Nothing Worth While is Easy

Last night I attended most of the LCRP Central Committee meeting to elect committee officers and a party chairman. As you may know, John Stainbrook was elected Party Chairman, and Meghan Gallagher was elected Central Committee Chairman. It is no secret that I was in the "Simpson camp" through the turmoil that has gone on in the last several months. So with that in mind, here are some observations of the meeting I made.

Numerous committee members - knowing an incredibly important, contested vote was occurring - showed up without ID. Some showed up to vote not realizing they had lost in the recent election, and were no longer committee members. And, one person showed up stating he was a central committee member "appointed" by John Stainbrook.

WOW -- if our party is represented by people who don't know enough to carry a photo ID when they drive, bike, ride or walk downtown for an important vote such as this, I worry for Republicans.

Once underway the meeting fell into a battle of spite between supporters for each side over reading of the roll, reading of absent members, and an attempt by the Stainbrook side to strike the rules and call for an open vote. This took HOURS - thus the title of this post.

Freedom and liberty are not easy or clean. Representative government is messy and, as most things worth a damn, difficult to achieve. But the vote last night was a crucial step to re-unification of the party and preparation for November, and worth the pains it caused.

We are at a unique time in NW Ohio. A time when a return to conservative values and a turn toward core Republican principles can and must occur in Lucas County. The economic reality has shined the light on the unrealistic expectations and incompetent actions of the Democratic party entrenched in Lucas County over the last decades. The LCRP must unify to this goal, abandon old ways and cynicism, and break all ties to the establishment - once thought to be a necessary evil endured for the limited success Republicans achieved.

It won't be easy -- But it will be worth it.

TAHL

Seek Out and Thank Veterans and Their Families

Its Memorial Day weekend. Fun, sun, BBQ's, golf and the end of the school season. All great ways to celebrate. But, lets not forget the real meaning and purpose of the holiday.

Look for, be aware of, and seek out veterans and their families. If a car at the gas pump has a veteran sticker or plate, thank the driver. If you see a soldier, airman, marine or swabby in uniform at a restaurant, offer to pay their meal or pick up the tip. Visit elderly veterans in your neighborhood and cut the grass or offer a cold one.

Likewise, do the same for veteran's families.

Thank you to all who have served, continue to serve, and gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Tom Sullivan

Support OHPD Sunday

A group of biker are holding a ride and rally at city hall Sunday to show solidarity for Mike McClosky. If you encounter them please follow the law and concept of courtesy and decency.

However, wear your OH colors and if you can stand along Indian Road to show your support to our PD please do. Attending the rally at Villllage Hall will not hel the PD.

Regardless of your beliefs about the McClosky shooting, our village and Police Dept. deserve our support.

Thank you.

TAHL

Financial Advice for Young Lawyers

UT law school, room #1008, Thursday April 22, at 5:00 pm.

OSBA Young Lawyers Counsel, UT Law Career Services, and Edward Jones independent financial advisor Jon Vanslooten, are happy to present a 45 minute educational session for law students and young lawyers.

Come one come all.

TAHL

Red Light Camera Petition Meeting

I attended the red light camera/fixed speed detection petition drive kick off meeting last night. The meeting was poorly attended, but, given the weather, the lack of major media announcement, and the Mud Hens game, the presenters were not surprised.

The meeting was informative, gave participants the necessary tools to get the drive going, and some motivation to do so. According to Chris Finney, a lawyer from Cincinnati who has lead successful red light camera petition drives in other cities and on other issues; the response last year to the the issue from Toledoans is the most positive he has witnessed. Last years petitions were rejected on a technical issue found in the Toledo Municipal Code that is not shared in other jursidictions, but this years petitions are in full compliance.

Keep your eye out for petition circulators and please sign of you are a registered Toledo voter. Regardless of which side of the debate you are on, as members of a free Republic, you should support the apportunity to get such issues on the ballot for citizen vote.

TAHL

Credit where Credit is Due!!

For the first time I can specifically remember - I agree with something President Obama has done. Interestingly enough -- this decision has not garnered much national attention. Not surprisingly.

From the New York Times. -- The President has authorized the targeted killing of a radical-Muslim cleric who is also a US Citizen.

"WASHINGTON - The Obama administration has taken the extraordinary step of authorizing the targeted killing of an American citizen, the radical Muslim cleric Anwar al-Awlaki, who is believed to have shifted from encouraging attacks on the United States to directly participating in them, intelligence and counterterrorism officials said Tuesday."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36208306/ns/world_news-the_new_york_times

So - why has this not gotten more publicity? Because the administration and national media know it would outrage the liberal left wing that President Obama is beholden to.

As for me -- you got ONE RIGHT - Mr. President.

TAHL

Union Extortion Tactics Know No Boundaries!

The extortionist tactics of some union members have no limits. In today's Blade - Letters to the Editor, can be found a call by Patrick Hagenmaier, a rabid supporter of the UFCW union, to WITHHOLD BLOOD DONATIONS, until the Red Cross negotiates a contract with the union workers who staff the donation centers.

Really -- withhold life saving blood from the populous to coerce labor contracts?! I guess I should not be surprised when withholding police, fire, and educational services are well known scare tactics when contracts for those workers come due.

As a former UFCW member and Toledo citizen, shame on you Patrick Hagenmaier! I am willing to bet those dedicated Red Cross workers share my sentiment.

TAHL