TITLE: Do the Right Thing AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 3/10/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Those enabling Rochell Moore are doing her no favors and shame on them. -------- TITLE: School Board Meeting AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 3/10/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: I got there just as the police did so I didn't get in. That said, the situation wasn't nearly as chaotic as TV news is portraying it. When the cameras were off there was no real problem outside. -------- TITLE: Yates Is Out AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 3/10/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: This is unfortunate. Zane Yates has bowed out of the 3rd District race for the Republican nomination. For good reasons, his father is suffering and I certainly wish him the best in coping with that. But Yates is a reasonable Republican who could have offered a credible alternative to Federer. Parties are always better when they put their best foot forward, not their most extreme---and Federer is about as extreme as they come. Joan McGivney of Webster Groves is also in the race, but it is hard to imagine she won't be shut out by Federer's war chest.

So, give to Jeff Smith. Jeff againt Federer is a fight I want to see. And one I can't wait to win.

Via John Combest (who probably doesn't want you to donate to any Democrats) -------- TITLE: Bill Federer is Running the 2000 Campaign Over Again AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 3/10/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Bill Federer seems to be confused about who is running this time around. It's sort of like he has a verbal tick forcing him to keep saying Gephardt

Now is the time to make yourself heard. Join the ever-growing list of distinguished Americans who have announced their endorsement of Bill Federer in his bid to replace the ultra-liberal Dick Gephardt in congress.

Let's make Bill's nightmare come true. Let's elect someone who would do Dick Gephardt's legacy justice--go donate to Jeff Smith. -------- TITLE: Word is... AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 3/09/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Russ may be out of pocket, but he is finding others pockets and is well on the way to a good fundraising quarter. -------- TITLE: Let Me Tell You About Channel 5 Dropping Martha AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 3/09/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: The Post-Dispatch picks up the story that is causing me a lot of pain.

Free Martha!

What is strange is that a call to KSDK really didn't give a reason except for that she was convicted. I don't get it. How many tv or sports stars have been convicted of a felony and are still on TV?

Of course, KSDK was dropping it anyway meaning Ms. ArchPundit was going to be very upset anyway. Then again a new station won't be interrupting it to tell viewers about religious leaders' prostates. -------- TITLE: Quo Warranto AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 3/09/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Looks like the lawsuit to remove Moore from the Board, was filed Monday -------- TITLE: SLPS Spending Cuts AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 3/09/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Tomorrow will be light until late, I'll be at the SLPS Board Meeting. Woohoooooooo...this is going to be a corker.

For a preview of the possible budget cuts, the P-D covers it -------- TITLE: 23rd Ward Candidate Forum for 3rd District AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 3/08/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Grapevine has it...

The 23rd Ward Regular Democratic Organization (Sharon Carpenter & Francis The Elder Slay) will host a 3rd Congressional District Democratic Candidates Forum- 7 p.m., Monday, March 15th, SLPOA Hall, 3710 Hampton. The contact person to RSVP will be Theresa at 773-5487.

Format is unknown at this time.

The 23rd Ward Dem. candidate for Alderman (to fill vacancy created by the death of Alderwoman Colleen Sondermann) will likely be announced and/or introduced at this event. -------- TITLE: 100,000 Visits AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 3/08/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Thanks! -------- TITLE: Recall in the 24th? AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 3/08/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Rumor on Greg Freeman's front porch is that there is a recall petition in the 24th ward over the proposed new QuikTrip.

See previous stories:

Here
and
Here

UPDATE: It isn't a rumor. I am not sure if there is an official petition yet, but there is a group organizing a recall effort. -------- TITLE: KSDK Drops Stewart? AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 3/08/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: It would appear that KSDK is replacing Martha Stewart today. Let me tell you KSDK, you have a very angry Ms. ArchPundit calling you about right now. I wouldn't pick up the phone if I were you--she is very upset and Brini Maxwell isn't on to give her a fix.

(posted under various marital threats)

UPDATE: In a brilliant move they have pulled it without telling regular viewers and their position is that they will just wait and see what happens. Hence--apparently no rhyme nor reason to deal. -------- TITLE: Dan Hynes In Metro East AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 3/06/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Springfield, IL ? U.S. Senate candidate Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes will attend rallies in Quincy, Rock Island, Moline, Springfield, Marion, Fairview Heights and Granite City. U.S. Representative Jerry Costello will join Hynes in Marion and Granite City. By the end of the fly around, Hynes will have traveled to 43 counties in six days over the past month to share with Illinoisans his plans to create jobs, provide every child with a quality education, and make health care affordable and accessible.

Marion
2:20 pm Rally at Williamson County Airport
Rt. 13 & Hwy.148

Fairview Heights

4:00 pm Rally at Steamfitters Local 439
1220 Donald Bailey Drive

Granite City
5:00 pm Rally at Steelworkers Local 1899
2014 State Street

Cahokia
6:15 pm Media Availability at St. Louis Downtown Airport
Midcoast Terminal
10 Archview Drive -------- TITLE: Moore Petition is in the Circuit Court AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 3/05/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: 10 Citizens of the City of Saint Louis just filed a petition to remove Rochell Moore quo warranto from the Saint Louis Board of Education in St. Louis Circuit Court. This is one of the few ways to remove a Board of Education member. -------- TITLE: Rumor on the Street Has Russ on Manchester Soon AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 3/05/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Apparently even the campaign didn't buy the bit about rehabbing the office. Too bad, I currently live in the 1st and I'd vote for Russ over Lacy. Can you imagine those candidate forums?

Peterson says he'll have a second office on Manchester in Maplewood soon -------- TITLE: The Other Shoe Drops AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 3/04/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Whispers yesterday suggested the incident at the SLPS HQ was not the only incident for Rochell Moore and it appears to be there was an incident at her place of work as well

Meanwhile, police in St. Louis County were pursuing a separate investigation over Moore's behavior at a Des Peres insurance office where she worked.

Moore, in an interview in her home today, defended her actions. She said Assistant Superintendent Charlene Jones is a "bully" who was using her connections to derail Moore's political career and livelihood.

"So yesterday was my day of feeling like Rosa Parks ? I was sick and tired of being sick and tired," Moore said. "I faced my giant. I faced the person who has been doing all these things to me."

During the interview, Moore continued to assert that a wide range of individuals were conspiring against her ? from employees of AFLAC insurance to newspaper publisher Donald Suggs. Moore also said she would use violence against anyone who challenged her mental fitness.

The last sentence isn't comforting, but here it goes. This is a very serious issue for Ms. Moore's mental health and one can only hope she receives the appropriate treatment. While the antics are humorous in one sense, she is crossing into a zone of behavior where she appears to be a risk to herself and possibly others. She needs to be committed to determine the extent of the problem.

For many who only follow the SLPS through the news, this probably seems like more evidence of the chaos surrounding the District. It should not be seen that way. I have followed the SLPS fairly closely since 1998. In that time, while the audience is louder, the meetings aren't much different, but the operations are. There is significant movement in improving the peformance of the SLPS and it is farther from chaos than it has been in years. Her actions, and actions by others that disrupt public meetings may add a side show element, but ultimately things are improving by every indicator I have seen. There is still a long way to go, but the public needs to know this.

In relation to Ms. Moore, it appears there are some actions being taken by the SLPS within their limited ability to act:

Also today, the School Board was planning its next move. District spokesman Glynn Young said the board likely will hold an emergency meeting on Friday, at which it could discuss seeking a restraining order against Moore, barring her from school district property. Or the board could ask a judge to declare her unfit for office.

According to state law, a Circuit Court judge may remove a school board member after a petition from 10 city residents or any individual school board member.
Jones said she will seek her own restraining order against Moore and that she will help the authorities pursue charges.

-------- TITLE: I Was Joking People AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 3/04/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Yesterday, I suggested that wicked witches were happy with the apprehension of Rochell Moore

She has been taken into custody much to the relief of wicked witches everywhere*.

Unfortunately, it would appear that I was closer to the truth than I thought:

Moore said her inspiration for filling a pitcher with ice and water and dumping it in Jones lap came from film.

"I like old movies, and I recall how Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz dealt with the Wicked Witch of the West," Moore said.

-------- TITLE: Calling South Side Realtors AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 3/04/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: The story reported in Deb Peterson today is that Russ chose the site in the 1st District because

OUT OF BOUNDS: No, says Rep. Russ Carnahan, D-St. Louis, he's not confused about which congressional district he is seeking to represent. While Carnahan is running for the 3rd District congressional seat being vacated by Rep. Dick Gephardt, his campaign office is in the 1st District at 2845 Olive Street. Carnahan campaign officials say the 1st District building has historical value and was run down so they thought they were doing a good thing by renovating it for their use.

I bet Marti Frumoff could find some decent sites within the 3rd District or any number of great real estate agents down there could have helped and would have been excited to help. Having been an inhabitant of the South Side I can think of many such properties available in the area that could have used some renovation too.

Secondly, the campaign is leaving out an important part of the story---Russ and Tom Carnahan are reportedly looking to turn the property into a nightclub after the campaign. -------- TITLE: David Stokes Campaign Event For Young Professionals AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 3/04/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: In political circles, young professional event means for those broke folks who can't afford too much. David just filed, to find out more, visit his web site

Please join Tom Martin, Phil Treacy, Alicia Albus,
Ben Terrill, Bill Kay and others in support of:

David Stokes for State Representative
Republican Candidate - 87th State Representative District

Monday, March 15, 2004

A Young Professionals Event at Corwin?s
1740 S. Brentwood Boulevard
Across from Brentwood Square
6:00 to 8:00 PM

$25 suggested contribution
Paid for by Citizens for Stokes, Jennifer Winn, Treasurer
(314) 276-6305
-------- TITLE: Time To Get TIVO AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 3/04/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Via John Combest (of whom's readers probably aren't too happy reading today)

St. Louis is the election commercial Gettysburg -------- TITLE: Apology AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 3/04/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: I'm not going to dredge up the original because it soon won't exist anymore, but I made an highly inappropriate comment about Nick Kasoff some months ago. I apologize--that comment was out of line and I'm sorry for it.

The point of ArchPundit isn't to personally attack people. Attack ideas and stupidity, yes, but not make personal insults. The insult to Nick didn't deal with his ideas. Worse, Nick had the gall to be quite gracious during the Earl Holt fiasco making me feel really stupid and obnoxious. -------- TITLE: Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund Endorsements AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 3/04/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Two State Rep Candidates in St. Louis have received endorsements from the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund. Jeannette Mott Oxford and Terry Crow

Mott Oxford is looking to replace Russ. She almost beat the grandson of a Democratic Congressman and son of the Governor in 2000. She lost by 68 votes. She should win this one.

Crow is one of at least four major candidates in the 64th looking to take over from Bob Hilgemann who is term limited. Also running are Tim Schoemehl--Vince's son, and Rachel Storch, both of whom were seen at the unveiling of the new Arch City Chronicle. This race looks to be a high dollar race for a state rep seat. -------- TITLE: Bond Under 50 Against Farmer AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 3/04/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: I'm not going to drink the kool-aid on a campaign poll, and while I think Nancy Farmer has a long, uphill battle against the amiable king of pork, she has just released an internal poll with Bond at 49, Farmer at 39.

Can Nancy win? Yes. Is she likely to win? Probably not, but let's stay positive for a minute. How can she win?

She has to exploit Bond's weaknesses on work issues--taking him to task on the assanine administration idea to reclassify burger flipping as industrial work is a good start. Then she has to exploit the anger in the African-American community over Ronnie White's rejection. Bond disputes he promised to vote for White. Most African-American voters seem to disagree and they are still angry. Pumped up A-A turnout can lead to a close victory assuming she maintains a close race and she is able to fundraise enough to keep DSCC money rolling in too.

Bond is a curious politician. He never has high reelect numbers despite being around forever. I myself don't fully understand why no one has ever successfully exploited that weakness. Jeremiah Jay's ham-handed attacks on the deseg program went a long way last time to securing the victory for Bond.

Bond is the Chris Carter of the US Senate. Carter, a wide receiver for Minnesota and Philadelphia, was joked about as "all he does is score touchdowns" because he never seemed to do much but end up catching a ball in the end zone. In Bond's case, all he does is win elections.

Farmer has to thread the needle to win this election, but help her out...throw her some dimes. If nothing else, it'll make the RSCC drop some cash here giving Tony Knowles of Alaska and some others breathing room. -------- TITLE: Neglecting the Homeless AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 3/04/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: We do a horrendous job caring for the homeless, but it appears that Larry Rice wants to make it worse. Warehousing poor people is really stupid--it helps no one--not them nor their community. There are many excellent shelters in the area including St. Patrick's Center that provide a platform for the homeless to improve their lives through agressive intervention. Larry Rice chooses instead to warehouse poor people and try and make the rest of us feel guilty. Sorry, Larry, but I'm not buying that guilt, but I will turn it around and challenge you to develop more small neighborhood scale facilities throughout the region. Don't want to do it? Then you aren't serious.

We need to revisit the preferences for homeless facilities given by the federal government. While enacted with the best of intentions, such preferences for federal property fail to take into account best practices in providing services for the homeless. -------- TITLE: In the Interest of Fair Play--Sunshine Laws AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 3/04/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Good for Sarah Steeleman. Any document paid for the public and not covered by exemptions related to contractual issues such as employment should be public. Period. No questions asked. It is the public's business. -------- TITLE: 113 of the 524 AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 3/04/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: That's just over 1 in 5 for you playing at home. That is the percentage of Missouri School Districts seeking to put tax or bond issues on local ballots for only the April 6th election. Let me repeat that--only the April 6th Election.

For those with eyes that glaze over at the mention of state aid formula, let me spell out who this hurts the most---Districts that are land poor--meaning rural districts or high poverty areas are hit the worst. Clayton and Ladue don't receive a lot of state aid. Rural districts that have low land values and high poverty districts do and they are hurting.

This is a case where keeping taxes low is nothing but a shell=game. You may not pay as much at the state level, but plenty of people will be paying at the local level--and those least able to do so will get the biggest burden.

Go drop the Missouri Democratic Party some dimes. -------- TITLE: "Missouri Republicans Have A Plan. You Are Not Part of It." AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 3/04/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: That's a tough ad. It's also fair-especially within the rhetoric of this state's politics. It isn't a policy treatise, but most billboard ads aren't.

However, it is absolutely ludicrous to claim it is race baiting. Ann Wagner can stuff it. The ads the Missouri Republicans ran claiming that "It was a Democratic county executive and prosecutor who said it was OK to shoot down two unarmed black suspects." are race baiting--and demeaning to law enforcement officials who made a very tough call in a very tough situation. I had little love for Buzz Westfall and I have little love for Bob McCullough, but that was a clear case of playing the race card.

Go see the rest of the ads and tell me how they are race baiting....

Then sign the petition for Viacom to put up the billboards.

The letter claims they don't allow any negative advertising. Uh-huh. Strangely, this condition is not listed in their guidelines. There is no personal attack in the ad--which would be prohibited under the guideline. Now, if they want to change their policy and they hold to it, that is their right, but this is an ad hoc decision that will result in different treatment for different customers. In addition, I will be expecting that CBS, Infinity Stations and other Viacom properties will be accepting no negative ads this cycle from anyone.

When you visit Show Me Issues, drop a little in the hat. The Missouri Democratic Party needs $6,470 to get those ads placed elsewhere. Show Jim Kottmeyer some love--those are good ads and they deserve to be out there. -------- TITLE: Let's Hope AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 3/03/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Ms. Moore only dumped water on Dr. Jones and didn't call her any names because it is No Name Calling Week at schools across the nation. It would be a horrible example for a Board Member to be a bad role model during such an important project. -------- TITLE: I Baptize...uh, Curse Thee in the ..... AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 3/03/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: I didn't write the title, but appropriated it from someone I'm not sure wants his name in writing,

Rochell Moore dumped a pitcher of water over Charlene Jones at the SLPS Administrative Building this afternoon. She has been taken into custody much to the relief of wicked witches everywhere*.

* I'm not implying that Charlene Jones is any kind of witch let alone a wicked one. -------- TITLE: Is There Something Wrong with The Third District, Russ? AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 3/02/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: There must be a shortage of office space in the 3rd Congressional District or Russ Carnahan must think he is running in the 1st Congressional District. Russ has established his Campaign Office several blocks north of the 3rd District line and is firmly in the 1st District.

Russ's Office at 2845 Olive Street Suite 308 | St. Louis, MO 63103

3rd/1st CD Line

I do have to say Cardwell's in Clayton is an intriguing choice of venues for a Meetup too. -------- TITLE: Bauer Aldermanic Follies AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 3/02/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: The Franz Park neighborhood meeting on Feb. 26 didn't go well for the 65 concerned citizens that showed up for the meeting ( 8% of the owner-occupied houses in Franz Park).

Several people were fine with the Quick Trip being built ... the other 60 or so people were irate. The meeting got started at 7:30, Alderman Bauer showed-up at 8:00. A Quick Trip representative outlined their plans and took questions from 7:45 to 8:10. The meeting ended at 8:30 after about 20 minutes of Q & A with Alderman Bauer.

I'll spare you the Quick-Trip representative highlights (such as "We (QT) are a family owned business, too", to which someone shouted, "So is Wal-Mart"). Here is the Alderman's answers to some questions:

Q: I lived for many years in North St. Louis. I know what a neighborhood in need of blight is. How can you say this area needs to be blighted?
A: The LCRA makes this determination. (Note: The Alderman had to submit a request for blight status)

Q: How far will the additional lanes extend?
A: Only the length of the QT property

Q: Isn't that going to be too short?
A: We can't take someone else's property. (Note: Blighting an area gives the developer eminent domain rights - they already are taking someone's property)

Q: Won't this 24 hour QT bring crime into the area?
A: No, QT operates a well lit, safe operation (Note: Crime statistics unique to and only for the QT on Gravois at Jefferson were presented to the audience. The amount of crime at that location is staggering.The BP Amoco across the street from the proposed location ceased 24 hour operations after constant problems late at night - some very serious)

Q: There is currently a 3 year moratorium on new liquor licenses ... will this QT get a liquor license?
A: Yes, in 2 1/2 years. But there hasn't been any (liquor licenses) issued in some time.
(Note, from 9-19-03:
St. Louis City Ordinance 66047
FLOOR SUBSTITUTE
BOARD BILL NO. [03] 237
INTRODUCED BY ALDERMAN THOMAS BAUER

An ordinance prohibiting the issuance of any package or drink liquor licenses for any currently non-licensed premises within the boundaries of the Twenty-fourth Ward Liquor Control District, as established herein, for a period of three years from the effective date hereof; containing an exception allowing, during the moratorium period, for the transfer of existing licenses, under certain circumstances, and the issuance of a drink license to persons operating a restaurant at a previously non-licensed premises; and containing an emergency clause.

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION ONE. LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS.

The existence of alcoholic beverage establishments appears to contribute directly to numerous peace, health, safety and general welfare problems including loitering, littering, drug trafficking, prostitution, public drunkenness, defacement and damaging of structures, pedestrian obstructions, as well as traffic circulation, parking and noise problems on public streets and neighborhood lots. The existence of such problems creates serious impacts on the health, safety and welfare of residents of single- and multiple-family within the district, including fear for the safety of children, elderly residents and of visitors to the district. The problems also contribute to the deterioration of the neighborhood and concomitant devaluation of property and destruction of community values and quality of life. The number of establishments selling alcoholic beverages and the associated problems discourage more desirable and needed commercial uses in the area. In order to preserve the residential character and the neighborhood-serving commercial uses of the area, there shall be a moratorium on the issuance of new liquor licenses with the area beginning at the intersection of ... ) Apparently this will not be valid in 2 1/2 years.

Q: Why are we even here tonight? Is there any stopping this?
A: No ... the project is moving forward.

Take note citizens of the 24th ward ... Hampton and I44, Manchester and McCausland ... you could be blighted next, or find a 24 hour liquor outlet in your neighborhood!

==========================

So Bauer is blighting and taking property for a turn lane--a turn lane that is going to be very short from what I can tell above. Can I suggest someone start running against this clown now? Dean lost last time, but how much longer will he be inflicted on this city. -------- TITLE: That's Big Media Drebes To You AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 2/20/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Much like Matt Yglesias is referred to as Big Media Matt for working for the American Prospect, guest blogger here and publisher of the Arch City Chronicle Dave Drebes will now known as Big Media Dave as he is writing a column for the St. Louis Business Journal -------- TITLE: Missouri Pork Association Endorses Kit Bond AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 2/20/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: So many meanings, so little time -------- TITLE: Earl's Cry For Help AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 2/19/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: A couple things struck me about Earl's latest missive.

First, Earl acts as if he expected the last e-mail to be private. For those who remember it, his postscript was:

P.S. I dare you to print this e-mail verbatim: You know as well as I do that most people know I speak the truth, and you are a liar and whore who takes to heart Lenin's dictum that "The first duty of the propagandist is to subvert the meaning of words."

Second, ArchPundit and Blog Saint Louis started in August of 2002, fully 7 years after the Smetzer murder. I'm unclear why that should have been a pressing issue. In fact, there are very few discussions of specific crimes on the sites unless it concerns the death penalty or a policy issue. If you want juicy crime stories, read the St. Louis Evening Whirl.

In Earl's twisted world every bad thing an African-American does is evidence of their inferiority. Not suprisingly, Earl doesn't work the opposite way where every positive action by an African-American is seen as evidence of their superiority. -------- TITLE: Heeee'sssss Baaaccckkkk AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 2/19/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY:

"Gentlemen":

Now that it appears the RIVERFRONT TIMES is finally bored by the controversy (after 13 weeks!) I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the RFT and that 32 year-old perpetual student, the archpundit, for unwittingly participating as subjects in a small study I conducted.

For the eight years we have hosted our radio show on Friday nights, my co-host and I have been struck by the fact that the left in this country genuinely appears to believe that use of the "N-word" is a far more egregious crime than the rape and murder of innocent Whites. That was my hypothesis, and although not an empirical study, at least two lefties proved it has substantial validity.

I can find no mention in the arhives of either the RFT or the archpundit.com of the rape and murder of Christine Smetzer, an innocent 14 year-old girl, who was followed into the girls? restroom at McCluer North, where she was raped, murdered and had her head stuck in the toilet by a nigro savage. In contrast, my use of the "N-word" in a private e-mail was treated by these worthies as The Crime of the Century.

Thank you for participating in my study, and for revealing your true nature: The rest of us now have a somewhat better measure of the hypocrisy, as well as the moral and intellectual bankruptcy which plagues the commies, socialists and traitors who constitute the American left.

Earl Holt III

St. Louis, MO

For those wanting to see the original, go here -------- TITLE: 911 ID Bill Makes the Rounds in Science Departments AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 2/19/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Over 250 scientists have signed a petition opposing HB 911 and the teaching of intelligent design in public schools. What's amusing to me is that just a cursory look at the Washington University signers and I know of at least five physical anthropologists who would agree with the petition and three professors from Earth and Planetary Science who would agree (including a family member of a regular reader) off the top of my head. And that doesn't even include anyone from Bio, Physics, and Chemistry or others in those departments with whom I'm not familiar. This shouldn't be a definitive list in anyone's mind.

The point being, Intelligent Design is not an accepted theory in science. It is an ad hoc explanation designed to attack a straw man of what evolutionary biology is. Evolutionary biology, cosmology, physics, etc, etc, doesn't answer larger questions of how the universe came into being, but does answer how the physical world developed. Other than those who believe in a literal seven day creation event or the 100,000 year creation day Vedhic creationists claim, this shouldn't threaten anyone's religious beliefs. All these fields of study do is reveal the nature of the physical world. They do not address the existence or non-existence of God or what kind of role God may play. -------- TITLE: Expanding the Cultural Institution Taxing District AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 2/19/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Seems fair especially if there is a lower rate the farther you are out. I find it interesting that Ortwerth thinks the zoo would probably pass, but maybe not others. An interesting aside as to whether or not the Symphony should be added to the district. The Symphony is looking for support for educational programs, not for regular operations to clarify what they are seeking. -------- TITLE: Crew Would Be A Mistake AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 2/19/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: The applications for the new superintendent of the SLPS have been received and one of them is Rudy Crew. Crew would be a grave mistake to hire. Beyond his rather mixed record in New York (and he was no Bill Bratton who was fired for upstaging Guiliani), he simply would carry the baggage of the recent upheavals and probably provide an excuse to continue them. While whomever is chose will have numerous challenges ahead in reaching out to parents and teachers, Crew would start off with distrust he does not need. One of the worst careers in terms of job security is urban school district superintendent. Let's not make it even a harder job. -------- TITLE: Colonel Klink Was NAZI Lizz AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 2/19/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Well, now I understand why Lizz Brown didn't get why equating Darnetta Clinkscale to Colonel Klink was offensive, but she decried Vince Schoemehl's use of Nazi's in describing "The Community". She didn't know who the hell Klink was in Hogan's Heroes. This morning, while defending her calling Board Members names, she said the Klink reference was to the guy who always thought he was in charge, but actually the Nazis were in charge so Klink was clueless. Several problems occur to me concerning this:

1) Klink was a Nazi
2) She compared Francis Slay and his "Raider's" as Nazis pulling her strings
3) Apparently calling people Nazi's isn't really so bad to Lizz if she is comparing Slay to Nazis. -------- TITLE: Downs Suggests the Board Apologize AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 2/18/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: The Following is from Saint Louis School Watch by Peter Downs. I've exerpted a large bit to ensure I do justice to it. Usually you can find the Watch's up at StLouIST. Jeff is a bit behind because he generally isn't sober for more than a minute or two around Mardi Gras. (hee--Hi Jeff)

To the surprise of many St. Louis area observers, St. Louis School Board President Darnetta Clinkscale and Secretary Ronald Jackson took part in the rally.

"What are they doing here, trying to get more money to put in consultants' pockets," one teacher asked scathingly.

The teacher's comment reflects the persistence of disapproval of the school board's decision last May to outsource the superintendent's job to a management firm for $5 million. Last July, State Representatives Amber Boykins and Yaphett El-Amin, and State Senator Maida Coleman, told school board members that their decision to hire the management consulting firm for $5 million to take the place of a superintendent did not go over well with outstate legislators. The feeling was that if St. Louis was going to spend such an exorbitant sum for a manager, a sum that would support
entire rural school districts, it should not get any more state money.

The inflation of consultants' fees since then, and the rapid inflation of top administrator salaries, has continued to feed the sentiment that the school district either does not need more money, or can't spend money wisely. Helen Louise Herndon's letter to the editor in today's St. Louis Post-Dispatch reflects that sentiment, and it is undoubtedly shared by many outstate legislators.

The school board, however, and its private management team, have claimed for eight months that St. Louis Public Schools do not need more money. Just the opposite. They have said that the school district is spending too much money on each child it educates. As recently as last month, after the teachers' union said the district should look for new revenue, a district spokesman said the district still has a lot of fat to cut, and it is spending too much per child. The current school board and the private management firm have said the financial crisis, the increase in
special education students, and so on, all are products of mismanagement.

And last week, Steve Carroll, the school board's lobbyist, reported that he was working on a bill to shift more funding responsibilities from the state to local school districts. He did not say he was lobbying for more state funds, even though it is the responsibility of the state to fund education under the state constitution.

Obviously, if the district was mismanaged, if there is a lot of fat and the district does not need more money, school board members should not travel to Jefferson City to demand more money.

If, however, the school board has come to the conclusion that it does need more money to educate children, they owe the public an explanation and perhaps an apology. It might be time for them to issue a public statement that says that they believed all the hype about mismanagement and excessive spending in the district, but they've discovered that hype is all it was. They've discovered there is not a lot of fat to cut, and the cuts they are making are hurting children's education.

Let's put claim into perspective. Mismanagement was cited by nearly everyone, including Peter Downs, during the last race for School Board. The exception to this was John Mahoney, a former School Board member who blamed Iraq and George Bush AFAICT, even though W. hadn't been in office for very long. Most of the debate centered on two opposing slates of candidates. One slate was the winning slate put together by the Mayor and promised radical change in the way the schools were run. The other slate was assembled in some fashion by Amy Hilgemann and wanted radical change, but in a more grassroots manner.

So the Mayor's slate won and hired a turnaround firm to come in and fix the SLPS management structure. The reasoning being that the District was woefully behind in management practice and in technology. I compared it to the finest management practices of the 1970s.

The point of the turnaround firm was to free up resources to redirect towards teaching resources hoping to improve student performance. If you are doing tasks that can be automated or made more efficient, why spend money on them when you have a high poverty population? Even if you have insufficient funds in total, the funds you do have should be directed towards classroom resources and not towards a management system that is inefficient.

This was the point. The bureaucracy at school headquarters and the outlying offices was too top heavy and it didn't even work to make matters worse.

Then we found out the depth of the financial crisis included the reserves being gone, the district ending up in deficit last fiscal year, and was headed towards a $73 million deficit this fiscal year. So instead of cutting a significant amount of money from the budget and primarily focusing on redirecting resources towards academic areas, the District had to cut $73 million. So far they have cut about $40 million or about 10% of the budget from last year--without having to lay off teachers. Let me say that again--a school district was about to cut $40 million or 10% of its budget without laying off a teacher.

Does the District operate any worse? No. Is it operating better? It is a bit early to tell to be fair, but there are good signs.

Saying the District is spending too much per student misses the problem of spending too much outside of the classroom. Typically a large organization should have economies of scale, but the SLPS and most large districts do not. To a point, this can be blamed on a series of problems large districts face over typical districts, but not to the extent we have observed here.

People expect government bodies to make cuts before coming to the public for a tax increase. Citizens want to know that their money is being spent wisely. Until now, that was not true. Is it true yet? I don't know. I'm pretty sure more waste can be found, but it isn't going to close the next 5% that has to be cut. But waiting until you can confidently say the waste is gone is a reasonable strategy if one is going to face the public.

It might be time for them to issue a public statement that says that they believed all the hype about mismanagement and excessive spending in the district, but they've discovered that hype is all it was. They've discovered there is not a lot of fat to cut, and the cuts they are making are hurting children's education.

The question one has to ask Peter Downs is, since when is $40 million not a lot of fat? A 10% cut without touching a teacher or the classroom or athletics or community education. If you remember, the former administration wanted to cut athletics. The schools still have an athletics program. A further $20 million must be cut or the District will be in deficit with no reserves. That is about another %5 of the budget. Some of that can come from cuts, but to make ends meet the District will either have to fire teachers/teaching related jobs or raise taxes. Cutting fat and not having enough money are not mutually exclusive from each other. What is offensive is the suggestion that there was no waste to cut.

There is no evidence that the cuts have hurt students' education.

Also interesting is that the District is opening a magnet program based on scientifically demonstrated models of student performance improvement. Models that Peter Downs insisted didn't exist during the campaign, and yet an existing employee of the District, Larry Hutchins, formulated the plan. You might remember that the former administration insisted they had no idea how to meet NCLB requirements when asked. They should have asked their employees. Some of them did know how. And by separating those who did know how from those that didn't the District is on a path to meet one NCLB requirement and meet a part of the deseg agreement the District has never met before.

What Peter really doesn't get is that he and his allies are the ones making it hard to ask the public for a tax increase. Who is going to vote for a tax increase when they see protests every night on television? Rightly or wrongly, most people see a District in chaos because of the TV shots of screaming. Even though daily operations in the District are at least as good as previous years and probably better, that is the image. If the "Community" is worried about funding, then perhaps they should consider acting like adults and not petulant children at Board Meetings. And consider apologizing for turning public meetings into arenas of bad behavior. -------- TITLE: Tom Bauer Always Brings a Smile To My Face AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 2/17/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: But never intentionally...

From Ward 24 sources,

It recently came to my attention (in late January) that Alderman Bauer has slated a gas station to be built on McCausland and Manchester Avenue. On Feb. 3, 2004 the attendees at a EllendaleNeighborhood Association community meeting were very concerned (and upset) that this gas station could be brought in without their consent. As it turns out Franz Park has not been notified at all, and it will be in their back yard.

Currently there are 4 gas stations in a 1 block area from Southwest avenue to Manchester Road. There are 2 closed up gas stations within a 1mile radius that currently house used car lots. Alderman Bauer's response to that is that he needs a right hand turn lane added on West bound Manchester at McCausland. The gas station he has lined up is supposed to pay to have this lane added (TIFF). He believes that whatever the consequences are of another ( 5th ) gas station they are worth it to get a right hand turn lane added. In reality the traffic problem is only at rush hour and is caused by Maplewood's decision to make Manchester Road one lane through town.

To make this all happen Alderman Bauer has blighted (http://www.slpl.lib.mo.us/cco/ords/data/fread/rbb347.htm) an area from McCausland to Forest on Manchester Road, down McCausland to the alley before Bruno, and the alley down to Forest. This means removing people from 6 homes and eliminating 8 businesses to add 10 gas station jobs.

Richard Torack, President of the Franz Park Neighborhood Association and good friends and neighbor with Bauer, has not brought this issue up at the neighborhood meetings where the gas station would be built. Mr. Torack met on Feb. 12, 2004 with the Ellendale president and told her the gas station was a "done deal".

Alderman Bauer was able to get St. Louis City Ordinance 66047 approved in Nov. 2003 on an emergency clause: An ordinance prohibiting the issuance of any package or drink liquor licenses for any currently non-licensed premises within the boundaries of the Twenty-fourth Ward Liquor Control District, for a period of three years from the effective date hereof; contain�ing an exception allowing, during the moratorium period, for the transfer of existing licenses, under certain circumstan�ces. Many Aldermen are prohibiting the issuance of liquor licenses, but doing it without this 3 year limit. So ... why a 3 year limit if an emergency clause (fast track to the Mayor's signature) was needed? Maybe this is to appease his anti-liquor constituency so they allow a project to be built while allowing the project to quietly apply for a license in 3 years. This also kept the Philips 66 station at McCausland and Manchester from getting a liquor license that might have made the area too saturated with liquor outlets to allow another liquor license to be issued to the new 24 hour gas station.

Richard Torack's responsibility as the Franz Park neighborhood president is to inform his constituency of such matters. The neighborhood previously rejected a Walgreen's at that location. Why would they now want a 24 hour gas station? Where does Mr. Torack's loyalty reside?

Bauer learned from his Drury Inn at I-44 project ... keep the project quiet until it is too late to stop it. The bill went from First Reading on Jan. 9, 2004 to Perfection on Feb. 14, 2004 with one "public" meeting on Feb. 4. This "public" meeting had notices sent out only to people who's homes and businesses were being blighted.

One of the businesses being blighted is Perkins Heating and Cooling. Perkins attempted to rent part of his store-front to a guy who wanted to put in a tattoo shop at 6949 Manchester Road. The tattoo shop guy got into a very personal, name calling with threats fight with Bauer. Negotiations with the new gas station appear to have started soon after that.

Bauer is a lawyer who uses the laws of the city to get what he wants (like boarding a donkey at his residents)

What stuck out at me was this:

This means removing people from 6 homes and eliminating 8 businesses to add 10 gas station jobs.

So Bauer can get a right turn lane? Minus some minor editing the above is what I received on the subject. If there is more information out there, send it in. Going by last night I did see a public notice sign on a stop sign. I can't verify the statements about Mr. Torack so I'll leave that to the letter writer. That said, if Bauer is actually saying that blighting these buildings for a right turn lane is reasonable, ROTFLMAO--Scotty should be running the ward. -------- TITLE: Alderman Colleen Sonderman Dies AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 2/17/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: The Post-Dispatch has more

-------- TITLE: Citizens Against Stokes AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 2/13/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Is the best name of a dart team ever. That said, we all really do like David even if we make fun of him. On that note, David has his web site ready to go at http://www.davidstokes2004.com/David is running for the 87th State Representative District being vacated by Hanaway.

The site is quirky--and that is a good thing. Too many web sites are dry and repeat the typical mantras of people running for office. The bio is amusing and the style deviates a bit while being easy to use. I honestly think for local elections this is a far better strategy.

For those confused about the reference above, David and I are on the same dart team currently (though I'm only on reserve status right now). -------- TITLE: Mohn Belt of Power! AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 2/13/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Corey also is threatening to get a personalized belt like Mariano Favazza. Corey really needs to rethink this. Being a strong issue candidate on a low budget is not that far from being full fledged gadlfy. The belt is that line. -------- TITLE: Correction: Corey Mohn is Frustrated and Determined AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 2/13/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Corey wrote me after my description of him as the angry candidate suggesting that frustrated and determined was more appropriate. Okay. Frustrated and Determined it is.

Second, Corey addressed the spending in the race criticizing the search for high dollars:

ST. LOUIS, MO � Corey Mohn, candidate for Missouri?s 3rd U.S.
Congressional seat, today denounced the candidates in the 3rd District
race for spending their time bankrolling hundreds of thousands of dollars
for the Democratic primary set for
August 3, 2004.

"Our country?s political system is in a state of disrepair," Mohn
asserted. "What is occurring in the race for the 3rd District is a
microcosm of this problem. Excessive campaign fundraising creates a
system that panders to the moneyed interest. The current system rewards
candidates that stockpile money and punishes those that put their time and
efforts towards talking about the issues that affect voters.?

The solution, Mohn proclaims, is public financing.

?Public financing puts the issues first and takes the money-chase
mentality out of the political process,? Mohn quipped. ?That is the only
solution.?

Fundraising totals for the candidates in the 3rd District Democratic field
are extraordinarily high for the early stages of a primary race. Once FEC
filing reports are tabulated and released at the end of this month, the
numbers are expected to skyrocket and approach the $1,000,000 mark.

Corey Mohn has used his campaign as a bully pulpit for advocating
important positions on issues affecting Missouri?s 3rd district, including
campaign finance reform. For more information on the Mohn for Congress
campaign, and specifically Mohn?s position on campaign finance issues,
visit the official website at www.mohn2004.com.

Corey makes good points, but I do not believe in unilateral disarmament so I see little choice in this race. Especially if Zane Yates loses to Federer, this will be a brutal hard fight with tons of cash needed to take on Federer's money. -------- TITLE: Is Schoemehl Right? AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 2/13/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Yes and No. He is right, it doesn't matter anymore who was at fault, but that we are fixing it.

That said, you don't need modern technology to notice you are burning through $51 million in legally required reserves. In addition, Hammonds borrowed from restricted funds without authority. The problem is far deeper than people realized.

Does it matter at this point? No, except in understanding how bureaucracies are reformed.

One of the great challenges in this entire process is regaining the public trust. After the light has shined on all of the efficiencies people have a very poor view of the District. But let's look at what has happened in a few short months. The budget was cut by 10% with no teachers being fired (some slots not hired admittedly). That is pretty amazing.

The problem? Another 5% has to be cut and there are two choices: Teacher Layoffs or a tax increase. Right now district officials seem to think the public won't accept a local tax increase. Whether they are right or wrong on that is irrelevant to the underlying problem which the current circuses masquerading as Board Meetings continue to promote an idea that the District is in chaos. The District is not in chaos.

What is chaos is having two Board Members who don't seem to be able to function in society, but somehow serve on the Board of Education. That and an audience whipped up in a tizzy while Lizz Brown seeks national syndication for her show.

While I'm as guilty as the next person for piling on the Rochell Moore and Bill Haas spectacles, people need to understand they are just that and not representative of the operations of the District. -------- TITLE: Schoemehl Defends Hammonds AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 2/13/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Schoemehl redeems some of his past flame throwing with a thoughtful e-mail about who is to blame for the SLPS budget mess:

WHO?S TO BLAME FOR THE DEFICIT?

I?m writing this to try to bring closure to this question so we can move on. The answer is ?probably no one.? This is not the first time I?ve said what appears herein but it has never made it into print. Review the facts Clev Hammonds faced:

He?s announced he is retiring (in January I think)
The Legislature is in session until May 15th 2003 (remember ? we didn?t get the budget until June 3rd 2003)
The Governor vetoes the budget and calls a special session; there is a constant flood of opinions all during this period (January through early summer) saying we?re going to get at least some additional money from the state

The School Board wins a lawsuit against the state in July 2003; granted this was after the fiscal year began but Clev obviously knew this was a possibility. In fact, this case was filed in January 2003 and decided in July 2003; had to be a pretty compelling case. This suit would have brought in about $18 million annually but goes back to part of FY ?02 so the judgment would be between $30 to $40 million immediately (according to Dirk DeYong). This is now in on appeal.

Given these facts which brave soul among us would have closed schools and laid people off in December of 2003 when the looming deficit was first discussed in internal SLPS memos? I don?t see any hands.

I (like everyone else) would have liked to have known about the problem much earlier which takes us to the core of the problem; there were no adequate financial and operating systems in place in the School District. This we did know because virtually everyone who ran for the School Board in April campaigned on the need to have a non-traditional Interim Superintendent to straighten out the business side of the house.

Was SLPS alone in this lack of adequate systems? No! Virtually every urban School District in the nation missed the productivity and information systems explosion that took place with the spread of technology in the 1990s. So, can we all stand down on this argument? No one tried to create this situation and no one is having fun dealing with it. It is what it is and we need to deal with the facts as they exist. I still believe this is about kids and their education and I believe Clev Hammonds and the previous Board believed that as well. No bad people; no bad intentions ? just serious problems that have to be fixed.

Vince Schoemehl
-------- TITLE: Financial Illiteracy V AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 2/13/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: I have no idea how many times I've actually had posts on financial literacy, but damn if this isn't another one related to the SLPS. In my slacking off of writing, I haven't been able to cover the initial findings of the SLPS audit.

The finding? There was a $73 million shortfall. Surprise, surprise. And in December there would have been a $90 million cash shortage. The full audit is available at the Auditor's web site. Take a look--seriously, it is easy reading.

Board critics claim that since the deficit was not $90 million, the audit confirmed their claims that A& M was giving the public overblown audits. A & M most certainly was not, however.

First, let's look at the June 25th story from the American

That story reports a $79 million deficit for the fiscal year which was adjusted down to $73 after some further research.

Because the district pays retirement benefits in December, more than two months before money from city residents' personal property tax begins flowing into the SLPS account, in less than six months, the deficit would be at $90 million.

Now, if someone is unable to understand the above sentence, one is in no position to make a judgment about what was said or not because one could not grasp that they were talking about liquidity.

Of course, the irony is that critics howled loudly at borrowing from deseg funds to meet the liquidity problem, but then seemed to ignore the previous administration had done it the year before without anyone knowing.

More importantly is the Power Point Presentation delivered in early July that clearly points out the difference. Go to pages 6-10 and if you bothered to do even a cursory review, the difference between the two figures is abundantly clear. Perhaps the P-D and others got it wrong. A & M didn't and the presented it correctly. To say anything else is ignorance or dishonesty.

The reason for the deficits? Four:

1) Increasing payments to Charter Schools (BTW--Schoemehl's proposal would have been for charters under the SLPS not other bodies so they wouldn't have taken money away from the District)

2) Decreasing State Aid

3) Increased obligation to teachers. The district had to play catch-up with salaries and it is expensive--especially with a lot of teachers at the high end of the pay scale.

4) Financial Mismanagement. Very simply, the past administration did not provide adequate financial reporting. When additional costs were passed, the money was not put into perspective to the Board. IOW, they didn't know where they stood. Hammonds defense? He reported the finances as the Board had asked. Let me suggest something here that might seem common sense to most--if you are burning through $50 million in reserves you might try and stand up on the Board table and yell at them. Then again, that would be just blending in the crowd at a Board meeting.

The frustrating bit of this is that for the last two years the district was bleeding reserves. As such, the District should have been looking at structural changes to its budget. Instead, the administration waited until the last minute and tried to hit the students with a loss of athletics instead of a systematic evaluation of the agency's operations.

Next up for the audit will be the performance audit. That'll be fun.

Claire is good, very good. She was able to present a factual report that was counter to what the audience wanted to hear, but she was talented enough to keep them focused on the specifics while maintaing a great rapport.

-------- TITLE: Does it Ever End? AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 2/10/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: For those who remember the Earl Holt story,
the letters to the River Front Times never seem to end. The first batch is about another particular racist who is on the air at WGNU in the form of Couch Potato. He is a cretin.

Why do these spate of letters continue? Think about who takes the time to write letters to the RFT. Get it now? I thought so. Let's not extend that thinking to those who take the time (ever so intermittently even) to write a blog. -------- TITLE: Neil Steinberg's Ever Present Pissing Match AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 2/10/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: comes to Da Lou. Neil Steinberg seems to pride himself on being pissy to readers. On Poynter, his generic response to angry readers is posted:

Dear Reader:

I received your e-mail message. Sadly, I no longer permit myself the pleasure of personally responding to snide remarks from dissatisfied individuals, as doing so inevitably leads to time-wasting arguments and annoying exchanges of insults. Since such encounters often end with the reader complaining to my boss, it seems that this is what rude writers really want to do all along -- to provoke me so they can satisfy some inner schoolyard desire to squeal. You may do so now by e-mailing the editor in chief, Michael Cooke, at mcooke@suntimes.com, though I should point out this is a form letter, so his reaction probably won't have the sense of fresh outrage you desire.

Otherwise, I would like to point out -- since so many fail to grasp this point -- that the piece of writing that upset you is a column of opinion, that the opinion being expressed is mine alone, and the fact that you disagree with or were insulted by my opinion really is not important, at least not to me. This is not a dialogue, this is a lecture, and you are supposed to sit in your seat and listen, or leave, not stand up and heckle.

I do not write the column for people who disagree with me, nor am I concerned with trying to convince them of the falsity of their worldview at a one-on-one level. I've done that for years, and it's a waste of time, both mine and theirs, since such readers are not typically open to ideas other than their own, and cannot even entertain the notion that they may be wrong.

Not that I am pleased to have upset you. Believe me, I would have preferred your letter to have been one of praise -- most are -- but that doesn't seem to have been the case.

If you have cancelled your subscription, I am sorry for that too, though I am also confident, as you wade through the arid world of the competition and the barren void of television, that you will eventually soften and start reading the Sun-Times again, and would remind you that you can always skip my column; that's why it always has my name and picture on the top, as a subtle clue.

While I cannot sincerely thank you for writing, I do hope that, as your life progresses, you eventually come to realize just how wrong you were in disagreeing with me in such a rude fashion. If there were a shred of politeness or sense in your e-mail you would not be receiving this letter, but as you are, I would urge you to re-examine your life, and suggest that you reach out to all the people you have no doubt hurt with your brusque and offensive manner and beg their forgiveness. Though utterly indifferent to your taunts, I will myself set a good example by forgiving you now. It can be a terrible world, and I'm sure you have reasons for being the way you are.

Best regards,
Neil Steinberg

Neil Steinberg is no Mike Royko. Don't get me wrong, Royko took a chunk out of obnoxious letter writers (which is even unclear in Mike's case since the original isn't attached). But he did it with humor and not condescension. Conservatives in Central Illinois would all read Royko and the more vocal proudly displayed framed copies of letters sent out by Royko in response to letters calling him a communist, socialist or other cretin as defined by Central Illinois values, like Chicagoan. Royko responded with satire that was bitingly funny. I saw three or four variations, but all were hysterical.

What is bizarre about Steinberg's letter besides the lack of humor, is how it could easily be used to describe Steinberg. A man who wrote a savagely funny, but harsh column ridiculing the sappy Bob Greene is hardly in a position to discuss how bitter others may be because of their writing or for being impolite. In fact, Steinberg prides himself on being impolite.

Eric Zorn addressed the generic letter last week noting that there isn't much of a point even reading mail if you don't care. Then Eric points out a rather offensive bit in Steinberg's column in the next entry.

The thing about teaching and writing is that one gets points across much better when there is an interaction. Eric Zorn points out that he sees his columns as the start of a conversation. While that isn't exactly what teaching is because it is certainly directed towards an end, it certainly gets there better if you include those in the process.

It is extremely arrogant of a columnist to think that people come to be lectured. Many readers are quite accomplished and have better things to do than read the petulant rantings of someone wanting to get their goat. They may well be interested in reading and thinking about a well written argument or laughing at an interesting satirical take.

Raising a ruckus isn't a bad thing, but being shocked at the behavior when your whole point appears to be to raise a ruckus is disengenuous.

What is strange about Steinberg's reply is that he attacks Mike for working for the RFT. That would be the guy who wrote a pseudonymous column for the Reader for two years. Also troubling, is Steinberg's attack given he was ghostwriting a column when he started that included passing along plagiarism. Which is a better way to start a career? I'm willing to concede that Steinberg's start at the Sun-Times was understandable, but it might have taught him a bit of humility.

>>> Mike Seely 2/3/04 3:14:06 PM >>>

plenty, neil, although i don't feel obligated to send you my resume' to prove it. get off your high horse. just because you write for the sun-times doesn't mean you shit sunshine, bro. had you paid attention to my original e-mail, you would have noticed that i allowed that your column could have indeed had a purpose, and allowed you to respond saying as much. drop it.

Mike D. Seely
Staff Writer
Riverfront Times

>>> "Steinberg, Neil" 2/3/04 2:07:41 PM >>>

If I worked at the Riverfront Times I don't think I'd be so quick to pass
judgment. Who the fuck are you and what have you done? Not much, right?

NS

----------
> From: Mike Seely
> Sent: Tuesday, February 3, 2004 2:44 PM
> Subject: RE: the single life
>
> thanks, neil. any writer who takes the time to compose such a lengthy,
> reactionary "form" response obviously has problems....cheers,
>
> Mike D. Seely
> Staff Writer
> Riverfront Times
>
>>> "Steinberg, Neil" 2/3/04 12:54:49 PM >>>
>
>
> Dear Reader:
>
> I received your e-mail message. Sadly, I no longer permit myself the
> pleasure of personally responding to snide remarks from dissatisfied
> individuals, as doing so inevitably leads to time-wasting arguments and
> annoying exchanges of insults. .....

Updated to fix a bunch of formatting link problems. -------- TITLE: Yo Joe, Classy Guy AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 2/03/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Thanks for everything you do for the party. Glad to have you back in the Senate fighting full time. Let's get on that Global Warming Bill with McCain now. The nominee will need that pressure on Bush. And as an added bonus Bush just cut the EPA by 7%.

For the nihilistic wing of the party, Lieberman may not be perfect, but he has stood for several core Democratic principles. Give him credit for that. -------- TITLE: My Predictions... AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 2/03/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Aren't looking too bad. I thought I'd lost my mojoe the last general election -------- TITLE: Blake Ashby losing To Bill Wyatt AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 2/03/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Wyatt is a nut Ashby is losing to him ! .9% for Ashby and 1.2% to Wyatt. -------- TITLE: Edwards is the Winner of the ArchPundit Primary AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 2/03/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: I waited for the exit polls and went with Edwards -------- TITLE: Primary Blogathon! Visit and Help AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 2/03/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Turn your political obsession to something worthwhile...

Stephen at Absit Invidia is doing a primary blogathon for Jimmy's Fund which helps kids with cancer. He'll be linking to stories and raising money. Visit and contribute if you can. -------- TITLE: Jeff Smith Blog! AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 2/03/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Rumor is some Larry guy will be posting there soon, but has been some slacker pain in the butt about getting started. Great start though! -------- TITLE: ArchPundit Endorsement: MSD Yes! AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 2/03/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Vote yes on the MSD proposition. While MSD has a long way to go to regain the public confidence, the new water treatment plant cannot wait. The EPA, under the Clean Water Act, is making MSD clean up its environmental act by building a new plant to improve water bodies MSD discharges into. It will raise bills, but less than if the treatment plant has to be built with cash. The plant will be built and the choice is how much you pay for it. Issuing bonds makes more sense. Vote yes. -------- TITLE: ArchPundit Endorsement: Missouri Primary--Howard Edwards AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 2/03/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: My vote for the primay is undecided between John Edwards and Howard Dean and may stay that way until I get in the booth. I like the man who will fight for fiscal responsibility and actually makes a point of how Bush has screwed the states and ultimately the working poor through unfunded mandates and budget cuts. The Zogby worker was a bit confused when I mentinoed the state fiscal crisis as the second biggest issue. I then told her what he next pull down would be. I'm magic!

That said, Edwards has skillz. Great skillz and he is especially good with suburban women who we absolutely need to win in November. And he may be the last one with a shot against Kerry. I also appreciate his heartfelt discussion of race and class in America.

Kerry? Experienced, yes. A street fighter, yes. Able to connect to union workers who hunt? I'm not so sure. I hope I'm wrong and I'll certainly back him over Bush if that is the choice. Ideologically I have few qualms and in some of the issues deepest to my heart concerning Central American policy, he was a persistent critic of our hypocrisy in the region. I'm concerned the press hates him as well and may turn him into Gore II. He has the nickname Liveshot for a reason.

Clark, I wanted him, but he got in too late, and well, Chris Lehane is a jackass. Lieberman--have you ever seen Bush argue he is the Republican Democrats like most? Okay then, bad strategy pal. Ideologically, you and me aren't that far on many issues, but that was one bad campaign Joe. Go Joementum it back to the Senate. Kucinich==nutjob. Al==entertaining. -------- TITLE: Predictions: A Healthy Kerry Win AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 2/03/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: I'll cover the Missouri race at least and stay safe with a large Kerry win--around 50%, but Edwards coming in around 25% and Dean around 12%. The rest of the happy campers will come in behind. Clark's campaign is DOA here and of course, in my liberal nabe, I got some Kucinich lit. Al won't register above 1% though I think some city wards breakdowns will be interesting for him.

Blake Ashby on the Republican side will break 1% in U City, but nowhere else. Yo Blake--say hi the next time you are in chat and maybe I'll say something nice!

Why is Kerry doing so well here? Hell if I know. Really. I think it might be the large number of undecideds once Gephardt dropped out and then he was the frontrunner. Given the state was silent until Wednesday, it seems momentum mattered here more than anywhere else.

Edwards is showing some strength here, but just hasn't had time.

Kerry picked up four endorsements on Sunday, from the Post-Dispatch, the Kansas City Star, The Columbia Tribune and the Springfield News Leader. -------- TITLE: Who Do I Think Is Incompetent at the Board of Elections? AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 2/02/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Or who do I think isn't....P-D February 11, 2003:

You get to the St. Louis Board of Elections by dodging the debris and tiptoeing your way through the scaffolding and plywood that block the entrance to the old Post-Dispatch building at 300 North Tucker Boulevard. Inside is a suite of offices with all the charm and ambiance of a Pakistani bus station.

It's a perfect spot for what is arguably (and admittedly, there is competition) the single most screwed-up office in city government. Here is where citizens come to register to play their part in the grand experiment that is America. Here are the guardians of free and fair elections. Here are the gatekeepers of democracy.

Try to get somebody to answer the phone. Try to find somebody to give you a registration card. Try to find a pencil or a pen. Try to find somebody who gives a damn.

Shortly before last November's election, Mayor Francis Slay sent Robbyn Wahby, a troubleshooter from his office, to the Election Board. Under the city's Rube Goldbergian system of government, the mayor has no statutory authority over the Election Board. But Mr. Slay was trying to avoid a recurrence of the implosion that had occurred on Election Night in 2000. That the elections themselves went smoothly had everything to do with the fact that Mayor Slay dragooned 200 City Hall workers to man the battle stations.

Among other things, Ms. Wahby quickly discovered that only two of the board's 32 employees ever bothered to answer the phone. So she had the phone system rewired, so that incoming calls rang on every phone.

"The phones exploded," she recalls. "It was, like, the day before the election and people had questions about where to vote or about their registration. Literally, you couldn't put the phone down before it would ring again. The staff was screaming, 'Turn them off! Turn them off!'

"I said, 'What do you mean? Those are your customers.'

"They said, 'But we can't get our work done.'

"I said, 'This is your work.'"

The next morning, Election Day, Ms. Wahby arrived at work at 4:30 a.m. to find that none of the board's 340 cell phones -- used by poll workers to stay in contact with the board, and thus to avoid the kind of meltdown that occurred in November 2000 -- was working. It turned out that the board was two years and $ 350,000 in arrears to Verizon Wireless.

The mayor's office had bought the cell phones for the Election Board as part of a consent decree reached with the U.S. Department of Justice over allegations of vote fraud in 2000. The cell phones last had been used in August, during the primary election. Ninety of the 340 phones had never been turned back in. On 40 of those 90 phones, $ 35,000 in calls had been made.

The matter was quickly turned over to St. Louis Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce, who said last week that a crime had been committed. But because of the board's inadequate record-keeping, she couldn't prosecute the cases. Ms. Joyce's office subpoenaed Verizon's records and backtracked the phone numbers that had been called. Not surprisingly, they found a lot of people with faulty memories.

Management Tip No. 1: If you hand out 340 cell phones, write down who gets which phone. This notion apparently never occurred to anyone at the board, or else they couldn't find a pencil.

Management Tip No. 2: If you are Mayor Slay, and, as part of the consent decree with the Justice Department, you've also agreed to buy 340 laptop computers for the Election Board, you might want to wait on that.

"There is a big mess over there," Mr. Slay says. This is an understatement. There is an unconscionable mess over there.

Mr. Slay has asked state Auditor Claire McCaskill to audit the board, and she has agreed to do so, right after her staff gets finished with the St. Louis Sheriff's Department, another embarrassing city patronage office. We have some ideas for her.

=======================

Perhaps the newer commissioners will fix the office, but I have little hope given the problem is that the office is run by people who refuse to do their job. My particular favorite is when one friend went in to ask for voting records and was laughed at. -------- TITLE: You Want the Steenking Polls... AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 2/02/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Kos has your fill for all of the states, no sense in me redoing the work

In Missouri, Kerry is overwhelmingly ahead, but Edwards is showing life. Dean is, well, waiting for next week. -------- TITLE: Dean Event AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 2/02/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: How was the Dean Event at the Missouri Historical Museum on Friday. Crowded. But I can't tell you anymore because after RSVPing and taking some time off work I didn't get in. I thought that was the point of RSVPing. I would have been happy to hang out in the overflow room, but by the time I was turned away from the main room, it was overflowing. So I went home and took a nap.

Word is in comments, that Jeff Smith's campaign was working the crowd, which I would expect given several volunteers and staff were in front of me in line. They had more patience. I'm old, what do you want?

Do I hold it against Howard? No. I'm not as petty as the national press corp can be. I was just tired.

Edgelaw is Everywhere! -------- TITLE: Joe err....John Edwards at Blueberry Hill AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 2/02/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: So Wednesday was a hellacious day and why I'm still catching up. I had a funeral in Central Illinois early, happened to get back in time to get to Kerry's event and then drove home and walked up to Blueberry Hill which was already packed by 7:15 for a 9:00 PM event.

The line was essentially from the Duck Room down the hallway next to the door, back up the hallway and stretched to the door. All to get in the Duck Room. Not everyone got in, but they cleared out the upstairs above for overflow and also had a lot of folks outside. Now, I think they counting was Million Man March counting, but there were a lot of people inside and outside. The staff, normally fast and friendly on a Wednesday night, was overwhelmed. Some of the reporters weren't so used to it, but once I explained and once they got their burgers they were quite satisfied.

I met up there with Jeff Smith and a veritable A list of old Metropolis folks. I also got to meet Corey Mohn--though I was in the middle of dinner and beer and so our meeting was short. Jeff and Corey were both working the crowd by the end of the night. I finally made it back to the upstairs room and crowded around with a bunch of friends to listen over the speaker. Edwards was late as usual, but gave a hell of a speech. And it was a We speech versus Kerry's I speech. We will do this, we will do that, we...

I prefer we. Also there was Joe Maxwell who gives a great introduction and is a hell of a speaker. After giving a great stump speech, Edwards came up to the upstairs crowd and gave a quick greeting.

Is he better than Clinton? Pretty damn close. As Virginia Postrel pointed out some months ago, the thing about trial lawyers is that people like them in person. That is why they win. He is a very personable, very positive and generally creates a very strong sense of goodwill.

What I did find interesting is that everyone has been talking about how he has run such a positive campaign. And it is true that he never attacks anyone directly, but he very effectively uses the amorphous others in his stump speech to draw sharp distinctions and criticize others without naming them.

Overall, he gives good stump.

The energy was higher, but then again so was the crowd with beer. At least I was.

Edgelaw was stalking me -------- TITLE: Kerry Event AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 2/02/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Pictures have to follow in this case. But it was packed.

People were standing in the stairs on the way down to the cafeteria at Saint Louis Community College at Forest Park. As usual at such events, everyone was late, but the crowd definitely had a buzz. I was standing next to the Cox news reporter who was talking to a bunch of folks. While there wasn't a heavy love of Kerry there was an excitement about a frontrunner who many seemed to think would be a good candidate against Bush.

Going in the firefighters were working the doors on LaRouche patrol keeping signs and nutjobs out. Pretty lowkey, but amiable and laughing. They checked my notebook which seemed like a strange choice, but hey.

I was relaying the officials to the Cox reporter. An African-American gentleman I didn't recognize was one of the first VIPs and might have been a St. Louis Clergy Coalition member. Jeremiah Jay was there with bells on and a big smile. Though I have to note he wasn't as gregarious as when he endorsed Bradley four years ago at U City High.

Then the rest of the gang came out including Jean Carnahan who got the biggest reception. Tom Eagleton who deserved the biggest reception was gracious, but clearly his health is an issue with a voice that was giving. Others included a former Governor who was before my time in Missouri and so I forgot his name. The Mayor, while playing second fiddle to the former Senators, commanded the most attention while County Exec Charlie Dooley kind of stood on the sidelines.

Kerry's speech was pretty much boilerplate, but clearly gave a good idea why he has turned into the frontrunner. It wasn't the Kerry talking ad nauseum about policy details. It was a man who was passionate talking about why it matters. Especially effective was his discussion of first responders in thanking the IAFF for their support.

The key thing that I mentioned earlier was that it was an I speech. He was the action and he made you know it. It works for him and was natural. He was very relaxed and that was impressive.

What I noticed most though was a real eagerness for Democrats to see any candidate and the excitement was high. I haven't seen it since before Mel Carnahan passed in this state.

Afterwards, he had a press availability and then a liveshot with news programs--appropriately so for a Senator known as "Liveshot" in Massachusetts.

I have strong reservations about Kerry being the antidote to Bush. I'm hoping I'm wrong given what looks like the current trajectory of the election. But he was the best I've seen him in years. It reminds me of the John Kerry who used to point out the hypocrisy in our Central and South American policy while taking on the intelligence community for keeping too many secrets simply because they were embarrassing.

Check out Edgelaw's Version -------- TITLE: Kerry Reporting AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 1/29/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: At the Kerry Rally I stood next to Eunice Moscoso, a reporter from Cox News Service. She has been here covering the Missouri story. Strangely, she ran into to PhD students from Wash U.'s polisci department. We're everywhere I tell you. -------- TITLE: Blake Ashby: Chatter AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 1/29/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Blake Ashby seems to have made an appearance in the Daily Kos chat room. When asked if it was Blake Ashby the Presidential Candidate, he quickly left after extolling the virtues of a Bush/Guiliani ticket. -------- TITLE: No Child Left Behind Anniversary AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 1/29/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Show Me Issues tackles a few of the problems, though they miss the local angle of Wellston.

Being against NCLB isn't being against high standards and accountability In fact, being for it results in low standards and little useful accountability. Reminding me I still want to finish the urban education series sometime. -------- TITLE: No Child Left Behind Anniversary AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 1/29/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Show Me Issues tackles a few of the problems, though they miss the local angle of Wellston.

Being against NCLB isn't being against high standards and accountability In fact, being for it results in low standards and little useful accountability. Reminding me I still want to finish the urban education series sometime. -------- TITLE: Major Kudos to the P-D AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 1/29/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: I have few good things to say about the P-D, but the work of Andrew Schneider on asbestos and WR Grace. He was on Diane Rehm today, you can listen in here -------- TITLE: Yo Claire, It's the Law--Get Over It AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 1/29/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Claire McCaskill is upset that she can't vote in the primary. A law change is a good idea, I had this happen last year when I moved. I couldn't legally vote in the old place and I moved within 30 days of the primary election. Welcome to Missouri Election Law.

But let's hit on a theme there. While I don't have a favorite yet amongst her and Holden,

McCaskill noted that the Election Board members are Holden appointees.

Why are incompetents running a vital office to the franchise? This is a civil rights issue and the Governor has not improved the damn place.
-------- TITLE: First Thoughts: Kerry and Edwards AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 1/29/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: It is the difference between I and We. Kerry was good. I was far more impressed than in the past with how he talked to people. He wasn't talking down and he wasn't talking about bills. He was talking about values and that was good.

Edwards gives good stump. Very good stump. And while he is running the 'positive' campaign, he is very good at delivering shivs to the back.

More later including pics from both events, but let me say fellow Democrats, that is some good energy I'm feeling out there--energy I haven't felt in a while. Dean may not win, but I take his efforts to involve the grass roots as infectious. -------- TITLE: First Thoughts: Kerry and Edwards AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 1/29/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: It is the difference between I and We. Kerry was good. I was far more impressed than in the past with how he talked to people. He wasn't talking down and he wasn't talking about bills. He was talking about values and that was good.

Edwards gives good stump. Very good stump. And while he is running the 'positive' campaign, he is very good at delivering shivs to the back.

More later including pics from both events, but let me say fellow Democrats, that is some good energy I'm feeling out there--energy I haven't felt in a while. Dean may not win, but I take his efforts to involve the grass roots as infectious. -------- TITLE: Somone Might Inform Matt Blunt About the Republican Legislature AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 1/29/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY:

"Should I be elected governor of this great state, I pledge that schools will not begin a new year with less money than they had the year before,"
--Matt Blunt

AP, May 9th:
The budget cuts $170 million - or 3.7 percent - from the amount appropriated this year to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. It also cuts $83 million - or 7.6 percent - from the Department of Higher Education.

Perhaps the Secretary of State should start by telling Republican Legislators that education should be a priority.

I think Holden made a mistake with the withholdings. He was too responsible. He should have released the money and challenged the legislature when the state ran an unbalanced budget. He also ceded the debate to Republicans who didn't have to defend their education cuts and instead deflected the problem to the withholdings. Worse, instead of allowing the Governor to force the Legislature's hand and find cuts, they simply say that he could make some other withholding which allows them to claim they are against bad spending without ever identifying the bad spending. Part of this is the press' fault, but ultimately, the Governor's political strategy is failing.

If anything, Holden needs a bit of a reckless streak in him. He doesn't have it. Being too nice of a guy is a problem in politics. I also wish he would have shut down the government instead of acquiesing, but that sort of move is something Holden just would not do.

Strangely, I thought the State of the State speech was weak. Apparently I'm the only one in the state. What I do find strange is that he is being blamed for lowering the tone of the debate. Catherine Hannaway is a flame thrower with no off switch. That's fine, it works sometimes in politics and she is a street fighter, but the Governor fought back and now he is the problem?

There is plenty to criticize about the Governor's performance, see next story for an example I harp on, but displaying a backbone in public finally isn't one of the criticisms he deserves.
-------- TITLE: Warning Partisanship Ahead AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 1/29/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: My Republican Readers might want to take the day off... -------- TITLE: Kerry's Coming to Town AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 1/27/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Kerry will be at St. Louis Community College at 4:30 Tomorrow

He's also hired Roy Temple -------- TITLE: My Response to the Board AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 1/27/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: I have trimmed some of those from the e-mail list, but have left the School Board Members and NCSE. To the School Board Members I would say that ............ and I probably disagree on most issues concerning the SLPS, but I believe we fully agree on this issue.

The answers to Rochell Moore's challenge really center on explaining how science works. Science is a deductive process that seeks to eliminate alternative explanations through carefully crafted tests of observed phenomena. Science is especially effective at eliminating alternative explanations to a phenomena because it predicts what will be observed and then seeks out evidence that confirms or disconfirms that prediction.

When discussing whether there is empirical evidence for creationism or the newer variant, intelligent design, one must first establish what evidence would be present if these claims were true and what would be present that would falsify specific variants of each. Unfortunately, Michael Behe does no such thing in developing the theory. Instead he offers up complex systems and says that they could not develop in a stepwise fashion. Those examples have been refuted by other biologists.

Science is not a democracy, but a process that seeks to identify the best theory consistent with the evidence. Weight is given to those hypotheses and theories that fit the evidence, not a wide range of beliefs based upon revelation. For a school district to be forced to teach a belief that has not been subjected to the scientific process is pedagogical malpractice.

Referring to the NCSE as scientists from California misrepresents the organization. It is an organization founded to promote quality science education and includes such luminaries as Roger Lewontin, Niles Eldredge, Francisco Ayala (his work is central to explaining why Behe is incorrect), Douglass Futuyma, and Donald Johanson--known for the discovery and analysis of Lucy. It is a representative organization of the state of science today and its supporters include some of the finest minds in biology and related fields.

Perhaps most disturbing in Ms. Moore's note is her equating of paganism with evolutionary theory. I seldom speak publicly of my personal faith, but as a Christian I find this offensive. Evolutionary biology is a scientific theory for which I accept the evidence, not a systematic faith. It does not promote a particular faith, but describes the natural world and Christian faiths representing the majority of Christians in the United States and America have no problem with evolutionary biology. These faiths include the Catholic Church, the Presbyterian Church USA, The Lutheran World Federation, The General Convention of the Episcopal Church and the United Methodist Church amongst others.

Certainly some feel that evolution intrudes on their faith. Such individuals are welcome to hold onto their faith, but the teaching of science should not be compromised. If all alternative belief structures were to be incorporated into science curriculum, science class would become a class on comparative religions.

I understand that the bill is not expected to advance, but I would urge you to stay vigilant and if the bill does gain traction, the Board should express displeasure with it officially. Besides the bill advocating poor science, it would force a revamping of the biology curriculum. That revamping would be expensive, but more importantly, it would cause the curriculum to become suspect for colleges and universities where SLPS students apply. When Kansas faced similar issues, some universities colleges announced plans to scrutinize Kansas applicants with greater care since the curriculum deficiencies would require those institutions to provide remedial instruction.

And before Ms. Moore threatens to pray not nice prayers against me, there is no need. In August she added me to the curse she put on the Mayor. I would hate for her to duplicate her efforts on my behalf.
-------- TITLE: Beam Me Up Scotty AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 1/27/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: No, not a crazy Congressman from Ohio, but our very own curse spewing School Board Member.

On the MetroEd listserv, Rochell Moore responded to concern expressed about the Intelligent Design bill introduced in the Missouri Lege. The e-mail is to a person (not me in this case) that expressed concern about the bill to the SLPS Board of Education:

What do scientist from the State of California have to do with influenciing schools boards in the State of Missouri? How dare you!!!

You are not a school board member!!! Did you involve them in the incident that occured 10/22/02?

Your email offends me greatly because you fail to respect my culture and my faith. Having said that I will begin to pray for you and concerning you. Since you love science. What is the Prime Directive in Star Trek?

You have violated that. Don't try to change my culture. Respect it but don't force your pagan views on me. If you try to interfere with this legislation or anything that has to do with school boards in Missouri or the African-American children attending our schools, the prayers I will pray against you and anyone who helps you will not be nice!!!

Rochell
-------- TITLE: Fun Stuff at the Way Out Club AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 1/27/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Hey this will be a really fun night at the way out club? you are invited!!!

It is not this coming Friday in (January) but the next one in (February)

Friday February the 6th

At the Way Out Club (2525 s. Jefferson) on the corner of Jefferson and Gravois

Performing live:

The Whole Sick Crew

The Spiders

And The Good Grief?s

The doors will start around 9:00pm

The bands will most likely start around 10:00pm

The cover will be cheap

The drinks will be cheap

If you haven't been, go. A great place to hang out and hear good music. -------- TITLE: 3rd District Candidate Forum AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 1/27/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: And now for the rest of the story.

To match Russ' poor performance is Jo Mannies article concerning the forum.

The number of ways this is a poor article is hard to describe. First, she entirely misses the substantive differences between the candidates. Four are pro-choice (J. Smith, M. Smith, Mohn, and Carnahan) and three are pro-life (Stoll, Barry, and Favazza).

The Gephardt comparison is bizarre because few, if any of the people at the forum were ever represented by Gephardt. I thought it was a strange question in the first place. And it was probably the least revealing given that few of those present really experience Gephardt's constituent service.

Offering various proposals to deal with health care misses that while most advocated universal care, many had alternative strategies such as Corey Mohn who advocates a single-payer system. That is a significant difference. In fact, one might tie that to Jeff's views on the deficit.

In another case, Jeff Smith discussed his role in founding the Confluence Academy and thanked Susan Uchitelle, who was in attendance, for her role. This provoked both cheers and jeers from the audience while the rest of the panel beside Favazza were strongly against alternative models of school support. Favazza advocated a tax deduction for educational expenses. In fact, this was the only time when Russ showed any life by giving a very succinct answer of No, No, and No and getting a bit of a laugh.

The article was mailed in and had little content for a fairly decent exchange of ideas.

On other substantive issues a few things stuck out. The abortion question resulted the aforementioned nearly coherent answer from Russ. Steve Stoll was the first to announce he was pro-life and gave some background on his views of providing support for young and unwed mothers and their children. To their disadvantage, Favazza and Barry had to follow with Senator Stoll stealing the best mitigating lines in a heavily pro-choice crowd. Barry emphasized her ability to work with both sides and emphasized her work on contraception (yo, Archbishop--you are going to deny her communion for that too?). Favazza talked for a while and, as with most of the night, I, and most of the crowd, tuned him out so I don't remember much on that.

For the pro-choice contingent, Corey Mohn criticized the gag rule. Jeff Smith voiced strong support for abortion rights (and later headed out to the NARAL event). Mark Smith, made a booboo. Mark had been pro-life previously, but has become pro-choice before the race. On answering the question he first indicated he was pro-life before quickly correcting himself.

Overall, the candidates are impressive. Jeff Smith is a policy guy who cares deeply about the issues, but can connect them to people's lives. And as the standard disclaimer, I am a friend of Jeff's and help him out on the campaign. But I think I can say that he connects well with audiences and establishes a rapport. This, of course, is his home turf and ideologically the most friendly of places for him to campaign. This event should have been Russ' based on ideology and name recognition. That was not my feeling. Jeff does need to learn to constrain his facial reactions while llistening to others.

Senator Steve Stoll did exactly what he needs to do in more liberal areas of the District. He made them comfortable with him as an honest and thoughtful guy. Given the nature of Clayton he isn't going to pick up a ton of votes, but in a general election those there would feel good about him with his strong committments to education and social justice.

Former State Representative Joan Barry demonstrated competence and earnestness in an area that is more socially liberal than she, but she did tailor her accomplishments well for the audience. She is still far better one-on-one than in front of an audience, but did a good job.

Mark Smith is a smart guy with a compelling story of a father who delivered papers for a living while his son went to Harvard. I was fully ready to vote for him as my next door neighbor by the end of the event, but probably not my Congressman. While he told nice stories he was unfocused and kind of meandered through his points. But I'm sure he keeps his hedges trimmed and sidewalk clear.

Corey Mohn is probably the angry candidate. As mentioned previously, he is backing Dennis Kucinich and is to the left end of the Democratic Party. Corey is passionate and amongst the party faithful he elicits a reaction. The one advice I'd give to Corey is to be more circumspect on specific provisions of Patriot Act II. While I have serious misgivings about I and especially II, Corey overstates those problems. In addition, he did claim a conspiracy at one point and that doesn't help a candidacy. Corey certainly wants to win, but I'll go out on a limb and say that he'll consider this race a success if it continues to focus the candidates on issues that are often ignored. Corey has the casual look down compared to other candidates, but with youth, that might not help as much.

Marianno Favazza would still be talking and shaking my hand if I hadn't done my best to get away. At one point I thought his strategy was to talk everyone into submission. He is a warm and personable guy, but he is not a fan of brevity or succintness. It is charming for a while, but by the umpteenth time a moderator has to cut him off, it is numbing to the audience. He also has an interesting belt that has mini-Favazza placards sewed into them, providing a little bit of color to generally conservative set. I am reliably informed that we should all be thankful that he did not wear his usually ever present sweatpants.
-------- TITLE: John Edwards At Blueberry Hill Wednesday AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 1/26/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: So the last guy to do Blueberry Hill didn't do so well (Bill Bradley), but John Edwards will be visiting Wednesday night:

Senator John Edwards will be coming to St. Louis on Wednesday night
to give a speech at Blueberry Hill in the U. City Loop.

This is your chance to come see the man about whom James Carville
says: "He is the single best stump speaker I have ever seen run for
president in my life." If Senator Edwards ends up winning the
nomination, Carville suggested "not only that he give the acceptance
speech at the Democratic National Convention in Boston, but he also
give the keynote. I think he's good enough to give both of them."

So please come join us at Blueberry Hill, and see the speech that
everyone is talking about.

Date: Wednesday, January 28
Time: 9:15 p.m.
Where: Blueberry Hill - 6504 Delmar Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63130
-------- TITLE: Schedule Information AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 1/23/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: In an effort to streamline my rather hectic life, expect most postings to show up after 5 PM in a given day. Exceptions will occur, but I've carved out some time most days to write. -------- TITLE: 3rd District Candidate Forum AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 1/23/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: I will have two posts on this, the other will be up in the early evening Friday.

I post this first message with some trepidation. I have a horse in the race in Jeff Smith. And I would prefer not to speak ill of other Democrats. Let me make clear that this criticism isn't of Russ Carnahan's positions, his personality, his integrity, nor his character. On issues, I'm relatively close to Russ. And I would certainly take Russ over either of the Republican candidates in the race. If he becomes the nominee, I would support him wholeheartedly as I would the other candidates in the race.

That said, his performance was one of the worst public speaking performances I have ever observed. I originally wrote the worst candidate outing I had ever seen, but it was worse than that. Russ is clearly nervous speaking to groups, a characteristic he shares with another native Missourian, Bill Bradley. However, at one point during his opening remarks he was reading from his notes and speaking to the paper. I have no idea whether he didn't know what he was to say or whether it was a nervous reaction. Either way, it created that awkward feeling as an observer of feeling embarrassed for the speaker. If you aren't sure of what I mean, think of watching a sitcom where a character keeps making stupid decisions and your gut feeling is to plead with them to stop. That is what I felt when he spoke to the audience Thursday Night.

That is not the reaction that should result from listening to a man who has run for Congress previously and served as a State Legislature. His communication skills were so poor that I can not imagine him as a Member of Congress. Russ Carnahan must find a public speaking coach and work hard to improve that basic skill if he hopes to be a Congressman.

His current state of communication skills would hinder Democrats retaining the 3rd District seat if he were the nomination. That is unacceptable.

What was perhaps most strange about his performance was his inability to communicate his strengths to the audience present. The audience had two groups. One that was older, affluent, and generally liberal Claytonites. The other were young activists who were liberal. When asked about Abortion Rights he completely downplayed his position of being strongly pro-choice. That might make sense in a union hall in South City, but it is silly amongst Clayton Democrats. The question was red meat for those assembled and he barely made it clear that he was strongly pro-choice. -------- TITLE: St. Charles County Exec Ill AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 1/23/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Word is that St. Charles County Executive Joe Ortwerth is ill after having an aneurysm last week. It is said to be serious. My prayers for a full and speedy recovery.

Corrected embarrassing spelling error. -------- TITLE: And Remember, Death is Not an Option AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 1/22/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: The Howard Howl or the 2000 Election Night Kit Bond Tirade? -------- TITLE: Want To Meet Jeff? AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 1/21/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY:
Please take the time to come out Thursday night. Any support you can show will add further credibility to the campaign in the eyes of the media.

Bring family, friends, and co-workers. But whether they support me or not, I will be heartened to see people participating in the democratic process.

Time: January 22nd 7pm
Place: "The Center of Clayton" at Maryland and Gay -------- TITLE: 3rd District Updates AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 1/21/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Some of this is terribly late--my apologies to the sources:

Steve Stoll continues to rack up endorsements with the NEA and International Sheet Metal Workers.

Joan Barry hired a fundraiser and is expecting a big first quarter (now they have to meet that!)

In a dated bit, strangely, Russ Carnahan had a strangely similarly worded invitation to his web roll out that Joan Barry had---imitation is the highest form of flattery, but that seemed like a bit much especially since they had their roll-outs at the same place, TripleXpresso's Coffee
House/Internet Cafe.

Cory Mohn has endorsed Dennis Kucinich for President

Mariano Favazza is running perhaps the strangest campaign for a current officeholder--a sort of guerilla campaign if you will--his web site is clean and attractive, but not that interactive. He is also promising to return campaign contributions after his first term if a constituent/contributor is unhappy. Unless things change pretty soon, that is a moot point.

Loony Republican Bill Federer is trying to milk Gephardt's dropping out as a reason to contribute:

Dick Gephardt is getting ready to start preparing for life after he backing out of the Presidential race. Rumors are circulating that he may attempt to keep his Congressional seat ? which means taking on Bill Federer again!!!

Or not. Bill first has to defeat Zane Yates, and any of the Democrats far prefer taking on Federer than Yates.

While hardly an unbiased observer, the big news is that Jeff Smith has raised over $100,000 already beating all but Stoll and Carnahan. Part of being taken seriously in such a race is showing that one can raise money and this goes a long way to making Jeff a serious challenger for the seat.

Russ has changed his picture and was seen walking with a cain. No word on what that was about, but he is certainly underperforming for a guy with the Carnahan name. -------- TITLE: Fraudulent PhDs. AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 1/21/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: I've always been somewhat amused that people advertise fake credentials. One of my favorite cases is creationist Kent Hovind from Patriot University. Patriot is essentially a ranch style house.

That is funny because Hovind really doesn't matter. Even creationists treat him as a bit strange.

However, the College of the Ozarks is a real college and it appears that a whistleblower is getting fired for pointing out that the Dean has a fake PhD from a fake university in Louisiana. The opposite would be true if the College is truly worried about imparting strong values in its students. -------- TITLE: The Holden Problem AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 1/21/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: On substance I have little problem with the Governor's message. However, I don't know what the hell the theme is. At one point he is talking about reconcilliation, at another he is talking about combat, and then he went back to reconcilliation.

There was no clear message for voters. Obviously, Republicans aren't going to like what he says, but Democratic activists don't know whether he is going to fight hard or be a nice guy with the Hanaway/Kinder Steamroller running over him.

This vascillating on message makes the Governor look weak--or makes him weak in the larger sense. He has to take a theme and run on it or quite frankly he isn't going to be a worry to the Republicans because Claire will be running in his place. -------- TITLE: Voting Maching Problems AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 1/21/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Bill Kottmeyer points out the most recent problem with electronic voting in Florida. Bill's comments are worthwhile to read, but let's remember we are about to embark on a process here to choose more reliable methods of voting than the punch card.

The most obvious choice would be paper ballots like Scantron that are validated on the way out. This has several advantages--nearly everyone can figure out the process, there is a written original record of voter intent, and the validation should catch those who make mistakes. The point of a voting system is to record votes the most accurately and reliably Arguing that people were too dumb in how they voted misses the basic point in democracy that voting isn't a test, but a right. Finding the best system to translate that right into accurate and reliable vote counting shouldn't be an issue of contention in this democracy. -------- TITLE: Small Earl Update AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 1/21/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Sometimes you just can't do enough. In last weeks letters to the editors,someone complains that Mike Seely ignored the SLPS problems (same issue had a big article on them) and the Anti-Defamation League complains Mike didn't go far enough.

Given the lack of news on the CofCC, I'll take Mike's coverage.

And on my trip to New Orleans, the Brookhaven Academy, one of the segregated academies, appeared on the West side of the highway--what a reminder.

However, the ADL does point out the odious nature of another WGNU host, The Couch Potato

-------- TITLE: Never Trust the Corps of Engineers AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 1/21/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Via John Combest (who may or may not agree--I have no idea)

The Corps is claiming to have calculated the correct amount of wetlands, but the State of Missouri hasn't verified the numbers

Environmental groups say the corps miscalculated the amount of wetlands it needed to buy to make up for the project's environmental damage. Totten agreed with a lawyer for one of the environmental groups who said the ecosystem would be impaired if the corps underestimated the land needed to make up for habitat losses.

Simply put, no one should trust an agency who builds their budget and authority upon building things. Their interest is to build--a state should be checking their calculations before accepting them. -------- TITLE: New Diatriber AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 1/21/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: While I've been out, Diatriber moved.

Check him out. Rumor is that he is being hosted by The Common Space and that their stable of bloggers may be growing very soon.... -------- TITLE: Vote Fraud or Just a Fraud AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 1/21/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Via Roy Temple
Despite all of the bellyaching about the 2000 election and claims of voter fraud, it was actually the Board of Elections fault that the election was so chaotic. Now, that doesn't let Democrats off the hook given that Democratic Governors appointed the Members of the Board of Elections in the City of Saint Louis, but the ugly racial overtones some complaints have taken on are out of line.

The City Board of Elections needs to get its act together--as Robbyn Wahby forced it to in 2002, but not because of widespread vote fraud, but because it has moral duty to ensure that those eligible to vote, can vote.

This doesn't say that vote fraud doesn't occur and is serious, but the assumption that system was that badly manipulated is simply false.

While I have largely stayed away from criticizing Matt Blunt much yet (there aren't enough specifics to criticize), his attempt at investigating 2000 was poorly done. Using the wrong property data base should have been a major embarrassment. -------- TITLE: Waring AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 1/21/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Before disappearing into the abyss, I had a lot of questions about Waring School's closure and sale.

The Waring decision made sense. In fact, so much so that the previous administration considered it quite seriously.

The reality is that Madison and Waring were both underutilized as magnets and given the restrictions put upon them by deseg, they weren't going to see larger populations anytime soon.

Looking at that, Waring was not air-conditioned, was underutilized, had no neighborhood impact in its closing. Closing it was a no brainer. Now, I would have far preferred that Waring be kept as a school within a school at Madison, but work rules prevented that. I'm not scapegoating the teacher's union on this, but the reality is that such a decision wasn't available to the current administrators.

Waring was a natural closure and it was sold above both the asking price and appraisals. That isn't evidence of a conspiracy, it is evidence of a good deal.

You have wide latitude in criticizing public officials, but accusing them of corruption with no evidence is not within that latitude. While Roberti's lawsuit against Bill Haas is ill-advised given that it distracts from the goals of school reform, Haas set himself up for it.

To take an example of this, I don't say that Illinois Congressman Jerry Costello is corrupt because he supported something, I do because he was named an unindicted co-conspirator in Amiel Cueto's prosecution. I don't call Rochell Moore mentally ill because I disagree with her, but because she provided strong evidence of that mental illness to the Post-Dispatch.

Efforts to make it look like a conspiracy are another distraction to the reality of the fiscal crisis that the District is still facing.
While much of the financial gap has been met with 10% cuts in both personnel and operating expenses, but a 15% hole. Meaning that there is a still a structural deficit of over $20 million per year. Looking at what is left in the SLPS this leaves two choices: Firing teachers or raising taxes.
-------- TITLE: Bad Democrat Day Here at ArchPundit--87th Endorsement AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 1/21/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: The 87th State Rep District is currently held by Catherine Hanaway and with her stated intention to run for Secretary of State, the announcements to replace her have started. David Stokes, current assistent to St. Louis County Council Member Kurt Odenwald, is running and receives an early endorsement from ArchPundit.

David is far more conservative than I, but it is a conservative district which he fits well. He is also one of the more thoughtful candidates I know and has some important ideas to deal with urban environmental challenges and strongly supports revitalizing housing and historic tax credits.

As a disclaimer, I consider David a friend. We disagree on many issues including choice and taxes, but he is a smart guy who is knowledgeable about policy and understands how government works. In this day of term limits that is very valuable.

For those interested, he is having his kick-off this Friday, January 23rd at Farotto's Pizzeria 952 Manchester Road in Rock Hill. It is one block west of McKnight/Rock Hill Road from 5:30 - 8:00 PM. Free, but donations accepted. -------- TITLE: When Creationists Attack AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 1/07/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: The only thing that surprises me about Missouri is that there aren't more creationists running around. But, I'm not to be disappointed, creationists have gotten a bill introduced to the Missouri Lege, HB911.

The language of the bill is a real hoot with the following standing out to me:

"Biological evolution", a theory of the origin of life and its ascent by naturalistic means. The first simple life was developed from basic elements and simple molecules through the mechanisms of random combinations, naturally occurring molecular structures, other naturalistic means, and millions of years.

The above is simply incorrect in so many ways, but mostly because they are describing abiogenesis and not biological evolution. Not a minor point.

My favorite is

If scientific theory is taught, the theory shall be identified as theory when taught orally or in writing. Empirical data and conjecture may be presented to support taught theory where considered instructive.

I believe they have just equated empirical data and conjectue. Go figure. The whole bill is a trainwreck, so check it out for the ugly details. Make sure your lege member knows your feelings.

From the National Center for Science Education -------- TITLE: Where the Hell is ArchPundit? AUTHOR: archpundit DATE: 1/05/2004 - [Link] ----- BODY: Well, busy, very busy. Two little girls with the croupe (hell, is that how you spell it?), numerous relatives in and out of casa de ArchPundit and a conference paper to give on Saturday in New Orleans.

What does that mean? Back early next week. Sorry. --------