Recently the Illinois State Legislature passed a new bill to increase the state personal income tax rate another 66%. The state is going broke, and the politicians need ways to fund all of their activities.
The other day I was talking to my Dad (he's 86), who lives in New Hampshire, about this and how it is going to affect the spending habits of all of the citizens of the state. It was amazing how his insight of Illinois is, and is probably no different than anyone else who does not live in this state.
I asked him if there was an Income Tax in New Hampshire......answer....NO
I asked him if there was a State Sales Tax in New Hampshire and again his answer was NO. So I asked him how the state of New Hampshire funded all of their programs and public services. His answer was that they have other taxes, like Meal Tax, Vehicle Taxes, Hotel and Lodging Taxes, a State Liquor store for hard alchohol, and some others. He followed by stating the in Illinois "we, the citizens" have to fund all of the GRAFT.
I thought about this and sat back for a minute. Is that the view that everyone who does not live in Illinois holds? Well let's think of what would give people outside of the state that opinion.
In the last 25 years most of our Governors have spent time in jail, or about to, aka Dan Walker, George Ryan, Rod Blagoyovich, and others to name a few. In a lot of out cities and towns Mayors have been found guilty of crimes and have also been charged or convicted or have also gone to jail. In my town alone, there have been a few firings of late for official misconduct in the management of the fire department, the police department, etc.
In the county where I live, the former board president Tod (toddler) Strozier was under investigation for hiring cousins, relatives, some of who were fired for misconducts or misappropriations of funds. The recently elected Cook County Assessor (Joe Berrios) is under questioning from the Inspector General's office for hiring two of his relatives into his office.
Last night on the news the Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas was under investigation by the Better Government Association for having a $97,000.00 per year personal driver, who was filmed running errands to the cleaners and fast food places for the Treasurer, on work time, and also having on her staff, a cleaning lady who cleans her home twice a week for $1400.00 per month from her personal funds, but also has a salary of about $57,000.00 from the County, to clean her offices, even though the county has cleaning custodians who also clean the very same offices.
The corruption and political entitlements in this state are rediculous and a slap in the face to all of the citizens who live here. I cannot speak for other states bacause I don't live there. But in this state there must be a class in the public schools on how to be corrupt, or how to use the system. We have one of the lousiest school performance records around, and it's not getting any better.
Unfortunately, the average, hard working family, will now have to forego some of their small luxuries and give that money to the state to support all of the corruption. A lot of this new source of funds will go to pay the State Pension Fund, so after these politicians retire, they can still continue to collect off of the backs of the residents, who will be paying for this forever. Is it just a mere coincidence that here in this state they are Democrats running the show? I am not condeming all Democrats outside of this state, just the ones here, because I think they just use the name 'Democrat" for their political club affiliation, because they surely do not ascribe to the "Democratic Principles of the Democratic Party". They have been in control of this states government for the last 25 years.
Will it ever stop! Moving back east, like New Hampshire, Maine, or Vermont, looks appealing all of the time......I wonder if there is room for me?
Friday, January 14, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
John Roll, who is he?
A lot of you who read this might wonder, "Who is John Roll anyway?" More than likely a few weeks ago a lot of you might have never heard of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords either. But all it takes is one unnecessary act from a lunatic to bring their names to the forefront, and now you will know them forever.
I am not going to take the time to discuss this tragedy in any detail, nor will I discuss the Congresswoman (Democrat), other than to say she is recovering as well as one can expect. As per her doctors statements, she has better than average odds that she will survive.
But what about John Roll, we don't hear much about him? Well, he was also a victim that tragic day, leaving this world after succuming to the gun shots that rang out near the quiet store front of a Safeway supermarket.
John was a Chief Federal Judge appointed in 1991 by then president George Bush after being nominated by Senator John McCain. "John Roll developed an interest in law by beginning his law career as a Bailiff in the Pima County Superior Court. After receiving his law degree Roll became an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Tucson. Roll became the Deputy County Attorney for Pima County, prosecuting many criminal cases. Then Roll joined the US Attorney's Office as an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Arizona. While with the US Attorney's Office, Roll led the organized drug crimes task force, specializing in large drug cases. Roll was also the lead civil attorney for the Arizona US Attorney's Office. Roll was appointed as a State Appeals Court Judge in the Division Two Arizona Court of Appeals. He was named the Presiding Judge for the Division Two Court of Appeals, before becoming vice chief judge in 1991. Later in 1991, Roll was a Criminal Superior Court Judge in the Pima County before his nomination to the Federal Bench in 1991. To give back to the community, Roll also served as a clinical instructor for the University of Arizona College of Law". The preceeding was excerpted from Judgepedia.
A lot of media verbage would suggest that the perpetrator of this heinous crime was influenced by the Tea Party folks, the conservative radio, Sarah Palin, and talk shows among others. Why can't we just accept that this guy was a "NUT", and leave it at that, and stop trying to put the blame elsewhere. Evidence would suggest that the "NUT" mainly targeted the Congresswoman. Well someone ought to tell the rest of the folks who were either killed or wounded that they were only collateral damage. Did you know that:
"In 2009, Judge Roll faced death threats after presiding over a $32 million civil-rights lawsuit. The lawsuit was filed by illegal immigrants against an Arizona rancher. After Judge Roll ruled that the case would be certified, threats came from talk-radio shows which fueled controversy and spurred audiences into making threats against the judge.
After one radio talk show, Judge Roll's name logged more than 200 phone calls as some callers threatened the judge and his family. This resulted in the judge and his wife being placed under a full-time protective detail for one month. A US Attorney's investigation identified four men as the makers of the threats, but no charges were filed.
In a July 9, 2009 interview with the Arizona Republic, Judge Roll described the time under high security as "unnerving and invasive... By its nature it has to be," Roll said. Roll also said, "It (the security) was handled very professionally by the Marshals Service." Judge John Roll was a Republican.
In conclusion two public figures were gunned down, with others, that dreadful day. One of them was killed Judge John Roll (Republican) and one of them is likely to survive, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (Democrat). Both were and are good people, serving the public in what they believe in. So to the public, I suggest that we stop trying to place the blame elsewhere for this tragedy, and simply blame it on the "NUT".
The good thing that might come from this is that in Arizona, there is no Insanity Defense. You can be found "guilty, but insane". If that is the case, you go to a facility, while insane. If you are cured, you go to prison to serve out the rest of your sentence. Arizone also has a death penalty, and it still applies, here in this case. It is going to be interesting as we follow the story and see what happens. Some might think.......Where is Jack Ruby when you need him? If you think that way, your putting yourself in the same category as the "NUT". Believe in our American Justice System, it will take care of the "NUT" the American way.
I am not going to take the time to discuss this tragedy in any detail, nor will I discuss the Congresswoman (Democrat), other than to say she is recovering as well as one can expect. As per her doctors statements, she has better than average odds that she will survive.
But what about John Roll, we don't hear much about him? Well, he was also a victim that tragic day, leaving this world after succuming to the gun shots that rang out near the quiet store front of a Safeway supermarket.
John was a Chief Federal Judge appointed in 1991 by then president George Bush after being nominated by Senator John McCain. "John Roll developed an interest in law by beginning his law career as a Bailiff in the Pima County Superior Court. After receiving his law degree Roll became an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Tucson. Roll became the Deputy County Attorney for Pima County, prosecuting many criminal cases. Then Roll joined the US Attorney's Office as an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Arizona. While with the US Attorney's Office, Roll led the organized drug crimes task force, specializing in large drug cases. Roll was also the lead civil attorney for the Arizona US Attorney's Office. Roll was appointed as a State Appeals Court Judge in the Division Two Arizona Court of Appeals. He was named the Presiding Judge for the Division Two Court of Appeals, before becoming vice chief judge in 1991. Later in 1991, Roll was a Criminal Superior Court Judge in the Pima County before his nomination to the Federal Bench in 1991. To give back to the community, Roll also served as a clinical instructor for the University of Arizona College of Law". The preceeding was excerpted from Judgepedia.
A lot of media verbage would suggest that the perpetrator of this heinous crime was influenced by the Tea Party folks, the conservative radio, Sarah Palin, and talk shows among others. Why can't we just accept that this guy was a "NUT", and leave it at that, and stop trying to put the blame elsewhere. Evidence would suggest that the "NUT" mainly targeted the Congresswoman. Well someone ought to tell the rest of the folks who were either killed or wounded that they were only collateral damage. Did you know that:
"In 2009, Judge Roll faced death threats after presiding over a $32 million civil-rights lawsuit. The lawsuit was filed by illegal immigrants against an Arizona rancher. After Judge Roll ruled that the case would be certified, threats came from talk-radio shows which fueled controversy and spurred audiences into making threats against the judge.
After one radio talk show, Judge Roll's name logged more than 200 phone calls as some callers threatened the judge and his family. This resulted in the judge and his wife being placed under a full-time protective detail for one month. A US Attorney's investigation identified four men as the makers of the threats, but no charges were filed.
In a July 9, 2009 interview with the Arizona Republic, Judge Roll described the time under high security as "unnerving and invasive... By its nature it has to be," Roll said. Roll also said, "It (the security) was handled very professionally by the Marshals Service." Judge John Roll was a Republican.
In conclusion two public figures were gunned down, with others, that dreadful day. One of them was killed Judge John Roll (Republican) and one of them is likely to survive, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (Democrat). Both were and are good people, serving the public in what they believe in. So to the public, I suggest that we stop trying to place the blame elsewhere for this tragedy, and simply blame it on the "NUT".
The good thing that might come from this is that in Arizona, there is no Insanity Defense. You can be found "guilty, but insane". If that is the case, you go to a facility, while insane. If you are cured, you go to prison to serve out the rest of your sentence. Arizone also has a death penalty, and it still applies, here in this case. It is going to be interesting as we follow the story and see what happens. Some might think.......Where is Jack Ruby when you need him? If you think that way, your putting yourself in the same category as the "NUT". Believe in our American Justice System, it will take care of the "NUT" the American way.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Lynn Bus Tour
The other day I was sitting and thinking about some of the cool things Lynn and the surrounding area had to offer and was wondering why someone with a new vision has not capatilized on the local history with a bus tour of the area and the events that occured surrounding it.
Some of the tour stops might be Lynn Woods and Dungeon Rock, the Wolf Pits, the Stone Tower, The Saugus Iron Works, High Rock Tower, Longfellows Wayside Inn, and there are many more for sure. There is much history, if only someone would tell it.
Would this kind of enterprise help increase the local economy? I'm sure if enough interest was generated, it surely would. Just imagine, getting into a bus, being driven to the entrance of the woods, greeted by a guide, and toured around. Just imagine driving up to high rock tower and being able to go inside, rent a pair of binoculars (if you forgot yours) and climb the stairs of Lynn's Eiffel Tower, while enjoying the picturesque view of the harbor and surrounding area. I'm sure there are many local residents who have not toured the tower or been inside. I don't believe it has been open to the public for years, but I could be wrong. Would you pay a fee to enter it? I certainly would. Could a concession stand be erected to help support it. I'd be one of their customers. Would it boost the economically depressed area. As Sara Palin would say "You betcha".
Why not open the Lynn Woods entrance to allow a tram take visitors to Dungeon Rock and the Stone tower, for a fee of course. There are some of us who are getting up in age now who would like to go there, but cannot endure the walk from the entrance. I don't think of this as a commercialization of the site anymore than the Saugus Ironworks (which is run by the National Parks Service)is today. Support it by charging a fee.
These and other things I suggest would create jobs. The activities could be run by private organizations via a concession bid, which would bring much needed revenue to the city.
Of course these tours might be seasonal. Uniformed Park Rangers (also private employee) could provide a visibility while being unarmed of course, with a direct link to the local police via radio etc. I'm just throwing ideas out there, but I am sure grant and startup funding is available for this type of venture.
One thing that I am sure of though, and this is certainly going to come up, are the folks who say, "there are rules preventing what you suggest". Well then change the rules. We do that all the time in government to suit our changing times and needs.
Can't you just imagine people who WANT to visit Lynn, and not because they are from there.......... Just read the comments and reminiscing that goes on on Face Book with the "FORMER LYNNERS" and the Lynn Museum pages. There is a lot of interest there but you need to make it happen. Hmmmmmmm.....Lynn the city on peoples list of "Places to Visit!"
Keep an eye out for my soon to be published book, "Dungeon Rock, The Real Story" coming out this summer.
Some of the tour stops might be Lynn Woods and Dungeon Rock, the Wolf Pits, the Stone Tower, The Saugus Iron Works, High Rock Tower, Longfellows Wayside Inn, and there are many more for sure. There is much history, if only someone would tell it.
Would this kind of enterprise help increase the local economy? I'm sure if enough interest was generated, it surely would. Just imagine, getting into a bus, being driven to the entrance of the woods, greeted by a guide, and toured around. Just imagine driving up to high rock tower and being able to go inside, rent a pair of binoculars (if you forgot yours) and climb the stairs of Lynn's Eiffel Tower, while enjoying the picturesque view of the harbor and surrounding area. I'm sure there are many local residents who have not toured the tower or been inside. I don't believe it has been open to the public for years, but I could be wrong. Would you pay a fee to enter it? I certainly would. Could a concession stand be erected to help support it. I'd be one of their customers. Would it boost the economically depressed area. As Sara Palin would say "You betcha".
Why not open the Lynn Woods entrance to allow a tram take visitors to Dungeon Rock and the Stone tower, for a fee of course. There are some of us who are getting up in age now who would like to go there, but cannot endure the walk from the entrance. I don't think of this as a commercialization of the site anymore than the Saugus Ironworks (which is run by the National Parks Service)is today. Support it by charging a fee.
These and other things I suggest would create jobs. The activities could be run by private organizations via a concession bid, which would bring much needed revenue to the city.
Of course these tours might be seasonal. Uniformed Park Rangers (also private employee) could provide a visibility while being unarmed of course, with a direct link to the local police via radio etc. I'm just throwing ideas out there, but I am sure grant and startup funding is available for this type of venture.
One thing that I am sure of though, and this is certainly going to come up, are the folks who say, "there are rules preventing what you suggest". Well then change the rules. We do that all the time in government to suit our changing times and needs.
Can't you just imagine people who WANT to visit Lynn, and not because they are from there.......... Just read the comments and reminiscing that goes on on Face Book with the "FORMER LYNNERS" and the Lynn Museum pages. There is a lot of interest there but you need to make it happen. Hmmmmmmm.....Lynn the city on peoples list of "Places to Visit!"
Keep an eye out for my soon to be published book, "Dungeon Rock, The Real Story" coming out this summer.
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