By: Justin Hartfield

Unlike the traditional think tank, whose ideas are introduced into the mainstream only after decades of academic discussion, it is this organization’s duty to promote the greater awareness of American politics through mass appeal. We believe it is also the American politician’s duty to be in touch with his constituency and communicate more effectively to them than as most do currently. Frankly, America is missing the great orators and politicians of yesteryear, who were able to spark intelligent debate amongst the populace. It is in this spirit that the PI provides several tips which politicians and citizens alike can use to increase their own personal magnetism.

1. They find everything fascinating

Interesting people find everything interesting: their fellow humans, a leaf, the sound of the ocean, even a pebble on the ground. JFK was noted for his ability to consume several thick tomes in one single sitting. They pay incredible attention to detail; it has been said that Bill Clinton has the ability to recall the names of people he shook hands with years prior. Life is in the details, and good politicians should be able to recall the names of every foreign dignitary and the voting record of all their major rivals.

The only way to verbalize particularly fascinating or insightful ideas is to actually be fascinated by the ideas which are being conveyed. There is no way to fake this. If a candidate has shallow knowledge of a particular platform issue, their rhetoric will reflect their lack of passion.

2. They relate well to their audience

The archetype for the late 20th century politician would have to be President Clinton. Not only was he artful with his diction, he was able to adapt instantly to any social setting. His appearance on MTV, marked by the famous “I didn’t inhale” (talk about artful), was a lesson on suavity and assimilation. His other famous TV stunt, a Jazz saxophone performance on The Arsenio Hall Show, was like watching Woods 30′ chip-in at Augusta: a remarkable performance by a professional in the prime of his career doing exactly what he does best. By showing America that he was actually in touch and even somewhat cool (especially in comparison to the incumbent George Bush), he was better able to relate to the general public and thus gain their trust. The elder President Bush was only able to watch his opponent on television, wholly aware of his own inability to relate to the common citizen.

3. They always leave you with a sense of wanting more

Comedians save their best joke for the end of their set. Magicians save their best trick until the finale. Lawyers save their best rhetorical defenses for the closing arguments. They are all trying to leave the audience with a sense of wanting more. By verbally slapping the audience with a brilliant piece of logic in the closing sentences of a closing argument, a shrewd lawyer can negate holes in the mind of the jurors and swing the panel in their favor.

A good ending can be almost a panacea. It allows listeners to dissolve any logical fallacies they’ve discovered prior to the conclusion and turns their attention solely on the piece of information in climax. So the charismatic politician takes this idea one step further and sandwiches their audience with a great opening, then boring political rhetoric, then a great close. One of the better speeches in the history of this young nation was extremely short as Presidential speeches go, but featured a great opening and a great close and almost certainly left the audience wanting more. A gifted politician is always giving his audience the gift of missing him.

4. They often have hyper-masculine or other sexual auras

A politician is a salesman who is selling himself as the product. The strong and distinctive voice, from Roosevelt to JFK to Clinton, is a testament to the power of a strong masculine aura. America adores its combat heros; it’s the reason why former Generals get elected President. It’s the reason why an actor with practically no prior government related experience can beat an incumbent on a recall for the highest position in the California state legislature. The gamblin’, rough-and-ready cowboy is in every young American boy’s imagination and every young female’s heart.

Ann Coulter is engaging because of her contrasting hyper-masculine demeanor combined with her attractive feminine appearance. It is human nature to assume that an extraordinarily masculine person would also be a good leader. Here comes the Governator to kick the “wussies'” asses, take their women (funny how those accounts of Arnold’s infidelity and harassment only increased his popularity), and fire .50 caliber ammo through all of his predecessors “girly” contracts. What about the first televised Presidential debate featuring a sickly, sweaty, stooped over Nixon and a dynamic, effervescent Kennedy? Sex sells, especially in politics, because it is an area which is mostly devoid of attractive personalities.

5. They always make you think they have your best interests at heart

An adept statesman can make a voter believe that he is actually more important than just one individual. Politicians in their speeches use the royal “we” instead of “I” to create a sense of togetherness. It’s “us” versus the system, “we” are “united” against this Bush administration, a “coalition” to boycott Knott’s Berry Farm. He also makes you believe that he is “working for the little guys,” and he can still hear their voices despite the “underhanded smear tactics” of his opposition trying to reframe the “real issues.”

Justin graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Information and Computer Science from the University of California at Irvine in 2004. Justin serves as the Deputy Editor of the Prometheus Insitute and has been on the staff since the Institute’s inception. Justin is an expert in internet research and development, and plans to graduate with an M.B.A. from the Paul Merage School of Business at the University of California Irvine in 2009. His interests include swimming, meditating, and low stakes games of Hi/Lo Crazy Pineapple at the Bicycle Casino.

Email: jhartfield@prometheusinstitute.net

IS IT TRUE that the City County Observer achieved 100,000 pageviews in its first three months of having a third party counting service just as planned?…that bigger and better things are coming and that 1,000,000 pageviews are quite likely to be seen in 2011?…that promoting good public policy by exposing bad public policy has its benefits?

IS IT TRUE that American General Finance is changing its name to Springleaf Financial Services?…that American General as it has been known locally for years is now a subsidiary of Fortress Investments which purchased AGI in November from the famous AIG (American International Group) that became a household name during the bailout days of 2009?…that several Moles have told us that the Evansville based mortgage department of American General is being strongly considered for consolidation into a Fortress Investments facility in Texas?…that this consolidation could mean that 100 Evansville workers jobs are jeopardized?…that we sincerely hope that this solid piece of information turns out to be incorrect or can be stopped in its tracks?…that the State of Texas has no income tax?…that now is a time of opportunity for local leaders to step in and see what can be done to change such consolidation plans?

IS IT TRUE that the #6 nationally ranked University of Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles basketball team took on the 18th ranked Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers last night at the PAC Center on the USI Campus?…that the house was packed and that as always these two powerful programs took it to each other for 20 minutes before the Eagles exploded in the second half for an overwhelming victory?…that ranked vs. ranked does not often happen in Evansville?…that NCAA Division II national championship contenders of the past drew crowds of over 12,000 people to the games at ROBERTS STADIUM?…that the Eagles could consider scheduling the Panthers in the Evansville Arena next year and promote the daylights out of the game where both team wear vintage jerseys?…that a pre-season game between the University of Evansville Purple Aces and the USI Screaming Eagles is the only appropriate way to open the new Evansville Arena to sports?…that every ticket will be sold if this match-up is arranged?… that vintage jerseys and vintage prices of $5 per ticket will fill every seat?

IS IT TRUE that the Honorable Superior Court Judge, Wayne Trockman is handing the responsibility of the Vanderburgh County Drug Court to the Honorable Judge, David Kiely? ….that the citizens of this community owe a debt of gratitude to Judge Trockman for doing an outstanding with the Drug Court? ….that 10 years and 300 graduates later Judge Trockman is ready to take a long and well deserved break from this extremely important work? ….because of Judge Trockman’s work in this endeavor, many people’s lives have been salvaged. ….we know that Judge David Kiely will do an excellent with this program?

IS IT TRUE we agree with the Editorial written by Courier and Press editor, Mizell Stewart lll entitled “ACCESS LAWS NEEDS MORE TEETH”? …..we also hope that the State lawmakers amend the “OPEN Door LAWS” to force non profit agencies and organizations receiving money from State, County or City governmental entities to adhere to Public Access Laws? ….we highly recommend that Mayor Weinzapfel’s Press Secretary pull up the “Public Access Laws” presently on the books, read them and start to comply with them? ….we recommend you read Mizell’s right on article printed on page 12 A of Sundays, January 16, 2011 issue?

IS IT TRUE that the Republican Candidate for Mayor of the City of Evansville will make a soft announcement of his intentions known to media on either Tuesday or Wednesday of this week? ….that he shall make his official/formal announcement this weekend at his old high school?

IS IT TRUE that the City County Observer is strongly opposed to the proposed elimination of the Evansville Psychiatric Children Center? ….that this facility is extremely important to this community? ….we want to congratulate the outstanding Doctors and support staff at this medical facility for doing an excellent job? ….we have complete faith that our local lawmakers will stop this facility from closing?

IS IT TRUE its time for the State of Indiana law makers to take serious look at the overall laws presently on the books that regulate Township Trustee offices? ….it’s time to look at consolidating and even eliminating some Township Trustee offices in rural areas? …..the State should require any Township Trustee office that has a substantial surplus of taxpayer money at the end of the fiscal year to refund it back the State Treasure? ….if all Township Trustee office were run like Mary Hart’s (Pigeon Township) office here in Vanderburgh County the state lawmakers wouldn’t be looking at making adjustments to the Trustees offices?

And Just So You Don’t Forget

IS IT TRUE that it has now been 1,346 days since the announcement was made on May 14, 2007 that the McCurdy Hotel was to be refurbished into luxury apartments?…that it has now been 1,200 days since the Evansville Redevelopment Commission at the request of Mayor Weinzapfel approved the spending of $603,000 to purchase the parking lot.

IS IT TRUE that there are now 664 days remaining in the two years that the EPA had given the City of Evansville to present an acceptable solution to the Combined Sewer Overflow problem?…..that this plan is an expensive and complex endeavor that needs immediate attention to avoid the embarrassment and expense of another round of fines?

By: Richard Kraneis

It’s Sad, we know what Dropout Means.

When you use the phrase dropout, most everyone knows you’re referring to a high school dropout.

But What’s a Dropout Factory?

The phrase dropout factory is new. It was coined approximately in 2006 by a John Hopkins researcher named Robert Balfanz. The Associated Press paid John Hopkins University to research grades 9-12 dropout data compiled by the U.S. Department of Education.

If a high school senior class had 60 students or less when they began with 100 students as freshmen, the school is considered a dropout factory. The school has a dropout rate of 40% or more in the first 3 years of attendance. This rate doesn’t even include the dropout rate of the senior class.

Who Cares if Another City or Another State is a Dropout Factory?

We all should care.

If you’re the dropout, you care. You won’t make as much as your friends who graduated from high school. Your children won’t do as well. You’re more apt to be sick, pay less in taxes, and more likely to end up in jail.

You might be a taxpayer 50 miles away from a high school dropout city and think you’re not affected. But your tax dollars subsidize dropouts. Dropouts pay less taxes and require more federal and state tax dollars than their high school graduate counterparts. So even if you’re a successful college graduate living next to a high school that graduates 90 % or more of its students, you’re still subsidizing high school dropouts.

How Much Does Each Dropout Cost Society?

Over a quarter million dollars over their lifetime.

In October 2009, Northeastern University estimated that helping one dropout re-enroll and earn a diploma would save society $292,000 over the lifetime of that dropout (who graduated). Why so much? Lower social costs for jail, health care, and welfare. Higher revenues from income taxes and real estate taxes. Read the Northeastern University study called the American Gulag.

What Can You Do?

Learn more about dropout factories and where they are located. The human and societal cost of dropout factories in the United States is high. Re-enrolling students from dropout factories and helping them pass their GED is good public policy.

About The Author

Richard Kraneis is a computer training consultant, e-book author, and an aspiring online marketer. Online marketing on the Internet reminds him of his favorite hobby, fishing. His website is http://www.TechSpectrum.com

By: Brian Borgia

Come the morning of February 14th, many of us will wake up in a panic. After powering down a morning cup of coffee, we will get dressed, hop in the car, and drive to the nearest department store. Roaming the aisles, a gift for our special someone will be purchased for Valentines Day. But is it the right gift? Is it a romantic Valentines Day gift or just something that comes in a box with a pretty bow?

For many of us, the thought of Valentine’s Day sends shivers up the spine. There is a lot of pressure to find a gift that your significant other is going to like. You imagine in advance when they open it. “Oh, that’s great, sweetie. I really needed a new set of pans.” Okay, something practical is not very romantic for Valentines Day. “Wow, you got me a new shirt. This will look great at work on Monday.” Another practical gift – that they could have bought for themselves.

For the right romantic Valentine’s Day gift, you simply need to do one thing: listen. What does your special someone like? If they like to read, perhaps you get them a first printing of their favorite book. If they like a particular movie actor, maybe you get them a collection of that actor’s films or take them out for a special movie night. Do they enjoy good food? How about taking them out to their favorite restaurant or better yet, making them a candlelight dinner at home?

Although some people malign Valentine’s Day as “just another greeting card holiday,” it is a time when people expect to hear how you feel about them. A truly romantic Valentines Day gift will do just that. Even if it is something that is more practical in nature, you need to express your feelings in some way. You don’t have to spend a fortune – just tell them how you feel – with a card or something more unusual like writing it in the sand, sending flowers with a note, or something like a message in a bottle.

When you express your feelings, really try to put down the right words. If you need to, research sample love messages and poems on the internet to help stir your creativity and emotions. Receiving a card on Valentines Day that says, “Love Ya!” or “Thinking of you on this special day” just doesn’t do enough. You need to dig deep and let them know how important they are to you.

Brian Borgia is owner of Romantic Room Designs and Creative Romantic Gifts – two companies specializing in romantic gift ideas including personalized gifts and hotel room decorations. Brian has 18 years of hospitality experience and is the author of Northern California’s Guide for Fun, Excitement and Romance. He and his wife and two kids in Monterey, California.

by: Ted Huppert, D.D.S.

I’ll bet that a lot of parents have an envelope or a sandwich bag or an old jewelry box in a drawer somewhere with a few baby teeth in it. They are reminders of the happy years between when a baby needs constant care and the day that an adolescent concludes that he or she is smarter than mom and dad. But, other than as souvenirs, what good are they?

The baby teeth are properly called primary teeth or deciduous teeth, because they are shed as the permanent teeth erupt. There are twenty deciduous teeth altogether, and most kids will have all of them at around age three, although there is a wide range of normal. Parents should begin brushing a child’s teeth as soon as they erupt. Be sure to use non-fluoride toothpaste. Young children can’t spit out too well, and they shouldn’t swallow fluoride toothpaste. Baby tooth enamel is thin and the smallest cavity can penetrate through it quickly. For that reason, pedodontists, who specialize in children’s dentistry, advocate check-ups starting as young as one year.

If baby teeth are going to be lost anyway, why is it so important to keep them? They do a lot besides chew. They determine the child’s profile by establishing the height of the lower face, they provide space into which the permanent teeth erupt, and they can affect the child’s speech, depending on their positions. The lower facial height is really important, other than just for looks. Teeth erupt until they hit something. If baby teeth are lost prematurely, particularly back baby teeth, the mouth closes too far, and as the six-year permanent molars come in behind the farthest-back baby tooth, they contact each other too soon and stay short. This results in a deep overbite that can affect the child’s chewing function, looks, and health of the jaw joint for the rest of his or her life.

Some parents are worried because there is so much space between their child’s baby teeth. That’s a good thing. The permanent teeth are a lot wider than the baby teeth, so extra baby tooth space means less likelihood of crowded permanent teeth. And some parents worry because “my child’s permanent teeth are coming in so much darker than her baby teeth.” Permanent teeth are naturally darker than baby teeth, but once all the baby teeth are gone, there will be no contrast between the baby teeth and permanent teeth and the permanent teeth will appear lighter.

Permanent teeth are meant to last a lifetime. Baby teeth are meant to last until they are no longer needed.

They require the same diligent home care and regular dental check-ups as do the permanent teeth. They should not be neglected just because someday they’ll be in a drawer.

By: Alejandro Guevara Onofre

Megalomaniacal Despots

At the beginning of 1986, Haiti’s dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier, also known as “Baby Doc”, and First Lady Michele Bennet were overthrown by Henri Namphy. Haiti’s 1971-1986 military dictatorship had been one of the most brutal anti-democratic governments in Latin America. Meanwhile, thousands of political dissidents and intellectuals were killed. By that time, the Duvalier family had deposited over $ 150 million into special accounts in abroad. In May 1980, Jean-Claude, Francois Duvalier’s son, and Michele had one of the most lavish weddings in the world (cost about $3 million).

Following the death of Francois Duvalier, also known as “Papa Doc”, Jean-Claude came to power in the early 1970s. Certainly the Duvaliers became a dynasty. During his years as the country’s most powerful figure, Papa Doc had strong links with several African nations. Also during that period, more than 30,000 people were assassinated by Tonton Macoutes, a personal police.

Haiti’s dictator Francois Duvalier had inspired the best-selling 1968 novel “The Comedians” and the film of the same name directed Peter Glenville, and starring Richard Burton, Alec Guinness and the South African-born Zakes Mokae.

On February 7, 1986, after the coup d’ etat against Baby Doc and Michele Bennett, the new regime was welcomed by a crowd of people, including children and teenagers. Twenty-two years on, why are things so bad on the Island? What really happened in Haiti? Few things have changed since February 1986.

Extreme Poverty

While you are reading this article, several hundred thousand children will go to bed without food. Meanwhile, more than eight million people does not have access to fresh water, electricity, and health care. Over half of the Island’s GDP is provided by remittances and international aid. By 2008 this Caribbean nation — where there are approximately 642 people per square kilometer– received $ 1.8 billion from its citizens who live in America, Canada, Europe and the Dominican Republic. It also received over 800 million in US aid from 1994 to 2006, one of the highest in the world’s developing countries. On the other side, between 1986 and 2005 the new dictators and warlords were widely condemned by international organizations. Why? Over 5,000 people were killed for political reasons, and thousands fled the Island.

Haiti – Latin America’s Worst Education System

Despite being one of the first independent republics in history, Haiti, one of the smallest nations in the Western Hemisphere, has become an impoverished nation since the mid-1800s. Why? Without a doubt the key issue is the poor state of the Island’s education. Unfortunately, it has the worst education system in the Americas, from Alaska to Patagonia. The black republic has one of the highest illiterate rates in the world: Over 80 percent of the country’s people. Most children – more than 70 percent– don’t go to schools. But after January 12, the situation has become chaotic. In Port-au-Prince, a host of schools have been destroyed. Several school children have died. In many countries of the Third World, the poor education is an open door to the dictatorships, narcotraffic, and terrorism.

Road to Democracy

The World Bank, the United Nations and the American government must take stronger actions to press this country to improve its education system. They should also provide additional support to the reconstruction of the infrastructure: from schools to universities. If the International Community, from the UN to America, want to improve living conditions in Haiti they must support the education of future generations. Because of the poor education, the Caribbean country is losing its best and most intelligent young people. The education system must be one of the priorities in the reconstruction of Haiti, a country where the military have had immense influence and power. Without education, there is no future for the Island.

Alejandro Guevara Onofre: Freelance writer. Alejandro is author of a host of articles/essays about over 220 countries and dependencies (and American States as well), from ecology, history, tourism and national heroes to Olympic sports, foreign relations, and wildlife. In addition, he has published some books on women’s rights, among them “History of the Women in America” and “Famous Americans.”

January 17, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Former 8th District Congressman John Hostettler
To Speak at January 20th Women R.O.C. Meeting

EVANSVILLE, Ind. ~ John Hostettler, former 8th District Congressman and current Constitution Institute President, will address a meeting of Women Right of Center (Women R.O.C.) on Thursday, January 20 at 6:30 p.m. at Oaklyn Branch Library on Oak Hill Road.

The Constitution Institute is a nonpartisan, non-profit organization with a mission to promote greater understanding of the United States Constitution and provide education regarding citizens’ everyday application of its principles. As Institute president, Hostettler — a former six-term congressman — will lead presentations across Indiana and outside the state covering various sections of the Constitution.

The January 20 meeting will allow questions and discussion concerning the Constitution, the Constitution Institute and related issues. The meeting is open to everyone: members, non-members, men and women.

Women R.O.C. is an Evansville-based group which gathers knowledge that helps members and non-members make informed decisions concerning politics, community involvement and self-betterment. “Our motto is ‘Knowledge is Power’ and this meeting will be educational and motivating!” says Women R.O.C. President Holli Sullivan.

For more information about Women Right of Center or the January 20 meeting, contact Melissa Mauser, V.P. Communications, at womenrightofcenter@yahoo.com or call 812-480-2675.

IS IT TRUE that Evansville Memorial’s own Kyle Kuric hit the game winning shot for Rick Pitino’s Louisville Cardinals against Marquette in a nationally televised game on ESPN2 this morning?

IS IT TRUE that we commend Vanderburgh County Clerk, Susan Kirk and her staff for doing an outstanding job in this past General election/

IS IT TRUE to hear that our newly elected Vanderburgh County Assessor, Bill Fluty, Jr. has rehired a past employee of that department? ….we know that Mr. Fluty shall give the other fired County employee an opportunity if all feasible? …..that by Mr. Fluty’s re-instatement of a past fired county employee, it will save the taxpayers time and money because of possible legal action?

IS IT TRUE that Evansville Mayoral candidate Rick Davis is off to a block buster start. …..his meet and greet neighborhood gatherings are attracting good crowds of people? …..many of the people attending these events are faces you normally wouldn’t see at these type of functions?

IS IT TRUE we are extremely pleased to hear that the St. Mary’s Mobil Dental Clinic bus is rolling again? …. that this bus provides dental help to our “less fortunate“ kids of this community? ….we want to thank St. Mary’s Community Outreach program and Dr. John Wittgen, DDS for providing this outstanding to the children of our community?

IS IT TRUE we want to thank our newly elected State Senator, Jim Tomes for his continuing to send us updated information of the political happenings in INDY? ….we hear the Senator is quickly making himself known? ….we predict we have a new political star in the making and his name is JIM TOMES?

IS IT TRUE our newest media partner, Community Observer is off to a smashing success? …..that Community Observer readership has established a traffic pattern of over 100 visitors per day in just 2 weeks?…that the Community has already passed well financed local websites like the Chamber of Commerce and GAGE in Alexa.com’s worldwide traffic ranking?…that the Community Observer is on the same trajectory that has made the City County Observer the third most read media website within 100 miles of Evansville?….we congratulate Community Observer master Daniel Wallace for a job well done?

IS IT TRUE the City County Observer shall be announcing just another “Media Partner” agreement in the next couple of weeks? ….once the agreement is signed between both parties we predict that the City County Observer shall quickly jump to the next readership level? ….once this agreement is announced you know our loyal followers will smile and say “WOW”!

IS IT TRUE that Evansville Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel is trying to reach out and run the day to day operation of the Evansville Convention and Visitors Bureau once again?…that the marketing professional that will have the job of promoting the LST as a tourist attraction will be doing a task that is the CVB’s job?…that Mayor Weinzapfel has strongly encouraged the CVB to give this new person who is paid by and reports to the LST board an office at the Evansville Convention and Visitors Bureau?…that the new Executive Director or even the interim Executive Director should make that decision?…that running an office costs money and that any Executive Director should be able to charge rent or deny access to an employee of an outside entity?….that shenanigans like this seem to have been causing trouble non-profit entities all over town?…that the Children’s Museum, GAGE, Wesselman Woods, and soon the ECVB will have all had three top executive directors in the space of 2 years?…that the Evansville Housing Authority recently lost its leader and may be the source of news in 2011?…that turnover like that at the top of local non-profits points squarely at board level problems?