perseverando

We're moving...sort of

2007-02-07T23:45:00.000-05:00

It's been more than a little while since I last updated this site. I haven't stopped doing what I do, I've just been doing it elsewhere. As of Sunday, February 11 it will be pretty clear who I am and more.

With that out there, I'll be moving my operations to a new site, Yellow Dog Strategy. This site will serve as both my blog and portfolio for my consulting business. So, drop by and take a look.

As for Perseverando, feel free to use the images here when you want, I only ask that you link back to here or to Yellow Dog Strategy.

We Won't Have Ole' Chad to kick Around Anymore....

2006-11-10T12:25:00.000-05:00

In a Nixon, circa 1962 way, Chad Dotson lets us know he is leaving the blogosphere. I have made clear my feelings about Chad. While I think he is talented and very intelligent, I continue to find it inappropriate for him to operate a blog while working as a prosecutor.

I will always believe there is more to the corruption in Wise County than will ever be told. Chad mentions his upcoming election, and I suppose it is a good time to be in the Pork Rind business.

While I will not miss Chad one iota, I wish Chad nothing but luck in his career. I also wish the good people of Wise County luck in next year's election.

Introducing Ceres...

2006-09-18T23:13:00.000-04:00

Okay folks, I mentioned it a couple of weeks ago, and here it is, the introduction of another contributor to Perseverando. Meet Ceres. Ceres also appears on the reverse side of the Seal of the Commonwealth. Already an important influence in what goes on these parts, Ceres will now step forward post under their own name.

Ceres is a middle of the road Democrat with a independent streak about three miles wide. A parent and an activist in Southwest Virginia, Ceres brings new perspective to this blog. We won't always agree, but we have agreed to always listen to what the other person says.

CAPTION CONTEST

2006-09-18T14:22:00.000-04:00

Imitation is the highest form of flattery then here is about as close as I am ever going to come to Chad Dotson. I watched the MTP debate yesterday but do not remember seeing this moment as pictured in the Washington Post. I thought it might make for a good caption contest. Let the vitriol fly!!

Allen Website, "Bush sucks"

2006-09-17T14:43:00.000-04:00

In what must be a painful admission from "Allen's new blog guru," Jon Henke says, "Bush sucks." That's right, Mr. Henke predicted that in today's NBC "Meet the Press" debate between George Allen and Jim Webb, "Jim Webb will remind people that (1) he opposed the war in Iraq and (2) Bush sucks."

I admire Mr. Henke's honesty. After six years of dishonest leadership, moral bankruptcy, and thousands, upon thousands of lives destroyed, someone in the GOP finally has the nerve to stand up and speak truth to power, "Bush sucks."

Just in case Mr. Henke's little post is accidentally altered, here it is in screenshot format.

Mr. Henke's admission could be troubling to his fellow Republican bloggers. If they follow the logical path of his statement. If "A" is true and "B" is true, the sum of "A" + "B" must also be true.

"Bush sucks," and George Allen agrees with Bush 97% of the time, therefore, George Allen "sucks" 97% of the time.

God bless you Mr. Henke.

Welcome to the Real World of NORTH CAROLINA

2006-09-12T23:25:00.000-04:00

Last week, our esteemed junior Senator took to the Senate floor to introduce an amendment--minus the difference between "shall" and "will"--that was identical to Dick Durbin's proposed amendment. The Durbin amendment was circulated a full week prior to Allen's stunt.

Coming on the heels of Allen's use of the now famous "M-word," Allen's latest blooper earned him more derision in the national media and continued embarrassment for the Commonwealth.

Not Larry Sabato then posted a typo that appeared on the Senator's site where he spelled the word "rally" with an "e." Of course, there are those who cry foul and say, "Please tell me you're not talking about a typo. If you are, I assume you'll also make a post about this grammatical error on the front page of Webb's website."

I guess picking out typo's could be considered petty. My site is full of them-of course, I am not running for the U.S. Senate-but any of us could type a little ham handed at times. It's not like the guy posted pictures of North Carolina on his website and passed them off as Virginia. Now that would be ridiculous.

Er....
Is that the Linn Cove Viaduct that wraps around North Carolina's Grandfather Mountain? Come on! There is no way the Senator thinks this is in Virginia. Did he run out of Virginia landmarks? What about Craney Island?

Perhaps Senator Allen doesn't care. Or worse, he thinks we are too dumb to know the difference. This is pretty bad for a guy who makes a huge deal about Virginia geography. It is even worse for a guy with a developing reputation for claiming other people's ideas.

When you're a six-year incumbent with a 5 to 1 money advantage and are tied in the polls I guess you'll try anything for traction. I heard Dick Wadhams is polling to see if folks would be more or less likely to vote for George Allen if they knew he was married to former Senator Bob Dole.

5 years ago...

2006-09-10T01:33:00.000-04:00

Five years ago today, I was working in my office in Manhattan just blocks from the World Trade Center. I had lived there long enough to take the towers for granted.

That Monday afternoon, the small advertising firm I worked for had layed of several employees. The economy was tanking, and they were cutting back. I was fortunate to keep my job.

The following morning, I was heading in to work when a plane crashed into the World Trade Center. I immediately called home to Virginia to tell my mother there had been a freak accident in NYC, but I was safe and everything was okay. My mother had a propensity to worry about me, and would even call and check in after watching Law and Order. I knew she would be worried and I just wanted put her at ease.

Minutes after hanging up, I saw the second plane crash in to the World Trade Center. The shock of it all wore off rather quickly as it was apparent this was a purposeful attack. Panic set in.

I called home again, terrified. In that moment I just wanted to hear it would be okay.

There was a sense of disbelief as people leapt to their deaths, the sounds of sirens mixed with those of people praying aloud.

As I walked back to my apartment, I turned and watched as the first tower fell. I made it home and watched on television as other hijacked aircraft was reported. President Bush was flown from place to place and finally they announced he was en route to out nuclear facilities in Alabama.

My fears were capitalized as I genuinely thought this may very well be the end. I tried repeatedly calling home and repeatedly I received the "all circuits busy" message. I somehow made contact and remember my mother answering the phone. I had never heard her voice like that. I told her how afraid I was, and that I thought this might be the end. Her voice cracked as she told me she loved me and that it would all be okay, "This too shall pass."

In the days following, the city was virtually on lock down. Stuck in my apartment, I kept a constant pace going from staring at the plume of smoke rising over the skyline to pouring over the images flooding the internet. I ventured in to the city to volunteer some and passed by the memorials and walls walls of missing flyers.

September 11th changed us all. It would forever be a defining moment, a benchmark. I don't like to talk about the politics of 9/11. I know some folks do and that is fine. But I saw things that day that had nothing to do with a "D" or an "R." On September 11, 2001 I witnessed the frailty of humanity and the heroics of selfless service.

Over the course of the week following 9/11, I put together a short video of imagery from that day. As the five year anniversary approached I thought about making a different one. I decided to let the one I made in the moment of the event stand for itself.

This video does contain some troubling, but necessary imagery.

Falwell Jumps Into Virginia Senate Race

2006-09-01T18:27:00.000-04:00

"As an evangelical Christian"Falwell disagrees with Jim Webb on the social issues, I guess like the ones in Mark 12:29-31.

The Merits of Photoshop

2006-08-31T18:16:00.000-04:00

Our friends over at Virginia Virtucon, specifically Riley, Not O'Reilly have recently been on a Photoshop Watch. He has posted twice (here and here) in recent days regarding cases where the mainstream media used Photoshop® (and used it poorly I might add) to alter photographs without indicating that they had done so. Neither photo actually needed to be altered. Just some idiot playing with his mouse.

In some ways Photoshop® is a like a gun, in that it all depends on what you do with it.

I like Photoshop® and think it can be used for good in our community. Photoshop® can help people. Thats why, when I saw the photos of Senator George Allen on Flickr, I decided to help him out and whiten his horribly yellow teeth. (Just in case you doubt the authenticity of the original photo...)

I am glad I could use my copy of Photoshop® for good today. I can't be here every day to whiten the Senator's teeth, so I'm going to need him to accept some responsibility here and do something to fix the problem.

And hey, Senator Allen, if you're reading this, no need to thank me, pay it forward.

Who Was I Kidding? A New Look!

2006-08-30T21:40:00.000-04:00

Alright, I admit it. This blog used to have a header that featured the Capitol and cutaways of the state seal. All of that is fine and dandy, but it just didn't fit the tone of the site. We have a new look now, and I think it is more in line with the content you see here.

While the name comes from the back of the Seal of the Commonwealth, the sentiment is applied to politics–persevere!

We talk an awful lot about the level of discourse and the tone of blogging. We all choose different paths. Personally, I am not into civics. I enjoy politics, the process and the rhetoric. Of course, civics and policy are so important, but what too many candidates fail to realize is that you don't get to write policy until after you get elected.

I hope you like the new look and here is to the campaign! Both sides. Fight for what you believe in, and never back down!

George Allen White Sale

2006-08-29T20:34:00.000-04:00

I just don't see how you explain this away.

Asked whether Allen supports or deplores the CCC, John Reid, his communications director pleaded ignorance. "I am unaware of the group you mention or their agenda and because we have no record of the Senator having involvement with them I cannot offer you any opinion on them," Reid told me in an e-mail response.

I suppose Mr. Reid hasn't seen this picture?

A Disaster Strikes and Bush is on Vacation...NEVER!

2006-08-29T11:47:00.000-04:00

I know its not "nice" to repost things. On this anniversary for Katrina, however, I thought this may be the best approach to acknowledging the one year anniversary of landfall.

Some folks think Katrina is yesterday's news, and frankly, I was close to being one of them. Then I saw this news story. The AP has uncovered video footage of FEMA briefing sessions held by Mike Brown and broadcast to president Bush at his ranch in Texas, and Michael Chertoff.

On the eve of Hurricane Katrina's fateful landfall, President Bush was confident. His homeland security chief appeared relaxed. Louisiana officials were heaping praise on the federal government.

And warnings of the coming destruction - breached or overrun levees, deaths at the New Orleans Superdome and overwhelming needs for post-storm rescues - were delivered in dramatic terms to all involved.

All of it was captured on videotape.

The Associated Press obtained the confidential government video and made it public Wednesday, offering Americans their own inside glimpse into the government's fateful final Katrina preparations after months of fingerpointing and political recriminations.

IF NOTHING ELSE, YOU HAVE TO WATCH THIS VIDEO...

"Conflicted"

2006-08-28T17:33:00.000-04:00

A Special Session on Transportation was called by Speaker Howell. In a speech to GA finance committees, Governor Kaine said, "If we do not act, it will be our people and our future that will suffer."

Calling the public "conflicted" about higher taxes for roads, he said "they are aware that solutions will cost money. But they don't want to pay more taxes."
Instead, Kaine urged lawmakers to focus on areas where Democrats and Republicans in both chambers have already agreed: reform of the Virginia Department of Transportation, land use changes and modest increases in the amount of money spent on transportation.
"These points of agreement demonstrate a significant common ground from which we can craft a comprehensive solution," Kaine said in his 24-minute speech.

Folks like Morgan Griffith are already puffing out their chests and preparing for the fight. This could make September even more exciting than the fumbles ata stop on George Allen's listening tour.

Wrong turn? Lost? Need directions?

2006-08-28T00:42:00.000-04:00

Webb 47.9%, Allen 46.6%! In the words of John Zogby, "colossal political crackup."

It's not over by a longshot. 72 days until the only poll that actually counts. George Allen has a ton of cash and mean streak two miles wide, buckle up and get ready. You might alos gather up a few proverbial rocks to throw at the Senator, if you are so inclined.

Bloggers United ::: Martinsville

2006-08-27T23:26:00.000-04:00

(Left to right) Leslie Byrne, Alton Foley, Chris Saxman, Eileen Levandoski, Jerry Fuhrman, Josh Chernilla, Greg Letiecq, Carl Kilo, Brian Patton, Paul Anderson, Ben Tribbett, and Jay Hughes.

A quick word on this weekend...Fantastic. Alton Foley and crew did a great job organizing this event and making everyone feel at home. I am not sure what I was expecting, but I had a wonderful time, made some new friends, tore down some walls with some other folks, and learned a great deal.

The picture above captures just a few of those who participated. Some of those not pictured are Republitarian and his wife (I have the picture, just cannot see much with the burkha and all) Will Vehrs, Steve Minor, John Brownlee, Steve Sisson, Tucker Watkins, and others.

I think enjoyed meeting some of the conservative bloggers more than anything. Not because I was able to take pictures for future photoshopping, but because I realized they didn't have horns and were just as passionate about their beliefs as I am. In fact, Kilo almost convinced me Chad Dotson was a good guy. He did convince me that enough people respect Chad that I included him in my blogroll. (Yes, I am acutely aware that the addition of Chad to my blogroll will do nothing for Chad.)

Major kudos to Senator Roscoe Reynolds for attending Friday night's function at Chatmoss Country Club. It was great to get to talk to the Senator and I really appreciate his taking the time to attend.

Everyone knows the genesis of this event and it is sad, if not shameful, that Delegate Ward Armstrong lives so close to Patrick Henry Community College and he chose not to attend. Perhaps he was live blogging at Raising Kaine and that is why Lowell Feld chose not to attend. Ho do you coordinate the netroots when you do not associate or participate in functions with your peers?

I genuinely enjoyed Chris Saxman's talk, and that of John Brownlee, but my favorite was Leslie Byrne. She tells it like it is, and lives with the consequences. She is a rockstar!!!

That Old Dotson Magic-REDUX

2006-08-24T16:26:00.000-04:00

Some of the best blog entries have been election return analyses. They are great because they give us an opportunity to suggest future scenarios based on past performance. I have read with some interest the news stories concerning voter fraud and the compounding gambling operation in Wise County–like this, this, this, this, this, this, and this and that, that, and this one too. I have even commented here, here, and here about the situation.

So I decided to go back and look at these elections in questions. Admittedly, I never made it that far. In looking through recent election returns in the tiny town of Appalachia, ground zero for the burgeoning scandal, one name stood out as having great success there–almost unbelievable success.

It seems that Wise County Commonwealth's Attorney Chad Dotson, also known as Virginia's first elected blogger, is inexplicably popular in the town with a penchant for electoral subterfuge. Chad is more popular than George Allen, George Bush, and even Jerry Kilgore. In fact, Bush and Allen both lost the precinct of Appalachia and Kilgore came in at 56%. Dotson, who was recently identified as an accomplice to the Allen campaign, took Appalachia by storm with 65.2%.

In 2001, Mark Warner won the town of Appalachia by 70% of the vote. In 2005, when he was running against Leslie Byrne, widely touted as "the most liberal candidate in Virginia history," Bill Bolling could only manage 51.4% of the vote.

That is 15 points behind Chad Dotson who was running against a fellow resident of Wise County.

I'm not trying to beat a dead horse, but Al Gore won the town of Appalachia with 62.7% of the vote.

What does all of this mean? I am just not sure, and I wouldn't dare accuse anyone of wrongdoing.

In a related story, read this interesting article on pork rinds.

That Old Dotson Magic

2006-08-23T19:50:00.000-04:00

The Hotline reports...

According to an e-mail circulating among conservatives, Chris LaCivita, Allen's longtime strategist, and other Allen aides believe that the campaign has so far failed to appreciate the generative role that bloggers can play -- and the consequences that pertain when the GOP Netroots aren't mobilizied on behalf of candidates.
LaCivita is looking for a prominent conservative online strategist to join the campaign's staff. Chad Dotson, a Virginia prosecutor who blogs as Commonwealth Conservative, is helping LaCivita with the recruitment effort.

That is actually not a bad idea. Folks down in Chad's neck of the woods have a way with turning elections. Even I would have to admit it is going to take a lot of pork rinds.

I'm Baaaaaaaaaaack

2006-08-23T12:35:00.000-04:00

After a summer spent traveling to the far reaches of the globe, including the Kingdom of Phaic Tan and the ancient land of Molvania, I have returned to take up the mouse and once again let the photoshopping begin.

We will be adding a new blogger to this site in the coming days and I am anxious for you to meet her. I am sure she will continue the long tradition of skewering, roasting, and lambasting.

Shaun Kenney on Ethics

2006-06-18T21:44:00.000-04:00

Ethics and Blogging by Shaun Kenney

Ah-hahahahaha Hahahahahah Hahahahahahaha Hahahahahahaha Hahahahahahaha Hahahahahahaha Hahahahahahaha Hahahahahahaha!!

No, seriously, Ah-hahahahaha Hahahahahah Hahahahahahaha Hahahahahahaha Hahahahahahaha Hahahahahahaha Hahahahahahaha Hahahahahahaha!!

Whew! That is almost as good as someone writing about ethics when they are on the payroll for Media General, where Diana Cantor, wife of Republican Congressman Eric Cantor sits on the Board of Directors.

Webb Wins ::: Post Election Analysis

2006-06-15T18:42:00.000-04:00

Two Alices = Twice The Fun! ::: UPDATED

2006-06-12T18:07:00.000-04:00

UPDATE ::: UPDATE ::: UPDATE ::: UPDATE

First of all, I think the winner is picture number one.

Now let me explain something. This is political parody, no different than a political cartoon. Technology allows us, with considerable ease, to manipulate photos in order to render commentary. I could go on and on in paragraph form on why I think Alice is wrong to attack me. I could point out that she doesn't know me, has never met me, and posts about me based solely on rumor. She isn't the only one.

This site is published under a pseudonym because it allows a certain amount of latitude in what we discuss. There could be one person behind this site, there could be several. When the issue of who is posting gets more attention than what is being discussed, we will stop posting all together.

Pseudonyms are as American as apple pie–Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay all published under a pseudonym. Does that fact make the Federalist Papers any less important?

While this site is not even worthy of being mentioned in the same sentence as the Federalist Papers, the point is still the same. If all you have against me is that I publish under a different name then get over it.

Finally, Alice Marshall is a good person, she is the only one who admitted Webb had indeed backed a Democrat previously when she commented on his support for Bob Kerrey. She is clearly loyal, and apparently a hard worker. None of that means I am not entitled to my opinion regarding her comments on me and this site. My only regret is that I took the time to explain any of this.

*************************************************

I recently noticed that Alice Marshall has unwisely decided to attack me. While I appreciate the link, I'd appreciate it even more if she kept her crazy in her own yard.

Now I have two pieces and can't decide which one best fits our friend Alice.

The first piece is entitled "FOUR ASSES."

666 Endorses Miller!

2006-06-02T00:25:00.000-04:00

IBEW Local 666 that is. Seriously, after being called the "anti-christ," I might be a little more sensitive about seeking the endorsement of anything to do with 666.

REWARD OFFERED

2006-05-19T15:33:00.000-04:00

That's right folks, I am offering a reward! I will give a free t-shirt from my store to the first person who sends me a full face picture of Alice Marshall.

She has officially crossed the line today in asserting that Jim Webb is anti-semitic. Calling someone the anti-christ is far from anti-semitic. In order to be anti-Christ, wouldn't you have to buy into the idea that he was Christ to begin with? But I digress. i won't play her game, but I will photoshop her until she repents!

I want her to know that each time she pops her head out from the bubbling water of hot tub, I will be there to post another classic moment in Alice Marshall's life!

If you don't like the t-shirts that are there I will design one on request all for a usable photo of Alice Marshall.

By "Forced," I Didn't Mean "Forced!"

2006-05-19T15:02:00.000-04:00

The Washington Post reports (via Not larry Sabato) "He also said it was the board of directors of that organization which forced him to contribute personally to some Republican candidates in recent years."

Can he really be that stupid? I know Bush went to Yale also, and he swimming in the shallow end of the think tank, but I gave Miller more credit.

Harris Miller has to know that is illegal, after all, he is a lobbyist!

Dear Mr. Miller...Please Write Back

2006-05-18T21:25:00.000-04:00

I sent the following letter three days ago. I haven't heard back yet, and the gallery is still no where to be seen.

Dear Sirs,

For more than two months I have visited your site viligantly looking for your photo gallery. Each time I am greeted with the same message, "Harris Miller Photos Coming Soon!"

Is there an actual time frame you have mapped out for posting your photos? I only ask because there was such fanfare when your staff was announced. Mr. Rohrbach was touted as quite a photographer and I am eager to see the fruits of his labor.

I am so anxious to see images of Mr. Miller on the campaign trail, I have conducted numerous internet image searches only to find what must be embarassing images of an otherwise continent candidate. I should think you would flood the web with other images in order to dilute the pool. No pun intended.

I look forward to hearing from you soon and viewing those campaign photos.

Sincerely,

Libertas