Philosophe Forum

IL-19 Primary Filings

2009-11-02T16:30:00.004-06:00

All the February 2010 Primary filings are in. Tim Bagwell, PhD, (D-Olney) stated almost two months ago that wanted to be the Democratic candidate a second time.

He will have to wait until February to discover his Republican opponent. Thankfully, Rep. John Shimkus (IL-19) has company on the ballot in the Primary.

Michael Firsching, DVM, of Moro, had decided to file as a Republican candidate for Congress. Americans have suffered through numerous incumbent lies and debacles during the past few years. A Primary challenger surfacing is an eventuality and a relief to see.

Part of the ammunition against John could be his lack of humanity or simple respect for animals. How ironic that his Primary opponent is a veterinarian. Good luck to the man!

January should be a lot of fun.

Once an Officer, Always an Officer

2009-09-15T05:31:00.000-05:00

The nuances of the UCMJ or has ever been on the receiving end of a general's anger. It is true that DOD Directive 1352.1 - MANAGEMENT AND MOBILIZATION OF REGULAR AND RESERVE RETIRED MILITARY MEMBERS, prohibits recalling a retired military member to actively duty solely for the purpose of subjecting them to court-martial jurisdiction. LTC Shimkus (RET) CAN be recalled to active duty for other purposes. It is all in the fine print.

The first rule every military trainee learns is never anger someone's stars. An angry general can get very creative. And John Shimkus, LTC or Congressman (take your pick), is nothing if not a major screw up. Once back on active duty, he would give the general a reason for that demotion to MAJ, conduct unbecoming, etc.

He ONLY did his required 6 years in the Fulda Gap after graduating West Point for a reason. He did not even drill after getting into Congress. He has been an insult to the uniform for the past 30 years.

As a congressman, he has voted to send(force) men and women in our military into harms way to fight a war; that he, as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserves would not volunteer for. A terrible and disgraceful self-serving lack of leadership on the part of a West Point graduate. Like many congressman after Pearl Harbor, John Shimkus after the September 11, 2001, should have immediately resigned his office and requested active duty orders to fight the war on terrorism that President Bush called the equivalent of WWIII. His actions, beyond any doubt, disqualify him to be a congressman or an officer in the U.S. Army.

As a retired officer, LTC Shimkus can still receive orders for Active Duty. After receiving much deserved esteemed glory for his petulance, what man or women would want to follow him into combat? The safest assignment for everyone concerned would be Antarctica -- indefinitely.

The IL-19 Democratic Challenger for 2010

2009-09-10T19:26:00.001-05:00

Tim Bagwell, PhD (D-Olney) is challenging Rep. John Shimkus (R-Collinsville) in the 2010 Election. Dr. Bagwell sent letters and emails to all chairman in IL-19 today with petitions attached or enclosed.

It is time for real representation in Central and Southern Illinois, said Dr. Bagwell.

His statement echoes throughout the district after the egregious behavior constituents witnessed on the floor when Rep. Shimkus walked out on the President's health care speech before it was over. His reason was so childish, too:

Obama's tone wasn't cooperative and his ideas were not new, Shimkus' spokesman told the Tribune's Mark Silva.

For a graduate of West Point and a retired U. S. Army officer, this is conduct unbecoming. He does not have the luxury of a private citizen exercising his opinion as long as he is in congress.

LTC John Shimkus (RET) is obligated to respect the office of the President. He has turned his back on his Commander in Chief. In doing so, Rep. Shimkus turned his back on the people of Central and So. IL.

The time for new representation in IL-19 is long overdue. Tim Bagwell has a personal website: http://timbagwell.com/ with LinkedIn and Facebook links. Please give generously on his ActBlue site and sign his petitions.

Tim Bagwell does not turn his back on the people of Illinois.

Shimkus Fantasies, Constituency Dreams

2009-06-03T21:08:00.005-05:00

Hat Tip to Marie for providing this information to IL-19 voters yesterday. Rep. John Shimkus has friends (i.e., paid consulting firm to help build the GOP coffers) in the D.C. area and willing to show just how much they really like him and their other clientèle -- in cold hard greenbacks.

The previous evening, this dubiously industrious congressman found time for a robo-call with some of his constituents and wished he could be honest (Q: Does he know how to spell the word so he can look it up in the dictionary?? Can he read the dictionary??). Rural Thoughts has the scoop.

IL-19 residents dream of him leaving office.

The rest of Illinois just reaches for the antacid.

Faith or Consequences

2009-05-16T16:32:00.006-05:00

Faith can be a good thing. It is basically a belief system, a code of ethics. Everyone feels it for something or someone at any number of levels ranging from positive to negative with a myriad of consequences included.

For residents in IL-19, history does not provide much for their faith in change following the 2010 congressional redistricting. CQ Politics rolled out their crystal ball. They peaked. It cracked. No mention of the infamous name of John Shimkus from IL-19.

If the Democrats do control redistricting, they’ll be interested in further endangering Republicans Mark Steven Kirk and Peter Roskam . . .

Neither of these Republicans (as dubious as their behavior has been and quite consistantly) protected a sexual predator, hired staff from a fraudulent ex-governor (and then promoted one of them after skirting jail in exchange for her testimony), and inappropriately used a baseball analogy (among other things). Only one man achieve such high level of incompetence for his constituents: John Shimkus. The man generates bad memories for people just walking the Earth.

When it comes to the Earth, he does have it's best interests in mind: lots and lots of carbon dioxide (CO2).

Carbon dioxide is used by plants during photosynthesis to make sugars which may either be consumed again in respiration or used as the raw material to produce polysaccharides such as starch and cellulose, proteins and the wide variety of other organic compounds required for plant growth and development. It is produced during respiration by plants, and by all animals, fungi and microorganisms that depend on living and decaying plants for food, either directly or indirectly. It is, therefore, a major component of the carbon cycle. Carbon dioxide is generated as a by-product of the combustion of fossil fuels or the burning of vegetable matter, among other chemical processes. Large amounts of carbon dioxide are emitted from volcanoes and other geothermal processes such as hot springs and geysers and by the dissolution of carbonates in crustal rocks.

His diatribes during the past several months appear that another Late Triassic Epoch would make him a very happy camper indeed. Of course, it would create the next Jurassic Epoch he seems to demand -- a planet with lots and lots of planet life feeding on the CO2. Humans would come back into the scene again -- eventually. Just wait for it. Evolution takes millions of years.

On the John Shimkus Plan, the Earth survives happy and health as ever. Humans -- not so much. IL-19 residents had faith in redistricting for their continued survival. They need very little:

Fairness for potential congressional candidates after Redistricting -- Currently IL-15, IL-16, IL-19, etc. appear so gerrymandered that Democratic candidates have no chance. Candidates should have at least an even chance of winning. Also, Springfield should be in one congressional district not three.
A political career path for future candidates -- Those candidates genuinely interested in working for the best interests of the people could achieve the necessary name recognition to obtain the congressional seat they seek.
Long on bread-and-butter promises, short on deliveries to constituents -- It is glaringly obvious that rural GOP representatives at all levels talk values instead of quality of life issues. Nothing can change until there are significant changes in the map.

Potential Central and So. IL democratic congressional candidates deserve fairness in a redistricted map. Faithful people do not deserve living with the consequences of an ill-conceived gerrymandered map in perpetuity. Just look at the results.

There is only so much suffering that people should tolerate.

Information on the Illinois Reform Commission

2009-05-14T21:34:00.009-05:00

On May 14, 2009, Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus invited bloggers to a blogger-only discussion regarding progress on upcoming legislation reforming Illinois government. Senators Don Harmon (IL-039, Assistant Majority Leader), Jeff Schoenberg (IL-009, Assistant Majority Leader), and Kwame Raoul (IL-013) were on the call. The bloggers included Disarranging Mine, Carl Nyberg, Animal Farm, Chicagoist, Archpundit, and Philosophe Forum.

An invitation to a blogger-only conference call with Illinois senators on legislative proposals is not a daily occurrence. Sen. Harmon said lawmakers did not get the appropriate attention in the mainstream media. He is right. Reformers never receive any ink. Media is set in their comfort zone. They refuse to cross it. After two consecutive governors that were walking nightmares (and great for selling tabloid news!), it is time for America to see Illinois more positively, less corrupt. In this situation, move outside the box, forget the media, and enter the 21^st Century. The Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus succeeded this evening.

Here is the outline of the Illinois Reform Commission’s final proposals for reforming Illinois government:

I. Campaign Finance

To bring greater transparency to the campaign finance process and to reduce the skyrocketing costs of election campaigns in Illinois, the Commission recommends:

A. expanding disclosure requirements for campaign contributions to include:

o Year-round "real time" reporting of contributions,
o Mandatory disclosure of "bundlers" who collect contributions from others, and
o Mandatory disclosure of large "independent" expenditures made by individuals to promote a candidate;

B. limiting campaign contributions to:

o $2,400 for individuals, and
o $5,000 for political committees;

C. banning outright contributions from lobbyists and trusts;

D. extending the "Pay to Play" ban by forbidding vendors with large state contracts from contributing to members of the legislature;

E. establishing a pilot project for public financing of judicial elections in 2010;

F. strengthening ISBE enforcement of campaign laws and greater transparency of ISBE sanctions and proceedings; and

G. moving primary elections closer to general elections to reduce length of campaign and resulting costs.

II. Procurement

To help cure state procurement abuse in Illinois, the Commission recommends:

A. insulating the state procurement officials from political pressure and making them independent;

B. cutting back loopholes and exemptions in Procurement Code;

C. applying the Procurement Code to legislative, judicial branches and quasi-governmental agencies;

D. subjecting no-bid and "emergency" contracts to much tighter scrutiny and limitations;

E. establishing an Independent Contract Monitor to oversee and review contracts; and

F. creating greater transparency in the procurement process including:

o Disclosure of subcontractors,
o Disclosure of all lobbyists and agents representing vendors,
o Documenting any contact between vendors/agents and procurement staff, and
o Providing public access to all procurement information on one website.

III. Enforcement

The Commission recommends that the ability of state law enforcement to investigate and prosecute corruption be enhanced by:

A. amending and enhancing state laws to provide prosecutors and investigators with many of the same tools available to federal authorities;

B. adding significant corruption offenses to the existing list of offenses that are non-probationable;

C. granting the Illinois Attorney General the authority to independently conduct grand jury investigations of public corruption offenses;

D. directing additional resources to the investigation of public corruption crimes, by creating an independent public corruption division within the Illinois State Police; and

E. modifying the laws applicable to Inspectors General's Offices to improve the ability of Inspectors General to independently conduct investigations.

IV. Government Structure

To address structural problems that enable and produce corruption and inefficiency in state government, the Commission recommends:

A. adopting legislation to restore fairness to the process by which state legislative and congressional districts are drawn;

B. supporting pending legislation regarding term limits for legislative leadership positions;

C. amending House and Senate Rules applicable to the budget approval process to restore an effective system of checks and balances; and

D. amending the House and Senate Rules to ensure that each piece of proposed legislation that has a minimum number of sponsors receives a full committee vote.

V. Transparency

To improve and enhance the transparency of State government, the Commission recommends:

A. applying Open Meetings Act to General Assembly;

B. adopting presumption in favor of disclosure in FOIA requests;

C. reducing exemptions to FOIA and Open Meetings Act so that citizens have greater access and knowledge of government records and decision-making;

D. enhancing the penalties for violation of FOIA and Open Meetings Act requirements;

E. establishing an Independent Office of Transparency to provide training and ensure compliance with FOIA and OMA requirements; and

F. greatly expanding and enhancing the use of modern technology to improve disclosure, reporting and collaboration in state government.

VI. Inspiring Better Government

The Commission proposes the following reforms to inspire all state government workers and restore citizens' confidence in the integrity of State government:

A. combating patronage by reforming the personnel system to better protect a-political positions and the employees who hold them;

B. reforming the State's hiring process;

C. establishing a code to guide everyday decision-making and holding state employees accountable for abiding by the code;

D. revising the ethics training system to improve state employees' understanding of relevant ethical standards;

E. more clearly defining whistleblower protections to ensure and expand coverage for state employees; and

F. creating additional safeguards to protect against ethical violations by those exiting state employment.

Campaign Finance – The recommendation adopts the federal model. Limits could be too low with unintended consequences. The General Assembly is working on it so that it becomes a fair & level playing field.

Contracting – From the recommendation, legislators are working to create a firewall against political influences for the decision makers. The web provides accountability & transparency. It is a tool that has become effective. They know it is well passed time to take advantage and begin using it to the fullest. One of the justifications would have been full-disclosure of sub-contractors on the Chicago toll-way debacle.

Enforcement – The recommendations for campaign finance reform will start at the State’s Supreme Court level and trickle down to subsequent court levels eventually. Legislators would like to see localities obtain local prosecutors the same as U.S. attorneys. Electing people with such power can be such dangerous things.

Government Transparencies – Although the Commission’s recommendations did not include it, Archpundit suggested that the State Board of Elections obtain a better data base system. Online users have been desperate for a user-friendly accessible and searchable database for several election cycles now at ever level of government. Now it is especially relevant for court races since the last one cost $10 million compliments out-of-state money pouring in. Externalities are always trying impact tort reform or other critical issues. It will only get worse.

Although the Collins commission has no real-world experience, an independent body endorsed their recommendations. The senators found the recommendations easy to develop into legislative proposals. The year-round, real-time contribution reports are feasible and reasonable with a 48-hr turnaround time during campaigns. Legislators can refine the ideas when they are not campaigning. They also hope to prohibit contingency fees for people that really do not do work (i.e., investment deals, bond deals supporting the governor only to get a sizable commission). That is now against the law. They have already eliminated much of that activity.

Ethics Reform has be local to work – and work well. This is a cooperative venture with people outside of the political process. There is already a significant broad agreement between a bi-partisan legislature and the commission. The legislature has also taken ownership for past plea agreements, indictments, court proceedings, teacher retirement issues, and the health facility problems.

This has been a tough job. There are successes, new laws, a lot of work with stress levels and weary eyes to prove it. The bi-partisanship provides promise for the future. The Media has been a deaf ear to their efforts. They are not the right audience any way so it makes no difference.

The real audience is the people of Illinois.

And the real work begins for the representatives of Central and Southern Illinois.

Fuzzy Torture Techniques

2009-04-25T08:26:00.003-05:00

President Barack Obama has released part of the torture memos. Rep. John Shimkus (IL-19) has seen the memos just like everyone else by now. For him, the jury is still out. He still doesn't know if the techniques (i.e., waterboarding) are torture. For anyone else with a conscience (and a modicum of common sense and decency), the decision is quite simple.

These memos show that what happened at Abu Graib and what happened at Guantanamo were not some bad apples, these were decisions made at the highest levels of our government.

In an interview with WSIL TV, McLeansboro, Shimkus simply dismissed and clumsily justified the contents of the memos: Now the cats out of the bag, now we ought to see if this was helpful and again protecting us from further attack or with what people are talking about a second wave.

Shimkus wants Pres. Obama to release all the documents to be fair because his friend, Former Vice president Dick Cheney, says there are memos documenting the success of torture (the torture that Shimkus does not identify with). So Shimkus has a suggestion: Get Congress involved to weigh in on the issues: We have credible members of congress who've had limbs broken, hung upside down on meat hooks, you name it. They know what torture is, let them be part of this debate about whether enhanced interrogation is torture.

For a butter bar that spent his entire time as an XO in the Fulda Gap in the early 1980s, this thought process would make sense. It makes sense to those lacking in common sense.

The Last Illinois Medal of Honor Recipient

2009-04-07T19:45:00.004-05:00

Russell Dunham lived quietly in Jerseyville, Illinois. To look at this 89-year-old man, no one would ever realize that he had been injured in France during World War II. He received the highest congressional honor for those injuries in 1945.

According to the citation, Mr. Dunham spearheaded a successful diversionary attack against the Germans by throwing a grenade. Few people survive such experiences let alone live so long to die of heart failure in their own home.

Mr. Dunham passed away on April 06, 2009. He was the last surviving World War II Medal of Honor recipient in Illinois.

Shameful Shimkus Notoriety

2009-04-04T12:22:00.006-05:00

It has been several days (and not the first time) since the country heard Rep. John Shimkus (IL-19) spew foolish comments regarding natural science. The story just will not die.

On a more positive note. The Democratic Party could use Rep. Shimkus as an excellent justification for keeping science completely separate from political discourse.

Meanwhile, IL-19 voters have ANOTHER reason for keeping this man embarrassing man out of office. People outside of the state are more vocal with a question asked after every election:

What were you thinking?!

Update: And the hits just keep coming.

Thank you Bill Maher for speaking so honestly. Also commenting in the video was Reihan Salam, an Atlantic associate editor and a conservative: Shimkus is a nut boot him off the committee.

No argument there.

Illinois Folly

2009-04-01T20:19:00.002-05:00

In response to Rep. John Shimkus (IL-19) pretending to understanding environmental science, Rachel Maddow and Keith Olbermann took note.

Maddow transcript

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

REP. JOHN SHIMKUS (R-IL): Today, we have about 288 parts per million in the atmosphere. I think in the age of dinosaurs, where we had more flora and fauna, we were probably at 4,000 parts per million. There is a theological debate that this is a carbon star planet, not too much carbon.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MADDOW: In other words, we shouldn‘t bother trying to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere because the dinosaurs did just fine with the tons of carbon that God gave them for their atmosphere. Also, the dodo bird ate plenty of cholesterol. And the saber tooth tiger never, ever flossed. Stop worrying, people.

Keith Olbermann also named Shimkus last night's "Worst Person In The World" (the relevant section begans at the 3:15 mark):

[video]

Olbermann transcript

But our winner, Congressman John Shimkus, Republican of Illinois, with two fascinating and utterly contradictory statements. A, Congressman Shimkus on why there isn‘t global warming. “Today we have about 388 parts per million of Carbon Dioxide in the atmosphere. I think in the age of the dinosaurs, when we had most flora and fauna, we were probably at 4,000 parts per million. There‘s a theological debate that this is a carbon-starved planet, not too much carbon.”

Number one, Carbon and Carbon Dioxide are not the same thing. Number two, the only theological debate over how much carbon the plan needs would be taking place in the church of the Labrea Tar Pits. Number three, didn‘t the freaking dinosaurs go extinct? Or do they just have a bad public relations person?

But I‘m digressing. B, Congressman Shimkus on why it doesn‘t matter anyway. “The Earth will end only when God declares it‘s time to be over. A man will not destroy this Earth. This Earth will not be destroyed by a flood. I appreciate having panelists here who are men of faith, and we can get into the theological discourse of that position. But I do believe that God‘s word is infallible, unchanging, perfect.”

So a man pressing a button to start a nuclear war, that would be God‘s infallible word? Why do we bother trying to govern? Can‘t he do something about the budget deficit? By the way, as you hit me over the head with your Bible, Congressman, there ain‘t a word in it about those dinosaurs you mentioned earlier.

Congressman John Shimkus of Illinois, today‘s worst person in the world! Dinosaurs.

Naturally Progress Illinois as been keeping score on the infamous jester of IL-19. Yes. There he is. The perennial fool of IL compliments of a national network.

Are his constituents proud or what??

Illinois Needs Horse Sense

2009-03-30T15:50:00.005-05:00

Although Congress has H.R. 503, Rep. Jim Sacia of Pecatonica decided to take matters into his own unscrupulous hands. On February 06, 2009, he introduced HB0583 to repeal the two-year-old ban on horse slaughtering for human consumption.

On February 24, 2009, the State Journal-Register stated that The House Agriculture and Conservation Committee voted 11-2 in approval of the bill:

Sacia’s veterinarian, Dr. Tim Strathman, testified before the committee in favor of repealing the ban. To appease animal rights groups, Strathman proposed adding a tax on horses at slaughter plants to Sacia’s measure. He said a $25 fee on horses payable to the state could then be turned over to horse organizations to fund non-slaughter alternatives.

What Rep. Sacia, his veterinarian, and all his other minions will not tell you is the everything else that an informed, humane legislator should know ---> From the Humane Society:

From the auction where horses are purchased by killer buyers to the process of slaughter itself, every moment of the slaughter pipeline is frightening and stressful for horses. Frequently trucked long distances without food, rest and water in crowded double-decker trailers meant for shorter neck species like cows and pigs, injury, fighting and even death are frequent occurrences.

The pictures from the Equine Protection Network say a lot more. (NOTE: Horse slaughterhouses located in the United States are all foreign owned.) And people really want to eat that -- and slaughtered without a certificate of veterinary inspection???

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) closed the largest horse-slaughter operation in the United States. The country does not need another one.

This is a bad bill for Illinois and the United States. The Illinois House votes on it on March 31, 2009. Hopefully, they will slaughter it and not one of the best companion animals humans are fortunate to experience.

It is a good idea for every voter in Illinois to call the Illinois Representatives and remind them. This is a BAD BILL!

Desperate for Old-Fashioned Horse Sense

2009-01-20T18:55:00.006-06:00

Rep John Conyers (MI-14) introduced H.R. 503 on January 14, 2009. The legislation will prohibit certain conduct relating to the use of horses for human consumption. In other words, it will be illegal for people to transport horses to Mexico and Canada for slaughter.

Few Illinois legislators have co-sponsored this bill even though De Kalb was home to one of two horse slaughtering facilities in the country:

Rep Gutierrez, Luis V. [IL-4] - 01/14/2009
Rep Kirk, Mark Steven [IL-10] - 01/14/2009
Rep Schakowsky, Janice D. [IL-09] - 01/14/2009

Illinois legislators are an embarrassment to Congress for a reason (the recent senate appointment debacle notwithstanding). Horses are highly intelligent creatures deserving more respect than this. They are genuine companion animals -- not a source of food.

Action Items:

Try buffalo. It is healthier than beef and indigenous to the continent.
Contact a member of the Illinois Congressional Delegation. Let the person know that sponsoring H.R. 503 is good old fashioned horse sense.

Looking Forward

2008-12-31T17:59:00.003-06:00

In the words of Arch Ward (1896 - 1955), sports editor for the Chicago Tribune,

The book is closed, the year is done,
The pages full of tasks begun.
A little joy, a little care,
Along with dreams, are written there.
This new day brings another year,
Renewing hope, dispelling fear.
And we may find before the end,
A deep content, another friend.

A friend, a hug, a winning lottery ticket, a new representative for IL-19 -- after a disastrous 2008, only positive events!

Sad Day for Whales

2008-11-12T09:40:00.005-06:00

Once again the Four Justices of the Apocalypse rule on something completely beyond their comprehension.

The Supreme Court is lifting restrictions on the Navy's use of sonar in training exercises off the California coast, a defeat for environmental groups who say the sonar can harm whales.

[. . .] Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the majority opinion, which was joined by Justices Samuel Alito, Anthony Kennedy, Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas.

The court did not deal with the merits of the claims put forward by the environmental groups. It said, rather, that federal courts abused their discretion by ordering the Navy to limit sonar use in some cases and to turn it off altogether in others.

So much myopia.
So little common sense.

50 State Strategy Ending

2008-11-08T21:07:00.003-06:00

According to Firdoglake, the demise of Howard Dean's successful 50 State Strategy is imminent.

the DNC organizers who implement the 50 state strategy are about to be let go. Apparently they will be laid off at the end of the month

[. . .] Of course, there's no better way to kill the program than to let the organizers go. With them will go all the experience, a lot of the contacts and most of the trust. And many of them won't be available to be rehired.

Lose the workers and the man who started everything and forget about the plan. It is history.

It is worth noting, however, that the 50 state strategy's biggest opponent, for years has been Rahm Emanuel.

Yep. Saw this one coming.

More Mediocrity

2008-11-04T23:55:00.000-06:00

The election ballots are all accounted for. The Daily Dolt for the Decades remains in IL-19. Thanks to Daniel Davis for trying to make a difference.

The 1970 Illinois Constitution (as bad as it is) remains.

On a positive note -- the child in the Oval Office will have to put away his toys and find other lives to destroy.

Election Day 2008

2008-11-03T11:33:00.003-06:00

Election Day has come around to the American people once again, and once again, Rep. John Shimkus (IL-19) is no where to be found. Missing in action during an election cycle is his favorite behavior. Many should be so lucky to have his entitled status. On second thought, people should forget about him, start remembering all the ways he has failed them over the years, and consider using the power of the vote to fire him. Daniel Davis is absolutely the better choice for IL-19 and all of Illinois. Whatever happens with the presidential candidates, 50 percent of the country will be extremely disappointed and begin preparing for the 2012 election. In a representative government, the power is in congress.

This year's ballot also offers one additional extremely important decision: the 2008 Illinois Constitutional Convention Referendum (Con-Con). Every 20 years the question arises. In many ways, it is more important now than ever before: Since the current Illinois Constitution was passed about four decades ago, the state and many Illinois communities have declined. The state totters near bankruptcy; Illinois is compared with New Jersey as one of the most politically corrupt states in the nation; more than half the citizens polled before the last election didn't want either of the major parties' candidates for governor; political pandering is ubiquitous and major issues are ignored.

Central and So. Illinois would greatly benefit from changes to the 1970 Constitution. There has been little opposition outside of Chicago for a reason: Chicago pretty much runs Illinois. Whether it's political corruption, nazi-like police tactics, crime, corporate protectionism . . . Chicago picks the playlist we all dance to. It is the 51st State Wannabe for a reason!

November 04, 2008
13 hours
Beautiful weather
VOTE!

Republican Fiscal Irresponsibility

2008-10-22T21:13:00.002-05:00

Major Factor in the Fiscal Crisis: Republican Fiscal Irresponsibility
by Bernie W.

The unprecedented massive U.S. national debt, trade deficits, capital outflow and wealth that transferred to other countries, and redistribution of wealth from poor and middle class to the ultra-rich are the direct result of Republican policies (re: documentation below). Here are the facts:

At the time of recently announced major fiscal bailouts, the outstanding U.S. Public Debt was $ 10.2 trillion, which is $33,300 per citizen.
100% of this debt was responsibility of 3 administrations: Reagan, Bush I, and Bush II.
The national debt is increasing by $3.0 billion per day.
Adding unfunded Medicaid, Social Security, Medicare, and similar obligations for the current population, this figure rises to a total of $59.1 trillion, or $516,348 per household.[6] These trust fund surpluses have been spent by the Bush Administrations and now represent unfunded liabilities [8].
Additionally, losses from the falling value of subprime mortgage assets may reach $400 billion worldwide, Deutsche Bank AG analysts said. (Bloomberg) Subprime mortgages totaled $600 billion in 2006, accounting for about one-fifth of the U.S. home loan market[7]. Unsecured risk insurance by agencies involved in packaging risky investments added large amounts to the losses. Credit card debt is on its all time high. The Federal Reserve reported that revolving consumer credit has risen 7.4% from the same period last year. Outstanding credit card debt hit $937.5 billion. AMERICAN credit card debt is growing at the fastest rate in years, a fact that may signal coming trouble for the banks that issue them. . . The annual growth rate has now been over 7 percent for three months running, the first such stretch since 2001. In late January of 2008, Bank of America executives said credit card delinquencies in California, Florida, Arizona, and Nevada — states with high foreclosure rates—increased five times as fast as in other states. Average debt on credit accounts and fixed-payment accounts such as auto loans climbed to $16,600, up from $15,500 last April, according to the credit reporting agency Experian. Credit card companies have responded by raising interest rates on struggling customers, causing additional difficulties for such consumers. [9]
Additionally, the 2007 U.S. trade deficit was over $739 billion and the debt is rapidly accumulating.
The major factor in U.S. trade deficits is fuel imports; the U.S. is 70% dependent on oil imports, plus large amounts for natural gas and coal. The debt and deficits are a major drain on the value of the dollar, and result in a massive transfer of U.S. wealth to other countries and economic decline.
The annual trade deficit is 35% larger than total Social Security spending, 50% larger than total defense spending, and 250% higher than Medicare spending.
Since 1952, the international reserve position of the U.S. has fallen 95%, from 50% of the world total to 2.4%.
The U.S. manufacturing base has declined 60%, while import ratios increased by a factor of 5.
There has been a huge transfer of wealth from the middle class and the poor to the ultra-rich; with increased gap between rich and poor, and increasing inequities and joblessness.
In both cities and suburbs where overall poverty rates rose from 1999 to 2005, child poverty rates rose faster. The income of the top 1% in income increased 14%, while that of the lower 90% declined.

Sources:
(1) http://www.brillig.com/debt_clock/
(2) http://zfacts.com/p/480.html
(3) summary: www.flcv.com/natdebt.html
(4) www.brookings.edu/reports/2006/12poverty_berube.aspx
(5) http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/03/29/business/income.4.php
(6) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_public_debt
(7) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subprime_lending
(8) www.flcv.com/TFhist.html
(9) http://bigpicture.typepad.com/comments/2008/01/consumer-debt-s.html

The policies that led to current situation are the same Republican fiscal policies were responsible in all 3 administrations--->

huge tax breaks to the rich and political supporters,
huge loans from social security and similar trust funds,
huge military spending increases,
huge fiscal bailout due to lax regulation and mismanagement,
huge cuts to programs affecting the poor, and
irresponsible failure to address energy dependency.

John Shimkus follows the failed policies of his boss in the White House. It is another example of his destructive tenure in congress. The people of IL-19 would have a lot better quality of life giving John his much-deserved pink slip.

Justification for the Constitutional Convention

2008-10-20T08:58:00.001-05:00

Exelon and Ameren both oppose the Illinois Constitutional Convention. Recently, Exelon donated $100,000 and Ameren donated $20,000 to a group opposing the constitutional convention.

Since benevolence from the utility industry is always questionable, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn and State Rep. Jack Franks (D-Woodstock) suggested that voters need to follow the money and determine who really benefits from opposing the constitutional convention. The benefits are obvious: better transparency and regulations for campaign financing; increased restrictions restrict special interests clout in state government.

A constitutional convention will prevent politicians from undermining the democratic process and running unopposed. Nor would they be able to cherry pick their constituents through redistricting. A convention would also give people the opportunity to make education and health care funding priorities in the budget.

A constitutional convention offers citizens the best type of forum to discuss the important issues facing Illinois, reclaim their state government from special interests and rid ourselves of the corruption that has permeated our government, Franks said. These are the same special interest groups, mind you, that have given over $10 million in the last six years to the current politicians who leave the citizens out in the cold.

And John Shimkus is one of them. As a loyal friend to both Exelon and Ameren, they always have his vote. The people never do.

Cookie Politics

2008-10-10T05:58:00.005-05:00

The presidential debates are more of who gets the cookie? as compared to what recipe will be used to bake us out of this spiraling economic depression.

The candidates touch upon the essential ingredients to resolving the country's main issues. Yet they never directly debate how they would resolve those issues. Without the how, the debates seem more like two children fighting over the cookie.

Both candidates need to sit down and identify the ingredients before baking. How can the presidential job work for this country? It is not merely sufficient to debate who did what wrong, and who said what about whom. The cookie is not them -- either of them! As candidates for such an important public office, 100 percent of their attention should be the issues facing this country. Brass tacks, down-to-earth resolutions never enter the discussions. Cutting around the cookie does not a cookie make.

And for my cup of tea, neither one gets the cookie.

-- F. S.
(reprinted with permission)

Arrogant and Egotistical Much?

2008-10-09T05:48:00.002-05:00

Madison County held a candidate forum on November 4. Ten candidates running in county, state and federal races had three to five minutes to present their ideas and political views to voters at the Glen Carbon Senior and Community Center.

There should have been 11 candidates. The no-show: Rep. John Shimkus, R-Collinsville. The IL-19 incumbent decided he had better things to do than waste his time on such small-minded pursuits as justifying his re-election.

Daniel Davis, the Democrat challenger recounted personal stories from people in IL-19. They told him about their experiences with prescription drug benefits, health insurance and veteran's benefits. I believe that wherever you are, whatever you do, you matter, Davis said.

Troy Dennis, the Green Party candidate, discussed economic issued. For him, the Democrat and Republican parties are failures since they never addressed the issue effectively. What happened to fiscal conservatism? he said.

The arrogant absence of John Shimkus is a clear message to the people of IL-19. THEY DO NOT MATTER TO HIM! People have a voice. It is their vote.

They need to send a clear response to this man --->

YOU ARE FIRED!!

Always a Follower, Never a Leader

2008-09-19T19:01:00.001-05:00

Rep. John Shimkus (IL-19) famously supports Pres. George Bush, his Commander Guy, without question. Everyone knows John lauds himself as a fiscal conservative supporting a free market (although it has always been something of an oxymoron). As of this week, the era of the unbridled free-market economy in the US has passed. The bill comes due.

Everyone is losing money by the buckets. Many have called it a recession. That was months ago. This county has been in a depression for several weeks, and Bear Stearns was the catalyst.

Presidents come and go. They mean nothing to Wall Street. Zero impact on the district. The impact to the middle- and low-income classes is beyond significant:

The beloved trader bar Bull Run was half empty, and many tables were free at fine-dining establishments like Cipriani, Mangia and Bobby Van's, which are normally booked days in advance.

At the side entrance to Goldman Sachs on Pearl Street, limo chauffeurs sat waiting for their customers, still above in their office towers cowering over the accounts. If they go under, said Rashid Amal, who works as a chauffeur for a firm called Excelsior, then I will soon be out of a job, too.

Commander Guy offered a more simple-minded explanation: Too many houses were built. Strangely enough, that sounds very similar to something the dubious IL-19 incumbent would say.

Recently, Joseph E. Stiglitz, a Columbia University professor and 2001 Nobel Prize recipient for Economics, told CNN that he had foreseen the Wall Street crisis. It was an inevitability to him. All the signs were visible. It is a pattern -- with solutions:

1. We need first to correct incentives for executives, reducing the scope for conflicts of interest and improving shareholder information about dilution in share value as a result of stock options. We should mitigate the incentives for excessive risk-taking and the short-term focus that has so long prevailed, for instance, by requiring bonuses to be paid on the basis of, say, five-year returns, rather than annual returns.

2. Secondly, we need to create a financial product safety commission, to make sure that products bought and sold by banks, pension funds, etc. are safe for human consumption. Consenting adults should be given great freedom to do whatever they want, but that does not mean they should gamble with other people's money. Some may worry that this may stifle innovation. But that may be a good thing considering the kind of innovation we had -- attempting to subvert accounting and regulations. What we need is more innovation addressing the needs of ordinary Americans, so they can stay in their homes when economic conditions change.

3. We need to create a financial systems stability commission to take an overview of the entire financial system, recognizing the interrelations among the various parts, and to prevent the excessive systemic leveraging that we have just experienced.

4. We need to impose other regulations to improve the safety and soundness of our financial system, such as speed bumps to limit borrowing. Historically, rapid expansion of lending has been responsible for a large fraction of crises and this crisis is no exception.

5. We need better consumer protection laws, including laws that prevent predatory lending.

6. We need better competition laws. The financial institutions have been able to prey on consumers through credit cards partly because of the absence of competition. But even more importantly, we should not be in situations where a firm is too big to fail. If it is that big, it should be broken up.

Obviously, nothing is a quick-fix with a guarantee. Yet, reading this list: laws, regulation, oversight, etc., is the typical Democratic legislation Republicans vote against. The operative word is most certainly irony and financial historian Ron Chernow agrees. In a New York Times interview, he stated, We have the irony of a free-market administration doing things that the most liberal Democratic administration would never have been doing in its wildest dreams. Without a veto-proof, Democratic Majority in Congress, quality of life for what is left of the middle class will cease to exist.

To MBAs like Commander Guy and John Shimkus, an ECON professor with a Nobel means nothing. It is just as well. The subject is completely beyond their comprehension, education notwithstanding.

IL-19 deserves better ---> the Democratic alternative: Daniel Davis!

HR 6899, Energy Security and Consumer Protection Act

2008-09-17T19:22:00.005-05:00

Earlier today the House passed the Comprehensive American Energy Security and Consumer Protection Act (HR 6899) with a 236-189 (Roll No. 599) Democratic majority. The legislation could open large areas of U.S. coastlines to energy production.

Naturally, Rep. John Shimkus (IL-19) voted against it as did each of these Illinois Republicans who seem to care about nothing except exploitation and destruction of a fragile environment:

Peter Roskam (IL-06)
Jerry Weller (IL-11)
Judy Biggert (IL-13)
Tim Johnson (IL-15)
Don Manzullo (IL-16)

The other two Republicans: Rep. Mark Kirk (IL-10) and Ray LaHood voted for the legislation. The latter is packing boxes looking at a nice retirement package. The former is pretending to be bi-partisan (Many of his constituents see through his illusion!)

At a glance, HR 6899 provides the following:

Ensures that oil companies pay their fair share of royalties on flawed leases granted in 1998 and 1999.
Repeals a giveaway in the 2004 international tax bill (H.R. 4520) for the Big Five paying for critical investment in American renewable energy (H.R. 5351).
Releases nearly 10 percent of the oil from the government’s stockpile from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) temporarily (H.R. 6578).
Cracks down aggressively on the extreme misconduct at the Mineral Management Service, Department of Interior.
Extends and expands tax incentives for renewable energy; expands and extends tax incentives for renewable electricity, energy (i.e., solar and wind) and fuel from America’s heartland, as well as for plug-in hybrid cars, and energy efficient homes, buildings, and appliances (H.R. 5351).
Creates a Renewable Energy Reserve to invest in clean, renewable energy resources and alternative fuels, promote new energy technologies, develop greater efficiency and improve conservation (H.R.6).
Requires utility companies to generate 15 percent of electricity from renewable sources -- such as wind power, biomass, wave, tidal, geothermal and solar -- by 2020 (H.R. 3221).
Requires cellulosic biofuels to be produced from a highly diverse array of feedstocks.
Strengthens requirements that oil companies produce oil on federal lands leased for drilling during the initial term of their lease. (DRILL Act, H.R. 6515).
Mandates annual lease sales in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska, which has more oil than the Arctic Wildlife Refuge; requires the Bush Administration to facilitate completion of the oil pipeline infrastructure into the Reserve and the construction of the Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline, which could create up to 100,000 jobs, while banning export of Alaskan oil outside the U.S. (DRILL Act, H.R. 6515).
Includes incentives and financing mechanisms for installing natural gas pumps in service stations and homes; requires service stations owned by Big Oil to install at least one alternative fuel pump (i.e., natural gas, E-85).
Advances the development and deployment of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies to come up with a cleaner way to use coal.
Allows Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado to opt in to exploration, development, or production of federal oil shale reserves if the state decides to move forward with the leases.
Saves consumers approximately $210 billion in energy costs through 2030 by updating energy codes for new buildings (H.R. 3221).
Provides incentives to lenders and financial institutions to provide lower interest loans to consumers who build, buy or remodel their homes to improve their energy efficiency(H.R. 6078).
Reduces transit fares for commuter rail and buses and expands service so that the average commuter can save up to $8,000 a year riding public transit according to current gas prices.

Areas remaining off-limits to petroleum companies include the eastern Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Florida and the historic Georges Bank fishery in New England. Also, there are no provisions for the states to receive any royalties. Their additional revenue would come from the employee salaries.

Instead of voting for this legislation, John Shimkus stated the following:

Drill, baby, drill. Here's the Outer Continental Shelf. They want to only to do 20 percent, maybe. They can't even get an agreement on what they want. This whole area should be open for exploration recovery of oil and gas in our country to help decrease our reliance on imported crude oil and lower prices, and they don't have a clue. They'll continue to say no to oil and gas exploration.

They won't even address coal as part of the solution. Coal is the greatest resource we have in this country.

I want to drill, baby, drill, and I want to mine coal.

This is good compromising legislation. He received a provision for coal in addition to the drilling for oil and gas. He is still not satisfied. Maybe when the Earth is a barren wasteland he will be. Voters have to remove him from office leaving him thoroughly unsatisfied first.

Too Much John Shimkus Kool-Aid

2008-09-06T01:00:00.019-05:00

Once upon a time, the Rich Miller used his Capitol Fax Blog to pose this Question of the Day as was a two-parter and provide an explanation with your responses:

Who is your favorite Illinois Republican?

Who is your least favorite Illinois Republican?

The John Shimkus name appeared a few times. Here is everything that published. The kool-aid-laced supporting comments continue to boggle the mind. They prove that his supporters live in a drug-induced fantasy land, and they either refuse or cannot see him for the man he truly has become.

Anon - Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 11:00 am:

John Shimkus - Straight talker - tireless worker.
[Only for his favorite constituents is John a tireless worker. He refuses to lift a finger for anyone not on his near and dear list. When he does work (like he is now tirelessly for his coal industry constituents, it is time to cringe.]

Philosophe Forum - Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 11:13 am:

Least Favorite: John Shimkus (IL-19) — For a myriad of reasons: wimp, hypocrite, liar, the great protector of sexual predators, etc. I would pick Tim Johnson (IL-15) since he largely does nothing except show up for a vote and collect his very generous paycheck compliments of the taxpayers except Shimkus is worse. He opens he mouth and becomes an embarrassment to IL-19 and all of Illinois.

Miranda - Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 11:28 am:

Favorite politician - John Shimkus, hands down. When I was a journalism intern just starting out, John was the only guy who would actually sit down with me and explain things to me, not just give me pat answers. I watched him over the years switch into high school government teacher mode numerous times to help me understand the whole government process, not caring about the politician stuff. Genuine, nice, always ready to help me out when I needed it. He’s not just my favorite Republican, but favorite politician, hands down.
[John was supposed to be a Lutheran minister. School teacher is just an extension of that. He has voted present and lies about it while teaching children. He learned his political skills from a masterful former Illinois governor and current jailbird. He learned so well that he and his staff have skirted federal time.]

Ken - Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 11:42 am:

John Shimkus favorite. Honest, open, extremely hard working for his district constituents.
[Only because he pretends well.]

Vote Quimby! - Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 11:58 am:

Least fav: Toss-up between Shimkus (how many terms did he limit himself to change Washington?)

BIG R.PH. - Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 12:38 pm:

Favorites: Shimkus, Frank Watson, Ron Stephens. All Straight Shooters. Don't always vote your way but always willing to listen.
[John is willing to listen depending on who you are and which industry you represent.]

Ron Burgundy - Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 12:43 pm:

Favorite — John Shimkus. Nice, humble guy who got into politics for all the right reasons.
[John got into politics campaigning on a term limit of 12 years. He was supposed to leave December 2008. He has since decided that 12 years is not long enough. He is staying in politics for the WRONG reasons -- all selfish!]

Penny - Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 12:51 pm:

I can't think of any I like. I have been away for 15 years, am back for 2, and have become conservative. The IL GOP is horribly vacant of ideas.
Faves: John Shimkus=okay; Jack Ryan (should be a senator now); Peter Fitzgerald
[A classic example of the cluelessness that keeps re-electing John!]

Bud Man - Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 2:53 pm:

Current: Shimkus
Least Favorite: John Shimkus (IL-19) — For a myriad of reasons: wimp — I wouldn't say he is a wimp - he was in Rangers and Airborne in the Army.
[Actually, XO of a unit for a few years in the Fulda Gap in Germany in the 1980s qualifies John for not much of anything. He had a life expectancy of 7 minutes like everyone else. He did his mandatory 6 years, spent the rest of his 32 years as a weekend warrior, did not wait another 3 years to retire at the full 35 years like all the other officers. His current record of protecting sexual predators, not caring about it, and blaming seniors for the deficit says the most about his true integrity -- WIMP!]

Not Quite SoIL - Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 5:49 pm:

Least Favorite: John Shimkus-Has overstayed his welcome and become a sell out to the Bush wing of the Republican Party….not to mention covering up the sins of his elders.
[This commenter sees the real John Shimkus!]

left of here - Thursday, Sep 4, 08 @ 6:05 pm:

Least Fav–tough call several years ago it would have been Ron Stephens, hands down,not because of his drug habit or marital issues, I did not like him before I knew about those issues. Today it has to be Shimkus…a weasel and a weak man. He has sold out to DC and the pagan gods that control the city.
[True, true -- every word!]

At least they are an excuse to laugh well, laugh often. For others, they should be an excuse to vote and vehemently support the Democratic alternative -- Daniel Davis. Illinois cannot afford another 2 years of of a man who had promised to leave Congress in December 2008!

Daniel Davis Edwardsville Office Opens

2008-08-06T07:53:00.002-05:00

The Downstate Democrats for Change announce that they will work and staff the office that they rented for the Daniel Davis's Campaign in Edwardsville.

Please join us! Pam Gronemeyer RSVP Online at:
http://www.democracyforamerica.com/events/30151-daniel-davis-office

Event Date:	Aug 9, 2008
Event Time:	10:00 AM
Venue Name:	Madison County Office for Daniel Davis
Address:	212 St. Louis Street
City:	Edwardsville
State:	IL
Zip Code:	62025

Remember: The list of reasons to NOT vote for John Shimkus can only grow longer as time progresses. The latest addition (after he also has ties to sweatshop-loving Karl Rove like almost everyone else in the GOP) ---> the evil overlord of the Grand Oil Party is back in action bringing his hammered behavior with him. In truth, he never really left. He just slithered into the dark shadows of a hole that unfortunately was way too shallow for words. Ever the good little soldier, even a disgrace to the uniform will follow orders like before. And John Shimkus prides himself on following orders to the letter. Besides, it was worth $22K and guaranteed more income per annum than his teaching high school history. Who knows how much it will be worth to him this time.

Obsequious loyalty -- it's a good thing!