BA Moonshadow

Rahm's Autograph

2012-02-13T14:44:00.003-06:00

Rahm Emanuel's autograph for the Second Amendment Foundation. There will be more. Rahm is bitter about this and now wants all of Illinois to begin a gun registration program, purportedly to fight crime in Chicago. Will he ever realize that going after the legal gun owners doesn't fight crime, but going after the criminals will work every time it's tried? $400,000. paid out by Chicago tax payers should be a reminder, or even a wake up call.

Apollo 11, Eagle has landed.

2012-02-10T23:46:00.003-06:00

Symphony of Science - Journey to the Moon - Remixes for the Soul - Melody Sheep

The Case For Mars

2012-02-10T23:15:00.002-06:00

Symphony of Science has an interesting way to make the case.

Vampire Lights

2012-02-01T23:41:00.004-06:00

You don't need to be a vampire to realize these are a hazard to look at. Seems odd that the manufacturer would highlight a feature and show so graphically the grim reaction that happens when someone looks at the car at night while approaching it from the other direction or having it right behind you.

SOPA - PIPA

2012-01-16T23:25:00.002-06:00

Find out which of your Senators and Representatives support this invasive attempt at control of the internet by the Motion Picture and Music industry.
These bills will seriously impact the internet and stifle innovation. Find out more and contact your Reps.
SOPA Opera
Where Do Your Members of Congress Stand on SOPA and PIPA?

Mitt, Newt and Rick

2012-01-14T20:16:00.003-06:00

Ok, so I'm not Romney's biggest fan. However, the more that Gingrich and Perry attack him for being a capitalist, the more I have to like him. I don't think that using the tactics and language of the liberal left, and socialist class warfare to is the way to win the Republican nomination. Some say that this is the attack that Obama will wage if Romney is the nominee, and that this is just a warmup for him. Whatever. I don't believe that Gingrich and Perry are doing this to HELP Romney win in the general election, but they sure sound wrong spouting such liberal tripe.
If only Romney could lose that phony plastic smile that immediately appears after he says something, and the condescending look he has while he listens to the other candidates, he could be more likable.
All of that said, every one of the Republican candidates would be a better choice than a second term for President Zero.

Plumeria Bloom

2012-01-11T15:41:00.002-06:00

One of my Plumeria trees (common name Frangipani) is about to begin its blooming cycle. I'm looking forward to the powerful fragrance from these little flowers for the next few weeks.

NASA describes Santa's Christmas Mission

2011-12-22T13:55:00.004-06:00

Santa's journey described NASA style. This will be a classic.
Merry Christmas!

The Perfect GOP candidate

2011-12-14T15:30:00.001-06:00

The perfect GOP candidate would use Herman Cain's Tea Party theme (Krista Branch) "I Am America", Ron Paul's consistent domestic policy, Rick Santorum's American Patriot morality, Newt's "good" ideas, Rick Perry's foreign aid and simple tax plans and farm out our foreign policy to Vice President, Liz Cheney. I would do it, but I have the "Newt" problem of blurting out what I think while I think. And if it were me, I would also have to add Romney's hair to the list.

Free Chicago!

2011-12-01T12:13:00.007-06:00

I didn't figure it would ever happen, but the Free Chicago concept has been officially introduced in the State House of Representatives.

Synopsis As Introduced, HJR0052
Urges Congress to enact legislation dividing Illinois and Cook County into separate states.
Bill Status of HJR0052 97th General Assembly

Thank-you, Bill Mitchell, Adam Brown, and Mike Bost. I know it is more than a longshot, but if it will give downstate Illinois any leverage, then it will be well worth it.
Rather than the relatively easy task of describing how this would improve every facet of life in downstate Illinois, we should convince Chicago that it is in Chicago's best interests to be free of the rest of the State of Illinois.

Space Shuttle: The Final Flight

2011-11-30T21:11:00.001-06:00

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." - Theodor Seuss Geisel

China to launch space station first phase

2011-09-27T11:51:00.005-05:00

The newest space race has already begun, just as we retire the most prolific spacecraft fleet the world has ever known. Now we must rely on Russians, or eventually private industry to get our astronauts to space, at least until the next decade. The Long March continues while we wait for our leadership to notice.

The Keyes to Obama's Rise

2011-09-24T13:43:00.006-05:00

Ran across some old bumper stickers and the Keyes for U.S. Senate made me remember the conditions that helped create the rise of the Obamanation.

Sorry, America. It was our fault for not nominating Mike Ditka instead of going to Maryland to recruit a carpetbagger named Keyes, after a scandal with the original primary winning candidate named Ryan, who bore the misfortune of having the same name as the most recent Illinois Governor, who had just been convicted of corruption.

In Mr. Keyes defense, when asked about not congratulating Obama on the 70-27 win, he saw what many did not yet see.

"...Keyes explained that his refusal to congratulate Obama was "not anything personal," but was meant to make a statement against "extend[ing] false congratulations to the triumph of what we have declared to be across the line." He said that Obama's position on moral issues regarding life and the family had crossed that line. "I'm supposed to make a call that represents the congratulations toward the triumph of that which I believe ultimately stands for... a culture evil enough to destroy the very soul and heart of my country? I can't do this. And I will not make a false gesture," Keyes said..."

Thomas, Scott (2004-11-04). "Alan Keyes on the Scott Thomas Show, WYLL". Allan Keyes Archives. Retrieved 2007-08-12.

Conservative icon

2011-08-27T09:33:00.003-05:00

1000 days - NASA JSC Project M

2011-08-22T17:15:00.003-05:00

With inspired leadership, we could accomplish this in 1000 days from a Presidential "Make it so, NASA."

Call a bureaucrat? That's Obama's answer?

2011-08-21T13:44:00.003-05:00

Obama says "help is a phone call away," to farmers with a question. Call the USDA. Make that many phone calls and a question to caller if the question had been Googled yet. Bureaucracy in action.

Evacuation of Illinois continues

2011-07-17T11:22:00.006-05:00

Illinois metals company moving operations to Indiana

Last one out, turn off the lights. If there are any lights left.

Illinois citizens: Disarmed, overtaxed and tightly ruled by incompetent and dishonest politicians north of I-80 and their helpless accomplices to the south/downstate. It is not surprising that more and more companies are abandoning this state. Indiana will gain nearly 100 jobs, Illinois loses more, continuing its destructive cycle.

"Shovel Ready" President O's Joke on US

2011-06-27T19:34:00.000-05:00

Al Gore's animal sacrifice at the enviro-altar

2011-06-14T13:59:00.003-05:00

Unintended consequences or part of the Gore master plan? Al Gore's carbon credit scam sacrifices camels to make big energy users and polluters feel better. What other large methane emitters are next on the liberal envirowhacko death watch?

Ban Chicago Politicians, not trans fat

2011-05-02T08:53:00.010-05:00

The “Artificial Trans Fat Restriction Act,” an amendment to House Bill 1600, would bar the sale at restaurants or school vending machines of items containing more than 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving or that contain vegetable shortening, margarine or partially hydrogenated vegetable oil.
Restaurant News
The bills sponsor, Rep. LaShawn Ford (D)of Chicago, told the Chicago Tribune the legislation was “a step in the right direction.”
I call B.S., Mr. Ford. This is yet another intrusion into the the lives of the citizens by the state. This is NOT what our government is for. State government has more than its share of things to get figured out in Illinois. And besides, food manufacturers are eliminating it as an ingredient already. (Private sector is already at work on this)
Quit screwing around, wasting valuable time making laws about food ingredients and other methods of intruding on personal decisions of your constituents, and instead, balance the budget, pay your bills, and make Illinois a place that someone wants to set up shop and hire people, not a nanny state closely following the lead of the failed state of California.
Let the people think for themselves, or do you not trust your constituents to do that? Considering that they voted for you, Mr. Ford, maybe you are right, they may be ignorant sheep that really need some herding, unable to figure out what to eat until you tell them it is safe.

Riding the Unicorn, We will not rest...

2011-04-05T17:59:00.001-05:00

Chicago Communists Join Wisconsin Rally

2011-03-12T17:04:00.003-06:00

Wisconsin public sector union protesters now have Chicago Communists on their side.

What a wonderful thing to have such allies.

HB148 - Family and Personal Protection Act 2011

2011-03-01T14:58:00.001-06:00

Illinois lawmakers debate Right-to-Carry

Illinois lawmakers are taking aim at some new legislation that would make it legal for gun owners to carry concealed weapons. House Bill 148, named the Family and Personal Protection Act, is seen as giving gun rights advocates their best chance at getting the legislation passed.

Fox Chicago story

Illinois - Destination of Choice for Dems on the Lam

2011-02-22T11:29:00.006-06:00

Wisconsin, and now even Indiana Democrat lawmakers are hiding out in Illinois to avoid their duties. Welcome to Illinois, you constitutional cowards! Like you, Illinois Democrats have been avoiding their fiscal public duty for years. You'll no doubt be made welcome by our Chicago governor, Mr. Quinn, who won't have you arrested and returned to your own state. He may just borrow some more money and pay for your stay.

Chicago Tribune endorses Brady

2010-10-09T01:04:00.001-05:00

Chicago Tribune endorses Brady

Money For Nothing

2010-07-15T15:53:00.003-05:00

Money For Nothing
Mark Knockoffler sings the ObamaCare blues with his band Dem Strait

Obama's Space Policy is "Drivel"

2010-05-09T10:49:00.002-05:00

"Former NASA administrator Michael Griffin takes strong exception to most of President Obama's proposed space exploration policy, disagreeing with the major points and calling much of it "drivel."

Illinois Debt

2010-05-08T20:44:00.004-05:00

Make Illinois work for the people, not the politicians.
Brady doesn't want Illinois democrats to dig a deeper hole.

Escalating Chavez threat

2010-04-26T17:49:00.004-05:00

Experts warn of escalating Chavez threat

...Chavez’s strategy was to build allies in the United States by offering low-cost heating oil to lower-income Americans through Joseph Kennedy Jr. and his Citizens Energy nonprofit, in the hopes that security-conscious voices would be drowned out.

“My favorite Chavez quote is, ‘I will put my enemy to sleep, so that one day he will wake up dead,’” said Jon Perdue, Latin American programs director at the Fund for American Studies....

Dial Joe-4-Chávez

Venezuelan strongman Hugo Chávez is an ally of the Iranian mullahs, a supporter of North Korea, a close friend of Fidel Castro and a good customer for Vladimir Putin's weapon factories. Now (since 2006) he's also a business partner of Joseph P. Kennedy II....

What new control tax is next?

2010-03-08T19:29:00.008-06:00

Note to sweet tea and soda drinkers who are also anti-smokers:

When the dot gov do-gooders came after my tobacco and taxed it to both cut use AND raise revenue, you didn't care, and it seemed like a great idea to you, considering that you couldn't bring yourself to realize that the slippery slope of government intervention in personal matters loomed ahead.

Sweetened drink taxes are the new "sin taxes" of today. What will the next target be? Will you care?

Family and Personal Protection Act 2010

2010-03-04T08:11:00.002-06:00

Here are two Illinois House Bills to watch for concealed carry permits in Illinois. HB462 and HB6249.

Bill Status of HB0462 96th General Assembly
Hearing scheduled:
Agriculture & Conservation Committee Hearing Mar 9 2010 2:00PM Capitol Building Room 122B Springfield, IL - House Floor Amendment 1

Synopsis As Introduced
Creates the Family and Personal Protection Act. Permits the county sheriff to issue permits to carry concealed firearms to persons at least 21 years of age who meet certain requirements. Requires an applicant for a permit to have completed specified training requirements developed by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board consisting of classroom instruction and live firing exercises. Preempts home rule. Amends the Illinois Police Training Act and the Criminal Code of 1961 to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.
House Sponsors
Rep. Brandon W. Phelps - David Reis - Patrick J. Verschoore - John D. Cavaletto, Shane Cultra, Bill Mitchell, Mike Bost, Ron Stephens, Robert F. Flider, Paul D. Froehlich and Daniel V. Beiser

And the following similar bill, with issuance of permits by ISP rather than County Sheriffs.

Bill Status of HB6249 96th General Assembly

Short Description: FIREARMS-CONCEALED-PERMITS

Synopsis As Introduced

Creates the Family and Personal Protection Act. Establishes statewide uniform standards for the issuance of permits to carry concealed firearms in this State. Vests in the Department of State Police the authority to issue concealed firearms permits to qualified applicants. Requires an applicant to complete a training course in handgun use, safety, and marksmanship. Also requires instruction in the law relating to firearm use. Creates the Citizen Safety and Self-Defense Trust Fund administered by the Department. The moneys in the Fund shall be used to administer the Act. Establishes restrictions on carrying concealed firearms. Establishes standards for the training course and for certifying instructors. Amends the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act. Provides that the Family and Personal Protection Act supersedes an ordinance of a unit of local government inconsistent with that Act. Prohibits a home rule unit from regulating the issuance of permits to carry concealed firearms. Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Exempts, from an unlawful use of weapons and aggravated unlawful use of weapons violation, persons who carry or possess firearms in accordance with the Family and Personal Protection Act. Effective immediately.

House Sponsors

Rep. John E. Bradley - Paul D. Froehlich

Mission to Nowhere

2010-02-02T08:16:00.016-06:00

The President's Take on NASA's Future: Mission to Nowhere

Tom Jones, Astronaut:

"...The cancellation of Constellation without clear endorsement of a goal to send humans on a date certain into deep space postpones the promise of the future for the brightest of our young scientists and engineers. The space talent pool will begin emptying today, as promising innovators seek careers in other industries. What student would pursue a career in space science or astronautics with the knowledge that the country is turning away from leadership in space..."

Venezuelan Security Threat

2010-01-09T09:13:00.002-06:00

"...Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is engaged in a deliberate policy aimed at weakening the Colombian state by strengthening drug trafficking...."

Latin America in American national security
The Americas Report - Jan 08, 2010
By Luis Fleischman

Cheney on 2009 politics

2009-12-24T19:48:00.001-06:00

HUMAN EVENTS' 2009 Conservative of the Year, Dick Cheney, on the Political Hot Topics of 2009

Change Nobody Believes In

2009-12-24T14:11:00.001-06:00

From the Wall Street Journal
Change Nobody Believes In
A bill so reckless that it has to be rammed through on a partisan vote on Christmas eve.

Indiana newspaper targets gun owners

2009-12-17T06:50:00.006-06:00

Indiana newspaper prints handgun carry permit database

More from Caleb about the interview.

Making something illegal, more illegal.
Why is that Reasonable?

Atlantis music video

2009-12-04T17:12:00.002-06:00

STS-129 Ascent Video Highlights from mike interbartolo on Vimeo.

Climate Conspiracy

2009-11-25T07:36:00.008-06:00

Hide The Decline - Climategate

Congress may probe faked global warming data

meanwhile... Rome burns...

Barack Obama 'vows major greenhouse gas emissions cuts'

And...
Overheard in Tam's Hallway

More Climategate links

Ares I-X Launch

2009-10-29T09:14:00.035-05:00

The much anticipated launch of Ares I-X came to fruition on Wednesday, October 28, 2009, at 11:30, from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.
These pictures of the launch were the view from the Banana Creek VIP viewing area, where many of those who worked tirelessly for over three years to bring Ares from concept to launch, and their guests were gathered to witness the beginning of the next generation of U.S. manned spaceflight.

On the right side of the photos, above the countdown clock, you can see Space Shuttle Atlantis on pad 39A, ready for the STS-129 mission in November.

Clouds, cargo ship made NASA officials call off the test flight on Tuesday.

Here is a short piece of video from the scrubbed mission on Tuesday. Tuesday was the day when we heard the term, Triboelectrification used a lot in the audio feeds we listened to at Banana Creek. The Triboelectrification trouble is explained here, by Astroprof, and here on Wikipedia.

Ares I-X test flight

2009-10-23T12:11:00.025-05:00

I'm looking forward to being present at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida next week to witness the first test launch of America's new next generation space flight system. The launch is scheduled to be on Tuesday morning at 8AM, with a second launch window on Wednesday morning if the weather doesn't cooperate. I hope to have some video and photos to share when I return. Ares I-X is ready to go and is currently waiting on launch pad 39B.

The Space Shuttle Atlantis is also in position on launch pad 39A, being prepared for the STS 129 mission launch to the ISS on November 16. It will be interesting to observe two generations of launchers on the pads at the same time.

NASA's first flight test for the agency's next-generation spacecraft and launch vehicle system, called Ares I-X, will bring NASA one step closer to its exploration goals. The flight test will provide NASA with an early opportunity to test and prove flight characteristics, hardware, facilities and ground operations associated with the Ares I. You can follow the Ares I-X Twitter feed here.

This Ares Quarterly Progress Report, originally released to the public September 30, 2009, includes progress updates on:

-Development Motor 1 test firing

-J-2X component manufacturing

-Upper stage manufacturing facilities and tooling

-Ares I-X vehicle stacking

The Marines Know

2009-08-26T15:54:00.003-05:00

Check out the completely different responses by Marine audiences to GWB and BHO.
Different Presidents, A Different Corps

Govt's Constitutional limits: Ignored and Broken

2009-08-26T09:47:00.012-05:00

I don't find anything in the Constitution that authorizes the government to institute a 1000+ page bill for government run national health care.

Ladies and Gentlemen: The Constitution

From the Law Dog Blog
As Law Dog states emphatically at the end of his post:
"You want Government-run National health-care?
You do it right -- you get the Constitution amended to allow Congress that power.
Until then -- go to hell."

Marko says, "A mandatory public health care system is a universal adapter for unlimited Nanny State legislation."

Cash For Clunkers-Japanese and Korean Style

2009-08-10T20:16:00.017-05:00

Top ten trade-ins - Cash for Clunkers
1. Ford Explorer
2. Ford F150 Pickup 2WD
3. Jeep Grand Cherokee 4 WD
4. Jeep Cherokee 4 WD
5. Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan
6. Chevrolet Blazer 4 WD
7. Ford Explorer 2 WD
8. Ford F150 Pickup 4 WD
9. Chevrolet C1500 Pickup 2 WD
10. Ford Windstar FWD Van

Top ten new car purchases - Cash for Clunkers

1. Toyota Corolla

2. Ford Focus FWD

3. Honda Civic

4. Toyota Prius

5. Toyota Camry

6. Ford Escape FWD

7. Hyundai Elantra

8. Dodge Caliber

9. Honda Fit

10. Chevrolet Cobalt
The top ten trade ins are all American brands, but the top 10 models purchased with U.S. taxpayer subsidies include 5 Japanese models and a S. Korean. This may be yet another of the unintended consequences of yet another "taxpayer supported bailout" for auto manufacturers and dealers. Using a blunt instrument like this legislation to attempt to shape consumer buying by using government subsidies (the giveaway of taxpayer dollars) shows that central planning by our government is not the way to go for the U.S. economy.

Another unintended consequence is the elimination of maybe half a million perfectly functional used cars that the economically challenged, young and old, can actually afford to own and operate to get to a job. The smaller number of used cars inventoried will now cost more due to supply and demand unbalancing. As another side track, the engine (which must be destroyed) contains some of the most valuable used parts of a scrapped vehicle, which will increase the cost for used motor parts for the most popular trade-ins. Take that track further, and the price of scrap metal will likely fall because of the sudden increased supply, damaging the scrap industry. The demand for the scrap may have to come from the Japanese, who will gain many of the benefits from this giveaway program.

The "environmental" angle is also a bogus add on, because much more serious emissions are produced during manufacturing than are being accounted for with this spin, recalculating for the drastically shortened expected life cycle of the vehicle. Maybe the program will be so successful that we can fire up a couple of extra coal power plants to manufacture some replacements. The employment side of that is arguable, but the "saving our environment" angle is phony.

Read the Bills Act

2009-07-29T07:16:00.013-05:00

The light of day is still exposing some liberals as the hypocrites that they are. When the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee states matter of factly at a National Press Club luncheon that reading the bills before voting on them is useless, unless you have 2 days and two lawyers to explain it to you after you read it, then the bill is also going to be too complicated to work as planned, and will fail.

To stop this kind of nonsense, we should strongly consider asking our representatives to pass the “Read the Bills Act”

“No LEGISLATION without representation.”
We hold this truth to be self-evident, that those in Congress who vote on legislation they have not read, have not represented their constituents. They have misrepresented them.

This clip of Michigan's rep, John Conyers, husband of Monica Conyers, a convicted bribe taking Detroit City Council member, should make the average American quite angry with liberal "politics as usual."

Decatur Celebration Ad

2009-07-27T12:25:00.007-05:00

I just heard a commercial today, twice already on WSOY-AM, for the Decatur Celebration. This is the most annoying ad I have heard since the Firewater Cafe commercials using the same announcer, Capt. ConQueso, or maybe a wannabe Capt. C, a character who sounds like a cocaine fueled snake oil salesman. The theme song at the end is the only redeeming sliver for the spot.

I have intentionally avoided the cafe mentioned above for no other reason than revulsion at the lack of sensibility of whoever paid for the Capt. ConQueso ads. I can and do appreciate humor, but stupidity masquerading as humor isn't funny, it's just irritating. I hope this Decatur Celebration spot doesn't get heavy airplay and that other spots that are running could replace it. It is an embarrassing blot on the city's image.

Decatur Coal Gasification Plant update

2009-07-20T13:08:00.003-05:00

Emerson, Secure Energy partner on $800M coal gasification plant

"An Emerson unit has formed a strategic relationship with Secure Energy Inc. to help build an $800 million alternative energy plant in Decatur, Ill.

The project would be the first coal gasification-to-synthetic natural gas plant to be constructed in the United States in two decades..."

more info about the gasification plant (H&R)

Nugent on 2nd

2009-07-15T17:22:00.004-05:00

Ted Nugent discusses the 2nd Amendment with Evan Smith, host of the KLRU program TEXAS MONTHLY TALKS and editor of TEXAS MONTHLY magazine.

"...I don't like repeat offenders. I like dead offenders."

Well said, Ted.

Ignore Disease, Blame the Symptoms

2009-07-15T12:13:00.005-05:00

Some hope hot dog stand is a washout

Owner says establishment will add jobs, opponents say it would attract trouble.

Their concern is that it will attract gang members and neighborhood thugs, joining an array of nearby fast-food restaurants that have devolved into hot spots for violence.

"We, as regular citizens, would not be able to go to that hot dog stand," said Jeannie Wainwright, who lives nearby and has stood with dozens of others in opposition to the business. "It would just be another hangout, another place for narcotics exchanges. Any place where they can loiter, they just seem to take over."

"It has nothing to do with him, it has to do with the type of business he wants to open," Wainwright said. "If he wanted to sell clothes or shoes or something like that, it'd be fine. But we know these kids around here and we know what they gravitate toward...."

***

The disease is ignored and the symptoms are blamed. The problem in this neighborhood isn't the potential hot dog stand, but illegal gang activity. Ms. Wainwright's comments show a blindness to the problem, much like the Chicago ban on effective self defense. Punishing or restricting the innocent and productive to empower the criminal element, or to cause the public to cower in fear of criminals is wrong. The agreement with the neighborhood group by the Police Chief shows he knows it is out of control and seems to be a surrender.

Free Rifles and Ammo from Uncle Sam?

2009-06-27T13:17:00.003-05:00

The anti-2nd ammendment Coalition To Stop Gun Violence and the unintended consequences.

Wherein We All Get Free Rifles And Ammunition

"Over at the Coalition To Stop Gun Violence website, there is a post up on recasting the Second Amendment as a mandate for militia service. If executed faithfully, this would be a great idea, since every able-bodied male (probably females too, given sex-discrimination jurisprudence) would get a militia-compatible rifle, possibly a pistol, and a bunch of ammunition out of the deal. This new twist on gun control would actually increase the availability of guns and call into question the validity of any “assault weapon” legislation, since those are exactly the arms required for militia service..."

M. Jackson Malware Exploits

2009-06-27T12:00:00.002-05:00

Michael Jackson Spam Distributes Malware

Another interesting article:
How Malware Defends Itself Using TLS (Thread Local Storage) Callback Functions

Cash for clunkers - defense appropriations?

2009-06-18T15:37:00.005-05:00

Senate votes 60-36 to keep cash-for-clunkers in bill.

US Senate keeps car sales stimulus in war bill.

The cash-for-clunkers bill is bogus and could be the topic of another post, but including it with the war appropriations bill seems like an obvious way to steamroll a boondoggle into action.

How Not to Measure Temperature - Fuzzy Math

2009-06-17T12:27:00.003-05:00

From the WattsUpWithThat blog, How Not to Measure Temperature

Honolulu Ch.9 News story on record high temps

Top Story

Fuzzy Math

Cold Cash Trial to Begin

2009-06-09T08:19:00.003-05:00

William Jefferson, Democratic former congressman from Louisiana, is charged with 16 felonies including bribery, racketeering, obstruction of justice and money laundering. The trial will be held before a federal jury in U.S. District Court in Northern Virginia beginning today. (more...)

Chinese Hold Mayor Nagin - Keeping Him Safe

2009-06-08T10:43:00.005-05:00

The mayor of New Orleans, Ray Nagin, is under lockdown in China.
Chinese hosts are screening his calls "to keep him safe."
more

There's a battle over who's in charge in New Orleans.
"...Nagin has put the city's chief administrative officer, Brenda Hatfield, in charge of Crescent City business, but City Council members say that's the wrong move.
Councilwoman Jackie Clarkson said Nagin hasn't followed the City Charter during past trips out of the country. She said the charter dictates that one of the at-large City Council members should be in charge...."

Someone will need to be responsible for leaving busses parked in low areas during any potential emergency while Mayor Nagin is Shanghaied.

The Obama Card

2009-05-28T14:49:00.001-05:00

The Obama Card, good until we run out of other people's money.

Court is Where Policy is Made?

2009-05-26T17:05:00.007-05:00

No! We elect representatives to the legislative branch of the government to do that. And we don't re-elect them if they don't represent us well. That is why the person with a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court must not make policy, but will be there only to interpret the laws that our representatives write and the executive branch signs.
A judicial activist making fun of the constitution is not a good choice for the Supreme Court. These comments alone should be a disqualifier, regardless of any other credentials or emotional life story accomplishments.

Climate change crusade is all cost, and no benefit

2009-05-25T19:17:00.011-05:00

In a Fortune interview, noted climatologist John Christy contends the green crusade to fight climate change is "all cost and no benefit."

"...The problem is that the solutions being offered don't provide any detectable relief from this so-called catastrophe. Congress is now discussing an 80% reduction in U.S. greenhouse emissions by 2050. That's basically the equivalent of building 1,000 new nuclear power plants all operating by 2020. Now I'm all in favor of nuclear energy, but that would affect the global temperature by only seven-hundredths of a degree by 2050 and fifteen hundredths by 2100. We wouldn't even notice it..."

Mr. Christy's testimony to congress is here.

"...From my analysis, the actions being considered to “stop global warming” will have an imperceptible impact on whatever the climate will do, while making energy more expensive, and thus have a negative impact on the economy as a whole. We have found that climate models and popular surface temperature data sets overstate the changes in the real atmosphere and that actual changes are not alarming. And, if the Congress deems it necessary to reduce CO2 emissions, the single most effective way to do so by a small, but at least detectable, amount is through the massive implementation of a nuclear power program. Other currently available alternatives simply cannot produce enough energy to be significantly noticed at a price and geographic scale that is affordable."

Al Gore, of course, did the math a bit differently, and calculated that his ascension to the role of the high priest in the new religion of Global Warming was well worth whatever the enormous cost to Americans and the world economy.

Thank you, veterans.

Second Amendment Restored in National Parks

2009-05-22T20:39:00.004-05:00

On Wednesday, NRA-backed legislation to restore the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens in national parks and wildlife refuges passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by an overwhelming bipartisan majority of 279-147. Today, the measure was signed into law and, as specified in the legislation, will take effect in nine months, on February 22, 2010. This was a major repudiation of the gun control community's anti self-defense agenda.
story here.

Illinois politicians do things differently, promoting only what Daley/Madigan/Cullerton want, the voters and constituency be damned. We are still waiting for our 2nd ammendment rights to be recognized in Illinois. 48 other states allow some form of legal carry of firearms. Let's not finish last in the country in allowing our citizens to utilize effective personal protection, allowing our rights in Illinois to be blocked by Chicago political patronage

Bipartisanship, Democrat Style

2009-05-22T12:10:00.003-05:00

Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) postponed action today on a series of ethics proposals, with aides saying he wanted to spend more time working with members of Gov. Pat Quinn's reform panel.
story here...

GOP wanted more ethics and good government, but Dems voted in committee 3-2 on a party-line vote to block the Republican plan from getting consideration.

Real bipartisanship, Democrat thug style.

No middle ground in War on Terror

2009-05-21T18:55:00.002-05:00

The former Vice-President, Dick Cheney, speaks about national security.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Sausage recipe - Porkulus

2009-02-16T10:36:00.009-06:00

"Laws are like sausages, it is better not to see them being made." -- Otto von Bismarck, 1st Chancellor of the German Empire (1815-1898)

The Democrats certainly know this and they didn't want the ingredients known to the public before serving it up less than half-baked. This is not the way that laws should be made and our government representatives know better. There was such a rush to get this passed that the 1073 page bill was delivered, still unfinished, at midnight Thursday. At 2:24 pm, the House Democrats passed it. At 5:29, Senate Democrats passed it.
14 hours to read a 1073 page package, presented with hand written notes, insertions scrawled in the margins, and other interesting markings and immediately voting on it. My guess is that not even one House or Senate member read the entire completed bill before voting for it.
To further conceal the recipe, it was only made publicly available as a pdf file, which doesn't allow text search, making it even harder to directly access particular topics which are sprinkled and hidden throughout.

Here are the links to the sausage recipe that now is on our table, do you dare to read it?

The Democrat Stimulus Bill.
Porkulus Bill, part 1

Porkulus Bill, part 2

Joint Explanatory Statement of the Committee of Conference, Division A

Joint Explanatory Statement of the Committee of Conference, Division B

"All applicable provisions in the Act are designated as an emergency for purposes of pay-as-you-go principles."

This is how our Illinois Reps and Senators voted.
Yea IL-1 Rush, Bobby [D] Yea IL-2 Jackson, Jesse [D] Present IL-3 Lipinski, Daniel [D] Yea IL-4 Gutierrez, Luis [D] Nay IL-6 Roskam, Peter [R] Yea IL-7 Davis, Danny [D] Yea IL-8 Bean, Melissa [D] Yea IL-9 Schakowsky, Janice [D] Nay IL-10 Kirk, Mark [R] Yea IL-11 Halvorson, Deborah [D] Yea IL-12 Costello, Jerry [D] Nay IL-13 Biggert, Judy [R] Yea IL-14 Foster, Bill [D] Nay IL-15 Johnson, Timothy [R] Nay IL-16 Manzullo, Donald [R] Yea IL-17 Hare, Phil [D] Nay IL-18 Schock, Aaron [R] Nay IL-19 Shimkus, John [R]
Yea IL Burris, Roland [D] Yea IL Durbin, Richard [D]

Family and Personal Protection Act - 2009

2009-02-10T11:06:00.022-06:00

Well, it's another session, the 96th General Assembly, and we have to try again. As far as I can tell, there are three similar "conceal carry" bills introduced in the Illinois House, each being called the "Family and Personal Protection Act".

I will note all three, and try to sort out the basic differences as I see them.

HB 245, introduced by John E. Bradley (D) 117th District, and referred to the Rules Committee on 1/20/2009.

HB 367, introduced by Bill Mitchell (R) 87th District, and referred to the Rules Committee on 1/30/2009.

HB 462, introduced by Brandon Phelps (D) 118th District, and referred to the Rules Committee on 2/4/2009.

Here are some of the main differences I see so far.
Rep. Bradley's bill vests in the Department of State Police the authority to issue concealed firearms permits to qualified applicants.

Rep. Mitchell's bill vests that authority in each county's Sheriff, and creates the funding to reimburse the County Sheriff and administer the act.

Rep. Phelps' bill, like Mitchell's, vests the authority of administration with the County Sheriff, with different training requirements developed by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board. I'm not sure about the funding on this bill yet.

I spoke with a well informed person in Rep. Mitchell's office today to ask about the bills and got good information and a call back from Rep. Mitchell with more details.

I personally prefer HB 367 and HB 462 over HB245, with the administration of the act being done by local County Sheriffs rather than the Illinois State Police. The Sheriffs are closer and more responsive to the citizens than a state bureaucracy can be. That said, any one of these, if passed, would finally allow Illinois citizens to be safer, becoming state number 49 to allow conceal carry. Let Wisconsin be the last state to recognize the safety of their citizens.

Any suggestions?

more to come on this...

related...
Illinois Sheriffs Association supports concealed-carry handgun law

His reign has ended

2009-01-29T21:43:00.009-06:00

Hello Governor Quinn
"I haven't done anything wrong. I look forward to proving my innocence, clearing my name and that's what's gonna happen."
Blagojevich, speaking after the state Senate's vote to convict him of abuse of power.
Good luck with that, Mr. Blagojevich.

As he drove "down there" to Springfield today, the Governor said this to a NYT reporter doing a feature article, “I come out of the alleys of Chicago politics. That’s a tough place. The politics there is not motivated by idealism or high purpose. It’s nuts and bolts, and you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours. I came up that way.”

This was part of the response from Andy McKenna, the Illinois Republican Party's chairman.
"Change for the people of Illinois will come when elected officials actually impose ethical reform, fiscal reform, create jobs and bring greater transparency and accountability to our government."
My only contention with Mr. McKenna is that I don't want the government creating jobs, I prefer that government make the business conditions favorable for private enterprise to create jobs.

Payback

2009-01-29T09:18:00.004-06:00

President Obama Inherits the 'Miserable Failure' Google-Bomb that liberals created in 2003 for W.
More.

Driving to the hanging

2009-01-29T09:04:00.007-06:00

It is reported that the Governor is driving to Springfield today to offer the closing comments during the impeachment trial he has been boycotting. It seems to be a foregone conclusion that he'd have to hitchhike back to his hideout in Chicago tonight if he did his usual commute in the taxpayer owned plane used in all of his occasional visits "down there" to the hinterlands.

Obama does Dubai Interview

2009-01-27T14:23:00.006-06:00

In his first extensive interview since the inauguration, President Obama mentioned the Muslim background of many of his Kenyan relatives and alluded to his childhood in predominantly Muslim Indonesia. This was barely spoken of and hushed during interviews with American news networks, however, this interview was with Al Arabiya network, based in Dubai. more.

I'm still anxiously waiting for an executive order that helps or protects Americans. The first two seemed aimed at helping the enemies of our country by closing Gitmo and allowing foreign terrorists to claim rights granted to Americans under our constitution, the next one allowing US dollars to be used on foreign abortions.

If this is an indication of the next four years, buckle up.

The next 4 years

2009-01-27T14:03:00.001-06:00

"He's going to overreach"
Rush Limbaugh on what's in store for the next 4 years.

Stimulus Pork Flooding

2009-01-24T12:46:00.026-06:00

The lines at the Stimulus Pork Dollar feed lots are growing, even pet projects here in Central Illinois. Taking the federal dollar when it comes our way, but complaining if it goes elsewhere is a real problem. It is ALL coming out of our own pocket, and it certainly is not free. The cost of the bureaucracy will continue to drain the value of the taxes taken. Our economy needs to be weaned from the federal pork, not flooded by it. The "Stimulus Bill" will weaken our economy by rewarding the same "Give me mine" attitude that pervades the national liberal mindset that helped to create many of the economic problems we face. The solution to fiscal problems is not to add more debt, it is to produce more product or value added, enhancing revenue. Handing a huge debt burden to our children and grandchildren is an irresponsible solution.
If the promised "middle class" tax cuts that the President calls for are enacted, the balance of tax payers and tax consumers will tilt to over the 50% mark for the tax consumers. This is meant to be a way of growing government and ensuring a voter base tidal wave that will support the Democrats, which the DNC thinks will help grow their power base. After all, who would support tax cuts if most people didn't pay taxes at the time? The smaller number of economic producers that will still pay will not be equally represented by our increasingly socialism oriented elected officials. This state owned and operated economy would weaken the incentive for big businesses or the smaller ones who make up the REAL American economy, to grow or prosper. They will be too busy keeping the government pickpockets from taking nearly everything they work for to cover for the tax consumers who choose not to produce, and of course, the tax consumers will likely vote for the candidate who promises more of the same gravy.
How many jobs might the stimulus bill create?

$825 Billion, and Not One Job May Result
by Connie Hair
"...The creation of jobs is key to any stimulus of the economy, and House Republicans in the alternative are pushing for the free market solution of tax cuts to let working families and business who create the jobs in this country keep more of their own money to put back into the economy. The fundamental differences in the solutions to the economic morass offered from each side of the aisle could not be any clearer.I spoke with House Republican Whip Eric Cantor (R-Va.) outside the committee room about any Republican plans to try to bring some sanity into this effort. Cantor told me, “I am going to be meeting with the President next week with the Republican working group to try and lay out our vision of how we believe a stimulus bill should look, a bill that should be focused on the preservation, protection and creation of jobs. Given what Charlie Rangel and Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid and the rest on the Democrat side on the Hill are doing, I am very fearful that we are not going to get it right, which is why we have to all speak out and say, look, we can’t keep going borrowing money to spend on favorite pet programs just to put us trillions of dollars more in debt when what we could be doing is doing it the smart way by providing tax relief for middle class families, small business, entrepreneurs, so that we can get this economy going again. … It is very clear that the White House is going to be able to shape this, which is why it is very important that we go to the White House and bring the President our proposals to make this a bill that works.”...

Cowboy Rod Blagojevich

2009-01-23T14:41:00.004-06:00

The Governor had a radio interview this afternoon complaining about the process to remove him from office. Last time I heard him at a press conference, he recited poetry. Today he had a cowboy story, complete with details of horse thievery, hanging, and an alibi.

Blagojevich:
"...I've done mostly the right thing..."

Daley:
Blagojevich is "cuckoo"

Boycotting the impeachment

2009-01-23T07:41:00.002-06:00

Blagojevich to boycott his impending impeachment trial in the Senate.
I think he still just doesn't want to get out of Chicago and travel down to Springfield. His aversion to Springfield and Downstate Illinois in general has been one constant during his administration.

Friends of Blago

2008-12-15T12:02:00.004-06:00

Friends of Blago - The spider web, with Blagojevich in the center.

The People's Seat

Hello Gov. Quinn?

2008-12-09T12:57:00.006-06:00

Breaking... Chicago
Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn says Blagojevich should resign and should not be involved in the U.S. Senate seat selection in a news conference just before 1:00. Gov. Blagojevich is to appear in federal court at 1:30. Quinn also said that he has been prepared to step in as Governor since he ran for the Lt. Governor job 7 years ago.

Pay to play - Feds take Blagojevich out of the game

2008-12-09T08:45:00.019-06:00

According to early reports, Blagojevich's chief of staff, John Harris, was also arrested this morning on federal corruption charges.
The criminal complaint by the FBI said each man was arrested on two charges of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and solicitation of bribery.
Click here for the 78 page U.S. Dept. of Justice complaint.

Feds take Gov. Blagojevich into custody
"...Blagojevich was taken into custody hours after the Tribune reported that the investigation into allegations of pay-to-play politics within his administration had been expanded to include his pending choice of a Senate replacement for Obama. The Democratic governor has said he expects to make a decision on the state's next senator in weeks.
Sources told the Tribune that investigators intensified their investigation into Blagojevich amid concerns that the process of choosing a new senator could be tainted..."

According to Fox News...
"A statement by U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald and FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Robert Grant said Blagojevich and Harris "allegedly conspired to sell U.S. Senate appointment, engaged in pay-to-play schemes and threatened to withhold state assistance to Tribune Company for Wrigley Field to induce purge of newspaper editorial writers."
"The breadth of corruption laid out in these charges is staggering," Fitzgerald said in a statement.
"Blagojevich put a for sale sign on the naming of a United States Senator; involved himself personally in pay-to-play schemes with the urgency of a salesman meeting his annual sales target; and corruptly used his office in an effort to trample editorial voices of criticism," he added.
Federal authorities were permitted by a judge to record the governor secretly before the November election after raising concerns that a replacement for Obama would be tainted.
Fitzgerald's office said the 76-page FBI affidavit alleges that Blagojevich was taped conspiring to sell or trade Obama's vacated U.S. Senate seat for financial and other personal benefits for himself and his wife, including an annual salary of $250,000-$300,000 at a nonprofit foundation or an organization affiliated with labor unions.
They also allege Blagojevich is heard on tape demanding a corporate board seat for his wife worth as much as $150,000 a year; promises of campaign funds, including cash up front; and a Cabinet post or ambassadorship for himself."

Lyrically Literate

2008-12-08T08:50:00.004-06:00

Take On Me: Literal Video Version

I liked this video back when MTV actually played music videos. This lyrically literal version makes as much sense as the original, and if you liked A-Ha's version in 1985, I can pretty much guarantee you will smile through this one.

What's the Council doing with our taxes now?

2008-11-19T10:48:00.010-06:00

CITY COUNCIL MOVES FORWARD TO BUILD $350,000 LOG CABIN
"...it’s difficult to understand why in the world the city would invest, at this time, a possible $350,000 to build a log cabin and what goes with it, eight miles away in the country on a site we don’t own, but for which we will have to provide security. It’s not even in the city limits! How do you explain to residents the city is providing security outside the city limits to protect a log cabin, when they want more security in their own neighborhoods to protect lives?..."

Former Mayor Osborne has this absolutely right in his editorial. The long term security costs and lack of state or federal funding make this a project for better economic times.
My question is: Are Mr. Edwards and Caulkins simply trying to build their own legacy?
My congratulations to Councilman Laegler, for having the courage to be the only "no" vote, to delay a good project for another time, when it can be properly financially supported.

RINO season is now open

2008-11-15T13:50:00.004-06:00

RINO Season Is Now Open
by Ted Nugent
"Like any entity that abandons basic quality control, political parties rot from within. It happened to the Democrats long ago, and now has become the case with the Republican Party, which has strayed from its conservative underpinnings.There are really only four things I have a strong aversion to: unloaded guns, dull knives, banjos, and Republicans in Name Only (RINOs)"...
read the rest of Ted's article here.

Well, Ted, I agree with 3 out of those 4, but banjos aren't THAT bad, or perhaps "banjo" is a code word for liberals. If so, my apologies to Ted for misunderstanding.

Election Day Polling Places Busy

2008-11-04T13:56:00.006-06:00

I had an unusually long line at my normally quick polling place this morning at 6:30. I actually had TWO people ahead of me in line. Everything seemed to be moving smoothly, and my elapsed time taken for my duty as a citizen, from parking to voting to driving away, was just over 10 minutes. How were your voting experiences? Any delays or problems?

You Must Choose Wisely

2008-10-30T18:16:00.017-05:00

Fred has recorded a special election message that says most of what I'd like to say about our upcoming election and the direction our country must choose, but he is much more eloquent and convincing than I could hope to be. The video is about 12 minutes long.
Watch Fred's message here.
Senator Fred Thompson will appear on Meet the Press this Sunday morning. I urge you to watch the program. And, if there are any undecided voters in your household or neighborhood, do what you can to get them to watch too.

Here are a couple of hard hitting spots. One that highlights the radical influence of Rev. J. Wright on B. H. Obama, and one that stars some of the world's dictators mocking his ignorance in foreign policy.

Dictators Mock Obama's Ignorance

Obama and Wright: He Never Complained Once

A
Democrat
Halloween,
spreading
the wealth.

Obama, DNC assault on 1st and 2nd amendments

2008-09-28T11:20:00.007-05:00

'Truth Squad' using sheriffs, DAs to police bias against candidate
Obama Campaign and DNC Launch Assault On First Amendment!
"...Obama and the DNC have been using strong-arm tactics reminiscent of Chicago machine politics to try and cover up the truth and silence NRA by forcing the stations to assist them in hiding Obama's radical anti-gun record..."
More details on Obama's gun banning positions... GunbaNObama.com
"Just like fellow Democrats Edward Kennedy, Charles Schumer and Dianne Feinstein, Biden has voted for, and actively pushed, major anti-gun bills, including those:
Banning semi-automatic firearms; Banning hunting, sporting and self-defense ammunition; Banning magazines holding more than 10 rounds; and Imposing a waiting period on handgun sales..."
"...During a debate with Obama, Sen. Hillary Clinton, and other contenders for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination, Biden said, "I'm the guy who originally wrote the assault weapons ban."
While the Obama campaign wants voters to think that Joe Biden complements him, bringing a different perspective to the Democrat ticket, the reality is that both candidates have long records throughout their careers of not merely of going along with gun control, but originating and pushing the anti-gun agenda aggressively. It is fair to say that if Barack Obama is elected president, Joe Biden will be the most anti-gun vice president in American history."

Organizer Missing in Chicago

2008-09-25T20:51:00.009-05:00

Somewhere in Chicago, a community is missing an organizer...

In other news, Democrat Representative Alcee Hastings, of Florida plays the race card ... hard.

(CNN) – Rep. Alcee Hastings told an audience of Jewish Democrats Wednesday that they should be wary of Republican VP nominee Sarah Palin because “anybody toting guns and stripping moose don’t care too much about what they do with Jews and blacks.”

And the Democrat Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, thinks Hastings should be a Federal Judge? The left is in the process of losing any of the sanity that it has been hiding so well for years.

No thanks, keep the change.

More Chinese Fakery

2008-09-25T19:40:00.005-05:00

China touts success of space launch before takeoff
"A nice little story hit the Web Thursday talking up China's long-awaited space mission and even including detailed dialogue between the astronauts, according to the Associated Press. Only problem was that the spacecraft hadn't even left the ground at the time the story came out..."

China just launched a manned mission, and the scripted coverage of an "in flight report" was released before it ever happened. Are the people in charge of checking ages of Chinese Olympic athletes also in charge of the space program? Maybe. The Chinese Space Program IS a subsidiary of the Red Army.

As Controversial as the Olympics? Fake Mission Coverage.

Message to Mr. Obama

2008-09-10T16:53:00.002-05:00

Dear Mr. Obama

An Iraq Veteran has a personal message for Barack Obama

Dear Mr. Obama II : Economics 101

A very basic study of capitalism and economics in light of Obama's tax and economic policies.

Do you really know Obama?

2008-08-21T18:50:00.031-05:00

He says admitted terrorist and U.S. Capitol and Pentagon bomber, Billy Ayers is his friend. (see video below.) America hating racist, Rev. Jerimiah Wright, was his mentor and pastor for more than 20 years. Convicted felon, Tony Rezko, a major contributor to Illinois Governor, Rod Blagojevich, and to Senator Obama, and also generally known as an Illinois political insider and machine greaser, was Obama's real estate partner and his next door neighbor. His campaign manager, David Axelrod, political strategist, who was a busy consultant in Eliot, (client #9) Spitzer's election was borrowed from Obama's 2nd Amendment hating Chicago Boss, Mayor Richard Daley.
Obama, 'the chosen one,' proudly professes to be a "citizen of the world," and that he and his supporters are "the ones we have been waiting for."
How much fluff is he stuffed with?
Questions about, not to mention decisions or leadership against infanticide are "above his pay grade." His above the pay grade comment at the Saddleback Forum is but one more instance of a constant stream of statements where he tries to play both sides, driving his nuance and elitist wisdom directly over the double yellow line without swerving to answer anything specific, and declining to choose right or wrong, and reminds me of the following quote from Ayn Rand.
"There are two sides to every issue: one side is right and the other is wrong, but the middle is always evil."

Zero dollar repair

2008-08-11T16:38:00.002-05:00

Tam says, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Yep.

The zero dollar pistol repair.

Saudi Arabia anger over Israeli Nissan ad

2008-08-06T23:17:00.006-05:00

Saudis threaten boycott after Nissan ad portrays Arabs reacting with rage to a gasoline sipping car. A sense of self humor, the kingdom lacks.

Russian-language Israeli advertisement

Feel Good Programs

2008-07-27T12:07:00.002-05:00

Webliography: Gun buy-back programs

Useless against crime, but makes Mayor Daley feel safer.

Banning Plastic Bags

2008-07-26T16:27:00.003-05:00

"Plastic bags are a big problem," said Los Angeles Councilman Ed Reyes, who proposed the ban. "You see them on sidewalks and in gutters, clogging up the storm drains, floating in the river and ocean."
LA Times article

What the Councilman and the LA Times writer fail to understand is that the bags are not the real, underlying problem. Littering by "citizens" who don't care is the real problem.

Google Map It

2008-03-29T15:39:00.002-05:00

A humorous look at what Google might be like if it did become evil. Just remember, zoom out!

More from the Vacationeers

Illinois Family and Personal Protection Act - Update

2008-03-11T10:42:00.009-05:00

Bill Status of HB4544 95th General Assembly

I want to publicly thank our local State Representatives, Bob Flider and Bill Mitchell, who have signed on as co-sponsors to House Bill 4544, the Family and Personal Protection Act.
This bill has now been moved from the Rules Committee to the Agriculture & Conservation Committee, which holds hearings this afternoon at 1:00PM in Springfield, Capitol Building Room 122B.

HB4544 was introduced by Rep. Aaron Schock
Co-sponsors: Michael K. Smith - John E. Bradley - Brandon W. Phelps - Bill Mitchell, Robert F. Flider, Roger L. Eddy, Daniel V. Beiser and Patrick J Verschoore.

previous post - January, 2008

Gun Control Myths

2008-03-09T12:45:00.003-05:00

Myth: Gun control reduces crime

Total Lunar Eclipse Tonight

2008-02-20T20:13:00.007-06:00

Total Lunar Eclipse Space.com
"...The moon will enter Earth's umbral shadow (the full shadow) at 8:43 p.m. ET (that's 7:43 p.m. Central, 6:43 p.m. Mountain and 5:43 p.m. Pacific) on Wednesday, Feb. 20. It will appear as though an ever-larger bite is being taken out of the moon.
Some 78 minutes later, the moon will slip into full eclipse. About 51 minutes later, a bright scallop will appear as the moon starts emerging. It will be completely out of the umbral shadow at 9:09 p.m. Pacific time, which is 12:09 a.m. ET on Thursday morning..."

This will be the last total lunar eclipse until 2010.
The view above was from my backyard GardenCam.

Cheney urges SCOTUS to strike down DC gun ban

2008-02-08T20:11:00.001-06:00

from the SCOTUS blog:
Cheney disagrees in D.C. gun case
"Vice President Richard Cheney, parting company with the official Bush Administration position on the test case before the Supreme Court on the Second Amendment, signed onto a brief Friday urging the Justices to strike down the District of Columbia handgun ban without ordering any further proceedings...
...The congressional brief [co-authored by Senators Kay Bailey Hutchinson and Jon Tester] represents the views of 55 senators — 46 Republicans, nine Democrats — and 250 representatives — 182 Republicans, 68 Democrats, along with the Vice President."
Thank you, Mr. Vice-President.

Heller's Friends in Congress, And One More
NRA statement on congressional amicus curiae brief

Politics of Poison

2008-02-08T11:52:00.000-06:00

As noted on Tam's blog:
Kit writes about
Elections and Iocane Powder
"...I used to write about politics all the time. That was back when I thought my “side” could win. I still keep up with the issues, but I’ve come to the same realization that Jayman has - America does not want what I want out of government. America loves big government. They don’t care about taxes and punishing producers and the non-scalability of things like health care and school systems. America wants Big Brother to make them feel safe. America wants Nanny Government to give them money, food, health care, and whatever else America thinks it’s entitled to loot, courtesy of the producers..." (more)

I think that the poison analogy in the post is well aimed.

Rachel Lucas says:
"...What I’m saying is, with this president thing, we are getting a new president. We are getting one and there is nothing in heaven or hell that we can to do to avoid it. The new president will (likely) be either John McCain, the dog that bites you frequently, or Clinton or Obama, dogs that bite you slightly more frequently. You are getting one of these dogs. That is a 100% surety..."

Which dog would you prefer?

Decatur Government Referendum Forum

2008-01-30T12:13:00.000-06:00

Video of the forum is available at the Herald and Review website. Watch it here.
I listened to the radio broadcast last night and watched the video this morning.

I think that the personal attacks and accusations from the ChangeDecatur team were meant to be distractions..
One of Mr. Daniels' quotes, overused six times by my count, was ironic. "It sounds good, but is it true?" Why didn't anyone on the other side turn that back around? Were they taking the high road and staying out of the mud?
I don't think that many minds got changed either way, and the mostly softball questions allowed too much changing and reframing of the subject at hand, which is, "Do we want to convert to a commission form of government with no guarantee of further change?"
Both sides allowed that question to get less attention than they should have. With respect, some of the Chamber's time had to be used in deflection of personal attacks, and it seemed obvious that ChangeDecatur would rather reframe the question.

previous posts:
Change Decatur?
Know what change you are really voting for.

Illinois Family and Personal Protection Act

2008-01-27T21:05:00.002-06:00

the following post is from the 95th session,
the conceal carry law has several versions in the 96th session, 2009-10 as noted in this update.

There is new legislation in the Illinois General Assembly that would allow Illinois citizens to carry concealed firearms.
It is named "The Family and Personal Protection Act" and is a bill that would establish statewide standards for issuing concealed carry permits. At this time, Illinois is one of only 2 states that do not allow concealed carry for its own law abiding citizens.
A big question is whether Mike Madigan would ever let it come close to a vote after it makes it through the sausage machine. One way you can help is to contact your local representative and ask that he or she co-sponsor or otherwise support the bill.
The bill was referred to the Rules Committee on January 18. I wonder how long it will languish in a committee weighted by two Cook County Democrats? The members of the Rules Committee are listed at the end of this post.

New Illinois Firearm Legislation
Schock proposes concealed-carry bill
Schock says overall interest in concealed-carry laws is increasing among his central Illinois constituency, as well as statewide.
Full Text of HB4544
(The Family and Personal Protection Act)
Bill Status of HB4544
Synopsis As Introduced: HB4544
Creates the Family and Personal Protection Act.
Establishes statewide uniform standards for the issuance of permits to carry concealed firearms in this State. Vests in the county sheriff
the authority to issue concealed firearms permits to qualified applicants.
Requires an applicant to complete a training course in handgun use, safety, and marksmanship. Also requires instruction in the law relating to firearm use. Requires an applicant to be at least 21 years of age. Prohibits an applicant who has been convicted of a felony or has a history of mental illness, addiction, or habitual alcohol use from obtaining a permit. Creates the Citizen Safety and Self-Defense Trust Fund in each county, to be administered by the sheriff. Provides that the moneys in the Fund shall be used to administer the Act. Establishes restrictions on carrying concealed firearms. Establishes standards for the training course and for certifying instructors. Amends the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act. Provides that the Family and Personal Protection Act supersedes an ordinance of a unit of local government inconsistent with that Act. Prohibits a home rule unit from regulating the issuance of permits to carry concealed firearms. Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Exempts from an unlawful use of weapons and aggravated unlawful use of weapons violation persons who carry or possess firearms in accordance with the Family and Personal Protection Act. Effective immediately.

Rules Committee members:
Chairperson Representative: Barbara Flynn Currie (D) Cook County 25th District
Republican Spokesperson: Representative William B. Black (R) Vermilion County 104th District
Member - Representative Gary Hannig (D) Montgomery County 98th District
Member - Representative Brent Hassert (R) Will County 85th District
Member - Representative Arthur L. Turner (D) Cook County 9th District

Hillary - Tony who?

2008-01-25T11:56:00.000-06:00

Drudge Report uncovers photo of Rezko and the Clintons.

Tony who?

Don't pictures like this usually get taken with supporters of, or donors to a campaign?
When debating Obama this week, one of her accusations against him was, "I was fighting against those ideas when you were practicing law and representing your contributor, Rezko, in his slum landlord business in inner city Chicago.'

After Matt Drudge released this photo, Mrs. Clinton said, "I don't remember meeting Rezko."

Hillary claims ignorance.
Imagine that.

Bill Clinton launches Racial Rockets

2008-01-24T10:26:00.000-06:00

An Ominous 2008: Journalists and Voters To Regret Their Decisions
Tony Blankley
"There is little uglier in democratic politics than playing one aggrieved minority off against another. But Bill Clinton, the Mephistophelean conductor of the political body symphonique, has summoned demographic counterpoint melodies. While we all pray that the devil's baton ends on a sour note for the conductor, the discordant symphony it raises may well blare loudly for a season or two...
...But more importantly than noting the media's complicity in carrying a Democratic Party message (what's new with that?), Hillary Clinton must not be permitted to get off the hook she placed herself on when she played the race card. It is one of the low points of presidential politics in modern times. It is genuinely shocking. Honest commentators should make a big and continuing deal about it."

Of course, Mrs. Clinton denied she was sacrificing the South Carolina primary to Obama, where overwhelming black support has launched him to a 19-point lead over Clinton, according to a new Zogby poll.
Bill is hoping Hillary will LOSE South Carolina by enticing minorities to vote as a bloc for Obama. He presumes that this could set up a white backlash that would favor his wife's candidacy in the following primaries. By willingly losing in S.C. while claiming to have tried hard to convince black voters to vote for his wife, he attempts to make it seem like minorities are rejecting the white candidate for racial reasons. A strategic defeat in S.C. to win a dirty racial war on America would probably serve him, um, I mean Hillary, well.

USA Today
"Hillary Rodham Clinton downplayed recent acrimony between her campaign and that of Barack Obama as her husband, former President Bill Clinton, suggested she may lose Saturday's Democratic presidential primary because many black voters will side with Obama."

Obama confronts Bill Clinton about truth twisting

2008-01-21T12:32:00.000-06:00

Senator Obama:
“If you have something that just directly contradicts the facts and it’s coming from a former president, I think that’s a problem, because people presume that a former president is going to have more credibility. And I think there are certain responsibilities that are carried with that.”
“...You know, he continues to make statements that aren’t supported by the facts, whether it’s about my record of opposition to the war in Iraq, or our approach to organizing in Las Vegas. You know, this has become a habit. And one of the things that I think we’re going to have to do is to directly confront Bill Clinton when he’s not making statements that are factually accurate.”

That's Obama's polite method of PC political speak that can be loosely translated to, "What did you expect? Bill Clinton is lying again. Back off, Bill."

Illegal Immigrant Flow Reversing in Tucson

2008-01-20T14:09:00.000-06:00

Sonoran officials slam sanctions law in Tucson visit
"...A delegation of nine state legislators from Sonora was in Tucson on Tuesday to say Arizona's new employer sanctions law will have a devastating effect on the Mexican state. At a news conference, the legislators said Sonora - Arizona's southern neighbor, made up of mostly small towns - cannot handle the demand for housing, jobs and schools it will face as illegal Mexican workers here return to their hometowns without jobs or money...
...The law, which took effect Jan.1, punishes employers who knowingly hire individuals who don't have valid legal documents to work in the United States. Penalties include suspension or loss of a business license..."

Mexican state whines about influx of Mexican workers

Well, it seems that Mexico has now had a taste of what the U.S. has been dealing with for years. It's way past time for Mexico to begin to deal with the internal problems that have created their number one export, Mexican citizens.

The Hillary Puppet

2008-01-18T14:18:00.000-06:00

American Thinker
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