Views on News • October 22nd, 2009

No more

by Chris Lato

The news of yet another arrest for State Rep. Jeff Wood is angering, sad and, no pun intended, sobering.

First and foremost, Wood is a clear danger to the general public as he repeatedly gets behind the wheel while (allegedly) under the influence. It is unacceptable behavior from anyone, but in Wood’s case he is accused of breaking the laws he is charged with creating and overseeing as a legislator.

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Leadership, Views on News • October 21st, 2009

NO TXT 4 U

by Chris Lato

I get it. Everyone is pecking away on their iPhones, BlackBerries, and cell phones. It’s the hot, hip new thing that those crazy kids are doing. And people are doing it while driving. For shame.

OK, that’s the premise, but… Is this really needed? Don’t we already have laws on the books addressing distracted driving? With everything going on in Wisconsin, is this really what the Legislature needs to spend hours debating, revising, and focusing on right now? You know, let’s worry instead about focusing on enforcing laws that are already on the books.

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Leadership, Messaging, Strategic Blueprints, Views on News • October 20th, 2009

Obama vs. Fox

by Chris Lato

The White House has an ax to grind with Fox News. The question is whether this is really a wise battle to be engaging in.

On the one hand, we have Jacob Weisberg calling Fox News un-American and heavily biased. So sayeth the author of ‘The Bush Tragedy.’

On the other hand, William Murchison with the Dallas Morning News argues President Obama has an ‘enemies fetish’ and Ruth Marcus at the Washington Post says picking this fight is ‘dumb.’  

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Leadership, Messaging, Strategic Blueprints, Views on News • October 15th, 2009

Just wonderin’

by Chris Lato

President Obama is discussing sending $13 billion in checks to seniors to make up for the decline in the cost of living adjustment for Social Security. Increases are pegged to inflation, there hasn’t been inflation, and basically, it amounts to a $250 check.

Also, there is no plan at this point to pay for it.

Isn’t there a reason why the rate is tied to the cost of living and inflation?

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Leadership, Views on News • October 13th, 2009

Where did all the Dems go?

by Chris Lato

I’m a little surprised at this one. It’s mid-October and the only Democrat of note who’s running for governor is…Barbara Lawton.

Are the Dems really that confident in the current lite guv that they’re willing to give her a free shot – essentially relying on her to carry the Democrat flag? Or is the crop of solid candidates really that small?

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