Sheriff Mark Curran's First GOP Golf Outing a Big Success: Last evening, we attended Sheriff Mark Curran's annual golf outing at Antioch Golf Club. It was a beautiful day for golf, and 41 foursomes filled the course to overflow capacity. Curran sold over 60 hole sponsorships (including one by the Team America Blog!), and offered 19 silent auction items and 30+ raffle items. TA even won some golf balls which he gave away, since I'm a sailor, not a golfer. My guess is he should have grossed $35 to $40 grand. Curran thanked all of his supporters and the Lake County Republicans, who he said welcomed him with "open arms" after his party switch.Curran's first outing as a Republican after he bailed from the corrupt Democrats was especially important to show that he has the strong support of the GOP, and also to build up his war chest, as he will likely be the #1 Dem target in 2010 for revenge's sake.
Heard On the Golf Course- Terry Link to Resign? A completely unconfirmed rumor that was buzzing around the links yesterday was that State Senator Terry Link (D-Waukegan) is thinking seriously of resigning from his senate post. The reason given was not health, but anticipated ethical issues that may break soon. I have to be skeptical about this, considering that Link has exhibited Teflon-like resistance to scandal taint, even when he's caught with dead people on his nominating petitions. But, hey, if it's true, I'll take it. It is to TA's everlasting shame that the Lake County GOP was not able to knock Link out after 3 hard tries, but as my old football coach used to say, 'never apologize for a win,' regardless of how you get it.If Link did resign, that would most likely open the door for State Rep. 
Kathy Ryg (D-Vernon Hills) to move to the senate, and a new replacement for her legislative seat in the 59th District would be chosen, which replacement would run in 2010 against GOP challenger Dan Sugrue, who is eager for a second run at the position. Would Ryg play well in Waukegan and North Chicago without the Terry Link machine in top force to back her up like it's ushered in Link all these years? A good question.
Kathy Ryg (D-Vernon Hills) to move to the senate, and a new replacement for her legislative seat in the 59th District would be chosen, which replacement would run in 2010 against GOP challenger Dan Sugrue, who is eager for a second run at the position. Would Ryg play well in Waukegan and North Chicago without the Terry Link machine in top force to back her up like it's ushered in Link all these years? A good question.
Finality with Mark Kirk's Divorce but No Senate Decision... Yet.I ran into Congressman Mark Kirk when I was in DC, and we talked briefly about his divorce from wife of eight years, Kimberly, which was finalized this week. The divorce, while regretful, was amicable, and Kirk's team has made sure no one in the press was surprised by this news. The divorce records won't be sealed, which indicates there's not much political fodder, if any, here, although the Dems (being the classless bunch they are) have already tried to make some hay of it. TA understands that Kimberly has already sent Mark a check for this campaign cycle and can be counted on to continue to be a strong supporter of Mark's efforts.
While the divorce may be final, Kirk's decision on whether to stand pat in the 1oth District (likely facing State Senators Michael Bond or Susan Garrett) or run for U.S. Senate for the Burris seat, is anything but. Kirk is still weighing his options, and may not make a decision until the Dem field becomes more clear. Jan Schakowsky is scheduled to make an announcement on Monday, but the much more interesting factor in Kirk's decision is likely to be Attorney General Lisa Madigan.
The joke among Kirk staffers is that buttons will be made that say "I Don't Know!" so perhaps people will stop asking them about Kirk's inclinations. They just don't know. As we have said here before, you may as well ignore the endless speculation and statements from people in the press who claim to know which way Kirk is going to go. They don't know either.
While the divorce may be final, Kirk's decision on whether to stand pat in the 1oth District (likely facing State Senators Michael Bond or Susan Garrett) or run for U.S. Senate for the Burris seat, is anything but. Kirk is still weighing his options, and may not make a decision until the Dem field becomes more clear. Jan Schakowsky is scheduled to make an announcement on Monday, but the much more interesting factor in Kirk's decision is likely to be Attorney General Lisa Madigan.
The joke among Kirk staffers is that buttons will be made that say "I Don't Know!" so perhaps people will stop asking them about Kirk's inclinations. They just don't know. As we have said here before, you may as well ignore the endless speculation and statements from people in the press who claim to know which way Kirk is going to go. They don't know either.
Patti Blagojevich Now the 'Tarantula Mom.' I know this isn't really 1oth District material, but I had to laugh this morning while reading about Patti 'Potty-Mouth' Blagojevich's exploits on the "I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!" show, and the reaction of former GOP gubernatorial candidate Judy Baar Topinka to Blago's prior references to her as a 'crazy old aunt.' Topinka responded: "That kooky old aunt -- she had three terms in the treasurer's office and never misplaced a dollar and returned $230 million in unclaimed assets and made a profit. Maybe former Gov. Blagojevich and his tarantula-eating wife ought to have thought of doing some of the same things and they wouldn't be in such trouble."
TA's Personal Aside: I had a great time in DC this week, and even met some fans of the Blog. So hi everyone- you know who you are. I've never had groupies before, so that was kinda fun.
Have a great weekend!
Posts
30 comments:
Schakowsky is not going to run for the Seante. Kennedy has realized that Giannoulias will destroy him and his relations with progressives, especially the SEIU that HATES Kennedy.
If your guy Kirk runs, Garrtett will quickly retire Bond's campaign. Hey, Bond is like Seals - no home in the district, no chance of winning.
Hey Anon 6:10,too bad you didn't refer to our Congressman as our guy. I echo your thoughts on your posting. Schakowsky would have the most to lose if she lost, and lose she would, even with her strong ties to the unions and the corrut machine. She's a Pelosi clone, has the enviable position of being in a leadership position that she's not likely to gamble with at this time.
And yes, Garrett would be out and about if Mr. Kirk decides to try for the Senate seat. Bond who? He'd be a never was before he could be an also ran. TA is right. Nobody knows what our Congressman's decision is as of today. He's going to take his time as well he should.
Really sorry to hear about Kimberly. The wedding at the buck residence was something else in winnetka and was a nice reunion for the best campaign that's been run up here in 30 years. It was a great contrast in that campaign between her and mark getting together and lauren beth gash and her seiu scion husband nearly getting divorced :)
Frankly I'd rather see comrade jan stick around. She's much easier to hate on than jeff schoenberg, her likely congressional replacement. You also have to bet that her hubby will get a pardon from obama. As far as the senate seat goes, I root for quinn to fail because if he succeeds, lisa will go for senate.
Team, you need to consider running for Link's seat. King Louis or backyard conservative could be mentored into this gig so that you could go down and lay a smackdown on springfield.
From the moment she swiped Corinne Wood's senate seat from us, Garrett's been targeted for Mark's district. The fact that she hasn't made a move, plus the fact that Mark hasn't made any early DCCC hit lists yest suggests she won't get the backing Dan did and won't run anyway.
FOKLAES
My hopes that Mr. Kirk runs for Governor have just about run dry. The ILGOP will not win a majority in the House or Senate (IMO) and they really need the Governor's office to get something, anything, out of what will surely be a national travesty of a map. I think Mr. Kirk can win statewide. I also think that there's a storm brewing out on the 2010 horizon that may be a perfect one for the GOP. I also see Illinois being the eye of that storm. In other words...nothing here. Just quiet status quo. Choose wisely Mr. Kirk. Run for re-election or run for Governor. DC may be where you're most comfortable but Springfield is where you're most needed.
Isn't it interesting that in the main post TA refers to the 'Dems' as a classless bunch and yet its Foklaes here who on the one hand bemoans poor Kimberly and on the other, in virtually the same breath takes so much glee out of Gash's difficulties?
I knew of Kirk's divorce for over a month now. And it's just sad to see things like this happen to anyone. And thus far TA is correct, the divorce documents do not disclose any allegations of behavior inappropriate for an office-holder, a la Jack Ryan.
My only concern in this regard was when TA was finally going to admit that this was taking place. Unfortunately when a post is necessary because the item has hit the papers, one cannot say they're 'ahead' of the story. That's why I asked a while ago about the timetable: Kirk or the court.
Much more importantly, I love seeing Mr. Corruption Fighter Curran embraced by the Republican party. It must be a real comfort to the people of Lake County to know how our #1 law enforcement officer handles corruption: he runs away. When faced with the corruption he saw, did Curran announce that fact to the press and publicly challenge party leaders to clean up their act? No, he ran. Did he meet with party leaders and ask privately to clean up their act? No, he ran. Did he send out letters to either the party leaders or the Democratic Committeemen in Lake County asking them to clean up their act or offering some leadership as the county's #1 law enforcement official in bringing openness and adherence to the laws back to the party? No, he just ran. The fact of the matter is that when Curran saw trouble, the only thing anyone else saw were the heels of his shoes as he ran away. And to where? The party of George Ryan and Scott Fawell and Jack Ryan? The party of the Antioch assessor who was, at the time of Curran's defection, still bilking the taxpayers of Antioch out of tax money with TWO homestead exemptions! It's SOOO comforting to know that when trouble looms ahead, that when bad guys are on the edge of town, that when there's a job that calls for courage and leadership, we'll all know where to find Mark Curran. You'll have to look fast however. 'Cuz he's a lean, clean, runnin-away machine and he's headed out of town in a cloud of cowardly dust! Please, keep that meally-mouthed, two-faced sorry excuse for a sheriff, who has yet to honor a single campaign promise (Where's the audit, Mark?). You can have'm.
It's sure a slow news time when the media has to pick up on a non-story about the Kirk divorce. Sad, to be sure, but nothing acrimonious or racy, absolutely nothing. Lots of members of Congress find this a reality. I've seen the life they've had to endure and it's not easy. The Kirks are friends, will remain so, there's nothing to hide in the divorce decree so let all those devious nutjobs on the other side go and read it. And don't you think we should leave the private lives of people off these blogs. Unless someone is a deviate or a criminal all personal issues should be left alone and not out for and up for discussion.
The Dem's are 'classless' though the Repubs/TA laud:
-Curran who ran against a corrupt
GOP sheriff and left the Dem's
citing scandals from 15 years ago.
Mr. Curran, we're not stupid. You
have no rationale and sure have a
funny way of appreciating the
people who supported you so that
you could serve in office.
-Phil Crane provided no assistance
to his successor, after the
people spoke and elected Melissa
Bean (a moderate), let any
pending casework be darned.
Didn't he pursue a lot of
dreaded 'ear-marks' for the
district? Hmm, if only earmarks
were so vile back then...(unless
the mantra of ear-marks being bad
spewed by McCain et Al is more GOP
double-speak. Which reminds me,
where's Mr. Manzullo's sign
lauding his efforts to bring in
federal funds to rehab the road
along side the LITH airport?
-Mr. Duffy didn't necessarily win
on his own merit. To me he ran on
his large amount of cash on hand
(modern Democracy ? I hope not),
not being an incumbent, and
taking advantage of his
affiliations. Not necessarily
something to be proud of. This is
not to say that I condone lying.
However, I am led to believe
that many in the GOP have not
experienced hardship or being
without employment and cannot
understand the choices one faces.
Finally, while rumors are par for the course - so to speak - to mention a 'very unconfirmed rumor' and then to speculate on the reason behind it is questionable and demonstrative of the typical divisiveness and ineffectiveness that are the hallmarks of recent State and national GOP efforts.
Again, maybe putting forth credible, moderate candidates that do not cross state-lines, do not vouch for policies that would have been disastrous (Greenberg's wanting to privatize Social Security ring a bell), and that do not engage in double-speak (did Ms. Topinka not recently complain about the problems of corruption and political connectedness; her loan forgiveness not-withstanding).
Spring cleaning has a new meaning for GOP'ers, however Limbaugh, Steele, Gingrich, and Coulter speaking for them and leading them are not what is meant by clean, respectful, and relevant.
According to a local paper, when asked about an alleged incident at a Round Lake area bar where county corrections officers were involved, your hero Mark Curran said:
"Whether they need to or not, (officers) are held to a higher standard, because they're the ones enforcing the law," Curran said."
(There was no attribution to Yogi Bera for this quote by Curran).
Now, what is it about holding keepers of the public trust that corruption fighter Curran doesn't seem to understand?
People paid by the government should meet or exceed expectations for lawful, diligent behavior, right? Isn't that why Curran ran against GOP'er Del Re? Isn't that why Curran left the Dem's?
That those provided with guns and non-lethal weapons should not engage in fights unless there is no way to avoid them or there is due reason to do so (statute, professional responsibility, etc.)
To me, why is a corrections officer at a bar at 3am in the first place and how are they getting home?
That supervisors of holders of the public trust should not show a hesitance to recognize that officers ARE RIGHTLY held to a higher standard?
Maybe TA can give Mr. Curran the same kind of 'training' that it gives everyone else regarding their disdain for certain (read Democratic) officials' alleged actions.
Hearing about Mr. Curran's uncertainty regarding public employees, office holders, and candidates being held to a higher standard is yet another reason I'm glad he's now in the party of Topinka, Ryan (both!), and Roskam (does he agree with most Americans on ANYTHING?).
Also, concerning no home in the district by anonymous, Alan Keyes had no home in the district either.
Yet another example of GOP double-speak.
Blue Prairie. Many of us knew of the pending divorce but IT'S NOBODY's BUSINESS AND DOESN'T BELONG ON THIS BLOG. But you, of course, have had the time to look into the divorce papers and found there was nothing to see which many of us knew would be the result. Don't you have anything else to do besides knock the one of the most hardworking and smartest Congressman on the hill. Can't you find some democratic hack to work for and leave us alone? I'm sick of you and your crap. Go someplace else to spew it.
BP, oh yes, maybe you are a democratic hack.
Campers, let's not let commentors like Blue Prairie get inside our heads. If you want to take issue with what such folks have to say, try to do it intelligently and with some wit. Simply attacking other commentors personally doesn't add a lot to the discussion, and we strive for a higher level of discourse here.
Blue Prairie and any other left-leaning commentors are more than welcome to post here, as long as they keep it polite and reasonably intelligent. I don't want this blog to become a giant echo chamber, which is what Ellen of the Tenth devolved into. The fact that BP & Co. tend to have big mouths and actually give some interesting tactical information from time to time is an added bonus.
Blue,
Lauren Beth Gash's personal problems went beyond that ugly event with her husband. Her staff hated her which is why they quit on her and so did the district which is why she spends her life now putting together sparsley attended sessions with a kooky comedian who calls himself hussein at the northbrook public library.
As far as the neanderthal things you and dailykos have said about Mark and Kimberly, a woman who graduated from the naval academy 12 years ago in the midst of the brouhaha over women in the military is tough enough to kick the tail of any flabby middle aged 3rd tier liberal arts school graduate making 60k in a debate or otherwise. She'll be missed around these parts. The physical difference between her and say ellen or gash is also why most men prefer republican women.
As far as marital issues go, if you read through some of the stuff about the Obamas the guy basically left Michelle to both earn a salary to support that family and take care of their kids while he pursued politics. the new richard wolffe book basically says that she was ready to kick his ass and get a divorce because he wasn't earning any loot and was basically an absentee father and husband.
Thanks.
FOKLAES
Hey: lets keep it calm here - there is nothing interesting in the Kirk or Gash marriages.
The more interesting thing is the Illinois Dem's wish to increase taxes by 50% and the misrule of Stroger/Burris and their enablers like Quinn, Kennedy and Giannoulias.
Thanks Anon 5:02. Enough of the sleeze and vitriol. This Blog, until recently, was fun. It needs to get back to what has distinguished it since TA began. If those who lean left want to post intelligent things that's great. But to throw stones at our Congressman, to continue to Gill tactic of saying that all Republicans are bad and all Democrats do good things, well, that's not helpful.
Can we please discuss some real issues that are seriously staring us all in the face, in our pocketbooks, in our future. Our State is locked in a situation that looks like essential services are going to be cut unless those men and women elected to serve get their collective acts together and do something NOW. As for who's going to run for what office, that's still undecided. And let's judge people by what they do or don't do, not by the party they represent both in Springfield and in DC. Can we get back to the fun days on this Blog? Knock off all the crap and let's get serious since what's in front of all of us is deadly serious.
As democrats get more squeamish about their party's failure that we predicted, the prarie's and Rob N's, and tikkun's, but no lucky mom yet, come out and attack. We look forward to this heating up as the GOP marches out of the wilderness to political glory.
Anon 6:34-
I know I'm a Democrat, but I think i've been notably civil on this blog. I understand that Blue Prarie and other anonymous Dems have made inapproptiate statements here, but I'm not one of them. Indeed, I would rather associate myself with Anons 5:04 and 5:41, whose calls for civility I have made myself in the past. One of my broad goals in being a part of this blog is to demonstrate the posibility of rational, civil, engagable Democrats. If I have said anything here that contradicts this goal, I apologize. I can assure you that it is my hope to change minds through honest dialogue, and venom towards my interlocutors is no way to do that.
Now just a cotton-pickin minute here, sports fans. There was absolutely nothing 'inappropriate' in my post above, and yet TA has the nerve to refer to me as classless. What a joke! Then, just 11 minutes later, his buddy Foklaes gets on and flames away. Open minded? Rational? Not hardly. I haven't said what untoward thing about Kirk's personal life and I wasn't even stalking his court file. It was just common knowledge among Washington staffers and the state GOP. (Note that it wasn't known by our oh-so-in-the-know buddy Foklaes.)
But I note how shy TA's been of late in responses. I can surely understand, as there is no response to the bull-hockey excuse of seeing corruption and fleeing like a dog by Mark (Barney with a promotion) Curran.
Blue Prairie, don't make me regret defending the fact I let you comment on my blog. You're much better when you stick to the subject at hand.
And don't let the fact that I do not personally respond to each and every comment from grifters like you an indication either that I agree with you, or I have nothing to say. The truth is that I usually have something much better to do, and also that I rely on the 7.62 mm TA Blog Army to put you and yours in your place. They are usually pretty good about that.
Mark Kirk is hard-working?
What, besides a lot of appearances and press conferences has he done?
The few pieces of legislation he gets passed do not get continued funding, as if Kirk forgot about them (educational funding for schools in his district).
Most of Kirk's legislation gets stuck in committee, with 2-3 co-sponsors! Hmm, in a body of a few hundred, Kirk can't get 10 + co-sponsors? Hence, I've gotten more people to support me as committee person than Kirk has gotten to co-sponsor his legislation. Not a workaholic by any means.
Also, when it came to supporting equal pay initiatives (Kirk stands with women according to his election materials), more time for people to sue for discrimination (Kirk stands with people with disabilities and other protected classes), and for states to receive economic assistance, Kirk voted in lock-step with the rest of his do-nothing party. OOPS!
Also, while divorce is common to those in stressful positions, a lot of Members of Congress do not need to pursue divorce (even David Vitter hasn't gotten divorced yet! Why is Vitter STILL allowed to speak for the GOP? Does TA have time to look into this?)
Hence, to gloss over Kirk's divorce while he is a member of a the Party of supposedly superior morals, values, and an ability to commit to said values and policies is unique. How is it that a GOP'ers personal life is off-limits though for Dem's personal lives, its open season?
Hence, TA's bar for hard working has been lowered. Maybe Kirk is due for a 5 week (Bush, Jr. like) vacation.
I for one don't see any problems with what Blue Prairie said. For people that are apparently ok with Rush wishing that the country fails, Ms. Coulter saying that people of certain faiths need to convert to be seen as equal, and that some conservative commentators have to change their last name before doing so (Savage?)though have a significant problem with someone who posts on a blog is questionable.
I can recall a time in the recent past when we were either with the President or against him (and the country), when we had to respect the President and the office of the President (whether he deserved it or not), and a time when a recent GOP Presidential Candidate committed himself to helping the President over-come the problems we as a nation face (de-regulation, foregin ownership of US companies, and excessive wealth at the higher tax brackets).
One would think that TA would be more concerned with the detrimental effect a lack of health insurance and the cost of health insurance poses to all of us; the prioritization of a marriage amendment, unncessary tax cuts, and an attempt to over-turn Roe instead of national security, economic stabilization, and transparency in government; and uniting the country to face common problems.
Maybe that's not the point of the blog. Maybe that's not the true interest of the GOP. Maybe those who show disdain toward a safety net and entitlements should forgo social security, life-long congressional pensions, and life-long healthcare that each of us pays for.
That would be behaviorally consistent, genuine, and commendable and the GOP would rather sling mud, allege they don't know from corruption, and know how to lead (despite W., Gonzalez, Brownie, et Al).
Yeah, yeah, TA, so you know what a NATO round is. I'm so underwhelmed. But you and your army missed the point, as usual. They and you are dancing on the head of the Mark Kirk divorce pin, (as opposed to the pin-head Mark Kirk's divorce. Which, of course, I didn't say!) and missed my invitation to respond about Mr. Corruption Fighter (whenever he's not running away) Mark Curran. I'll be more than happy to match my 120mm, fin-stabilized, depleted uranium, discarded sabot with your little round any day of the year. My tactics are easy to discern TA. Just study General Israel Tal and Commander Ernest Evans.
Also, if TA expected everyone to agree with them and not call comments made in the public square into question every so often, TA should dis-band their blog or at the least put forth the ground rules for the GOP love fest.
To me, maybe TA shouldn't act in a higher than thou manner that solidifies the impression some of us have of GOP'ers as out of touch, unconcerned, and elitist.
See, Dem's can accept that Blago screwed up, that there are times when politicians disappoint, and when policies we advocate for are not necessarily the magic pill.
It would have been nice to see more people on the right question the decisions, appointments, spending, and comments of W. and those of his unique approach to governance.
It would be nice if what appears to be a forum for a free exchange of ideas did not become a fiefdom where we must bow down to Reagan despite the fact that the recent unemployment rate of 9.4% has not been so high since 1983 (who was President then?).
It would be nice if those who claim to be patriotic and guardians of the Constitution did not limit speech, promote a Patriot Act that wanted to see what library resources we were utilizing, and a warrentless wiretapping program.
Finally, George Ryan found a way to have a Billion + deficit despite the State's mandate to have a balanced budget. This was just good policy, right TA? How much was your commercial driver's license and was it payable to George Ryan for public office?
Anon 9:07, don't throw stones at my Blog until you go over to Ellen of the Tenth and let her have it for exercising exactly the same attitude towards GOP commentors (which she has berated, excised and finally banned for life) that you accuse me of having. You clearly don't have any idea of what you are talking about.
Of course my comments about untoward GOP behavior are over-looked.
Also, if Ellen jumped off a bridge, shoud you or I?
Cheney shot his friend - maybe I should get a gun license and a gun and - despite the crack safety training available - shoot a friend.
Maybe I should advocate for torture.
Maybe I should sell commercial drivers' licenses.
Moral relativism doesn't work in my book (i.e. we're at war, we can do what we want; someone else is doing it so I don't have to uphold a higher standard or be true to the expectations I set for everyone else).
Also, I'm not sure how Ellen's actions excuse what occurs here vis-a-vis over the top policing.
TA,
You're gracious to allow Blue Prairie any time on this blog...his angry babbling indicates he needs meds and fast!
As to his comments on the Sheriff - Curran is doing a great job and never RAN from anything. How can you reconcile being a crime fighter with a crew committing crimes.
George Ryan and Scott Fawell are old news - since there convictions OVER 100 indictments were issued to Dems between the HDO scandal, the Mayor's hiring debacle, Dem Alderman, the Governor's office and more...far to many to list on this blog.
Blue Prairie - seek professional help!
1. Ellen kicked us off her blog because she was tired of having people that didn't agree with her. Perhaps her uncompetitiveness is why she went to a 3rd tier law school and isn't a power hitting partner a top downtown firm like Mark was in d.c at baker mckenzie.
2. This is not a rush blog. The 10th has the lowest gop per capita Rush listening of any gop held district in america outside of the asian dude in louisiana.
3. Kirk never made his wife eat bugs, like blago. Again, Kimberly could kick any man's ass that goes on this blog.
4. As for Kirk not getting anything done, having worked in the pentago, at usaid, on capitol hill and in the bush west wing while Kirk was in the minority he has a lot of power to get things done. this isn't a college course on congress, but the committee he sits on is THE most powerful on spending. He's feared by foreign policy beuracrats and spend 3 minutes at a diplomatic reception and you'll realize he's the top foreign policy hand in the house gop.
5. This blog is not for 1500 word regurgitations of everything you heard on the rachel maddow show or from jan's latest man-hate america hate fundraiser. Stay on topic and save us your nonsense. We never posted 1800 word ellen and farrakahn are BFF things on her blog.
6. We don't wish ellen harmed. The more people that hear her think, the more people that will vote republican.
7. Tikkun you and blue are not bad dudes, you need a little education, but your mostly civil and worthy enemies.
FOKLAES
FOKLAES, a bit of semantics: we're opponents. If we were enemies, we'd be shooting at each other, and that wouldn't be nearly as much fun.
Tikkun, if you really want to get technical, you and FOKLAES are adversaries, not opponents, unless you are both candidates for an office that I don't know about.
As for shooting at each other, I don't know, maybe a Team America Day at a local paintball range would help some of the people on this blog shoot off a little steam. Everyone needs to relax, or we're not going to make it to 2010 elections with our sanity.
Well stated, TA. Forget Ellen, forget Lauren, forget all the loopy nutcases who are now using this Blog as their personal forum. Time was when this Blog had the most intelligent discourse around these parts. We need to get back on track immediately because TA is right when he says we won't make it to and thru 2010 if this insanity continues.
Let's discuss appropriate issues in a civil way. Disagree, yes, but in a principled way as in days of old.
To say that Congressman Kirk hasn't done anything in the past 8 plus years is stupid and wrong. Should we post all of his successs on this Blog or do you want to check Thomas.gov and check it out for yourselves. Only the misguided one on the other Blog comes up with idiot remarks that say such things. The pro-Israel community knows full well what he has accomplished. His position of the full Appropriations Cmte is replete with many of his achievements. Speak from knowledge, not from a partisan perspective that is simply not true.
OK, let's concentrate on the future and not the past. Much is sitting in front of us that needs to be corrected both in our State and in DC. Can we do that? I sure hope so.
Sitting on certain committees is not the same as passing and maintaining funding for important legislation. I can sit on all the committees I want, however it doesn't necessarily translate to my being effective and getting things accomplished. Fact.
TA dislikes Dems' comments but other anonymous people who agree with TA can engage in name calling ad nauseum. I would have thought that the GOP would have tired of name-calling given W.'s penchant and the Newt/Rush/Coulter dependence upon such a tired and value-less tactic. (While the District may not be a bastion for Rush, I don't hear people speaking out against his unpatriotic comments or Ann's hateful
speech. - FACT).
For the length of time that Mr. Kirk has been in office, the amount of relevant pieces of legislation that he has brought through to fruition AND maintained funding for is less than commendable. Also, despite his stated passion for women's issues, veterans, and the environment, his record shows periods of time where he 'forgets' this.
"Much is sitting in front of us..."
If we can do it, we must do so in a bi-partisan manner that avoids name calling, wishing for failure, and efforts at limiting respectful speech one may disagree with.
We should also vote in favor of efforts to improve the very roads we need to have a decent economy, to provide Americans the skills needed for 21st Century jobs, and at the least we should have actual ideas in our glossy 'alternative budget manuals.'
I am hopeful that you will notice I refrained from name-calling, have demonstrated a moderate tone, and have recognized the need for bi-partisanship.
If Dan Sugrue runs for state rep., he'll have a primary opponent, Mohan Manian, a Green Oaks conservative. He's a precinct committeeman, in Libertyville Township. He'll have a campaign website by the end of June.
Conservative Veteran
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