What was he thinking? - Manzullo: Congress Should Expand "Cash for Clunkers" Program to Allow Vouchers for All Vehicle Purchases

Here's an excerpt from Don Manzullo's e-mail announcement:

[ROCKFORD] U.S. Rep. Don Manzullo (R-IL) today said the federal government should dramatically expand the popular “cash for clunkers” program by removing all conditions and giving vouchers to all Americans who buy a new vehicle. Such a program would energize our economy, re-start the auto manufacturing supply chain, and put Americans back to work, he said.

Manzullo voted Friday to shift an additional $2 billion in previously-approved federal funds to the original cash for clunkers program, which was frozen late Thursday after officials realized the original $1 billion appropriated for the program was exhausted after just a week in operation (it was scheduled to run until Nov. 1).

He goes on to claim:

The original program gives prospective car buyers up to a $4,500 voucher for trading in a gas guzzler (18 mpg or less) in exchange for a more fuel-efficient vehicle. According to the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, the initial $1 billion cost of the cash for clunkers program generated $5.5 billion in economic activity, including substantial tax revenue for state and local governments.

Working these numbers, the $1 billion is divided up into $4,500 vouchers, equaling a sales of 222,222 cars. These sales "generated $5.5 billion in economic activity" or, $24,750 per car. Let's continue with his e-mail:

Manzullo introduced legislation earlier this year to give Americans a $5,000 voucher to purchase a new vehicle, no strings attached. The New Automobile Voucher Act of 2009 (HR 1606) would have provided a one-time, $5,000 electronic voucher from the U.S. Treasury at the point of sale of a new vehicle through the end of 2009. It would have provided vouchers for 15 million new vehicles (original cash for clunkers bill covered 250,000 new vehicles).

Now, the bad math starts to show. $1 billion / $4,500 = 222,222 not 250,000. Now, he wants to provide $5,000 vouchers for 15,000,000 million new vehicles. Let see, $5,000 x 15,000,000 = $75,000,000,000 (yes, that's $75 billion)!

Of course, it keeps getting better:

Every one million in new vehicle sales has the following impact on the economy:

* Creates 60,000 jobs (10,000 at vehicle assembly plants; 50,000 at suppliers, auto dealers, and other businesses).
* Provides $750 million in tax revenue to the federal government.
* Provides $1.4 billion in sales tax revenue to states.
* Saves federal government $1.4 billion in unemployment payments, food stamps, job retraining and COBRA health subsidies.

So now we see what the results may be. For every 1 million cars there is:

• $750,000,000 in federal tax revenue.
• $1,400,000,000 in state sales taxes.
• $1,400,000,000 "saved" in unemployment payments, food stamps, job retraining and COBRA health subsidies.

The total of these is $3,550,000,000 ($3.55 billion). This where my seemingly simple mind gets lost. How is it a benefit to the tax payer to take $5,000,000,000 ($5 billion) in taxes ($5,000 x 1,000,000 cars) and have $1,450,000,000 ($1.45 billion) (or more) of that money just disappear?

How about this much simpler "Stimulus" plan: Declare that cars will be completely tax free for a certain period of time! Let's say, until 1/1/2010. Here's why:

• It will still greatly encourage car sales
• It will still "save" unemployment payments, food stamps, job retraining and COBRA health subsidies.
• No new taxes to "pay for it".
  
• All for less than half the cost - $2,150,000,000 ($2.15 billion) in "lost" tax revenue.

I don't know about you, but, I would certainly be much more likely to buy a car if it were tax free. Is that not stimulus enough? Even if you only sell half the number of cars, it looks to me like you (the people) are still ahead.

What am I missing here?

-Bob

Props to Sam Graves - H.R. 3435- Cash for Clunkers.

From Sam Graves' weekly "This Week in Washington" e-mail update:

4. H.R. 3435- Cash for Clunkers.

In less than one week, the Cash for Clunkers program exhausted the $1 billion dollars that had originally been budgeted for it. Did Congress review the problem to see if it was working as it was intended? Nope. Instead Washington quickly doubled down and approved another $2 billion dollars in less than 24 hours. It passed overwhelmingly 316-109. I voted against it, but I’m reminded of why many Americans do not want the government in charge of their health care.

Here is one of the very few Congressmen that should be given a pat of the back for "getting it". Clearly he understands that throwing our tax money at a problem rarely, if ever, helps. The 316 id10ts in Washington that voted for this clearly don't get. They must think that You’re just too dumb to spend your own money!

If our government representatives can't get "Cash for Clunkers" right, why would anyone assume that they can "fix" health care?

Thank you Sam for doing the right thing!

-Bob

Obama proposes ‘Indefinite Preventive Detention’ without trial

Isn't this worse than what he accuses the Bush administration of doing? Watch the video, it's from pMSNBC of all places:

For more of the story see: http://newcitizenship.net/?p=5510

-Bob

Help Stop Socialized Healthcare And $1.5 Trillion In New Taxes!

Please sign the petition opposing Government-Run, Socialized Health Care: http://www.grassfire.org/122/petition.asp?Ref_ID=2650&PID=21411185

Also, while there, please listen to the audio clip where Obama support rationing health care!

-Bob

Questions I Never Asked Obama

By Robert M. Goldberg:

Here is a list of questions that reporters wanted to ask President Obama about health care reform at Wednesday night's press conference but were afraid to ask:

Read the rest: http://spectator.org/archives/2009/07/24/questions-i-never-asked-obama

-Bob

What if I don't want health insurance?

By Becky Akers:

New York – I'm one of the nearly 50 million Americans who don't have health insurance. I don't want it, either.
But the bill the House of Representatives is debating would force me to buy it. How good can any product be if Congress compels me to purchase it?

Read the full article: http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0720/p09s01-coop.html

-Bob

What's in your wallet?

-Bob

Right ON Old man.

From my wife:
(click for larger image)

-Bob

$100

From my wife's friend Pat:

A Little boy wanted $100.00 very badly and prayed for weeks, but nothing happened.

Then he decided to write God a letter requesting the $100.00.

When the postal authorities received the letter to God, USA, they decided to send it to the President.

The president was so amused that he instructed his secretary to send the little boy a $5.00 bill.

The president thought this would appear to be a lot of money to a little boy.

The little boy was delighted with the $5.00 bill and sat down to write a thank-you note to God, which read:

Dear God: Thank you very much for sending the money. However, I noticed that for some reason you sent it through Washington D.C. and those assholes took $95.00 in taxes.

-Bob

LETTER FROM THE BOSS

Here's one to think about:

As the CEO of this organization, I have resigned myself to the fact that
Barrack Obama is our President and that our taxes and government fees will increase in a BIG way. To compensate for these increases, our prices would have to increase by about 10%. But since we cannot increase our prices right now due to the dismal state of the economy, we will have to lay off sixty of our employees instead. This has really been bothering me, since I believe we are family here and I didn't know how to choose who would have to go. So, this is what I did. I walked through our parking lots and found sixty 'Obama' bumper stickers on our employees' cars and have decided these folks will be the ones to let go. I can't think of a more fair way to approach this problem. They voted for change, I gave it to them.


I will see the rest of you at the annual company picnic.

Have a wonderful day!

What would you do? How else could this be handled? Obviously those that voted for B. Hussein Obama were expecting "change". Why shouldn't the CEO honor their wishes?

-Bob

PATRIOTIC-The Finger - Marine Style

A Veteran is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to The United States of America for an amount of "up to and including my life."

That is Honor and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it!!

While this one may have been around for a while, it's always worth

repeating:

Leading the fight is Gunnery Sgt Michael Burghardt, known as 'Iron Mike' or just 'Gunny'. He is on his third tour in Iraq. He had become a legend in the bomb disposal world after winning the Bronze Star for disabling 64 IEDs and destroying 1,548 pieces of ordnance during his second tour.

Then, on September 19, he got blown up. He had arrived at a chaotic scene after a bomb had killed four US soldiers. He chose not to wear the bulky bomb protection suit. 'You can't react to any sniper fire and you get tunnel-vision,' he explains. So, protected by just a helmet and standard-issue flak jacket, he began what bomb disposal officers term 'the longest walk', stepping gingerly into a 5 foot deep and 8 foot wide crater.

The earth shifted slightly and he saw a Senao base station with a wire leading from it. He cut the wire and used his 7 inch knife to probe the ground. 'I found a piece of red detonating cord between my legs,' he says. 'That's when I knew I was screwed.' Realizing he had been sucked into a trap, Sgt Burghardt, 35, yelled at everyone to stay back. At that moment, an insurgent, probably watching through binoculars, pressed a button on his mobile phone to detonate the secondary device below the sergeant's feet 'A chill went up the back of my neck and then the bomb exploded,' he recalls. 'As I was in the air I remember thinking, 'I don't believe they got me.' I was just ticked off they were able to do it. Then I was lying on the road, not able to feel anything from the waist down'

His colleagues cut off his trousers to see how badly he was hurt. None could believe his legs were still there 'My dad's a Vietnam vet who's paralyzed from the waist down,' says Sgt Burghardt. 'I was lying there thinking I didn't want to be in a wheelchair next to my dad and for him to see me like that. They started to cut away my pants and I felt a real sharp pain and blood trickling down. Then I wiggled my toes and I thought, 'Good, I'm in business.' As a stretcher was brought over, adrenaline and anger kicked in. 'I decided to walk to the helicopter. I wasn't going to let my team-mates see me being carried away on a stretcher.' He stood and gave the insurgents who had blown him up a one-fingered salute. 'I flipped them one. It was like, 'OK, I lost that round but I'll be back next week.'

Copies of a photograph depicting his defiance, taken by Jeff Bundy for the Omaha World-Herald, adorn the walls of homes across America and that of Col John Gronski, the brigade commander in Ramadi, who has hailed the image as an exemplar of the warrior spirit.

Sgt Burghardt's injuries - burns and wounds to his legs and buttocks - kept him off duty for nearly a month and could have earned him a ticket home. But, like his father - who was awarded a Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts for being wounded in action in Vietnam - he stayed in Ramadi to engage in the battle against insurgents who are forever coming up with more ingenious ways of killing Americans.

Are you proud enough to send this on?

YOU BETCHA I AM

-Bob

Quote of the day 2009/06/10

Make the lie big, make it simple, keep saying it, and eventually they will believe it..
-Adolf Hitler

Sound familiar?

-Bob

"Obama Man" by Greg Morton

Canadian comedian Greg Morton weighs in on the current financial crisis and how President Obama plans to get us out of it.



-Bob

President Obama: No Amnesty for Illegal Aliens!

I have just signed a national grassroots-led petition opposing Obama's coming amnesty push. If allowed to go unchecked and unchallenged, Obama will throw open the door for widespread amnesty--forcing you and I to pay for their benefits--benefits once reserved only for citizens and legal aliens!

Obama has promised the Hispanic community that he will make comprehensive immigration reform a frontline issue this year! Help stand against this coming invasion by adding your name to Grassfire's national petition opposing Obama's open border, amnesty agenda.

Click here to add your name: http://www.grassfire.org/117/petition.asp?PID=21039035&NID=1

-Bob

MEMORIAL DAY

It is the VETERAN, not the preacher,who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the VETERAN, not the reporter,  who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the VETERAN, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.
 
It is the VETERAN, not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to assemble.
 
It is the VETERAN, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the VETERAN, not the politician, Who has given us the right to vote.

It is the VETERAN who salutes the Flag,  

It is the VETERAN who serves under the Flag, 


ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.

I'd be EXTREMELY proud if this message reached as many as possible. We can be very proud of our young men and women in the service no matter where they serve.
God
Bless them all!!!

 

Makes you proud to be an AMERICAN!!!!

Happy Memorial Day

I GIVE MY LIFE

By Tena Bastian

www.tenabastian.com

 

I give my life for your life

I give my strength for your day today

My family goes on without me

So that yours can stand up and say...

I am proud to be an American

There is no other country where I would ever be

The sons and daughters, the sisters and brothers

Our sacrifice comes down to me

The soldier who fought for freedom

and the mother who sits alone

Holding in her hand, the letter

That says I did not make it home

 

I give my life for your life

I do this without regret

I only ask one thing of you

That none of you will ever forget

How priceless is this freedom

To young and old, rich and poor

That all of you live your life to it's fullest

And remember what were fighting for

Not just today but every day

Pause for a moment and bow your head

For those who stepped up and offered their service

And for the wounded and the dead.

 

I give my life for your life

As does every soldier in every war

On American soil or in a distant land

If I can ask just one thing more...

May God bless the wounded soldier

May he bless and keep those close to him now

May he watch over the ones who stand at arms

And help them find their way home somehow

May you keep them in your thoughts and prayers

May the fighting someday cease

Because I give my life for your life

But I also pray for peace.

 

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY. Please keep this going by forwarding it today to everyone in your life. In honor of those who fight for freedom and pray for peace, of their families who make the ultimate sacrifice, THANK YOU!

I'm a card-carrying Right-wing Extremist!

I am sick and tired of the attacks coming from the new congressional and executive leadership against law abiding citizens simply because of their faith or the values they hold. The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) efforts to label you and me as "extremists" and "terror threats" are outrageous. 

I just requested a free "Right-wing Extremist" wallet card as my way of turning the tables on misguided DHS attempts to marginalize us and label us as extremists. If it is "extreme" to hold pro-life, pro-veteran, or pro-Second Amendment views, then I wear the term "Right-wing Extremist" as a badge of honor! If you would like to receive a free card, go here: 

http://www.libertyaction.org/305/petition.asp?PID=20997430&NID=1

-Bob

Pastor-silencing bill in Congress

Perhaps you heard about the effort in Congress to pass so-called "Hate Crimes" legislation that is a stepping-stone to regulating the speech of people who support family values.

I just signed a petition to stop such "hate speech" laws from going into effect. Congress is getting ready to vote on this issue and I understand this bill could be passed quickly unless citizens rise up. 

Please join me. Go here to sign: 

http://www.libertyaction.org/292/petition.asp?PID=17717056&P=1&NID=1

-Bob

Napolitano must go!

I just signed a petition demanding the resignation or removal of DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano. Napolitano’s Department of Homeland Security issued a report that profiled conservatives as a terror threat. The report even singled out pro-life citizens and those who oppose illegal immigration, in addition to members of the military.

Please join with me in signing by going here:

http://www.grassfire.org/114/petition.asp?PID=20717971&NID=1

-Bob

The Queen from California

Newt Gingrich, a Republican, served in the House from Georgia from 1978 and as House Minority Whip in 1989. He was Speaker of the House from 1995 to 1999. During that time he never made use of military air craft.


Nancy Pelosi, Democrat from California, current Speaker of the House.

The Pentagon provides the House speaker with an Air Force plane large enough to accommodate her staff, family, supporters, and members of the California delegation when she travels around the country. But, Pelosi wants routine access to a larger plane. It includes 42 business class seats, a fully-enclosed state room, an entertainment center, a private bed, state-of-the-art communications system, and a crew of 16. Pelosi wanted "carte blanche for an aircraft any time," including weekend trips home to San Francisco. Pretty nice but very expensive perk! Her Air Force C-32 costs approximately $15,000 an hour or approximately $300,000 per trip home.


And she has the guts to confront the Big Three CEOs for flying their corporate jets to Washington !

YOU WOULD THINK, SHE ALONG WITH A HUSBAND WORTH AN ESTIMATED BILLION DOLLARS, WOULD LEASE OR BUY AND FLY THEIR OWN PLANE, OR FLY FIRST CLASS ON COMMERCIAL AIRLINES LIKE OTHER RICH PEOPLE.

NANCY PELOSI FACTS:

• Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi's home District includes San Francisco ...
• Star-Kist Tuna's headquarters are in San Francisco, Pelosi's home district.


• Star-Kist is owned by Del Monte Foods and is a Major contributor to Pelosi.


• Star-Kist is the major employer in American Samoa Employing 75% of the Samoan workforce.


• Paul Pelosi, Nancy 's husband, owns $17 million Dollars of Star-Kist stock.


• In January, 2007 when the minimum wage was increased from $5.15 to $7.25, Pelosi had American Samoa exempted from the increase so Del Monte would not have to pay the higher wage.


• Last week when the huge bailout bill was passed, Pelosi added an earmark to the final bill adding $33 Million dollars for an 'economic development credit in American Samoa'.

And Pelosi has called the Bush Administration "CORRUPT" ? ?

EVERY AMERICAN SHOULD SEE THIS!

-Bob

Obama's Katrina

Obama's Katrina - by Ted Nugent:

"America is being punked. That is the only way I can describe the clear cut case of self-inflicted grief and suffering at the hands of the Obama Masters of Ineptitude running the three-ring circus we call the American political insanity these days. Has logic been outlawed, or just temporarily suspended? Somebody wake me from this heartbreaking dream, quick."

Read the rest at: http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=31223

Maybe we can get Nugent to run in 2012 (or sooner, if possible)?

-Bob

Quotes of the day - 3/26/2009

"In a truly free country a citizen does not need permission to keep and bear arms" - Dick Heller at the 2009 SHOT show.

-Bob

Starbucks, Costco Throw You "Under The Bus" - Card Check Forced Unionism Bill

From the National Right to Work Committee:

This week, the CEOs of Costco, Whole Foods, and Starbucks plan to throw you and their employees "under the bus" to appease Big Labor, offering a so-called "compromise version" of Big Labor's top legislative priority: the "Card Check" Forced Unionism Bill.

...

That's why it's vital you sign this petition to the CEOs of these three misguided companies -- TODAY. I'll make sure it is delivered directly to their office and that the press knows.

As you know, the "Card Check" Forced Unionism Bill denies workers a secret ballot when voting on whether or not they want to be part of a union. A firestorm of union intimidation would rain down upon literally millions of employees who would be shoved into union collectives and forced to pay union dues.

I've signed the petition. Have you?

-Bob

ISRA Alert - Anti-gun radio debate

From the ISRA:

ANTI-GUN RADIO DEBATE – MARCH 26TH

Anti-gun Chicago talk show host Milt Rosenberg will be hosting a radio debate on the repeal of the 2nd Amendment to our Constitution on WGN Radio, AM 720, on Thursday March 26th.

Defending our Constitution will be Bob Levy, Chairman of the Cato Institute.

The debater who will be attacking our Constitution has not been named as of yet.

HERE IS WHAT YOU MUST DO TO DEFEND YOUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS:

1. Mark your calendar to listen to WGN Radio, AM 720, on Thursday, March 26, 2009 beginning at 9 PM. If you cannot receive WGN in your area, you can listen to the program live on the Internet at www.wgnradio.com
2. No matter where you live, please be sure to call the radio station's call in line at (312) 591-7200 and ask to speak your opinion on what has been said. It would be best if you voice support for the 2nd Amendment and Mr. Levy's statements rather than personally attacking whoever the antigunner is.
3. Please pass this alert on to all your gun-owning, freedom-loving friends, your gun club, and anyone else you know who would be interested in calling in to the radio show to defend our Constitution.
4. Please post this alert to any and all Internet bulletin boards or blogs to which you subscribe.

I'll be listening and calling. What about you?

-Bob

Stop The Spending!

From grassfire.net:

Robert,

We just got off the phone with some of our contacts on the Hill
and it is now clear that President Obama's budget -- complete
with over $1.6 trillion in new taxes including the new global
warming tax -- is now on a fast track in Congress.

The Senate could vote on approving the Obama budget as early as
next week with the House to follow shortly thereafter. Our
contacts tell us Congress could pass this budget before the
Easter break (which begins in less than three weeks).

+ + Immediate action needed

Already, over 130,000 citizens have joined you in signing our
"Stop The Spending" petition. Thank you so much for taking a stand!

I want to deliver at least 200,000 to the Senate before next week's
expected vote, and I need your help.

Please forward this message to your friends and ask them
to sign our "Stop The Spending" petition so that they can
be included in next week's petition delivery. Your friends
can go here to sign:

http://www.grassfire.net/r.asp?u=17168&PID=19586979

Have you signed the petition yet?

-Bob

The Union Dues Extortion and Coercion Act (aka "Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA)" or “Card Check”)

The liberals are at it again. From American Solutions:

The top legislative priority for organized labor and their allies in Congress is the so-called Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), also known as “Card Check.” EFCA is an enormous power grab by big labor bosses that would strip workers of their right to decide by private ballot whether to join a union, and their right to freely negotiate their contract. Instead of a secret ballot election, workers would be asked to publicly sign cards in front of union organizers, potentially subjecting them to harassment or intimidation.

This will also cause a loss of an additional 600,000 jobs in the first year alone. Dan Kotman writes:

According to a recent study by noted economist Dr. Anne Layne-Farrar, An Empirical Assessment of the Employee Free Choice Act: The Economic Implications, every three workers coerced into joining a union under Card Check, one job will be eliminated.

We need to prevent this bill from ever getting to the president's desk. B. Hussein Obama has already promised to pass 'Card Check'. Here's what he promised labor bosses yesterday:

President Barack Obama told AFL-CIO union leaders Tuesday in a videotaped address that the controversial Employee Free Choice Act will pass, signaling his full backing for legislation that makes union organizing easier.

"We will pass the Employee Free Choice Act," President Obama told more than 100 top labor officials in a closed-door meeting at the labor federation's winter gathering in Miami, according to people at the meeting.

The bill would make it easier for unions to recruit workers because it would let them join unions simply by signing cards rather than through secret-ballot elections in which companies can campaign against the union.

Do your part to stop this by signing the petition against the "The Union Dues Extortion and Coercion Act" (aka "Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA)" or “Card Check”).


-Bob

Obama's payback for Planned Parenthood?

I just learned that Kathleen Sebelius -- President Obama's
nominee for HHS Secretary -- has close ties to Planned
Parenthood and also supported the notorious late-term abortionist,
George Tiller. I signed a petition strongly opposing this
nomination. Please go here to find out more and join me:


http://www.libertyaction.org/279/petition.asp?PID=19979526&NID=1

-Bob

The Cal Ripken President

A must read from Ann Coulter: The Cal Ripken President

Here are some notable quotes:

"As with the Clintons, Obama so earnestly believes in public school education that he sends his girls to ... an expensive private school. He demands that taxpayers support the very public schoolteachers he won't trust with his own children."

"Federal meddling in education has been an abject failure, so the Democrats' plan is to keep doing more of the same. If only there were some aphorism about people who fail to learn from history -- oh, well!"

-Bob

Suzanna Gratia-Hupp: What the Second Amendment is REALLY For

From Google Video:

Texas state representative, Suzanna Gratia-Hupp, whose parents were killed by an insane gunman while her gun was out in the car, gives very moving and bold testimony about the REAL reason that the second amendment was designed to protect our God-given right to keep and bear arms

-Bob

The big bail out

Young Chuck in Montana bought a horse from a farmer for $100. The farmer agreed to deliver the horse the next day. The next day he drove up and said, "Sorry son, but I have some bad news, the horse died." Chuck replied, "Well, then just give me my money back." The farmer said, "Can't do that. I went and spent it already." Chuck said, "Ok, then, just bring me the dead horse." The farmer asked, "What ya gonna do with him?" Chuck said, "I'm going to raffle him off." The farmer said, "'You can't raffle off a dead horse!" Chuck said, "Sure I can, Watch me. I just won't tell anybody he's dead."

A month later, the farmer met up with Chuck and asked, "What happened with that dead horse?" Chuck said, "I raffled him off. I sold 500 tickets at two dollars a piece and made a profit of $998." The farmer said, "Didn't anyone complain?" Chuck said, "Just the guy who won. So I gave him his two dollars back."

Chuck grew up and works now for the government. He was the one who figured out how to "bail us out".

-Bob

500 Million Americans a month to lose their jobs...

Straight from the Speaker's mouth:


Since there are only 305,831,640 people in the US (http://www.census.gov/main/www/popclock.html), how can we possibly lose 500,000,000 jobs a month? Since she appears to have said this on our before January 24th, 2009, doesn't that mean that as of February 11th, 2009 all of the jobs are gone now? What are we to do?

-Bob

Change is good?

Check out this video:


So, exactly what is Obama changing?

-Bob

CPSIA - The De-stimulus program

It appears that I'm little late in finding out about this one. It appears that back in August 2008 Congress passed the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008. This was sponsored by Illinois Congressman Bobby Rush and quickly signed into law by President Bush.

As is more and more typical of our government representatives, their good intentions often produce bad consequences. This is a prime example of good intentions gone wrong. It also a prime example of what happens when you vote on a bill that you didn't read. And, this one is only 63 pages long (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpsia.pdf)!

As of yesterday (2/10/2009), what will now be know as National Bankruptcy Day, many children's products are now illegal. Common examples include ATVs, bicycles, and motorcycles. But it certainly doesn't stop there. Everything made for children is affected. New mandatory testing requirements (don't let 'em fool on this one) make even the resale of virtually all children's products nearly impossible.

I can't imagine a better way of de-stimulating the economy... Then again, there's that $1,000,000,000,000 "stimulus" plan that promises us a new job for every $225,000 that we spend on it. Now that's deal!

Back to the issue at hand. We need to take a stand and make the CPSIA go away. I signed at least three petitions today (http://www.tomself.com/), (http://www.petitiononline.com/BMXCPSC/petition.html), (http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/economicimpactsofCPSIA/index.html). Tomorrow I call the id10ts that call themselves my representatives...

-Bob

Give Us A Stimulus Plan that Works

I have just signed a national grassroots-led petition opposing the
Obama/Congress trillion-dollar spending bill.  This approach has
failed horribly in the past, and will most certainly cripple the
generations that follow.

In addition to opposing this spending plan, I'm urging the
President and Congress to embrace a proven method to jump-
start our economy--by cutting taxes and putting the "stimulus"
into the hands of taxpayers!

Click here to add your name:


http://www.grassfire.org/112/petition.asp?PID=19586979&NID=1

-Bob

Odds and Ends

If you have a bunch of odds and ends and get rid of all but one of them, what do you call it?

-Bob

The first thing Mr. Obama will do

From Liberty Counsel:

Barack Obama has pledged to launch the most radical abortion
agenda in history. On the campaign trail, he told abortion
supporters:

"The first thing I'd do as president is sign the Freedom of
Choice Act."

The Freedom of Choice Act would overturn hundreds of pro-life
laws, stop the sensible bans on the brutal partial-birth
abortion procedure and strip parents' involvement rights.

But even before he does that, we expect Mr. Obama to reverse
a Reagan policy that prohibits our tax dollars from funding
abortions overseas.

Join me in taking a stand for life by signing Liberty Counsel's petition: http://www.libertyaction.org/r.asp?u=15285&PID=19339973

In my eyes, Abortion is an issue between you and your God. This is not a place the Government should have any involvement. I should not be compelled to commit a sin in the eyes of my God by paying for someone else's abortion.

-Bob

Gun Bans - Don't think it can happen, watch

More from the British and the Aussies


-Bob

Defend your rights, while you still can

Here's something we can learn from the British:


-Bob

Urine or You're Out

From my wife's friend:

THE JOB - URINE TEST

(Whoever wrote this one deserves a HUGE pat on the back!)

Like a lot of folks in this state, I have a job. I work, they pay me. I pay my taxes and the government distributes my taxes as it sees fit. In order to get that paycheck, I am required to pass a random urine test with which I have no problem. What I do have a problem with is the distribution of my taxes to people who don't have to pass a urine test.

Shouldn't one have to pass a urine test to get a welfare check because I have to pass one to earn it for them? Please understand, I have no problem with helping people get back on their feet. I do, on the other hand, have a problem with helping someone sitting on their ass doing drugs, while I work. . . . Can you imagine how much money the state would save if people had to pass a urine test to get a public assistance check?

Pass this along if you agree or simply delete if you don't. Hope you all will pass it along, though. . Some thing has to change in this country -- and soon!!!!!!!

I guess we could title that program, 'Urine or You're Out'.

-Bob

ISRA Alert: This is a Great Weekend to Buy a Gun

From the Illinois State Rifle Association:

The ISRA is recommending that all law-abiding Americans celebrate their 2nd Amendment rights by purchasing a firearm or two this weekend. This recommendation comes as firearm dealers across the nation are reporting record jumps in sales of rifles, pistols and shotguns. Likewise, the FBI reports that requests for gun-buyer background checks are coming in at a frenzied pace.

This plus-up in gun purchases is being attributed to President-elect Obama's demonstrated hostility toward firearm owners and well-founded fears that his administration will implement Chicago-style gun controls across the United States.

"This is a perfect weekend to go out and buy a gun," commented ISRA Executive Director Richard Pearson. "There are only 9 more weekends until Obama is sworn in. After that, it's anybody's guess as to how many more weekends after that that gun sales will still be permitted. If you've been putting off purchasing your first firearm, do it now while you are able. If you're a long time shooter that has been dreaming about a certain rifle or pistol, buy it this weekend or you may soon have only your dreams to fall back on. Buy a gun now, because there may be no tomorrow for the 2nd Amendment."

"During the presidential campaign, voters were fed a line of bull about Obama's 'respect' for the 2nd Amendment - and a lot of well-meaning gun owners swallowed it," continued Pearson. "Well, that 'respect' was apparently very short-lived. Just two days after the election, the Obama transition web site listed a host of gun control objectives including a ban on semiautomatic rifles, pistols and shotguns. Interestingly, once this list of controls drew public attention, it was promptly removed from the site with out explanation."

"The handwriting is on the wall," said Pearson. "It's a safe bet that the Obama administration will move swiftly to stifle the 2nd Amendment. Some gun owners take comfort in the assumption that Congress is too shy to pass the Obama gun control agenda. The truth of the matter is, Obama doesn't need the Congress to do his dirty work. His executive powers grant him a host of administrative options that would be equally effective in making private gun ownership a thing of the past."

"The best defense against the Obama Gun Grabbing Machine is a solid show of force by law-abiding gun owners," said Pearson. "The most forceful display of support for gun rights is for citizens to enthusiastically exercise their 2nd Amendment rights. By keeping the gun shop cash registers ringing and the FBI background check computers humming, citizens will send a very clear message that they do not take challenges to their rights lightly."

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

I'm planning to do my part and make a purchase. What about you?


-Bob

ISRA Alert: County County Phone Poll For Gun Control Ordinance Is Still Active

Larry Suffredin and his cohorts on the Cook County Board are up to their old tricks again.

In order to justify passage of gun control ordinances designed to close all gun shops and ban and confiscate most guns owned by citizens of the county, the Cook County Board is conducting a telephone poll where callers can vote for or against the gun control ordinances.

Like everything else in Cook County, this poll is probably rigged. So, it’s very important that you do the following:

1. Call 1-312 -603-6400 and select Option #1 when prompted. At the next prompt, select Option #1 again. Then, when prompted to vote on the gun control ordinance, press #2.
2. You should also forward this alert on to all your gun owning friends and have them vote too.
3. You should also post this alert to any and all Internet bulletin boards or blogs to which you belong.

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A RESIDENT OF COOK COUNTY TO VOTE!

Let’s beat Suffredin at his own game! And, save your guns.



-Bob

I joined the resistance

I am not going to sit by silently as Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid re-make our nation in their liberal image.

That's why I just joined a grassroots conservative effort to RESIST Obama's liberal agenda. Please go here to join with me:

http://www.grassfire.org/111/petition.asp?PID=18653941&NID=1

Thanks!

-Bob

Oppurtunity vs Misery

Today we make a choice. On one hand we have the chance at opportunity through less restriction and lower taxes (John McCain). On the other hand we have equal misery by punishing those that may have been successful with more restrictions and higher taxes (B. Hussein Obama).

Here are some additional resources to consider before voting today:

The 2008 Presidential Scorebook: http://www.grassfire.org/scorebook/qv1.asp

Election 2008 -- Issues That Matter: http://www.sermonplayer.com/c/deepcreek/

http://www.catholicvote.com/

Which do you choose, Misery or Opportunity?

-Bob

Change we need?

Another interesting hidden truth from B. Hussein Obama - "Change We Need". Think about those words for just a minute. Let's decode the words behind the slogan:

• Change = Your money
• We = big government
• Need = takes away from you

So, "Change We Need" is liberal code speak for "Your money big government takes away from you". Clearly this means that B. Hussein Obama is running on the typical liberal premise that the road to prosperity is higher taxes.

Like other liberals before him, B. Hussein Obama is no different in thinking that he can tax the Country into prosperity. Has there ever been any evidence of that actually working? No, none that I can find. Quite the contrary, history has clearly shown that lower taxes lead to greater prosperity for all, including the government!

-Bob

The party of equal misery

Democrats will commonly use the term "redistribution of wealth". This is liberal code speak for "you have too much and you must be punished". Liberals are always talking about new ways of punishing (taxing) those that have some money (most often "rich" people and "big" business).

The fable of Robin Hood tries to glorify the "redistribution of wealth" concept. In reality, one who steals is a criminal. It really doesn't matter who you steal from.

A place where I have seen "equal misery" in action: Union offices. Here's a place where I would have expected to see the happiest people you could find. I couldn't been more wrong. The truth is that these are some of the most grumpy people around. Why is this so, you ask? By punishing the employer ("big" business) you bring about equal misery for all.

When I discussed this with my wife, she references "The Secret". She says that by thinking that money is in short supply and coveting the money of others your are thinking negatively and bringing on the shortage (misery) yourself.

What does this all mean? More taxes = more misery. Less taxes = less misery. Which would you choose?

-Bob

B. Hussein Obama & Rashid Khalidi

The possible terrorist ties continue...

See:


It also appears that the LA Times has video showing B. Hussein Obama toasting Rashid Khalidi. From the Liberty Counsel:

...

Now the Los Angeles Times is refusing to release a video in
its possession that reportedly shows Barack Obama toasting
Rashid Khalidi-a mouthpiece for the Palestine Liberation
Organization (PLO) who espouses violent anti-Israel views.

In the toast, Obama is said to speak of his long friendship
with Khalidi. One speaker evidently compares Israeli "Zionists"
to Osama Bin Laden.

....

Of course, since the LA Times is supporting B. Hussein Obama, they are refusing to release the video. A bit of media bias?

-Bob

URGENT ALERT – YOUR ACTION REQUIRED - DON’T BELIEVE THE HYPE – McGUIRE IS DEFINITELY ANTI-GUN

Thanks to all of you who called the campaign offices of Dianne McGuire to demand an explanation of her anti-gun views, including campaign worker promises to close down Naperville Sportsmen’s Club “. . .once and for all.”

Based on the feedback we got from many of you callers, the McGuire staff was generally rude to you and claimed that they, the McGuire staff, are actually NRA members and that the ISRA-PVF is lying about McGuire’s stance on guns.

The real truth is that McGuire has been running on an anti-gun platform. Here is what we know to be the facts:

1. McGuire campaign literature says she supports a ban on so called “assault weapons.” Well, as most of you know, these bans on “assault weapons” include provisions to ban and confiscate all semiautomatic rifles, shotguns, and pistols. Such legislation also includes licensing and registration of all guns and gun owners. Any person who supports an “assault” weapon ban is, by definition, “anti-gun.” McGuire is anti-gun.


2. McGuire’s campaign literature bashes her opponent, Darlene Senger, for supporting laws that would allow law-abiding citizens to carry defensive firearms to protect themselves and their families from violent criminals. McGuire’s apparent opposition to Concealed Carry definitely paints her as anti-gun.


3. The ISRA-PVF has it on very good authority that McGuire campaign workers have been telling Naperville residents that McGuire will use the Illinois EPA and State Police to shut down the Naperville Sportsmen’s Club. McGuire’s own web site makes note that she is an active member of the Naperville League of Women Voters. Many of you may know that the Naperville League of Women Voters has spearheaded persistent campaigns to shut the sportsmen’s club down. The League has compared trapshooting activities at the sportsmen’s club to gang activities at the Cabrini Green housing project. The connection between McGuire and the League of Women Voters is clear.


4. McGuire has been endorsed by Sarah Brady and Handgun Control Incorporated (http://www.bradycampaign.org/media/release.php?release=1038) Only anti-gunners like Dianne McGuire get endorsed by the Bradys.

So, today, we are asking you to once again take action to preserve and protect your right to keep and bear arms. . .

1. If you have previously called the McGuire campaign office, and have been told that McGuire is not anti-gun and that the ISRA-PVF is lying, then please call the McGuire campaign office once again at (630) 579-6696 and tell the person who answers firmly, yet politely, that you do not appreciate being lied to and that you know the facts and those facts indicate that McGuire is antigun. Suggest to the person that McGuire read the U.S. Supreme Court’s Heller Decision so that she may come to the understanding that the 2nd Amendment to the US Constitution guarantees the INDIVIDUAL right to keep and bear arms and that individual right shall not be infringed through banning guns or shutting down shooting facilities.


2. Please distribute this alert to all your firearm owning friends.


3. Please post this alert to any and all Internet blogs or message boards to which you may belong.


4. If you know people who live in the 96th House District, encourage them to vote for Darlene Senger – a true friend to the hunter and sportsman.


5. Visit the ISRA-PVF web site, www.isra-pvf.com, to keep up to date with election developments in the state.

_ _ _

The ISRA-PVF is a political action committee affiliated with the Illinois State Rifle Association. Donations to the ISRA-PVF are not tax deductible. A copy of our report may be obtained for a fee from the Illinois State Board of Elections, Springfield, Illinois.

Pull out of Iraq?

Perhaps the U.S. should pull out of Chicago!

Body count:

In the last six months:
292 killed (murdered) in Chicago ;
221 killed in Iraq .

Chicago.... Who Runs it:

Senators: Barack Obama & Dick Durbin
Rep: Jesse Jackson Jr.,
Illinois Gov: Rod Blagojevich,
Illinois House leader Mike Madigan,
Illinois Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan (daughter of Mike),
Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley (son of Mayor Richard J. Daley)
.....our leadership in Illinois .....all Democrats.

Thank you for the combat zone in Chicago .
Of course, they're all blaming each other!

Can't blame Republicans; there aren't any!

State pension fund $44 Billion in debt, worst in country.
Cook County ( Chicago ) sales tax 10.25% highest in country. (Look 'em up if you want).
Chicago school system rated one of the worst in the country.

This is the political culture that Obama comes from in Illinois . And he's gonna 'fix' Washington politics for us!

Wake Up America !

-Bob

ISRA-PVF: URGENT ALERT FOR ALL GUN OWNERS EVERYWHERE – YOUR IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED

Mayor Daley’s band of antigunners is on the move in the Western Suburbs.

Dianne McGuire, Democratic candidate for the 96th District House seat, is distributing flyers promising to ban and confiscate your semiautomatic rifles, shotguns and handguns.

McGuire’s campaign personnel are also telling citizens that McGuire will, “Shut the Naperville Sportsmen’s Club down – once and for all.”

All gun owners from across Illinois, and across the nation, must band together to put a stop to Dianne McGuire.

Here is what you need to do to help save your guns.

1. Whether you live in the 96th District or not, be sure to contact that McGuire campaign headquarters at (630) 579-6696 and tell the person who answers the phone that anti-gun nonsense will not be tolerated. Remind them of what the 2nd Amendment says. Remind them that the Heller decision confirms that law-abiding citizens have an innate right to keep and bear arms. Tell the person who answers the phone that McGuire must end her attacks on law-abiding gun owners and end her plan to close down the Naperville Sportsmen’s Club.
2. Visit the ISRA-PVF web site at http://www.isra-pvf.com to learn how you can help pro-gun candidates.
3. Whether you live in the 96th District or not, be sure to visit the web site of McGuire’s pro-gun opponent, Darlene Senger at www.electsenger.com and do whatever you can to provide support to Darlene.
4. Pass this alert on to all your pro-gun friends whether they live in the 96th district or not. Also, please post this alert on all internet blogs and message boards to which you belong.

Quote of the day 2008/10/10

There are 10^11 stars in the galaxy. That used to be a huge number. But it's only a hundred billion. It's less than the national deficit! We used to call them astronomical numbers. Now we should call them economical numbers.
  - Richard
Feynman

Affirmative action time-bomb has gone off

This is a "must read" post: http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=28714

Here are some notable quotes:

"A decade later, the housing bubble burst and, as predicted, food-stamp-backed mortgages collapsed. Democrats set an affirmative action time-bomb and now it's gone off."

"Political correctness had already ruined education, sports, science and entertainment. But it took a Democratic president with a Democratic congress for political correctness to wreck the financial industry."

See: http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=28714


-Bob

Keep this circulating

From my friend Ron:

Some relevant information to ponder over when people open there mouth before.... well lets just say thinking.

It's all about Perspective! Perhaps the finest synopsis of recent history I've seen as it pertains to the perspectives of the political parties and the media. As Oliver Wendell Holmes said '.....truth is the perfect defense...' It's all about perspective!

In the years since terrorists attacked us, President Bush has liberated two countries, crushed the Taliban, crippled al-Qaida, put nuclear inspectors in Libya, Iran, and North Korea without firing a shot, and captured a terrorist who slaughtered 300,000 of his own people. And the Democrats are complaining about how long the war is taking.

For those of us who spent time in the military, believe in our military and support the men and women of our military, read on.............

John Glenn (DEMOCRAT) said this -- It should make you think a little.

There were 39 combat related killings in Iraq in January. In the fair city of Detroit there were 35 murders in the month of January. That's just one American city, about as deadly as the entire war-torn country of Iraq.

When some claim that President Bush shouldn't have started this war, state the following:

FDR (DEMOCRAT) led us into World War II. Germany never attacked us ; Japan did. From 1941-1945, 450,000 lives were lost ... An average of 112,500 per year.

Truman (DEMOCRAT) finished that war and started one in Korea. North Korea never attacked us. From 1950-1953, 55,000 lives were lost ... An average of 18,334 per year.

John F. Kennedy (DEMOCRAT) started the Vietnam conflict in 1962. Vietnam never attacked us.

Johnson (DEMOCRAT) turned Vietnam into a quagmire. From 1965-1975, 58,000 lives were lost ... An average of 5,800 per year.

Clinton (DEMOCRAT) went to war in Bosnia without UN or French consent. Bosnia never attacked us. He was offered Osama bin Laden's head on a platter three times by Sudan and did nothing. Osama has attacked us on multiple occasions.

In the years since terrorists attacked us, President Bush has liberated two countries, crushed the Taliban, crippled al-Qaida, put nuclear inspectors in Libya, Iran, and North Korea without firing a shot, and captured a terrorist who slaughtered 300,000 of his own people. And the Democrats are complaining about how long the war is taking.


But Wait, There's more:

It took less time to take Iraq than it took Janet Reno (DEMOCRAT) to take the Branch Dividian compound. That was a 51-day operation.

We've been looking for evidence for chemical weapons in Iraq for less time than it took Hillary Clinton (DEMOCRAT) to find the Rose Law Firm billing records.

It took less time for the 3rd Infantry Division and the Marines to destroy the Medina Republican Guard than it took Ted Kennedy to call the police after his Oldsmobile sank at Chappaquiddick.

It took less time to take Iraq than it took to count the votes in Florida!!! Our Commander-In-Chief is doing a GREAT JOB ! The Military morale is high!

The biased media hopes we are too ignorant to realize the facts


But Wait, There's more!

JOHN GLENN (on the Senate floor - January 26, 2004) Some people still don't understand why military personnel do what they do for a living. This exchange between Senators John Glenn and Senator Howard Metzenbaum is worth reading. Not only is it a pretty impressive impromptu speech, but it's also a good example of one man's explanation of why men and women in the armed services do what they do for a living.

This IS a typical, though sad, example of what some who have never served think of the military. Senator Metzenbaum (speaking to Senator Glenn): “How can you run for Senate when you've never held a real job?”

Senator Glenn (D-Ohio): “I served 23 years in the United States Marine Corps. I served through two wars. I flew 149 missions. My plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire on 12 different occasions. I was in the space program. It wasn't my checkbook, Howard; it was my life on the line. It was not a nine-to-five job, where I took time off to take the daily cash receipts to the bank.”

“I ask you to go with me ... as I went the other day ... to a veteran's hospital and look those men ... with their mangled bodies, in the eye, and tell THEM they didn't hold a job!

You go with me to the Space Program at NASA and go, as I have gone, to the widows and orphans of Ed White, Gus Grissom and Roger Chaffee ... and you look those kids in the eye and tell them that their DAD'S didn't hold a job.

You go with me on Memorial Day and you stand in Arlington National Cemetery, where I have more friends buried than I'd like to remember, and you watch those waving flags. You stand there, and you think about this nation, and you have the gall to tell ME that those people didn't have a job?”

What about Metzenbaum? For those who don't remember – During WW II, Howard Metzenbaum was an attorney representing the Communist Party in the USA. Now he's a Senator!

If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you are reading it in English thank a Veteran.

As the subject states - "keep this circulating"

-Bob

James David Manning (ATLAH World Ministries) on B. Hussein Obama

Watch it here: http://www.atlah.org/broadcast/ndnr09-03-08.html

-Bob

Thought for the day - 9/11/2008

Calling an illegal alien an 'undocumented immigrant'

Is like calling a drug dealer an 'unlicensed pharmacist'

-Bob

Straw Poll invitation

I just took part in a 2008 Straw Poll of grassroots citizens. The results will be released to the national media as a measure of which candidates are currently receiving support from grassroots Americans.

Please go here to complete the Straw Poll.

http://www.grassfire.org/94/survey.asp?PID=13209436&NID=1

-Bob

Oppose anti-faith hate crimes efforts

I just signed a petition to stop anti-faith "hate crimes" legislation.
A vote could take place in Congress very soon. Please sign here:

http://www.libertyaction.org/r.asp?u=10696&PID=17717056

-Bob

Quotes of the day - 8/21/2008

This one is from George Skelton at the Los Angeles Times:

"California is the nation's biggest consumer of gasoline - 45 million gallons a day, plus 10 million gallons of diesel. That makes us the third-biggest petroleum-consuming entity in the world, behind on the United States and China. ... So there's a gusher of hypocrisy here: The state that is the biggest consumer of gasoline in the nation - but produces less than 40% of what it uses - is opposed to drilling for more oil off its shores. We're slackers not pulling our weight."

-Bob

Quote of the day - 8/19/2008

From: http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2008/08/obama_making_his_saddleback_pe.html

It is simply amazing when you think about it, but the Democrat nominee is trying to win the right to face the Russians, the Iranians, Bin Laden and a plethora of complicated and tough domestic issues by claiming the Republicans are too "mean" to be elected.

-Bob

Drill Nothing, Tax Everything or Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less?

In a classic Democrats vs. Republicans battle, we now have the battle over energy. So far, it boils to two strategies:

1. Democrats - Drill Nothing, Tax Everything.
2. Republicans -Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less.

What do these statements mean, you ask?

1. The Democrat's plan (Drill Nothing, Tax Everything), attempts to punish the people of this country for using energy by refusing access to domestic energy sources and taxing them at every opportunity. They also seek to punish (with taxes and penalties) "Big Oil" for their "huge" (7 - 10%) profits. They strongly support continuing to purchase oil from foreign sources regardless of how high the price is. Results, you've seen 'em, energy prices will continue to rise...
   
2. The Republican's plan (Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less), attempts to empower the people of this country by providing access to some of the largest sources of energy in the world. By providing access to a rich source of domestic energy, two major things happen: 1. Far less money is spent on foreign energy sources, also helping to correct the trade deficit. 2. As supply exceeds demand, prices fall. Strong competition with an abundant supply will very much favor the consumer. Results, everything may be more affordable again...

Ask yourself, are you paying enough yet for your energy? Are you paying enough for food? Are you paying enough taxes? Maybe too much? Maybe much too much?

I see it like this:

1. Why vote for Democrats? Because you haven't paid enough yet, and you need to pay more. Eventually even everything isn't enough.
2. Why vote for Republicans? Because you have already paid more than enough and don't want to pay more. Enough is enough.
3. 7 - 10% profits are not huge. The taxes alone on fuel greatly exceed 10%. Think about this way, the oil company that did all of the work gets paid less than the government that did none of the work. Doesn't that make "Big Government" more evil than "Big Oil"?
4. Taxes and penalties will never lower the consumer's price. The only effect will be higher prices.
   

Don't get me wrong, the Republicans are far from perfect too. Many of them still want a government that's far too big (among other things). It's more like "not so good" (Republicans) and "really bad" (Democrats). Given only these choices, I would much rather have "not so good" than "really bad". Unfortunately, at this point, all of the "other" parties really don't have much of chance on a national scale.

As the people we have to continue to (strongly) remind our elected officials that they are in their position to represent their people. It is up to us to keep them in check...

-Bob

Supply Matters

From the Heritage Foundation:

Look closely at the laundry list of plans the left has put forward (from both Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s House and Barack Obama’s campaign): higher taxes on oil companies, new restrictions on oil commodity markets, forcing oil companies to drill where there is no oil, releasing oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, free money for everybody, increased fuel efficiency mandates, increased infrastructure spending, government investments in electric cars, etc. What do all of these “solutions” have in common? None of them increase our energy supply.

For you "progressives" (liberals) out there, this isn't about "Big Oil", it's all about increasing our energy supply! Since when is Charles E. Schumer an authority on anything? Since your socialist school forgot to cover Economics 101, it all about "Supply and Demand". It's really quite simple, increase the supply such that it is greater than the demand, and the price falls. Now isn't that a novel idea?

Another questions for the liberals: In your mind, what makes domestic "Big Oil" more evil than the countries that would like to see the end of the US? And, why exactly do you like our country to be so dependent on other countries, especially for energy? Do you even have the "testicular fortitude" to answer?

-Bob

Democrats: An Agenda Americans Just Can't Afford

Here's a clip from the NRCC that sums up the Democrats in Congress pretty well:



-Bob

President Bush to Congress: Don't leave town without lifting the ban

From the Desk of: Steve Elliott, President, Grassfire.org Alliance

Dear Robert,

Our message has reached the President!

According to the Associated Press, President Bush, campaigning to lift
the offshore drilling ban said "All the Democratic leaders have to do
is allow a vote."

He concluded saying, "They should not leave Washington without doing so."

Robert, pressure is mounting for this "do nothing Congress
to do something," and once again Grassfire is in the eye of the storm--
delivering petitions EVERY DAY demanding the ban be lifted before
Congress takes a break.

Do your part and sign the petition today: http://www.grassfire.net/r.asp?u=9751&PID=17360891

Send a message to the Democrat leadership and keep the pressure on to lift the drilling restrictions!

-Bob

Evanston Handgun Ban

From the ISRA:

Evanston Board Meeting - Monday, July 28, 8:30pm
Repeal of handgun ban expected to be voted on

The City of Evanston is expected to vote on a repeal of their handgun ban Monday evening.

Here is a link to the meeting agenda. The repeal of the handgun ban is NOT listed in the agenda, but is indeed up for a vote, according to our sources.

ISRA members that are Evanston residents or in the area are urged to attend. The City Hall is located at 2100 Ridge Avenue.

-Bob

Emergency Petition To Congress: “Lift The Offshore Drilling Ban Before Congress’ Summer Recess”

Everyone,

Before Congress has the chance to leave for their summer recess, sign the petition. Actually, sign it today!

http://www.grassfire.org/108/petition.asp?Ref_ID=1583&PID=17360891

-Bob

ISRA Alert - Wilmette Handgun Ban Repeal

From the ISRA:

Wilmette Village Board Meeting - Tuesday, July 22, 7:30pm - 9:30pm Repeal of handgun ban to be voted on, anti-gunners to be in attendance


The Village of Wilmette is expected to vote on a repeal of their handgun ban Tuesday evening.

It is expected that anti-gunners will try to make some attempt to sway the board to keep the ban in place, or to make it difficult and embarrassing to own a handgun in the village.

Here is a link to the meeting agenda. The repeal of the handgun ban is listed at 6.64.

ISRA members that are Wilmette residents or in the area are urged to attend. The Village Hall is located at 1200 Wilmette Avenue.

Let's hope that the Wilmette ban goes the way of the DC ban!

-Bob

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ENERGY SAVER LIGHT BULBS!

How many people knew that we were all going to be required to use CFLs? Again, wrong-headed thinking by the left is making life more difficult for everybody.

I wonder what would have happened if he had dropped that light...

Mandating a particular technology is always a very dangerous proposition. This will likely ruin the market for better technologies to come. Why bother coming up with something better and safer when you know that the consumer has to use CFLs? See, everyone loses...

-Bob

Now here's a motivational poster for you

Check out this post: http://sayanythingblog.com/readers/entry/another_miss_america_contestant/


A fine example of good "gun control"

-Bob

The New Yorker Cover

No this is just too funny not to see: http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/stumper/archive/2008/07/15/the-new-yorker-cover-controversy-a-case-of-misplaced-umbrage.aspx

From Patrick J. Buchanan on Human Events.com:

For 48 hours, editors Rick Hertzberg and David Remnick fended off attacks, assuring media interrogators the cartoon's purpose was not to satirize the Obamas but to satirize the caricature of Michelle and Barack in the mind of the paranoid right. Remnick insisted to The Huffington Post, "It's not a satire about Obama -- it's a satire about the distortions and misconceptions and prejudices about Obama."

Apparently,Barry Blitt at the New Yorker was trying to poke fun at the "conservatives' image of B. Hussein Obama and his wife". Unfortunately (for him), his attempt at satire has backfired in a big way.

-Bob

Demand Congress take Immediate Action to Lower Gas Prices!

Here's another petition demanding that Congress take Immediate Action to Lower Gas Prices!

From nrcc.org:

WHEREAS,

Democrats in Congress REFUSE to hold a vote on drilling for more oil in America.

Nancy Pelosi has promised to send Congress home for a month-long vacation WITHOUT PASSING AN ENERGY BILL to lower gas prices.

The Democrat Majority is putting their extremist ideology ahead of common-sense solutions.

We, the American people who are paying a national average of more than $4 per gallon of gas, demand Democrats in Congress VOTE NOW!

http://www.nrcc.org/actioncenter/default.asp?ID=288

Were up against a battle here. Here's an excerpt from Nancy Pelosi's most recent CNN interview:

The House speaker has faced heavy criticism from House Republican leader John Boehner, who is leading a congressional delegation to ANWR this weekend and has said Pelosi's action does not adequately address the problem.

He's also said Pelosi is leading the moderate faction of her party "off a cliff" by refusing to allow a vote in the House on offshore drilling.

"Just because John Boehner, who is my friend, has my respect, says it doesn't make it so," she responded, reiterating that she will block any vote to allow lifting the ban.

Read the rest here: http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/07/17/pelosi.interview/index.html


-Bob

Dear Congress: No recess until the drilling ban is lifted

I just signed a petition demanding that Congress lift the federal ban on offshore drilling immediately -- before they take their month-long summer break. Members of Congress are doing nothing while gas prices soar. Let's put their feet to the fire! Join me in signing here:
http://www.grassfire.org/108/petition.asp?PID=17360891&NID=1

Here's more on the issue (from grassfire.org):

It is outrageous that as gas prices have soared for months, Congress has done nothing. Unlike Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid and the big government liberals, we don’t want our government to solve our problems -- we just want the government to get out of the way!

And right now, Congress is the last blockade stopping more offshore drilling.

This is absolutely urgent. Again, your Senators and Representative will soon be leaving D.C. for a long, summer recess.

We must band together and demand action...

LIFT THE BAN OR NO VACATION FOR CONGRESS!

Sign the petition now: http://www.grassfire.org/108/petition.asp?PID=17360891&NID=1

Also, please continue to support the "Drill Here. Drill Now. Pay Less." campaign.


-Bob

I told McCain/Obama: 'I Object!'

I just signed a Citizen Letter opposing the appearances by John McCain and Barack Obama before a group called "La Raza," which is Spanish for "The Race." La Raza has pushed for the rights of illegal aliens and given legitimacy to radical, anti-American ideals.

Please join me in this Citizen Letter of protest by going here:

http://www.grassfire.org/342/petition.asp?PID=17304961&NID=1

-Bob

Supreme Court Voids D.C. Gun Ban

Finally, some good news on the second amendment front:

From Newsmax.com:

"The Supreme Court ruled Thursday that Americans have a right to own guns for self-defense and hunting, the justices' first major pronouncement on gun rights in U.S. history."

Read the rest...

-Bob

The Coming Obama Stock Market Crash

Just when you thought that it couldn't get worse, we now have The Coming Obama Stock Market Crash!

Brace yourselves...

-Bob