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.
Only Disney's Obama swears to uphold Constitution daily
On President Obama's first Inauguration, he put his hand on the Bible and swore to uphold the Constitution. During his first term, however, he did everything but.
Yesterday he swore in for his second term, using 2 Bibles. But before he even reached that date, his actions already negated many of our Constitutional rights with the sweep of his Imperial, Executive pen.
He circumvented the Constitution and our Congress with his Executive Order on immigration. His EPA sends out its decrees that usurp our liberties and property rights. His 23 Executive Orders relating to gun control infringe on the 2nd Amendment.
In recent days, some Democrats allude to the 14th Amendment as justification for a president raising the debt ceiling without Congress! (The 14th Amendment dealt with Reconstruction: Citizenship, Civil Rights, and paying Civil War debt. It was not meant to authorize a carte blanche credit line.)
The President is acting more and more like an Imperial President, not a co-equal branch of the government.
Alas, only the animatronic Disney version of our president swears to uphold our Constitution multiple times a day. The real President Obama thwarts our Constitution every chance he gets.
Mark Levin: If Obama sidesteps Congress on debt ceiling, 'no choice' but impeachment
Mark Levin refers to Obama as the Imperial President in his book Ameritopia: The Unmaking of America .
The hypocricy of Obama's gun control to save just one life
Yesterday the President unveiled his 23 Executive Orders pertaining to gun control. There really wasn't much new in what he said. In fact, he relied heavily on that all too familiar plea: If gun control saves just one life, its worth it.
Is this the same man who wouldn't give so much as palliative care for a baby who survived a late term abortion? Is this the same father who said he didn't want his daughters "punished" with an unwanted baby?
Of course no legislation or executive order can prevent gun violence or violence of any kind. But the President loves to tug at the heartstrings when trying to push his agenda, especially when that agenda usurps our Constitutional rights. So he enshrouded himself with a group of young children to crank up the emotional response.
If only he would have the same concern for the million plus children aborted during his first term.
Obama, are you for or against Partial Birth Abortion? Yes
Walter Williams: Americans misunderstand point of the Second Amendment
Bald Eagle swims to capture prize; Conservatives must not give up either
I watched the following video clip with amazement. Since the American Bald Eagle is our national bird, I couldn't help but think of the symbolism of it all. Watch.
Gov. Walker says he will NOT set up exchanges
This just in, Gov. Scott Walker officially notified the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services "that Wisconsin will not build a state-based health insurance exchange and will defer to the federal Government's insurance exchange."
Yesterday afternoon, talk show host Mark Belling talked about this, that the word was, Wisconsin would be joining with 19 other states opting out of creating their own exchanges.
The Governor's letter restates the dilemma: "No matter which option is chosen, Wisconsin taxpayers will not have meaningful control over the health care policies and services sold to Wisconsin residents. If the state option is chosen; however, Wisconsinites face risk from a federal mandate lacking long-term guaranteed funding."
And if you called the Governor, you are mentioned in the letter: "...after much consideration and outreach with citizens across the state [that's you!], and in the best interest of the taxpayers of Wisconsin, we have determined Wisconsin will not develop a partnership or state-based exchange."
State Senator Leah Vukmir is on Vicki McKenna right now talking about this. I urge you to listen to the podcast when it becomes available: Hour 1, Part 1 11-16-12. Vukmir says there could be more states doing the same, and some Democrat governors have joined in the opt-out. She also mentioned a few mandates we would be spared from.
Illinois, Minnesota, and Michigan are said to be setting up the exchanges, so if you are a mid-west business, where would you rather locate?
In a related issue, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sibelius just announced she is "granting them [governors] an extension to Dec. 14 on the decision." Hmm, I wonder why she is doing that? I am sure they are hoping to peel off a few of those 20 resistant governors.
The 10th Amendment might be finally getting its day in the sun: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States, respectively, or to the people."
Here is another thought: If a state spends its own taxpayer money to fund their own exchange, aren't we still required to pay our federal taxes, a portion of which go to funding the federal health care exchanges? It's a variation of spreading the wealth around in my opinion. In effect, it would mean states with exchanges are paying twice.
If the 20 states stay united, thus not funding the government mandate, where is the federal government going to get the money to fund their mandate? (Republicans hold the majority in the House, where all funding bills originate.)
I am sure we will know more as time goes on, but at least we have dodged this first bullet. And taking a page from the Democrats, any measure to slow down the process is progress. This push-back could lead to more.
Gov. Scott Walker's letter to Secretary Sebelius
HHS Extends Exchange Deadline a Month
Analysis: 20 states will run their health-law exchanges .
Gov. Walker, please, no exchange, take backdoor to escape ObamaCare
In the wake of Tuesday's election results, the grim realization that we are not going to be able to escape ObamaCare started to sink in. But Vicki McKenna floated the idea last week that there was a backdoor way to prevent ObamaCare from taking root in Wisconsin--don't set up the state-run exchange.
Also last week, National Review posted an article by the CATO Institute informing us that Obamacare Is Still Vulnerable. The Obama "administration has asked state officials to decide by Friday, November 16, whether their state will create one of Obamacare's health-insurance 'exchanges.' States also have to decide whether to implement the law's massive expansion of Medicaid. The correct answer to both questions remains a resounding no." (My emphasis)
Nov. 6, 2012 Wisconsin ballot picks: Romney, Thompson, Ryan, Hutton, Kooyenga, Gudex ...
In person absentee voting is over in Wisconsin, so this Tuesday, the big "E" day* is it! It's the day we can return the United States to its Constitutional roots. Voter turnout is key, so disregard the latest polling data, which is often very skewed (CNN called it a tie but used D+11 to get there. In 2008 it was D+7 !) Just go vote Republican to preserve liberty.
If you still need some inspiration, watch these young teens' plea in Voices Without a Vote.
Voting and Poll Information: If you don't know what districts you live in, specific directions for finding your specific ballot here.
This year, depending on where you live, you may need to vote for the same person in 2 different races on the ballot: Residents in Congressman Paul Ryan's Congressional District 1, MUST remember to vote Ryan for Congress IN ADDITION to voting for the Romney/Ryan Presidential ticket. If you fail to remember, the Democrat Congressman could win and Republicans will lose the seat.
Same situation for Wisconsin State Assembly District residents in Paul Farrow's District 98 and Chris Kapenga's District 99. Constituents must vote for them in TWO places on their ballots:Once in the Assembly race and again in the 33rd Wisconsin State Senate District Primary. If you forget to vote for Farrow or Kapenga in their Assembly races, the opposing Democrat candidates could prevail.
Polls open at 7am and close at 8pm. If you aren't in line at 8pm, you will not be allowed to vote. Listed below are my picks for the major races on Brookfield's and neighboring areas Nov. 6, 2012 Presidential & General Election ballot. Being the conservative I am, I am voting for the Republican in all races, because we don't belong to the government as Democrats declared at their convention, the government belongs to us! However, you must vote for each individual candidate, because Wisconsin no longer offers a straight party ticket choice.
So here it goes, from the major races to the more specific in our area of the state, in the same order they appear on your ballot. Each race and candidate name will be in bold, so you can easily scroll down and find them, with candidate websites and pertinent links below.
However, before you scroll down the page to find your specific district races, Waukesha County voters should know the only contested county government race on their ballot is WAUKESHA COUNTY CLERK. Kathleen Novack the Republican is running against a Democrat. This might seem like an unimportant race, but as anyone involved with election observing, poll watching, or observing recounts knows, we need a Republican in this position! Vote Novack.
PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES: Mitt Romney / Paul Ryan (Republican)
This is the most important election of my lifetime. Like Ronald Reagan after Jimmy Carter, I believe Mitt Romney is the right man for such a time such this. Romney supports biblical values, repealing ObamaCare, lower taxes, energy independence, job creation, etc. He offers Real Change From Day One. In fact, Madison's liberal Wisconsin State Journal endorsed Mitt Romney: "Not enough hope and too little change. ...This is not an easy endorsement to make. ...We endorsed Obama for change last time around. Now we’re endorsing change again: Mitt Romney."
Romney for President
21 Newspapers Switch to Romney
Ann Coulter: Romney is what the country needs now
CNN's Erin Burnett fact-checked Obama's second term plan, it's old and doesn't add up.
US SENATOR: Tommy G. Thompson (Republican)
All of Wisconsin votes for US Senator. My vote goes to Tommy Thompson for a whole host of reasons but mainly to be the 51st vote to repeal ObamaCare and help Republicans gain the majority in the Senate. If they don't, the gridlock continues: Democrat Senate Majority Leader already said he won't work with Romney (or the Republican House). Tommy would also be another vote against Supreme Court activist justices (think Kagan and Sotamayor) and a vote for Supreme Court Originalist Justices, who would follow the Constitution.
Tommyforwisconsin
Madison's Wisconsin State Journal: Tommy best to tackle Washington gridlock
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Baldwin's voting record places her among top liberals
Tommy Thompson, Wisconsin & all of U.S need you to stop ObamaCare
US CONGRESSIONAL RACES
CONGRESSIONAL - DISTRICT 1: Paul Ryan (Republican)
In addition to voting for the Mitt Romney / Paul Ryan ticket for President, residents in District 1 will vote for Ryan in the Congressional race. This is because Paul Ryan was picked by Mitt Romney for Vice President, and Wisconsin's Favorite Son Rule allows him to be on the ballot twice. If the Romney/Ryan ticket prevails, there will be a special election next year to fill his seat. District 1 includes parts of New Berlin, and fans out from there to cover the southeastern corner of the state.
Paul Ryan House Website
Paul Ryan for U.S. Congress
CONGRESSIONAL - DISTRICT 4: Dan Sebring (Republican)
Vote Dan Sebring so"In November we can say, 'No Moore'!" District 4 has been redistricted to now include Bayside, Fox Point, Whitefish Bay, Shorewood, Glendale, Brown Deer, most of Milwaukee, and south along the shoreline to South Milwaukee. People I know in these areas are livid that they lost Jim Sensenbrenner and now have Gwen Moore as their representative.
Republican Dan Sebring hopes to change that with his candidacy. He says, "You have a choice of whether you would like to embrace my opponent’s collectivist vision that “it takes a village” and you need government assistance in order to succeed, or my vision that you, the individual should be making decisions that determine your own destiny, without government interference." Sebring is endorsed by 4 Pro-life groups, Senators Alberta Darling and Leah Vukmir, among many others. Check out his issues page. He has pledged to oppose any debt limit increases unless Congress adopts Cut, Cap, and Balance.
Even though we are bombarded with non-stop political ads, I never tire of hearing his 'No Moore' ad featuring Gwen herself screeching, "Scott Walker, you gotta go baby, cuz we don't want you no more!"
District 4 map
Dan Sebring for US Congress
Listen to Sebring's 'No Moore' ad on job creation
CONGRESSIONAL - DISTRICT 5 - REPUBLICAN - F. James Sensenbrenner Jr.
Jim Sensenbrenner is running unopposed, but he still gets my support.
STATE SENATE - Wisconsin needs to regain its majority here
STATE SENATE - DISTRICT 4: David D King (Independent)
Independent David King is running for State Senate against Democrat Lena Taylor in the 4th district. He would be a welcome change! Certainly more favorable to job creating, pro-family, and pro-business legislation.
David King for State Senate
Senate District 4 map includes Assembly Districts 10, 11, 12
STATE SENATE - DISTRICT 18: Rick Gudex (Republican) Sen. Leah Vukmir alerted me to Rick Gudex, a pro-jobs, fiscal conservative. He is in the Fond du Lac area running against the incumbent Democrat, who won in the 2011 recall election against Republican Randy Hopper. I would love to see this district return to the Republican column. We need to gain a healthy majority in the State Senate if we want to see good for Wisconsin legislation passed such as the mining bill. Don't forget voter ID and Act 10 are mired down in the Dane County Judicial snare.
Rick Gudex for Senate
Senate District 18 map includes Assembly Districts 12, 13, 14
STATE SENATE - DISTRICT 20: Glenn Grothman (Republican)
Grothman is a solid conservative in the West Bend area.
STATE SENATE - DISTRICT 28: Mary Lazich (Republican)
Lazich from New Berlin represents suburbs to our south.
STATE SENATE - DISTRICT 33: Vacant Seat - Primary election in District 33 between Republican Assembly Representatives Paul Farrow and Christ Kapenga.
Former State Senator Rich Zipperer resigned his Senate seat to join Governor Walker's administration as Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Legal Counsel to the Governor. Residents of the 33rd Senate District will choose between Farrow and Kapenga, who presently each serve in Wisconsin's Assembly (If I lived in the 33rd, I would be hard pressed to choose between them.)
Chris Kapenga is a CPA and business owner, who states he's pro jobs, pro business, pro life, for limited government.
Paul Farrow platform is much the same. He is endorsed by Lt. Gov. Kleefisch, Sen. Leah Vukmir, and a host of others.
Senate District 33 map includes Assembly Districts 97, 98, 99 - Hartford, Lisbon, Pewaukee, west Brookfield, Waukesha areas.
WISCONSIN STATE ASSEMBLY
ASSEMBLY - DISTRICT 13: Rob Hutton (Republican)
This is an open seat due to redistricting, so there is no incumbent. However, Brookfield native Rob Hutton does have a very liberal Democrat opponent from Wauwatosa, who signed the recall, failed in bid for mayor, and is adamantly against voucher schools.
The new new district now includes southern Brookfield, Elm Grove, Wauwatosa, West Allis and Milwaukee. In Brookfield, it combined the southern half of the former 98th and former 14th Districts. I was not too pleased when I was redistricted out of the 14th Assembly District, because it meant losing my Rep. Dale Kooyenga. But Conservative businessman Rob Hutton will be a very worthy replacement.
Hutton is in fact endorsed by Representative Kooyenga, as well as former State Senator Ted Kanavas. Hutton ran a vigorous primary campaign by visiting over 7,000 homes in District 13, "...talking to people and really listening to what are their top-of-mind issues". By restructuring his responsibilities at his business Rock Transfer & Storage, Inc., Hutton is ready to make representing us in Madison his priority.
Rob Hutton Website: Conservative Republican for Wisconsin State Assembly 13th District
Facebook: Rob Hutton
Past Post: Rob Hutton for Wisconsin Assembly District 13
GOP Assembly Candidates from District 13, 14, 15 Share Belief Wisconsin is Headed Right Direction
ASSEMBLY - DISTRICT 14: Dale Kooyenga (Republican Incumbent)
Dale Kooyenga, served in Iraq, now is a Captain in US Army Reserve. He brings his CPA skills and small business experience to Madison. Kooyenga was my former representative prior to redistricting. He now represents northern Brookfield, Wauwatosa, and a small portion of Milwaukee. "On a daily basis I am working for fiscal accountability, freedom and liberty (e.g. free market principles) and for an overall strong Wisconsin."
In spring, Kooyenga was appointed as Vice-Chair to a Legislative Council Study Special Symposium Series to Study State Income Tax Reform Did you know Wisconsin was rated 43rd least favorable tax states for business, and that some Wisconsinites pay no income tax but still receive a tax refund? We need reform!
Past Post: Sept. 7, 2010 "I have decided on Dale Kooyenga. His platform and endorsements resonate with me..."
Representative Dale Kooyenga Home Page
GOP Assembly Candidates from District 13, 14, 15 Share Belief Wisconsin is Headed Right Direction
Dale Kooyenga For State Assembly Conservative Republican
ASSEMBLY - DISTRICT 15: Joe Sanfelippo (Republican)
Joe Sanfelippo, a voice of sanity on the Milwaukee County Board, states he is running for Wisconsin Assembly District 15 "To protect the future for our kids by building on the progress we have made so far." This is an open seat. He is endorsed by State Reps Kuglitsch, Craig, Knodl, Voss, Honadel, and Kooyenga.
Joe Sanfelippo State Assembly
Assembly District 15 map
GOP Assembly Candidates from District 13, 14, 15 Share Belief Wisconsin is Headed Right Direction
ASSEMBLY - DISTRICT 24: Daniel Knodl (Republican)
Dan Knodl, incumbent, currently serves as Assistant Majority Leader for the Republicans
Knodl for Assembly "Dan Knodl is somebody who understands that Madison had a spending problem."
Dan Knodl Assembly District website
Assembly District 24 map includes areas in Germantown, Menomonee Falls, River Hills, Glendale, Brown Deer
Don't forget, Assembly District 98 and 99 residents also must vote for Farrow and Kapenga respectively for Wisconsin Assembly
ASSEMBLY - DISTRICT 98: Paul Farrow (Republican)
ASSEMBLY - DISTRICT 99: Chris Kapenga (Republican)
That's it. The polls will be busy tomorrow; don't wait until the last minute, especially if you need to register.
*Nickname courtesy of Mark Levin
2012 Blog Posts:
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- Christian, don't sit this election out, vote God's Values...
- "Are you better off than you were 4 years ago?"
- How ironic! Voter Fraud billboards pulled during Free Speech week...
- Still time to see 2016: Obama's America
- Ryan/Biden 'debate': What in the world was that?
- 'Big Bird' joins AARP in telling Obama, Don't mention us again...
- 1st Debate: Romney? Presidential, capable, Obama? ..clearly a drag.
- Max Lucado's 40 Days of Prayer For USA starts today...
- Middle East unrest: Romney? presidential, Obama? busy campaigning...
- Great 1st week for Romney/Ryan ticket
- Rob Hutton for Wisconsin Assembly District 13, ...
Good week for Conservatives: Perry is 'in', ObamaCare struck down & more
Just a quick post here--I am up to my elbows in paint brushes and sandpaper--but there were a few positive news items that should be noted from last week. I will start with the most recent first:
2012 Presidential Election
Texas Governor Rick Perry announced he is running for President on Saturday at a RedState event. How refreshing to hear, "You see, as Americans we’re not defined by class, and we will never be told our place. What makes our nation exceptional is that anyone, from any background, can climb the highest of heights. As Americans, we don’t see the role of government as guaranteeing outcomes, but allowing free men and women to flourish based on their own vision, their hard work and their personal responsibility. And as Americans, we realize there is no taxpayer money that wasn’t first earned by the sweat and toil of one of our citizens." (My emphasis)
Perry is being attacked by the Left, so I would say they are seeing him as a serious contender! One cannot help but make the comparisons to Ronald Reagan. In fact, Richard Cohen titled his piece on Monday, The Texas Gipper. "Here again was a governor declaring for the presidency and some very wise people cautioning us on the air and in print that what worked in Texas might not work in the nation. Perry is too conservative, too much a cowboy, too religious and, while we’re at it, too handsome. This, more or less, was what was said about Ronald Reagan. "
In other 2012 Election news, Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann won the Iowa Straw Poll with 29% of the vote on Saturday. Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty dropped out of the race. Some are still holding out hope for Rep. Paul Ryan and Gov. Chris Christie to throw their hats in the ring. I am not a Christie fan as he is not as Conservative as I would like across the board.
ObamaCare
On Friday, Appeals Court Rules ObamaCare Unconstitutional: "...the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals struck down the so-called individual mandate, siding with 26 states that had sued to block the law." They stopped short of declaring "the entire overhaul as unconstitutional".
Wisconsin Republican Recall Election
It would appear last Tuesday's recall results will be enough to repel Obama's Magical Misery Tour through the Midwest from crossing our border. "Obama’s bus trip this week will bring him to an Iowa town within twenty miles of the Wisconsin border on Tuesday. That’s the same day that two Wisconsin Democratic state senators who sided with labor last winter face recalls mounted by the Republican Party and national conservative groups."
Will "Firearms Prohibited in this Facility" signs come to Wisconsin?
One version of Conceal Carry passed the Wisconsin Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday. So will these signs soon be seen in various public places in our state as they are in Arizona, a state that allows Constitutional Carry?
We recently spent a few weeks in Arizona and I admit, at first those signs were a bit of a surprise. We soon became accustomed to seeing them though, and we also adjusted to seeing someone's firearm peeking out from a jacket or even openly holstered on the hip.
One Navajo woman, at dinner with her family, had a belt on with bullets sheathed around her waist and a derringer where the buckle would be! (That was on the Navajo Nation--they have their own regulations there.)
We also visited some folks we know in Phoenix and found that the husband carried. He frequently went target shooting to keep his skills honed.
Did I feel threatened by the people carrying? Not at all. In fact, since I was a bit unnerved knowing armed illegals travel at will in the southern portion of that state, it was somewhat comforting to know that many Arizonans pack a piece.
Concealed Carry will pass in some shape or form here in Wisconsin. The question is what version--Constitutional Carry like Arizona and 3 other states or Concealed Carry with a permit as Utah does along with 43 others. Wisconsin is one of 2 states in our Union that doesn't allow Conceal Carry in any form.
I am torn as to which type of Conceal Carry law we should have. Before President Obama, I would have said sure, by permit is fine. But since our President is so eager to over-regulate firearms, including by means "under the radar" as he recently told James Brady's wife, Sarah, I don't know.
Since any responsible person would go for training before carrying a firearm, and background checks are done at the time of purchase*, I think I could be OK with Constitutional Carry. Criminals will disregard any regulations for permitting or background checks for purchase no matter what the Conceal Carry law states.
If you are thinking of carrying, you should check with your homeowner's insurance carrier to see if you need some extra liability insurance. The insurance issue was raised by one of the attendees at the Kooyenga Town Hall meeting.
In Arizona, we saw the "Firearms are prohibited in this facility" signs posted at numerous National Park Visitor Centers. National Parks recently changed their policy and now allow concealed carry of loaded firearms in the parks, using the gun regulations of the respective state.
We also encountered one of those signs at the Courthouse in Phoenix, a beautiful building I would have liked to have toured but was prohibited from entering.
Simple questions stump Kagan: That's a dumb law, Which memo?, I don't know, Huh?, Book ban OK....
Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan finished her Senate committee questioning yesterday. She answered question after question and was able to regurgitate names and statutes regarding past cases.
But it was the very simple questions that were most revealing. They stumped her. She really didn't have an answer to them and they were not difficult questions. Anyone who believes the Constitution, as it was written, is our guiding document, could have answered in a heartbeat. But she could not.
Here is a sampling of Kagan stumpers and vague answers. Some are video clips so you can see for yourself:
- Sen. Tom Coburn asked something like this: If I sponsored a bill that made Americans eat 3 fruits and 3 veggies a day, and it passed, does that law violate the Commerce Clause? Kagan replies something like this: "It sounds like a dumb law..." um, but I think the question of whether its a dumb law is different from if it is Constitutional. I think the courts would be wrong to strike down laws that they think are, er, ah, senseless just because they are senseless. Coburn says, Do we have the power to tell people what to eat every day? What is the extent of the Commerce Clause? We have this wide embrace of it, but [Founders didn't] ... She really doesn't have an answer because she knows the real question is about ObamaCare and if she is confirmed, she knows she will have to rule on that decision.
- Sen. Orin Hatch asks her about a memo on partial birth abortion that evidently led to the conclusion that the procedure was medically necessary to save the life of the mother.
Did 60 vote filibuster proof Senate die with Sen. Bryd?
Senator Robert Byrd of Virginia died early this morning. He was the longest serving Senator in U.S. history. Most people remember Byrd for his early KKK membership, and as the Charleston Gazette noted, his 14 hour filibuster and vote against the landmark Civil Rights Act in 1964. (By percentage, more Republicans voted for it than Democrats.)
Still, for Democrats, he was a solid liberal vote, and recently, with close votes in the Senate, a much needed vote. When ObamaCare was on the Senate floor, there was concern that Byrd's demise might put the bill in jeopardy.
And that was the first thing I thought of this morning--what will Byrd's vacancy mean to say, Elena Kagan's approval or Cap and Trade's passage? Kagan's hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee start today. If Republicans filibustered, "Democrats would likely have the 60 votes needed to override it," but that was written before Byrd's vacancy. The outcome will probably depend on how quickly these items come up for vote and how soon Virginia replaces Bryd.
Politico answered my question. According to Virginia law, the governor appoints a replacement, and the governor is a Democrat. The article did mention the Financial Reform bill though. It passed both houses but still needs the reconciliation vote. Although Scott Brown (R-Massachusetts) did vote for the original bill, he "said he might vote against the version that emerged from the reconciliation of the House and Senate versions because it adds a $19 billion bank tax."
Ron Johnson, Feingold virtually tied in poll: November can't come fast enough!
This week, the Rasmussen poll showed Conservative businessman and Republican endorsed Ron Johnson (45%) "in a virtual dead heat" with incumbent Democrat Russ Feingold (46%) in the U.S. Senate race. Last month Johnson polled at 44%.
This is very good news for Conservatives and Republicans because Feingold has not been able to poll above 50%. And as Rasmussen noted, "Incumbents who earn less than 50% of the vote at this stage of a campaign are considered potentially vulnerable. Feingold was reelected to a third term in 2004 with 56% of the vote."
Unfortunately, our Congress is working fast and furiously at passing bad bill after bad bill, and our President is using his Executive powers to regulate and shift our country drastically to the left in the remaining Congressional session.
One thing is for sure, neither branch of government has gotten the message that we are out of money--the spending must stop. As with bills such as ObamaCare and the President's $20 billion extraction from BP, Constitutionality is of little importance.
Here is just a sampling of bills and decisions on the horizon:
- The Disclose Act, which limits 1st Amendment rights and reverses a Supreme Court decision. This unconstitutional bill passed the House this week and now heads to the Senate.
- The just written, 2,000 page, Bank Bill will rush through the Senate. Like ObamaCare, "No one will know until this is actually in placed how it works," Chis Dodd told reporters.
- Immigration: Sen. Kyl says the President told him, "The problem is, if we secure the border, then you won't have any reason to support 'comprehensive immigration reform.' In other words, Kyl said, the president is holding border security hostage to comprehensive reform.'" Kyl's statement reflects 2004 Candidate Obama's position on borders and amnesty, where Obama said, "...solving the illegal alien immigration problem requires that 'the trade off is going to have to be improved border security'".
- Amnesty by Presidential Fiat: Now there is talk that Obama might circumvent the legislative process altogether via Homeland Security--Janet Napalitalno--to grant deferred action and parole for millions of illegals. 8 US Senators have urged him not to take this path.
- Illegals have right to fair wages: You can't make this stuff up, but Labor Secretary Hilda Solis says it herself! "You have the right to be paid fairly whether documented or not."
- Cap & Trade: Passed in the House last year, the Senate version is still viable. The President used the BP spill as rationale for passage. If not in the Senate, there is always the EPA for enacting carbon taxes and restrictions, thus circumventing the legislature.
Did NRA get in bed with Dems on DISCLOSE ACT & ditch 1st Amendment for others?
You may be in summer mode, but our Congress is on full tilt. The Disclose Act bill might come to the House floor Thursday. If not, then after the July 4th recess. Yes, that means calling your Representative! Our Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner's number is (202) 225-5101.
The National Rifle Association, usually synonymous with Conservative values and protecting our Constitutional rights, seemingly had a weak moment when it appeared they crawled in bed with the Democrats to secure an exemption with the DISCLOSE Act.
The Disclose Act will circumvent the Supreme Court decision last January that allowed 501C4 groups, like NRA or 501C3 groups, like National Right to Life to communicate with their members and run political ads 90 days prior to election time.
"Summertime and the livin' is easy" ...make that busy
Today is the first day of summer according to the calendar, though most of us have been in summer mode for weeks now. I am already having that summer is slipping away feeling.
I know I shouldn't be panicking about it. At least my 14 or so tomato plants are growing nicely, the pole beans popped up over the weekend (I was late on planting those), and my perennial bed is growing like a jungle.
Sadly, I don't have time to beat the flowers back into submission, because today I start ripping the tile off my kitchen back splash. That leads to Spackle-fest to restore the damaged area. (I love Red Devil ONETIME Lightweight Spackling Compound for the final few coats. It is much finer and feathers out nicely.) After that I must wash the remaining walls and ceiling and prep for painting by repairing the cracks, holes, and dings. Finally, the actual painting with Sherwin-Williams oil base paint. (I love that stuff; it wears like iron. Do wear a professional respirator though.) That little project should keep me busy for weeks!
We still haven't committed 100% to a summer road trip vacation. If we go, it will probably be to Yellowstone. Part of me wants to take my grandmother's advice, which is, go while you can. The other part of me is hesitant for a variety of reasons. Fiddlee-dee-dee, I'll think about that tomorrow. Right now I need to find my chisel and start popping tiles off the wall.
How about you? Any great travel plans or projects planned for the summer?
Of course I am still watching some national and local issues. The Drudgereport.com is always a good source. Beforeitsnews.com is a bit out there but interesting--especially on the BP oil spill.
Government control of the Internet by the FTC (tax and regulate internet, govt. funding of newspapers) and FCC (access) and DHS (controlling actual information) is something that should concern us all. There is an actual bill, sponsored by Lieberman, brewing in the Senate on this.
...But right now, I have to take off my political hat for my painter's hat. Happy summer!
There Ain't No Such Thing As Free ObamaCare either
Remember the polls on ObamaCare? Numbers opposed ranged from around 47% last summer to 57% in December. Those supporting ObamaCare stayed around 35%. The results varied depending on how the question was worded and who was sampled. Those of us who value our freedom of choice and keeping the government out of our medical care kept asking ourselves, who are these people who want ObamaCare?
Well, now that ObamaCare passed, we find out why the support numbers were so high: Some people thought ObamaCare was FREE!
Yes, it is true, Health care overhaul spawns mass confusion for public: (My emphasis throughout) "Two weeks after President Barack Obama signed the big health care overhaul into law, Americans are struggling to understand how — and when — the sweeping measure will affect them.
ObamaCare passed, now what?
For the majority of Americans, yesterday's narrow margin of victory on the ObamaCare vote marked a very sad day in our history. Amid shouts of Vote No from protesters outside, Bart Stupak sold out, as did most of the anti-abortion Democrats, giving ObamaCare 219 yes votes. (There were 34 Democrats who voted no along with all of the Republicans.)
The President was obviously pleased. He said, "Another stone laid in the foundation of the American Dream" and unbelievably, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi quipped, "No money exchanged hands"! All I can say is that often dreams turn into nightmares.
I have to hand it to those who trekked to Washington DC for their one, last-ditch effort to persuade lawmakers to listen to the people. But in the end, the majority of Democrats did not care what most of us thought.
So now what?
Conservatives have been cautioning that repealing ObamaCare legislation would be very difficult. But at this point, fighting back is all we have.
Several states have already begun the process of suing the Federal Government over ObamaCare. Idaho, Virginia, South Carolina, and Florida have set the wheels in motion. "Texas, Nebraska, Utah, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma and Alabama are expected to join the campaign."
Other states will probably push to retain the rights of their residents to contract privately for their own health care coverage and "prohibit enactment of any law that requires any person to obtain or maintain health insurance coverage or to participate in any health care system or plan," as Wisconsin is trying.
On February 22, 2010, Senate Joint Resolution 62 was introduced by Wisconsin Senators Leibham, Lazich, Kapanke, Darling, Grothman, Lasee, Hopper, and Shultz, along with 23 Representatives.
The road ahead will be difficult. We already cannot afford the government programs we currently have. ObamaCare will add even more to the deficit. Moody's has been warning that America's debt level will move us "'substantially' closer to losing its AAA rating".
ObamaCare at any cost? Slaughter Rule butchers Constitution
What better name for a procedure that butchers the U.S. Constitution than the Slaughter Rule! This is the latest attempt to pass ObamaCare without actually following the process outlined in our Constitution that both the House and Senate must pass the same bill to become law. It is enough to make James Madison roll over in his grave.
From Senator Mitch McConnell in the Wall Street Journal: [My emphasis] "Democratic congressional leaders have floated a plan to enact health-care reform by a procedure dubbed "the Slaughter solution." It is named not for the political carnage that it might inflict on their members, but for Rep. Louise Slaughter (D., N.Y.), chair of the powerful House Rules Committee, who proposed it. Under her proposal, Democrats would pass a rule that deems the Senate's health-care bill to have passed the House, without the House actually voting on the bill. This would enable Congress to vote on legislation that fixes flaws in the Senate health-care bill without facing a Senate filibuster, and without requiring House members to vote in favor of a Senate bill that is now politically toxic.
Call today about AB 751: Elimination of Electoral College Bill - Correction/Update
Have you heard about this new bill in Madison, AB 751, The National Popular Vote Bill? I doubt that you have unless you listen to Vicki McKenna or WVCY. The Public Hearing is today.
But don't feel like you have been asleep at the wheel, the bill was only just introduced 2 days ago on Monday, Feb. 15, 2010. Also on Monday, they announced the Public Hearing for today, Wednesday, Feb. 17th at 1pm.
Think they are trying to ram this one through below the radar? (I heard Vicki mention it yesterday. She also talked about it today in her first 45 minutes. Do listen to the first hour for Wed. Feb 17. I then Googled the bill number and found WVCY's Homefront blog page on it.)
The actual bill proposes "entering into an agreement among the states to elect the president of the United States by means of a national popular vote."
Now at first blush, that might not seem like a bad idea, to just count the popular vote. But think about it. If popular vote alone decided elections, the most population dense states would dictate who our president is. The top 3 states being California, New York and Texas. Urban areas would decide for us all. Even if you factor in the top 10 states, like Pennsylvania, Michigan, Iowa, Illinois, etc. Wisconsin is still not a player. So what about the other 40 states in the Union?
If this change goes through, why would any presidential candidate bother coming to Wisconsin?
An even more insidious aspect of this bill is that it calls for a Constitutional Convention (Correction, it doesn't call for it ) it SIDESTEPS the Constitution to make the change from the Electoral College to Popular Vote. (More on that below the legislator info.)
CALL YOUR SENATOR AND REPRESENTATIVE! Find your State Legislator
Ask them how this would help Wisconsin residents have any voice in presidential politics?
Brookfield's Representatives: Rich Zipperer (608) 266-5120 and Leah Vukmir (608) 266-9180
List of Representatives on the Committee of Elections and Campaign Reform: (From Homefront)
Rep. Jeff Smith (Chair) 1-888-534-0093
Wisconsin Grandsons of Liberty - Tea Party - meeting Wed. Dec. 30th, 5:30pm
The Tea Party movement, that began as a spontaneous tax protest, is moving toward the next step: organizing to protect our constitutional rights.
Locally, a group that calls itself The Wisconsin Grandsons of Liberty organized a lakefront tea party last September. They are now holding an open meeting at the Franklin Library on Wednesday, Dec. 30th at 5:30pm, for those interested in learning more about the group and its activities.
Come and talk with members and attend a short meeting that will "cover plans for events and activities in 2010."
Their website states they are "a group of non-partisan, like minded individuals dedicated to the restoration of the American republic to its originalist constitutional basis. We have chosen our name in homage to those Revolutionary Patriots, the original Sons of
For more information, call Tim Dake at 262-308-0553 or email Tim at tim@wisconsingrandsonsofliberty.com
ObamaCare passed House: Some frogs must like it hot!
Sunday's news, Health Bill Passes House, sickened me, especially because the vote was so close. Although there was little hope that the Pelosi version of ObamaCare would fail, if ever there was a week that might give a House Democrat pause to rubber stamping Pelosi's ObamaCare legislation, you would think the recent turn of events would do it.
For Democrats, last week was not a good one:
- Tuesday's Republican victories in Virginia and New Jersey
- The expose' of falsely reported stimulus jobs
- Congressmen and Senators challenging ObamaCare's Constitutionality
- Rep. Michelle Bachmann's impromptu "House Call on Washington" rally on the Capitol steps attracted about 20,000 citizens
- October's 10.2% unemployment numbers (highest percentage since 1983)
- President Obama's flip response to the Ft. Hood murders (Video).
UPDATE: Come for tea at Milwaukee's own Tea Party: Veterans Park, Sat. Sept. 19, 3-5pm
UPDATE: See local news coverage links at the bottom of posting.
It was a BIG TEA PARTY, people are finally waking up
The September 12th Tea Party in Washington D.C. exceeded my expectations. Crowd estimates are all over the map, ranging from 10s of thousands, to 100s of thousands, to over a million. Crowd estimates have always been iffy; the Million Man March, for example, ranged from 850,000 to 1.9 million.
Whatever the numbers, the crowds were peaceful, from what I could glean, and the signs clever. One protester had a hearse with big letters on the side reading OBAMACAE. Another had a frowny face with tears that read: Worried Democrat. This was no AstroTurf, this was real grassroots.
Here are a few video clips and reports: Michelle Malkin: Yes, the picture is real, nutroots (great time lapse of crowd, photos, and crowd estimation chart at the end), MSNBC Tom Costello "Our own people think 100s of thousands",
Sen. Jim DeMint Corrects Fox News Crowd Estimate; Says There are "Hundreds of Thousands" at 9/12 March on Washinton - Video 9/12/09
VIDEO: Highlights from the 9/12 Taxpayer Tea Party March on Washington (This one had closeups of the signs mentioned.)
One thing I learned from my first venture in fighting city hall on a very local issue back in 2004, was that it takes a l-o-n-g time to get the information out and people to get up to speed. People are so busy these days, they often don't pay much attention to issues -- even when it affects their own back yards.
I also remember talking to a few homeowners the day before the vote for our 2008 $62 million dollar Elmbrook School referendum. These taxpayers either didn't know there was a referendum on the ballot or didn't look at the materials the school had sent out... yet. That referendum was for $62 million dollars and they couldn't be bothered?
Much the same happens with State and National elections. Election day comes and many voters haven't investigated the candidates beyond a campaign slogan or commercial. Life goes on and the ill informed voter goes on his/her merry way on autopilot, not to be bothered about it until the next election. (That is if they vote at all.)
President Obama won the 2008 election promising Hope & Change. The voters who didn't agree with his real agenda, but voted based on his campaign promises, hoped the change would be for the better. If Obama had not hit the ground running toward the left so vigorously, I wonder if we would have these Tea Parties today? If he would have taken a slower pace, maybe the whole taxpayer protest movement would have never gotten off the ground.
But slow paced, Obama is not. Between apologizing all over the world for America being America, his unprecedented spending, his promotion of Cap and Trade, and now his ObamaCare push, the majority of Americans are feeling very uneasy. They are realizing no matter how strong our economy, we cannot sustain this level of deficit spending. We certainly cannot afford this with a sick economy and high unemployment numbers.
People are snapping out of autopilot and realizing their liberty is at stake. They are now willing to inconvenience themselves and invest their time and money to travel to their state capitals and this past weekend, to their nations capitol, to let their government know this has to stop.
I venture to say, if people would have been paying attention all along, there would be no need for term limits or tea parties.
It is thrilling to see the crowds, peacefully assembling, as our Constitution allows, in our capitol cities. I can only pray it is not too late to turn this around.
When we studied the Revolutionary War in our homeschool, we learned about the Patriots that had the ability to ignite the public to action. They were called firebrands. Two come to mind: Samuel Adams and Patrick Henry.
Our 2009 Tea Party movement was sparked by Chicagoan Rick Santelli back in February. He isn't exactly a firebrand, but I would have to call him a spark or catalyst of the modern Tea Party movement. Rick has faded into the background, but the idea he kindled is alive and well.
A BIG thank you to all who have participated in Tea Parties and Town Halls this year. We all need to be informed and involved in local, state, and national politics. As we have found out the hard way, autopilot doesn't work too well!
Taxpayer Tea Parties, as American as Mom and Apple Pie
It's Independence Day! A day set aside to celebrate the birthday of our nation.
PBS allows religion of Global Warming, Humanism, Evolution but no sectarian programming
PBS just announced they will not allow any new religious programing on their airwaves. Reason? Separation of Church & Stations!
Actually, this ruling was a compromise. At first the PBS board recommended that stations currently running sectarian religious programs would have their PBS affiliation severed if they did not drop that programming.
Wow! 2 good decisions in one day: Elmbrook graduation & Siepmann home stays
This does not happen too often in my world: 2 decisions that I am happy with, both delivered on the same day!
National Day of Prayer: Meet at City Hall Plaza flags, Thursday, May 7, 12:20pm
This coming Thursday is the 58th annual National Day of Prayer in America. All across the country people of faith will be gathering around the flag poles at schools, city halls, and other public places to pray for our country and leaders. Some events are well organized; some are just a generic invitation to meet at your city hall flag pole from 12:20 to 12:40 pm.
Possible American extremists according to Homeland Security
NOTICE: Brookfieldnow bloggers recently switched to a new software. Until I learn how to navigate, no new posts on Brookfieldnow. I will be posting on brookfield7 however.
The Tea Party report & photos: local, state, and national
All over the nation yesterday, average people gathered to peacefully protest taxation without representation at the local, state, and federal level! By all accounts, it seems the Tea Parties were a great success.
Parental Rights Amendment to be introduced March 31
http://blogs.mycommunitynow.com/practically_speaking/archive/2009/03/03/u-n-convention-on-rights-of-child-it-s-back-again.aspx
The Un-Fairness Doctrine not really dead
From the Desk of:
David Martin, Executive Vice President
MEDIA RESEARCH CENTER
MARCH 6, 2009
Eileen,
Late last week, the Senate passed the Broadcaster Freedom Amendment by a vote of 87-11. And
while the liberal media rushed to declare the Fairness Doctrine dead,
they all but ignored the “Durbin Amendment” that essentially primes the
pump for silencing conservative speech through backdoor FCC regulations!
Eileen,
the liberal media would have you believe that the Fairness Doctrine is
dead—that the gag order against conservative talk has been once and for
all lifted.
Nothing could be further from the truth!
Click here to listen to MRC founder Brent Bozell’s message to you on this latest attempt to hijack our Free Speech
Rights.
++ A Stealth Attack on Your Free Speech Rights!
Eileen,
the Durbin amendment requires the FCC to “take actions to encourage and
promote diversity in communication media ownership.” Upon closer look, this “stealth” attack on Free Speech Rights is far more insidious because it empowers the government to
censor
and control the airwaves through backdoor policies that create a vast
array of new avenues by which the FCC can silence talk radio.
In
other words, the Durbin amendment poses a much greater danger to our
free speech rights because it expands the governmental control and
censorship threat in ways we never before imagined!
++ Your Efforts More Important Than Ever
Given
what just took place on Capitol Hill last week, there is little doubt
that we are headed for a showdown over our Free Speech Rights Over the
next 36 hours, we’re urging EVERY member of our MRC Action Team to
alert friends and family about this stealth assault. Urge them to join
with you in defending this God-given right by signing the petition here
Time is short. Through this Durbin Amendment, liberal members of
Congress now have a way to muzzle the conservative voice on the
airwaves – we believe they will waste little time moving it forward.
Eileen, we cannot allow this backdoor assault to go unchallenged!
That’s
why we’re counting on you to help us rally an additional 10,000 citizen
signers of our Free Speech Alliance petition this weekend alone!
As always, thank you for standing with the MRC.
David Martin
P.S: Forward this message to 30-35 friends today. Urge them to join with you by clicking here.
+ + Help the MRC maintain it’s frontline position in the battle to preserve Free Speech Rights by making a
tax-deductible gift today.
U.N. Convention on Rights of Child...it's back, AGAIN!
Ever notice how you can never totally kill a bad idea? No matter how many people contact their representatives requesting a NO vote, and the measure is defeated, the bad idea never goes away. It may lie dormant for awhile, but almost always it comes back.
Gov. Doyle: Gay marriage by another name, still offensive
What ever happened to No means No?
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.
Soon we'll need Radio Free America
Camille Paglia http://www.salon.com/opinion/paglia/2009/02/11/stimulus/
One area of economy booming: gun sales!
http://worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=86039
WARNING: Is a Constitutional Convention on horizon?
Don'f forget my US history teacher's warning about the convention
Holiday hate speech at State Capitol
Our state capitol in Madison has a Christmas tree (I am using last year's term), a menorah for Hanukkah, and I think something for Kwanza too. I am fine with that. They are holidays celebrated in December by people of various religions and cultures in our state.
1st Amendment rights threatened, will you be Speechless?
http://www.onenewsnow.com/Blog/Default.aspx?id=337488
December dates: 1st, Obama v Berg case to Supreme Court, 2nd, Georgia votes for Senator
http://mail.google.com/mail/?shva=1#inbox/11dba87f8c336d13
Why we need Talk Radio
NBC has its eco week. Did they tell you about Nasa's mistake? No, they were giving misleading info about oceans rising 200 feet!
The UN-Fairness Doctrine
You know it is coming. Obama has promised to address it. Schumer has talked about it too
No Need To Get Up In Arms: Right To Bear Arms Upheld!
The Supreme Court ended their term on a high note today. They just ruled, 5-4, that individuals have the right to bear arms. The D.C. gun ban has been struck down. (Ginsberg, Breyer, Stevens, Souter dissenting)
