Lyin' Ryan Rumors A-Flyin'

For a guy who surely isn't running for the Oval Office as Inflatable Backup in case of Contested Convention, GOP House Speaker Paul Ryan is absolutely doing a terrible job of pretending he's not interested in the job.

Speaker of the House Paul Ryan is scheduled to be in Cincinnati for a private GOP fundraiser next month, The Enquirer has learned.

The Miami University graduate's Downtown visit on May 4 could have extra intrigue. Ryan isbeing mentioned as the possible Republican presidential nominee if the party ends up in a brokered convention this summer.

It's believed the visit will be Ryan's first to Cincinnati since he replaced John Boehner in October.

The fundraiser, to be held at the Queen City Club, will be for the National Republican Congressional Committee.

That's right, Ryan is fundraising here in Cincy, the swing state spot in swing state Ohio, next month.

But let's keep pretending he's not the guy the GOP establishment wants to come out of a contested convention between Cruz and Trump.

The Bruce Is Loose

The only music sweeter to my ears than the news that Bruce Springsteen cancelled his upcoming concert in Greensboro, NC over the state's anti-trans law is the plaintive whining of Republicans who think the Boss is a meany-head.

A U.S. congressman who represents portions of Greensboro, N.C., is accusing Bruce Springsteen of being a "bully," after the rock star canceled a concert there to protest a new law that's being described as anti-gay.

"It's disappointing he's not following through on his commitments," said Rep. Mark Walker, a Republican freshman congressman.

"We've got other artists coming soon — Def Leppard, Justin Bieber," the congressman told The Hollywood Reporter.

"I've never been a Bieber fan, but I might have to go. Maybe artists who weren't 'born to run' deserve a little bit more support," he said, referencing one Springsteen's most famous song titles.

"Bruce is known to be on the radical left," continued Walker, "and he's got every right to be so, but I consider this a bully tactic. It's like when a kid gets upset and says he's going to take his ball and go home."

Gosh, that's weird, Mr. Walker.  It seems to me that Mr. Springsteen is choosing to refuse service to the Tarheel State because doing so would violate his strongly held moral beliefs.

Might want to look into that.  While you're at it, listen to some of his lyrics and try to understand their message.  A lot of them are directed at assholes like yourself.

Your "free speech" law does not protect you from the consequences of exercising that "free speech".

Have a nice day.

The Privilege Of Learning

I've talked a lot about Kentucky GOP Gov. Matt Bevin, but not so much about his Lt. Governor, Jenean Hampton.  She's the first African-American to be elected to statewide office, and that's a massive accomplishment.  The problem is her politics are just as awful as Bevin's, if not actually worse on the subject of education in the Bluegrass State.

After the luncheon, Hampton met with The Eastern Progress’ editorial staff and fielded questions about Bevin’s recent executive decision to impose immediate 4.5 percent budget cuts to higher education. 

When asked about the potential for rising tuition costs, some of which could stem from Bevin’s decision to cut university funding, Hampton said students who wish to attend college in Kentucky can find the resources to pay for school if they are prepared and work toward it. 

“It’s not a right, it’s a privilege,” Hampton said. “Those of us who go to work must give part of their earnings to put you through college, and I disagree with that.” 

Hampton pointed to her experiences as a student, adding that she worked while in college and paid her own way. Rising tuition costs wouldn’t necessarily serve as a deterrent to students who wish to attend college, but rather would teach students to plan ahead and work for what they want, Hampton said.

By Hampton's logic, why should Kentucky's public universities even exist?  Jesus hell.

EKU officials say they have already made moves to account for Bevin’s immediate 4.5 percent reduction to the current budget. Officials said the $3.1 million loss in funds would not affect any current programs. Instead, officials said the university would make up for the funding shortfall by tapping reserves and non-recurring funds. 

Hampton mentioned that budget cuts could push universities to innovate and make difficult decisions. Saying state institutions should focus on programs that are more likely to lead to student employment after graduation. 

“I would be looking for degrees that would land a job,” Hampton said. “I would not be studying history.” 

Hampton compared state universities to private businesses, saying they will make necessary changes to continue to attract customers. She said competition between universities should drive down costs overall. 

“Let’s inject some competition in there,” Hampton said.

Would someone please explain to me when the sole point of public education became "Get a good enough job that you repay your debt to the state that educated you"?    Republicans are bound and determined to get rid of public education in this country, and that should scare all of us.