THE POWER LIES IN YOU

For many years now those who follow my work know of the MVM mantra. MVM simply has always stood for "My View Matters." It began as a concept designed to remind me daily that my view does indeed matter and my voice has the right to be heard. It is a belief I live by and I use it daily now when involved in speaking engagements or public events in the hopes that it will somehow help others believe the same thing I do.

That each of us matter and we deserve to be counted.

I have challenged many throughout the years to pay heed to this simplest of concepts in the hopes that they would finally realize their own power as individuals. I believe self empowerment aids us in our  daily lives.

It seems that We The People have forgotten that when it comes to our daily lives we are the ones who control the path we are on.

People will only give you what you are willing to accept.

Whether that be the simplest of decisions, like what's for dinner for example, to deciding on our elected leaders and the direction that we collectively want to work towards, we continue to allow ourselves to be led by someone else's decisions that may or may not be what we would want for ourselves, our families, our neighborhoods, or indeed our Nation.

For anyone to honestly believe that the trends in our daily lives are not alarming I beg to differ.

Look around you.

People will only give you what you are willing to accept.

Our daily lives are being destroyed by the political powers that be who feel there will be no recourse in their actions. We have allowed them to think this is acceptable behavior.

Unemployment, welfare, education, price of gas, anything and everything is being exploited for the good of the powerful at the expense of most of us.

We continue to be lied to and led by an out of control mainstream media who prefers to tell us what to believe instead of giving us the facts and letting us decide for ourselves. Think I'm wrong?

Look to the GOP Presidential primary election and see just how much the process is tainted and the cover up of the simplest reporting in order to force feed us an establishment choice. We are sitting idly by and allowing it to happen.

Look at the lost freedoms we face in our Nation as a result of such things as the Homeland Security Act, which gives us a false sense of security, the NDAA, which allows our government to storm our homes with Uzi's if they so choose without any charges against us, among others.

People will only give you what you are willing to accept. 

Ask yourself are you better off today then you were 4 years ago and you won't be surprised by the answer. Most I talk to give me a resounding NO. It's no surprise to me but reinforces what I have always believed.

People will only give you what you are willing to accept.

Here at home in Louisville, KY the problems that we continue to face are the same ones that our elected leaders have promised to fix for decades yet we still continue to have high poverty, poor education, and no economic prosperity to speak of for the average Louisvillian.

From the Cordish Group debacle, false crime reporting, and the economic injustice to the West End.

Cover ups by Councilmen such as David Tandy who went to Baltimore to see the Cordish Group, and gain accountability for our free money given to them, yet signed a non disclosure agreement so he couldn't show us they were above board.

Of course Cordish Group has asked for another $850,000 of our money and we will give it to them.

Even after they reneged on the original deal and got kicked out of the Starks Building for failure to pay back rent.

As Metro Council President and a lawyer he should know better, but he knows....

People will only give you what you are willing to accept.

Buying elections such as elected Councilman Jim King did for his daughter Judge Katie King yet both are still in office.

People will only give you what you are willing to accept.

Crime any better? Nope.

We were supposed to believe that it would improve under former Chief Robert White and we were treated to hands off accountability because he was African American. We couldn't hold him accountable out of fear of being labeled racist if we did.

What did we gain? Nothing. 

Race relations still did not improve, our Police Department worked in fear instead of doing their job, cronyism within leadership positions, and false reporting of crime statistics. Crime rates didn't improve. The reporting of them changed to hide the obvious.

Our "leadership" in Jerry Abramson knew of White's failed leadership past and lied to we the people when hiring him. Of course Abramson lied to the people of Louisville for over twenty years with no recourse. Why?

People will only give you what you are willing to accept.

Has education improved? Nope.

Louisville has some of the worst ranked schools in Kentucky though we are one of the largest budgets. Why?

Because once again we have been promised changes that never develop due to poor leadership. Kentucky ranks in the bottom of education across the Country and largely because of the failures of the Jefferson County education system.

A system that cares more about the money than the education of our children.

People will only give you what you are willing to accept.

Why do I bring all of these issues up?

The one thing they all have in common is politics. The game has always been the same and we the people continue to allow it. Politics affect each and every aspect of our daily lives yet it is the one thing most don't want to get involved in.

Private business like Cordish gets our money because of their connections in Beshear, Abramson, Tandy, and others.

Our police department relies on federal money so our politicians force them to manipulate data to get to it regardless of the real problems.

Our education system relies on federal money so our  leaders lie, cheat, and steal an education from our children to line their pockets.

See a pattern here? Follow the money. Money equals power to our elected entrenched and we the sheep have no problems letting them believe it.

We continue to elect these same people who are screwing us over and over again. What have they learned trhoughout this process?

People will only give you what you are willing to accept.

Behavior is a learned thing.

When one is abused and they go back to the abuser, they have just taught the abuser that this is acceptable behavior. It is now a learned part of the abuser's behavioral process.

If someone constantly demeans you and you let them do it, you just taught them that treating you in a demeaning way is acceptable behavior.

As we continue to allow ourselves to be lied to and manipulated into losing our freedoms everyday, we are in fact telling our leadership this is acceptable. How so?

Because we refuse to get involved and let them know it is not. Most choose to allow others to tell them how to live their lives instead of taking responsibility for their own choices in doing so.

People will only give you what you are willing to accept.

I refuse to follow the path our elected leaders are taking us down.

I refuse to accept their behavior in destroying my America, my Kentucky, and my Louisville.

I will no longer be a victim to their abuse.

Why?

Because My View Matters.

Does yours?

Listen daily from 7-8pm at The Ed Springston Show. Also visit Louisville Politics for more details and in depth coverage of local political and news issues.

David Whitlock, 'Dangerous Liaisons' with CCDW class

Accidental discharge in the Kentucky Constable Association's office

The accidental discharge was actually reported to the state by the manager of the Jefferson County Clerk Office which is next door to Whitlock's KCA front office. The bullet went through a wall almost striking a County Clerk employee at her desk. One question really jumps out here. If this incident was reported to 'State Officials' why was LMPD, who is required to investigate all shootings, not taking even a passing interest in the activities of Constable Whitlock's office?
David Whitlock is to be arraigned today for Wanton Endangerment and Assault 1st in the shooting of Walmart Shoplifting suspect Tammy Ortiz. 
http://www.wdrb.com/story/16682033/report-gun-misfired-inside-ky-constable-association-office?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=6710932

Listen daily from 7-8pm at The Ed Springston Show. Also visit Louisville Politics for more details and in depth coverage of local political and news issues.

UPDATES AND SUCH: POLICE CHIEF SEARCH IS ON!

Edited to reflect that Rep. Shaughnessy is vacating his seat at the end of term. 

The search for Louisville's new Police Chief is on and so far I can't say I am really impressed with the possible candidates listed here CJ. No names pop up as really worthy in my opinion and appear to be more of the same.

The article mentions that Kenton Buckner and Yvette Gentry are both "considering" applying. Mayor Fisher pay heed. If either of them apply and are considered, rest assured you will have your hands full trying to justify it.

I have to admit though I really don't see it happening. White's girlfriend Gentry is slotted to go with White to Denver in the near future, and Buckner is rumored to be negotiating a pension buyout so he can follow and not lose 17 years towards retirement.

Speaking of Chief Robert White, he is under investigation right now by yours truly about a possible sexual harassment charge brought against him a few weeks ago that was then, according to anonymous sources, covered up by Gentry. We will keep you informed if it pans out.

And then we have the whole Occupy New York scandals going on. According to Fox news FOX, ACORN is actually paying folks to protest in New York and is now firing and shredding evidence to prove it. It really is no surprise to anyone who has actually been following this lunacy. Great read check it out.

Additionally the 2012 campaign season is getting underway with at least two folks from the "Say no to bridge tolls" movement have announced their intent to run. Shawn Reilly is going to run for the Ky House seat being vacated by Tim Shaughnessy, and Curt Morrison will be challenging Metro Councilman Tom Owen.

Though I don't personally agree with these guys on many issues, I have to admit I know them both and have much respect for their passion and commitment to what they believe. Pay attention to these races as both Reilly and Morrison will bring much to the discussion. 

Finally, we have this about the GM bailout. GM Bailout costs billions. Apparently, as many of us already knew in the first place,  GM is set to lose money and cost us taxpayers more than what they originally planned. The key word here is planned. Though we in the public knew we would lose money on Government Motors they have not been willing to tell us that. Until  now.

Seems even the fed is tired of covering up the obvious anymore.

See you next time folks!

Listen daily from 7-8pm at The Ed Springston Show. Also visit Louisville Politics for more details and in depth coverage of local political and news issues.

2010: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

First of all Happy New Year to each and every one of you! 2011 will bring many changes for each of us, though apparently not in Louisville looking at Greg Fischer's staffing. With that being said, however, a New Year always finds us looking forward to better things and here at Louisville News and Politics we look forward as well.

I have always been a firm believer in history. An old saying says that if you fail to learn from history you are doomed to repeat it. I agree with this so with that in mind let's recap 2010 here at LNP and outline what we hope to accomplish in 2011.

First of all as you know we have been first on many stories with some beginning in 2009 and some continuing on today.

Here at Louisville News we not only report news but we also get involved in trying to make positive changes. Here are some of the things we accomplished this year.

For starters we launched the popular radio show "MyViewMatters Radio" with partner Ed Martin. Though the show is on temporary hiatus currently, while we work on funding to switch to a daily format, we found out that there are literally thousands who are tired of business as usual and seeking a voice. We provided that voice for over a year and will do so again in 2011.

We launched the campaign against the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife and were instrumental in getting SB 64 passed.

We led the way in trying to bring leadership into focusing on food safety. Many of you were amazed at just how far behind the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the USA in general is when it comes to testing measures. Over 76 MILLION people get sick each year from food illnesses and 5,000 die annually. Local expert and tester Paul Ham made a compelling case on the MyViewMatters Radio Show.

We led the way in fighting for SB53, the semi open primary bill. Though the bill passed through the Senate easily our illustrious Democratic House refused to bring it to the floor. This fight made National news as CNN came in to do a story focusing on the plight of Independents being heard, led by Independent Ky's own Michael Lewis, and made a mockery of KY thanks to Senator Juliann Carroll's asinine comments.

This will be brought up again and we will fight once again to make sure all voices are heard in the Commonwealth.

We led the fight and will continue again in 2011 towards saving our charities with SB 222, a charitable gaming bill. Despite the lies and deception by KEEP's people in Brereton Jones and Patrick Neely rest assured we will continue fighting to protect those least able to help themselves.

We brought about the plight of Eric Garrett a whistleblower who was fired by Metro Government after using the Metro tipline. Of course Garrett was reinstated after his lawsuit, that continues on today, and paid backpay of course.

We were instrumental, and continue to be, in outing the fallacies of MSD. This story is one that gets national attention and will continue to be a thorn in our side left to fight for some time to come. Rest assured we aren't letting it die.

We worked with outside groups as well such as STOP IT leader Ray Pierce, and Operations Manager Paul Holliger in bringing the independent tipline online so no one would have to go through what Eric Garret has.

LNP, and MyViewMatters Radio has given a voice to anyone who sought it. We had literally every candidate for office on air that requested it. The list is long and includes everyone from Senator elect Rand Paul, Lt Gov. Dan Mongiardo, to local voices such as Jackie Green and Denise Bentley among others.

We have given voice to all Democrats, Republicans, Independents. You name it we covered it.

Governor's race? Yep ask Gatewood we had the announcement live on air.
We have fought for inclusiveness such as those with the Fairness Campaign and Chris Hartman.

We covered National news such as the Arizona illegal immigrant stories and Obama-care.
Yep we covered the heartbreaking BP story as well.

We even fought against the asinine ORBP project and tolls. that fight will continue for some time as well I assure you.

We have called out political corruption at every level and even took on candidates. Jack Conway, Greg Fischer to name a couple. Lest I be told I am attacking democrats and not being fair remember the Todd Lally stories as well.

Kentucky's Passport scandal? Yep we had it here and Senator Julie Denton needs to go by the way.

Jerry Abramson? We outed the poorer, blacker, older comments that mainstream used. Most without any credit given. We have held this Mayor under the microscope more than any mainstream outlet has ever done.

We have outed the corruption in Louisville Metro Council members as well. Just ask Judy Green, Bob Henderson, and others

Bottom line? LNP reports the news, investigates, and even gets involved in the solutions. Whether that be outing corruption, fighting in Frankfort, or filing lawsuits our mission has been clear form day one. We will work to end corruption and bring integrity back into our lives through our elected officials.

Where others follow and gripe, we lead and get results. That is what separates us from the rest and what makes this venture so great.

What to expect in 2011?

Quite a bit. For starters we are now going to focus a bit on upgrading equipment and raising revenue. After funding this venture for 5 years solo to move forward requires funding whether through donations or investors. While I know times are tough, I'm a blue collar guy myself, there simply can be no other way. We have proven we are the best and now we need to move forward so we can get even more in depth and uncover even more.

While I have been beating up anyone who dares suggest I actually start seeking outside money, unfortunately we are growing faster than I can work hours to pay for it. 100+ hours a week is enough.

In the works are upgraded computer equipment, including a new laptop, better servicing for you the reader, and investors to bring the MyViewMatters Radio Show into a daily format. We are also looking at video equipment and some other things to bring you more video as well. We have already agreed on a contractual price with Clear Channel that is favorable and have lined up some exciting shows for 2011 once this is accomplished.

Our long range plans for 2011 include consolidating the MVM Media Group. The group will house all our ventures including the MyViewMatters Radio Show, Louisville News and Politics, and a local TV show that is in the works.

All I can say is thank you to each and every one of you for helping make us who we are. Without each of you getting involved we would literally be nothing. It is your dedication that makes any of this possible. Challenging me to do more, and each of you seeking the truth, has been a great thing. 


Though the 100+ hour work weeks get crazy sometimes never have I had one regret.

My allegiance to each of you is 100% and I am very grateful for the trust you have in me.

Get ready for 2011 folks it will be a doozy.

Happy New Year one and all!