The Conservative Refuge

The Conservative Refuge Podcast is Back!

2011-03-10T19:06:00.000-08:00

Check it out.

Thank You

2011-01-30T13:58:00.000-08:00

For the kind few of you have have read this blog over the years and continued to check in from time to time you know that updates have been few and far between. I have relegated most of my blogging on political topics to RedMaryland exclusively. In addition, as I hope you know I have started my own law practice and have been blogging concerning various legal matters.

I would urge those readers interested to check out those locations.

As such, I will be using this blog to give some non-legal, non-political musings from time to time. I hope you might enjoy reading them. In any event, please tell me what you think.

Hang in there. We will get there.

Once More Into the Breach

2011-01-13T10:36:00.000-08:00

This week a new session of the Maryland General Assembly will begin. Buoyed by their electoral success the statist democratic leadership in Annapolis is planning an agenda that looks all to similar to what we have seen in the last few years. Higher taxes, out of control spending, fiscal insolvency in public pensions, crony capitalism, more green agenda items that will raise the cost of energy, just to name a few. Even the death penalty and efforts to undermine the institution of marriage, sadly with the help of some Republicans, seem on the table again.

For Maryland conservatives, six more seats in the House of Delegates and two fewer seats in the State Senate are the results of an election year which seemed so promising. The past is gone, however, and now we must gird ourselves for another year's fight against the ceaseless attacks on our liberty and property.

We do have our friends, however. I would urge you to follow the blogs of both the Maryland House and Senate Republicans. We have a new party chairman who, I believe, can marry conservative ideology and common sense party-building, and yes fund raising.

And now let me leave you with this which I hope may inspire you to charge with us headlong into this year's fight.

Love this Clip! You Can't Stop Rock and Roll!

2010-08-25T09:16:00.000-07:00

Put this in the small world file

2010-07-20T09:20:00.001-07:00

You may have been reading about the resignation of Shirley Sherrod the local Georgia USDA official who may some racist remarks.

What you may not fully appreciate is that Ms. Sherrod was part of the largest civil rights case against the USDA known as the Pigford litigation. The suit took advantage of a Clinton era internal investigation by the USDA finding pervasive and systemic racial prejudice in the USDA's farm loan programs. The Clinton administration, with the help of the Congressional Black Caucus, set aside half a billion dollars to settle claims under the class action suit. It was the largest settlement of a civil rights suit brought against the Government.

With the settlement, individual plaintiffs could seek a single payment of approximately $50,000 (Track A) or go through a binding arbitration with no limit on damages. According to some sources, the number of claims for Track A exceeded the entire population of African American farmers in the United States. Needless to say, many claims were rejected but may unverifiable claims were paid simply because the settlement allowed for damages related to loan denials going back to the 1980's (for which the USDA no longer had documentation).

Sherrod was part of a Georgia communal farm, known as New Communities, Inc., which was part of the suit against the Government.

How do I know? I was working for the Department of Justice and represented the Government in this claim. Given the above mentioned settlement, the case was one of those Track B binding arbitration proceedings. Ultimately, New Communities, Inc., received nearly $13 million dollars.

I had the chance to meet and depose many of those involved with New Communities including Ms. Sherrod. I can say it was many years ago but once I heard the name I remembered it instantly and was not surprised. These are militant activists who are hardwired to believe that everything in American society is racist. While Ms. Sherrod and her husband were very pleasent they were convinced that New Communities failure was due to racism and not some other reason.

The Irony is Not Lost On Me

2010-05-22T10:58:00.000-07:00

I read today in the Annapolis Capital that Del. James King is calling himself "the Conservative Choice" in his State Senate race against Ed. Reily.

Clever tagline. Wish I thought of it. Oh wait, I did.

The true irony, though, is that the guy who broke with his own party to vote for the Governor's slots plan and enabled the largest tax increase in Maryland history is calling himself the "Conservative Choice."

Farewell to a Friend

2010-03-04T12:45:00.000-08:00

It was with great sadness that I heard today that conservative activist and blogger Mike Netherland passed away suddenly. Mike was a leader in the conservative community in Anne Arundel County and pioneered the local Elephant Club's Public Square email forum long before the word blogosphere existed.

Mike's own blog, Mike's Nether Land, emobodied his no holds barred conservatism and wonderfully unique view of the world. Mike even briefly blogged about his experiences as a MARC train commuter, a cirumstance that clearly consumed too much of his time.

While Mike had his disagreements with me and a number of my RedMaryland colleagues, he was a loyal friend and true believer in the conservative cause. I can fondly remember him supporting conservative candidates (including myself) and causes without first considering what others were doing.

But, of course, Mike was much more than this. He was a loving father, husband, brother and son. We pray for his family and friends who are mourning and we share their loss.

Rush's Point about The Real World

2010-02-12T10:42:00.001-08:00

If you listened to Rush Limbaugh today you heard him equate the wonkish Obama administration with a business professor who does not know how the real world works. As a deomonstrative aid, he mentioned the movie clip below from Back to School.

Enjoy.

Are We Forgetting Something?

2010-01-11T16:35:00.000-08:00

As my colleague passes along the good information about Wednesday's March on Annapolis there is some concern that some of the organizers of this event may be at best ignoring one of the biggest issues of concern to conservatives affecting how liberty and prosperity here in Maryland.

The issue, illegal immigration.

A recent report from the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) outlines the costs of illegal immigration to Marylanders. I urge you to read this report.

Here are some startling facts. The illegal alien population in Maryland is approximately 250,000 quadrupling since 2000. Maryland’s illegal immigrant population costs the state’s taxpayers more than $1.4 billion per year for education, medical care and incarceration. The annual fiscal burden amounts to about $790 per Maryland household headed by a native-born resident.

With these figures, this issue certainly deserves the same attention as increasing taxes and overall excessive spending in Annapolis. Most conservatives would agree.

According to some immigration activists, leaders of AFP and other organizations leading Wednesday's protest don't view illegal immigration as a major issue and view programs such as E-Verify which seeks to stop companies from hiring illegal aliens as an unnecessary hardship. Others have commented that immigration is simply a "social issue" that has no import to the debate about the direction our country is going.

This view is no better epitomized by Dick Armey of Freedomworks' support for open immigration.

I don't believe most of the good folks going out on Wednesday would support such an agenda or fail to see illegal immigration as harmful to our liberty and prosperity. As former Governor Ehrlich said "Citizenship should mean something" and the leaders in Annapolis (and of the Tea Party Movement) should get that message as well.

A Split Decision on 3B

2010-01-07T05:31:00.000-08:00

It appears the Frederick and Washington County Republican Central Committees could not agree on a replacement for outgoing Delegate Richard Weldon. As reported here, the Frederick County group picked Mike Hough and the Washington County committee picked Charles Jenkins.

Now it appears Governor O'Malley will have the final choice.

Decision Time for 3B

2010-01-06T10:07:00.000-08:00

Tonight the Frederick County Republican Central Committee will interview and vote on the replacement for former Republican Delegate Rick Weldon. They have narrowed their choice to three finalists, Mike Hough, Charles A. Jenkins and John R. Lovell, Jr.

I and my RedMaryland colleague Brian Griffiths have been commenting on this race repeatedly and invited discussion not just from the candidates and members of the central committees making he ultimate choice but all Maryland conservatives.

While Brian and I disagree on the import of social conservatism in this choice, a reflection of discussions many Maryland conservatives are having, we both agree on one thing.

As Brian puts it:

"Now, when it comes to this vacancy in District 3B, the issue becomes more of state level issues. What issues should be the most important when it comes to considering the ideology of any successor to Weldon's seat? The most important need to be:

Fiscal Restraint
No On New Taxes
A Commitment to the Reduction of the Size of Government."put it:

As I put it:

"How can the GOP make fiscal conservatism and opposition to the O'Malley tax increases central themes next year when their own local committee members choose tax raisers."

Now to the candidates. As I reported and sourced before, former Frederick County Commissioner John Lovell both against tax cuts and or higher taxes. The same is true of Charles A. Jenkins, which you can read here and here.

In fact, here is a telling quote from Mr. Jenkins

Either way, Mr. Jenkins said, "It's kind of a no-win situation. The reality is if you don't (raise taxes) you're going to have to make cuts in services.

With Maryland facing continuing deficits do we really need a Republican member of the House of Delegates who sees the choice of higher taxes and reducing government as a "no-win situation" or Republicans with a record of raising taxes and expanding government on the local level.

That is why I support Mike Hough and urge the Frederick and Washington County Central Committees to do the same. Mike has signed the Maryland Taxpayers Association "No New Taxes" pledge. He has supported anti-tax conservative Republicans for years. For him, the choice of higher taxes or smaller government is an easy one and not a "no-win situation".

And for the record, he is a social conservative too.

The Latest on District 3B

2009-12-26T16:05:00.000-08:00

As we have been reporting here, here and here, former Republican Delegate Rick Weldon has resigned his position in the House of Delegates. The Frederick and Washington County Republican Central committees will be picking his successor.

As we have said, this decision will be closely watched as the Maryland Republican Party heads into the 2010 election cycle. Will these local party officials select someone who has a solid conservative pedigree or will the decision be dominated by local party politics with the result that a local political insider with no greater ideological loyalty than their own personal ambition will join the Republican caucus in Annapolis? What will this choice tell to activists as they are being asked to support GOP candidates in the coming year? Will this be a local version of the mistakes made by local party officials in NY-23?

We will know soon as the choice is likely to be made on or about January 6, 2010 with any candidates required to submit their application no later than December 29, 2009.

As we predicted, additional potential candidates have come to the fore. One is former Frederick County Commissioner John Lovell. Mr. Lovell told the Frederick News Post that he wanted to be a "placeholder" and will not seek reelection in 2010. Good strategy since his last campaign resulted in him finishing 9th out of ten candidates for the Frederick County Board of Commissioners.

More disturbing about Mr. Lovell, though, is his past support for higher taxes, namely his vote for a hotel tax in Frederick County. This is exactly the mindset we need less of in Annapolis not more. How can the GOP make fiscal conservatism and opposition to the O'Malley tax increases central themes next year when their own local committee members choose tax raisers?

No doubt the fact that this process will play out during the holiday season will keep many from watching this process as closely as they should. That is why it is so critical that Maryland conservatives continue to inform themselves and let the Frederick County Republican Central Committee (http://www.frederickgop.org/ email them at info@frederickgop.org ) and Washington County Republican Central Committee (email their Chairman PaulaLampton@yahoo.com) know we are watching.

Again we invite the candidates for this appointment to address the readers of this blog.

Below is the official notice from the Frederick County Republican Central Committee:

Frederick County Republican Central Committee
FCRCC to Nominate Delegate to Maryland General Assembly
Frederick, MD - December 21, 2009: Delegate Rick Weldon (3B) has resigned from his legislative position in Maryland's House of Delegates effective upon the appointment of a replacement to his seat by the Governor. According to Maryland State's Constitution, the Party of which he was elected will be responsible for nominating a replacement and providing that name to the Governor. Delegate Weldon's term ends at the conclusion of 2010, with a successor to be elected in the 2010 Maryland General Elections next November. Although there are no official timelines for this replacement, the Frederick County Republican Central Committee (FCRCC) and the Washington County Republican Central Committee (WCRCC) have been working together to ensure that a recommendation for replacement is delivered to the Governor expeditiously. Once a name is presented to the Governor, he will have up to15 days to make his official appointment.

The FCRCC has developed a process to ensure that anyone interested in this position will have the opportunity to demonstrate their intent. Any interested party will need to adhere to the guidelines developed by the committee.

The vacancy announcement and application materials for the office of Maryland State Delegate will be posted on the FCRCC website on Monday, December 21, 2009. The website address is http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102900722557&s=6&e=001iER719SqF7HrZFDAJ03zyKs8w3RipowOCKEPE-dsZogHvbovBFSa7WgIdhbQbEVWhIaILTiRjyjtLmrxogt-GnfVWyVYuJAmgKLCJmT-BblaREcXmk_Quw==. Applications and other information can be downloaded in a PDF format from the website or picked up at the office of Dino Flores at 129 West Patrick Street, Suite 5, Frederick, MD, 21701 between the hours of 8 and 5 Monday thru Friday. His office telephone number is 301-682-5060.

Applications and related documentation must be completed and sent via Certified US Mail post marked or hand delivered (between the hours of 8:00AM and 5:00PM) no later than Tuesday, December 29, 2009. Mail or deliver to the attention of: Dick Cheney, 10613 Victorian Avenue, New Market, MD 21774. Any application materials received after this date will be deemed to have not been timely filed. All applicants must also leave a message with all of their contact information on the FCRCC voicemail system at 301.662.0550with notification that their application has been sent or delivered.

Once the Nominating Committee has reviewed and evaluated all applications, they will refer their top three recommendations to the entire FCRCC and WCRCC. Personal interviews and final selectionis scheduled to occur on or about Wednesday, January 6, 2010. Final notification of all meetings will be posted at http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102900722557&s=6&e=001iER719SqF7HrZFDAJ03zyKs8w3RipowOCKEPE-dsZogHvbovBFSa7WgIdhbQbEVWhIaILTiRjyjtLmrxogt-GnfVWyVYuJAmgKLCJmT-BblaREcXmk_Quw==, in addition to all applicants receiving personal notification.

For further inquiries, please contact Frederick County Republican Central Committee Chairman Kelly Schulz at 240-285-5540, or kmsremax@aol.com.

#####
=====================================================================

Your Frederick County Republican Central Committee

Dick Cheney - Secretary
Dino Flores
Mike Hough
Katie Nash
Carol Powell
Mary Rolle
Kelly Schulz - Chairman
Billy Shreve - Vice Chairman
Bryan Smith - Treasurer

A Time For Decision

2009-12-21T05:59:00.000-08:00

As my colleague Brian Griffiths has reported, Delegate Rick Weldon has announced his resignation from the House of Delegates. While I will leave Delegate Weldon's political post-mortem to others, this action creates the opening I reported about previously.

The decision is now in the hands of the Frederick and Washington County Republican State Central Committees as to who will represent District 3B in the House of Delegates. In talking with committee members, it seems there may be many individuals wishing to be considered. I am also told that the process will be open and transparent. Good news.

In that spirit, I invite all Maryland conservatives to contact the committee members and let them know that we are watching and that we expect their choice will reflect not only the citizens of District 3B but the best values of our party. You can do so via email at info@frederickgop.org and for the chairman of the Washington County Republican Central Committee at PaulaLampton@yahoo.com.

One candidate wasted no time announcing his intent to seek Delegate Weldon's seat, Michael Hough. As I reported earlier, Mr. Hough is already running an active campaign for this seat. Here is what he had to say:

"I have been actively campaigning for this seat for almost two years with the full expectation that I would face the judgment of voters in 2010. My family, friends, and supporters have worked tirelessly during this period and we have achieved a great deal to this point. We have raised approximately $60,000 from almost four hundred individuals, gained support from a number of prominent Republicans including Congressman Roscoe Bartlett, Senator Alex X. Mooney, Delegate Joseph Bartlett, and seven other members of the Maryland General Assembly. In addition we have begun a grassroots effort and knocked on over 1,000 doors this summer in order to introduce myself to voters.

I also believe as a Ronald Reagan Republican, I would best represent the core conservative values of the Republican Party."

In addition to the supporters mentioned in this announcement, Mr. Hough has also received the support of Delegate Nic Kipke (R-31).

As I stated before, I urge all conservatives to be involved and pay attention to this process and invite any other candidates for this position to share with our readers why they should be selected to succeed Delegate. Weldon.

A NY-23 Scenario in Maryland?

2009-11-30T13:02:00.000-08:00

It appears that former Republican Delegate Rick Weldon may be resigning his seat in the General Assembly to take a job with the City of Frederick. If he does, a very interesting decision will have to be made by the Frederick County Republican Central Committee (H/T Mike Netherland). The choice of Weldon's replacement by these party elites has the potential to be a miniature version of the debacle in NY-23 (which seems appropriate as Maryland is "America in Miniature").

While the die is far from cast, sources close to the committee tell me that there are two primary candidates seeking the job if it becomes available.

The first is central committee member and long time conservative activist Mike Hough. Mike is the former leader of the Maryland Republican Assembly which seeks to elect conservative Republicans to office. Mike is also a declared candidate for the District 3B seat and has reported approximately $30,000 raised and sources close to his campaign say that he expects to have over $50,000 cash in hand in his January report, a handsome sum for a single member district nearly a year before the election.

Given his background and active campaigning in conservative Frederick County, District 3B comprises arguably the most conservative part of Senator Alex Mooney's conservative District 3, Mr. Hough would seem to be the natural selection for any opening.

Surprisingly, however, another member of the central committee, Katie Nash, has been quietly attempting to get the job for herself. Little is known about Ms. Nash as she lacks the experience or track record of even the 30ish Mr. Hough. What makes some cast Ms. Nash in the Dede Scozzafava role, however, is not her youth but her views on the issues. She is widely reported to be pro-choice and has on multiple occasions posted on her facebook wall comments which seem to show great sympathy for the gay marriage movement, even to the point of praising Equality Maryland for pushing Obama to do more. Without a record of achievement or public positions, these few public statements seem the only clues about what a Delegate Nash may do in the General Assembly.

Which begs the question, if the situation would arise, why would any central committee consider putting a political unknown into the House of Delegates? It would not be the first time that a central committee got it wrong on what is arguably their most important job (remember Senator Bobby Neall?).

For conservatives, Mike Hough is exactly the kind of candidate we say we want. He is talented and unwavering in his conservative beliefs. He has worked not just to get other Republicans but conservative Republicans elected. He has shown that he can withstand the crucible of Annapolis and remain true to his principles.

So why would any conservative Republican, let alone a member of a central committee, ever consider appointing someone else, especially someone with more red flags than a Chinese May Day parade?

It is important that Maryland conservatives, not just those in Frederick County, get informed on this issue and let these committee members know that we are watching. Any process to select Delegate Weldon's replacement should be as open and transparent as possible and every candidate needs to be publicly scrutinized.

The irony of using the name Scott and "party unity" in the same sentence.

2009-11-05T05:42:00.000-08:00

As our erstwhile colleague and member of the MDGOP Central Committee Mike Schwartz has reported, the effort to replace outging MDGOP Chair Dr. Jim Pelura is focusing on one candidate, Audrey Scott. With Chris Cavey nobly dropping out to avoid a contested fight for the chairman job, it begins to appears that Sec. Scott's ascension is a fait accompli.

Now, don't get me wrong. Audrey Scott is a longtime Republican leader in this state and has served honorably in a variety of elected and appointed posts. I do not question her qualification or ability for the job as chairman.

Nor do I disagree with the need for party unity. The non-stop backbiting of Jim Pelura since he began as chairman has served no useful purpose and I will be happy to see it end.

But there is a great irony in the conventional wisdom that making Audrey Scott the MDGOP chair will promote comity and unity within the Republican party.

Why?

Because as we have documented here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here, her son Lawrence Scott is recognized as one of the most divisive forces within Maryland Republican politics.

Mr. Scott is well know for his questionable tactics in his work for various Republican primary campaigns. Among these are assertions of false endorsements via robocall and misleading signs at polling places, allegations that he supported multiple candidates in the same primary and his misleading use of a fundraising entity (that ended up spending over eighty cents on every dollar for expenses and self promotion without giving a dime to GOP candidates, its expressed purpose). One senior MDGOP official told me he was a "purveyor of slash and burn politics". Republican primary slash and burn politics by the way. Ask Delegate Tony McConkey or Gary Applebaum about being in a primary fight with a Scott managed candidate on the other side.

Now if I were, oh I don't know let me think of a name, State Senator Ed Reilly who will be involved in a bitter, divisive and no doubt negative primary fight with one of Mr. Scott's top clients, I don't think I would take much comfort that the party would regulate any impropriety in that race with Mr. Scott's mom running the show. No doubt Senator Reilly is not going to be the only candidate in a GOP primary next year on the wrong side of Scott Strategies, Inc.'s cavalcade of stars. After all, what a great marketing ploy for your campaign consulting business than to say my mom runs the party.

Now it may be unfair to visit the sins of the son on the mother. No doubt some will dismiss this criticism or me for that matter. But every member of the MDGOP central committee should consider these issues and Ms. Scott should address them now before we set our party up for dissension and division (with the potential of a compromised chair due to at least the appearance of a conflict of interest) next summer when these primary fights are the hottest.

See, that would be ironic given she is being chosen in the name of party unity.

I am Starting to Understand Newgent's Mancrush

2009-11-04T11:02:00.000-08:00

I know that it has been a while since I have written here and I cannot tell you how much I appreciate that people still come to visit in hope of reading my insipid rantings disguised as keen insight and thoughtful prose on the political environment. Having been consumed by the black hole that a four week trial creates I can attest that no light or blog postings can escape.

But during my hiatus from commentary, I did have time to "read" Jonah Goldberg's Liberal Fascism. I use quotes because it was via audio book during my commute. Given the sleep deprived state I often found myself in while listening, I think it sunk deeper into my subconscious.

For some time, I have given my RedMaryland colleague Mark Newgent a hard time for his mancrush on Jonah Goldberg. We are talking about a guy who seriously considered naming his son Jonah and appeared to be "physically excited" when he heard of Mr. Goldberg's visit to a recent Maryland Young Republican event.

But arriving late to the party and having read Mr. Golberg's triumphal work on the origins of modern liberalism and its close familiarity and lineage with 20th century fascism, especially its idolizing American iterations, I am starting the see the point.

If you have not read the book. Do so now. You will never read a more erudite explanation of the sources and nature of modern liberalism than this book. Much will be familiar and understandable but, for me, I have never seen the pieces put together so well.

I found myself often "rereading" (rewinding) to listen to passages repeatedly. I expect I will buy a hardcopy just so that I can highlight, doggear and quote it. I do not foresee myself writing about the latest "crisis" in modern politics without acknowledging Goldberg's salient point that liberals have been looking for the moral equivalent to war to justify a return of the governmental equivalent of Wilson's "War Socialism" of World War I. Economic depression, the War on Poverty, Global Warming and the "Politics of Meaning" have all been noted to serve that purpose to varying degrees of success. Why not then the obesity epidemic, the latest economic slowdown, swine flu or the next crisis to serve that end as well.

Nor do I expect that I will view liberal versus conservative without being reminded of the thorough and systematic contrast Golberg draws between them. The Hegelian, statist totalitarian (as the term is defined by its creator Mussolini) liberal unalterably and diametrically opposed to the individualistic, liberty disposed conservative faithfully defending the classic liberal ideals upon which our country was founded. There is no middle ground in this battle of ying and yang. While Goldberg may attempt to avoid the moral judgment that liberals have bad intentions or that all things liberal are bad, the unmistakable essence of his factual recitation is that liberals and conservatives can never coexist but are eternally at war for the soul of this country. As Lincoln said, we cannot live half free and half slave. We cannot be determined to submit to a Godstate in the name of some false "security" and be the free, industrious people that our founders and forebears were.

So even if the fascism of liberals is as Goldberg says the gentle hug of a nanny state (as described in Brave New World) versus the boot in the face of freedom forever (of Orwell's 1984) we will still but just as unfree.

These ideas are so profound and so much deeper than our modern political discourse seems to allow. How many of our elected officials of any stripe could intelligently converse on overarching principles which guide their view of government and their historical origins and context let alone that of their opponents?

For any conservative, this is a must read.

Limbaugh's Rebuttal

2009-10-19T09:31:00.000-07:00

If you have not heard it, here is a part of Limbaugh's response to the fradulent outrage about his bid for NFL ownership. (Warning if you think the outrage legitimate you will not get the joke here.)

Conservative Refuge on the Small Screen

2009-09-10T07:46:00.001-07:00

I wanted to thank the folks who produce the TV show The Right Issue for having me on again to discuss national, state and local political issues. It was a great time.

If you are missing this show, check it out on Anne Arundel Comcast Cable Channel 99 Tuesdays and Fridays at 6pm or just visit them on the web http://www.therightissue.com

Taking a Bullet Intended for Someone's Foot and Other Bad Advice for the GOP

2009-07-01T06:46:00.001-07:00

There has been a great deal of discussion about the recent comments made by Joyce Thomann, ostensibly under the imprimatur of the Republican Women of Anne Arundel County. If you have not heard about this, here is some background. Personally, like most Republicans, I would prefer this story go away. A real debate is emerging, however, about how Republicans and/or conservatives should respond to the left's united attack premised upon what have fairly universally been regarded as "unfortunate" comments and some have called me out for my thoughts on the matter. So, here goes.

I do not believe that anyone has an obligation to defend these comments or Joyce Thommann, especially given that she herself has admitted they were wrong by apologizing for them. Why should any elected official, candidate or party leader expend their credibility defending the indefensible? Why is it cowardice to say that the comments were "inept" and that Thomann was "right to apologize" (which is what County Executive Leopold said) or that they are "unfortunate" as the party is trying to grow (which is what Councilwoman Vitale said)? Why should aldermanic candidates who sincerely disagree with the statement endorse it?

Make no mistake. This entire issue is an effort by Judd Legum to raise his profile as he runs for a Delegate seat in the Annapolis area and fits perfectly into the hard-left's efforts to brand all Republicans as extremist kooks who can't handle a black President (epitomized by Olbermann's nightly rantings). Legum, Olbermann and their blogger buddies are scumbags trying to score cheap political points. The local media is happy to dive in because it is a simple, sensational story that fits in their template that Republicans are extremist kooks. There are plenty of other examples of the same storyline, be it the hypocritical infedelity of Gov. Sanford or a local GOP official posting a joke stating that Michelle Obama's relatives are apes. It is a tactic of the left to promote these stories.

So what do we do?

One "defender" of Ms. Thomann said that her statement was "careless" and that she disagreed and, and this cannot be repeated too often, Ms. Thomann apologized for the comments and admitted they were "insensitive" and a poor choice of words. This was not an erudite comparison of Obama's agenda and the tenants of National Socialism, a la Jonah Goldberg, it wasn't even an accurate metaphor of the speed of Obama's agenda and the Congress and the conquest of Europe. Rather, it was a ham-handed attempt to set aside reason and logic and instead use the hyperbole and shock value of the name "Hitler". It was "careless", "inept" and "insensitive" and destroyed the credibility of the legitimate point of a need for urgency in resisting the President's agenda. It was the stupid rant of a woman whose zeal far exceeds her judgment and who, frankly, should have more sense but doesn't.

The Mike Netherland/David Kyle/Don Dwyer's of the world do not see it this way. While some may choose to remember the good works of Ms. Thomann despite her recent error, the "ultra-defenders" believe what she said was "nothing inappropriate", that she was merely "saying what she believes" and to not defend her to the utmost is "spineless" and raising our "hands in surrender and throw Mrs. Thomann to the thought Gestapo". (Talk about hyperbole!). They revoke the conservative bona fides and threatened to destroy anyone who does not endorse these statements. (By this logic, of course, Thomann herself might have some explaining to do for apologizing and saying that the President is "an honorable man and a dignified public servant and as such he's worthy of our great honor and respect". Buy hey what's rationality among friends.)

The fact is, though, this course of "going down with the ship" to defend the indefensible and refusing to recognize that people on our side can go beyond the pale is exactly what the left wants. Why do you think the Capital was so quick, after ignoring his emails for years, to publish the castigation of RWAAC by Mike Netherland the day after he issued it? It feeds their template, damages our credibility and distracts from the real issues where the conservative message is making headway.

But Greg, you say, what about the hard lefties crying "McBusHitler" for years? They made crazy comparisons for years, why can't we? Well, for one, we in the blogosphere have used this term as a shorthand to describe the loony left who has no credibility. I talked about this in the "Nut Ball Box" segment of my podcasts.

Do you really think taking the same tact is the right way to go? An over the top, crazy comparison we criticized for years is now okay because it is made by someone on our side?

Some say yes. That is their right. I respectfully disagree and think intelligent, credible, principled conservatives with spines can see this approach as no recipe to compete in the marketplace of ideas or any legitimate political debate.

So, we don't have to defend it, or excuse it.

The fact is some other Republican may say something stupid again or say something stupidly again. I hope they don't. But if they do, I will not pretend the Emperor has no clothes and say how brilliant their comment was.

Theology on Tap

2009-06-19T11:50:00.001-07:00

Fox 45 news did a piece recently on my church's Theology on Tap gatherings. This is where a bunch of guys get together to drink beer and talk about God (hey, it is great excuse to drink beer and we are Lutheran after all.) The piece does little to actually cover what we were discussing (homosexuality) but is interesting nonetheless.

Check it out and look for yours truly.

Let the Fun Begin!

2009-04-22T12:44:00.000-07:00

Long the subject of retirement rumor and speculation, Senator Janet Greenip (R-33) confirmed to the Annapolis Capital that she will be retiring not at the end of her current term but within the next few weeks.

For those not in the know, District 33 is one of the most Republican in the state and a legion of current and former elected officials, among others, have been maneuvering for Senator Greenip's seat if she were to retire (Some even if she did not.).

This announcement will send shockwaves through the Republican community in Anne Arundel county and make what would have been a wide open primary next year into a free for all before the Anne Arundel County Republican State Central Committee in the coming months.

Consider this. All three of the sitting Delegates from District 33 as well as two current members of the County Council want the job and would be able to make legitimate arguments for the appointment. Throw in former elected officials, like former Delegate David Boschert, and even Kendall Ehrlich, rumored to want the job, and the possibility of another opening created by the appointment and you have the recipe for political feeding frenzy the likes of which the Maryland GOP may have never seen.

This story will be riveting!

Refuge Podcast #69 - Mid Session Review

2009-03-24T06:36:00.000-07:00

The latest news and the views of Maryland's leading conservative opinion makers await in the next installment of the Conservative Refuge Podcast. You can listen by clicking the icon below:

You can catch up on past installments by visiting http://theconservativerefuge.libsyn.com/

The blogger roundtable with Mark Newgent and special guest Jason Rheinstein discuss the latest from Annapolis as the 2009 General Assembly Session heads into the final stretch. How will the key issues of this year's session be resolved? What surprised lay in store? Our blogger contributors offer their insight and opinion.

I also share some listener feedback to our report on the Citizens for Better Government. I also share a response from the group itself.

Listen in and share your thoughts!

Spread the word!

Greg Kline
Host, Conservative Refuge Podcast

Refuge Podcast # 67 - Where the Money Went, Now we Know

2009-03-08T20:55:00.000-07:00

The original podcast covering conservative, Republican politics is back with a hard-hitting report follow-up report on the Citizens for Better Government detailing where the money went. You can listen to this controversial report by clicking here:

Following the reporting of Brian Gill and myself exposing the false and misleading claims and public statements of the Citizens for Better Government, the group insisted that it had met all of its fundraising goals and that it was leading "the beginning of the reemergence of the Maryland Republican Party".

I predicted that these statements would also be proven false when the group issued its 2009 campaign finance report.

As we detail, I was more right then I knew.

You need to listen to the details of the group's report that shows that they raised only a small fraction of what they claimed, lost nearly $30,000 last year, spent over $40,000 in fundraising expenses, nearly $10,000 in legal fees and have only a tenth of the money they claimed without reporting a single dollar in contributions to candidates or the Republican Party.

Listen in for all the details of this scandal!

Share your thoughts and feedback!

Spread the word!

Greg Kline
Host, Conservative Refuge Podcast

This installment of the Conservative Refuge is proudly sponsored by Carpe Diem Consulting, LLC, specializing in forensic accounting, litigation support, business valuations and expert testimony in the areas of white collar criminal defense, contract disputes and other litigation matters. Contact John DeLuca and his associates at 410-305-4487 or via email at jdeluca@carpediemconsult.com.

Is it still Maryland, My Maryland?

2009-02-18T06:30:00.000-08:00

Perhaps you have seen the most recent iteration of the long time controversy over Maryland's state song "Maryland, My Maryland." Del. Pam Beidle (D-32) has proposed changing the lyrics to the state's song after receiving letters from a bunch of fourth graders. Let's break this down a bit.

The common sense reaction to this is no different than those mentioned in the well stated objections to efforts to outlaw "beer pong" namely there are more important problems yet to be solved that should garner Delegate Beidle's attention. But this is a cultural issue and provides a teaching moment for both the failure of our public schools to properly teach the history of this state and to demonstrate the indoctrination of public school children led by the close knit cooperation of teacher's unions and liberal politicians.

Also, I cannot ignore the exhortation of our friends at RedState to act. To paraphrase our state song "RedState should not call in vain, Maryland My Maryland."

I am fond of saying that someone walking into the General Assembly in session will never mistake it for a MENSA convention. But Delegate Beidle's statement that she "never thought much about the lyrics" of our state song shows an astounding ignorance, nay disdain, of the history of this state from someone who sits in a citizen legislature nearly four centuries old. Should I be surprised when I hear her colleagues refer to the Maryland Supreme Court (our Court of Appeals predated the SCOTUS by about a century) or their own chamber as the Maryland House of Representatives (which has about a century and a half over Congress)? Probably not but it still irks me.

Luckily for Delegate Beidle, a plucky and apparently historically precocious group of 9 year olds in Glen Burnie has en masse enlightened her about the state song and urged her to change it. What serendipity? Having an elementary school age daughter I know how much kids that age really care about 150 year old folk songs.

The more cynical of us, however, might just say that these kids were indoctrinated with a false portrayal of the history of our state and its song and, prompted by their teacher, wrote their local commissar, I mean Delegate. The fact that Delegate Beidle wants to change the words to those composed by a former head of the State Teachers' Union might lead these same cynics to see a contrived effort to justify a change to the 77 year old established state song which has weathered annual such challenges for decades.

The "new" lyrics are insipid and pointless. They have no relevance to anything of historical or cultural note in Maryland. Rather they are mindless pablum which now have the imprimatur of political correctness.

Our state song was composed at a time of great crisis for our state. Precisely like our national anthem, they encapsulate a period in Maryland's history when she was under assault by those who sought to impose their will upon her citizens. For those of you who were also not taught this period of history let me give you the highlights. Marylanders were certainly not of one mind but tended to have a great deal politically and culturally in common with Virginia and other border south states. In 1860, Marylanders voted for John Breckenridge for President (the same guy who won in Mississippi, Alabama, and the other original Confederate states). Lincoln, got only 2.5% of the vote (who says the Republicans have not made strides in this state.).

Knowing perhaps that 97.5% of Marylanders voted against him, President Lincoln was acutely concerned about the possibility of Maryland secession. While historians have debated the issue, most Marylanders recognized the futility of secession and it was unlikely to ever happen. Taking no chances, however, Lincoln arrested prominent Marylanders suspected of secessionist leanings and imprisoned them in Fort McHenry (yes, ironic) without charge, due process or writ of habeas corpus for years. General Benjamin "Beast" Butler landed troops at the Naval Academy and occupied Annapolis along with the rail line to Washington. This caused the General Assembly, of which Delegate Beidle is now a part, to flee to Frederick. Guns were placed on federal hill in Baltimore with orders to fire if unrest arose (the Washington Monument was among the first targets).

It was in the midst of this that our state song was penned. It encapsulates the fear and dread of real Marylanders who saw their fellow citizens jailed by a Federal Government for no good reason, who saw Federal troops occupy their land and property like they were in rebellion, which they never were. Invoking the zeal for liberty of the "Old Line State", Ryndell called for what I think most Marylanders would call for today under the same circumstances, resistance.

That is why the song resonates and has relevance to 21st century Marylanders. Its theme is not slavery (which Lincoln never touched in Maryland) or white supremacy but the impassioned plea of a free people to resist an oppressive national government. The original words of this song also speak to a real time in Maryland's history which should never be forgotten, whitewashed or assailed as wrong or evil.

Sadly, too many citizens of this state have no real connection here and even too many native Marylanders have never been taught or taken the time to learn about this critical period of our state's rich history. That is why we are so vulnerable now to the PC thuggery of ignorant, vapid politicians.

Let us defend our state song and our inherent resistance to oppressive government which is so deeply rooted in Maryland, My Maryland.

(By the way, a great book on this period is A Southern Star for Maryland and my favorite rendition of Maryland, My Maryland is by Bobby Horton which is on my 11 year-old daughter's iPod.)

Refuge Podcast # 67 - Third Annual General Assembly Preview

2009-01-20T19:49:00.000-08:00

For the third year in a row the Conservative Refuge Podcast brings leading Maryland conservative commentators together to preview the General Assembly Session. You can listen by visiting here:

http://media.libsyn.com/media/theconservativerefuge/2009-01-20-23-18-04.mp3

In our opening segment, I discuss the local reporting on the Anne Arundel school budget. During recessionary times with local tax revenue dropping, the local unelected school board considers a massive increase in spending and the local media hails it as reasonable. You need to hear the latest from the county's crony-filled school board.

Our blogger roundtable, with regular contributors Brian Griffiths and Mark Newgent, convenes for our 2009 General Assembly Preview. Will 2009 be another year for tax increases in Maryland as the State faces a $2 Billion deficit? What are the other issues which will come to the fore over the next 90 days? Our blogger contributors share their insight and opinions.

In our closing segment, another installment of the "Nut Ball Box." With the peaceful transition of power in Washington, innumerable conspiracy theorists predicting a police state or Bush coup d'etat have been exposed for the nuts they are.

Share your thoughts and feedback!

Spread the word!

Greg Kline
Host, Conservative Refuge Podcast

This installment of the Conservative Refuge is proudly sponsored by Carpe Diem Consulting, LLC, specializing in forensic accounting, litigation support, business valuations and expert testimony in the areas of white collar criminal defense, contract disputes and other litigation matters. Contact John DeLuca and his associates at 410-305-4487 or via email at jdeluca@carpediemconsult.com.

Refuge Podcast # 66 - The Future in Obamanation

2009-01-07T19:18:00.000-08:00

Beginning our third year of podcasting, it is the Conservative Refuge Podcast. You can listen by visiting here:

http://theconservativerefuge.libsyn.com/

Our blogger roundtable, with regular contributors Brian Griffiths and Mark Newgent, convenes to discuss the recent election both nationally and here in Maryland. Can the Maryland GOP turn the tide in time for the 2010 election? Our blogger contributors share their insight and opinions.

More thoughts on the future of Maryland Republican politics in our second segment. In contrast to other conservative commentators, I discuss the reality that we actually have a strong "farm system" here in Maryland. Agree or disagree, this is a segment that should get people talking.

In our closing segment, another installment of the "Fat Files". I share the latest from nanny-state legislators seeking more tax revenue who want to tax everything from soda to overweight people directly! You have to hear the latest proof that fat is the new tobacco.

Share your thoughts and feedback!

Spread the word!

Greg Kline
Host, Conservative Refuge Podcast

This installment of the Conservative Refuge is proudly sponsored by Carpe Diem Consulting, LLC, specializing in forensic accounting, litigation support, business valuations and expert testimony in the areas of white collar criminal defense, contract disputes and other litigation matters. Contact John DeLuca and his associates at 410-305-4487 or via email at jdeluca@carpediemconsult.com.

Bob Rohrbaugh is Having a Busy Week

2009-01-07T14:11:00.001-08:00

The Maryland Special Prosecutor has been having a busy week as the grand jury assigned to him winds down its work on Friday.

So far, a Baltimore County Councilman, Baltimore City Councilwoman and private developer Ronald H. Lipscomb with long noted ties to Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon have been indicted.

Will the Mayor be next? I have been saying for some time she has reason to worry.

By the way, in the shameless plug department, my firm's blog dedicated to our white collar criminal practice has much more on all these issues. Please check it out and feel free to give us a call if that next indictment has your name on it.

Since you brought it up

2008-12-09T07:27:00.000-08:00

There has been a lot of talk in the local blogosphere about the celebration of Christmas and the alleged secularization of the holiday via the apostasy of holding "holiday" parties.

For a real defense of the true meaning of Christmas against the secular "Santa Claus" version I commend this post by Lutheran pastor, Paul T. Cain.

Here is my favorite part,

"The point is, the original Santa Claus (St. Nicholos of Myra) was someone who flew off the handle when he heard someone minimizing Christ. Perhaps we can battle our culture's increasingly Christ-less Christmas by enlisting Santa in his original cause. The poor girls' stockings have become part of our Christmas imagery. So should the St. Nicholas slap. Not a violent hit of the kind that got the good bishop in trouble, just a gentle, admonitory tap on the cheek. This should be reserved not for out-and-out nonbelievers, but for heretics (that is, people in the church who deny its teachings), Christians who forget about Jesus, and people who try to take Christ out of Christmas. This will take a little tweaking of the mythology. Santa and his elves live at the North Pole where they compile a list of who is naughty, who is nice, and who is Nicean. "

The Right Issue TV show now on the internet

2008-11-19T08:37:00.000-08:00

My friends Nita Maggio, Bill Voelp, Mykel Harris and a top notch crew produce a weekly television show called The Right Issue which includes thoughtful discussion on all things conservative and presents a multitude of special guests ranging from elected officials from throughout Maryland to lowly bloggers like yours truly.

Until now, you needed to be a Comcast Cable viewer in Anne Arundel county to see the show (Channel 99 Tuesday and Friday at 6pm).

But now, there is an online archive of previous shows for your viewing pleasure at http://www.therightissue.com

These folks are doing their part to spread the conservative message in Maryland. Please do check out their work.

The Name Stays I Guess

2008-11-05T12:27:00.001-08:00

I began this blog soon after the 2006 elections when the GOP had a terrible day both nationally and here in Maryland. For two years, we have been talking about branding (don't tell Michele Malkin I used that word) and where the party needs to go looking forward.

I think there were few illusions that 2008 was going to be another tough year. The national Republican party had not hit bottom and while the new Democratic Congress was racking up historically low approval ratings, George Bush was leading the party fast onto the shoals of American politics. Fair or not, too many Americans blamed the current difficulties our country is facing on a Republican President and to some extent all things Republican.

Only now can that begin to change in earnest.

There is plenty of evidence, however, that the nation has not taken a hard turn to the left or that any sort of liberal establishment in Washington can long endure. More voters still identify themselves as conservative than liberal. Traditional values like marriage still hold tremendous sway even in such liberal bastions as California.

This is 1992 all over again. Luckily, Republicans do not face the centrist control of a reasonable majority party intent on solving America's challenges. We face the democrats. They will overreach almost immediately with cardcheck, fairness doctrine, tax increases, etc.

The Obama camp claims they studied the first two Clinton years that led to the first GOP Congress in 40 years. If that is true, then they see the light in the tunnel and know it is a runaway train. I have every confidence in the Democrats lack of self-restraint and reasonable tendencies. They cannot help themselves. They will try to blow it as they have before.

Which means that conservatives and Republicans will have opportunities. Taxes on small business owners will generate resources and enthusiasm for pro-business Republican policies. The reality of tax increases, rather than cuts, for many Americans (ever get that Clinton tax cut?) will spoil them quickly. An all out assault on traditional values through the courts, conservative talk radio through the fairness doctrine and greater efforts to nationalize more and more of the economy will rally and energize the conservative base and the true leaders who can effectively articulate our message.

After 1992, we did not become more moderate. We did not deny the Reagan model for success. We did not abandon principle for "bipartisanship". We recommitted ourselves to fundamental principles, outlined them in the Contract for America, zealously fought higher taxes, nationalized health care and Congressional corruption. Our party became advocates for a conservative vision of America. Our reward was control of Congress then the White House.

We know what works. We know what is right. Let us learn from history and be that party that reshaped American based on timeless principles. Let us support, elect and insist upon leaders who share our values and are willing to fight for them not only on the campaign trail but in office.

In the meantime, we will be discussing all of this here at the Conservative Refuge.

Hang in there! We will get there!

Refuge Podcast # 65 - 2008 Election Preview

2008-11-02T16:10:00.000-08:00

A final thought before the historic 2008 vote, it is the Conservative Refuge Podcast. You can listen by visiting here:

http://theconservativerefuge.libsyn.com/

In our opening segment, a discussion of the school board issues on the Anne Arundel County ballot. I share some news reports about the grassroots effort to vote "No" against Tricia Johnson and unregistered democratic lobbyist Teresa Milio Birge. You will want to hear this discussion of what is at stake in this vote for the future of real voter input into the school board selection process.

Our blogger roundtable convenes to discuss the slots referendum. Will the voters support this slots plan? What will be the consequences for 2010 if the vote passes or fails? Our blogger contributors share their insight and opinions.

In our closing segment, I share some final thoughts about what is at stake for the conservative movement in this election and preview the work that remains ahead as we focus toward 2010.

Share your thoughts and feedback!

Spread the word!

Greg Kline
Host, Conservative Refuge Podcast

This installment of the Conservative Refuge is proudly sponsored by Carpe Diem Consulting, LLC, specializing in forensic accounting, litigation support, business valuations and expert testimony in the areas of white collar criminal defense, contract disputes and other litigation matters. Contact John DeLuca and his associates at 410-305-4487 or via email at jdeluca@carpediemconsult.com.

Let's Keep the Towel Firmly in Hand

2008-10-08T07:36:00.000-07:00

While a more erudite colleague may see defeat even in good debate performances from the McCain/Palin team, the reality is this race is essentially unchanged from where it has been all along.

It will be a close race and the "it's all over" mantra is just Obama spin that the MSM is echoing. (Folks, they did the same thing to Hillary. Unlike that race, however, they are declaring victory before any votes have been counted.)

But Greg, the polls! Three new polls taken in the last couple of days show the race remains as close as ever. CBS News poll gives Obama a 3 point lead. Reuters and Zogby International show the same three-point lead for Obama. Diageo/Hotline Daily Tracker Poll shows just a two point Obama lead. All are statistically insignificant.

But you all know the polls matter little now, have changed and will change in the next few weeks and that the race is truly far from over.

Which brings me back to the debate last night. The notion that McCain needed to hit a "grand slam" is exactly what the Obama folks wanted the storyline to be. (Last time I checked, a series of singles with the bases loaded has a better chance of winning then "swinging for the fences".) As shown, the polls have been tightening since the VP debate and the news has started to move beyond the bailout bill. What McCain needed was not to make a catastrophic error. The debate could have been more exciting but it was not he who made a big mistake.

On the other hand, Obama last night did not realize that America intervened to stop the Holocaust! What stopped it then, Senator! It was not Hitler's mercy but the Allied conquest of Germany which targeted liberation of these camps a a strategic goal. (Didn't he say he had an uncle who liberated Auschwitz?!)

It is further proof of Obama's liberal (and ignorant) worldview and his fundamental misunderstanding of history. He is a dangerous risk as commander in chief and this type of statement is just a red flag.

The MSM will not cover this gaffe any more than Biden's remembrance of FDR on television in the twenties but the conservative media will voters will be aware of it just like Reverand Wright, Bill Ayers and the growing ACORN voter fraud scandal.

This race is close and will remain so which is why the Obama camp and their allies in the media need to convince you otherwise. I don't think we need to help them by drinking their Kool-Aid.

In the spirit of using imperfect sports metaphors, let's keep the town firmly in hand.

Should Dixon be worried?

2008-10-03T10:03:00.000-07:00

There has been some local press regarding the recent law giving the Maryland State Prosecutor additional powers.

I recently interviewed the Maryland State Prosecutor, Robert A. Rohrbaugh, Esq., for the Maryland Bar Bulletin. This is one of the few interviews Mr. Rohrbaugh has given.

While the focus of the piece was a primer on the office and what is does, interesting reading for lawyers and non-lawyers I hope, Mr. Rohrbaugh was particularly keen on pointing out his new powers now in place.

The Dixon case was specifically mentioned in the piece and on the mind of Mr. Rohrbaugh. Now that he has additional independent investigative powers, I ask the question:

Should Dixon be worried?

Refuge Podcast # 64 - RNC Live from St. Paul

2008-09-03T17:36:00.000-07:00

After a brief summer hiatus, the Conservative Refuge Podcast returns, jam-packed with conservative goodness. You can listen by visiting here:

http://theconservativerefuge.libsyn.com

A special guest interview with RNC delegate and MDGOP Vice-Chairman Chuck Gast. Chuck gives us an inside view into the Republican National Convention and previews what we can expect in the days to come. The next best thing to being there, Chuck provides a close up of the life of a convention delegate.

I share an update on the Maryland Commission on Climate Change. Following up with our previous interview, our friends at Climate Strategies Watch give an excellent criticism of the MCCC's recent report. You need to hear how these onerous proposals will destroy the lives of working Marylanders without making a dent in even the worst case global warming scenarios.

In our closing segment, I share my thoughts and reflections on the curtain closing on WAMD's "Word on the Street" program hosted by my good friend Warren Monks. Warren has given the conservative blogosphere a fantastic opportunity to spread our message and served the folks in Northeastern Maryland with a unique local political show full of insight and humor.

Share your thoughts and feedback!

Spread the word!

Greg Kline
Host, Conservative Refuge Podcast

This installment of the Conservative Refuge is proudly sponsored by Carpe Diem Consulting, LLC, specializing in forensic accounting, litigation support, business valuations and expert testimony in the areas of white collar criminal defense, contract disputes and other litigation matters. Contact John DeLuca and his associates at 410-305-4487 or via email at jdeluca@carpediemconsult.com.

They Got Snoop

2008-08-22T11:07:00.000-07:00

From today's Baltimore Sun

"Felicia 'Snoop' Pearson, the actress who played a cold-blooded killer of the same name on the HBO series The Wire, was arrested on minor drug charges yesterday after police picked her up for refusing to cooperate as a witness in a murder trial, records show."

As you can see, Snoop and I are tight

It was always said that Snoop the character and Snoop the actress were not so different. So, let the whole life imitating art discussion begin.

Holla Snoop, I can help.

You Can Still Rock in America

2008-08-20T06:24:00.000-07:00

If you listened to the last RedMaryland Radio (and if you missed it check it out when it gets posted on our website) Brian Griffiths and I discussed this article about Barrack Obama and John McCain's favorite songs.

In addition to our insightful political analysis, we thought we would have some fun and create our own lists. Better yet, we let the listeners decide which list they preferred. Being tied at the end of the show, it now comes down to you gentle reader to pick the winner.

Here is my list (caution much awesomeness follows)

1. Extreme “Rest in Peace”

Lyric “Make Love not War sounds so absurd to me/ We can’t afford to take these words lightly or else our world will truly rest in peace.”

2. Metallica “Don’t Tread on Me”

Lyric “So be it / Threaten no more / To secure peace is to prepare for war”

3. Night Ranger “You can Still Rock in America”

No deep political message here just a fun rock song. But, hey it does make me feel good that you can still rock in America, at least until the fairness doctrine takes hold.

4. Guns ‘N’ Roses “ Mr. Brownstone”

Classic tune chronicaling the perils of heroin use. A good lesson for you kiddies.

5. Metallica “Eye of the Beholder”

Lyric "Independence Limited / Freedom of Choice /Choice Is Mad for You My Friend Freedom of Speech / Speech Is Words That They Will Bend/ Freedom with Their Exception"

Think Fairness Doctrine

6. Push Comes to Shove – Jackyl

Lyric "Your political correct world is incorrect I've found/ An angry young man is what I became/ The day that you got full of yourself, and now only you're to blame"

From the guys who brought you the Lumberjack (Rush Limbaugh's timber update theme).

7. Wango Tango – Ted Nugent

Prominent conservative and gun rights activist Ted Nugent’s best known hit, unless you want to include his work with Damn Yankees.

8. “We’re Not Gonna Take It” – Twisted Sister

Schwarzenegger campaign theme song. Anti-authority anthem.

Lyric "WE'LL FIGHT THE POWERS THAT BE JUST/ DON'T PICK OUR DESTINY 'CAUSE / YOU DON'T KNOW US, YOU DON'T BELONG"

9. Flight of Icarus – Iron Maiden

Classical tale of the deception of technology (and the sun!). Proves heavy metal is educational.

10. “My City Was Gone,” by The Pretenders

Rush Limbaugh theme but also as National Review’s John Miller puts it “the lyrics also display a Jane Jacobs sensibility against central planning and a conservative’s dissatisfaction with rapid change: “I went back to Ohio / But my pretty countryside / Had been paved down the middle / By a government that had no pride.”

Working Together the future of the MDGOP and the conservative Blogosphere

2008-08-08T07:13:00.000-07:00

Brian Griffiths has given the after action report of the first MDGOP sponsored blogger conference call. It was the first of what will be a series of such calls in the coming months and years and I join Brian in applauding Justin Ready in initiating this process and recognizing the value of these forums and, most importantly, respecting the desires of our readers to be informed.

Brian already mentioned the improving financial status of the party. That was not simply a platitude but Justin directly answered some probing questions confirming that point. While the party has a long way to go to be where it wants to be, and where is was in the salad days of Governor Ehrlich, it has come a long way already.

Most intriguing to me was the clear desire of the party to work with the blogosphere in helping to spread the Republican message. Rather than adopting the parochial view of some short-sighted party members that view the blogs as something to be feared and avoided, we have a state party leadership that recognizes the potential of the alternative media we have created.

Make no mistake, the party recognizes our independence and we all but acknowledged that there will be tensions in the relationship as we fearlessly make the criticisms they never can or will. Even in this first call, there were tough questions. Wisely, however, the MDGOP knows the power of cooperation with the blogosphere is greater than any control could ever be.

To that end, bloggers, and through them you the reader, can expect greater communication and flow of information not only from the party but from Republican elected officials in the future. The party will help to bring profile and gravitas to the blogs who, in turn, will continue to cover stories and present views the party cannot and the local media will not. And this may just be the tip of the iceberg.

I again thank Justin and the MDGOP for beginning this effort and encourage all pro-Republican bloggers to join in future conference calls and participate in what will be a beneficial relationship for everyone.

Refuge Podcast #63 - O'Malley Fiddling While Maryland Burns (jobs at least)

2008-07-25T15:13:00.000-07:00

Jam packed with all the conservative goodness you have come to expect it is the Conservative Refuge Podcast. You can listen by visiting here:

http://theconservativerefuge.libsyn.com

In our opening segment, I share a fascinating article from the Annapolis Capital pointing out how Maryland's economy compares with the national economy as a whole. As liberal tax increases take hold, Maryland is hemorraghing jobs. You need to hear these numbers!

Our blogger roundtable, with regular contributor Brian Griffiths and local attorney and potential county council candidate James Braswell, discuss the recent appointments to the Anne Arundel County Board of Education, including unregistered democratic lobbyist Teresa Birge. Is the Governor appointing board members who will support unbridled spending and push for higher taxes? Were more qualified candidates rejected because they lack the necessary political connections with O'Malley? Our blogger contributors offer their insights and opinions.

In our closing segment, we open the Fat Files and I share a report that Asian obesity rates are on the rise. The article highlights the absurdity of the obesity alarmists as they romanticized the life of hardscrabble Asian peasants and objecting to the "malling" of Asia.

Share your thoughts and feedback!

Spread the word!

Greg Kline
Host, Conservative Refuge Podcast

This installment of the Conservative Refuge is proudly sponsored by Carpe Diem Consulting, LLC, specializing in forensic accounting, litigation support, business valuations and expert testimony in the areas of white collar criminal defense, contract disputes and other litigation matters. Contact John DeLuca and his associates at 410-305-4487 or via email at jdeluca@carpediemconsult.com.

McCain visits old Kline law school haunt

2008-07-24T14:46:00.000-07:00

Sen. John McCain today, in an effort to play off Barrack Hussein Obama's campaign stop in Germany, went to a local German restaurant in Columbus, Ohio.

It is a sad commentary that McCain's campaign has largely been reactive to Obama. No doubt this is in large part due to the mainstream media's coverage of all things Obam but one might hope that McCain thought more of himself if not our party to think that the only way he can win is if the election is a referendum on Obama.

More importantly, though, Schmidt's Sausage Haus is located across the street from where I went to law school. (Now they have a beautiful new building downtown paid with my tuition. Your Welcome! But I digress.)

The food is great and there is a very affordable lunch buffet but in the words of Crow T. Robot "German food is so heavy."

RedMaryland Radio Tomorrow

2008-07-15T13:30:00.000-07:00

Join Brian Griffiths and I as we host another installment of RedMaryland Radio on WAMD 970 am tomorrow, July 16 from 5:30-6:30 pm.

Scheduled to appear is Andrew Lander, Coordinator of the McCain for President campaign on Maryland's Eastern Shore.

We will also be covering the latest political news.

Don't you dare miss it (if you are in the following area at that time)

(H/T Radio Locator)

A Little Lutheran Pride

2008-07-03T14:53:00.000-07:00

For the close followers of the Conservative Refuge you know that I am a proud Lutheran. Here is a fun video paying homage to some of my fellow Lutherans, a la Adam Sandler's Hanukkah Song, by Lost and Found.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=102kvQ1dWoY

The blogosphere doing the local media's job AGAIN!

2008-06-24T06:11:00.000-07:00

Brian Griffiths is again breaking news concerning the unregistered democratic lobbyist that Governor O'Malley has appointed to the Anne Arundel County School Board. O'Malley Watch dutifully picked up the story and put it into a broader context.

Now, Ms. Birge, the unregistered democratic lobbyist in question, is trying to quell any further inquiry by insisting that the Governor's office knew her background before she was selected.

No doubt, after all, that is how she got the job.

Brian is continuing to dig into the background of these nominees who have avoided any real public scrutiny due to the undemocratic appointment process adopted in our county. The local media, for their part, have done little to shed any light for the parents and taxpayers who will be affected by these choices.

The last thing we need on our school board is an unregistered democratic lobbyist who gives every indication of being a "button man" for Governor O'Malley and Superintendent Maxwell to push outrageous budgets and pressure responsible county leaders to raise taxes.

Good work Brian, and let's all spread the word about this unacceptable choice being pushed on us by Governor O'Malley and his cronies on the School Board Nominating Commission.

Refuge Podcast # 62 - Lessons From History

2008-06-17T19:37:00.000-07:00

Jam packed with all the conservative goodness you have come to expect it is the Conservative Refuge Podcast. You can listen by visiting here:

http://theconservativerefuge.libsyn.com

In our opening segment, I have some comments on Politicker.com's P. Kenneth Burns' argument that Ronald Reagan is dead. You will want to hear this spirited discussion of what lies (or should lie) at the heart of the modern Republican party.

Our blogger roundtable, with regular contributors Brian Griffiths and the Examiner's History examiner Mark Newgent, discuss the historical gaffes of Barack Obama and give more detail about the history at issue. Does Obama's reliance on the historical examples of John Kennedy and Ronald Reagan justify his positions or actually demonstrate why he is unqualified to be Commander in Chief. Our blogger contributors offer their insights and opinions.

In our closing segment, some more lessons from history as I discuss the Supreme Court's recent habeas corpus decision and the statements of the Obama campaign who want to prosecute the War on Terror as a law enforcement effort.

Share your thoughts and feedback!

Spread the word!

Greg Kline
Host, Conservative Refuge Podcast

This installment of the Conservative Refuge is proudly sponsored by Carpe Diem Consulting, LLC, specializing in forensic accounting, litigation support, business valuations and expert testimony in the areas of white collar criminal defense, contract disputes and other litigation matters. Contact John DeLuca and his associates at 410-305-4487 or via email at jdeluca@carpediemconsult.com.

Conservative Refuge on TV

2008-06-03T10:35:00.001-07:00

Tune in tonight as I appear as a guest on The Right Issue with hosts Bill Voelp, Caleb Griffin and Nita Maggio. We will be discussing the Presdential Race, Gun Issues and the growth of local conservative media.

The Right Issue 6pm Comcast Channel 99

and set your DVR to tape The Right Issue every Tuesday and Friday at 6pm on Anne Arundel County Comcast Channel 99

Refuge Podcast # 61 - What is in a Brand Revisited

2008-05-19T07:52:00.000-07:00

Your source for conservative, Republican news, views and insight it is the Conservative Refuge Podcast. You can listen by visiting here:

http://theconservativerefuge.libsyn.com

In our opening segment, a revisit of our discussions of GOP branding. In light of another special election defeat, how can Republicans turn things around? I share my thoughts and welcome your comments on this critical issue facing conservatives.

Our blogger roundtable, with regular contributors Brian Griffiths and Mark Newgent, discuss the many issues facing the MTA. With raising gas prices, mass transit is becoming more popular than ever. With violent crime incidents, maintenance and rider delays is our state's system up to the task? Our blogger contributors offer their insights and opinions.

In our closing segment, I discuss the growing conservative media here in Maryland. As a guest on the local cable show The Right Issue I had a chance to share the growth of the conservative blogosphere and its synergy with locally oriented talk radio. As we approach 2010, these outlets will play an increasingly important role.

Share your thoughts and feedback!

Spread the word!

Greg Kline
Host, Conservative Refuge Podcast

This installment of the Conservative Refuge is proudly sponsored by Carpe Diem Consulting, LLC, specializing in forensic accounting, litigation support, business valuations and expert testimony in the areas of white collar criminal defense, contract disputes and other litigation matters. Contact John DeLuca and his associates at 410-305-4487 or via email at jdeluca@carpediemconsult.com.

Refuge Podcast # 60 - 2008 General Assembly Awards

2008-04-30T19:33:00.000-07:00

Your source for conservative, Republican news, views and insight it is the Conservative Refuge Podcast. You can listen by visiting here:

http://theconservativerefuge.libsyn.com

The blogger roundtable, with regular contributors Brian Griffiths and Mark Newgent convene to hand out the Second Annual General Assembly Awards. Who were the best and worst members of the General Assembly this year? What were the best and the worst ideas that came of out the 2008 session? Our blogger contributors give their choices.

One year after the school board petition drive, Brian Griffiths and I discuss the Anne Arundel County School Board Nominating Commission as they consider candidates for the two vacancies on our county school board. Have the promises of those who supported this process been kept? Are the members of this commission more capable of picking school board candidates than the voters?

In our closing segment, I offer some thoughts on the departure of John Flynn as Executive Director of the Maryland Republican Party and the choice of Justin Ready as his successor.

Share your thoughts and feedback!

Spread the word!

Greg Kline
Host, Conservative Refuge Podcast

This installment of the Conservative Refuge is proudly sponsored by Carpe Diem Consulting, LLC, specializing in forensic accounting, litigation support, business valuations and expert testimony in the areas of white collar criminal defense, contract disputes and other litigation matters. Contact John DeLuca and his associates at 410-305-4487 or via email at jdeluca@carpediemconsult.com.

Refuge Podcast #59 - Post Session Review

2008-04-16T19:55:00.000-07:00

Your source for conservative, Republican news, views and insight it is the Conservative Refuge Podcast. You can listen by visiting here:

http://theconservativerefuge.libsyn.com/

In our opening segment, some news and comment on the recent Supreme Court decision upholding the death penalty. I share Justice Scalia's stinging rebuke of activist judges who would undo the death penalty through "judicial fiat". (H/T Redstate). You will want to hear the details of this important decision and how it should impact the death penalty here in Maryland.

Our blogger roundtable convenes with regular contributors Brian Griffiths and Mark Newgent to discuss the recently concluded General Assembly session. Who are the winners and losers coming out of this session? What can conservatives look to as victories and what were the greatest setbacks for freedom in the Free State? Our blogger contributors offer their opinions and insights.

In our closing segment, I offer some of the comments I made on WAMD 970AM Warren Monks' Word on the Street program concerning Barrack Obama's recent "bitter comments".

Share your thoughts and feedback!

Spread the word!

Greg Kline
Host, Conservative Refuge Podcast

This installment of the Conservative Refuge is proudly sponsored by Carpe Diem Consulting, LLC, specializing in forensic accounting, litigation support, business valuations and expert testimony in the areas of white collar criminal defense, contract disputes and other litigation matters. Contact John DeLuca and his associates at 410-305-4487 or via email at jdeluca@carpediemconsult.com.

Don't be Bitter, Listen to Conservative Refuge Radio!

2008-04-15T08:21:00.000-07:00

Listen in as the whole gang joins Warren Monk's and his Word on the Street program tonight from 6-8pm on WAMD 970AM in Aberdeen.

We will be discussing why we vote against our economic interests because we have been duped into believing we have a right to bear arms, are freer with a limited government, that marriage should be between a man and a woman and have taken heavy doses of that old opiate of the masses, religion.

Thank you Barrack Hussein Obama for opening our eyes!

(H/T Radio Locator)

Refuge Podcast #58 - MD Dems "Wright is Right!"

2008-04-01T20:03:00.000-07:00

Your source for conservative, Republican news, views and insight it is the Conservative Refuge Podcast. You can listen by visiting here:

http://theconservativerefuge.libsyn.com/

In our opening segment, some news and comment about a leading Democrat in the General Assembly who says that the Rev. Jeremiah Wright "speaks the truth." You will want to hear how the liberals in Annapolis support the extreme views of Rev. Wright even as Senator Barrack Obama is denying and denouncing him.

Our blogger roundtable convenes with regular contributor Brian Griffiths to discuss the very latest from the 2008 General Assembly session. Will there be a repeal of the "tech tax"? Will there be real cuts to the budget? Will "Global Warming" legislation pass? What will happen with the death penalty? Our blogger contributors offer their opinions and insights.

In our closing segment, I share a great piece from our friend and guest on the show Richard Falknor noting how the House Republicans have begun to find their "inner fiscal self" but there are still a couple of "rat heads in the coke bottle" undermining the Republican brand. Among the culprits is a prominent Republican here in Anne Arundel county. You will want to hear all the details.

Share your thoughts and feedback!

Spread the word!

Greg Kline
Host, Conservative Refuge Podcast

This installment of the Conservative Refuge is proudly sponsored by Carpe Diem Consulting, LLC, specializing in forensic accounting, litigation support, business valuations and expert testimony in the areas of white collar criminal defense, contract disputes and other litigation matters. Contact John DeLuca and his associates at 410-305-4487 or via email at jdeluca@carpediemconsult.com.

Conservative Refuge on the Radio Again!

2008-04-01T14:10:00.000-07:00

Listen in as the whole gang joins Warren Monk's and his Word on the Street program tonight from 6-8pm on WAMD 970AM in Aberdeen.

(H/T Radio Locator)

The Institution of Marriage and Family in the Balance

2008-03-13T09:12:00.000-07:00

As we have discussed on the podcast on a number of occasions, the issue of gay marriage and redefining family and marriage under Maryland law has been a hot topic in this year's General Assembly session. The most insidious efforts have been to pass seemingly benign bills, often with misleading titles, which would radically alter the way the law treats marriage without the public or legislative scrutiny of the sponsors' true purpose.

From my State Senator, and ardent defender of marriage, Janet Greenip (R-33) comes the following:

Senate Bill 566: Health Care Facility Visitation and Medical Decisions - Domestic Partners is on the Senate floor today for debate and a possible vote. This bill is another in a long line of backdoor attempts to codify same-sex unions and elevate co-habitation to the level of marriage.

Although many will say it does not, this legislation will put the term "Domestic Partner" in law, something the homosexual-rights activists have been striving for.

This bill goes way beyond giving homosexual couples visitation rights, which they already have because of previous legislation. SB 566 would allow any two people, age 18 or older, to enter into a domestic partnership by simply signing an affidavit demonstrating their commitment and having only one other type of confirmation such as a shared renter's insurance policy. Picture this: Two 18 year olds right out of high school enter into a domestic partnership because they are "in love". If one of them gets into a car accident and is on life support, the 18 YEAR OLD partner has the legal right to pull the plug AHEAD of the victim's parents.

This is a radical step towards redefining family relationships but a lot of legislators are not recognizing the serious effects of SB 566. Below is a vote that we took in the Senate yesterday to judge where the support is for the bill. The real vote to on amendments and to move the bill to "3rd Reader" for final passage is today. If this is something that concerns you, please make your voice heard. Contact the senators who voted for SB 566 on the sample vote to let them know your views and spread the word to as many contacts as you can. "

Voting List (This was a sample vote. The real vote is today. Yea is FOR SB 566, Nay is AGAINST):

Senate of Maryland
2008 Regular Session
SB 566 Laid-over Bills Sen. Garagiola Health Care Facility Visitation and Medical Decisions - Domestic Partners
Question is on adoption of favorable report, as amended.
PRESIDING: MR.PRESIDENT
LEGISLATIVE DATE
MAR 12, 2008
29 YEAS 16 NAYS 0 EXC 1 NOT VOTING 1 EXCUSED (ABSENT)
VOTING YEA - 29
MR.PRESIDENT GARAGIOLA KITTLEMAN MUSE
ASTLE GLADDEN KLAUSMEIER PETERS
BROCHIN HARRINGTON KRAMER PINSKY
CONWAY JONES LENETT PUGH
CURRIE KASEMEYER MADALENO RASKIN
DELLA KELLEY MCFADDEN ROSAPEPE
FOREHAND KING MIDDLETON ZIRKIN
FROSH

VOTING NAY - 16
BRINKLEY EDWARDS HARRIS PIPKIN
COLBURN GLASSMAN JACOBS SIMONAIRE
DEGRANGE GREENIP MOONEY STOLTZFUS
DYSON HAINES MUNSON STONE

NOT VOTING - 1
EXUM
EXCUSED (ABSENT) - 1
ROBEY

Please also contact:
THOMAS V. MIKE MILLER, JR., President of Senate
Democrat, District 27, Calvert & Prince George's Counties
State House, H-107 Annapolis, MD 21401 - 1991
(410) 841-3700, (301) 858-3700
e-mail: thomas.v.mike.miller@senate.state.md.us

MICHAEL E. BUSCH, Speaker of House of Delegates
Democrat, District 30, Anne Arundel County
State House, H-101 Annapolis, MD 21401 - 1991
(410) 841-3800, (301) 858-3800
e-mail: michael.busch@house.state.md.us

Refuge Podcast # 57 - Seventh Psalm Authors John Schumacher and Bruce Smith

2008-03-10T19:58:00.000-07:00

Your source for conservative, Republican news, views and insight it is the Conservative Refuge Podcast. You can listen by visiting here:

http://theconservativerefuge.libsyn.com/

In our opening segment, I have a very special interview with the authors of a new book Seventh Psalm, John Schumacher and Bruce Smith. This wonderfully written action novel, while a fictional account, presents an astonishingly accurate view of the Global War and Terror and serves as a tribute to the brave men and women under arms defending out way of life. The politically correct "literary mafia" tried to keep this book from being published because it was too "Pro-Bush" and dared to glorify the heroism of western soldiers.

You need to hear this interview and buy this book!

I also have an update on the report in our last installment about the disclosure of reimbursements by our county legislative delegation. You will want to listen to hear why so many legislators were afraid of this information getting out and why a number of local polticians will have "some explaining to do."

In our closing segment, some additional information about Seventh Psalm and an update on our discussion of crime here in Maryland.

Share your thoughts and feedback!

Spread the word!

Greg Kline

Host, Conservative Refuge Podcast

This installment of the Conservative Refuge is proudly sponsored by Carpe Diem Consulting, LLC, specializing in forensic accounting, litigation support, business valuations and expert testimony in the areas of white collar criminal defense, contract disputes and other litigation matters. Contact John DeLuca and his associates at 410-305-4487 or via email at jdeluca@carpediemconsult.com.

A Criminal Lack of Leadership

2008-03-05T16:43:00.000-08:00

If you happened to listen to Warren Monk's Word on the Street program last night, you heard our discussion of the proposal to create a special "DUI" license plate. After reading Eludius' take on the subject, it got me to thinking about the crime issue and how this gimmick of an idea is what passes in Annapolis for "getting tough on crime."

See, I am a criminal defense lawyer. I represent a lot of people accused of drunk driving (Shameless plug alert) and I sit through my share of criminal dockets as part of my job. I know just how lenient the Maryland courts are on not only drunk drivers but many violent criminals as well.

I am constantly surprised how clients who have been pulled over for DUI and have never been in trouble before are scared to death that they may go to jail or lose their license. The fact is for the "run of the mill case" (shameless disclaimer alert) of someone without a criminal record, who hires a good lawyer, gets some treatment and stays out of trouble will likely end up without a criminal conviction and have a modified suspension of their license which allows them to drive to work or, if you refuse the breathalyzer or are "superdrunk", have an ignition interlock on their car. For the most part, the worst part of the experience is paying my bill. (Just kidding, sort of).

Violent assaults get the same lax treatment. While I don't handle as many of these cases, I see them regularly and I know people would be shocked if they knew how many defendants who commit violent crimes walk in and out of Maryland courts everyday. This reality is not just true in the "Big City" but in the relatively conservative suburbs of Anne Arundel and Harford counties. Not only do routine assault convictions not lead to jail time, they often do not even lead to a criminal conviction.

Why?

Let me give you a couple of reasons you may not know first.

Did you know that Maryland has a statute that allows defendants to pay their victims' medical bills and avoid a conviction? It's true. I have seen it used successfully. (Hey, that is how we make the big bucks.)

Do you know about "Probation before judgment"? You may heard of this. Basically, it means that if you successfully complete a period of probation there is no conviction on your record. You can honestly state you have never been convicted of a crime.

PBJ (that is what we call it) is standard operation procedure for a wide variety of offenses and offenders. There are few exceptions to when this disposition is not available and it is a powerful incentive to defendants to plea out cases which is why prosecutors and defense attorneys love it. It really is the next best thing to an acquittal, the proverbial "slap on the wrist".

And that is what most drunk drivers get. And it is why we are not tough on drunk drivers and too many violent offenders here in Maryland.

The mere fact of getting a criminal conviction is powerful to many clients. A "criminal record" affects professional licensure, can destroy any chance at a security clearance and generally hurt the job prospects of many people. I have seen people willing to go to jail just to get "PBJ" when they get out.

That's right. The simple bureaucratic act of having a conviction, something that costs nothing to the taxpayers, would to many be a harsher punishment than time in the poky. In many states, that is exactly what you would get by the way. First time convicted drunk drivers in Georgia serve at least 24 hours in jail. Here we don't even really convict them.

And that is the long way to the bigger point. This "DUI" plate idea does not touch any of this. In fact, it does not even come into play until someone gets a third conviction (which by the way is about how many DUI's you need to actually go to jail in this state).

The sad fact is that there is no one in the legislature, Republican or Democrat, pointing out the outrageous leniency in our system and the inherent danger it creates for every single one of us. Common sense solutions like "PBJ" reform are never even discussed and there is no Republican agenda to counter the liberal, democrat view that punishment is the problem (you know, too many people in jail already) and not the solution to crime (i.e., keep those who commit crime off the street).

I have spoken with Republican members of the Judiciary committee in Annapolis about this. You get the same refrain "Joe Vallario and Brian Frosh will bury those ideas". Rather than confront this liberal lawyer establishment, our guys alternate between "small ball" like Jessica's Law (where they can make great political hay but ultimately do little to make Marylanders safer) and doing nothing at all.

If the Republican caucus can put out an alternative budget which shows a different vision of what Maryland would be like if we ran the show, why can't it be done with the crime issue? The alternative budget is "DOA" but is shows the voters that there really is an alternative.

There is an alternative to a revolving door criminal justice system here in Maryland which puts us all at risk. It would require simple, common sense reforms many states enacted long ago and it would require the leadership of our Republican leaders to see it through and make the case.

Sadly, there is not (maybe this is a nudge, hint hint) such leadership which really is itself a crime.

Conservative Refuge Radio Tonight!!

2008-03-04T13:47:00.000-08:00

Mark Newgent and I will be appearing on Warren Monk's Word on the Street program tonight from 7pm to 8pm on WAMD 970 am in Aberdeen.

We will be covering a number of issues in Maryland politics and a couple of surprises so if you are in the area (see below) check it out. (H/T Radio Locator).

Refuge Podcast # 56 - Mid-Session Review

2008-02-28T07:17:00.000-08:00

Your source for conservative, Republican news, views and insight it is the Conservative Refuge Podcast. You can listen by visiting here:

http://theconservativerefuge.libsyn.com/

In our opening segment, a listener asks to hear more about the recent dustup concerning the request for expenses of our county legislators. The local media misses the real story but you will hear it discussed in this podcast. Listen in and share your thoughts!

Our blogger roundtable convenes with regular contributors Brian Griffiths and Op-Ed author, talk radio guest and fellow blogger Mark Newgent to follow up on our General Assembly Session preview. As we work through the midpoint of the regular session, how are the major issues before the legislature proceeding? Our blogger contributors offer their opinions and insights.

In our closing segment, we open the "Fat Files" to discuss two new reports on the obesity scare. First, a new call for an international solution to obesity even though the sponsors admit having no idea what effective measures would be. Second, a proposed state law in Mississippi would make it illegal to serve any person who the state deems to be obese.

Share your thoughts and feedback!

Spread the word!

Greg Kline
Host, Conservative Refuge Podcast

This installment of the Conservative Refuge is proudly sponsored by Carpe Diem Consulting, LLC, specializing in forensic accounting, litigation support, business valuations and expert testimony in the areas of white collar criminal defense, contract disputes and other litigation matters. Contact John DeLuca and his associates at 410-305-4487 or via email at jdeluca@carpediemconsult.com.

Fun with Numbers

2008-02-20T11:58:00.000-08:00

Just when you think all the results of the Maryland Primary have been analyzed to death, let me offer the following.

Candidates for Delegate to the Republican National Convention often include elected officials, party leaders and, yes, mere bloggers. How they did is often correlated to which candidate they were associated with but when you look at those who did not support the winner, John McCain, there are some interesting results.

What is the value of having a well know incumbent support your candidacy? Does the relative vote getting ability of convention delegate candidates say something about their viability for higher office? Which fellow blogger got the most votes?

See below and let the fun and speculation begin.

Results in the following form

Name (congressional district)(candidate affiliation)(total votes)(percentage of votes cast)

First, two of my RedMaryland colleagues Brian Griffiths and Mark Newgent ran in their respective districts.

Brian Griffiths (D2) (unaffiliated) 426 .6%
Mark Newgent(D3) (Romney) 163 .2%

Looks like Maryland's "Most Influential Blogger" has the bragging rights here.

How about members of the General Assembly?

Let's start with the boys with the Citizens for Better Government

Del. Nic Kipke (D1) (Giuliani) 2241 1.1%
Del. James King (D3)(Giuliani) 1034 1.1%
Del. Steve Schuh (D1)(Giuliani) 3262 1.7% (Schuh ran as an alternate)

For the self-appointed leaders of the MDGOP renaissance, this is not an impressive showing. Schuh even campaigned with robocalls.

Combined they got fewer votes than Del. Tony McConkey.

Del. Tony McConkey (D1)(Huckabee) 15672 7.5%

Before you chalk all this to the candidates they supported compare them to the following:

Del. Jeannie Haddaway (D1)(Thompson) 6250 3.0%
Del. Richard Sossi (D1)(Thompson) 2937 1.4%
Del. Susan McComas (D1)(Giuliani) 3414 1.6%

Del. Joe Boteler (D2)(Thompson) 1880 2.6%
Del. Tony O'Donnell (D3)(Thompson) 1819 1.7%
Del. Gail Bates (D7)(Thompson) 2017 3.5%
Del. Warren Miller (D7)(Thompson) 1202 2.1%

The Paul Delegates in D1 averaged 4180 votes for 2% of the total.

Every Republican delegate in the race, regardless of who they supported, got more votes than Delegate Milquetoast. Slots vote backlash? Does it say something about a King/McConkey matchup for the 33 Senate seat in 2010?

What about the Repbulican State Senators? Surely, more well established politicians solely representing a larger area can draw votes just based on name recognition, right?

Sen. Alex Mooney (D6)(Romney) 10540 5.5%

Sen. David Brinkley (D6)(Thompson) 6531 3.4%

Sen. Janet Greenip (D3)(Romney) 4842 4.9% (her aide Justin Ready got 6696 votes)

Sen. Allan Kittleman (D7)(Romney) 3666 6.4%

Sen. Nancy Jacobs (D3)(Thompson) 2672 3.7%
Sen. Bryan Simonaire (D2)(Romney) 2613 3.6%

Good news for a future Mooney Congressional run? All you Simonaire haters, what does this say to you?

But former elected officials and former candidates were on the ballot as well. Does it mean anything for their future viability? Let's take a random sample and I will leave it to you to speculate.

David Boschert (D1)(Romney) 7500 3.6% (former delegate and congressional candidate)
Dr. Gary Applebaum (D3)(Giuliani) 1908 1.9% (2006 congressional candidate)
John White (D3)(unaffiliated) 512 .5% (beat Applebaum in 2006 congressional primary)
Scott Rolle (D6)(Giuliani) 4730 2.4% (fmr. Fred. County SA and AG candidate)

And just for fun, here are some results for some present and former party leaders.

Does it help to be Anne Arundel GOP Chairman? Let's see how the current and some former chairs did.

Jerry Walker (D3)(Thompson) 884 .9% (current AAGOP chair)
Mike Collins (D3)(unaffiliated) 591 .6% (deposed AAGOP chair)
Mike Malone (D3)(unaffiliated) 545 .6% (highly regarded former AAGOP chair)

I guess is does not help much.

The real winners were the McCain delegates who largely were not elected officials or well known members of the GOP community. The elected officials who jumped on the Romney, Giuliani and Thompson bandwagons had varying degrees of success in overcoming their candidate's departure from the race.

I got a "B" from him in law school

2008-02-11T07:28:00.000-08:00

My old civil procedure professor from law school, Brad Smith, has a great piece on the McCain dilemma for conservatives. It summarizes the basic reason we movement conservatives cannot easily bring ourselves to support this guy.

Read it here.

Refuge Podcast # 55 - Conservative Soul Searching

2008-02-10T20:03:00.000-08:00

Your source for conservative, Republican news, views and insight it is the Conservative Refuge Podcast. You can listen by visiting here:

http://theconservativerefuge.libsyn.com/

In our opening segment, I share the thoughts of conservative leaders and commentators on the burning issue on the minds of conservatives, how to deal with a McCain nomination. I share a piece from Michelle Malkin and lead a discussion about how conservatives can continue their struggle in a positive manner. Listen in and share your thoughts!

Our blogger roundtable convenes with regular contributor Brian Griffiths and special guest Brian Gill to discuss the issue of crime. As we chronicle how liberal leaders in Annapolis have created an environment which promotes crime, what can and should Republicans do to present a better alternative to Maryland voters? Our blogger contributors offer their opinions and insights.

In our closing segment, an update on our discussion of the Citizens for Better Government. In addition to what has been reported on the Conservative Refuge, I share an update on the group's response to the growing public criticism arising out of their recent campaign finance report. You will want to hear what questions the group will answer and what they will not disclose publicly and make up your own mind.

Share your thoughts and feedback!

Spread the word!

Greg Kline
Host, Conservative Refuge Podcast

This installment of the Conservative Refuge is proudly sponsored by Carpe Diem Consulting, LLC, specializing in forensic accounting, litigation support, business valuations and expert testimony in the areas of white collar criminal defense, contract disputes and other litigation matters. Contact John DeLuca and his associates at 410-305-4487 or via email at jdeluca@carpediemconsult.com

Breakdown of the Kipke interview

2008-01-28T15:22:00.000-08:00

As the controversy about the Citizens for Better Government continues to grow, it seems clear that many have not gone back and listened to what Delegate Kipke said on the Conservative Refuge Podcast and compared it to the group's recent campaign finance statement.

While I would still urge everyone to go back and listen to the entire 20 plus minute interview in context, let me break it down a bit to show why there has been such a firestorm of criticism on the heels of the group's recent disclosures.

I will give the time in the show and the summary of the statements made. (Again, don't take my word for any of this listen to this interview for yourself and visit the links provided.)

6:30 Delegate Kipke explains the group is changing from a PAC to a Slate so that the Delegates can have "full control over how the money is spent."

7:30 Delegate Kipke acknowledges the change was based upon concerns about Lawrence Scott but personally vouches for the character of the group's members.

8:20 Delegate Kipke repeats that the Delegates wanted to control how the money is spent.

14:45 Delegate Kipke assures donors that they need not be worried that the money spent by the group was going to go to Lawrence Scott or that he would benefit in any way.

16:10 Delegate Kipke says that the group is not a money making scheme for Lawrence Scott.

From the campaign finance report, we know that all of the money that was spent was funnelled through Scott Strategies, Inc. in apparant contradiction to the above statements and personal assurances by Delegate Kipke.

This is the most damning aspect of this whole story. Mr. Scott received the money and directly controlled how it was spent. The group has refused to make any further disclosure of expenses and will not admit or deny whether Mr. Scott received any consulting fees.

8:05 All the organizers have "invested equally."

16:35 All of the organizers have "invested our own money."

According to the group's own finance report, no contribution from Delegate Kipke appears and the contributions from Delegates Schuh and King come from campaign not personal accounts. [Correction - Friends of Nic Kipke did report a donation to the slate before the filing deadline. I apologize for the error.]

Again, despite the public statements that each of the Delegates "invested our own money" nothing in the state's campaign finance database supports that claim. The donations that were made were from campaign accounts, which included the donations of others. Also, no in-kind donations appear negating any claim of that type.

19:25 Delegate Kipke mentions (and I wholeheartedly acknowledge) his reputation for honesty.

The above statements along with Kipke's reputation were intended and, in fact, did quell the criticism of this group as they headed toward their fundraising dinner. The group's only statement filed under penalties of perjury, however, appears to contradict many of these statements.

Why is this important? Let me share with you a portion of an email from a listener named Erran.

"I listen to all of your podcasts. I think you can do an 'I told you so' podcast with a pretty clear conscience. If these three delegates are going to become the face of the local party, the party should demand total honesty from them. They all seem like nice people but I can't say that I trust one of them although I trusted Kipke the most of the bunch until this."

" Kipke seems like a stand-up guy and how he could be manipulated to lie is beyond me. I suspect King and Schuh put him up to it. Someone in the local Republican party should put these guys to the test. Get them to come onto your show to defend the lies they are telling. I don't have access to the masses like you do but the only commodity the party has given its many public struggles in Maryland is honesty. I hope you will take up the cause to flesh this out so that these three start playing team politics."

I think that says it all.

My Endorsement for President

2008-01-28T10:51:00.001-08:00

I announced this on the most recent podcast, but it was inadvertently left off the RedMaryland group endorsement.

I think good endorsements begin discussions. My opinion is just that and has no more value than any other but here is some food for thought.

President – Mitt Romney

Like many of my colleagues here, I was a devoted FredHead. Without my first choice, the question comes down to which of the remaining, viable candidates would be the best standard bearer of our party. While imperfect, Mitt Romney at least talks the talk and embraces and seeks to promote the orthodox Reagan conservatism our party needs to espouse.

I see this as a Romney versus McCain race. I despise John McCain. With every fiber of my being, I resent the maverick, independent often anti-conservative that is the persona of Senator McCain. More than his opposition to tax cuts, his championing of amnesty for illegal immigrants (a position he said after South Carolina he has not changed), his assault on free speech, his membership in the Gang of 14, I oppose John McCain because he it the poster child for the arrogant, holier than thou, independent modern view that partisanship is beneath the intelligent and politically minded.

Why would Republicans elect a man as their nominee who has such open disdain for the party he seeks to lead? It is why Tom Delay, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Michelle Malkin and so many other movement conservatives cannot support him and why I cannot either. Our party is a team working together to accomplish a governance based upon the bedrock principles so eloquently espoused by Ronald Reagan. A maverick who rejects those principles so often and resists being a member of the team should not be our captain.

Mitt Romney would wear that “C” on his uniform with pride. He has an impressive executive record as a businessman, Olympic organizer and Governor. He is a decent, faithful, family man. He would make the Bush tax cuts McCain opposed permanent, vigorously oppose the amnesty for illegals McCain co-sponsored and lead the fight against the radical jihadists who seek to destroy our way of life.

Mitt Romney seeks the nomination of a principled, conservative led Republican party and would lead it to victory.

He deserves that nomination.

The Response to the Citizens for Better Government

2008-01-27T13:05:00.000-08:00

Below is my response to the objections of Delegate Nic Kipke to the criticisms of the Citizens for Better Government. As you can read, not only do I address the Delegate's concerns, I also point out that his prior e-mail fails to address the substance of the criticisms made by many local Republican activists and donors.

"Nic,

We did speak more than once. I expressed my concerns many times regarding the way the group was organized and how things would be conducted. You came on my show and said everything would be above board, Mr. Scott would not control the money spent, there would be advisory groups and it was not true. I have no doubt you would have a new story for each of these inconsistencies.

I reported nothing until it was reported in the media. I noted that this report, as the media already stated, was in contradiction of your public statements and to the assurances you made to my audience. I linked and read from your publicly filed campaign finance report and told my audience to look at it themselves. Others who have added to the story did the same.
Your email, other than questioning my motives (which I expected to happen), does not answer the substantive questions raised by not just myself but others.

Why is there no transparancy about how the money was spent?

Why was the fee paid to Mr. Reagan not disclosed in the report?

Why does the slate pay its expenses through Scott Strategies, Inc. rather than directly?

Why was the only payment from the slate made to an entity tied so closely to Lawrence Scott?

This played precisely to the concerns raised by many which you addressed by publicly assuring everyone that you Delegates not Mr. Scott would control the money.

Why did the organizers say for months that they had raised over $125,000 when no such amount was collected and then tell the press they raised $200,000 with full knowledge their campaign finance report would show the opposite?

Why did you say (or at least give the clear impression ) that you contributed to the slate when you knew that was untrue?

Questioning my motives or my intent does not address these fundamental questions. Show me where my facts are wrong.

I am sure Ehrlich said what he said. He probably believed you when you said you raised 3-4 times the amount you have. The "pledges" story is wearing a bit thin.

I find your hiding behind the party to cover for your obvious lies disturbing. It is precisely because you wrapped yourselves in the party, acted in the name of Ronald Reagan, took the good name of many Republican elected officials and then inflated your contributions, understated your expenses and created a slush fund for someone who many (you know you spoke to so many who said it) view as shady at best.

As I said, it was hard for me to say but I was not going to let it go despite the potential impact on our friendship.

If you want to end this controversy, let me suggest the following as a start:

1. Publicly detail all of the expenses of the slate to date. Every penny from the slate to the final vendors. Create transparancy to your donors about where the money went.

2. If you want to maintain that there are "pledges" for an additional $130,000 disclose the pledges. As documented, you have been saying since at least October you had 25 pledges of $5,000 each. Now you say that you did not have time to "send invoices" and you are surprised people have doubts? Come on.

You can choose to attack me instead.

Greg"

I will update with any public answers to these questions or any additional disclosure (or more likely additional attacks on yours truly) along with much more in the next podcast.

New Plan - Kill the messenger!

2008-01-27T12:43:00.000-08:00

It seems the boys over at Citizens for Better Government were more than a bit miffed at my and Brian Gill's posts about the groups recent public disclosures.

The group's appointed spokesman and confidence man Delegate Nic Kipke wrote me the following:

"Greg,

Your recent blog post disappoints me. I surely thought you were the kind of person to check your facts before spreading mistruths. I am especially concerned that you would not call me before spreading inaccuracies. Your actions make me think you are more concerned about your own self-promotion than the wellness of the republican party, which needs all of our support. If you had bothered to check the facts, you could not help but call the Reagan Tribute an amazing success!

We met each and every goal for this event, including our financial goals. In fact, Gov. Ehrlich called our event "the beginning of the reemergence of the Maryland Republican Party." When we planned our event we chose Michael Reagan because he spreads his father's unifying republican message. However, because of his contract withhis radio station, he is only able to travel on a limited basis. The only day he had available was January 7, which was not great timing for us, considering session began on January 9. However, we decided to go with this date because of the amazing quality of the speaker. As you probably know, Delegates are restricted from collecting contributions during session. Soi nstead of trying to rush to get all of the checks in, we decided to send invoices to our sponsors after session.

It had always been my belief that you had our party's best interests at heart. Lately, I am beginning to question your motivations. You should have called me if you had concerns, instead you wrote without consideration for the whole story (reminds me of the Baltimore Sun). Finally, it is my hope that we can find some common ground to work togetherto build our party. It is important to me, that despite our differences, westand united as it is in our unity that we can defeat the Maryland Democratic monopoly.

Sincerely, Nic Kipke"

That's right, the gang who believes they are single handedly resurrecting the MDGOP believes the guy who just wrote about his desire to destory the Baltimore Sun is in league with it.

My full response is the subject of the next post but a couple of thoughts.

First, it is obvious that Delegate Kipke did not listen to what I said as he fails to address most of the substantive issues raised by myself and others.

Second, the arrogant attitude that the actions of elected officials cannot be questioned without some ulterior motive is on full display in this email. Don't like the message, kill the messenger is the standard strategy of the guy who really runs the Citizens for Better Government, Lawrence Scott. That is why a previous county GOP chair called him a purveyor of "slash and burn politics" and why funding a group that runs its expenditures through his consulting company is a very bad way "to work together to build our party."

Refuge Podcast # 54 - Where did the money go?

2008-01-24T20:21:00.000-08:00

With perhaps our most controversial show yet, it is the Conservative Refuge Podcast. You can listen by visiting here:

http://theconservativerefuge.libsyn.com/

In our opening segment, I give you an update on our discussions of the Citizens for Better Government. The group's recent campaign finance report puts the lie to many of the public statements by Delegates Nic Kipke, Steve Schuh and James King and confirms many of the suspicions about the group previously discussed on this podcast. You need to listen to the details of the group's report and learn more about this breaking scandal that will have people talking!

We also are joined by special guest, Brandon Wright of the Petroleum Marketers Association of America, to discuss the state of the retail gas market. How did we get to $3 a gallon gasoline and what role does the local gas station play? In this informative interview, Brandon Wright illuminates the story not being told in the mainstream media.

In our closing segment, I hope to begin a broader discussion by giving my contribution to the Red Maryland group endorsements for President and for Congressman from Maryland's First Congressional District.

Share your thoughts and feedback!

Spread the word!

Greg Kline
Host, Conservative Refuge Podcast

This installment of the Conservative Refuge is proudly sponsored by Carpe Diem Consulting, LLC, specializing in forensic accounting, litigation support, business valuations and expert testimony in the areas of white collar criminal defense, contract disputes and other litigation matters. Contact John DeLuca and his associates at 410-305-4487 or via email at jdeluca@carpediemconsult.com

Refuge Podcast # 53 - Global Warming O'Malley Style

2008-01-19T20:57:00.000-08:00

The very latest news, views and insight into conservative, Republican happenings it is the Conservative Refuge Podcast. You can listen by visiting here:

http://theconservativerefuge.libsyn.com/

In this installment, we have a special guest interview with Paul Chesser of Climate Strategies Watch who gives the real story about Maryland's Commission on Climate Change. You need to hear how national environmental extremists have imported their radical global warming agenda to Maryland with the enthusiastic support of Governor O'Malley.

Our blogger roundtable, with our regular contributor Brian Griffiths and special guest (and recent newsmaker) James Braswell, convenes to discuss the ongoing Presidential Race. With votes now in Michigan, Nevada and South Carolina, have the nominating contests become any clearer? What will be the decisive factors as the candidates continue to head toward the Maryland primary? Our blogger contributors offer their insight and opinions.

Share your thoughts and feedback!

Spread the word!

Greg Kline
Host, Conservative Refuge Podcast

This installment of the Conservative Refuge is proudly sponsored by Carpe Diem Consulting, LLC, specializing in forensic accounting, litigation support, business valuations and expert testimony in the areas of white collar criminal defense, contract disputes and other litigation matters. Contact John DeLuca and his associates at 410-305-4252 or via email at jdeluca@carpediemconsult.com

Refuge Podcast #52 - 2008 General Assembly Session Preview

2008-01-14T19:52:00.000-08:00

The very latest news, views and insight into conservative, Republican happenings it is the Conservative Refuge Podcast. You can listen by visiting here:

http://theconservativerefuge.libsyn.com/

In our opening segment, some news and comment on the call for "collaboration" by Annapolis' liberal leaders. You will want to hear the brazen hypocrisy of venal, partisan elected officials calling for bipartisanship and cooperation.

Our blogger roundtable, with our regular contributors Brian Griffiths and Mark Newgent, convenes to discuss the upcoming session. What will be the hot topics for the session? Will there be more tax increases, an abolition of the death penalty and legalized gay marriage? Our blogger contributors offer their insight and opinions.

In our closing segment, we make another visit to the "Fat Files". I share some good news that the "obesity epidemic" is overblown and convey new scientific findings showing that "you no longer need worry so much about being obese".

Share your thoughts and feedback!

Spread the word!

Greg Kline
Host, Conservative Refuge Podcast

This installment of the Conservative Refuge is proudly sponsored by Carpe Diem Consulting, LLC, specializing in forensic accounting, litigation support, business valuations and expert testimony in the areas of white collar criminal defense, contract disputes and other litigation matters. Contact John DeLuca and his associates at 410-305-4252 or via email at jdeluca@carpediemconsult.com

Food for Thought for the Blogosphere

2008-01-14T09:39:00.000-08:00

If you are like me, you are a fan of HBO's The Wire. The final season of this show holds a mirror up to the media (namely the Baltimore Sun) and shows how it affects all aspects of life in the big city. You may have seen a special promotional piece by David Simon, the creative force behind The Wire, explaining what to expect from the fifth and final season of the show.

As Simon laments the slow death of the city newspaper, he makes some fascinating and intriguing comments on us in the blogosphere. Though unintentionally, he throws down the gauntlet of what role we bloggers will play when the newspaper dinosaur is finally slain or (in his view) is completely emasculated by the diminution of political and social reporting in favor of human interest stories and perfunctory journalism.

Simon's comments present a serious challenge, nay opportunity, to us bloggers as to how the important stories affecting our lives will be told. It is a question we bloggers need to answer.

Make no mistake, Simon is a liberal democrat and we would agree little on solutions. Howver, he candidly acknowledges, as a former Sun reporter, that the way every story is told and the way every editorial decision is made emanates from a subjective point of view and that many journalists want to affect social change by reporting. His lament is that selling newspapers has replaced this "noble calling" and the result is that a closer inspection of politicians, policy and institutions is left by the roadside.

Simon says bloggers do a great job of providing commentary and presenting information from a different point of view but inevitably link to some reporter who has done the hard work of gathering the information and telling a story. This, in his view, is the eternal value of a newspaper and that the industry made a mistake by giving it away for free (by putting it on the Internet).

Simon is not entirely wrong. We bloggers, if we truly want to end the monopolistic influence of the Sun or the Capital or the Gazette, need to be able to tell the stories which are important to people. As long as we simply link to the reporting done by others, they control the agenda and perpetuate their built in advantage of a larger audience.

The blogosphere must concentrate more on telling stories, making news and giving our readers not just opinion but information they cannot get anywhere else. This does not mean that we must become full time reporters but we have an opportunity to wrestle away the mantle of media from the elites who have controlled it for so many decades. Our victory will not be complete until we do that.

Many of my fellow bloggers have done this. Mark Newgent's work examining the Governor's Commission on Climate Change, the in-depth reporting of the the Special Session shenanigans and the lawsuit which brought them to light and even the soap opera that is the Anne Arundel County Central Committee have broken real news and often have driven the local reporting in the newspapers. (Not to mention, the yeoman's work of the O'Malley Watch gang.)

We have contacts in government and the community. We have many of the same resources the overworked newsrooms have (specifically the Internet). We are educated, net savvy and can write well. We also have the passion to tell the important stories.

The opinion page is covered, now let's work on filling the front page.

I say, let's take up this challenge and work for a future where the blogosphere can truly replace newspapers.

Conservative Refuge on the Radio

2008-01-08T11:00:00.000-08:00

I will be a guest tonight on the Warren Monks show on WAMD 970AM from 6:30-7:30 (appx).

I will also be joining my friend, fellow RedMaryland contributor and O'Malley Watch radio representative Mark Newgent.

Should be a great segment.

No online feed but here is a map of the broadcast range for the station.

Refuge Podcast # 51 - The Stakes in Iowa

2008-01-03T20:23:00.000-08:00

Beginning our second year of podcasting it is the Conservative Refuge Podcast. You can listen by visiting here:

http://theconservativerefuge.libsyn.com/

In our opening segment, some news and comment on the lawsuit to overturn the recent special session. I share some information you have not heard elsewhere as well on the very latest news in the case. I also relate portions of an editorial in the Baltimore Sun showing why the left just does not "get it" when it comes to the rule of law.

Our blogger roundtable, with our regular contributor Brian Griffiths and special guest David Kyle, convenes to discuss the Iowa caucus. What would the victory of certain Republican candidates say about the future of our party? Will there still be a Republican nomination fight when Marylanders vote? Our blogger contributors offer their insight and opinions.

In our closing segment, the very latest from Iowa and some thoughts about what is at stake in the Presidential nominating process.

Share your thoughts and feedback!

Spread the word!

Greg Kline
Host, Conservative Refuge Podcast

This installment of the Conservative Refuge is proudly sponsored by Carpe Diem Consulting, LLC, specializing in forensic accounting, litigation support, business valuations and expert testimony in the areas of white collar criminal defense, contract disputes and other litigation matters. Contact John DeLuca and his associates at 410-305-4252 or via email at jdeluca@carpediemconsult.com

It's Here - The 50th Conservative Refuge Podcast!!

2007-12-18T20:30:00.000-08:00

A year in the making, it is the Special 50th installment of the Conservative Refuge Podcast which you can enjoy by visiting here:

http://theconservativerefuge.libsyn.com/

In this very special installment, I look back at the purpose of the show and share our very first segment.

We share clips from our blogger contributors: Brandon Wright, Brian Griffiths, Victor Henderson, David Kyle, Jimmy Braswell, Brian Gill, Mark Newgent, Tom Gardner and many more!!

The best of our special guests Delegate Nic Kipke (R-31), Delegate Don Dwyer (R-31), MDGOP Ex. Dir. John Flynn among many others!!!

The clipmania continues with some highlights of the issues covered on the show!!

In our closing segment, I share for the first time our ratings and let you know just how many people have listened to the Conservative Refuge Podcast.

Thank you to everyone who has helped make this show a success and I hope you enjoy this very special look back.

Greg Kline
Host, Conservative Refuge Podcast

Our Guests

2007-12-12T13:37:00.001-08:00

As we approach the 50th Conservative Refuge Podcast, another look back at the people who helped make the show what it is.

This time a look back at the many special guests who have been on the show.

As I noted early in the show's run, the Conservative Refuge has an "open door" policy inviting Republican elected officials, party leaders, etc. to come on the show to discuss an issue or promote an item of interest. Here is a list of those who, to date, have walked through that open door.

Delegate Nic Kipke (R-31) Delegate Kipke was the first elected official to come on the show. Before the 2007 General Assembly session, Nic joined us to talk about his experience being elected to the House of Delegates and his insight into the leadership debate within the Republican caucus.

Recently, Delegate Kipke came on the show again to address the controversy surrounding the Citizens for Better Government and answered the tough questions surrounding the group.

Delegate Don Dwyer (R-31) During the 2007 General Assembly session, Delegate Dwyer came on the show to discuss his efforts to defend marriage and express his concerns about the pending "gay marriage" case before the Court of Appeals.

As we discussed here, only two justices took the position Delegate Dwyer feared but with Governor O'Malley's ability to reshape Maryland's highest court and the legislature's efforts to address this issue, a lot more will be said on this subject.

Mike Dye (Annapolis City Republican Central Committee) With another special aldermanic election pending in Annapolis, we recall that two such elections held in January, 2007. Mike Dye came on the show to give us the lay of the land and let our listeners know how they could help.

John Flynn (Executive Director, Maryland Republican Party) The seemingly always controversial executive director of the MDGOP has made a couple of appearances on the show. In February, John came on to the show to discuss the plans for the new MDGOP leadership and their strategies for the General Assembly session. In June, John discussed the recent Maryland Republican convention and changes to party by-laws. In both appearances, John also answered some of his critics about the direction of the party in Maryland.

Jay Breitenbach (Anne Arundel Republican State Central Committee) Former Delegate and recently appointed central committee member Jay Breitenbach came on the show to introduce himself and to address some of the controversy around his appointment. In this illuminating interview, Jay traced his path to the party leadership and discussed his plans and goals for the county's Republican party.

Tom Hood (Executive Director, Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants) Before the recent special session, Tom Hood joined us to discuss the various tax proposals. Despite some listener skepticism at the time, Tom's prediction of a 7% sales tax proposal turned out to be prescient.

Richard Falknor (Executive Vice President, Maryland Taxpayers Association) Longtime conservative activist Richard Falknor joined our show to discuss the aftermath of the recent special session. Mr. Falknor, in his own inimitable style, expressed his frustration with anti-tax legislators who could have done more to stop things and provided an outline of how the taxpayer movement in Maryland can move forward.

All of these guests added immensely to the discussion that is the Conservative Refuge Podcast and I hope they, and many of their colleagues, join us in the future.

Our Blogger Contributors

2007-12-10T08:48:00.000-08:00

This is the first in a series of posts heading toward the 50th installment of the Conservative Refuge Podcast.

As part of our look back, I wanted to mention (in no particular order) the contributors to our various blogger roundtables.

Brandon Wright Brandon was our first blogger contributor and has regularly appeared on the show. Brandon is the former President of the Anne Arundel Young Republicans, is a former aide to Congressman Wayne Gilchrest and now works as a petroleum lobbyist.

Brian Griffiths The always opinionated, often controversial and occasionally most influential blogger in the state has been a mainstay of the blogger roundtable. Brian's blog and his status as one of the original contributors to Red Maryland are the font from which his no holds barred opinions flow.

Victor Henderson The first guest blogger to make an appearance on the roundtable, Victor serves as corresponding secretary of out county's GOP central committee. Victor is a local activist and former candidate for the county central committee.

David Kyle Everyone's favorite unaffiliated constitutional expert has made a couple of guest appearances on the blogger roundtable. David is well known in local circles not only for his involvement with the Institute on the Constitution but for his prior work with Delegate Don Dwyer. Fueled by salt infused drinks and his insatiable thirst for all things constitutional, this Candid Truth author holds the distinction as the only non Republican to appear on the show.

Tom Gardner My former colleague on the county central committee, political and military veteran Tom Gardner appeared on our post session show. Tom has been a mainstay of conservative Republican politics in Anne Arundel county for decades. In addition to his military service, Tom had a long and stellar career with the MVA.

Jimmy Braswell This salmon shirt loving attorney is the author of the The Bully Pulpit and has made a couple of memorable appearances on the blogger roundtable including our discussion of the recent Central Committee fiasco and our technically challenged FredHeads United segment.

Streiff The single-named co-editor of RedState and force behind RedMaryland has to date made only a single appearance on the show. His appearance was a milestone for the show as he was the first nationally known blogger to join the roundtable. In addition, his efforts have brought together some of the state's leading conservative bloggers, many of whom have made their way to the Conservative Refuge podcast.

Mark Newgent Author of The Main Adversary, RedMaryland contributor and talk radio mainstay Mark Newgent has become a regular contributor to the blogger roundtable. His in depth knowledge, keen insight and on air presence have been a great addition to the show.

Dan Bowen Former AAGOP central committee member, longtime activist and candidate Dan Bowen appeared on the show's FredHeads United segment. Always a friend of the show, Dan's extensive experience in local politics belies his age.

Mike Netherland The always opinionated author of Mike's Nether Land and founder of the Elephant Club's The Public Square email group was an original supporter of the show and contributed to its format. Mike's sole appearance on the show, however, was on the FredHeads United installment where he adroitly pointed out how Senator Thompson's Hunt for Red October experience would be handy in a confrontation with China.

Brian Gill This GOP activist, local businessman, RedMaryland contributor and author of Annapolis Politics made a couple of appearances on the roundtable. Another in the new wave of Anne Arundel conservative bloggers, Brian covers not only the Annapolis area beat but has been bold in his challenge to the democratic representatives of this increasingly Republican area.

Looking back, this has been an impressive group of people who have contributed their thoughts, insights and opinions to the Conservative Refuge Podcast. The blogger roundtable is and will always be the heart of what the show is about.

Thank you to all of you and I hope will be a part of the next 50 Conservative Refuge Podcasts.

Refuge Podcast # 49 - Special Interview with Del. Nic Kipke (R-31)

2007-12-05T20:02:00.000-08:00

Your source for local Conservative Republican news is the Conservative Refuge Podcast. You can listen by visiting here:

http://theconservativerefuge.libsyn.com/

In this very special edition of the Conservative Refuge Podcast, we have an extended interview with Delegate Nic Kipke (R-31). Delegate Kipke answers the tough questions about his involvement with the group Citizens for Better Government and directly addresses concerns raised about this organization. Delegate Kipke also announces critical changes made as a result of the criticism heard on the Conservative Refuge Podcast and elsewhere.

You need to listen to this podcast to hear the latest news and the most thorough discussion of the concerns about this group anywhere.

In our closing segment, I share some closing thoughts on our interview with Delegate Kipke and update some news items you heard about only on this show. There is also a preview of our special 50th podcast.

Share your thoughts and feedback!

Spread the word!

Greg Kline
Host, Conservative Refuge Podcast

This installment of the Conservative Refuge is proudly sponsored by Carpe Diem Consulting, LLC, specializing in forensic accounting, litigation support, business valuations and expert testimony in the areas of white collar criminal defense, contract disputes and other litigation matters. Contact John DeLuca and his associates at 410-305-4252 or via email at jdeluca@carpediemconsult.com

Lest We Forget

2007-11-27T14:29:00.000-08:00

As the Special Session rolls into the rear view mirror, last week's promises to take action against those who made this recent tax increase possible begin the test of time.

In the interest promoting the "never forget" mantra, here is how the Gazette saw things:

"Losers

Moderate Democrats — Some voted against the tax increases, but by and large, GOP challengers will flail all the Dems over what is likely the largest tax increase in Maryland history. Nay vote or not, anyone with a D after their name in a right-leaning district could face rough going in 2010.

House GOP — Five Republicans defected on the slots referendum measure, which made all the difference. Had the caucus stuck together, Democrats would have needed four more votes, a gap that may have been too great to overcome."

Refresh your memory and let us gird ourselves to give all of these legislators a "rough going in 2010."

Refuge Podcast #48 - Special Session Wrap-Up

2007-11-24T21:30:00.000-08:00

The latest news, views and a little controversy await in the next installment of the Conservative Refuge Podcast. You can listen by visiting here:

http://theconservativerefuge.libsyn.com/

In our opening segment, we have an interview with special guest Richard Falknor, Executive Vice President of the Maryland Taxpayers Association, discussing the recent special session. Mr. Falknor boldly discusses his disappointment with previously anti-tax legislators who failed to stop or even slow this tax juggernaut.

Our blogger roundtable convenes, with regular contributor Brian Griffiths and guest blogger Mark Newgent, to wrap up the special session and relate all the details about the largest tax increase in Maryland history. Who were the winners and losers from the session? How did the lack of Republican unity in the House of Delegates harm the cause of taxpayers and where do we go from here?

Our blogger contributors offer their insight and opinions.

In our closing segment, I provide an update on the backlash to the proposed Ronald Reagan Dinner we discussed in the last installment including a post from Red Maryland colleague Brian Gill about the hostile reception received by event organizers at the recent Wednesday Morning Republican Breakfast Club meeting. You will want to hear the details of the growing push back to this group.

Share your thoughts and feedback!

Spread the word!

Greg Kline
Host, Conservative Refuge Podcast

This installment of the Conservative Refuge is proudly sponsored by Carpe Diem Consulting, LLC, specializing in forensic accounting, litigation support, business valuations and expert testimony in the areas of white collar criminal defense, contract disputes and other litigation matters. Contact John DeLuca and his associates at 410-305-4252 or via email at jdeluca@carpediemconsult.com

How You Know You Made It

2007-11-24T19:51:00.000-08:00

If you ever saw the Howard Stern movie Private Parts, you remember the scene where the WNBC program director wants to fire Stern but cannot because of the ratings. He has a heated conversation with a ratings researcher who tells him that Stern haters actually listen longer and more intently than the fans.

"But if they hate him why do they listen?" he asks. "Most common answer, they want to see what he will say next" is the response.

That is how you know you made it. When people you have never met hate your guts but live and die on every syllable.

Well, I guess I made it. See, there is this blogger (I mentioned him before) who seem obsessed with everything I do and say. He blogged about me here and here and here and here, made a parody (actually multiple parodies) of little old me. Never met the guy (though I heard a rumor he is Ed Reilly's slow witted cousin) and for the life of me cannot see what his problem is.

So now Mr. Nudnik insists that my helpful suggestions regarding Delegate Milquetoast (you know that Infamous Fiver James King) are just "showing off" for the "hard right" and that the people in District 33A really know what a great guy King is.

I know he will be listening to our next podcast when a few others might disagree, that is others in addition to of these right thinking Americans who just don't see the "inner beauty" my biggest fan does for the good delegate.

After all, he will want to see what I say next.

Striking While the Iron is Hot

2007-11-20T07:29:00.000-08:00

Many have expressed their consternation, nay anger, at the vote of Del. James King (R?-33A) to enable the largest tax increase in Maryland history. In case you missed it:

Red Maryland's Mark Newgent adds to our rich lexicon
O'Malley Watch (and commenters) set the record straight
Our friend Brian Griffiths documents King's continued weaseling

And many more. As the guy who lost to King in the recent primary, I would be lying if I did not admit feeling some vindication, but rather than engage in a puerile "I told you so" let me offer some concrete suggestions to the many taxpayers angry with the Del. Milquetoast.

1. We have documented that King has ambitions for higher office, namely the District 33 Senate Seat in 2010 (assuming Sen. Janet Greenip retires). His likely rival is his colleague in District 33 Tony McConkey. Tony is a solid conservative (read endorsements here) and a consistent vote against slots and taxes.

Send King a message that his plans are in jeopardy by sending a check to Del. McConkey

Friends of Tony McConkey
207 Cypress Creek Road
Severna Park, Md 21146

2. Many have suggested boycotting restaurants in which King has a small ownership interest. Take this one step further. Demand that Republican groups, like the West County Republican Club, not meet at these restaurants and vow to never support any group or candidate who has an event there.

King gets great mileage from making his places available to others. Boycotting his ability to collect political chits will do much more than trying to reduce overall business.

Start by emailing the West County Club President Eric Flamino eflamino@aol.com and Vice-President Chuck Gast chuckgast@yahoo.com

3. As reported on the podcast, King is part of a new PAC trying to influence Republican politics in Anne Arundel County. They are trying to organize a dinner for January in the name of Ronald Reagan. If it is successful, King's star will rise and he will have a lot of money to buy more influence (see #1).

Make sure you don't support this dinner and encourage others to do the same. (The group has already removed his picture from their website.)

4. Keep writing letters to the editor decrying his vote, especially in the local papers in his district.

Baltimore Sun letters@baltsun.com
Annapolis Capital capletts@capitalgazette.com,
Severna Park Voice LonnieL@SevernaParkVoice.Com

Every letter printed will be ammunition to use against him in 2010 and beyond.

5. Go visit him tomorrow morning at the Wednesday Morning Breakfast Club meeting at 7:30 am at the Eastport Yacht Club, 317 East Street in Annapolis.

King is counting that your memories are short, that your outrage won't last, that no one reads the blogs and that he will be able to rewrite history in 2010.

Don't let him get away with it.

Refuge Podcast # 47 - Taking Reagan's Name in Vain

2007-11-18T20:09:00.000-08:00

The latest news, views and a little controversy await in the next installment of the Conservative Refuge Podcast. You can listen by visiting here:

http://theconservativerefuge.libsyn.com/

In our opening segment, I raise some concerns voiced by party leaders and activists about the upcoming Ronald Reagan dinner. I report the facts behind the group supporting this effort and how the money raised may lead to more harm than good for the GOP cause. You need to hear this segment that will have people talking!

Our blogger roundtable convenes, with regular contributor Brian Griffiths and guest blogger Mark Newgent, to discuss the second week of the special session. With both chambers supporting tax increases, what will the final tax package look like? Will any self-styled "conservative" democrats change their votes and imperil a final bill? Our blogger contributors offer their insight and opinions.

In our closing segment, I relate the very latest from the special session. We also open the "Fat Files" to share a report that being overweight may actually have health benefits which has not stopped British parents, frightened by obesity hysteria, to enroll their 4 month old babies in gym classes.

Share your thoughts and feedback!

Spread the word!

Greg Kline
Host, Conservative Refuge Podcast

This installment of the Conservative Refuge is proudly sponsored by Carpe Diem Consulting, LLC, specializing in forensic accounting, litigation support, business valuations and expert testimony in the areas of white collar criminal defense, contract disputes and other litigation matters. Contact John DeLuca and his associates at 410-305-4252 or via email at jdeluca@carpediemconsult.com

Refuge Podcast # 46 - You Heard It Here First

2007-11-06T19:36:00.000-08:00

Plenty of news that you will not hear elsewhere awaits in the latest installment of the Conservative Refuge Podcast. You can listen by visiting here:

http://theconservativerefuge.libsyn.com/

In our opening segment, I relate the ongoing saga of who will replace Judge Wilner on the Maryland Court of Appeals. You will want to listen as I relate the latest information from sources close to the appointment process as to who will and who will not be the next member of Maryland's highest court. You are only going to hear this news by listening to this podcast!

Our blogger roundtable convenes, with regular contributor Brian Griffiths and guest blogger Mark Newgent, to discuss the first week of the special session. Will the Governor get all of his proposed new taxes passed? Can the Republicans find a way to derail some or all of these tax increases? Our blogger contributors offer their insight and opinions.

In our closing segment, I relate the very latest from the special session including a report that confirms what you first heard on this show regarding a proposed 40% increase in the sales tax. I also open the "Fat Files" to reveal how Santa Claus is being targeted by the nannystaters as a "bad example" for children.

Share your thoughts and feedback!

Spread the word!

Greg Kline
Host, Conservative Refuge Podcast

This installment of the Conservative Refuge is proudly sponsored by Carpe Diem Consulting, LLC, specializing in forensic accounting, litigation support, business valuations and expert testimony in the areas of white collar criminal defense, contract disputes and other litigation matters. Contact John DeLuca and his associates at 410-672-5624 or via email at jdeluca@carpediemconsult.com

Refuge Podcast # 45 - Ron Smith Belongs in the Nut Ball Box

2007-10-24T20:07:00.000-07:00

More news, views and insight into conservative Republican happenings await in the latest installment of the Conservative Refuge Podcast. You can listen by visiting here:

http://theconservativerefuge.libsyn.com/

In our opening segment, we visit the "Nut Ball Box" and I explain why WBAL radio personality Ron Smith belongs in the Nut Ball Box. You need to hear the outrageous and offensive comments of this popular local radio personality claiming that our armed forces are engaged in a genocidal war to control middle east oil.

Our blogger roundtable convenes, with regular contributor Brian Griffiths and guest blogger Mark Newgent, to discuss the rumors that Governor O'Malley may leave the mess he has made in Maryland to become Hillary Clinton's Vice Presidential candidate. With rapidly falling poll numbers, does O'Malley see the VP spot as an escape hatch for his political career or will his proposed massive tax hikes ruin his chances for national office? Our blogger contributors offer their insight and opinions.

In our closing segment, I relate some listener feedback concerning the recent gay marriage decision and the O'Malley tax proposals. I also share an update on the tax proposals being considered in the upcoming special session.

Share your thoughts and feedback!

Spread the word!

Greg Kline
Host, Conservative Refuge Podcast

This installment of the Conservative Refuge is proudly sponsored by Carpe Diem Consulting, LLC, specializing in forensic accounting, litigation support, business valuations and expert testimony in the areas of white collar criminal defense, contract disputes and other litigation matters. Contact John DeLuca and his associates at 410-672-5624 or via email at jdeluca@carpediemconsult.com

Thompson wins Maryland Republican Money Race

2007-10-22T08:46:00.000-07:00

In the most recent fundraising quarter, former Senator Fred Thompson out raised his Republican opponents in Maryland. Here are the numbers:

Republicans Third quarter Election cycle to date
Rudolph W. Giuliani $118,100 $655,060
Mitt Romney $104,989 $602,023
John McCain $122,090 $455,745
Fred Thompson $160,050 $160,050

While his competitors have had a substantial headstart, and the efforts of Maryland's top Republican fundraisers, these numbers show that the Thompson campaign in Maryland has considerable momentum heading toward the February 12, 2008 primary.

The Refuge Will Return to Regular Progarmming Soon

2007-10-12T22:48:00.000-07:00

The Conservative Refuge blog and Podcast will be taking a short hiatus as Kline family heads to Disneyworld. We will return to normal programming in the next couple of weeks and sprint toward out 50th show.

Due to technical difficulties and the constraints of time we were unable to produce a recent podcast featuring a great blogger roundtable with Brian Griffiths and Mark Newgent discussing the O'Malley VP controversy. I apologize to Brian and Mark and hope to share that segment, and many more like it, very soon.

In the meantime, make sure to catch up on what you have missed on the Refuge Podcast and let us know your favorite moments.

Also, please visit our sponsors who make the show possible.

Congrats Monoblogue

2007-10-05T10:43:00.000-07:00

Just heard our friend Mike Swartz author of the Monoblogue on Rush Limbaugh's show.

Way to go Mike! Let us know if you were really "fried" a promised by Rush.

Let Me Put It To You, Gentle Listener

2007-10-02T13:31:00.000-07:00

As some may have noticed, the Conservative Refuge is rapidly approaching its 50th podcast. Some regular listeners have asked if the event will be marked with any special celebration.

While that issue is very much up in the air, you can be assured there will be a special 50th installment highlighting the ground our show has covered over these many months.

In that vein, I would ask you, gentle listener, what would you want to hear on a 50th show?

What are your favorite moments from the show?

Which of our contributors or guests was the most entertaining, informative, etc.?

And since I know any successful show draws its detractors who listen intently (for Rush Limbaugh its Harry Reid for me its this guy), for the haters, what is your least favorite part of the show?

Feel free to post your comments here, or email me at gregorykline@aol.com

Thanks for listening.

Thompson Campaign organizing locally

2007-10-01T15:20:00.000-07:00

Sources close to the Thompson campaign locally inform me that there will be an announcement very soon about the Maryland leadership for the Fred Thompson for President campaign.

While an official statement is expected next week, sources indicate that the Marylanders for Thompson effort will be led by House Minority Leader Tony O'Donnell and Senate Minority Leader David Brinkley.

There are no details yet on who will lead the effort in Anne Arundel county but the organization is coming together rapidly.

Needless to say, this is great news. O'Donnell and Brinkley are solid conservative Republican leaders and bring a great deal of gravitas to the campaign here in the Free State.

Of course, it never hurts that Tony O'Donnell is a friend of the Refuge.

Local campaign information can be accessed at http://www.mdforfred.com/

Refuge Podcast #44 - Taxes, Taxes, Taxes

2007-09-27T19:33:00.000-07:00

More news, views and insight into conservative Republican happenings await in the latest installment of the Conservative Refuge Podcast. You can listen by visiting here:

http://theconservativerefuge.libsyn.com/

In our opening segment, a special guest interview with Tom Hood, Executive Director of the Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants. Tom breaks down the various tax increase proposals and what their impact will be on individual Marylanders and our state's economy.

Our blogger roundtable convenes, with regular contributor Brian Griffiths and guest blogger Mark Newgent, to discuss the political ramifications of these proposals and the possibility of a special session. Is a special session in the offing? Can the Republican caucus be decisive in blocking any of these proposals? Will these tax increases damage the democrats in 2010? Our blogger contributors offer their insight and opinions.

In our closing segment, I revisit the "Nut Ball Box" and discuss a disturbing trend of the liberal blogosphere to parrot the talking points of America's enemies. You will want hear the disturbing praise the Daily Kos gives to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Share your thoughts and feedback!

Spread the word!

Greg Kline
Host, Conservative Refuge Podcast

This installment of the Conservative Refuge is proudly sponsored by Carpe Diem Consulting, LLC, specializing in forensic accounting, litigation support, business valuations and expert testimony in the areas of white collar criminal defense, contract disputes and other litigation matters. Contact John DeLuca and his associates at 410-672-5624 or via email at jdeluca@carpediemconsult.com

Refuge Podcast # 43 - A Victory for Marriage

2007-09-19T19:48:00.000-07:00

More news, views and insight into conservative Republican happenings await in the latest installment of the Conservative Refuge Podcast. You can listen by visiting here:

http://theconservativerefuge.blogspot.com/

In our opening segment, I break down the Conaway v. Deane decision of the Maryland Court of Appeals and give you a primer on why the Court determined to upohold traditional marriage here in our state. I cut to the heart of the opinion and share with you, in the Court's own words, the well reasoned logic of our state's highest court.

A special edition of our blogger roundtable we are calling FredHeads United. Local bloggers and activists, Dan Bowen, Brian Griffiths, Mike Netherland, Jimmy Braswell and myself discuss why we support Fred Thompson for President. Our blogger contributors also break down the race as well as giving our listeners information on how they can become more involved.

In our closing segment, I share some listener feedback on our discussion of illegal immigration here in Maryland.

Share your thoughts and feedback!

Spread the word!

Greg Kline
Host, Conservative Refuge Podcast

This installment of the Conservative Refuge is proudly sponsored by Carpe Diem Consulting, LLC, specializing in forensic accounting, litigation support, business valuations and expert testimony in the areas of white collar criminal defense, contract disputes and other litigation matters. Contact John DeLuca and his associates at 410-672-5624 or via email at jdeluca@carpediemconsult.com

FredHeads Unite!

2007-09-13T12:30:00.000-07:00

Like my blogger colleagues Brian Griffiths, Mike Netherland, Jimmy Braswell and the rest, I am supporting Fmr. Senator and "Barbarians at the Gate" star Fred Thompson for the Republican nomination as President of the United States.

Thompson is the best and only viable Reagan Republican in the pack and while the fight will be tough and he is getting in later than I would prefer, his strength to this point is testament that he is the man of the hour.

Much more to come.

Refuge Podcast # 42 - The Last Word

2007-09-06T19:20:00.000-07:00

The latest news and the views of Maryland's leading conservative opinion makers await in the next installment of the Conservative Refuge Podcast. You can listen by visiting here:

http://theconservativerefuge.libsyn.com

We have a very special edition of the Conservative Refuge Podcast in which our very special blogger roundtable discusses last night's meeting of the Anne Arundel County Republican State Central Committee in which the Chairman Michael Collins was removed. Joining us are bloggers Brian Griffiths, David Kyle and Brian Gill who all attended the meeting and provide their perspectives on what happen and offer their insights into what it all means.

You will want to hear our spirted discussion from a variety of perspectives about this dramatic event in Anne Arundel Republican politics.

Listen in and share your thoughts! Spread the word!

Greg Kline
Host, Conservative Refuge Podcast

This installment of the Conservative Refuge is proudly sponsored by the law firm of Adelberg, Rudow, Dorf & Hendler, LLC. Adelberg, Rudow, Dorf & Hendler, LLC has been a leader in the Maryland legal community for over 80 years. Contact them to assist you with all your legal needs at www.AdelbergRudow.com or call 410-539-5195.

Our Nightmare is over

2007-09-06T08:10:00.000-07:00

As one of those in attendance last night for the Anne Arundel Republican Central Committee meeting, I wanted to relate a few thoughts. I know many of my fellow bloggers were there and will have their own takes and I hope a number of us, with differing viewpoints, will also have a great discussion for the next podcast.

Then I will be content to never speak of this unpleasantness again.

To his credit, my friend (and I get no end of grief for that I can tell you) Brian Griffiths, has been among the first to give his account of last night's events. Reading his entry, however, I began to wonder if we were at the same meeting.

The factual events are fairly portrayed but I walked away with a very different feeling. Mike Collins did try to ignore members of the committee who wanted to move his removal to the top of the agenda. It was silly and unnecessary and a terrible way to start the meeting.

Ms. Belcher did try to limit debate. The committee spent nearly half an hour deciding to only slightly limit debate which Mike as chair would be tracking. This also seemed unnecessary as those who spoke did so only briefly and only a few people who did not contact the committee beforehand had any comment. Most, like me, came to listen.

There was a statement that everyone who spoke from the audience was against what the committee was doing but this was not the case. Mike had a number of supporters who did speak on his behalf and who came to support him but many of the speakers simply lamented that this issue had gotten out of hand because it was not conducted internally and because when it became public those who supported removal stayed silent. The statement "there is plenty of blame to go around" was oft repeated and for good reason.

Alan Rzepkowski and Erik Robey made particularly good explanations of why the committee was doing what they did. There were many legitimate reasons why the committee wanted someone else to lead them and all the wild speculation that this was ideological or some backdoor plotting by certain politicians, which I always doubted on this blog and in our podcast, was rightly put to bed. The committee just did not like the way Mike was running things. They did not like his public criticism of the state party, whether real or percieved. They did not feel the transistion to his leadership was as quick or as efficient as it should have been.

In fact, Collins began his remarks by stating that he originally intended to resign in September but changed his mind to stay on only until January. The committee members met to convince him to step aside and to work out their issues but Mike, for reasons which are disputed, did not attend the meeting.(This is the infamous Kaufmann's encouter).

In other words, this was much ado about nothing.

It was tragic that this had to play out in the public. It was a crying shame that the members of the committee, for sincere albeit mistaken reasons, chose not to address this when it did become public. This fueled the rank speculation and allowed Mike to get his view of the story out, that this was a right wing coup, without any question. The members acknowledged the whole thing got out of hand. It did and "there is plenty of blame to go around" that it happened.

What many people missed, because they left after the removal vote, is that the committee finished their agenda with surprising collegiality and aplomb. They got back to the work of the committee, namely organizing events for the upcoming county fair and voted to make a significant contribution to the state GOP. The little debate on these points was vigorous but polite.

So it seems that we will look back at this and wonder what all the fuss was about. Truly it was a comedy of errors.

Refuge Podcast #41 - The Invasion of Illegal Immigrants into Maryland

2007-09-04T06:38:00.000-07:00

The latest news and the views of Maryland's leading conservative opinion makers await in the next installment of the Conservative Refuge Podcast. You can listen by visiting here:

http://theconservativerefuge.libsyn.com/

In our opening segment, I share some news and comment on the invasion of illegal immigrants into our State. You will want to listen how liberal leaders, special interest groups and some in the business community have conspired to make Maryland a magnet for illegal aliens.

Our blogger roundtable convenes to discuss what our county Republican leaders are doing to combat illegal immigration. You will want to hear as we are joined by special guest Brian Gill, local blogger, activist and business owner and our regular contributor Brian Griffiths, recently named again as the most influential blogger in Maryland.

In our closing segment, we take another page from the Fat Files. I share an article discussing DC's ranking as #1 for obese children and how liberal activists claim that the Government must do more. Listen in as I share the words of liberal "fat fighters" who want to destroy the idea of personal responsibility and allow the Government to control our lives.

Listen in and share your thoughts! Spread the word!

Greg Kline
Host, Conservative Refuge Podcast

This installment of the Conservative Refuge is proudly sponsored by the law firm of Adelberg, Rudow, Dorf & Hendler, LLC. Adelberg, Rudow, Dorf & Hendler, LLC has been a leader in the Maryland legal community for over 80 years. Contact them to assist you with all your legal needs at www.AdelbergRudow.com or call 410-539-5195.

Actually, no we don't

2007-08-30T06:38:00.000-07:00

Maryland liberal leaders are in a tizzy trying to figure out what to do to save state homeowners, now facing foreclosure, from themselves.

The seemingly omnipresent superlib Tom Perez put it this way:

"We need to prevent people from getting into loans that set them up for
failure," Maryland's secretary of labor, licensing and regulation, Thomas E.
Perez, said yesterday at a hearing in Annapolis.

Actually, Tom, we don't.

One of the central fronts on the ideological war between liberals and conservatives is the notion of personal responsibility. We see it play out in the smoking debate, the effort to outlaw transfats, work requirements for welfare, etc. etc.

Liberals have a paternalistic view of us all, specifically that we cannot tie our own shoes without them. They really believe that only the government, that well known bastion of common sense and efficiency, can save us from ourselves or worse the bogeymen corporations praying upon us
poor saps for (gasp!) profit.

Papa Perez is a perfect example. Homeowners who signed up for these mortgages are just victims of "predatory lenders" and the Government (funded by the real saps who manage to work and pay mortgages they can afford) needs to ride in and save the day.

The low mortgage rates and soaring property values Marylanders have seen over the last several years fueled a massive increase in people who otherwise could never afford to buy a home to do so. Some of these loans had steep increases in interest rates and monthly payments after a couple of years. With rising home values this was of little concern because refinancing was readily available. It is important to note also that this particular crisis is having a far lesser effect on Maryland than most of the country largely because our property values have not taken the same hit.

In too many cases now, however, that no longer appears to be the case.

That is bad news for lenders and investors who took risks in lending money to people on terms they should have known would exceed their ability to pay and which were collateralized by property that no longer secures the debt.

It is also bad news for would be homeowners who took on obligations they could not afford but who otherwise would be in the same position in which they are now forced to return, renters with no immediate hope of home ownership. But these folks assumed this risk, which were fully disclosed, and they really have no one to blame but themselves.

A taxpayer funded bailout, at a time when we already cannot afford the crazy spending habits of our liberal masters, will only reward bad behavior and will do nothing ultimately to help those in this mess.

Also, greater regulation will severely limit, if not destroy, the sub-prime mortgage industry which has helped to over 90% of mortgagees who meet their obligations increase their wealth and financial security by making home ownership a reality.

Sadly, the Papa Perez viewpoint is in control in Annapolis. Bad policy is sure to follow. Just remember we told you so.

Refuge Podcast 40 - The Way Forward

2007-08-19T19:58:00.000-07:00

The latest news of conservative Republican happenings here in Anne Arundel County await in the next installment of the Conservative Refuge Podcast. You can listen by visiting here:

http://theconservativerefuge.libsyn.com/

In a special edition of the Conservative Refuge, we discuss the unfortunate state of affairs with our Anne Arundel Republican State Central Committee. We are joined in a very special interview with regular contributor, top blogger and media darling Brian Griffiths who summarizes what we know about this issue.

If you have not heard or read all of the information about this, you must listen to this interview to get the latest and most complete discussion of this issue in any media source and make up your own mind about how we can move our county Republican party forward.

As always, we welcome your thoughts and comments on this issue and have extended our standing invitation to Republican leaders to answer the questions so many local Republicans are asking.

Greg Kline
Host, Conservative Refuge Podcast

This installment of the Conservative Refuge is proudly sponsored by the law firm of Adelberg, Rudow, Dorf & Hendler, LLC. Adelberg, Rudow, Dorf & Hendler, LLC has been a leader in the Maryland legal community for over 80 years. Contact them to assist you with all your legal needs at www.AdelbergRudow.com or call 410-539-5195.

Refuge Podcast #39 - Red Maryland

2007-08-12T20:09:00.000-07:00

The latest news and the views of Maryland's leading conservative opinion makers await in the next installment of the Conservative Refuge Podcast. You can listen by visiting here:

http://theconservativerefuge.libsyn.com/

In our opening segment, I share a piece from Annapolis Capital columnist Eric Hartley pointing out the failings of an appointed school board in the county. You will want to hear why Mr. Hartley feels the school board appoined by "certain elected officials and their cronies" is truly acting like spoiled children and why a board accountable to the voters is necessary to create a workable budget system in our county.

Our blogger roundtable convenes to discuss the latest in the Maryland state budget debate. You will want to hear as we are joined by very special guest Bill Streiff contributing editor of Redstate.com, the nation's leading conservative blog and our regular contributor Brian Griffiths, recently named as the most influential blogger in Maryland.

In our closing segment, some news about how fat is the new tobacco. I share the latest from the "Fat Files" as the phony "obesity epidemic" has reached a new milestone in demonizing the 2/3 of Americans our government says are overweight.

Listen in and share your thoughts!

Spread the word!

Greg Kline
Host, Conservative Refuge Podcast

This installment of the Conservative Refuge is proudly sponsored by the law firm of Adelberg, Rudow, Dorf & Hendler, LLC. Adelberg, Rudow, Dorf & Hendler, LLC has been a leader in the Maryland legal community for over 80 years. Contact them to assist you with all your legal needs at www.AdelbergRudow.com or call 410-539-5195.

Shocker : The Baltimore Sun is down on the GOP

2007-07-22T15:26:00.001-07:00

One wonders how many interns got crushed in the editorial stampede for The Baltimore Sun to print its opinion piece "Can GOP bounce back?" (no that's not a typo the GOP is unworthy of an article in the Sun)

Don't let the title fool you. The author, self-hating Republican pollster Frank Luntz, paints a pretty dim view of future Republican chances. Ahh, the media loves nothing more than "Republicans" validating their view that the GOP is a gang of washed up losers who can do nothing right.

For the true believers reading this tripe, however, there is great solace in the fact Luntz's diagnosis is as flawed as his prognosis.

He begins by cherry picking some meaningless, generic poll numbers and then points out the obvious that the President's poll numbers are low and to make his point. It takes a few paragraphs before he acknowledges that the approval of the Democratic Congress is lower. (He dismisses this as one piece of good news is sea of bad.)

Not to worry, though, Good ol' Frank has the answer. Like all self-important political consultants whose ideological loyalty is as strong as the size of their next payment, his remedy for the Republican party is simple: Stop being so Republican!

His course of treatment is a "forward-looking agenda, unparalleled message discipline, a strict focus on the tens of millions of independent voters, an innnovative candidate and campaign and a lot of luck." You have to love consultants but let's break that down a bit.

Luntz claims that "the success of the Republican Party since 1980 was to eschew definition or brand." In one sentence, Luntz has revised the history of the conservative movement over the last three decades as non-ideological. Correct me if I am wrong, but a commitment to lower taxes, strong national defense, traditional values and pro-growth economic policies sounds a hell of a lot like a definition and brand. It is also the description of the stated beliefs of the Republican Party since 1980.

Even more absurd, Luntz suggests that the GOP develop a "forward-looking agenda" even though since 1980 "whatever hopes, dreams and aspirations people saw in themselves were seen in the Republican Party." Who exactly did that happen without an agenda, a definition or a brand?

These are just a couple of the astounding idiocies in this piece. I will let you, gentle reader, have a field day with the rest.

What Luntz ignores in his independent-loving, Reagan-denying pulp fiction is that the setbacks of our party have been the result of discontent within our party. It is not that we don't have a "forward-looking agenda" or a brand or definition its that we have leaders who have alternatively, ignored, denied or violated it. Lump in some scandal and a long and difficult war and you still have to be amazed that it will only take a 15-20 seat swing in the House of Representatives and 2 seats in the Senate to swing it back to Republican Control.

Whatever people think about President Bush, he ain't on the ballot in 2008. The barely more popular than pedophiles Democractic Congress will be.

We do not have to deny our success. We do not have to redefine ourselves. We do not have to change what we believe to court independent voters who choose to consider themselves above partisan identity.

We need to be true to our conservative beliefs, a well sold and markatable brand and recruit candidates that convince Republicans who want to be convinced that they really mean it this time.

While The Baltimore Sun may fall all over itself to print the views of a RINO consultant that our best days are behind us, it does not make it so.

Hang in there, we will get there.

Allegiances switch in Gilchrest-Harris race

2007-07-19T06:16:00.000-07:00

As we have been speculating, two Anne Arundel delegates have announced their endorsement of Andy Harris against Wayne Gilchrest. The two newest supporters of the challenger Andy Harris are Delegate Steve Schuh (R-31) and Delegate James King (R-33a).

As reported by the Examiner both Schuh and King supported Gilchrest previously and, in King's case, were among the special guests for Congressman Gilchrest's recent fundraisers.

Will these switches of allegiance be a sign of strength for the challenger or dismissed as the Machiavellian positioning of ambitious politicians.

For consideration of the latter, let me submit the following from our friend Bud the Blogger before the announcement:

Kipke, Schuh and Dillon won't witch sides. They co-sponsored an event with
Gilchrest last week. All three have too much integrity to play both sides in
this race.

Enough said.
If you listened to the recent podcasts, you know we reported that Delegate King's camp was reaching out to Gilchrest to broker a deal for King's support in this race in return for Gilchrest's support of King for the 33 Senate seat in 2010. The report caused a bit of a stir and the heat from Delegate King's conservative backers apparently convinced him to switch sides.

Gather Ye Speculation While Ye May

2007-07-17T08:12:00.000-07:00

(Cross-posted at Red Maryland)

We in the Conservative Refuge have been covering closely the machinations of local elected Republicans as they swear fealty in the Gilchrest-Harris Congressional primary. There has been no shortage of intrigue.

The lastest is that the campaign of Senator Andy Harris has announced a news conference within the next few hours (their release actually says Tuesday, July 18) to announce "Key Endorsements from Anne Arundel County Legislators". We know who some of these will be as local Senators Janet Greenip and Bryan Simonaire are a part of the Harris exploratory committee. It will be no surprise if other, as yet unaligned, Republicans join their ranks.

The question is whether some of those who were Congressman Gilchrest's "special guests" at his recent fundraiser (held the day after he joined the Pelosi-Murtha junta to surrender in Iraq) will switch sides. The camps of some of these officials have been denying their support of Gilchrest, though not publicly.

Will the Gilchrest loyalists stand by their man or will some sense a shift in the political winds and switch sides?

We will know soon enough.

Homer Simpson - Bane of Pagans Hero of the Faithful

2007-07-17T06:50:00.001-07:00

In a brilliant promotion of the upcoming Simpsons movie (yes I will be there at midnight) the producers placed a large picture of Homer Simpson near a famous earth etching in the British hillside.

Local pagans are not happy. Apparently a large underwear clad man holding a donut reverently is less spiritual than a poorly drawn man carrying a stick. No sense of humor.

Three words. Best Promotion Ever!

Refuge Podcast # 38 - The future of the Republican Party here in Anne Arundel County

2007-07-16T21:05:00.000-07:00

All the local conservative news and views await in the latest installment of the Conservative Refuge Podcast. You can listen by visiting here:

http://theconservativerefuge.libsyn.com/

In our opening segment, I share some news and comments on the mainstream reporting of the local blogosphere. You will want to hear how the liberal media ignores our strong local conservative blogosphere while Democratic politicians are stealing a march on their Republican counterparts by taking advantage of technology.

We are joined by our special guest, Jay Breitenbach, who served briefly as a Delegate from Anne Arundel county and was recently appointed as the newest member of our Anne Arundel County Republican central committee. Jay honestly addresses some of the controversy surrounding his appointment and discusses his goals as well as some of the challenges facing the party in the coming years.

In our closing segment, I weave some front page news and listener feedback to begin a discussion of how radical views once thought crazy are now becoming mainstream. As our society becomes more segmented and the media more diffuse, the public challenge to nonsensical "conspiracy theories" and crazy views has waned. What effect will this phonomenon have on the marketplace of ideas and the future of politics?

Listen in and share your thoughts!

Spread the word!

Greg Kline
Host, Conservative Refuge Podcast

This installment of the Conservative Refuge is proudly sponsored by the law firm of Adelberg, Rudow, Dorf & Hendler, LLC. Adelberg, Rudow, Dorf & Hendler, LLC has been a leader in the Maryland legal community for over 80 years. Contact them to assist you with all your legal needs at www.AdelbergRudow.com or call 410-539-5195.

Representin' on the Right

2007-07-15T16:23:00.001-07:00

Funny how it takes a liberal politician starting a blog before the mainstream media realizes there is political blogosphere here in Anne Arundel County.

For the Capital it was Councilman Josh Cohen's blog. They ignored that other points of view may be out there.

Now the Sun has figured it out. In today's Arundel section, the Sun reports on the growing blogosphere here in the county. The Refuge is mentioned prominently and, if you did not know better, one might think it was the only conservative blog in the county. (The Sun never contacted me about the story.)

While I would love to have people think that, it is not true. I link to other local bloggers here and feature them on the Conservative Refuge podcast (which is a far better listen then Mayor Moyer's lefty-fueled rantings).

We will keep fighting the good fight in the blogosphere on the right.

RedState - Maryland Style

2007-07-14T11:59:00.000-07:00

One of the editor's of the premier conservative blog, Redstate, has opened up shop in the Maryland blogosphere.

The Maryland Politics/Red Maryland blog led by Streiff has already put up an impressive array of posts which I encourage you all to read.

Our friend Brian Griffiths has already signed on to cross-post and sure enough has brought his own inimitable style to the RedState's Maryland auxiliary. Think of it as a heaving helping of Old Bay.

Streiff has agreed to join us in the future Conservative Refuge podcasts and maybe, like a cold Natty Bo, you might see a cross-post from the Refuge in the future.