I saw a Obama yard sign today (I have seen it the past week actually) on my way to work when driving in Naperville. I also saw a couple of Danny! signs on I-55 when I was going to and returning from Springfield.
I also noticed Blair Hull's name is actualy M. Blair Hull, what could the M. stand for that he would think that Blair is a better choice?
With the primary now just over two months away I am looking forward to the parade of yard signs. When I set the up in my yard correctly they can become a maze for my kids.
OneMan
Wednesday, December 31, 2003
Tuesday, December 30, 2003
Went to a Howard Dean house party. Was kind of interesting. The host let the crowd know there was a Republican in the house but was nice enough not to identify me by name.
A few quick thoughts, I will offer some more later. The crowd was a bit younger than I see at most GOP events in the same area but older than I thought they would be.
As a concept (get small groups of supporters together for a little fundraising and a lot of networking) might be an effective state wide primary option for stuff like the Senate race or the next set of state constitutional elections. At least during the primaries when motivated small groups can have the biggest impact.
More thoughts to come
OneMan
A few quick thoughts, I will offer some more later. The crowd was a bit younger than I see at most GOP events in the same area but older than I thought they would be.
As a concept (get small groups of supporters together for a little fundraising and a lot of networking) might be an effective state wide primary option for stuff like the Senate race or the next set of state constitutional elections. At least during the primaries when motivated small groups can have the biggest impact.
More thoughts to come
OneMan
Schakowsky Endorses Barack Obama for U.S. Senate: "At a news conference at Women and Children First Bookstore today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), a member of the Democratic House Leadership, endorsed Illinois State Senator Barack Obama for the open U.S. Senate seat from Illinois"
-- I still think he may beat Danny Hines, between the money Blair Hull is tossing around as well as the number of others in the race. I still think this may end up being Barack's to loose. I also think that it will be easier to beat him then anyone else the democrats may nominate.
A Ryan vs. Obama race would be very interesting.
OneMan
-- I still think he may beat Danny Hines, between the money Blair Hull is tossing around as well as the number of others in the race. I still think this may end up being Barack's to loose. I also think that it will be easier to beat him then anyone else the democrats may nominate.
A Ryan vs. Obama race would be very interesting.
OneMan
From the IL State Democratic party from a document on delegates to the DNC convention
b. The total number of district-level delegates will be equally divided between men and women, with a maximum variation of one.
-- Shouldn't the best person (or who a canidate wants to be their delegate) get to be a delegate without any consideration of race, creed or gender? And spare me the platform argument, the conventions are a waste of money and a joke anymore anyhow. Unless I get to go someday...
OneMan
b. The total number of district-level delegates will be equally divided between men and women, with a maximum variation of one.
-- Shouldn't the best person (or who a canidate wants to be their delegate) get to be a delegate without any consideration of race, creed or gender? And spare me the platform argument, the conventions are a waste of money and a joke anymore anyhow. Unless I get to go someday...
OneMan
Monday, December 29, 2003
It's about time I get back to a bit of a focus on the senate race.
I have had a chance to look at the Hull plan and see more detail about his plan. I have a few questions/criticisms I would like to raise. I suspect I will have more in a later post
-- Drug costs. Yes, drugs are more expensive in the US than in other industrialized countries. His solution to this issue is in part to make pricing information more widely available. That's nice, however I don't see how that fixes anything unless you have the government become a huge buyer of drugs in order to use it's leverage on the price of drugs directly with the manufacturer.
Even then as a drug maker I don't see how the government can force me to charge x for a drug that I have on patent unless they tell me how much I can charge and begin to regulate prices. Government has done that with other industries without much success.
-- Eliminate cost shifting.
I have to admit something needs to be done about this. At one time I got a bill from a medical lab for something like $100 for some tests my wife had done. The insurance company didn't get the bill or whatever. Once I got that taken care of I found out they only charged the insurance company $8.00 for the test. So either they are taking a bath on the tests they 'sell' to customers of my insurance company or they are completely jerking around the uninsured.
How you pull this off is another matter.
-- Lowering the costs associated with medical malpractice claims.
This is an area of special interest for me since my wife has to have malpractice insurance. So I am going to address each of his bullet points in this area.
His solutions are to punish attorney's who file frivolous (see step 2 part 2 http://www.thehullplan.com/plan/) suits. However his 'test' for this is if you can get 2 doctors to testify that the suit has merit. That strikes me as a very, very low threshold, since there are doctors out there who do almost nothing but testify in lawsuits. So I suspect that very few attorneys would ever face any penalty since it would not be too hard to find two doctors who will say the suit is not frivolous.
Provide oversight of the insurance industry.
He wants the feds to play a bigger role. Sorry but at it's most basic if this problem was caused by bad insurance firms you would have new underwriters stepping into the market all over the place. Insurance companies are leaving the malpractice field because they can't make any money at it. If insurance companies could make money in malpractice they would be tripping over each other to offer it.
Reduction of errors.
Again the problem is not just errors but when people seek compencation for those situations when bad outcomes occur. That is why so many obstetricians can't find insurance. Not because they have become collectively worse at their jobs than 20 years ago but because more people sue when their child is not born perfect.
You want a solution to the problem I have four bullet points that will solve the problem.
-- Outside medical evaluation provided to the court about the case from experts retained by the court.
-- Loser pays the legal fees of the winner
-- Limited pain and suffering awards. There would be no limit on compensation related to continuing care.
-- No 'venue shopping' for drug suit, there is a reason so many class actions on drugs show up in so few locations.
When there is a negligent mistake there can and should be compensation. When there is not negligence there is no compensation. Negligence is not defined as a bad outcome occurring.
Come on Blair, you using mostly your own money for this campaign. You don't need to suck up to the plaintiff bar.
More thoughts to come
OneMan
I have had a chance to look at the Hull plan and see more detail about his plan. I have a few questions/criticisms I would like to raise. I suspect I will have more in a later post
-- Drug costs. Yes, drugs are more expensive in the US than in other industrialized countries. His solution to this issue is in part to make pricing information more widely available. That's nice, however I don't see how that fixes anything unless you have the government become a huge buyer of drugs in order to use it's leverage on the price of drugs directly with the manufacturer.
Even then as a drug maker I don't see how the government can force me to charge x for a drug that I have on patent unless they tell me how much I can charge and begin to regulate prices. Government has done that with other industries without much success.
-- Eliminate cost shifting.
I have to admit something needs to be done about this. At one time I got a bill from a medical lab for something like $100 for some tests my wife had done. The insurance company didn't get the bill or whatever. Once I got that taken care of I found out they only charged the insurance company $8.00 for the test. So either they are taking a bath on the tests they 'sell' to customers of my insurance company or they are completely jerking around the uninsured.
How you pull this off is another matter.
-- Lowering the costs associated with medical malpractice claims.
This is an area of special interest for me since my wife has to have malpractice insurance. So I am going to address each of his bullet points in this area.
His solutions are to punish attorney's who file frivolous (see step 2 part 2 http://www.thehullplan.com/plan/) suits. However his 'test' for this is if you can get 2 doctors to testify that the suit has merit. That strikes me as a very, very low threshold, since there are doctors out there who do almost nothing but testify in lawsuits. So I suspect that very few attorneys would ever face any penalty since it would not be too hard to find two doctors who will say the suit is not frivolous.
Provide oversight of the insurance industry.
He wants the feds to play a bigger role. Sorry but at it's most basic if this problem was caused by bad insurance firms you would have new underwriters stepping into the market all over the place. Insurance companies are leaving the malpractice field because they can't make any money at it. If insurance companies could make money in malpractice they would be tripping over each other to offer it.
Reduction of errors.
Again the problem is not just errors but when people seek compencation for those situations when bad outcomes occur. That is why so many obstetricians can't find insurance. Not because they have become collectively worse at their jobs than 20 years ago but because more people sue when their child is not born perfect.
You want a solution to the problem I have four bullet points that will solve the problem.
-- Outside medical evaluation provided to the court about the case from experts retained by the court.
-- Loser pays the legal fees of the winner
-- Limited pain and suffering awards. There would be no limit on compensation related to continuing care.
-- No 'venue shopping' for drug suit, there is a reason so many class actions on drugs show up in so few locations.
When there is a negligent mistake there can and should be compensation. When there is not negligence there is no compensation. Negligence is not defined as a bad outcome occurring.
Come on Blair, you using mostly your own money for this campaign. You don't need to suck up to the plaintiff bar.
More thoughts to come
OneMan
Kerry starts dropping his r's: "DAVENPORT, Iowa -- It wasn't a Boston accent, no, but presidential candidate John F. Kerry suddenly began dropping his g's yesterday as he sought to project a common touch during his 'Fighting for Working Americans' tour across Iowa."
Visiting union carpenters and painters at a construction site, Kerry declined to put a plastic hard hat on his carefully coiffed hair (a camera crew was taping him for a commercial), but he did drop the perfect elocution he honed at prep school, Yale, and during 19 years in the US Senate. He spoke of "goin' deer huntin"' and "goin' to war as a last resort," while "runnin' down the list" of President Bush's budget mistakes that had led to "cuttin' cops" and "shuttin' firehouses.
--How many consultants did it take to come up with that brillant idea? I can hear the meeting now, first senator we will have you go bowlin' and then you need to stop using the letter g at the end of words as well as try and look a little less like you need to pass gass.
Visiting union carpenters and painters at a construction site, Kerry declined to put a plastic hard hat on his carefully coiffed hair (a camera crew was taping him for a commercial), but he did drop the perfect elocution he honed at prep school, Yale, and during 19 years in the US Senate. He spoke of "goin' deer huntin"' and "goin' to war as a last resort," while "runnin' down the list" of President Bush's budget mistakes that had led to "cuttin' cops" and "shuttin' firehouses.
--How many consultants did it take to come up with that brillant idea? I can hear the meeting now, first senator we will have you go bowlin' and then you need to stop using the letter g at the end of words as well as try and look a little less like you need to pass gass.
ESPN.com - NFL - Matter of overall record: Jauron fired by Bears: "General manager Jerry Angelo inherited Jauron when he came to the club and felt that he deserved an opportunity to work with a head coach he brought to organization. Over the last few days, the McCaskey family, which owns the Bears, told Angelo that it would prefer he retain Jauron, but would not stand in his way if he opted to fire the head coach."
-- Yeah, the McCaskey's wanted him to stay around since he had one more season on his contract. They didn't want to pay him for not coaching since that would have been wasteful and they are tight with a dime.
Hopefuly John Shoop is next and that nightmare can be over as well.
-- Yeah, the McCaskey's wanted him to stay around since he had one more season on his contract. They didn't want to pay him for not coaching since that would have been wasteful and they are tight with a dime.
Hopefuly John Shoop is next and that nightmare can be over as well.
Take the well coiffed canidates bowling take them bowling. Perhaps we can get Camper Van Betoveen working on that new version
Is it just me or is it hard to think of John Kerry looking over at the Mrs and saying 'Hey lets go bowl a few lines at the Bowl-A-Rama'
and joke number 2
So this is what it looks like when the French bowl.
The 10:30 posting is entirely different try the veal....
Is it just me or is it hard to think of John Kerry looking over at the Mrs and saying 'Hey lets go bowl a few lines at the Bowl-A-Rama'
and joke number 2
So this is what it looks like when the French bowl.
The 10:30 posting is entirely different try the veal....
Howard Dean on tort reform (back in 1988): "To the Editor:
Randall Bezanson and Gilbert Cranberg detailed a situation that I hope will get far worse. As a physician, I have been frustrated for years by the reluctance of state legislatures and the United States Congress to deal with liability problems of all kinds.
I have long maintained that until the legal profession and the news media are also afflicted with the increasingly severe consequences of a tort system that benefits few people outside the legal profession, there will be no return to a fair and reasonable system of justice.
The trends toward lawyers suing one another for malpractice and toward outrageous-size punitive damages in libel cases give me hope that the crisis in our tort system may finally come to the attention of those who can make this a public issue and improve the situation for all of us who require liability insurance to do business.
HOWARD DEAN, M.D.
Montpelier, Vt., June 17, 1988"
-- Heck I might even go to Howard Dean house party even if Kid and Play will not be there if Dr. Dean still feels this way. My wife's malpractice insurance went up about 70% last year without her ever having filed anything resembling a claim.
Randall Bezanson and Gilbert Cranberg detailed a situation that I hope will get far worse. As a physician, I have been frustrated for years by the reluctance of state legislatures and the United States Congress to deal with liability problems of all kinds.
I have long maintained that until the legal profession and the news media are also afflicted with the increasingly severe consequences of a tort system that benefits few people outside the legal profession, there will be no return to a fair and reasonable system of justice.
The trends toward lawyers suing one another for malpractice and toward outrageous-size punitive damages in libel cases give me hope that the crisis in our tort system may finally come to the attention of those who can make this a public issue and improve the situation for all of us who require liability insurance to do business.
HOWARD DEAN, M.D.
Montpelier, Vt., June 17, 1988"
-- Heck I might even go to Howard Dean house party even if Kid and Play will not be there if Dr. Dean still feels this way. My wife's malpractice insurance went up about 70% last year without her ever having filed anything resembling a claim.
CNN.com - 2-year-old model seeks lost wages - Dec. 26, 2003: "A 2-year-old model and actor who cut his head at a playground is seeking unspecified lost wages and other compensation from the city.
Konrad Mader of Greenwich was running toward a treehouse at a playground November 4 when he crashed into a railing, according to a claim filed last week by his mother and reported Friday by The Advocate of Stamford. The blond toddler received several stitches. "
-- I have a 2 year old son at home. If I could collect from people when he ran into stuff I (opps my son) would be rich. Give me a break, 2 year olds run into stuff and to blame the park for it is silly. Parks have already become so safe as to be dull in many cases. Also my 2 year old tends to climb around stuff anyway since he thinks he is indestructable.
OneMan
Konrad Mader of Greenwich was running toward a treehouse at a playground November 4 when he crashed into a railing, according to a claim filed last week by his mother and reported Friday by The Advocate of Stamford. The blond toddler received several stitches. "
-- I have a 2 year old son at home. If I could collect from people when he ran into stuff I (opps my son) would be rich. Give me a break, 2 year olds run into stuff and to blame the park for it is silly. Parks have already become so safe as to be dull in many cases. Also my 2 year old tends to climb around stuff anyway since he thinks he is indestructable.
OneMan
Army Stops Many Soldiers From Quitting (washingtonpost.com): "The three are among thousands of soldiers forbidden to leave military service under the Army's 'stop-loss' orders, intended to stanch the seepage of troops, through retirement and discharge, from a military stretched thin by its burgeoning overseas missions.
'It reflects the fact that the military is too small, which nobody wants to admit,' said Charles Moskos of Northwestern University, a leading military sociologist. "
--- Mark my words in 5 years we either have a draft or some sort of super GI-Bill.
'It reflects the fact that the military is too small, which nobody wants to admit,' said Charles Moskos of Northwestern University, a leading military sociologist. "
--- Mark my words in 5 years we either have a draft or some sort of super GI-Bill.
Thursday, December 25, 2003
Merry Christmas. I got the 'Hull Plan' in the mail yesterday. I will have my comments up in a few. Just one other thought whomever designs packaging for Matel needs to be arrested for torture.
Tuesday, December 23, 2003
Chicago Tribune | Ryan defiant: 'The truth will come out': "Webb said jurors would be swayed by Ryan's testimony and his character his 40 years of public service and such accomplishments as seeking to reform a death penalty system that had put innocent men and women on Death Row."
"The truth is, George Ryan is a man today (who) lives upon a pension and Social Security payments (and) lives from month to month to make ends meet,"
"Prosecutors allege that Ryan and members of his family shared in $167,000 in graft that included payoffs, free vacations and cash siphoned out of his campaign fund and camouflaged as expenses."
-- What does his character have to do with the fact of his guilt or innocence? All of all of this character crap I keep hearing from Webb, I would like to remind him of the Willis family and those children who were killed because someone felt that they had to sell drivers licenses so they could buy the 'required' number of fundraising tickets.
I am getting really sick of all of this 'Character' stuff. If he was a man of Character he would be haunted by the fact children died because of what people did in his name. Reguardless of if he knew, and I find it difficult to belive that he didn't, the fact that people in his office took bribes not for personal profit but to buy the required number of fundraising tickets should sicken him. That is if he had one iota of 'Character'.
Also his pension is going to be over $185,000 a freakin year. That is over $15,000 a MONTH! So spare me the poor pensioner living on social security song. The government is claiming he did in fact profit as well as his kids.
The support from his family should be interesting since the kids are most likely going to be called to testify against him.
Mark my words, he will cop a plea.
"The truth is, George Ryan is a man today (who) lives upon a pension and Social Security payments (and) lives from month to month to make ends meet,"
"Prosecutors allege that Ryan and members of his family shared in $167,000 in graft that included payoffs, free vacations and cash siphoned out of his campaign fund and camouflaged as expenses."
-- What does his character have to do with the fact of his guilt or innocence? All of all of this character crap I keep hearing from Webb, I would like to remind him of the Willis family and those children who were killed because someone felt that they had to sell drivers licenses so they could buy the 'required' number of fundraising tickets.
I am getting really sick of all of this 'Character' stuff. If he was a man of Character he would be haunted by the fact children died because of what people did in his name. Reguardless of if he knew, and I find it difficult to belive that he didn't, the fact that people in his office took bribes not for personal profit but to buy the required number of fundraising tickets should sicken him. That is if he had one iota of 'Character'.
Also his pension is going to be over $185,000 a freakin year. That is over $15,000 a MONTH! So spare me the poor pensioner living on social security song. The government is claiming he did in fact profit as well as his kids.
The support from his family should be interesting since the kids are most likely going to be called to testify against him.
Mark my words, he will cop a plea.
Tuesday, December 23, 2003: Rush's Statement on Ongoing Florida Fishing Expedition:
"Doctor shopping? Doctor shopping. And they need to invade my privacy to even find out about that. These medical records, by the way, will prove legitimate medical conditions requiring treatment. In fact it was...
Well, I don't want to get [into that.] I'm so tempted to just tell you, but I'm just not going to make their job any easier. But the question is this: Why would any of us want such records made public, even if they prove our innocence? It's not up to me to prove my innocence by giving up my right to privacy. I have to give up my right to privacy now in order for the state who is, in effect, just casting a line out there, hoping to net something. They've got to invade my privacy to do this. We still haven't seen Bill Clinton's medical records, have we? Has anybody? We haven't seen Howard Dean's records as governor for 11 years in Vermont. "
-- Doctor Shopping: That's when you see more than one doctor for the same medical problem without letting the other doctors know. For example I see 4 doctors about back pain and get a perscription from each of them. I then get each of those perscriptions filled. I then have more pills then I medically need so I can.
- Hord the pills for a later day
- Abuse them
- Sell them
The state has a good reason from preventing me from doing all three of the above.
When it comes to strong pain medication the doctor will generally ask if you are taking anything else or have other medications to look for abuse and to make sure you are not taking incompatable drugs
So what they want to see is in the meidcal records is if he lied about that. Because I suspect (again I am not a lawyer) that would be fraud. Or he told the doctors exactly what you were doing and therefore they may have broken the law. The fact that he got 2,000 painkillers, prescribed by four doctors, at a pharmacy near his home creates what I would consider probable cause. The meidical records may establish if a crime took place and who may have committed it.
If you are suspected of a crime the police can get a warent (sp?) and commit a search or make you give physical evidence, you have to 'surrender a right' you can't refuse to give a blood sample since it may incriminate you or because it may exonerate you.
As for the Bill Clinton or Howard Dean references... who cares. The 'other kids' argument doesn't work for my kids and it does not work here.
"Doctor shopping? Doctor shopping. And they need to invade my privacy to even find out about that. These medical records, by the way, will prove legitimate medical conditions requiring treatment. In fact it was...
Well, I don't want to get [into that.] I'm so tempted to just tell you, but I'm just not going to make their job any easier. But the question is this: Why would any of us want such records made public, even if they prove our innocence? It's not up to me to prove my innocence by giving up my right to privacy. I have to give up my right to privacy now in order for the state who is, in effect, just casting a line out there, hoping to net something. They've got to invade my privacy to do this. We still haven't seen Bill Clinton's medical records, have we? Has anybody? We haven't seen Howard Dean's records as governor for 11 years in Vermont. "
-- Doctor Shopping: That's when you see more than one doctor for the same medical problem without letting the other doctors know. For example I see 4 doctors about back pain and get a perscription from each of them. I then get each of those perscriptions filled. I then have more pills then I medically need so I can.
- Hord the pills for a later day
- Abuse them
- Sell them
The state has a good reason from preventing me from doing all three of the above.
When it comes to strong pain medication the doctor will generally ask if you are taking anything else or have other medications to look for abuse and to make sure you are not taking incompatable drugs
So what they want to see is in the meidcal records is if he lied about that. Because I suspect (again I am not a lawyer) that would be fraud. Or he told the doctors exactly what you were doing and therefore they may have broken the law. The fact that he got 2,000 painkillers, prescribed by four doctors, at a pharmacy near his home creates what I would consider probable cause. The meidical records may establish if a crime took place and who may have committed it.
If you are suspected of a crime the police can get a warent (sp?) and commit a search or make you give physical evidence, you have to 'surrender a right' you can't refuse to give a blood sample since it may incriminate you or because it may exonerate you.
As for the Bill Clinton or Howard Dean references... who cares. The 'other kids' argument doesn't work for my kids and it does not work here.
From Sneed of the Sun Times: "Sneed has learned former Gov. George Ryan plans to come out swinging today when his attorney Dan K. Webb holds a press conference following his arraignment on federal corruption charges. Word is Ryan will make a statement along with his attorney Webb. Don't bet the ranch there will be a question and answer session."
-- Sneed seems to get decent scoops on George since it would appear she was rather tight with him when he was gov.
I still think he will plead guilty to lesser charges to avoid having his kids testify.
I would also like to hear how Dan Webb plans to deal with the whole $1 Million bribe that was demanded of Unisys.
-- Sneed seems to get decent scoops on George since it would appear she was rather tight with him when he was gov.
I still think he will plead guilty to lesser charges to avoid having his kids testify.
I would also like to hear how Dan Webb plans to deal with the whole $1 Million bribe that was demanded of Unisys.
Monday, December 22, 2003
CNN.com - Limbaugh lawyer: Radio host was being blackmailed by ex-housekeeper - Dec. 22, 2003: " An attorney for Rush Limbaugh charged Monday that the conservative talk show host was being blackmailed by the Florida couple whose allegations triggered an ongoing investigation into his purchases of painkillers.
During a hearing over whether prosecutors should have access to Limbaugh's medical records, attorney Roy Black said Limbaugh paid 'extreme amounts of money' to Wilma Cline, his former housekeeper, and her husband, first for pills and then for extortion. Black alleged that the Clines had threatened to go public with information about Limbaugh's drug use unless they received $4 million"
-- Wait a second. Rush's attorney seems to be saying that Rush paid his housekeeper for pills.
If so didn't Rush break the law? Assuming of course that Rush's housekeeper was not a licenced pharmacy. I am fairly confident (I am not a lawyer however) that it is against the law to get perscription medications from the housekeeper even with a perscription.
Therefore Rush was breaking the law and should be charged with a crime. The fact he may have been blackmailed is not material to the fact that he paid his housekeeper for drugs.
During a hearing over whether prosecutors should have access to Limbaugh's medical records, attorney Roy Black said Limbaugh paid 'extreme amounts of money' to Wilma Cline, his former housekeeper, and her husband, first for pills and then for extortion. Black alleged that the Clines had threatened to go public with information about Limbaugh's drug use unless they received $4 million"
-- Wait a second. Rush's attorney seems to be saying that Rush paid his housekeeper for pills.
If so didn't Rush break the law? Assuming of course that Rush's housekeeper was not a licenced pharmacy. I am fairly confident (I am not a lawyer however) that it is against the law to get perscription medications from the housekeeper even with a perscription.
Therefore Rush was breaking the law and should be charged with a crime. The fact he may have been blackmailed is not material to the fact that he paid his housekeeper for drugs.
Howdy Canada,
I seem to be getting a signifcant number of hits from Canada today. I don't know if it is because of the Canadians for Clark stuff or the hockey dad stuff or for no reason in particular. For whatever reason, cool.
For what it's worth I know most of the words to O'Canada and have been to Ottawa. If you ever go I recommend staying at the Chateau Laurier and be sure visit to the War Museum. The museum provides an interesting perspective on the role of the Canadian military during the second half of the 20th century. Oh and get some ice-cream at cows.
All in all Ottawa was a fun place to visit.
OneMan
I seem to be getting a signifcant number of hits from Canada today. I don't know if it is because of the Canadians for Clark stuff or the hockey dad stuff or for no reason in particular. For whatever reason, cool.
For what it's worth I know most of the words to O'Canada and have been to Ottawa. If you ever go I recommend staying at the Chateau Laurier and be sure visit to the War Museum. The museum provides an interesting perspective on the role of the Canadian military during the second half of the 20th century. Oh and get some ice-cream at cows.
All in all Ottawa was a fun place to visit.
OneMan
The PIXPage - Oakland Mayor Brown Suggests Tax on Unhealthy Behaviors Could Generate Much Needed Revenue: "Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown says one way the state could generate more revenue and solve its budget woes is to levy taxes on unhealthy behaviors such as drinking and eating junk food.
In an interview Saturday with KCBS, Brown said one such tax would be 'a nickel or maybe a dime on every drink of alcohol that is poured. That I think would generate a lot of money. Secondly and more difficult but equally helpful would be a tax based on the unhealthy quality of foods.' "
-- Well California does already have a tax on people who are bad at math (it's called the lottery). Hey Jerry how about a nickle tax on every pound of sprouts eaten in the state? Yet another sin tax, that is not the answer. Fix the tax system overall in your state that's the answer. Don't nickle and dime everyone to death.
OneMan
In an interview Saturday with KCBS, Brown said one such tax would be 'a nickel or maybe a dime on every drink of alcohol that is poured. That I think would generate a lot of money. Secondly and more difficult but equally helpful would be a tax based on the unhealthy quality of foods.' "
-- Well California does already have a tax on people who are bad at math (it's called the lottery). Hey Jerry how about a nickle tax on every pound of sprouts eaten in the state? Yet another sin tax, that is not the answer. Fix the tax system overall in your state that's the answer. Don't nickle and dime everyone to death.
OneMan
CNN.com - Woman files lawsuits over baby's Benadryl death - Dec. 21, 2003: "Paula Burcham was sentenced in August to eight years in prison for giving 3 1/2-month-old Grace Fields a lethal dose of Benadryl.
The child died from intoxication by diphenhydramine, the drug's active ingredient. Benadryl is an antihistamine and sedative. "
-- She is also suing the pharmacy and the drug maker. Note: Benadryl is not indicated for infants. Will someone explain to me how the pharmacy or the drug maker in this case has any responsibility. Or do they just have deep pockets.
The child died from intoxication by diphenhydramine, the drug's active ingredient. Benadryl is an antihistamine and sedative. "
-- She is also suing the pharmacy and the drug maker. Note: Benadryl is not indicated for infants. Will someone explain to me how the pharmacy or the drug maker in this case has any responsibility. Or do they just have deep pockets.
Friday, December 19, 2003
BBC NEWS: Libya to give up WMD and open to inspections: "Libya's leader Colonel Gaddafi has said his country sought to develop weapons of mass destruction capabilities but will dismantle this programme completely.
UK Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the decision and called it 'an historic one and a courageous one and I applaud it'.
Colonel Gaddafi had told him the process of dismantling the programme would be 'transparent and verifiable', the prime minister said in a statement from Durham Cathedral."
-- Guess he has been watching the war in Iraq on CNN. Cool.
UK Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the decision and called it 'an historic one and a courageous one and I applaud it'.
Colonel Gaddafi had told him the process of dismantling the programme would be 'transparent and verifiable', the prime minister said in a statement from Durham Cathedral."
-- Guess he has been watching the war in Iraq on CNN. Cool.
Zahm wants elections for convention delegates..: "An open process ought to be initiated where candidates can compete in the primary to be delegates for the candidate of their choice, as long as a mechanism is put in place obligating the delegate to vote for the candidate they are pledged to. Under the current situation, we have the national campaigns, often with no understanding of the local political climate, signing off on the appointment of persons that have little connections to their communities or the party base vote"
-- Let me get this streight, as a presidential canidate I should not be able to pick who I want to be my delegates to the national convention. Instead I should have my picks subjected to local infighting and gripes and old grudges.
Give me a break. As the canidate I should get to pick who my delegates are going to be. If you think person X is a complete jamoke, then don't vote for them at the primary. That's the reason the delegate names show up on the primary ballot.
And in the grander scheme of things, besides for being a nice little perk what value does a national convention delegate really add anyway. It's not like the conventions add a whole lot of value to the process anymore anyway.
OneMan
-- Let me get this streight, as a presidential canidate I should not be able to pick who I want to be my delegates to the national convention. Instead I should have my picks subjected to local infighting and gripes and old grudges.
Give me a break. As the canidate I should get to pick who my delegates are going to be. If you think person X is a complete jamoke, then don't vote for them at the primary. That's the reason the delegate names show up on the primary ballot.
And in the grander scheme of things, besides for being a nice little perk what value does a national convention delegate really add anyway. It's not like the conventions add a whole lot of value to the process anymore anyway.
OneMan
The Calgary Sun: Hockey crisis looms: "Michael Kraik is suing the Springbank Minor Hockey Association because he says his nine-year-old son Alexander was deliberately placed on a weaker team due to favouritism from league officials for their own children.
The lawsuit names SMHA president Lawrence Backmeyer and executive Douglas Bulger as defendants, and Kraik is seeking $50,000 in damages for his son.
Kraik claims that during tryouts this fall, Alexander was subject to 'clear abuse and overt bias by many of the SMHA's evaluators, many of whom acted on personal agendas,' says the lawsuit.
He also claimed the boy was humiliated when he was forced to wear a different jersey designating him as 'an inferior hockey player to all other players on the ice.'
Kraik says his son became socially isolated 'and expressed a desire to immediately quit his beloved game of hockey.' "
-- How American of you eh'.
I wonder what a jersey that idicates he was 'an inferior hockey player to all other players on the ice.' looks like. I suspect it looks a lot like a Chicago Blackhawks sweater.
Dad is an attorney what a shock.
The lawsuit names SMHA president Lawrence Backmeyer and executive Douglas Bulger as defendants, and Kraik is seeking $50,000 in damages for his son.
Kraik claims that during tryouts this fall, Alexander was subject to 'clear abuse and overt bias by many of the SMHA's evaluators, many of whom acted on personal agendas,' says the lawsuit.
He also claimed the boy was humiliated when he was forced to wear a different jersey designating him as 'an inferior hockey player to all other players on the ice.'
Kraik says his son became socially isolated 'and expressed a desire to immediately quit his beloved game of hockey.' "
-- How American of you eh'.
I wonder what a jersey that idicates he was 'an inferior hockey player to all other players on the ice.' looks like. I suspect it looks a lot like a Chicago Blackhawks sweater.
Dad is an attorney what a shock.
Governor, Tom Cross want to ban junk food in schools: "RIVER GROVE — Junk food and soda would be banned from school vending machines under proposed legislation Gov. Rod Blagojevich and House Republican Leader Tom Cross of Oswego discussed Thursday.
The measure, which Cross said would apply only to public schools, would take effect Jan. 1, 2005, if it passes the Legislature next year.
Blagojevich and Cross, surrounded by elementary school students at Rhodes School, said too many children are overweight and not eating properly."
-- Besides for the image of Blago and Cross saying kids are overweight surrounded by kids. This should be a local school board decision not something the state controls. Isn't that the whole idea behind the local control of schools? Also it isn't soda that making kids big, it's the elimination of gym and too much time playing X-Box and mom and dad too worried to let the kids just ride their bikes around the neighborhood.
OneMan
The measure, which Cross said would apply only to public schools, would take effect Jan. 1, 2005, if it passes the Legislature next year.
Blagojevich and Cross, surrounded by elementary school students at Rhodes School, said too many children are overweight and not eating properly."
-- Besides for the image of Blago and Cross saying kids are overweight surrounded by kids. This should be a local school board decision not something the state controls. Isn't that the whole idea behind the local control of schools? Also it isn't soda that making kids big, it's the elimination of gym and too much time playing X-Box and mom and dad too worried to let the kids just ride their bikes around the neighborhood.
OneMan
Thursday, December 18, 2003
Justice Dept. Finds Evidence of Abuse of Sept. 11 Detainees (washingtonpost.com): "The Justice Department's inspector general announced today that investigators had found hundreds of prison videotapes that were not turned over by federal prison officials during an earlier investigation and that the tapes confirm reports of serious physical and verbal abuse of immigrants detained after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks."
MDC officials had repeatedly told Fine's investigators that such tapes no longer existed, and many of those interviewed earlier had denied conduct that was confirmed on the tapes. The report also found, however, that many tapes remain missing and that there are unexplained gaps in the footage, despite a requirement to keep such material for two years under U.S. Bureau of Prisons policies.
-- Someone needs to go to jail for this.
--
MDC officials had repeatedly told Fine's investigators that such tapes no longer existed, and many of those interviewed earlier had denied conduct that was confirmed on the tapes. The report also found, however, that many tapes remain missing and that there are unexplained gaps in the footage, despite a requirement to keep such material for two years under U.S. Bureau of Prisons policies.
-- Someone needs to go to jail for this.
--
Jermaine Jackson Defend Michael: "He's very fragile, so they bruised certain body parts,' Jermaine said. 'He had to use the restroom. And then they had mentioned they had locked him in there, and said, 'How does it smell in there?' And it wasn't too clean at all. They were making fun.' Authorities in Santa Barbara, Calif., have denied mistreating the pop star."
-- Are you saying he had to use a public restroom. Oh my God the horor. Just wait until he is using a stainless steel toliet in a year. I have one question Jermaine, what is it like not being Tito? I want to know what Tito thinks about all of this.
-- Are you saying he had to use a public restroom. Oh my God the horor. Just wait until he is using a stainless steel toliet in a year. I have one question Jermaine, what is it like not being Tito? I want to know what Tito thinks about all of this.
From the Cato institute. Smithsonian Wrongs Wrights ... Again: "he Smithsonian Institution is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers' first flight with a Web presentation and the grand opening of a new branch of the National Air and Space Museum.
The tribute is ironic as the Smithsonian spent 28 years denying the Wrights credit for the first flight in favor of promoting the dubious legacy of one of its own."
-- 100 years later it still it disapointing how the wrights don't get their 'props'. Be it the fact that there is an Air Force base name after the Wrights as well as someone else. Think about that, there are AF bases named after all sorts of single individuals. But the American's who made powered heavier than air flight possible have a base named after them along with another guy. Also that it took the Smithsonian unti '41 to give them the proper credit.
The tribute is ironic as the Smithsonian spent 28 years denying the Wrights credit for the first flight in favor of promoting the dubious legacy of one of its own."
-- 100 years later it still it disapointing how the wrights don't get their 'props'. Be it the fact that there is an Air Force base name after the Wrights as well as someone else. Think about that, there are AF bases named after all sorts of single individuals. But the American's who made powered heavier than air flight possible have a base named after them along with another guy. Also that it took the Smithsonian unti '41 to give them the proper credit.
:: From the BlairHull.com - Blog ::: "Blair does not accept donations larger than $100 per individual and refuses to accept contributions from PACs or registered lobbyists. "
Also gives you the advantage that you don't have to report any of your donors then.....
Also gives you the advantage that you don't have to report any of your donors then.....
Wednesday, December 17, 2003
All 92 pages of the Indictment . Please feel free to enjoy.
Just in the outside chance there is someone from Europe reading this who thinks this is happening to George because of his views on the Death Penalty. I just want to say you are wrong. This is happening to him because he wanted power so much is was willing to do just about anything to get it.
Hope you enjoyed being governor George, you are going to pay for it for a long time.
Just in the outside chance there is someone from Europe reading this who thinks this is happening to George because of his views on the Death Penalty. I just want to say you are wrong. This is happening to him because he wanted power so much is was willing to do just about anything to get it.
Hope you enjoyed being governor George, you are going to pay for it for a long time.
More on George Homer Ryan, the feds have made some info on the charges here. I wonder if he ever ran into Betty Loren at the boats?
I think I might order a copy of OZ for him for Christmas.
I think I might order a copy of OZ for him for Christmas.
Looks like sneed knows what he was talking about. Joining a long list of former governor's of IL who have faced charges over the years George Homer Ryan is facing 22 federal counts today.
Depending on when he has his trial this could have serious Senate and Presidential implications. I suspect the White House is going to write off IL this cycle. This should surprise no-one, it will be interesting to see who sings what songs when his trial starts.
Depending on when he has his trial this could have serious Senate and Presidential implications. I suspect the White House is going to write off IL this cycle. This should surprise no-one, it will be interesting to see who sings what songs when his trial starts.
"Sneed hears former Gov. George Ryan will be indicted today by a federal grand jury."
-- So much for that Nobel prize George. I also wonder what impact this might have on Jack Ryan's campaign. I'd like to think most voters could tell the difference.
Also from Sneed...
"Expect arguments to be made at trial that Ryan's case does not exemplify the financial picture of a man engaged in corruption.
Sneed hears Ryan has virtually no assets and is living month to month off his pension benefits."
-- Besides the fact that the stuff took place while he was SOS in the Sec. of States office with people raising money for his campaigns may have a bit to do with that. Also the dude has a huge pension (If I recall correctly more than he made a month as Governor).
-- So much for that Nobel prize George. I also wonder what impact this might have on Jack Ryan's campaign. I'd like to think most voters could tell the difference.
Also from Sneed...
"Expect arguments to be made at trial that Ryan's case does not exemplify the financial picture of a man engaged in corruption.
Sneed hears Ryan has virtually no assets and is living month to month off his pension benefits."
-- Besides the fact that the stuff took place while he was SOS in the Sec. of States office with people raising money for his campaigns may have a bit to do with that. Also the dude has a huge pension (If I recall correctly more than he made a month as Governor).
Tuesday, December 16, 2003
Teacher busted for prostitution wants to return for to teaching.: "Williams' prostitution arrest in August as a $250-an-hour hooker gained national talk-show attention, especially after she argued that teachers' personal lives should not affect their employment.
Williams, 37, said Thursday that her eight-year prostitution career began when she enrolled at San Francisco State to obtain a teacher's certificate. After a chance conversation with two prostitutes in a bar, 'I realized that doing this I could work one or two nights a week and really focus on my studies,' she said.
Williams described herself as a small business owner who lives in Berkeley, where she tends fruit trees in the back yard. Until her 'sting' arrest, she turned tricks in a rented condo with older men who, she says, enjoyed her empathy and conversation. She earned enough money to buy a vacation home near Yosemite"
-- Looks like she did it well after her studies were done. Also I strongly suspect she wasn't paying income tax on her earnings. Finally isn't breaking the law wrong. Argue what you will for leagalizing this, heck I might even agree with you. But right now it is against the law and teachers who break the law in this way should not go back to teaching. I can see what she would teach the kids now 'It's ok to break the law if it pays good'
OneMan
Williams, 37, said Thursday that her eight-year prostitution career began when she enrolled at San Francisco State to obtain a teacher's certificate. After a chance conversation with two prostitutes in a bar, 'I realized that doing this I could work one or two nights a week and really focus on my studies,' she said.
Williams described herself as a small business owner who lives in Berkeley, where she tends fruit trees in the back yard. Until her 'sting' arrest, she turned tricks in a rented condo with older men who, she says, enjoyed her empathy and conversation. She earned enough money to buy a vacation home near Yosemite"
-- Looks like she did it well after her studies were done. Also I strongly suspect she wasn't paying income tax on her earnings. Finally isn't breaking the law wrong. Argue what you will for leagalizing this, heck I might even agree with you. But right now it is against the law and teachers who break the law in this way should not go back to teaching. I can see what she would teach the kids now 'It's ok to break the law if it pays good'
OneMan
Monday, December 15, 2003
Canada For Clark (Canadians For General Wesley Clark): "Canadians:
Non-Americans can't, by law, give money to any particular candidate's campaign. But we can support pro-democracy, progressive American organizations like MoveOn.org, which do their best to spread the ugly truth about Bush and publicize the Democratic message. Click here to donate to MoveOn.org."
Hey Canada I think I speak for America and the overwhelming majority of voters in this country when I say "Stay out of our domestic politics and elections"
As Joe likes to remind me, you have a PM not a president so keep your money and your hands out of the process of the United States electing our President. And before you get on your high-horse at least we don't have a major part of the country constantly voting to leave the country.
OneMan
Non-Americans can't, by law, give money to any particular candidate's campaign. But we can support pro-democracy, progressive American organizations like MoveOn.org, which do their best to spread the ugly truth about Bush and publicize the Democratic message. Click here to donate to MoveOn.org."
Hey Canada I think I speak for America and the overwhelming majority of voters in this country when I say "Stay out of our domestic politics and elections"
As Joe likes to remind me, you have a PM not a president so keep your money and your hands out of the process of the United States electing our President. And before you get on your high-horse at least we don't have a major part of the country constantly voting to leave the country.
OneMan
More eminent-domain stupidity: "The legal fight has revolved around a Pennsylvania law that allows cities, even small ones such as Coatesville, which has a population of 11,000, to seize property in adjoining municipalities if it serves a public interest. In April, a Commonwealth Court judge ruled that Coatesville could legally take the property, even though it is in neighboring Valley Township"
-- I hear people blather about how the goverment is too powerful all time, it is things like this that make me think they may be on to something. All sorts of stuff is going on under the guise of eminent-domain and this is just the latest example. I feel safe in saying this is not what the founders had in mind with eminent-domain.
-- I hear people blather about how the goverment is too powerful all time, it is things like this that make me think they may be on to something. All sorts of stuff is going on under the guise of eminent-domain and this is just the latest example. I feel safe in saying this is not what the founders had in mind with eminent-domain.
WPVI.com: Allentown Loses 15,000 Tax Bills: "ALLENTOWN, PA-December 14, 2003 — The city sent late notices to thousands of residents who never got their tax bills in the first place."
"About 15,000 per-capita tax bills were lost early this year, but the city nevertheless sent late notices to about 12,000 residents, many of whom then flooded City Hall with complaints.
Mayor Roy C. Afflerbach said Friday that he has granted amnesty, allowing those who never received their first bill until Feb. 15 to pay the $19.60 per person tax without penalty. "
-- A $19.60 head tax? Man that's just wacked.
"About 15,000 per-capita tax bills were lost early this year, but the city nevertheless sent late notices to about 12,000 residents, many of whom then flooded City Hall with complaints.
Mayor Roy C. Afflerbach said Friday that he has granted amnesty, allowing those who never received their first bill until Feb. 15 to pay the $19.60 per person tax without penalty. "
-- A $19.60 head tax? Man that's just wacked.
Strom Thurmond's family makes a statement that seems to confirms a womans claims that she is Strom's mixed-race daughter.
So he felt that people of color ( I can't think of a better way to put this) were ok to impregate just not ok to go to school with white kids.
So he felt that people of color ( I can't think of a better way to put this) were ok to impregate just not ok to go to school with white kids.
CNN.com - Anti- and pro-war Democrats praise capture - Dec. 15, 2003: "Democratic presidential candidates Joe Lieberman and John Kerry used the dramatic capture of Saddam Hussein to take aim at their anti-war rival, front-runner Howard Dean. "
Hey guys if Howard Dean was wrong before about the war (and he was and he is) then the capture of Saddam should not make any difference in the fact he was wrong. Also who in the world is going to even have your message register with them right now.
I don't even see how this really hurts Dean in the long run. Assuming they put Saddam on trial before November. This could hurt the president when our past dealings with Saddam come to light again. Don't forget we supported Saddam during the Iran-Iraq war. When his trial occours that is going to get at least some media play.
Q: What do John Kerry, Joe Liberman and OneMan have in common.
A: None of us are going to be running for president in March.
OneMan
Hey guys if Howard Dean was wrong before about the war (and he was and he is) then the capture of Saddam should not make any difference in the fact he was wrong. Also who in the world is going to even have your message register with them right now.
I don't even see how this really hurts Dean in the long run. Assuming they put Saddam on trial before November. This could hurt the president when our past dealings with Saddam come to light again. Don't forget we supported Saddam during the Iran-Iraq war. When his trial occours that is going to get at least some media play.
Q: What do John Kerry, Joe Liberman and OneMan have in common.
A: None of us are going to be running for president in March.
OneMan
DC Ward 8 Democrats Shelve Official's Ouster Over Slur (washingtonpost.com): "In a meeting that erupted into a shouting match, members of the Ward 8 Democrats voted yesterday to table a motion to remove the group's first vice president from office for calling a new member 'poor white trash.' "
-- If I said something like this involving any ethnic group at a Township Republican meeting I would be handed my hat and told to get the heck out. There are some other quotes in the article that are quite nice. Including
""Why would you appoint a white person to be head of your legislative and issues committee?" Lockridge said. "White people don't understand our issues." "
Hey why not just have a segregated Ward organization entirely, end of problem then you can discus 'your issues' to your heart's content. I can not even begin to comment on how screwed up those statements by Lockrige are.
OneMan
-- If I said something like this involving any ethnic group at a Township Republican meeting I would be handed my hat and told to get the heck out. There are some other quotes in the article that are quite nice. Including
""Why would you appoint a white person to be head of your legislative and issues committee?" Lockridge said. "White people don't understand our issues." "
Hey why not just have a segregated Ward organization entirely, end of problem then you can discus 'your issues' to your heart's content. I can not even begin to comment on how screwed up those statements by Lockrige are.
OneMan
Sponser something in Illinois to help us make our budget.: "Pressing forward with Gov. Rod Blagojevich's plan to market naming rights for state assets, administration officials have suggested selling corporate sponsorships for everything from the state police tactical response unit to Earthquake Preparedness Week."
"Suggestions from the brass at the State Police include sponsorships for specially trained tactical and canine units, the department's rifles, the terrorism intelligence center and the new Amber Alert system designed to quickly notify the public of child abductions."
-- I can see it now
The state police SWAT team has been brought to you by Paramount pictures reminding you that SWAT is now out on DVD
This Amber Alert has been brought to you by Masterlock. With Masterlock there would be no more Amber Alterts.
Thanks for calling the gambling adiction hotline an operator will be with you shortly, untill then please listen to this message provided by Sportsman's Park
Perhaps state troopers can have a big Coke logo on the sides of their cars.
and of course.......
This complete and utter loss of what little dignity there was left in state government has been brought to you by Governor Blago...
"Suggestions from the brass at the State Police include sponsorships for specially trained tactical and canine units, the department's rifles, the terrorism intelligence center and the new Amber Alert system designed to quickly notify the public of child abductions."
-- I can see it now
The state police SWAT team has been brought to you by Paramount pictures reminding you that SWAT is now out on DVD
This Amber Alert has been brought to you by Masterlock. With Masterlock there would be no more Amber Alterts.
Thanks for calling the gambling adiction hotline an operator will be with you shortly, untill then please listen to this message provided by Sportsman's Park
Perhaps state troopers can have a big Coke logo on the sides of their cars.
and of course.......
This complete and utter loss of what little dignity there was left in state government has been brought to you by Governor Blago...
Sunday, December 14, 2003
Woman claims she's Strom Thurmond's mixed-race daughter: "Woman claims she's Strom Thurmond's mixed-race daughter"
-- I guess he had a different definition of segregation. I wonder what Trent Lott has to say about this he originally had this to say about if Strom had been elected president that we "wouldn't have had all these problems over the years."
Assuming this is true. How could a man promote the different treatment of people when his own child was one of those people. Man this blow my mind. What a complete and utter ass.
Save me the 'States rights' arguments. State rights for speed limits fine. States rights for the way the south treated people of color before the feds and to step in with civil rights legislations is a sick joke.
-- I guess he had a different definition of segregation. I wonder what Trent Lott has to say about this he originally had this to say about if Strom had been elected president that we "wouldn't have had all these problems over the years."
Assuming this is true. How could a man promote the different treatment of people when his own child was one of those people. Man this blow my mind. What a complete and utter ass.
Save me the 'States rights' arguments. State rights for speed limits fine. States rights for the way the south treated people of color before the feds and to step in with civil rights legislations is a sick joke.
Friday, December 12, 2003
Iowa doesn't recognize gay marriage, but it already has a gay divorce.:
"A district judge in Sioux City has approved a divorce for two lesbians who were united in a civil union last year in Vermont.
Judge Jeffrey Neary's decree has angered some lawmakers, one of whom wants him thrown off the bench.
Legal authorities say the divorce, approved last month, raises a range of questions, including whether it has legal standing. Iowa is one of 37 states with laws that ban same-sex marriages.
'You can go to Vermont and have a civil union, but you can't, until now, go to another state and have a civil union divorce,' said University of Iowa law professor Ann Estin."
How in heck does that work? We don't admit this union is legal but we will disolve it for you?
"A district judge in Sioux City has approved a divorce for two lesbians who were united in a civil union last year in Vermont.
Judge Jeffrey Neary's decree has angered some lawmakers, one of whom wants him thrown off the bench.
Legal authorities say the divorce, approved last month, raises a range of questions, including whether it has legal standing. Iowa is one of 37 states with laws that ban same-sex marriages.
'You can go to Vermont and have a civil union, but you can't, until now, go to another state and have a civil union divorce,' said University of Iowa law professor Ann Estin."
How in heck does that work? We don't admit this union is legal but we will disolve it for you?
Speaking of Lt. Governors. Our current Lt. Gov Pat Quinn wants to create a two tiered state income tax. Right now in Illinois is is a flat 3%, he wants to increase it to 6% for income over $250,000 and put the extra money in a 'trust fund' for schools and property tax relief. He is pushing for counties to put advisory reforendums on their ballots about it.
Sorry Pat, the day I trust Springfield not to do all sorts of financial shenanagans is the day the Hawks win the Stanley Cup. Come on we are trying to ballance the state budget based off of selling a casino license that is tied up in the courts, massive borrowing and various other tricks with a governor that can't even get his own party to work with him on the budget. You expect me to trust that the state would not 'raid' that kitty in a heartbeat. I don't think so.
Also wasn't the lottery suposed to help schools? Turns out lottery money helps schools and makes more general revenue funds available for BS.
Also I know that 250,000 number will go down over time so more and more folks pay more in state income tax.
Sorry Pat, the day I trust Springfield not to do all sorts of financial shenanagans is the day the Hawks win the Stanley Cup. Come on we are trying to ballance the state budget based off of selling a casino license that is tied up in the courts, massive borrowing and various other tricks with a governor that can't even get his own party to work with him on the budget. You expect me to trust that the state would not 'raid' that kitty in a heartbeat. I don't think so.
Also wasn't the lottery suposed to help schools? Turns out lottery money helps schools and makes more general revenue funds available for BS.
Also I know that 250,000 number will go down over time so more and more folks pay more in state income tax.
Thursday, December 11, 2003
An snipit from Howard Dean: Winning Back America: GETTING THE CALL: "I sat for three hours in the doctor’s office in Shelburne making phone calls. I stayed where I was because I had three phone lines in the doctor’s office and only two at the lieutenant governor’s. "
This little story takes place when Howard Dean was the Lt. Governor of Vermont. The interesting thing about this was as Lt. Governer he had a 'day' job as a doctor and worked in a practice. Here in Illinois however not only is our Lt. Gov position a full time job, you also get a security detail. Yes I know Vermont is a much smaller state, but still it gives you something to think about.
A few years ago I was at a Republican political event that has both Speaker Hasstert and then Lt. Governor Wood in attendance. This was pre September 11th but it was amazing how the number 2 man in the line of succession for the most powerful nation in the world had a significantly smaller security detail then the Lt. Governor of IL.
There has been some talk of eliminating the position of Lt. Gov here entirely. The Lt. Governor has very few 'offical' dutites besides waiting for something bad to happen to the governor. I think it makes sense to eliminate the position, heck the current Lt. Gov. was a big fan of shrinking the size of the state house what's a little more of 'less government' if not a good thing.
OneMan
This little story takes place when Howard Dean was the Lt. Governor of Vermont. The interesting thing about this was as Lt. Governer he had a 'day' job as a doctor and worked in a practice. Here in Illinois however not only is our Lt. Gov position a full time job, you also get a security detail. Yes I know Vermont is a much smaller state, but still it gives you something to think about.
A few years ago I was at a Republican political event that has both Speaker Hasstert and then Lt. Governor Wood in attendance. This was pre September 11th but it was amazing how the number 2 man in the line of succession for the most powerful nation in the world had a significantly smaller security detail then the Lt. Governor of IL.
There has been some talk of eliminating the position of Lt. Gov here entirely. The Lt. Governor has very few 'offical' dutites besides waiting for something bad to happen to the governor. I think it makes sense to eliminate the position, heck the current Lt. Gov. was a big fan of shrinking the size of the state house what's a little more of 'less government' if not a good thing.
OneMan
Wednesday, December 10, 2003
Straight Talk America: "U.S. Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Peter Fitzgerald (R-IL) today sent a letter to Secretary Rumsfeld requesting the Department of Defense (DoD) reassess the proposed acquisition of 767 tanker aircraft from Boeing to determine what effect the recently validated conflict of interests may have had on the proposed terms of this military procurement. The following is a copy of the letter:"
-- Ok say what you will about Peter Fitzgerald (I think he is a great senator myself) but the dude stands up for stuff. Reguardless if it is backed by the Chicago Machine or the IL Machine or whatever. Be it this Boeing thing or the Lincoln Library. Senator Fitzgerald has paid a price for standing up for what he thinks is right.
-- Ok say what you will about Peter Fitzgerald (I think he is a great senator myself) but the dude stands up for stuff. Reguardless if it is backed by the Chicago Machine or the IL Machine or whatever. Be it this Boeing thing or the Lincoln Library. Senator Fitzgerald has paid a price for standing up for what he thinks is right.
Some pork from the Defense Apporpriations Bill: "$12 million for the 21st Century Truck. This program has been around for years and not once has the Department of Defense requested funding for it. While I'm sure we all would love to jump into a truck that could be in a James Bond movie, I'm not sure it is appropriate for the Department of Defense to pay for it.
$3.4 million for the Next Generation Smart Truck. I suppose this is what we will drive before the 21st Century Truck is ready."
-- Remember sometimes being a conservative means more that just getting upset about liberals. It means not spending taxpayer money on stupid stuf.
$3.4 million for the Next Generation Smart Truck. I suppose this is what we will drive before the 21st Century Truck is ready."
-- Remember sometimes being a conservative means more that just getting upset about liberals. It means not spending taxpayer money on stupid stuf.
From Marginal Revolution: Lawyers are no fun: "On Sunday I bought my five year old a sled which came with a series of warnings and disclaimers including this one:
Warning: Beware that sled may develop high speed under certain snow conditions.
I would hope so."
How about just this warning: Having fun can be dangerous.
Warning: Beware that sled may develop high speed under certain snow conditions.
I would hope so."
How about just this warning: Having fun can be dangerous.
Tuesday, December 09, 2003
Blog4kerry - He's the Real Deal: "Gore's Politically Motivated Endorsement Bolsters his own 2008 Run
Gore lied. He promised not to endorse, but of course he did. Then he lied again by calling Dean is the most electable candidate"
Yeah, thats it.... Dude you need to adjust your tin-foil hat.
Gore lied. He promised not to endorse, but of course he did. Then he lied again by calling Dean is the most electable candidate"
Yeah, thats it.... Dude you need to adjust your tin-foil hat.
Yahoo! News - Ex-Sen. Paul Simon of Illinois Dies at 75: "Paul Simon, the bow-tie-wearing missionary's son who rose from crusading newspaper owner to two-term U.S. senator and presidential aspirant, died Tuesday, a day after undergoing heart surgery. He was 75. "
I didn't agree with his views all the time but he was a man of great character and wrote some excellent books as well. He will be missed. I recomend you go out and read a copy of "Our Culture of Pandering" this snipit is from Amazon about the book. He was also an excellent guest on extension 720 on WGN.
Simon passionately believes that politicians, the media, religious leaders and educators have, individually and collectively, abandoned their responsibility to lead. In place of a commitment to do what is best for America, even if it means proposing unpopular policies, leaders in each of these fields have substituted a commitment to tell their constituencies, particularly those with money and power, what they want to hear, in a way they want to hear it.
Seriously bummed out right now....
I didn't agree with his views all the time but he was a man of great character and wrote some excellent books as well. He will be missed. I recomend you go out and read a copy of "Our Culture of Pandering" this snipit is from Amazon about the book. He was also an excellent guest on extension 720 on WGN.
Simon passionately believes that politicians, the media, religious leaders and educators have, individually and collectively, abandoned their responsibility to lead. In place of a commitment to do what is best for America, even if it means proposing unpopular policies, leaders in each of these fields have substituted a commitment to tell their constituencies, particularly those with money and power, what they want to hear, in a way they want to hear it.
Seriously bummed out right now....
Cheeburger News: "Glenview, Illinois. If you live or work anywhere near Glenview (about one hour from Chicago), keep your eyes peeled for a brand new Cheeburger Cheeburger at the Glen Town Center expected to open in early November. Owner Jason Malartsik is working hard to get the store open and feed all the hungry people clamoring for a great burger"
Wow, doesn't the name sound like what they say at Billy Goat's in Chicago? This is why you need to get a trademark as I suspect the Billy Goat is learning right now. It will be interesting to see how this plays out since Billy Goat's has used the phrase in commerce.
Wow, doesn't the name sound like what they say at Billy Goat's in Chicago? This is why you need to get a trademark as I suspect the Billy Goat is learning right now. It will be interesting to see how this plays out since Billy Goat's has used the phrase in commerce.
Monday, December 08, 2003
Ok, now the Democrats turn for link counts
Gery Chico has 16
Blair Hull has 35 for the basic site, 14 for the Hull 'Plan' with lots of dupes...
Danny Hynes has 18
Barak Obama has 68 with some Blogs in the mix.
Maria Pappas has the lowest yet 4
Nancy Skinner sorry but Skinner the Winner still sounds like some sort of Stuart Smalley thing... has 18
Joyce Washington has 10
So besides Barak not much different than the GOP canidates. I'll check again in a month and see how much or how little these counts have changed.
OneMan
Gery Chico has 16
Blair Hull has 35 for the basic site, 14 for the Hull 'Plan' with lots of dupes...
Danny Hynes has 18
Barak Obama has 68 with some Blogs in the mix.
Maria Pappas has the lowest yet 4
Nancy Skinner sorry but Skinner the Winner still sounds like some sort of Stuart Smalley thing... has 18
Joyce Washington has 10
So besides Barak not much different than the GOP canidates. I'll check again in a month and see how much or how little these counts have changed.
OneMan
Gore to Endorce Dean: "Former Vice President Al Gore intends to endorse Howard Dean for the Democratic presidential nomination, a dramatic move that could cement Dean's position in the fight for the party's nod."
Bet John Kerry is really letting the F--- bombs fly now. Ok, so it looks like Dr. Dean is going to get the Democratic Party nod. So does President Bush start campaigning aginst him now or hold off a bit longer.
Has a connected, networked tech savy grassroots program become the 'big thing' in politics and if so will it scale down? Stay tuned faithful readers.
OneMan
Bet John Kerry is really letting the F--- bombs fly now. Ok, so it looks like Dr. Dean is going to get the Democratic Party nod. So does President Bush start campaigning aginst him now or hold off a bit longer.
Has a connected, networked tech savy grassroots program become the 'big thing' in politics and if so will it scale down? Stay tuned faithful readers.
OneMan
Sen. Kerry now droping the F bomb....: "Sen. Kerry (Mass.) used the undeleted expletive to express his frustration and anger over how the Iraq issue has hurt him because he voted for the war resolution while Democratic front-runner Howard Dean has soared by opposing it.
'I voted for what I thought was best for the country. Did I expect Howard Dean to go off to the left and say, 'I'm against everything'? Sure. Did I expect George Bush to f - - - it up as badly as he did? I don't think anybody did,' Kerry told the youth-oriented magazine. "
Yeah Sen, something is F--- up alright, it's your campaign. Sorry even the image you cursing seems a bit strange. But he did fight in Vietnam you know...
But then again I am part of the great blog conspiracy for Howard Dean.... Go here if you want the Kerry warm and fuzzy....
'I voted for what I thought was best for the country. Did I expect Howard Dean to go off to the left and say, 'I'm against everything'? Sure. Did I expect George Bush to f - - - it up as badly as he did? I don't think anybody did,' Kerry told the youth-oriented magazine. "
Yeah Sen, something is F--- up alright, it's your campaign. Sorry even the image you cursing seems a bit strange. But he did fight in Vietnam you know...
But then again I am part of the great blog conspiracy for Howard Dean.... Go here if you want the Kerry warm and fuzzy....
If you want to see who has filed so far for the US Senate in IL please use the link, and the day is still young. If the link does not work you can just go to the State Board of Elections yourself and search.
With 6 Republicans and 5 Democrats in so far when I posted this I think it is safe to say we have a couple of real races on our hands.
With 6 Republicans and 5 Democrats in so far when I posted this I think it is safe to say we have a couple of real races on our hands.
Campaign 2004: Looking for Skeletons: "Last week the conservative Club for Growth ran its first ads against Dean in Iowa and New Hampshire, casting the governor as a tax-hiking Democrat in the mold of McGovern, Mondale and Dukakis. Within minutes of the club’s press release, a software executive in Naperville, Ill., was deploying his own instant rebuttal on behalf of the Dean campaign. In the time it took to drink his morning coffee, Rick Klau spotted the ad and tracked down a September article by the club’s CEO, Stephen Moore, hailing Dean as “a Democrat we could work with.” Klau pinged an instant message to the Dean camp, which began citing the article to reporters. “Twenty people sitting in a war room can’t possibly do what 2,000 or 20,000 people can,” says Joe Trippi, Dean’s campaign manager."
This is why I link to Rick Klau Republicans can learn from this man. We can learn quite a bit from the whole Dean blogging thing.
This is why I link to Rick Klau Republicans can learn from this man. We can learn quite a bit from the whole Dean blogging thing.
Sunday, December 07, 2003
Back to the IL Senate race, I have started looking at who is linking to the canidate's web pages.
For example accoring to google
Jack Ryan has about 56 entires.
Dr. K has about 21 links.
Steve R has about 10 links.
Jim Oberweis has about 7
Andy McKenna has about 13.
Gen. Borling has 12, however I did learn he is looking for an intern or two.
Keep in mind these guys all share some common links like the NRSC,The Oak Park GOP, Eric Zorn for what it's worth I think Zorn is a complete tool sometimes but his blog is very good. And then the various web design outfits who do each persons page. Very little blog activity (that is blogs that reference the sites).
I will try to look at the Democrats tomorrow.
OneMan
For example accoring to google
Jack Ryan has about 56 entires.
Dr. K has about 21 links.
Steve R has about 10 links.
Jim Oberweis has about 7
Andy McKenna has about 13.
Gen. Borling has 12, however I did learn he is looking for an intern or two.
Keep in mind these guys all share some common links like the NRSC,The Oak Park GOP, Eric Zorn for what it's worth I think Zorn is a complete tool sometimes but his blog is very good. And then the various web design outfits who do each persons page. Very little blog activity (that is blogs that reference the sites).
I will try to look at the Democrats tomorrow.
OneMan
I thought SNL last night was ok at best. Al Sharpton proved he is not an actor. But then again lots of folks who have hosted SNL could not act, even some cast members....
Anyway one great line was (about Gephart)
It's like a David Spade move, looks good on paper but doesn't look as good in real life (or something like that).
Also hearing Don Pardo say 'Suck it Des Moines'
Anyway one great line was (about Gephart)
It's like a David Spade move, looks good on paper but doesn't look as good in real life (or something like that).
Also hearing Don Pardo say 'Suck it Des Moines'
Friday, December 05, 2003
Nancy Regan comments on suggestion to put Ron Regan on the dime.: "'While I can understand the intentions of those seeking to place my husband's face on the dime, I do not support this proposal and I am certain Ronnie would not,' she said in a brief statement issued in Los Angeles Friday night"
"It is my hope that the proposed legislation will be withdrawn," Mrs. Reagan's statement concluded.
Nuff' said
"It is my hope that the proposed legislation will be withdrawn," Mrs. Reagan's statement concluded.
Nuff' said
Feel Safer now?: "Police wrote Queens hospital worker George Pulido a summons for making unreasonable noise because his son Christopher's Winnie the Pooh balloon popped on the street.
'I couldn't believe it,' Pulido, 29, of Queens Village, said last night. 'It was just a normal-size party balloon and it was an accident. You'd make more noise closing the door of a police car.'"
'I couldn't believe it,' Pulido, 29, of Queens Village, said last night. 'It was just a normal-size party balloon and it was an accident. You'd make more noise closing the door of a police car.'"
Bring and Advil to School, get an expulsion: "A student expelled from Parkway High for a year for having Advil, an over-the-counter pain reliever, will not be allowed to return to the school.
Kelly Herpin and daughter Amanda Stiles, a sophomore, appealed the one-year expulsion to a Bossier Parish School Board committee Thursday night, spending about 10 minutes with the board's administrative committee behind closed doors"
I feel safer, how about you. Then again I have family in Shreveport and they have given me the impression that the school are useless.
Kelly Herpin and daughter Amanda Stiles, a sophomore, appealed the one-year expulsion to a Bossier Parish School Board committee Thursday night, spending about 10 minutes with the board's administrative committee behind closed doors"
I feel safer, how about you. Then again I have family in Shreveport and they have given me the impression that the school are useless.
The folks at Babes Aginst Bush are selling a calendar.
A) The site says nothing (that I can find) about giving any money to anyone running aginst Bush
B) Doesn't this exploit women, come on where are the protests
C) I think this picture sums up why I am glad Bush is president. I suspect parts of her are as fake as the whole idea.
D) Would this calendar sell 5 copies if it had a different theme?
A) The site says nothing (that I can find) about giving any money to anyone running aginst Bush
B) Doesn't this exploit women, come on where are the protests
C) I think this picture sums up why I am glad Bush is president. I suspect parts of her are as fake as the whole idea.
D) Would this calendar sell 5 copies if it had a different theme?
I am shocked, shocked I tell ya!
local6.com - News - 'Trampled' Wal-Mart Shopper Has History Of Injury Claims: "'Trampled' Wal-Mart Shopper Has History Of Injury Claims
Report: Woman Has Filed 16 Previous Claims, 9 At Wal-Mart Stores
ORANGE CITY, Fla. -- A woman reported 'trampled' last Friday by Wal-Mart shoppers desperate for $29.87 DVD players has a long history of claiming injuries from Wal-Marts and other businesses where she worked or shopped."
Shopping can be very dangerous.
local6.com - News - 'Trampled' Wal-Mart Shopper Has History Of Injury Claims: "'Trampled' Wal-Mart Shopper Has History Of Injury Claims
Report: Woman Has Filed 16 Previous Claims, 9 At Wal-Mart Stores
ORANGE CITY, Fla. -- A woman reported 'trampled' last Friday by Wal-Mart shoppers desperate for $29.87 DVD players has a long history of claiming injuries from Wal-Marts and other businesses where she worked or shopped."
Shopping can be very dangerous.
Thursday, December 04, 2003
Yahoo! News - Lieberman Seeks FTC Junk Food Inquiry: "The Connecticut senator, who led the fight to put parental warnings on movie, video game and music advertising, wants the Federal Trade Commission to determine whether there is a connection between junk food advertising and the rise in obesity among youngsters. "
Thanks Joe, first you after video games, now junk food. It's the advertisers fault, it's the companies fault. You know a little responsibility. Could go a long way. But it's not my fault I am fat, it's Twinkie The Kid's. Perhaps a bureaucrat can blame bureauc-rat for making him fat instead of those tasty Hostess Pies!
Think you have found a winner of an issue here Joe.
Thanks Joe, first you after video games, now junk food. It's the advertisers fault, it's the companies fault. You know a little responsibility. Could go a long way. But it's not my fault I am fat, it's Twinkie The Kid's. Perhaps a bureaucrat can blame bureauc-rat for making him fat instead of those tasty Hostess Pies!
Think you have found a winner of an issue here Joe.
Daily Herald: Suburban Chicago's Information Source: "Happy holidays, state government workers - some of you are about to be indicted."
Ouch, bet more than one person in Springfield is getting OZ on DVD for Christmas, even someone in Kankakee perhaps?
Ouch, bet more than one person in Springfield is getting OZ on DVD for Christmas, even someone in Kankakee perhaps?
Wednesday, December 03, 2003
The Smoking Gun: Archive: " Los Angeles judge today threw out Barbra Streisand's $10 million suit against a California environmental group that posted a photo of the singer's cliffside Malibu estate on its web site."
It looks like she may have to pay legal fees as well. If you want see Babs pad please feel free to do so.
All I have to really say is sweet.
It looks like she may have to pay legal fees as well. If you want see Babs pad please feel free to do so.
All I have to really say is sweet.
From Newsday.com: Unions Accuse Gephardt Aide of Threats: "Prominent labor leaders on Wednesday accused a St. Louis-based aide to Democratic presidential candidate Dick Gephardt of threatening retaliation against state employees if two prominent unions assist rival Howard Dean in the 2004 Missouri primary"
"In their letter, Stern and McEntee said Aboussie warned them that if they worked for Dean in Missouri, she would prod at least 22 state legislators to write Republican leaders calling for repeal of the collective bargaining order. Republican state legislative leaders have tried and failed to challenge Holden's order in the courts and in the legislature. "
A little bit more about Aboussie.
Can you say stupid, stupid, stupid. Even if this is a 'local' thing it is bad. If Gephardt manages to tick the unions off he is going to be even more out of the race then he is now. No more Union PAC commercials on your behalf. This is a sign (if it is true) of desperation.
Mark my words Gephardt will be a non-player by the middle of Feb.
OneMan
"In their letter, Stern and McEntee said Aboussie warned them that if they worked for Dean in Missouri, she would prod at least 22 state legislators to write Republican leaders calling for repeal of the collective bargaining order. Republican state legislative leaders have tried and failed to challenge Holden's order in the courts and in the legislature. "
A little bit more about Aboussie.
Can you say stupid, stupid, stupid. Even if this is a 'local' thing it is bad. If Gephardt manages to tick the unions off he is going to be even more out of the race then he is now. No more Union PAC commercials on your behalf. This is a sign (if it is true) of desperation.
Mark my words Gephardt will be a non-player by the middle of Feb.
OneMan
Dennis E. Powell on Space Exploration on National Review Online: "When President Bush delivers a speech recognizing the centenary of heavier-than-air-powered flight December 17, it is expected that he will proffer a bold vision of renewed space flight, with at its center a return to the moon, perhaps even establishment of a permanent presence there. If he does, it will mean that he has decided the United States should once again become a space-faring nation. For more than 30 years America's manned space program has limited itself to low Earth orbit; indeed, everyone under the age of 31 — more than 125 million Americans — was born since an American last set foot on the moon."
How cool would that be.....
How cool would that be.....
I ran into a co-worker last night who was headed out of town to find out if his reserve unit is being activated again. He got back from the gulf about 6 months ago. I started thinking about how hard it is going to be to get some of these guys to re-enlist when the time comes or to get people to join the guard and reserves in the future.
I came up with an idea that might improve re-enlistment rates: If you are in the guard or reserves you don't pay any federal income tax on the first $100,000 you make if a single filer or $200,000 if filing jointly.
I have no idea how much this would cost in tax revenue but it is an idea.
I came up with an idea that might improve re-enlistment rates: If you are in the guard or reserves you don't pay any federal income tax on the first $100,000 you make if a single filer or $200,000 if filing jointly.
I have no idea how much this would cost in tax revenue but it is an idea.
Wow, It seems I actually have visitors once in a while now. If I could only get people to leave comments (sigh).
Tuesday, December 02, 2003
Just got done watching the Charlie Brown Christmas Special and besides trying to find my Vince Guaraldi Trio CD I realized something watching it. It seems to be the only Christmas special that mentions Christ besides the Little Drummer Boy. And the only one on the air anymore. When Linus recities the story from Luke 2:1-? it really makes the special.
There were some additional parts that were added on the end. One part included Linus talking to the girl who sits behind him who changes her name everyday. She says "Today my name is Jezebel" Linus then points out what happened to her. She then decides that Susan would be a better name to go with.
There is an interesting article with the story behind the special. Including Charles Schultz's insistance that it include the scripture reference since without that it wasn't really a Christmas special.
Now my question for you dear reader is. Would any network ok a new Christmas special with this much Christ in it? By no means am I proposing that network TV become the Trinity Network, but when is the last time you saw a character in a TV series (who appears week to week, not a one time only character) actual mention something from the Bible, Koran, Tamuld, etc.?
I watch a lot of TV and I am stumped.
OneMan
There were some additional parts that were added on the end. One part included Linus talking to the girl who sits behind him who changes her name everyday. She says "Today my name is Jezebel" Linus then points out what happened to her. She then decides that Susan would be a better name to go with.
There is an interesting article with the story behind the special. Including Charles Schultz's insistance that it include the scripture reference since without that it wasn't really a Christmas special.
Now my question for you dear reader is. Would any network ok a new Christmas special with this much Christ in it? By no means am I proposing that network TV become the Trinity Network, but when is the last time you saw a character in a TV series (who appears week to week, not a one time only character) actual mention something from the Bible, Koran, Tamuld, etc.?
I watch a lot of TV and I am stumped.
OneMan
Will Corporations Own Our Identities? -- Phyllis Schlafly Oct. 22, 2003 column.: "No one should be able to own facts about other people. Our names and numbers, and also the laws we must obey, should not be property that can be owned by corporations and policed by federal courts. "
Ok I am not a big Phyllis Schlafly fan by any means. However she has a point here. HR 3621 seems like a very bad idea. When The Eagle Forum and the American Lib Assoc agree on something, everyone should take notice.
You know the copyright exemption on facts that the Supream Court set up in 1991 makes sense. Don't try and legislate around it. This law would do no public good.
This law will let the federal courts into into places they do not belong. Keep the governments hands off of data.
You can't copyright a fact, lets keep it that way.
Ok I am not a big Phyllis Schlafly fan by any means. However she has a point here. HR 3621 seems like a very bad idea. When The Eagle Forum and the American Lib Assoc agree on something, everyone should take notice.
You know the copyright exemption on facts that the Supream Court set up in 1991 makes sense. Don't try and legislate around it. This law would do no public good.
This law will let the federal courts into into places they do not belong. Keep the governments hands off of data.
You can't copyright a fact, lets keep it that way.
Monday, December 01, 2003
CNN.com - Lieberman: Failure in Iraq could prompt global religious war - Dec. 1, 2003: "Iraq is the testing ground that will determine whether fanatical Muslims go to war against other religions, including moderate Islam, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Lieberman said Sunday. "
It would appear someone gave Joe a copy of Soon. Over Thanksgiving. Trying to scare Democrats with an image of 'Religous War' is not going to work Joe.
It would appear someone gave Joe a copy of Soon. Over Thanksgiving. Trying to scare Democrats with an image of 'Religous War' is not going to work Joe.
"O'Shea to drop out of U.S. Senate race and endorse Chico"
Oh, this is going to put Gery over the edge....Please.
Oh, this is going to put Gery over the edge....Please.
The LA Times has an interesting story about the Presidential trip to Iraq. There are a few great lines in the story my favorite is the one below.
Can You Keep a Secret? Hop On: "On the open radio, the pilot asked, 'Did I just see Air Force One?' After moments of silence, the Air Force One pilot responded over the radio by identifying himself as a much smaller aircraft: 'Gulfstream Five.
I suspect the pilot realized he did not see a Gulfstream 5, give him credit for keeping his mouth shut.
Can You Keep a Secret? Hop On: "On the open radio, the pilot asked, 'Did I just see Air Force One?' After moments of silence, the Air Force One pilot responded over the radio by identifying himself as a much smaller aircraft: 'Gulfstream Five.
I suspect the pilot realized he did not see a Gulfstream 5, give him credit for keeping his mouth shut.
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