Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Bar Stool Economics

Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill
for all ten comes to $100. If they paid their bill the way we pay
our taxes, it would go something like this:

The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.
The fifth would pay $1.
The sixth would pay $3.
The seventh would pay $7.
The eighth would pay $12.
The ninth would pay $18.
The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.
So, that's what they decided to do.
The ten men drank in the bar every day and seemed quite happy with
the arrangement, until one day, the owner threw them a curve.
"Since you are all such good customers," he said, "I'm going to
reduce the cost of your daily beer by $20."  Drinks for the ten
now cost just $80.

The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes so the first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free. But what about the other six men - the paying customers? How could they divide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his 'fair share?' They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33. But if they subtracted that from everybody's share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would each end up being paid to drink his beer. So, the bar owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each man's bill by roughly the same amount, and he proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay.
And so:
The fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% savings).
The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33%savings).
The seventh now pay $5 instead of $7 (28%savings).
The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings).
The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 (22% savings).
The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).
Each of the six was better off than before. And the first four
continued to drink for free. But once outside the restaurant,
the men began to compare their savings. "I only got a dollar out
of the $20," declared the sixth man. He pointed to the tenth man,
"but he got $10!"
"Yeah, that's right," exclaimed the fifth man. "I only sav ed a
dollar, too. It's unfair that he got ten times more than me!"
"That's true!!" shouted the seventh man. "Why should he
get $10 back when I got only two? The wealthy get all the breaks!
"Wait a minute," yelled the first four men in unison. "We didn't
get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!"
The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up.
The next night the tenth man didn't show up for drinks, so the nine
sat down and had beers without him. But when it came time to pay the
bill, they discovered something important. They didn't have enough
money among all of them for even half of the bill!
And that, boys and girls, journalists and college professors, is
how our tax system works. The people who pay the highest taxes
get the most benefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack
them for being wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore!
In fact, they might start drinking overseas where the atmosphere
is somewhat t friendlier.

 

David R. Kamerschen, Ph.D.
Professor of Economics
University of Georgia

 

 

 

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Secure Our Borders!

8/15/2007

The Senate just defeated a bill to give amnesty to millions and millions of illegal immigrants. Such a bill would have cost taxpayers over $2 trillion and brought a flood of millions of immigrants to our nation.

Today we need to move forward and demand that Congress follow-up on their promise from last year to build a fence and secure our borders!

I just signed a petition to demand that Congress take action to secure our borders and build the fence. Nearly 750,000 Americans have signed this petition. Join us!

Please go here to sign:

http://www.grassfire.org/42/petition.asp?PID=8531129&NID=1

Thursday, August 09, 2007

Petition to stop the North American Union

Momentum is building in our government to create the "framework"
for a North American Union that would undermine our nation's
sovereignty and open our borders.

I just signed an important citizen petition opposing these latest
efforts. Please go here to sign:

http://www.grassfire.org/89/petition.asp?PID=14158802&NID=1

-JustBob

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

ISRA Action Alert for July 11

ISRA Action Alert:
Blagojevich to launch special session to attack your gun rights

Governor Blagojevich is excepted to call a special legislative session on so-called "assault weapons" starting on Wednesday, July 11. His opening volley will be notorious anti-gun Senator Kotowski's Senate Bill 1007, a ban on standard capacity magazines and many conventional centerfire rifles & shotguns with tubular magazines. SB1007 has already passed the Senate and is up for third reading in the Illinois House. Blagojevich is trying to deflect criticism of his failed initiatives and failed budget negotiations by bringing gun control to the center stage at this critical time. 

Please take the following action to preserve your gun rights:

  1. Starting Wednesday, July 11, call your state representative and politely urge him or her to not support SB1007, a bill that would penalize law-abiding gun owners. Tell the person who answers the phone that you want your representative to focus on passing a budget.
     
  2. Post this information to any and all Internet bulletin boards or blogs to which you belong.

ISRA has a listing of phone numbers for Illinois State Representatives. Need to find out who your Legislators are?  Check the Illinois Election Board.  If you have trouble looking up your Representative,  you can call the switchboard for the Illinois House at 217-782-8223 and they will connect you. We suggest that you call your representative's office directly if you can, there is limited staff on the switchboard.

Your fellow gun owners are counting on you to make that call.


Monday, July 09, 2007

Proposed “Safety” Regulations Would Dry Up Ammunition Sales

Please submit your comments while we still have time!
From: http://www.nraila.org/Legislation/Read.aspx?ID=3145



Tuesday, July 03, 2007

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed new rules that would have a dramatic effect on the storage and transportation of ammunition and handloading components such as primers or black and smokeless powder. The proposed rule indiscriminately treats ammunition, powder and primers as "explosives." Among many other provisions, the proposed rule would:
  • Prohibit possession of firearms in commercial "facilities containing explosives"—an obvious problem for your local gun store.
  • Require evacuation of all "facilities containing explosives"—even your local Wal-Mart—during any electrical storm.
  • Prohibit smoking within 50 feet of "facilities containing explosives."

It's important to remember this is only a proposed rule right now, so there's still time for concerned citizens to speak out before OSHA issues its final rule. The National Rifle Association, National Shooting Sports Foundation, and Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute will all be commenting on these proposed regulations, based on the severe effect these regulations (if finalized) would have on the availability of ammunition and reloading supplies to safe and responsible shooters.

The public comment period was originally scheduled to end July 12 but has been extended sixty (60) days until September 10, 2007. To file your own comment, or to learn more about the OSHA proposal, click here or go to http://www.regulations.gov/ and search for Docket Number OSHA-2007-0032"; you can read OSHA's proposal and learn how to submit comments electronically, or by fax or mail.



OSHA Docket Office Docket No. OSHA-2007-0032 U.S. Department of Labor, Room N-2625 200 Constitution Ave., N.W. Washington, DC 20210

Re.: Docket No. OSHA-2007-0032 (Explosives—Proposed Rule)

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am writing in strong opposition to OSHA's proposed rules on "explosives," which go far beyond regulating true explosives. These proposed rules would impose severe restrictions on the transportation and storage of small arms ammunition—both complete cartridges and handloading components such as black and smokeless powder, primers, and percussion caps. These restrictions go far beyond existing transportation and fire protection regulations.

As a person who uses ammunition and components, I am very concerned that these regulations will have a serious effect on my ability to obtain these products. OSHA's proposed rules would impose restrictions that very few gun stores, sporting goods stores, or ammunition dealers could comply with. (Prohibiting firearms in stores that sell ammunition, for example, is absurd—but would be required under the proposed rule.)

The proposed transportation regulations would also affect shooters' ability to buy these components by mail or online, because shipping companies would also have great difficulty complying with the proposed rules.

There is absolutely no evidence of any new safety hazard from storage or transportation of small arms ammunition or components that would justify these new rules. I also understand that organizations with expertise in this field, such as the National Rifle Association, National Shooting Sports Foundation, and Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Association, will be submitting detailed comments on this issue. I hope OSHA will listen to these organizations' comments as the agency develops a final rule on this issue.

Sincerely,



Sunday, July 08, 2007

ISRA Action Alert for July 9, 2007

ISRA Action Alert:
KOTOWSKI & BLAGOJEVICH PLAN AMBUSH OF GUN OWNERS ON JULY 9TH


Governor Blagojevich and State Senator Dan Kotowski are planning to ambush gun owners on July 9th by calling for a special legislative session on so-called “gun violence.” It is expected that Kotowski will introduce legislation that would result in the banning and forced confiscation of most of your guns. The hope is to ramrod this legislation through the General Assembly while the public is distracted by failed budget negotiations.

Senator Kotowski is quickly establishing himself as the most dangerous anti-gunner in the nation. He is using every trick in the book to find a way to take your guns away from you. He doesn't care if you are a hunter, target shooter, or trap shooter. He wants to take your guns away from you. He is obsessed with the notion of a gun-free Illinois. He is obsessed with the desire to humiliate you and strip you of your guns.

If you cherish your gun rights, this is what you must do:

  1. On Monday, July 9, call your state representative and your state senator and politely tell him or her to focus on passing a budget, and to leave your guns alone. Tell the person who answers the phone that you are a law-abiding gun owner and that you are sick and tired of being blamed for the lawless deeds of criminals.
  2. Post this information to any and all Internet bulletin boards or blogs to which you belong.

ISRA has listings of phone numbers for Illinois State Representatives and Illinois State Senators.
Need to find out who your Legislators are? Check the Illinois Election Board.

Remember: gun control is a disease, and you're the cure.

Monday, June 25, 2007

Mr. President: Secure our borders

I just signed a petition with Liberty Counsel urging the President to take immediate action to address our nation's current immigration crisis. Namely, to secure our borders and to oppose an immigration plan that gives amnesty to illegal aliens.

Please go here to join me in signing:

http://www.libertyaction.org/285/petition.asp?PID=13904721&NID=1

Sunday, June 24, 2007

PERM Fake Job Ads defraud Americans

You have got to see this video: PERM Fake Job Ads defraud Americans. This appears to be a training seminar by Immigration attorneys from Cohen & Grigsby on how to bring in H-1B workers (foreign nationals) without even considering Americans (US Citizens) for the job.

Raise a stink like I did and contact your representative (www.house.gov/writerep) and senator (http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm) and spread the word where ever you can. Can you even imagine the pain that one (a US citizen) feels that is out of work (been replace by a H-1B worker at least once) and is answering these fake ads in hope of getting employment? Now that's just not right...

JustBob

Friday, June 22, 2007

ISRA: Photos of last week's counter-protest at Chuck's Gun Shop

We've posted more great pictures taken by ISRA member Jeff Marienthal of the march last week at Chuck's, click here to view them.

Make sure that you join us there again on Saturday at 12:30 PM!

If you've not been there before, here's a mapquest map of Chuck's Gun Shop in Riverdale.

Join the ISRA

ISRA Press Release

ISRA Press Release:
ISRA Wonders Whether Saturday Gun Shop Protest Will See Father Pfleger Restore Dignity To His Vocation

CHICAGO, June 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following was released today by the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA):

The ISRA has learned that Fr. Michael Pfleger, Pastor of Chicago's St. Sabina's Church, is planning yet another march on Chuck's Gun Shop, located in south suburban Riverdale. Late last month, Fr. Pfleger sparked an embarrassing controversy for the Chicago Archdiocese by urging those attending a similar protest to "snuff" Chuck's owner as well as any state legislator who votes against gun control legislation.

In a recent e-mail alert, the ISRA urged area firearm owners to attend a counter-protest at Chuck's scheduled for Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 12:30 PM. The purpose of the counter-protest is to demonstrate support for Chuck's embattled owner and to rally opposition to gun control bills pending in the state legislature.

"Fr. Pfleger's last performance in front of Chuck's shocked the nation," commented ISRA Executive Director, Richard Pearson. "Imagine hearing an ordained priest calling for a legitimate businessman and sitting state legislators to be "snuffed" because they do not subscribe to that priest's social philosophies. The outrage over Pfleger's hate-filled remarks was compounded by his refusal to apologize for uttering them, and the fact that the mainstream press pretty much gave him a pass."

"The Pfleger situation brings to light an interesting double standard," continued Pearson. "Earlier this week, the ISRA released the results of an investigation into the apparent harassment of gun owners by the Illinois State Police. In these cases, gun owners were treated to visits to their homes by state police detectives because they had sent faxes to Sen. Dan Kotowski expressing opposition to gun control legislation sponsored by the senator. Based on our investigation, there was not even the slightest hint of a threat conveyed in the content of the subject faxes. Nonetheless, these citizens had to bear the embarrassment of having the police show up at their homes with the additional strain of having to answer humiliating questions about their mental health and personal lives. In contrast, when Fr. Pfleger publicly advocated the "snuffing" of state legislators, the Illinois State Police turned a blind eye and a deaf ear. One would think that Sen. Kotowski would be especially sensitive to threats against legislators, yet his anti-gun alliance with Pfleger has left him totally mum on the priest's dangerous remarks."

"Fr. Pfleger can rest assured that the videotape will be rolling when he takes the stage this Saturday in front of Chuck's," said Pearson. "We'll be watching and listening. It will be interesting to see whether he displays the dignity and self respect that should accompany his calling, or whether his identity crisis casts him once again in the role of an absurd, yet malevolent, cartoon character."

The ISRA is the state's leading advocate of safe, lawful and responsible firearms ownership. For more than a century, the ISRA has represented the interests of more than 1.5 million law-abiding Illinois firearm owners.

Amnesty gang bending Senate rules to pass bill

The Amnesty gang is still at it. They appear to want amnesty for illegals at any cost. From Grassfire.org:

The Senate is committed to formally bringing back the Bush-Kennedy amnesty bill possibly as early as this Friday--meaning we may have precious time remaining to make our voices heard!

Here's what our insiders are telling us...

The Amnesty Gang (including Bush, Kennedy, McCain, Kyl, and Reid) will introduce a new bill as a "substitute" of the last failed bill. This allows them to bring the bill to the Senate floor without going through committee -- just like the first Bush-Kennedy amnesty bill.

This is where it gets shadowy. Harry Reid will employ what is being called the "clay pigeon" procedure whereby all the amendments are lumped together as one to limit the ability of opposition to resist the bill!

What does all this mean?

It means that you and I and the rest of the citizens of our nation have been sold out by an arrogant Senate that has completely lost touch with the American people. Just listen to the bristling arrogance of Senate Minority leader (and Amnesty Senator from Mississippi) Trent Lott, who spoke to reporters yesterday. "I've had my phones jammed for three weeks. Yesterday I had three people answering them continuously all day. To think that you're going to intimidate a senator or any senator into voting one way or the other by gorging your phones with phone calls -- most of whom don't even know where Gulfport, Mississippi, is -- is not an effective tactic. But it's their right to do that."

That's right, Trent, it is our right, and you are feeling it! In simple terms, the ONLY barrier left for the Senate to pass this bill is YOU. That is why I'm calling for an even greater grassroots uprising than before.

Whether they formally bring the amnesty bill back on Friday, or Monday really doesn't matter. What matters is that they are bringing amnesty back, and it is up to grassroots America to stop them cold!

+ + Action #1: Faxes and Phone Calls

If you have not scheduled faxes in the past few days, do so right now. We must have faxes flooding the Senate every day until AMNESTY IS DEAD. Use our FaxFire system or fax them yourself (info. provided here):

http://www.grassfire.org/19042/offer.asp

After scheduling your faxes, call your two senators.

We've gotten many reports of citizens calling their Senators EVERY DAY, and I want to challenge every member of our team to do the same. Here's a number of KEY talking points:
  1. You are disappointed that the Senate is reconsidering the amnesty bill.
  2. A "yes" vote on cloture is a "yes" vote for amnesty.
  3. Vote NO on cloture for the Bush-Kennedy Amnesty bill.
Your two senators:

Sen. Durbin (202)224-2152
Sen. Obama (202) 224-2854


I'm also asking team members from Mississippi to contact Mr. Lott, to let him know that his constituents who oppose amnesty certainly know where Gulfport is!

Here's his number: 202/224-6253

Or call his district offices: Jackson, 601/965-4644; Gulfport, 228/863-1988; Pascagoula, 228/762-5400; Oxford, 662/234-3774

To recap, AMNESTY IS COMING BACK perhaps as soon as Friday and certainly by next Monday. We've been told the back-room deal cut last week is in motion, and a plan to manipulate Senate rules and tie the hands of Senators opposing the amnesty bill is underway.

YOU AND I are the last line of defense!

Thanks for your help fighting amnesty!


Steve Elliott, President
Grassfire.org

P.S: I've just heard that the AFL-CIO is finally realizing that an amnesty bill would devastate and demoralize their membership. They have come out strongly against this bill!

+ + Recent media coverage (NYTimes, NPR, MSNBC):

http://www.firesociety.com/blog/107/14532

+ + Comments/feedback/more resources on this update:

http://www.firesociety.com/comments/14859/?src=111

+ + Grassfire's May Presidential Straw Poll Results:

http://www.firesociety.com/article/14468

It's also quite funny to find out that the Republican Amnesty Senators don't seem to be able to handle the concept that they will be scoffed by conservatives when they go against the will of the people! In Republicans Hearing Static From Conservative Radio Hosts, "Vacant Lott" says:
When they're with you, it's great, When they're not, it's not good.

Maybe, with enough pressure from grassroots conservatives, the Republican Amnesty Senators will finally get it. If not, there's always the next election...

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Illinois Governor's Day Trips Cost Taxpayers $76,000

FOXNews.com reports (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,285378,00.html):

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Gov. Rod Blagojevich's practice of flying from Chicago to Springfield and back for daily budget negotiations is costing Illinois taxpayers more than $5,800 a day, for a total of roughly $76,000 and climbing.

So why is it that the Governor isn't staying in Springfield? Is he too busy taking care of the King of the People's Republic of Chicago?

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Action Alert for Saturday, June 23, 2007

Action Alert for Saturday, June 23, 2007:
Counter-Protest at Chuck's Gun Shop, the 3rd Time in 4 Weeks

ISRA has found out that Fr. Michael Pfleger is going to march yet again at Chuck's Gun Shop, 14310 S. Indiana, Riverdale, IL on Saturday, June 23rd. This is four weeks after the highly publicized protest at the same location where he called for the "snuffing out" of Chuck's owner, John Riggio. He will probably bring Reverend Jesse Jackson with him.

Many of you have followed the news about Pfleger's threat and wished that you could have been at Chuck's on May 26th to show your solidarity. Some of you took advantage of the short notice to come out to Chuck's last weekend. ISRA 1st Vice President Mike Weisman was there to stand with John Riggio and the counter-protestors at both marches. He's going to be there again, and he's urging all gun owners who can do so, to come to Chuck's this Saturday.

"Chuck's Gun Shop is a part of my own personal history with firearms. I first went there over 25 years ago, when I lived in the city. The staff helped me get my first FOID card." Mike Weisman said, "Chuck's Gun Shop as been part of the community in the south suburbs for decades, it's a vital, family-run business that should stay and serve the community in the decades to come."

"So I'm going back there this Saturday, and I'm calling on my fellow ISRA members and Illinois Gun Owners from all across Chicagoland to join me. I'm also making a special appeal to those who have ties to this part of the metro area. It's important to me personally that we have strong representation there." Weisman concluded.

Background info: The owners of Chuck’s have been long-time defenders of the right to keep and bear arms. Unfortunately, they have paid dearly for supporting your rights. Chucks was the primary target of Mayor Daley’s $433 million lawsuit against the 2nd Amendment. Although the Daley suit failed, Chuck’s was forced to bear huge legal costs to defend their business - and to defend the 2nd Amendment. Chuck’s has also been harassed ceaselessly by anti-gun church groups and the gun-hating media - including “60 Minutes.” Rev. Jackson and Fr. Pfleger have marched twice on Chuck's Gun Shop in the recent weeks, including May 26, when Fr. Pfleger called for John Riggio to be "snuffed out." The ISRA has an audio copy of his turn at the microphone, which you can download and listen to. (550KB mp3 file)

ISRA is calling upon gun owners to make the return trip to Chuck's Gun Shop to take a stand for the right to keep and bear arms. Please do the following:

1. Plan on gathering at Chuck’s Gun Shop & Range, 14310 South Indiana Avenue, Riverdale, IL, at 12:30 PM on June 23rd for a counter protest against Michael Pfleger and Jesse Jackson. Click here for a mapquest map.

2. While at Chuck’s, express your solidarity with the owners and, if you can, make a purchase. No matter how small, your loyalty to Chuck’s will be greatly appreciated.

3. Prepare to peacefully confront anti-gun protesters with the truth. Don’t be shy about defending what you know is rightfully yours.

4. If possible, take photographs of the anti-gun protesters and send copies to webmaster@isra.org.

5. Please post this alert to every Internet blog and bulletin board that you belong to. Encourage all your friends and fellow shooters to join in this counter-protest against the gun grabbers.

Only you can defend your rights from destruction by guys like Fr. Pfleger and Rev. Jackson. The gun grabbers must not attack our rights with impunity. You are the gun owner who will stand up and be counted. Make sure that you are there Saturday, June 23rd at Chuck’s Gun Shop.

ISRA Press Release 06/18/2007

 Note to our members:
Please read the following ISRA Press Release, and if any of you have received similar visits from the Illinois State Police after contacting Illinois Legislators (via telephone, USPS mail, email, or fax), then please contact the ISRA office at 815-635-3198.

ISRA Press Release:
ISRA Asks Senator Kotowski to Explain State Police Infringements on First Amendment Rights of Illinois Gun Owners


CHICAGO, June 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following was released today by the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA):

The ISRA is expressing great concern over reports that Illinois State Police (ISP) detectives have been visiting the homes of people who phoned or faxed Sen. Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge) to express opposition to gun control legislation sponsored by the senator. The ISRA has recently conducted a thorough investigation into one complaint, and is gathering additional information on as many as several dozen other reported incidents of police questioning citizens who have spoken out against gun control legislation.

In the case investigated thus far, the respondent reports that ISP detectives arrived at his home, unannounced, and informed him that their visit was in response to faxes he sent to Sen. Kotowski. The detectives then went on to ask the citizen questions about his mental health and other personal matters. Although the citizen was not arrested, he reports that he feels that the detectives were there to deliver the message that it's not a good idea to criticize Dan Kotowski or the gun control measures Kotowski supports.

"The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right of citizens to petition the government for the redress of grievances," said ISRA Executive Director, Richard Pearson. "Of course, the manner in which citizens exercise that right must not include any threats of harm against elected officials."

"When we first heard about the ISP visits to homes of people who had sent faxes to Sen. Kotowski, we were concerned that some folks may have acted inappropriately," continued Pearson. "However, upon inspection of the faxes in question, we see absolutely no reason for the ISP to visit citizens' homes -- other than to possibly put a damper on the citizen's desire to participate in the legislative process."

"At this time, we are asking Sen. Kotowski to produce any evidence he may have which illustrates threatening behavior on the part of citizens who have received ISP visits," said Pearson. "If Sen. Kotowski cannot produce any such evidence, then we will be asking Attorney General Madigan to conduct an investigation into the apparent use of the ISP to suppress the First Amendment rights of persons who express opposition to gun control legislation."

The ISRA is the state's leading advocate of safe, lawful and responsible firearms ownership. Since 1903, the ISRA has represented the interests of over 1.5 million law-abiding Illinois firearm owners.

Friday, June 15, 2007

ISRA Urgent Action Alert for Sat June 16

Action Alert for Saturday, June 16, 2007:
Mobilize AGAIN to Protect Your Gun Rights at Chuck's Gun Shop

Late breaking news: We've just received word that Reverend Jesse Jackson & Operation PUSH is going to protest again at Chuck's Gun Shop, 14310 S. Indiana, Riverdale, IL on Saturday, June 16th. This is three weeks after the highly publicized protest at the same location where Jesse's pal, Fr. Michael Pfleger from St. Sabina called for the "snuffing out" of Chuck's owner, John Riggio. It's been predicted that Pfleger will return for a repeat performance.

Many of you have followed the news about Pfleger's threat and wished that you could have been at Chuck's on May 26th to show your solidarity. Tomorrow is your chance. If you're not sure what kind of a threat this is to gun rights, we suggest that you listen to Pfleger's screaming diatribe recorded at Chuck's Gun Shop last time. Here is the link to our copy of the audio:
<http://isra.org/quick/pfleger_calls_for_murder_052607-b.mp3> It's a small (550KB) mp3 file.

Background info: The owners of Chuck's have been long-time defenders of the right to keep and bear arms. Unfortunately, they have paid dearly for supporting your rights. Chucks was the primary target of Mayor Daley's $433 million lawsuit against the 2nd Amendment. Although the Daley suit failed, Chuck's was forced to bear huge legal costs to defend their business - and to defend the 2nd Amendment. Chuck's has also been harassed ceaselessly by anti-gun church groups and the gun-hating media - including "60 Minutes."

ISRA is calling upon gun owners to make a return trip to Chuck's Gun Shop to take a stand for the right to keep and bear arms.

As a show of support for Chuck's, and as a rebuke to Jesse Jackson and his liberal gun-grabbers, we are asking all Illinois gun owners to do the following:

1. Plan on gathering at Chuck's Gun Shop & Range, 14310 South Indiana Avenue, Riverdale, IL, at 1:00 PM on June 16th for a counter protest against Jesse Jackson and Michael Pfleger.

2. While at Chuck's, express your solidarity with the owners and, if you can, make a purchase. No matter how small, your loyalty to Chuck's will be greatly appreciated.

3. Prepare to confront anti-gun protesters with the truth. Don't be shy about defending what you know is rightfully yours.

4. If possible, take photographs of the anti-gun protesters
and send copies to webmaster@isra.org.

5. Please post this alert to every Internet blog and bulletin board that you belong to. Encourage all your friends and fellow shooters to join in this counter-protest against the gun grabbers.

Only you can defend your rights from destruction by guys like Jesse Jackson The gun grabbers must not attack our rights with impunity. You are the gun owner who will stand up and be counted. Make sure that you are there tomorrow, June 16th at Chuck's Gun Shop.


Make a much needed Legislative Donation here:
<http://isra.org/legislation/donation>

Friday, June 08, 2007

CLOTURE FAILS -- This round of Amnesty defeated

Bush-Kennedy Amnesty Bill Update

As reported by Grassfire.org:

The Senate just failed to "invoke cloture" on the Bush-Kennedy amnesty bill for the second time today. The final vote was 45-50.

What does this mean?

We did it! We defeated this round of amnesty!

Since the announcement of this bill a few weeks ago, Grassfire team members sent over 700,000 petitions and faxes to the Senate. When we add in the estimated phone calls, contacts by our team members alone to the Senate far exceeded 1 million!

We have never seen a grassroots response like this -- it was truly unprecedented. Without grassroots pressure, the Senate would have passed this bill weeks ago.

On behalf of our entire team, and on behalf of the entire nation, thank you for taking a stand!

With much appreciation,

Steve Elliott, President
Grassfire.org

P.S. If you listened to the floor speeches after the vote on C-Span, then you know that the battle is not over. The will bring amnesty back -- sooner rather than later. But for tonight, I want to thank you for everything you did to take a stand against this amnesty bill.

P.P.S. I would love to hear your feedback on this victory and our combined grassroots effort. I started a forum discussion on FireSociety.com earlier today that has some lively discussion (and celebrating) going on. Would you post your comments here as well?

The thread starts here:

http://www.firesociety.com/forum/thread/14217

Click on "post reply" to add your comments.

Saturday, June 02, 2007

Reckless Lawsuits - Don’t Buy Claims About Tiahrt Gun Amendment

While updating this blog this morning, I noticed a Google Ad on the page for "ProtectPolice.org". I decided to take a look at the site. On the surface, it looks pretty innocent, of course, until you dig deeper. The focus of "ProtectPolice.org" appears to be opposition of the Tiahrt Amendment. What they don't tell you, is that the amendment protects ongoing criminal investigations. The National President of the Fraternal Order of Police, Chuck Canterbury confirms this. What the amendment doesn't do is enable access to ATF data for civil cases. It appears that this the real issue for the antigun types.

Links:
Firearms Industry Joins Law Enforcement in Support of Tiahrt Amendment
Anti-Gun Mayors Push for Gun Trace Information
Read Memo from FOP President Chuck Canterbury to FOP Executive Board
FOP letter to Congress opposing the release of trace data
Letter from the current New York Police Commissioner Opposing Firearms Trace Data Release
Read letter from Virginia Attorney General Robert McDonnell to Mayor Bloomberg
Read the Department of Justice letter to Mayor Bloomberg

Disclaimer: Even though the "ProtectPolice" ads may appear on my pages, I don't recommend supporting them (but, please click on their ad, they have to pay for it). This of course also applies to any other antigun ads that may appear as well.

ISRA - Springfield Report - June 1

Springfield Report for June 1

The House and Senate adjourned today without any action on antigun bills. SB1007 is now in the House and requires 71 votes to pass it. They could not pass it with 60 votes so now they need 11 more votes. They have their problems.

Rumors abound about the Governor calling a special session on weekends but I have heard nothing concrete. We will be meeting Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday through June in extended session.

We will be there.

Richard A. Pearson

Webmaster's note:
Here's a new ISRA position paper on SB1007 (pdf, 262kB).  The lobbyists use materials like this as they make their rounds in the capitol.

Thursday, May 31, 2007

Protest at Chuck's discussed tonight on Fox News Channel

May 31, 2007: Last Saturday's Protest at Chuck's Gun Shop on Fox News Channel Tonight at 8:00 CDT

This is a quick note to our members and other readers:

If you've been following the fallout from Jesse Jackson's protest at Chuck's Gun Shop last Saturday, especially Father Michael Pfleger's inflammatory threats leveled at John Riggio and pro-gun legislators, then you might want to tune into the Hannity & Colmes show tonight on the Fox News Channel.

This show is transmitted via cable, satellite, certain broadcast affiliate TV and radio stations at 8:00 pm CDT. If you don't have the Fox News Channel, or don't have a TV, you might be able to listen to a live webcast at www.foxnews.com.

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

People's Republic of Chicago - Criminal Empowerment Program - Update

May 29, 2007 - Report from Springfield

As all as most of you know Father Michael Pfleger has threatened John Riggio (the owner of Chuck's Gun Shop) and Illinois lawmakers with being "snuffed out". We all know what that means. Fr. Pfleger has described the ISRA as a bunch of low lifes.

Excuse me, but I don't recall any of us calling for the out right murder of those who oppose us politically. That is a privilege reserved for the left wing wacos. People like Pfleger, Osterman, and Kotowski to name a few seem to get away with anything with the blessing of the "main stream" media.

I was interviewed today regarding the Fr. Pfleger story but the tape was not shown. It makes you wonder doesn't it?

I expect the session to go past the "deadline". All antigun bills will either have their deadline extended of returned to rules, or placed on second reading, which means the same thing.

I am asking all of you to pass the word about what is happening here in Springfield. We need to let all gun owners know what is going on and to join the ISRA.

Thank you for your continuing faith and support. It means a lot to all of us down here including the pro-gun legislators who are fighting for all of us.

Richard A. Pearson

Please forward this alert to all bulletin boards.

If you are not a member of the ISRA, please join. Please get a friend to join.

Please consider making a legislative donation to the ISRA.


ISRA Press Release - May 29, 2007:
Chicago Priest Calls for Murder of Gun Shop Owner
SPRINGFIELD, Ill., May 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following was released today by the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA): Nobody expected Saturday's Operation PUSH protest at Chuck's Gun Shop & Range to be anything other than a circus of the bizarre. However, nobody anticipated that an address by a Chicago priest would include a call for the murder of a suburban gun shop owner and legislators who oppose gun control.

During an address at an anti-gun rally in front of Chuck's, Rev. Michael Pfleger, pastor of St. Sabina's Church, exhorted the crowd to "drag" shop owner, John Riggio, from his shop "like a rat" and "snuff" him. Rev. Pfleger went on to tell the crowd that legislators that vote against gun control legislation should be "snuffed" as well. As many know, "snuff" is slang for especially violent murder.

The ISRA has a recording of Pfleger's remarks in MP3 format.

"Certainly Fr. Pfleger has offered Absolution to a murderer or two during his tenure as a priest," commented ISRA Executive Director, Richard Pearson. "That's why it's shocking to hear him actually advocate the murder of a gun shop owner who has never committed a crime in his life. He then compounds the problem by calling for the murder of legislators who disagree with his personal political views -- something I suspect is a felony in this state. Pfleger's comments were disgusting and dangerous. And, I seem to remember that the Fifth Commandment frowns on murdering one's neighbor."

"This week, I'll be penning a letter to the Archbishop, expressing my concerns over Rev. Pfleger's comments," continued Pearson. "I would hope that the Archbishop would reply with words of comfort for Mr. Riggio, his family, state legislators, and all others who were injured by Rev. Pfleger's thoughtless, inflammatory remarks."

The ISRA is the state's leading advocate of safe, lawful, and responsible firearms ownership. Since 1903, the ISRA has represented the interests of over 1.5 million law-abiding firearm Illinois firearm owners.

Saturday, May 26, 2007

ISRA MEMORIAL DAY MESSAGE

For nearly 140 years, the last weekend in May has been a time for Americans to pause and honor those soldiers who have fallen in the defense of freedom. As the conflict in Iraq rages on, we are constantly reminded of the incalculable debt of gratitude we owe our soldiers, sailors and marines.

The sacrifices of those we honor on Memorial Day stand as supreme testimony of their allegiance to that one document that sets the United States apart from any other nation on Earth - our Constitution.

Our Constitution makes it undeniably clear that the government is the servant of the people - not the converse. Our Constitution reserves the power of self determination for the people - not the government. Our Constitution guarantees that the rights enumerated within are not the nebulous province of the collective, but individual rights to be enjoyed by all who love freedom. As many have demonstrated time and time again, the ideals and principles embodied in our Constitution are well worth fighting for, and dying for.

When those who join the armed forces take their oath, they swear to uphold and defend the whole Constitution - not just the passages they like, or those amendments ‘approved’ by the media, or those amendments that agree with the political agenda of some Hollywood celebrity. Embracing and defending our Constitution is an all or nothing proposition - a notion driven home every Memorial Day by the sea of flags marking the graves of our courageous vets.

Unfortunately, in the Illinois General Assembly we have people like Senator Dan Kotowski who apparently believes that the Bill of Rights can be salami-sliced to toss out provisions that he doesn’t like or obliterate rights that frighten him. Millions of brave Americans did not die just so that Dan Kotowski could reinvent America. Kotowski’s shameful disloyalty to our Constitution is a slap in the face to all who have sacrificed so much in the name of freedom.

Memorial Day is a reminder to all of us that we must do our part to honor the memory of our fallen heroes. Take some time this weekend to mark the grave of a vet. Donate generously to veterans’ organizations. When a gun controller attacks the 2nd Amendment, respond vigorously. Defend the honor of all those who have died to preserve and protect our entire Constitution.

Friday, May 25, 2007

People's Republic of Chicago - Criminal Empowerment Program - Update

Springfield Report for May 24:
Today we worked on shoring up our support against SB1007. The anti-gunners were out in full force. I would think we would see a vote on either the magazine bill or the private sales bill soon.

We are also assured that we will be going into an extended session. That means all the antigun bills will be extended. Contrary to popular belief extended sessions do not require a three fifths majority to pass. The three fifths majority only involves when the law become effective. If the law is to become effective immediately that would involve a three fifths majority.

This fight is a long way from over. Thank you for your support.

Please post this report to the bulletin boards that you visit.

You're already a member of the ISRA, right? If not, click here and join us.
Please get a friend to join.

They walk among us

I was at the checkout of a K-Mart. The clerk rang up $46.64 charge. I gave her a fifty dollar bill. She gave me back $46.64. I gave it back to her and told her that she had made a mistake in MY favor and gave her the money back. She became indignant and informed me she was educated and knew what she was doing, and returned the money again. I gave her the money back again...same scenario! I departed the store with the
$46.64.

...............They Walk Among Us and Many Work Retail.


I walked into a Mickey D's with a buy-one-get-one-free coupon for a sandwich. I handed it to the girl and she looked over at a little chalkboard that said "buy one-get one free." "They're already buy-one-get-one-free", she said, "so I guess they're both free" She handed me my free sandwiches and I walked out the door.

...............They Walk Among Us and Many Work Retail.


One day I was walking down the beach with some friends when one of them shouted, "Look at that dead bird!" Someone looked up at the sky and said, "Where?"

...............They Walk Among Us!


I used to work in technical support for a 24/7 call center. One day I got a call from an individual who asked what hours the call center was open. I told him, "The number you dialed is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week." He responded, "Is that Eastern or Pacific time?" Wanting to end the call quickly, I said, "Uh, Pacific."

...............They Walk Among Us!


My sister has a lifesaving tool in her car designed to cut through a seat belt if she gets trapped. She keeps it in the trunk.

...............They Walk Among Us!


My friends and I were on a beer run and noticed that the cases were discounted 10%. Since it was a big party, we bought 2 cases. The cashier multiplied 2 times 10% and gave us a 20% discount.

...............They Walk Among Us!


I couldn't find my luggage at the airport baggage area, so I went to the lost luggage office and told the woman there that my bags never showed up. She smiled and told me not to worry because she was a trained professional and I was in good hands. "Now," she asked me, has your plane arrived yet?"

...............They Walk Among Us!


While working at a pizza parlor I observed a man ordering a small pizza to go. He appeared to be alone and the cook asked him if he would like it cut into 4 pieces or 6. He thought about it for some time before responding. "Just cut it into 4 pieces; I don't think I'm hungry enough to eat 6 pieces."

...............Yep, They Walk Among Us!


They Walk Among Us, AND they reproduce, and WORST OF ALL...................................they VOTE!

People's Republic of Chicago - Criminal Empowerment Program - Update

May 23, 2007 - News from Springfield, SB1007 Passes Out of Committee

Today SB1007, the Kotowski magazine ban, passed out of the Executive Committee with 7 yeas, 4 nays, and 2 not voting. This can be looked at as a 7-6 margin, which is a very close vote in this Committee. We could see this bill on the House Floor as soon as Friday.

Please call your state representatives as soon as possible either at their Springfield office or their local District office and ask them to vote against SB1007.

Please forward this to every Internet blog and bulletin board that you belong to.

If you not a member, please join; if you are a member please ask a friend to join.

Please check out our website and consider donating to our legislative fund.

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

People's Republic of Chicago - Criminal Empowerment Program - Update

It appears that the Criminal Empowerment Program is at it again. Here is the latest from the ISRA:

Action Alert for Saturday, May 26, 2007:
Mobilize Against Jesse Jackson to Protect Your Gun Rights

It has come to our attention that Jesse Jackson and several other gun control activists plan to disrupt business at Chuck’s Gun Shop, 14310 S. Indiana, Riverdale, IL on Saturday, May 26th.

The owners of Chuck’s have been long-time defenders of the right to keep and bear arms. Unfortunately, they have paid dearly for supporting your rights. Chucks was the primary target of Mayor Daley’s $433 million lawsuit against the 2nd Amendment. Although the Daley suit failed, Chuck’s was forced to bear huge legal costs to defend their business - and to defend the 2nd Amendment. Chuck’s has also been harassed ceaselessly by anti-gun church groups and the gun-hating media - including “60 Minutes.”

It’s time for gun owners to stand up for what is right and put an end to these unabashed attacks on our innate right to self defense, and our constitutional right to keep an bear arms.

As a show of support for Chuck’s, and as sharp stick in the eye of Jesse Jackson and his gun-grabbing cohorts, we are asking all Illinois gun owners to do the following:

1. Plan on gathering at Chuck’s Gun Shop & Range, 14310 South Indiana Avenue, Riverdale, IL, at 1:00 PM on May 26th for a counter protest against Jesse Jackson.

2. While at Chuck’s, express your solidarity with the owners and, if you can, make a purchase. No matter how small, your loyalty to Chuck’s will be greatly appreciated.

3. Prepare to confront anti-gun protesters with the truth. Don’t be shy about defending what you know is rightfully yours.

4. If possible, take photographs of the anti-gun protesters and send copies to webmaster@isra.org.

5. BIKERS - If you are a motorcyclist who supports the 2nd Amendment, please plan to swing by Chuck’s at about 1:00 PM on the 26th. The louder your bike is, the better.

6. TRUCKERS - If you are a trucker who supports the 2nd Amendment, please plan to swing by Chucks at about 1:00 PM on the 26th. The more noise you can make on Chuck’s block, the better.

7. LONG HAUL TRUCKERS - If you are a driver who has traveled this great country, and loves every square inch of it, please try to take a short detour on Saturday and swing by Chuck’s to express your support for one of our most basic rights. If you can, get on the CB, tell your buddies about this important event and have them stop by Chuck’s. Let’s show Jesse Jackson what real Americans think about his gun grabbing.

8. Please post this alert to every Internet blog and bulletin board that you belong to. Encourage all your friends and fellow shooters to join in this counter-protest against the gun grabbers.

Only you can defend your rights from destruction by guys like Jesse Jackson. You are the foot soldiers of freedom in our patriotic struggle to defend what is ours. The gun grabbers must not attack our rights with impunity. They’re looking for a fight - let’s give it to them on May 26th at Chuck’s Gun Shop.


My idea? Stage a counter protest with every 2nd amendment supporter carrying this sign:

-Bob

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

People's Republic of Chicago - Criminal Empowerment Program

It appears that the leaders of the People's Republic of Chicago are at again with their Criminal Empowerment Program.

First a little Q and A (for all of you Outlook users notice that the answer comes after the question):

Q: What is the People's Republic of Chicago?
A: The state in the United States of America that is also known as the State of Illinois. The People's Republic of Chicago gets it's name because the current governor of the State is mostly a pawn to the Mayor of Chicago. What ever the Mayor wants, the state (governor) gives him. Hence the true leader of the state is the Mayor of Chicago.

Q: What is the Criminal Empowerment Program?
A: It's what the liberals try to “sugar coat” and call “Gun Control”. Gun Control, in their eyes, is the removal of any weapon (firearms mostly) from the hands of law abiding citizens.

Q: What is the effect of this?
A: More crime.

Q: Why?
A: Because “Gun Control” laws do not apply to criminals (they wouldn't be criminals if they did) and criminals benefit greatly from the increased power. As they say: “don't bring a knife to a gun fight”.


So, now that we understand what we're talking about, here's what People's Republic of Chicago - Criminal Empowerment Program has been up to:

May 2, 2007 - Springfield Report

Magazine Ban Introduced in the Illinois Senate

We spent all day today working against SB 1007. This is a very bad bill now that anti-gun Illinois State Senator Dan Kotowski (D-33) filed a magazine-ban amendment (Senate Amendment 1) to this existing legislation currently before the Senate.

As amended, this bill would ban the manufacture, possession, delivery, sale and purchase of standard capacity magazines with a capability of holding more than 10 rounds. The amendment is so poorly worded that it would also ban commonly used firearms with fixed, boxed or tubular magazines, including many lever action rifles, since the amendment's language does not limit the ban to detachable magazines.

This is a gun and self-defense ban that will stand no chance of curtailing crime and will only hurt law-abiding sportsmen, hunters and gun owners.

This legislation could be voted on at any moment. Please contact your State Senator today and urge him or her to oppose Senate Amendment 1 to SB 1007!


Please join the ISRA if you're not already a member.

May 9, 2007 - ISRA Alert
SB1007 passes IL Senate Vote

Today Senator Kotowski's magazine ban bill passed the Senate with 31 yeas, 26 nays, 1 present and 1 not voting. This bill is headed for the house. It will probably go to an anti-gun committee so it will likely pass out of committee easily to become a floor fight. Please be sure to call your Representative and tell them to oppose SB1007.

I would begin calling right away. We could see this bill next week in the House.

Pass this alert on to everyone you know and to every bulletin board.

Join the ISRA or recruit a new member today.

Please make a legislative donation today. This session is going to last along time and it will be expensive. Freedom is not free!

May 15, 2007 - Urgent Action Alert
SB1007 Magazine & Gun Ban

This is an Urgent Action Alert on SB1007, a bill sponsored in the Illinois Senate by career anti-gun Senator Dan Kotowski (D - Park Ridge) and Republican Senator John Millner from Bloomingdale. This bill would ban commonly available magazines for many firearms that hold more than 10 rounds, and would also ban many firearms with tubular magazines that more than 10 rounds, such as ever action rifles owned by cowboy action shooters and many shotguns. This bill does nothing to reduce crime and would penalize law-abiding gun owners in Illinois.

This bill passed the Illinois Senate last week on a 31 to 26 vote. It's now in the House Executive Committee and could pass out from that committee onto the floor of the House.

It's important that you to help make sure that this bill gets defeated in the Illinois House, as Governor Blagojevich would cheerfully sign it immediately if it ever crossed his desk.

Do your part by taking the following actions:
  1. Call your Representative and urge him or her to not support this bill, SB1007, to vote no on it should it come up for a vote. Even if you have received assurances in the past from your representative in the past that he or she is in your corner and supports the second amendment, do not neglect making that call on this bill.
    The ISRA webmaster and the ISRA staff in Chatsworth have fielded many calls and emails from angry and surprised gun owners whose Senators voted for this bill last week.

  2. Make a personal visit to your representative's local office in your district to show your support for the Second Amendment. Bring family members or a shooting buddy with you when you go. Leave a personal message for your representative urging the defeat of SB1007.

  3. Call the Springfield (217-782-3696) and district office (847-566-5115) of Illinois Representative Ed Sullivan, Jr. (R - Mundelein) and urge that he withdraw as Chief Co-Sponsor of this punitive legislation. Never mind that he's not in your district, his direct advocacy of this ban impacts all Illinois gun owners.

Please forward this alert to all bulletin boards.

If you are not a member of the ISRA, please join. Please get a friend to join.

ISRA is now supported by three lobbyists in Springfield. Please consider making a legislative donation to the ISRA.


May 15, 2007 - ISRA Press Release

Illinois State Rifle Association to Advise Members on Compliance With Kotowski/Millner Gun Ban

CHICAGO, May 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following was released today by the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA):

The ISRA is advising its members, especially cowboy action shooters and gun collectors, to be prepared to dispose of firearms they may have in their possession.

This advisory comes in light of the passage of Senate Bill 1007, the Kotowski/Millner gun ban, which now resides in the House for consideration. Under SB1007, any firearm with a tubular magazine that accepts more than 10 rounds would be banned. As a result, many shotguns and most lever action rifles used by cowboy action shooters would be outlawed. At the present, there is no official guidance for citizens on how to comply with the gun ban.

The ISRA is also issuing an e-mail alert calling upon gun owners to visit their legislators' district offices to make clear their opposition to SB1007.

"SB1007 comprises one of the most sweeping gun bans in Illinois history," said ISRA Executive Director, Richard Pearson. "Disguised as a 'magazine ban,' SB1007 actually bans a large number of rifles owned by collectors and used by participants in cowboy action shooting competitions."

"We are currently compiling a list of rifle and shotgun models that would be banned under SB1007," continued Pearson. "When that list is complete, we'll distribute it to shooters across the state so that they may be prepared to take whatever actions are necessary to comply with this misguided legislation."

"SASS and other cowboy action shooting enthusiasts will be hit especially hard by this legislation," said Pearson. "To date, our banned list includes such popular cowboy action shooting rifles as the Marlin 1894; Henry Rifles; Winchester 1866; Winchester 1873 and the Colt Lightning. These rifles are the mainstay of cowboy shooting -- which is the fastest growing and one of the most colorful of the competitive shooting sports."

"One would have expected a piece of junk legislation like SB1007 to be voted down handily," commented Pearson. "Unfortunately, several suburban Republican senators decided to stand with the Daley Administration and vote in favor of this gun ban. We've received hundreds of phone calls at the ISRA offices from gun owners furious at suburban Republicans for advancing this punitive proposal. What we have here in SB1007 is another example of the law-abiding gun owner taking it on the chin while violent robbers, rapists, muggers and murderers get a free pass."

The ISRA is the state's leading advocate of safe, lawful, and responsible firearms ownership. Since 1903, the ISRA has represented the interests of over 1.5 million law-abiding Illinois firearm owners.

In closing, please do something to end the "Criminal Empowerment Program" before it's too late!

Monday, April 23, 2007

The Ant & The Grasshopper...

Here is an update on the old classic:

OLD VERSION:

The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter. The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away. Come winter, the ant is warm and well fed. the grasshopper has no food or shelter, so he dies out in the cold.

MORAL OF THE STORY: Be responsible for yourself!




MODERN VERSION:

The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter. The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away.

Come winter, the shivering grasshopper calls a press conference and demands to know why the ant should be warm and well fed while others are cold and starving.

CBS, NBC, PBS, CNN, and ABC show up to provide pictures of the shivering grasshopper next to a video of the ant in his comfortable home with a table filled with food. America is stunned by the sharp contrast.

How can this be, that in a country of such wealth, this poor grasshopper is allowed to suffer so?

Kermit the Frog appears on Oprah with the grasshopper, and everybody cries when they sing, "It's Not Easy Being Green." Jesse Jackson stages a demonstration in front of the ant's house where the news stations film the group singing, "We shall overcome." Jesse then has the group kneel down to pray to God for the grasshopper's sake. Nancy Pelosi & John Kerry exclaim in an interview with Larry King that the ant has gotten rich off the back of the grasshopper, and both call for an immediate tax hike on the ant to make him pay his fair share. Finally, the EEOC drafts the Economic Equity and Anti-Grasshopper Act retroactive to the beginning of th e summer. The ant is fined for failing to hire a proportionate number of green bugs and, having nothing left to pay his retroactive taxes, his home is confiscated by the government.

Hillary gets her old law firm to represent the grasshopper in a defamation suit against the ant, and the case is tried before a panel of federal judges that Bill Clinton appointed from a list of single-parent welfare recipients. The ant loses the case. The story ends as we see the grasshopper finishing up the last bits of the ant's food while the government house he is in, which just happens to be the ant's old house, crumbles around him because he doesn't maintain it. The ant has disappeared in the snow. The grasshopper is found dead in a drug related incident and the house, now abandoned, is taken over by a gang of spiders who terrorize the once peaceful neighborhood.

MORAL OF THE STORY: Be careful how you vote.

Sunday, April 01, 2007

How to destroy America in just 8 steps


The Invasion

FOR THOSE OF YOU ON THE "CONSERVATIVE" SIDE OF THE FENCE, READ THIS AND LEARN TO UNDERSTAND YOUR FEELINGS BETTER THAN EVER. FOR THOSE OF YOU NOT ON THE "CONSERVATIVE" SIDE OF THE FENCE, READ AND LEARN FROM A DIFFERENT VIEWPOINT.

Please take the time to read this; it ought to scare the pants off you!

We know Dick Lamm as the former Governor of Colorado. In that context his thoughts are particularly poignant. Last week there was an immigration overpopulation conference in Washington, DC, filled to capacity by many of America's finest minds and leaders. A brilliant college professor by the name of Victor Hansen Davis talked about his latest book, "Mexifornia," [1] explaining how immigration - both legal and illegal was destroying the entire state of California. He said it would march across the country until it destroyed all vestiges of The American Dream.

Moments later, former Colorado Governor Richard D.Lamm stood up and gave a stunning speech on how to destroy America. The audience sat spellbound as he described eight methods for the destruction of the United States. He said, "If you believe that America is too smug, too self-satisfied, too rich, then let's destroy America. It is not that hard to do. No nation in history has survived the ravages of time.

Arnold Toynbee observed that all great civilizations rise and fall and that 'An autopsy of history would show that all great nations commit suicide.'"

"Here is how they do it," Lamm said: "First, to destroy America, turn America into a bilingual or multilingual and bicultural country." History shows that no nation can survive the tension, conflict, and antagonism of two or more competing languages and cultures. It is a blessing for an individual to be bilingual; however, it is a curse for a society to be bilingual. The historical scholar, Seymour Lipset, put it this way: "The histories of bilingual and bicultural societies that do not assimilate are histories of turmoil, tension, and tragedy." Canada, Belgium, Malaysia, and Lebanon all face crises of national existence in which minorities press for autonomy, if not independence. Pakistan and Cyprus have divided. Nigeria suppressed an ethnic rebellion. France faces difficulties with Basques, Bretons, and Corsicans.".

Lamm went on: Second, to destroy America, "Invent 'multiculturalism' and encourage immigrants to maintain their culture. I would make it an article of belief that all cultures are equal. That there are no cultural differences. I would make it an article of faith that the black and Hispanic dropout rates are due solely to prejudice and discrimination by the majority. Every other explanation is out of bounds.

Third, "We could make the United States an 'Hispanic Quebec' without much effort. The key is to celebrate diversity rather than unity. As Benjamin Schwarz said in the Atlantic Monthly recently: "The apparent success of our own multiethnic and multi cultural experiment might have been achieved not by tolerance but by hegemony. Without the dominance that once dictated ethnocentricity and what it meant to be an American, we are left with only tolerance and pluralism to hold us together." Lamm said, "I would encourage all immigrants to keep their own language and culture. I would replace the melting pot metaphor with the salad bowl metaphor. It is important to ensure that we have various cultural subgroups living in America enforcing their differences rather than as Americans, emphasizing their similarities."

"Fourth, I would make our fastest growing demographic group the least educated. I would add a second underclass, unassimilated, undereducated, and antagonistic to our population. I would have this second underclass have a 50% dropout rate from high school."

"My fifth point for destroying America would be to get big foundations and business to give these efforts lots of money. I would invest in ethnic identity, and I would establish the cult of 'Victimology.' I would get all minorities to think that their lack of success was the fault of the majority. I would start a grievance industry blaming all minority failure on the majority population."

"My sixth plan for America's downfall would include dual citizenship, and promote divided loyalties. I would celebrate diversity over unity. I would stress differences rather than similarities. Diverse people worldwide are mostly engaged in hating each other - that is, when they are not killing each other. A diverse, peaceful, or stable society is against most historical precedent. People undervalue the unity it takes to keep a nation together. Look at the ancient Greeks. The Greeks believed that they belonged to the same race; they possessed a common language and literature; and they worshipped the same gods. All Greece took part in the Olympic games. A common enemy, Persia, threatened their liberty. Yet all these bonds were not strong enough to overcome two factors: local patriotism and geographical conditions that nurtured political divisions. Greece fell. "E. Pluribus Unum" -- From many, one. In that historical reality, if we put the emphasis on the 'pluribus' instead of the 'Unum,' we will balkanize America as surely as Kosovo."

"Next to last, I would place all subjects off limits; make it taboo to talk about anything against the cult of 'diversity.' I would find a word similar to 'heretic' in the 16th century - that stopped discussion and paralyzed thinking. Words like 'racist' or 'xenophobe' halt discussion and debate. Having made America a bilingual/bicultural country, having established multi-culturism, having the large foundations fund the Doctrine of 'Victimology,' I would next make it impossible to enforce our immigration laws. I would develop a mantra: That because immigration has been good for America, it must always be good. I would make every individual immigrant symmetric and ignore the cumulative impact of millions of them."

In the last minute of his speech, Governor Lamm wiped his brow.

Profound silence followed. Finally he said,. "Lastly, I would censor Victor Hanson Davis's book "Mexifornia." His book is dangerous. It exposes the plan to destroy America. If you feel America deserves to be destroyed, don't read that book."

There was no applause. A chilling fear quietly rose like an ominous cloud above every attendee at the conference. Every American in that room knew that everything Lamm enumerated was proceeding methodically, quietly, darkly, yet pervasively across the United States today. Discussion is being suppressed. Over 100 languages are ripping the foundation of our educational system and national cohesiveness. Even barbaric cultures that practice female genital mutilation are growing as we celebrate 'diversity. American jobs are vanishing into the Third World as corporations create a Third World in America - take note of California and other states - to date, ten million illegal aliens and growing fast. It is reminiscent of George Orwell's book "1984." In that story, three slogans are engraved in the Ministry of Truth building: "War is peace," "Freedom is slavery," and "Ignorance is strength."

Governor Lamm walked back to his seat. It dawned on everyone at the conference that our nation and the future of this great democracy is deeply in trouble and worsening fast.

If we don't get this immigration monster stopped within three years, it will rage like a California wildfire and destroy everything in its path, especially The American Dream.

If you care for and love our country as I do, take the time to pass this on just as I did for you. Trust me, NOTHING is going to happen if you don't!


1. http://www.saveourstate.org/mexifornia.html - Aren't you tired of watching your state turn into a third world cesspool right before your eyes?

Saturday, February 03, 2007

A New Direction For America - Vote Democratic - yea right...

This came from a friend of mine yesterday:

The Democrats new promise "A New Direction For America - Vote Democratic"
  • The stock market is at a new all-time high and America's 401(k)'s are back. A new direction from there means, what?
  • Unemployment is at 25 year lows. A new direction from there means, what?
  • Taxes are at 20 year lows. A new direction from there means, what?
  • Federal tax revenues are at all-time highs. A new direction from there means, what?
  • The Federal deficit is down almost 50%, just as predicted over last year. A new direction from there means. what?
  • Home valuations are up more than 20% over the past 3.5 years. A new direction from there means, what?
  • Inflation is in check, hovering at 20 year lows. A new direction from there means, what?
  • Not a single terrorist attack on US soil since 9/11/01. A new direction from there means, what?
  • Osama bin Laden is living under a rock in a dark cave, having not surfaced in years, if he's alive at all, while 95% of Al Queda's top dogs are either dead or in custody, cooperating with US Intel. A new direction from there means, what?
  • Several major terrorist attacks already thwarted by US and British Intel, including the recent planned attack involving 10 Jumbo Jets being exploded in mid-air over major US cities in order to celebrate the anniversary of the 9/11/01 attacks. A new direction from there means, what?
  • Just as President Bush foretold us on a number of occasions, Iraq was to be made "ground zero" for the war on terrorism -- and just as President Bush said they would, terrorist cells from all over the region are arriving from the shadows of their hiding places and flooding into Iraq in order to get their faces blown off by US Marines rather than boarding planes and heading to the United States to wage war on us here. A new direction from there means, what?
Now let me see, do I have this right? I can expect:
  • The economy to go South
  • Illegals to go North
  • Taxes to go Up
  • Employment to go Down
  • Terrorism to come In
  • Tax breaks to go Out
  • Social Security to go away
  • Health Care to go the same way gas prices have gone
But what the heck! I can gain comfort by knowing that Nancy Pelosi, Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, Edward Kennedy, Howard Dean, Harry Reid, and Barak Obama have worked hard to create a comprehensive National Security Plan, Health Care Plan, Immigration Reform Plan, Gay Rights Plan, Same Sex Marriage Plan, Abortion On Demand Plan, Tolerance of Everyone and Everything Plan, How to Return all Troops to the U.S. in The Next Six Months Plan, A Get Tough Plan adapted from the French Plan by the same name and a How Everyone Can Become as Wealthy as We Are Plan.

I forgot the No More Katrina Storm Plan!

Now I know why I feel good after the elections. I am going to be able to sleep soooooo much better at nights knowing these dedicated politicians are thinking of me and my welfare.

Based on this, exactly why would someone vote for a Liberal?

-Bob