Would this be a shining city on a hill, exciting the admiration of all? We don't have to guess, because there is such a city right here in our country............

Check out the article to find out where it is.

Here's a hint.....It's gone from being the wealthiest city in America to the 2nd poorest.

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Union news......
    The main stream media has followed Wisconsin's attempt to extricate itself from the undue influence of the public sector unions.  But, I'm seeing little coverage (by comparison) of the HUGE deal going on in Minnesota.  Voters in Hubert Humphreys liberal bastion will be going to polls this November to decide if Minnesota becomes a "right to work" state.  
    If the provision is passed, Minnesota will become the 24th state in the  US to have right to work laws.  

    The media is keeping rather mum.....lest the other states find out about this growing trend.

    Right now, polls are showing the referendum being supported 2-1, by Minnesota voters. YOWZA!!

    If this passes in liberal Minnesota, unions have BIG problems nationwide.   

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Chopping Wood

Henry Ford, the founder of Ford Motor Company, had a home in the Detroit suburbs that featured the following quote above the fireplace: "The man who chops his own wood, warms himself twice."

It's a great adage that remains true today.  But I wonder if the reverse might also be true.

The number of people on medicaid in the state of Illinois has grown.   

In 2001, the state of Illinois had more than 1.4 million people receiving medicaid benefits.  That represented 11% of the state's population. 

Care to guess what the number has grown to in 2011?  

2.7 million people, or 21% of the Illinois population!!  (Sorry about that.  Yes, I too spit my drink on my screen when I read the number.)

Setting aside the fraud and abuse that drives part of the increase, I'm drawn back to the adage on Ford's mantlepiece.

If the man who chops his own wood warms himself twice, then the government that dispenses largesse without responsibility harms the recipient twice (and maybe more).

The recipient is demeaned by not having any accountability (or responsibility) for the gift (even passing a drug test).  The government support also slowly erodes the work ethic that the citizen may have once had.  The government is successfully decoupling "reward" from "effort".

The reward, for a citizen, now becomes "gaming" the system. Having a child out of wedlock, allows a couple to get more entitlement dollars than if they were to be married.  (So we are rewarding non-marriage too!  Great.)  

And, of course, we've basically sentenced subsequent generations to government dependance, as well.    

A government that chops it's spending (and reduces taxes) unburdens it's citizens, TWICE!

I have a friend, whose son works for a west coast "survey firm".  When I casually asked him about his employer's activities, he sheepishly admitted that his company does all the surveys for the White House. I knew the firm had LOTS of employees, so I naively asked, "Who else do you survey for?" 

"No one" He replied.  "We only work for the White House".  I was stunned.  

It seems the firm is literally conducting "round the clock" surveys on every topic imaginable so that Team Obama might be able to test the political winds.  (When your South Chicago mentality views people as being gun and cross clingers, you probably need surveys to better understand America.  But I digress.)

More shockingly was the fact that this particular firm was but one of many being used by White House operatives. 

And so it was, that one of these firms "pre-tested" the Obamacare issue which would require faith based employers to pay for issues of conscience (abortions, sterilizations, etc.)  The problem was the polling firm asked the question in the wrong way.  

The polling question was too generic, and asked only if employers should be required to cover these procedures.  It failed to ask specifically if faith based organizations (like churches, etc.) should be required to pay for these procedures.  

Bad data in.  Bad data out. As a result of bad surveying, the South Side President has revealed himself to be politically tone deaf (and hiring the wrong survey firm).
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While Obama thought that Catholics were not united enough to raise a stir, he's actually been successful in bringing all faith organizations together on the issue. 

And to had to his religious woes, a recent Wall Street Journal article highlights the bellwether that is the Catholic Vote:

In nine of the past 10 presidential elections, the Catholic vote has gone with the candidate who ultimately won the election. Five times it has gone to a Republican; five times to a Democrat. In five of those elections, the percentage of the Catholic vote taken by the winner has been within a single percentage point of the share he won overall.

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Obama through his language is trying to rewrite the constitution.  In so many of speeches of late, he continues to talk about the importance of "freedom of worship".  This is completely different than our constitutional right of "freedom of religion.  Let's not let him get away with this.  It impacts us all. 

The reason is simple. Any person of faith knows that religious exercise is about a lot more than freedom of worship. It’s about the right to dress according to one’s religious dictates, to preach openly, to evangelize, to engage in the public square. Everyone knows that religious Jews keep kosher, religious Quakers don’t go to war, and religious Muslim women wear headscarves—yet “freedom of worship” would protect none of these acts of faith.

Freedom of Worship is NOT Freedom of Religion!!!

House Speaker Boehner was all ready to send up a bill to upend the White House efforts on paid abortions by faith based organizations.  The White House, today, has indicated they are going to find a compromise to stem the growing outrage.

And yet, I wonder why the House Republicans have not put up a bill to stop Obamacare?  I'm hearing rumors that Republican leaders have decided that maybe they like Obamacare after all - more money, more power, more control.   Boehner promised to put up a bill to stop Obamacare and yet we've heard nothing.  


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Obamacare and the Supreme Court.  People supporting Obamacare contend that the Government has the right to force citizens to act proactively.  In fact, they don't.  Nothing in the constitution allows the Federal Government to force any activity on the people.

What about taxes?  Well, in fact, one could live off the land, and keep their income to a certain level, where they would not be required to pay taxes.  

What about property taxes?  Everyone pays proprety taxes, right?  Wrong.  First of all renters don't pay property taxes.  Ah, but the owner of a rental unit pays property taxes!  Wrong again!  The answer is Stafford, TX.  People living in Stafford Texas pay no property taxes or state income taxes.   How's that for freedom!

Regarding the ability of the Federal Government to require an action of citizens, in fact, there is only one court case to support the supposition.....It's Korematsu v. United States from 1943.  It was the case that allowed the Federal Government to inter Japanese Americans during World War II.  The case was decided in the fervor following Pearl Harbor, and has subsequently been derided and apologized for. 

Obamacare is not that far off - subjecting American citizens to internment against their will.  But don't look for Obama's lawyers to cite the 1943 case when they argue for Obamacare in front of the justices. 

Over the weekend, I attended mass with my family.  I was stunned as I listened to the priest deliver his sermon. 

The US Catholic Church has never been too political.  Oh sure, they've advocated for particular political positions, like the abolition of abortion.  But, they've never openly advocated for a political party or candidate.  At most they have encouraged Catholic voters to: "know the issues and the candidates."

Well that has all changed this weekend.

The church bulletin contained a strong letter from our Bishop condemning the latest salvo from Obamacare which will require all organizations (including Catholic ones) to provide full coverage for abortions for their employees.  More to the point, Catholic organizations that eliminate health care coverage for employees because of the requirement will be saddled with government penalties for not doing so.  How that for driving a liberal agenda down our throats?

What was so unusual about the letter from the Bishop, was the fact that Obama was mentioned by name.  I cannot recall another time that a politician's name has been mentioned from the pulpit at Church. 

I, for one, welcome the Catholic Church's entrance into the political fray.  It's time for them to rally their troops.

In a similar vein, Republican voters need to start asking their Congressman why no bill has been put forward to upend Obamacare.  2010 was an expression of the outrage over Obamacare, but now that R's control congress, no action has been taken.  very frustrating......

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Senator Mark Kirk.  
    As many of you know, Illinois Senator Mark KIrk suffered a stroke, one week ago, on Saturday.  Ironically, on Friday, immediately before the medical issue, Senator Kirk welcomed his new spokesperson on board. 

    The new spokesperson for the Senator is Effingham native, Andrew Flach (son of Phil & Karen).  

    It's quite a welcome for Andrew as he handles the continual media attention to his new boss and the recovery. 

    Congratulations Andrew and Good Luck!!!


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Nanny state - Naperville,

Good friend, Dr. Joe Hartmann had an interesting experience in Naperville last weekend.  First here's a photo of Joe's 6 year old grandson.........

Why does Alex look so sad?  From Dr. Joe: 

Last Saturday, Tom's kids were playing in their front yards in the snow with the neighborhood kids. About 5 pm Julie called them in for dinner. Alex (age 6) came in, took off his hat and coat (he was still in his snow boots, snow pants, long underwear and long shirt) when Julie told him to run two houses down the street to get his sister to come home. Alex ran past Tom who was waiting on the front porch for a client and watched Alex run down the street. He then saw a cop car make a u-turn, stop and walk up the neighbor's walkway and confront Alex. Tom was there within seconds. The cop said he was writing Tom up for Alex not having a coat on (temp was about 25). Now this house he ran to wasn't more than 100 feet from Tom's house. Cop called DCFS that moment and said that Alex was barefoot, had inappropriate clothing, and lack of adult supervision. Tom went back to his clients and Julie went to confront the cop. She was as mad as I have ever heard her and the cop was just abusive. Said he was writing down everything she said and kept asking her if she was done yet. Tom called the sergeant on call who said he didn't know the cop but would look into it. Tom got no call back. Sunday morning at 9 am a person from DCFS appeared at the front door wanted to search the house and talk to Alex who was hysterical by this time. DCFS said they didn't think there was going to be a problem. On Monday Tom called the police department asking to talk to the police chief. Secretary wouldn't put him through but sent him to another sergeant. Tom explained his story and sent him the photo he took of Alex after he got back into the house. Officer said that the picture was taken some time after the incident and Tom could have dressed Alex up. Tom wanted to file a police harassment complaint but the cop said, "If you do and we find that any of what you say is wrong, we will prosecute you!" Tom finally got a hold of the police chief who really wasn't going to do anything about it. Tom is giving up for fear of reprisals. Amazing isn't it. Now we should call the police station so they can determine what type of clothing we should put on our kids before we let them out of the house.

WOW!!  just WOW!!!  (The photo is of Alex, immediately after the entire fracas.  I go jogging in less attire when it's 20 degrees out.  Guess I can't do that in Naperville.)

If kids can be underdressed in Naperville, then I guess they can be overdressed as well. Frankly, too many layers on a winter day can be just as damaging.  For that matter, sunlight hitting dark clothes will heat up a body quicker than lighter colored clothing.  It would seem that Naperville police should issue standard of attire for all types of weather. 

I would recommend Naperville parents call the police every morning to find out what is appropriate attire for the day, lest they hear from DCFS!

Iowa results - Surprising? Yes.  Shocking?  No

Conservative Republicans have tried to unify behind a single conservative candidate (Bachmann, Perry, Cain, Gingrich) without much success.  Santorum is the rising star.

Already this morning Michelle Bachmann has withdrawn from the race.  As the effective leader, Romney would presumably benefit from the withdrawal of candidates.  BUT NOT SO FAST! 

Keep in mind, as each conservative candidate withdraws, their supporters move on to  candidates of a similar political ilk.  For Romney, if Bachmann's withdrawal is followed too closely by Perry, and those supporters flock to Santorum, then Romney has trouble a brewing.  

He needs several more victories under his belt, before any more candidates withdraw.
At the same time, Bachmann & Perry's endorsement of Santorum (possibly conditioned on a future cabinet post) could generate the groundswell of support behind one conservative candidate.

Romney's best chance is a longer, prolonged primary battle, with all candidates staying on deck.  Upcoming debates also offer him the chance to bolster his conservative credentials.   However, given his current position, he probably feels he doesn't need to change a thing.
"Moderation" may Romney's operative word.   Of course, that was John McCain's campaign strategy, as well.  That's why today, former nominee McCain is endorsing Romney, as opposed to, you know, actually having won the Presidential election.

With the death of Kim Jung-Il, it's fascinating to watch the scripted scenes emanating from North Korea.  The mass mourning that is occurring is interesting to note.  Where else will you see people standing in nice neat rows, unable to control their sorrow? 

Every time I've seen large groups standing in sorrow (Lady Diana & John Lennon's passing come to mind) people are standing en-masse.  Many are touching or hugging each other in shared emotion. 

Not so in Korea.  People are overly wrought with sorrow, but can maintain precision like discipline. 

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Kim Jung Il will be buried during Christmas week.  Make sure to note the similarities between North Korea and what the Obama administration seeks for America:
    1. Centralized planning of production and employment (don't forget Obama's NLRB push against Boeing)
    2. Majority of citizens receiving benefits from the state
    3. Political considerations given precedence to economic ones.
    4. Detainment of US citizens without trial or due process.

As you watch the funeral, keep asking yourself:  Are we becoming more like North Korea, or less?

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Fracking!  
    Had a chance to catch up with my natural gas expert yesterday.  Of late, the news has been filled with EPA concerns about Fracking and the massive amounts of water that are used in the process.  In fact, the EPA did some well testing and found evidence of hydrocarbon and chemicals believed to be caused by fracking. 
    Some quick facts:
        1. Fracking is a three day process that's completed immediately after a well is drilled.
        2. Large amounts of water are used - and 85% are recovered.
        3. Fracking is done at the 2,000 foot level and deeper.  Most water tables are in the 300-500 foot depth.
        4. Once fracking is completed (first 3 days), the natural gas is then harvested for a 30 year period, without the introduction of any more water or chemicals.

An inflammatory documentary shows a person burning off natural gas coming out of his faucet.  Compelling viewing indeed.  However, the footage was shot in an area where natural gas is so abundant, it's at the 300 foot depth.  The occurrence has nothing to do with exploration and everything to do with the naturally occurring gas locations. 

This type of misinformation (promulgated to increase dependency on foreign oil) is akin to a finding a coal vein in a farm field and using that as justification for shutting off coal production in this country.

Kim Jung Il could get away with that type of lunacy.  Remember, it's that type of thinking that currently occupies the EPA (and several pay grades higher).