Politics is the art of influence, wise compromise, and understanding how to use these two to accomplish one’s end. When we consider the leaders we have esteemed over the centuries, the traits which propelled them always involved the tension between influencing the opposition and wise compromise.

In my previous column, the “informational briefing for candidates” running for the Board of County Commissioners was discussed. While this program has its own issues, it pales in comparison to that run by the Frederick County Board of Education!

There comes a time when our politicians simply become too comfortable in their positions. Rather than focus on their constituents, they move forward with actions to their real or perceived benefit.

This column may come as a shock to some, as it will be about Those People!  In fact, it will not only be about Those People, but will actually promote a couple of Those People!

The term “smoke-filled room” is generally attributed to the election of Warren G. Harding, our 29th President of the United States. President Harding was generally considered one of our worst Presidents due to the many instances of graft within his administration.

We are coming to the 11th hour for people to register and run for office in this year’s elections. Once everyone’s name is out there, the smears and rumors will start. All it takes is an innuendo that so-and-so was involved in this-or-that to make the public question their integrity or standing in the community.

If tomorrow were Election Day, who would you vote to represent you? Most of us have our jobs, careers, or businesses to run and have not given the various candidates much thought.

“Side-effects include delayed backache.” Honestly, what the heck is that? Personally, I would love to be able to delay my bouts with backaches. But, I digress…

Back at the beginning of this month I wrote a column on the BP oil platform explosion in the Gulf of Mexico. On April 30, 2010, the initial action taken by the Obama Administration was sending lawyers to New Orleans (Reuters) eight days after the explosion.

It seems that every time we come into a political season, or when an important piece of legislation is presented, the hue and cry of civil discussion arises. Someone will say exactly what is on their mind and others will chime in that the words used are too harsh. Pollucka!

According to Reuters, “Attorney General Eric Holder said on Friday he was dispatching a team of lawyers to New Orleans to monitor the oil spill and that the Obama Administration would vigorously enforce environmental laws.”

Our nation was founded on a number of philosophic precedences that were unique to this nation – one of the most important being the right to property, (whether physical property, intellectual, or the payment of our labors) which equates to liberty. In short, unlike other nations, the rewards of our labor are ours to keep and do with what we please.

Well sine die has passed and once again, our one party rule in Annapolis has won the day! In short, little of value got passed, but somehow more funding for programs and organizations damaging to Maryland slipped through.

We have seen a tremendous sea change in the Board of County Commissioners of late. Much of this is due to the newly appointed Commissioner Blaine Young.

Yesterday we reviewed both the government and private market responses to the nation’s insurance needs. Now we shall see if the actions of the past are a precursor to the present and future happenings with our new healthcare law.

Many articles and commentaries are floating around about the newly passed healthcare law. It is worth our time to review how we got to this point and what the pitfalls were in the creation of insurance programs in the United States.

Sunday’s vote on healthcare, not only screwed up our capitalist system, but it also wreaked havoc on my intended topic for a column!

Yesterday we discussed the Respondent’s (the lawyer supporting the Chicago position) current 2nd Amendment case before the Supreme Court of the United States – McDonald v. City of Chicago.

Yesterday we discussed some of the background of the current 2nd Amendment case before the Supreme Court of the United States – McDonald v. City of Chicago.

There is a new argument before the Supreme Court of the United States – McDonald v. City of Chicago. The arguments hinge on keeping the status quo versus integrating an “innovative” approach which could have far reaching effects on both state and national laws.

A friend of mine has a home on the corner of a busy road. Because of this, he is able to sell a myriad of things in his front yard – from cars to lawn mowers to any number of items.

Two bills which are currently active in our Maryland General Assembly need your support. One will be heard today. Take some time to send your representatives an email!

Why is it that when it is cold out, people want a nice cool drink after working outside – but when it is hot out, they don’t want a warm drink after working outside?

Our delegation to Annapolis has recently voted to endorse a pilot program for a Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) trash mitigation system. Will this program help mitigate the tremendous amount of trash we send to the landfill and potentially save our citizens money? Let’s explore some of the possibilities.

This is actually the second column and submission by Delegate Don Dwyer of Anne Arundel County on this topic. The initial column spoke to the need for Mayor Sheila Dixon to be removed from office based upon a clear reading of the Maryland Constitution.

While this should be a time of writing about family traditions or various ideas for the New Year, another pressing issue has arisen that requires our immediate attention. Del. Rick Weldon, (3B) has announced he will not complete his term, hence a replacement must be chosen by the Frederick and Washington County Republican Central Committees.

Yesterday in this space we discussed some of the political and consensus aspects to long-term transportation planning. We will now pursue some of the myths that surround transportation and determine some of the factors necessary to develop solutions to these problems.

My time as chairman of the National Region Transportation Planning Board Citizens Advisory Committee is coming to an end – thank heaven they do not give out business cards, as this would be about the size of a bumper sticker – must be a government thing.

We’ve all seen and heard the current brouhaha’s within the Board of Education, but have we been able to follow the alternatives presented to this group for better educational choice and potential savings?

I have been on hiatus. I would say sabbatical, but that involves payment during the absence and considering the vast sums we are paid here at TheTentacle.com, how could one possibly expect our esteemed editor to pay us when we are away?

As predicted one year ago, the Office of Sustainability is working toward growth even in these most dire of times.

I recently got back from Iowa. I would have invited you, but they were full.

Might the EPA being covering up information pertaining to Global Warming? How could that possibly be true – this is a cabinet level agency whose sole interest is protecting American citizens by ensuring the environment receives the attention it deserves.

Now is the summer of our discontent – made glorious winter by this sun of the Statis. Shakespeare may not have been pleased, but my literary license is paid in full and allows for such word play.

We have seen this scenario played out before – in fact, the Holy Bible speaks to third generations not embracing the religion of their parents. In short, it is the values, traditions, and work ethic of our parents and grandparents being pushed aside for a more progressive vision.

What an interesting week of racism. First we had a non-hearing on the confirmation of a proposed Supreme Court justice. And most recently we had the President of the United States defending a Harvard scholar for incendiary statements toward a policeman. It seems we have finally reached a point where racism is acceptable in some circles, as long as it is the ‘right’ kind of racism.

Many of us have known people who married the person involved in the break up of their marriage. We have also seen this situation in which one or the other in this new marriage cheats again. It is a difficult situation, but one with which a person has to wonder, why would you trust someone who has a known history of cheating or breaking vows?

The Frederick County Board of Education had a televised meeting on June 10, 2009. During that meeting, many things were discussed including re-districting and the budget. It is the latter for which we will focus our discussion today.

Much discussion has been taking place surrounding the subject of Smart Growth. New plans for zoning, building, growth, and government regulations.

On a recent radio talk show, I was referred to as a moderate. While the comment was meant as a compliment, being a staunch conservative, I took umbrage toward the implication. This led to a conversation about the meaning of moderate and something that seemed timely for an article.

I enjoy a number of talk radio shows from our local ones to Rush Limbaugh and Mark Levin. Of course, these national shows have a strong leaning towards conservatism. I am okay with that.

"I guess there is nothing that will get your mind off everything like golf will. I have never been depressed enough to take up the game, but they say you can get so sore at yourself that you forget to hate your enemies." - Will Rogers

I had the privilege of attending the Frederick County Tea Party. While neither man will accept the credit, great thanks goes out to Blaine Young and Bob Miller of WFMD radio, 930 A.M. That attendance on such an awful day to be outside was remarkable!

A sad situation is unfolding in our local Republican Party. I very much cherish and respect our party, and it is due to that regard that I feel it is important to let you know the situation. You can make up your mind as to how you believe this should play out.

What is truth in politics? Is it something black and white; or are there varying degrees of gradation? Obviously it is the latter. Hence the need to research and understand what is stated versus what the realities behind the action are.

Some interesting events have occurred over the last few weeks that are seemingly disparate, but in fact, have many commonalities. The main connection is the discussion of the Waste To Energy (WTE) plant.

Last time we were together, we discussed the plan by the Frederick County Board of Education to continue on its path to build their Taj Mahal in downtown Frederick. Since that time, I have received a copy of a soil analysis on the property. The levels of arsenic and mercury were well beyond acceptable health standards.

The Board of Education is moving full force to ensure their new Taj Mahal is going to be built. They have used many mechanisms to side-step the tough questions and portray things in a good light. In short, we have not been given the full and accurate truth.

A new president and a new session for the Maryland Legislature – what more could a columnist ask for? Uh… substance?

If you wake up tomorrow and go out to warm up your car before leaving for work – you could be facing a $60 fine and one point on your driving record. This is yet another sign of not actually thinking through an idea, and what unintended consequences are.

This is the time of year when resolutions are made and broken.  I shall attempt to follow in that hallowed tradition. “Eat and drink whatever you want.” The beauty of this resolution is that soon you will not be able to afford it, hence you will diet and sober up whether you want to or not.

When we were last together, we discussed the iconic imagery subtext replete within the film It’s a Wonderful Life. The pleonasm of this previous discussion was self-serving and self-evident, yet constructive in its perspicacious appraisal.

Why is it that It’s a Wonderful Life seems to continuously play from Thanksgiving until Christmas Day? Is this some evil plot by Big TV to drive us crazy during this season? Or is it some other ghastly plot of excess?

As a new year is dawning, many issues and perspectives are drawing near in our political arena. We have a “change” coming on our national front – but we must remember that our state representatives will be meeting in the near future and may be offering us “change” as well.

“[A]m I my brother’s keeper?” This was the statement Cain gave to God when questioned about the location of Abel, whom Cain murdered. It has become part of our cultural colloquialisms – generally applied when asking about our responsibility to help others.

What an interesting time slot to post a column. Today we engage in one of our most auspicious rights – the ability to vote for our representatives. Good luck!

Times are tight and even the government is recognizing the need to cut back – or at least, appear as if they are making budget cuts.

When Congress, the president, and the Federal Reserve come together to make a huge new plan with very little dissent or public discussion, it is time to worry. That is what occurred last weekend.

Many have heard or read about the new math system being instituted by the Frederick County Board of Education. This program, TERC (now called Pearson Math Investigations) has a poor foundation and virtually no books or parent involvement. In short, the child taught under this program will fall well behind within a few short years.

It used to be that a handshake or a person’s word was their bond. While some may argue that this is just simply our memories of a past gone by, many still know people who, when they tell you they will do something, it gets done! In short, people of integrity.

Perceptions are a tricky thing. There are times in life when a person can feel so strongly about a situation they are willing to suffer the consequences of people believing they are either wrong or have some nefarious intent.

A recent conversation on the radio piqued my interest. A regular Tentacle columnist and our 3-B delegate to the General Assembly, Rick Weldon, talked about the decision facing Gov. Martin O’Malley on the death penalty.

So many interesting events have taken place since my last entry here that it was difficult to decide what to write about. But, a Herculean accomplishment is taking place within this county, and it needs to touted.

Recycling is not the simple toss-it-in- the-blue-in-and-save-the-planet activity that we generally believed. While it has value, we have seen that it is not the panacea generally ascribed. Today we will consider a few of the existing situations which strip away the benefits attributed to recycling.

In yesterday’s column we reviewed some basic information on recycling. We determined that while tossing our plastics in the blue recycling bin may make us feel as if we are saving the planet, it may be we are using substantial resources to produce products we buy back which are no longer recyclable.

Is recycling a misnomer? In other words, do we actually recycle our waste and containers; or do we just transport them to someone else and feel good about our actions?

When we were last together, we discussed a presentation given to the Farm Bureau on nutrient problems in the Chesapeake Bay. Since that time, a number of rebuttals have been made with respect to the comments. Here is a brief commentary on some of those points.

Yesterday we explored the health of the Chesapeake Bay. We noted various terms like Point Source and how Atmospheric Deposition can break down into those constituents which are to blame for the algae blooms and low oxygen levels within the Bay.

We are facing yet another crisis. The Chesapeake Bay has algae blooms and low dissolved oxygen levels. After years of studies, programs, and billions of dollars, it seems we cannot prevent this body of water from being listed on the impaired waters list of the Clean Water Act.

I have the great privilege of enjoying a variety of friends. It is likely that my ability to keep and keep up with these people is more a tribute to my wife, (She Who Must Be Obeyed), than to my sterling personality.

Zero Waste or Zero Landfill is a somewhat new catchphrase gaining use in our lexicon. Let’s be clear, there is no such thing as Zero Waste. Sooner or later, virtually every product we use becomes waste. To believe any different is to fool yourself.

Sometimes you are the bug and sometimes you are the windshield. It seems that recently we taxpaying residents of Maryland have been the bug. Of course, this covers a multitude of sins.

Recent articles on the Transportation Planning Board for the National Capital Region studies indicate that solutions to our road congestion are still very much in limbo. Ideas like Private Toll Roads, (HOT Lanes and such) may not offer the solutions people were hoping to see.

My computer has been trashed; I allowed someone else to use it and a program was downloaded that hacked my system. For me, this is a painful process as I use my computer regularly to communicate with folks, look up information, post my viewpoints on issues, etc. But, it also gave me an opportunity to view some of the issues of illegal immigration in a new light.