I-69 Extension Delayed Again! Let's See If The Fourth Time is the Charm! w/update

 

Mike Pence realizing he is everybody's whipping boy

How do you solve a problem like Mike Pence? At the risk of being a broken record. We have decided that Mike Pence's shenanigans once again warrant IR's personal attention. Seriously Mikey! How much more nonsense are you going to trouble us with? If you aren't doing your best to imitate Hillary Clinton, Rod Blagojevich, or an untrained seal. Being disingenuous and hypocritical about your residency when you ran for Governor in 2012, entering into a stupid deal with Agile Networks to fund projects for Indiana's Bicentennial last year and then putting the

taxpayers on the hook when the deal went south. Or you are carrying water for your Washington paymasters and getting chewed out by even Establishment hacks for it. You just can't help but keep tripping over your own feet.

Now Kaitlin Lange and Mark Alesia reported in yesterday's issue of the Indianapolis Star or as we mockingly call it "Pravda Indianapolis". They have reported that there is yet another delay in the fabled I-69 extension from Bloomington to Martinsville! Lange and Alesia write:

The state of Indiana intends to take control of the troubled I-69 project from Bloomington to Martinsville as the public-private partnership used to finance and build the highway crumbles.

Bond analysts told IndyStar that terminating the deal could drive up project costs, but it is uncertain how much.

State officials confirmed Monday that the project's new completion date would be pushed back from May 2018 to August 31, 2018.

That's the fourth time the opening has been pushed back as the state's design-build contractor struggles to pay subcontractors and meet deadlines. The original completion date was October 2016.

I-69 Development Partners originally bid $325 million to win the project, which started in 2014. 

With the project about half finished, the state notified bondholders on Friday of its intention to take over.

The statement said it would take nearly $237 million to complete the project, and that $72 million was available. That means $164 million is needed to "complete construction and resolve claims."

But the extra cost to taxpayers is unclear.

Understandably the Star wanted to find out what additional costs will be burdening us taxpayers but was unable to find out because as the article reports:

State officials declined to tell IndyStar whether taxpayers would have to foot the bill for the $164 million that is needed. Stephanie McFarland, a spokeswoman for the Indiana Finance Authority, said the "official authority" who could answer IndyStar's question is off until Wednesday.

Translation we need to buy ourselves time until we can come up with some bullshit reason to give to you rubes as to why you all should pay for the state's screw ups! 

It doesn't appear much of anyone else connected to this "road to nowhere" was eager to talk either.

As reported:

The IFA issued a statement from Director Dan Huge on Monday, but it also did not address the issue of cost and where the money will come from. Huge has declined numerous interview requests.

Cherian George, managing director of the Fitch ratings agency, earlier told IndyStar that if a project is terminated for cause, the cost of completion typically would rise.

"As a result, there will be additional cost, because now the state has to take it back and actually deliver the project and fill in the gaps," George said. "It may be more than they thought they were going to pay, but it may not be an exorbitantly higher amount."

There will also be money available from the project's performance bond — insurance that it will be completed. But the state only required a bond covering 25 percent of the project's value,which bond analysts said was on the low end of what would typically be required. And getting money from that bond could also be held up by litigation.

As if possible lawsuits weren't enough to drive up the costs to Hoosiers. The Star also reports that other contractors will probably be more expensive:

What's more, the winning bid was $73 million lower than the next lowest bid, suggesting other contractors might demand more.

The project was originally touted by the state as an innovative public-private partnership that would take advantage of private sector expertise, innovation and efficiency to save taxpayers money.

I-69 Development Partners won a bid to design, construct and maintain the highway for decades after completion. But in March the Spanish company Isolux Corsan — which initially comprised more than 80 percent of I-69 Development Partners — entered insolvency proceedings in Spain.

It had four months to reach an agreement with creditors and avoid potential bankruptcy.

The state's negotiations to buy out the bonds for the project have been unsuccessful so far, but Huge's statement said "the state is moving forward with the goal of assuming control." The state has not, however, declared the developer to be in default.

When asked about the deal, I-69 Development Partners issued the following statement: "I-69 Development Partners and the IFA continue to participate in confidential discussions with the aim of ensuring the successful completion of the project. We are confident that we can reach an agreement with the IFA."

Rep. Matt Pierce, D-Bloomington, said the protracted construction has not only frustrated people but also created safety issues.

"I think they should have been willing to declare the company in default a long time ago," he said.

What is so idiotic about this whole I-69 Development problem. Is that way back in 2014 the late great Gary Welsh reported concerns about I-69 Development Partners over at Advance Indiana. 

Gary Welsh writing in 2014 said:

In a separate report this past weekend by the Evansville Courier & Press, questions were raised about the wisdom of Gov. Pence's plan to build the I-69 extension from Bloomington to Martinsville through the use of a public-private agreement. The Pence administration has awarded the project to a Netherlands-based company, Isolux Infrastructure, to upgrade the 21-mile stretch of State Road 37 as another connecting link for I-69. The state will kick in $80 million upfront, while the private contractor will provide $325 million in funding for the extension. In addition, Indiana will make annual payments of $21.8 million to the private consortium over the next 35 years, or a total of $763 million, in exchange for the private consortium agreeing to maintain the highway.

By comparison, $700 million in Major Moves funding was provided for construction of the the nearly 100-mile stretch of new highway from Evansville to Bloomington. State Road 37 between Martinsville and Bloomington is already a 4-lane interstate quality highway absent the interchanges. It looks like Pence is just relying on a public-private agreement for the sake of privatization without any regard to the the extra cost future generations of taxpayers will bear to pay for this small stretch of highway. I hate to see the tab for the final leg between Martinsville and Indianapolis.

Even in death Gary Welsh is still looking out for the taxpayers. Gary was more right than he knew in his concerns about what the tab will wind up being for this section of I-69. 

Democrats and republican rivals of Mike Pence have no doubt long ago gathered this and other such stories on Pence to cause him trouble if he decides to ever run for the White House. Buckle up folks it's going to take awhile until Mike Pence is out of elected office. We are all looking forward to sending old Mikey Pence out to pasture! Let's do this people!

UPDATE:  As if wasting taxpayers money and patience wasn't bad enough. Now CBS 4 is reporting that the continued delay of the I-69 extension is a safety concern in Bloomington:

BLOOMINGTON, Ind-- Safety concerns over an I-69 roadway project are growing in Monroe County.

Residents and officials are expressing the concern after it was announced the project on the new section of interstate between Martinsville and Bloomington will not be finished until August of 2018.

While the delay is certainly cause for annoyance for people who live in the area, residents say they’re equally fed up with accidents and close calls along the stretch of highway.

“Just pulling out onto here, there have been a few accidents already,” said Julie Aubin.

City officials in Bloomington have also called the project a “safety concern,” citing numerous accidents and injuries amassed on the stretch over the years.

“There are often lane realignments that happen day to day. Even if you drive the road frequently, you can be surprised from one day to the next. We’ve had some real tragedies in the area and are very saddened by that,” said director of communications for the City of Bloomington Mary Catherine Carmichael.

A recent study by the Federal Highway Administration stated that most fatal crashes and injuries in work zones most often occur in the summer and fall months.

Bloomington officials like Carmichael say those are the exact issues they’re hoping to avoid for the remainder of the project’s construction.

Now IR understands that there are difficulties and dangers involved in any road project. But we don't think that it is to much to ask that traffic lanes not be completely realigned on a daily basis! The state must be stopped before it causes more damage!

Open Letter to London Mayor Sadiq Khan

To: The Honorable Mayor of the City of London, Capital of Great Britain. Mr. Sadiq Khan

From: Indy Republican News and Opinion Desk

Dearest Mayor Khan,

From across the Atlantic let us express our deepest sympathies and most heartfelt condolences on the wanton slaughtering and injury inflicted on your fellow London residents. We believe and pray that England will recover from what is now the third in a series of terror attacks this year that has struck London. At this time your emotions like that of your fellow British brothers and sisters are running high. You are no doubt receiving more advice and suggestions than any man alone can process. We are not even sure that you or any of your staff will read this open letter.

But as you have been duly elected to the highest office in London. And since a free and prosperous England is in the interest of both our countries. The most profound patriotism and loyalty compels us all here to offer our most candid advice to aid you in this crisis. 

As you are a patriotic Englishman you understand the love of country of which we speak. Your record as a solicitor defending as Thomas Paine calls it "The Rights of Man" is admirable. There are however some areas of your tenure as mayor that we are not satisfied with. We bring these to your attention not as a personal attack. But because we believe that in order for you to help yourself and those that you have sworn to serve. That there are aspects to your governance that you must reevaluate and improve upon. 

It was reported in the Daily Mail on September 21, 2016 that while you were on a tour of New York and Chicago that  you said terror attacks are "part and parcel of living in a big city" This sounds very much like you believe that terrorism is simply just another unpleasant fact of life that we should be forced to accept as unavoidable like disease is. Terrorism is a choice made by sick and depraved individuals. To simply say that it is "part and parcel of big city life". Is demeaning to people who reside in big cities and most Londoners after the three recent terror attacks would be right to take offense at this. 

Now let us be clear we don't believe that you meant to offend anyone with your comments. But Mr. Mayor these terror attacks have been carried out by Islamic Extremists. These terror attacks will not be effectively curtailed until the British national and local governments acknowledge this and honestly face the facts surrounding the driving ideology of terrorists in your city. 

You have it in your power to stand as a powerful alternative to these men and women who twist and warp your religion to justify their own sickness and depravity. You are the first Muslim to be elected as London's Mayor. You have built a life that all people can be proud of. You have broken down barriers, you have stood up to members of your own Labour Party and endured ridicule for it. You have worked with members of the Conservative Party your parties chief rivals when you have felt it was right. You obviously have courage.

We implore you to take a public stand and say that these terrorists do not speak for Islam and that they can not hide behind their warped and sick views to justify their crimes. Call out the evil actions of these evil doers. Say that you are determined that terrorism is not "part and parcel" of your city. You know deep down in your soul that you can and must defeat these terrorist who seek to destroy your city. 

Assalamu Alaikom to you Mayor Khan 

The End of Angie's List?

Readers of this blog may recall IR's article from November in which we reported about upcoming layoffs at Angie's List. Since then Angie's List has agreed to be sold to their competitor Home Advisor. The agreed upon sale has done nothing to stem the tide of layoffs at the cesspool that is Angie's List.

The Star reported yesterday on the most recent layoffs at Angie's List. Everyone's favorite Langley Propaganda Rag said:

Angie's List Inc. is reducing its sales staff as the company struggles to generate revenue under its new business model. The company on Thursday laid off about 70 members of its sales staff as part of "right-sizing" efforts, said Leslie Arena, the company's vice president of investor relations. All of the employees were based in Indianapolis.

The affected workers were members of the sales staff who worked with Angie's List's service providers.

The move comes almost one month after Angie's List agreed to be acquired by HomeAdvisor parent company IAC in a deal worth more than $500 million. The layoffs are not related to that deal, Arena said.

Angie's List had 1,567 employees as of a Jan. 31 Securities and Exchange Commission filing. Arena declined to update that number or specify how many people work in sales.

Angie's List has dramatically changed its business model during the past year. The company in July began offering free memberships, which increased its number of users, but caused its base of paying customers to plunge.

The company's year-over-year revenue declined by more than $10 million in the first quarter as paying subscribers became free members. Angie's List generated $73.1 million in the three months ending March 31, down from $83.9 million a year earlier.

Yet, during the same period, memberships grew at a rate 357 percent faster than the previous year. Angie's List during the first quarter added 860,000 members for a total of 5.7 million.

Arena described Thursday's layoffs as part of Angie's List's ongoing transformation.

"In general, we're always focused on efficiencies," she said. "What we had done, more than sales reductions, is some structural changes within the organization, so we're focused on optimizing both the acquisition of service providers and retention of service providers. This is more of a right-sizing."

One is tempted to ask Ms. Arena is how much more "right-sizing" is Angie's List going to need until it actually turns a damn profit? It seems as if about the only thing that Angie's List does these days is lay people off. Apparently getting taxpayer handouts from the Indianapolis City County Council just isn't doing the trick. As far as saying Angie's List is always focused on efficiencies. Does anyone outside of Bill Oesterle's group of sycophants believe this nonsense? This is almost exactly what the company said back in November of 2016. 

The company has almost never turned a profit since it's founding in 1995. So obviously there focus has clearly not been on having a sound business model. We aren't putting up with this nonsense anymore! Angie's List has been the target of shareholder lawsuits. And as the late great Gary Welsh and Paul Ogden have reported Angie's List would have died long ago without taxpayer dollars! Angie's List is simply put a vampire that has run out of victims to drain blood out of. May this nefarious enterprise be put out of it's misery soon!

Indy Republicans Guide to Taking Back The GOP

Introduction

Greetings Friends and fellow Rabble Rousers. The time has come to discuss just how we will take back the Indiana Republican Party. And to make the state party the home of real  republicans. Throughout out this state and around the country we continue to hear from countless disgruntled republicans. Men, women and young people who are frustrated and angry at being betrayed time after time by the party of Reagan and Lincoln. Some stay republicans but are only active at election time. Others leave the GOP and become Democrats, Independents, or Libertarians. The few the wisest, bravest, and the best of us work within and outside the party for change and reform.

It is not an easy path that we the disciples of constitutionalism walk. For those of us who pitch our tent in the GOP. We have it the hardest. Only the most stubborn, anti-social and independent of republicans cling to and fight for our principles within the GOP against the establishment who wants to destroy all philosophical differences and replace us with unfeeling demon robots from hell. Men and women who exist only to be a harlot to service the filthy wants and whims of their masters.

The biggest problems with the Hoosier GOP include the reduced role of elected precinct committee men and women in favor of appointed pc's. The refusal to advocate for good government such as the recent move to charge citizens search fees for public records, the increasing politicalization of state government by elimination in 2011 of the Merit System of Employment. The abandonment of free market capitalist principles with the establishment of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation to serve as a way to curry political favors with donors and lobbyists. By abandoning the principles of enforcing state ethics laws by the appointment of the Governor of the states Inspector General and making them a servant of the governor.

Since we have briefly put forth the problems of the Hoosier GOP. It is time for us to outline how we shall chip away and ultimately destroy the establishment. And what policies, laws, and reforms we will pursue and move the GOP center of gravity back towards the individual citizens of Indiana and the United States.

This will be a long, difficult task. It may take decades perhaps centuries to achieve our goals. Ultimately however we will win. So if you don't wish to take part back away now. But if you feel the calling to reform the Hoosier state. If the thought of holding your heads high and facing reality fearlessly and with a smile is what you want. If you would rather die than passively accept the sin, evil, and vice that plagues us in Indiana. Then proceed with us.

Now are you ready to rumble?

Since you have decided to join our holy quest. It's time to layout strategy.

Strategy

We face battles on many fronts. Our approach must therefore be against several targets but the methods we will be using will be similar against each.



Target #1
The Media

If we are to reform the Republican Party we must convince enough of the general and voting population of the rightness of our cause. We must also make the public aware of the corruption in our political system and explain why it must be stopped. The media is the main source of information for most people. Whether they be working class or executives. At this time unfortunately our voices within the Indiana press with some exceptions are very few.
In our state much of the media establishment of the major newspapers and television stations is run out of Indianapolis. These outlets are run by a relatively small number of people. Most of whom have an interest in not rocking the status quo. Their reasons can vary from being money grubbing power seekers to just believing they know better how to run our lives than we do. However there are still members of the Indianapolis and National press who still do a decent job at being journalists. We will list the "good journalists" shortly. In order to make the Indiana press start doing there jobs we the people must keep up non stop pressure on the press to do their jobs. As far as Establishment hack reporters like Tim Swarens and Matt Tully of the Indianapolis Star. Most likely Matt, Tim and their fellow travelers in the press will never stop pandering to the Powers that Be. In order to further our goals of having a world class media in Indiana we must work to change the media culture in this state. Here are Indy Republicans steps to reforming the media:

1. Whenever and by whomever good journalism is practiced by compliment the journalist. Contact them by Facebook, Email, Twitter, and tell them and others about there good work. Everyone needs some positive reinforcement. At the very least it will bring attention to genuine talent and greatness. 

2. If you know of something not being reported by the newspapers, radio or tv stations that should be reported make the media and others aware of these stories.

3. If the media refuses to carry the stories. Than contact Paul Ogden, Jon Easter, or fill out the contact form on the web version of the INDY REPUBLICAN blog site. And we will all do our best to get the information out there.

4. We must create and innovative in order to change the Indiana media. We encourage you all to not only share and publicize Ogden on Politics, Indy Republican and Jon Easter's Indy Democrat blogs. But to create and start your own blogs. Creating groups on social media to respond to cases of media bias and omission is a must. Such groups could fact check news stories and call out the Indianapolis press corp when it falls down on the job. Some ideas for group names are: the Ogden Brigade, Easter's Men, the Welsh Saints (in honor of the late Gary Welsh), and IR's Crusaders all have some good rings to them. 

5. Keep in touch with and support the "good" journalists. The following are journalists who are if not in complete sympathy with our aims. At the very least they aren't overly hostile to us. Kara Kenney and Rafael Sanchez at WRTV-6 are decent journalists. Nikki Kelly of the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Tony Cook, Fatima Hussein of the Indianapolis Star are good and original thinkers. Dan Carden of the Northwest Indiana Times is worth reading and check his twitter feed for good information. Hayleigh Colombo of the Indianapolis Business Journal. Rob Kendall at WYRZ-FM was a good friend of Gary Welsh and is worth listening to. At the national news level Tom Lobianco and Jake Tapper at CNN are solid guys. Liberal but good journalists they are. Eric Shawn of Fox News is a good guy. Lastly Bernard Goldberg of BernardGoldberg.com is a no nonsense man. All of these men and women are worth following and much can be learned from them.

Target #2

Local Government Officials and State Legislators

All politics is local. Getting the voters on our side will only pay dividends if we are able to have allies at both the local governmental level and in the state legislature. To that end we must elect good men and women to office. Staying engaged at the local level is absolutely essential. It is at this level we can get our feet in the door. Challenge elected officials to enforce the laws, to enact true, just and objective laws. And to repeal laws that destroy the God given and natural rights of man. When your officials do good tell them why you appreciate their service. When they fall short tell them. If they don't shape up. Then run against them. Keep after every mediocrity that is a lawmaker until either they are defeated or quit. Our elected officials are supposed to work for us. REMIND them of this. Make it so that they are so terrified to betray their oath of office that the mere thought of it makes them ill. We will win our struggle over a long period of time. It will little by little that we chip away at Indiana's Bi-Partisan Cabal. We will be as a million mosquitoes taking down an elephant. But take it down we will. 

Target #3

Taking Back the Indiana Republican Party 

This is the hardest nut we must crack. Which is all the more reason we need to pound away at the INGOP until there are no party hacks left standing. To retake the Hoosier Grand Old Party we must break up the good old boy network that is the leadership elite of our party. There are a good number of activists in Marion County who are working to take back the party from Bob Grand and Joe Loftus. Paul Ogden has worked tirelessly to fight the establishment in Marion County. His efforts are valuable and must continue. But retaking the party will have to be done by starting outside Marion County. For now our efforts must be focused on building up pro liberty County GOP organizations throughout the state. From their we will advance resolutely and gather more and more territory. Until we are in a position to challenge what remains of the so called Republican Party of Marion County. Contrary to the delusional press releases of the Marion County Party and it's propaganda ministers. The party has been losing ground and bleeding support for the last twenty years. Unless drastic course corrections are made within 5 to 10 years the Marion County GOP will be reduced to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Marion County Democratic Party. It is best to simply let the party in the Circle City implode and to get as far away as we can. To build up our strength throughout the state's other 91 County parties. We must keep the local parties focused on good government reform. We must oppose all republicans who are anti freedom. At the same time we must identify and elect pro-freedom candidates. We can't fight everywhere so we must focus all our energies into where we can win. 

Conclusion 

Above we have put out in general terms our ideas for reclaiming the Hoosier state. Later we plan to publish policy proposals. For now this should work as a starting framework to achieve our goals. Any suggestions or ideas are of course always welcome.

Republican Party Should Listen to J. Cal Davenport or get toasted!

Redstate.com's J. Cal Davenport has published a piece today entitled "No Party Is Serious And I Feel Politically Homeless". Davenport nails down exactly the frustration that scores of republicans the IR staff included share with the Republican Party both nationally and statewide.  Davenport also lays out the case as to why so many of us frustrated and disgruntled republicans refuse to join the Democratic or Libertarian Parties. Davenport's article is of such high quality and relevance  especially in light of yesterday's incident in which the GOP nominee for the House of Representatives Greg Gianfonte is reported to have assaulted Ben Jacob's a reporter for the British newspaper The Guardian. It is for these reasons we have decided to share  Davenport's article on this blog:

Yesterday’s news that a Republican candidate for U.S. Congress from Montana body-slammed a reporter has me pensive once again about where I and other conservatives like me belong.

Greg Gianforte was charged with misdemeanor assault for lifting The Guardian’s Ben Jacobs by the neck and slamming him to the ground hard enough to break his glasses, all because Jacobs asked for a response from the candidate regarding the CBO’s scoring of the American Health Care Act. Newspapers have pulled endorsements in what will hopefully not be the last of the repercussions for Gianforte’s conduct. (Hat tip to Andrea Ruth for such a fantastic job following this story.)

One congressional candidate, who is already facing swift and harsh backlash — some social media defenders notwithstanding — is only one straw, but it’s just the latest in a series that has made it harder and harder to take the Republican Party seriously anymore. Founder of the Gianforte Family Foundation, whose mission it is to “support the work of faith-based organizations engaged in outreach work, strengthening families, and helping the needy,” Gianforte also has worked with Focus on the Family and donated over a million dollars to a creationist museum. He is a poster child for political engagement by a conservative Christian entrepreneur.

And this becomes his witness.

Liberals punch people and set fire to tires in order not to provide a platform to views they don’t like too, so violence as a solution to ideological challenges is largely the order of the day in American politics. Without a doubt, it is a pervasive problem across the spectrum.

Yet in spite of the if-it-bleeds-it-leads bias toward reporting the outrageous, I argue that the biggest problem in the American political system is that there is an overwhelming lack of seriousness. It infects the GOP at least as much as any other party, and when it sufficiently debilitates its host, the host sees only escalating absurdity as the way forward.

I remain a registered Republican. Certainly I approve of a greater number of GOP politicians — Ben Sasse, Mike Lee, my own state of Michigan’s lieutenant governor, Brian Calley, for example — than of any other party, but that is mostly due to the fact that the only rival to the Republican Party in size is the Democratic Party. Before I’m a Republican, I’m a conservative, but the movement and its party manifestations over the past five, but especially two, years have threatened to return it to the laughable status it maintained prior to the work Bill Buckley and so many others did to make it intellectually respectable — and elect Ronald Reagan.

Kristen Soltis Anderson at The Washington Examiner recently highlighted the fact that young people are abandoning the GOP ship like it just hit an iceberg. In 18 months, 23 percent of those 18-29 defected from the party and have not returned. As no course correction appears forthcoming, there’s no reason to expect that to change any time soon. 

From personal experience, I can attest to the fact that Christians under forty are marching out of the Republican tent, because they are finding it difficult to reconcile their faith with a party whose titular head shows a callous disregard for the very minorities and vulnerable people we conservatives told ourselves our policies best served. One isolated (but nationwide) incident might have been written off as the last electoral gasp of a generation unable to cope with the changes in America — 50- to 64-year-olds left the Democrats at a greater rate than any other age bracket — except that the GOP leadership morphed from being “concerned” about Donald Trump into monkeys that see and hear no evil.

Too many at the grassroots level have likewise transformed. News that is sometimes fake, but more often spun — predigested for those with weak stomachs — serves as the blindfold and earplugs that block out the pervasive moral and intellectual vapidity. The party in Washington is unserious because those who are “engaged” (I use that term loosely) are unserious, and demand nothing more. Rather than think deeply about the myriad problems and challenges America faces, those who claim to take them seriously just get angrier, while also becoming less connected to reality and other people.

What do those of us who increasingly feel like a minority do? If we leave, where do we go? The Democratic Party continues its insistent on abortion on demand, it elevates issues like an endless menus of genders from which to choose over basic budget math and common sense, a loud and influential faction mocks Christianity and its most compelling member is a 75-year-old self-described socialist.

Speaking of Bernie Sanders, he happens to be the only prominent member of his party both to insist that there is a space for pro-lifers on the left and to unequivocally condemn the violent reactions of campus liberals who protest speeches by conservatives. Yet to embrace him is to embrace a man with a budget proposal that would have added $21 trillion to the debt in just a decade — an anathema to conservatives, as well as anyone who realizes that this so much money it could be piled in stacks of $5 bills and still reach the moon five times. We’re not about to leave a sinking party only to advocate for sinking a party under crushing debt. Be serious. The problem is bipartisan.

The Democratic Party’s adamantine defense of the increasingly misnamed Affordable Care Act is completely unironic in the face of double-digit premium hikes. The alternative? Republicans spent 7 years promising us free-market, conservative solutions to problems in the healthcare industry, only to offer “Swampcare” in various editions, which, in greater and lesser degrees, buys every Obamacare premise about the nature of the problems and solutions, and gives us just a little less of what we had before, as though the solution to the nauseating taste of Budweiser is Bud Light.

If silliness pervades both major parties, are there other options? The Libertarian Party confidently nominated a successful two-term Republican governor of a center-left state, implicitly assuring us that James Weeks II stripping down at national convention was just an anomaly. Then Gary Johnson took a golden opportunity and turned it into a reminder of why the LP is such a distant third electorally, with this. And this. And this. They can’t be serious.

Evan McMullin, my favorite presidential candidate in the general, finished third in his home state of Utah — his best showing — despite the fact that the GOP there was hemorrhaging his fellow Mormons. Since the election, he’s appeared to be more an opportunist than a serious leader, embracing interpretations of President Trump’s every action that put him in the worst possible light, no matter how implausible or inconsistent. He isn’t serious.

The Constitution Party is irrelevant. The problem proves to be not just bipartisan, but multi-partisan. (Perhaps the new Federalist Party is the place to be? At this point, it’s far too early to predict the success of that venture.)

I am partial to the view that the path partially is to be found outside of party politics, but the degree to which politics is downstream from culture is up for debate, as is the question of how politics itself influences culture. Besides, the insanity reaches outside of party politics as well, the Seth Rich conspiracy theory being only the most recent example. To find our place outside of a party is simply to act on the knowledge that conservatism isn’t a party. Eventually, though, a political movement needs an electoral outlet.

To return for a moment to the GOP, I’m agnostic and ambivalent as to whether it is part of the long-term future of serious conservatism. If it ceases entirely to be the party of Lincoln, Coolidge and Reagan, what merit does it hold as a vehicle for the movement? It’s the short term that presents a problem.

It seems as though any moron can run for office these days. When anyone can captain the Titanic, it’s much more likely to hit an iceberg. The pertinent (and seemingly eternal) question is whether it is possible to wrest control and correct course in time. If not, on which liferaft do we take refuge as we abandon ship?

Joyriding Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard Crashed City Car

 

This mornings edition of the Indianapolis Star reported that RINO Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard had crashed a Carmel city car last month.

Indystar reporter Chris Sikich reporting on last months crash writes:

No one was injured or cited in the crash, although the driver of the vehicle Brainard hit faces a charge for driving without a license. 

Brainard was driving northbound on 3rd Avenue SW around 2 p.m. April 20 when he crossed the center line along the curve north of Carmel Drive, according to the Carmel Police Department report. Jose Guzman Uribe, 36, Indianapolis, was driving southbound in a 2006 Chevy Silverado hauling a trailer for his lawn-mowing business. Brainard crashed into the trailer.

The mayor told police he was feeling fatigued before he crossed the center line, according to the report. 

Brainard did not respond to an interview request. In an emailed statement, city spokeswoman Nancy Heck said the mayor was returning to City Hall from a meeting in Downtown Indianapolis.

The city is leasing the 2017 Ford Fusion Titanium, the highest end of the Fusion models, for $649.45 a month. The mayor signed the three-year lease through Tom Wood via Quality Leasing Co. in July 2016 as part of his benefit package. That's $23,380 over the life of the lease, plus expenses such as oil changes. The Fusion's retail price is $32,018.

Heck said insurance will buy out the lease for $29,588.50. The city will pay a $500 deductible, she said. The mayor is driving another city-owned car. 

Heck said the trailer was damaged, but no claim has been submitted to the city. 

Lt. Joe Bickel, Carmel Police Department's public information officer, said it is up to the officer at the scene to decide whether to conduct a sobriety test or cite a motorist involved in a crash. In this case, the officer didn't think either was warranted.

Harvey Lancaster, an attorney with Hensley Legal Group, which specializes in traffic crashes, said police typically only issue tickets in crashes if they witness a violation. He said officers have discretion to conduct toxicology tests based on what they witness. 

"It varies from case to case," he said. 

It appears that Mayor Brainard has crashed a city owned vehicle at least once before. 

Sikich continues:

In November 2002, he T-boned a school bus in a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer, while attempting to turn left on 99th Street to Westfield Boulevard. No one was injured, but both vehicles were damaged. 

Jose Guzman Uribe the unlicensed driver of the car that was towing the trailer that Brainard hit. Has been charged with a Class A misdemeanor for driving without a license. He previously received a 60 day suspended sentence in 2014 for driving with out a license.

IR has been unable to uncover any other information about Brainard's 2002 T-Boning of a school bus. Late last year we posted about Mayor Brainard and the Star's Matt Tully's mancrush on Brainard. That was about the article that Tully wrote proclaiming that Brainard was woefully underpaid as mayor. Tully as usual was simply lavishing praise on another member of Tully's Circle Jerk Club! 

As far as we can deduce from the information available to us we cannot see any evidence of the police acting improperly at this time. But Brainard's stating that he was fatigued at the time of the incident, along with rumors that Brainard has been suffering from some unrevealed health malady for some time now, possibly prior to 2010. Coupled with sources telling IR that Mayor Brainard is reputed to be very hyperactive, an extreme multitasker, and now having been involved in two traffic accidents during his 20 year reign as mayor. This does raise very serious questions about whether he is physically up to the demands of his job. He may very well be. We strongly would recommend to Mayor Brainard that he get himself medical care ASAP. He also needs to be straight forward with Carmelites about his health. If he is not careful he or others maybe hurt or even killed. If anyone has any information about this incident or Brainard's 2002 accident. Please fill out our contact form on the web version on the Indy Republican blog, or contact Paul Ogden of Ogden On Politics fame, or call Chris Sikich at 317-444-6036, or WRTV reporter Kara Kenney via twitter or Facebook.

Fellow Blogger Paul Ogden also reported on old Jimbo Brainard's driving issues here.

19 Dead and 50 Plus Injured in Ariana Grande Concert Explosion

IR has just received word of an explosion at Manchester Arena in London. Earlier today an explosion occurred during Ariana Grande's concert at the Arena. Cause of the explosion is unknown at this time. The London Guardian's website has confirmed 19 people dead and at least 50 injuries. We ask that everyone of you offer your prayers and support to the victims of this tragedy. If anyone wants to follow this story click here for The Guardians coverage. 

Going Back to the USSR Comrade Pence?

According to WSBT-TV. Apparently some of the people in South Bend decided to give a special welcoming gift to make Vice President Mike Pence feel more at home. When entering South Bend to speak at Norte Dame Vice President Pence was greeted by this lovely display:

 

WSBT-TV reports:

The sign pictured above is up at the corner of South Bend Avenue and Edison. The sign is in Russian with the hammer and sickle, and at the bottom it says "Welcome Election Conspirators."

IR hasn't heard anything as far as any response from Team Pence about this symbol. IR is curious about how Mike Pence feels being associated in some people's minds with the old Soviet Empire. If anyone out there hears anything else about this let us know. In the meantime let us all pray that the Soviet Union stays dead! 

Indy Car Robbery Suspects In Custody

If you are like most of us here at IR. You are probably looking forward to the upcoming INDY 500. Our hero the late great Gary Welsh would attend the 500 most years. So when we all heard about the robbing of Indy Car drivers Scott Dixon and Dario Franchitti yesterday. We were shocked and appalled and we hoped and prayed for the parties responsible to be brought to justice. We are thrilled to say that our prayers appear to have been answered. 

WISH-TV reports that they have two suspects in custody. WISH-TV's website reporting earlier today:

According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Scott Dixon and Dario Franchitti were robbed at gunpoint at a Taco Bell in the 3500 block of West 16th Street. Dixon’s wife Emma Davies-Dixon is also listed as a victim on the police report, as is an unidentified 25-year-old man.

The incident happened hours after Dixon won the pole position Sunday for the 101st running of the Indianapolis 500.

The teens are listed as 14 years old and 15 years old in the IMPD report.

IMPD said that surveillance cameras at Taco Bell caught a suspicions vehicle on video. The vehicle and the suspect appeared from the same direction, then the suspects ran in the same direction of the vehicle.

About 30 minutes later, the vehicle was located. The passenger attempted to run from police but was caught by a K-9. That passenger was positively identified by one of the victims. The driver told detectives that he was partially involved and told investigators where the stolen property was. One of the suspects was sent to the Juvenile Detention Center was the other was sent to a local hospital.

In addition to being this year’s pole sitter, Dixon is previous winner of the big race. Franchitti has made it to the winner’s circle three times.

Chip Ganassi Racing issued a statement to 24-Hour News 8:

Scott Dixon and Dario Franchitti are completely fine after being held up last night by two men at a fast food restaurant in Speedway, Ind. Thank you to everyone for all of your concerns about their well-being. However, we will allow the Speedway/Indianapolis police departments to handle the situation and while they conduct their investigation we will refrain from making any further comments to allow Scott to focus on the upcoming Indianapolis 500.”

We would like to thank the IMPD for apprehending the suspects so quickly. We would also like to wish Scott and Dario good luck in the 500. Also we would like to ask all of you to pray that these two young people who allegedly robbed Misters Dixon and Franchitti. We pray that these two young people clean up their acts and that after their debts to society are paid they go onto live good and prosperous lives. IR's staff believes in outing corruption, sin, and evil wherever we see it. But we all also believe in practicing active goodness and working to achieve the final salvation of all souls. To all of you out there. This is the Indy Republican newsdesk and we wish you all a good night.