Smear Graphics

What do we have here, juvenile politicians or intense campaigners or overzealous supporters? Whatever the reason, at the southeast corner of the intersection at Mariner and Northcliffe the land has been cleared with what could be considered a small mountain of dirt in this flatland state. In time, it’ll be the site of other businesses that’ll make the intersection another bonanza of traffic congestion, making it an accident-prone location. But that’s not what this writing is about.

The item of comment is the larger-than-me political sign that’s red-and-white against a backdrop of blue sky. Leaning against a wire fence to keep in it an upright position, the sign has been confetti-eed with additional streaks of red with definite hints of being done by a poor expressionist of pre-school mentality.

Whether done out of zeal to oust incumbent Democrat Diane Rowden, Hernando County Commissioner District 3, or to seat the opposing candidate, Republican John Druzbick, it makes a point in that there are delinquents of any age.

Whoever the culprit, the fact is that the smaller sign positioned next to that of Diane Rowden had no memorable characteristics of its own - I have no recollection the candidate's name or election office. This might give the advantage to Mrs. Rowden.

The Commissioner’s sign stands out so, out of name recognition, perhaps ROWDEN will be easily remembered when voters enter their checkmark on the General Election ballot.

UPDATE:

Just great! Two days later and the sign has been stolen!

Newspaper Confetti

I remember so well during the final stretch leading up the 2006 General Election the frequent Guest Columns submitted by Mia Rushing and how she was always rushing to place judgment on each and every Democrat. Initially, I was aghast at such vehemence of distrust of her opposition party. Labeled a “grassroots activist”, I made my own judgment that she was every bit as “radical” as any protester in the 70’s.

At one point, I decided to stop reading her words of ragged patriotism, but the temptation to check out her latest rant found me a regular reader, deciding to accept her words as propaganda, at which she did the best of efforts to get her message across: vote straight Republican on the General Election ticket or face years of flimflam government, which was ironic considering the six years of George W.’s bush-hogging the freedoms given with the Constitution. I eventually took humor in her words.

I don’t expect Mia to contribute her words on the Opinion page this election. I would welcome her uncompromising positions (strictly for entertainment purposes, I assure you) but her work at providing support and services to senior citizens is of much more relevance.

Here we are: another election and another writer taking a turn at bat, although this time the swing is from the left. Frances Earl issues a Call to Patriots but there are so few true patriots enlisting in the military that her . Until there are sufficient troops to fulfill the needs of their service, we will continue to be labeled with a ragtag army.

A draft system would get those American fat-assed kids away from their computer games, cable and wireless services. There’s nothing patriotic about sitting on a sofa while real patriotism lies with others who are risking their lives, any more than it is for a cheerleader to root for a football player – at least the quarterback will get immediate and thorough medical treatment; there’s always a back-up player to take his place.

Don’t worry, I’m not voting against McCain… I’m voting for Obama. Just as I was very concerned in 2004 that Bush would be re-elected, I again feel a sense of dismay and fear that another Republican presidency will further endanger the middle class, continue to be at odds with historic alliances and wage conflicts against an ideology of an unseen threat of terror, and put the world at risk of expanding global war initiatives - with or without a sufficient military force.

There, I’ve done my best to make peace with the former vice-chairperson of the Hernando County Democratic Executive Committee. What could anyone ask for but to have a voter on the right side of your own personal view? Although.... as I would have voted in 1968 if I had been but two months older for Eugene McCarthy, I would place my for Ron Paul this election season.

What's All That JAZ?

Jon Albert Zudenbos, Republican candidate for County Commissioner in District 1, plans to oust incumbent Jeff Stabins. The laminated card, a political advertisement paid for and approved by none other than Mr. Zudenbos, informs the reader that his diverse experiences will “help make our beautiful Hernando County more vibrant than ever”.

The gentleman goes by the nickname “JAZ” and, according to the card, JAZ MEANS BUSINESS. The checkpoints are plainly expressed:

* Cut Spending 40% by holding Managers accountable
* Consolidate County Departments through streamlining
* Lower Property Taxes
* Attract Industry/Higher Paying Jobs
* Insure Smart Growth

Whoa! That last point caught my eye real quick. Smart Growth?

The first three checkpoints bordered on plagiarism since every other candidate has claimed the very same goals.

The fourth point, Attract Industry/Higher Paying Jobs, isn’t necessarily an original idea and would certainly be an achievement of monumental import if actually attained, but I need some more input before making final judgment. What, where and when are starters. From there, my interest could wane or gain.

Now, the statement Insure Smart Growth is an interesting prospect. Typically, when you insure something, there is a deductible to be met before the result can be implemented. Even then, there’s no assurance of a payout. The word insurance brings thoughts of mistrust. We homeowners have had too much monkey business from those uncaring insurance carriers.

I would rather JAZ assure us that, if elected, he would Ensure Smart Growth. It would portend to be a safer haven than taking on any type of risky business.

But, how do you guarantee Smart Growth? From whose intelligent design is this idea to be achieved? My expectations rely on words from JAZ that will provide specifics on not only achieving Smart Growth, but also the means to Attract Industry/Higher Paying Jobs. Someone has to do it. I would gladly be supportive of someone who can provide the ways and means of giving life to smart growth.

Lest I forget, the last point is:

* Listen to Citizens! They’re Customers!

That’s a good one! Customer Service should be #1 on any list.