Posted in Politics on October 12, 2015| 6 Comments »
“I’m doing my job that I was elected to do.”
—U.S. Sen. David Vitter, explaining his refusal to engage traditional campaigning and his refusal to participate in debates with other candidates as he attempts to remain in Washington while allowing his Super PAC, The Fund for Louisiana’s Future, to purchase the governor’s election on his behalf.
“I have the job I want.”
—Bobby Jindal, on so many occasions during his first term that we all got sick of hearing it.
Posted in Politics on October 9, 2015| 3 Comments »
We are still holding our semi-annual fundraiser to help offset some of the expenses incurred in chasing down stories for LouisianaVoice.
But this post is not a solicitation. Instead, at the risk of sounding like some cheesy televangelist, I want to share a letter that I received today (Friday, October 9) I have removed the contributor’s name and address to protect her privacy.
(I must make a small correction: With Edwards in the Governor’s Mansion is not my book. It was written by former Angola inmate Forest Hammond about his experiences as a prisoner-butler in the Edwin Edwards governor’s mansion. I was merely the editor of the book.)
I received two other checks along with this one in my post office box, each for $100. Those contributions are greatly appreciated but with all due respect, nothing could have touched me as deeply as that letter. And it was certainly not a “paltry sum.” This one gesture meant more to me than the contributor could ever know.
It immediately brought to mind a parable I once read in the Bible. Not being a biblical scholar, I admit that I had to google it and found it was Luke 21:1-4. It reads:
It also occurred to me that I could never deposit that check. Yes, we need money to operate but we don’t need it badly enough to take it from someone who desires to help us but obviously does not have the financial means to do so. Her gesture is the true definition of sacrifice.
What I have decided to do instead is to frame the check and her letter and hang it on the wall over my computer in my office.
That way, I will have a daily reminder of why I do this.
Posted in Politics on September 25, 2015| 9 Comments »
Police were placed on high alert Friday after teachers from an Irving, Texas, high school discovered what they thought was a bomb resembling a giant clock mounted on the side of a rocket and placed next to Parliament in London. British PM David Cameron was hauled away in handcuffs by Bobbies and detained for several hours.
Bobby Jindal, campaigning in Iowa, said, “Two things: I told you so and I am the only one qualified to be president because I said it first!”
Posted in Politics on September 17, 2015| 1 Comment »
“If we learned anything from the previous debate, it’s that these events reshuffle the deck. The deck has been reshuffled. And we’re fighting our way up.”
—Bobby Jindal, in assessing his performance at the kiddie table debate on Wednesday, Sept. 16 by email, as he strives to sit at the grown-up table.
“In tonight’s debate Governor Jindal neutered the Republican establishment in D.C. The Republican establishment in D.C. is the surrender caucus.”
—Jindal campaign manager Timmy Teepell, trying to earn his expensive fees from the Jindal campaign, also by email.
“He’s right—the deck has been reshuffled again. We’re on our way up. Don’t you want to be a part of it?”
—Supriya Jindal, echoing her husband’s less than convincing refrain. Ditto on the email.
“To follow through with their ‘card deck’ analogy: Yes, the debate did reshuffle the deck. Unfortunately for BJ, a joker is a joker no matter how many times the deck is reshuffled.”
—A reader who must by necessity remain anonymous. (and no, its not Earthmother, nor are we quoting ourselves.)
Posted in Politics on September 16, 2015| 9 Comments »
“I am proud of the work that we have accomplished in making Louisiana a better place to live and raise a family…”
“I believe that our accomplishments will provide lasting benefits for generations to come.”
“…I have accepted a position with Ochsner. I’ll be helping them to strategically manage their growth as a healthcare provider. I’ve always been passionate about healthcare and wellness…”
—Commissioner of Administration Kristy Nichols in email messages sent to Division of Administration employees in which she announced she will resign, effective Oct. 14, to work as a lobbyist for Ochsner Health Systems.
“Kristy has been a key team player who has fully dedicated herself to bettering the state of Louisiana.”
“Together, we’ve been able to reduce the size of government, improve health care across the state, and create a better, stronger Louisiana.”
—Bobby Jindal, in announcing Kristy’s departure after three years as Commissioner of Administration.
