A little break

I've taken a break from the blog to attend a funeral and honestly, to just get away from all the lies of the Obama campaign for a while. Here's just a few observations about the last week or so.

1. I'm SICK of the presidential campaign. 2 years is TOO MUCH.
   
2. I've voted already, as have many people. I voted for ONLY REPUBLICANS because I'm sick and tired of Democrats who lie, want to raise my taxes, and then LIE about raising my taxes.
3. If you're an undecided voter at this point in this election you must be an idiot or living in a cave.
   
4. While at Midway Airport on Sunday this young girl from Florida sat next to me, looked at the Chicago Tribune I was reading and saw a story about the presidential candidates. There was a picture of Sarah Palin. This IDIOT girl blurts out, "I hate her, I just hate her." Of course she had no reason why, she knew nothing about her and could not explain one reason for opening her big mouth in such a manner other than, "I'm a Democrat and this is my first time voting." Ya, that explains it. Visceral reactions like that are typical of idiots (new Democrats).
5. Coming back I was on a Southwest Airlines flight that had only 35 passengers. The airport was SLOW and this was EXTREMELY unusual. I've never been to that airport when it wasn't FULL of people.
   
6. There were almost no Obama signs where I was--I only saw one small Obama/Biden/UAW sign. Ya, smart for those UAW guys--Democrats support the "no private ballot" union proposal which would bolster union thuggery. So it's understandable why the UAW (the union for the "in the toilet" auto industry which is in the toilet partly because the union has helped jack up the price of American cars while still building an inferior product) supports Democrats. I did see a large McCain/Palin sign. Odd, around here there are tons of signs of all kinds.
7. On the shuttle bus back to my car I overheard (you couldn't help but overhear--the volume was on high) the African American driver's radio which was tuned into WVON or something like that. The commentators were talking about the election and how important it was to vote. Couldn't disagree with that, but the conversation went something like this: We need to call each other. If you haven't voted by nine, we'll remind you. If you haven't voted by noon, we'll remind you. If you haven't voted by 3 and you're still in bed we need to wake you and get you to the polls. HUH???? If you're not up by 3pm you are a lazy slug (unless you work the night shift). And then I heard this guy call in and say the only reason "our kids" will be alive and able to accomplish anything is because of Barack Obama. I had to control my laughter... And then they were talking about how some Republican candidate and his staff was personally trained by Karl Rove to make sure black people wouldn't vote. Folks, this stuff is scary because it's a PERFECT example of black racism. If anyone believes this CRAP they are INSANE, STUPID and not capable of making any intelligent decisions. If a white person had said anything like that they'd be publicly humiliated, but it's ok to say that stuff in the black community?????? Does anyone see the double standard????
8. I've been invited to election night doings but really don't want to go. I just want to see this whole election season OVER. I suspect other people feel the same way.
9. If anyone was stupid enough to watch the half hour No-bama infomerical they have WAY TOO MUCH time on their hands. They should probably go out and get a job.
10. If you were stupid enough to buy a ticket to the No-bama gala in Grant Park you are an idiot. I like what Carol Marin (Chgo. newswoman) said--not paying. I wonder how many gang shootings and other crimes there will be in Chicago that night.
11. In Chicago handguns are still outlawed and yet there is an ever increasing number of murders by handgun. Seems to me that criminals don't care about handgun laws, but maybe I just don't get the Daley logic. Blago wants to shut down Pontiac Prison---more prisons and prisoners in them might solve that "criminals commiting crimes" problem.
    

Ok, more comments on other stuff later.....

Obama's not truthful on taxes

At least there is ONE honest newsman

By Orson Scott Card

Would the Last Honest Reporter Please Turn On the Lights?

Here's a sampling of this article:

"If you at our local daily newspaper continue to let Americans believe --and vote as if -- President Bush and the Republicans caused the crisis, then you are joining in that lie.

If you do not tell the truth about the Democrats -- including Barack Obama -- and do so with the same energy you would use if the miscreants were Republicans -- then you are not journalists by any standard.

You're just the public relations machine of the Democratic Party, and it's time you were all fired and real journalists brought in, so that we can actually have a daily newspaper in our city."

READ THIS STORY

Watch Jim Oberweis crush Bill Foster

Foster is just not up to the task of being a Congressman, and this video from Chicago Tonight proves it. If you missed it read the story below from the Illinois Review....you'll see why Oberweis is the clear choice for the voters in our district.


Oberweis on Chicago Tonight
From Illinois Review:
"Jim Oberweis crushed Congressman Foster in this forum. He had a clear command of the bailout issue and held his ground in a fashion we need from our representatives. Here are a few of the exchanges I found most interesting:

1) Foster admits the bailout bill was loaded with pork but "as a freshman Congressman" was not in a position to stand up and fight for the right bill. Basically, he let other Senators and Congressman hold he and the American taxpayers hostage while they pass their pork-laden bill. Nice work Congressman. Not only have you proved yourself to be a politician, but you have proved you are a weak one at that. Sorry, but I want someone to jealously and firmly represent my family's best interest "freshman" or not.

2) Foster admits the poor economy has not affected him. Well, isn't that nice for he and his family. Jim however, explained specifically how this economy has hurt the expansion of his own business and others like his due to banks severely tightening their belts. Congressman, since you seem to have no financial worries how about you take your own money and redistribute to those less fortunate versus taking more from me? Clearly you can afford it. Oh that's right. Democrats like to spend other people's money. Not their own.

3) Before you cite examples of technology growth in cities such as Lisle and Naperville maybe you should confirm they are actually in your district. I was not aware we annexed Naperville."

Unfortunately I was just subjected to a Bill Foster commercial on our local ABC station. Wow, this guy has cahones--his commercial is one lie after another--lower taxes, government restraint--then why is he supporting the Democrats who are calling for HIGHER taxes and MORE government???? This guy needs to be un-elected. PLEASE vote for Oberweis.

Stories of the day

Here's a list of links to interesting things to read this morning.

• O’Reilly: Obama Was Close to Ayers

• Obama Charging Reporters for Election Night
  

• Al-Jazeera for Obama

• Great Society Redux?

• Believers in Barack

• The Populism Divide

• Rep. says 'Liberals hate real Americans'

Obama Ignores Credit Card Donation Fraud

I'll bet you're shocked that Obama has raised TONS of money through phony donors.

"What do Bart Simpson, Family Guy, Daffy Duck, King Kong, O.J. Simpson and Raela Odinga have in common?

All are celebrities; and with the exception of Odinga and O.J. Simpson, they also are fictional characters. And yet, all of them gave money earlier this month to the campaign of Barack Obama, without any apparent effort by the campaign to screen them out as suspect donors.

The Obama fundraising machine may owe its sensational success in part to a relaxation of standard online merchant security practices, which has allowed illegal donations from foreign donors and from unknown individuals using anonymous “gift” cards, industry analysts and a confidential informant tell Newsmax."

No wonder he doesn't need "public financing." He's cheating the system....

Read this story also:

Obama Campaign Runs Afoul of Finance Rules

Obama ='s Socialism

You know that, you believe it, and NOW FINALLY John McCain has said it.

McCain suggests Obama tax policies are socialist

"At least in Europe, the Socialist leaders who so admire my opponent are upfront about their objectives," McCain said in a radio address. "They use real numbers and honest language. And we should demand equal candor from Sen. Obama. Raising taxes on some in order to give checks to others is not a tax cut; it's just another government giveaway."

"In other words, Barack Obama's tax plan would convert the IRS into a giant welfare agency, redistributing massive amounts of wealth at the direction of politicians in Washington," McCain said in the radio address.

Laura Ingraham called it years ago

Colin Powell is bad for the GOP

From "The Politico"

Limbaugh: Where are the inexperienced, white liberals Powell has endorsed?

Rush Limbaugh said Colin Powell's decision to get behind Barack Obama appeared to be very much tied to Obama's status as the first African-American with a chance to become president.

"Secretary Powell says his endorsement is not about race," Limbaugh wrote in an e-mail. "OK, fine. I am now researching his past endorsements to see if I can find all the inexperienced, very liberal, white candidates he has endorsed. I'll let you know what I come up with."

As for Powell's statement of concern this morning about the sort of Supreme Court justices a President McCain might appoint, Limbaugh wrote: "I was also unaware of his dislike for John Roberts, Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Anthony Kennedy and Antonin Scalia. I guess he also regrets Reagan and Bush making him a four-star [general] and secretary of state and appointing his son to head the FCC. Yes, let's hear it for transformational figures."

I'll say it--and you know you're thinking it: Colin Powell is a LIAR. Of course it's about race.

I love to meet people

I stopped at a SuperWalmart today to do some shopping and met a husband and wife who were retired and on their way to Florida from Michigan. The wife happened to reach down and pick up 2 bananas that had fallen on the floor. I said to her, "You know, most people wouldn't pick those up." She said, "No, most would just walk by. That says something about this country."

Well, we got into a great conversation about how we all felt the country was going to hell in a hand cart and moving dangerously towards socialism. They were VERY angry at all the lies Obama and his crowd were telling and, like me, had the opinion that too many people wanted something for nothing--to not have to work and have the government take care of them. We agreed that it made for a lazy population, that we weren't raised that way--that hard work and honesty were becoming the kind of traits that were not part of the American way of life.

Yes, we had quite a conversation, but the 3 of us agreed that we needed to keep plugging along and lead by example--to pick up the stray banana, chat with a stranger, and always do the right thing.

Close to the end of the conversation (groceries were beckoning) I saw a young woman with a t-shirt that said "Palin '08" walking down the aisle and pointed it out. I commented that as long as I still see things like that I'll have hope.

So the next time you're out at a Walmart, stop and pick up the stray banana on the floor or clothes that have fallen off the rack (I always do that) and have the courage to get in a conversation with a stranger. You just might find someone who shares your values.

FIGHT

All Democrats should watch this video

If you Democrats think your party believes in fairness, then you should watch this video and see how your party has been hijacked by liars and criminals.

This is why I love Sarah Palin

She shops at Walmart just like I do...and she buys the store brands.

Palin surprises local shoppers with visit

Obama did not write "Dreams From My Father"

Was listening to Jerry Agar this morning and his very first "story" was about a guy named Jack Cashill who is pretty darned positive about the connections between Bill Ayers and Barack Obama. Yep, Obama is a great speech READER, but if you ever listen to him speak WITHOUT a canned speech it's pretty obvious he is being provided the material he uses in his speeches--he's not much "off the cuff." 

"The emergence of a previously unseen writing sample proves all but conclusively that Barack Obama did not in any meaningful way write Dreams From My Father, the book that Time Magazine has called “the best-written memoir ever produced by an American politician.” 

The emergence of a second writing sample, this one by a legitimate author, provides convincing evidence as to who did."

Read this story: Obama did not write "Dreams From My Father"

Kind of looks like Obama is the guy in front of the screen (like in Wizard of Oz) and someone is behind pulling his strings. It's pretty frightening that this guy might actually be president....be afraid, be very afraid.

By the way, ANYONE my age who actually took any kind of history class remembers Bill Ayers and Bernadette Dohrn and the Weather Underground. I lived in the Chicago area during the 1968 Democratic convention and heard the stories about the crap they pulled (literally) during that time. I watched the news about bombings and other horrible CRIMINAL activities. Yes, protesting the war was a constitutional right, but bombings and killings were not.  Anyone who tries to justify their illegal and murderous activities by saying they were exercising their right to protest is a TOTAL IDIOT. 

The skit Saturday Night Live pulled but Rush and Michelle Malkin posted

Mortgage insanity

1. Was watching Fox and Friends this morning and saw one of my favorites--Ann Coulter--who mentioned in their rush to distribute mortgages to people (social engineering) banks and finance companies were using welfare checks and unemployment benefits to calculate income. As one who (YEARS AGO) actually got an umemployment check I know how really paltry they are and that they are only available for a limited time. WTH***???? Come on--no wonder banks and mortgage financers are in trouble--they should be ashamed of themselves.
2. Was reading someplace else this morning (here it is) that because Governor Palin wears white jackets that's somehow a racist message. OH MY GOD--how far have they fallen. I guess nurses and sailors are all racists....
3. Now Barney Frank (and others) is/are accusing Republicans of being racists because they oppose/opposed mortgages to people who shouldn't have them because they're not qualified financially--there is/was NO way they could ever pay for them or pay them off. I guess when you have no quality to your position you scream racism. Geez....
4. Heard that some people as to this BAILOUT thing are suggesting that anyone who is behind 2 MONTHS on their mortgage payments should get government assistance. When my husband got home (from WORK--what a concept) I told him we should immediately stop paying for the mortgage so we could get saved by the bailout. In other words, we could get government (taxpayer money) help for being slackers. IS THIS NOT NUTS??????
5. Here's the shirt I want.....

So what are your thoughts about this financial meltdown we're facing?

My IRA has lost about $25,000 in the last year. In spite of my husband constantly telling me that I should move some of the money around into other funds I've stuck with one that's been, well, kind of sucking air. Maybe that's stupid, but just to get some perspective on my (perhaps flawed) thinking, I also put an extra $1,000 into the market (wasn't easy--had to dig to get that much together) a little while after the 9/11 attacks. At the time I thought it was patriotic and right now I think pulling money out of a well managed and traditionally successful mutual fund isn't the right thing to do. There have been ups and downs in the market, but I still believe it will come back strongly. I just can't see pulling any money out right now (unlike Jim Cramer from CNBC who yesterday advised--rather hysterically--to pull all your money out of stocks), and since I don't want to even consider using any of the IRA money for another 10 years or so which means, yes, I'm in it for the long haul. I'm not a huge investor, and on my retirement pension (in spite of working 3 jobs at once I was considered part-time for years) is really paltry. I'm just another person out here trying to make some sense of the argument that Bill Foster (unfortunately my congressman) is using for throwing over $700 billion taxpayer dollars at PRIVATE companies. THANKFULLY Jim Oberweis was against the bailout. Ok, some might say it's just because he's running against Foster and trying to cater to the folks out here who'll be voting in November but the guy has been (successfully) in the investment business for YEARS so he must know something--and he is a University of Illinois business graduate. Foster has aligned himself VERY CLOSELY with Pelosi and her liberal loons, so it's not hard to see why Foster would support throwing taxpayer money around--that's what Demon-crats do thinking it'll solve every problem. Yep, that's looney.

Here's today's story in the Chicago Tribune about Oberweis' position on the bailout and a very good quote:

But Oberweis, who has made millions of dollars as an investment manager, said the bailout would "hurt the growth of our economy for many years to come."

"We don't magically wave a wand and say here is $700 billion. That money comes from somewhere. It's taken out of our economy," said Oberweis, who is probably best known for his family's namesake dairy business.

Read the story (it's pretty short but to the point). It illustrates the difference between loons in the Demon-crat party and a CONSERVATIVE Republican.

Here's the Aurora Beacon story also:

Oberweis, Foster at odds on bailout

Here's some history on Obama's friends

Can you trust someone with friends like that?

The most positive and optimistic candidate EVER

The Biden Error/Lie/Hallucination List (UPDATED)

Read this wonderful list of Biden's LIES. Let's call them as they are--he's a liar and so ridiculously full of himself it's nauseating.

My favorite intro this list:
"(in this)... you’ll find a list of 14 “lies” Biden told last night, distributed by the McCain campaign. I’d just note two observations: first, when you tell stories of things that didn’t happen with the frequency of Joe Biden, coupled with his fervent belief of these untrue and inaccurate statements, I don’t think “lie” is the appropriate term. “Hallucinations” seems more accurate, I think. Second, they missed a bunch, so Biden’s list of li- er, hallucinations is well beyond 14."

Another reason I like the New York Post

PIT BULL SARAH SHOWS HER BITE

PIT BULL KICKS WONK BUTT

PALIN WINS BIG WITH A REAGAN-LIKE FLAIR

Here's a quote from that one by Dick Morris: :

"LAST night was a big, big win for Sarah Palin.

She showed originality, charisma and sass - a style that is refreshing and different in our politics. She didn't just win the vice-presidential debate, she showed that she belongs with Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton as among the best communicators of our modern political times."

It's about time us Catholics told the truth about the Democrat Party

October 1st, 2008
Vatican official attacks U.S. Democrats as “party of death”

Read the story--Here's one of the best quotes:
"Vatican officials seldom single out political leaders who differ with the Church on issues like abortion rights or embryonic stem cell research. But now that the Vatican’s highest court is led by an American, the former St. Louis Archbishop Raymond Burke, we can expect things to get more explicit in Vatican City — at least when when it comes to U.S. politics.

Burke, who was named prefect of the Vatican’s Supreme Court of the Apostolic Signature in June, told the Italian Catholic newspaper Avvenire that the U.S. Democratic Party risked “transforming itself definitively into a party of death for its decisions on bioethical issues.” He then attacked two of the party’s most high profile Catholics — vice presidential candidate Joe Biden and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi — for misrepresenting Church teaching on abortion."

The Democrat party IS the party of death. No matter how they try to parse their words, they advocate death--PRO CHOICE means abortion (which for the ignorant means DEATH for the unborn child). To reiterate common sense---a baby is not a CHOICE--it's a BABY.

Parse that you Demon-crats.

HURRAY--Bill O'Reilly calls Barney Frank a coward!

It's about time someone called this guy what he is--a coward and a liar!!!

Palin wiped the floor with Biden

Thank you Sarah Palin. You were the stand up winner against pompous and condescending Joe Biden.

Some things I noted:

1. Palin looked directly into the camera and spoke plainly to everyone.
   
2. Biden kept speaking to Gwen Ifil (moderator)--"Well Gwen/Yes, Gwen"....etc. ANNOYING AS ALL HELL. He looked down and has beady eyes....looked like just another smarmy Washington "I know everything" politicians--ya, those guys who got us all into this credit crunch with their social engineering.
3. Palin is the future. Biden is SO OBVIOUSLY the past. It couldn't have been clearer than watching that debate tonight.
4. Palin was pretty clear that Obama and Biden want to wave the white flag of surrender in Iraq---how absolutely stunningly true. The Democrats are totally about defeat and negativity.
   
5. Palin pointed out how absurd it is that Biden and his Demo-cronies keep referring to the Bush administration. In case those Demo-crooks haven't noted Bush won't be the president after January and isn't running now. Thank you Sarah for pointing that out because Biden sure doesn't seem to know that.

I'm not bitter, I'm blessed

What caused this financial crisis?

How did your Congressman vote?

Here's a list of votes. Congratulations to Congressmen Biggert & Roskam for their NO votes. As to my representative, Bill Foster, again he disappointed his district and allied with Pelosi and Emanuel and voted to ignore their districts and vote yes. I wish Peter Roskam or Judy Biggert was my representative.

ALABAMA
Democrats — Cramer, Y; Davis, Y.

Republicans — Aderholt, N; Bachus, Y; Bonner, Y; Everett, Y; Rogers, Y.

ALASKA
Republicans — Young, N.

ARIZONA
Democrats — Giffords, N; Grijalva, N; Mitchell, N; Pastor, N.
Republicans — Flake, N; Franks, N; Renzi, N; Shadegg, N.

ARKANSAS

Democrats — Berry, Y; Ross, Y; Snyder, Y.
Republicans — Boozman, Y.

CALIFORNIA

Democrats — Baca, N; Becerra, N; Berman, Y; Capps, Y; Cardoza, Y; Costa, Y; Davis, Y; Eshoo, Y; Farr, Y; Filner, N; Harman, Y; Honda, Y; Lee, N; Lofgren, Zoe, Y; Matsui, Y; McNerney, Y; Miller, George, Y; Napolitano, N; Pelosi, Y; Richardson, Y; Roybal-Allard, N; Sanchez, Linda T., N; Sanchez, Loretta, N; Schiff, N; Sherman, N; Solis, N; Speier, Y; Stark, N; Tauscher, Y; Thompson, N; Waters, Y; Watson, N; Waxman, Y; Woolsey, N.
Republicans — Bilbray, N; Bono Mack, Y; Calvert, Y; Campbell, Y; Doolittle, N; Dreier, Y; Gallegly, N; Herger, Y; Hunter, N; Issa, N; Lewis, Y; Lungren, Daniel E., Y; McCarthy, N; McKeon, Y; Miller, Gary, Y; Nunes, N; Radanovich, Y; Rohrabacher, N; Royce, N.

COLORADO

Democrats — DeGette, Y; Perlmutter, Y; Salazar, N; Udall, N.
Republicans — Lamborn, N; Musgrave, N; Tancredo, Y.

CONNECTICUT
Democrats — Courtney, N; DeLauro, Y; Larson, Y; Murphy, Y.
Republicans — Shays, Y.

DELAWARE
Republicans — Castle, Y.

FLORIDA
Democrats — Boyd, Y; Brown, Corrine, Y; Castor, N; Hastings, Y; Klein, Y; Mahoney, Y; Meek, Y; Wasserman Schultz, Y; Wexler, Y.

Republicans — Bilirakis, N; Brown-Waite, Ginny, N; Buchanan, N; Crenshaw, Y; Diaz-Balart, L., N; Diaz-Balart, M., N; Feeney, N; Keller, N; Mack, N; Mica, N; Miller, N; Putnam, Y; Ros-Lehtinen, N; Stearns, N; Weldon, Y; Young, N.

GEORGIA
Democrats — Barrow, N; Bishop, Y; Johnson, N; Lewis, N; Marshall, Y; Scott, N.

Republicans — Broun, N; Deal, N; Gingrey, N; Kingston, N; Linder, N; Price, N; Westmoreland, N.

HAWAII
Democrats — Abercrombie, N; Hirono, N.

IDAHO
Republicans — Sali, N; Simpson, Y.

ILLINOIS
Democrats — Bean, Y; Costello, N; Davis, Y; Emanuel, Y; Foster, Y; Gutierrez, Y; Hare, Y; Jackson, N; Lipinski, N; Rush, N; Schakowsky, Y.

Republicans — Biggert, N; Johnson, N; Kirk, Y; LaHood, Y; Manzullo, N; Roskam, N; Shimkus, N; Weller, X.

INDIANA

Democrats — Carson, N; Donnelly, Y; Ellsworth, Y; Hill, N; Visclosky, N.
Republicans — Burton, N; Buyer, N; Pence, N; Souder, Y.

IOWA
Democrats — Boswell, Y; Braley, N; Loebsack, Y.
Republicans — King, N; Latham, N.

KANSAS
Democrats — Boyda, N; Moore, Y.
Republicans — Moran, N; Tiahrt, N.

KENTUCKY
Democrats — Chandler, N; Yarmuth, N.
Republicans — Davis, N; Lewis, Y; Rogers, Y; Whitfield, N.

LOUISIANA
Democrats — Cazayoux, N; Jefferson, N; Melancon, Y.
Republicans — Alexander, N; Boustany, N; McCrery, Y; Scalise, N.

MAINE
Democrats — Allen, Y; Michaud, N.

MARYLAND
Democrats — Cummings, N; Edwards, N; Hoyer, Y; Ruppersberger, Y; Sarbanes, Y; Van Hollen, Y.
Republicans — Bartlett, N; Gilchrest, Y.

MASSACHUSETTS
Democrats — Capuano, Y; Delahunt, N; Frank, Y; Lynch, N; Markey, Y; McGovern, Y; Neal, Y; Olver, Y; Tierney, N; Tsongas, Y.

MICHIGAN
Democrats — Conyers, N; Dingell, Y; Kildee, Y; Kilpatrick, N; Levin, Y; Stupak, N.

Republicans — Camp, Y; Ehlers, Y; Hoekstra, N; Knollenberg, N; McCotter, N; Miller, N; Rogers, N; Upton, Y; Walberg, N.

MINNESOTA
Democrats — Ellison, Y; McCollum, Y; Oberstar, Y; Peterson, N; Walz, N.
Republicans — Bachmann, N; Kline, Y; Ramstad, N.

MISSISSIPPI
Democrats — Childers, N; Taylor, N; Thompson, N.
Republicans — Pickering, Y.

MISSOURI
Democrats — Carnahan, Y; Clay, N; Cleaver, N; Skelton, Y.
Republicans — Akin, N; Blunt, Y; Emerson, Y; Graves, N; Hulshof, N.

MONTANA
Republicans — Rehberg, N.

NEBRASKA
Republicans — Fortenberry, N; Smith, N; Terry, N.

NEVADA
Democrats — Berkley, N.
Republicans — Heller, N; Porter, Y.

NEW HAMPSHIRE
Democrats — Hodes, N; Shea-Porter, N.

NEW JERSEY
Democrats — Andrews, Y; Holt, Y; Pallone, Y; Pascrell, N; Payne, N; Rothman, N; Sires, Y.
Republicans — Ferguson, Y; Frelinghuysen, N; Garrett, N; LoBiondo, N; Saxton, Y; Smith, N.

NEW MEXICO
Democrats — Udall, N.
Republicans — Pearce, N; Wilson, Y.

NEW YORK
Democrats — Ackerman, Y; Arcuri, Y; Bishop, Y; Clarke, Y; Crowley, Y; Engel, Y; Gillibrand, N; Hall, Y; Higgins, Y; Hinchey, N; Israel, Y; Lowey, Y; Maloney, Y; McCarthy, Y; McNulty, Y; Meeks, Y; Nadler, Y; Rangel, Y; Serrano, N; Slaughter, Y; Towns, Y; Velazquez, Y; Weiner, Y.

Republicans — Fossella, Y; King, Y; Kuhl, N; McHugh, Y; Reynolds, Y; Walsh, Y.

NORTH CAROLINA
Democrats — Butterfield, N; Etheridge, Y; McIntyre, N; Miller, Y; Price, Y; Shuler, N; Watt, Y.

Republicans — Coble, N; Foxx, N; Hayes, N; Jones, N; McHenry, N; Myrick, N.

NORTH DAKOTA
Democrats — Pomeroy, Y.

OHIO
Democrats — Kaptur, N; Kucinich, N; Ryan, Y; Space, Y; Sutton, N; Wilson, Y.

Republicans — Boehner, Y; Chabot, N; Hobson, Y; Jordan, N; LaTourette, N; Latta, N; Pryce, Y; Regula, Y; Schmidt, N; Tiberi, N; Turner, N.

OKLAHOMA
Democrats — Boren, Y.
Republicans — Cole, Y; Fallin, N; Lucas, N; Sullivan, N.

OREGON
Democrats — Blumenauer, N; DeFazio, N; Hooley, Y; Wu, N.
Republicans — Walden, Y.

PENNSYLVANIA
Democrats — Altmire, N; Brady, Y; Carney, N; Doyle, Y; Fattah, Y; Holden, N; Kanjorski, Y; Murphy, Patrick, Y; Murtha, Y; Schwartz, Y; Sestak, Y.
Republicans — Dent, N; English, N; Gerlach, N; Murphy, Tim, N; Peterson, Y; Pitts, N; Platts, N; Shuster, N.

RHODE ISLAND
Democrats — Kennedy, Y; Langevin, Y.

SOUTH CAROLINA
Democrats — Clyburn, Y; Spratt, Y.
Republicans — Barrett, N; Brown, Y; Inglis, Y; Wilson, Y.

SOUTH DAKOTA
Democrats — Herseth Sandlin, N.

TENNESSEE
Democrats — Cohen, Y; Cooper, Y; Davis, Lincoln, N; Gordon, Y; Tanner, Y.
Republicans — Blackburn, N; Davis, David, N; Duncan, N; Wamp, N.

TEXAS
Democrats — Cuellar, N; Doggett, N; Edwards, Y; Gonzalez, Y; Green, Al, N; Green, Gene, N; Hinojosa, Y; Jackson-Lee, N; Johnson, E. B., Y; Lampson, N; Ortiz, N; Reyes, Y; Rodriguez, N.
Republicans — Barton, N; Brady, Y; Burgess, N; Carter, N; Conaway, N; Culberson, N; Gohmert, N; Granger, Y; Hall, N; Hensarling, N; Johnson, Sam, N; Marchant, N; McCaul, N; Neugebauer, N; Paul, N; Poe, N; Sessions, Y; Smith, Y; Thornberry, N.

UTAH
Democrats — Matheson, N.
Republicans — Bishop, N; Cannon, Y.

VERMONT
Democrats — Welch, N.

VIRGINIA
Democrats — Boucher, Y; Moran, Y; Scott, N.

Republicans — Cantor, Y; Davis, Tom, Y; Drake, N; Forbes, N; Goode, N; Goodlatte, N; Wittman, N; Wolf, Y.

WASHINGTON
Democrats — Baird, Y; Dicks, Y; Inslee, N; Larsen, Y; McDermott, Y; Smith, Y.
Republicans — Hastings, N; McMorris Rodgers, N; Reichert, N.

WEST VIRGINIA
Democrats — Mollohan, Y; Rahall, Y.
Republicans — Capito, N.

WISCONSIN
Democrats — Baldwin, Y; Kagen, N; Kind, Y; Moore, Y; Obey, Y.
Republicans — Petri, N; Ryan, Y; Sensenbrenner, N.

WYOMING
Republicans — Cubin, Y.

The financial mess and how we got here

Read this great article posted on "The American Thinker" website.
September 29, 2008

The Financial Mess: How We Got Here

By Abraham H. Miller

Great part:
"As you can imagine, wonderful things happen when the government strong arms corporations as to how they should spend their money and, better yet, how they should assess the qualifications of home buyers. So the country's biggest buyers of mortgages were pressured into lowering the qualifications of applicants, in order to increase the percentage of poor that got mortgages. By 2006, 30% of all mortgages went to people who in any other circumstances wouldn't qualify."

Just watch the Democrats tell us all how great Freddie Mac is

What does this tell you about THEIR RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS ABYSS?????

From Rush Limbaugh today

Pearl of Wisdom: "The socialist bailout failed because so many Democrats opposed it. Where was the community organizer, Obama, getting his people in line? Nancy Pelosi can point fingers at Republicans, but Democrats have a majority. They could have passed this bill without a single GOP vote. What does this tell you about the bitter clingers in these Democrat districts? This has huge general election consequences."

Does voting present make you a leader or a weenie?

Economy: This was Preventable - Blame the Democrats

Today's Illinois Review has an excellent analysis of the current financial "crisis" and cuts through the lies you'll hear from the Democrats. Read the article which is linked to the title of this posting.

As someone who actually pays their mortgage each month (as you probably do) I found this part particularly intersting:
The Democrats wanted the rules twisted so that people who shouldn't be able to afford a house, got a loan anyway, and now they want us to pay the mortgage too. Nope, they didn't care if they wrecked the economy, and now Congressional Democrats want to reward the people who helped wrecked the economy by getting loans they couldn't afford by way of just paying their mortgage for them.

I still want to know just why those of us who are following the rules, paying our bills and working hard to save a few bucks for our retirements should bail out those people who bought houses they couldn't afford. And that's exactly what was written by Matt Gauntt in this article:

I understand that most people were sincere and many have fallen on bad times not due to their own fault. But, many have gotten into this problem by way of their own neglect and people that pay their own mortgages faithfully every month are going to have to foot the bill.

Here is confirmation that Obama and Biden are hypocrites

Remember the whole "bridge to nowhere" controversy? Well, it seems that Biden & Obama supported that bridge. Read the story...

Biden, Obama helped keep 'Bridge to Nowhere' alive

"Both Biden and Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama voted to kill a Senate amendment that would have diverted federal funding for the bridge to repair a Louisiana span badly damaged by Hurricane Katrina, Senate records show.

And both voted for the final transportation bill that included the $223 million earmark for the Alaska project.

An amendment offered by Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Oklahoma, would have stripped the money appropriated to connect the Alaskan coastal city of Ketchikan to its airport on sparsely populated Gravina Island and diverted the money to Louisiana.

But Biden andObama and 80 of their colleagues rejected the measure, an amendment to a massive 2005 transportation bill that funded thousands of projects across the country."

If you're a Cubs fan you'll enjoy this

Born Alive

From their website:
In 1999 a gruesome discovery was made that an Illinois hospital was shelving babies to die in a soiled utility room who had survived their abortions.

The Illinois Born Alive Infants Protection Act was introduced in 2001 to provide legal protection to all born babies, wanted or not, including the right to medical care.

Then-state Senator Barack Obama voted against Born Alive 4 times in 3 years and was the sole senator to speak against it on the Senate floor in 2001 and 2002.

In 2002, the Federal version of Born Alive passed unanimously in the US Senate and by overwhelming voice vote in the House. The pro-abortion group NARAL even went neutral on the bill.

But In 2003, Barack Obama voted against the identical version of Born Alive in Illinois. Then, for the next 4 years he repeatedly misrepresented his vote until it was recently discovered in the IL General Assembly archives.

Explore our website to learn the shocking truth: Senator Obama opposed granting legal recognition to born alive infants as human beings, and thus denied them the guarantee of medical care.
View Barack Obama's Actual Voting Record

ACORN & Obama='s corruption

READ THIS--it'll scare you--and SHOULD.

Obama and Bill Ayers Worked to Get ACORN Teaching Schoolchildren in Chicago

Read this about ACORN--it's a frank discussion of corruption, illegality, and scandal. AND THIS IS OBAMA's COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION EXPERIENCE?????

"ACORN's practices have corrupted our political process as well. It has engaged in questionable election activities for years—stretching back even to the organization's founding years in Arkansas. In recent years, as its political power has increased, so have instances of fraud."

Be afraid, be very afraid.

Believe it or not, we're doing pretty darned well as Americans

READ THIS---
A MINORITY VIEW
BY WALTER E. WILLIAMS
RELEASE: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2008, AND THEREAFTER

Scaring Us to Death
"Things are not nearly as gloomy as the pundits say."

"American Chopper" Paul Teutul Support for McCain/Palin

She's one tough woman...just like so many of us

Found this graphic and thought I'd share it.

McCain MySpace site

"Barack Obama's Stealth Socialism"

Read this story in the Investor's Business Daily about Obama's economic plans. Here's the first paragraph which should prod you to read further.

INVESTOR'S BUSINESS DAILY

"Election '08: Before friendly audiences, Barack Obama speaks passionately about something called "economic justice." He uses the term obliquely, though, speaking in code — socialist code."

Today's Message of the Day is:

Life is short, Break the rules, Forgive quickly, Kiss slowly, Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably, And never regret anything that made you smile.

Send these words to all the people you love and don't want to lose in 2008.

Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we're here we should dance.

Domestic terrorist/friend of Obama

GO GIRL !!

Some logical thinking....

No words to describe this one

A teacher in Elmira, New York asked her 6th grade class how many of them were Obama fans.

Not really knowing what an Obama fan is, but wanting to be liked by the teacher, all the kids raised their hands except for Little Johnny.

The teacher asked Little Johnny why he has decided to be different...again.

Little Johnny said, "Because I'm not an Obama fan."

The teacher asked, "Why aren't you an Obama fan?"

Johnny said, "Because I'm a Republican."

The teacher asked him why he's a Republican.

Little Johnny answered, "Well, my Mom's a Republican and my Dad's a Republi can, so I'm a Republican."

Annoyed by this answer, the teacher asked, "If your mom was a moron and your dad was an idiot, what would that make you?"

With a big smile, Little Johnny replied, "That would make me an Obama fan."

How much do you donate to charity?

Believe me, I'm not rich (but I guess according to Democrats I am) but I am a generous contributor to a number of charities like Habitat for Humanity. I also put money in the collection basket at church and regularly send money to my alma maters. But I'm a Republican, which by definition makes me a rich generous person I guess. I am also honest on my tax forms, which by the way show significantly more than a couple hundred dollars a year donated to charity.

Interesting how Senator Biden, that great orator (and pliagarist) is a piker when it comes to charity.

So read this from TAXPROF BLOG.COM:


Biden Releases 10 Years of Tax Returns

Joe Biden today released ten years of his personal income tax returns, drawing further attention to the tax issues raised by Sarah Palin's tax problems associated with her per diem reimbursements while governor of Alaska.

I wonder, though, if the move might backfire because the returns show that the Bidens have been amazingly tight-fisted when it comes to their charitable giving. Despite income ranging from $210,432 - $321,379 over the ten-year period, the Bidens have given only $120 - $995 per year to charity, which amounts to 0.06% - 0.31% of their income:

It is jarring that a couple earning over $200,000 per year would give as little as $2 per week to charity. This giving compares very unfavorably to John McCain, whose tax returns show that he gave 27.3% - 28.6% of his income to charity in 2006-2007. During the same period, the Obamas' tax returns show that they gave 5.8% - 6.1% of their income to charity.

Perhaps the Obama-Biden campaign needs a new slogan: "Change You Can Believe In (As Long As Someone Else Pays For It)"

Also from that article:
IRS statistics reveal that the average taxpayer with AGI over $200,000 makes over $20,000 of charitable contributions:

* $15,000-$30,000 AGI: $1,916 average charitable deduction
* $30,000-$50,000 AGI: $2,158 average charitable deduction
* $50,000-$100,000 AGI: $2,703 average charitable deduction
* $100,000-$200,000 AGI: $4,057 average charitable deduction
* $200,000 or more of AGI: $20,434 average charitable deduction

Is it patriotic to pay higher taxes?

If you support Dumb-ocrats you probably believe that.



BUT IF YOU HAVE A BRAIN YOU KNOW THAT'S MORE LIBERAL CRAP.

Pictures are worth a thousand words

HEAR ME ROAR

helen reddy songs
free Music download | free Mp3 download

Helen Reddy - I Am Woman Lyrics

I am woman hear me roar in numbers too big to ignore
and I know too much to go back and pretend,
cause I've heard it all before
and I've been down there on the floor
and no ones ever going to keep me down again.

Oh, yes I am wise
but it's wisdom born of pain
yes I paid the price
but look how much I gained,
if I have to ... I can do anything!
I am strong (strong) I am invincible (invincible)
I am woman

You can bend but never break me
cause it only serves to make me
more determined to achieve my final goal
and I'll come back even stronger
Not a novice any longer
cause you've deepened the conviction in my soul

Oh, yes I am wise
but it's wisdom born of pain
Oh, yes I've paid the price
but look how much I gained
If I have to
I can do anything
I am strong (strong) I am invincible (invincible)
I am Woman

I am woman watch me grow
See me standing toe to toe,
as i spread my loving arms across the land,
but I'm still an embryo
with a long, long way to go
until i make my brother understand

Oh, yes I am wise
but it's wisdom born of pain-
Oh, yes I've paid the price
but look how much I gained
If I have to
I can do anything

I am strong (strong) I am invincible (invincible)

I am woman

I am Woman

I am Woman
I am Woman,
I am invincible

Catholics must vote for McCain/Palin

Obama on education...another liberal Democrat failure...

Hey Barack, stick that lipstick where the sun don't shine...

Barack--you're being an ass but PLEASE...keep it up. You're pissing off so many women in this country with your elitist macho crap. Earth to Barack--we're not all pathetic whining victims, but you like those kind of people because they're blackholes of need. And of course you'll fix all their problems. Ya, sure. By the way, there are a lot of us PITBULL wives/mothers/daughters out here who are EXTREMELY happy there is a woman on the Republican ticket. I AM WOMAN---HEAR ME ROAR.

Freedom isn't free

Someone sent this to me--it's true

You couldn't get a job at McDonalds and become district manager after 143 days of experience.

You couldn't become chief of surgery after 143 days of experience of being a surgeon.

You couldn't get a job as a teacher and be the superintendent after 143 days of experience.

You couldn't join the military and become a colonel after a 143 days of experience.

You couldn't get a job as a reporter and become the nightly news anchor after 143 days of experience.

BUT....

From the time Barack Obama was sworn in as a United State Senator, to the time he announced he was forming a Presidential exploratory
committee, he logged 143 days of experience in the Senate. That's how many days the Senate was actually in session and working.

After 143 days of work experience, Obama believed he was ready to be Commander In Chief, Leader of the Free World, and fill the shoes of Abraham Lincoln, FDR, JFK and Ronald Reagan. 143 days.

AND, strangely, a large sector of the Stupid American public is okay with this and campaigning for him. We wouldn't accept this in our own line of work, yet some are okay with this for the President of the United States of America ?

Do you really know the history of racism in the Democrat Party?????

"As Democrats prepare to nominate Sen. Barack Obama to be the first black president, the Democratic National Committee and its chairman, Howard Dean, have whitewashed the party's horrific and lengthy record of racism."

Read this story and maybe you'll also check out some history books.

The Democrats' Missing History

By JEFFREY LORD
August 13, 2008

Just some examples from this article (directly quoted)

So what's missing?

• There is no reference to the number of Democratic Party platforms supporting slavery. There were six from 1840 through 1860.

• There is no reference to the number of Democratic presidents who owned slaves. There were seven from 1800 through 1861

• There is no reference to the number of Democratic Party platforms that either supported segregation outright or were silent on the subject. There were 20, from 1868 through 1948.

• There is no reference to "Jim Crow" as in "Jim Crow laws," nor is there reference to the role Democrats played in creating them. These were the post-Civil War laws passed enthusiastically by Democrats in that pesky 52-year part of the DNC's missing years. These laws segregated public schools, public transportation, restaurants, rest rooms and public places in general (everything from water coolers to beaches). The reason Rosa Parks became famous is that she sat in the "whites only" front section of a bus, the "whites only" designation the direct result of Democrats.

I love to read almost everything Peggy Noonan writes, so check this out

"DECLARATIONS"

By PEGGY NOONAN

"The speech was, in its way, a call so tender it made grown-ups weep on the floor. The things she spoke of were the beating heart of the old America."

I'll bet you're surprised that Harry Reid lied again

Quicksand for Judges

"Congress returns from August vacation this week, but for Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee the summer winddown kicked off closer to April. By the time they left town for recess, they had chalked up one of the slowest rates for judicial confirmations in modern times."

"...That sorry record has been overlooked in the media, which is good for Majority Leader Harry Reid because it belies his multiple promises. In a letter to us in June, Mr. Reid said Senate Democrats would "treat President Bush's judicial nominees with more respect than President Clinton's received from a Republican Senate."

The real information (aka: the truth) about Sarah Palin

Vetting Sarah Palin

Check it out. Good list of falsehoods the media is tossing at us.

The Obama connections to many people and some he'd like to forget

Check out these relationships

Sign at the Deny-ocrat convention

"Rally Sign - Sep 03, 2008
SPOTTED AT A PRO-TROOPS RALLY HELD IN DENVER DURING THE DEM NAT'L CONVENTION"

The surge worked - hear it from the soldiers who were there

Obama is insane--this proves it

"Obama might pursue criminal charges against Bush

· Biden says criminal violations will be pursued
· Democrats have issued subpoenas to Bush aides
· 3 staffers have been held in contempt of Congress"

Ya, like that's gonna happen. If anyone has any doubt this guy is nuts, then this should prove it.

Read the speech, PLEASE

Governor Palin wows the crowd with a FANTASTIC speech. This is one astounding woman.

OH MY GOD --- WHAT A SPEECH !!!

I have never been prouder to be a Republican woman than I am tonight. Governor Palin delivered a stunning, thorough, and incredible speech tonight.

Sarah Palin was a fantastic choice. THANK YOU so much Senator McCain for bringing us Sarah Palin.

What a brilliant choice!

Just about the point everyone was wondering if this was going to be a No-bama sweep, John McCain surprises all of us. Governor Palin is a BRILLIANT CHOICE.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

"Congratulations Sarah! Congratulations on being selected as the Republican Vice Presidential Nominee! We know you will serve America well and we are with you all the way! Clinton may have made 18 million cracks in the "glass ceiling" but Sarah Palin smashed it."

NEWS RELEASE

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF REPUBLICAN WOMEN
SHIRLEY SADLER, PRESIDENT

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

National Federation of Republican Women
Applauds McCain’s Historic Selection of Palin

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Shirley Sadler, president of the National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW), issued the following statement today:

“The National Federation of Republican Women couldn’t be more pleased with U.S. Sen. John McCain’s selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to be his running mate in the 2008 presidential election. This is an incredible milestone for the Republican Party, for the nation, and for women everywhere. Gov. Palin is a tough executive with a solid record of fighting corruption in government. Her bold leadership in Alaska proves that she won’t be afraid to shake up the status quo in Washington and that she would be ready and more than able to serve as our nation’s president. Congratulations, Gov. Palin! Republican women are excited about this historic moment and are eager to support the McCain-Palin ticket this fall.”

Founded in 1938, the NFRW has thousands of active members in local clubs across the nation and in several U.S. territories, making it one of the largest women’s political organizations in the country. The grassroots organization recruits and elects Republican candidates, advocates the Party’s philosophy and initiatives, and empowers women in the political process.

For more information about the NFRW, visit www.nfrw.org.

Go Cubs Go!

The Lie clock

A man died and went to heaven. As he stood in front of St. Peter at the Pearly Gates, he saw a huge wall of clocks behind him.

He asked, 'What are all those clocks?'

St. Peter answered, 'Those are Lie-Clocks. Every one on Earth has a Lie-Clock.

Every time you lie the hands on your clock will move.'

'Oh,' said the man, 'whose clock is that?'

'That's Mother Teresa's. The hands have never moved, indicating that she never told a lie.'

'Incredible,' said the man'. And whose clock is that one?'

St. Peter responded, 'That's Abraham Lincoln's clock. The hands have moved twice, telling us that Abe told only two lies in his entire life.'

'Where's Barack Obama's clock?' asked the man.

'Barack Obama's clock is in Jesus' office. He's using it as a ceiling fan.

(Thanks Karen for another good one....)

Words about Obama from Andy McKenna

Fine speeches alone do not make Obama ready to lead
8/28/2008

Andy McKenna, Op-Ed Daily Herald

Almost four years after the people of Illinois elected Barack Obama to be their junior U.S. senator, he will stand before thousands of fans tonight and accept the Democratic nomination for president of the United States.

The speed of his rise in national politics has been impressive by any standard. The question the American people will need to answer will be: "Is he ready to lead?"

It's certain that Barack Obama's theme upon acceptance will be "change." The word alone will raise the crowd to their feet. But will the rhetoric once again be empty?

Back home, many in Illinois will be proud of their native son giving a great speech on the national stage. However, no matter the pride they may feel, many of Illinois' hardworking men and women are surely asking themselves: what does Barack Obama's idea of change mean? What has he done to bring change to Illinois? After all, it was Barack Obama's Democratic friends like Rod Blagojevich that promised in 2002 to bring unprecedented change to Illinois government.

Unfortunately, since that time, Obama's fellow Democrats have brought Illinois nothing less than the most corrupt governor's office in Illinois history, failed to enact tougher ethics laws, voted to raise taxes in Chicago and the collar counties, ensuring Cook County has the highest sales tax in the nation, and presided over unprecedented governmental gridlock.

What did Sen. Barack Obama say about each of these failures? He was silent.

Why didn't he come back to Illinois and use some of his enormous political capital to demand change from the leaders of his own party?

Lack of leadership like this on the part of Barack Obama and Illinois Democrats makes people skeptical of his ability to lead the nation. If Barack Obama has not provided the leadership to change Illinois, how can he bring change to Washington, D. C.?

Fortunately, voters have a choice between Barack Obama, who gives great speeches about leadership, and John McCain, who has actually been a leader. While Barack Obama has talked about reaching across party lines, John McCain has led efforts to bring greater bipartisanship to Washington. While Barack Obama travels to Germany and gives great speeches about America's place in the world, John McCain is a hero who has fought to protect our country's security in a dangerous world.

Illinois voters, more than anywhere in the country, are seeking change. However, Barack Obama and his Democratic friends have failed to deliver. John McCain has always put his country first and is someone who has proven he can bring real change to this country.

Andy McKenna is chairman of the Illinois Republican Party.

Everyone agrees he's not qualified

The Serious Threat of Iran

Abortion is about the people that could have been

Democracy not for Democrats

Democrats for McCain

A portrait of B. Hussein Obama

But what do they really think?

And here's all the Democrats really telling you what they think about John McCain:

Obama ='s poverty, failure and dishonesty

WATCH THIS VIDEO: Obama's community activism

And watch this one---this guy just isn't capable of speaking a straight sentence. It's pathetic for a Harvard graduate.

If you're not against abortion, you should be after you watch this video

As a Catholic I am pro-life, but that expression has always annoyed me. I'm in favor of not murdering babies. No, I'm not pro-choice. which everyone should understand means you are in favor of killing innocent babies who have no choice about their fate.

But watch this video. It tells us a lot about the pro-baby-murdering movement. It should tell you something about the kind of people our Democratic senators are.

Killing Babies

So much for free speech

Anti-Obama Bloggers Say They Were Silenced

"Web loggers who are campaigning against Senator Obama's presidential run are accusing Google and Obama supporters of silencing them after their Web logs were marked as spam and their accounts temporarily frozen."

Just like Democrats--they always talk a good game but when it comes down to it they are hypocrites. Read the story--says a lot about what kind of leadership Barry Obama displays....

Love those flyovers

Go to this site and you'll get to see the best of the NFL flyovers. They are stunning and a real tribute to the awesome power of American machinery and the men and women who fly for the United States military.

God bless the men and women in the military.

Summer trip....I have returned

Have returned after a trip down our finest interstates to visit relatives down south. Here's just a few observations:

1. There was less traffic on the southbound interstates than I've ever seen. It was wonderful. For once I didn't have to fight nut-case drivers and truckers who take pleasure in playing chicken with cars who don't choose to drive 90 mph.
   
2. The speed limit on all interstates I traveled outside of Illinois was 70. Most people drove comfortably at 78 mph or so. Really didn't see anyone pushing the speed limit beyond that.
   
3. Illinois's interstate speed limit is 65 and just over the river into Illinois on Interstate 24 they enforced it with a vengence. Hey Illinois--raise the limit to 70 like everyone else!!!
4. Gas was cheaper everywhere other than the Chicago area. The cheapest I paid was $3.86/gal.
   
5. Interstate rest stops need shaded areas for pets and their owners. Those dinky little dog walk areas are definitely not sufficient.
   
6. Restaurants need shaded outdoor eating areas for pet owners. You just can't travel with your dogs and still get a fairly good meal in the summer. How hard would it be to have a covered patio for people to sit with pets or whatever?
7. Having a black car with black interior just isn't a smart thing in the south.
8. Tinting your rear windows in your car is a MUST (but haven't done that).
9. I hate fast food and eating it in your car (because it's in the high 90's outside) isn't fun.
10. Spending 3 days in your car with your offspring is a good thing. I love my kid and she never ceases to amuse me, astound me, and impress me.
    

Lessons learned

1. Visit your relatives when you can. They're aging (aren't we all) and it's important to see them when you can.
2. No matter how much you hate air travel and how annoying all the waiting is it's better than driving over 1000 miles.
3. Airlines should make it easier to fly with dogs--and if they did I'd never drive as far as I did. If I could have brought them on a plane I would have. Ah the curse of having dogs bigger than postage stamps.
4. Those of us in the north have preconceived beliefs about the south. Some are true, some are not. It's fun figuring out which is which.
5. Education is important. Those people I encountered in the south who seemed like a typical stereotype weren't well educated and acted that way. GO TO SCHOOL kids and pay attention and the odds are you won't be poor.
6. Shaving is optional among men in lower socio-economic groups. NOT A GOOD THING. Makes men look like yokels and they acted just as they looked.
   
7. Showering for them was also optional. YUK.
8. Use the services of the internet for trip planning. I always use TripAdvisor and check out potential hotel stops for EVERY trip. It was correct again.
   
9. Use this site to check out hotels in towns along your route if you travel with pets. Also, use Travelocity and click "more search options" to search for hotels that accept pets. Great info there.
   

BEST ROADSIDE BILLBOARD OBSERVED: Strippers--do we need to say more?

Wise words

Live your life in such a way that
when your feet hit the floor
in the morning, Satan shudders & says...
"Oh shit....she's awake!!!"



(thanks Karen....I'll try to do this)

Rest in Peace Tony

God rest his soul. Tony Snow was one of the most genuinely kind people in this world. He always told the truth, always touched our souls and always made us think. It was so sad to wake up Sunday morning and hear about his passing at the young age of 53. Please pray for his soul (but I'm sure he's up in heaven now), his family, and all of the other people in this world struggling with cancer.

Also, read this story written by Mike Gallagher whose wife also just died of cancer (didn't know that until I read this story this morning). "It's awkward to tell others that your spouse has died. Everyone becomes so sad and sorry, and you just hate like heck to have to break the news to someone who hasn't heard the news. It's as if you just know that you're about to cast a pall over someone and you wish there was a way around it."


There are no words to use to describe how sad it must be as a family member to deal with these tragedies. My prayers are with them.

To everyone, please treasure every day. Love your spouses, even when they do something that aggravates you, even when they enjoy stuff that you might not enjoy (sports, theater, tv shows, etc). Just treasure your time together.

Good resource

Bureau of Transportation Statistics

Drill here, Drill NOW

Does Obama stand for anything?

I HOPE our country doesn't see the day he's elected president. Sad.....

Flipping & Flopping

Check out this posting by Jack Kelly, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

"It's a good thing many of Barack Obama's supporters don't care much about issues, because their candidate has been changing his position on them with dizzying speed."

From "We are Illinois."