Indiana's Conservative Hardball

The Crazy Get Crazier: Whack Job Paul Ogden Now Compares Tim Durham to Murder-Rapist-Klan Leader D.C. Stevenson...

noreply@blogger.com (zachmain) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:21:00 +0000

Sometimes, I'm just speechless. Who's next Paul? Hitler? Stalin? Pol Pot?

Oh, and I'm happy to announce I've found the image I will use when I talk about the ramblings of "Ogden on Politics." What do you all think?

Burton: standing up for the Navy Seals

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Jessen) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 19:24:00 +0000

Three Navy SEALs are charged with assault for allegedly fattening the lip of a wanted terrorist. Ahmed Hashim Abed is wanted by the United States for being the “mastermind of the murder and mutilation of four Blackwater USA security guards in Fallujah in 2004.”

When he found himself in United States custody, he told the investigators he was punched by his captors. His bloody lip served as enough evidence to bring the three sailors up for Admiral’s Mast. They said they preferred a court martial.

These guys did what had to be done and now they are on trial for it?

Congressman Dan Burton has taken up their cause and is standing up for them.

He has started a petition to Adm. Gary Roughead, Chief of Naval Operations, asking for all charges to be dismissed. It is based on of his website.

It reads:
Dear Adm. Roughead:

In a heroic action on the night of September 3, Navy SEALs captured one of the most wanted terrorists in Iraq, Ahmed Hashim Abed. Abed is believed to be the man behind the barbaric attack in Fallujah in 2004 in which four Blackwater security guards were ambushed, their bodies mutilated, and then hung from a bridge.

Now, because Abed complained that someone smacked him in the face after he was captured (he apparently exhibited a bloody lip), three of the SEALs – Matthew McCabe, Jonathan Keefe and Julio Huertas – are facing a January court martial for prisoner abuse (or making false statements to conceal it.)

SEALs are characterized by bravery, skill, and honor. They operate under stressful conditions that we cannot even imagine. And in this war – against a ruthless, implacable and barbaric enemy – we believe that their conduct must be judged in that context.

You, as Chief of Naval Operations, have the ability to prevent these men from facing disciplinary action that would end their careers and – we firmly believe – destroy the morale of all our Army, Navy, Marine and Air Force special operators.

Please take action immediately to dismiss these charges and restore these men to duty with honor.
Click here to sign the petition.

Just what is the Obama Administration trying to do here? First we are bring terrorists back to US soil to give them all the rights and privledges of an American citizen by giving them a trial better than most white color criminals get.

Now, three soldiers have a bit of trouble transporting a known criminal/terrorist. They take matters into their own hands. They didn't shoot him, they didn't beat the ever loving tar out of him... they gave him a bloody lip and now, they are on trial for it?

Is the Obama Administration trying to destroy the attitude and strength of the American military?

Thank you Congressman for taking up this cause. Go to Burton's site and sign the petition!

May the force be with you

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Jessen) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:58:00 +0000

And now, a message from Mayor Greg Ballard...

Love it or hate it, snow is a part of life in the Midwest. At the City of Indianapolis, we’re committed to removing it effectively and efficiently – and we’ve made a serious effort to back up that commitment with Indy Snow Force.

Indianapolis residents are renowned for their hospitality and spirit of giving; especially when facing challenges. Your help is also needed in keeping our streets and community safe during winter weather.

Organize folks in your neighborhoods; work with neighborhood associations, community and youth groups to keep sidewalks, school crosswalks and parking spaces and fire hydrants clear. Check on aging and disabled neighbors when you can to ensure their safety. Be considerate of young children and at risk citizens when clearing away snow.

Businesses and building managers can help by shoveling adjacent sidewalks and bus stops.

When navigating difficult weather conditions, consideration for others and good sense can prove the difference in keeping roads, residents and commuters safe. By exercising patience and being considerate and working together to help your neighbor, we can get through anything. The more we pitch in and work together, the better for everyone.

And remember, never hesitate to contact the Mayor’s Action Center (MAC) at 327-4MAC to request city services.

Indy Snow Force is a division of the Indianapolis Department of Public Works. Our mission, and obsession, is making Indy’s streets as safe as possible when snow and ice hit. At the heart of Indy Snow Force is our fleet of 91 vehicles – including 37 new plow trucks. Beyond that are 150 drivers and a whole host of additional equipment, support staff and supplies.

Because we’re a city organization (and not a state entity), we focus on the roadways Indy’s residents depend on most. You’ll see our white trucks on city streets before, during, and after winter’s worst weather hits.

Download Snow Force brochure (PDF).

Too chicken to leave your name huh?

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Jessen) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:10:00 +0000

Good morning all...

After careful thought and consideration, I have changed policy here at ICH in regards to leaving comments.

Now I know some of you will whine, saying I am limiting free speech or whatever else you might come up with...

I am just sick and tired of drive by's who like to pop in, leave some distasteful comments and not have enough spine to back up what they said because they are too chicken to leave their name.

So, effective immediately...
NO ID, NO COMMENTS ALLOWED.

Don't say you didn't get the memo...

September 11, 2001 - December 7,1941: Dates That Will Live In Infamy

exetertraining@aol.com (The Political and Financial Markets Commentator) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 16:13:00 +0000

Dates That Serve To Define The World

Tomorrow, December 7, marks the anniversary of "a date that will live in infamy", the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. This was the event that brought the United States into WW II, ultimately leading to the defeat of what was then a overwhelming threat to the security of the world. Had the Japanese not committed this act, and had the United States not entered the war, who is to know the state of the world today.

That hypothetical gives way to the actual reality of the day, that of the global threat of both terrorism through "conventional" means, as well as through nuclear weapons that could bring global devastation in seconds. Let us never forget that those who wish to control and dictate through the belief that all in the world should be a certain way, whether ethnically, religiously or both, can only be defeated in one way.

As seen with Hitler, and as we are trying to accomplish through appeasement today, a negotiated promise through a signature on a piece of paper is meaningless. The totalitarian desires of these factions know no level of compromise. It is win at all costs and those who wish to attempt to pacify through third parties such as the U.N. or through diplomacy and the threat of sanctions are merely playing into the hands of those who seek to destroy us.

Our enemies believe that the world does not have the stomach or the will to stop them, much as Hitler knew as he marched into country's and made therm his.

As the philosopher George Santayana wrote, and which rings as true today as at any point in history, 'Those who cannot remember the past are doomed to repeat it." Afghanistan, Iran and North Korea are merely symptoms of a much greater problem. But as any doctor will tell you, these symptoms need to be treated, or like a cancer they will continue to flourish and will eventually take over the body.

Photos courtesy of Britannica and Write On New Jersey

To My Biggest Fan...

noreply@blogger.com (zachmain) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 22:46:00 +0000

It isn't necessary to harass and threaten my friends to find out information about me.

I'm an open book. Here's my personal email: zachmain@gmail.com. Shoot me a message and I'll be happy to give you my address and cell phone number. I'll fill you in on where I hang out, how I make my money, and exactly why my wife and I split...

Advance Indiana claims "Wishard Lies." I Just See Pragmatism and Leadership...

noreply@blogger.com (zachmain) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:31:00 +0000

Gary Welsh has an interesting post over on Advance Indiana entitled "More Wishard Lies," in which he lays out the way in which the City and the Health and Hospital Corporation (HHC) are borrowing the money to build a new Wishard Hospital. The headline of the post is flashy, and certainly caught my attention. But upon reading it, I couldn't find any lies...

Here's the deal:

Contrary to what many folks thought, HHC is not actually borrowing the money for the building of the hospital, it is instead being borrowed by the Marion County Building Authority. The reason for this is that an archaic state law limits the amount of debt that HHC can take on, so the MCBA will actually be the owner of the new hospital and will lease it to HHC.

Advance Indiana considers this move "skirting state law," and I assume he considers it one of "Wishard's lies." But is it a lie? I don't think so. Let's face it, the people have spoken on the issue of building a new world class downtown hospital, and the answer was a resounding "Yes!" Our job now is to make the best of the situation. I guess this is one of the big problems that I have with all the sniping that surrounds local politics here in Indianapolis (that is heavily magnified in the blogosphere), a lack of pragmatism... The haters need to face the fact that we live in an environment that has rules. Wishard followed those rules, they got a referendum on the ballot, and they won the referendum, despite the pleas to the contrary from Advance Indiana. Now that the measure has been approved, it is time to stop complaining, and get on with the business of making sure it is the best, most efficient hospital we can build! The City Council's decision to use the MCBA to borrow the money was the most pragmatic way to accomplish the goal of building the hospital in a timely fashion. I actually prefer the way this is being done, because it gives the Mayor some much needed oversight and leverage over HHC...

Having not blogged about Wishard before, I also want to comment on Welsh's broken record assertion that HHC is "defrauding the federal government out of hundreds of millions in Medicaid payments." Again Gary, we live in a society of rules, and local government's job is live as efficiently and pragmatically as we can within those rules. The formula that allows HHC to make the money they will use to pay their rent to MCBA is soundly within the Medicaid laws. Let's face it, there is a federal Medicaid budget that is divided among all 50 states. During an Obama administration, all that money is going to spent, it's one of those rules. That being said, I would argue that it is local government's job to make sure as many of those dollars as possible get spent here in Indiana, specifically in Central Indiana. With Medicaid money, we are playing a game of Hungry Hungry Hippos, and I know I damn sure want our local officials to play it well! One other thing, my understanding is that the Medicaid money plan is a guarantee that the rent will be paid on time, and barely takes into consideration any new revenue that a world class facility will undoubtedly generate with a prime downtown location. I don't blame folks for not wanting to be treated at Wishard as it currently stands, but I think non-Medicaid business will skyrocket once the new facility is completed, so I think much of this will end up being a moot point.

So kudos to the Mayor, HHC, and the City County Council! In my analysis, we get a new world class downtown hospital, and most of it will be paid for with federal tax dollars (that are going to be spent in another state if not in ours), instead of local money. If that isn't pragmatism and local leadership, I don't know what is...

And for the record, I don't like the huge Medicaid budget any more than Advance Indiana does... But I'll tell you what I like less: People who are not pragmatic, and therefore can't get anything done... It is possible to complain about the way the system works while also working within that system to get the best for your constituents.

If it were up to many of the bloggers in this town, we'd leave this federal money on the table for California to waste, out of some misguided sense of principal. That just doesn't make any sense.

Rough start for Mark Brown

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Jessen) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:17:00 +0000

So this morning on my way in, I caught some of Abdul's program. He had on a candidate for marion County Sheriff, Mark Brown.

Sounded like a good guy... except the obvious... he's a Democrat.

You can also tell he's a rookie into the political arena.

Someone called in to ask about the food conditions of the Marion County Jail. And they asked Mark what he would do to fix it.

Let alone avoiding the question, it turned into a reply about "caring" about the releasee's and wanting to help them prepare to reenter society.

Brown feels it is his job to help prepare them and find them a job. I don't remember his exact words, but it was along the lines about how he felt the Sheriff's Ofiice should do more.

Forget helping IMPD or policing... now it's their job to find jobs for people who were convicted of a crime and sent to jail.

One question thrown at him by Abdul (remember, I ws driving and not able to take notes...), Brown actually started rambling and froze in the middle of his answer. Our good friend Abdul helped him out and got him talking again.

Slating... we all know the Demmies slate in Marion County. Brown said it is his intention to participate in the slating process. But his answer didn't give the warm fuzzy that he would be slated.

His campaign was "leaving it on the table" about running and opposing the slate if he was not chosen.

That's the spirit Mark! Give'em hell!!

Brown spoke about how names for Sheriff people had seen more times over than most and it was time for new faces to emerge.

All in all, not a strong presense for Mark Brown on one of Indy's most listened to radio programs. And while I am not a Brown fan, advice to you Mr. Brown: you should've taken more time to prepare for the show Mark. Standard stump speeches, etc.

Can someone get this man a real campaign manager please?

A worthy opponent for Bayh

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Jessen) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:45:00 +0000

Things just got interesting...

Former Congressman John Hostettler announced earlier today that it is his intention to be Indiana's next United States Senator, replacing "asleep at the wheel" Evan Bayh.

Here's an exerpt from his announcement (from his website):
Over the next eleven months, I’ll be visiting with you all over Indiana and sharing with you my vision for Indiana and America. I believe that perilous times are in our future if we do not change course NOW. I also believe that we CAN make that change of course if we band together. In that spirit I am asking for your support as I pursue the office of United States Senator from our great state of Indiana. With your help and a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence we can avoid the catastrophe that today seems imminent. Once again, we MUST work together. I know you have much on your plate already, but I humbly ask you to join me in this great cause. I know that one day, when the work is done, our children will thank us.

NOW it’s first things first. If you are a registered voter in the state of Indiana, I need you to go to JohnHostettler.com and sign the petition to have my name placed on the May primary ballot. Without your name on a petition as soon as possible, I cannot even get on the ballot. So, once again go to JohnHostettler.com, learn a little about me and, most importantly, sign the petition.
Your thoughts?

John have a chance? Support him? Let us know...

Hypocrisy Alert Part 1.5: PAC Chairman Brose McVey Pledges To Outlaw PACs, Concurrently Cements His Reputation as a First Amendment Opponent...

noreply@blogger.com (zachmain) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:55:00 +0000

And now back to our regularly scheduled programming...

After reading Hypocrisy Alert Part 1:, an intrepid reader contacted me with even more hypocrisy surrounding Congressional candidate Brose McVey's stance on political action committees. So here's another quote from Candidate McVey's website:

I’ve also had enough of cynical money politics. So, I pledge to accept no campaign contributions from Political Action Committees (PACs), and if elected I will work to abolish them.

So Brose McVey pledges not to take PAC money (after taking over $370,000 in PAC money in 2002)... But it is the second half of that sentence that I would like to focus on now.

Brose McVey will work to abolish PACs? Really? He must be really upset with them. Perhaps because after wasting their money on him the first time they are refusing to make the same sucker bet again?

But it gets worse. ICH has uncovered documents that show that not only has Brose McVey been a friend to PACs for years, UNTIL VERY RECENTLY, BROSE MCVEY HAD HIS OWN PAC!

Wow! Here are the details:
Indiana's Future PAC
Chairman: Brose McVey
Established on: April 16, 2003
Disbanded on: August 24, 2009!

Now I don't know exactly when McVey's website went live, but I think I remember it being active over the summer, in June or July. Assuming I'm right about that, then BROSE MCVEY ADVOCATED FOR OUTLAWING PACS WHILE HE WAS A PAC CHAIRMAN...

So now we call on candidate McVey for an explanation... Tell us PAC Chairman McVey, what is the real reason you hate PACs? Is it really because you feel like they are "cynical money politics?" or is it because you knew you had as good a chance of receiving PAC money this time around as I have of sleeping with Megan Fox?

And we haven't even touched upon the issue of free speech... McVey's pledge to outlaw PACs flies straight in the face of one of the core tenants of conservatism -- Our First Amendment right to free speech! As Conservatives, we strongly support the right of individuals and groups of individuals to get together and express their beliefs using either their voices or their wallets.

Brose, we're disappointed. Not only is this the worst case of hypocrisy we've seen in politics in a long time, it spits in the face of the founding fathers and local Hoosier patriots like 2009 Republican Lawyer of the Year Jim Bopp, who have dedicated their lives to fighting for freedom, especially against ridiculous campaign finance restrictions like yours...

Open reply to readers comments...

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Jessen) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:04:00 +0000

Ok, since this is "my blog", I feel I have a few things to add.

I find it funny the amount of anonymous comments we have received lately. Some of which are bloggers or other conservatives who choose to leave comments. Unlike some other well followed blogs, I choose to allow people to leave comments, without registering or… if they choose, to be anonymous. I do however, find people who leave comments without leaving their name, to be cowards.

People take the time to leave apparently well thought out comments, but then chicken out on giving their name?

Why? They say we are hiding something, yet they hide their name for some reason...

Now, on to some direct replies to comments:

Conservative Blogger: I see that you have been leaving comments lately as well, entering into a war of words with one of my contributors. Yet, I have no clue of who you are as well. You have not set a profile for me to find out more about your blog which you apparently linked to mine. I would like to return the favor of a link… but without information… By the way, it usually is a customary courtesy to let other blogs know about linking them. I may not know anything about “showing off” my traffic numbers. But I do know some “blogger courtesy”.

But see saying all this… I guess you will just throw more accusations our way rather than become part of the conversation. You find it more fun to make (excuse the expression) dumb ass comments about Zach’s driving records?

What the hell is that about? You say you want us to focus on bashing the left, yet you have no problem throwing that crap around. Zach honestly apologized, yet you made yourself no better than how you view this blog as of late by coming down to the level of a “war of words”.

You too sir, are a coward. You choose to hide your identity because… well you were quite clear. Let’s go to the comments: (Your words):

Oh, and the reason I don't post my real identity..

That should be obvious by now.

Obvious because you have access to our driving records?

Public records?
Wow. I'm impressed.

Go ahead and look mine up. Everyone else can. Speeding, driving without insurance. It’s all there. Make sure you see my child support information too. Wouldn’t want you to miss that.

Apparently, you think looking at Zach’s driving records or looking into blogging about our legal past is worthy of a post. Again sir, that would make you no better than what you criticized Zach and this blog about. You would be brought down to "our level", thus making you a hypocit.

Zach’s posts have not drudged up past personal issues about Gary Welsh or Paul Odgen. All we have done is call them out on their PUBLIC WORDS BEING SAID IN A BLOG POST. Matter of public record. And if anyone finds that no one should be critical of their posts, simply because we are all conservatives and should stick together, brother… you missed the whole point.

In America, we are all entitled to our own opinion. We all get along and I believe in their rights to post whatever it is they want. Not once have I (or Zach) ever said to them that they should stop blogging or remove their blogs.

Nixon once said that "this President is not above the law". And this blog is not above taking criticism of it's own. You don't agree with our postings, then comment about it (which I freely welcome and allow you to do so...).

I assure you as well, following Reagan’s and Keith Bulen’s advice, we will be united after the primaries. This blog will support the GOP candidates. We’ve done so in the past and will continue to do so.

I also assure you that I will not stop crying “bullshit” or “lair” or “bad form” to ANY OTHER blog out there, being conservative or liberal. Odgen’s comments about Durham’s ex-wife were out of line. Welsh’s comments needed to be called out; Ballard did just as Welsh has called for and Welsh STILL WASN’T HAPPY.

By the way... my site feed shows readers as well as the subscribers feed in the corner. If you have some other ingenious piece of technology you wish to share with novice bloggers about how to brag more and more about traffic, please share it.

And I do want to thank you for taking as much as as you have on my blog, reading and commented. No sarcasm meant here; this is why our Party grows because of the continued exchange of ideas.

GOP Chick: thanks for the words of support. Send me a link so I can add your blog to my roll.

Indy Student: Matt, thanks for reading. I don’t care if you worked on the Clinton Campaign… I will be adding your blog to our blog list as well. I enjoy reading your perspective.

Mark: I agree about it being childish… this is why I will not remove blogs from my roll that have removed us.

karma09: it isn’t acceptable “just because we are all Republicans here”.

I guess I just don’t understand… why is it so bad that we call out other blogs for comments being made? Yet, the true target is the left. But so is hypocrisy and kicking someone when their down.

And as a true conservative, I cannot allow that type of behavior to go on without saying something.

Et Tu, Brute? Paul Ogden From Ogden on Politics No Longer Finds Us "Interesting." Do His Ten Readers Agree?

noreply@blogger.com (zachmain) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:55:00 +0000

Well it happened again...

Folks, we've been removed from yet another blog roll. Following Advance Indiana's lead (what else is new?) sycophant Paul Ogden from Ogden on Politics has removed us from his "Interesting Blogs" list.

The only question now is, did his ten readers book mark us in time? I know I did, so that leaves nine...

Please note that we are not so childish here at Indiana's Conservative Hardball. We link both to Advance Indiana and Ogden on Politics, and will do so in perpetuity.

The Obama Doctrine: What Does It All Mean And Was It Worth The Wait?

exetertraining@aol.com (The Political and Financial Markets Commentator) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:30:00 +0000

From The Political Commentator

The Long Awaited Speech Is In The Books And 30,000 Troops Will Be Heading To Afghanistan With Date Certain Withdrawal

Some tough sounding rhetoric with a smattering of date certain withdrawal. What does it all mean for the United States, our military, homeland security and the world. Do the words of this speech have any bite? Is it a halfway measure? Is it tough sounding talk with plans for date certain withdrawal in order to attempt to placate both his political base and political adversaries? Is the discussion of our coalition of partners reality or fantasy? Who is coming along with us for this ride as President Obama alludes? China? Russia? France? Germany? Anybody?

The Cost Of War
There was a long discussion of the cost of war to this point, going forward, our responsibilities to the world and how it all ties together. How the price of the conflict is a critical factor and cannot be an open ended commitment. This from a president who has done more to expand the deficits of our country on domestic programs in less than one year than presidents have been able to accomplish over the course of full administrations and beyond. The current healthcare bill could add another $1 trillion to our debt. Yet there are limitations to the cost that we are willing to bear on the terrorism, the nuclear front and the security of the world. Interesting.

Date certain in Iraq or Afghanistan will lead to one result. The terrorists sitting on their hands until the proverbial coast is clear. They are not going anywhere. They do not have artificial deadlines they need to abide by. They know that the world and President Obama do not have the stomach for the conflict and they will play the waiting game. Will Afghan youth sign on to be the police when they know we are leaving? It is an old and tired story. The rhetoric of the President is equally worn. These are dangerous times and politics and checkbook budgets do not have a place in the decision making process.

Interesting Thoughts From War On Terror News On The Speech And It's Content

First off: Stop blaming the CinC that was decisive enough to overthrow the Taliban in less time than it took you to decide to half-step.
Secondly: Compromise belongs to politicians, not war. The General needs 40,000 Troops. 30,000 is a half-step compromise.

Third: Be grateful for allies. This is OUR fight and they are helping. The General asked YOU for 40,000 Troops, plus whatever the Allies could muster.

Fourth: Pakistan victories are not YOURS. They stepped up but you did not. Had you decided when the General asked, the Taliban could have been crushed as the Pakis pushed them out of their safe havens.

Fifth: This is not the "fastest" deployment of troops. It is the culmination of the slowest decision in modern history. A half-step decision at that. Had you decided to support the General that you sent to implement the "strategy" you "concluded" in March, the lead elements would already be on the ground, not getting their marching orders for May of next year. They'd be ready when the spring thaws for the new fighting season, rather than waiting on a plane in the US to go kick in the doors of an enemy that emplaced themselves while you consulted political advisors.

Sixth: Victory should be the goal, not a timeline for withdrawal. What cost do you put on lives and liberty? What dollar amount is too much to pay to prevent another attack? What dollar amount do you put on the life of a young Afghan girl that just wants to learn to read?

Seventh: Quit allowing Congress to cut the Military. Recruiters are turning away the few recruits that are qualified.

Eighth: Leadership would have been decisiveness, before NATO leaders got tired of your dithering.

A Desperate Cry For Attention! "Republican" Gary Welsh at Advance Indiana calls for Brizzi's Resignation With No Facts, Lots of Innuendo...

noreply@blogger.com (zachmain) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:37:00 +0000

Gary Welsh at Advance Indiana has gone completely bat @#$% crazy.

His newest missive is a ridiculous call for Carl Brizzi to resign his post as Marion County Prosecutor. Let me break down his arguments for you:

Carl Brizzi is good friends with Tim Durham, an alleged ponzi schemer. They even vacation together!

This is America Gary. We are innocent in this country until proven guilty. Not only has Tim Durham not been convicted of a crime, we don't believe in "guilt by association" in this country... The fact that you have no friends is no reason to be jealous of those who do! Tell you what, I'll blame Brizzi for Durham's alleged sins, when you write a post blaming Tiger Woods' caddy for his alleged affairs. Let's see what happens with the Durham case, watch Brizzi's reaction, and then make judgment.

Carl Brizzi should have been psychic and not accepted a position on the board of one of Tim Durham's companies.

Thank God we have moralist Gary Welsh telling us what is appropriate behavior! We were so proud of you Gary when you turned down all those board appointments so you could stay truly neutral ... Oh wait, no one has ever offered you one??? My bad. The simple truth here here folks is Brizzi accepted an invitation to the board, and when he got uncomfortable with how the company was being run, he resigned from the board. WITHOUT TAKING A SINGLE PAYCHECK. The same as any of us would have done.

Carl Brizzi should have been psychic and not bought stock in a Tim Durham owned company.

Well duh. Brizzi lost money in the deal. I wish I hadn't bought Washington Mutual stock six months before it went bankrupt... But I must say, I can't wait for the new Stock Tips column that I'm sure Gary is going to start adding to Advance Indiana!

Carl Brizzi has investments in stock, a restaurant (that God forbid has a liquor license), and in rental homes. But he never told Gary where he got the money... So Brizzi must be taking bribes!

Seriously? Quite a jump in logic Gary... But let this be a lesson to all you public officials out there! Do not invest in anything with out first letting Gary Welsh know exactly where you got the money! Or he will call you a dirty bribe taker and call for your resignation.

And my personal favorite:

Carl Brizzi has a defense lawyer for a finance chairman. So he must be a criminal!

So let me get this straight... Lawyer Gary Welsh hates lawyers? I'll tell you folks, some days I feel like I'm writing for The Onion...

Gary's post is trash. Obviously, Advance Indiana's readership is down (hopefully a few of them have come to our site :)), and this post is a desperate cry for readers and attention. Come on Gary... There are better ways to attract readers than to resort to rumor, innuendo, and muckraking. Leave that crap to the National Enquirer and TMZ. You are better than this!

And please Gary, stop calling yourself a Republican. Using lies and innuendo to malign one of our GOP public officials is out of line. Use your power for good, not to tear down our own party... In fact, after this ridiculous post, I call on you to resign your Precinct Committeeman position. After this fact free hack job, our Party will be better off with out you! I certainly don't want independents thinking this is what Republicans are all about...

P.S. I love this image! I think I will use it every time we call out Gary Welsh on his nonsense. Now... I just need to find one for Paul Ogden! :)

Watch the Presidential Press Conference

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Jessen) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:24:00 +0000

You can watch President Obama's Press Conference right here tonight!
Let us know your thoughts on the speech!.

Sarah Fisher hosting 2nd annual food drive

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Jessen) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:32:00 +0000

Sarah Fisher Racing (SFR) announced Monday its plan to host the 2nd annual "12 Days of Christmas Food Drive" with Indianapolis' St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry (SVdP) to serve as the beneficiary for the second consecutive year.

"We are again excited to work with SVdP food pantry to help those in need," said team owner and driver, Sarah Fisher, who expanded the operations of SFR last week by moving into a 15k square-foot facility on the west-side of Indianapolis. "As we grow our team, hopefully we will be able to raise more than our totals last year. We are very blessed to have such a giving fan base, and in our mission to never forget where we came from, we will continue to help our community. Our annual food drive benefiting SVdP is one of many charitable events we participate in each year."

The food pantry, with an all volunteer staff, provides nutritious meals and groceries for the homeless and working poor of Indiana. According to census data, it is estimated there are over 3,000 homeless Indianapolis residents and Indiana's unemployment rate has steadily been increasing since October 2008, recently rising to 9.8 percent, putting our state even with the national average of 9.8 percent, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.

"We are extremely grateful for the efforts of the Sarah Fisher Racing organization in support of our Client Choice Food Pantry at 3001 E. 30th St," said Pat Jerrell, SVdP Indy Council President. "The weekly number of client families served has increased by 15% as compared to a year ago, from 2,850 families to 3,300 families, with many new families registering each week. Rest assured that our all-volunteer Society of St. Vincent de Paul organization will maximize the benefit of all donations received to the thousands of families at-risk for hunger".

Food donations will be accepted from Tuesday, December 1 through Saturday, December 12. Cash and food donations will also be accepted through the US Mail to the SFR Race Shop.

Donations such as canned goods and other dried foods with a preferred list below, can be dropped off at any of these locations:

The SFR Race Shop at 4701 Rockville Rd, Suite A., Indianapolis
(Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)

O'Gara's Irish Pub at 522 Main Street, Beech Grove
(Monday- Saturday from 3:00 p.m. to close)

Cardwell Do-it-Best Home & Garden Center at 3205 Madison Avenue, Indianapolis
(Monday-Friday from 8:00 am. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00p.m, Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)

Hogan's Pub at 104 N 2nd Ave Beech Grove
(Monday-Sunday 2:00 p.m. to close)

Three Lamping Cleaners locations:
625 Main St, Beech Grove
3939 S Keystone Ave, Indianapolis
4030 S Emerson Ave, Indianapolis
(Monday-Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)

St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry provided the following list of preferred items: cereal, canned meat or fish, soups, canned fruit, rice, pasta, pasta sauce, box dinners, and peanut butter. Typically canned vegetables are in surplus.

Security? What security?

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Jessen) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:04:00 +0000

Does anyone realize how close we came last week to the two dreaded words worse than "President Obama"?

We were just two handshakes away (one with Obama and the other with Biden)from...

President Pelosi.

Deep breath... breathe... it's okay.

Tareq and Michaele Salahi are being alleged to have crashed the White House State Dinner last week. Now both of them claim that they were invited. Let's just say at this point that they were not invited and just walked in... They met and shook hands with both the President and VP. Access that was too easy to gain.

Fox News this morning reported that the White House Social Director has actually started putting up extra tables or chairs or benches at events with the President due to people "just showing up" with the hope of getting in and not taking no for an answer.

What? Excuse me?

Fort Hood, Texas. Nidal Malik Hasan stands accused of killing 13 people and wounding 30 others last month. This man had been since December 2008 about Islam and "justified suicide bombings". He had been under surveillance, but then for some reason, the surveillance stopped.

What?

So here's my question of the morning... what happened to the security in this nation? Where is it? Two people allegedly walk into a State Dinner and rub elbows with the President. One other talks about killing a lot of people, yet our country does nothing.

I'm sorry, but to me, this is a big deal... regardless of your political party affiliation. One would think that after Fort Hood, security around the President would be extremely tight. But we are finding that isn't the case.

I'm worried that we've returned to a pre 9/11 belief about safety and security in our country.

A new direction for ICH

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Jessen) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:00:00 +0000

So, as you may be aware, Indiana’s Conservative Hardball has taken a bit of change in it’s content over the past several weeks. Some of you really enjoy it; others… well, not so much.

I have noticed increased traffic and the number of subscribers has increased… hhhmmmm.

One emailer asked me why have we gone so “harsh in tone” as of late.
Another commented about how since we are a conservative blog, why would we be “doing after” other conversative blogs.

The answer is really quite simple.

I’m tired of the bullshit.

What’s the line from the movie “Network”?
“I'm mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore!”

Now, on to a longer, more detailed answer.

For years now, the GOP has had this outdated philosophy that seniority matter. And that if you were an elected official, no one should even consider running against you in a primary.

With no offense meant, John Mutz didn’t win. Bob Dole didn’t win. John McCain didn’t win. Were they the best candidates? One could argue that they were not.

And as blogs started to grow to help get the message out, many of them “fell in line” with the old Party standard. Some did so in order for the site to gain creditability; some did it to “get in good” with that elected official in order to get information.

No, that statement is not directed at any blog. Not Hoosier Access or any other blog. So stop jumping to conclusions.

As the blogsphere grows and more and more blogs pop up, a lot of fluff has started to come up. And when I started ICH, I made the decision that I would ask the tough questions and call out those who needed to be called out regardless of their Party affiliation.

And somewhere along the road, I too, lost track of that and “fell in line”.

ICH was more and more concerned about the brand name and the reputation than anything else. ICH became no better than the blogs I spoke about earlier.

I wasn’t being true either to the things that I believed. Congressman Joe Wilson reminded me of that, with the whole “Liar!” comment made on the House floor.

So why are we being critical of other blogs? Because we all deserve it. This blog is just a open to constructive, open criticism like any other. We do not feel we are above anyone.

That being said, we also decided it was time to return to our roots and not be afraid to call a spade a spade any longer. We know we’ve shaken up things a bit, and that’s good. Conversation has always helped.

This blog, going forward, is taking the Keith Bulen approach to politics. We are not afraid to speak our minds and support whom we feel we should support. Our comments and rants are meant to be constructive and help you, the reader, think for yourself.

We are conservatives and above all, Republicans. We do have the right to speak our minds.

It is my sincere hope that you enjoy the format. And please, let us know how we are doing.

Ben Hunter's Crusade Against Property Rights and Freedom Dies an Ignominious Death! (For Now)

noreply@blogger.com (zachmain) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:57:00 +0000

Even Ben Hunter can't deny that his smoking ban is dead for now. Congratulations to Save Indianapolis Bars, and all of you who wrote your Councillor to express your disgust at this blatant attack against anyone who dares try to make decisions for their own business...

However, we must remain vigilant. Hunter's plan is to send the bill back to committee and amend it as little as he can so he can gain the couple of votes he needs for passage. So in the meantime, we need to accomplish a couple of things:

First, we need to keep the pressure up on Smoke Free Indy. They are currently under investigation for using public funds for political purposes, which isn't surprising considering their willingness to play fast a loose with the truth. We need to keep the pressure up on Carl Brizzi, and maybe we can expose Tim Filler and SFI for the thugs that they are, and kill this thing for good.

Secondly, now is the time to start thinking about 2011. NOW is the time to start organizing primary challenges against Ben Hunter, Kent Smith, and any other Republican who has shown support for the Ban. Please folks, let's put some thought behind this... There must be a few freedom loving Republican left who can mount credible campaigns. I'll get my checkbook ready if you will!

Lastly, send Mayor Ballard an email of thanks. I don't see an address on the city website, but hit him on facebook, or just shake his hand the next time you see him and say "thanks." God knows, without his leadership on this issue, smokers would be standing outside in the snow this winter, and a ton of bar owners would be out of business...

Remain vigilant! This fight isn't over yet...

BoSox going after Halladay

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Jessen) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Advance Indiana Doesn't Love Us Anymore...

noreply@blogger.com (zachmain) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 05:51:00 +0000

Just noticed that Gary Welch at Advance Indiana has removed the link to this site from his blog... Sniff.

Gary, does this mean we've broken up? We here at Indiana's Conservative Hardball are brokenhearted!

Let this be a lesson to anyone who dares to shake things up in the Indianapolis blogosphere!

Principle over ego: an open letter to John McGoff & Brose McVey

noreply@blogger.com (Brian Jessen) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 21:00:00 +0000

So Dan Burton’s been in Congress for some time now. And along the way, apparently he has let down a good deal of people back in his District (and Indiana) about his leadership in Washington DC.

Back in 2008, John… you did a great job at running a positive campaign to unseat the Congressman. One many people respected. And more importantly, one you should be proud of John.

2002, Brose… you ran an excellent campaign against then Congresswoman Julia Carson. You brought national attention to the race and raised a good deal of money.

In the end guys… you both were not successful. But because of the races you ran, you gained a good deal of respect within the GOP.

Back to Dan Burton… John’s race last year showed that it could be possible to unseat the Congressman. And we all know you wanted to take a shot at taking Burton’s seat. But this race has been going on for some time now (since early January for some…). And now comes time for some tough decisions.

You both believe that Indiana needs new leadership in the 5th District. And because this is a GOP Primary Race, we Republicans are entitled to support a candidate of our own choice. Whomever wins the Primary becomes the candidate the party supports as a whole.

Keith Bulen talked about how this should work in great detail. Maybe some people should catch his book…

Since we all know you are strong in your convinction about bringing new leadership, you should take some time to examine how you now fit in to the 2010 Primary in the 5th.

With this many candidates (6 or 7 to date…), you guys are all but reassuring that Dan Burton will not only win the Primary, but sail thru the General Election as well next November. Geez, 18/20% of the vote wins this Primary. And I think we know that Burton can capture at least that much.

So, time for tough decisions.

Money race shows both you guys (McGoff and McVey) behind the other challengers. No, I have not seen any poll numbers. But John, I know you will agree with me when I say that fundraising dollars go a long way to unseat a Congressman. With both of you guys falling short, it’s time to start thinking about reality.

You both agree that it’s time for Burton to step down or be replaced. And with this race being so crowded, it’s time to start thinking about narrowing the field.

You both must now consider principle over ego. You both must consider withdrawing from the race, allowing one of the other challengers to pick up momentum in this quest to unseat Dan Burton.

Sure, you both (McGoff and McVey) would make a fine Congressman for Indiana. But without the necessary dollars to continue the race, your continued involvement will only help Dan Burton will reelection this May.

Which of you will heed my call?

Brose? John?

You Give Bloggers... A Bad Name: Paul Ogden Is a Pig, And Should Be Embarrassed.

noreply@blogger.com (zachmain) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:05:00 +0000

Tim Durham is in trouble. There is no disputing that. There is plenty of news to report surrounding the FBI's raid on his businesses, at least one of which had Carl Brizzi as a board member. But gloating over the legal troubles of his smarter, richer, better looking, and more successful "rival" isn't enough for Paul Ogden...

Nope, instead of reporting the facts of the case, Paul decides to take the discussion down a disgusting tabloid path. Here's a quote from his blog:
My classmates and I thought it was rather odd though when Tim, a single man in his mid-20s, suddenly started dating and quickly married an older, not overly attractive woman, who already had children. That older woman though happened to be the daughter of then City-County Council President and business tycoon Buert Servaas. When Tim parlayed that relationship (before it crashed and burned in a bitter divorce) and the connections it brought, into the opening of a business empire, my classmates and I understood Tim's strategy. He married to get ahead.

So a man finds himself in some potentially serious legal trouble, and all Paul Ogden can do is call his wife ugly, and imply she's less of a catch because she was older, and had children from a previous marriage. That's not only misogynistic, its just downright @#$%ing disgusting.

Grow up Paul... I don't know if you are married, but if you are, God bless your poor wife. I can't imagine she or any other woman can live up to your warped ideal of "perfection." And here's a news flash for you... Take a look in the mirror. A short, bitter, has-been lawyer isn't exactly a great catch. And no, I won't link to your crappy blog. The fewer readers of that trash the better.

I apologize to women and readers everywhere for Paul Ogden. And we wonder why people hate the blogosphere...

Would You Like Some Cheese With That Whine?: Ballard Gives Gary Welch at Advance Indiana Exactly What He Wants... Shockingly, Welch Still Complains!

noreply@blogger.com (zachmain) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:40:00 +0000

For the last two years, Gary Welch at Advance Indiana has been trashing Mayor Ballard's appointment of Bob Grand as the president of the Capital Improvement Board, citing conflict of interest (Grand's law firm represented the Indiana Pacers while the CIB board was negotiating with them). Today, Ballard announced that Grand is stepping down, and current CIB secretary Ann Lathrop will replace him as president. I have worked with Ann Lathrop, as I know many of you have. She's an incredibly bright, hardworking gal whose employer, Crowe Horwath, has absolutely no connection to the Indiana Pacers.

Now you might think that this would be great news to Welch, a victory for his blog and for the power of the pen. I expected some well earned gloating today on Advance Indiana, and some crowing about how they were right all along... But instead, all we get is more complaining!

Lathrop, it appears, suffers from a sin even worse than being a lawyer or a lobbyist... SHE KNOWS PEOPLE IN THE MAYOR'S OFFICE! And her company does some business with city government! Sigh.

And so, the song remains the same from Gary Welch and Advance Indiana... It doesn't matter how smart you are, it doesn't matter how hard you work, it doesn't matter how qualified you are for a job, if you have ever met a person in the Mayor's office, or, god forbid, had a interpersonal relationship with them in the past, you are unqualified for public office or a board appointment. Gary may claim a specific conflict of interest, but accusing folks of being "political insiders" is the only hymn in his hymnal...

So here's a challenge to you Gary: Instead of just whining and complaining all the time, offer up some solutions... You knew these changes were coming, why weren't you out there promoting interested, intelligent members of our community who weren't "political insiders?" I didn't see a single name on your blog.

It is easy to complain. It is a lot harder to actually solve the problems yourself...

Hypocrisy Alert Part 1: Brose McVey Pledges Not To Take PAC Money... After Accepting $378,448 in PAC Money.

noreply@blogger.com (zachmain) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:56:00 +0000

The newest edition of Brose McVey's "The Brose Beat" just landed in my inbox.

Surprisingly, there was no mention of McVey losing the Beverly Gard endorsement. However, it did give me a link to his website where I found these words, apparently one of the centerpieces of the McVey campaign:

"I pledge to accept no campaign contributions from Political Action Committees (PACs)..."

Enough is enough. I have worked in politics a long time, I've seen a lot of hypocrisy. But this one takes the cake!

Let's go back to 2002... Brose McVey was a congressional candidate against Julia Carson. He ran a nice race, but ended up losing by almost ten points. I was briefly involved in that campaign, and I couldn't for the life of me remember him making that pledge during that race. Surely, McVey wouldn't accept PAC money in one congressional race and then turn around and make a big deal about not accepting it in his next race?

So I looked it up... I went through every one of those reports, and found that NOT ONLY HAD BROSE MCVEY ACCEPTED PAC MONEY IN 2002, HE ACCEPTED $378,448 FROM PACS!

Wow. And we political insiders wonder why people hate politics...