Who Moderates the Moderators?

My question is directed towards the Topeka Capital-Journal, and more specifically, to their online Editor, Curt Kaywood. He's basically boasting about his work on the CJonline website and his efforts to build a community forum. http://cjonline.com/interact/blog/kurt_caywood/2009-03-31/wanted_a_few_good_moderators

Who moderates the Moderators? I think it's a pretty legitimate question because apparently some of their online censors have their own agendas, or like to play favorites regarding the removal of "offensive" posts and banning of certain users.

My complaint is very legitimate and still has not received any answers more substantial than, "Be happy we let you back on".

Yet the posts that I responded to, which were every bit as offensive as my responses to them, are still online.

So to CJonline:

You may think that it's no big deal, yeah whatever, quit complaining and be happy. But you ain't the only ones with a job to do. A LOT of times your reporters have left out crucial information in their stories (such as asking the OTHER side of the story). Or forgot to include websites. It really bothers me when your reporters write a story and only ask ONE side, and don't even bother to ask any OTHER sides. That's not only sloppy writing, it's also counter to what a newspaper is supposed to be. Opinions aren't necessarily news, but reporting them as such is dishonest. And several Capital-Journal reporters have a major problem thinking their opinion is news enough.

In any case, the fact that I alone was banned, while the people who attacked me first and very personally were left alone, is beyond an insult. And the fact that they were allowed to continue posting trash after I was banned, is a direct attack against me.

It's reminiscent of a teacher watching the playground bullies pick on the school nerd. And when the nerd finally hits one of the bullies back, the teacher sends the nerd home to keep the peace. And I don't appreciate it!

In any case, you want a community forum? Then stop letting people make anonymous, libelous personal attacks against other people on the site. A little trash talking is one thing, but serious false allegations are something certain users thrive on. And by you allowing those cyber-bullies to run the game, you kill any chances of making this a legitimate community forum.

Sincerely,

-----------------
Thomas Lessman
Web: www.ThomasLessman.com
Blog: www.talessman.blogspot.com

Sonny Scroggins receives award

From the Topeka Capital-Journal, Friday Nov. 7, 2008.
Source URL: http://www.cjonline.com/stories/110708/loc_353115113.shtml

I respect Sonny Scroggins. And even when I don't agree with him, I still respect his views.

The reason is because Sonny doesn't talk out of both sides of his mouth. In Sonny's words, if it ain't right for a white man to do or say it, then it also ain't right for a black man to do or say it.

I can respect a man who stands up for his beliefs. Even more so when they aren't hypocritical about them. And after a knowing Sonny for a few years, I consider him a good friend.

Thomas Lessman
Web: www.ThomasLessman.com
Blog: www.talessman.blogspot.com

Supporting Ann Mah in 2008

(Published in the Topeka Metro on Friday, October 31st, 2008)
I campaigned twice for the 53rd District KS House of Representatives, in 2004 & 2006. Both times, Ann Mah beat me to the ground in total number of votes. Granted, I had an uphill battle running as a Libertarian with a very limited budget.

In between campaigns, I've had the honor of working with Ann Mah on several issues. Though I haven't always agreed with her votes, she has earned my respect in many ways.

Ann Mah is very responsive to OUR FEEDBACK. Simply put, if you let her know (respectfully) how you feel about any issue she has to vote on, she will listen. If enough people tell her the same thing, she will go with the wishes of her constituents.

Ann Mah goes out of her way to make herself available for her constituents. I really appreciate the public forums she hosts at Lake Shawnee and other areas, where she invites her constituents to actively contribute their ideas.

Also, Ann Mah's constituent service is the best I've ever seen. She literally does the best she can to help her constituents with issues that fall within her scope as State Representative.

I do not know much about Ann's current opponent, Cecil Washington. He may well be a good man, but I've never been contacted by him, nor have I ever heard anything else about him except for Jack Woelfel's letter in his support.

Ann Mah has earned my respect the hard way, and I feel confident supporting her campaign for a 3rd term as my State Representative in the 53rd District.

Respectfully,

Thomas Lessman
Web: www.ThomasLessman.com
Blog: www.talessman.blogspot.com

Judge "Backroom Deals" Jackson & a Crooked Attorney Named "Pope"

Yesterday I witnessed one of the most obvious cases of backroom dealing I've ever seen, in the Shawnee County courthouse. It was an assault case, with the Shawnee County DA prosecuting one of my neighbors, Scotty Dundee Wilson, for an incident where Wilson assaulted and sucker-punched me in front of a 27 news camera last year during the floods.

I mean literally, the incident was caught on camera, by then-reporter Brian Dorman. At no point did I do anything but defend myself from this 400 lb bully and his 350 lb brother (I'm only 155 lbs). In fact, the only thing I DID do was say some words to him after he attacked me.

Keep in mind, at no point was I on trial; I was only involved as a witness. Wilson purchased the services of an attorney named "Pope". EVERYONE who saw the tape, could see it was an obvious case of a big bully attacking a smaller guy - just because he can.

As I said, I have a witness in Brian Dorman, who at the time was a TV Reporter for 27 news (now he's an Anchor for 13 news). He and I actually became acquainted during this incident, which started when Scotty and Will Wilson attempted to take the news camera away from Brian Dorman while he was interviewing me about the 2007 flood. Scotty Wilson (literally on camera), got in my face, pushed me about 8 feet away, then a minute later got in my face again, and sucker-punched me.

And yet, after going into chambers with Wilson's attorney (Pope), Judge Jackson declares it was "mutual combat". Even though NOT ONCE did I do anything but raise my arms in defense as Wilson came at me.

Next week I will be protesting Judge "Backroom Deals" Jackson. As far as I'm concerned, that son-of-a-bitch has no business sitting on any bench, especially when he cares more about backroom deals than justice.

Sincerely,

Thomas Lessman
Web: www.ThomasLessman.com
Blog: www.talessman.blogspot.com
------------------------------------

Truckhenge Music Festival II (2008)

All I can say...
...is the 2nd Truckhenge Music Festival was one hell of a great party!!!

Special thanks to Bob Cutler of the Klusterfux, Jen and Adam Angellini from Wakamojo, and Bob Curry from Side Effects, for helping us get things done.

9 bands: Wakamojo - Schumann's Resonance - Klusterfux - SideEffects - Mirror Image - Hammerjunk - Obone - Lazer Panther - The Hemorrhoids. Remember those bands, I'm sure you'll be seeing a LOT more about them over the next year! In fact, several of them are competing in the Battle of the Bands at the Boobie Trap bar tomorrow night (Saturday Sept. 27).

This 2nd concert was MUCH better than the first concert last year! For one, there was NO band drama to deal with; these bands work together very well! Second, since we kept more control over the event this year (instead of letting someone else take over and BS), we knew much more about what was going on, than we did last year.

I've heard anywhere from 300 to 400 people came out this year. 350 was my estimate, so we'll go with that for now. We actually lost count after 156 people signed the list - it was starting to form a line so we decided to just let people sign the list on their own.

The sound was great! Truckhenge forms such a great natural amphitheater that the sound doesn't have to be blasted up too loud - it sounds great all the way through the audience area and isn't distorted or blowing your head off.

And some of the bands played great remake songs that were also remade to include "Truckhenge" in them. That's a cool theme that I'm sure we're going to work with next year!

Oh, there will definitely be a "Truckhenge Music Festival III (2009)"! We'll have a meeting in October for anyone interested in working with us to make next year's party even better. We're already planning to spread it over a whole weekend (instead of just one night), so look for a Friday to Sunday event. If we get some sponsors and some volunteers, we may also set up a second stage.

The possibilities are here, we just need people to step up!

Thomas Lessman
Web: www.ThomasLessman.com
Blog: www.talessman.blogspot.com

Lessman's Farm website: www.LessmanFarm.com
Truckhenge: www.Truckhenge.com

Ready for 2008 Truckhenge Music Festival?

I've been so busy helping coordinate this year's concert at Truckhenge, I haven't been able to concentrate enough to update this blog! Tune in to the Jim Cates Show on CJOnline this Tuesday (Sept. 16), when I'll be on air to talk about this year's concert! (Click here to download the archived show)

Truckhenge Music Festival
Saturday September 20, 2008
NO Admission fees, free camping, and BYOB!
(Gates open at 12:00 noon, music starts at 6:00 PM)
Website: www.LessmanFarm.com/events.html

9 confirmed bands!
Wakamojo - Schumann's Resonance - Klusterfux - SideEffects - Hammerjunk - Obone - Lazer Panther - The Hemmorhoids - St. Nick

We're proud to help support the local music scene. Come out to the Lessman Farm and PARTY with some of Topeka's best local bands. Hope to see you there!

Thomas Lessman
Web: www.thomaslessman.com

Lessman's Farm website: www.LessmanFarm.com
Truckhenge Concert page: www.LessmanFarm.com/Events.html

Anonymous Cowards

Topeka City Councilmember Jack Woelfel wrote a good letter to CJonline that was published yesterday. The letter was basically thanking the Capital-Journal for making people add their real names (and verifying the identity) before they would publish their letters. Here is his letter: http://cjonline.com/stories/082508/opi_322042433.shtml

I agree that sometimes it can be convenient or “safer” to post comments anonymously. But some anonymous posers are nothing more than cowards who like to talk trash, feeling free to say whatever they want because they think they are free from any kind of retribution.

Take “TopekaVoter” (aka Jason Chaika) from CJonline. That coward is stupid enough to post my daughter’s names online, because he’s mad at me for not supporting gay marriage.

Maybe cowards like that should be hiding their identities. But try telling our founding fathers that anonymity is good. Look at the Declaration of Independence. Do you see any names like “KingGeorgeSux” or “DixieQueen”?

No. Those who signed the Declaration of Independence were obviously NOT cowards. They stood behind their words by signing their real names. I guarantee they faced a LOT worse consequences than people posting trash on CJonline.

I don’t like some of Jack’s politics, but I DO respect what he wrote in his letter. Raubin & Megan, you of all people should agree with that - you speak your mind AND stand behind your words by saying “This is who I am and this is how I feel”. Whether I agree with you or not, I would never call you cowards. But most people who post anonymously are nothing more than childish cowards who want to talk trash freely without facing the consequences of their words.

For cowards like TopekaVoter (aka Jason Chaika), perhaps that is in their best interests. After posting my daughters’ names online, he definitely has a good reason to hide his identity.

Thomas Lessman
Web: http://www.thomaslessman.com/
Blog: http://www.talessman.blogspot.com/
====================

Political Party Member Disparity Reduced

This is my comment on a story in the Topeka Capital-Journal titled "Political party member disparity reduced". http://cjonline.com/stories/072608/loc_309880856.shtml

Libertarians, Constitutionalists, Reformists, Greens, and other parties have been trying to give you more choices for decades.

Yet time after time, you keep re-electing the same Republicans and Democrats, just different faces.

A lot of Republicans, and some Democrats, are beginning to understand the Libertarian party as being more in tune with what can save America.

But with 523 registered Libertarians in Shawnee County, and only 7 or 8 of us show up for the monthly meetings?

Bottom line is that no matter what party you are registered with, if you don't actively participate in that party, you have only yourself to blame when things don't go the way you want.

LPKS/LNEKs meetings: Last Thursday of each month.
LNEKs meeting this Thursday (7-31-08). 7:00-8:00 PM. Planet Sub on 21st & Wanamaker (Next to Target). All meetings are open to the public!

Thomas Lessman
Web: http://www.thomaslessman.com/
Blog: http://www.talessman.blogspot.com/
=====================

2008 Country Stampede

This was the first Country Stampede I've ever been to. I never thought I'd say this, but that concert was the most fun I've had in years! One way or another, I will FIND a way to go back next year!

I met Chris Simmons from The Simmons Brothers band; you can hear their music for free on The Simmons Brothers' MySpace page. Someday we hope to see them play at Truckhenge!

I also got to see live performances by Rascall Flatts and Taylor Swift. And there were tons of things to do besides listen to music - I highly recommend the Toyota Tundra exhibit, THAT is a vehicle with excellent offroad performance!

This year I only got to attend Saturday's events. Next year I hope to get a better package, for all 4 days and with camping. If you can go, I highly recommend it, and you should plan ahead by at least 3 months! EVERY hotel room, bed & breakfast, and other sleeping places were taken between Manhattan and Topeka! I'd estimate at least 4'500 people were in the main area on Saturday around 7 pm. It was crowded but not too badly. And there were TONS of activities and things to sign up for.

Anyway, I really had a good time, and I want to thank Shannon for taking me. While there I took notes, so now I have more ideas for the next concert we host at Truckhenge!

Thomas Lessman
Web: http://www.thomaslessman.com/
Blog: http://www.talessman.blogspot.com/

Lessman Farm, Catfish Pond, & Truckhenge:
www.thomaslessman.com/LessmanFarm/

World History Maps by Thomas Lessman:
http://www.worldhistorymaps.info/
=================

Jim Cates

In October of 2002 I started listening to the Jim Cates Show. Before that I hadn't thought much of talk radio. Since then I've become a loyal listener, frequent caller, and occasional guest on his show.

Recently Cumulus Broadcasting decided to terminate the # 1 rated talk show in Kansas. The only details are that the new station management wanted to change the format in a way that would effectively cut the heart out of the show - they wanted to end the Open Lines sessions and censor any "negative" issues.

The Jim Cates Show provided a community forum for people in Topeka, and he allowed anyone to call in and discuss issues of importance. Like everyone, Jim has his own views, but his show was never about HIS views - he allowed the public a chance to speak. Even when Jim disagreed with a caller, he was always respectful about it, but he made it a point to let people speak even if they have opposing views.

I've always liked his show, but I've really been impressed with the man himself. Jim Cates has a level of sincerity and integrity that too many people seem to lack today. It wasn't just on air either; every time I've seen Jim in public, whether at the park, a coffeehouse, or even his favorite local bar, he has always been friendly and cool to hang out with.

This morning we held a rally at Cumulus headquarters in downtown Topeka. I'd say about 30-35 people showed, many of them were people I knew from their on-air voice. Several sponsors were also their, announcing that they were pulling their advertising from ALL Cumulus stations until Jim Cates is reinstated.

After my recent correspondences with certain Cumulus officials, I've lost confidence in that corporation. Regardless of the few short "standard replies" they've given, the fact is that Cumulus has effectively silenced the voice of the people, and basically told their most loyal listeners where we could put our voice...

I hope Jim is able to get his show back on air, perhaps on AM 580 WIBW. Or maybe his Sunday morning show on 49 KTKA will expand to a few days per week? Topeka has a lot of potential, and people like Jim Cates can help us reach that potential.

Respectfully,

Thomas Lessman
Website: http://www.thomaslessman.com/
Blog: http://www.talessman.blogspot.com/
Email: talessman@yis.us

World History Maps by TAL: http://www.worldhistorymaps.info/

Lessman's Farm & Catfish Pond:
www.thomaslessman.com/LessmanFarm/

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

(Note: the Topeka Capital-Journal also has a short article about this situation)

Gay Marriage "Rights"?

I got into a debate with a local "Gay Rights" activist on our local newspaper website over the "Gay Marriage" issue. I really don't care what consenting adults do, and I don't care if someone is gay or not (as long as they don't shove it in my face). Because honestly, the more guys who are gay, the less competition there is... DUH!

However, the issue of "gay marriage" interests me because I see the much of the same hypocrisy, distortions, and victimology from the "gay rights movement" as I do from Feminists and other "professional victim" groups.

First, there is no "Right to Marry", just like there is no "Right to have sex" or a "Right to drive". Marriage is only a government-granted privilege (not a human right). Marriage was originally a religious ceremony meant to symbolicly unite a man and woman in a committed relationship. Unfortunately the Government took over the power to grant marriages. We ALL know that when the government gets involved, bad things happen. So what was originally a religious ceremony has now become a potential gold mine for one partner, and a trap for the other. Government has no good reason to get involved in marriage, but they did it anyway and made a mess of it!

Second (and my main point) is that, IF traditional marriage (one man and one woman) is considered discrimination against gays, then doesn't it also discriminate against bigamists, polygamists, and guys with large harems? Thus, if we expand the definition of "marriage" to include homosexual couples, then don't we also have to expand marriage to allow bigamist, polygamist, plural, and any other type of marriages that aren't considered "traditional"?

(After all, would it be fair to discriminate against polygamists, and not allow them to marry the way they want to, simply because they aren't gay?)

One commenter responded by saying that we could write the laws so that any two (and ONLY two) people could marry. He obviously ignored or didn't see what I was getting at.

The gay rights activist, however, responded to my question with hostility, basically making false assumptions about me and my intentions. The interesting part was where he said, "I will not be derailed by your weak attempts to compare my committed loving relationship to any other controversial group. I.E. What's next people... robot marriage?"

In other words, he believes it's discrimination to not allow "his people" to marry the way they want to marry, but he believes it's okay to use that same "discrimination" against other groups that aren't like his. And even though he calls it discrimination, he still used the same type of argument that his opponents use against his cause. (His "What's next, robog marriage" is too similar to the "What's next, do we allow beastiality marriages" argument I've seen other people use to argue against gay marriage.

His response is comparable to a Jew arguing that it was ok for the Nazis to murder Gypsies, Gays, Poles, and other groups because they aren't like his people. It's exactly like feminists, who argue that gender discrimination is wrong, but only if it's against a woman because they think it's okay to discriminate against men.

Just like feminists and race-baiters, this guy is so stuck on seeing himself and "his group" as a victim class, that he can't see his own bigotry and hypocrisy and thus becomes what he accuses his opponents of.

Respectfully,

Thomas Lessman
Website: http://www.thomaslessman.com/
Blog: http://www.talessman.blogspot.com/
-----------------------------------

Is Topeka Really So Bad?

(Kudos to CJonline's Ric Anderson, who is challenging readers to submit stories about what is GOOD about Topeka. His article is here: (http://blogs.cjonline.com/index.php?entry=7134)

Some people complain about Topeka a LOT, saying there's nothing to do around here, or that Topeka is SO boring, or is just such a terrible place to live. But what gets me about those people who just complain about Topeka is that they have a glossy blank stare when you ask them HOW to make it better.

There are actually quite a few of good things about Topeka. And Shawnee County too! All you have do do is just look around...

Lake Shawnee has so much going on that it's one of the best features of the area. A big lake for boating, camp grounds, a great walking trail, golf, paddle boats, ball diamonds, playgrounds, and plenty more.

Speaking of walking trails, not only is the one at Lake Shawnee a great one, but so is the new Shunga Trail, which goes through most of Topeka. Another cool (unofficial) trail is the levee system along the river. Walk from Oakland to Tecumseh!

Truckhenge, just east of Billard Airport, is a cool grassroots art park that also has the best-stocked Catfish pond in the state. See the website at www.thomaslessman.com/LessmanFarm/

Those are only a FEW of the good things about Topeka. Seriously, just look around and you'll see so many things you hadn't thought of...

Respectfully,

Thomas Lessman
Website: http://www.thomaslessman.com/
Blog: http://www.talessman.blogspot.com/
--------------------

Woman Convicted of DUI, Sentencing Postponed

See also from the Topeka Capital-Journal, 4-10-2008: Sentencing postponed for woman involved in fatal DUI wreck.

I saw this wreck happen; in fact, Justin's car was right behind my car. I saw her lights coming towards me and suddenly it registered that she was in MY lane! I swerved just in time to avoid her - she literally missed me by less than 4 feet. I swerved back onto the road and looked in my rear view mirror just in time to see her hit his car head-on. He and I were each going about 60 mph; I don't know how fast she was going.

I've seen a LOT of things in my life, including seeing other people die, but what I saw that night shook me. I've lived in this area my whole life (30 years) and didn't know any of the people involved. But I DO know what I saw. Out of respect for the Mr. Fujibayashi and his family, I'll keep those details between myself and the police report.

What really got me was a week later, when I was called to the Highway Patrol headquarters. They needed a statement from me, as a witness, because it seemed that Ms. Dennon and another witness (her friend) were trying to claim that she was in the correct lane, and that Mr. Fujibayashi was in the wrong lane.

In other words, they were trying to save Dennon's skin, by blaming it on her victim, the man she killed!

As a single parent myself, I understand the need to get out and away and have fun. Everybody makes mistakes, and sometimes they are fatal. However drunk driving is no innocent mistake, it's extreme reckless negligence. And in this case, her actions ruined 3 lives.

It's a shame that Ms. Dennon's child will have a mother in prison. It's an even greater shame that Ms. Dennon needlessly took a life, tried to blame it on her victim, and now her daughter is going to pay the price.

There is a MySpace page in memory of Justin Fujibayashi. http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=143196782

Sincerely,

Thomas Lessman
Website: www.ThomasLessman.com
Blog: www.talessman.blogspot.com

World History Maps
. www.WorldHistoryMaps.info

Lessman Farm and Truckhenge
. www.thomaslessman.com/LessmanFarm/

-------------------------------------
------------------------------
------------------------

Truckhenge Media Coverage

Ever since I was a kid, my dad collected antique trucks. By 2001 he had several of them. Then a petty Shawnee County health inspector decided he didn't like my dad competing with some local landfills by allowing clean rubble dumping on our property. So the County took my dad to court charging him with misc. nuisances. One of which targeted my dad's collection of antique trucks. The Judge ordered my dad to "pick the trucks up". So he did!

He put them in the ground pointing up to the sky, painted them, and called them "Truckhenge". He's added several metal and beer-bottle sculptures, some boats, and more. The whole farm is really pretty cool.

The TV show "Rare Visions and Roadside Revelations" has taped the farm, and KDHE featured Truckhenge in its "Get Caught Recycling" campaign. There is also a nice video of Truckhenge at the http://www.roadsideamerica.com/ website and a good section about it at http://www.kansastravel.org/.

This Thursday, Feb. 21, 2008, there is a TV crew from Sweden that will come to Topeka to tape the Farm. Is that cool or what? My dad has definitely made a name for the farm and for himself. And believe me, it is a real cool grassroots arts park. He's happy to give tours, just make sure to stop at the house and he'll take you on a tour.

For more information, check out the official Truckhenge website, at
www.thomaslessman.com/LessmanFarm/ .

Thomas Lessman
. http://www.thomaslessman.com/
Blog: http://www.talessman.blogspot.com/
Email: talessman@yis.us

Electing a Better City Council

The Topeka Metro recently published my letter in support of Jack Woelfel for City Council.

Electing for a Better City

I gained respect for my former opponents Ann Mah and Jack Woelfel after the 2002 elections, and it's been an honor working with them ever since.

Now one of them - Jack Woelfel - is running for Topeka City Council district 9.

Topeka has a few good leaders (like John Alcala and Sylvia Ortiz) who care about our city and lead as best they can. Unfortunately some city leaders (like Blackburn and Duffy) have their own agendas and they don't care how their schemes hurt our city, as long as they get what they want.

Jack Woelfel is a man of integrity who believes in responsible government and fiscal responsibility. He has the best interests of the City and its residents at heart, and Topeka will prosper with him on the Council.

I urge you to consider your choices and elect Jack Woelfel to Topeka City Council.

Respectfully,
Thomas Lessman

Debate Followup for KS House Dist. 53

* My opponents in this election both contacted me to express disagreement with my review of our debate. Their rebuttles are in the comments section for this post, because I believe it's only fair for the voters if they get the views of all 3 candidates.
-------------------------

Reviews from those who listened to yesterday's debate yesterday and gave me feedback have been very good. Thank you to Jim Cates for hosting and Steve Forman for producing the show!

2 hours after the debate I got a call from tv 13 WIBW. On October 31st I'll be appearing on their News at Noon program. Also, on October 20th, I'll be speaking to Mr. Buchanan's class at Shawnee Heights High School, along with Ann Mah and possibly Doug Desch.

I stumbled a few times early on (answering complex questions isn't easy to do sometimes in 60 seconds...) but then recovered. Those who gave me feedback said that my opponents seemed to be hostile and confrontational with each other, while I seemed respectful and more thoughtful in what the callers were asking.

I respect both of my opponents (Ann Mah-D and Doug Desch-R). They seem to be good people who just sit on the wrong side of some issues. What bothered me about their answers to some of the questions was that they both seem to favor more laws and more government in areas I believe already have WAY too much of them.

For more information about all 3 candidates, click this link:http://www.thomaslessman.com/#ThomasLessmanPlatform

Again, thank you to Jim Cates and Steve Forman, as well as both of my opponents, Doug Desch and Ann Mah.

Respectfully,

--------------------------------------
Thomas A. Lessman,
Candidate for Kansas House Dist 53
Website: www.ThomasLessman.com
Blog: www.talessman.blogspot.com
Professional Email: Chairman@MillionDadsMarch.org
Personal Email: talessman@yis.us
Phone: 785-230-4546 or 234-3486
Mail Address:
4124 NE Brier Rd.
Topeka, KS 66616
--------------------------------------

Libertarian Party of Kansas
www.LPKS.org

Good Riddance to Judge Bullock "the Hutt"

The CJonline article is here: <http://www.cjonline.com/stories/091406/loc_judgeretire.shtml>

For those who may not understand why we call him Judge Bullock "the Hutt", visit this page on the ACFC-KS website: (http://www.acfc-ks.org/Judge_Terry_Bullock.htm)

Ah, Judge Bullock "the Hutt", a Judge who doesn't have a problem kicking a man when he's down. Of course, this article only mentions his mis-efforts in the school finance case, and fails to mention ANYthing about his collusion with various agencies to violate the civil rights of non-custodial parents.

Nevertheless, you can BET that we'll have a "going away party" for him at the courthouse when he finally leaves...

http://www.talessman.blogspot.com/

--------------------------------------
Thomas A. Lessman,
Candidate for Kansas House Dist 53
Website: www.ThomasLessman.com
Professional Email: Chairman@MillionDadsMarch.org
Personal Email: talessman@yis.us
Phone: 785-230-4546 or 234-3486
Mail Address:
4124 NE Brier Rd.
Topeka, KS 66616
--------------------------------------

Minimum Wage Increase?

The hot topic on my favorite local radio show was the proposed Minimum Wage increase.

I admit that back in my high school days about 10 years ago, I thought minimum wage increases were good. I mean after all, I only made minimum wage back then, and I loved the thought of making more money. Who doesn't?

When the min wage increased however, I discovered that I really wasn't making any more money, even though my hourly wage was more. How? First the government took more money out of my checks for taxes. I also had to pay more for everything from cigarettes to hamburgers to gas for my car.

Thus, after the minimum wage increased, I wound up making LESS money than before.

My own personal experience aside, minimum wage increases sound great in theory, but in practice they are anything but. They cause more problems for businesses, cause layoffs, and lead to price increases. The only reason the government is proposing an increase is because higher minimum wage means more tax money for bloated government.

At the same time however, it is beyond rediculous when a company pays its employees barely enough to survive, while its managers and owners make an obscene amount of money. Wal Mart is a good example of this; the Walton family clears several BILLION $$$ each year while most Wal Mart employees scrape by on less than a living wage. Any Wal Mart employee gets fired if they so much as mention UNION.

If the purpose of raising minimum wage is to eliminate poverty or help everyone make more money, why don't they just raise the minimum wage to $50/hour? Wouldn't THAT eliminate poverty if EVERYONE made at least $50/hour? Of course not; then a cheeseburger would cost $45, and a gallon of gas would be at least $25.

Signed:

Thomas Lessman
Candidate for KS House Dist. 53
. www.ThomasLessman.com
Email: talessman@yis.us

LPKS vs. Shawnee County

Libertarian Party of Kansas files lawsuit against Shawnee County
Source URL: http://www.cjonline.com/stories/081806/loc_libertarians.shtml

Shawnee County officials are notorious for their selective persecution of people and businesses that aren't part of their "good ole boy" network. If you aren't part of that club, you'd better walk a fine line or else...

This particular time, the "good ole boy" network really screwed up. Whatever excuses they spit out, the FACT is that they ILLEGALLY violated the LPKS' constitutional right of free speech.

Unfortunately, it looks like Shawnee County taxpayers will have to pay for the ignorance of some elected officials who had personal grudges against the LPKS.

SH CO Commissioner Vic Miller, you and your excuses are pathetic! Rest assured, you'll be strongly opposed in your next election campaign.

On the off chance the LPKS loses this lawsuit, Vic Miller and other Shawnee County officials had better pray that I don't find out where they plan to hold their fundraisers...

Another popular local blog has more information available about this issue, and you can visit that blog at http://news2know.blogspot.com/2006/08/libertarians-sue-over-deputies-who.html#comments

Signed,

Thomas Lessman
LP Candidate for KS House Dist 53
Website: www.ThomasLessman.com
Email: talessman@yis.us

Libertarian Party of Kansas
www.LPKS.org

Supporting TABOR

Yesterday I attended the "American Dream Express" rally in Topeka. There were approximately 40 to 50 supporters of TABOR, and maybe 6 to 10 people opposed, present at the rally.

Opponents of TABOR used a lot of fear-mongering and mis-information in their attempts to oppose the Taxpayor Bill of Rights.

A prime example: one opponent held a sign that stated "If TABOR is passed, 50'000 Kansas children will lose their access to Health Wave."

Representative Brenda Landwier, who spoke in favor of TABOR, pointed out that sign and remarked that "there are only 30'000 Kansas children currently ON Health Wave."

Hmmm...

When you FOLLOW THE MONEY, you quickly realize that the opponents of TABOR are primarily groups that rely on government money to operate, or who support unchecked beaurocratic spending.

As a Libertarian, I SUPPORT TABOR because it puts power back in the hands of WE THE PEOPLE by allowing us the final say in whether our taxes will be raised. What is wrong with that?

FOLLOW THE MONEY!