Oct

29

Did Dan Gilbert Admit to a Loophole in Issue 3

Posted on October 29, 2009 at 10:11 pm by Madrigal Maniac Under State | Print This Post | Email This Post | 1 Comment 


I posted previously about how Issue 3 may hurt charitable organizations by making their fund raising illegal. Those who support Issue 3, the constitutional amendment that would place casino’s in Ohio’s 4 largest cities have been adamant that this was not true. But Dan Gilbert, one of the two entities that would own the casino’s and one of the author’s of Issue 3 said something subtle, but disturbing yesterday.

An article in The Columbus Dispatch today was rehashing the Issue 3 arguments.

This from the policy directors of the Ohio Council of Churches.

…Issue 3 probably wouldn’t automatically shut down the church fundraisers, but it would give the casino developers or other opponents a good legal argument to put them out of business.

“The majority of people I’ve talked to say it would depend on whether the casinos want to pursue it,” Smith said. “The way the language is written, they probably could win a court case.”

Dan Gilbert said this.

Dan Gilbert, who would own two of the four casinos, said casino proponents would not go to court.

I find it interesting that Gilbert said proponents would not go to court. But did not deny that they had the right under the proposed constitutional amendment to go to court. Which leads me to believe that the Ohio Council on Churches is right. The casinos could litigate and bar charitable organizations from engaging in fund raising activities that include gambling.

Several problems.

First, while Gilbert is a relatively young man, at some point someone else will own the casinos.

Second, even if Gilbert is true to his word, his partner is Penn National, a multi-national company whose leadership will change over time. How can he guarantee what their policies will be in the future.

Third, this amendment is written into the constitution and cannot be changed without another constitutional amendment. As reported by The Columbus Dispatch, Ohio Supreme Court Justice Maureen O’Connor said at an event,

…understand that once something is added to the constitution, it will take “an arm and a leg” to overturn it…

TruthPAC, members of the gaming industry themselves, have made a feeble attempt to defeat Issue 3.

As more is revealed, it becomes clear that Issue 3 is an attempt to use the fear of a bad economy to scare Ohioans into voting for a gambling proposal after rejecting the four previous attempts. I have a new slogan for Issue 3 opponents.

Let’s Make it Five.

P.S. Hat tip to Lisa at Glass City Jungle for pointing me to the the O’Connor quote.

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Oct

29

Mayor Coleman Opposes Issue 3

Posted on October 29, 2009 at 2:16 am by Madrigal Maniac Under Local, State | Print This Post | Email This Post | 3 Comments 


Today Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman came out against Issue 3. The constitutional amendment that would place casino’s in Toledo, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland. It does not appear that Coleman is against gambling, he just thinks it needs to be implemented correctly.

“I think casino gambling, if it’s going to occur in the state of Ohio, needs to be done the right way,” he told The Dispatch this afternoon. “It needs to be highly taxed, regulated and it needs to be bid competitively.”

The Columbus Dispatch

Of the cities slated for casino’s, Coleman is the last mayor to weigh in and the only one to oppose the issue. I also believe he is the only one to get it right.

The proposal was written by and for the benefit of only two entities. Dan Gilbert, casino operator and owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Penn National Gaming, an out of state gaming company. The fees for the casino license are lower than other states, the jobs created are largely temporary, and surrounding business owners may be adversely impacted. Not to mention we will have a lot of goodfella’s in the Arena District which currently is family friendly.

Issue 3 supporters tout the jobs that will be created. If that’s true, why does Las Vegas have one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation.

Please don’t let the hype of untold wealth for the state blind you to the obvious. This is the fifth time the goodfella’s have asked Ohioans to approve a gambling measure. With all of their persistence, do you really believe it’s for your benefit, or theirs.

P.S. Is it just me, or does it make you nervous that an owner of a sports franchise which is bet on heavily, is involved in a gambling operation?

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Oct

29

Daubenmire Testifies at Freshwater Hearing

Posted on October 29, 2009 at 12:18 am by Madrigal Maniac Under Local | Print This Post | Email This Post | 1 Comment 


Former London Ohio football coach and Christian evangelist Dave Daubenmire testified today at the hearing of John Freshwater. The Mt. Vernon school teacher who was fired for promoting Christianity and burning crosses into students arms. He was also accused of keeping a Bible on his desk, having Christian posters in his classroom, and calling Islam a false religion. Before he was fired he was warned and given a chance to remove these materials and to cease promoting his personal religious beliefs, but he did not. Freshwater was not fired until the parents of a Mt Vernon student complained after their son came home with a cross burned into his arm. Ohio law allows Freshwater to have a hearing before the dismissal is final.

A lawsuit filed against the district by the parents has been settled. Freshwater also has a lawsuit against the district.

For background on Daubenmire and the Freshwater case, type “freshwater” into the search box to the right.

It appears that Daubenmire was more interested in talking about how great he is than talking about how Freshwater violated the separation between church and state. Of course, he has some experience in this area since he quit his job at London after the ACLU filed a lawsuit due his promotion of Christianity to his players.

Daubenmire said it was he who convinced Freshwater to fight the charges.

“If I had not pressed the issue, they would have fired John Freshwater and nobody would have known about it,” said David Daubenmire, a former high school football coach.

The Columbus Dispatch

“It was my press conference,” he said. “I’m the one who called to let the media know what they were getting ready to do with my, John Freshwater. That’s what I do. I call press conferences, to raise awareness to things going on.”

KnoxPages.com

So I guess Daubenmire is Super Dave. Except that it has cost the Mt. Vernon school district tons of money to fight Freshwater’s lawsuit, the lawsuit filed by the parents, and to prepare for his dismissal hearing. Money that could have been spent on the students.

During cross examination by David Millstone, the districts attorney, Daubenmire admitted this.

Daubenmire agreed that defying the wishes of an employer, particularly surrounding religious issues, is insubordinate, but said he answers to a high power.

KnoxPages.com

Super Dave admits Freshwater was insubordinate. End of story, that’s it, bye bye, you’re fired.

Daubenmire ended with this gem.

“Our culture is Christian. The foundation of our laws is Christian,” he said. “We’ve become so afraid of religion in America that we won’t even acknowledge what’s happened. But it’s history.”

First, it’s the Christian evangelical myth that our country was founded solely on Christian principles. It was not. Certainly many of the founding fathers were Christian, but many had fallen away from the faith and were not what evangelicals today would consider practicing Christians. Franklin was a Deist. Jefferson was all over the place. He was considered by many a Deist, a Christian, a Unitarian, and by some an Atheist. Jefferson once wrote, “I am of a sect by myself, as far as I know.”

Second, I don’t even know what Daubenmire means regarding our fear of religion. Whose afraid of religion? I’m not afraid of religion. I respect those who believe but do not force their beliefs on me. America is afraid? We have a church, a mosque, or a synagogue on almost every corner. In Columbus, it’s hard to throw a rock without hitting one.

The only thing I’m afraid of is right wing evangelical Christians who want to create a monotheist state. The only thing Dave Daubenmire is afraid of is someone turning off the spotlight.

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Oct

27

The Most Ignorant Reader Comment I Have Ever Seen

Posted on October 27, 2009 at 10:41 pm by Madrigal Maniac Under Local | Print This Post | Email This Post | 5 Comments 


The Columbus Dispatch has a story regarding a 17 year old Muslim girl who converted to Christianity and fled to Florida because she thought her father would kill her. In response, some person named “bird dog” wrote the following.

How many more 9-11 type attacks is it going to take to make our country wake up to the fact that Islam and its adherents are ENEMIES of our way of life. Riqfa’s fears are justified. Me? I would deport ALL followers of Islam AS UNDESIREABLE POTENTIAL TERRORISTS, along with “ALL” illegal aliens of every nationality, left wing political socialists nuts, and a host of others with no Early American heritage. Especially included are those who come here determined to undermine our customs and way of life who virtually refuse to learn and speak english. God warned the Israelites of Moses day not to inter-marry and assimilate with others and look what happened - there was a great dispersal resulting in the loss of their land and political identity. Just look around our country and you will see clear signs that the fabric of our way of life is being rent from every corner. Whether you believe it or not there is a plan by the muslims to take over this country and that is being aided and abetted by many in Washington DC, various liberal groups AND especially the supposedly “non-muslim top dog”, who I firmly believe is a FAKE American and an imposter at the highest level…. As an American whos family (both sides) has been here since 1650-1700, I am mightily OFFENDED by those who dare to dilute and demean the principles of our nation’s constitution and the freedoms that my forefathers and I fought for over these 300 or so years. FOLKS, WHEN ARE WE CONSERVATIVES GOING TO GET OUR ACT TOGETHER AND ‘DEMAND’ OUR RIGHTS BY INSISTING THAT THE LAW BE FOOLWED TO THE ‘NTH DEGREE. Immigration and Naturalization is a farce. People’s native culture NEVER changes.

As far as “WE CONSERVATIVES,” my guess is “we” is too strong of a word. I believe the vast majority of Conservatives would be offended by this comment. Hell, I’m sure the overwhelming majority of Americans would be offended.

When I first read this I must admit I sat in stunned silence. I couldn’t believe someone would write something like this. At first I started to counter bird dog’s arguments like I would in any good debate. But then I thought, how do you engage in civilized debate with a lunatic? I just hope bird dog gets back on his medication.

P.S. I think the comment has now been deleted.

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Oct

26

Columbus Public Health Announces H1N1 Clinic for Children

Posted on October 26, 2009 at 6:51 pm by Madrigal Maniac Under Local | Print This Post | Email This Post | Leave a Comment 


Here is a copy of the press release:

COLUMBUS PUBLIC HEALTH
Monday, October 26, 2009

MEDIA ADVISORY

WHAT: First Children H1N1 Vaccination Clinic Scheduled

WHO: Columbus Public Health

WHEN AND WHERE: Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Ohio Historical Society, 1982 Velma Avenue, Columbus
The Ohio Historical Center is located just off of I-71 on 17th Avenue (exit 111) about 4 miles north of downtown.
2 – 5 p.m.

DETAILS: Clinic will be open ONLY to children 6 months thru 4 years of age; pregnant women; adult caregivers of children under 6 months of age; and medical care staff who provide direct patient care to potential patients with H1N1. The vaccinations will be provided free of charge. Flu Mist will be provided to all persons age 2 - 49 with no medical contraindication. Supplies will be limited.

MORE INFO: These risk groups have been identified by the CDC because they are more vulnerable to H1N1 and are at an increased risk of severe complications. Additional clinics will be offered for the other high risk groups as soon as local public health receives additional vaccine.

Public health continues to track flu illnesses in order to take necessary steps to prevent and control the spread of H1N1 and seasonal influenza. Visit us at Columbus Flu Info on Facebook and Twitter or visit our web site at columbuspandemicflu.org for frequently updated H1N1 information and resources. Residents can also call 2-1-1 for information.

Map powered by MapPress



P.S. The links were added by me as was the map. They were not in the original press release.

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Oct

26

Franklin County Democratic Party Stupidly Supports Issue 3

Posted on October 26, 2009 at 6:09 pm by Madrigal Maniac Under Local, State | Print This Post | Email This Post | Leave a Comment 


I received an email from The Franklin County Democratic Party (FCDP) promoting a rally for Issue 3. I was not aware they were supporting this cause and I am not happy. This image was in the email.



To add insult to injury, they have me in their database as Brittany.

Here’s the email I sent them.

“I am shocked that the Franklin County Democratic Party is supporting Issue 3. Most of the jobs created are temporary, it will hurt local business’s, and it changes Ohio’s constitution. Issue 3 is horrible for Ohio. I will think long and hard before donating any money to the county party. Also, my name is Jeff, not Brittany.”

I am sure part of the reason the FCDP is supporting Issue 3 is because of the union aspect. While unions are a big part of the Democratic base, you don’t have to agree with them on every issue.

If you are a Democrat in Franklin County and feel as I do, here is a link where you can get their phone number or send an email.

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Oct

25

Now Here’s a Good Idea

Posted on October 25, 2009 at 8:46 pm by Madrigal Maniac Under National | Print This Post | Email This Post | Leave a Comment 


Quick post. Because I thought this is one of those things that makes sense and I would hope all sides could agree on.

Senator Sherrod Brown has introduced legislation to add hearing aids for seniors to Medicare.

Brown’s office says that 30 percent of people 65 or older and 47 percent 75 or older have a hearing impairment but must buy separate coverage or pay out of pocket for devices that cost $500 to $5,000. Medicare’s bulk-buying power could hold costs to about $1,000 per device on average.

I thougt that would have been Medicare eligible already.

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Oct

25

New Poll Suggests Issue 3 Will Pass

Posted on October 25, 2009 at 12:13 am by Madrigal Maniac Under State | Print This Post | Email This Post | 6 Comments 


A poll conducted by the Institute for Policy Research at the University of Cincinnati shows that casino gambling continues to have solid support. The poll was commissioned by eight Ohio daily newspapers.

Despite an increasingly contentious campaign, the lead for the casino issue on next week’s statewide ballot has dropped only slightly and stands at 18 points, a new poll for Ohio’s major newspapers shows.

My fear is that because Issue 3 supporters have done such a good job of obfuscating the truth, Ohioans are confused.

A majority (53 percent) of casino backers cited the prospect of new jobs as the most important reason for their support of the issue.

Of the 34,000 jobs created, only 7,500 jobs would be actually created by the casino’s. Of the other jobs, 19,000 are temporary and 7,500 are non-casino jobs that will supposedly be created because of the casino’s. However, these jobs may hurt other businesses such as restaurants in the surrounding areas thus resulting in a loss of jobs.

Ohioans have rejected gambling four times. They should be angry that goodfellas are trying to use a bad economy to try and make us change our stance. However, Ohioan Kelly Collins said this.

“I voted ‘no’ the last time it was on the ballot,” said Collins, 27, an insurance company service representative from Cleveland.

“Since the state still seems to be struggling, though, I think we need to try something different. Several people I know travel out of state frequently to gamble in West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Michigan. I’d rather those people spend their money in our state.”

So Collins, who is employed and voted against gambling last time, is going to vote for it this time because we have a bad economy and thinks we need to try something different. Like changing the Ohio Constitution. As if not having gambling is the reason we are in the financial shape we are in.

Even our governor Ted Strickland (I thought I voted for a Democrat) appears confused. He was against gambling in Ohio at one time. But one expert thinks his support for slot machines has bolstered Issue 3 supporters and helped to change the mind of Ohioans.

“The poll shows there’s a possibility to close this, but like everything else, it depends on turnout composition,” said Eric Rademacher, co-director of the University of Cincinnati’s Institute for Policy Research…

Rademacher, also a political-science professor, said he senses an air of inevitability among voters that gambling will wind up in Ohio, and he cites Strickland’s support of electronic slot machines at horse-racing tracks as a key factor. The governor’s turnaround on slots last summer shifted the debate from one of gambling vs. no gambling to a discussion of which type of gambling should be allowed and where the money should go.

My hope is that the numbers are soft. I hope their is a silent majority of Ohioan’s who are not confused. They have followed the debate, understand the issues, and are incredibly pissed that the goodfellas are back, and this time they are trying to change our constitution.

Source:
Latest poll has casino question with comfortable lead

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Oct

22

Issue 3 Backers Crush Opponents in Fundraising

Posted on October 22, 2009 at 7:06 pm by Madrigal Maniac Under State | Print This Post | Email This Post | 2 Comments 


Filings made public today by the Ohio Secretary of State show that Issue 3 backers raised substantially more money than their opponents. The reports cover the period from July 1 to October 14.

What’s amazing to me is the funds come from just four entities.

The Ohio Jobs and Growth Committee which backs Issue 3 raised 31.1 million dollars. This through only two sources. Dan Gilbert, owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Penn National Gambling, a Pennsylvania based gaming company.

TruthPAC, which opposes Issue 3 raised only 5.9 million dollars. Again, from just two sources. Jeffrey Jacobs, a Cleveland developer and casino owner, and Northfield Park, a Cleveland area horse racing track.

This is a fight between four goodfellas.

But why the disparity? I assume they both have deep pockets. Regardless, I hope the cash-strapped goodfellas win.

I find it sad that an incredibly small group of wealthy individuals can put a constitutional amendment on the ballot that was written by them for their benefit. Gilbert and Penn National are using a bad economy and the promise of new jobs to scare the public into codifying gambling into the Ohio constitution. Ohioan’s should be outraged.

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Oct

20

Huh? Rolling Stone Trashes Browns Mangini

Posted on October 20, 2009 at 11:59 pm by Madrigal Maniac Under Sports | Print This Post | Email This Post | 1 Comment 


Cleveland Browns coach Eric Mangini has already faced intense criticism just six games into his tenure. But this is weird. The venerable music magazine Rolling Stone has trashed the coach. The Columbus Dispatch is reporting that an article by Matt Taibbi calls Mangini,

Augustus Gloop, the fictional overeater in Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and calling his short coaching tenure in Cleveland “a sort of Hurricane Andrew of football mismanagement.”

Taibbi states that the team has already quit on Mangini. He may be right.

Still, this seems like a case of piling on. This was a team that needed a total overhaul. He has done that by bringing in 26 new players, getting rid of malcontents Kellen Winslow and Braylon Edwards, and setting high expectations for the behavior of his players.

One of them, linebacker David Bowens, said Mangini is unfairly portrayed as tyrant.

“His office is always open,” Bowens said last week. “It’s not like it’s a total dictatorship around here.”

Before Browns fans jump off the Mangini bandwagon too quickly, remember the last Browns coach treated with such animosity by players and fans alike was a guy named Bill Belichick. What ever happened to him?

While Taibbi may be right. Mangini is a Belichick guy. Are you really going to give him just six games to turn around a terrible franchise he had nothing to do with creating.

P.S. Evidently, Taibbi only writes for the print version. I could not find this article online.

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