South End Grounds

I'm Movin'

Being a Groundskeeper has been a blast but, as the old cliche' goes, all good things must come to an end.  In a couple of weeks the wrecking ball will fall through South End Grounds. 

To my liberal friends, don't get too excited.  I'm not retiring, just exercising my rights as a free agent to set up shop somewhere else.  I have signed a lucrative deal to will instead be a regular columnist/commentator on Adam Groves' outstanding Tennessee Politics Blog.  Adam is putting together a very impressive little niche that represents the potential blogs have to impact our politics, not only with TPB, but also the Senate Dashboard and Battle for the General Assembly (in conjunction with Joe Lance at TennesseeTicket.com).  These sites provide valuable information to everyone from the casual voter to the political junkie and now they'll offer a little commentary from both sides of the spectrum (my left-wing counterpart is yet to be named).  I'm excited to be a part of it. 

In the coming weeks, this blog will disappear and whenever someone stumbles across my URL, they'll be redirected to TPB.  I hope you'll make it a point to visit TPB and the accompanying sites on a daily basis.  You will become more informed, I promise. 

I can't shut this old place down without thanking you for visiting so often, sharing your views and engaging in the debate.  It's been an honor to be a part of your daily visit to the web.  I have nothing to offer you in return, save my most sincere appreciation and fervent hope that you'll continue in the conversation in my new home. 

That's your ballgame, folks.

Off the DL

No, I have not been planning a run for Governor.

No, I have not died.

No, I have not fallen off the face of the earth.

Yes, I thought very seriously about taking a wrecking ball to The Grounds.  I wrote the farewell post about a dozen times, but couldn't quite publish it.  So I guess I'm going to give this another go.

First, a word about where I was.  Let's just say that everyone should have a few months like I've just experienced.  I've learned a lot, grown a little and reinforced some priorities.  Those things deserved my undivided attention, so that's what they got.  I sincerely appreciate the calls and emails I got during my hiatus.  They are the primary reason I'm strolling back to the plate.

As to the blog, I doubt I ever publish more than once or twice a week.  I've got a lot going on and time won't permit.  I'll do longer columns that might cover some dated material but some new ways to look at the issue.  I look forward to the banter with my friends on both sides of the aisle so keep it coming, but keep it civil. 

Spring is in the air.  Opening Day is around the corner and the World Baseball Classic is turning out to be better than advertised.  Like the boys of Summer, my offseason is over. 

Play ball.

P.S. If you're not watching the WBC, shame on you. 

So, Sue Me

Yeah, I've been taking care of the family, working and going to school, so I haven't had time to blog.  Sorry.  I'll try to get back in the saddle soon but time just doesn't permit. 

Any Takers?

My blog is worth $49,679.52.
How much is your blog worth?

It's a paltry sum compared to others.  But, with a new baby and all, I could use $50k.

Lil' Batgirl Has Arrived

Mom and baby are healthy and beautiful.  A certain Groundskeeper can be seen floating on cloud nine.

Pics are forthcoming.

Sweet Caroline,
Good times never seemed so good
I'd be inclined
To believe they never would
So good, so good

Pitching Long Relief

Warming up in the bullpen - Ben Cunningham

I'm about to head out on a couple of pretty long business trips that will leave me little to no time to blog.  In my absence, a good friend of the Grounds and the voice of Tennessee taxpayers Ben Cunningham will be pitching long relief for the Groundskeeper.  My blogging career is being put a great risk by having Ben stand in for me.  There's a very good chance you won't want me to come back.  But who knows?  He might like this blogging thing and sign a free agent contract with the Grounds or start his own venture.  I certainly hope so.  Ben is signed into the site as we speak and may start blogging before the week is out.  I'm heading out Monday and will be gone for most of the next three weeks.  Enjoy reading Ben's thoughts.  I know I will.

A little disclosure is in order - the little free time that I have on one of these trips will be spent here, here and here.  I'll give you a full report.

Meeting Grover

Work has been incredibly busy (more on that later) so I haven't had the chance to tell you about the blogger meeting with Americans For Tax Reform President Grover Norquist.  Indeed, that meeting has been my only respite from the job in a few days.  Norquist is one of the chief architects of the conservative movement in America and we can thank him for the strides that have been made since Ronald Reagan became the Republican Party's nominee for President 25 years ago.  So to say it was a thrill to meet him would be quite an understatement. 

Most readers probably believe I was born with a copy of Adam Smith in my hands.  Not so.  My father was a Teamster.  My grandfather was a union carpenter who believes that Franklin Roosevelt saved him from sure death during the Depression.  I came to conservatism the hard way -- by thinking.  In 1995, I read a little book by Newt Gingrich entitled To Renew America.  The ideas captivated me:  leading the world into the Information Age, streamlining and modernizing government to serve the people, class mobility, and improving opportunities for the poor.  While he was modest about it when I asked Norquist about his influence on Gingrich's adoption of those ideas, he has, perhaps more than anyone in America, shaped the thinking of conservative leaders.  Here's to wishing him many, many more years of doing just that. 

Rob Huddleston, Blogging for Bryant and Bill Hobbs have stories on the meetup.  Rob delves into some of the ideas we discussed and I'll expound on those after I have a little more time to process them and time permits.  For now, it's back to work.

Speaking of conservative leaders, thanks to Ed Bryant and his outstanding campaign team for setting it up.

The GM is gonna' love this.  HEH.

New Jr. Groundskeeper

My brother is the proud father of a new member of the Groundscrew.  Congratulations to him and his wonderful wife.  Grandparents are ready to spoil the little tike and Uncle Groundskeeper is ready to play some catch (and do a little spoiling of his own).  Momma and baby boy are doing well.  I'll post some pictures as soon as he is properly attired in his Braves garb.

On deck, the GM and Groundskeeper are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Little Batgirl which should occur, fittingly, during the World Series. 

Jack Responds

The subject of a previous post has posted a reply in the comments section.  Since I was able to present my side in a full post , I will afford him the same courtesy.