IS IT TRUE that at the end of 2010 the race for Mayor of Evansville had three people already raising money to seek that office?…that the fundraising activity reports were released yesterday and are quite interesting?…that current Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel raised a total of $536,058 in 2010 for the stated purpose of seeking the office of Mayor of Evansville?….that the Weinzapfel for Mayor effort spent $367,930 in efforts to be re-elected in the 2011 campaign?…that the Weinzapfel for Mayor Committee is still sitting on a war chest of $774,905?…that Mayor Weinzapfel has recently announced that he will not be running for re-election?…that we wonder how he can possibly spend $774,905 seeking and office that he does not even want?…we are very curious about where that money goes now?

IS IT TRUE that County Commissioner Lloyd Winnecke is having his coming out party to announce his candidacy for Mayor of Evansville at his alma mater Central High School this Saturday?…that Commissioner Winnecke raised a total of $21,435 during 2010 through his “Winnecke for Mayor” committee?…that he spent $19,253 and has a whopping $9,495 on hand to spend seeking the Republican Party nomination?…that Commissioner Winnecke must have breathed a sigh of relief when Mayor Weinzapfel announced he no longer wants to be Mayor because $774,905 is enough to squash anyone that only has $9,495 of ammunition to fight with?

IS IT TRUE that the man who refused to show the commanded deference to Mayor Weinzapfel, Evansville’s own Rick Davis has also been raising money?…that Mr. Davis raised $12,283 and spent $19,253 in 2010 in his efforts to become Mayor of Evansville?…that at the end of 2010 Mr. Davis is sitting on a cigar box full of campaign funds amounting to $582?…that in nearly every poll that was taken matching Davis against Weinzapfel, Davis has either won or been very close?…that Rick Davis is positioned to run a campaign that makes up for a shortage of cash with a surplus of commitment, in-kind services, volunteer spirit, and a bit of old fashioned listening to the people of Evansville?…that we also expect his fundraising to pick up as more people get on the “Pick Rick” bandwagon?

IS IT TRUE that the Democratic Party political top head hunter is trying to convince any viable candidate to run for Mayor of Evansville? ….that he has not succeeded in convincing any of the obvious candidates to seek the office of Mayor? ….if the Democratic party Chairmen is so h— bent in finding someone to run against Rick Davis in the Democratic party primary for Mayor maybe he should run against him?

IS IT TRUE we are extremely pleased with the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s office and the Evansville Police Department in the way they are nabbing burglars, apprehending fugitives, and keeping drunks off the highways and streets?…that the recent career burglar that has been caught took the cooperation of peace officers from both Vanderburgh and Warrick Counties?…that by working together these forces will make us all safer? ….that the City County Observer wants to say we are very proud of your police work?

IS IT TRUE we are extremely pleased with the caliber of candidates coming forward to run for political offices in the city of Evansville? …that we feel the political change in the air?…it is our strong opinion that the “know it all attitude” at City Hall shall shall be no more the day after the election?

IS IT TRUE we want to thank the Vanderburgh County and the City Of Evansville street snow removal crews for doing an outstanding job so far this winter?…that we wish that the Weinzapfel Administration would turn these crews loose in Downtown Evansville that seems to be completely abandoned to the tyranny of the ABOMINABLE SNOW MAN every time we get a winter storm?…that the BUMBLE is rumored to be coming back today to terrorize the walkers on the streets and sidewalks of Downtown Evansville?…that Yukon Cornelius has said he won’t be coming back after his bacterial infection from sniffing and licking his prospectors pick after sinking it into the soil of Bee Slough? Pooey! Nuthin! Said Yukon as he mooshed his dogsled to the next town.

I do not know about you, but there is one theme that continues to rear its ugly head and its the poor treatment of the American people. Case in point, the current economy we are living in has resulted in record home mortgage foreclosures, record job losses and inflation in the price of goods and services throughout the United States.

What we are experiencing is an erosion of our privacy and too much government control of our lifestyle. The bottom line is, over the course of the past five years, we the American people have taken a beating. This beating has come through the passage of laws that encouraged sub prime lending, offshore jobs and manipulation of gas prices at the pump and utilities as well.

I cannot make it any plainer than I have, we the American people have been knocked down and the fact we can look up, we have to get up and fight for our rights, freedom and way of life. Why is it that the leadership in America is passionate about rescuing Wall Street but is against Main Street, hard working men and women?

The answer lies squarely on the amount of campaign contributions that fill the coffers of politicians through lobbyist for the banking, insurance and medical industries. Some of the politicians will address campaign contribution problems, but not many. The American people are left holding the proverbial tax bag, in that we bailed out Wall Street and big banks, however if you were to go to a bank for a loan or a loan modification for that matter, you will encounter rejection.

The leadership of America should not have bailed out Wall Street and left the hard working American people to struggle. If a man or woman cannot get a job, government and private industry should be creating them. All of the big tax cuts enacted by the previous administration have caused a huge vacuum in our economy because there is not as much revenue to draw upon, resulting in municipalities curtailing services such as police protection, furloughing city and county government staff and slashing school funding for our children.

Citizens of America if you want to get a job, go off shore and take little to nothing in pay to get the job you lost, after all it was outsourced to countries with sweat shop operations. Where have all the leaders gone in America, it seems as though the only important people are the politicians, big government and big corporations?

Its time for the beatings to end, its time for the American people to vote the nonperforming politicians out of office and to create jobs in America, while at the same time take your money out of the banks that acted a fool during the height of the economic crisis.

We love America, however we do not like the direction our leadership is taking us. The American people seem to be forgotten, when the next election rolls around, remind the incumbents who really matter.

Paul Lawrence Vann is an inspirational speaker who motivates people to maximize their human potential and improve their bottom line. He is author of Living on Higher Ground and is a leadership and workplace diversity expert who assist people to achieve their greatest potential. Paul has an uncanny ability to resonate with audiences, thus adding tremendous value through the experience. http://www.paullawrencevann.com

It’s always fun following our political class because you never know what they will say or what they will do that either makes no sense, is embarrassing, or has very little impact on the average American. Consider some of their recent escapades:

– “Stating The Obvious” – Former President Bill Clinton was quoted in a September 21, 2010 Associated Press article: “Do you know how many political and economic decisions are made in this world by people who don’t know what in the living daylights they are talking about?” Talk about stating the obvious. Given our continuing domestic economic situation and the fact that the political class has not solved a major issue in decades, I would say Mr. Clinton nailed this one perfectly.

– “And Who Is Responsible For This Mess?” – Democratic Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado was quoted in a Washington Post article on September 3, 2010: “We have managed to acquire $13 trillion of debt on our balance sheet. In my view, we have nothing to show for it.” The article went on to say that the good Senator voted “yes” on the economic stimulus bill, the health care overhaul bill, increased education funding and other bills that a Democratic Party-controlled Congress passed on his watch.

The economic stimulus bill has gotten us 9.8% unemployment while wasting hundreds of billions of dollars, the health care overhaul bill is already coming apart and as is its prediction of reducing the national debt, our public schools for the most part do not educate, and no major issues have been solved for the $13 trillion. Looks like the Senator’s keen insight is very compatible with Bill Clinton’s experience.

– “Now You Tell Us” – A quote from retiring Democratic Senator Christopher Dodd appeared in the December 6, 2010 issue of Businessweek magazine: “Powerful financial interests, free to throw money about with little transparency, have corrupted the basic principles underlying our representative democracy.” This quote is from a U.S. Senator who chaired the powerful Senate Banking Committee. During his tenure, he was one of the largest recipients of campaign donations from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, two of the largest financial entities that he was supposed to be overseeing. To add insult to injury, Fannie and Freddie were, and are more so now, government entities that should not have been involved in any kind of campaign funding modes, lest of all with the one person who had Senate oversight responsibility for them. The Senator’s words would have had a lot more meaning if they had been spoken during his Senate tenure, as he returned the money he received from Fannie, Freddie, and other powerful financial interests.

– “Light My Fire” – The Associated Press reported on December 9, 2010, that soon-to-be ex-Governor Crist of Florida has been successful in getting a pardon for Jim Morrison, lead singer of the Doors. Morrison was arrested about forty years ago for obscenity during a Miami, Florida Doors’ concert. He has been dead for almost as long so it is not as if Crist was bringing solace to an old man. The Florida economy is in the dumps with higher than average unemployment and probably almost as many homes in foreclosure as there are on the market for sale.

But these family affecting crises can all wait as a politician toils on a completely useless piece of work. Just like the recent passing of Federal legislation that regulates the sound volume of television commercials, where do you think the pardoning of Jim Morrison would fall in the top priorities, concerns, and issues facing the typical American family? I doubt it makes the top 100 but it somehow lit Governor Crist’s fire, to the benefit of no one in Florida.

– “Assault With A Deadly Bicycle” – Reason magazine reported in its January 2011 issue that the town of Black Hawk, Colorado has banned the use of bicycles on most of its city streets. The local town council felt that there could be possible collisions between cars and bikes on the town’s narrow streets. Is this a big problem or top priority of Black Hawk residents? Probably not since, according to the article, there has never been a bike/car collision in the town.

– “Who Ever Reads The Fine Print Anyway?” – According to a New York Times article on July 7, 2010, when President Obama was signing the voluminous financial industry regulation bill, he said: “If you’ve ever applied for a credit card, student loan, or a mortgage, you know the feeling of signing your name to pages of barely understandable fine print.” If he cannot understand what he is signing, how confident does that make the rest of that he and the rest of the political class know what they are doing? (See Bill Clinton’s observation above). It recalls the infamous Nancy Pelosi quote that we would not know what is in the health care reform legislation until we actually passed it. (Clinton is looking smarter and smarter by the minute).

– “Talk About Gun Control” – Not to be outdone by the American political class, Reason magazine reported in its January, 2011 issue that in Queensland, Australia, they really take their gun control seriously. They are considering a statute that would require all TOY guns to be licensed. Those who fail to license their TOY guns would be subject to $4,500 in fines and… if they do not lock up their TOY guns they would be subject to an additional fine of up to $750. They are almost as good as working on inconsequential stuff as American politicians. Bill Clinton did mention politicians around the world not knowing what they were doing, looking smarter and smarter, Bill.

These are funny stories and quotes but also pathetic commentary on what and how our political class works today, to the benefit of no one but themselves. Maybe they need some help from the following steps to get focused:

Downsize government by 10% a year over five years, hopefully reducing the amount of useless initiatives and low priorities our politicians currently work on and get them focused on real issues, not efforts like banning bike riders or pardoning dead rockers. At the very least, even if they accomplish nothing with this limited to do list, we would save our tax dollars.

Revamp and re-democratize our election processes so that people like Senator Dodd would not be “tempted” by “powerful financial interests.” These steps would include banning campaign contributions from anyone or any organization except individual American citizens and not allow campaign contributions to cross Congressional district or state lines, e.g. someone living in Kansas could not contribute to a candidate running for the U.S. Senate in New Jersey.

Require all members of Congress and the Presidential administration to take and pass a course on basic economic theory to try to address Bill Clinton’s insight above. How much damage would the course to, given the poor economic track record of those in power today?

Impose term limits on all Federal politicians so that we have a reasonable chance of getting rid of the bad ones before they decide that regulating the sound volume on our television commercials is a top priority or we end up with politicians that do not even know what is in the legislation they are passing.
Notes and quotes, makes me sad and mad that we have to put up with them, despite their comic relief.

Walter “Bruno” Korschek is the author of the book, “Love My Country, Loathe My Government – Fifty First Steps To Restoring Our Freedom and Destroying The American Political Class,” which is available at http://www.loathemygovernment.com and online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Our daily dialog on freedom in America can be joined at http://www.loathemygovernment.blogspot.com.

IS IT TRUE that the Mayor of Indianapolis has taken out an ad in newspapers all over the State of Illinois for the sole purpose of recruiting businesses to the City of Indianapolis?…that this ad was placed in response to Illinois’s recent increase in nearly every tax possible to increase?…that some taxes in Illinois were just increased by more than 50%?…that Mayor Greg Ballard touts fiscal stability, low taxes, cheap labor, low utility rates, cheap real estate, and numerous cultural amenities as reasons that Illinois business leaders should pack up their businesses and move to Indianapolis?…that Mayor Ballard cites Newsweek, CNBC, and Forbes to back up his claims?…that this rapid proactive approach to business attraction just might work?

IS IT TRUE that we wonder exactly what the leadership of Vanderburgh County and the City of Evansville are doing to capitalize on the recent tax increases that the State of Illinois has passed?…that local leaders should have more experience with cross border competitiveness campaigns since Evansville sits on the high cost side of the money saving bridge?…that Mayor Weinzapfel should consider following Mayor Ballard’s example and come up with a letter of his own?…that if Evansville can credibly offer businesses fiscal stability, low taxes, cheap labor, low utility rates, cheap real estate, and numerous cultural amenities that business attraction should be as easy as shooting fish in a barrel?…that Evansville did get to celebrate a small win yesterday with the announcement that Sugar Steel will be establishing a steel distribution depot that will hire 26 people?…that we need 200 more projects like that to get our job base back to where it was in 2002?…that Illinois is a good lake to fish in for attracting jobs right now?

IS IT TRUE that the ad placed by the Mayor of Indianapolis can be viewed by clicking on the following link? http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/working%20files/indyad.pdf

IS IT TRUE that the surprise announcement that Brent Grafton shall be running for Evansville City Council in the 5th Ward seat has surprised even “MOLE #3”? ….that present City Councilman John Friend will be in the battle of his political life with an opponent (Grafton) who has an impeccable reputation for honesty and is not afraid to state a position and stick with it?…that this just the beginning of many surprise political announcements coming forth between now and the filing deadline of February 18th?

IS IT TRUE “MOLE #3” is hearing that J. D. Strouth is thinking about running for Evansville City Clerk?… that “MOLE #3” is also hearing that Greg Stillway may be looking at running for the 3rd Ward City Council seat?…that “Mole # 3” is hearing that Lon Walters and Bill Kramer are both considering a run for the 2nd Ward City Council seat?…that “MOLE #3” is hearing that Jim Braker is giving consideration for a run for the Evansville City Council “At Large” seat?

IS IT TRUE that more candidates with different backgrounds will create better discussions, ferret out issues that may be overlooked by a group of like minded individuals, and eventually may even lead to spirited discussions on the Evansville City Council that one day result in across the board good public policy?…that we dream of such a day.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 18, 2011

Ohio, Kansas, Wyoming, Wisconsin, Maine and Iowa join 20 other states, including Indiana, as plaintiffs

INDIANAPOLIS – Today six additional states sought to join the group of 20 plaintiff states — including Indiana – that have brought a legal challenge to the new federal health care law. Attorney General Greg Zoeller, who joined the lawsuit on behalf of Indiana in May, issued this statement:

“Now that the number of plaintiff states has expanded from 20 to 26, it underscores that this lawsuit is widely understood to have merit. After the health care law was ruled unconstitutional in a separate lawsuit in Virginia that raised many of the same arguments, no one now can claim that this legal challenge is a frivolous lawsuit,” Zoeller said.

“Regardless of the eventual ruling by the federal court in our case, it is important that the states have an opportunity as sovereign entities to challenge the constitutionality of the federal government’s claims of authority. Under our federalist system, this respectful legal challenge is a proper check on the role of the federal government,” Zoeller added.

“We and the other plaintiff states contend the federal mandate that individuals purchase a private health insurance product or face a penalty is unconstitutional, and that ultimately this question should be decided by the United States Supreme Court. Having met with Hoosiers across our state, I agree that some type of health insurance reform is needed in this country, but implementing it ought to be done in a constitutional manner,” Zoeller said.

In addition to Indiana, the group of 20 plaintiff states bringing the legal challenge included Florida, South Carolina, Nebraska, Texas, Utah, Louisiana, Alabama, Colorado, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Washington, Idaho, South Dakota, Mississippi, Nevada, Arizona, Georgia, Alaska and North Dakota. Also joining as plaintiffs were two private individuals and the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).

Today, the plaintiffs filed a motion with the court to amend the complaint so that six more states can join the case: Ohio, Kansas, Wyoming, Wisconsin, Maine and Iowa, bringing the total plaintiff states to 26. The U.S. Department of Justice represents the federal government defendants.

On December 16, the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of Florida heard arguments on the merits of the case, and Judge Roger Vinson is likely to rule sometime early in 2011. From there, the case is likely to be appealed to a federal circuit court of appeals, and from there potentially to the United States Supreme Court.

Virginia brought a separate challenge to the health care law citing similar grounds and a different federal district court last month ruled in that state’s favor, finding portions of the law are unconstitutional. An appeal is expected.

Zoeller has spent no additional tax dollars on the legal challenge beyond his office’s regular budget that the Legislature previously approved in 2009. Indiana did not pay a legal fee to join the lawsuit. No outside legal counsel was used; Indiana’s legal work has been performed by a salaried employee of the Attorney General’s office who would have been paid the same regardless of whether Indiana participated.

Before announcing in March that he would join the multistate legal challenge to the new federal law, Zoeller in February prepared a 55-page report on and analysis of the federal healthcare legislation at the request of U.S. Senator Richard Lugar of Indiana. The Attorney General’s report to Lugar is found here:

http://www.in.gov/portal/news_events/files/IN_Atty_Gen_Impact_Analysis_of_the_Patient_Protection_and_Affordable_Care_Act.pdf

The motion to file the amended complaint (adding six states) and the amended complaint, filed in U.S. District Court in the Northern District of Florida, are found at this link:
http://www.healthcarelawsuit.us/

MEDIA CONTACT:

Bryan Corbin

Public Information Officer

Office of the Indiana Attorney General

(317) 233-3970

Bryan.Corbin@atg.in.gov

GAGE’s Dewey Cites Refilling Abandoned Buildings as a Priority for GAGE

(EVANSVILLE, IN) – January 18, 2011 – Evansville Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel announced
today that Sugar Steel Corporation, headquartered in Chicago Heights, Ill., has opened a
structural steel distribution center with first stage steel processing capabilities at 3350 Claremont Ave. in Evansville. Sugar Steel will make a personal property investment of approximately $920,000 and create up to 26 new jobs by 2012.

“Creating jobs and stimulating the local economy continue to be my priority. While the creation
of even a single new job in the current economy is noteworthy, the fact that 26 local residents
and their families will benefit from Sugar Steel’s decision to open this facility in Evansville is
truly an event to celebrate,” said Mayor Weinzapfel. “Today’s announcement underscores the
value of collaboration, partnership and innovation with regard to regional economic development
efforts.”

Sugar Steel’s first stage processing services for steel beams, angles, channels, tubes, pipes,
plates, and other structural components include sawing, plate cutting, flame cutting, plate
drilling, shearing, splitting, cambering, and shot blasting for structural steel fabricators and
manufacturing customers. Sugar Steel is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Reliance Steel &
Aluminum Co. (NYSE: RS). Sugar Steel’s Evansville distribution center, located in the former
Patriot Steel facility, is Sugar Steel’s first operation outside of its Illinois headquarters, which
employs approximately 90 people.

“GAGE wants to identify and secure other projects like Sugar Steel, projects that make use of
existing facilities in Vanderburgh County that are currently idle,” said Debbie Dewey, President
of the Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville. “More importantly, we want more projects like
this one that will re-employ Vanderburgh County residents who once worked in those facilities.”
Local and State officials worked closely with Sugar Steel representatives to formulate an
economic development incentive package to assist Sugar Steel with this project.

For its part, the City of Evansville will offer a six-year tax phase-in on Sugar Steel’s personal property
investment. The tax phase-in has an estimated gross and present value of $40,000. Tax phase-in
allows for the gradual phasing in of property tax that has occurred due to an increase in assessed
value of a building and/or the purchase of equipment. In a six-year tax phase-in, full taxes on
improvements commence in the seventh year. The six-year tax phase-in is contingent upon City
Council approval. In addition, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) offered
Sugar Steel up to $175,000 in performance-based tax credits based on the company’s job
creation plans.

“Building an environment that encourages companies like Sugar Steel to choose Indiana over all
other options is our top priority and we are glad to partner with this company as they create even
more opportunities in southwest Indiana,” said Mitch Roob, Secretary of Commerce and chief
executive officer of the IEDC.

Brent Grafton Throws His Hat into the Ring for City Council

Local businessman and entrepreneur Brent Grafton today has announced his intention to seek the nomination of the Republican Party for the Evansville City Council seat from the 5th Ward. Mr. Grafton and his wife Bonnie own and operate Green Tree Plastics that is an Evansville based manufacturing company that uses off-spec and recycled plastics to make custom plastic castings for public and private applications around the world. During Green Tree Plastic’s six years of existence it has grown under Grafton’s leadership to a business that employs over 20 Evansville residents and keeps over four million pounds of plastic per year from being put into landfills.

Mr. Grafton is no stranger to the world of public service having served as the President of the Board of Public Safety during the City of Evansville Administration of Russell Lloyd Jr. and as an advisor to many campaigns. From an economic development perspective Grafton is a strong believer that sustained prosperity comes from the private sector and has pledged to focus on promoting an atmosphere that is conducive to inspiring economic activity from the private sector. He also acknowledges and understands that any city and especially Evansville needs to keep its basic infrastructure in good enough shape to deliver the services required to attract businesses and people.

In running for the Evansville City Council’s 5th Ward, Grafton is seeking to represent not only the residents of the 5th Ward but the Airport and three Industrial Zones including the former manufacturing facility of Whirlpool Corporation. He speaks quite fondly of the Southern Indiana Career and Technical Center on Lynch Road where each year a worthy student is awarded a “Grafton Scholarship” that was named after Mr. Grafton’s grandfather who spent much of his career as the industrial arts teacher at North High School.

Another jewel of the 5th Ward in Grafton’s opinion is the Children’s Psychiatric Hospital that provides valuable and needed services to area patients. From the perspectives of both health and economic development Mr. Grafton has also expressed support for a comprehensive smokefree workplace ordinance in the City of Evansville. An affirmative vote for a smokefree workplace resolution would have passed in 2010 if the City Councilman from the 5th Ward would have supported it.

Mr. Grafton attended North High School and holds degrees from both Purdue University and the Princeton Theological Seminary. He and his wife are long time homeowners in the 5th Ward and would appreciate the opportunity to once again perform public service.

Lloyd Winnecke will announce his decision to seek the office of Mayor of the City of Evansville on Saturday, January 22nd. The announcement will take place at the Central High School Auditorium at 11 a.m., with doors opening at 10:30 a.m.

“It’s time to restore pride in the City of Evansville,” said Winnecke. “As mayor I will work to get this city moving again through responsible budgets, eliminating wasteful spending and improving the city’s quality of life.”

Winnecke, who has never lost an election, has served as County Commissioner since 2009 and previously served nine years on the County Council, including three years as president and one year as finance chairman. Outside of public office he is employed as Senior Vice President and Marketing Director for Fifth Third Bank in Evansville.

Community and political leaders immediately coalesced around Winnecke’s candidacy. “Lloyd Winnecke is the epitome of leadership,” said Richard Mourdock, an Evansville resident and Indiana State Trasurer. “His history as a banker is needed as Evansville and its citizens face tough economic times. His experience in the communications industry allows him to convey with confidence and eloquence a new vision needed in Evansville. I’m proud to endorse Lloyd Winnecke.”

Winnecke will first work to secure the Republican nomination in the May primary. Party chairman Wayne Parke praised his candidacy. “I am elated to see Lloyd Winnecke enter the race for mayor,” said Parke. “He has my full support.”

Prior to joining the bank, Winnecke spent 17 years in television news, most recently as News Director at News 25. He is married to former Vanderburgh County Commissioner Carolyn McClintock, who is a real estate agent with FC Tucker Emge Realtors. Winnecke is the father of one daughter, Danielle, who resides in Tucson, AZ with her husband Steve (a Border Patrol Agent) and their young son Holden.

Winnecke and his family are members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He is also very involved in not-for-profit organizations in Evansville. He has served on the Boards of Evansville Civic Theatre, Gilda’s Club of Evansville, the American Red Cross, the Evansville African American Museum and the University of Evansville Purple Aces Club. He is a past board member, and remains a volunteer, for the Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center and is a past cabinet member for the local United Way campaigns. Other past organizational involvement includes: Parks Foundation, University of Evansville Theatre Society, the Reitz Home Museum, USI Arts and Humanities and Junior Achievement.

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?