BluegrassReport.org

Courier-Journal: McConnell "Deliberately Untruthful"

Seems that Senator McConnell (R) shares one major similarity with Governor Fletcher (R): both have real problems with the truth.

Today's Courier-Journal editorial whacks McConnell for his office's attempt to smear a 12-year-old boy who came forward (along with his family) to publicly support the recent SCHIP legislation that Congress overwhelmingly passed -- and then shamefully lie about it:

McConnell Versus Truth
Courier-Journal Editorial

...Sen. McConnell was deliberately untruthful the next day, when he told WHAS-TV's Mark Hebert, "There was no involvement whatsoever." The senator will object to any suggestion of lying, but what else is it when you knowingly misrepresent facts?

It's clear what Mitch McConnell knew and when he knew it. It's clear he deceived the public when he answered Mr. Hebert as he did about the e-mail sent by his press agent.

Mr. McConnell is so used to Washington-style gamesmanship and inside-the-beltway rules that he has forgotten what constituents back in Kentucky want: the simple truth.

The Herald-Leader also took McConnell task in its editorial on the subject.

One final note: I get a good deal of e-mail asking why I'm not spending more time exposing some of McConnell's shameful episodes and comments of late. Simply, I'm trying to keep my focus and energy on the November 6th election. There will be plenty of time to spotlight the abject failures of McConnell's leadership after that, but I try to keep the focus on the election before us. Besides, BlueGrassRoots and Ditch Mitch are doing more than an adequate job covering McConnell's idiocies.

No Credibility Left For Fletcher's Proposals

When I hear Governor Fletcher (R) trot out policy proposals about things like expanding the availability of health care to Kentuckians, I can't help but laugh. Where were these proposals during the last four years? And this from the man who tried to screw teachers on their health insurance -- until they were headed for a statewide strike. Then he surrendered.

Sometimes I think Fletcher hopes we'll forget he's actually the incumbent (even though we all wish we could forget) so that he can rollout policy ideas that he's never bothered to mention during the four disastrous years he's occupied the governor's office.

Of course, during the 2003 campaign, Fletcher made many pie-in-the-sky promises on health care, which he's never come close to accomplishing.

Here's one such laughable promise Fletcher made in September 2003 as reported by the Paducah Sun:

"I have a goal of attracting at least 10 health insurance companies back to Kentucky within the first year of my administration and 20 by the end of the second year," he said. "Within four years, I hope we can have a fully competitive market again."

Hmmm. Well, that didn't exactly pan out, did it?

Heck of a job, Ernie. You lost your credibility long ago.

UPDATE (3:07 PM): I just noticed something even more amusing about the 2003 Paducah Sun story cited above.

One of the few things Fletcher claims as one of his crowning achievements was the creation of a Drug Control Policy Office when he took office. Of course, back in 2003, it was Ben Chandler (D) who proposed such an idea and it was Fletcher-Pence who blasted it:

"Ben Chandler said he is going to appoint a drug czar to take care of the problem," Pence said. "The last five years, while this was going on, Ben Chandler was the drug czar. Another layer of government is not going to do it. I'm going to lead the fight."

It's like a sick joke has been played on the state for the past four years...

Labor Goes After Governor Fletcher (R) And AG Nominee Stan Lee (R) In Radio Spot About "Christian Values"

Remember the 527 that was set-up by various members of organized labor during the primary with the intentions of going after Bruce Lunsford (D) called Working Families for Kentucky? Well, they just re-emerged for the general election and are going up with a radio spot throughout western and south-central Kentucky beginning Monday.

The deliberately folksy spot takes aim at Governor Fletcher (R) and attorney general nominee Stan Lee (R) on "Christian values." The ad criticizes both for "implying they are God's chosen candidates" and then reminds voters that Christian values also includes things like soaring health care costs, affordable education, and good jobs -- issues that neither candidate seems much interested in talking about.

UFCW's Chris Sanders cut the spot and, aside from being a member of organized labor in Kentucky, Chris also holds a Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville.

Click here to listen to the spot.

I understand that this is their opening salvo and we can expect a number of very targeted hits between now and the election.

UPDATE (2:19 PM): Pol Watchers has a story on the ad. Here's an excerpt:

Asked if the purpose of the ad is to discredit Fletcher and Lee, Sanders said, “I’m a Christian.  I’ve become disillusioned how some candidates wrap themselves in religion and then not acting likewise.”

C-J's Steitzer Calls Out Fletcher Admin For Scrubbing Statistics From Website Which Sharply Contradict One Of Their Favorite Talking Points

Since the inception of BluegrassReport.org in June 2005, I've constantly harped on the dishonesty of Governor Fletcher (R) and his fellow band of wing-nuts (e.g., David Williams, Damon Thayer, Stan Lee) who have knocked themselves silly trying to convince the public that we need to give-up our constitutional guarantee to a civil trial because doctors have been fleeing the state. I even created a category of these posts called "Legal Reform Lies."

Time and again I've demonstrated how the state's own statistics contradict everything these political hacks have been saying, which they've done simply to placate some of their top financial patrons -- the insurance lobby and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

This afternoon, Stephenie Steitzer has quite a find on the Courier-Journal's blog, as she noticed how the state has scrubbed statistics which have shown a clear increase in the number of practicing physicians in the state for a number of consecutive years:

Data Scrubbed From State Website?

The Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure previously kept statistics regarding the number of licensed physicians with Kentucky practice addresses going back to previous years.

It was a quick and easy place to learn that physicians are not leaving the state in droves as the governor and pro-tort reform legislators continue to assert.

...Those numbers, however, are no longer being kept on the Web site, http://kbml.ky.gov/

...Brenda Knopp, the Web site manager, said the old statistics were removed when the Web site was redesigned about a year ago. She said she has "absolutely no idea" why they removed and does not remember who ordered them removed.

"We just don't put them on there anymore," she said.

Knopp said the numbers are still available to anyone who submits an open records request.

Excellent work, Stephenie.

Kentucky Sees Increase In Poverty and People Without Health Insurance

Another vivid example of the abysmal failure of Governor Fletcher's (R) policies during his term. Four years ago, Fletcher promised that Kentucky would see strong gains in reducing poverty and improved access to health care. In both cases, the state keeps dropping under his disastrous leadership. Another reason why Fletcher refuses to discuss his record on the campaign trail:

From the Associated Press following yesterday's latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau:

In 2006, 17 percent of Kentuckians lived below the poverty level, compared with 16.8 percent in 2005. The state jumped from the ninth poorest state in the nation in 2005 to tying Oklahoma at No. 7 in 2006.

The shift counters the national trend: 12.3 percent - or 36.5 million Americans - were living in poverty last year, down from 12.6 percent in 2005.

...The Census Bureau data found that a slightly larger percentage of Kentucky children and senior citizens lived in poverty in 2006. Ranked 10th (tied with Tennessee) in the country, 22.3 percent of the state's children lived below the poverty level in 2006, compared with 22.1 percent in 2005. Kentucky residents age 65 and older rank fourth nationally, with 13.5 percent living below the poverty level in 2006, compared with 13.3 percent in 2005.

...The problem is compounded by the fact that more than a half-million Kentuckians don't have health insurance. The Census Bureau reported that in 2006, 13.8 percent of the state isn't covered - a slight increase from the 13.5 percent in 2005.

Kentucky fell below the national average of 15.8 percent. The number of uninsured Americans went up from 44.8 million in 2005 to 47 million in 2006.

Flip-Flop Fletcher Can't Keep His Rants Straight

Don't you love it when Governor Flip-Flop Fletcher (R) can't keep his politically-expedient rants straight?

Today, Attorney General Stumbo (D) threatened legal action against the Fletcher administration for violating state law in his appointment of trustees to the University of Kentucky and University of Louisville by disregarding the plain statutory language that the boards much reflect the political make-up of the state, to ensure that a governor could not stack the boards with members of his own party. (Click here for Stumbo's letter).

In response, Fletcher's office stated:

"Governor Fletcher is committed to appointing the best and brightest individuals to serve in these positions. The Governor has followed the law."

Of course, it was these very individuals that nearly unanimously voted to allow UofL and UK to offer domestic partner benefits, which Fletcher now believes (after some painful flip-flopping) is one of the biggest problems the state faces and which was worthy of calling the General Assembly into special session to address.

So, according to Fletcher, on some days these individuals are the "best and brightest" while on others they have such bad judgment as to worthy emergency legislative sessions to fix their actions. What a farce.

Flip, flop. Flip, flop. Flip, flop. Flip, flop. Flip, flop...

Of course, if Fletcher would just take State Rep. J.R. Gray's (D) advice from earlier this year, he could fix both problems at once. But that would require a governor who had core values, really cared about his rants on domestic partner benefits, and wanted to comply with the law.

But then we are talking about someone as disingenuous and corrupt as Fletcher...

U of L Let Henry Go After Work Complaints (Gerth, Courier-Journal)

Joe Gerth has a blockbuster story in this morning's Courier-Journal on the real story behind former Lt. Governor Steve Henry's (D) involuntary separation from the University of Louisville, despite his the lies he told during the recent gubernatorial primary race.

After reading this story, Democrats should be quite grateful that Henry is not the current Democratic nominee.

Here are some excerpts from the lengthy story:

U of L Let Henry Go After Work Complaints
Accreditation, hospital liability were concerns
By Joseph Gerth, The Courier-Journal

Former Lt. Gov. Steve Henry was removed from the University of Louisville Medical School faculty last year after repeatedly missing surgical procedures performed by students under his supervision and being unavailable when on call for emergencies, university records show.

Henry's superiors voiced concern that his actions posed potential legal liability for University Hospital and medical students and could put the university's department of orthopedic medicine at risk of losing its accreditation, according to the records.

[...]

Among other things, the records show that Johnson had tried for more than four years to remove Henry from his volunteer position but was blocked by superiors until late last year.

"I would be remiss in my responsibilities as Chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery if I jeopardized the future of our residents and our program by allowing Dr. Henry to remain on staff," Johnson wrote in 2003 to Dr. Joel Kaplan, then the chancellor of the medical campus, who had decided to keep Henry on staff.

In addition to Henry's supervisory and on-call problems, the file alludes to other concerns, though it doesn't go into detail.

[...]

In addition, the letter said, his statements to the news media were to be cleared through the department because of some inaccuracies in the past.

"For example, comments by you that you donate $50,000 from your U of L salary are completely inaccurate," Johnson wrote. "You have been on leave of absence from the full-time faculty since 1996 … and have not received a salaried check from U of L since that time."

[...]

On June 23, Dr. Ryan Krupp, a resident in the department, wrote that Henry was scheduled for surgery with Krupp and Dr. Justin Ogden.

When Ogden talked to Henry on the phone just before surgery, Henry said he was "minutes away from the hospital and that we should proceed with the case and he would meet us in the operating room," according to Krupp's letter. It added that Henry never showed up and didn't return phone calls.

You're Doing A Heck Of A Job, Ernie...

I'm sure you all recall the oft-repeated self-aggrandizement in Governor Fletcher's (R) most recent television ads:

"Then we hired a doctor to cure our ills. Ernie Fletcher."

Unfortunately, Fletcher's fiction meets reality in a national study just released:

Kentucky ranks 45th nationally in a new assessment of how well the health care systems of individual states are doing in protecting the health of residents.

...The University of Kentucky's Dr. Douglas Scutchfield yesterday said that he agrees generally with the Commonwealth Fund's findings on Kentucky, and suggested that the state will continue its low ranking until Kentuckians summon the political will to change things.

...Kentucky ranked near the bottom in every area except equity of care, which measured the care patients received regardless of race or income.

Heck of a job, Dr. Fletcher...

Holsinger Update

Despite the national cries over past intolerant comments by Surgeon General nominee James Holsinger, both the Herald-Leader and Courier-Journal editorials this morning defend the nomination and do a fairly good job of separating Holsinger's religious views and his actual record of medical service. Here are some excerpts:

Herald-Leader:

Before Holsinger's church record was unearthed following the nomination, the only report on his views on sexuality and health arose when, as chancellor of the University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center, he defended a session on lesbian health issues at a UK conference, in the face of criticism from angry legislators and conservative groups.

But the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee doesn't have to decide whether it likes all Holsinger's opinions.

The criticisms have arisen from his private service as a church leader. To answer the question about whether he will value the health of a gay person as dearly as that of a heterosexual, the committee must look to his extensive record as a public health administrator.

His impressive credentials demand thoughtful review during confirmation hearings.

Holsinger, 68, worked two years as secretary of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, nine as chancellor of the medical center and spent years directing Veteran's Administration hospitals and as the VA's chief medical director.

Holsinger is entering the glare of national exposure as public patience is wearing thin with incompetent, inexperienced Bush-appointed idealogues running amok in government.

That fatigue, combined with presidential candidates eager for air time, promises a combustible environment at Holsinger's hearings.

Ultimately, he must answer whether, as surgeon general, he would be guided by faith or science.

Courier-Journal:

Dr. Holsinger, as a member of the church's Judicial Council, also opposed allowing a lesbian to be a pastor and supported another pastor who resisted letting an openly gay man to join the church.

None of this should derail Dr. Holsinger's nomination.

The contentious matter of gay pastors and church policy toward homosexuality is for individual denominations to settle according to their beliefs.

Dr. Holsinger's paper on gay sex is more problematic. In addition to being needlessly cruel, his remarks ran against mainstream medical and psychological thought -- that sexual orientation is an innate (and, thus, in a sense "natural") quality. In any case, almost all sexual activity these days requires some health precautions.

But Dr. Holsinger's comments and actions clearly lay within the context of his personal religious convictions and activities.

No evidence has been presented that he allows such views to cloud his own practice or management of medicine or deter him in the least from a determination to provide the best medical care possible to the entire population. Kentuckians who have worked closely with him, including some who are openly gay, come vigorously to his defense.

Especially given the Bush administration's penchant for sacrificing science for political or religious agendas, it will be entirely appropriate to question Dr. Holsinger about his views once his confirmation hearings are scheduled. And his performance, including his handling of gay people and issues, will bear watching.

But he starts with a distinguished record as a medical administrator and important priorities for his new job, including tackling childhood obesity.

He still seems an outstanding choice.

State Rep. J.R. Gray (D) Calls Out Governor Fletcher (R) On His Domestic Partner Benefits Whining

We all have seen how rank political expediency has trumped sound governing once again for Governor Fletcher (R) on the issue of universities allowing its faculty and staff to purchase domestic partner benefits. Fletcher continues to threaten to call the General Assembly into special session this summer to micromanage the university boards' decisions, and legislate more discrimination and hate, by barring such benefits.

Well, yesterday State Rep. J.R. Gray (D) called-out Fletcher on his huffing and puffing on this subject and proposed a better way for Fletcher to handle the matter, if he really cares about the issue, rather than simply trying to score political points to bolster his re-election campaign, which is presently on life-support:

As for the proposal to ban universities from offering domestic partnership benefits, Rep. J.R. Gray of Benton — the House labor and industry committee chairman — said he’s drafting a letter urging Fletcher to handle the matter himself.

Trustees of the University of Louisville and University of Kentucky — most of whom are appointed by the governor — have approved policies to offer such benefits.

Gray said he will tell Fletcher in the letter that he should ask the trustees to reconsider their decisions and if they don’t, the governor should ask them to resign so he can appoint replacements who agree with him.

“If he’s really sincere about this issue, that’s the way to handle it,” Gray said.

Of course, Gray's suggestion would require one to believe that Fletcher really cares about the issue enough to directly impact his own appointees (many of whom are financial donors) and oust them, rather than simply get as much play out of the issue for him to demonstrate to some of his fanatical supporters that he is filled with as much hatred for some people as they are.

Noteworthy is that this is yet another issue where Lt. Governor Steve Pence (R) has publicly opposed Fletcher.

More Steve Henry (D) Lies (Why Does That Sound Familiar?)

Mark Hebert has this nugget about yet another Steve Henry (D) lie:

Henry: In his opening statement, Dr. Henry told the group "I run a charity clinic at U of L".

That's not true. As the C-J pointed out in a story on monday, Henry's agreement with University Hospital was not renewed this year. When I asked Henry about the error, he said he'd put aside his medical work to run for governor. When I reminded Henry that he'd told the group that he currently runs a health care clinic, he responded by saying that he'd seen more than 20,000 patients during his years at U of L. When I kept pressing and asking if he wasn't misleading people to believe he was still practicing medicine, Henry responded that he won't try to see patients while he's campaigning.

Of course, being called-out on his lies won't stop the Henry campaign from repeating them. Here's a Letter to the Editor in the Owensboro newspaper this morning, touting the same lie:

Henry gives to community through free clinic, operations
5/8/2007

We all know that Dr. Steve Henry was born in Owensboro and that he graduated from Owensboro Senior High School, Western Kentucky University and the University of Louisville School of Medicine. He is a loving husband and wonderful father. He served two terms as lieutenant governor.

Steve is acclaimed as one of the top orthopedic surgeons in this area. Several days a month, he sees patients at a free clinic. He has performed several hundred operations at no charge, a way for him to give back to the community...

Melody Knight
Owensboro

I don't think there's any doubt that the Henry campaign is "astro-turfing" newspapers across the state by getting their supporters to write this trash. If you see a similar letter in your local paper, please forward to me ASAP.

Expanded-Gaming Idiocy

Lots of media stories this morning on how a number of Democratic gubernatorial candidates took Steve Beshear (D) to task at yesterday's AARP forum because of his one-size-fits-all answer response to how to fix what ills Kentucky: expanded-gaming.

I agree with the criticism, and even raised it in January.

As someone who is not particularly opposed to expanded-gaming, I continue to be troubled by Beshear's singular response of "expanded-gaming" to seemingly any question about issues or leadership, even though the best-case scenario for any such revenue wouldn't come until 2009. For many of us looking for real leadership after what we've dealt with over the past three years, this hardly satisfies our hunger. It's also the reason that I'm lukewarm on Beshear.

However, as disappointed as I am with the lack of breadth of Beshear's vision, I'm even more disappointed with the disingenuous and flip-flopping comments on expanded-gaming by both Jody Richards (D) and Bruce Lunsford (D).

During the 2003 campaign, Lunsford was just as aggressive on expanded-gaming as Beshear is now. Funny how he's changed his tune on this issue -- among so many others -- since his failed 2003 run. Back then, Lunsford lectured us as follows:

Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer (Apr 23, 2003):

If Bruce Lunsford is elected governor in November, he says he will push hard to get a constitutional amendment allowing six to eight land-based casinos in Kentucky on the ballot in 2004.

"We're almost being foolish to continue to allow $300 million a year (from Kentuckians) to go to out-of-state casinos in Indiana and Illinois," the Louisville millionaire businessman said Tuesday during a news conference at the Daviess County Courthouse.

Lunsford said six to eight sites for casinos should be selected by a state gaming board, appointed by the governor and approved by the state Senate. Money from gaming should be restricted to education and helping problem gamblers, he said.

[...]

"Children are leaving this state because of a lack of opportunity," Lunsford said. "This is uppermost in my mind. I want it on the ballot in November 2004 and hopefully we can see construction starting in 2005."

Herald-Leader (Apr 24, 2003):

Giving new political life to the notion of expanding gambling, Democratic candidate for governor Bruce Lunsford is touting casinos as a solution to Kentucky's budget problems.

Lunsford's endorsement of a constitutional amendment to allow for six to eight land-based casinos across Kentucky marks the first time a large-scale expansion of gambling has emerged as a statewide campaign issue in 16 years.

...Lunsford's gambit could air the issue of expanding gambling more fully than it has been previously by forcing his opponents in the Democratic primary to take fully defined positions on it.

...Lunsford called it "a cop-out" to be neutral on an amendment.

"I don't think it has any chance unless the governor plays an active role in pushing it," he said.

...Lunsford said casinos are necessary to increase revenue as well as stop money from flowing across state lines to Indiana casinos.

"We're basically shooting ourselves in the foot by not being able to have a piece of all that revenue," he said.

Kentucky Post (May 1, 2003):

Democrat Bruce Lunsford said gambling is already available in Kentucky through wagering at the horse tracks, off-track betting parlors and bingo games and the state should consider legalizing land-based casinos to bring in millions to fund education and other state needs.

"Let's get it off the table," said Lunsford, a wealthy Louisville businessman who grew up in Kenton County. "They've been discussing it for 10 years. Let's get it on the ballot."

Lunsford is proposing a constitutional amendment, which would have to be approved by voters, that would legalize a limited number of casinos in Kentucky. He said he would want it to require that a major portion of the revenues realized by casinos go to Kentucky's public education system.

On the other hand, Jody Richards (D) has been pathetic on this topic with ever-shifting positions over the years. Yesterday, he acknowledged changing his position and is now opposed to gaming. But Richards' flip-flop is only the latest in truly contradictory positions by him over the years:

AP (Apr 2, 2007):

Richards:

"I support giving the voters of the commonwealth a chance to voice their opinion on expanded gaming in Kentucky. I personally support expanded gaming at Kentucky racetracks and a limited number of other locations."

Herald-Leader (Jan 25, 2007):

Richards told reporters he and Brown favored Kentuckians voting on whether to approve expanded gaming, but wouldn't say whether he'd push for or against it.

Bowling Green Daily News (Dec 17, 2006):

[State Sen. David] Boswell said he isn't sure where some southcentral Kentucky lawmakers stand on the hot-button issue, but he said House Speaker Jody Richards, D-Bowling Green, has been ambiguous.

“He's kind of danced around the issue depending on where is,” Boswell said, citing some of Richards' speaking engagements. “He's never come right out and said he's for it or against it - not here, anyway.”

AP (Mar 21, 2006):

The House Rules Committee has five legislative days to decide what to do with the bill. As of Monday, there was no decision on the measure, which would ask voters to decide whether to amend the constitution to allow up to nine casinos in Kentucky.

Richards, asked Monday about the bill's fate, said, "It sort of depends on what the members want to do."

Asked why it had not been returned to a committee, he said, "Because there are five of us in (House Democratic) leadership." Richards, D-Bowling Green, did not elaborate.

Herald-Leader (Mar 9, 2006):

House Speaker Jody Richards, D-Bowling Green, said he hasn't polled the 100 members to see how a proposed amendment might fare. He acknowledged that Democratic leaders have discussed the issue but wouldn't say whether they've taken a position.

Glasgow Daily Times (Dec 11, 2005):

“Personally, I’m not in favor of expanded gaming.” Richards said, who also questions how unified supporters are. “Until they can get House members together, I’m just going to sort of work with the House members.”

Courier-Journal (Feb 28, 2003):

Richards said he had long opposed any move toward expansion of gambling, "but I am at the point where I believe that the right thing to do is pass a constitutional amendment in the legislature and let the people vote in that issue.''

I'm so incredibly underwhelmed with our remaining choices for Democratic nominee for governor. I can see why Secretary of State Trey Grayson (R) projects less than 15% turnout...

Senate Blocks Plan For Prescription Drugs

From the AP:

In a triumph for the pharmaceutical industry, the U.S. Senate killed an effort yesterday to allow consumers to buy prescription drugs from abroad at a significant savings over domestic prices.

On a 49-40 vote, the Senate required the administration to certify the safety and effectiveness of imported drugs before they can be imported, a requirement that officials have said they cannot meet.

"Well, once again the big drug companies have proved that they are the most powerful and best financed lobby in Washington," said Sen. David Vitter, a Louisiana Republican.

Joining the pharmaceutical industry in killing this legislation was Senator McConnell (R) and Senator Bunning (R).

Henry Joins Fletcher In Wanting To Limit Your Constitutional Rights

Steve Henry (D) appears to be drinking the same Kool-Aid as Governor Fletcher (R) when it comes to the well-documented phony argument that restricting our constitutional rights to trial is going to help fix the health care problem.

From last week's Bowling Green Daily News:

Asked whether they would support changes in the law governing medical malpractice lawsuits, Fletcher and Henry said they approved of caps on non-economic damage awards...

Be sure to send this to every lawyer, judge and law student you know...

Follow-Up On Member of Governor Fletcher's (R) OxyContin Task Force Under Investigation For Over-Prescribing Narcotics

You might recall last month's post about an investigation of a doctor (Dr. Milton Young) who sits on Governor Fletcher's (R) OxyContin Task Force for allegations that he over-prescribed narcotics.

Well, according to this afternoon's Courier-Journal, the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure is considering giving back Dr. Young's prescribing rights back in the coming months if he completes a class on prescribing drugs. Seriously. It sounds like the equivalent of traffic school.

I don't know the specifics of this case, other than what's been reported in the media, but given how the drug epidemic in Kentucky has been horribly magnified by the over-prescribing problem, and the fact that Young sits on the governor's task force on this very issue, is this setting the right example?

On the surface, this strikes me as an offensive slap on the wrist. I also wonder whether Young still sits on the OxyContin Task Force?

The Shysters Want To Fix The Problem They Helped Create

Anyone else realize that the two Democratic candidates with ads telling us how they'll fix the health care system -- Steve Henry (D) and Bruce Lunsford (D) -- both had to pay the federal government hefty fines for allegations of Medicare/Medicaid fraud?

Lunsford ponied-up $100 million; Henry $160,000. And they want us to believe they can fix the problem. Shame on us if we're that stupid.

Stumbo Speaks The Truth

At least Attorney General Stumbo (D) acknowledges he doesn't know the answer:

“I don't have the full answer to the health care dilemma,” Stumbo admitted, “but Bruce Lundsford understands that problem, knows how to deal with it, but it'll take awhile to fix it, but Bruce is a long-term thinker.”

Because we all recall how well his running mate, Bruce Lunsford (D) understands the problem. Evict low income seniors from his nursing homes and turn a blind eye to abuse. Indeed, a long-term thinker:

Miller-Maze Calls For Repeal Of AMC In Economic Roll-Out

Today, the Miller-Maze campaign rolled-out another detailed policy proposal at a morning press conference, this one focusing on the economy.

Of note, the plan calls for a complete repeal of the Alternative Minimum Calculation:

"The AMC tax sends precisely the wrong message to our small and middle sized businesses and will be repealed under the Miller-Maze Administration. Individual income taxes for businesses must be altered to spur small business growth and encourage venture capital enterprise," Miller said. "Tax dollars in our large cities can be better used to increase infrastructure, while in rural areas tax incentives, specialized loans and breaks will foster small business growth."

Also addressed in the plan:

Local economic development:

"Regional Bluegrass Coalitions should be established and coordinated with representatives of the Economic Development Cabinet, area development districts, local businesses and hospitals, and community colleges. These cooperatives will allow businesses to express their needs, not only to state officials but directly to the community colleges that educate their workforces," he said. "Community colleges will benefit from increased private sector partnerships, more qualified staff, government assistance in the form of tax incentives, and better student funding from private and government sources."

Addressing health care costs for small business:

Reining in healthcare costs so that companies of all sizes can provide coverage to employees and their families is critical. Miller reiterated his goal to provide universal healthcare for Kentuckians in his first term.

"Irv Maze and I will lead the way for a healthy Kentucky by allowing small businesses to enter purchasing alliances, by expanding Medicaid and KCHIP coverage, and by entering multi-state compacts for prescription drug purchasing and other services," Miller said. "And we'll protect the middle class so that those who are covered can afford the coverage and services they need. By eliminating the emergency room as the healthcare provider of choice and ensuring we are all healthier, costs will be contained and help Kentucky be more business friendly."

Expanding Infrastructure:

Kentucky has the cheapest energy costs in the nation but long-term solvency is jeopardized as our infrastructure ages. Miller said the third part of the plan calls for improvements on existing infrastructure to keep up with future demand while establishing Kentucky as the clean energy capital of the world. Miller and Maze offered their clean energy plan in early February.

"If we use our abundant natural resources - our agriculture, timber, water, sun and wind - with technological solutions for true clean coal technologies for zero emissions, we can provide even cheaper energy while protecting our environment. The technology is working or emerging right here in Kentucky," Miller said.

Finally, the campaign asserted: "If we attack this problem from all sides instead of throwing tax incentives down the drain, we will generate new jobs from our existing businesses and attract new jobs from the outside."

UPDATE (11:10 AM): Anne Northup (R) also called for the repeal of the AMC as part of her own economic plan this morning.

Steve Henry (D) Keeps Digging A Deeper and Deeper Hole...

So, if former Lt. Governor Steve Henry (D) didn't have enough to deal with concerning his secret, off-the-books campaign account, now it seems he may have a HIPAA problem.

You see, Dr. Henry, who first claimed that the scrutiny over his campaign finance problems were "political," as a result of Republican-appointed prosecutors, now has trashed his former campaign manager who has come forward with detailed allegations of election law wrongdoing, and has incomprehensibly gone public with her medical condition, asserting:

“She has a medical condition that has made her behavior inappropriate and perhaps (makes her) unemployable,” Henry said.

Wouldn't you think Dr. Henry would know better than to discuss this publicly?

And by the way, turns out upon some quick research that Ms. Holland's medical condition (arteriovenous malformation) was the same one that U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) is now recovering from (though his involved an actual rupture of the blood vessels in the brain).

Thankfully, Tim is doing great and a full recovery is expected.

But according to Dr. Henry's diagnosis, apparently Senator Johnson's condition is one that should make him "unemployable" while exhibiting "inappropriate" behavior. Let's just hope Democratic primary voters take a close look at Henry's temperament that is clearly not worthy of holding the office of governor.

Ms. Holland's attorney (Ollie Barber) suggests that Henry's problems may only be increasing:

“Any medical information is personal and private,” Holland said Friday. “As a family friend and physician, Steve Henry certainly crossed a line by making personal medical information not only public but also by framing it in a way intended to discredit me personally and professionally.”

She said she is currently employed by a Louisville public relations firm and has never had problems finding employment in the 15 years since her surgery.

Barber said Holland is considering civil action against Henry because of his statements about her medical condition which may violate federal medical privacy laws.

The hole keeps getting deeper and deeper for Henry with just two months until the primary election...

Name Them Kentucky Colonels, But Don't Let Them Buy Health Insurance

So, Governor Fletcher (R) names a Texas native gay/transgender performer a Kentucky Colonel and nary a whimper from the zealots, but when domestic partners want to purchase vital health insurance at their own cost we're effectively told that the apocalypse is upon us?

'First gay Latin star' Jade Esteban Estrada earns double standing ovation at NERP Conference       
Written by Vicarious New York    
March 10, 2007 

Estrada receives double standing ovation at the North East Regional Pride Conference 'First Gay Latin star' performs 'TransWorld!' for gay leaders

March 10, 2007 - Cape May, N.J.- Singer/comedian/activist Jade Esteban Estrada received two standing ovations on Saturday, March 3, 2007 for his performance of the self-penned solo show "TransWorld! The Transgender History of the World" at the North East Regional Pride Conference (NERP) in Cape May, New Jersey. Held at historic Congress Hall, the conference was hosted by the Jersey Pride organization and provided workshops, seminars and keynote speeches by notable LGBT leaders in the Northeast United States.

[...]

In October 2006, Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher paid tribute to Estrada by commissioning him the title of "Kentucky Colonel," the highest honor awarded by the Commonwealth of Kentucky that acknowledges outstanding ambassadors of goodwill and fellowship around the world. The Texas native joined other honorary colonels which include Winston Churchill, Ronald Reagan, Bob Hope, Joan Crawford, Johnny Depp, Muhammad Ali and Pope John Paul II.

I have no problem at all with Estrada being named a Colonel. None.

But if we're forced to have a formal state governmental policy against non-heterosexuals (which we clearly have with Fletcher's striking of protection against discrimination in state employment, the marriage amendment, and now the attempt to prohibit domestic partners from buying health insurance), I'd opt to deny them being named Colonels rather than deny them the ability to buy health insurance.

If our resident zealots are concerned about how our state is perceived as a result of its official acts, which do you think is going to attract more attention: the appointment of Kentucky Colonels by the governor or the purchasing of private health insurance?

But that's just me...

Sickening

State Senator Dan Seum's (R) proposal to reduce the prison population: don't test prisoners for HIV/AIDS until you release them, because it will be too much to treat HIV-infected prisoners if you test when they enter the system:

It's "immoral and unethical" to test only when inmates get out, Zack said, because many with HIV won't have access to the medical care they need.

Bill sponsor Sen. Dan Seum acknowledged that Louisville pastors originally approached him about testing inmates when they enter prison, as 18 other states do.

But Seum said that would potentially triple HIV treatment costs for state inmates to $3.6 million a year.

If they are diagnosed with HIV as they go in, "you've got to give them medical attention," said Seum, a Fairdale Republican and majority whip. "Now you're talking about millions."

Is this the latest incarnation of being a "compassionate conservative"?

Partner Benefits Bill Called A Charade (Stamper, Herald-Leader)

The wingnuts are still pushing their hate legislation.

Partner Benefits Bill Called A Charade
By John Stamper, Herald-Leader

FRANKFORT - The sponsor of a Senate bill that would ban almost all government entities from offering domestic-partner health benefits has "pulled a charade on the people of Kentucky," according to a House committee chairman who held a hearing on the matter last night.

"I feel like you've done us an injustice by even introducing this legislation," said Democratic Rep. Tom Burch of Louisville, chairman of the House Health and Welfare Committee.

...Burch accused McGaha of filing the bill as a way to embarrass legislators for political gain. "He just wants the political issue ... that's what it's all about."

...Burch said arguments made by McGaha and other Senate Republicans -- that U of L's policy and a similar policy under consideration by the University of Kentucky would violate the state constitution -- are without merit.

Buttressing his point was U of L law professor Samuel Marcosson, who said the benefit program does not run afoul of a 2004 constitutional amendment that defines marriage as being between a man and a woman and bans any legally similar status among unmarried partners.

"Domestic partner benefits are not marriage imitations or substitutions," said Marcosson, who has done extensive research on constitutional law as it relates to the civil rights of gays and lesbians. "Nothing that the University of Louisville has done threatens to violate the constitutional amendment."

Senate OKs Rule Over Telling Pregnant Women About Fetal Pain (AP)

Apparently, State Senator Jack Westwood (R) knows more about medicine and science than do doctors or scientists.

From AP:

Doctors would be required to tell women seeking abortions that the unborn baby may feel pain after the 20th week of gestation, under legislation approved by the Senate on Thursday.

Women would be told there's evidence that unborn babies seek to "evade certain stimuli" in a way that "would be interpreted to be a response to pain."

...Sen. Jack Westwood, R-Crescent Springs, had originally proposed in the legislation that doctors be required to give anesthesia to the unborn in abortions.

Oh, and by the way, here is how Westwood's official bio reads:

Born March 6, 1944. Retired Private School Teacher. Church of Christ. UK, BA, English. Northern KY University, ME Ed. Erlanger-Elsmere Bd of Education, former Member. Northern KY/ KY Retired Teachers Association. Northern KY/KY Right To Life. Future Governance Task Force. ALEC. KY Literacy Partnership member.

Got that? Westwood is a retired teacher with a degree in education.

The Facts Getting In The Way Of Governor Fletcher's (R) Rhetoric, Once Again...

You might recall the discussions we had here in 2005 and part of 2006 about how the detailed statistics maintained by the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure failed to back-up the dishonest assertions made by Governor Fletcher (R) that doctors were fleeing Kentucky because of fear of being sued for malpractice and that was why we needed to give-up our constitutional right to a civil trial. (See here, here, and here)

Everytime Fletcher offered his bogus arguments, we were able to fire back the statistics from the state's own medical board that disproved their claim. I think eventually Fletcher was left to argue that some doctors from some specialties are leaving some Kentucky border towns.

In any event, as a result of being tired of being called on their BS, by mid-2006 the state took down the detailed, year-by-year demographic data from its website. I guess they hoped out of sight, out of mind. (Click here to see a cached version of that webpage).

Well, not so fast.

In the board's most recent annual report to the governor it had to reveal some basic statistics. It reported that for 2006: