Reagan warned us in 1964

A great speech from 1964 has many relevant points, even today. Obama isn't Johnson, although the Chicago way of politics is much like Johnson's was, and O isn't Jimmy Carter although they have much in common, like knowing what is best for you whether you like it or not and increasing the nations "misery factor."

Thanks, Chicago!

This is one of those rare times that the City of Chicago really does something FOR downstate.  Thank-you, Mayor Rahm Emanuel. It really IS for the children.
This is a great story about how the Chicago gun buyback program money sponsors an NRA youth shooting camp.

Illinois State Fair - Bills and Prizes

Illinois has money to pay for the State Fair, but not to pay its bills.  Hmmm. Scott Reeder, in his story at The Southern Illinoisan brings up good points about prize money doled out for "flower arranging" and other vastly important activities and contests. He differentiates between the prizes given to adults and those given to children, their lambs and 4H and other such educational venues.  Since the 944 dollars in prizes at the first State Fair in 1853, prizes awarded have had a growth rate of 36 times the rate of inflation and now top out at over $883,500.
"Separate line items exist in the budget for youth programs like 4-H  and FFA..." ($786,400 for 4-H) and ($325,000 for FFA).

The 4H and FFA prizes make some sense. The other 3/4 of a million plus do not make much fiscal sense in a state that can't make ends meet.

Reince Priebus, RNC Chairman

RNC chairman, Reince Priebus, is one of the best, clear and articulate voices for the GOP in recent memory.  Former VP Cheney type clarity and focus, but immensely smoother. This guy makes Obama's Chicago boss, David Axelrod, look like a bumbling cartoon character in comparison, and outshines DNC voice D.W. Shultz  like the sun compared to a 60 watt bulb.  I am seriously impressed.

Side note about Axelrod::
Watch the eyebrow/hand gesticulation coordination as he speaks, and note that the more animated the squints, gestures and eyebrow raises and flutters get, the more the B.S. quotient increases. The only time he seems straight with a statement is when he flashes that big mustache accented smile meant to disarm you, right before he speaks. Good smile though.

Substance

Great Romney choice in Ryan as VP. There should be no doubt now that a conservative is on the ticket, and will serve to energize the campaign.  Substance vs. Obamaloney.

Hello again

Hello again. I'm back.