Day by Day Cartoon by Chris Muir

Monday, September 14, 2009

More Herb

Another exchange with the senior senator from Wisconsin. His reply to my last email
http://beloitballistics.blogspot.com/2009/09/more-probably-useless-communications.html:
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Dear Mr. Kuecker:

Thank you for contacting me with your concerns about taxes. I appreciate hearing your views on this issue, and welcome the opportunity to discuss tax policy with you.

With my support, Congress recently passed $230 billion in tax cuts as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Working families, on average, will receive an additional $800 in their paychecks due to the "Making Work Pay" tax credit. Additionally, more families will qualify for the refundable child tax credit, which will lift over two million Americans out of poverty when combined with the "Making Work Pay" credit. The stimulus also includes tax cuts for families sending children to college, who are now eligible for a $2,500 tax credit per child.

I believe that another important way Congress can help American families is to get our budget deficit under control. On January 7th the Congressional Budget Office reported that the official budget deficit for FY2009 will be an estimated $1.2 trillion. This is the highest shortfall in history. A serious budget debate this year must include an honest discussion of the costs we are facing in the future and the most efficient means of restoring our economy.

As a former businessman, I understand what a burden taxes can be. I believe we must balance such important priorities as lowering the tax burden on hard-working families, defending our homeland, and educating our children, and reducing the national debt for the next generation.

Please be assured that I will keep your thoughts in mind as Congress considers these issues. Again, thank you for contacting me and please feel free to do so again in the future.

Sincerely,

Herb Kohl
United States Senator
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My reply:
-------------------------------
Hi, Herb,

Just read your response to my last missive about taxation.

I don't understand how giving people money stolen from other taxpayers qualifies as a "tax cut". I thought a tax cut was where the gov't spent less, and therefore needed to steal less. Oh well, that's why I am just an engineer and not a politician, I guess.

I definitely agree with you on the idea of controlling gov't spending and "balancing" the budget. I guess this means you will be taking my desires to see ObamaCare and "cap and tax" both die well-deserved deaths by voting NO on these and all other increases in gov't spending?

By the way - I still want you to vote NO on CIFTA, should it come up. Since having some federal agency going door- to door to disarm America would definitely be an increase in gov'ty spending, this treaty cannot be ratified. The fact that it is blatantly un-Constitutional is just a side issue.
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Friday, September 11, 2009

More from Herb Kohl

Evidently, the man does not LISTEN...

My comments interspersed...
---------------------
Dear Mr. Kuecker:

Many Wisconsin constituents have written to express their views on legislation aiming to curb global warming. I appreciate hearing this input as I study the climate bill that the Senate will consider in the coming months.

As you may know, greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane accumulate naturally in the atmosphere in order to trap heat from the sun and-similar to a greenhouse-to maintain a surface temperature that supports life. However, energy sources such as coal-fired power plants, petroleum refineries, and vehicle tailpipes are combining to release huge amounts of excess CO2 into the atmosphere, trapping too much heat and causing the climate to warm.

******************

CO2 and CH4 do not "accumulate" in the atmosphere - or we would all be dead now. Ever hear of homeostasis?

Contributions of CO2 by Man are minuscule compared to what Mother Gaea produces naturally. The Earth's CO2 concentration now, with all of Man's "pollution" is about one third or less of what it was during prehistoric times, when all that coal was deposited.

Don't get me started on cow and pig farts.

******************

A warmer climate affects us in a variety of ways. Some areas have experienced violent storms and massive flooding, while other areas have suffered drought and wildfires. Plant and animal species are threatened by changing habitats, and humans could see enormous changes in public health and quality of life. Left unchecked, climate change could have far-reaching effects on agriculture, forestry, ecosystems, water resources, and weather patterns.

It is important to note that climate and weather are distinct terms, with weather denoting a short-term snapshot of one day or week and climate referring to long-term regional average conditions. The weather may be cold or hot on any given day, but scientists have established broad consensus that, because of CO2-intensive human activities, the climate is getting warmer. Our job now is to decide what to do about it.

******************

Your job now is to follow the Constitution, which nowhere mandates you to legislate on a "broad consensus" that is narrowing every day, and is only still religiously believed in by nutcases such as Algore.

The only constant on our planet is change - and that includes the climate. Any reputable scientist will agree that the

Earth's climate has varied from ice ages that covered nearly all of North America with a mile of ice, to times when palm trees grew in Greenland.


Expecting to keep the climate where it is now is as futile as trying to sweep back the tide.

******************

Fossil fuels like coal and oil emit CO2 into the atmosphere when burned. Legislation in Congress aims to reduce these CO2 emissions through a system known as "cap-and-trade." Under cap-and-trade, the government would cap the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions from major sources of air pollution, such as power plants and oil refineries. It would then distribute a number of credits equal to the total volume of emissions allowed under the cap, which would be high at first and then gradually more stringent. Companies would purchase a quantity of credits equal to the tonnage of CO2 they emit. Companies that significantly reduce their emissions would be free to sell their excess credits to companies that are not reducing as quickly, giving polluters an economic incentive to spearhead new ways of reducing their emissions. The lowest cost strategies for reducing emissions would likely be adopted first under this approach, allowing a greater window for technological advances to help achieve reductions in areas that might be more complicated.

******************

Legislation now in CONgress aims to make everyone pay for living, by orders of magnitude more than we do now, in order to enrich people like Algore, GE, and other companies that stand to collect immense profits under "cap and tax". The legislation will have the effect of encouraging more CO2 production, not less, as reductions in production would result in reductions of profits.

******************

The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (H.R. 2454) aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions gradually to 17% of 2005 levels by the year 2050 and requires states to get at least 15% of their energy from renewable sources by 2020. The bill establishes a cap-and-trade system under which 15% of emissions credits would be auctioned off-with the proceeds reinvested in alternative energy research-while 85% would be freely allocated.

Among the freely allocated credits, 30% of total credits would go to local electric utilities in order to cancel out any increases in consumer electricity prices. Another 13.5% would be distributed among trade-exposed manufacturing industries, such as glass, steel, and cement. Nitrogen fertilizer manufacturers would also get free credits, which will help contain costs borne by agriculture.

******************
In other words, all the industries that are clamoring for this disaster would be the ones who get free passes, everyone else gets to pay - and pay - and pay.
******************

An analysis by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office found that the increased cost to the average household for higher energy prices would be about $175 per year or 48 cents per day. Overall, the amount of CO2 emissions preempted by this legislation would be the rough equivalent of taking 500 million cars off the road.

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It WILL take 500 million cars off the roads - simply because their owners will be too broke to buy fuel.
******************

In addition, the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that net farm income would decrease in the short-run by less than 1% due to the free carbon credits for fertilizer manufacturers. After the free credits expire in 2025, the revenue that agriculture and forestry would receive from carbon offset activities-such as planting trees, using different tilling methods, and expanding bio-energy production-is predicted to be greater than any additional costs due to cap-and-trade.

******************

Always remember that whatever gov't predicts will come out at a minimum costing twice what they claim, and there's no upper limit to costs. Once this is enacted, the gates are flung wide for further enhancements to be added by whatever bureaucracy without CONgressional oversight is named to run it.

******************

On June 26, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 2454 by a vote of 219-212. The bill now proceeds to the Senate, where it will be open to further amendments.

******************

The first of which should be to kill it.

******************

Any climate change bill before Congress must ensure that the Midwest is treated fairly and that Wisconsin's industries are not severely impacted. None of us supports burdening ordinary Americans with steep energy prices. Members of Congress and stakeholders from all over the country are working toward a reasonable bill that will address the serious problem of climate change without imposing higher costs on consumers or constraining our manufacturing sector. A sensible national energy policy emphasizing greater conservation and efficiency can strengthen our country's economic and environmental health.

******************
If you are truly interested in not burdening us with excessive taxes and expenses, WHY do you keep proposing and passing legislation whose ONLY noticeable effect will be to increase our taxes and expenses and cost us our jobs?

This bill is anything but sensible. It's abominable.
******************

I appreciate hearing your views on this important bill, and please be assured I will keep your thoughts in mind before casting my vote. Thank you very much for writing to me.

Sincerely,

Herb Kohl
United States Senator
-------------------
I will be advising him of his errors shortly.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

More probably useless communications

I've got to keep trying...sent ot the usual suspects...
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I hear the a VAT is being investigated in Congress.

Let's get one thing straight here. You guys work for us, not the other way around. The government already takes way too much money from the American people. New taxes are right off the table, if you want to keep your jobs.

If there's a money problem in the federal government, do what most taxpayers do - start cutting out stuff from the budget until income (without any imaginary raises!) equals or exceeds the outgo - then keep spending down and look for ways to economize and cut waste.

Spending your way out of debt never works. Neither does taxing the productive to death.

Ever hear the story about the goose that laid golden eggs?

Enough with the endless spending and demands for more from us. Tell Mr. Obama that no, he can't have that pet unicorn - or health care - and take the same message to all the banks and other leeches that want tax money as "bailouts".

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

Just maybe, they will hear, and listen, and act like responsible adults.

Yeah, sure...

More exchanges with Herb Kohl

I recently sent Mr. Kohl an email expressing my concern about CIFTA.

http://beloitballistics.blogspot.com/2009/08/anoterh-set-of-emails.html

His response:
-----------------------

Dear Mr. Kuecker:

Thank you for contacting me regarding your concerns with the Inter-American Convention Against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives, and Other Related Materials (CIFTA). I appreciate hearing from you.

CIFTA was adopted by the Organization of the American States in 1997 to prevent and stop the illegal traffic of firearms at the international level and entered into force on July 1, 1998. The treaty established that the parties must establish criminal offences under their domestic law against illicit manufacturing and trafficking if they had not already done so. Treaties must be agreed to in the Senate before they are ratified. President Obama has stated he will seek the ratification of CIFTA but has not yet submitted the treaty to the Foreign Relations Committee.

I agree that the right of law abiding Americans to own a gun should be protected. However, laws prohibiting felons and other potentially dangerous individuals from owning guns are reasonable and effective ways to reduce violent crime in our communities. In the past, the Senate has considered a variety of gun safety measures. I carefully evaluate each of these proposals, and I only support gun control legislation that corresponds to two important principles. First, I do not believe we should deprive law abiding gun owners, particularly hunters and target shooters, of their Second Amendment rights. Second, I only support proposals that I believe will unquestionably make our communities safer.

Please be assured that I will keep your views in mind should I have the opportunity to vote on this treaty. Again, thank you for contacting me.

Sincerely,

Herb Kohl
United States Senator
-----------------------
My response:

Hi, Herb,

Just got your response on my email about CIFTA. In part, you said:

"I agree that the right of law abiding Americans to own a gun should be protected. However, laws prohibiting felons and other potentially dangerous individuals from owning guns are reasonable and effective ways to reduce violent crime in our communities. In the past, the Senate has considered a variety of gun safety measures. I carefully evaluate each of these proposals, and I only support gun control legislation that corresponds to two important principles. First, I do not believe we should deprive law abiding gun owners, particularly hunters and target shooters, of their Second Amendment rights. Second, I only support proposals that I believe will unquestionably make our communities safer."

I appreciate your desire to protect our firearms rights, but i feel I need to point out a couple of possibly subtle points.

First, the Second Amendment says nothing about hunting and target shooting. It is the last resort for the people to defend themselves against a tyrannical government.

Second, "laws prohibiting felons and other potentially dangerous individuals from owning guns" are a waste of time, since these individuals will obtain whatever they want regardless of the law - that goes along with them being "criminals". Also, "felons" who have served their sentences are either safe to release back into our society as full members, or they are dangerous and should be kept locked up for life - there is no middle ground. Released "felons" have the same God-given right to protect themselves and their families from danger as the rest of us - and since "felon" nowadays includes several thousands of "crimes" that have nothing to do with violence, this "law" makes no sense except as a means to disarm increasing numbers of Americans.

Finally, international treaties on "arms trafficking" need to concentrate on rogue powers such as Iran, North Korea, and Venezuela, and leave American citizens alone.

Any Congress that ratifies this treaty is composed of traitors to our Constitution, and should be prosecuted and punished as such.

Just my personal point of view.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

To Russ Feingold

Sent this this morning:
--------------------------
Hi, Russ,

Take a look here:

http://www.climatedepot.com/

Legislation to address an imaginary boogeyman, especially legislation like the proposed "tax and tax" - oops - I meant, "cap and trade" will only enrich con men like Al Gore and his minions and the UN. The American people will be cursing the names of all in Congress who vote to enact this reprehensible law.

Speaking of the UN, why is the United States still a member? They have proven time and again to be a venal, corrupt, and depraved organization. They should be invited to vacate that building in Manhattan, which could be used to good effect to house NYC's numerous homeless.
--------------------------

Friday, September 4, 2009

Impromptu email to Herb Kohl

I think I may be taking too much time out for this stuff...
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Hi, Herb,

Take a look here:

http://www.climatedepot.com/a/2740/Washington-Post-Fires-Back-Accuses-Climate-Depot-of-having-an-antiscience-and-antiscience-journalism-agenda

I think it's about time someone in the Senate took a closer look at so-called "climate change" legislation, the only visible effects of which will be to cripple our already damaged economy, bankrupt our businesses, cost jobs and lives, and enrich ideologues such as Al Gore and corrupt organizations such as the United Nations.

An aside - isn't it long past the time that we invited the UN to find a new headquarters and withdrew from that illustrious den of thieves?

It will be interesting to see how this gets replied to. I've got a theory that there's no human handling the replies. It would be refreshing to find out I am wrong.

Yet another email from Herb

Herb is busy these days - or his web robot is...
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Dear Mr. Kuecker:

I am deeply troubled by the pain this recession is inflicting on the American people. Homeowners are losing homes, communities are losing tax revenue as foreclosures rise, and workers everywhere are losing jobs as businesses struggle to access the credit they need to function. I appreciate hearing your concerns about the government's efforts to stabilize the economy, and I welcome the opportunity to discuss this issue with you.

Stable and secure financial markets are vital to our prosperity. Financial institutions help Americans buy their first home, further their education, and transform an idea into a business. Last year, I supported the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act in order to prevent the financial crisis from collapsing our whole economy. This legislation, signed into law by President Bush on October 3, 2008, authorized the Treasury Department to commit up to $700 billion to financial rescue programs.

It is very important to me that the Treasury Department treat this money - taxpayer money - as an investment which will eventually yield a return. For example, some of the funds have been used to purchase preferred stock in financial institutions, which pays a 5% annual dividend and is best understood as a loan at 5% interest. The Treasury Department is also increasing the flow of credit by purchasing certain types of assets, which will later be sold back into the private sector as the economy recovers.

Supporting the economic rescue package was a very difficult choice for me to make. As a moderate, I am deeply concerned about the risk of increasing the national debt and the burden it will place on future generations.

But these are not normal times. This recession is deeper than past recessions and poses unprecedented risks to the entire economy - not just Wall Street or irresponsible homeowners. Americans everywhere, who did nothing wrong, feel this pain in rising unemployment and terrible losses of their life savings in the stock market.

I certainly understand and respect the views of those opposed to the financial rescue package, but ultimately I believe we must act to turn our economy around and help Americans through these tough times. That said, I will be sure to keep your thoughts in mind as Congress oversees the implementation of the financial rescue and considers any further action to stabilize the economy.

Sincerely,

Herb Kohl
United States Senator
--------------------
Interesting to see he describes himself as a "moderate".

What part of "you can't spend your way out of debt" do these people not understand?

Another canned reply from Mr. Kohl

Yesterday, I posted the email Herb Kohl sent me explaining "health care myths", and my comments and reply. Evidently, he does not read his incoming stuff - if you select "health" from the pull-down choice for "subject" on his contact site, it just causes the proper topic canned email to be sent back to you.

I just got a second copy of the email I posted yesterday, in response to my comments. You would think they could at least keep track of what canned response they last sent to any particular email address, and make it look as if there was some real person there responding.

Herb, the technology is out there to make it look like you really care...

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Warning about MoveOn...

I've been a "member" of MoveOn for quite a while - in order to keep an eye on 'em. They sent me an email asking me to sign a "petition" to get health care destruction passed. I clicked on the link to see if I could send 'em an email from one of my alter egos - like "Adolph Hitler" or "Joseph Stalin" - two of the names I use to answer their "petitions".

The link took me to a page where I could add my own comments to their canned plea, and I did not think it was worth the trouble. They wanted me to "sign in" to finish the signature - I did NOT sign in. I closed the page without clicking on any links.

I just received this:
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Dear friend,

Thank you. Your name has been added to the petition and your comments will be delivered to President Obama.

Another great way to make sure President Obama hears our message is to spread the word to your friends and family so they know what's going on. You can just forward the sample letter below.

Spreading the word is critical, but please only pass this message along to those who know you -- spam hurts our campaign.

Thanks for all you do.

--The MoveOn.org Political Action Team

Here's a sample message to send to your friends:

Subject: Tell Obama: We're Counting on You

Hi,

President Obama will give a major speech next week laying out what he thinks needs to be in the health care bill.

This is a critical crossroads. The president needs to hear that Americans are counting on him to stand up to the status quo and fight for real reform with a strong public health insurance option.

I just signed a petition telling President Obama I'm counting on him to fight hard for a bold health care reform bill. Can you join me at the link below?

http://pol.moveon.org/hcobama

Thanks!
-------------------------
Obviously, they register a "signature" simply by clicking on the first email's link. If you want to fox one of their "petitions", you will need to have a false email address, or you will look like a real supporter of their stupidity.

Chuck


Another email from Herb

Got this from Herb Kohl. My comments interspersed:
-----------------------------

Dear Mr. Kuecker:

Thank you for taking the time to contact me about health care reform. I always enjoy hearing from constituents and appreciate your interest in this important issue.

Since you last contacted me, I have met with both individuals and groups across Wisconsin on the topic of health care reform, and my work to reduce cost, improve quality and expand coverage. I take this debate very seriously, and I plan to work with my colleagues in Congress to enact real change in our health care system.

The consequences of this debate are enormous and reform still has a long way to go. When it does come time to debate reform proposals, I will be sure to approach it thoughtfully, and not rush to complete this important legislation.

I have heard from thousands of constituents on this issue and I believe the American public deserves an honest discussion. That is why I have attached a document addressing many of the off base rumors being spread about health care reform, which I hope you find helpful.

Your perspectives are invaluable and I thank you for your input. As reform moves forward in the coming months, I will be sure to keep Wisconsin and American families in mind.

Again, thank you for your comments. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future if I can be of further assistance.

Health Care Reform: FACT vs. FICTION

FACTS ABOUT MEDICARE

Medicare provides older Americans 65 and older with access to quality health care at a cost that is affordable. Health care reform will not dissolve or radically change Medicare. Most seniors are happy with Medicare. In fact, Medicare boasts a higher satisfaction rate than private insurance. The reform proposals to date will work to strengthen Medicare, and will not make any significant changes to the way seniors receive their health care services.

Health care reform will replace Medicare and Medicaid.

This is FICTION. Health reform will not replace Medicare or Medicaid. In fact, the proposals to date work to strengthen both programs and improve their systems.

>
Since both Medicare and Medicaid are essentially bankrupt, does it really matterif they continue as is or are absorbed into a bigger system that begins already bankrupt?
>

Health care reform will cut Medicare and take away choices for seniors.

This is FICTION. Under health care reform, Medicare will continue to offer seniors the choices they need. Health care reform will also include provisions to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse in Medicare. But this will not keep you from getting procedures that you need, when you need them.

>
Medicare and Medicaid already use triage and rationing. Fact. So, actually, nothing will change here. When certain lifesaving treatments are considered "optional" or "voluntary", the pencil-necks still have the power of life and death over people in these programs.
>

The government is creating a "Czar" who will decide what treatments are best for certain conditions and force physicians to treat patients in a certain way.

This is FICTION. The House proposal includes provisions to fund research that will compare treatments for certain conditions. This type of unbiased, fact-based research will be available to both patients and doctors to help them to make the best individual treatment decisions for each person. In addition, the proposal also explicitly prohibits "denying or rationing" medical care based on this research.

>
See above comment. Such people already exist, they just don't get the title "Czar".
>

The House health care reform bill would require doctors to give seniors "suicide counseling."

This is FICTION. The House proposal does not tell seniors how to die, nor urge doctors to do so. The proposal empowers seniors to voluntarily make their own decisions on end-of-life care in advance, in consultation with a trusted physician. Part of planning for the future could be creating a living will that includes your wishes for the end of life, so that your instructions are followed to the letter. No matter what your wishes are, the health reform proposal will not take any of those choices away from you. In fact, it helps to make sure that your choices are respected.

>
They just pulled that section out of the bill - but VA hospitals are already doing this, I have heard.
>

Health care reform will lead to rationing.

This is FICTION. There's no bill or proposal in Congress that would ration health care. We do need to reexamine the way that we pay for health care in this country. Thus far, the proposals are focused on paying for value and quality of care over volume of services. Under our current system, some providers are incentivized to run duplicative tests and over-order expensive treatment, though these procedures might not be what the patient needs to get better. An improved health care system will lead to smarter health care choices, but that does not mean it will limit your options.

If you have private insurance now, your care is already limited when your insurance company decides what procedures to pay for and which doctors to cover. Insurance companies can deny you coverage if you have a pre-existing condition. And they can make payments and premiums prohibitively high for American families. Congress is working to minimize these denials and barriers to quality health care.

>
Funny how often fiction becomes fact! Rationing is an inevitable result of any government program, sooner or later. When the program starts losing funding due to the complete failure of our economy, in huge part due to programs like this, they will have to start telling somebody they can't get what they need. Any guesses as to WHO will get told this first? Hint - not CONgresscritters.
>

The House health care reform bill would make private health insurance illegal or would eliminate it in five years.

This is FICTION. None of the proposals being considered by Congress would make private health insurance illegal. In fact, the House proposal specifically allows people to keep their current private health insurance. Those who are uninsured would be allowed to choose from a range of private insurance plans as well as a new public insurance option.

>
Why does The One keep telling us he wants a single payer system, which by definition has to eliminate private insurance either by law or by bankruptcy?
>

Health care reform will require people to sign up for government health care, especially if they don't have any insurance right now.

This is FICTION. The health reform proposals being considered thus far would allow people to choose between a menu of private health insurances and, under some proposals, a government-run "public option." It is important to remember that the "public option" would be just that: an option. Seniors who already have health coverage would not need to worry about switching insurance at all, and Medicare will stay intact. Congress will reserve your ability to choose your health insurance plan, your doctor, and your hospital.

>
Just like Taxachusetts - fail to sign up "voluntarily" and get fined. Yep.
>

Illegal immigrants would receive government funded health coverage if health reform passes.

This is FICTION. The House proposal explicitly forbids spending federal dollars on illegal immigrants. On Page 143, Line 3, Section 146, it says: "No Federal Payment for Undocumented Aliens. Nothing in this subtitle shall allow federal payments for affordability credits on behalf of individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States."

>
With the track record of Demonrats and Osama in particular, we should believe this?
Perhaps if CONgress started a program similar to "Operation Wetback" from the 1950's, we MIGHT believe this.
>

Members of Congress refuse to give up their health plans to take the public option.

This is FICTION. Reforming our nation's health care system is meant to give every American access to quality, affordable health care - just like Members of Congress have. In fact, one of the Senate proposals would require members of Congress to join the public option, giving them the opportunity to show Americans the trust they place in government-run health care.

>
Yep. A proposal - which might never make it into the final bill - and at any point CONgress can decide to exempt themselves. Again, given the record, why should anyone believe these turkeys?
>

Health care reform won't go into effect until 2013-in five years.

This is PARTIALLY FACT. Congress recognizes that it takes time to change the health care system. The final legislation will be phased in over time. Though some of the changes would occur shortly after the bill is passed, others may take several years.

>
It's only even partially a fact - IF the cursed thing passes. Keep up the pressure - they are showing signs of weakness.
>

Sincerely,
Herb Kohl
United States Senator

---------------------
Here's my reply:
---------------------
Hi, Herb,

You are sure a busy guy! Second email today.

And another place the federal government has no business meddling. Health care is not mentioned once in the Constitution, and was never envisioned as something that our government should have anything to do with.

The examples of Medicare, Medicaid, the Native American health care system, the VA, federal aid to schools, and the recent failed bailouts, both the money stolen from the American people to pay off failed bankers' bad debts and the "Cash for Clunkers fiasco should make it eminently clear to even the dullest member of Congress that any bill at all proposed by that body will be nothing less than the worst disaster ever to befall our country.

I believe you are an intelligent person, and capable of critical thought. If I am correct, and you don't have some ulterior motive, such as bribes or graft, you will see this truth and vote NO on any attempt to have the federal government fool around with Mr. Obama's hobbyhorse.

Again - vote NO on any health care bill. The people of Wisconsin are watching you.
-----------------
Chuck

Note to Herb Kohl

Hi, Herb,

Just got your email about Milwaukee's school problems.

Education is important, but I don't see anywhere in the US Constitution where it is any business of the federal government. Milwaukee might be better served by the federal government getting out of the business of dictating anything to do with schools.

Perhaps your education was lacking in this department?

By the way - the link to your webmail that was in your email comes up with an untrusted security certificate - best get your web guru looking at that!

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Email to Judy Buttinski Robson

Hi, Judy,

Thanks for the letter remarking on my filling out your online survey. It brings home to me the reasons our Founders did not bequeath us a democracy.

Democracy entails rule by the majority, and the enslavement of the minority. When laws are made because 51% or more of those polled are in favor of some restriction on our freedoms - such as the right to decide not to patronize a restaurant because they cater to people who, possibly unwisely, but then, that's no business of government, decide to smoke, and the owner of the restaurant decided to allow such behavior.

Such as voting to encumber our citizens with police out to arrest those imprudent enough to not wear a seat belt, disregarding the fact that all adults are responsible for their own safety, and should not have to be forced by the government.

Our state is rapidly descending the slippery slope that leads to what our friends in formerly "Great" Britain have pioneered - the "nanny state", where Britishers are not allowed to change their own light bulbs, lest they electrocute themselves.

I repeat what I have stated many times in my emails to you - what Wisconsin needs is less legislation, not more. We need to go back to a part-time assembly, and get rid of full-time "lawmakers" who figure their success by how many bills they can foist on our citizens.

We need to remove all subsidies from our budget, for whatever reason. If people are in dire straits, they should apply to private charities, which will have plenty of money available for the truly needy, as long as our government stops stealing the money folks would donate to charity voluntarily.

In short - take a vacation. Stop proposing bills. Vote against anything that supports increases in governmental spending. Vote in favor of anything the reduces the size and burden of government. Vote to repeal any and all laws now on the books that restrict personal freedoms in any way. Follow the Wisconsin and US Constitutions in their original words and spirit, not in some tortured interpretation that supports whatever new "law" some career politician has devised to further enslave us.

We supposedly fought a war back in the 1860s to eliminate forced labor by one people for the benefit of others. Our modern government has successfully enslaved more people than ever to paying taxes for services that are not wanted or needed, and in a sane society, should not even be offered.

Lay off with the social engineering already!

Death in the family

I just had to put my cat, Shelly, down. She's been my companion for over ten years.

She has had a few tumors removed in the last year, but this time the cancer had spread into her lungs. It came on suddenly. My son saw her this morning and she was apparently OK, but by 2 PM when I came in, she was having great trouble breathing.

The vet was quick and kind. She is beyond pain now, gone wherever loyal companions go.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

S 773 - the Internet control bill

Sent to the usual suspects:
-------------------------------
Senate bill S 773 must never see the light of day.

Our Constitution is quite specific on this - in case you've forgotten:

Amendment I.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

I don't see anything in there allowing "emergency powers" to allow the President - or anyone else in government - to shut down the Internet or require special licenses to work on private networks.

This is a stupid and dangerous bill. Kill it.
----------------------------------
Similar, sent to Tammy Gay...
----------------------------------
I realize you are in the House, but if there's a corresponding House bill to Senate bill S 773, it must never see the light of day.

Our Constitution is quite specific on this - in case you've forgotten:

Amendment I.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

I don't see anything in there allowing "emergency powers" to allow the President - or anyone else in government - to shut down the Internet or require special licenses to work on private networks.

This would be a stupid and dangerous bill. Kill it.

By the way - when are you coming out of your hiding place to discuss health care reform face to face with your employers?
-------------------------

Friday, August 28, 2009

Another email to senators

Sent yesterday to both of 'em:
-------------------

I don't care if "Swimmer" Kennedy was in the senate for years - his legacy is one of corruption and graft, and dubious morality.

Actually, renaming ObamaCare as KennedyCare would be a fitting monument to the man, as it will be the worst possible catastrophe ever suffered by the American people since Teddy himself was first elected.

Instead of doing anyhting more toward ruining our present society, wouldn't be a better thing for you and your colleagues to investigate just why the Federal Reserve is so afraid of an open and just audit?
----------------
Still no response of anything useful or encouraging. Did I insult these guys somehow?

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Tweaking Senators

To Russ Feingold:

----------------------------
Russ,

I believe it is long past time for the Senate to investigate the dealings of the Federal Reserve and Treasury. A full and open accounting of where all the TARP money went and the true financial positions of all our banks is urgently needed.

As long as banks are allowed to lie outright on their balance sheets, and the Fed is allowed to operate without any outside oversight, our economy cannot recover, let alone grow strong again. Until this is done, all other matters, such as the illusory "climate change" crisis, "health care reform" that will ensure our national bankruptcy, and all the other distractions thrown out to mask the fact that a few very wealthy individuals and corporations are becoming more wealthy at the expense of the American people should be ignored. Tabled. Put aside.

You work for the people of Wisconsin first, and the people of the whole USA second - and not at all for special interests, lobbyists, or corporate bag men - at least, if you have any personal respect and integrity.

Come out to Beloit, with full and early publicity, and listen to the people you work for.
-----------------------------
Also sent to Herb Kohl, with the necessary modifications. Cut 'n paste is a wonderful thing!

Chuck

Another missive to Tammy G.

Here goes, yet again:

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

Tammy,

Just listened to your video on your home page. A few comments.

First, health care is not 'part of the American dream' unless you are a purebred socialist. Real Americans dream of being allowed to live their lives in accordance with their personal ideas of morality, with the right to work for the benefit of themselves and their families without an overweening government dictating their every moment of life.

Second, instead of distracting the people with all this blather about how government is going to make everything perfect, why don't you take a look at the financial frauds being perpetrated on us bu the Federal Reserve and our biggest financial institutions? It's years past due that we had a full and open accounting of where our money system is and what we need to do to fix things. Until our economy is back on a level keel, all else is useless distraction and "pulling the wool" over our eyes. Quit it. Act in our best interests.

A good first step, which will demonstrate that you understand and respect your position as our representative, would be to schedule a few open town hall meetings. No more of this hiding behind the Internet and telephone call banks. Come out and face your employers.
------------------------
Chuck

Letter to local senator Judy Robson

Just filled out her "survey". Was easy - NO on almost everything.

My comments to her:

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

Wisconsin needs less legislation, not more. Consider having the state legislature meet for a month or two every two or three years, or whenever the governor declares a need for immediate action. This worked extremely well in Illinois - indeed, their problems in large part came about after the legislature began to meet annually for a "full term".

While our state is in financial distress, members of the state legislature should consider returning their salaries to the general fund for the duration.

In particular, no legislation involving infringements on Wisconsin citizens' inalienable right to self defense, self determination, and the right to raise our children as our own morality and religion dictate. All laws to the contrary of the sentiments in our national founding documents are anathema to freedom.

--------------------------------------
Chuck

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Another set of emails

About the CIFTA treaty.

If it comes to a vote, please vote NO on this treaty, which gives international control over American's God-given right to self-defense, not to mention being in direct opposition to the basic law of our country, the US Constitution.

There are more than enough laws on the books already to handle and American caught supplying arms to anyone without proper license and paperwork. This treaty would only affect law-abiding Americans and stifle their rights.

Revolutionaries and dictators will still get whatever they want even if this treaty is ratified.


More emails to CONgresscritters...

FWIW...sent to Kohl, Feingold, and Tammy G.
----------------

Please do NOT vote for any changes to our national health care system. It is clear from what has emerged of the present health care 'reform' bill that this will be a debacle for elderly and handicapped Americans, and will greatly reduce the level of care that all Americans now enjoy, replacing it with new overstuffed bureaucracies and inevitable waste.

Tell Mr. Obama NO on health care. If you have any plans for 'town hall' meetings in or around Beloit or Janesville, expect to see me there with my definitely non-Astroturf hand-made sign!

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

Chuck

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Everything causes glowbull worming...

Found this over at Ace of Spades: http://ace.mu.nu/

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

It's Official - Man's Very Existence Causes Global Warming (chad)

—Open Blog


Normally I wouldn't make two open blog posts in one night but this was just begging to be shared.

IMAGINE a small group of farmers tending a rice paddy some 5,000 years ago in eastern Asia or sowing seeds in a freshly cleared forest in Europe a couple of thousand years before that. It is here, a small group of scientists would have you believe, that humanity launched climate change. Long before the Industrial Revolution—indeed, long before a worldwide revolution in intensive farming, the results of which kept humanity alive—people caused unnatural exhalations of greenhouse gases that had an impact on the world’s climate.

source

Truly man is a stain upon the fabric of the universe and we should all just slit our throats now. /snark

crossposted at doubleplusundead

Posted by Open Blog at 01:43 AM New Comments Thingy

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

My comment:

Ever read Ray Bradbury's 'A Sound of Thunder'? It was made into a cheesy sci-fi a few years back.

ANY action by ANY life causes 'climate change'. It started when the first pond scum crawled out of the first cesspool and became the first Democrat / modern 'liberal'.

The only way to keep the climate steady is to move the Earth far enough from any star that it settles at absolute zero - and even then, the 'climate' will ultimately 'change' at the end of the universe.

The only true constant is change. The libs better get used to it.

Chuck

Monday, August 17, 2009

Mayor of Milwaukee assaulted

A poster at one of my reading lists put up this email address, and I could not resist the temptation: mayor@milwaukee.gov

Here's what I sent him:

Hello,

Sorry to hear of your misfortune to be unarmed in the presence of a violent person. If only Wisconsin would join the other sensible states and allow her citizens the right to self defense, you could have been able to stand this drunk down with little danger to yourself or others. Instead, you attempted to prevent violence with one of the most ineffective means known to man - the cell phone and the police.

In this case, you only experienced a pipe. Many other Milwaukee residents have faced guns or knives, and by law had no recourse than surrender or a hopeless fight.

In your case, any bystander with a concealed-carry permit could have prevented this attack, and held the drunk guy for the police. It happens thousands of times a year in the sane states that allow their citizens to exercise their unalienable right to self defense.

I pray that if you ever run for governor of Wisconsin and win, that you will remember this attack, and my email, and urge the Wisconsin legislature to pass a shall-issue concealed carry law for the benefit of all Wisconsinites.

Right now, though, could you please tell your police chief that it's un-American to put people on the ground, take their legal weapons, and then decide if they have permission to have said weapons in a state with an open-carry law as explained by our Attorney General. Such actions make the Chief appear ignorant and/or arrogant, and certainly not interested in the safety of Milwaukee residents.

Recover quick. Hospitals are no fun.

Regards,

Chuck Kuecker
Beloit, WI.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Message to Tammy G.

Another email to my 'representative' - who is scared to come out in public.

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

Hey, Tammy,

Check this out - and then think long and hard about letting the government take over anything more in the health care field:

http://www.americanthinker.com/2009/08/obamacare_and_me.html

I'm still waiting for word that you have scraped up enough courage to face your constituents without the shield of the Internet or telephones, and answer our concerns as a true representative of the people should do. Your Republican colleagues don't have a problem with a live town hall session - what's your excuse?

If you are concerned about unruly demonstrators, just put out word that ACORN and SEIU members will be arrested if they try to start anything. The police ought to be able to figure out who to arrest - just look for the purple shirts.

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

Chuck

Another comment to a local paper

This one's going to the Stateline News. They had an article on town halls, and how Ms. Baldwin is still insisting that 'well paid' dissenters will disrupt things if she comes out in public:

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

I guess we know what Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin's biggest fear is - she's afraid of confrontation with 'organized protesters', and so won't have a live face-to-face town hall meeting on health care like so many representatives that truly care about their constituents do.

She says that many town hall meetings are disrupted by well-paid dissenters, so she will hide behind her firewall at home and answer carefully-vetted questions that support her position, no doubt.

The only well-paid protesters I have heard of at town hall meetings so far are members of ACORN and the SEIU, both organizations are unashamed supporters of the proposed health-care destruction bill.

Come on, Tammy. We won't bite you! On the other hand, if you keep hiding behind hi-tech, we might just UN-elect you next time around.

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

Chuck

Friday, August 14, 2009

Published! (again)

My letter to the Beloit Daily News was published today - the one I posted as

Townhall meetings? Not for Beloit!

What's interesting is that yesterday, their editor had an editorial that had almost the identical sentiments.

I feel like we're making a bit of headway on these idiots. I hope I am not just daydreaming...

Chuck

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Email form MoveOn.org

I got this email from MoveOn.Org - an outfit I 'joined' to keep an eye on the bad guys:

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

Right-wing health care lies are making their way into mainstream news coverage. We need to set the record straight. Can you write a letter to the editor of The Rockford Register Star about the need for health care reform with a real public option, now?

Click Here
Dear MoveOn member,

Right-wing mobs aren't just disrupting congressional town halls—their outlandish lies are now making their way into mainstream news coverage, too.

We need to set the record straight. The majority of Americans support real health care reform. And no wonder, given the incredible cost of inaction.

In Wisconsin alone, 230 people lose their coverage every day. And for those with insurance, yearly premiums will hit $22,986 in a few years if we don't act.

We can't let right-wing extremists ruin the biggest opportunity in a generation to get real reform. Can you send a quick letter to the editor of The Rockford Register Star—or another local paper—about the urgent need in Wisconsin for Congress to pass health care reform with a real public option?

Click here:

http://pol.moveon.org/lte?campaign_id=116&id=16803-10080683-D0Zaw8x&t=3

Our tool makes writing a letter really simple. You can send the letter right from our website—it only takes a few minutes.

If you've never written a letter to the editor before, now is the time to send your first. The letters page is one of the most widely read—and most important—in local newspapers. Members of Congress and their staffs read it to understand how their constituents are feeling. And since members are all home in the district this month—and paying close attention to the health care debate in particular—your letter will make an even bigger impact.

Here are some talking points specific to Wisconsin you can use in your letter:

  • We can't afford to wait for reform: Each day, 230 people in Wisconsin lose their health care coverage. And without reform, those who still have insurance will see their yearly premiums go up by $9,515 in the next decade—to a staggering $22,986.

  • Reform with a real public option is key to expanding coverage: Under current legislation, which includes a strong public health insurance option, 375,000 people in Wisconsin—and 37 million Americans nationwide1—will gain coverage by 2019.

  • A real public health insurance option is crucial to lowering costs: With premiums projected to hit $22,986, we need to get costs down. By spurring competition, a public plan will help bring down out-of-control costs2 for individuals, families, and small businesses.

Can you send a letter to the editor of The Rockford Register Star, or another local newspaper, as part of our "Real Voices for Change" campaign? Just click here to get started:

http://pol.moveon.org/lte?campaign_id=116&id=16803-10080683-D0Zaw8x&t=4

Thanks for all you do.

–Nita, Kat, Eli, Wes, and the rest of the team

Sources:

All state-specific figures: "Why We Need Health Reform," Center for American Progress, July 31, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51750&id=16803-10080683-D0Zaw8x&t=5

1. "Coverage for America: We All Stand to Gain," Families USA, July 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51751&id=16803-10080683-D0Zaw8x&t=6

2. "Why We Need a Public Health-Care Plan," The Wall Street Journal, June 24, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51737&id=16803-10080683-D0Zaw8x&t=7

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 5 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to Charles Kuecker on August 13, 2009. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.
Here's my 'letter' to the Rockford Register Star:

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

MoveOn.org asked me to write you about the proposed health care bill, so here are my comments:

I think that the important thing to remember about anything the government gets involved in is exactly how efficient and sensible they are at what they have already put into action.

As President Obama says - just look at the US Post Office - and think how great the same management would make our health care!

We sure as heck can wait for everyone to completely understand this monstrous bill, and all that goes into it before we allow our representatives and senators to vote 'yea'. Any congress member who votes on a bill of this magnitude without personally reading and fully understanding it is a traitor, and deserves what traitors deserve.

Mr. Obama has already established quite a track record for outright lies and distortions about his pet legislation. How can we expect anything different in this bill?

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

I wonder if they will even see the text of that - I need to watch that paper...

After hitting 'send', this came up:

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

Thanks for taking the time to act. Your letter has been sent!

Also, in about a week, you'll receive a followup email, checking in to see if your letter was published.

As you can imagine, most papers receive plenty of letters and can only publish a few. However, even those that don't get printed are very important -- they make it clear what issues and positions are on people's minds, and in turn influence what letters are selected.

-----------------------------
Feel free to emulate me.

Standing By: Incompetence or Malice

http://beloitballistics.blogspot.com/2009/08/link-you-should-follow.html

My first link - so I am learning...see the post below it...

A link you should follow...

Read this: http://polykahr-standingby.blogspot.com/2009/08/incompetence-of-malice.html

Make the necessary calls / emails / letters...

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Correspondence with Russ Feingold

I sent the esteemed senator a message via his web site, telling him not to vote to extend CARS, among other things. Here is what I wrote:

Hello,

A few reminders for you.

First: Sonia Sotomayor is not to be approved for the Supreme Court. Anyone so often reversed is thinking wrong. and her racist comments show her to have the wrong 'stuff' for the job.

Second: No more bailouts - for any reason. The current 'stimulus is an unmitigated disaster,
and throwing more money at problems will just make them worse.

Third: No 'cap and tax'. Glowbull worming is being shown to be a fantasy of Al Gore and his one-world would be dictators. Do the right thing and reject this idiocy.

Fourth: It's redundant to mention, but the 'cash for clunkers' program is another disaster, with unintended consequences that will cause untold pain to our citizens in the future. No more money there, either.

And last, but most important. The federal government has shown it's ineptitude over and over again in the realm of heath care, and ObamaCare is totally out of the question.

Remember who pays YOUR salary - and health care benefits - and will pay for your quite ample retirement.

And remember who you work for. Hint: it's NOT Obama.

Regards,

Chuck Kuecker

Here's his reply, in it's entirety.

Dear Mr. Kuecker,

Thank you for contacting me regarding "cash for clunkers" legislation. I appreciate hearing from you.

As you may know, the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) was created by the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act that was signed into law on June 24, 2009. This program provides a voucher worth either $3,500 or $4,500 for car owners whose present car gets 18 miles per gallon (mpg), or less, in fuel efficiency when they trade it in for a new, more fuel efficient alternative.

Dealers began applying for the vouchers on July 28th, and because of extreme interest, the program's $1 billion in funding was being used up quickly. On July 31, 2009, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 2435, to provide $2 billion to continue the CARS program. The Senate passed H.R. 3435 on August 6, 2009, by a vote of 65-37. It was signed into law by the President on August 7, 2009.

I supported the extension of the CARS program, which is better known as "cash for clunkers" because, while not perfect, CARS has encouraged Americans to trade in their older and less fuel efficient vehicles while boosting new car sales and helping to revive local economies in Wisconsin and around the country. As a leading advocate for increased fiscal responsibility and deficit reduction, I am pleased that this bill utilizes $2 billion in existing funds made available previously with the enactment of the economic stimulus legislation earlier this year, rather than utilizing new funds and contributing to our growing national debt.

I am also pleased that the Department of Transportation (DOT) has fixed one problem it created in implementing CARS. When Congress created the CARS program, it fully intended to ensure that consumers across the country who are in compliance with the statute's requirements, including provisions related to car insurance, be allowed to participate in the CARS program. The DOT issued a final rule on July 24, 2009, that set the guidelines for the CARS program, including a requirement that individuals who wanted to trade in their vehicles had to demonstrate proof of car insurance for at least one year prior to the trade-in. This provision conflicted with statutory language stating that a trade-in vehicle be "continuously insured consistent with the applicable State law." Currently, Wisconsin and New Hampshire do not require individuals to purchase car insurance.

I was joined by members of the Wisconsin and New Hampshire delegations, as well as some of the leading authors of the CARS legislation, in a letter to the DOT urging the correction of this misinterpretation of the law. I also spoke with DOT Secretary Ray LaHood about this problem and was pleased that the guidelines were quickly corrected. Trade-in vehicles in Wisconsin are now exempt from the one-year insurance requirement, thereby ensuring that Wisconsinites who meet the CARS program's other eligibility requirements can participate in the program. While all Wisconsin drivers will be required to have car insurance beginning in June 2010, this action by the DOT is a sensible fix for Wisconsinites who are in compliance with state law and who seek to participate in this temporary program.

Trade-in vehicles must be less than 25 years old and have been continuously registered for the full year preceding the trade-in. Trade-in vehicles must get 18 mpg or less in fuel efficiency, as determined by the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) mileage criteria. The EPA worked to update the fuel economy data for possible trade-in vehicles, and issued the new data on July 24, 2009 - the same day that the CARS final guidelines were issued. According to the EPA, "of the 300,000 vehicle model types spanning 25 years, 78 cars no longer qualify, but 86 new vehicles are now eligible."

Trade-in vehicles are required to be crushed or shredded so that they may not be resold for use as an automobile. However, the entity destroying the vehicle is allowed to sell any part of the vehicle, other than the engine block or drive train, and retain the proceeds from such transactions. For more information on the program and how you can obtain the rebate, please visit http://www.cars.gov/. I hope you find this information helpful.

Thank you again for contacting me. For more information about my work on behalf of Wisconsin, you can subscribe to my monthly e-newsletter by visiting http://feingold.senate.gov/newsletter.cfm. I look forward to hearing from you in the future.

Notice how he ignored most of my points, and just told me how great CARS is? Not one word about OsamaCare, or 'cap and tax'. Ignore it, and maybe I will be stupid enough to not notice that he did so?

I wonder how much the aide that wrote this 'personal reply' is paid hourly.

UPDATE: Just sent him this:

Hi, Russ,

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately, you forgot to answer most of my points.

I still want you to NOT spend any more of my descendant's future in a futile scheme to prop up our dying economy. The only way out of the mess is to STOP spending, STOP borrowing, and STOP destroying our business basis with pie-in-the-sky stuff like the 'cap and tax' Al Gore enrichment bill, the ObamaCare health care destruction bill, and ever more money for destroying cars that morally should have been made available to needy people.

As far as your comment about the 'destroyer' being allowed to sell any part of the car except those parts that have value, this just proves to me that you have no common sense.

When is your term in the Senate up? I want to be sure to get as many of my friends and neighbors out to vote for your opponent. Maybe we will get someone with a true concern for Wisconsin, and America.

Chuck

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Townhall meetings? Not for Beloit!

Letter to the Beloit Daily News editor:

I see in today's Beloit Daily News that our Congressional representative, Tammy Baldwin, is going to use "high tech" to conduct "townhall meetings" on the proposed federal health care takeover bill..

Dan Manzullo for Northern Illinois, and Paul Ryan from Janesville are also holding meetings - where they stand up in front of interested people and field questions about the proposed health care bill. They get a true feeling for the desires and fears of their constituents.

Ms. Baldwin, on the other hand, has elected to hide behind the shield of the Internet. She invites people to "register" for her talks, and has total control over who actually can speak, or be heard by other participants. She has the comfort of knowing she won't have to come face-to-face with any possibly irritating or passionate constituent, and she won't have to put up with any questions she does not want to field.

People without Internet access, or those who missed the times published, or those who cannot get on-line at the prescribed times will be ignored.

What exactly is Tammy afraid of? Perhaps she thinks if she shows up in person, she won't be able to ignore the true feelings of the people she supposedly represents. Perhaps she's just scared she won't be able to put lipstick on this pig of a bill.

I also note that our senators Kohl and Feingold are conspicuously absent from the "townhall meeting" circuit, so far. Do these people truly represent us and our best interests?

Chuck Kuecker

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Letter to my state senator

Ms. Robson,

We in Wisconsin need much less government, not more. We should eliminate redundant government agencies, reduce the number of people on the state payroll, and lower state taxes to encourage businesses to settle here.

To balance the state budget, the first thing to do is repeal all the expensive social engineering that has been enacted under Governor Doyle. Once all the entitlements are removed, then look at money being spent on boondoggles like 'high speed' rail to be provided by a Spanish company, for a rail line no one will use unless Illinois' Emperor Daley succeeds in suckering the International Olympic Committee to put the 2016 Olympics there.

If you want to do a real service to our citizens, you will introduce or offer to sponsor a bill reaffirming Wisconsin's sovereign status as an independent state and reject further attempts to federalize us.

Letter to CONgresscritters

Just finished watching the whole "Obama Deception" video.

Here's what I sent to Tammy Baldwin. Herb Kohl, and Russ Feingold, for whatever good it did:

My Desires:

First off - here's what I would like you to do for me:

1. Vote NO on any and all further bailout schemes, regardless of for who or for what reason.
2. Vote NO on any and all taxes or schemes based on the bogus theme of "climate change".
3. Vote NO on any and all schemes to join America with other nations under any kind of global central bank or other oversight organization.
4. Vote NO on any form of federalized health care.
5. Introduce a bill to get rid of the Federal Reserve's immunity to congressional oversight and audit.

If you have a couple of hours, watch this video. Very interesting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAaQNACwaLw&feature=related


If I get any coherent response, or any response at all, I shall post it.

Chuck

The Obama Deception

Verry interesting. Two parts, long, but verry interesting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAaQNACwaLw&feature=related

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Real health care reform

Karl Denninger has a good take on how to fix the 'mess' the government has gotten us into, without resorting to OsamaCare:

http://market-ticker.denninger.net/archives/1310-Fixing-Health-Care-A-Real-Solution.html

Good read. Too bad our elected officials either can't read or won't be bothered.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Blockleiters - report in here!

Here's my contribution to Osama's invitation to rat out anyone trash-talking the garbage he calls OsamaCare, sent to

flag@whitehouse.gov

Hello,

Just wanted to let you know that I and many of my co-workers are on to the president’s little game – about how he’s going to allow us free choice and all that in choosing doctors and everything will be just peachy keen.

Anyone with half a wit remaining can see that any program run by the federal government that purports to ‘fix’ a social ill has been an unmitigated disaster.

Need a list?

Minimum wage laws that put low-skilled people out of work.

The VA’s hospitals and administration. Kudos to the doctors and nurses who work there and try to cope with the mess the gov’t. gives them.

School lunch programs.

Social security.

Welfare / food stamps.

Any program started under FDR in response to the Great Depression, with possibly the exception of some parts of the TVA and REA.

The “war on poverty”.

The “war on drugs”.

The NRC.

The EPA.

OSHA.

The FDA.

Medicaid.

Medicare.

The BATFE.

Extortion of state governments to force ‘nanny state’ law enactment.

The IRS.

Enforcement of our immigration laws and securing our borders.

Interpreting the Constitution.

With this kind of track record, we should trust in a man who has NO experience in business and less experience in elected positions than the average dog-catcher to assure us that all is well? Especially since he has gone on record a number of times saying he is in favor of ‘single payer’ – read: government-controlled – health care, and has also admitted that, like most members of Congress, that he’s got no idea of the contents of the health bill – except the certain knowledge that like Nancy ‘get-er-done NOW’ Pelosi and Harry ‘duh?’ Reid, it must be passed especially quickly so no one can find the hidden gotchas that are just now coming to light in the media.

As long as elected officials in Congress are not forced to give up their present gold-plated insurance and stand in line with the rest of us peons, this health care issue should not even be considered as a possibility.

Be aware that this email will be posted on my blog tonight.

Enjoy!

Chuck Kuecker

I forgot to add in a bunch. I'll save that for my next email. Got to do my duty!

Chuck

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Letter to my CONgresscritters

One basic requirement for a good representative of the People of Wisconsin is to know intimately what is in a proposed bill and how it will affect the people of our state.

I fervently hope that you will vote NO on any bill that you have not had time to personally read and fully understand.

Recently, we have seen what happens when Congress is stampeded by panic-mongers like Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi to pass legislation without reading and understanding it. Billions of dollars of our tax money is wasted, and our economy is forced further into a depression.

Another key to being a good senator or representative is to understand the history of our country, and to avoid making the same mistakes your predecessors made by reading their bills and knowing what the outcome of that lawmaking ended up as. I highly recommend Amity Shlaes' book 'The Forgotten Man', a good telling of the problems and lasting damage caused by similar panic-induced lawmaking during the Great Depression.

Please do not succumb to panic. Nothing that comes across your desk from any congressional committee is so important that it must be passed without you having the time to read and understand it fully. If for some reason you do not understand a bill, please have the integrity to at least vote 'present', rather than follow the sheep into the shearing shed.

Monday, August 3, 2009

Cash for Clunkers

Wonderful proof that governments cannot create, only destroy.

Osama pushed this "cash for clunkers" program that gives $4500 of tax money to anyone who agrees to turn in their probably still useful vehicle, if it meets standards that vary seemingly by the hour, to be destroyed. The engine will be ceremonially ruined by replacing the oil with a sodium silicate solution, which effectively prevents any of the internal engine parts from ever being used in another car.

This program has the effect of driving up immediate demand for new cars - small, high-mileage cars that have the least profit margin for the makers, of course. In a couple of years when the present depression is approaching its' nadir, there will be a lot less demand for new cars, because many who would be looking then will still have the one they bought this year.

Don't be concerned about the effects on salvage yards, auto repair shops, and used-car dealers - all these people's jobs will be replaced by 'green' jobs, jobs that at present average 40 hours or less in TOTAL.

Of course, with the usual efficiency we've come to love in Washington, the program is already out of money, and CONgress now wants to stiff us for another couple billion.