Why Can't Hollywood Bring in the Crowds?

Since the New York Times paywall went up, I've become an avid Los Angeles Times reader (You'd think an LA Blogger would have made it part of his permanent reading material, but I'm not that smart /sarcasm).

And what do I read today?

With movie theater attendance in the U.S. and Canada down a whopping 20% so far this year compared with 2010, cinema operators and some studio chiefs surprisingly agree on at least one cause: The movies haven't been very good.

"I think it all boils down to the quality of the movies," said Gerry Lopez, chief executive of AMC Entertainment Inc., the nation's second-largest theater chain. "This year we just haven't had those kind of movies that cut across all quadrants of age, race and income."

Michael Lynton, chief executive of Sony Pictures Entertainment, agreed: "So far there is just nothing terribly compelling about what we're delivering as an industry."



It seems both Lopez and Lynton have figured it out. 
 
 
How many remakes have been made?  Does anyone jump for joy about another remake?
 
 
There are hundreds of spec scripts around this town, each one individually made of creative juices with original characters. 
 
 
How about instead of running to the San Diego Comic-con, you tap the ideas of people who are in town?
 
 
Heck, I nominate It's Just Some Random Guy (with a large You Tube audience) help Warner Brothers write their DC movies. 
 
(or he can do Marvel -- for those who know, he gets the comic and the movie geeks).
 
Watch his stuff here:



 
   
And while you're at it, if you have an Oscar worthy script ready for production, hire my favorite actress: Vita Lusty! (Her blog is here). 
 

If the Studios want to make more money, it's time to bring back the Studio system of making movies. 


And please, please, please, make sure your movies and award shows don't insult half your American political audience. 
 
We are media savvy and we vote (with our ballots and our wallets).
 
My question: How would you help Hollywood make money again?

Why Donald Trump's Presidential campaign will close Friday (4/1)

I'm a former New Yorker.  I'm also a big fan of New York City Politics.

 

In the same breath that I praise Mayor Rudy Giuliani (R-NY), I can praise Mayor Koch (D-NY).  We New Yorkers are larger then life, we think big, we dream big, we make big footsteps in the world.

 

Heck, look at my High School Alumni (Forest Hills High School):

 

Simon & Garfunkel (1958)

The Ramones ( 1974 +)

Burt Bacharach (1946)

Captain Kangaroo (1945)

Jacob Lew (1972)  -- OMB Chair during Clinton Administration

Frank Lorenzo,

 

and, of course,

 

Peter Parker (Thank you Stan Lee!).

 

 

This year I am writing a book on how the GOP can get 55 Electoral votes from the West Coast (and especially the City of Angels -- just discussed with Robert McCain).  We New Yorkers, current and former, we dream BIG.

 

 

 

Now, why do I think Donald Trump (whom I think is a great businessman and New Yorker) is pulling every one's leg?  .  

 

 

 

 

As I always say, "The past is precedence," 

 

 

 

Thanks to the Huffington Post Fundrace, I can look back at Mr. Trump's contributions back to 2004. 

 

 

 

Let's look:

 

 

 

In 2010, Donald trump donated $2,000 to Rep. Wiener (D- Forest Hills) and another $2,000 to Senatior Chuck Schumer (D-Brooklyn); [Democrats]

 

In 2010, Trump donated $1,000 for Senator Coburn (R-OK) and $500 for Rep. Chris Lee (R-NJ). [Republicans]

 

 

 

In 2009,  $2,400 for Senator Harry Reid (D-NV), $2,000 for Bill Nelson, $4,000 for Senator Schumer (D-Brooklyn),  $1,000 for Rep Maloney (D-NY), [Democrats];

 

 

 

In 2008, $25,000 for the DSCC, $4,400 for Senator Schumer (D-Brooklyn),, this is just a small prtion.

 

 

 

For the GOP, Trump donated $10,000 to the NRSC, $2,300 for Senator McCain (post Presidential Primary), and $2,300 for Mayor Guliani (during the Presidential Primary).

 

 

 

And let's roll back to 2004, $2,000 for President Bush, and $2,000 for Senator Kerry.

 

 

 

In the mix of all these donations, has The Donald tried to change New York to be more friendly to Tea Partiers, Conservatives or Republicans?  NO.

 

 

If he wants to invest in changing a political structure, I can give him a few organizations here in the Southland.

 

 

Until then, The Donald is playing everyone. 

 

Presidential candidates usually spend time, energy and funds backing candidates of the same party consistently for at least half a decade before they jump in; Or they invest in pushing a policy when they are known to score points (see Gingrich, Newt).

 

 

However, while I might not cite The Donald as POTUS material, I think he would be great in the Deaprtment of the Treasury and OMB in the 2013 Palin Administration.  . 

 

My question, what does The Donald get by playing this game?

 

 

 

Doctor Who -- The Invisible Enemy

It's the weekend, time for another classic Doctor Who episode! 

And even better news, BBC America will be broadcasting the new season starting on April 23, 2011! 

This episode is about a Space Virus, shades of Fantastic Voyage and the introduction of the coolest robotic sidekicks EVAH, K-9. And that is "The Invisible Enemy,"

In other news, I am doing my Pompey Victory lap (I am not Caeserian yet) from last week.  I networked, I Blogged and I was quoted in Politico! 

Time to spend the night dancing at Ruin! (As always, any questions to the author of the Valley can be asked there).

And, now enjoy the Invisible Enemy!

Powered by Dailymotion

Godspeed, Gereldine Ferraro

There are times when the Political Blogosphere (Right and Left) comes together. 

The passing of Former Vice Presidential candidate and Former Forest Hills Representative Geraldine Ferraro is one of those times.

Here is the memeorandum thread.

This is from her Congressional Biography:

 

FERRARO, Geraldine Anne, a Representative from New York; born in Newburgh, Orange County, N.Y., August 26, 1935; graduated from Marymount School, Tarrytown, N.Y., 1952; B.A., Marymount College, New York, N.Y., 1956; J.D., Fordham University School of Law, New York, N.Y., 1960; lawyer, private practice; assistant district attorney, Queens County, N.Y., 1974-1978; elected as a Democrat to the Ninety-sixth and to the two succeeding Congresses (January 3, 1979-January 3, 1985); was not a candidate for reelection to the Ninety-ninth Congress in 1984, but was the unsuccessful Democratic candidate for Vice President of the United States; fellow of the Institute of Politics, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass., 1988-1992; president, International Institute for Women’s Political Leadership; unsuccessful candidate for nomination to the United States Senate in 1992 and 1998; permanent member, United Nations Commission on Human Rights, 1993-1996; is a resident of Forest Hills, N.Y.



When the 1988 Dukakis campaign came to Austin Street (To hat tip Ferraro), I don't know of anyone who stayed in school that day.



And today, because of Geraldine Ferraro's ground breaking campaign, we now have Governor Palin looking for the top of the ticket in 2012.  Here is what Governor Palin wrote:

My family and I would like to express our sincere condolences to the family of Geraldine Ferraro. When I had the honor of working alongside Geraldine on election night last year, we both discussed the role of women in politics and our excited expectation that someday that final glass ceiling would be shattered by the election of a woman president. She was an amazing woman who dedicated her life to public service as a teacher, prosecutor, Congresswoman, and Vice Presidential candidate. She broke one huge barrier and then went on to break many more. The world will miss her. May she rest in peace and may her example of hard work and dedication to America continue to inspire all women.


And finally, a speech by Ferraro:




G-dspeed from another former Forest Hills resident.

Why Wilshire Blvd and Ventura Blvd will Bring CA back to the GOP

It seems while I was away at Sacramento,  Blogging the convention, a debate began in the Right Blogosphere:

 

To Fight or not to Fight in Los Angeles?

 

This is from The Other McCain and this is from Little Miss Attila.

 

And to quote Jules Winfield of Pulp Fiction, allow me to retort:

 

Between Wilshire Blvd and Ventura Blvd is the second biggest media market in the US; The biggest media market has a larger City Council and Republicans from the Outer Boroughs. 

 

Even if we own all the Outer Counties and San Diego, California will not flip. Here is an equation every Presidential and Congressional leader needs to study if they want to win the 55 Electoral Votes and a majority in their chamber:

 

(From 2007)

 

37 Counties + San Diego + Los Angeles = Republican State.

It will take at least two decades to win outside the Bay Area, because culturally and electorally, it would be hard to crack.  But if the fight is in Los Angeles, then the numbers change.

We already own the Antelope Valley above the 14 freeway; The San Fernando valleys and San Gabriels have a network of activists that are both tea party and Organizational.  Use them.  Also make sure they put stuff on the ballot to change the direction of the City.  Owning the ground is half the battle.

Mathematically, there is no where else to gain more voters. 

If you want to win California, LA or bust, baby!

And how to take the city in five easy steps?

1)  Think like Artists -- the town is populated by them!

2)  Social Libertarianism is the key to the city;

3)  Reach out to Locals who know their corner of the city -- convince them;

4)   The City is run top to bottom by Democrats -- how many empty storefronts are on the main streets?  Count them and use those numbers in the next elections.

5) And to quote Leonidas in 300: "Give them nothing!...But take from them Everything,"  Fight for every corner of the City from Venice Boardwalk to East LA.  We have a large amount of voters here, let's get them ready for 2012!

My question for Little Miss Attila and RS:  If you give up on Los Angeles (and/or California), how do you propose to win 2012 without either?

 

 

"We're Not Gonna Protest! We're Not Gonna Protest!"

That is from a cool movie called PCU starring Jeremy Piven. 

It was a movie that went against all the Liberal tropes of fun killers (some of these people can be found on the Los Angeles City Council today). 

I bring up this reaction because that hobgoblin of consistency has reared it's ugly head. 

During the last Administration, there were protests upon protests of America's War of bringing democracy to Iraq. 

But How did President Bush fils "Rush to war?"

President Bush went to Congress first (to follow up on a law passed in 1998 under President Clinton);

He went to the United Nations twice;

And he built up a long list of allies before any troops hit the ground in Iraq 

Now let's follow up on President Obama's timeline for Libya:

After Secretary Clinton, Ambassador Powers and  Ambassador Rice argue for air strikes in Libya;

After the United nations authorizes a No-fly Zone in Libya;

And finally a smaller number of allies the under President Bush!

Is President Obama against dictators? That's not his foreign policy script.

Why didn't President Obama go before Congress regarding the War Powers act?  Even President Bush won over his own Legislature before going in.

And finally, where are the protests for this "Illegal war for Oil?"

(gas is rising due to the chaos in the Middle East, and we're going to war for cheap oil! Take that Libs!)

All together now!

"We're not gonna protest! We're not gonna Protest! Obama is a tool!"

My question: was the Left lying during the last Administration or this one?

**Please note I used to subscribe to "Politics stops at the waters edge," But the modern Left did not, so I learned to adapt.  Democrats, have a consistent foreign policy next time .

VNN: Sunday Clean Up

Valley News Network, on the air here and everywhere!

 

This is the last VNN until the Southland Convention this fall.  (Or if I am doing media work someplace else)

 

What happened at the General Session on Sunday at the CRP Convention in Sacramento?

 

I decided to stay among the delegates and not the media during that morning. 

 

Here is who I sat with, Terry Rathbun:

 

 

And the amount of delegates?

 

1,545 Members;

1,375 Dues Paying members (Yours truly among them);

665 Needed for CRP General session quorum;

469 Proxies;

1,027 Registered and available to vote (again, of which I was one)!

 

Here was a few pics of the crowd:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There were three major voting issues:

 

1)  Prop. 14 (resolved before General session):  The Infamous Rules Committee threw out every plan but the Spence Plan.

 

And this was thrown into a general mix for the Session.

 

Only three rules committee issues were thrown into the session:

 

Prop 9) Supporting the CYRF merger.  I voted yes on this and so did 644 other voters (there were 340 against).

 

One reason why I supported the merger:

 

 

How can you say no to these pretty faces?

Prop 12 and 13 was about allowing (or actually not allowing) Proxies and alternates not to show.  Voted down heavily.

And finally, the only contested position for CRP was the Treasurer position which Mike Osbourne won.

Thank you and goodnight!

 

Valley News Network: Central Valley Blues

On the air from the City of Angels, to Sacramento to the World Wide Web!

Remember dear readers, you heard it here first: off the record, on the QT, and very Hush-Hush

First, let us meet the Delta Smelt:

Now that one little fish is drying up the Central Valley (courtasy of the EPA).  Not only is drying up the Central valley, it means food prices in California goes up (I'm a city kid and I know that food  does not come from the supermarket).

And within the Central Valley? 25% or thereabouts unemployment.

Here is a tune to watch the pictures by, Heartland by U2;




"Through the ghost-ranch hills,
Death Valley waters,
In the towers of steel,
Belief goes on and on,

"In this Heartland,
In this Heartland soil,
In this Heartland,
Everyone knows this is a heartland,"

-- U2, Heartland, Rattle and Hum
Come and see as I saw:

The sign says "Stop the Boxer Pelosi Dust Bowl"

Senator Feinstein wants to open the water to the Central Valley; Senator Boxer does not.  And here I praise Feinstein for doing the right thing, but Senator Boxer is in charge of the Senate Environmental Committee.  Only she or President Obama can overturn the EPA's ruling.

If you hate Conservatives, Republicans and Tea Partiers, ask yourself is 25% unemployment is worth the life of one fish?  Or are people expendable? 

VNN: Stuff from the CRP Convo

Valley News Network from here, there and everywhere!

Remember dear readers, you heard it here first: off the record, on the QT, and very Hush-Hush

Here are some pics I took and some notes:

Against the McCarthy Plan and RINOs

Silly Protesters! California is broke and no tax base!  Governor Brown and Democrats run this town.  Or, in short: NOT SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER.

Sitting next to a pretty girl from Sacramento at the General Meeting.  (Face it, coming to the CAGOP and RPLAC meetings means you get to meet a lot of pretty California Girls)

And let's end it with a song:

Beach Boys, California Girls


Just got from a presser with Governor (and former RNC Chair) Haley Barbour. 

My question to him: Whether you are or are not the POTUS nominee, will you invest or get the National party to invest in flipping Los Angeles?

Gov. Barbour: I heard that advice before, and it was great advice.  I hope to support flipping Los Angeles in 2012.



Don't forget to hit the Tip jar!

VNN: Words of Wisdom from Val Cymbal

VALLEY NETWORK NEWS IS ON THE AIR HERE AND EVERYWHERE!!!

Remember dear readers, you heard it here first: off the record, on the QT, and very Hush-Hush

And this is Val Cymbal, veteran, Blogger, activist and for the first time in my picture gallery, smiling.

When I was involved with the Southland Fundraiser in the last cycle (with potential to be revived for 2012), Val was the man I wanted leading the audience in the pledge. He is a tough guy, but don't let that fool you, he is a nice guy, and very important guy to have your back.

When I was eating lunch, Val joined me and we discussed Prop. 14 issues, ADC's and winning in the Southland.

One of the issues Val had with Prop 14 and the Assembly District Committees [ADC] ; He noted that some ADC's never met (whereas, we in the 42nd AD meet once a month) and that as the different Prop 14 measures are decided upon (The "Nehring Plan," by our current Chairman empowers the ADC's -- Val endorses this plan).

Here are the other Prop 14 plans being debated and voted on (by me) tommorow:

The McCarthy Plan - Only 2/3 support of the CAGOP Board and ADC's will endorse Republican candidates, however, if any GOP not endorsed during a primary wins, they get automatically endorsed for the general.

The Spence Plan -- (which cannot be found online, I will post it as soon as it shows)




Val's biggest issue with the staffs and electeds of the CAGOP and RPLAC was modernising our fight against the Democrats.  As a veteran, he knows how to fight.  And he does not like spending years not pointing our (Rhetorical) guns at the Left. 

One of the things about the last election was something that Glenn Reynolds speaks about, "Credentialed, not educated,"  Speak to any Meg Whitman staffer and they will tell you they are the smartest person in the room. 

Give me a dozen Val's over hundreds of Maya Buki's -- Experience and willingness to fight the Left (and by not playing to their rules) is how we win.

One of things we both noted was the music within the Pledge of Allegiance, tell me if you hear the tune:

"I Pledge Allegiance, to the Flag, of the United States of America.  And to the Republic, for which it stands, One Nation, Under G-d, Indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all."

After we said it, the meal was over.



I am proud to know Val.  If you want to join us at RPLAC and CAGOP, there is no leader better to follow then Val.

Don't forget to hit the Tip jar!

VNN Over and Out!

VNN Interview: Shawn Steel

Valley News Network, live on the air and everywhere!

Remember dear readers, you heard it here first: off the record, on the QT, and very Hush-Hush.


While the vote was going on between Abrahms and Boyd, VNN interviewed former CRP Chair and RNC National Committeeman, Shawn Steel.

The first question was: How to win Los Angeles in 2012?

Mr. Steel answered by saying, "The formula for winning Los Angeles is 60% Asian, 40% Latino and 55% Caucasians,"  He continued, "When we battle, we [in RPLAC and CAGOP] must use the 40 - 55- 60 rule,"

The second question:  How do different areas stack up to fight in 2012?

"The further they are from Downtown and City Hall [i.e. Antelope Valley and Santa Clarita], the better we do,"  Steel also said, "It is a battle to restore donors to get active locally,"

So, where are the donors? I asked

"After LA lost the aerospace industry during the Clinton Administration, we lost a half million aerospace workers, voters and donors,"  These are the voters who went to the Western States such as Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico.

Fourth Q: What about now?

"We need more messengers in the Latino and Asian communities,"  Shawn paused for a second, and then focused on one of the major forces RPLAC faces:

"A lot of Latinos are NOT Union members, but the Latino Union leadership coalition takes these voters for granted,"

And then I asked for some final words:

"If Los Angeles starts moving into the RIGHT direction, the country will move there too,"

Thank you Shawn Steel! 

And please hit the Tip jar!

VNN Over and out!

VNN: Los Angeles County Votes for its Reigonal Chair!

Valley News Network live from Sacramento and everywhere! Tune in, Turn on, and Turn out!

 

Remember dear readers, you heard it here first: off the record, on the QT, and very Hush-Hush.

As a partisan and a delegate (and a Blogger who needs free food), I started the morning at the Adam Abrahms Breakfast.  As I wrote before, he represented the future.  Good morning and good snacks. 
 

This was the power table I sat at.  

 

Then we went to the meeting room (where there was NO Internet access [BOO!]).

 

Meets and greets and prepping to vote.

 

 

Just a portion of the crowd at RPLAC.  Los Angeles County has the most delegates in all of California, 200 +.  Anyone who understand California Politics, understands that to win the State, you have to win over this crowd of voters.  And they in turn will get out their neighbors and friends. 

In the end, it was a fight between the future and the past. 

Linda Boyd ran on the theme of "experience,"  Unfortunately, the RPLAC Delegates remember the debacle of Mayor Hahn's re-election debacle (re-cited in the California Encyclicals).

Adam Abahms brought his professionalism and power of unifying to YR groups (Kudos to Ashley Nicole Ingrahm). He argued about making Los Angeles a Battleground. 

And in the end, the vote was:

Abrahms  83
Boyd       72

The future won.

And that ends this edition of VNN.

Please hit the Tip Jar!

Over and out!
 

 

 

 

Valley Network News Tuning into the California Republican Spring Convention

Valley Network News is on the air broadcasting from Sacramento, California and all over the Internet!

From LA Confidential by James Ellroy, VNN's opening quote:

Remember dear readers, you heard it here first: off the record, on the QT, and very Hush-Hush.

Here is the early news from Sac and the CRP Spring Convention:

Leadership races for Los Angeles and Statewide offices for the next cycle begins tonight!

Prop 14 issues will be voted on!

And the mystery of the dry Central Valley, who or whom do the Central Valley Delegates trust?

And yours truly will vote and report.

Over and out for tonight. Please tune into VNN and hit the Tip Jar!

Let's leave with a song:

"Falling into A Burning Ring of Fire"

Before I begin, here is a list of charities to help Japan.  Thank you for giving.

Now, the music portion of our post begins:

Johnny Cash, Ring of Fire (1968)

On both sides of the Pacific Ocean is a series of tectonic plates and volcanoes that can change the maps and destroy people.

Here is a map of that area:

Japan was caught between a Scylla and Charybdis of a 9.1 earthquake and then a Tsunami thereafter. Add in the Nuclear plant caught up in the aftershocks and you have a very nervous Pacific Rim.

I've spoken to some people in the Southland ready to find a bunker, and others, who are not worried at all. 

"Hawaii is in the way," I was told jokingly. 

Here's the thing, I'm neither too optimistic or too worried about the Nuclear winds coming East. 

By the time the wind cycles around the Pacific,  any danger in the air has dissipated.  But look in the Golden State, there are NO active working Nuclear reactors.

Problem solved, right?

Energy has to come from somewhere.  And according to Environmentalists, Oil is bad, coal is bad, solar works when the sun is out (yes, it rains in paradise too) and no wind energy farm exists beyond Palm Springs.

Between the fault lines and the lack of power for the State, it is only a matter of time before the Power (and water) Bill skyrockets. 

Fluid Karma anyone?

My question: How do you solve California's upcoming energy crisis?
. 

St. Patrick's Day 2011

First, check this out:

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Valley of the Shadow: On this Past Ides of March, the Wisconsin Riots Shudder through the Republic

This came from Insty and in the last post.  You who follow this Blog are among a very select group of readers.  The last POTUS read the Valley too!

Now enough with this Shite!  Onto some St. Patrick's day music!

Dropkick Murphys, I'm Shipping off to Boston;


Flogging Molly, The Devil's Dancefloor (live)



The Young Dubliners, Rocky Road to Dublin

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

On this Past Ides of March, the Wisconsin Riots Shudder through the Republic

If I could live in any time in history, it would be the from the Death of the Gracci's to Augustus' rise in Ancient Rome.  One of my cool (and beautiful) friends in the Goth scene is knowledgeable and she enjoys studying Ancient Egypt. I think that's why we get along so well :} 

Since we are just past the Ides of March, let us see how a Republic slowly dies:

However, I don't need a TARDIS to see history repeat. 

Here is how I see what happened:

November 2010: Gov. Scott Walker and a majority of Republicans win in WI State Assembly and State Senate

Feb 14, 2011:  A Budget Repair Bill proposed by Gov. Walker shutting off collected bargaining from State Level Employee Unions goes through the Statehouse

Feb 2011 - Mar 2011: The Minority State Senate Democrats ("The Fleebagger 14")  run from WI to IL instead of voting on the measure.  Riots ensue in the WI State Capitol; Teachers and kids, Union members from other states harass State lawmakers and issue death threats.

Mar 9 - 10, 2011: The WI Senate GOP members separate the funding out of the Bill and vote on ending Collective Bargaining for Unions; The next day, the State Assembly follows suit.  Governor Walker signs the bill passed by the State Legislature.

Now during the protests, the Mob kept chanting, "This is what Democracy looks like!" 

Um, no it doesn't. 

Democracy occurred in the Election and the Legislators who voted, not in the mob who took over the State Capitol.

As I have said many times before, History repeats in American Political life, but what does not repeat is how Democrats and their allies cannot handle being on the losing side.

How many times have the Democrats whinged about Election 2000 Overtime?
How many times did the GOP complain about disparities in Election 1960?

Now, where does history repeat here?

During the 90's the Clinton Administration went after the cigarette companies.  Did they do it for the health reasons? NO  Did they propose that cigarette smoking is bad, but let business' choose their own path? NO (Just in case anyone thought that Democrats cared about peoples "Freedom,"  Another myth bites the dust)

It was all about how the cigarette companies funded the National  GOP.  Now, after Election 2010 where Democrats lost seats statewide in Wisconsin and nationally in Congress, to see History repeat (again over funding) is funny and scary as hell.

The Mob rule was one of the signs of the Republic Falling (at least a decade before Caesar's assassination).  And I quote Rubicon, by Tom Holland:

"Of course, Clodius being Clodius, he could not resist seeing just how far the intimidation could be pushed. In August [59 BC], as Pompey was crossing the Forum to attend a meeting of the Senate, a clattering of stone on metal rang out from the Temple of Castor. One of Clodius' slaves reportedly dropped a dagger. Pompey, believing his life to be in danger, at once retreated from the Forum and barricaded behind his front door.  Clodius' gangs pursued him and set up camp outside.  The Tribune [Clodius] threatened to do to Pompey what he had already done to Cicero: seize his mansion, level it and build a temple to Liberty in its place.  Pompey, unlike Cicero, did not bolt and run, but he found himself blockaded, unable to leave his house -- a staggering reversal for the greatest man in the Republic....For Clodius...it was an intoxicating, scarcely believable moment of triumph.  Champion of the aristocracy, patron of the slums, he appeared to be the master of Rome,"

-- Rubicon, Tom Holland, Pg. 244

In America, Political Power comes from the Provinces.  As a provincial myself, I understand this.  The Tea party started out protesting the spending in local hometowns, and then get down to electing candidates to Congress for the last election.

The last time Democrats ran across State lines was in Texas against voting for Re-districting.  The next cycle, the Democrats LOST. 

Why?  In America, you stand and fight for your beliefs, not use a loophole to cause trouble. The GOP was legitimate in using it's loophole after the Democrats absconded for almost a month.  Goose and gander, Valley people, pot and kettle too.

These protests are the beginning of the end of the American Republic.

Follow me down to "What if?" territory:



Imagine in 2013, President Palin and a majority Republican Congress follow the same route the WI Republicans take.  Will the AFL-CIO, SEIU and AFSCME destroy the Capitol and the White House to prove a point?

Hell, Lefty protesters already go to the homes of those they Hate!  What's the next level?



Or as I have been asking: What is the protesters endgame?  Is it to destroy the concept of voting or is it to exterminate any opposition to any Leftist (not Liberal) view?



My question: Who is the modern Democratic Party Clodius?


UPDATE 8:50PM PST: Welcome Instapundit readers! Please make yourselves at home in the Valley.  This weekend I will be reporting (and voting) at the CAGOP Convention in Sacramento.  Remember: Power lies within the provinces!

 

For the CRP Convention: Endorsing Tom Del Beccaro, Regional Chair Adam Abrahms and Prop. 14 Ideas

I am going up on Friday (thanks!)  to the CRP Convention -- Robert McCain cannot :{

This post is about California and Los Angeles Republican Party politics, so for now, those not involved in the Convention or Republican California Politics, please follow the next two videos:

Koyaanisqatsi


And this one:

Ferris Bueller Day's Off Ending


-------------------
Now then, let us talk among ourselves, we Republicans in the Southland and in California. 

Tom del Beccaro for CRP Chair

My first endorsement is for Chairman of the California Republican Party and there is only one name in the mix: Tom Del Beccaro.

If you vote on Sunday, this is the man to vote for.

There are a couple of things that make me excited to vote for Tom:

1) His vision as he writes here:

As the CRP Chair, Tom will continue to work on the 4 Ms of Party Politics - Message, Marketing, Motivation & Money.


Message & Marketing:

The California Republican Party will become ascendant once again when it champions a clear Message of limited government. Working with the Republican Legislators, Donors and Volunteers, Tom will work to use limited government issues to attract Californians to the Republican Party. Tom will also work on revolutionizing the manner in which the Republican Party markets its ideas through the Internet, Talk Radio and the mediums friendly to our cause.

Motivation:


The CRP never works so well as when the Legislators, Donors and Volunteers are all pulling in the same direction. The Volunteers of the CRP are critical to its future success. Tom has made over 500 appearances around the state over the last 7 years along with hundreds of radio and television appearances- not to mention his many writings. Tom will continue those efforts as well develop innovative programs and volunteers drives to build the ranks of the CRP and expand our Get-Out-The-Vote efforts.

Money:


Like it or not, money plays an ever more important role in modern politics. Tom will continue to work develop independent funding programs for the CRP so that the CRP can not only stand on its own but project its own image in California politics.


2)  And this is from the great Sue Abato. If she is on your campaign, you have a professional of White House stature (plus she can beat you up with one hand -- I've seen it happen /joke)

"Tom del Beccaro is the man we need to lead the California Republican [Party] into the second decade of the 21st century. He inclusive of all Republicans. I think what I admire most about Tom is that he listens and remembers. I am a breast cancer survivor who has had some reoccurences along the way. Tom, always goes out of his way to find out about my health or inquire about my health.



"Watch Tom, he will boldly lead the California Republican Party where no one dared or dreamed to take it."

LA Regional Chair Adam Abrahms

Now we go to the other race I'm following, the LA Reigonal Chair.  The Valley strongly endorses Adam Abrahms for that position.

His opposition is someone from the past of RPLAC, here is a story that gives an example of how LA Republicans can look towards the future with pride:

"In 433 BC, just before the Peloponisian war, the island of [Corfu] and the Greek City-state of Conrith stood on the brink of conflict. Both parties sent Ambassadors to Athens to win them over to their side. The stakes were high and whomever had Athens was sure to win the war....

"[Corfu] spoke first. It's ambassador began...the only thing [Corfu] could offer was an alliance of mutual interests. [Corfu] had a navy only surpassed in size and strength by Athens' own; an alliance between the two states would create a formidable force, one that could intimidate the rival state of Sparta.  That was all [Corfu] could offer.

"The representative from Corinth then gave a brilliant, passionate speech...He talked of everything that Corinth had done in the past.  ...He finally went on to list the many services Corinth had performed for Athens, and the importance of showing gratitude to one's friends.

" After the speech,, the Athenians debated in the Assembly.  On the second round, they voted to support [Corfu] and drop Corinth,"

-- The 48 Laws of Power, Robert Greene, Pgs 97-8

Mr. Abrams is Corfu, and having been a leader with the California Republican Lawyers Assn, he helped Chairwoman Barnett over the lawsuit.  Having legal representation on your side during an election is the strongest navy RPLAC can have.  I've seen people from the opposition's endorsement list who have helped Mr. Abrahms. 

The past is the past, let it go.

And here is an outtake from an email from Former Assemblywoman Paula Boland:

 
"As a three term Los Angeles area Assemblywoman I care deeply about LA and our future.  I am so pleased to support Adam Abrahms because I know his commitment to our Party, including his quest for unity and his support of Jane Barnett, and a strong County Party.  I have known and worked with Adam for over 15 years and view him as the future of our Party.  He is bright, talented and full of integrity

"Supporting Chairman Jane Barnett-- Adam has continually supported RPLAC and our county chair Jane Barnett. Adam and the California Republican Lawyers Association were the first group to come to Jane's aid when Adam wrote a pro bono legal opinion against those challenging Jane's election and the legitimate RPLAC board....Adam faithfully served as sergeant of arms and several members of his campaign team worked diligently to help re-elect Jane at December's RPLAC organizational meeting.

"Unity--  Adam's commitment to unity has proven results.  He recently brought together the two divided state Young Republican organizations who had been bitterly opposed to one another for two decades...Adam's skill for brining us together can also be seen in the fact that he has supporters from all spectrums of our party. ...




"I encourage you all to look at Adam's playbook for Los Angeles. In order to move forward and begin to win seats in the county once again, we need new leadership like Adam, with the vision and energy to put us back on track." 

 Prop 14 Changes

There are a few plans  to vote on dealing with Prop. 14.  Here is what I want to vote on.  If anyone wants use these as a guidelines to vote on, please let me know.

A)   Assembly District members can decide how to handle Primary races -- at least before anyone enters a race, all local candidates should submit to a private Q & A in front of the AD's;

B)   Elected officials have the clout as Assembly District Members.  We are not democrats giving an elite veto power over the public.  But the Elected official must co-ordinate with the AD;

C)  Veto Power over candidate races should be held by the assembled Republican voters during a caucus.  The AD can cite pros and cons for each candidate.  Every member can cite who endorsed whom, but no GOP (local) candidate goes forward without meeting the voters.  

D)  During every primary, from City Council to President, Republicans caucus in their home AD.  The Chair of the AD decides the place (the time is Primary day).

And finally,

E) At every CAGOP Convention, candidate for GOP positions must be there or the AD's are allowed to veto that candidate for the current race.

That's it.  I will be both media and delegate up in Sac! 

See you there!

How to Debate Politics in Any Online Forum (FB, Twitter, etc..)

One thing I know about, other then Marvel Comics or cool sci-fi books is Politics.

 

I started my political life a Liberal Democrat (with Social Libertarian leanings), now I am a Conservative Republican (with the same Libertarian streak).  Add in the fact that I am Jewish, Goth and someone who understands Policy,  well, that makes me very knowledgeable about a world most people visit occasionally.

 

I love the 'net and its free-for-all, wild west atmosphere, but one thing I DESPISE are people who venture onto a realm I have traveled on since I was 15 years old and disregard the basic rule of Politics:

 

PLAY WELL WITH OTHERS

 

To win elections, you need coalitions; To get Bills passed, the same rule applies.  (I will write the story of Wisconsin Mobs on the Ides of March -- that will be fitting). 

 

Now, when debating (be it sports, fashion, TV shows, etc.) online some basic rules apply:

 

1)   If you start a debate with a "How long have you beat your wife?" question?" i.e. someone who does something stupid or wrong on one side of the political line is held up  as an example of ALL of that partisan line, expect to be attacked. 

 

1A)  If you promote yourself as smarter then anyone who disagrees with you, or kinder, or etc., then, again, expect to be called out on it. 

 

These two on top are the beginning examples of what I call "Hate-gasms,"  not as nice as the other -gasms we know. 

 

2)  If you do not know the policies of other Americans whose policies differ from yourself, STOP WRITING OR BLOGGING ABOUT POLITICS! Ignorance of the opposite side means you will lose in the long run.  Read Sun Tzu to understand this rule. 

 

 

Anyone who does not know the policies of their local tea party or their local anti-war activist cannot claim to be a political genius (or genius at anything else).  These are your fellow Americans.  If you Hate them, you hate yourself.  And if you continue to be angry and hateful to Americans whose views differ, go to Anger Management immediately! 

 

 

3)  If you bring an assertion, bring up the relevant facts from a neutral source.  If you are debating a Conservative, quoting the New York Times will hold no water since they have never endorsed a Republican for President since 1960 (Yes, 1960 -- ten years before I was born).  Find sources that your opposition will use.  Hence, when I debate Lefties, I use Lefty Blogs, magazines or radio to make my point.  Their words on a subject being debated. 

 

3a) As an example, I can say "Democrats don't believe in Democracy Overseas,"  Here is a link. Point proved.  Assert, then offer proof.  This is not rocket science. 

 

 

 

4) Starting the debate with Ad Homs gains you an Amen Corner, but no actual debate.  If you damn someone for not following your views, don't expect points when you say something Right.  How about you treat your debate opponent as you wish to be treated?  Unfortunately, I see too much of the Left finding one excuse after another find a reason NOT to do this. 

 

If someone can tell me why, I would like to know.

 

 

5)  Also, in Politico debates, only Hitler and the Nazis are Hitler and Nazis, not your debate opponent or the elected official you dislike.  See Godwin and Zombietime for more. 

 

 

 

6)  Never destroy friendships or family relationships over policy differences, that's just stupid.  If we all thought the same, that would be very boring.  Everyone is allowed their views, to deny that would be to deny someones humanity.  Policy differences are not personal differences.  mature adults understand that, children don't.

 

 

And finally,

 

7)  If you have an Emmanuel Goldstein in your life, find something about the individual and a policy or two to like.  If you can't, it makes you look like a Hater.  And Americans Hate haters.

 

My question: What rules should be added to this?