Practically Speaking
Kyle and her husband moved to Brookfield in 1986. She became active in local politics and started blogging in 2004. Her focus is primarily on local issues but often includes state and national topics, too. Kyle looks at things from the taxpayers' perspective in a creative, yet down to earth way, addressing them from a practical point of view.
Yes. he can, and I would like to too
By now we have all heard of President Obama's Don't do as I do, do as I say on heating and food. I would just like to say, I would like to too. I received my 2nd utility bill from my self imposed cut backs. It was $500. I am cold in my house of 68 degrees most of the day. I am not doing this to save the planet, for I do not believe in the theory of Global Warming or Climate Change. No, I am cutting back to save something else: money. This is what makes Obama's tropical President Barack Obabma's Bahamas temperature Oval office so offensive. He DOES believe in Global Warming. He will promote Cap and Trade and Carbon credits that will raise utility prices across the board. His Cap and Trade and alternative energy plans will make my $500/month utility bill look like the good ole daysDon't forget Thursday's Elmbrook School Board candidate forum, 7pm
A reader forwarded me the following announcement from the Elmbrook School District regarding the coming candidate forum. (Parents of Elmbrook School students receive these monthly events notices, but residents without children in the district do not.)
Last year, I attended the forum even though each candidate ran unopposed. I found it was still an good opportunity to get a feel for the candidates. This year we have three candidates running for each open seat. The forum on Thursday should help you to get a better idea of where each stands on the issues facing the Elmbrook School District, such as how to solve the challenge of increasing costs without increasing taxes. The primary is coming up fast: Feb. 17th.
UPDATES Stop the Senate socialist spending "stimulus" bill
UPDATES at bottom of post.
It is easy for conservatives to become discouraged. What looked like glimmer of hope last week, with all of the House Republicans and 11 Blue-Dog Democrats soundly rejecting the pork-filled "stimulus" bill in the House, quickly faded on Monday.
Digital TV, The Ant and Grasshopper, & The Titanic
If Americans cannot be responsible for making sure their TVs work come Feb. 17th, by getting the digital conversion box, we are hopeless.
A good parent knows they must let their children fail at some things in order to teach them responsibility. The trick is to do it with things that really don't matter. Things that don't have life-long consequences. Isn't this TV conversion a perfect way to teach responsibility?
46 of 50 states could file bankruptcy?
On Wed, Feb 4, 2009 at 10:13 AM, Gerry Goodrich <gerrygoodrich@yahoo.com> wrote:
ND, WY, MT and WV are the only States not facing budget deficits.
There is a high chance a majority of the States within the United States of America could file for Chapter 9 bankruptcy. There are currently 46 states with high budget deficits, Arizona being one of them.
http://media.brookfieldnow.com/images/practically_speaking_665572_9-8-08sfp-f1.jpg
In fact, Jan Brewer <http://www.governor.state.az.us/>, the newly appointed Governor of Arizona has a major crisis on her hands, one that Arizona and national media isn't covering. The alarming news is the State of Arizona has 90 to 120 days before they completely run out of money. After that, all bills and tax refunds owed to the citizens will go unpaid.
Before Janet Napolitano <http://www.dhs.gov/index.shtm
| > left for her new Homeland secretary position, she had a stand-off with Arizona Treasurer Dean Martin<http://www.aztreasury.gov/>. The AZ Treasurer forewarned Napolitano about Arizona's financial crisis, but she refused to heed his words. With neighboring California on the verge of bankruptcy this year, many States will follow in their steps. Many States are already scurrying to cut unwanted costs, cut State-funded programs, raise taxes, not issue tax refunds to their citizens, and borrow money just to survive in 2009. Unfortunately, many banks - the same banks the Fed bailed out - are refusing to loan money to the States and their Treasury agencies. The article, State Budget Troubles Worsen <http://www.cbpp.org/9-8-08sfp.htm>, at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities <http://www.cbpp.org/> website is an excellent piece to read. It shows where each State currently stands in these challenging economic times, and you see 46 of the 50 States are clearly in the financial red. It's very possible you'll see the end of the United States as we know it. If the Fed doesn't bailout the States when their cash dries up and the banks don't loan them money, then our States will be left in financial ruin. This would be a tragic and unprecedented event never experienced in the United States. No State has ever filed bankruptcy, but it could be coming to a State near you this year. We are on the brink of something far worse than the Great Depression. UPDATE: Check out the newly published article, Survivalism: How to Prepare for the Economic Collapse <http://freedomarizona.org/2009/02/02/survivalism-how-to-prepare-for-the-economic-collapse/>. There's also a printable 4-page newsletter you can download and share with your friends, family, and co-workers. Take action and help spread the awareness of this life-threatening issue. I
believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties
than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks
to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by
deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the
banks will deprive the people of all property until their children
wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered. ~ Thomas Jefferson |
Obama's pro-p*orn lawyer nomination for #2 to Attorney General?
You cannot make this stuff up. Attorney David W. Ogden is President Obama's choice for 2nd in command in the U.S. office of the Attorney General. So what?
Attorney David W. Ogden is pro-gays in the military, pro-p*orn, pro-abortion, and pro-children's access to unfiltered internet at libraries.
Superintendent of Public Instruction race
Remember to Vote February 17th
There are five candidates running to be our next State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Your vote on February 17th could make a big difference.
Weigh in on the Wisconsin issues survey
Sign up for the Issues Survey
Governor Doyle will be delivering his budget address very soon. We will be preparing our first legislative survey based on the agenda that the governor delivers in his Executive Budget.
I have set up a confidential, online survey system that will provide you with the opportunity to share your views.
Phone: 608-266-9180 or 414-453-0024EMail: Rep.Vukmir@legis.wi.gov
UPDATE: Rep. Sensenbrenner & Rep. Leah Vukmir Town Hall
UPDATE: Rep. Vukmir informed me that Rep. Rich Zipperer and Sen. Ted Kanavas will also be at the Brookfield Town Hall meeting on Sunday. Sen. Jim Sullivan, 5th District, was invited but has not confirmed.
Coming to a municipal building near you, a Town Hall meeting with U.S. Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner and State Representative Leah Vukmir. The first opportunity is tonight, at the Elm Grove Village Hall at 7pm [Map].
Second half TARP funds just released?
It is February. ? months after the TARP bailout bill that was an emergency in Oct?
We are just releasing this second portion now?
Elmbrook School Board candidate forum: first impressions
I did make it to the Elmbrook School Board candidate forum last night, but I was about 3 minutes late. There were about 30 people in the audience, 2 of which were board members Bob Zieggler and Tom Gehl. (There may have been others present, but I did not see them.)
As I found a seat, a woman was already speaking at a podium. (I later found out she was Dorothy Smaglick, the President of the Elmbrook Education Foundation and is part of the Parent Leadership Council, the sponsor of the forum). I thought the speaker was a candidate giving her opening statement. As she spoke, I found she was reading a statement for candidate Katie Lemcke, who could not be at the forum. Dorothy Smaglick was explaining something about a planned family activity conflicting with the forum time, and so she [Katie Lemcke] could not attend. There was some mention of meeting with some Disney characters? Did I hear that right? You will have to watch the cable broadcast to hear the explanation.
No wonder Democrats don't mind raising taxes. They don't pay 'em!
In case you did not catch this one, from the land of Truth is stranger than fiction or You can't make this stuff up, another Obama Cabinet pick confirmation was stalled yesterday.
Why? Because of unpaid taxes! Tax snafus add up for Obama team:
Mr. President, this is stimulus; yours is socialist porkulus
Keynesian economics: According to Keynesian economics the state should stimulate economic growth and improve stability in the private sector — through, for example, adjusting interest rates and taxation and funding public projects.
"Stealing Elections" author to speak Tuesday, Feb. 24th
The Republican Party of Waukesha County are holding their Pre-Caucus Dinner on Tuesday, February 24th at the Country Springs Hotel. The dinner and program begins at 6:30 PM. Caucus Meeting follows.
How much is your life worth? Should govt. decide?
We already do this to a certain extent with Medicare. The rule of thumb is that if Medicare does not cover it, a retirees supplemental plan won't cover it either. The government health insurance provider decides. They also decide the dollar amount they will pay for a procedure. This is why some doctors or dentists don't want to take Medicare/Medicaid patients; their costs are not covered. If they do take these type patients, the extra costs are passed onto those with health insurance. That is one reason health insurance rates are so high.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601039&refer=columnist_mccaughey&sid=aLzfDxfbwhzs
Was that an Obama Town Hall or "Queen for a Day"?
President Obama was out and about promoting his "stimulus" package earlier this week. The audio clips I heard of the Town Hall meeting Obama held on Tuesday in Fort Myers, Florida, however, seemed bizarre to me. It certainly was not very presidential.
drill no more
http://mail.google.com/mail/?shva=1#all/11f66c2b36441b22
Dear American Energy Supporter,
Last week, over 6,500 of you responded to our call to send a message to President Obama
that you want access to more of America’s energy resources. Thank you for making this a great success so far.
But we can't stop now! Just last week President Obama pulled back some oil and gas leases that could have quickly produced American energy. We can't let that happen with our offshore energy resources.
This week we have a goal of reaching 10,000 comments for the Administration. But we can only meet this goal with your help. If you have already used our website to send comments to
MMS, thank you! But we still need your help. Please forward this email to your
friends and family.
If you haven’t sent a comment to MMS, join the fight and tell President Obama we need greater access to American’s abundant energy resources.
We can’t allow the Administration to restrict our access to our energy resources!
Tom Pyle
President
Institute for Energy Research
HG&D Alligator Story and New Berlin scandal
HG&D Alligator Story and New Berlin scandal
Conference Committee works fast to rush $789 billion "stimulus"
Yes, it is true. The Conference Committee worked at lightening speed to rush cram their $789 billion "stimulus" bill down our throats. Isn't it amazing how quickly they can do things when it is for something they want? The next step is to send it back to the House and Senate for a vote.
Last push against the "stimulus": Sign the NoStimulus petition
See updates at bottom of post.
Americans For Prosperity are not about to give up on the pork filled "stimulus" bill without a fight. They are still collecting signatures for their NoStimulus.com petition. (Last night they had 395,047 signers.) They also are asking that you forward their petition to your friends. They will be presenting the petitions today at 2pm at Upper Senate Park in Washington D.C.
Economy improving? Elmbrook's bonding and 1% sales increase
Elmbrook schools was able to garner a favorable bond rate for the remaining portion of their $62mil referendum this week.
That was good news, because in the recent past, they were not able to do so. Taxpayers are still on the hook for $???, but at least it is within the estimated interest rates.
Happy Birthday President Lincoln
Today is the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. Most Americans have a warm spot in their heart for Lincoln. I know I do. For me, he epitomizes the American dream: that anyone can succeed in this country, even a man from very humble roots. I admire him for his honesty, gentle spirit, and courage. He was a godly man.
Soon we'll need Radio Free America
Camille Paglia http://www.salon.com/opinion/paglia/2009/02/11/stimulus/
A rocky first few weeks
Plastic bags: Going green or going for the green?
Menards bag sale
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2009/feb/11/plastic-bag-ban-clears-first-hurdle/
Trillion, $chmillion. Does $3,270 billion scare you?
Paul Ryan and the real number http://blog.heritage.org/2009/02/12/true-cost-of-stimulus-327-trillion/
True Cost of Stimulus: $J3.27 Trillion, Feb. 12, 2009
I'm voting Rose Fernandez for State Superintendent on Tuesday
Wisconsin has a primary election this coming Tuesday, Feb. 17th. On that day, Wisconsinites will narrow the field on the State Superintendent of Public Instruction race. (Elmbrook School District residents will also choose which 2 candidates for the At Large and Area 4 School Board positions will face off in April. More about that later.)
Elmbrook School Board: Who I'm NOT voting for on Tuesday
OK, I am going to whine a little here. And yes, I know it is all my fault. I just spent a few hours writing about the reasons I was NOT going to vote for Katie Lemcke for the At Large seat or Barry Wightman for Area 4.
Sagging economy makes U.S. less attractive to illegals
This may be the only silver lining moment in our failing economy: As U.S. Job Opportunities Fade, More Mexicans Look Homeward:
By MIRIAM JORDAN
LOS ANGELES -- During a decade in the U.S., Mexican immigrant Linex Rivera gave birth to three daughters, whose American citizenship offered her hope of staying in the land of opportunity. But with job prospects drying up for her husband, Ms. Rivera last week joined a phalanx of compatriots at the Mexican consulate in Los Angeles inquiring about obtaining Mexican citizenship for their children.
Investors aren't stupid
You know how that expression, put your money where your mouth is, means that if you believe in something, you are willing to invest in it?
Primary results
Election results: I am pleased my 2 Elmbrook picks topped the primary totals and Rose Fernandez made it to the April election.
Investors are not stupid
(Originally posted yesterday. I reposting today to try to improve the spacing and type face.)
Treasure Hunt! Be sure to leave a map
socks rather than stocks
In praise of Goo Gone
David's shirt
Goo Gone , Grease Cutting Goo Gone all purpose cleaner (spray) and Era
Taxation without representation
http://www.ibdeditorials.com/IBDArticles.aspx?id=320014312059757 Rebel Yell: Taxpayers Revolt Against Gimme-Mania
http://fairlyconservative.com/fun/sign-the-chicago-tea-party-petition/
Reason for hope?
http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/135656
Obama visits high school, met with signs of protest
Stem cell success, stem cell failure, which kind worked?
Just this week, we have 2 more stories in the news about stem cells used in human trials. In one case, a Parkinson's disease sufferer was helped, and in another case, a child with a brain disease, stem cells made the situation worse.
Am I missing something with trains?
http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=9753
CATO.org Cato Institute, Randal O'Toole spoke on Jay Weber today about Doyle's pet project: "High" speed rail. Do listen to the podcast at around 9:15. It was very enlightening. In a nutshell, High speed rail does not work in France, Italy or Japan. It requires a huge input of taxpayer money. It pollutes and is innefficient use of fuel and dollars.
Painstaking care vs. rushing it through
If you have ever studied early American history, you know the painstaking care our founding fathers took in crafting every document. The Declaration, The Constitution, and The Bill of Rights were not just something a few guys threw together without thought.
It is a travesty that our present government is tossing aside the work these men did with so little regard for the consequences of their actions.
2nd Americans for Prosperity Summit, March 7th
Americans for Prosperity is holding their 2nd Annual Defending the American Dream Summit on Saturday, March 7th at the Midwest Airlines Center, from 8:30 AM - 6 PM. Among the list of invited speakers for the event is Joe the Plumber!
"We ARE All Socialists Now"
Investor's Business Daily: Is It Any Wonder the Market Continues To Sink? "Last
Oct. 13, in trying to explain why the market had sold off 20% in six
weeks, we acknowledged that the freeze-up of the financial system was a
big concern. But we cited three other factors as well:
Not miles per gallon, miles per tax dollar
for now, the taxation on miles driven is taking a back seat. But like all taxing ideas, it will rear its ugly head again.
Not every governor is taking the $timulus
Republican Governors Step up attacks on Obama Economic Policies
Feb. 22 (Bloomberg) -- Republican governors attacked President Barack Obama’s economic policies, warning that the $787 billion stimulus package will saddle states with obligations they can’t afford.
Gov. Doyle: Gay marriage by another name, still offensive
What ever happened to No means No?
Voters overwhelmingly said NO to gay marriage and ammended the state constitution to protect our state.
Obama now concerned with the deficit?
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/22/us/politics/22budget.html?_r=1
Obama Planning to Slash Deficit, Despite Stimulus Spending
WASHINGTON — After a string of costly bailout and stimulus measures, President Obama will set a goal this week to cut the annual deficit at least in half by the end of his term, administration officials said. The reduction would come in large part through Iraq troop withdrawals and higher taxes on the wealthy.
65 from Waukesha petition to join Elmbrook schools: Why now?
Tonight the Elmbrook School Board will hear a presentation on the petition from 65 households "FOR DETACHMENT FROM SCHOOL DISTRICT OF WAUKESHA TO ELMBROOK SCHOOL DISTRICT"
Will Real ID really be required by 2014?
Our dear Governor Doyle must not think so, or he would be really using that additional $10 per driver's license renewal fee for the purpose it was created: to comply with the Real ID law. Instead, he is using it to fund his budget. Front and center today from the Journal Sentinel, Fees collected, but Doyle budget would put off Real ID:(My emphasis)
Gov. Jim Doyle's proposed budget puts no money toward complying with a federal anti-terrorism law, even though the state has been collecting $10 per driver's license to do so for over a year.
Elmbrook board unanimously approves petition to join us
See UPDATE at bottom of post.
Last night the Elmbrook School Board unanimously approved annexing the area in question from the City and Town of Brookfield. (No big surprise there.)
Fantasy Governors
Louisianna has gained jobs, it is the only state that has! 3,700 LAWorks.net contradicts what Biden said
Jindall, South Carolina, and tenn. Dem question stimulus
Obama against School Choice, we choose April 7th
http://blog.heritage.org/2009/02/24/voices-of-school-choice/
Voices of School Choice
top 2% to pay most of taxes, Obama
My household is in no danger of suffering because of an income of $250,000/year, but people like me will suffer because of this decision. In thinking over my working career, nearly very job I had was because of some wealthy person--someone over that $250,000 income.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123561551065378405.html
Still not enough spending, add $634 Billion for Health Care
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/25/AR2009022502587_pf.html
Washington Post
Squeezing blood out of turnip: Obama's $1.75 Trillion budget deficit
show graph of deficit/surplus in my pictures
energy prices too low?
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/feb/24/low-oil-prices-seen-stalling-clean-energy/
Low oil prices seen stalling clean energy feb 24 2009
The Ant and the Grasshopper & Tea Parties
I don't know if the Aesop fable, The Ant and the Grasshopper is still being taught in school as it was in my school days. It wouldn't seem so based on who most younger voters chose in the last election.
UN Convention on Rights of Child...it's back, AGAIN! Argh
http://www.hslda.org/docs/news/washingtontimes/20091120.asp
Washington Times Op-ed—U.N. Treaty Might Weaken Families
Obama's deficit, an all time high: $40,000/family
http://www.reuters.com/article/businessNews/idUSTRE51O6JA20090226?feedType=RSS&feedName=businessNews&rpc=23&sp=true
Obama budget plan forecasts soaring deficits (Vicki says 6% of GDP under Bush, 12.8% under Obama. Reagans worst was 6%, then he cut taxes.
Taxing the richest 2% will hurt us too
We are a l-o-n-g way away from having to worry about Obama's latest tax strategy to cost us more on our Federal 1040 form! So you might be tempted to think that if you aren't a member of the 6 figure club either, that you have nothing to worry about when they talk about taxing the rich.
But consider this: the wealthy in our country contribute a lot to our society, whether it be in paying more taxes or through their financial contributions to various causes. The zoo, Elmbrook Education Foundation, you name it. The rich, even if their motivation is for a tax deduction, do help us all.
HG&D (sex-ed) success, failures & New Berlin's shocking photo scandal
People are still talking about that New Berlin young man at Eisenhower High School, who passed himself off as a teen girl on the internet and then blackmailed his fellow male student respondents for homosexual "favors". It is shocking indeed for many adults--especially if they are older.
HG&D sex-ed success, failures & New Berlin's shocking photo scandal
People are still talking about that New Berlin young man at Eisenhower High School, who passed himself off as a teen girl on the internet and then blackmailed his fellow male student respondents for homosexual "favors". It is shocking indeed for many adults--especially if they are older.
