Senator Barnes going after sex offenders
Jan30
Senator Clark Barnes (R-Randolph) has put sex offenders on notice with sweeping legislation that overhaul the penalties and deterrents for sex offenders and predators. For many years sex offenders have been slapped on the wrist for their heinous, soul-scarring crimes. It is past time for this to stop and Senator Barnes has the legislation to do it.
Location, location, location
Jan25
The capitol is fun because so many interesting characters appear in so many unexpected places.
The capitol played host to George Johnson today. For those of you who do not know – I am not sure anyone does but his mother – Johnson was one of the candidates running against Byrd. He is best known for starting his campaign off wrong by suing radio show personality Hoppy Kercheval because Hoppy would not let him on the show.
The funny thing is he was there to give a speech at an eminent domain rally. Johnson does not believe the Government can wrest away someone’s land, yet he does not mind the government stepping in and wresting away a man’s talk show. Someone sit me down and explain that.
Mourning the death of millions
Jan22
Today all of America should be mourning the murder of millions of children across the United States.
Exactly 33 years ago, the Supreme Court decided in Roe v. Wade that a woman could kill her child as long as the child was in the womb. Ever since that day, innocent children have fallen victim to the pro-choice movement that ironically gives them no choice in their fate.
Miners in Alma No. 1 Mine found dead
Jan21
The two miners in the Alma No. 1 Mine were found too late. In the ensuing press conference, Governor Manchin promised three reforms.
All Helmick wanted was “yes”
Jan19
Senator Walt Helmick wants someone to agree with him that the banking climate in West Virginia is positive. At least he wanted Commissioner Larry Stark of the Division of Banking to agree, but in Tuesday’s Banking and Insurance committee meeting, Stark would not do it.
Sago memorial hate rally
Jan17
Jason Jordan, a student at Wesleyan College, took pictures of the hate-group from Kansas demonstrating at the Sago miner’s memorial service. As Jason wrote, “These people are sadistic and people need to be aware of their inhumane efforts.”
The pictures are infuriating.
The time is now
Jan17
For some inexplicable reason, Governor Manchin wants to deal with tax reform in a special session. Considering there are 60 days in the regular session, Senator Harrison (R-Kanawha) asks why not now?
Random thoughts for the week
Jan13
Those of you thinking the session will be a peaceful one had better think again. If the first debate of the session is any indicator, the Democrats are back to the same old rancor as before.
On Thursday, Senate Majority Leader Truman Chafin (D-Mingo) rose to praise the “Democratic Governor,” “Democratic Legislature” and his “Democratic colleagues” for what they did last year — all of which he emphasized were Democrats. He must have said “Democrat” ten times in five sentences.
Senator Barnes (R-Randolph) then stood up and pointed out the fact that last year the legislature enacted laws agreeing with nine points in the West Virginia Republican Party platform. The witty Senator then said he looked forward to working with both sides to enact the remaining goals.
Touché.
Talk is cheap
Jan12
The Governor’s day came and went with as much fanfare as the Legislature could muster, given the tragedy of the Sago mines.
Never one to do things halfway, the Governor outlined a bold agenda for the 2006 Legislative Session. He promised to do many things: crackdown on drugs, maintain fiscal responsibility, increase penalties for sex offenders and child molesters, and implement universal healthcare.
What do I think?
A citizen’s guide to the legislature
Jan11
The circus known as the Regular Legislative Session is quite unique. Lasting only 60 days, the session ends almost as soon as it begins. It is like stepping into another world: the people look like you, but the customs and manners are as unique as any foreign country. This guide has a few practical tips that will hopefully ease your frustration and includes a floorplan of the capitol.
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