Red Chicago

Three Card Katie

2006-04-05T10:54:00.000-05:00

CBS won't learn! After years and years for disappointing ratings with the most liberal news personnel this side of Air America, they go and top all the others by finding the most liberal replacement they can throw money at, Katie Couric. All this does is continue to make the evening news all that more irrelevant. It is a very sad day when CBS news changes from being the source for news to just an evening Talk Show. If they are only looking to attract younger viewers, why not just hire Jerry Springer.

Rome Hartman, executive producer of the CBS Evening news verifies that the only reason they hired Couric was for her personality and her "liberal" tastes. "Every 'Evening News' broadcast has reflected the personality of the anchor, and this one will too," said Hartman. "She brings a lot to the table, and the show will reflect her taste, talent, skills and personality."

To verify the liberal tilt of Katie Couric just check out Katie Couric's Liberal Bias: Today and Yesterday by the Media Research Center. It is a very detailed piece, documenting 15 years of Couric's liberal tilt.

Pretty in Pink Line

2006-03-30T21:55:00.000-06:00

The Cermak Blue Line will be rerouted to a new track and then directed above ground and around the Loop in a 180-day trial run to start this summer. This new configuation will be called The Pink Line.

The CTA claims the rerouting will cut wait times, "so that the wait for a train would average 7.5 minutes during peak hours compared with the current 15 minutes," according to the Tribune.

But there are concerns about speedy access to O'Hare and key West Side destinations.

Here's the new route, from the Trib report:
(Sun-Times map graphic)

"Under the rail plan, Cermak branch trains heading to the Loop no longer will turn east at the Eisenhower Expressway and descend to meet the Forest Park branch tracks before heading to the Loop and ultimately to O'Hare.

"Instead, Cermak branch trains will continue north along the "Paulina Connector," a more than century old section of elevated track that is parallel to and just west of Ashland Avenue. In recent years, the CTA used the connector to move equipment between the Green and Blue Lines. The connector has not been used for regularly scheduled trains in decades but recently underwent a renovation so it could again handle daily service.

"At Lake Street, Cermak branch trains would turn east, following the Green Line into the Loop. The trains would travel clockwise around the Loop then return on the Green Line to the Paulina Connector and then south to the Cermak branch tracks. Cermak branch riders who need to get to O'Hare could transfer at the Clark/Lake station, which they will reach about 10 minutes faster than the current route takes to get there."

Interestingly, the CTA's Web site downplayed the big Blue Line rail change and emphasized bus route changes.

The CTA board will decide whether to make the change permanent after the trial run. If the change becomes permanent, the CTA may hold a contest for school kids to name the new train line.

Sun-Times story

Schools of Reeducation?

2006-02-05T09:17:00.000-06:00

Schools of Reeducation?:

Ed Swan is pursuing a degree in teacher education at Washington State. The Chronicle of Higher Education reports that he flunked an evaluation of dispositions last year. The teacher who failed him explained that Swan, a conservative Christian and father of four Mexican American children, had 'revealed opinions that have caused me great concern in the areas of race, gender, sexual orientation and privilege.' Washington State insisted that Swan agree to attend sensitivity training before being allowed to do his student teaching -- where observers could observe his classroom performance"

"Professors at Washington State University's College of Education evaluate candidates to ensure they exhibit 'an understanding of the complexities of race, power, gender, class, sexual orientation, and privilege in American society.' The relevance of these skills to teaching algebra or the second grade is, at a minimum, debatable.

Brooklyn College's School of Education announces: 'We educate teacher candidates and other school personnel about issues of social injustice such as institutionalized racism, sexism, classism, and heterosexism; and invite them to develop strategies and practices that challenge [such] biases.'

One can sympathize with the sentiments at work. Moreover, in theory, academics can argue that merely addressing these issues implies no ideological bias. But in practice, education courses addressing 'white privilege' and the 'language of oppression' typically endorse particular views on issues such as affirmative action and student discipline. These codes have real consequences.

Long time gone

2006-01-15T11:08:00.000-06:00

Hi everybody, sorry for the long vacation. I have been very busy lately and have been trying to get in a new blogging groove. I have definitely missed out on last weeks Alito Blogging and vow to get caught up. I started new job with Jensen Environmental in December that really through my schedule off cores. I hope to be returning real soon so stay tuned. In the mean time check out Alan Grossman's law website for all you layering needs.

Jon Turley's 15 minutes

2005-12-23T07:38:00.000-06:00

This guy has been brought to every media outlet out there to bring up his unfounded idea that Bush has committed a crime. A impeachable offence of course. I first say him on Nightline Dec 20, 2005, but he has been on:

ABC with Katie Kuric

CBS's The Early Show on Dec 21, 2005

Bill O'Reilly talked with him on the 19th

And Tim Russert on Meet the Press has been quoting him to every guest every night.

On all these appearances, Turley says Bush "broke the law" but never states which one. The FISA court? Bush's AG indicates that Bush is following the "Use of force resolution" passed after Sept 11th. If anything there is a conflict in the two laws, no breaking of laws. Come on, get real and lets fight terrorists, not the president.

E-mail him @ jturley@law.gwu.edu let him know what you think!

You may also remember this man from when the MSM paraded him allover to say that Judge Alito is FAR FAR "RIGHT" even further right than Scalito.

Greenpeace Founder Slams the Environmental Movement

2005-12-08T09:07:00.000-06:00

Patrick Moore, who is attending the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Montreal and is a founding member of Greenpeace, slammed the environmental movement he helped found, accusing today's environmental groups of being co-opted by the political Left.

The Left figures it owns the environmental movement and that has corrupted the movement greatly," Moore said. "The [left-wing] influence has brought great dysfunction into the environmental movement. [It's turned it into] an elitist movement.

He then went on to praise the current Bush administation for not signing the Kyoto Protocol.

I think this whole Kyoto process is a colossal waste of time and money," said Moore, who rejects alarmist predictions of human-caused 'global warming.

Moore said he decided to leave Greenpeace in 1986 after the group became too radical and he could "no longer agree with the policies that were being espoused." This is exactly my kind of realist environmentalism. Where do I sign up!!!

Why buy the cow, when you get the milk for free

2005-12-04T18:26:00.000-06:00

The San Francisco Chronicle created a comic today to suggest what it would look like if al Qaeda planted propaganda stories in US newspapers. This is evidently a take on the recent story of the US using the means necessary to do what needs to be done in Iraq.

Let me be the first to suggest al Qaeda doesn't need to; MSM is doing just fine on their own. But seriously, if they were to plant stories the headlines might read like this:

We’re on a road to nowhere - Huffington Post

Prisons of Darkness - The Villiage Voice

The Insurgencies Are Winning - Tom Paine

Reports of Secret U.S. Prisons in Europe Draw Ire and Otherwise Red Faces - New York Times

Taking on torture: Vermonter arrested while protesting U.S. military school - Vermont Guardian

Democrat asserts that Army is 'broken' - Boston Globe

Hanukah Gifts in Champaign

2005-11-30T16:50:00.000-06:00

Looking for a gift for Jewish friends or family members this holiday season? Come to the Chanukah Showcase Sale at Sinai Temple this Sunday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.. The Sinai Temple Gift Shop is one of Champaign's best-kept secrets. Their selection is great and their prices reasonable.

Hat tip little blog on the prairie

Jan Schakowsky's Hypocrisy

2005-11-29T14:03:00.000-06:00

The new Capital Fax Blog Illinoize all ready said it all, so here it is.

Red Chicago's rep in Congress is Jan Schakowsky of Evanston, IL. She's a
hard-left liberal, and here once again is the write-up on Jan from FrontPage Magazine's Discover the Network.

A week before Thanksgiving, this press release came out of Schakowsky's Washington office:

SCHAKOWSKY COMMENDS CONGRESSMAN MURTHA FOR HIS CALL TO WITHDRAW AMERICAN TROOPS FROM IRAQ

WASHINGTON,
DC - U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky, a founding member of the
Out-of-Iraq Caucus, today released a statement commending Congressman
John Murtha's call for the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq.

Representative Schakowsky's full statement is below:

"Today,
Congressman John Murtha, a decorated war veteran and national leader on
defense, called for the immediate withdrawal of American troops from
Iraq. Congressman Murtha's principled stand is a breakthrough moment in
the effort to bring our troops home. A majority of Democrats in the
House voted against this disastrous war, but now, those who supported
it agree that the situation on the ground is untenable, that the
Administration has mishandled the war, and that our troops deserve
better than to be left in Iraq indefinitely."

"Last month, we
lost our 2,000th American soldier in Iraq. The situation is getting
worse and less stable. The Bush administration has left our men and
women in harm's way with no exit strategy and no way out. It is time to
bring them home."

"I commend Congressman Murtha for his leadership."

Well,
earlier this month Jan had her biq chance on the floor of the House to
vote to bring our troops home from Iraq. And you know what? She voted
to keep the troops there.

Murtha, Jan's new hero, voted the same way. Murtha says he wants the troops to leave Iraq, but in six months.

Schakowsky wanted the troops to leave Iraq after the January elections there. From Buzzflash, quoting Jan:

"A
political process has begun, admittedly fragile, and it is time for the
United States to leave. Once the January 30 elections are concluded,
the new Iraqi government takes responsibility for forging its own path
toward stability and democracy. The U.S. should provide financial and
material assistance for that effort and encourage the international
community to help."

Just full of it.

What the Media isn't telling us

2005-11-21T08:37:00.000-06:00

Did you know that 47 countries have re-established their embassies in Iraq?

Did you know that the Iraqi government currently employs 1.2 million Iraqi people?

Did you know that 3100 schools have been renovated, 364 schools are under rehabilitation, 263 schools are now under construction and 38 new schools have been built in Iraq?

Did you know that Iraq's higher educational structure consists of 20 Universities, 46 Institutes or colleges and 4 research centers, all currently operating?

Did you know that 25 Iraq students departed for the United States in January 2005 for the re-established Fulbright program?

Did you know that the Iraqi Navy is operational? They have 5 100-foot patrol craft, 34 smaller vessels and a naval infantry regiment.
___

Above facts are verifiable on the Department of Defense web site. Pass it on!

Did you know that Iraq's Air Force consists of three operational squadrons, which includes 9 reconnaissance and 3 US C-130 transport aircraft (under Iraqi operational control), which operate day and night, and will soon add 16 UH-1 helicopters and 4 Bell Jet Rangers?

Did you know that Iraq has a counter-terrorist unit and a Commando Battalion?

Did you know that the Iraqi Police Service has over 55,000 fully trained and equipped police officers?

Did you know that there are 5 Police Academies in Iraq that produce over 3500 new officers each 8 weeks?

Did you know there are more than 1100 building projects going on in Iraq? They include 364 schools, 67 public clinics, 15 hospitals, 83 railroad stations, 22 oil facilities, 93 water facilities and 69 electrical facilities.

Did you know that 96% of Iraqi children under the age of 5 have received the first 2 series of polio vaccinations?

Did you know that 4.3 million Iraqi children were enrolled in primary school by mid October?

Did you know that there are 1,192,000 cell phone subscribers in Iraq and phone use has gone up 158%?

Did you know that Iraq has an independent media that consists of 75 radio stations, 180 newspapers and 10 television stations?

Did you know that the Baghdad Stock Exchange opened in June of 2004?

Did you know that 2 candidates in the Iraqi presidential election had a televised debate?

OF COURSE WE DIDN'T KNOW! WHY DIDN'T WE KNOW? OUR MEDIA WOULDN'T TELL US!

The lack of accentuating the positive in Iraq serves two purposes. It is intended to undermine the world's perception of the United States, thus minimizing consequent support, and it is intended to discourage American citizens.

Above facts are verifiable on the Department of Defense web site. Pass it on!

Thanks Extreme Wisdom

The GOP and I are back

2005-11-19T21:55:00.000-06:00

Sorry for the long pause in posting. I let my disappointment in the GOP get to me and I lost heart there for a while. Hopefully I'm back. I just got a new job and I'm learning my way around finally. Then there is this, The GOP is fighting back. For the first time in a few years I stayed up late to watch 24/7 news. The GOP in the house got a backbone and really showed to the anti-war left. I was not supprised to not see it in any of the papers, or actually to only find stories about the "angry partisan divide," what partisan divide it was 403-3 in favor of staying the course.

The Chicago Tribune - House Republicans struck back forcefully Friday against a senior Democrat and decorated veteran who reversed his former support for the Iraq war.

I don't expect much more from the tribune, but the GOP needs keepeep this up, and the Senant needs to watch closely and follow.

Liberals vs. Liberals vs. Liberals

2005-11-10T08:48:00.000-06:00

This one is two much to pass up. Follow along if you can!

The liberal blog, Gapers Block, is attacking the Liberal paper of record, NYTs, for its reporting of liberal feminist single women, fighting liberal feminist parents in the very liberal neighborhood of Andersonville.

I was going to first comment on the irony of all of this, but when I see liberals attacking liberals it to much to pass up. I used to live up near Andersonville, so I spent a lot of time up there, I have been to Women and Childern First, The Chicago home to the Hillary Book signing, and I used to go the Taste of Heaven any time Ann Sathers was too busy.
First, the liberal parent in the neighborhood ARE taking over. This area is going through it's second gentrification. Once home to hippies, feminist, and others. It's now home to aging (parenting) hippies, feminist and other liberals. It is no suprise to me that they have very undisciplined children.
Second, does this give the original gentrifiers, the open minded, Hillary lovers, the right to close their nighboor hood to people with a different lifestyle. If it wasn't for the closed minded people in Andersonville, my wife and I would still live up there. Its a very affordable area with a abundance of single family homes. Did they expect them to stay "kid free". We will see who wins out in this one.
Third, does anyone actually expect the NYTs to get the story right. When was the last time a NYTs reporter acually went to Andersonville, Probably to cover the huge crowd Hillary received when she showed up.

To sum up, liberals can't parent, liberals aren't tolerant, liberals can't report. Did I miss anything here?

A better use for those old water tanks.

2005-11-04T07:26:00.000-06:00

We have all seen those old water tanks that are picturesque rooftop structures that originally held water for fire protection and manufacturing needs throughout ChicagoÂs industrial districts. Because building now employ pumps, they no longer need the tanks. What to do, well they had acontestt to find new and interesting ideas.

After recieving proposals from all over the world, Chicagoan Rahman Polk received top honors for his submission that utilizes the water tanks as wind turbines which generate electricity and in turn power LED lights that broadcast webcasts, cultural exhibits, amber alerts and other public service announcements. Polk was awarded a cash prize of $3,500 for his comprehensive design.

The spinning blades would create electricity, and had LED on the tips that would work like those LED signs that look like they arescrollingg. I love it, I have been looking for a loft space that grants roof rights, mostly for a garden and some solar panles, but I havealwaysy loved the look of the old water tanks, an now maybe they will not go away.

Your driver license photo is online

2005-11-02T10:24:00.000-06:00

The Government, that's right, the friendly invader of your privacy has outdone themselves. I an effort to thwart terrorism, or maybe to boost Haliburtan's profits, they have allowed you drivers license picture to be posted online. If you have ever been to a drivers license facility that takes a digital picture of you then your in the system!!! Go to the Drivers License Picture Site and see if your in their database. Let me know if you think of a way to fight this injustice.

And then there was Alito

2005-10-31T07:12:00.000-06:00

President Bush has just nominated Judge Samuel Alito. This is a awesome pick that he should have used the first time, I was really hoping for Owens or Brown, but Alito looks a little more palatable after you read some of his opinions. I have put some of the most important opinions below. Some of these are going to be controversial, but after hearing his nomination speech and the hearings, both the Conservatives and others are going to be in awe.

This nominee is going to be confirmed, so get to know him!

Brief biography

Judge Alito currently serves on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third
Circuit. Prior to his nomination to the Third Circuit by President
George H.W. Bush, he served as U.S. Attorney for the District of New
Jersey (1987-1990), Deputy Assistant Attorney General (1985-1987), and
Assistant to the Solicitor General (1981-1985).

Judge Alito was born in 1950 in Trenton NJ. He attended Princeton
University and Yale Law School. He clerked for Judge Leonard I. Garth
on the Third Circuit.

Useful weblinks

Access a profile of Judge Alito at Law.com

Notable opinions:

A majority opinion in ACLU v. Schundler,
168 F.3d 92 (3d Cir. 1999), holding that the Establishment Clause was
not violated by a city hall holiday display that contained a creche, a
menorah, secular symbols of the season, and a banner proclaiming the
city's dedication to diversity.

A majority opinion in Fatin v. INS, 12 F.3d 1233 (3d Cir. 1993),
holding that an Iranian woman seeking asylum could establish that she
had a well founded fear of persecution in Iran if she could show that
compliance with that country's "gender specific laws and repressive
social norms," such as the requirement that women wear a veil in
public, would be deeply abhorrent to her. Judge Alito also held that
she could establish eligibility for asylum by showing that she would be
persecuted because of gender, belief in feminism, or membership in a
feminist group.

A majority opinion in Saxe v. State College Area School District,
240 F.3d 200 (3d Cir. 2001), striking down as contrary to the First
Amendment a public school district anti-harassment policy that extended
to nonvulgar, non-school-sponsored speech that posed no realistic
threat of substantial disruption of school work.

A majority opinion in Shore Regional High School Board of Education v.
P.S., 381 F.3d 194 (3d Cir. 2004), holding that a school district did
not provide a high school student with a free and appropriate public
education, as required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education
Act, when it failed to protect the student from bullying by fellow
students who taunted the student based on his lack of athleticism and
his perceived sexual orientation.

A majority opinion in Williams v. Price,
343 F.3d 223 (3d Cir. 2003), granting a writ of habeas corpus to an
African-American state prisoner after state courts had refused to
consider the testimony of a witness who stated that a juror had uttered
derogatory remarks about African Americans during an encounter in the
courthouse after the conclusion of the trial.

A dissenting opinion in Planned Parenthood v. Casey, 947 F.2d 682
(3d Cir. 1991), arguing that a Pennsylvania that required women seeking
abortions to inform their husbands should have been upheld. As Judge
Alito reasoned, "[t]he Pennsylvania legislature could have rationally
believed that some married women are initially inclined to obtain an
abortion without their husbands' knowledge because of perceived
problems--such as economic constraints, future plans, or the husbands'
previously expressed opposition--that may be obviated by discussion
prior to the abortion." Chief Justice Rehnquist's dissent from the
Supreme Court's 5-4 [corrected] decision
striking down the spousal notification provision of the law quoted
Judge Alito's dissent and expressed support for Judge Alito's reasoning.

A dissenting opinion in Homar v. Gilbert,
89 F.3d 1009 (3d Cir. 1996) arguing that that a state university did
not violate the procedural due process rights of a campus policeman
when it suspended him without pay and without a prior hearing upon
learning that he had been arrested and charged with drug offenses. The Supreme Court,
which reversed and remanded the case on other grounds, agreed with
Judge Alito's reasoning that no hearing was required prior to the
suspension because the drug charges showed that the suspension was not
baseless.

A dissenting opinion in Sheridan v. Dupont,
74 F.3d 1439 (3d Cir. 1996) (en banc) arguing that a plaintiff in a sex
discrimination case should not inevitably be able to survive summary
judgment simply by casting doubt on the employer's proffer of
legitimate, nondiscriminatory reasons for the adverse employment
decision.

Public Reaction to Libby Indictments Is Low Key

2005-10-30T19:24:00.000-06:00

According to a CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll conducted this past weekend, less than half of the American public believes former senior White House aide I. Lewis Libby Jr. did anything illegal in the matter for which he was indicted; a majority says the controversy involving him is an isolated incident rather than symptomatic of low ethics at the White House.

Largest Gas Price Decline in History

2005-10-24T13:37:00.000-05:00

In the past 2 (two) weeks gas prices have had the biggest decline in 50 years. This drop is the biggest in the Lundberg Survey's history.

The Oct. 21 level is just 3 cents above what it was on August 26, two days before Katrina rampaged along the Gulf Coast, damaging many of the refineries there, Lundberg said.
With Hurricane Wilma far from the refinery-rich region, Lundberg predicted "a lot more price cutting" at the pump.

With the thousands of "news" stories written during the increase in prices, lets see how many of the MSM will cover (for days on end) the drop in prices.

P.S. This story was buried deep @ money.com

Air America nonexistent in NY

2005-10-21T07:29:00.000-05:00

I can seem to find the number for Chicago but, Air America is nonexistent in the most liberal city in America. I suppose this is because Liberal Americans can just get all the Bush bashing they want by picking up a NYTs or turning on the MSM.

Air America, the liberal talk network carried on WWRC-AM (1260), went from bad to nonexistent. After WWRC recorded a mere fraction of a rating point in the spring with syndicated shows from the likes of lefty talkers Al Franken, Janeane Garofalo and Stephanie Miller, Arbitron couldn't detect a measurable listenership for the station this time around.

The Unspoken Abortion Debate

2005-10-19T12:49:00.000-05:00

While most of the political country is focused on how Meires is going to vote on Roe, it was refreshing to read this piece on the effects of (not)aborting children with down Syndrome. It is important to remember that these abortions kill real people, and in the cases that selfish people abort children with Down syndrome, we are all worst off. People with disabilities are wonderful people that add joy and depth to the lives they touch. We all live in a worse-off society when these people are taken from us.

The story above is a must read, it asks: "why do we as a society view abortion as justified and unremarkable in the case of children with disabilities?"

It hard to imagine, but due to prenatal testing and abortion, some studies estimate 80 to 90 percent of prenatal diagnoses that indicate that a child has Down Syndrom result in an abortion. 80% to 90%!

And just to throw some political irony in here, I can't stop thinking about how many liberals fight for the rights of people with disabilities, and continue the fight to ensure that they have the right end the life of a baby with Down syndrome.

I leave you with the following story from the article, that I feel happens all to often around the Country

At a dinner party not long ago, I was seated next to the director of an Ivy League ethics program. In answer to another guest's question, he said he believes that prospective parents have a moral obligation to undergo prenatal testing and to terminate their pregnancy to avoid bringing forth a child with a disability, because it was immoral to subject a child to the kind of suffering he or she would have to endure. (When I started to pipe up about our family's experience, he smiled politely and turned to the lady on his left.

I have always felt that the abortion debate is all about knowledge. As people learned that a "fetus" is alive people became more pro-life, as they read stories like this and learn what joy people with disabilities can add to society, maybe they will make the right "Choice", and we won't have to worry about "Roe"

Bush gets tough on immigration

2005-10-19T12:19:00.000-05:00

In a signing ceremony authorizing the 32 Billion Homeland security budget, President Bush stepped-up his push for immigration reform saying:

We've got to stop people from coming here in the first place.
Secondly, we must improve our ability to find and apprehend illegal immigrants who've made it across the border. If somebody is here illegally, we've got to do everything we can to find them.
Thirdly, we've got to work to ensure that those who are caught are returned to their home countries as soon as possible.

I would think that this is just talk, but Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff promised Tuesday to end the "catch and release" policy that has allowed tens of thousands of non-Mexican illegal aliens to disappear within the United States.

"Return every single illegal entrant -- no exceptions," Chertoff said in prepared testimony to a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on proposals to overhaul the immigration system.

Sound like they are finally taking boarder control seriously

Today Show scripts the news

2005-10-14T09:05:00.000-05:00

The Today show really out did them selves today. Like all the MSM they are hypping the made-up story about the troop video conference. They ran the story that all the MSM are leading with today, about how the troops got prepped before they went on a video conference with the president. NO SHIT!!! On every interview on every TV show all over the world, people get prepped. Nobody want to look like a fool speaking to their commander in chief, they are going to be prepped. That doesn't mean that there answers were fake, but the media didn't like the answers, so they have to discredit format.

Then in an sorry attempt to stage a shot, the horrible (reporter?) Katie Couric puts a reporter in a canoe. This is supposed to show the flooding in New England this week. This is a dramatic shot until the illusion is ruined by two people walking in front of her in the ankle deep water.

Come on people, report the real stories (the Iraq Election), don't make them up.

SUV make the EPA's MPG top 10 list

2005-10-13T15:07:00.000-05:00

The Ford Escape Hybrid is the first SUV to make the EPA's "Most fuel efficient cars" list. With SUVs getting more efficient and receiving hybrid engines. I wonder how long the "soft green" environmentalists will continue to demonize them. Further down the list you will also find the Lexus RX 400h and Toyota's Highlander Hybrid. These SUVs are all ranked above all non-diesel, non-hybrid "hippy" cars.

Iraq news to get really bad

2005-10-13T14:54:00.000-05:00

With the Iraq election coming up this weekend, expect the news media to cover every little explosion. Media Research Center has found that even prior to this election, 61% has focused on negative topics like car bombings. Expect closer to 90% this weekend.

Laura Ingraham coming to Chicago

2005-10-11T09:56:00.000-05:00

The New Trier Republican Organization has announced that Laura Ingraham will be the keynotespeaker for their annual Dinneree.

Come on out, donate to a good cause, have a good dinner, meet good republicans, and hear to what Laura has to say.

Sunday, October, 16th, 2005

Allgauer's (Hilton)
28855 N. Milwaukee
Northbrook, IL (sorry)

$150 per person
847 251-6100

Miers is a Threat to a Dream

2005-10-08T21:26:00.000-05:00

No one has anything against her, but the idea that one is supposed to sacrifice both intellectual distinction and philosophical clarity at the same time is just ridiculous.

Washington Post:

Ari Fleischer in Chicago

2005-10-04T19:56:00.000-05:00

RJC Chicago Chapter

Is proud to present

Ari Fleischer
Former White House Press Secretary
and RJC Board Member

"An Insiders View on the Events and Issues
Affecting the US and the World Today"

Sunday, October 9, 11:45 am

Renaissance North Shore Hotel
933 Skokie Blvd.
Northbrook, IL 60062

To RSVP or arrange transportation, please contact:
Dr. Michael Menis at
Michaelmenis@Hotmail.com or
815-459-7400

No Charge for RJC members & students
$15 for non-members
Check or credit card payment

Justice Harriet Miers

2005-10-03T15:27:00.000-05:00

Well here she is, Justice Harriet Miers. I don't yet know what to think. While I would like to trust president Bush. I have been waiting 6 long years for these picks, and I won't know what what kind of judiciary my kids will have to grow up with for at lease a year or more.
I do know 1 thing. From now on, if you want a libertarian Justis, that you have to elect Libertarians. We can't trust "conservative Republicans" to shrink the government or to apoint strict construtionalist.
It's a sad day!

Typical Red Chicago Tribune

2005-10-02T10:00:00.000-05:00

This isn't really Bog worthy, Last stand in the Arctic, except that I knew that with a slow news cycle yesterday, I knew that the Red Chicago Tribune would highlight some extremely liberal front page feature.

I was dead on! What can I say? I'm know these people.

By 3-to-1 Public Sees Liberal Over Conservative News Media Bias

2005-10-02T09:58:00.000-05:00

People are getting it!!! More support for my long held beleif that the media is loosing its power. A new Gallup poll shows thatby 3-to-1 the public sees Liberal News Media Bias. I haven't heard this all over the MSM news shows, like all the other Bush bashing polls of recent.

Bill Bennett on Bill Bennett's Remarks

2005-09-30T16:02:00.000-05:00

"On Wednesday, a caller to my radio show proposed the idea that one good argument for the pro-life position would be that if we didn't have abortions, Social Security would be solvent. I stated my doubts about such a thesis, as well as my opposition to such a form of argument (the audio of the call is available at my Website: bennettmornings.com).

"I then stated that such extrapolations of this argument can cut both ways, and cited the current bestseller, Freakonomics, which discusses the authors' thesis that abortion reduces crime.

"Then, putting my philosophy professor's hat on, I went on to reveal the limitations of such arguments by showing the absurdity in another such argument, along the same lines. I entertained what law school professors call 'the Socratic method' and what I would hope good social science professors still use in their seminars. In so doing, I suggested a hypothetical analogy while at the same time saying the proposition I was using about blacks and abortion was 'impossible, ridiculous, and morally reprehensible,' just to ensure those who would have any doubt about what they were hearing, or for those who tuned in to the middle of the conversation.

Goodbye Anti-American Museum

2005-09-28T19:43:00.000-05:00

Thank you Gov. Pataki. This "museum" had no place in the 911 memorial.

Earth to Obama

2005-09-23T07:26:00.000-05:00

In a speech Saturday at a Harvard Law School event, Obama said the president should be held accountable for fixing the problems of poverty the hurricane brought to light.

Somebody call Obama and let him know that he is a senator now, that its his job to "fix" poverty. Then remind him that anti-poverty spending is up 42% under president Bush. At least Obama has some ideas, and not just complaints, like so many others. Ex:

And we should make New Orleans a model for what is possible. Why not take every young man and woman in the 9th Ward who didn't have a job and train them in environmental cleanup? And then train them in construction. And don't rebuild the schools. They weren't teaching our children to compete. Let's give teachers bonuses to go down there and teach excellence.

I'm in Environmental clean up, what is Obama trying to do, kill off some of the 9th ward, thats what will happen, then he will blame Bush and give the survivors some cash. Then have him ask the Unions if they like the idea of "every man in the 9th ward being trained in construction," but the Dems will probable require that they join the unions and pay their dues, to both the Dems and the Union.

Save Marshall Field's

2005-09-22T07:47:00.000-05:00

keepitfields.org :: save Marshall Field's

Boycott Macy's (and Field's)

2005-09-21T08:13:00.000-05:00

Starting right now I urge all midwesterners to Boycott Macy's by not shopping in any federated store, including Fields and Bloomingdale's. I kow many people will be tempted to go to fields over Christmas, I know I will wan't one last trip. That why we have to start now, if we can put pressure on Federated before the holidays, maybe we can get this reversed before we have to say goodby.

Another Louisiana Money Making Opportunity...

2005-09-20T15:07:00.000-05:00

For Sale

Over 200 Unused Buses

Recently Hydro Tested
Some Come With Optional Aligator

Contact Ray Nagin
New Orleans, LA

Top 9 Prime Cuts recommendations

2005-09-19T07:40:00.000-05:00

Looking for 9 sure fire way to pay for at least some of the Katrena rebuilding, without tax increases. Look at the Citizens Against Government Waste, Prime Cuts recommendations. They only list Pork-Barrel spending in general. But the Highway bill was loaded with pork, $24 billion of it. That's a lot of new houses. People are now saying, give the pork to New Orleans, and local governments are responding.

New Orleans Strip Club Ready to Dance

2005-09-16T07:40:00.000-05:00

Back to work at this New Orleans Strip Club.

"There's no water for the 'wash the girl of your choice' service and there aren't any girls either, but Big Daddy's strip club on New Orleans' Bourbon Street is getting ready to bring back erotic spectacle to the devastated city."

Fourth Day of Hearings on the Nomination of Judge Roberts - Schumer

2005-09-16T07:14:00.000-05:00

I thought Schumer speech here was very moving. Its to bad that this alone isn't was Chuck is looking for in a judge. He goes on the say that because he doesn't know how Judge Roberts "feels" about issues, he has serious concerns. The only reason I can think of for why these democrats don't believe Roberts when he says that he will judge issues on the law and now on his personal feelings, is that Schumer, Feinstein, Dick(head)Durbin and Kennedy have been putting their personal feeling ahead of their constuents for many years.

And I thought I'd share with you the thoughts of some of us with important questions. There are pros and cons. On the pro side, first of all, is your brilliance. You have an amazing knowledge of the law. You spent three days here talking of so many aspects of it without any paper in front of you, without a single aide coming over and whispering in your ear or passing you a note.

Your knowledge of law and the way you present it is a tour de force. You may very well possess the most powerful intellect of any person to come before the Senate for this position.

Second on the pro side is that you seem to be a lawyer above all. You've devoted your entire life to the law and it's clear that you love it.

Most people in that position tend not to be ideologues. They'll follow the law wherever it takes them regardless of the consequences, and you have repeatedly professed that to be true for you. But given that you spent most of your legal life representing others and your limited tenure on the court of appeals didn't allow you to rule on very many non-technical cases, there's not a long enough track record to prove that point.

The third, and perhaps the most important, at least to me, is your judicial philosophy and modesty and stability. Such a theory respects precedent, the Congress and other judges' opinions. Modest jurists tend not to be ideologues. And many of us on this side of the aisle would like the court to maintain -- and in cases related to the commerce clause like Morrison increase -- its modesty."

The 7 wonders of Chicago

2005-09-15T07:56:00.000-05:00

Here are your choices for the Seven Wonders of Chicago:

First wonder (26,231 votes):
The Lakefront

Second wonder (19,718 votes):
Wrigley Field

Third wonder (18,800 votes):
The "L"

Fourth wonder (17,957 votes):
Sears Tower

Fifth wonder (17,747 votes):
The Water Tower

Sixth wonder (17,004 votes):
University of Chicago

Seventh wonder (16,962 votes):
Museum of Science and Industry

The voting results for the other nominees:

Eighth place (15,039 votes):
Chicago River

Ninth place (13,511 votes):
Millennium Park

Thirteenth place (8,273 votes):
Lower Wacker Drive

Third Day of Hearings on the Nomination of Judge Roberts - Durbin's questions

2005-09-15T07:03:00.000-05:00

DURBIN: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, and thank you for your fairness.

Judge Roberts, good to see you again.

Mrs. Roberts, friends and family.

Yesterday and again today, you've continued to prove your legal talents. I remember law students with your talents when I was in law school. I had to get to know them in the first year, because they were then off to the law review and I was off to buy another Gilbert's outline. I didn't see them again.

But today, I've noticed the questions have changed some. The questions now are more -- they've gone beyond your resume and beyond your legal skills. And I think it relates to the fact that so frequently, when asked, you have said, appropriately, that you will be driven and inspired by the rule of law, which is an appropriate term, but a hard and cold term by itself.

We know you have the great legal mind and have proven it with the questions here. But the questions that have been asked more and more today really want to know what's in your heart. And I think those are appropriate. When you look down from the bench or read a trial transcript, do you just see plaintiffs and parties and precedents, or more?

Do you see the people behind the precedents? The families behind the footnotes? I think that's what many of us are driving at with these questions.

You've lived a comfortable life. Court cases often involve people who have not. Many times contests between the powerful and the powerless, as someone said in the opening statement, the powerless, just with the rule of law and the Constitution on their side, praying for relief, for their day in court.

Aside from a few pro bono cases, as important as they are -- and I salute you for being involved in them -- what would the powerless, the disenfranchised, minorities and others see in your life experience that would lead them to believe that they would have a fighting chance in your court?

ROBERTS: : Well, Senator, I think there are many things that people could look to.

ROBERTS: : You said I had a comfortable life. I think that's a fair characterization. I had a middle-class upbringing in Indiana. As part of that, I worked in the steel mills outside of Gary during the summers as soon as I was old enough to do that and throughout my life have been exposed to and mixed with at school, learned and played with people of a wide variety of backgrounds. Comfortable, yes. But isolated in no sense. I was, I would say, a typical middle class kid growing up in Indiana and had, I think, a great upbringing. I was privileged in the sense of having my parents and sisters contributing to my upbringing and education. And I think people looking at my life would see someone in that experience -- and, obviously, with limitations.

I wasn't raised in other places in the country and might have a different perspective if I were. I wasn't raised in different circumstances and would have different experiences if I were.

As you look at the Supreme Court, the people on there come from widely different backgrounds and experiences and I think that's a healthy thing. But as far as someone going into court, and looking too see why they would expect to get a fair hearing from me, I think -- and I could answer this with respect to the court I'm on now.

DURBIN: Yes, please.

ROBERTS: : It's hard for me to imagine what their case is about, that I haven't been on their side at some point in my career. If it's somebody who's representing welfare recipients who have had their benefits cut off, I've done that. If it's somebody who is representing a criminal defendant who's facing a long sentence in prison, I've done that. If it's a prosecutor who's doing his job to defend society's interest against criminals, I've been on the side of the prosecution. If it's somebody who's representing environmental interests, environmentalists in the Supreme Court, I've done that. If it's somebody who is representing the plaintiffs in an anti- trust case, I've been in that person's shoes.

ROBERTS: I've done that. If it's somebody representing a defendant in any trust case, I've done that as well. It's one of the, I think, great benefits of the opportunity I've had to practice law as I have is that it has not been a specialized practice. I've not just represented one side or the other. I've represented all of those interests. And I think those people will know that I have had their perspective. I've been on the other side of the podium with a case just like theirs. And that should, I hope -- and I hope it does now -- encourage them that I will be fair and that I will decide the case according to law but I will have seen it from their perspective.

DURBIN: So let me follow through on that because I think that's what people need to hear. But we need to apply it to your real-life and legal experiences. Let me talk to you about a case that you were a private attorney and involved in. Today, there are about 45 million uninsured people in America. Too often, Americans with insurance can't receive coverage for medically necessary procedures and have to fight the insurance companies. In my home state of Illinois we have a law called the Illinois Health Maintenance Organization Act. I think you're familiar with it. It provides that if a patient's primary care physicians deems a proposed procedure to be medically necessary but their HMO disagrees and denies coverage for the procedure, the patient may have the HMO's decision reviewed by an outside physician, the determination of that outside physician binding on the HMO. You challenged this law on behalf of an HMO that refused to pay $95,000 for the shoulder surgery of Debra Moran of my state of Illinois. Case went to the Supreme Court in 2002. You argued for Rush Prudential and you argued they weren't subject to the Illinois law and the governing HMOs because you said they weren't really an insurance company. You claimed that since the HMO was not providing health care, but merely a promise to pay for health care, it was exempt. Thankfully, from my point of view, you lost the case. If you had won it it would have put millions of American consumers and families at risk of losing coverage for necessary health care. Judge Roberts, did you have any reservations about taking this case?

ROBERTS: No, Senator, I did not. The result in the case, I did lose. I lost 5-4 if I'm remembering correctly. In other words, four of the justices on the Supreme Court thought the argument I was making on behalf of my client was correct. It has always been my position that I do not sit in judgment other than once I have satisfied myself that the legal arguments are reasonable ones, within the mainstream, if you will, that I don't decide whether that's the way I would rule as a judge or whether I would rule the other way. My practice has been to take the cases that come to me and if the other side in that case had come to me first I would have taken their side.

DURBIN: So you didn't step back at any point in your practice and say, No, I'm not going to do this; I can't be associated with a case or cause even though it may be legal and ethical that might cause so much harm to so many innocent people ?

ROBERTS: That's a judgment for the legal system to make, asserting legal rights. Lawyers aren't judges when they're representing clients. They don't sit there and say -- well, maybe some do, I don't. I think it's a basic fundamental principle of the legal system and the bar that you take clients who have reasonable arguments -- now, I'm not talking about frivolous arguments. I don't take cases in which those are raised. But the lawyers aren't the judges. The judges are. Now the case you mentioned, you've explained the arguments on one side, there were legal arguments on the other side. And four justices agreed with those. This isn't an extreme case when it's decided 5-4. And that's one of the very point I was making earlier; that I take cases on all sides of the issue.

ROBERTS: You can go through and find cases. For example, when I was asked to assist an inmate on Florida's death row, I didn't step back and say: Well, is this really a good thing for me to assist this individual guilty of -- convicted of particular murders? I took the case. IN the various pro bono activities in which my firm was involved, I didn't sit in judgment and say: Is that something I agree with? Is it not something I agree with? I was a lawyer involved in that area of the law and I felt it my obligation to take the cases that come in.

DURBIN: Many of the organizations that oppose your nomination represent minorities in America. You have the distinction of being opposed by LULAC. This, of course, is the first time this Hispanic organization has ever opposed a Supreme Court nominee. You're also opposed by MALDF. I personally think that their feelings go beyond the comment, illegal amigos, that you talked about yesterday. And I want to point you to one particular area that they find troubling when I speak to them and I find troubling, and it goes back to the case of Plyler v. Doe: 1982, Supreme Court case held it unconstitutional to deny elementary education to children on the basis of their immigration status. It was a Texas case. The court struck down the Texas law and allowed elementary schools 23 years ago to refuse entrance to undocumented children, struck down the law that allowed the schools to refuse entrance. On the day the case was decided -- and I think the timing is important here, because it appears to be kind of a gratuitous comment; it isn't as if you were asked for an opinion. On the day it was decided, you co-authored a memo that criticizes solicitor's general's office for failing to file a brief supporting the Texas law, which would have refused education to these children. Your memo disagreed with the administration's position on the case, so it isn't as if you were arguing the Reagan administration's position. They had taken a different position on the case. Can you describe your involvement in the case, and I guess more importantly, can you describe now how you feel about this today 23 years later -- I'll just finish and I'll leave you the time you need to answer -- when the largest, fastest growing segment of America's population is Hispanic; when the major Hispanic organizations feel that this showed real insensitivity to who they were and what their children needed? Can you explain that memo that really wasn't part of the Reagan agenda? Why did you say this?

ROBERTS: Well, I think, Senator, if I'm remembering the memo, and it was 23 years ago, and the case that was decided was, I believe, again, a divided decision by the Supreme Court, if I'm remembering the memo correctly, it was making the point that the position was inconsistent with the attorney general's litigation policy approach, if that's the right memorandum.

DURBIN: It is.

ROBERTS: Well, in that case, again, as a staff lawyer I thought it was my obligation to call to the attorney general's attention activities in the department that I thought were inconsistent with what he had articulated as his approach. And that's what I would have been doing in that case. And, again, it would have been apparently supporting the state of Texas in its legislative determination in that area.

DURBIN: Well, did you agree with the decision now -- or, pardon me, then? Or do you agree with it now?

ROBERTS: I haven't looked at the decision in Plyler v. Doe in 23 years, Senator. And there's nothing gratuitous about the memorandum. It obviously came out because the decision came out. That would have been why I was advising the attorney general with respect to it. Obviously, the importance of the availability of education for all is vital. That's a different question than the legal issues involved in whether a state law should be struck down...

DURBIN: So let me say this. Twenty-three years later, millions of children have benefited from this decision. They have been educated in America. Many have gone on to become citizens. Some are business people, some are professionals, some are serving in our military today because Plyler was decided in a way that you apparently disagreed with 23 years ago. So my question to you, for the Hispanic groups that oppose your candidacy at this point -- or your nomination, I should say -- what is your feeling? Is this settled law, as far as you are concerned, about our commitment in education...

ROBERTS: Senator, as I said, I have not looked at the decision in Plyler v. Doe in 23 years. It's not an area that I focused on. And the issue is not my policy view about what is a good idea for educational policy or national policy or whether what the Texas legislators determined was a good idea for Texas policy. The question was a particular legal issue. And, again, the Supreme Court was divided on that, so it's not as if we're talking about a position outside the mainstream. And what I was explaining, this was viewed, as the memo states, if it were looked at in full, it was something that I thought was inconsistent with what I understood the attorney general's approach to be, and it was my job to call that to his attention, which is what I did.

DURBIN: OK. I think you have accurately taken refuge in the fact that you were working for someone. The fact that this memo came out the day after the decision I think is an important circumstance. But let me go back to the beginning, the first question, the first day, with Senator Specter. Wouldn't it be a jolt to the system in America if we decided that we would no longer offer education to these children?

ROBERTS: Of course. Well, of course, Senator.

DURBIN: And so...

ROBERTS: And the decision in Plyler is a precedent of the court. I don't think -- I'm not aware that it's been called into question in the intervening 23 years that have passed since the time I wrote those two paragraphs in the memo. And that, as a precedent, is entitled to respect under principles of stare decisis. And it's something that is where I would begin if an issue arose in this area. I'm not aware that any is arising in this area, but if an issue were to arise, that's where I would begin...

DURBIN: I just think millions of Americans would like to have heard you say, I think it's a good idea. I'm glad we did it for America. But if you can't say it, you can't.

ROBERTS: Well, Senator, if I could just make the point that the issue is not whether or not I thought it was a good idea. That's not the job of a lawyer presenting legal advice and legal -- the legal implications of an issue to his boss, the attorney general.

ROBERTS: He wasn't interested in whether I thought it was a good idea or not. He was interested in the legal question of whether or not this was consistent with his policy and his approach. That's not taking refuge; that's explaining the circumstances of a memorandum. And it's not avoiding an expression about whether it's a good idea or not. It's explaining that what we're dealing with...

DURBIN: But you've been unequivocal in your statement supporting Brown v. Board of Education. No one has suggested, in any respectful way, that we should return to the bad old days of separate but equal. I mean, you've accepted that's part of America. And the point I'm trying to make to you is whether we're talking about millions of uninsured people or millions of Hispanic children, I would think that it would be a basic value, you'd say, this is good for America, for people to have insurance, and bad for them to be denied. It is good for America to see children with education, rather than to see them in the streets, ignorant. It seems so fundamental.

ROBERTS: Senator, I don't think you want judges who will decide cases before them under the law on what they think is good -- simply good policy for America. There are legal questions there. And I'm sure there are clients that I have represented in court that you would agree with; you would say, That's the right side of the cause to be on, whether it's the environmental interests I represented in the Tahoe case, whether it's the welfare recipients I represented pro bono in the Bivens case, whether it's the cause of the inmate on death row that I assisted in in Florida, whether it's the environmental interest in Glacier Bay that I represented or in the Grand Canyon on a pro bono basis. I am sure I could go down my list of clients and find clients that you would say, That's the right side. That's the cause of justice. And there are others with whom you'd disagree. My point is simply this, that in representing clients, in serving as a lawyer, it's not my job to decide whether that's a good idea or a bad idea. The job of the lawyer is to articulate the legal arguments on behalf of the client.

DURBIN: I'm just trying to get to the bottom line about your values. And if it is strictly a question about whether this is a legal and ethical legal question, or an ethical legal question, that can be contested, then there are many positions you can take in the law. Some I wouldn't be comfortable with. Some you may not be comfortable with.

DURBIN: Let me ask you one other question. Senators Coburn and Brownback have, I think, sincerely and accurately expressed their views on the issue of abortion. I think they have been very articulate in saying so. Many would argue that it's one of the most divisive legal and political issues we faced in our generation. I would like to ask you this question: Why do you think this issue is so important to so many women in America -- the whole question of Roe v. Wade, the question of reproductive freedom and the question of freedom of choice? Why do you think it's so important?

ROBERTS: Well, I think it's important -- and again, to women on both sides of the issue, and also, I think, to men as well, but obviously it's an issue that directly affects women. It's a fundamental question, as the court has addressed in Roe and in Casey, that obviously affects the lives, directly, of millions of Americans, and the availability of rights under that decision affects women. But I know there are people who have strongly held views on both sides of the issue. And I know that the responsibility of a judge confronting this issue is to decide the case according to the rule of law consistent with the precedents; not to take sides in a dispute as a matter of policy, but to decide it according to the law. And your questions earlier about, you know, causes we agree with, causes we don't agree with -- I do want to emphasize that there is a unifying theme in my approach, both as a lawyer and as a judge. And that is the cause that I believe in passionately, the one to which I have devoted my professional career, is the vindication of the rule of law. And I tried to explain in my opening statement on Monday why that's important: Because, without it, any other rights that you may agree with as a matter of policy are meaningless. You need to have courts that will enforce the rule of law if you're going to have rights that mean anything.

DURBIN: I'm running out of time, but I do want to give you an opportunity. Last night, I passed a memo along to you relative to the Bob Jones University case. I don't know if you've had a chance to look at it and can tell me whether that is your handwriting on that memo, whether you were, in fact, in a meeting involving the Bob Jones University decision with the Reagan administration.

DURBIN: Did you provide any input in the meeting or have any conversations with Justice Department personnel about the case?

ROBERTS: It is my handwriting. It's a list -- it's apparently a meeting to discuss a number of civil rights issues -- six of them, I see. I did not participate in any way in the Bob Jones case. That was apparently discussed, according to this memo, at the meeting. The recusal rule that was at issue says that I shouldn't participate by way of consultation or advice, and I did not.

DURBIN: Thank you for clarifying that. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Second Day of Hearings on the Nomination of Judge Roberts - Dick(head) Durbin

2005-09-14T17:39:00.000-05:00

DURBIN: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Judge Roberts, Mrs. Roberts, family and friends, the end is near, at least for this leg of the race.

Welcome to Night Court.

(LAUGHTER)

I was struck by a question and answer by Senator Grassley to you earlier today. The question was this: Is there any room in constitutional interpretation for the judge's own values or beliefs? And your response: No, I don't think there is. Sometimes it's hard to give meaning to a constitutional term in a particular case, but you don't look to your own values and beliefs. You look outside yourself, to other sources.

Judge Roberts, I recently finished a book about Justice Blackmun and his service on the Supreme Court, and it was a fascinating book about his life on the court and his life in the federal judiciary.

And I found it interesting that near the end of his term on the court, a couple cases occurred which really spoke to the heart of the man. One was DeShaney v. Winnebago County, a poor little boy who had been beaten and abused, left retarded, by dereliction of duty by many of the county officials or state officials in Wisconsin in an effort by his mother to hold them accountable.

And they failed in the Supreme Court, but Justice Blackmun wrote a dissent, which he prefaced, Poor Joshua. And he said at one point, in response to someone who wrote him afterwards about the court, Sometimes we overlook the individual's concern, the fact that these are live human beings that are so deeply and terribly affected by our decisions.

The other thing that occurred in Blackmun's legal career, his judicial career, was a real change in his view on the death penalty. And I think most of us are aware of the famous statement which he made: From this day forward, I no longer shall tinker with the machinery of death.

DURBIN: The last case that he voted with the majority">Second Day of Hearings on the Nomination of Judge Roberts - New York Times: "DURBIN: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Judge Roberts, Mrs. Roberts, family and friends, the end is near, at least for this leg of the race.

Welcome to Night Court.

(LAUGHTER)

I was struck by a question and answer by Senator Grassley to you earlier today. The question was this: Is there any room in constitutional interpretation for the judge's own values or beliefs? And your response: No, I don't think there is. Sometimes it's hard to give meaning to a constitutional term in a particular case, but you don't look to your own values and beliefs. You look outside yourself, to other sources.

Judge Roberts, I recently finished a book about Justice Blackmun and his service on the Supreme Court, and it was a fascinating book about his life on the court and his life in the federal judiciary.

And I found it interesting that near the end of his term on the court, a couple cases occurred which really spoke to the heart of the man. One was DeShaney v. Winnebago County, a poor little boy who had been beaten and abused, left retarded, by dereliction of duty by many of the county officials or state officials in Wisconsin in an effort by his mother to hold them accountable.

And they failed in the Supreme Court, but Justice Blackmun wrote a dissent, which he prefaced, Poor Joshua. And he said at one point, in response to someone who wrote him afterwards about the court, Sometimes we overlook the individual's concern, the fact that these are live human beings that are so deeply and terribly affected by our decisions.

The other thing that occurred in Blackmun's legal career, his judicial career, was a real change in his view on the death penalty. And I think most of us are aware of the famous statement which he made: From this day forward, I no longer shall tinker with the machinery of death.

DURBIN: The last case that he voted with the majority"

Roberts Confirmation Transcripts - Dick(head) Durbin's opening comments

2005-09-14T10:24:00.000-05:00

DURBIN: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Judge Roberts, welcome to you, your family. Congratulations on your nomination.

The committee hearing began with the chairman telling us that you had shared the wisdom of 47 individual senators by visiting their office, some of them on several different occasions.

And many people believe that that fact alone should earn you confirmation before the United States Senate.

Twelve years ago, at the nomination hearing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, my friend Illinois Senator Paul Simon said something worth repeating. He said to the nominee, and I quote, You face a much harsher judge than this committee. That's the judgment of history. And that judgment is likely to revolve around one question: Did you restrict freedom or did you expand it?

I think Senator Simon put his finger on how the United States Senate should evaluate a nominee for a lifetime appointment to the federal bench.

Judge Roberts, if you're confirmed, you will be the first Supreme Court justice in the 21st century. The basic question is this: Will you restrict the personal freedoms we enjoy as Americans or will you expand them?

When we met in my office many weeks ago, I gave you a biography of a judge I admire greatly. His name was Frank Johnson, a federal district judge from Alabama and a life-long Republican.

Fifty years ago, following the arrest of Rosa Parks, Judge Johnson ruled that African-Americans of Montgomery, Alabama, were acting within their constitutional rights when they organized a boycott of the buses and that Martin Luther King Jr. and others could march from Selma to Montgomery. As a result of those decisions, the Ku Klux Klan branded Johnson th">LancasterOnline.com: Roberts Confirmation Transcripts 8 of 10: "DURBIN: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Judge Roberts, welcome to you, your family. Congratulations on your nomination.

The committee hearing began with the chairman telling us that you had shared the wisdom of 47 individual senators by visiting their office, some of them on several different occasions.

And many people believe that that fact alone should earn you confirmation before the United States Senate.

Twelve years ago, at the nomination hearing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, my friend Illinois Senator Paul Simon said something worth repeating. He said to the nominee, and I quote, You face a much harsher judge than this committee. That's the judgment of history. And that judgment is likely to revolve around one question: Did you restrict freedom or did you expand it?

I think Senator Simon put his finger on how the United States Senate should evaluate a nominee for a lifetime appointment to the federal bench.

Judge Roberts, if you're confirmed, you will be the first Supreme Court justice in the 21st century. The basic question is this: Will you restrict the personal freedoms we enjoy as Americans or will you expand them?

When we met in my office many weeks ago, I gave you a biography of a judge I admire greatly. His name was Frank Johnson, a federal district judge from Alabama and a life-long Republican.

Fifty years ago, following the arrest of Rosa Parks, Judge Johnson ruled that African-Americans of Montgomery, Alabama, were acting within their constitutional rights when they organized a boycott of the buses and that Martin Luther King Jr. and others could march from Selma to Montgomery. As a result of those decisions, the Ku Klux Klan branded Johnson the most hated man in America. Wooden crosses were burned on his lawn. He received so many death threats that his family was under constant federal protection from 1961 to 1975.

Judge Frank Johnson was denounced as a judicial activist and threatened with impeachment.

He had the courage to expand freedom in America.

Judge Roberts, I hope that you agree America must never return to those days of discrimination and limitations on our freedom.

Now, some of the memos you wrote that I talked to you about in my office many, many years ago in the Reagan administration have raised some serious concerns about where you stand on civil rights, on women's rights, concerns that have led some of the most respected civil rights groups in America to openly oppose your nomination.

So it's important for you at this hearing to answer the questions and to tell us your views on civil rights and equality and the role of courts in protecting these basic freedoms.

This hearing is your opportunity to clarify the record, to explain your views.

We can't assume that time or maturity has changed your thinking from those Reagan-era memos.

The refusal of the White House to disclose documents on 16 specific cases you wrote as deputy solicitor general denied this committee more contemporary expressions of your values.

Only your testimony before this committee can convince us that John Roberts of 2005 will be a truly impartial and open-minded chief justice.

Concerns have also been raised about some of the things you wrote relative to the right of privacy.

We've gone through Griswold. We know what that Supreme Court decision meant in 1965, 40 years ago, when the court struck down the Connecticut statute which made it a crime for married couples to buy and use birth control. They said there was a fundamental right of privacy in that Constitution, though you can search every word of it, and not find the word privacy. But it's far from settled law in the minds of many. Forty years later, there have been new efforts to restrict the right of privacy, attempts to impose gag rules on doctors when they speak to their patients about family planning.

You saw it in the sad debate over the tragedy of Terri Schiavo, a debate that led some members of Congress to threaten judges who disagree with their point of view with impeachment.

And you can find it in the eagerness to authorize the government to pry into our financial records, medical records and library records.

Whether the court continues to recognize and protect America's right to privacy will have a profound impact on every American from birth to death.

In your early writings that we have to rely on here, you referred to this right of privacy as an abstraction. We need to know if that's what you believe.

We also need to hear your views on another basic issue and that is the view on executive power. They don't teach this subject much in law school. It's not tested on any bar exam. It's not been a major focus in many Supreme Court hearings, yet it is very important today.

Some aspects of your record, your early record, when you were an attorney for a president, suggest you might be overly deferential to the executive branch. We need to know where you stand.

Throughout history, during times of war, presidents have tried to restrict liberty in the name of security. The Supreme Court has always been the guardian of our Constitution. It's usually been up to the task but sometimes it's failed such as in the notorious Korematsu decision.

We're being tested again. Will we stand by our Constitution in this age of terrorism? That challenge will fall especially on our Supreme Court and on you, Judge Roberts, if you're confirmed.

We also need to know what you think about religious liberty. Over the past few decades, the Supreme Court has maintained a delicate yet what I believe proper balance between church and state. Justice Sandra Day O'Connor said it so well in the recent Ten Commandments decision.

And I quote, At a time when we see around the world the violent consequences of the assumption of religious authority by government, Americans may count themselves fortunate. Our regard for constitutional boundaries has protected us from similar travails while allowing private religious exercise to flourish.

Those who would renegotiate the boundaries between church and state must answer a difficult question: Why would we trade a system that has served us so well for one that has served others so poorly? I asked you a question when you came by to see me, which I'm not sure either one of us could answer at that moment.

I asked you: Who has the burden of proof at this hearing? Do you have the burden to prove that you are a person worthy thing of a lifetime appointment before the Supreme Court or do we have the burden to prove that President Bush was wrong in selecting you?

Your position as Supreme Court justice, chief justice, gives you extraordinary power: to appoint 11 judges on the FISA court, which has the authority to issue warrants for searches and wiretaps of American citizens, all the way to the establishment of rules of criminal and civil procedure.

No one has the right to sit on that court. No one has the right to be chief justice. But they can earn it through a hearing such as the one which we have today.

I'd like to say that I spoke earlier about the courage of Frank Johnson. A few months ago another judge of rare courage testified before this committee. Her name is Joan Lefkow. She's a federal judge in Chicago and I was honored to nominate her.

Last February, her husband and mother were murdered in her home by a deranged man who was angry that she had dismissed his lawsuit.

In her remarks to the committee, Judge Lefkow said that the murders of her family members were, quote, a direct result of a decision made in the course of fulfilling our duty to do justice without fear or favor.

In my view, that is the only proper test for a Supreme Court justice: Will he do justice without fear or favor? Will he expand freedom for all Americans as Judge Frank Johnson, the condemned judicial activist, once did.

I congratulate you, Judge Roberts, on your nomination, your accomplished career, and I look forward to these hearings to give you your chance in the next several days, not to rely on 20-year-old memos or innuendoes and statements by those who are not part of the hearing, but in your own words a chance to tell us and to tell the American people what you truly believe.

If you believe that you have the burden at this hearing to establish why you are worthy of this, the highest ranking position of a judge in America, I hope that you will be forthcoming. If you do not answer the questions, if you hold back, if you believe, as some on the other side have suggested, that you have no responsibility to answer these questions, I'm afraid the results will not be as positive. I certainly hope that they will be positive.

Thank you.

SPECTER: Thank you, Senator Durbin.

9/11 Museum

2005-09-10T21:22:00.000-05:00

9/11/05 - Remember, Don't let the International Freedom Center cloud our memories.

"The IFC threatens to turn ground zero into a place of endless controversy rather than a place of honor," said Anthony Gardner, whose brother Harvey died at the trade center.

Barack Obama's Podcast

2005-09-09T16:45:00.000-05:00

In his first of many to come podcasts, Barack Obama discusses his trip to the Astrodome following Hurricane Katrina.

Teacher tax deduction expiring for Illinois.

2005-08-29T08:30:00.000-05:00

Teachers in Illinois who pay for classroom material out of their own pockets have been eligible for a $250 income tax deduction, but this benefit expires at the end of this year. A new bill before the House of Representatives H.R. 2989, would not only extend this deduction, but make it a permanent part of the tax code. Many teachers in Chicago pay for many things needed in their classroom, hopefully they also know about this deduction.

In order to combat this lack of funding for unique educational programs in the school systems. Teachers and donors are joining forces. The web Site DonorsChoose, lets people who want to donate to quality educational programs, pick what they want to help fund. You can read proposals from teachers all over the country and give as little or as much as you can to help that teacher make their programs a reality. Here is a wonderful example.

This year my goal is to create a wonderful, diverse, and engaging library. I want my students to learn to love to read. I believe that the most important impact that I can make on a child is to teach them to love reading. I am asking for your help so that I may create a classroom that is safe for my students, one in which they can take chances and risks in their learning. With your help, I will be able to provide reading materials about many, many different subjects so that I may engage all readers.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and for your consideration.
The cost of 4 book bundles covering both kindergarten and fifth grade levels, Because of Winn Dixie, and Because of Winn Dixie Teacher's Guide from AKJ Educational Services is $372, including shipping. Fund all or part of this proposal now.

It's that Easy

Thanks respublica for HR 2989, sorry I plagiarised.

NYT reporter in the making

2005-08-26T07:06:00.000-05:00

It looks like this young and enterprising journalism studdent has a long career at the New York Times to look forward to. Iraq death an Hoax!

Democrats' new strategy: Almost winning

2005-08-07T22:31:00.000-05:00

You have to read this for a good laughDemocrats' new strategy: Almost winning. I have to cut and pase it as is, its to good to mess with. Here are the highlights.

'In nearly the biggest political upset in recent history, Democrat Paul Hackett came within just a few thousand votes of defeating Republican Jean Schmidt in Ohio's Second Congressional District.'

Yes, indeed. It was 'nearly the biggest political upset in recent history,' which is another way of saying it was actually the smallest political non-upset in recent history. Hackett was like a fast-forward rerun of the Kerry campaign. He was a veteran of the Iraq war, but he was anti-war, but he made solemn dignified patriotic commercials featuring respectful footage of President Bush and artfully neglecting to mention the candidate was a Democrat, but in livelier campaign venues he dismissed Bush as a 'sonofabitch' and a 'chicken hawk' who was 'un-American' for questioning his patriotism.

And as usual this nearly winning strategy lost yet again -- this time to a weak Republican candidate with a lot of problematic baggage. Insofar as I understand it, the official Democratic narrative is that Bush is a moron who's nevertheless managed to steal two elections. Big deal. Up against this crowd, that's looking like petty larceny. After the Ohio vote, Dem pollster Stan Greenberg declared that 'one of the biggest doubts about Democrats is that they don't stand for anything.' That might have passed muster two years ago. Alas, the party's real problem is that increasingly there's no doubt whatsoever "

Fortunately, the Dems have found a new line of attack to counter the evil election-stealing moron. A few days ago, the Democratic National Committee put out a press release attacking Bush for being physically fit. It seems his physical fitness comes at the expense of the nation's lardbutt youth.

Wow. I noticed my gal had put on a few pounds but I had no idea it was Bush's fault. That sonofabitch chicken hawk. Just for the record, "his cuts to education funding" are cuts only in the sense that Hackett's performance in the Ohio election was a tremendous victory: that's to say, Bush's "cuts to education funding" are in fact an increase of roughly 50 percent in federal education funding.

The idea that Bush is heartlessly pursuing an elite leisure activity denied to millions of American schoolchildren takes a bit of swallowing given that his preferred fitness activity is running. "Running" requires two things: you and ground. Short of buying every schoolkid some John Kerry thousand-dollar electric-yellow buttock-hugging lycra singlet, it's hard to see what there is about "running" that requires increasing federal funding. Perhaps America could have a Running Czar or a National Commission on Running that would report back on the need for a Cabinet-level Runner-General. Perhaps Title IX needs to be expanded to provide a federal sneaker subsidy: a woman's right to shoes.

But I don't think so. Sitting behind yet another Vermont granolamobile bearing the bumper sticker "Bush Scares Me," I found myself thinking that perhaps the easiest way to reduce childhood obesity in American families might just to be to shout out, "Look! There's big scary Bush! Run! Run for your lives! No, wait, there's John Bolton, too! Better cut through the park before he puts his hands on his hips in an aggressive manner!"

The DNC's Bush-is-the-reason-your-kid-is-fat press release is a convenient precis of the party's problem: While he runs rings around them, the Dems lounge about getting flabbier by the week and telling themselves it's all his fault they can barely move except to complain about Bush's Supreme Court nominee's kid being overly cute. What's the betting for 2006? The Dems will have a few more "nearly the biggest political upsets," while the Republicans will have the actual political upsets -- a couple more Senate seats? Including Robert C. Byrd's venerable perch in West Virginia?

Republicans may see the increasingly arthritic, corpulent, wheezing, flatulent Democratic Party as a boon for them, but I don't. Two-party systems need two parties, not just for the health of the loser but for that of the winner, too. Intellectually, philosophically, legislatively, it's hard to maintain the discipline to keep yourself in shape when the other guy just lies around the house all day.

Chicago's longer green

2005-08-01T21:09:00.000-05:00

Finally a program that I can support. Drivers along Lake Shore Drive in Grant Park are getting more "green" time as the result of new traffic-detecting cameras that are helping reduce backups by about a quarter-mile during rush hours. The cameras essentially "see" where the traffic is and where it isn't to Cameras ease traffic snarls And read the second half of the story where we continue to chronicles the stealing of tollway users deposits.

Google Moon

2005-07-21T07:37:00.000-05:00

In honor of the first manned Moon landing, which took place on July 20, 1969, Google has added the
Google Moon interface to help you pay your own visit to our celestial neighbor.

The new Maxwell Street

2005-07-18T21:40:00.000-05:00

Here is a new list of resturaunts within walking distance to my place. Takin' it to the Maxwell. I love Lalo's, and I can't wait to try them all out!

Southgate Market

2005-07-18T12:29:00.000-05:00

Comming soon to a neighborhood near me. a five-level shopping center.

Just a little self-gloating, this is much needed redevelopment in our area. Luckly it is close enough to bike to, the trafic was bad before! I love Whole foods, DSW, Home Depo (across the street), its paradise.

NCLB is working!

2005-07-14T21:18:00.000-05:00

Did the NYTs just give much needed praise to NCLB now that Young Students Post Solid Gains in Federal Tests. Here is what the president said. "I'm proud to come here to talk about the new results,' Mr. Bush said. 'They're from the first long-term test, by the way, since the passage of the No Child Left Behind Act. Over the last five years, American children have made significant gains.'"

I'm sure it won't stop all the criticizing by the Unions.

The media loves a whistleblower, right?

2005-07-13T07:38:00.000-05:00

"For Mr. Rove is turning out to be the real 'whistleblower' in this whole sorry pseudo-scandal. He's the one who warned Time's Matthew Cooper and other reporters to be wary of Mr. Wilson's credibility. He's the one who told the press the truth that Mr. Wilson had been recommended for the CIA consulting gig by his wife, not by Vice President Dick Cheney as Mr. Wilson was asserting on the airwaves. In short, Mr. Rove provided important background so Americans could understand that Mr. Wilson wasn't a whistleblower but was a partisan trying to discredit the Iraq War in an election campaign. Thank you, Mr. Rove."
- WSJ

No supprise here

2005-07-12T11:47:00.000-05:00

A new report by the Center for Media and Public Affairs find that Bush finds no friends at TV networks. I'm sure we all knew that, but some fact are alway nice in a debate with Blues.

More than two-thirds of the news stories on ABC, NBC and CBS covering the first 100 days of Mr. Bush's second term were negative, according to an analysis released today by the District-based Center for Media and Public Affairs (CMPA).

The three networks also seem to be boycotting Mr. Bush this time around. He rated 619 stories during the study period in 2001-- but just 250 stories this year, the study found.

'But the public isn't going to let the news media get away with anything either,' he added. 'The public is more critical and ask more questions about news coverage these days -- and what offends them most is negativism.'

Good article - Bad journalism

2005-07-10T10:42:00.000-05:00

Here is a good example of Dick Longworth interjecting his liberal bias into a otherly good article on China's growing dominance into America . Richard correctly sums up for the average reader what has been happening in the world markets, over the past 10+ years, to give China such a hold on the market. But right after summing up how these thing happen naturally in a world market, he goes and squarely blames Bush personally for giving American businesses to China for his own personal gain. No explanation beyond conspiracy theories, nothing but conjecure. Nice try Longworth, but you'll need more than deficits to lay this at Bush's feet. Don't read it here: Sadly By Richard C. Longworth, a former Tribune senior correspondent and executive director of the Global Chicago Center at the Chicago Council on Foreign Relations

What was missing from Live 8

2005-07-05T09:22:00.000-05:00

I applaud Kristof for saying what everybody else is ignoring, that Bush is a Friend of Africa (and in the NYT of all places) this is not going to sit well with there readers. see the fourm.

We as a nation, not Bush administration vs. Clinton administrations, but as a nation have helped Africa billions more than we get credit for. I watched the Live 8 as speaker after speaker asked for more money from the Governments, without addressing the aid given in the past 20 years. We as American citizens give far more than any government agency can, or I would want them to. And in my opinion, conservatives do it right, man helps man, not government helps man. Stop all the knee-jerk Bush bashing and look at the real picture.

Michael Isikoff rides again

2005-07-04T09:48:00.000-05:00

Michael Isikoff is at it again,The Rove Factor?. He squarely lays the blame for the Plame CIA story at his feet. Every other story, indicates that he did nothing but talk to Cooper that same week. I could be wrong, but I would bet Rove talks to Cooper every week. This looks to me like Isikoff making stories up. (see Quarn Flushing)

And Chuck Schumer takes the bait. Repeating untrue accusations, don't fly like they used to.

A long hot summer:

2005-07-02T12:17:00.000-05:00

Here is some primer material on the upcoming Supreme court nomination.

RealClearPolitics: short list
Trib 's short list

Joint Resolution Against Iraq

2005-06-30T21:15:00.000-05:00

WHAT THEY VOTED FOR [Mark R. Levin]
How soon some of our liberal friends forget. Among others, Harry Reid, Hillary Clinton, Charles Schumer, Chris Dodd, John Kerry, John Edwards, Joe Biden and Jay Rockefeller voted for the October 11, 2002 congressional joint resolution authorizing the president, on his discretion, to go to war. Here, in part, is what the resolution said:

"Whereas members of al Qaida, an organization bearing responsibility for attacks on the United States, its citizens and interests, including the attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, are known to be in Iraq:

"Whereas Iraq continues to aid and harbor other international terroist organizations, including organizations that threaten the lives and safety of United States citizens;

"Whereas the attacks on the United States of September 11, 2001, underscored the gravity of the threat posed by the acquisition of weapons of mass destruction by international terrorist organizations ...

And not a single news person bothered to ask any critics of the president's speech last night how they can square their offense at the president's linking terrorism to the war against Iraq when they did the same exact thing.
Joint Resolution to Authorize the Use of United States Armed Forces Against Iraq

Good bye Fifth Amendment

2005-06-24T16:37:00.000-05:00

Article V.

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation."

United States House of Representatives - Amendments to the Constitution

It was nice knowing you: KELO et al. v. CITY OF NEW LONDON et al.

This must stop!

The Bright Side of Eminent Domain

2005-06-24T16:29:00.000-05:00

"Now ... is there a bright side? Is there anything good in the ruling? Yes, there is, and this is where you come in. Even though the Supremes approved these government confiscations of private property, the five justices who voted with the majority did say that they didn't like it. They encouraged local jurisdictions to pass laws severely restricting these seizures. There are eight states in the nation where the use of eminent domain for private development is all but prohibited by law. Those states are Washington, Montana, Illinois, Kentucky, Arkansas, Maine, South Carolina and Florida. If your state is not on this list, it's time for a little political activism. Start the movement now. Let your legislators know that you want your private property rights restored, and that your decisions on election day will be governed by their willingness to act to preserve your rights.

The Supreme Court decision is a horrible blow to private property rights. Whether or not it is a death-blow will be up to you."

Thanks, boortz.com: Nealz Nuze :

Eminent Domain Watch

2005-06-24T16:27:00.000-05:00

Here is a great Blob, Eminent Domain Watch

Stop the madness

2005-06-24T06:59:00.000-05:00

Supreme Court rules
local government may seize your home or business for private economic development. Untill we can get some constitutionalist on this court, and that is going to take a while. It looks like we are going to have to fight this on a local level. We need to make sure all local officals abusing eminent domain are not re-elected. Starting with mister New Haven, co.

Two websites that could help win the fight aginst this abuse:
Institute For Justice & the
Castle Coalition.

If you need to know why this is so important read, Damaging 'Deference' by George Will.

Durbin Apologizes?

2005-06-21T21:18:00.000-05:00

Thanks, The Political Teen. Durbin Apologizes VIDEO

"To all of you that were offended" here is Durbin's apology. He still doesn't get what he did wrong. He didn't offer one word to the men and women he slandered with his comparison. What a shame and a disgrace this man has turned out to be.

Big Brother Report

2005-06-21T05:55:00.000-05:00

Keep a close eye out this summer as you cross into construction zones. IDOT has gotten a lot more strict about speeding. Instead of putting up signs and the occasional police officer, IDOT is positioning vans equipped with camerasto catch speeders in construction zones. At $375 for the first ticket,and $1000 for the second, this is serious. This should effectively slow all expressway to a crawl.

With the city of Chicago installing hundreds of cameras how long will it be before the Mayor does the same? I hate speeding and the carnage of cars, but the proliferation of cameras is sorta spooky. Panopticon, here we come.

Thanks,GB

Breaking the Durbin Code

2005-06-20T06:38:00.000-05:00

Here is a complete run down of what Dick-head Durbin has been up to this past week. Including a interview with Spike O'Dell that is very telling.
PREVIEW: Breaking the Durbin Code

Tread lightly, Obama... Please!

2005-06-19T20:12:00.000-05:00

I hope that Obama treads lightly, I would hate for all of Illinois to be a laughing stock.

'This administration has made a habit of diverting attention of its failures by criticizing the messenger.'" Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.)

Asbestos at Oak Street beach

2005-06-18T10:47:00.000-05:00

Asbestos at Oak Street beach

Durbin Recap

2005-06-17T20:46:00.000-05:00

In case you have been under a rock. Durbin said What!

Illinoisans talk about Durbin

2005-06-17T20:38:00.000-05:00

Thanks Rush

Hear it here.

Here are some quotes from Illinoisans on this Durbin Traitor:

I want to say that the left has used these bad comparisons for a long time. John Kerry said the American soldier was the same as "Ghengis Khan." Ted Kennedy said that Abu Ghraib was just "open under new management" but operating the same -- and then now, of course, our senator from Illinois here is making us equivalent to Stalinists, Nazis and Pol Pot.

I think my father would have been very happy to be at G'itmo. My father, late father, he went to concentration camps in Germany during the Nazi time, and he was in Bodzcerza [sic] and he was in Buchenwald and he went to almost the same prisons after that time under the East German government. I could tell you stories that would probably last two hours so I don't want to say more. I just want to be brief. But I am absolutely upset and sick about Mr. Durbin's [comments] and I am very sad that we have senators in the United States Senate like that. I love this country. We brought our children up here, and we are just devastated by this kind of talk.

I have to humbly disagree with you on one point. Namely, I don't believe Durbin believes any of this stuff. This man is a world-class weather vane. He has no scruples. He's our own little slickster. We have a great host on WLS in Chicago who refers to him as Eddie Haskell from the old Leave It To Beaver series. Because he tells us one thing, he tells somebody else something else. He's reading the poll numbers. They smell blood in the water, they think now they're going to clean up and drive the Republicans out next year.

Let's Go to the Memo - What's really in the Downing Street memos? By Fred Kaplan

2005-06-16T21:22:00.000-05:00

Let's Go to the Memo - What's really in the Downing Street memos? By Fred Kaplan

Dick Durbin: never apologize

2005-06-16T20:40:00.000-05:00

Thanks respublica: Dick Durbin: never apologize

The senior senator from Illinois, Dick Durbin, (a man the junior senator, Barack Obama, would do well to stay away from), has managed to say the worst and manage to appear not the least embarrassed by it

Durbin, in a speech on the Senate floor compared the actions of
American soldiers in charge of the Gitmo prison on Guantanamo to "Nazis, Soviet gulags and a ''mad regime'' like Khmer Rouge leader Pol Pot's in Cambodia."

Hear it here

There is quite an uproar over Durbin's words, criticism coming from
both sides of the aisle and from both left and right leaning
media. But what about Durbin himself? Is it surprising he
won't back down and apologize for words that even got him a great big
story on Al Jazeera? This may sound flip and shallow, but Durbin loves
nothing more than to have face time on TV. And now he has it, big
time. So he's happy. Doesn't matter that no one else is
pleased with him, he wakes up to see his own face in every national
paper and on every tv channel. Sorry, folks, that is what Durbin
lives for. Thanks to Bill Baar for finding the Al Jazeera link.

Durbin commits treason

2005-06-16T20:33:00.000-05:00

Democrat senator Durbin: U.S. troops 'Nazis'

Though he will most certainly weather any negativity that comes from his
outrageous comments, it's nice to see that people are noticing that
Illinois elected and re-elected a treasonist traitor as one of its Senators.

If you are so inclined, please call one of Durbin's
offices (202-224-2152 or 312-353-4952) and give the person who answers
the phone a polite earful regarding his comparison of U.S. troops to
Nazis.

More wind power for illinois

2005-06-12T09:18:00.000-05:00

New Illinois sunset

Chicago Tribune thinks Illinois is ready, Harvesting the wind

Hillary/ Dean attacks

2005-06-09T06:38:00.000-05:00

Let's do a thought experiment. Close your eyes and imagine this.

President Bush is introduced at a great gathering in Topeka, Kan. It is the evening of June 9, 2005. Ruffles and flourishes, "Hail to the Chief," hearty applause from a packed ballroom. Mr. Bush walks to the podium and delivers the following address.

Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. I want to speak this evening about how I see the political landscape. Let me jump right in. The struggle between the Republican Party and the Democratic Party is a struggle between good and evil--and we're the good. I hate Democrats. Let's face it, they have never made an honest living in their lives. Who are they, really, but people who are intent on abusing power, destroying the United States Senate and undermining our Constitution? They have no shame.

But why would they? They have never been acquainted with the truth. You ever been to a Democratic fundraiser? They all look the same. They all behave the same. They have a dictatorship, and suffer from zeal so extreme they think they have a direct line to heaven. But what would you expect when you have a far left extremist base? We cannot afford more of their leadership. I call on you to help me defeat them!"

Imagine Mr. Bush saying those things, and the crowd roaring with lusty delight. Imagine John McCain saying them for that matter, or any other likely Republican candidate for president, or Ken Mehlman, the head of the Republican National Committee.

Can you imagine them talking this way? Me neither. Because they wouldn't.

Read the whole thing here, OpinionJournal - Peggy Noonan

Frank Lloyd Wright vs. Zombies

2005-06-05T11:56:00.000-05:00

I love the architecture of Wright, so this piece on Frank Lloyd Wright vs. Zombies, by WesterBlog, was a fun find. Hope you all enjoy.

Thanks Mrs. Spoon

Gmap Track

2005-06-04T11:16:00.000-05:00

I found this great utility for google maps. It's called gMap Track, It lets you build custom google maps with out learning XML. Here is an example I built for work,
GMaps U-46 Schools. This would be awesome for weddings, parties, or vacations. Mine was very basic, built in two hours, but they are sure to add advanced features, like the much needed, "Directions to here:" scrips.

Middle class 'crisis' for Democrats

2005-06-02T22:09:00.000-05:00

"As Americans become even modestly wealthier their affinity for Democrats apparently falls off. With middle income voters, it is Democrats -- the self-described(exactly) party of the middle class -- who are running far behind Republicans, the oft-described(by the Media) party of the rich," the report says.

This has been true for many election cycles, what is taking the american people so long to figure out that the Democrats ARE NOT the party of he people!!!

Loss of middle class a 'crisis' for Democrats - The Washington Times:

"The Democratic Party, the self-proclaimed defender of the middle class, was trounced by Republicans among those voters in the 2004 election, according to a Democratic advocacy group that says the party faces 'a crisis with the middle class.' "

Google Earth

2005-06-02T21:54:00.000-05:00

It not out yet, but this is going to be amazing!!!
Windypundit - Google Earth

President's Press Conference May 31, 2005

2005-05-31T15:07:00.000-05:00

Just the Facts:
President's Press Conference

Amnesty International thinks we're stupid

2005-05-31T07:19:00.000-05:00

By labeling the U.S. anti-terrorism prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, the "gulag of our times," the people of Amnesty International must think we're stupid or ignorant.

Stupid or ignorant enough to fall for the assertion that whatever is happening at Guantanamo is the legal and moral equivalent of what happened in the hundreds of slave labor and concentration camps scattered throughout the former communist Soviet Union. Equivalent to a system that brutalized tens of millions, of which untold millions died of starvation, exposure, exhaustion, torture, illness or execution.

Read the whole thing here:
Amnesty International's irresponsible charges

Conservatives Angered by Filibuster Deal

2005-05-25T07:19:00.000-05:00

I know Frist hasn't stop fighting for what's right. Conservatives Angered by Filibuster Deal

So make no mistake, the Constitutional Option remains on the table. If the minority again acts in bad faith--if they resume their campaign of mindless judicial obstruction--I will NOT hesitate to call it to a vote.

Not for a second. - Bill Frist

If you want to contact the "moderate 7" and tell them what you think:
Warner, McCain, Snowe, Collins, DeWine, Graham, Chafee

Chicago Tribune prints democrats objections

2005-05-24T08:21:00.000-05:00

Chicago Tribune prints democrat's talking points on "controversial nominations" up for vote. Chicago Tribune: Filibuster deal surprises leadership:

Three to face vote

Under terms of an agreement announced Monday, the Senate will vote on three appellate court nominees that had been filibustered.

Janice Rogers Brown

In speeches, California Supreme Court justice has criticized government for overreaching.

William Pryor

Alabama's former attorney general has opposed Roe vs. Wade and gay rights.

Priscilla Owen

Texas Supreme Court justice has ruled for abortion restrictions in some cases.

Sad

I wish it was only "fake"newsweek

2005-05-19T06:48:00.000-05:00

This is a wonderful incite from Michelle Malkin, It's not just Newsweek!

It's the constant editorial drumbeat of "quagmire, quagmire, quagmire."

It's the persistent use of euphemisms -- "insurgents," "hostage-takers," "activists," "militants," "fighters" -- to describe the terrorist head-choppers and suicide bombers trying to kill American soldiers and civilians alike. It's the knee-jerk caricature of American generals as intolerant anachronisms. It's the portrayal of honest mistakes in battle as premeditated murders

It's the hyping of stories like the military's purported failure to stop looting of explosives al Qaa Qaa right before the 2004 presidential election stories that have since dropped off the face of the earth

and in addition, it's still going on. Here's a transcript of yesterday's press briefing with Scott McClellan, featuring his leftist questions from a Bush-bashing ABC reporter. Press Briefing 5/18/05 I would suggest the video, its very telling.

Luckily we have the Internet to refute the lies.

Let them drink wine

2005-05-16T18:28:00.000-05:00

I didn't know this ban was in place, but I'm happy it gone Supreme Court Strikes Down Bans on Wine Shipments

Meet the Working-class Republicans

2005-05-15T10:11:00.000-05:00

Here is a look at the everchanging face of the "Big tent" party.Meet the Poor Republicans - New York Times

Scaremongers shun scientific findings of no global warming

2005-05-09T07:33:00.000-05:00

Two Minnesotans are off to find global warming on a mission to the
North Pole. whether they find anything or not, I"m sure we'll have to hear about it all summer. As the days heat up, like they do every year remember that these two are not Scientists, they arescaremongers. Willing to do or say anything for their Greenpeace sponsors!

"Scientists, of course, do not operate this way. They don't start their work with a political ax to grind, with the aim of 'drawing attention' to something. They don't make a few observations and then jump to conclusions about causation. And they don't ignore the work of scientists who have gone before them.
Scientists, these Minnesota two are not. And yet we'll no doubt hear more about their 'research' than we have about the work that really matters -- the science."

My Conservatism

2005-05-08T09:24:00.000-05:00

How Conservative am I, well here it is. Not that far off for a small quiz of stereotypical questions.

How Liberal / Conservative Are You?

My Political Profile

Overall: 75% Conservative, 25% Liberal

Social Issues: 75% Conservative, 25% Liberal

Personal Responsibility: 50% Conservative, 50% Liberal

Fiscal Issues: 100% Conservative, 0% Liberal

Ethics: 50% Conservative, 50% Liberal

Defense and Crime: 100% Conservative, 0% Liberal

Even "Car Talk" is anti-Bush

2005-05-08T07:41:00.000-05:00

"'George Bush is a [unprintable vulgarity],' Tom Magliozzi of "car talk" on NPR says, about three minutes into the interview."

Oh, Brother: 'Car Talk' Guy Puts Mouth in Gear:

South Park Conservatives

2005-05-03T14:46:00.000-05:00

If media bias is your thing, check this out. Books: South Park Conservatives : The Revolt Against Liberal Media Bias But my all time favorite is Amazon.com: Books: Bias: A CBS Insider Exposes How the Media Distort the News

The Bully Pulpit

2005-04-29T10:18:00.000-05:00

Another great performance by the president. In cased you missed the speech, or the badgering by the press. Here is the transcript of the Press Conference. There is even a video, if you want to see what you missed< Coverage

Shocker - The pope follows the teachings of Christ

2005-04-21T09:34:00.000-05:00

New Pope a Catholic

Media gets it wrong over and over. The Life of Pope John Paul: Shepherd of Souls or Antiquated Authoritarian? Media Research Center Special Report

Is DeLay inosent till proven guilty - the press says - NO

2005-04-12T09:09:00.000-05:00

The NYT is so bold that it will go editorial shopping Robert Novak: The New York Times joins the anti-DeLay campaign

Neal's Yearly Tax Speach

2005-04-12T08:56:00.000-05:00

Nealz Nuze is a a role today. Tax time is why I realy love neal.

"..we have the great American wage earners who have no clue as to how much they paid in federal income taxes this year. They just know they're getting a refund. That's it. If you walk up to one of these myrmidons right after they've finished filling out their 1040 and ask them how much they had to pay in taxes this year, their mouths will open and they will promptly utter that one phrase that makes thrills the political mind; that one phrase that is an aural tattoo of abject stupidity: 'I didn't have to pay anything. I'm getting some back.'"

2005-04-09T13:00:00.000-05:00

My neighborhood

How a new pope will be chosen

2005-04-02T19:33:00.001-06:00

The history and the pagency surrounding the picking a new pope as fascinated my for a long time. Here is a good article on how a new pope will be chosen.

For those of you who want to take a more hands on approach, and maybe win some money. Check out trade sports for a market-based "next pope" indicator.

New NYC Stadium

2005-03-31T19:30:00.000-06:00

proposed NYC Stadium

It looks like they are changing the design for the Proposed NYC Stadium . I can't find any links to the details, but I hope they left in the wind generators seen above. Any new large development should include some power generation abilities. The old design was wonderful for utilizing the winds coming off the Hudson river, but many stadiums have large roofs that would be ideal for power generation. If we are going to continue paying tax-payer dollars for these stadiums, then there should be more public return.

Sad Day for the Nation

2005-03-31T18:58:00.000-06:00

Terri's Death Called 'Sad Day' for the Nation

WMD Report

2005-03-31T07:35:00.000-06:00

I won't have time to read this for a while, so I won't spout off like I know what I'm talking about, but just skimming it, you notice that it touches on many of the question that were still out there. WMD Report

Conservative pundit vs liberal students

2005-03-31T06:36:00.000-06:00

This is exactly why we need to foster a dialogue in colleges, not the indoctrination they now get from their liberal college professors. Conservative pundit gets pie in the face