Hey! Where's my bow?

Why The Hell Would Obama Bow To Tampa Mayor?

HT HotAir: It’s Official: Obama will bow to pretty much anyone

"You are shaming Russia"

MOSCOW, Jan 31 (Reuters) - Police detained up to 100 anti-Kremlin protesters, including leading opposition figure Boris Nemtsov, in central Moscow on Sunday, despite an appeal by rights group Amnesty International to let the rally go ahead. Hundreds of people gathered to protest against what they say is a long-running Kremlin campaign to dismantle the constitutional right to peaceful protest, one of the few avenues open to Russia's weak and fragmented opposition.

Eternal vigilance. It would probably never happen here. But it could.

Our president Barack Obama's shameful allies.

...and he brings up Bolsheviks. They beat the crap out of the Mensheviks. Don't you know.

Proft Schools Andrzejewski

Video of Andy muffing basic Illinois civics on the Jeff Berkowitz show. And he wants to be governor? Illinois By The Numbers Tutorial for Adam Andrzejewski - "22". Dan Proft:

Adam has been too busy pretending he can govern by executive fiat to learn that a Governor cannot ignore the General Assembly in the hopes that Mike Madigan will go away.

Yeah, this has bothered me too. Come on, we want Illinois to become a real democracy again.

NTHS Referendum Numbers Change Again

From Love New Trier Vote NO:

New Trier HS Admits “$248 for the life of the bonds” is not the truth.

From the very first time the costs to the taxpayer of the $174 million facilities referendum were discussed in public (November 3, 2009), New Trier High School has been insisting that a $10,000 real estate tax bill would only increase $248 as a result of the passage of the referendum. (Source: 11/16/2009 NTHS BOE meeting minutes.)

After we independently estimated that $248 would rise to $631 by the time the $174 million debt had been paid off, the Administration and Board President James Koch accused us of disseminating false and misleading information to the public.

But, subsequent to an Illinois Freedom of Information Act request we filed, the Administration was forced to reveal that its own financing consultant had calculated that the first year’s increment—$248—would rise to $641 by the end of the twenty-year bond payoff period.

So, who is it that has been disseminating “false and misleading” information? Not us!

New Trier's tax increases, well, increase.

A full two and a half months after making the misleading “$248” claim, New Trier is now saying that your $10,000 tax bill will increase $299 the first year, rising to between $404 and $408 from years nine to twenty-three.

Did you notice the twenty-three above? Didn't the Administration say the bonds would be paid off in twenty years before? Yes, they did. But now they have quietly extended the bonds’ life by three years to keep the appearance of a low payment. Anyone who has ever obtained a home mortgage or car loan knows that the easiest way of getting a low payment is to extend the term of the loan. Which is great…for a while.

Are the new increase numbers final?
No, nothing is final. So far, seven financing "scenarios" have been presented to the Board (one, on 11/16/2009, in secret). But the Board has yet to approve any scenario, must less ask even the most fundamental questions about the numbers.

Can you crack the code?

APOD: The ancient text has no known title, no known author, and is written in no known language: what does it say and why does it have many astronomy illustrations? The mysterious book was once bought by an emperor, forgotten on a library shelf, sold for thousands of dollars, and later donated to Yale.

Retire, Eleanor

Ron Kirk in Illinois

Good lord, she thinks anyone to the right of her comes from Texas.

What an illustration of parochial beltway liberalism.

Well I say, God Bless Texas.

And here's to a new way forward for Illinois.

Big Tent Tea Party.

you do that

instapundit

A BLOG REPORT FROM TODAY’S Chicago Tea Party Rally for Adam Andrezejewski. UPDATE: Related: Fo…: A BLOG REPORT... http://bit.ly/dc8N6P

Frankly I think we need a bit more heft.

Tuesday is coming. Vote, Illinois. The people will have their say.

Perpetual Failure

andrewbreitbart

Once 'progressive', the latest euphemism for leftists becomes tarnished by their ineptness & failures, what will they demand we call them?

Liberals. Liars always. To themselves first and foremost.

You would feel bad for them but they wreak such havoc. Ruin people's lives.

But they have the means to go on. Not so their victims.

That is what is so evil. Perpetual failure. For those who can't afford to fail.

Just say no. No.

We can do better. There is another way.

Start with empowering poor parents. Let the money follow the child.

Let our people go.

Let our children live to be the best they can be.

Shirtless Ones for Friedman!!!

John Ruberry, Marathon Pundit. (What's with Coulson?) There's video.

Go John go:)

Arie Friedman for Congress. He's a man of our times.

2010 is all about reform

Go Kelly for Comptroller. We like this guy. Straight talk. With humor:) On Fox Chicago. Watch: Kelly doesn't want this job to draw a paycheck. He knows he can make it outside. Open the books. Turn Springfield upside down. VOTE Kelly!

Yes we can.

Beam us up, Scotty

Scott Brown. Thank you. "This was history."

Scott Brown.

"People out there are disgusted," he says, shaking his head. "Especially with any one party dominating government and talking down to them. They want straight talk, no BS. A focus on jobs and what really creates them. They want problem solvers in office...

No Final Frontier?

The One cancels the space program, POing Star Trek fans everywhere.

He doesn't want us to discover he's a Vulcan too soon.

He is, after all, a secret Vulcan.

Watching El Rushbo, judge for Miss America. Thankfully there is another way to the prime directive.

...It's Miss Virginia. Red once again:)

P.S. The One thinks--who needs dreams? You have me.

Imperial Pelosi and Family

Doug Ross: Un-frickin-believable: U.S. Military Serving as Chauffeurs, Babysitters for the Pelosi Kids: Receipts That Will Blow Your Mind

And this: Pelosi Lied About Waterboarding

Related posts: Jon Stewart Interviews John Yoo, Nancy Knew, Pelosi Privilege, Imperial Pelosi

Fox Chicago Sunday Tomorrow

8:30 a.m. Jim Ryan and Dan Proft

HT Marathon Pundit.

MN Wind Turbines Not Working

It's too cold. To produce power.

They are trying to get someone in to heat the lubricating fluid.

Via Riehl.

Off to walk precincts in the environs of the Windy City. Baby it's cold outside:)

P.S.

instapundit

CLIMATEGATE COVERUP? London Times: Climate chief was told of false glacier claims before Copenhage…: CLIMATEGATE... http://bit.ly/bSQRbP

Hynes Grave-Robbing Scandal

Capitol Fax. SIX years ago:

The bottom line, according to the internal memo, is that Perpetua apparently suspected in 2003 that a grave reselling scheme may have been in operation for years…

We believe that the former owners routinely buried over or cleared out old graves for new business. We believe that they sold Pre-Need to families in sections they knew were full with the expectation that people would continue to be double buried in these old graves

Those former owners included John Johnson, the legendary African-American publishing magnate.

The cemetery company had an impending crisis on its hands, because the Illinois Department of Transportation was using Eminent Domain to claim a section of the property in the back, where some remains had allegedly been dumped…

More robbery.

Enough of Stuffy Republicans

Beer Summit? Southtown Star:

William Kelly, a native of Chicago's 19th Ward who's running for Illinois comptroller, wants you to know that Republicans drink beer, too.

And he says he wasn't gawking at women's breasts on a video that his opponent, longtime Orland Park Trustee Jim Dodge, is using against him. [snip]

"I am exactly what the Republican Party needs," Kelly said. "People are saying, 'Thank God we have someone with a pulse.' So what? If you drink beer, don't vote Republican? That mentality is long gone."

As for Dodge?

"You talk to any conservative, fiscal or social, and see if it flies with them that he could do this for a living and label himself a true conservative. It's bull excreta," Dodge said.

Puhleeeeze. And that goes for Judy, Judy, Judy too. Bull excreta.

Pompous. Phonies. Nasty too. Boring. Feeding at the public trough. Enough!

VOTE Kelly for Comptroller.

No excuses for making an honest living. That we don't have to pay for. Unless we want to.

An advocate for small business. An advocate for taxpayers. An advocate for...freedom? What a novel concept:)
Previous posts: NO to Topinka/Dodge Insiders, William J. Kelly statement after Chicago Tonight debate, William Kelly on Thomson

OK, too true.

RepMikePence

RT @GOPLeader: Politifact confirms that despite White House claims, GOP has consistently offered alternative solutions: http://bit.ly/bo5MAG

Rahmbo: Yes We Did

Obama: We Had Nothing to Do With Cornhusker Kickback, Emanuel: Yes We Did

Gotta take credit. Because he (Rahmbo) thinks it's a good thing.

...at least Rahmbo owns up.

More honest than The One.

God help us.

China the lesser of two evils?

Don Surber. Not reassuring.

Cry and Cry

Iranian student Arash Rahmanipour, (video) one of the two victims executed on Thursday, was only 19 years old. He was arrested in March or April 2009 two months before the fraudulent elections in June which led to protests throughout Iran. This week the killer regime’s prosecutor, inconsistent as ever like bad liars always are, said Arash Rahmanipour was executed for his role in the Ashura protests. Presumably the 19 year old Arash was directing the Ashura protests from his cell while he was being interrogated. His father told Aljazeera that he found out about his son’s execution after he was already dead:

Gateway Pundit.

P.S. It is as if ‘truth’ is a mere problem of lesser mortals.”

Hurricane ABCDEFG

Duncan: Katrina Was
The ''Best Thing'' fo
New Orleans School System

Related post: Jindal Wins Big in Louisiana

Do we need a natural disaster to snap Illinois out of its crushing taxes and corruption? It's getting lonely in the cellar of worst states

I am in an I told you so mood. Listen up, Barack. Come on Illinois! Let's vote in some good guys!

Connect the Dots

Obama's Stunning Admission

Well, Hell...

How to Fall 35,000 Feet—And Survive

Hey, what have we got to lose?

P.S.

57. RE: How to Fall 35,000 Feet—And Survive
" But a 1963 report by the Federal Aviation Agency argued that shifting into the classic sky diver’s landing stance—feet together, heels up, flexed knees and hips—best increases " but what part hits first? Jesus, if you are going to make this a 'read while falling' thing, BE SPECIFIC ON THE MOST IMPORTANT PART

I like this woman

Not Michelle.

Let's put to the side the fact that Michelle Obama has chosen — as her signature issue — telling us our kids are fat. (I mean, thanks a lot. Laura Bush was all about telling kids to read. Why did Michelle go with "you're fat"?)

Lots of anger out there.

Seriously.

Serious s...mother. God help us.

Those tea partiers are dangerous

Anti-Tea Party ad showing up on NY Times site. No surprises there.

The article?

Bin Laden Rebukes U.S. on Climate Change

Those tea partiers are dangerous. Metastasizing.

I remember when asking questions at a school board meeting about whether the math curriculum was challenging enough was dangerous.

Obviously there is danger everywhere. And nowhere.

P.S. That’s why he wanted to crash airplanes – to wipe out their carbon footprint.

In other news, Obama to End NASA Constellation Program:

In the meantime, the White House will direct NASA to concentrate on Earth-science projects -- principally, researching and monitoring climate change.

Perhaps OBL could be given a grant...marginally more productive...

It could be the beginning of a new era of bipartisanship...

Medium Speed Rail: Costly Cubs-Cardinals Express

From savvy reader Mary:

Illinois Governor Quinn gleefully welcomed the news of federal funding for a high speed rail link between Chicago and St. Louis, the Cubs-Cardinals express. Just like the Amtrak service between Chicago & Milwaukee, where the $22 one way fare doesn't cover operating costs, Illinois will end up subsidizing this service to St. Louis. If Mr. Quinn wants to play with trains, he should buy a Lionel set and not put Illinois further in debt by building a high speed rail line.

High speed rail is not even high speed, as my friend John Ruberry notes.

Last year:

Another takedown of high speed rail, which would cost 30 times more than the $13 billion advertised. Reason looks at the track record, and the shaky underpinnings:

We can't afford this--why are we even talking about it. Does anyone besides Joe Biden think rail is the future?

...well maybe our own doofus Ray LaHood.

Sigh.

Hey. I think trains are romantic. So I watch North by Northwest. Classy. And lots less expensive....Oh crap:

The Elizabeth, N.J., man was traveling to Chicago after reportedly attending the Los Angeles Anarchist Book Fair last weekend.

Passengers riding with him Tuesday heard Lutalo speaking on his cell phone, declaring he hadn't killed anyone yet and demanding cooperation from a purported cohort.

"We have to work in small groups," he was quoted as saying in an affidavit. "They can hold you for 18 months. Do they have security on these trains? Are you with me or not?"

Lutalo later mentioned Al Qaeda before saying "17th century tactics won't work. We have 21st century tactics."...

More. Oh crap. CNSNews.com Obama Says High Speed Rail Will Create Jobs, But U.S. Must Rely on Foreign Companies

..."the full picture is more complicated." Really?

I worry. Will there be more road, um train track kill?

For the U.S. to decide to build high-speed train systems using primarily U.S. companies, "would be like Bangladesh deciding they want to have a space program and only use technology they have developed and manufactured themselves," said Anthony Perl, chairman of the National Research Council's intercity rail panel.

Full circle. I worry. Will they crash into each other?

Solution. Put the terrorists on trains.

Hope for a better state of the nation

NY Times, now the Financial Times has someone in Chicago. Republicans eye high-profile US Senate races.

We don't want to embarrass the president. Dem Senator Roland Burris was an embarrassment.

Blago's Bleepin' Golden choice.

And the Dem machine enabled Blago, endorsing him for reelection when he was under NINE separate federal investigations.

We have hope for a better Illinois. A better America. We can do better.

Yes we can.

Latest on (the Dem's heir to Burris and The One) Shady Alexi here.

Related posts: One-Two Punch on Cap & Trade, The Fringe Kerfuffle

Bill Brady for Illinois

From the Brady for Governor campaign:

Bill Brady has earned the Republican nomination for Governor, not only because he's the best person for the job, but also because he has proven to be the only candidate who can defeat the Democrats in November.

Brady's opponents on the other hand, have shown time and time again that questions in judgment and ethical challenges show they cannot withstand the scrutiny of a general election.

Like Jim Ryan, for example who took $800,000 in campaign contributions from close friend Stuart Levine, all along claiming he didn't know Levine -- who was pleaded guilty in the Blagojevich scandal and now sits in prison -- was corrupt.

Like Kirk Dillard who embarrassed the Republican party when he supported Barack Obama in a televised campaign ad during the 2008 presidential election. And who caved to labor unions and business groups, voting to legalize video poker machines, saying "he had a gun to his head." And who took $250,000 from the Illinois Education Association and $250,000 from one of the union's largest critics.

Like Andy McKenna, who admitted to violating the Illinois Republican Party ethics code by using $28,000 in party funds for a poll that benefitted him politically.

Bill Brady is the clean break Illinois needs from the Chicago-style politics and politicians of the past.

Illinois voters need a Republican nominee like Bill Brady who will put the people's interests ahead of lobbyists, unions and special interest groups. They need a true conservative, like Senator Brady, who stands on the right side of the issues that matter most to Republican voters.

Bill Brady will run a transparent and trustworthy government, ending the culture of greed and corruption that has stained Illinois' integrity and image and that has given too much power to too few. As the only Downstate candidate not tied to the Chicago insiders, Bill Brady can best fight the Democrats in November. He offers the change Illinois desperately needs.

Related posts: Brady Debate Take,

Bill Brady was substantive, engaged other candidates in a respectful way, talked about JOB CREATION when he had the chance , and had a good sense of humor.

(A Scott Brown Cosmo quip, no photos)

:)
Brady Surge?

It's a Dem polling firm but shows a shift in the GOP. "With the field that bunched up and 17% of voters still undecided any outcome is possible". Traffic jam. (The ethics issues of McKenna should knock his numbers further. And Dillard's teachers union endorsement is appalling.) Remember--as Dan Proft said this morning--the undecided are a landslide. From the Brady campaign:

New Poll Shows Brady Positioning to Win

? Who is Bill Brady anyway? A real person.

10th District Dirty Tricks by Coulson/SEIU?

I first noticed this bizarre anti-tea party ad on my other site, The Middle Coast last night, and was amazed to see an attack on 10th Congressional District candidate Dr. Arie Friedman scroll across the screen. I see the ad is still popping up for me today.

I've endorsed Arie, been to more than one coffee, and their attack is a flagrant lie.

So who's behind this group? Who's funding them? What do you know, it's the SEIU. HotAir has the story: Another good reason to use transparency rather than McCain-Feingold for reform:

Lee Doren looks at the case of a new campaign effort called TheTeaPartyIsOver.org, and who’s behind it:

It is paid for by the American Public Policy Committee. Well, according to opensecrets.org, the two donors for American Public Policy Committee this year are Patriot Majority and Patriot Majority West.

However, according to opensecrets.org, the 2nd largest contributor in 2008 to Patriot Majority was SEIU and other top Unions around America. I imagine the diversion of Union money gets much deeper than this.

And who has had a cozy relationship with the SEIU over the course of her liberal GOP political career?

Not only does SEIU/ACORN claim credit for Obama's victory in Indiana, they point to IL 11th CD US Rep. Debbie Halvorson as another 2008 election trophy. At the state level, several House and Senate members were helped by the SEIU:

Note: State Rep. Beth Coulson (Glenview) is listed as a Democrat in the list, but she runs as a Republican.

One Beth Coulson, current state Rep., and also candidate for the 10th (not endorsed by her home organization by the way). Beth Coulson you are a disgrace. Why haven't you returned your SEIU money? Oh, because you are already funded by outsiders. If you had any decency you would denounce these underhanded tactics--hardly good government, which you pretend to espouse. From one of my earlier posts on SEIU/ACORN:

Yes, we have some Illinois Republicans involved that we need to root out. If they want to remain politically viable--and for some they are too compromised, given their records--they need to repudiate ACORN/SEIU totally. As for helping the poor--what are they really doing? They are victimizing them and skimming the money off the top.

More on Coulson ties here.

We can't let these shady creeps win! SUPPORT Dr. Arie Friedman! Walk precincts if you can. I am. And VOTE Arie Friedman on Tuesday in the 10th.

UPDATE: I would add, not surprisingly Beth Coulson is one of the few Republicans who takes SEIU money. In response, the Friedman campaign had this to say. Campaign Manager Paul Miller:

"The Friedman campaign has been inundated with calls from across the country all supporting his candidacy and condemning this leftist smear tactic.

This attack against Dr.Friedman demostrates how the political left fears his candidacy," said Campaign Manager Paul Miller. "We hope our primary oppoenents will join us in condemning these smear tactics and the SEIU for funding such shameful antics."

More. Her D2 in 2008 includes contributions by the notorious SEIU local 880 (SEIU/Blago here)

SEIU Illinois Council PAC Fund	111 E Wacker Dr Ste 2500 Chicago, IL 60601	$750.00 9/29/2008	Transfer In Coulson Campaign Cmte
SEIU LOCAL 880 Political Fund	208 W Jackson Blvd Ste 200 Chicago, IL 60606	$2,500.00 9/29/2008	Transfer In Coulson Campaign Cmte
SEIU LOCAL 880 Political Fund	208 W Jackson Blvd Ste 200 Chicago, IL 60606	$1,000.00 10/29/2008	Transfer In Coulson Campaign Cmte

More. Illinois Review link.

Arie Friedman Understands What's at Risk

Strong on national security, speaking up for us in Illinois and our allies overseas. Glenview Announcements:

Arie Friedman, one of five Republicans seeking the party's nomination Feb. 2 for the 10th Congressional District, has released a position paper on Israel. It elaborates on his belief that steadfast support for Israel is crucial in the face of the growing Iranian threat. It can be found on his Web site, www.friedman2010.com.

The Ft. Hood murders, the Christmas bombing attempt, and mishandling, has brought this issue close to home.

A strong spokesman for medical excellence and care, as a pediatrician understanding what reforms are needed, what reforms will work vs. what would be damaging-- smothering innovation and taking away individual choices.

Endorsed by National Taxpayers United of Illinois. Illinois’ Largest Taxpayer Protection Organization

Arie Friedman for Congress, Illinois 10th District.

Arie Friedman is a citizen legislator who feels so strongly about the future of our country he has put his life on hold to serve, yet again.

Vote Keats, Patlak

Via NTRO:

Resurgence for Republicans in 2010

Dear Fellow Republicans:

This Tuesday, February 2, Republicans in Cook County and Illinois will take the first step towards what will be a resurgence for Republicans in 2010. Eight years of one-party Democrat rule statewide and at the county level has left us on the brink of bankruptcy, one of the most hostile business environments in the country, and a national reputation for corruption, cronyism and nepotism. The "Chicago Way" has penetrated all levels of government, and it is time the arrogance or power is checked at the polling place.

The Democrats in Cook County have no credibilty on the issue of reform. Electing Republicans is essential to the economic viability and moral culture of our County and our State.

Lee Roupas, Chairman

Fresh Off a Massachusetts Victory, G.O.P. Aims at Illinois

Republicans in Illinois hold no statewide offices, are minorities in both chambers of the State Legislature and struggle some years to recruit viable candidates even at the top of the ballot....read more..

John Kass - Chicago Tribune: Illinois voters being taken for a ride

Thinking of Mike Madigan reading the Tribune's investigation "The Madigan Rules," I imagined his eyes. Blue and wide, moist flat stones set deep in his head, the eyes of Boss Madigan like the eyes of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg, the oculist in the "The Great Gatsby," blue, unblinking, bulbously seeing all....read more...

Daily Herald GOP hopefuls want to break political cycle

Two Republicans pin their campaigns for Cook County Board president on the hope that voters are ready to end 44 years of Democratic control of the board's top job...read more...

The Cook County Republican Party has endorsed a slate of candidates for the Primary Election. Most are uncontested races, but some have primary opponents. The endorsed candidates were vetted by a special committee and presented their cases to the entire Central Committee. We strongly urge you to vote for the following candidates on Tuesday:

Senator Roger Keats: The Courage to Change Cook County

Senator Roger Keats is our endorsed candidate for Cook County Board President. Keats spent 16 years in the Illinois Senate and has a proven track record of fighting corruption and waste, both in the Cook County court system and in public transit. He also has a fine reputation on issues of race relations, and was honored by the Illinois Judicial Council for his achievements in Springfield for Black History month. Senator Keats is a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel and a successful businessman. To learn more about Roger and his campaign, click here.

In addition to Roger Keats, our endorsed candidates are as follows: Dan Patlak for 1st District Board of Review (Dan has a contested primary, so please get out and vote for Dan), Angel Garcia for County Clerk, Carol Morse for County Treasurer, Paul Chialdikas for Water Reclamation District, Frederick Collins for Sheriff, and Sharon Strobeck-Eckersall for County Assessor.

Proft Has the Right Stuff

The Video: Dan Proft Will Lead the Revolution in Illinois

We need a savvy, determined reformer for governor:

Replicating Successful Growth Policies or Perpetuating Illinois' Failures? New VA Gov Proposes to Eliminate Corporate Tax

Leftist Illinois Prof's Ode to Terror

Will We Get a Preview of Poems from Thomson to Come?

HT Bill Baar.

Related: White House orders Justice Department to look for other places to hold 9/11 terror trial

To Laugh: Only New Trier

Recent New Trier grad Facebook:

"Haha Obama wants 100 million for Haiti and New Trier Wants 174 million to renovate a new school for like 3200 people. Only New Trier."

Minds to inquiry, hearts to compassion and lives to the service of humanity

Love New Trier Vote No

Love New Trier, Vote NO

More. Chicago Daily Observer: FOIA Separates Myth from Fact at New Trier

McKenna Campaign Swipes ND Alum Data

Bleepin' Golden Dome? And I'm not talking about the hair. Details at Marathon Pundit.

Andy McKenna--ethically challenged already. Again.

He wants to be Illinois governor. Very sloppy. Other people's data, other people's money.

Previous posts: McKenna Advertising During Debate He Ducked, McKenna's Rose Garden Strategy, McKenna is a Liar and a Cheat, McKenna is the Wrong Choice, McKenna Exposed: Just Vote No Way to Business as Usual. Proft responds to McKenna admission, Honest Andy

Looking Sideways at the Skyline

Is this supposed to reassure us?

White House orders Justice Department to look for other places to hold 9/11 terror trial

Mayor Daley?

P.S.

"What turned this around was when Ray made a presentation to the Police Foundation," the source said. "Everyone went from thinking, 'Justice will be served' to thinking 'We are screwed.'"

The President is Wrong on the Law

Last night, Justice Alito responded to Obama's sound bite by shaking his head and quietly saying something like "not true." Alito was right on at least two levels. First, as noted above and as Linda Greenhouse acknowledges, Citizens United did not disturb any principles that date back 100 years.

Second, as Shannen Coffin points out, the decision in Citizens United is quite clear that it does not address whether the government can regulate improper foreign influence over our electoral process. Writing for the majority, Justice Kennedy stated: "We need not reach the question whether the Government has a compelling interest in preventing foreign individuals or associations from influencing our Nation's political process."

Presidents should feel free to criticize important Supreme Court decisions with which they disagree. It's bad form, however, to do so at an event where Justices are in attendance by invitation. And it is unconscionable to do so by blatantly misrepresenting what the Court has said.

Obama's Banker Buddy who Bankrolled Him, Shady Alexi

Regulators to Giannoulias: Raise $50 Million in 90 Days at The Bank You Just Took $70 Million From

When Obama talks about bankers stealing, he is talking about Giannoulias

His buddy from waaaaay back:

Obama on the Spot too

Obama's Political Calculation

Previous posts: Slimy Alexi Giannoulias, Alexi Caught Out Already, Alexi, Illinois' Shame, Alexi, you Thug,Alexi's New SUV, Giannoulias Preens, Bond Ratings Drop, Shady Alexi Giannoulias, Meet Alexi

Keep America Safe?

Video below. And the NewStraitsTimes:

Nigerian underwear bomber: 10 terror suspects held: KUALA LUMPUR: Police last week acted quickly to forestall a serious threat to national security when they nabbed 10 terror suspects with links to international terrorist organisations.
The nine foreigners and a Malaysian were also believed to be linked to a Nigerian student who attempted to blow up a US-bound flight on Christmas Day.

Among the foreigners nabbed here were several Nigerians but the authorities are tight-lipped over the details.

Keep America Safe on SOTU:

New Trier Plan: What is wrong with this picture?

UPDATE: It took a FOIA to find out the truth! (see below)***Love New Trier, Vote NO. Letter to the editor, Philip, Glencoe News:

What is wrong with this picture?

1. The federal deficit is expanding and is at staggering levels so that my grandchildren may have to pay for it.

2. The State of Illinois is insolvent and the governor is asking for a 50 percent increase in income tax rate.

3. The Village of Glencoe and both school districts have raised their tax levy for the next year.

4. The health care bill being considered by congress will reduce Medicare benefits and raise the cost of private health insurance.

5. The Social Security Administration announced no cost of living adjustments for retirees for 2010.

6. The Cook County Assessor just notified us that real estate values in New Trier Township have gone down.

7. Unemployment is in excess of 10 percent national and higher in Illinois.

8. Cook County is in precarious financial shape.

9. Illinois is losing jobs and population to other areas of the country.

10. The last issue of the Pioneer Press had six and one-half pages of foreclosure notices and one out of forty homes in Cook County is in foreclosure.

11. New Trier High School is one of the top rated schools in Illinois in spite of its out-dated physical plant.

12. In order to subsidize the Build America Bonds that the New Trier School District wants to issue the Federal Government will have to borrow the funds for the subsidy for the next twenty years.

So tell me again why I should vote for the $174 million bond issue?

Another one, from Marcia O:

It was disturbing to see the claim that the New Trier $174 million referendum will cost a taxpayer $248-$295 per $10,000 annual tax bill.

It is impossible for such an amortization schedule to retire the $174 million bond.

The financial consultant, produced two new scenarios dated January 19 which meet the initial claim of $248-$295/$10,000. But, to accomplish this, they had to change assumptions, e.g. term, starting point, bond plus interest factor. We currently pay $100 to service existing New Trier debt, that would climb to at least $402 and could go as high as $441.

I have watched the Nov. 3, 2009 board meeting on the New Trier video Web site wherein the financial consultant made her initial presentation. Following that, the board spent less than five minutes discussing the repayment structure of the largest single-school referendum in the history of New Trier Township at a point in time when we are enduring one of the most significant recessions in our nation's history.

Vote "no" on Feb. 2 to send this board a message. When a board asks for millions of dollars, they need to execute their fiduciary duty and provide a full and clear disclosure on what it will cost a taxpayer.

Love New Trier, Vote NO

P.S. Remember this from yesterday's bulletin from Love New Trier Vote NO--it took a FOIA to find out the truth!:

THE FINANCING IS UNREASONABLE

• Residents are being asked to borrow 100% of the building costs with a full twenty-three year payoff period. This "zero down, decades to pay" mentality is what got this country in financial trouble two years ago.
• With a $174 million loan outstanding, would our credit rating remain good enough when the next mega-project comes along (replacing the rest of Winnetka and/or Northfield)?
• The New Trier Administration has given the public the impression that the project would only cost an extra $248 per year —fixed over time—on a $10,000 real estate tax bill. But it’s not a fixed amount, and it took a Freedom of Information Act request before the Administration would disclose that $248 in 2011 would grow to $641 by 2030.

Now, almost three months after the financing costs of this plan were first made public, the Administration keeps changing assumptions—seven "scenarios" so far and counting. Few understand just how much higher their tax bill will rise. Just remember: "$248" is only the first year's increase.

Friedman is the Right Choice for the 10th

Heard Dr. Arie Friedman's new ad on Don and Roma this morning--it's a good one. Serving our country, serving our district.

More. From reader Meg:

I heard Friedman's new ad on WIND...sounds strong, honest and forthright!
He's my guy!

Arie talks about his experience as a Navy pilot during Desert Storm...

Can't Interface

Chris Muir

But the eau-de-Clinton couldn't mask the stench -- and Obama, in his supreme arrogance, didn't really seem to care.

More. Heritage policy analysis of the speech.

Homeland Security

Gee, you'd think Rahmbo would have elbowed her. (Maybe he wants her job. Think what he could do with that.)

Obama Has Lost It

Compare Obama's speech to John Kennedy’s State of the Union in 1963, which called for permanent tax cuts that would allow America to move toward full employment. Some Democratic presidents have actually understood how the economy works.

After a series of political humiliations, Obama called on Republicans to change their course. Facing a general revolt against Washington, he proudly took credit for posting the names of White House visitors online. Promising to change the tone in Washington, he managed to be petty, backward looking, defiant and self-justifying.

Barack Obama has lost his promise. He has lost his momentum. He has lost his touch. He has lost his filibuster-proof Senate majority. He has lost his first year in office.

Tonight, he lost his grip on reality.

No Mention

Of Gitmo. National security segued into Don't ask, don't tell, then on to hate crimes and the liberal laundry list of leftover legislation. Not reassuring. Not reassuring at all.

Sigh

Tax credits should not be in terms of child care, which the president offers. Child yes.

He says we still need a healthcare bill. Still reciting the bogus argument that it will bring the cost curve down.

He thinks he didn't explain it clearly enough.

OK, cracks open the door if anyone has a better idea--let me know (hahaha). Like he doesn't know there were other plans out there.

He says let's come together. We'll see.

Then blames Bush for fiscal hole. Dems applaud.

Sigh.

More. Now he rolls out the pipsqueak freeze. And the blue ribbon deficit commission.

More. Oh wow, he brings up earmark reform--like he didn't sign all that stuff in no problem last spring, after all his campaign promises. Keep hope alive

This last "I'm post-partisan" is so disingenuous. We've seen the last year Mr. President. You were harshly partisan.

He's back to being a jerk. He has 59 votes after Scott Brown and he still can't be gracious.

Economy, Energy and Trade

Gloom and doom, and then HOPE!!!

OK, here comes the economy talk.

Brandishing the bank tax.

Taking credit for the stimulus bill as if it worked.

Calling for a new jobs bill TONIGHT! (Oh, you mean the stimulus didn't work after all?)

A nod to business, small business. Eliminate cap gains tax for all small business. That's good.

Bad, still talking about boondoggles like high speed rail and phony green jobs.

Big whoop, 1000 people doing solar panels.

OK, nuclear power plants, everyone stands up for that.

Offshore oil, that's good. Dems not so sure.

Couples comprehensive energy with climate bill. Cap and trade, are you kidding me?!!! "Overwhelming" scientific consensus?

Going to double exports--how is he going to achieve that? Sounds very Soviet. Just announce it and it will happen.

Is he going to sign the Colombia free trade agreement? I don't think so---OH, shocker, he mentions to strengthen trade with Colombia!!!

Sum--three good things--nuclear and offshore drilling, small business cut in cap gain tax, and Colombia free trade. Some olive branch.

Atmospherics

Michelle is fully clothed tonight. Back to her victory purple from the primary wins with no bare arms. Perhaps this is part of the pivot, perhaps the beginning of the next campaign.

Rahmbo, who's been lying low lately, came in close behind Janet the system worked Napolitano.

Hillary is in London, so we won't see any eye-rolling from her tonight.

Will Joe Biden be able to stay awake?

Maybe Nancy will do the eye-rolling tonight:)

Here comes The One. A real cliff-hanger. On the precipice of reform.

Don't Ask, Don't Tell

Americans are worried about the Christmas bomber and according to David Axelrod the president wants to repeal don't ask, don't tell? Or is this the new terrorist detainee policy?

Blogging the SOTU. Will be doing short posts that will translate to my tweets. Legal Insurrection is hosting some opinionated bloggers LIVE, including me. (Tweet won't post right away, sorry--but you have it here:)

...It's an obvious bone to the left. Maybe he will say something substantive. But it's probably just a sop for the skimpy spending freeze he's going to announce.

McKenna Advertising During Debate He Ducked

Just heard it. What a total creepo.

...his variation of pay to play.

Dillard is a dunce

In response to a question about how he will deal with Mike Madigan. He brags about the Dem Sun Times endorsement and says he's known for his ability to cross party lines.

He deserves to drop like a stone in the polls.

He has the Combine cooked in his brain.

P.S. This is the WLS radio debate. So far no ads during the commercial breaks from the absent and disgraced Andy McKenna. Of course, I might have just tuned him out.

More.

wlsam890

Ryan says if Mike Madigan is reasonable, he'll work w him. Brady thinks he can take the House back, wants to clean up corruption. #wlsdebate

Touchy Feely Katie

KatMcKinley

RT @@katiecouric had lunch w/ pres;seems pensive, slightly deflated, realistic and resolute. Didn't eat his pie//but I did drink the koolaid

Meanwhile...who's in touch with the...middle class.

An Excessive $$$$ Plan for New Trier: Vote No

The Trib took a stab at this story. Here's the common sense scoop:

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Our community has a history of supporting New Trier High School; when the school requests money, residents give. Now, for the first time, there is organized opposition to a New Trier referendum. Why? Because residents know this $174 million plan is excessive. The money spent would not measurably improve the quality of education, but costs will increase dramatically. Consider the following information as you decide whether to support this referendum.

TAXES WILL CONTINUE RISING

• Our property taxes have risen while our home values have plummeted.
• Even without this referendum, property taxes will continue rising as tax caps are phased out over the next two years.
• Governor Quinn plans to raise the Illinois income tax rate by a full 50%.
• Taxes will increase as we pay for unfunded pension liabilities on both a local and state level.

We have reached a breaking point—if our property taxes continue to escalate, the desirability of living in our community will decline. Ask a realtor and you will be told that high real estate taxes discourage prospective buyers. Will New Trier Township become a place where only the very well-off can afford to live, while others are forced out because they can't tolerate the tax burden?

THIS PROJECT IS COSTLY

• School Planning and Management Magazine reported in 2009 that, for large high schools (2000-4000 students), the median cost per student to build a completely new school was $28,258. New Trier’s plan—only a partial renovation—would spend twice that amount ($56,000 per student).
• Construction costs for this project average $275-$300 per square foot. In 2007, Naperville built new school facilities for $187 per square foot.

This $174 million plan only covers Phase 1 of the long range plan to completely rebuild the Winnetka campus. In the future, four additional buildings would be demolished and rebuilt, probably while we are still paying off the current referendum's debts.

THE FINANCING IS UNREASONABLE

• Residents are being asked to borrow 100% of the building costs with a full twenty-three year payoff period. This "zero down, decades to pay" mentality is what got this country in financial trouble two years ago.
• With a $174 million loan outstanding, would our credit rating remain good enough when the next mega-project comes along (replacing the rest of Winnetka and/or Northfield)?
• The New Trier Administration has given the public the impression that the project would only cost an extra $248 per year —fixed over time—on a $10,000 real estate tax bill. But it’s not a fixed amount, and it took a Freedom of Information Act request before the Administration would disclose that $248 in 2011 would grow to $641 by 2030.

Now, almost three months after the financing costs of this plan were first made public, the Administration keeps changing assumptions—seven "scenarios" so far and counting. Few understand just how much higher their tax bill will rise. Just remember: "$248" is only the first year's increase.

NEW TRIER'S WINNETKA CAMPUS WILL BE OVERBUILT

• Using national statistics, the median newly constructed large high school has 150 square feet per student. That would make for a 480,000 square foot Winnetka campus by national standards. Source: School Planning & Management 2009 Annual School Construction Report.
• After tearing approximately 300,000 of existing structures, 508,000 square feet of new construction would be built on the Winnetka campus, yielding a net increase of some 200,000 square feet. This would bring the total Winnetka campus footprint to about 1,000,000 square feet, more than twice the mean national size for a large high school.

THE PLAN IS EXTRAVAGANT

• The plan includes a college-style gym, competition field house and underground parking for the administration and teachers. These are not necessities; they're luxuries.
• Another example: A climbing wall is included in the plan, something few students would use.
• The plan would increase average classroom space from 610 to 900 square feet. Administration presentations have not given any authoritative source for the necessity and value received for such an enormous increase; they just call 900 the “recommended” amount.

SAY "NO" NOW, FOR A BETTER PLAN TOMORROW

Defeating this referendum is the first step toward developing a plan that is reasonable, affordable, and educationally sound. A "NO" vote February 2^nd is neither anti-New Trier nor anti-education; it is a vote against this $174 million plan. If this referendum is defeated, the Board can and should develop another, more modest plan without all the unnecessary frills.

As you decide whether or not to support this referendum, keep in mind that we are building for the next 100 years and need to be smart about what we build, where we build it and how much we are willing—and able—to pay.

LEARN MORE, HELP OUT

To make a contribution, and for more information about our political action committee, visit www.LoveNewTrierVoteNo.org.

For more facts, analysis and documentation, visit our "sister" organization, New Trier Choices, at www.NewTrierChoices.org.