Democrats in denial about Strickland; Leland editon

The latest example of Democratic denial about Ted Strickland comes from former chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party David J. Leland:

Brent Larkin’s June 28 column, “Governor Strickland is doing an appalling job for Ohio,” shows that Larkin’s retirement happened none too soon. Instead of challenging the governor on the issues, Larkin writes a personal rant that goes over the top.

Furthermore, Larkin ignores the courage and thoughtfulness the governor has shown with his balanced-budget proposal that avoids a burdensome tax increase on struggling Ohio families. Larkin ignores Strickland’s leadership and political courage in proposing a complete renovation of Ohio’s education system, and his transformational efforts in higher education. Such policies are a dramatic reversal from the past and will serve Ohio well for generations.

Strickland achieved a singular victory for Ohioans with the creation of a stimulus package designed to bring high-skill jobs and new technologies to the state to hasten recovery from the Wall Street-created recession.

Furthermore, the governor passed a landmark energy plan last year that encourages green energy and industry. Such legislation lowered utility costs and prepares Ohio for the necessary transition to advanced-energy sources.

There is much work yet to be done, but Strickland already has taken huge strides in moving Ohio forward. He certainly does not deserve Larkin’s attack on his sincerity and capability.

Notice how Leland accusses Larkin of writing a “personal rant” by insulting him (“Larkin’s retirement happended none too soon”)?

But let’s tackle the substance of this fawning liberal talking point filled letter to the editor, shall we.

1. It takes courage and thoughtfulness to go back on your strongly held position of many years, and the policy of the church you are ordained in, and ignore the clear preferences of the voters?  And to do so a mere two weeks before the budget deadline when you know full well that the Senate, led by Bill Harris, is adamently opposed to such a solution which means meeting that deadline is highly unlikely.  I don’t think those words mean what you think they mean.
2. Strickland’s “complete renovation of Ohio’s education system” is at its most basic simply a formula to pay teachers and administrators more.  It takes courage to propose a plan that every union in the state will applaud?  If Strickland is so courageous on eduction why did he seek to destroy charter schools in Ohio despite fact that they are supported by President Obama and his appointed head of the Department of Education?  I am sure it had nothing to do with the political power of teacher’s unions and Strickland’s re-election prospects.
3. I find it hillarious that Leland can offer the simulus as an accoplishment at the exact moment voters across the country are wondering if they were played as suckers and Democrats in Washington discuss rolling the dice on another stimulus package.  Notice too the “Wall Street created recession” dig.  This is all to be blamed on greedy rich people.  It had nothing to do with liberal housing or mortgage lending policies; not to mention inflationary monetary policy.
4. Mark my words: Strickland’s landmark energy policy will end up having zero positive impact on the state of Ohio.  Lame renewable mandates are potentially harmful for business – except those getting subsidies – but they are not going to bring some green utopia to Ohio.  And it isn’t going to save Ohioans any money in the long run because these technologies cost more not less.  Ohio will use traditional energy for a long time to come.  It is a sop to environmentalists; nothing more nothing less.
5. Besides, does anyone really think that Strickland energy plan is anything but a drop in the bucket if Congress passes Cap and Trade supported by Strickland’s good friend Barack Obama and the Democrats in Washington?  Where is his courage and leadership on that issue?  Oh sure, he has “expressed concerns” but the same people who applauded his leadership on renewable energy in Ohio are pushing Cap and Trade which will dwarf any “savings” claimed from Strickland’s energy policy.

If Strickland has taken such great strides, as Leland claims, why is there absolutley no indication that the state is better off?  Why do things seem to be getting worse?

Larkin attacked Strickland for his lack of leadership on the budget and Leland offers up nothing more than a laughable attempt at puffing up the governor’s weak record. No wonder the Democrats struggled so much under Leland.  Puff piece press releases and letters to the editor or not going to convince voters that what they are seeing with their own eyes and feeling in their pocketbooks is wrong.

They know a lack of leadership when they see it and that is what worries Democrats so much.