BSU radio

I'm probably not going to renew my subscription to KBSU. It has really been stinking up the place lately.

They're letting sloooow talking George Prentice, who can deliver half the news in twice the time, have way too much air time, for one thing. For another, they've lately been preempting sometimes as much as half of any given half hour. It takes me usually around a half hour for my commute, and of late too much of NPR has been getting preempted for lame stories.I pay a subscription for NPR, not really to hear local reporters. Some of their stories are okay, but many, it seems to me, are just an effort to fill up some air time.

Another irritation is that BSU radio runs some story one afternoon, then runs the same one again the next morning, so you have to sit through it twice.

Perhaps BSU is trying to save money by broadcasting less NPR. Or perhaps it's trying to give its staff radio experience. I don't know. I just know that my listening enjoyment level is way down.

I've been enjoying my XM radio in lieu of BSU Radio. It at least delivers what I think I've paid for.

Update: Interesting exchange in the comment section.

Fischer's follies

Or, more accurately, the folly of some high school teacher who may be well intentioned but probably doesn't realize what s/he's getting into here. Fischer's latest foray into public education. (Emphasis mine.)

But vestiges of true academic freedom remain, some right here in the Treasure Valley.

I’ll have the privilege this week, at the invitation of a science teacher, to spend two hours with science students at one of the valley’s public high schools looking with them at some of the scientific data that raises serious questions about evolutionary theory.

My presentation will focus on science, not religion, and virtually every quote I will use in my presentation is from a scientist who is a committed evolutionist yet nevertheless admits there are serious problems with one facet of evolutionary theory or another.

Our nation was founded on the “self-evident truth” that there is a “Creator” who is the source of our fundamental and “inalienable” rights. (It will be perfectly constitutional, by the way, to talk about the “Creator” in public school classrooms as long as it is constitutional to talk about the Declaration of Independence. In fact, we are compelled to.)

Our public school students deserve to know if the worldview that launched the greatest nation in the history of the world is a scientifically defensible one. I trust that this week open-minded students at this Treasure Valley high school will realize the answer to this question is a solid “Yes.”

h/t to Geoff for the link.

IVA's Supporters

Geoff did some digging, and came up with the following info about who has been supporting Bryan Fischer and the Idaho Values Alliance. I still don't have any info as to who is donating to the IVA, but listed below are contributions in 2006 to an IVA PAC that was apparently formed to support the anti-gay rights Marriage Protection Amendment.

I deleted the addresses and did some highlighting to make it a bit easier to get at the info. Although individual names are listed, many of the contributions were actually by the person's campaign committee. Dates were all in 2006.

IVA Action Fund

Bayer, Clifford Boise ID 83709 $500.00
Crane, Brent Nampa ID 83686 $150.00
Crane, Ron Nampa ID 83653 $1,000.00 1
Denney, Lawerence Midvale ID 83645 $1,000.00
Field, Debbie Boise ID 83706 $500.00
Fulcher, Russell/Kara Meridian ID 83642 $250.00
Harwood, R.J. Dick Saint Maries ID 83861 $200.00
Henderson, Frank Post Falls ID 83877 $250.00
McGee, John Boise ID 83707 $500.00
McKague, Paul Meridian ID 83642 $50.00
McKenzie, Curt Nampa ID 83686 $1,000.00
Milan, Ben Eagle ID 83616 $85.00
Moyle, Mike Meridian ID 83642 $1,000.00
Nonini, Robert Post Falls ID 83827 $500.00
Otter, C.L. "Butch" Boise ID 83701 $1,000.00
Pearce, Monty New Plymouth ID 83655 $400.00
Risch, Jim Boise ID 83702 $500.00 1
Sweet, Gerry Meridian ID 83642 $500.00

Thanks, Geoff

Fischer's Finances

I took a look at IVA's most recent non-profit filing, which has info from 2007. I didn't have access to the info showing his donors, so I can't help there. But, here are a few tidbits. Nothing really surprising or notable, to my mind.

First, here's the income and expenses summary. Fischer is paying himself $47,750 a year.



IVA admits it lobbys.



If there's anything I quibble with, it's this. I think his daily internet screed proably is an effort to influence the general public, and block "e" should be marked yes instead of no. That would increase the amount he spends on lobbying by $1,500, which is what he spent on computer and internet expense. I don't think that increase would change his reporting or status.



The last line above says "see statement 7" for a description of his activities. Statement 7 below.



Pretty unremarkable.

Loathsome fool

I've called Bryan Fischer that before in a moment of pique, departing from my usual effort not to use such language. But, his recent applause of the deaths of children has convinced me that this phrase, applied to Fischer, isn't pejorative, it's descriptive.

Chris first brought attention to this, and noted that

Yet Idaho’s media continues to call him for comment on pretty much any political story.

Kevin Richert comments basically neutrally, on Fischer. In the comment section, slfisher says someone ought to pull IVA's Forms 990 and sniff around. Done.

I'm with Chris. I think this is hate speech: "we warned you, if you don't stop doing what we don't like, God will kill your children. And now that they're dead, we told you so. Ha ha." Nice Christianist sentiment.

It just galls the hell out of me that Fischer is so frequently and prominently featured in our media. See, Fischer needs media attention like he needs oxygen. He stays in the spotlight, and that help keep donations rolling in, and keeps him in business. I think the media is borderline complicit in Fischer's hate speech. He probably couldn't keep going without their help.

Here's what I ask; stop going to him for comments on various and sundry political issues. If he does something newsworthy, fine, report it, but he's not a legitimate spokesman for conservative political positions.

Update: TVA takes issue with my statement that Richert's comment was basically neutral, noting that Richert said he was stunned and speechless. Those words can indicate that Richert personally had a negative reaction, and from that I guess you can infer that Richert wasn't being neutral. But, Richert limited his comments to his personal reaction. He did not condemn Fischer's statement, or even talk about it. He reprinted the inflammatory part of the statement and told us of his reaction. Maybe I want too much, but I'd like to see someone with a loud voice, i.e., the trad media, speak out against Fischer. And Zeb Bell. And their ilk.

Fox in the hen house

I read this article with amazement. Eagle's mayor nominated Jeanne Jackson-Heim to fill the vacant city council position, and she was unanimously approved by the city council. What could they be thinking?

Jackson-Heim is the Executive Director of the Idaho Real Estate Commission. Per it's web site, the Commissioners must be actively licensed as a broker and have at least 5 years experience as such.



Given the city council's oversight of the planning and zoning function, it seems to me that Ms. J-H is a walking, talking conflict of interest. Perhaps she is the most fair person in the world. I don't know her. Given her background as a broker, and her current job, she is so immersed in the real estate world that it can't help but color her views, and probably her judgment.

It seems like a crazy choice.

President Obama's press conference.

I'm watching President Obama's press conference, and note that he has a list he follows to call on the next reporter.  I've been in plenty of situations where I might be the next guy called on, and while you're waiting to see if your name comes up, you're a bit tense.

These reporters have to address the President, on live TV, so imagine what they're thinking as they wait to see who the President will call on.  "It might be  me.  I hope it's me. Jeezus, what if it's me and I screw up in front of the most powerful man in the world on worldwide TV?  I hope it's not me."  That's got to be nerve wracking.  But, most of the reporters handled it with aplomb.  More than I could do, I think.

Wage inequality

I heard a blurb on BSU Radio about wage inequality in Idaho. It was short, and I'm not sure I heard everything, but what I thought I heard was that women in Idaho generally get paid about 60% of what men get paid.

Well, maybe, but I doubt that it's that simple.

I believe that there are instances where women, everything else being equal, get paid less. Lily Ledbetter, for one. But, I think the "women get paid less" meme is mostly inaccurate or at least overstated.

These stats, or what I read and hear of them, almost never take into account differing circumstances. I believe that by and large women doing the same job, for the same length of time, with the same qualifications and experience, get paid the same as men. Wage discrimination is just wrong and often actionable, and most people know it, and therefore don't do it.

I've worked at a number of places over the last 25 years, and have had access to pay information, and I've not seen any gender based wage discrimination. Larger employers, HP, Micron, the State of Idaho, have human resources professionals involved, and have structures in place to ensure that wage discrimination doesn't happen. And they want to avoid lawsuits.

At the last place I worked, I know for. a. provable. fact. that the women tended to get better raises, especially the women managers. And that can't be the only place that has happened, which should offset overall rates of wage disparity in favor of men.

I'm not saying gender-based wage discrimination doesn't exit. I believe it does. I'm also not saying that there are lots of places where the wage discrimination favors women, but I know there are some places. I'm just saying, I guess, don't believe the stats without looking deeper. I think that wage discrimination is not widespread. Wage disparity may well be, but there are reasons for wage disparity.

My female direct supervisor makes more than me. She's been here longer, and she has supervisory duties. She ought to be making more. I don't think that's wage discrimination, but it is wage disparity.

Wingers take a loss

Although only barely. Betsy Russell reports that

The House has voted 32-31 against HB 214, a measure from Rep. Judy Boyle, R-Midvale, to issue official state certificates of “fetal death” to women who have early miscarriages or abortions.

Although the wingers tried to sell this as a grief closure measure, it was always obviously an effort to try to expand the definition of "life" as a means to advance an anti-abortion agenda.

It's one thing to advance that agenda, but if you do, at least be honest about it. And if you're not going to behonest, as least give us some credit for intelligence by not coming up with an excuse as stupid as "a government issued certificate will assuage grief." Jeezus. Idahoans hate government.

And for this goofy effort I award Rep. Judy Boyle the coveted IdaBlue Wingnut Award, Absurd Dishonesty Category.

Great depression

A picture taken in May 9, 1937. My dad in the back with the upturned brim, his mom (I think) and grandma, twin sisters and little brother (my aunts and uncle.)

Go ahead and say it

We told you so.

The Post-Register has an opinion up pointing out the ongoing damage to Idaho schools caused by Jim Risch's revenue swap from property to sales taxes. Their funding has been destabilized, and we may well start seeing school district seeking new bond/revenue measures.

Julie has more here.

Also, Kevin Richert notes that the budget cutbacks to education may well require school districts to try to seek more property tax revenue.

Faced with that prospect, I fully expect districts will go the voters and ask them to approve property tax levies to help them keep teachers. Remember the two-year, $20 million levy Meridian voters OK'd earlier this month? More districts will certainly follow suit.

These levies will either keep a property tax levy in place — or result in a property tax increase. That, friends, is a tax hike during a recession. To pay for schools while Otter sits on a $114 million public schools rainy-day account.

Tough times for schools. I wonder if voters will hold Republicans accountable for this?

Alternate universe

I guess I really did enter an alternate reality when I heard Fischer say that Obama's stem cell decision was ideological and not based on science. Because for the second time lately, I find myself in agreement with our Red brethren. First it was Wayne Hoffman, and now this.

Adam writes

The Republican Majority has rested on its laurels and left in a place a tax system that seems like a leftover from the Progressive Era. And the only jobs we can attract to our state are jobs that come because they get away with relatively low pay due to the wage environment.

If you want people to come and do business in Idaho because of being a good climate for business, you have got to fundamentally reform the tax structure and make it into something that makes sense. Simplify it, streamline it, clean it up.

I agree, our Republican super majority has been pretty backward and reactionary about tax policy. Plus, the legislature has written loopholes that some personally benefit from, like the sales tax exemption for farmers and ranchers.

And all the budget and tax problems lie squarely at the Republicans' feet.

Do the right thing. Repeal sales tax exemptions, tax services, don't tax groceries, and lower the tax rate.

Focus on ideas, not politics

Jim Hansen has a Reader's View in today's Statesman, wherein he argues that Idaho Republicans are failing to plan ahead and to invest in Idaho's work force. A well reasoned and supported opinion piece.

But, unfortunately, probably emasculated by the headline: "Idaho needs to reverse GOP course."

Jim's audience was independents and perhaps moderate Republicans, to persuade them to consider Democrats as an alternative to parsimonious Republicans who refuse to support important needs of the State. The headline, I suspect, will cause most of that group to skip the opinion. Most folks like to hear and read stuff that reinforces their thinking, not challenges it.

The thrust of the piece was, indeed, to elect Democrats and reduce Republican control in the Idaho legislature. Jim wrote about a couple of different failings of the GOP, so the headline was fair.

Perhaps Jim might get more of his target audience if he ignores Republicans. I suggest that he, and any other Dem who gets to have a Reader's View, ignore the politics and focus on the good ideas. Make a case for what is the best idea, and voters will just naturally move toward the party with that idea, or with the most good ideas.

Idahoans aren't all that deeply informed about politics, but they have an almost reflexive affinity for Republicans. So, if the battleground is Republican vs Democrat, the Democrats are going to lose. If the battleground is what plan will prevent the curtailment order, for example, people affected by the curtailment will support the party with the best idea.

Zombie humor

Heard on BSU radio

This AM driving to work, BSU radio featured a quote from Bryan Fisher, and I gotta wonder, what color is the sky in his world. Fisher was talking about President Obama lifting the ban on stem cell research.

He said, and this may not be exact, because when he said it I heard a whooshing sound and all vision narrowed to a pinpoint for a moment, as I apparently entered an alternate universe, but it's close.

Fischer said that Obama's decision "was ideological and not based on science." Unbelievable. Maybe I didn't hear a couple of words that could transform that into something I could understand, like, "not based on THE WAR on science" that prevailed the last 8 years. It's also ridiculous for BSU Radio to give that ossified ideologue a public platform. Fischer also spouted off something about "the culture of death" that now exists since Obama took office.

But wait, maybe he fits right in at BSU. A couple of other local stories aired at the same time, instead of 10 minutes of Morning Addition, involved an Oregon bill about school yard bullies, and about donkey basketball in Kuna. Ridiculously trivial.

Update: Apparently this is now an official talking point. Rove is saying the same thing. Even worse; thanks BSU Radio, for uncritically airing a Republican talking point. When you gonna give some air time to the other side?

Ground central for crazyness

I've been into the belly of the beast.



And ate this meal at a fundraiser in the same building. Basil-tarragon creme sauce on the chicken. Pretty good flavor at first, but a bit too thick and strong after a few bites.



And, better late than never, here's a pic of the blogger meet up. Yes, of course that's a laptop, it's a blogger meet up.

Meet up

Made it to Market Limone for our blogger meet up. Sisyphus, Binkyboy, D2 Serephin, Idaho Rocks, Unequivocal Notion, me, and some associates showed up. Sharon Fisher was there but bailed out early. A good time seemed to be had by all. Universal blogger opinion; Clayton Cramer is a bonehead. Other than that, a wide spectrum of opinion and thought. Invigorating.

Nice hair

Sometimes I wonder if this type of look would work for me. Whaddaya think? Is it me?

The new Statesman

I subscribe to the Idaho Statesman, and have since I moved here, and probably always will. Reading the paper is just part of the AM routine. So I've seen all its various permutations over the years.

The Statesman just had another redo, and in large part it looks like they returned to a previous format. Early impressions? I like the smaller size; its easier to handle. I don't think the paper shrunk that much, maybe an inch in width, and an inch or 2 in height, but it feels quite a bit smaller.

I think the paper said last Sunday when it announced the changes that the funnies were going to be a bit bigger. I think I remember that. But, it looks to me that they shrunk the funnies. At least they got rid of that execrable ad at the bottom of the page. I'd bet that subscribership is higher in my demographic, aging and balding, than it is among younger folks. So, bearing that in mind, and that we older folks can't see as well as we used to, I wish they'd stop shrinking things. I can barely read the funnies, they're so small. If it ever gets to the point where I can't read them at all, that's when I cancel the subscription.

Not sure yet about the content.

This cracked me up

more music charts

Hoffman's column

Reliable target of left wing invective Wayne Hoffman has a column in today's Statesman that, surprisingly, I agree with. Referring to Rep. Hartgen's bill to outlaw, well, most bloggers, Hoffman notes that Hartgren would criminalize critical comments and posts as harassment.

Hoffman argues that vile speech is still constitutionally protected. He also holds up Missouri's law as a better alternative. And for offering a solution, rather than just criticizing as many of us do, Hoffman deserves some kudos.

But I still think he's a wingnut.