Fear Not the Trump Presidency

Back in the late summer of 2007 when the Democrat and Republican primaries were on the distant horizon, I met with an old political ally from New Mexico. He was in Chicago for a conference and we agreed to meet over coffee to catch up with one another and discuss the current political climate.

We noshed on bagels and drank coffee at The Corner Bakery, interestingly, in the shadow of the Trump Tower, then under construction. We prognosticated over which candidates would win each parties respective 2008 nominations. Disagreement centered over who would win the Dems nomination. My friend thought that Hillary had that one all sewn up. I opined that much of the American public were tired of the Clinton's and the Bush's and that it would be someone other than dear Hillary.

Fast Forward to 2016. That Clinton / Bush fatigue still ailed the American voter. Hence we have the election of Donald J. Trump as the 45th President of the United States. Despite the high anxiety over his election, we should not fear his ascendency to the oval office.

The Economy

Remember the rallying cry voiced by James Carville, back in 1998? "It's the economy stupid". Yes it is, indeed. With economic growth sputtering at an anemic 1.2% growth and 95 million Americans off the job rolls, rest assured this will be the new administrations number one priority.

Working with a Republican House and Senate there is a reasonable expectation that there will be Individual Tax Reform that will put a little more jingle in American pockets. The brackets should be spread more. At present, it only takes an adjusted gross income of approximately $15,000 and an individual is placed in the 15% marginal income tax bracket. That should change.

Corporate Tax rates will go down making companies more competitive in the global economy. More funds should be available for Research and Development as well as business expansion. Reduction of the tax rates could result in more on-shoring--where companies bring back more manufacturing functions.

Trade deals made during the previous administrations could come under closer scrutiny and revised to make them more fair and beneficial to the United States.

The President-elect made it quite clear in his acceptance speech that he intends to help the American cities. With the right team and proper policies, there could be a greater increase in Urban Enterprise. Something sorely needed in much of Americas decaying urban core. 

His big time Infrastructure package will only help the economy over the long run. What will be needed in other areas of the government budget will be corresponding cuts to help balance the numbers out.

Security

President-Elect Trump has already assembled a top flight team to insure the security of all Americans. As more administration slots are filled, the country should rest easy that competent people will be posted to insure tranquility throughout the land.

Count on the border wall to be built and enforcement of current immigration laws. Now it might not be a concrete wall all along the border as that would be unfeasible in certain terrain. Rather, a combination of electronic surveillance, fencing, and the concrete border wall will secure the border.

Immigration reform is coming. The President-elect has already announced his intention of expelling those that have moved into the country illegally and have criminal records. No one begrudges any one wishing to build a better life for their families by immigrating to the United States, just do it legally. It remains to be seen what will happen to the many "law-abiding" undocumented that have moved here over the past decades. One thing is for sure, there will be increased business for the Abogados specializing in immigration law.

Health Care

Obamacare is destined for the medical receptacle. His appointment of Representative Tom Price as the Health and Human Services Secretary shows that he is serious about improving the best health care system in the world without the burden of the ACA mandates and impediments to great health care. What may come of it is a more free market based system that allows Americans with greater choices and competitive prices. At the minimum, expect health insurance products to go down in price.

As a by-product of free market medicine, American's veterans will see dramatic improvement in their care. It is possible that a Veteran Med Card, whereby a Vet can seek health care services by visiting any medical provider he/she chooses, may become a reality.

President-Elect Trump has sketched out his top priorities in the first 100 days. Should he be able to get many of the proposals through the U.S. Congress, it is possible that our country can move from diminished expectations to heightened opportunities. Not much to fear in that.

 

 

Boehner's Budget Boner

US House Speaker John Boehner's broadside against many of the partners in the old Reagan coalition, was shameful.  To publicly lambast the fiscal conservatives who opposed the freshly minted Bipartisan Budget Control Act was an action that is lacking in genuine leadership.  Boehner should be removed as Speaker when the new Congress sits in 2015.

Don't worry, the Republicans should retain the house after the 2014 mid-terms.  The politics percolating under the surface point in that direction.  Set aside for the moment that tactically, passing the two year Budget accord was good politically.  It gets over the Republican fear of government shut-down.  But whatever Republican staff negotiated this deal ought not sit at the negotiating table ever again.

The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 removes $65 billion from the sequestration cuts negotiated in the previous 2011 Budget Control Act.  Additionally, it proposes tax increases in three areas:

• Airline travel ($5 per passenger).
• Increases insurance premiums that companies with private pension plans pay into the federal government's Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation.
• Increases "user fees" of customs services.

And No, Congressman Paul Ryan (R-WI), I didn't read the entire legislation.  All I needed to do is read the CBO (Congressional Budget Office) abstract as well as your own House Budget Committee summary document.  With all due respect, Mr. Ryan, it is piss-poor legislation that the US Senate is on the verge of approving.

The House of Representatives is an equal branch of the US Government and to get any legislation passed, it must go through the House.  This is a big stick and wielded properly, more should have been gotten out of the negotiations.  The cuts that were made in this legislation were very minimal.  They include:

• Caps on Discretionary spending.
• Elimination of some government waste.
• Targeting of Corporate Welfare. More specifically Energy Company graft.
• Government Pension Reform.

A better deal could nave been struck.  For instance, how about holding out for elimination of discretionary spending for the three "E's", Energy, Education, and Environmental Protection Agency?? This is where the current administration uses the "Chicago Way" to pay off their supporters and cronies.  Think Solyndra, XL Pipeline, and Common Core.

Additionally, how about a little government reorganization?  Like folding the ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms) under the auspices of the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation).  Redundancy is one of the biggest areas of waste in government.

Pushing back against the Socialist Democrats and exercising the power of the purse is much better than capitulation, which this agreement seems to be.

Back to the Speaker.  In January of 2015, Boehner must go.  Who should be the new Speaker of the House.  He or She shouldn't come from that body. In fact bringing in an outsider to harness the divergent opinions of its members into a cohesive message is much preferable. Have them serve a two-year stint as Speaker. There is no constitutional requirement that the Speaker needs to come from the house.  Who, then?  I place in nomination the following individuals:

1. Herman Cain.  The former candidate for the 2012 Republican Presidential nomination would articulate a vision for prosperity.  A former CEO could competently run the operation.  He clearly has the stature and leadership qualities that the Republicans need.
2. Sarah Palin.  The former Governor of Alaska and running mate of 2008 Republican candidate for President, John McCain, would be an excellent choice.  She would certainly give the Socialist Democrats fits and at the same time effectively run the House.
3. Steve Forbes.  The CEO of Forbes Media, LLC would make an excellent speaker.  He could certainly lead the Republicans as a former candidate for the Republican nomination for President in 1996 and 2000.  A business executive with solid media experience would keep the Republicans well messaged and on task.

While John Boehner has served his district and the country admirably, it is time for new leadership to combat the onslaught of tyranny the current administration and its tax and spend friends quietly put in place.   

Independence Day 2013

"The American citizen must be made aware that today a relatively small group of people is proclaiming its purposes to be the will of the people.  That elitist approach to government must be repudiated."

 

William E. Simon (1927-2000)

 Treasury Secretary under President Gerald Ford

 

 

 

These words spoken decades ago still ring true today, particularly as we undergo Obama's Transformational Era.  Government continues to grow in girth and in scandalous behavior.  The scandals in this administration continue unabated.  Aside from Mr. Obama's dubious appointments and their foibles we have been witness to:

 

• The GSA "Party On" scandal.
• The Secret Service "Ladies of the Night" scandal.
• The Energy Department "Money for Friends in Bankrupt companies" funding scandal.
• The Agriculture Department "Pigford" scandal.
• The EPA wasted money scandal.
• The Benghazi cover up.
• The IRS targeting scandal.
• The NSA spying on Americans scandal.

All of this points to one certainty,  GOVERNMENT is big, fat and out of control.  The politicians in Washington, D.C. have created one Obese creature.

 

It is fair time for all Americans to reflect greatly on how the federal budget has ballooned and our precious liberties have shrunk in this Transformational Era of BIG GOVERNMENT.  It has become most apparent with the rise of what many call the fourth branch of government, the Federal Bureaucracy.  As government grows with its insatiable appetite for its cut of American wealth creation, it creates more rules, regulations and advocates for more laws to justify that growth.  This obese creature propagates itself exponentially all in the name of the will of the people.

 

This must stop!

 

No longer is the Republican establishment's approach of slowing the growth of government acceptable.  This is not the way to curtail government spending.  In light of all the recent scandals it is incumbent that actual and significant cuts be made.  Like a consumer that goes shopping, a determination must be made between basic needs and unnecessary desires.

 

On this Independence Day 2013, Americans must embrace liberty and throw off the shackles of an overbearing government.  Each one of us American citizens should pledge to come up with at least one cut to the federal budget and write our elected representatives in Congress seeking action.

 

Failure to do so, is to let our children and grandchildren down, further eroding the possibility of a return to a prosperous America.

 

 

Election 2012 Aftermath

Face it.  The forces of Free Enterprise lost the Presidency and eroded a bit in the US Senate.

The one bright spot in the post-election results is the Republican majority in the US House of Representatives has been maintained.  Perhaps they will hold firm in their resolve to increase opportunities available under our unique Free Enterprise system.

All the hand wringing by the pundits, the campaign consultants, and journos about how the election was lost; How this position should pivot and how this messaging should change completely miss the mark.  Bottom line, we were out organized by the Community Organizer in Chief.  In essence, the ground battle was lost.

Do not despair.  The Free Enterprise coalition has much work to do before the 2014 mid-terms.  That coalition of Reganites, Tea Party Patriots, Libertarians, Conservatives, Entreprenuers, Small Business Owners, and Free Enterprise Republicans can all work feverishly in the coming months to gain elective ground in the forthcoming elections.

We should all be bouyed by the fact that the majority of the American people (53% to 41% according to exit polls) oppose big government.  That plays well into our core beliefs of fiscal responsibility, Constitutional limited government, and Free market economics.

The hard work begins now.

Embrace your "inner-activist" and begin organizing.  Piece together study groups, breakfast groups, lunch groups, and other organized "clubs" that can provide the leadership and muscle for an electoral victory.  The overriding goal should be veto proof majorities in the House (288) and Senate (66).

One reason the left in this country is sucessful is that there is rampant economic illiteracy among the electorate.  The forces of Free Enterprise must educate the populace on free market economics and how it alone can provide the opportunities possible to lift people out of poverty and despair. 

For all the supposed work the Community Organizer in Chief did when he was organizing on the West and South side of Chicago, those communities still are breeding grounds of violence, joblessness, hopelessness, and despair.

Our forces must also provide education programs that teach the values of Liberty and Constitutional Government.  Yes, there are a number of fine progams offered by numerous organizations, but they should be promoted to a much wider audience.

Perhaps those that supported the Romney-Ryan campaign directly and through 527 PACs should consider appropriating funds for an educational campaign that reaches a large audience through DVD and/or monograph.  It would be a first step in educating the hard working people of our Republic.  Don't count on the schools, colleges, and universites to do it.  Many are hotbeds of socialist insurrection.

As Edmund Burke wrote:

"When bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall one by one, an unpitied sacrifice in a comtemptible struggle".

Our time is now.  We must organize, educate, and engage to save this glorious Nation and vibrant system of Free Enterprise.

Romney Goes for the Win

Governor Mitt Romney’s selection of Congressman Paul Ryan demonstrates that the Republican nominee is playing to win.  The selection of Ryan (R-WI) is also indicative of the seriousness of Romney’s overriding desire to turn this economy around.

Many of the talking heads and prognosticator scribes are calling it a bold move.  I would submit that it is a strong strategic move.  One that should tip the balance in heretofore toss-up states like North Carolina, Virginia, and Florida, to the GOP team.  At the same time it puts states like Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, and yes, even Illinois in play.  The focus once again becomes the economy.

Ryan is a seven term Congressman representing Southeastern Wisconsin in district that takes in Industrial, Rural, Urban, and part vacationland for us Northern Illinoisans.  Long considered a swing district, Ryan has one it in lopsided tallies.  As a member of Congress he is the powerful Chairman of the House budget committee and senior member of the tax writing Ways and Means committee.  He has the chops to debate anyone on the economy.

The presumptive Republican Vice-Presidential candidate harnesses an aspirational Reaganite politics and policy initiatives.  From his speech aboard the USS Wisconsin on August 11, 2012:

“We Americans look at one another’s success with pride, not resentment, because we know, as more Americans work hard, take risks, and succeed, more people will prosper, our communities will benefit, and individual lives will be improved and uplifted.”

A little Reaganesque, wouldn’t you agree?

One can fully expect the Socialist Democrats to launch broadsides at Romney and Ryan, attempting to initiate the Medi-Scare tactics of campaigns past.  But they do so at their own peril.  Ryan, in an excellent speech given on January 13, 2010 at an event sponsored by Hillsdale College’s Allan P. Kirby, Jr. Center for Constitutional Studies and Citizenship, outlined the current fiscal problems with Medicare/Medicaid.  He mentioned that there are three basic healthcare models which we Americans must choose from. (1) The “Crony-Capitalism” model, a business- government partnership currently deployed.  (2) The progressive model or Obamacare.  (3) A Free-market model in which health care providers compete and consumers are free to choose.

Most Americans in poll after poll reject the Government control of healthcare which is forthcoming under the legislated Obamacare plan.  Ryan deftly argues for the Free-market plan that most consumers of health care would favor.  The socialist democrats had better be prepared if they wish to engage in debate on this issue with the Romney-Ryan team.

Ryan’s selection will have a positive effect on Romney’s moribund campaign.  The Reagan revolutionaries will enjoin the battle for freedom and will be the foot soldiers in the good fight.   The Congressman is the roll up the cotton sleeves; get down working type of Republican that will invigorate the GOP ticket.

I personally look forward to the debate between V.P. Joe Biden and Paul Ryan.  Biden better fake sick. Or perhaps, he could have his old friend, Neal Kinnock stand in his stead.

Independence Day 2012

The significance of this day, July 4^th, is not lost on many of us.

The Founders of this great nation sacrificed everything in the cause of liberty.  Many affixed their signature to the Declaration of Independence on this day in 1776, knowing that they may as well have been signing their death warrant; as King George would most certainly wage war to keep the colonies within the British Empire.  And he did.

Within that courageous document is the very simple idea that all men have “certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and happiness…”

Liberty is the most precious of these, for without it, the other two are that much more difficult to realize.  It is this most high idea that caused the great patriot, Patrick Henry to utter these words:

“Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?  Forbid it, Almighty God.  I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death.”

With each passing day our precious liberties are eroding as the iron fist of government continues to encroach upon our ability to lead our lives in our own way and achieve happiness.

Contained within the Declaration of Independence is a list of grievances against King George.  One of them is:

“He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance.”

Sound familiar?  Does history repeat itself?

Consider the vast amount of regulation promulgated by the current administration to thwart enterprise, diminish human labor, and destroy human capital.  Think the XL pipeline, an overzealous EPA, an ineffective interior department, and a failed Department of Education.  All of the bureaucratic control monsters and the back office paper-pushers have done their utmost to destroy the economic process.

Now a recent study paid for by the DHS (Department of Homeland Security) has asserted that we Americans that are “suspicious of centralized federal authority” and   “reverent of individual liberty” can be considered as extreme right wing terrorists.

Where is the liberty?

Abraham Lincoln once said, “Courage is lost through disuse”.

On this glorious day, as we celebrate our Nation’s birth, we must find the courage to encourage the blessings of liberty right up through Election Day, November 6, 2012.

We must all give of our time to advance the cause of Liberty.  First, engage in the political process by supporting those who further its development.  Second, be charitable in our work and through our deeds by helping those in need, not abdicating this responsibility to government bureaucrats. Finally, educate others by spreading the value of liberty.

For if we do all of these things our nation will be more secure and life and happiness will be that much more assured.

Assessing the Field

The Iowa caucuses are tomorrow. The real significance of Iowa is the test of a candidates’ campaign operation. Can the candidate manage to get as many Iowans to the multitude of caucuses and raise their hand for him or her? It is an ultimate exam for organizational abilities which will be extremely important in the general election in November.



Let’s take a look at the GOP line-up:


Michelle Bachmann. She would make history as the first female President of the United States. She possesses solid conservative credentials while in congress and speaking on the campaign circuit. She is a passionate constitutional conservative as well as strong advocate for free enterprise. Congressman Bachman is one who doesn’t mince words. When she says she will eliminate Obamacare and close down the U.S. Department of Education, it is bankable.


Newt Gingrich. I remember the days during the Reagan Revolution when Gingrich (R-GA) and Robert Walker (R-PA) would engage in spellbinding colloquy over administration policy. There were others, principally from the Conservative Opportunity Society that took to the podium or rose from their seats to advance the cause of Freedom. We lived in historic times. Gingrich is the ideas man of the GOP. But as the late, great Thomas Roeser would opine, “Newt Gingrich is half brilliant and half crazy.” Newt is a solid supply sider, but can sometimes be a loose cannon.


Gary Johnson. He has bolted from the Republicans and has landed firmly in the Libertarian camp, announcing his candidacy for the Libertarian nomination for President on December 28, 2011. I can’t blame him. He got little respect from the Republican apparatchiks. Here was a guy who had a tremendous record as Governor of New Mexico and was invited only once to the debate table. He would have added greatly to the war of ideas as a spokesman for limited government. Of course his tragic flaw is his drug policy which kind of sends his candidacy up in smoke. Sorry Gary, you won’t get my vote. We need to send O to Hawaii for retirement.


Rick Perry. This guy has got great credentials including achieving the rank of Eagle Scout as a teen. As a fellow Eagle Scout, I empathize with his candidacy. In my heart I’m rooting for the Governor of Texas. However, his performance in the early debates sort of tanked his Presidential aspirations. Perhaps he can turn it around. Mr. Perry is the most solid on the issues that could bring about Reagan Revolution 2.0.


Ron Paul. We need Congressman Paul in the race to make us think. The dear Doctor is most aligned with the economics of Frederick Hayek and the Austrian school. An outstanding spokesman for limited government, he has added much to the debate in that arena. Where he fails to make the grade is in his foreign policy views. Yes, I get it, stay away from “foreign entanglements” as Jefferson warned of, but to embrace some of the zaniest views of Jesse “The Body” Ventura, former Governor of Minnesota, is a little meek.


Buddy Roemer. Why hasn’t this former Governor of Louisiana been invited to the debate party? His credentials are solid as a former U.S. Congressman (1981-1988) and community banker. If academic credentials figure into your candidate assessment, Roemer has a B.S. in Economics from Harvard and a MBA—Finance from the same. Buddy’s central theme is getting the big money out of politics. He feels that the large sums of dough are given to the politicians in Washington to exact favorites. He favors a balanced budget and fair trade. His tax policy is something that needs to be adopted in the new administration. Closing tax loopholes, eliminating the alternative minimum tax and the earned income credit are positive starts. The most favorable element of his tax plan is a Flat Tax of 17%, with the first $50k of income exempt. Personally, I favor a 10% flat tax, but this is an awesome start.


Rick Santorum. The most solid conservative in the field. And the best person to shore up the ticket as Vice-President for whomever the eventual nominee might be. He is a great candidate, but needs more seasoning as an executive. His foreign policy views are the stoutest among the group. Santorum’s voice for limited government is robust. He would be my candidate if he had any strong business or executive experience. But alas, he is from the House of Lords, err, US Senate.


I purposely left out Jon Huntsman. Seriously? Give me a break.




To my friendly and generous neighbors in Iowa, best of luck in your caucuses. You have a difficult decision to make. Tomorrow in Iowa it is expected to be a balmy 41 degrees and sunny. It should be a crisp, but comfortable night for making a choice for the future of the United States.




On January 20, 2013, America’s long, four year nightmare will be over when one of these great Americans hold up their right hand with the other on the good book and take the oath of the Office of the President of the United States.

Political Musings v6

Gaming in Illinois



The Illinois Gaming bill that would have put a new casino in Chicago was doomed to failure. The legislation had become a hodge-podge of excessive expansion of gaming in the state. In order to garner enough votes for passage, the sponsors had to provide a bite of the apple to all legislators. The direct effect was to have so many new venues that it burst under its own weight. The proper course of action should have been to enhance existing venues and limit new ones that would cannibalize the others.



Democrat Campaign Plan


The Democrat 2012 campaign have already tipped their hand that their campaign will be chock full of “class’ warfare. The middle-class this, the one percent that…blah, blah, blah. There are only four classes of people in the U.S.:


a) Workers who work hard at whatever endeavor and pay taxes.


b) Investors who work hard and pay their taxes.


c) Thinkers that shape our world and pay taxes.


d) Those who wallow in the public trough and chew up the taxes the others have paid.



How American’s Vote


It used to be a rule of thumb among political operatives that citizens cast their vote for a candidate based upon the following breakdown:


50% voted based their vote on whether they LIKED the candidate.


40% based their vote on a candidates IMAGE.


10% voted on the ISSUES.


That breakdown may have changed over the past two decades; increasing issue based voting to 20% with a corresponding decrease in the other two.

With this in mind, there is much to LIKE about each one of the Republican primary candidates despite the way the media wishes to cast their IMAGES. The 2012 may come down to ISSUES.  No matter who the GOP nominee might be, O Must Go!!




Profligate Spending


On every level of government, elected officials, attempting to placate those that came before them with hat in hand,  made too many unsustainable promises. The proper answer should have been NO!! Now as we struggle to repair a broken economy the answer to government growth and largess should be, NO MORE!!




Memo to the Honorable Bill Cunningham


Billy Cunningham you’re a great American, but you are wrong. Obama will lose.




Democrats vs. Reaganites


Democrats are Hobbesian, “short, nasty, and brutish”. They feel compelled to grab the dough in your wallet, skim a little for themselves and stuff the rest into their allies pockets. Reaganites are Lockean, demonstrating complete confidence in people’s freedom to choose what charities are most deserved of their gratitude.




Politics As Bloodsport


The purveyors of the politics of personal destruction (notably leftists and their media hand maidens) have added another notch on their keyboards. The departure of Herman Cain from the GOP Presidential primary campaign was the result of their political assault. Thank goodness Mr. Cain will remain engaged through his introduction of Cainsolutions.com.






Things are shaping up to be an exciting Political Year 2012. Prepare thyself for hand to hand combat with the leftists in this cycle.

Political Musings v5

Presidential Election 2012


The wonderfully engaging political columnist Ann Coulter recently opined that the only potential Presidential candidate that could dislodge the office from President Obama would be New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. I must respectfully disagree. No matter who the GOP nominates they will be the new President. The Obama presidency will only be one term. The American people have had enough.


Union Protests

While our neighbors to North in Wisconsin endure the rants and ravings of the spuriously civil unionists, one democratic policy wag deposited the notion that their base was more invigorated than ever. Really? What of the “Gary Hart” voter? Remember the New Democrat versus the Union slug Mondale back in 1984? That dichotomy is still prevalent within the democrat party today.

Fuel Efficiency

The Obama administration rolled out new fuel efficiency standards for buses, trucks, and other larger vehicles, recently. The effort purportedly is to, in part, reduce our dependency on oil. Why not converting many of these vehicles to natural gas? The massive fleet of federal government vehicles should lead the way.


Education Vouchers


While the voucher legislation, introduced by State Senator Meeks, did not pass the Illinois House in the last session, it is no less an important issue worthy of debate. To elevate the quality of our education system, effective competition must be introduced.


Herewith is a compromise. Any school or school district that falls below minimum standards in testing and graduation rates, as set by the state, should be subject to a voucher program for a period of no less than six years. Allow the parents to decide where they wish to send their children utilizing voucher funds set at an amount that the school or school district spends per pupil. The parents should not be limited to sending their child to a bricks and mortar school, but could also use these funds for home schooling. Such a system would provide a powerful incentive to the educationalists to bring their schools up to standards. They should note that failure has consequences.


Re-apportionment

The census report shows that the City of Chicago lost 200,000 people in the last decade. This is where the Congressional District should be lost. Count on the Democrats drawing a map that places two Republican Congressman in the same district, though. Once again, elections have consequences.


Congressional Correspondence

It was with pleasure that I recently wrote to U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL) asking him to kill the bullet train funds. I also wrote freshman Congressman Randy Hultgren (R-IL 14th) with four reforms for social security. I look forward to their responses.


The political climate in the United States and Illinois is as fluid as ever which makes for great debates and as the great conservative, William F. Buckley, use to say, “social intercourse.”

CUT The Federal Budget Now!

As Speaker of the House, John Boehner (R-OH 8th), said in his remarks after being sworn in as the leader of the 112th Congress, now comes the “hard work and tough decisions”.


We have reached a tipping point where the political / governmental ruling class now spends considerably more than it can ever take in. The federal budget must be cut now.

Back in October of 1987, Warren T. Brookes (Detroit News), writing in Reader’s Digest sited a study by Ohio University economists Lowell Gallaway and Richard Vedder, that simply stated that since 1947 every one dollar ($1.00) tax increase corresponded with a $1.58 in new spending. It is now 2011 and that differential has continued unabated. It is any wonder we find our nation in the financial mess it is in.

There is a roadmap for achieving the $100 billion in savings that the Republicans committed to in their campaign “Pledge”. Stated therein, “Cut government spending to pre-stimulus, pre-bailout levels saving at least $100 billion in the first year alone.” It will take a great deal of fortitude and the ability to sharpen the budget axe.

The following figures are based on the Fiscal Year 2011 (FY 2011) budget numbers. If the cuts are implemented it will reduce approximately $260 Billion in federal spending.


First, three departments and/or agencies should be completely eliminated.

Department of Education. Americans have always prided themselves on local control of schools. It should remain so. It makes absolutely no sense in sending valued tax dollars to a bloated Washington D.C. bureaucracy. Have them skim off a good portion of those dollars and then send the remainders back to the states. This is a department that was created during the Carter administration as payback to the teachers unions that supported him. It is essentially a department of paper pushers. The necessary functions can easily be folded back into a re-created Department of Health Education and Welfare.

Department of Energy. Essential functions can be folded into other departments like defense and other applicable agencies.

Corporation for National and Community Service. This governmental agency houses Americorp, among other things. Get rid of it. The savings would be $967 million dollars.

Second, let’s apply a twenty percent (20%) across the board cut to each of the following agencies. It would be the responsibility of each department secretary to recommend which discretionary spending should be cut.

Department of Agriculture Savings: $26.459 billion.
Department of Commerce Savings: $ 1.850 billion.
Department of Labor Savings: $23.343 billion.

Department of Interior Savings: $ 2.615 billion. Eliminating the Bureau of Indian Affairs alone would save 2.586 billion.

State Department Savings: $10.761 billion.
Environmental Protection Agency Savings: $ 1.834 billion.

National Science Foundation Savings: $ 1.359 billion. Additional savings could be realized by folding this agency under the auspices of NASA.

Small Business Administration Savings: $ 239 million.
Housing and Urban Development Savings: $ 9.507 billion.

Health and Human Services Savings: $180.170 billion. This department would be re-created into HEW by folding certain aspects of the Department of Education into it.

Third, the Department of Defense should be reconfigured to merge the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Veterans Affairs to allow for additional cost savings by consolidating duplicated functions. Defense Secretary Gates has already proposed $78 billion in cuts. Congress should give his recommendations vigorous analysis and act on those that would not impair the ability of our armed services to defend this country.

A much-needed cut in this area is the Veterans Medical system. Facilities around the country that are not on a military installation should be closed. It is important that we maintain our commitment to those that have served by providing them with the best possible medical care. Provide them with a Military Medical Card and allow them to use it with any doctor or medical facility in the country. This alone would bring about greater efficiency to the care of our veterans.

Finally, one of the biggest budget items weighing in at $791.681 billion is the Social Security Administration. It is imperative that Congress removes this from the federal budget and put the funds in a lock box. A path should be created that transitions it from the current Ponzi scheme it has become into a supplemental retirement fund it was set up to be. Time does not permit a thorough examination of this issue. On another date I will analyze it more fully.

In order to return our nation back to a better fiscal place, cuts must be made. Are these proposed cuts draconian? Not really. Would government workers be laid off? Yes, but if they are truly talented individuals they can function greatly in the private or independent sector by growing each. The time is now to make the cuts. Failing to do so will bring the nation to ruin.

Election 2010 Aftermath

The historic results of the 2010 mid-term elections have given the nation hope that the socialist policies of the current administration can be turned back. Come January 2011 the U.S. House of Representatives will be in firm control of the Republicans with as many as 245 members. Additionally, the Republicans will have 47 members meaning no longer will Democrats be able to break any filibusters. It is possible the Republicans may be able to have a defacto majority on many key issues, as there are many more Democrats up for re-election in 2012.


Abraham Lincoln once said, “ Leadership is, at times, a painful burden”. This is what the Republicans in the 112th Congress must be prepared to do; provide leadership on a full range of issues. First, is getting the economy back in full health. The majority must prioritize, engage, and execute these matters as quickly as possible.

Win. Win. Compromise!

Both sides have carved out their positions on the extension of the Bush tax cuts. President Obama has left the door open a little by saying he would look at a short-term extension for some income levels. While Senator Orrin Hatch has tipped the Republican’s hand by stating that he would be open to a temporary extension of three years.

The measure they should negotiate and pass in the lame duck session should be an extension of the “tax cuts” and expansion of the brackets of Obama’s “middle-class”. Additionally, pass Obama’s proposed quasi-accelerated cost recovery that would allow businesses write off major capital purchases instead of depreciated those assets over their useful life.

This is the type of compromise that can be achieved. It would allow Republicans a victory going into 112th Congressional season. It would allow Obama to save some face and get the economy rolling again. Politically it would be a draw. Both sides would have bragging rights before the real battles begin at the turn of the year.

The Battles Begin in January

Health Care Reform. Republicans and the few pro-growth Democrats left standing, should immediately move to dump Obama-care. Repeal, reform, and re-submit the legislation making it simple and free-market oriented. This is what many Americans had on their minds when they went to the polls. Speaker-elect, John Boehner, will need to work hard to guide this new improved legislation through under the threat of veto. Pass it. Let President Obama veto it if he dares.

Cut Government Spending. While Senator-elect, Rand Paul (R-KY), has already proposed an across the board cut of five percent which is laudable, more needs to be done. Republicans need to muster the will to cut deeper in order to get the nation’s balance sheet back in the black. Take out the budget axe and get it done 112th.

Social Security. It must be reformed and reinvigorated for it to survive. Newly elected Representatives and Senators should think outside the box to get the job done. Do it now, well in advance of the 2012 elections.

The Pledge. Republicans must adhere to all of the principles laid out in their “Pledge to America”. First, all of the economic matters must be dispensed with in order to have prosperity moving forward.

Important pieces of legislation will be worked on in the new 112th Congress. It is incumbent upon our newly elected officials to work diligently to turn around the specious policies passed by the Obama, Pelosi, and Reid troika. It will take considerable tenaciousness and courage. Which leads to another famous quote by Abraham Lincoln, “Courage is loss through disuse”.

Election Day 2010 Observations

The U.S. Senate

It’s possible that the Delaware Senate seat will not be needed for Republicans to wrestle control of that deliberative body. The Republican candidate will not lose because she is the conservative witch of the east, as the dead-tree media will lead you to believe. She will lose because she became winy during the final week of the campaign and did not hold her opponent, the bearded Marxist, Mr. Coons, feet to the fire.

Based on polls in the closing days of the election, I am inclined to believe that the Senate will be comprised of 50 Democrats and 50 Republicans with crazy Uncle Joe Biden casting the deciding vote on important issues.

Campaigns’ Closing Days
Did you notice that President Obama and V.P. Biden spent much of the closing days of the campaign in deep blue states. This is a strong indication that the dems are in deep doo doo. Normally, a party’s base would have already been secured. From there the campaign would then circle out to marginal areas to secure close races. The internal polls must have showed something different.

2012
Believe it or not, the campaign for President begins the day after today’s election. Obama is already down six electoral votes from the 2008 contest, based upon census estimates. Texas alone is expected to gain four congressional seats. Consequently, four additional electoral votes for 2012 will be added to Texas’ 34. California on the other hand will not gain any for the first time in decades. Should Obama run for re-election the swing states he won in 2008 would be major battlegrounds in 2012.

Re-apportionment
If it turns out to be a Republican Tsunami today, you can almost bank on the fact that the Republicans will control the House for the next decade. Many states will elect Republican governors today and help them with split or fully controlled legislatures. This is the democrat’s worse nightmare. The Republicans are likely to put in play more geographically reasonable re-districting maps. Gone will be the gerrymandered districts that the Democrats love to carve out.

It will all be fun to watch, read, and listen to tonight.

Vote Early or Vote on Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010

The Two Most Important Constitutional Offices in Illinois


In order for Illinois to be place on a prosperous path, the two most important offices we will make selections for are Governor and State Treasurer. Working in tandem these two office holders are positioned to have the greatest impact on the quality of the business environment in Illinois. The creation of a strong business environment will make way for a prosperous future. Additionally, these two offices hold the key to getting Illinois on firmer financial footing.

For Governor


Bill Brady (Republican) will make a great governor. He will hold the line on taxes and make the necessary cuts in spending to whip the state in shape. Brady is a businessman from the downstate farm belt. Both qualify as solid positives. He will create a business environment for economic growth thereby once again positioning Illinois as the economic engine that can drive the Midwest.

For Treasurer

Dan Rutherford (Republican). State Senator Dan Rutherford has a solid business background. He has served as a skilled legislator known for getting things done. A workhorse, not a show horse as many of his democrat counterparts are. He will work hard to watch that the taxpayer funds are spent wisely.

The U.S. Senate Dilemma

When young I felt that a U.S. Senator was an office of high honor, but over the last couple decades my faith in that body has diminished greatly. It is filled with blowhards and too many members of our American aristocracy (lawyers). It has taken on the attributes of a “House of Lords”. Its importance these days is limited to approving judges and other Executive branch appointments through confirmation. It is the U.S. House of Representatives where the real work gets done. But we must vote for a U.S. Senator this election.


Six-Month Term

Mark Kirk (Republican). He would be an able Senator, somewhere between a Chuck Percy and a Peter Fitzgerald. Kirk is solid on defense and fiscally responsible. Should the Republicans make big gains he could be steered rightward toward needed tax cuts. His opponent would be a disaster for Illinois and our Nation.

Unexpired (Two-month) Term

Mike Labno (Libertarian). If you have some doubts about Mark Kirk and his squishiness then this vote is for you. You can be certain that Labno will do no harm and probably be of some help pushing back on the lame-duck socialist-democrat agenda. This vote will serve notice to Kirk that he is on notice. Should he fall back and vote for such things as “Cap and Tax” he will risk banishment to the political wilderness when he stands for re-election.

My Legislative Trifecta

Illinois Congressional District 14

Randy Hultgren (Republican). He will serve the district well. Hultgren will be a solid vote for lower taxes and significant budget cuts. Should he win, he will be part of the largest freshman class of congress in recent memory. You can count him to listen to and work on behalf of his constituents.

State Senate District 25

State Senator Chris Lauzen (Republican). A solid conservative that has served his district well. Always responsive to constituent inquiries. He needs to be returned to get the states fiscal house in order.

State Representative District 49

State Representative Timothy Schmitz (Republican). Not one for self-aggrandizement, Schmitz is a solid legislator that serves the district exceptionally well. Return him to office.

A Must Vote
Illinois State Comptroller
Julie Fox (Libertarian). She has the necessary accounting background to serve our state capably.

All the tea in China could not make me vote for Topinka. Ol’ Judy is nothing more than a donkey in elephant clothing, if you get my drift. After what she and her cronies did to Jack Ryan to give rise to an obscure State Senator named Obama, she needs to be retired from politics forever.


2010 Elections Will Get Our State and Nation Back on the Road to Prosperity.

Get out and vote. The right vote will put Illinois and our country in position for a prosperous future.

The Importance of the 2010 Election

The importance of this year’s election cannot be understated. The 2010 general election ranks much higher than any other election in this decade. Not only will voters be able to take a stand against profligate government spending, but will make a determination as to whether tax and budget cutters will make it into the halls of power. Consequently, moving our state and nation on the road to solvency.


Another great effect of this year’s election is how the reapportionment map will be drawn. After the dust has settled post November 2, 2010, legislators and the Governor will begin the careful negotiation of how the states legislative and congressional districts will be drawn.

Based on Census estimates coming out of Washington, D.C., Illinois stands to loose another Congressional seat. Based on tentative census figures the big gainers will be Texas (+4) and Florida (+2). Other states that will gain a seat will be AZ, GA, NV, SC, UT, and WA. Joining Illinois’ with projected loss of one seat will be our neighbors Iowa and Missouri. Others with a projected one-seat loss will be LA, MA, MI, MO, NJ and PA. The biggest losers will be Ohio and New York, both with a projected loss of two seats.

It remains to be seen whether that seat will come out rural Illinois or the City of Chicago. Based on past growth patterns, it is unlikely any seat will be poached from suburban Chicago. If one examines the current map there are two congressional districts that are egregious examples of gerrymandering. District 17 in Western Illinois floats from the Quad Cities area down the Mississippi River down to the Illinois towns outside of St. Louis, MO, then juts over to the Springfield, Illinois area. Currently Phil Hare (D) represents the 17th district. The other gerrymandered district is district 4 in the City of Chicago and inner suburbs. Imagine a giant horseshoe with large clubs at the tips. Louis Gutierrez (D) represents the 4th District. A young child could have drawn both of these districts much better than the legislature did ten years ago. This has to be improved.

I am inclined to believe that the seat should come out of the City of Chicago. Population growth has been greater in the suburbs. People have moved out of the city to the suburbs for decades. The Congressional map should be drawn accordingly.

The 2010 Election is very important, as we will make a choice between fiscal sanity or traveling further down the road to serfdom. We will also determine what type of legislature we will have for years to come based on the reapportionment issue that looms large on the horizon.

Fixing The Housing Crisis

                                         Have you had your stimuli today?


The Housing Mess Must be Fixed, Now!!

According to Realtytrac.com there is close to 2 million homes in various stages of foreclosure. In Illinois alone, one in every 314 housing units is in foreclosure. The national average is one in every 381 units. That is astounding. Currently, a number of lending institutions have sidelined their foreclosure process due to clerical missteps. The fact remains we have a terrible housing crisis on our hands. What is Congress’ answer to the problem? A financial re-regulation act. Not the solution.


One source I visited with indicated that the housing mess would not abate until 2013. That comes from someone in the real estate business for over twenty years and quite successful. Others have said maybe 2015. Now that is a serious problem.

In order to move towards a great housing recovery three economic components are urgently needed; job growth, income growth, and population growth are what are necessary to lift the crisis. Given the current administration’s policies and congress’ inaction, the lack of recovery will be further prolonged.

Stimulate Job Growth
(1) Cut corporate taxes to free up monies for investment and hiring.


(2) Cut personal income taxes and spread the brackets.


(3) Cut the payroll tax to 5% for employees and employers. Financial planners encourage people to pay themselves first often floating a goal of 10% of ones gross pay. Why should working people be compelled to put more than that into the ponzi scheme know as Social Security?

The tax cuts during the Kennedy years and the Reagan years had a stimulative effect on the overall economy. The same could be done during these hard economic times.

Income Growth
The tremendous effect of the tax cuts would spur stronger economic growth, create more jobs and cause incomes to rise. It becomes basic supply and demand classical economic equation. As more job openings are created there will be more demand for the best hires. Consequently, incomes will be bid up. The tax cuts alone will allow people to have greater disposable incomes.

Population Growth / Immigration Reform
While it is true that there has been a baby boomlet over the past few years, we will have to wait another twenty-five years before those youngsters enter into the housing market. We probably don’t want to wait that long for a housing market recovery. What is needed is top to bottom immigration reform. Begin by protecting our borders, which is in our National Security interests. Beyond that we need to re-examine who gets granted visas. Provide the undocumented incentives to: a) either become US citizens, or b) obtain the proper work visa. Correlating consequences should be made for those who do not abide. All criminals must go.

Until we turn around our moribund education system we need to attract the best and the brightest from other lands. In this regard we offer incentives to attract those highly skilled immigrants. Put them on a fast track to US citizenship if they invest in a house. Create a little demand for housing.

This trifecta of solid economic moves will have a healing effect on our current housing crisis. If acted upon in an urgent manner, perhaps we can see the housing market recover before 2013.

Will Republicans Gain Veto-Proof Majorities

Over a year ago I commented on a discussion thread on Politico.com, engaging in some drive-by commentary, that the Republicans would gain 47 seats during the 2010 election cycle. The lefties, liberals, and eco-topians jumped on my punditry with comments like:

What planet are you on?
What have you been smoking?
Brought your lap-top to the bar, again, ehh?
Hey Rip, where have you been?

Hope and Change springs eternal. Who is hee-hawing now? The election landscape has changed so dramatically that some are asking whether a veto-proof majority looms. It may be possible in the House of Representatives, but unlikely in the Senate. For a veto-proof majority the Republicans would have to win 290 seats in the House and hold 67 seats in the Senate.

Nothing the current administration has done to fight the economic malaise (a Carter phrase, since this is the second term he never had) has worked. The unemployment still hovers around 9%. The housing mess gets worse, exacerbated by little income growth and no employment growth. Stimulus. What Stimulus? The only thing that has been stimulated is the wallets of the various cronies, interest groups and fellow travelers of the Obama administration and their congressional allies.

We have reached the tipping point. As the party of government (Democrats) battles to preserve the paychecks of their apparatchiks in government; meanwhile the government of the people (Republicans) push back, offering tax cuts and spending cuts in an effort to turn the economy around. A political war is breaking out between the entrepreneurial class and the ruling class.

The question remains whether the Republican’s have the stones to offer meaningful cuts as in slicing department budgets by 25% or eliminating whole departments. We shall see. The “mad as hell” voter is out there and ready to pull the lever for any politician that will get us back to fiscal sanity. Now that would have a greater simulative effect by throwing the tax and spend rascals out.

The Obama administration continues to throw fuel on the American public’s dissatisfaction with its policies by offering up another stimulus package. If the first one failed, why would voters support another? This administration is pulling out all the stops to really put its allies in Congress on the defensive. The administrations policies have energized the opposition. The only question is the depth of Republican takeover of Congress, come November. Veto proof majorities may not be possible during this election cycle, but if there is no improvement in the economy, the American public will not put up with it. These are very interesting political times.

Political Musings v4

The Silly Season Begins


It’s the silly season. We political animals incur an extra adrenaline rush as we inch towards Election Day. Unlike, Chris Mathews who has the tingle up/down his leg. He probably just sprung a leak in his depends.


The political signs pop up like weeds across the Illinois prairie. Relentless political radio and television ads appear. And the robo-calls fill the voice mailbox. Thank goodness it will all be over after that first Tuesday in November.

Chicago 2011 Mayoral Race

Chicago Mayor, Richard M. Daley’s amazing announcement that he would not seek re-election sent shockwaves through the Illinois political establishment. There are really only two candidates that could successfully run the City of Chicago and maintain its status as a World Class City. Both have the business background and managerial experience to deal with Chicago’s myriad challenges and problems. They are: the Mayor’s brother, former U.S. Commerce Department Chief, William Daley (D) or former Helene Curtis President and CEO, Ronald Gidwitz (R). Either one of these fine gentlemen have the resume and leadership capabilities to move the city forward. All other candidates will only be a single A player. A world-class city such as Chicago needs a major league player to keep its prominence.

Budget Cut. Revenue Raise.

Here is a Budget Cut that we could all support. Cut the salary of all U.S. Representatives and U.S. Senators by $174,000. They clearly have not been up to the task over the last decade, in view of the current economic environment we currently find ourselves in. They do not deserve the pay.


A Revenue Raise that there would be little objection to--Lobbyists would need to obtain a license for 100 large. There are too many lobbyists in Washington, D.C. This would weed out some of them.

The Island Paradise of Cuba

Fidel Castro recently announce that Cuba’s economic model is not working. What is he to do? Use the Obama model? It doesn’t appear there will be any change in store for the destitute citizens of Cuba.


Tired of the Obama Presidency???

More and more Americans are growing weary of this President and his policies. He is more an arrogant Professor than the leader of the free world. He will be able to improve his golf game beginning in January 2013. Like two failed


Democrat Presidents before him, Mr. Obama will go the way of LBJ and decide not to seek another term, announcing his intention to spend more time with his family. Or he will be hustled away in a landslide victory for his Republican opponent, similar to Carter in 1980. The writing is clearly on the wall.

Note to the Honorable John Boehner, M.C.

Freezing spending at 2008 budget levels is unacceptable. Meaningful cuts are the greater necessity. Begin by eliminating and/or slashing whole departments. Such action will be the only way to secure our nation from economic ruin.

Political Musings v3

Schaumburg Drive-By


This week’s drive-by shooting in Schaumburg, a relatively quiet suburb Northwest of Chicago should be a clarion call for tougher sentencing for handgun violence. What should come with a conviction of “the unlawful discharge of a firearm, with intent to harm” is a minimum 25-year sentence with no parole. That should be a strong enough deterrent to the gangbangers, criminals and crooks who seek to hurt decent law abiding citizens here in Illinois.

Presidential Race 2012

Most of us look forward to the November elections this year where we will be able to vote out the rascals who have been part of the economic mess our nation finds itself in. Immediately thereafter there will be many that will be jockeying for position for the 2012 Presidential campaign. I will be looking for a candidate, who as President will have the chutzpah to offer a balanced budget with wholesale cuts to specific departments. He or She could then present it to Congress during a State of Union Address as follows:

“Distinguished Supreme Court Justices, Vice-President, Senators, Members of Congress, ladies and gentlemen:”


"The State of our Union is fair. We can do better! Tonight I am submitting my budget and governmental re-organization plan for your consideration. In it, my administration has provided 2500 specific cuts to get our nations budget in balance. Additionally, we have provided ten specific tax cuts to stimulate the economy."


"This budget will provide a solid foundation toward helping the United States of America retain its singular position as the beacon of Free Enterprise in the World."


"Thank you, God Bless you and God Bless the United States."

With that, the President would walk down from the rostrum and into the crowd of dignitaries and begin fist bumping the Republicans, Libertarians, and pro-growth Democrats.

Spending Limitation Amendment

The great Indiana Congressman Mike Pence (R-IN) along with the solid free-market Congressman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) have introduced an amendment to the US Constitution that would limit federal spending to 20% of economic output. This is a terrific idea that would need to be ratified by 34 states after passage by 2/3 of both the US House and US Senate. This Spending Limitation amendment would constrain the legislative branch from its profligate spending.

Recent Letter for the US Census Bureau

Did you get the letter from the US Census Bureau announcing that the 2010 Census form will be arriving in the mail?? I know the US Post Office is hurting, but what a waste of money. Another question, shouldn’t the official language of the United States be English?? This Census form letter advises people to go to the US Census Bureau web site in several different languages. Ridiculous!

Four Illinois Reforms

The Illinois primary election has all but concluded and still there is not a declared victor in the race for the Republican nomination for Governor. As provisional and absentee ballots are fully counted, a winner between State Senator Bill Brady and State Senator Kirk Dillard will emerge. It is more than likely that this will be a Republican year and the new governor will have significant challenges before him. There are four reforms that he should work on to make a better Illinois.



Illinois Pension Fund Reform
During the Republican primary campaign much was said and written about Illinois pension fund reform. There are too many people that have wallowed in the public trough throughout their adult life only to retire with bountiful benefits on the taxpayer’s dime. This has to end. Double dipping and layering of pension benefits must end if Illinois is to get back to fiscal sanity. The system must be reformed. Beneficiaries should only get 75% of their average public earnings as a state employee. The politicians have gamed the system and are guilty of taxpayer abuse.


Forensic Audit of State Expenditures
A forensic audit of all state expenditures is needed. This was one of the hallmarks of Adam Andrzejewski’s terrific campaign for the Republican nomination for governor. The new governor ought to heed his advice. Taken a step further, he ought to appoint Mr. Andrzejewski as head of a commission that can study state spending and make recommendations on cuts that have to be made as well as finding greater efficiencies in state government. Think the Grace Commission during the Reagan era. It made thousands of recommendations to root out governmental waste and fraud on the federal level. An “Andrzejewski Commission” on the state level could do the same.


Citizen Legislature
This is an idea whose time has come. The great political columnist and talk show host, Thomas Roeser, floated this idea in a recent column. It makes superb sense. My political education was received in the tumbleweed landscape of New Mexico politics. In New Mexico they have a citizen legislature. That is to say that legislators serve part-time and have regular occupations. During election years (even numbered years) the legislature met for 30 days. In odd numbered years the legislature met for 60 days. The interesting facet to this was that if a piece of legislation did not gain passage by both chambers, it died. Prompting the bill sponsor to introduce it in the next year. At the time legislators received only $75 per Diem for legislative matters. Illinois ought to dump the full-time legislative process and begin anew with a part-time legislature. When it is not in session we will all be safe.


Judges Should Be Appointed
This past primary season we witnessed a number of television ads touting the judicial temperament of judges running for the appellate court. I found this demeaning. The Governor should appoint Judges at this level and above. Local judges could continue to run for office. This was a heated discussion during the founding of our nation. The new governor should engage our modern day aristocracy (the legal community) to figure out away this can be achieved. One only has to look at the election of the democrat’s Scott Lee Cohen to the nomination of Lieutenant Governor to see that the voters do not have the necessary time to study judicial nominations. Let the legal community provide judgeship recommendations to our Governor.


Aside from the tremendous budgetary issues a new Governor will have to face, he will need to move forward on a number of reforms to create a solid economic environment here in Illinois. Our new governor should also consider the four reforms above.