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.”
Showing posts with label Illinois. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Illinois. Show all posts
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Monday, October 18, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, March 15, 2010
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!
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!
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