All for my wife (Mrs. OneMan is as much of a hard R as OneMan is). Almost all from either Linda Holmes (a letter) and Personal PAC, about 4 robocalls all on the abortion issue (we got one yesterday and a different one today) today's was personalized for my wife, however it almost seemed like Linda Holmes name was said by a different voice.
Also the last mail piece she got said to vote against Terry, did not say to vote for Homles. That was a bit of a surprise, I wonder if that has any campaign finance implications....
OneMan
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Sometimes the jokes write themselves
From Today's Illinois Review...
Because, yes someone who is well respected here, fixed the schools in Chicago and almost won the democratic nod for governor is the same as a guy who was brought in from Maryland.
I figured I would beat Arch to this one...
So, a Democrat who's possibly up for appointment in an Obama administration, and who has been out of the state for 10 years (can you say "carpetbagger"...or perhaps "Keyes") is the GOP's hope in 2010? Of course, Cronin's recruiting Vallas for Cook County board president makes sense, since the animosity between Cronin and Peraica is well known. After all, we wouldn't want victory to get in the way of a good feud.
Because, yes someone who is well respected here, fixed the schools in Chicago and almost won the democratic nod for governor is the same as a guy who was brought in from Maryland.
I figured I would beat Arch to this one...
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
So who are you going to support for Senate President.
For the A-1's follow the link...
If your A-1 are they way I understand them they
on 10/26 shows 25K from Friends of Clayborn
on 10/23 shows 20K from Deep Blue Illinois (with Jeff Schoenberg as Chair)
on 10/16 shows 10K from Friends of Don Harmon
on 10/9 shows 35K from Friends of Clayborn
on 10/8 shows 100K from the Senate Democratic Victory Fund. (with John Cullerton as Chair)
on 9/22 shows 15K from Friends of Clayborn
on 8/30 shows 10K from Friends of Don Harmon
You have to wonder since they all seem to be named as candidates for Senate President. How you are going to say no to some of them if you get re-elected and it's time to figure out who you are going to support for support for president. How is someone who gave you 70K or 100K going to respond if you support someone else for president.
That's one of the downsides of not doing your own fund raising...
OneMan
If your A-1 are they way I understand them they
on 10/26 shows 25K from Friends of Clayborn
on 10/23 shows 20K from Deep Blue Illinois (with Jeff Schoenberg as Chair)
on 10/16 shows 10K from Friends of Don Harmon
on 10/9 shows 35K from Friends of Clayborn
on 10/8 shows 100K from the Senate Democratic Victory Fund. (with John Cullerton as Chair)
on 9/22 shows 15K from Friends of Clayborn
on 8/30 shows 10K from Friends of Don Harmon
You have to wonder since they all seem to be named as candidates for Senate President. How you are going to say no to some of them if you get re-elected and it's time to figure out who you are going to support for support for president. How is someone who gave you 70K or 100K going to respond if you support someone else for president.
That's one of the downsides of not doing your own fund raising...
OneMan
Monday, October 27, 2008
Obama's possible replacement in the Senate...
In terms of possible people to replace Senator Obama in the US Senate if he wins the presidency let me share some knowledge on you.
It does not matter who Senator Obama wants, it is all up to our Governor who is as about as popular in this state and within his own party here as a strange burning sensation. The only person who will figure in that calculus is the governor, he will do what ever he thinks is best for him and only him.
So save yourself the embarrassment of talking about who Senator Obama wants to replace him or listing names that have even less of a chance than I do of becoming our next US Senator.
OneMan
It does not matter who Senator Obama wants, it is all up to our Governor who is as about as popular in this state and within his own party here as a strange burning sensation. The only person who will figure in that calculus is the governor, he will do what ever he thinks is best for him and only him.
So save yourself the embarrassment of talking about who Senator Obama wants to replace him or listing names that have even less of a chance than I do of becoming our next US Senator.
OneMan
Nice Timing Aurora Township
Sending me a flier with Jim Murphy's picture on right before the election. (Murphy is running for judge)...
Can a unit of government send a mailer with a photo of a candidate even if the candidate is not running in that unit of government right before an election?
OneMan
Can a unit of government send a mailer with a photo of a candidate even if the candidate is not running in that unit of government right before an election?
OneMan
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Why HOV/Lexus Lanes are a bad idea for the Tollway.
First we need to define the term Lexus Lane
Here are some of the issues with the plan.
From info from the Sun Times
First it is not an increase in capacity, in California and other places they only add HOV when it adds capacity. They have found in HOV lanes don't really work out when the are used to replace existing capacity (you don't add any new lanes).
Currently up to 75% of carpools are in fact family members who would be riding together anyway known as "fampooling" info here
Unless you are going to block off the HOV lanes (make them basically one lane express lanes) you are looking at some real safety risks, why? Well if you make the HOV lane the left lane then you have to either make them express lanes that skip some exits or you are going to have to carefully design ingress and egress so that a car can safely get out of the left lane and cut across traffic to get to an exit. Think about what happens now with open road tolling and people busting the move to get over.. For more info see the Texas DOT also the NBC Nightly News July 19, 2005. (note: The Texas data was with paint-striped HOV lanes)
I think you will end up with backups at the egress points as faster moving traffic has to slow to try and get over into the 'regular' lanes that are moving slower. Close your eyes and imagine this trying to work.
The "Star Wars" part. I can't think of a better way of putting this but I don't think and can't see the technology existing any time soon that will be able to consistently determine if you are in an HOV lane as a multi-passenger car (classic carpool) or as a car looking to pay extra to use the lane. Yes the governor's spokesman Lucio Guerrero made reference to 'heat sensors', however that is full of issues.
Yes, there is some testing of this sort of thing being done in the UK by Leeds University, but it is early days, and it looks like it has to look through the windshield to work.
So you want to base a billing system on something that the only current version of I can find is dependent on a device seeing all of the occupants of the car through the windshield and is only 90% accurate? Looking forward to the court challenges for that. My kid was asleep in the back seat, wife picked the wrong time to adjust the floormat, can't see my kids in the back of the minivan, there were people in the back of my limo.
More on this tech can be found here.
Then that all having been said, I don't see how you could fine someone for violating the rules just using a thermal image, why? KYLLO v. UNITED STATES, the Supreme Court ruled in a drug case that thermal imaging did constitute a search and therefore required a warrant.
Assuming you can get the detection technology to work you still have the basic problem of 'Take a Lane'. That is you are not adding any more lanes.
It will just mean you are sticking more traffic into fewer lanes and creating a single lane that will mostly be used by families and people willing to pony up more cash. The remaining lanes will just used more by trucks, people from out of state and the poor increasing their traffic until more people just pay the extra to use the Lexus Lane until the whole program ends up a wash. The only advantage is that the toll authority has collected more money.
Various entities that have considered converting existing lanes to HOV and decided against it or did convert existing lanes to HOV and then had to roll back the decision include.. Ontario, New York (see page 1,2), California (the Santa Monica Freeway in 1976) and the Dulles Toll Road in Washington DC, Washington State (references here).
From “Report on the Suitability of High-Occupancy Vehicle Lanes in the Greater Vancouver Regional District” by Ian Fisher. Transport 2000 BC. May 1997.
It would seem that 'take a lane' doesn't work and hasn't ever really worked.
It's a dumb idea that needs to be stopped now.
OneMan
Lexus lane (LEKS.is layn) n. A highway lane that is normally restricted during rush hour to vehicles carrying multiple passengers, but that can also be used for a fee by single-occupant vehicles.
Here are some of the issues with the plan.
From info from the Sun Times
First it is not an increase in capacity, in California and other places they only add HOV when it adds capacity. They have found in HOV lanes don't really work out when the are used to replace existing capacity (you don't add any new lanes).
Currently up to 75% of carpools are in fact family members who would be riding together anyway known as "fampooling" info here
Unless you are going to block off the HOV lanes (make them basically one lane express lanes) you are looking at some real safety risks, why? Well if you make the HOV lane the left lane then you have to either make them express lanes that skip some exits or you are going to have to carefully design ingress and egress so that a car can safely get out of the left lane and cut across traffic to get to an exit. Think about what happens now with open road tolling and people busting the move to get over.. For more info see the Texas DOT also the NBC Nightly News July 19, 2005. (note: The Texas data was with paint-striped HOV lanes)
I think you will end up with backups at the egress points as faster moving traffic has to slow to try and get over into the 'regular' lanes that are moving slower. Close your eyes and imagine this trying to work.
The "Star Wars" part. I can't think of a better way of putting this but I don't think and can't see the technology existing any time soon that will be able to consistently determine if you are in an HOV lane as a multi-passenger car (classic carpool) or as a car looking to pay extra to use the lane. Yes the governor's spokesman Lucio Guerrero made reference to 'heat sensors', however that is full of issues.
Yes, there is some testing of this sort of thing being done in the UK by Leeds University, but it is early days, and it looks like it has to look through the windshield to work.
So you want to base a billing system on something that the only current version of I can find is dependent on a device seeing all of the occupants of the car through the windshield and is only 90% accurate? Looking forward to the court challenges for that. My kid was asleep in the back seat, wife picked the wrong time to adjust the floormat, can't see my kids in the back of the minivan, there were people in the back of my limo.
More on this tech can be found here.
Then that all having been said, I don't see how you could fine someone for violating the rules just using a thermal image, why? KYLLO v. UNITED STATES, the Supreme Court ruled in a drug case that thermal imaging did constitute a search and therefore required a warrant.
Assuming you can get the detection technology to work you still have the basic problem of 'Take a Lane'. That is you are not adding any more lanes.
It will just mean you are sticking more traffic into fewer lanes and creating a single lane that will mostly be used by families and people willing to pony up more cash. The remaining lanes will just used more by trucks, people from out of state and the poor increasing their traffic until more people just pay the extra to use the Lexus Lane until the whole program ends up a wash. The only advantage is that the toll authority has collected more money.
Various entities that have considered converting existing lanes to HOV and decided against it or did convert existing lanes to HOV and then had to roll back the decision include.. Ontario, New York (see page 1,2), California (the Santa Monica Freeway in 1976) and the Dulles Toll Road in Washington DC, Washington State (references here).
From “Report on the Suitability of High-Occupancy Vehicle Lanes in the Greater Vancouver Regional District” by Ian Fisher. Transport 2000 BC. May 1997.
The Santa Monica and Dulles examples provide clear indications that, once lanes are available to general traffic, converting them to HOV lanes is at least contentious and most likely politically not viable
It would seem that 'take a lane' doesn't work and hasn't ever really worked.
It's a dumb idea that needs to be stopped now.
OneMan
Friday, October 24, 2008
Terry Wintermute was endorsed by the tribune today. The commented on how Holmes went to Springfield with great promise but had not distinguished herself
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Enough....
I have officially had it....
If this is what is going to pass for conservative and Republican discourse (saying that Obama is "Attempting to put a human face on an his otherwise cold and calculating persona") then we are in this state truly and completely toast as a political force.
I am not going to even touch the idea that I suspect for large number of voters the last thing Sen. Obama seems to have is a 'cold and calculating persona' (Literally the idea of a 'social mask'). If you really think he draws 100,000 in St. Louis because he seems like a 'cold and calculating person' then.....
If this is the most compelling argument (he is going to see his grandmother so he looks better) that someone can come up then we might as well pack it in and accept one party rule in this state for the next 20 years. Because I got news for you, this sort of stuff isn't going to get anyone elected to anything.
I have had it with the whole idea that apparently if you do not agree 100% with the conservative movement then you are not only un-American you are also sort of amoral mental midget. You know it is possible for rational, intelligent and moral people to come to a different conclusion on issue than you. It also turns out you can have intelligent conversations with folks who disagree with you, understand their perspective and use that understanding to tailor your arguments. It's called rhetoric.
Yes I disagree with liberals on a host of issues. Do I think they are un-American and/or stupid, no. Sometimes I think How to Win Friends and Influence People should be required reading for everyone trying to make a political point or get a candidate elected. The tweleve ways to win people to your way of thinking include.
You may not agree with the approaches that Sen. Obama wants to use to address issues, the difference between your approach and his approach is not a factor in how Anti-American he may be (he isn't btw) . The parts of America that are near cities and in cities are just as pro-America as the small towns of this country. Love of your nation is not predicated on population density. This sort of crud doesn't bring anyone to our side.
If all we can do is demonize and mock those who disagree with us and not offer logical compelling reasons why we are in fact our ideas and solutions are better we are truly lost. If the best we can come up with are pandering generalizations then we are toast. I got news for you folks this sort of red meat may be great for the folks who listen to conservative talk radio but they are not going to bring anyone else to the conversation. Does anyone really think this sort of thing is going to bring the Regan Democrats back to the party, going to bring Hispanics to the party, African Americans? I got news for you it isn't with the image Obama food stamps with KFC and ribs.
Yes I am using we because on many issues I agree with the conservatives. I certainly identify myself as a Republican. However if you do not conform to a strict view on every issue and/or look at some candidate and I go 'I can't support that guy' you instantly turn into a RINO. There is a place where you want everyone to agree on almost everything, where a hard defined consistent and unchanging dogma has it's place, it's called church not a political party.
It would seem that at least the conservative Internet voices in Illinois don't want to engage in ideas, they want to complain. The media is biased, Obama is exploiting his grandmother, oh look a high crime area is in a Democratic county.
Explain why the policies of the Democrats in Cook County lead to higher crime, show actual cause and effect, just don't imply it. People are not going to fall for that.
Before you go 'But the Democrats and those Liberals do all of that', let me just say "Who Cares?", would you let your kids get away with that reasoning. Who cares what the Liberals and Democrats do, we need to get arguments and viewpoints strong, we need to get our house in order. So the tornado skipped the house next door, that isn't our problem. Quit whining.
The way forward isn't talking about Obama's Grandmother (hope she starts doing better), biased polls or complaining about what books Obama is reading.
The sad thing is the non-shrill voices in this whole discussion get drowned out.
If we want to have an Illinois Republican party that has a chance a being much more than a joke in 5 years we need to start asking some hard questions and fine tuning our arguments. If that is going to be too much for some people, to moderate for some people than so be it.
Suffice to say at least OneMan has decided he isn't going to let his party go down to irrelevance without a fight. If you are interested send me an e-mail. We may likely fail but I really think we need to try.
Thanks
OneMan
If this is what is going to pass for conservative and Republican discourse (saying that Obama is "Attempting to put a human face on an his otherwise cold and calculating persona") then we are in this state truly and completely toast as a political force.
I am not going to even touch the idea that I suspect for large number of voters the last thing Sen. Obama seems to have is a 'cold and calculating persona' (Literally the idea of a 'social mask'). If you really think he draws 100,000 in St. Louis because he seems like a 'cold and calculating person' then.....
If this is the most compelling argument (he is going to see his grandmother so he looks better) that someone can come up then we might as well pack it in and accept one party rule in this state for the next 20 years. Because I got news for you, this sort of stuff isn't going to get anyone elected to anything.
I have had it with the whole idea that apparently if you do not agree 100% with the conservative movement then you are not only un-American you are also sort of amoral mental midget. You know it is possible for rational, intelligent and moral people to come to a different conclusion on issue than you. It also turns out you can have intelligent conversations with folks who disagree with you, understand their perspective and use that understanding to tailor your arguments. It's called rhetoric.
Yes I disagree with liberals on a host of issues. Do I think they are un-American and/or stupid, no. Sometimes I think How to Win Friends and Influence People should be required reading for everyone trying to make a political point or get a candidate elected. The tweleve ways to win people to your way of thinking include.
- Show respect for the other person's opinions. Never tell someone they are wrong.
- Try honestly to see things from the other person's point of view
You may not agree with the approaches that Sen. Obama wants to use to address issues, the difference between your approach and his approach is not a factor in how Anti-American he may be (he isn't btw) . The parts of America that are near cities and in cities are just as pro-America as the small towns of this country. Love of your nation is not predicated on population density. This sort of crud doesn't bring anyone to our side.
If all we can do is demonize and mock those who disagree with us and not offer logical compelling reasons why we are in fact our ideas and solutions are better we are truly lost. If the best we can come up with are pandering generalizations then we are toast. I got news for you folks this sort of red meat may be great for the folks who listen to conservative talk radio but they are not going to bring anyone else to the conversation. Does anyone really think this sort of thing is going to bring the Regan Democrats back to the party, going to bring Hispanics to the party, African Americans? I got news for you it isn't with the image Obama food stamps with KFC and ribs.
Yes I am using we because on many issues I agree with the conservatives. I certainly identify myself as a Republican. However if you do not conform to a strict view on every issue and/or look at some candidate and I go 'I can't support that guy' you instantly turn into a RINO. There is a place where you want everyone to agree on almost everything, where a hard defined consistent and unchanging dogma has it's place, it's called church not a political party.
It would seem that at least the conservative Internet voices in Illinois don't want to engage in ideas, they want to complain. The media is biased, Obama is exploiting his grandmother, oh look a high crime area is in a Democratic county.
Explain why the policies of the Democrats in Cook County lead to higher crime, show actual cause and effect, just don't imply it. People are not going to fall for that.
Before you go 'But the Democrats and those Liberals do all of that', let me just say "Who Cares?", would you let your kids get away with that reasoning. Who cares what the Liberals and Democrats do, we need to get arguments and viewpoints strong, we need to get our house in order. So the tornado skipped the house next door, that isn't our problem. Quit whining.
The way forward isn't talking about Obama's Grandmother (hope she starts doing better), biased polls or complaining about what books Obama is reading.
The sad thing is the non-shrill voices in this whole discussion get drowned out.
If we want to have an Illinois Republican party that has a chance a being much more than a joke in 5 years we need to start asking some hard questions and fine tuning our arguments. If that is going to be too much for some people, to moderate for some people than so be it.
Suffice to say at least OneMan has decided he isn't going to let his party go down to irrelevance without a fight. If you are interested send me an e-mail. We may likely fail but I really think we need to try.
Thanks
OneMan
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Early Voted Today...
Some observations...
There were a surprising number of people lined up to vote, including a guy in an Obama shirt. That was a nice touch, funny how he had to turn it inside out, wonder who made that request.
Also to Obama shirt guy who declared 'I want to vote on a paper ballot because I want a paper record', dude the touch screen voting machines produce a paper record, you can even review it before your ballot is considered 'cast'. So even with the voting machine it is virtually impossible for 'the man' to take your vote away or hide it.
Yes there are political folks involved as election judges and processing judges on election day, however with the touch screen voting it is about a million times harder to monkey with your vote than is was with punched cards.
Finally I think I speak for everyone who works as a election judge, tally judge or party observer on election day when I say... I have yet to meet nor will I ever meet a single candidate for office who's election it would be worth me going to jail for.
OneMan
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Got this via e-mail
Got this e-mail about Bill Foster
Good news, your congressional representative Bill Foster was a key vote in support of HR 6870, a bill to protect your right to play the great game of poker at the time and place of your choice.
With the help of Representative Foster, this common-sense reform legislation passed the important Financial Services Committee with a bipartisan majority of 30-19. Its provisions are simple. It will prevent federal bureaucrats from banning "unlawful internet gambling" until they can at least define what this phrase means. It will also require an economic impact study of the costs associated with this proposed, sweeping prohibition.
Please thank Representative Foster for standing up for you and millions of other poker enthusiasts.
- Call Representative Foster today at 630-406-1114, and thank his for voting yes on HR 6870
- Tell his that you are a constituent, voter, and proud poker player
- Tell his that you are pleased that he stood up for your rights, and urge his to continue to support you and the millions of other fans of the great game
If Bill Foster is not your representative, we apologize for the error in our records. Please contact your representative regarding this issue.
Finally, tell your poker playing friends the good news, and let them know that they too can become part of the solution by visiting www.joinppa.org and become part of our growing grassroots movement.
Sincerely,
Full Tilt Poker
Sometime I think they are just asking me to leave the party...
Yes I know the 'Obama Food Stamp' thing was just one small group in California. But come on people is this the best we can do? A fake bill with KFC, Ribs, Kool-Aid and watermelon on it.
I am starting to seriously think that Sen. Obama has some sort of hypnotic power that makes Republicans turn stupid.
I can even prove my point
Alan Keyes.
OneMan
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
The Problem with ACORN
In a nutshell, it is that they reward the wrong thing...
They should be rewarding not voter registrations but registering voters who in fact vote. With the right incentives in the system Mickey Mouse isn't going to be registered because there is no chance in him voting.
Also at least when I register someone to vote, I have to fill out the form, that might help them a bit as well.
OneMan
They should be rewarding not voter registrations but registering voters who in fact vote. With the right incentives in the system Mickey Mouse isn't going to be registered because there is no chance in him voting.
Also at least when I register someone to vote, I have to fill out the form, that might help them a bit as well.
OneMan
Why if I was a Democrat I would be pissed at Linda Holmes...
I am not going to really bring up any votes and only one position that she has taken.
There is a very simple reason why if I was a Democrat I would be, in a word pissed. It seems as if she hasn't really tried all that hard to keep her seat.
Reason 1: Fundraising.
We will compare some first term state senators and the amount of cash they had on hand with the 6/30 D-2 Filing
Matt Murphy $103,728.86 Republican
Mike Frerich $74,408.82 Democrat (note: seat is not up in November)
Bill Haine $255,000.00 Democrat
Gary Forby $152,587.00 Democrat
Don Harmon $150,337.00 Democrat
Linda Holmes $49,793.96
Ok so she has not raised the funds that some of the other non-leadership folks have...
But lets look at their opponents
Peter Gutzmer $3,798.52 Challenging Matt Murphy
I can not find a challenger for Bill Haine
Ken Burzynski $17,982 Challenging Forby
I can not find a challenger for Don Harmon
Terry Wintermute $102,056.21 So Linda's challenger had twice as much cash on hand....
But you say, hey Linda Holmes has gotten a bunch of money and help the last few days. Yes, she has but I doubt highly there is another race to defend a democratic seat where that kind of outside money has come in. That sort of money is supposed to be used to pick up seats, not defend them. Not defend seats where the incumbent who should have been aware they were facing a tough re-election race gets significantly out raised by their opponent.
I am sure the SEIU, planned parenthood and the others who are now tossing money at this race would rather be spending their money someplace to add to the democratic majority, not defend a seat.
Bottom line, I would be pissed because money that would be helpful to picking up democratic seats is going to defend one because the candidate who holds the seat was either unable to unwilling to raise money like most of their fellow Senators.
OneMan
There is a very simple reason why if I was a Democrat I would be, in a word pissed. It seems as if she hasn't really tried all that hard to keep her seat.
Reason 1: Fundraising.
We will compare some first term state senators and the amount of cash they had on hand with the 6/30 D-2 Filing
Matt Murphy $103,728.86 Republican
Mike Frerich $74,408.82 Democrat (note: seat is not up in November)
Bill Haine $255,000.00 Democrat
Gary Forby $152,587.00 Democrat
Don Harmon $150,337.00 Democrat
Linda Holmes $49,793.96
Ok so she has not raised the funds that some of the other non-leadership folks have...
But lets look at their opponents
Peter Gutzmer $3,798.52 Challenging Matt Murphy
I can not find a challenger for Bill Haine
Ken Burzynski $17,982 Challenging Forby
I can not find a challenger for Don Harmon
Terry Wintermute $102,056.21 So Linda's challenger had twice as much cash on hand....
But you say, hey Linda Holmes has gotten a bunch of money and help the last few days. Yes, she has but I doubt highly there is another race to defend a democratic seat where that kind of outside money has come in. That sort of money is supposed to be used to pick up seats, not defend them. Not defend seats where the incumbent who should have been aware they were facing a tough re-election race gets significantly out raised by their opponent.
I am sure the SEIU, planned parenthood and the others who are now tossing money at this race would rather be spending their money someplace to add to the democratic majority, not defend a seat.
Bottom line, I would be pissed because money that would be helpful to picking up democratic seats is going to defend one because the candidate who holds the seat was either unable to unwilling to raise money like most of their fellow Senators.
OneMan
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Yes I realize these are allegations
However this kind of stuff does not do ACORN any favors
"Some of these (forms) were facially fraudulent; we basically had the starting lineup for the Dallas Cowboys," Secretary of State Ross Miller said. "Tony Romo is not registered to vote in Nevada. Anyone trying to pose as Terrell Owens won't be able to cast a ballot."
Some thoughts from the boys on the bus...
It would seem that at least one reporter thinks the McCain folks are friendlier..
That's a bit harsh...
Then again if they can't get the 'blocking and tackling' right when it comes to this sort of stuff what happens when it is time to run the country
The McCain folks are more helpful and generally friendly. The schedules are printed on actual books you can hold in your hand, read, and then plan accordingly. The press aides are more knowledgeable and useful to us in the news media. The events are designed with a better eye, and for the simple needs of the press corps. When he is available, John McCain is friendly and loquacious. Obama holds news conferences, but seldom banters with the reporters who've been following him for thousands of miles around the country. Go figure.
The McCain campaign plane is better than Obama's, which is cramped, uncomfortable and smells terrible most of the time. Somehow the McCain folks manage to keep their charter clean, even where the press is seated.
That's a bit harsh...
Then again if they can't get the 'blocking and tackling' right when it comes to this sort of stuff what happens when it is time to run the country
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Monday, October 06, 2008
OneMan writes another Ad or two.
Inspired by this bit of news..
Goodbye Local Pharmacy
(Video) Closed up small town Pharmacy with slow zoom in...
(V/O -- Woman Mid Thirties)
We used to have a pharmacy in town, the Driscals ran it for 60 years, Tim was the 3rd generation pharmacist in the family to run it.
Unfortunately after Governor Blagojevich decided without approval from the state legislature the courts ruled that the state couldn't pay any of the bills for the prescriptions Tim provided under the plan. So Tim was left holding the bag, the state set up an insurance plan and since the governor decided to expand it without getting the OK from the state legislature it turns out the whole plan was invalid.
You figure the state wouldn't start a program that they wouldn't be allowed to pay benefits for. Well at least a normal state that is. This governor is great for the ideas without any way to pay for them.
So between that and how late the state was paying the medicare and Medicaid bills. Tim couldn't afford to stay in business anymore. So now I have to drive 45 minutes to get my kids asthma medication..
Is it just me or do you miss competent government as well?
(End)
Government Class
Video of teacher in front of classroom of middle school kids
Teacher : Very good. Now class, can the governor just spend money any way he wants.
Students : NO
Teacher : Why not...
Student One (Male): Umm, because the state legislature has the power of the purse, they decide how money is spent.
Teacher: Good, but where does that power come from...
Student Two (Girl): The state constitution
Teacher: Right can anyone tell me where in the state constitution is says that..
(Silence for a minute, then one hand goes up)
Teacher: Yes (insert name of candidate here)
Candidate Student:
Goodbye Local Pharmacy
(Video) Closed up small town Pharmacy with slow zoom in...
(V/O -- Woman Mid Thirties)
We used to have a pharmacy in town, the Driscals ran it for 60 years, Tim was the 3rd generation pharmacist in the family to run it.
Unfortunately after Governor Blagojevich decided without approval from the state legislature the courts ruled that the state couldn't pay any of the bills for the prescriptions Tim provided under the plan. So Tim was left holding the bag, the state set up an insurance plan and since the governor decided to expand it without getting the OK from the state legislature it turns out the whole plan was invalid.
You figure the state wouldn't start a program that they wouldn't be allowed to pay benefits for. Well at least a normal state that is. This governor is great for the ideas without any way to pay for them.
So between that and how late the state was paying the medicare and Medicaid bills. Tim couldn't afford to stay in business anymore. So now I have to drive 45 minutes to get my kids asthma medication..
Is it just me or do you miss competent government as well?
(End)
Government Class
Video of teacher in front of classroom of middle school kids
Teacher : Very good. Now class, can the governor just spend money any way he wants.
Students : NO
Teacher : Why not...
Student One (Male): Umm, because the state legislature has the power of the purse, they decide how money is spent.
Teacher: Good, but where does that power come from...
Student Two (Girl): The state constitution
Teacher: Right can anyone tell me where in the state constitution is says that..
(Silence for a minute, then one hand goes up)
Teacher: Yes (insert name of candidate here)
Candidate Student:
Section 2 part b... The General Assembly by law shall make
appropriations for all expenditures of public funds by the
State. Appropriations for a fiscal year shall not exceed
funds estimated by the General Assembly to be available
during that year.
Everyone turns and looks at candidate/student..
Candidate Student: What?
Candidate: I may not have had section 2 memorized but just like you I learned what
a governor can and just importantly can not do. Unfortunately our current governor must
have fallen asleep or been listening to a cubs game on a transistor radio when this came
up in Junior High.
So we have ended up with a bunch of programs tied up in the courts because he felt
checks and balances was the arcade version of shoots and ladders.
When elected I will work with the legislature to get things done and I will remember why there are
three branches of government.
You deserve competent government....
Sunday, October 05, 2008
I am aware of all Metra Traditions part 2...
Folks still need some help so I have some more to share....
- You stand on the right on the escalator walk on the left. An escalator is not a reason for a break, the walk from the train to the escalator is not long enough for you to have earned a break.
- If you take a late train on the weekend (including Friday) you will encounter people who have had to much to drink, be happy they are not driving and enjoy the show.
Noticed Something Interesting Today
Yard signs (and bigger signs are starting to appear), I see signs for the Democrat running for Coroner Kane County, Joan Solmes Republican running for State Rep, Lots of Linda Chapa-LaVia signs, Foster signs, Oberweis signs, even a few Obama signs. Also signs for the Republican and Democrat running for Kane County Circut Clerk, signs for both candidates running for the new judge position. Terry Wintermute signs....
Keep in mind I have seen yards with signs for candidates for a single party and yards with signs for candidates from different parties the one thing I have seen is....
A single sign for Linda Holmes...
I know yard signs don't vote, but still you figured if Linda Chapa-LaVia thinks she needs them that Linda Holmes would find them necessary as well.
OneMan
Keep in mind I have seen yards with signs for candidates for a single party and yards with signs for candidates from different parties the one thing I have seen is....
A single sign for Linda Holmes...
I know yard signs don't vote, but still you figured if Linda Chapa-LaVia thinks she needs them that Linda Holmes would find them necessary as well.
OneMan
Friendly Suggestion to Fosters People.
Get you guy some bifocals. It is really obvious when he takes off his glasses at a forum to read a prepared answer from his notes to a question.....
It's sort of like Teddy Ruxpin
OneMan
It's sort of like Teddy Ruxpin
OneMan
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