Doug

MTNP Radio. Part of the “organized mob?” Nope. Just mad- like everyone else!

Starting Saturday morning at 9 am! As usual, this week’s broadcast version of GraniteGrok and Now!Hampshire.com brings an array of items and guests for your consideration– ALL STARTING AT 9AM! As always, thanks to the technical wizardry and analytical skills of Skip, if you are beyond the broadcast area of Newstalk 1490 WEMJ, simply click here for … Read more

“New Taxes Galore”

house of cards

Balanced Budget… Or House of Cards?

Guest post by State Senator Jeb Bradley

After two marathon weeks of discussions between House and Senate members charged with negotiating a budget, early Friday morning a package emerged.  Its fate is uncertain as the full House and Senate must pass it before it reaches Governor Lynch for signature. Counting votes before the June 24th Session will be almost as daunting as reaching this compromise — anything can and may well happen.

Let’s first focus on what is in this package and what is not, then on the impact it will have on people and businesses, and lastly how this budget will affect New Hampshire’s future.

Like any compromise, this budget is a mixed bag of good news and bad news.  Several very controversial new taxes and tax hikes that had previously been approved by either the House or Senate, were dropped. These include the capital gains tax, death tax, gas tax, insurance premium tax, and a specific increase in business taxes by loss of a tax credit. All of these taxes would have directly undermined New Hampshire’s ability to attract businesses, investors, or visitors to our state. Also dropped from the final package were expanded gambling and a controversial plan to use toll revenue for highway improvements all over the state. Several taxes rumored for late consideration never made the final package including an entertainment tax and a tax on mortgage re-financing.

There are new taxes galore however.  The tobacco tax will go up by 45 cents — the fourth hike in five years.  Non-smokers may generally be callous to the impact this tax has, but smokers, especially low income people, justifiably believe they are carrying far more than their fair share of the tax burden.  This increase will also undermine the cross border advantage New Hampshire has long enjoyed – attracting visitors to purchase tobacco products here and fill our revenue coffers. Convenience stores near the borders will be impacted, and meeting our revenue goals with this tax hike is questionable.

Any gambling winnings will be taxed at 10% including those garnered outside of New Hampshire. Will we be sending auditors to Foxwoods and Las Vegas — or charitable events in New Hampshire — to guarantee tax collection?  Under those circumstances, is the $14 million of anticipated revenue farfetched?

 

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Fergus Cullen Revealed… Again.

     Former NH GOP Chair Fergus Cullen (GG file photo) If there’s one thing ‘Grok readers have long known, it’s that former NHGOP chair Fergus Cullen is certainly no friend to conservatives. In the latest example, Cullen heaps praise on the Obama-voting “Republican” Fred Bramante while pouring scorn on NH’s National Committeewoman Phyllis Woods– a GOOD conservative … Read more

Senator Jeanne Shaheen needs to take the lead in stopping Waxman-Markey ‘Cap and Trade’ Bill!

Guest Post by former State Senator George Lovejoy…

New Hampshire Senators sent to Washington have long been respected for their traditional common sense.  It is a long cherished value of the Granite State and on many issues New Hampshire Senators have taken the lead in getting colleagues from both parties to apply this ideal on very critical issues of importance to most Americans.

Such an issue is Congressional motivation to pass Waxman-Markey Climate Change ‘Cap and Trade’ Bill, a proposal now being discussed by the US House, as well as most Americans.  The need for Senator Jeanne Shaheen to step up to take the lead in defeating this consumer costly strategy could not be greater!  This proposal sounds good in the beltway but fails the people miserably as it will increase energy costs to consumers, cost jobs, while doling out free permits to selected industries (see last week’s Wall Street Journal article “Waxman-Markey Bill: It’s Giveaway Time for Emissions Permits”).  With this equation it sounds like everyone is adversely affected by Waxman-Markey; energy producers, consumers and taxpayers, job creators, and the goals set out by the President.  I might not be a fan of President Obama, but what sense does it make to have a policy that is this highly ineffective to every sector of the economy?

Don’t take my word for it – if you are not familiar with the job cuts concern we have, please look at over a half dozen proposed amendments from US Reps in California and Colorado to this bill that calls for an exit clause from this policy that “Suspends the Act should [certain number of jobs lost occur].  There is no doubt that Waxman-Markey will cost American jobs at a critical time with record number unemployment figures from New Hampshire to California.

We urge you to bring common sense to our House members in Washington and demonstrate the common sense approach Granite Staters have come to expect.

The authors of the Cap and Trade bill called Waxman-Markey is an effort to slow what they perceive as climate change with inflexible caps on carbon emission have lost sight on the effect it will have on our personal income or national economy.  It provides no way to protect American consumers.

 

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Guest Post– An Open Letter to newly elected US Senator Jeanne Shaheen:

Senator Shaheen, As one of the coordinators of the recent tea party gathering in Manchester, I heard many comments about the price of gas and whether proposals in the president’s budget plan would cause fuel costs to increase.  I believe there is a good deal of concern among residents and small business owners in this … Read more

“Bathroom Bud” Martin’s campaign stalls…

It seems that the Democratic candidate for the special election in District 3 just can’t escape his liberal, lenient past these days. Try as he may to deflect his own public record and to turn its airing into a strike against his Republican opponent Jeb Bradley, Willard “Bathroom Bud” Martin is discovering that his worst … Read more

Meet the New Press radio– shining BIG LIGHTS into those dark corners!

Starting Saturday morning at 9 am! As usual, this week’s broadcast version of GraniteGrok and AnkleBitingPundits brings an array of items and guests for your consideration– ALL STARTING AT 9AM! As always, thanks to the technical wizardry and analytical skills of Skip, if you are beyond the broadcast area of Newstalk 1490 WEMJ, simply click here … Read more

When life becomes subordinate to the state. My what a brave, new world!

A couple of days ago, I received an email newsletter from Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council recounting a rather chilling story about the horrific power of government to kill when life becomes insubordinate to the state rather than to God: Newspapers from cities as far away as Melbourne, Australia are anxiously awaiting word … Read more

“One of the only people in the state that actually presents budgets at a municipal level that have actually been cutting spending. And that message has resonated with the people.”

Mayor Frank Guinta (GG file photo) Quick, name a leading NH Republican leading the charge both in word and deed in the area of spending? Who has repeatedly stuck his neck out for the conservative approach to governing, resulting in certifiable ballot box success, even in the present climate? You know who I’m talking about. … Read more

A quick reminder for Catholics (and others): The Five “Non-negotiables”

Catholic? Pro choice? Guess what? You can’t be both…

This Youtube video is based on the “Voters Guide for Serious Catholics.” I have seen this in print in several places, including newspapers like USA Today. I wonder how many of my fellow “Catholics” will choose to somehow forget the list of “non-negotiables” and instead go straight for other “human rights” issues as some sort of trade off.

From the Guide:

On most issues that come before voters or legislators, the task is selecting the most effective strategy among several morally good options. A Catholic can take one side or the other and not act contrary to the faith. Most matters do not have a “Catholic position.”

But some issues concern “non-negotiable” moral principles that do not admit of exception or compromise. One’s position either accords with those principles or does not. No one endorsing the wrong side of these issues can be said to act in accord with the Church’s moral norms.

This voter’s guide identifies five issues involving “non-negotiable” moral values in current politics and helps you narrow down the list of acceptable candidates, whether they are running for national, state, or local offices.

You should avoid to the greatest extent possible voting for candidates who endorse or promote intrinsically evil policies. As far as possible, you should vote for those who promote policies in line with the moral law.

Here are the 5 NON-NEGOTIABLE issues:

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Does this sound to you like a “friend” to the law-abiding gun owner?

Illinois State Rifle Association Executive Director Richard Pearson Issues Open Letter to Nation’s Sportsmen Regarding Obama’s History in the Illinois Senate CHICAGO, Oct 15, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ — The following is the text of an open letter to the nation’s hunters and sportsmen issued today by Illinois State Rifle Association Executive Director Richard Pearson: … Read more

“Little Murders”

This speech given by Archbishop Charles Chaput Friday evening at a dinner sponsored by ENDOW (Educating on the Nature and Dignity of Women) contains some of the best words I’ve heard uttered by an American Catholic leader in a long time. It’s fitting it makes the news cycle rounds today, as I walked out of my … Read more

train-wheels close up Image by Foundry Co from Pixabay

Ridin’ the rails. Clickety Clack…

“I’ve been workin’ on the railroad, All the live long day. I’ve been workin’ on the railroad, Just to pass the time away. Don’t you hear the whistle blowing? Rise up so early in the morn. Don’t you hear the captain shouting ‘Dinah, blow your horn?’”

Quaint words from a bygone era, no doubt. Unfortunately, not everybody leaves the choo-choos back in the memories of childhood long ago. Oh no, there are those, especially politicians, that can’t keep trains a fond remembrance. They feel the need to play with trains, and therefore, they end up with the ultimate set, all funded with OUR money. That’s right- we really ARE workin’ for the railroad, only, you probably didn’t know it, and Dinah isn’t in your kitchen cooking up some grub, and, sadly, there’s no one strummin’ on that ole banjo…

But seriously, there they go again—the railroad promoters, that is. As sure as the seasons change, they’re coming at us for our support—and money—for their long-held dreams of restoring rail service here in New England, looking to return it to its once-mighty seat at the top of our transportation system. To me, this is all well and good, except it doesn’t work out here in the country. I’ve long maintained that public transportation—especially rail-based— works in urban areas, and works well. Here in the sticks, not so. There’s a reason why rail fell out of favor with the advent of the modern automobile and truck, along with America’s awesome Interstate Highway System: FREEDOM.

The ability to go where we want, whenever we want, and with who we want is something that people have long recognized and appreciated. Until now, that is. With gas prices where they are, there are undoubtedly those thinking about trading their individual ride for so-called “public” transportation. Not me. They’ll have to pry the steering wheel from my cold, dead fingers. Count me as one American who is still mired in the midst of a love affair with my automobile.

The July 14th Laconia Daily Sun carried a story (page 3) that stated,

“Given the high gas prices and the public’s desire for more transportation choices, New Hampshire’s rail enthusiasts are displaying ‘I think I can’ optimism when it comes to expanding passenger train service.”

The piece went on to announce a gathering of “rail advocates” that took place last week

“to discuss how increased passenger rail service could accelerate the state’s economy.”

Ooooh, doesn’t that sound exciting? And you just know it’s a good idea because, guess who’s pushing it? None other than that great and all-knowing leader that makes one immediately think of innovation and success: Michael Dukakis. I know what you’re thinking, “But Doug, Michael DUKAKIS? You mean the same guy that was the Governor of Massachusetts?” Yes, indeed. THAT Michael Dukakis.

Again from the Sun article:

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Shaheen, Hodes, Shea-Porter, and their comrades among those who obviously “don’t understand how the industry operates”

Last week I actually got a rare opportunity to ask the ever-elusive Jeanne Shaheen an unscripted question when she took phone calls on our friend Judy’s morning radio program in New London. I explained that even with new technology on the horizon, many people, myself included, are stuck with our present automobiles for the foreseeable … Read more

Meet the New Press Radio. Like the Free-Staters, seeking “liberty in our lifetime!”

Starting Saturday morning at 9 am! . ….              .Pat Hynes                                  Skip Murphy                                  Doug Lambert As usual, this week’s broadcast version of GraniteGrok and AnkleBitingPundits brings an array of items and guests for your consideration– ALL STARTING AT 9AM! As always, thanks to the technical wizardry and analytical skills of Skip, if you are … Read more

Major Victory for New Hampshire’s Right to Know law! Belknap County Sheriff removed from office by Supreme Court

Breaking News…

Shining the light...
The New Hampshire Supreme Court has just issued their rulings in our PRO-SE Right-to-Know cases brought against the Belknap County Convention disputing the closed-door process used to appoint a new Sheriff and the denial of access to public records. They have found in our favor, and invalidated the Sheriff’s appointment.

DUGGAN, J. In these consolidated appeals, the petitioners, Douglas Lambert and Thomas A. Tardif, challenge: (1) the failure of the Trial Court (Mohl, J.) to invalidate the appointment of Craig Wiggin to the office of Belknap County sheriff by respondent Belknap County Convention (Convention); and (2) the trial court’s denial of their request for documents from respondents Stephen H. Nedeau, the Convention’s chairperson, and Angela A. Bell, the Convention’s record keeper. See RSA ch. 91-A (2001 & Supp. 2007). We hold that the appointment of Wiggin must be invalidated because the Convention was required to fill the vacancy in public session rather than by secret ballot. See RSA 91-A:2, II, :8, II (Supp. 2007). We further hold that the petitioners must be afforded access to the documents relating to the candidates’ applications for the vacancy, see RSA 91-A:4, I (Supp. 2007), but remand for consideration of whether certain personal information that may be in those documents requires redaction. Accordingly, we reverse and remand.

This is the best part:
 

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Celebrating Flag Day… in Wolfeboro, NH. How sweet!

While the man seeking to have the Court force the town of Wolfeboro, NH to remove the American flags adorning the lighted street poles throughout town might have backed down, the legions of enraged military families and veterans have not. Saturday is Flag Day. Every June 14th since 1916, Americans have commemorated the anniversary of the … Read more

Flag Flap Update: This guy just won’t stop stepping in it!

Wolfeboro flags

The following letter was sent by the flag-removal lawsuit filer Claude Roessiger’s lawyer to one of the veteran activists expressing displeasure over what he tried to do to Wolfeboro’s public display of Old Glory. You’d think the guy would have simply crawled back under the rock from whence he came following his withdrawal of the suit. But nooooooo…

Writes the letter’s recipient:

Believe it or not I got an email this morning from Roessiger’s attorney trying to convice me that his client is a Patriot, and that the displaying of American Flags in Wolfeboro was a partisan display. Here is Attorney William Chapman’s actual comments:

Mr. Howe-

I am the attorney who represented Claude Roessiger in the now-terminated suit against Wolfeboro. He brought suit because the town refused either (1) to remove the American flags it is permitting a resident to display on town utility poles or (2) to allow Mr. Roessiger to display his own banner on those poles containing advice from George Washington that our country should avoid foreign entanglements.

Please be assured that Mr. Roessiger is a patriotic American who believes in what our flag stands for. What he objects to is someone using the flag and town property – public property – to advance a particular political viewpoint: support of the Bush Administration invasion of, and continued troop presence in, Iraq. It is clear from minutes of the meeting at which the selectmen approved the display of flags that they both understood and agreed with the reason for displaying the flags.

Mr. Howe, who is organizing tomorrow’s American Legion Flag Day motorcyle ride through Wolfeboro, replied, putting the whole thing in context:

 

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Tancredo “gets it”…

A rain-soaked Tom Tancredo speaks to a gathering in Franklin, NH back in ’05 As the general election campaign starts in earnest, many of those formerly in the race have been popping up here and there, endorsing or recommending the "presumptive nominee" of their respective party. Last night Rudy Giuliani was on Fox, discussing the … Read more

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