Dunn gives honest pro-life position

Craig Dunn recently wrote about "Political support for life after birth":

We simply can no longer demand that a woman give birth to a baby and then feel no sense of responsibility for the well-being of the child. We are a nation that has spent vast amounts of money over the years on every type of special interest handout known to man and lobbyist. 

We have bailed out, handed out and stimulated with trillions of dollars. We have run up a staggering federal debt by spending funds on duplicative weapons systems, alternative energy boondoggles, massive federal government employment and programs of immense waste. Yet we have failed to serve many of those who have been unfortunate enough to not be able to afford a K Street or Statehouse lobbyist. 

If we really want to dramatically reduce the number of abortions, we will take actions that support our words. We will provide adequate pre-natal care, support infant nutrition programs, aid the adoption process, provide sufficient physical, occupational and speech therapy for those with disabilities, support special needs education, foster expanded child care programs for working mothers and support occupational and residential programs for adults with disabilities who are unable to work and live on their own. 

I couldn't have written it much better myself. Regardless of one's personal opinion about a woman's choice to terminate a pregnancy,  as a society, we simply must support the well-being of children and families. This includes health care, nutrition programs, child care, and services for adults who have disabilities as well. Can we demand that public dollars be targeted to those truly in need? Absolutely. Can we encourage providers and patients and other stakeholders to work to create new program delivery models that will save taxpayer dollars? Of course. But to simply cut these types of programs, without regard to the children and families being served, cannot be justified in today's environment of bailouts and excessive defense spending.

Howey challenges Indiana GOP to be "statesmen, not primary candidates"

Brian Howey recently wrote an excellent column, "From Obamacare hysteria to tweak & adapt":

My challenge to the Hoosier Republican Congressional delegation: What are the likely course corrections? And what are your solutions? The other challenge here is that instead of the hysteria we've been hearing from our delegation, they really ought to get into a mode where they are helping their constituents adapt. It's probably too early to know, because we don't know for sure what will work and what will need to change. They have latched on to Democratic U.S. Sen. Max Baucus's "train wreck" remark when it comes to the state health exchanges. That is a 2014 campaign tactic designed to ward off primary challengers. But it undermines and erodes confidence, and whether you are a Republican or a Democrat, that is not responsible governance. Hoosiers will need statesmen, not primary candidates.

I wonder if PPACA "Obamacare" implementation would look different if Daniels was still governor. He brought a great deal of pragmatism to the role. While it was difficult to persuade him to expand the role of government, he did do what he could to ensure that when government does play a role, it works as efficiently and effectively as possible. Today's Republican Party should heed his advice to set aside social issues and instead work on the people's business. Most people don't want the Grover Norquist ideal of "government that can drown in a bathtub" - they really want government that does its job and does it consistently and equitably, so that citizens and their businesses can make plans and count on the government for a stable political and regulatory environment.

Break Sk8 MTV

In 2008, a unique dance crew appeared on Randy Jackson's America Best Dance Crew named BREAKSK8, residing from Kokomo, Indiana. BREAKSK8 performed all of their dances on rolling skates. Their breakthrough dance style impressed the MTV judges and fans week by week.

Low Cost Dental Care

For residents of Howard County (the greater Kokomo area) looking for low cost dental care, there are great resources available to help you.

See this PDF file from the Indiana Dental Association:
http://www.indental.org/uploads/Dental%20Services%202009.pdf

Page 9 offers Howard County options:


1) Dentists Delivering Smiles (DDS)
206 South Union Street
Kokomo, IN 46903
765.459.9469

Howard County residents only. Patients must first present at United Way office for eligibility determination (210 W. Walnut St, Kokomo, 46901. 465.457.4357). Will not accept Medicaid or insurance of any kind. There is a $5 application fee. Generally adults; no children under 12 years of age. X-Rays, cleanings, fluoride treatments, minor extractions or fillings.

2) Indiana Health Centers at Kokomo
Dental Services
3118 South LaFountain Street
Kokomo, IN 46902
765.864.4160

Indiana Health Center clients only; children and adults. Sliding fee scale. Comprehensive dental services: cleanings, x-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants, fillings, root canals, partials, crowns and dentures. Accepts Medicaid and some insurances.

Kokomo Tribune; Kokomo, Indiana - Public Eye - Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008

Kokomo Tribune; Kokomo, Indiana - Public Eye - Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008:

What was more telling, however, was the fact Kokomo was only mentioned during the various speeches by Daniels, who referred to the city twice as a difficult place to drive through.


The fact goods can leave [points north and south] and not spend a leisurely hour going through Kokomo will be huge, Daniels said.

an idea whose time has come ?

Tilapia Farming at Home:

Home Tilapia farming offers a solution to the ever-more-difficult problem of finding a fish at the store that is fresh, clean, affordable, and virtually organic.

I wonder if anyone's doing this in the Kokomo area?

still shaking?

Scientists: Even Bigger Quake Could Hit Midwest | LiveScience

Source of Major Quakes Discovered Beneath U.S. Heartland