Lance Burri has a good post, "Five Whys of Vetoing Voter I.D." Lance attempts to comprehend governor Doyle reasoning for vetoing the Wisconsin voter-ID bill in spite of over 4 out of 5 voters supporting it.

Update: Michelle Malkin blasts the Democrats in several states across the nation opposing voter-ID bills. Malkin has this to say about Doyle:


Michelle also reminds us to keep these "Democrat obstructionists in mind the next time they start braying about the need to protect the integrity of the electoral process."

See also:
PoliPundit
Boots and Sabers
Say Anything
Daily Thoughts
Most of my Wisconsin Blogroll will also have the story

H/T to Balloon Juice

A report of an internal blog rebellion at Los Alamos National Laboratory among scientists and engineers threatens to end the tenure of director G. Peter Nanos. Condemnation and defense of management under Dr Nanos has climaxed with anonymous and signed messages with a logical conclusion that his days were numbered.


Los Alamos employs about 14,000 people on an annual budget of $2.2 billion.

Outside experts indicated that the Dr Nanos' quick departure was inevitable and that attaks from the blog's played a meaningful role.


One anonymous commenter on the LANL blog had an interesting observation:


Conventional wisdom has it the other way around, and that blogging from or about work and get you unemployed.

The Los Alamos National Lab blog

Other bloggers posting this story:
LANL: The Real Story
Balloon Juice
WhatsNextBlog
The Blog Herald

Today marks 30 years since the end of the US involvement in the Vietnam war and the fall of Saigon. Below are some links to commemorate the aniverisary.

End of Vietnam War remembered: Washington Times
A fateful day for Vietnamese: Seattle Post-Intelligencer
'Nam: What We Won: NY Post (Good)
Vietnam's warrior generation still learning to open up after 30 years: The Independent
Vietnam remembers fall of Saigon: BBC News
War Is History for Vibrant Vietnam: LA Times
Vietnam marks anniversary with eye on the future: The Sydney Morning Herald
Vietnam Thoughts: Dean's World

Remember Giuliana Sgrena? She's the journalist that said the car she was traveling in was going a normal speed of about 30 miles an hour when the soldiers opened fired, wounding her and killing Nicola Calipari, the Italian agent who had just secured her release from a month's captivity.


Pictures are worth a thousand words, and the satellite recording allows investigators to reconstruct the event. Conflicting eyewitness accounts no longer matter.

Captain's Quarters had the recap of Sgrena and the Italian governments report.

Robert C. Pozen, a lawyer and mutual fund executive, is a registered Democrat who says "I believe passionately in Social Security reform." He is also on Bush's team.

The OK for oil exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska may be pretty close backers said yesterday.


The ANWR drilling would reduce our dependence on foreign oil and help to lower soaring oil prices.

House Republicans are brushing aside Democratic claims that they intend to cut benefits for the middle class as they revealed plans to draft social security refrom legislation in June.


The Senators legislation is expected to start in July.


Ya right, drop personal accounts entirely and Democrats will work bipartisan, I guess bipartisan means their way. They have offered no ideas at all. Still the "Party of No."

It certainly comes as no supprise that yesterday gov. Doyle vetoed the photo ID bill. His timing was also good by doing the dastardly deed late Friday afternoon so he wouldn't have to explain his actions publicly.


It isn't just the Republicans that think the photo ID has broad support, Wood Communications Group in Madison did a poll a few days ago that Charlie Sykes posted on his blog.


I can't vote this smooth talking, tax raising, fund raiding, voter fraud protecter out of office, and if voter ID is a strong issue I'll have plenty of company.

This had to be really embarassing to whoever called authorities. Probably the principal although the article doesn't say.


While the search was going on more than 30 parents who heard about it on the radio were in a tizzy and decended on the school to await the news.

Later the principal gathered everyone into the auditorium and was explaining the suspicious package when it dawned on Michael Morrissey: 'Oh, my gosh, they're talking about my burrito.


You never can be too careful I suppose. Next time though if someone really is carrying a weapon will they shrug it off because of this incident?

As he neared the lectern on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Reid, Reid, why do you persecute me?" ...No, wait that was Saul on his journey to Damascus Acts 9:3-4.

But Reid's stunning remarks on the Senate floor yesterday when he said it would take a "miracle" for Democrats to win enough races next year to take back the Senate, raised a few eyebrows.


My take is that this whole filibuster madness is like a baseball game. Democrats are behind in the bottom of the ninth, but refusing to take the field, effectivly holding up the game. Republicans are out of patience and about to call the game ended, with the Democrats loosing by default if they don't playball.

Democrats think that voters will rally to them because they weren't allowed to hold up the game according to past practice. Republicans with Senate rule changes to force game play think the voters expect Senators to playball, and finish the game.

Others blogging this story:
What Attitude Problem?
Captain's Quarters
Ross' Blog
BrothersJudd Blog
Musings of a Thoughtful Conservative

This article in the Opinion Journal points out that even if the Republicans successfully curtail filibusters on Judicial nominees, that the Democrats still have an ace in the hole.

It's called the "hold" and appears nowhere in the Constitution. The Senate Rules don't even mention it, but it's and an accepted practice and part of the legislative process. It just sort of evolved as Senators have gradually gathered more power unto themselves. Long ago it started out as a courtesy for Members who couldn't be present at votes.

This is something that I have been vaguely aware of being used in the past on legislative measures, although I had never connected the term "hold" with it. Nor did I know that a hold can go on indefinately. That makes it more of an obstacle than the filibuster. At least the filibuster can be overcome by a 60 vote majority.

A hold (even though there are no rules) is in effect until the person using the hold gives in. To use a hold, all one has to do is tell their party leader that they is placing a hold on the nomination. Oh, and did I mention that with a hold you can do so secretly? You don't have to have release your name or the reason.


There are many other examples in the article but you get the idea. The "Party of No" spends more credibility the longer they drag this on. They have spent enough now that they will soon be broke with public opinion.

If they continue down this road with the hold after the filibuster is removed, that wailing sound you will hear next year will be the exodus of many Democrats going the way of Tom Daschle.

Apparently Austrailian Courts are just as wacky as our US Courts.

Alexia Harriton, a 24-year-old woman in Australia who was born deaf, blind and mentally disabled unsuccessfully sued her mother's doctor in 2002 for wrongful life.

She now has won an ok to take her case to the High Court. Alexia Harriton's lawyers claimed Dr Stephens didn't diagnose her mother Olga's rubella infection early on in her pregnancy, which she would have terminated if she had known.


Maybe laws are a lot different in Australia, but the way I see it the suit is for expenses arising from disabilities. Therefore assuming Alexia's mom Olga is paying for all those expenses, it is Olga if anyone, not Alexia who has standing to sue.

Not that I think Olga's case is all that valid either. The whole comcept of "wrongful life" seems a bit too far out to me.

The only Senators on record supporting the end of the filibuster in 1995, and voting to do same, were all Democrats, nine of whom are still serving in the US Senate. The "Party Of Nine," all of which have become the "Party Of No" now.


So, how does responce of the "Party Of Nine" then, compare with the response of the "Party Of No" now?


Now when we hear these same Democrats crying that the Republicans are running afoul of the constitution we know from their own words that they really just don't want to do their constitutional duty and give the nominee an up or down vote.

As you have noticed I have been playing with the graphic at the top of my blog. A couple of days ago I found this neat site that produced nice looking logos or buttons online.

You simply fill out a form to choose what kind of image you want. Select the font and colors, then click "Render," and you'll have your own image created on the fly.

Here are a few reduced size samples of what I have been playing with. I'll probably be rotating them for a while to see which I like most. If you would let me know in the comments which one(s) you think look the best, I would be grateful for your input.

Good question.


The editorialist isn't exactly pro-Republican or pro-administration, but it's a pretty good read and easy to discern between the lines.

I thought Gore learned a lesson after his embarassing clain of inventing the internet. But I guess not.


Like he really had a choice. Can't wait for him to fix the filibuster fight in congress too while he is in the mood.

Senators Byron Dorgan, John Kerry and Richard Durbin are pulling a sleight of hand.

Sen. Dorgan attached an innocent looking amendment to the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill that would prevent the publication of an independant counsel’s report, on a decade’s worth of investigations. It would bury charges that key officials in the Justice Department and the IRS abused their power.

Read Tony Snow's report.

Michelle Malkin has more on the Los Angeles, CA Mexico billboard. Apparently the Spanish-language broadcasting company sponsoring the ads doesn't see a problem.

Yesterday I was targeted for with a "phishing" scam attempt on my Master Debit Card, but I didn't bite. No it isn't mis-spelled, and phishing is fishing—but for your credit card and/or pin number.

These people are pretty clever, and even included my banks logo on the email to make it look official. The email reproduced is below. Oh and when has your bank ever refered to you as a number? They know what your name is.

---

Dear Customer 224157,


Online Support are remind you that on Apr. 26, 2005 our Account Review Team identified some uncommon activity in your Debit Card account. In accordance with Associated Bank's Client Agreement and to ensure that your online account hasn't been compromised, access to your savings account was limited. Your account access will remain blocked until this question has been decided. If your online access to remain limited for a long period of time may effect in further restrictions on the use of your bank account and possible account closure.We recommend you to sign on and fulfil the steps requisite to restore your online access immediatelly. Sign on to Banking Account


Associated Bank, is committed to maintaining a safe environment for our customers. To protect the confidence of your online account, employs some of the most leading safety systems in the world and our anti-fraud teams hourly screen the Bank system for fraud activity.


Thank you for your prompt attention to this problem. Review Team apologize for any inconvenience.This is a security measure meant to help protect you and your account.

Have a nice day,

Associated Banc-Corp, Online Banking Customer Support

---

Don't bother with the "Sign on to Banking Account" link as it no longer works. Probably not because I reported it, but because their MO is to keep moving and changing URL's.

When the link did work the page that displayed looked just like my Associated Bank online login screen, again with logo and similar layout. But it wasn't asking for my username and password, it WANTED MY CARD AND PIN NUMBER! Not to mention there was no secure server lock in the lower right corner.

My suspicion was already running quite high before I opened the page, and I had no intention of dealing with it online, but out of curiosity I wanted to see where it was leading. Now my blood was boiling.

Imediately I called the bank just in case they filched any information from amazon or paypal—the only two online sources that have any of my banking information. Everything was secure as I suspected.

Then I forwarded a copy of the email to the abuse department at my ISP email service, and also forwarded a copy to the FTC at SPAM@UCE.GOV

You can read "How Not to Get Hooked by a ‘Phishing’ Scam" at the FTC Consumer Alert website. They also have a complaint form if you ever get "phished." Just remember your bank will never ask for your card or pin numbers online, in emails, or by phone.

Charles Sykes in his weekly CNI Newspapers column also posted on his blog, takes the media to task. At issue is the Milwaukee County Board's treasury shortfalls that was, as Charlie put it, systematically looted by Tom Ament and his fellow kleptos, to vote themselves a massive pension grab and sick pay benefits. Of course taxpayers are still paying for it and will for some time to come.


Doyle doesn't seem to be worried about funding his own spending sprees. For example his budget proposal earlier this year which included $2.2 billion in new spending, $800 million in transfers from special-purpose funds, $368 million in tax and fee hikes, and a whopping $1 billion in increased borrowing.

So far the Wisconsin legislature has been fairly generous, and I'm not sure what they are afraid of. A couple of months ago the Republicans were talking a good opposition story, but now they seem to be keeping their budget trimming knives put away. The Wisconsin taxpayers need TABOR.

So Walker will have another mess to clean up from another klepto if he succeeds Doyle in 2006. If that happens we will likely see the Walker Double Standard again.

On his Walker for Governor blog Scott says, "I will sign the photo identification bill." That and his sensible budget record is reason enough to get my vote.

H/T to Wonkette.

Kevin McKague from Davison Michigan, also the hometown of Michael Moore, has an online petition to get Moore honored with signs. Well no, it probably won't ever happen, but it is worth a giggle or two. The post is preceded with:



Actually I think Moore's biggest contribution to the nation was helping to re-elect President Bush. However the petition states:


The petition will be attached to other petitions and letters of support for the next meeting with the Davison City council.

William Kristol has a good editorial titled 'The Borking of Bolton' well worth your time to read. Kristol makes the comparison to Robert Bork to show that it was that misrepresentation that delivered a serious blow to "the political health of the nation, and to the prospects for restoring sound constitutionalism to the Supreme Court."


The purpose of this debauchery style of Democratic fighting to end Bolton isn't just about stopping Bolton. What's less apparent is the feeble attempt by Democrats to insure that in the future, the President in nominating, shys away from tough decisions and confrontations.

Matthew Yglesias thinks Bill Kristol is "extraordinarily off-point."

Bob Dole, former Senate Minority leader and Presidential candidate against Bill Clinton speaks out on the current filibuster option and judicial nominees.


Doyle also notes that previously the Democrats refrained from using the filibuster with such highly contested nominees as Robert Bork and Clarence Thomas, although they were still treated disgracefully.

Update: Outside The Beltway posted the NYT article and also included a USA Today piece titled "End abuse of filibuster" by C. Boyden Gray, former legal advisor to President George H.W. Bush. From Gray's Op/Ed column:


James Joyner adds his take on current misrepresentation of the constitution:


Yes indeed, misinformation seems to be not only the way of politics today, but education as well. You'll want to read all of James Joyners post.

This story was already posted by me Saturday (linked at end of this post). While I did voice anger over the treatment of the child, I didn't explain any further except to say that they could have carried her out of the class, and I had wondered why it was being recorded.

One reason I suppose is because I have never had any children of my own, although I have spoiled plenty of nieces and nephews, and therefore I don't feel I should concider myself an expert on child rearing.

This morning I read La Shawn Barber's post "Childish Things", and she has pretty much summed up my feelings about whats likely behind the story.


La Shawn also mentions homeschooling, but parents that don't take time to disipline their children likely would not have time to properly homeschool them either. And I still haven't heard why the incident just happened to be recorded.

Milton attorney Michael Haas is standing firm on his earlier decison that direct legislation petitions are not legal.

A petition with 585 Milton city resident's signatures has been collected opposing United Cooperative of Beaver Dam plans to build an ethanol plant within th city limits. The signatures have been delivered to the city clerk and verified. The petitions ask that Milton viters be given a voice in deciding whether or not the ethanol plant can be built in the city.


As I have said previously on the subject of ethanol, it lowers fuel efficiency and pollutes more than unleaded gas. If ethanol was more than a handout to farmers and a means to create jobs, it would stand on it's own merits. It does not.

Never mind that the people of Milton may not want it, and will have to put up with the terrible stench an ethanol plant produces. This is all about big money from United Cooperative of Beaver Dam and politics.

But this time it sounds likely because the restaurant manager said he sliced skin from the thumb while shredding lettuce. The incident happened about 10 months ago.


Yuck, and just when a Wendy's "Spicy Chicken" was starting to sound good again too.

Just about everyone knows that the phoney accusations against Delay are common practice, and in many if not most not illegal at all. Well certainly journalist know this even if most Americans don't. I suppose after a bit of head scratching over why the Democrats were being so frivolous, some journalists started to dig into other members records, knowing what kind of results they would find.

Now this is just too funny. Members of Congress are rushing around to amend their travel and campaign records. The fear of course is the controversy over House Majority Leader Tom Delay will start an ethics war. One that will bring greater scrutiny to their own travel activities.


There are a lot more, but you can click the picture below to enlarge a revealing graphical display of some of them.