tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post5334355158818428555..comments2023-10-31T10:50:53.740-05:00Comments on Team America's 10th District Blog: Looking Ahead in 2010Team Americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15035504738668036802noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-48859899746679314172010-01-05T12:29:43.529-06:002010-01-05T12:29:43.529-06:00lol Thanks for your kind comments, TA.
I wouldn&...lol Thanks for your kind comments, TA.<br /><br />I wouldn't say that I'm "giving up". There are plenty of other Mark Kirk supporters out there on all the blogs, who can do a much better job than I ever could. I'm just moving on.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-36925031018628330652010-01-05T11:48:41.696-06:002010-01-05T11:48:41.696-06:00Sorry to see you give up, Anonymous?. I especiall...Sorry to see you give up, Anonymous?. I especially enjoyed your well-thought out defenses of Mark Kirk over at IR, which I monitor closely but don't comment on because I don't have the energy to get drawn into a debate with some of the people over there. Maybe you'll reconsider after a break. Happens to all of us.Team Americahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15035504738668036802noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-88268227624779613482010-01-05T11:41:32.605-06:002010-01-05T11:41:32.605-06:00A copy of what I posted on CapFax this AM as an FY...A copy of what I posted on CapFax this AM as an FYI:<br /><br />"Thanks, AA. That’s very kind of you.<br /><br />As I told Rich yesterday in an email, I’ve decided to retire not only my handle, but from posting on blogs and “Illinois politics” overall. Things have just become a bit too crass in my opinion, and I just don’t have the tolerance for it.<br /><br />It’s been an honor and a pleasure working with you and the others I’ve known here and on the other blogs I’ve enjoyed over the years. Illinois is definitely better off thanks to all of you.<br /><br />All my best,<br /><br />LostGeneration (Illinois Leader)<br />Anonymous (CapFax)<br />? (Illinois Review)<br />Anonymous? (Team America)"<br /><br />Anonymous?<br /><br />(There...See, TA. I even managed to remember to sign my post. Good luck to you and your blog.)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-42944912967464276022010-01-04T17:50:24.908-06:002010-01-04T17:50:24.908-06:00Employer Mandates passed by Coulson do cost all of...Employer Mandates passed by Coulson do cost all of us in additional premiums! So Anonymous from Jan 2 10:57 am, there are mandates and options - but we're paying either way - no matter if our 24-year old kids are on our plans or not. Insurance companies increase the premiums for all, to spread the risk.<br />I posted comments on January 1 at 4:26 after hearing Coulson speak, and getting my blood boiling – but note, I wasn’t high as you suggest. I’m also not anyone’s campaign manager as you also suggest. Finally, as a business owner and employee benefits consultant I know well the difference between mandates and options. We won’t be calling you for help on the additional tax ramifications for the employer and dad that this new law presents – it’s a hornet’s nest. Employer’s are fed-up with life long politicians that are out-of-touch with the reality of running a business.Rusty Magnernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-20765394418527194822010-01-04T12:02:12.413-06:002010-01-04T12:02:12.413-06:00BW, you know I'm trying to develop a taste for...BW, you know I'm trying to develop a taste for Scotch, not gin!Team Americahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15035504738668036802noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-62702880001944295042010-01-04T11:58:42.094-06:002010-01-04T11:58:42.094-06:00"Businessman Dick Green is an earnest chap&qu..."Businessman Dick Green is an earnest chap"<br /><br />TA, the last time I heard someone use the phrase "earnest chap" I was surrounded by tweed jackets and pipe smoke in my never-ending hunt for a loving husband. Is this your native vernacular or do you seek to join the ranks of the elitist stiff-upper-lipped Gin drinkers?<br /><br />Bitter WomanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-63272661857202591752010-01-03T21:07:15.057-06:002010-01-03T21:07:15.057-06:00Correction: That was 1999 (not 1998) in Aviano Ai...Correction: That was 1999 (not 1998) in Aviano Air Force Base (He did go to Serbia twice, but only once as a military officer) The second time was as a staffer when he was counsel to Ben Gilman (R-NY), then chairman of the House International Relations Committee. The second tour of duty I mentioned was in 2000, following the Primary (not 1999) Incirlik, Turkey. That mission was ONW (Operation Northern Watch), enforcing the No Fly Zone in Northern Iraq, in protection of the Kurdish people Saddam had launched a brutal chemical weapons attack against in Hallabjah (1994?). The Iraqis, not the Serbs fired upon their plane during the incident in which Mark sustained minor injuries.Kimberly Vertollinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-2372212298197758852010-01-03T18:35:09.570-06:002010-01-03T18:35:09.570-06:00Anonymous-
Thanks--and Happy New Year to you, as w...Anonymous-<br />Thanks--and Happy New Year to you, as well!<br /><br />Incidentally, regarding my previous posting that was taken down--I confirmed my identity with TA and I asked him to take it down. The crux of it was as follows:<br /><br />Ordinarily, I'm not inclined to communicate publicly about my private life. Unfortunately, malicious and false allegations are being made about my previous marriage, in a desperate bid to hurt my ex-husband, that have hurt me, as well. Therefore, I want to set the record straight. Nobody knows the real Mark Kirk better than I do. We have known each other for 12 years and we were married for 8 years. We did live together in Highland Park for 5 years following our 2001 nuptials and lived together in Washington, DC, as well. He is 100% heterosexual and our marriage enjoyed many blissful times. Sometimes, two people can love and respect one another, yet the marriage doesn't work. It's time to stop being distracted by false, malicious hate-mongering and focus on putting people back to work, improving the economy and solving the issues like transportation and budget deficits that really impact the people of Illinois and are the real concerns the people of Illinois want their politicians to address.Kimberly Vertollinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-32519791601156808632010-01-03T16:50:58.928-06:002010-01-03T16:50:58.928-06:00Kimberly,
From one runner to another - thanks for...Kimberly,<br /><br />From one runner to another - thanks for your post, your service and your class! I expected nothing less.<br /><br />I send you my best wishes for a Happy New Year!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-41674829363069071982010-01-03T16:46:18.220-06:002010-01-03T16:46:18.220-06:00"I'd like to see more GOP'ers like Re..."I'd like to see more GOP'ers like Rep. Cao. "<br /><br />You crack me up! I'd like to see more democrats like Zell Miller!!!<br /><br />That aside, I wrote a couple of times yesterday about how it was unbecoming of republicans to demean anyone - especially those with a military background. I was speaking of Friedman at the time, but now I will apply it to those writing about Mark Kirk. If y'all are such hot stuff, when was the last time you were a member of a crew that took off and then landed on an aircraft carrier? The reason I ask is that I have never heard a pointy-end-of-the-spear person speak about ANYONE'S military background in a demeaning fashion.<br /><br />Mark Kirk's military record is not up for question. Anyone who contributes is worthy of praise. Even the "staff weenies." By the way, most of my career after my first fleet tour were in "staff weenie" jobs. But the Marine Corps. still thought I was worthy.<br /><br />Still think the posters talking negative about Kirk or Friedman are libs. Republicans might criticize - libs demean.<br /><br />Semper Fi!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-2578328304181650682010-01-03T16:23:50.378-06:002010-01-03T16:23:50.378-06:001. Rhetoric is not expected to work in any tangibl...1. Rhetoric is not expected to work in any tangible fashion. It is meant to score points. Why do you think Kirk has so many darn press conferences and so few pieces of legislation that get out of committee?<br /><br />2. There is a distinct difference between rhetoric and stating of facts. I tend not to engage in rhetoric or talking points. Some of us happen to actually believe in what we say even if from time to time it is similar to what has been said elsewhere.<br /><br />You can't be deemed a life-long fiscal conservative if you approved an unnecessary tax cut ($pending), you can't be supportive of our troops if you commit them to an unnecessary war without the proper equipment and then either dishonorably discharge them and/or bill them for equipment not returned to the government, and you can't be for the average American if you keep putting forth candidates like Topinka, most of those running for the 10th District seat on the GOP side, and most of the GOP'ers running for Governor.<br /><br />Again, I have never said the Dem's are perfect or of superior morals. And, to a degree, that is the point. It is partially because the GOP holds themselves in such high regard that some of us are disappointed that when their public officials fail, they are not taken to task or removed from office. We know what would occur if it was a Dem! <br /><br />In fact, one thing that separates the Dem's from the Repubs is their willingness to critique each other for the record and to recognize that you don't have to agree with a minority of your party all of the time.<br />If only the born-again fiscal conservatives put a stop to some of the anti-GOP tactics of George Ryan, George Bush, and possibly current or recent GOP governors, they'd have more credibility, and we'd possibly be in a better station in our national life.<br /><br />Of course, for some it is better to score points, to be quoted as being impolite or aiming for the nation's destruction (wishing for attacks, a President's failure, etc.), than to roll up their sleeves and do what they were sent to Springfield and DC to do.<br /><br />It was not to twitter from the Pentagon. It was not to fly to Argentina. It was not to say no to everything up for consideration only to offer amendments to legislation you don't agree with.<br /><br />I cannot be the only one who does not see the logic in saying no for spite, for offering amendments to legislation you don't want to see the light of day, to delaying Presidential appointments for up to a year and then wanting to be deemed concerned, compassionate, and effective.<br /><br />Call me what you want.<br />The country could be doing better and the labeling, inaction, and untoward comments by some public officials to people in China and elsewhere are not helping and I am hopeful that more of the same crop of the uncaring GOP are not elected to either allow the status quo or worse.<br /><br /><br />I'd like to see more GOP'ers like Rep. Cao. However, I think that the Tea Partiers that seem to have undue influence may make it harder and harder for him to stay in office as a GOP'er.<br /><br />Finally, if Kirk was actually in favor of equal rights for women, environmental concerns, and didn't blame his own constituents, maybe I'd have a bit more respect for him. It is hard to respect someone who throws the people who pay their salary and PUBLIC OPTION health insurance under the bus while denying these constituents some stability when it comes to health insurance and an adequate infrastructure. Let the labels that this blog is so known for begin...Crazy4glfhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07825258902135831151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-86506822899748059272010-01-03T15:58:40.271-06:002010-01-03T15:58:40.271-06:00Mark Kirk fought in the Kosovo War not once, but t...Mark Kirk fought in the Kosovo War not once, but twice. In about April 1998, he did a 3 week AT (that's the Active Training Reservists do once a year in a addition to one weekend a month). Mark served at Aviano AFB in Italy, supporting his EA-6B Prowler-209 Squadron as their Intelligence Officer. Reservists are given choices in where to go and they typically don't force a person to go into a war zone unless they volunteer. Not only did Mark volunteer to go to a War Zone, he made the effort to go up with the pilots/NFOs he supported. Why? It helped him to better understand what they did and Mark knows that taking those kinds of hands-on risks garners respect from the 'front-line' pilots he supports. They were shot at by the Serbs and it was harrowing. The Prowlers job is to jam the SAM batteries so the fighter package can follow them and get their mission accomplished without worrying about being lit up by a SAM. (Surface to Air Missile) Mark could have sat in a cozy little intel center, sipping latte and preparing powerpoint briefs--he could have stayed somewhere else safe, checked the box and moved on. He WANTED to experience combat and asked to go to SERE School so he could fly with his guys (For those who don't know--it's Survive-Evade-Resist-Escape)and it's a course from Hell anyone who flies must go through--survival training. He came back 15 pounds lighter with bruises all over his body. He VOLUNTEERED. As a result of his hard work, he was awarded Intel Officer of the Year--that's huge! I know this because I began dating him in February 1998 and when his duty was over, I took leave from my own job as a Naval Intelligence Officer, at the Office of Naval Intelligence, took a MAC flight out to Aviano Air Force Base, toured his facility, went out with the squadron and then Mark and I had a beautiful post-war trip to Venice. <br /><br />The following year, in 1999, Mark had just done the impossible and won his first Republican primary. Following that, he went back with his squadron. (I think this time it was to Incirlik, Turkey) where he again placed himself in harm's way by volunteering to go up with his squadron. They were fired upon and the pilot had to make some radical moves to avoid being hit by the Serbs' AAA fire (Anti-Air Artillery) and Mark suffered minor injuries as a result.<br /><br />He may be in a "support role" but he's no 'staff weenie' weekend warrior--he has always taken his job as a Reservist extremely seriously and has generously shared his experience and understanding of the military and intelligence Community with appreciative bipartisan Congressional colleagues. As the number of veterans who serve in the Congress dwindles and the importance of understanding our military and national security increases, we're lucky to have a Mark Kirk in the Congress to educate the others. It's frightening that the Congress has so much authority with respect to military matters, yet so few have any experience to inform the heady decisions they must make.<br /><br />By the way, Mark doesn't get paid for his service in the military either--not since he became a Congressman--it's prohibited--he does it because he thinks it makes him a better representative, loves the US Navy and loves serving with our men and women in uniform, for whom he has so much respect.<br /><br />I think he deserves a lot of credit for his military service and record of bypassing easy jobs for the ones requiring heavy-lifting. The Prowler, in particular, is a highly complicated aircraft, used for EW (Electronic Warfare). There are much easier duties he could have accepted, in much safer locations, but as with so many things in his career, he chooses to do the hard things because he knows he has the brain power to handle it, knows he can make a difference and wants to lead by example. <br />--Kimberly Vertolli<br />USNA 1995<br />former spouse of Mark KirkKimberly Vertollinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-10616829923989153072010-01-03T15:25:52.470-06:002010-01-03T15:25:52.470-06:00Mark was in serbia for the bombing campaign in 199...Mark was in serbia for the bombing campaign in 1999 (hey dick holbrooke) and was in afghanistan last year doing cn work. he didn't get to stay at the serena hotel, but then again he's a little tougher than your average usaid hack. Mark knows his eikenberry's from his wild bill wood's. <br /><br />pup btw did sake bombs, alexi played war of warcraft, and tehran julie probably pushed for a law banning gi joes in stores last year. I go with the e-ring dude. <br /><br />btw, for those of you who just got here, in 1999 the gop wanted corinne wood because she was a woman-I am a big fan of her and her flack dave kohn btw-,we got some guy named kirk instead, wonder what happened to that guy?<br /><br />gash is a loser, what she wants I am all for. <br /><br />FOkLAEASAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-73510750439064940632010-01-03T15:08:52.312-06:002010-01-03T15:08:52.312-06:00Did it again, sorry. 3:05 is from Anonymous?Did it again, sorry. 3:05 is from Anonymous?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-87078655972683077592010-01-03T15:05:00.852-06:002010-01-03T15:05:00.852-06:00===
And yes, he is a staff weenie.
===
I can see...===<br />And yes, he is a staff weenie. <br />===<br /><br />I can see where this conversation is headed.<br /><br />"No, he's not."<br /><br />"Yes, he is."<br /><br />"No, he's not."<br /><br />*sound of crickets chirping*<br /><br />"I win!"<br /><br />"No, you didn't."<br /><br />"Yes, I did."<br /><br /><br />Face it, 2:02, when you're wrong, you're wrong. I believe he was in BOTH places--but even though it's been rumored--there's absolutely no proof that even Kirk can be in two places at the same time.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-80825373154941062392010-01-03T14:02:50.149-06:002010-01-03T14:02:50.149-06:00No, I think Kirk was in the National Command Cente...No, I think Kirk was in the National Command Center while he was Tweeting, not in Afghanistan last year. And yes, he is a staff weenie. <br /><br />One way or another, Dr. Friedman's experience shows a far greater ability to command. He's the only, and perhaps far better replacement for Kirk.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-52601553677284187152010-01-03T13:54:19.955-06:002010-01-03T13:54:19.955-06:00Heh, I love this testimony as to whom our opponent...Heh, I love this testimony as to whom our opponents want to face in November. I KNOW I couldn't care less what the Dems want, even if we could trust some anonymous commenter.<br /><br />On another note, I just heard that Dold will be on the Tom Roeser show tonight opposite - wait for it - Jeff Berkowitz! I was a bit surprised that he did not promote it on his website or facebook page.<br /><br />Should be interesting. Let's see how Bob does in an unscripted environment. I hope he shows some spirit! I think this will be one of the few such opportunities we will get between now and Feb 2.D. Millernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-3718588662576027562010-01-03T13:46:10.461-06:002010-01-03T13:46:10.461-06:00FOKLAES,
How can you expect Coulson to stand up a...FOKLAES,<br /><br />How can you expect Coulson to stand up and fight when the so-called "Leaders" of the GOP have not stood up to fight for or with her?<br /><br />She is the only GOP rep with a significant portion of her district in the 10th - no thanks to Springfield. <br /><br />I don't recall GOP leaders making any efforts in defeating Garrett, May, Link, Ryg, Nekritz and company. The GOP candidates were for all practical purposes on their own. Springfield didn't have the time, talent or money to invest in their own GOP candidates. So don't punish the candidates that are able to survive - they are on our side!<br /><br />As to Seals and LBG, I KNOW they are hoping for a Dold or Freidman victory. Let's not give it to them.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-41297133315516132972010-01-03T12:43:25.313-06:002010-01-03T12:43:25.313-06:00Mark Kirk's service has been honorable and mea...Mark Kirk's service has been honorable and meaningful. He is justly proud of his militar record.<br /><br />Anyone saying anything else is welcome to put their own military record out there for scrutiny.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-12782825089281353322010-01-03T12:20:34.342-06:002010-01-03T12:20:34.342-06:00Anon 11:03 YOU are ignorant of the truth, the fact...Anon 11:03 YOU are ignorant of the truth, the facts that are easily substantiated by the Military. Point of fact: at this very moment Mr. Kirk IS in Afghanistan, is in harms way once again. Last year he was on the front lines and not in any way a weenie. How disgracefully ignorant you are to say such demeaning things. Mr. Kirk doesn't ask for special treatment nor is he given any special treatment. You and your buddies who say such things owe him an apology. But knowing you guys you'll continue to talk against a man who has legitimately earned his Commander designation. And yes, he WAS serving IN Kosovo and suffered an injury. There seems to be no end to the lies you guys like to spread. Sickening.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-51410496953297098322010-01-03T11:28:47.930-06:002010-01-03T11:28:47.930-06:00Kirk recently served IN Afghanistan.
Nice try the...Kirk recently served IN Afghanistan.<br /><br />Nice try there buddy. Try to be a little more accurate next time.<br /><br />Louis G. AtsavesAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-28877580649108016992010-01-03T11:03:19.576-06:002010-01-03T11:03:19.576-06:00I don't think Mark Kirk was ever posted IN Kos...I don't think Mark Kirk was ever posted IN Kosovo, Haiti, or Afghanistan. He only served 'during' those conflicts. In fact, Kirk has never served 'in country' anywhere the bullets were flying. Kirk was what line officers refer to as a 'staff weenie.'Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-52919049165997724992010-01-02T22:23:55.572-06:002010-01-02T22:23:55.572-06:00loleta didrickson was supposed to be a moderate wh...loleta didrickson was supposed to be a moderate who could win because she had the right profile. <br /><br />coulson sat in springfield and let the dems destroy the state. i want a party that gets up in the morning and stands for something, not blago light. it only matters who our people are and what they are going to do. how hard they will work. <br /><br />dold needs to show he can beat someone up. enough with the talk, walk or go away. <br /><br />FOKLAEASAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-23519877550035353022010-01-02T21:32:28.016-06:002010-01-02T21:32:28.016-06:00That's interesting, because I know for a fact ...That's interesting, because I know for a fact that that the Seals dems are hoping for Coulson.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5194608964536238003.post-55037743283980819582010-01-02T21:12:22.188-06:002010-01-02T21:12:22.188-06:00Crazy4golf,
I suggest you read today's WSJ an...Crazy4golf,<br /><br />I suggest you read today's WSJ and look at what the Federal bailout to the states will actually cost the states...it's scary - especially for Illinois.<br /><br />FOKLAES,<br /><br />Love to have drinks with you sometime to discuss Coulson - the only choice for folks committed to keeping the 10th in the GOP column. I know she does not have a uniform, but she is pro-Israeli and has a hell of a lot of common sense.<br /><br />The Dems are hoping for a Dold or Friedman victory - I know it from reliable sources and so do you. Back Beth - because Beth backs the 10th - NOT Pelosi or Obama...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com