Obama Cooking the Books on Jobs Numbers?

The various ways in which the Obama administration is cooking the books does not even take into account the number of people who have retired early due to the inability to find work. It is a fact that older adults have a harder time finding work than younger job seekers. We are on the leading edge of the baby boom and never before has the option of early retirement been available to so many. I have a relative who retired early and is drawing social security. After exhausting his unemployment benefits and still unable to find work he chose to retire. In my job of dealing with people in crisis, I all of the time see people who took early retirement who did not want to do so.

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Pipeline would create jobs, stem unstable imports

Dave Patterson

by Dave Patterson, The Tennessean, January 7, 2012

At a time when we are again facing threats of a disruption of Middle Eastern oil supplies — this time from Iran — it would be wise to remember that Canadian oil would help us reduce our dependence on oil from unstable regions.

We know that U.S. consumers will need more oil for the foreseeable decades. The only question is whether it will be Canadian oil that is processed by American workers in U.S. refineries (among the most efficient in the world) for U.S. consumers — or by refineries elsewhere with less-stringent standards.

It would make no sense to have Canadian oil go to distant countries while our country continues to import oil from faraway producers. That would not benefit the environment — and neither would it be good for consumers and our economic recovery. (link)

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New Congressional Districts: Jim Cooper is Safe

The new map of redrawn Congressional districts has been unveiled and the big news is that Jim Cooper is safe. I had hoped that the Fifth Congressional District would be redrawn to create a district where Republicans could compete but that did not happen.

The 2010 census revealed that three of Tennessee’s districts deviated from their ideal population of 705,123 by more than 80,000 people. Federal law requires that congressional districts be exactly equal in population. The new proposed maps create more compact, less sprawling districts correcting decades of illogical gerrymandering by the Democratic‐led legislatures. The new maps divide fewer counties.


To see a map of the current Congressional districts click here and then click "Congressional District Maps."  To see the new proposed districts click here.

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New Republican-drawn Senate Map Released.

The Tennessee Senate’s new redistricting map have been released. For those who thought Democrats would be punished with the redrawing of district line, that is not the case. The redrawing would place Senate Democratic Leader Jim Kyle of Memphis into the same district as a GOP incumbent Sen. Brian Kelsey but the biggest loser is Republican Sen. Kerry Roberts who gets lumped in with Republican state Sen. Jim Summerville. The election of Senators is staggered and Senator Summerville is not up for reelection until 2014, so Senator Kerry will be out office at the end of this year.

The new Senate district maps would create two new seats in Middle Tennessee that currently do not have an incumbents and those seats will be filled in the 2012 election. At this time it is unclean which way these two new Senate seats would lean.

“We were committed to drawing a fair and legal state senate map and that is exactly what we have done.” said Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey. “The map emphasizes regional integrity and adheres to state and federal laws as well as court precedent. I look forward to concluding the redistricting process swiftly and efficiently as soon as we go into session next week.”

To see the current Senate district maps for the middle Tennessee region click here; to view the new proposed Senate district map click here. If you want to know all there is to know about Senate redistricting and see state-wide maps and lots of data, click here. 

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Tennessee Tea Party to Shut Down

Tami Kilmarx, President of the Tennessee Tea Party today stunned members and supporters by announcing that she was resigning as President of Tennessee Tea Party and closing down the organization. "Within the next couple of weeks," say Tami, "Tennessee Tea Party will be no more; our website and facebook page will be shut down. Our email accounts will be closed. There will be no more notifications from Tennessee Tea Party."


Tami reveals that despite her hard work on behalf of  the Tea Party movement that she has always had reservations that the Tea Party was the vehicle to fix what is wrong with our county. "Out of our initial concerns (when first joining the tea party movement) for the obvious declines we observed in our country and world, the level of depravity we were witnessing in all aspects of our culture, the tea party did not seem to be, in its initial phases, the vehicle that would move our country where it needed to be moved…..back into a healthy relationship with God the Father, the Lord God who led this country in the beginning and who remains to lead her now."

Tami says she is not turning her back on the grassroots movement that is the Tea Party but "we do turn our backs on is the growing sense that government can make the enormous sea-change required now, ..... and the buy-in of many tea parties to a Republican Party that has not held to its conservative principles and continues to abuse its privileges and place in our government."

Tami states that she and her husband Robert will be devoting their energies to the  Black Robe Regiment, Salt and Light Institute, and Genesis Events. The Black Robe Regiment "is a resource and networking entity where church leaders and laypeople can network and educate themselves as to our biblical responsibility to stand up for our Lord and Savior and to protect the freedoms and liberties granted to a moral people in the divinely inspired US Constitution." The Salt and Light institute is "a non denominational, non sectarian institute dedicated to providing foundational education opportunities  consistent with God's Word," And,  Genesis Events is a for-profit event coordinator and management team, owned and operated by Tami Kilmarx.

To read the complete statement follow this link before the Tennessee Tea Party website is taken down. 

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Steve Dickerson Announces Run for State Senate

Nashville, TN - Steve Dickerson announced today he will seek the Republican nomination for state Senate in the 20th District.

“As we enter the new year our state and nation face economic uncertainty, high unemployment, and an increasing sense of distrust of government. I have made the decision to enter this race for state Senate to confront these challenges head on.”

“With my background as a practicing physician, as well as my experience as a small business owner I have a unique perspective to bring to the state Senate and I will use that to best represent the values of the 20th district.” Dickerson said.

Steve Dickerson, a long-time resident of Nashville, is a founding partner of Anesthesia Services Associates, which has multiple practice locations through-out Tennessee. He has been married for 19 years to wife Katrina and they have three sons.

Dickerson continued by saying, “I want to work with the governor, lieutenant governor, and members of the state Senate to make sure our state government runs efficiently and effectively. One of my principle beliefs it that the government that is closest to the people is the one that governs best. As a state Senator I will follow that principle.”

About Steve Dickerson

Steve Dickerson is a physician and founding partner of Anesthesia Services Associates, currently practicing in and around Metro Nashville. Before moving to the Nashville area, Dickerson attended the University of the South in Sewanee graduating with a B.A. in History. He then received his medical degree at the Bowman Gray School of Medicine of Wake Forrest University.

After completing residency Dickerson returned to Tennessee to start a practice and raise a family. Dickerson’s first practice was at Tennessee Christian Medical Center. For the last ten years, Dickerson’s practice has been based at the Hendersonville Medical Center where he recently completed a term as chief of staff.
In the last decade, Dickerson’s practice has grown to include ten partners and numerous staff throughout Davidson and Sumner counties. He currently serves as chairman of the board of trustees at the Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia and in 2009, was appointed by Governor Bredesen to the Tennessee Board of Medical Laboratories, a position he resigned in order to run for the state Senate.

Steve Dickerson has been married to his wife Katrina for 19 years and they have three sons, Reid (15), Evan (13), and Bennett (7).

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Obama Escalates Dictatorial Power Grab

Makes "recess appointment" when Congress is not in recess.

Not since FDR or perhaps Abraham Lincoln have we had a president so ignore the constitution. When President Obama cannot legally get what he wants, he takes it. This latest power grab will likely head to the Supreme Court and we can also expect Congressional push back. Congress can push back by withholding funds for the agency and by refusing to approve all other pending appointments. Congress should dig in and fight back and defend the Constitution.

What part of this does Dear Leader Obama not understand?

Section 2 - Civilian Power over Military, Cabinet, Pardon Power, Appointments

He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law: but the Congress may by Law vest the Appointment of such inferior Officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments.

The President shall have Power to fill up all Vacancies that may happen during the Recess of the Senate, by granting Commissions which shall expire at the End of their next Session.

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What happened at the Jan. 3rd Council meeting: City Chicken bill passes. New Update.

Backyard chicken bill passes on second reading: The backyard chicken bill sponsored by Council Member Karen Bennett passed on second reading. The public hearing starts at 8:07 in the above video. See 26:53 for the cute kid with the weird chicken cap on his head. Go to 37:06 to see Andy Schneider a celebrity backyard chicken advocate known as the "Chicken Whisperer." The public hearing on this bill ends at 1:09:09. Council Member Robert Duvall spoke against the bill and says he will attempt to have his district removed from the ordinance because so many of his constituents oppose it. The bill passes by voice vote with several audible "no's."


In other Council meeting news,ORDINANCE NO. BL2011-30 which would amend the Metropolitan zoning code to prohibit the conversion of nonconforming billboards to tri-face billboards was deferred to the public hearing in March. Also ORDINANCE NO. BL2011-48 a bill concerning nonconforming on-premises signs was deferred indefinitely. 

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Tennessee House Redistricting Plan Unveiled. See the New Map!

• Rep. Mike Stewart and Rep. Sherry Jones, both Democrats, will be in the same district!

• A new Republican leaning district* is created in Davidson County with no incumbent!

• Republicans may pick up as many as nine new seats Statewide next term!

* One source called the new district "republican leaning," the other described it as a African-American and Hispanic majority district in South Nashville.

I have always thought Republicans should be fair in the redistricting process.  They should be as fair as the Democrats have been for the last hundred and thirty years.

To read more, click here and here and here.  If you want to be an expert on House redistricting and know all there is to know click here.

Here is the current House District map for  Davidson County. Here is the proposed House District map for Davidson County

Here are the current Davidson County House members:

Gary Moore 50

Mike Turner 51

Mike Stewart 52

Janice Sontany 53

Brenda Gilmore 54

Gary Odum  55

Beth Harwll 56

Mary Pruitt 58

Sherry Jones 59

Jim Gotto 60

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Today's Bible Verse: Ecclesiastes 10:2

A wise man’s heart inclines him to the right, but a fool’s heart to the left.
                                                                                  English Standard Version (©2001)

Now you know why conservatives are called "the right" and liberals are called "left." 

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TaxingTennessee: Hope you will join me at the TN Capital at noon on Tues Jan 10

TaxingTennessee: Hope you will join me at the TN Capital at noon on Tues Jan 10

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One of top stories of the year: Metro officials to finally follow Radon Law

(For some reason this video clip is not showing on this page. To see video, click on the title of this post and it will open in a new window and show the video.)

One of top stories of the year involves a startling failure by Metro officials to follow a law passed more than 20-years ago.  As a result, Metro immediately began testing every school for the cancer-causing gas, radon.

I am gratified that finally Metro is doing the right thing but disappointed that it is 22 years after I led the fight to require radon testing in Metro Schools. Thanks to Channel Five and Ben Hall for pursuing this story.

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Deadly Elevated Levels of Cancer-causing Radon in Metro's Schools

(For some reason this video clip is not showing on this page. To see video, click on the title of this post and it will open in a new window and show the video.)

Twenty-three years after I successfully got a bill passed in the Metro Council requiring Metro Schools to test all schools for radon, the schools have been tested. Seventy-eight of Metro's 144 schools have level above what the EPA deems a safe level. Seven of the schools have a level 5 times the acceptable level!

Radon is a colorless orderless gas that is the second leading cause of lung cancer. The middle Tennessee area has more radon than most places in the nation due to the particular type of limestone shale in this area. In 1989 the EPA did some testing on Metro building including some schools and found elevated levels of radon. At that time, there was not a uniform standard for what was an acceptable level. The EPA had one estimate of an acceptable level and other agencies of government had other standards. However, it was know to be deadly and it was know that developing children were most at risk.

I thought it important that Metro provide a safe environment for children in their care and was alarmed that Metro was not testing all schools and did not have a program of radon testing and mitigation. Radon levels can often be brought down to acceptable levels with minor repairs. In some cases the mitigation may only require sealing of cracks in a slab floor or installing ventilation fans in crawl spaces. I introduced legislation to require testing and mitigation.  It took months of lobbying and educating my fellow councilmen but eventually the council passed the bill and the mayor signed it into law. The primary objection to radon testing was the cost. In order to get the legislation pasted, I had to put off the effective date of the legislation until the start of the next budget year. By that time however I was no longer serving in the Council and was not around to follow up on the status of the radon testing but I had no reason to believe the law would not be followed. It was not.

Periodically a routine ordinance that readopts the Metropolitan Code is passed by the council. Not every bill adopted by the Council becomes part of the code. Street name changes, for instance, do not get added to the code.  The routine readopting of the code can be used to bury ordinances legally adopted by the Council and signed by the Mayor that someone wishes had never passed.  I do not believe that it is just an accident that radon testing was left out of the readopting of the code. There is not a mechanism to insure that everything adopted into law that should be in the code gets in the code. There needs to be such a  procedure. I wish some councilman would take on this project.  

If you are an adult who has never smoked and was a student in Metro Schools and you have lung cancer, you may have a very good law suit to bring against Metro.  I would be like to hear from you if that is the case.

Parents and citizens who believe the city has an obligation to provide a safe environment for children in their care need to become watchdogs and insure that the laws is followed from here on out. Watch this Channel Five news clip and you will see that Metro Schools are still refusing to be open about the status of radon testing. A council member needs to take this on as his or her project and make Metro Schools stop stonewalling and make sure they follow the law.

If you wish to see radon levels at your school, visit the Metro webpage where all the test results are posted. To read more about how the Radon testing program was sabotaged and learn more about this issue, click here and scroll down to see all stories.

Thanks to the investigative reporting of Ben Hall and Channel Five news for discovering that there was an ignored radon law on the books and for forcing Metro to follow that old law. Some child will not grow up to have lung cancer due to the effort of Ben Hall and Channel Five. (link)

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Tennessee Op-ed piece explain Volunteer Cab's victimization by Transportation Licensing Commission

Daniel Horwitz, a Vanderbilt University Law School student, has a good op-ed piece in the Tennessean today explaining the injustice done to cab drivers wanting to start their own cab company (Drivers treated badly for wanting own taxi company). He reports that at the meeting where the permit request for Volunteer Cab was being considered that taxi Inspector Walter Lawhorn made a plea to the commission not to grant additional taxi licenses until more inspectors could be hired. Mr. Horwitz says that Lawhorn argued that additional permits would simply make it impossible for him to adequately inspect Metro taxis.

The motion that was passed by the Metro Transportation Licensing Commission was that "Volunteer Taxi was to be granted some as-yet-undetermined number of permits in July, provided that: 1) the commission received an unspecified amount of additional funding in the next budget, and 2) Director Brian McQuistion performed research regarding other ways to increase commission revenue."

According to Mr. Horwitz, "the motion’s passage left many of us with the unsettling feeling that the commission had just used the plight of the cab drivers as leverage to get a bigger slice of the city budget from Metro next fiscal year."

I could not agree more and I thank Mr. Horwitz for saying it. Bureaucracies are self perpetuating and have a tendency to get bigger and bigger. It is an outrage that these taxi drivers are being held hostage by the TLC as pawns in a push for a bigger budget. It is an outrage that a new company can not enter into service because the bureaucrats do not have the manpower to monitor them. Would we accept that no new restaurants could open because of a shortage of health inspectors or no new homes could be build because of a shortage of building inspectors.

In addition to the TLC using this as an opportunity to grow their budget, something else is going on. The way this issue has been handled combined with the way the TLC has tried to drive the economy limousine companies out of business is an outrage. We are witnessing the worst of crony capitalism in which success in business depends on close relationships between business people and government officials. Crony capitalism is not free enterprise. It is closer to Fascist economics and should not be acceptable in America.

In my opinion, the Transportation Licensing Commission should be abolished and a new regulatory board should be established and new laws should be written governing public transportation. The guiding principle of any regulations should be regulation compatible with a market economy. The government should not be in the business of picking winners and losers. The purpose of any regulation should be the health and safety of the public, not protecting current providers of a service from competition.

For  more information on these issues, follow this link and scroll down. 

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