] What's the matter with you?"

NARAL Fundraiser: Let Us Instead Celebrate Life

Abortion has been described in many ways, but a “celebration of choice” is by far the most disgusting. For the past 23 years Pro-Choice NH has held the Choice Chocolate Buffet and Auction to raise funds for the continually murder of innocent children. This year’s holocaust gala will be held the same week as Mother’s Day, which further adds insult to injury.

Make no mistake about it. For those merchants that provide donations you are supporting a cause that is responsible for the slaughter of over 40 million distinct human beings since Roe v. Wade. And for those who will dress up in your finest clothes to partake in “delicious hors d'oeuvres, chocolate delights, and alluring auction items”, know that you are supporting the “right” of a woman to “choose” murder, while ignoring the rights of an innocent child to pursue life.

The Choice Chocolate Fundraiser is obscene and supports the intentional destruction of human life. In a country that stands for the principals of “life, liberty, and justice” for each individual, abortion is the enemy to all that seek to ensure the civil rights of the innocent. An entire class of citizens are being deprived that which was guaranteed all Americans under the Declaration of Independence.

Pro-Choice New Hampshire would have you believe that this is a matter of “Reproductive Freedom,” and that women should have control over their own bodies. But what about the 1 million females aborted every year? Shouldn’t they have the same right to “control their bodies?” Simply put, to be “pro-choice,” is to be “pro-murder.” As a civilized society we restrict individual freedoms everyday when they harm innocent people. Yet every year we allow the rights of millions who cannot speak for themselves to be violated in the most heinous way.

Instead of celebrating abortion, I would encourage each of us to celebrate Birth Mother’s Day on May 10 (11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at the Seymour Community Center at Dover Housing Authority, 603-988-2233), which is an event for those mothers who have placed their babies up for adoption. I would ask you, which cause is more worthy of celebration and tidings?

Jennifer Horn: New Hampshire's Next Congresswoman

Jennifer Horn, a well-respected talk show host in New Hampshire, and mother of 5, is running for the US House of Representatives. Ms. Horn is hoping to unseat first term Congressional Representative Paul Hodes.

Ms. Horn is running because she is concerned about the lack of direction demonstrated by the 110th Congress. Jennifer Horn wants to secure a tax code that is fair, but in no way detrimental to working families. Jennifer Horn believes that it is important to ensure fiscal accountability at the federal level. Jennifer Horn will strive to guarantee America’s safety through sound foreign and military policies.

What you will not hear about Jennifer Horn are any endorsements from organizations such as NOW, Feminist Majority Organization, Center for the Advancement of Women, or any other of the countless feminist organizations. Why? Because Ms. Horn happens to be a Republican.

We often hear about the need for equality, and the call for more women to serve, to which Ms. Horn is uniquely qualified; but many of these organizations will ignore Jennifer Horn because she is an independent thinker. Progressives are quick to point out the need for equality, but only if it follows their agenda.

Jennifer Horn is a model citizen, an award winning radio host and author, who has spent a lifetime devoted to her community and her family. In every regard, Ms. Horn represents the achievements that we all should strive for, women and men alike, regardless of party affiliation. Ms. Horn embodies the best New Hampshire has to offer; someone all of us would be proud to send to Washington to serve our State.

Take the time to visit Jennifer Horn for Congress at her website (http://www.jenniferhorn.org/), or attend one of her appearances.