CBS report:
Where is the demand for impeachment, or the criminal investigation?
And Osama thinks he's going to get reelected?
Day by Day Cartoon by Chris Muir
Monday, January 16, 2012
George Washington Carver
Martin Luther King was a great man, but I think all Americans should know the story of Carver, who truly lived the American dream.
This month we remember his birth as a slave it 1864, and his death in 1943. He raised himself from slavery through a college education, discovered hundreds of uses for plants previously unknown, and basically was a perfect example of all that is great about our country.
Why is it that we only have national holidays for politicians and certain people who died violently, and not for those Americans who did so much to better the lives of all humanity?
This month we remember his birth as a slave it 1864, and his death in 1943. He raised himself from slavery through a college education, discovered hundreds of uses for plants previously unknown, and basically was a perfect example of all that is great about our country.
Why is it that we only have national holidays for politicians and certain people who died violently, and not for those Americans who did so much to better the lives of all humanity?
A Tale of Two Candidates
Mitt Romney vs. Ron Paul
I still think Mitt is just another RINO, worse than most. Make your own judgement.
I still think Mitt is just another RINO, worse than most. Make your own judgement.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Wisconsin Carry concealed carry course
Yesterday, I took my wife to a free concealed carry training course in Elkhorn. It was presented by members of Wisconsin Carry, Inc.
This course was very well done. Four hours. The presenters knew their stuff, and answered numerous questions. I would recommend their courses to anyone needing to get certified CCW training for Wisconsin.
Mari now has her certificate of training. When we get the $50 together, she will be able to apply for her permit.
And then we have to find a nice gun for her. :)
This course was very well done. Four hours. The presenters knew their stuff, and answered numerous questions. I would recommend their courses to anyone needing to get certified CCW training for Wisconsin.
Mari now has her certificate of training. When we get the $50 together, she will be able to apply for her permit.
And then we have to find a nice gun for her. :)
Dial 911 and Die
Urination as freedom of speech
There's been a lot of squawking about some of our Marines peeing on dead Taliban that had been trying to kill them.
While the Marines showed less than stellar judgement by recording this and putting it on the Internet, it's certainly not a big deal. It's not like beheading a reporter, or chopping the hands off a child, or raping a young girl under the guise of a "marriage".
+++++++++++
While the Marines showed less than stellar judgement by recording this and putting it on the Internet, it's certainly not a big deal. It's not like beheading a reporter, or chopping the hands off a child, or raping a young girl under the guise of a "marriage".
+++++++++++
A LITTLE URINE WASHES OUT
In case you haven't heard some US soldiers might have urinated on dead Taliban fighters. Hopefully they did it facing in the direction away from Mecca, as American soldiers have been ordered to do to avoid offending Muslims, and that the dead Taliban didn't have Korans in their pockets at the time or it'll be a holy war. Oh wait it already is a holy war.
In case you haven't heard some US soldiers might have urinated on dead Taliban fighters. Hopefully they did it facing in the direction away from Mecca, as American soldiers have been ordered to do to avoid offending Muslims, and that the dead Taliban didn't have Korans in their pockets at the time or it'll be a holy war. Oh wait it already is a holy war.
+++++++++++
Found this website that gives the direction towards Mecca: http://www.qiblalocator.com/
It turns out that all these years when I went out behind the barn to take a leak, I was facing Mecca.
I knew there was something really satisfying about doing that. I always thought it was the fresh air and sunlight. Now, I know I was inadvertently insulting "The Religion of Peace".
So, now I know where to install the urinals if I ever remodel the shop restroom. Facing almost due northeast.
What's the rule about taking a dump?
Government Gone Wild
Another installment in the series.
The federal government is the "success story" for our economy. Federal government grows 15% while the private sector grows 1%.
16% of the voting public now works for government, and is dependent on keeping government growth up - exactly what we need to cut.
The federal government is the "success story" for our economy. Federal government grows 15% while the private sector grows 1%.
16% of the voting public now works for government, and is dependent on keeping government growth up - exactly what we need to cut.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Fight the recall!
Training for Wisconsin patriots who want to help root out invalid recall petition signatures:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dElEbDQyWG9qQlI5ZDh1cmZQdTBuemc6MQ#gid=0
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dElEbDQyWG9qQlI5ZDh1cmZQdTBuemc6MQ#gid=0
Charges dropped
NYC has dropped felony charges against Mark Meckler who was charged with felony possession of a firearm with intent to do harm because he tried to check his legal, encased, unloaded weapon at LaGuardia Airport. NYC kept his gun, of course, and his lawyers have advised him the fight to get it back will cost more than the gun is worth.
It's good the felony charge was dropped, seeing as he violated no legitimate law under our Constitution, only a deranged Jim Crow law still on the New York City books, but he did not get away scot-free. He was charged with disorderly conduct, what they plea-bargain you down to so they can still claim they won their case against an antisocial person, and collect some sort of fine to punish the person for presuming to have some personal freedom and rights in Michael Bloomberg's personal fiefdom.
Since the felony charge was dropped, it cannot be appealed, and cannot be used in the Supreme Court to finally overturn NYC's illegal laws.
I expect that Meredith Graves, the Tennessee tourist who attempted to do the right thing and check her personal protection when she visited Ground Zero, will also either have her charges dropped completely, or also get a plea bargain to a non-felony punishment, and therefore will also not be able to be the test case that finally puts Michael Bloomberg and all the anti-self-defense elites before him in their proper place, and at long last allow New Yorkers their unalienable freedoms.
Someone needs to make the sacrifice of time and money, and risk their personal freedom to get the last of these laws off the books once and for all. Millions of people in NYC, Maryland, New Jersey, California, Massachusetts, Illinois, and other "may issue" CCW states will finally be able to live knowing they can defend themselves against violence at long last, as our founders intended.
H/t Alphecca
It's good the felony charge was dropped, seeing as he violated no legitimate law under our Constitution, only a deranged Jim Crow law still on the New York City books, but he did not get away scot-free. He was charged with disorderly conduct, what they plea-bargain you down to so they can still claim they won their case against an antisocial person, and collect some sort of fine to punish the person for presuming to have some personal freedom and rights in Michael Bloomberg's personal fiefdom.
Since the felony charge was dropped, it cannot be appealed, and cannot be used in the Supreme Court to finally overturn NYC's illegal laws.
I expect that Meredith Graves, the Tennessee tourist who attempted to do the right thing and check her personal protection when she visited Ground Zero, will also either have her charges dropped completely, or also get a plea bargain to a non-felony punishment, and therefore will also not be able to be the test case that finally puts Michael Bloomberg and all the anti-self-defense elites before him in their proper place, and at long last allow New Yorkers their unalienable freedoms.
Someone needs to make the sacrifice of time and money, and risk their personal freedom to get the last of these laws off the books once and for all. Millions of people in NYC, Maryland, New Jersey, California, Massachusetts, Illinois, and other "may issue" CCW states will finally be able to live knowing they can defend themselves against violence at long last, as our founders intended.
H/t Alphecca
Friday, January 13, 2012
Demonrats demonstrate lack of historical knowledge
and, they are getting desperate:
It's amusing that the party responsible for the Jim Crow laws should be accusing the party historically opposed to them of using those tactics.
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Want to support our work? MoveOn Civic Action is 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.
This email was sent to Chuck Kuecker on January 13, 2012. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.
Maybe if Demonrats didn't have such a flawless record over decades of using the dead and illegal vote to pad the ballot box, they would have a ghost of a chance of this working with learned people.
Says something about their image of the sophistication of the typical Democrat voter that two of the footnotes are from MoveOn.org...
It's amusing that the party responsible for the Jim Crow laws should be accusing the party historically opposed to them of using those tactics.
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| Subject: URGENT: GOP plan to the steal election |
| From: "Steven Biel, MoveOn.org Civic Action" |
| Date: 1/13/2012 12:52 PM |
| To: "Chuck Kuecker" |
|
Dear MoveOn member,
Imagine Mitt Romney in the White House. Tea party Republicans still in control of Congress. No Obama to veto their worst bills.
The election is months away, but this scenario could definitely happen, and here's a big reason why: voter suppression laws passed by Republicans in battleground states to make it as hard as possible for students, poor people, African-Americans, and Latinos to vote.
Already, Wisconsin, Florida, and Ohio have passed laws to restrict voter registration drives, end early voting, or require voters to present photo IDs at the polls.1 And now Republicans are scrambling to pass laws in virtually every other key battleground state to make it harder to vote in 2012.
These laws shamelessly target key segments of the Obama coalition from 2008, including first-time voters, poor people, and people of color, and could easily tip a close election to Mitt Romney or whoever the Republican nominee is. We're looking at Florida in 2000 all over again.
The good news is that Attorney General Eric Holder has used the Voting Rights Act to block one of the worst GOP voter suppression laws in South Carolina. But the election won't be decided in South Carolina—and to protect every vote Holder needs to keep going.
It'll be a huge fight with Republicans, and with the election approaching, we don't have much time. So we're aiming to raise at least $150,000 this week to launch an emergency grassroots campaign for voting rights. Can you chip in $5?
Yes, I can give $5 to help stop the GOP attack on voting rights.
Here's our plan: First, we'll team up with the leading voting rights groups in each state—great organizations like the Advancement Project, who have top-notch expertise in the policy but who don't have the grassroots network that MoveOn has.
Then, MoveOn will organize events to deliver petitions calling out the Republican legislators behind these despicable attacks on voting rights, swamp their phone lines, and show Attorney General Holder that if they refuse to back down, we'll be right there with him.
Voting is one of the most sacred rights in our democracy. But Republicans know that if they can shave off even 1-2% of turnout among these key voting blocs, it'll be enough to tip the scales in race after race.
These laws are a major attack on voting rights. Nationwide, 21 million eligible voters lack the kinds of photo ID required by these laws.2 And especially if you're elderly, poor, or a student, it's not easy to jump through the hoops required by these laws.
Take Joy Lieberman of Missouri. She's 80 years old and has been voting for 60 years. But now she won't be able to vote because her birth certificate does not list her middle name. Or Larry Butler, who was born in 1926 in South Carolina, when birth certificates often were not issued to black Americans. Now, it would cost Mr. Butler $150 to get the documents required by South Carolina's voter suppression law.3
The 2012 election is coming up fast, so we don't have much time. Can you chip in $5?
Yes, I can give $5 to help stop the GOP attack on voting rights.
Thanks for all you do.
–Steven, Anna, Adam Q., Stefanie, and the rest of the team
Sources:
1. "Voter Identification Requirements," National Conference of State Legislatures, January 9, 2012
http://www.ncsl.org/default.aspx?tabid=16602
http://www.ncsl.org/default.aspx?tabid=16602
2. "Voting Law Changes in 2012," Brennan Center for Justice, October 3, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=268598&id=34706-10080683-ODyaaLx&t=4
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=268598&id=34706-10080683-ODyaaLx&t=4
3. "Democracy Under Assault: The Truth About Voter Disenfranchisement Laws," Advancement Project, accessed December 6, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=268596&id=34706-10080683-ODyaaLx&t=5 [PDF]
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=268596&id=34706-10080683-ODyaaLx&t=5 [PDF]
This email was sent to Chuck Kuecker on January 13, 2012. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.
++++++++++++++++
Damn. I CAN imagine Romney in the White House, and that lacking a really citizen-responsive CONgress, it would be as big a disaster as Osama, if not worse.
Maybe if Demonrats didn't have such a flawless record over decades of using the dead and illegal vote to pad the ballot box, they would have a ghost of a chance of this working with learned people.
Says something about their image of the sophistication of the typical Democrat voter that two of the footnotes are from MoveOn.org...
Possible USA Today gun poll scam
Rivrdog reports it.
The USA Today ran a poll back in 2007, asking the question "Does the Second Amendment give individuals the right to bear arms?"
The answer, of course is "No", as the Bill of Rights grants no rights - it simply enumerates what inalienable rights the government can never interfere with.
In Second Amendment email lists this poll gets brought up again and again, by well-meaning folks who want to push the "Yes" total up.
There is no proof that people accessing this poll are opening themselves to malware, but why take the chance?
If the poll was legitimate back in 2007, no one except gunnies and possibly people wanting to infect your PC or phish for information are watching it these days.
This poll's question is the anti-gunner version of a reporter asking if you have stopped beating your wife. Any answer will be used against you.
The USA Today ran a poll back in 2007, asking the question "Does the Second Amendment give individuals the right to bear arms?"
The answer, of course is "No", as the Bill of Rights grants no rights - it simply enumerates what inalienable rights the government can never interfere with.
In Second Amendment email lists this poll gets brought up again and again, by well-meaning folks who want to push the "Yes" total up.
There is no proof that people accessing this poll are opening themselves to malware, but why take the chance?
If the poll was legitimate back in 2007, no one except gunnies and possibly people wanting to infect your PC or phish for information are watching it these days.
This poll's question is the anti-gunner version of a reporter asking if you have stopped beating your wife. Any answer will be used against you.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
First SOPA - now PIPA
They never quit. SOPA got enough bad press that the Senate is now trying a new name for the sameold crap:
"Online creativity" - read "big business' lock on fair use"...
The First Amendment says we can say anything about anything, at any time. CONgress chooses to ignore that with these bills.
What’s your position onThe PROTECT IP Act (PIPA)
S. 968: Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property Act of 2011
Summary: A bill to prevent online threats to economic creativity and theft of intellectual property, and for other purposes. (More Info)"Online creativity" - read "big business' lock on fair use"...
The First Amendment says we can say anything about anything, at any time. CONgress chooses to ignore that with these bills.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
This is why we need voter ID laws
SCARY VIDEO: DEAD VOTERS GET BALLOTS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE PRIMARY
If you don’t believe that dead people vote, watch this video from Project Veritas. If this doesn’t cause you to fear for the future of the republic nothing will. It goes on in every state that doesn’t require a picture ID to vote, which is why the Dems fight voter ID laws tooth and nail. Dead Republicans can vote as well. Feel better? Not me.Chicago and Crook County, Illinois, I would believe - but New Hampshire?
At least they only let the dead vote ONCE.
Another reason the EPA needs to be abolished
They fine American businesses for not doing the impossible.
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In 2007, the Energy Independence and Security Act was enacted with the goals of reducing America’s dependence on oil from hostile nations, the payment of billions of dollars for the oil to the hostile nations, improve the efficiency of motor vehicles and increase the use of renewable energy resources which includes biofuels.
By 2011, fuel companies were to be blending in 6.6 million gallons of cellulosic biofuel into domestic gasoline and diesel. Cellulosic biofuel is made from wood chips and other plant parts such as corncobs and plant stems that are not edible
However, there has been one major flaw in the EISA and that is the technology has not caught up to the requirements. Cellulosic biofuels only exist in small amounts as various research companies are desperately trying to come up with a way to produce the biofuel which isn’t cost prohibitive.
One company that was working on finding ways to produce cellulosic biofuels was Range Fuels in Georgia who recently went out of business and whose building was sold for pennies on the dollar. Even with the extensive pine forests of Georgia that have a high resin content, Range Fuels was unsuccessful in finding an affordable process to turn the timber into fuel that would burn in your cars and trucks.
Range Fuels and other companies like them are the ones that received millions of dollars from taxpayers to try to develop these green energies. And like Range Fuels, many have had to shut down or reduce staff because the refining process at the moment appears to be far too expensive to make it worthwhile.
With no real supply of cellulosic biofuel to be had, the fuel companies were unable to comply with the EISA requirements, the Environmental Protection Agency is moving forward with their plans to impose fines on the fuel companies for failing to meet the guidelines. And if the fuel companies are unable to get their hands on 8.65 million gallons of cellulosic biofuel this year to meet the requirements, they’ll face even stiffer fines.++++++++++++++
Notice that this one is not something Osama can be blamed for - Bush signed the EISA into law.
The next president must work to restore America to the control of the American people, not unelected bureaucrats.
++++++++++++++
posted on by Giacomo
EPA Fines Companies for Not Using Nonexistent Fuels
By 2011, fuel companies were to be blending in 6.6 million gallons of cellulosic biofuel into domestic gasoline and diesel. Cellulosic biofuel is made from wood chips and other plant parts such as corncobs and plant stems that are not edible
However, there has been one major flaw in the EISA and that is the technology has not caught up to the requirements. Cellulosic biofuels only exist in small amounts as various research companies are desperately trying to come up with a way to produce the biofuel which isn’t cost prohibitive.
One company that was working on finding ways to produce cellulosic biofuels was Range Fuels in Georgia who recently went out of business and whose building was sold for pennies on the dollar. Even with the extensive pine forests of Georgia that have a high resin content, Range Fuels was unsuccessful in finding an affordable process to turn the timber into fuel that would burn in your cars and trucks.
Range Fuels and other companies like them are the ones that received millions of dollars from taxpayers to try to develop these green energies. And like Range Fuels, many have had to shut down or reduce staff because the refining process at the moment appears to be far too expensive to make it worthwhile.
With no real supply of cellulosic biofuel to be had, the fuel companies were unable to comply with the EISA requirements, the Environmental Protection Agency is moving forward with their plans to impose fines on the fuel companies for failing to meet the guidelines. And if the fuel companies are unable to get their hands on 8.65 million gallons of cellulosic biofuel this year to meet the requirements, they’ll face even stiffer fines.
Notice that this one is not something Osama can be blamed for - Bush signed the EISA into law.
The next president must work to restore America to the control of the American people, not unelected bureaucrats.
Trouble in China
People getting tired of being slaves?
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SEATTLE, Wash. (CBS Seattle) – Some 300 Chinese Foxconn employees who manufacture X-box 360 machines said they would throw themselves from their Wuhan, China, plant if demands for lost wages were not met.
China Jasmine Revolution, an activist revolutionary organization with a name borrowed from the Tunisian revolt that set off the Middle East unrest, reported that employees made their demands for a wage increase for 100 employees on Jan. 2.
Management at Foxconn — the world’s largest contract electronics manufacturer and a crucial link in the supply chains of Apple, Dell, Nintendo and Song — responded with an ultimatum. Employees could quit with one month’s compensation awarded for each year with the plant or go back to working.
Many employees quit, but Foxconn allegedly dishonored the agreement and awarded former employees nothing.
Around 300 workers returned to the plant in an uproar, and staged their protest on the plant’s roof on Jan. 3.
Wuhan’s mayor intervened through hours of negotiations, walking them back from the roof’s edge until 9 p.m. when workers agreed to return to work, according to China.com.
Calls to Foxconn were not immediately returned.
A Microsoft spokesperson wrote CBS Seattle a statement saying, “Microsoft takes working conditions in the factories that manufacture its products very seriously, and we are currently investigating this issue. We have a stringent Vendor Code of Conduct that spells out our expectations, and we monitor working conditions closely on an ongoing basis and address issues as they emerge. Microsoft is committed to the fair treatment and safety of workers employed by our vendors, and to ensuring conformance with Microsoft policy.”
Foxconn came under fire in 2010 when workers successfully committed suicide in a plant that manufactured components for Apple. Then, Foxconn told media that it considered every worker’s life to be valuable while some plants required workers to sign contracts stating that they wouldn’t kill themselves.
Wired magazine was granted access to the factories, which installed nets that would catch anyone attempting to jump.
Touring the Longhua plant in 2011, Terry Gou, the chairman of Foxconn parent Hon Hai Precision, said suicide rates among workers in his plants were smaller compared to the country’s and added a country’s suicide rate typically climbs when its GDP does, Forbes reported.
++++++++++++++
If America followed her Constitution, which allows for little federal regulation of how businesses operate, and unions had not continually driven up the cost of American labor, perhaps China would not be home to the world's largest contract electronics assembler. Maybe that firm would be here in America, employing Americans.
++++++++++++++
Hundreds Threaten Suicide At Microsoft Supplier Plant In China
January 10, 2012 11:31 AMFoxconn, Mass suicide, X-box 360
China Jasmine Revolution, an activist revolutionary organization with a name borrowed from the Tunisian revolt that set off the Middle East unrest, reported that employees made their demands for a wage increase for 100 employees on Jan. 2.
Management at Foxconn — the world’s largest contract electronics manufacturer and a crucial link in the supply chains of Apple, Dell, Nintendo and Song — responded with an ultimatum. Employees could quit with one month’s compensation awarded for each year with the plant or go back to working.
Many employees quit, but Foxconn allegedly dishonored the agreement and awarded former employees nothing.
Around 300 workers returned to the plant in an uproar, and staged their protest on the plant’s roof on Jan. 3.
Calls to Foxconn were not immediately returned.
A Microsoft spokesperson wrote CBS Seattle a statement saying, “Microsoft takes working conditions in the factories that manufacture its products very seriously, and we are currently investigating this issue. We have a stringent Vendor Code of Conduct that spells out our expectations, and we monitor working conditions closely on an ongoing basis and address issues as they emerge. Microsoft is committed to the fair treatment and safety of workers employed by our vendors, and to ensuring conformance with Microsoft policy.”
Foxconn came under fire in 2010 when workers successfully committed suicide in a plant that manufactured components for Apple. Then, Foxconn told media that it considered every worker’s life to be valuable while some plants required workers to sign contracts stating that they wouldn’t kill themselves.
Wired magazine was granted access to the factories, which installed nets that would catch anyone attempting to jump.
Touring the Longhua plant in 2011, Terry Gou, the chairman of Foxconn parent Hon Hai Precision, said suicide rates among workers in his plants were smaller compared to the country’s and added a country’s suicide rate typically climbs when its GDP does, Forbes reported.
++++++++++++++
If America followed her Constitution, which allows for little federal regulation of how businesses operate, and unions had not continually driven up the cost of American labor, perhaps China would not be home to the world's largest contract electronics assembler. Maybe that firm would be here in America, employing Americans.
One of the original bastions of gun banning meets reality
Oak Park, Illinois, is one of the socialist liberal places that jumped on the bandwagon back in the 1980's, after Morton Grove made history by being the first town in America to explicitly deny its' citizens the basic human right of self-protection.
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Any Oak Parkers who want to have a say on how the village regulates guns in the future will get their chance later this month.
The Oak Park Board of Health, a citizens advisory panel, is hosting a forum on Jan. 24 to gather input from residents on guns. Oak Park's decades-long handgun ban was struck down by the Supreme Court in mid-2010, and a gun store recently opened in the village, making the timing right for a community conversation.
"We want to hear from citizens about their thoughts and ideas as to how firearms should be regulated in the village of Oak Park," said Margaret Provost-Fyfe.
A couple of years ago, the health board came up with a list of possible actions that the community could take in the event that the handgun was banned. And with the recent opening of Windy City Firearms on Roosevelt Road, village trustees asked the health board to host the forum to start the ball rolling toward possible action.
The Jan. 24 meeting will give each participant three minutes to speak. The health board will then draft recommendations and forward them to the board for future discussion at an undetermined date.
Village President David Pope said he's anxious to hear what might be suggested.
"I think we're all going to look forward to what comes back from the board of health in determining what steps, if any, should be pursued at that point," Pope said.
Following the June 2010 ruling, Oak Park tweaked its handgun ban, allowing people to carry firearms in their place of business or home, while still prohibiting assault weapons.
Some ideas from the health board's 2010 report included starting a handgun registry, holding safety courses and requiring owners to securely store their handguns. Oak Park may also explore zoning regulations related to gun stores, according to Simone Boutet, the acting village attorney.
David Schweig, a 75-year-old Oak Parker who fought the village's handgun ban in the 1980s, hopes that forum is balanced and fair.
"The overwhelming majority of the people who come to these hearings are on my side of the issue, and they refuse to be silenced or shushed," he said.
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Oak Park also had signs up banning nuclear weapons within city limits back in the 1970's. It's difficult to find references to that on the internet, but here's an anecdote: http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/oak-park-city-limits/2010/07/oak-park-follows-supreme-courts-rulingthank-goodness.html
H/t Alphecca
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Tuesday, January 10th, 2012 10:00 PM
Staff Reporter
The Oak Park Board of Health, a citizens advisory panel, is hosting a forum on Jan. 24 to gather input from residents on guns. Oak Park's decades-long handgun ban was struck down by the Supreme Court in mid-2010, and a gun store recently opened in the village, making the timing right for a community conversation.
"We want to hear from citizens about their thoughts and ideas as to how firearms should be regulated in the village of Oak Park," said Margaret Provost-Fyfe.
A couple of years ago, the health board came up with a list of possible actions that the community could take in the event that the handgun was banned. And with the recent opening of Windy City Firearms on Roosevelt Road, village trustees asked the health board to host the forum to start the ball rolling toward possible action.
The Jan. 24 meeting will give each participant three minutes to speak. The health board will then draft recommendations and forward them to the board for future discussion at an undetermined date.
Village President David Pope said he's anxious to hear what might be suggested.
"I think we're all going to look forward to what comes back from the board of health in determining what steps, if any, should be pursued at that point," Pope said.
Following the June 2010 ruling, Oak Park tweaked its handgun ban, allowing people to carry firearms in their place of business or home, while still prohibiting assault weapons.
Some ideas from the health board's 2010 report included starting a handgun registry, holding safety courses and requiring owners to securely store their handguns. Oak Park may also explore zoning regulations related to gun stores, according to Simone Boutet, the acting village attorney.
David Schweig, a 75-year-old Oak Parker who fought the village's handgun ban in the 1980s, hopes that forum is balanced and fair.
"The overwhelming majority of the people who come to these hearings are on my side of the issue, and they refuse to be silenced or shushed," he said.
+++++++++++++++
Oak Park also had signs up banning nuclear weapons within city limits back in the 1970's. It's difficult to find references to that on the internet, but here's an anecdote: http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/oak-park-city-limits/2010/07/oak-park-follows-supreme-courts-rulingthank-goodness.html
H/t Alphecca
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Email from MoveOn
I just got this:
Dear MoveOn member,
In just 3 days, more than 200,000 people have signed our petition asking President Obama to "hold Wall Street banks accountable by fully investigating the Big Bank fraud that caused the housing crisis." Next Thursday, January 19, we'll deliver these petitions to local Obama campaign offices so that he uses his power to make Wall Street pay.
Despite wrecking our economy and harming millions of Americans, Wall Street still hasn't had to account for its actions. Adding insult to injury, although Big Banks foreclosed on nearly 350,000 homes over the past few months,1 banks are set to give out a whopping $156 billion in compensation this year, including executive bonuses.2
President Obama has a choice to make: Let the banks off the hook or order a full federal investigation into bank practices during the housing crisis. President Obama has referenced FDR's famous quote before: "You've convinced me. Now go out and make me do it." Can you help "make him do it" by hosting an event in front of your local OFA campaign office?
Yes, I can organize an event!
The president has the power to order this investigation today and start the year off right. Emboldened by the energy of the 99% movement, he recently bucked the GOP and Wall Street to appoint Richard Cordray as Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Now we need President Obama to keep fighting to bring Wall Street to justice.
On January 19—just five days before his State of the Union address—we'll gather to deliver our petitions in front of Obama's campaign offices in all 50 states for "Yes He Can?" events. We'll call on President Obama to stand strong with the 99% and make sure Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and other Big Banks are held accountable.
Can you host a "Yes He Can?" event to ask the president to use his power to make Wall Street pay?
Click here to host!
Hosting an event is powerful and easy. You'll get all the materials you need and access to the petitions from MoveOn members for the delivery. If you don't have an office near by, that's OK—just hold the event outside of the nearest Wall Street bank branch—then, mail in the petitions.
Thanks for all you do.
–Elena, Robin, Peter, Stefanie, and the rest of the team
Sources:
1. "Home foreclosures jump in third quarter," Reuters, December 21, 2011
(link to MoveOn snipped)
(link to MoveOn snipped)
2. "Report: Big Bank Bonuses in 2011," New Bottom Line, accessed January 10, 2012
http://www.newbottomline.com/report_big_bank_bonuses_in_2011
http://www.newbottomline.com/report_big_bank_bonuses_in_2011
++++++++++++++++
I remember when MoveOn was on Osama's side. Now, he's another problem to be dealt with.
Concealed carry bans
Wisconsin law allows private businesses to post "no guns" signs to prohibit legal concealed or open carry on in their buildings.
Do these people ever consider that they are insulting and offending tens of thousands of Wisconsin residents who have proven they are law-abiding by obtaining a CCW license? Tens of thousands of good folks who are exercising their God-given and Constitutionally protected right to self-defense?
I tried to find WAVE's list of banned places at their web site, but the link is gone. Bad publicity?
Dropped off a torn flag at the Beloit VFW hall - and was surprised to see a "no guns" sign on their door. Millions of American veterans died to preserve our rights - and the VFW infringes. There's some irony there.
Who's who on SOPA
http://sopaopera.org/
A list of supporters and opponents.
Never thought I would be on the same side as Nancy Pee-Lousy, but we live in interesting times.
A list of supporters and opponents.
Never thought I would be on the same side as Nancy Pee-Lousy, but we live in interesting times.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Beloit Municipal Code
If you ever wondered, here it is: http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientId=12549
Lots on stuff in there that is blatantly illegal - such as the prohibition on concealed carry:
Or just dumb - like snowball fights are illegal:
Lots on stuff in there that is blatantly illegal - such as the prohibition on concealed carry:
Our concealed carry law explicitly allows carrying a knife for self-defense - and there's no limit on size that I have seen, as long as it's not a "switchblade" or similar assisted opening knife.
15.07 - FIREARMS AND WEAPONS, USE OF .
(1)CONCEALED WEAPONS. No person except a peace officer shall go armed with a concealed and dangerous weapon within the City. A "dangerous weapon" is any firearm loaded or unloaded, any device designed as a weapon and capable of producing death or bodily harm, or any other device or instrumentality which, in the manner it is used or intended to be used is calculated or likely to produce death or great bodily harm. It shall include any knife or bladed instrument having a blade 3 inches or longer.(2)SWITCH BLADE KNIVES PROHIBITED. Section 941.24, Wis. Stats., is adopted by reference and made a part of this section except that the penalty for violation thereof shall be as provided in §25.04 of this Municipal Code.(3)SALE OF FIREARMS AND WEAPONS TO MINORS FORBIDDEN. No person shall sell any firearm, blackjack, billy, bludgeon, cross-knuckles, knuckles of any metal, bowie knife, dirkknife, dirk dagger or switch blade knife, or loan such items to any minor within the City.(4)DISCHARGING FIREARMS. No person shall fire or discharge any firearm or air gun within the City, except a police officer in the lawful discharge of his duty, provided this subsection shall not apply to the target practice of the regular club, or any shooting gallery conducted within the permission of the Police Department.(5)BOW AND ARROW. No person shall shoot or discharge any bow and arrow of a type which could cause personal injury or death within the City, provided this section shall not apply to practice or match shoots of regular clubs or other persons upon prior notification of and permission by the Police Department.(6)PENALTY. (Cr. #1304; Am. #2778) Any person convicted of a violation of any provision of this section shall be subject to a penalty as provided in §15.30 of this Municipal Code, or if no penalty is prescribed by that section, shall be subject to a penalty as provided in §25.04 of this Municipal Code.
Or just dumb - like snowball fights are illegal:
How about CB radios? I thought we had the FCC for this, but Beloit evidently thinks they need a special ordinance:
15.08 - STONES AND MISSILES, THROWING OF PROHIBITED .
No person shall throw or shoot any object, stone, snowball or other missile or projectile by hand or by other means at any other person or at, in or into any building, street, sidewalk, alley, highway, park, playground or other public place within the City.
Got to wonder how many $10K fines Beloit has collected since that one got incorporated.
15.125 - CITIZENS BAND RADIOS. (Cr. #2671)
(1)PURPOSE AND FINDINGS. The City Council of the City Beloit finds that some citizens band radio operators in the City of Beloit have operated their citizens band stations in violation of the rules and regulations published by the Federal Communications Commission in 47 CFR, Part 95, Subpart D. The City Council also finds that the Federal Communications Commission has failed to enforce its rules and regulations relating to the operation of citizens band stations. Therefore, it is necessary for the City of Beloit to enforce the rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission in order to protect the health and safety of the citizens of Beloit. More specifically, the City Council finds that it is necessary to protect its citizens from unsolicited and unwanted invasions of their homes and interference with their home electronic devices caused by irresponsible citizens band station operators.(2)DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS:Antenna means the radiating system (for transmitting, receiving, or both) and the structure holding it up (tower, pole or mast) and everything else attached to the radiating system and the structure.CB means citizens band.Citizens band radio service or CB radio service means private, two-way short distance voice communications service for personal or business activities or for voice paging.Citizens band station or CB station means a radio station transmitting in the CB radio service.Citizens band transmitter or CB transmitter means:1.An apparatus that converts electrical energy received from a source into radio frequency energy capable of being radiated; and2.An apparatus authorized by the FCC, pursuant to an application filed after September 9, 1976, for use in the operation of a CB station.CFR means Code of Federal Regulations.FCC means Federal Communications Commission.Radio frequency interference means radio frequency energy which:1.Is radiated from a CB station; and2.Interferes with the operation of electronic devices located off the premises of the CB station.(3)CHANNELS AND FREQUENCIES. No person may operate a CB radio station on any channel or at any frequency other than the channels and frequencies authorized by 47 CFR 95.407 which is adopted herein by reference.(4)ANTENNAS:(a)Antennas in Fixed Locations. Antennas installed at fixed locations (whether receiving, transmitting, or both) must comply with either of the following:1.The highest point must not be more then 20 feet higher than the highest point of the building or tree on which it is mounted; or2.The highest point must not be more than 60 feet above the ground.(b)Portable Antennas. Antennas mounted on hand-held portable units need not comply with the limitations imposed upon antennas installed at fixed locations.(5)FCC APPROVED TRANSMITTERS. No person may use a CB transmitter unless that transmitter has a FCC type-accepted transmitter with a type-acceptance label placed on it by the manufacturer. No person may make internal modifications to a type-accepted CB transmitter. No person shall use a CB transmitter type-accepted pursuant to an application filed with the Federal Communications Commission prior to September 10, 1976. No person may sell a CB transmitter type-accepted pursuant to such application.(6)TRANSMITTER POWER OUTPUT. No person shall use a CB station transmitter with a power output exceeding either of the following values:(a)AM (A3)—4 watts (carrier power)(b)SSB—12 watts (peak envelope power)(7)AMPLIFIERS PROHIBITED. No person may attach the following power amplifiers to a type-accepted CB transmitter:(a)An external radio frequency power amplifier (sometimes called linears or linear amplifiers); or(b)Any other device which, when used with a radio transmitter as a signal source, is capable of amplifying the signal. It shall be presumed that a CB operator used a linear or other external radio frequency power amplifier if:1.A linear or other external radio frequency power amplifier is found in the operator's possession or on the premises from which the CB radio station transmits.2.There is evidence that the CB station was operated with more power than permitted by subsection (6) of this section.(8)RESPONSIBILITY FOR COMMUNICATIONS. The occupants of the premises upon which a CB station is located shall be responsible for all CB communications made from the CB station and for all CB equipment kept on the premises.(9)PROHIBITED COMMUNICATIONS. CB station operators shall transmit two-way plain language communications without codes or coded messages. Operating signals such as "ten codes" are not considered codes or coded messages. A CB station operator may transmit two-way plain language communications only to other CB stations, to units of the operator's CB station or to authorized government stations on CB frequencies about:(a)Personal or business activities of the operator or members of the operator's immediate family living in the operator's household.(b)Emergencies.(c)Traveler assistance.(d)Civil defense activities in connection with official tasks or drills conducted by, or actual emergencies announced by, the civil defense agency with authority over the area in which the CB station is located.(e)No person shall transmit one-way communications except for:1.Emergency communications;2.Traveler assistance;3.Brief tests (radio checks); or4.Voice paging.(f)No person may use a CB station:1.For any activity which is against federal, state or local law.2.To transmit obscene, indecent or profane words, language or meanings.3.To intentionally interfere with the communications of another CB station.4.To advertise or solicit the sale of any goods or services.5.To transmit music, whistling, sound effects or any material to amuse or entertain.6.To transmit any sound effect solely to attract attention.7.To transmit the word "MAYDAY" or any other international distress signal, except when the CB station is located in a vehicle, the occupants of which are threatened by grave and imminent danger and in need of immediate assistance.8.To communicate with, or to attempt to communicate with, any CB station more than 155.3 miles away (250 kilometers).9.To advertise a political candidate or political campaign.10.To transmit false or deceptive communication.11.Transmit communications for live or delayed rebroadcast on a radio or television broadcast station.(10)LENGTH OF COMMUNICATIONS. No person may operate a CB station which communicates with another CB station for more than 5 continuous minutes. No person may, at the end of a conversation, transmit again for at least one minute.(11)EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS. Every CB station operator shall, at all times and on all channels, give priority to emergency communications.(12)REMOTE CONTROL PROHIBITED. No person may operate a CB station transmitter by radio remote control. In this section, "remote control" means the operation of a CB transmitter from any place other than the premises on which the CB transmitter is located.(13)CONNECTION TO TELEPHONE PROHIBITED. No person shall connect the CB station transmitter to a telephone, except as permitted by 47 CFR §95.420.(14)CAUSING INTERFERENCE PROHIBITED. No person shall operate a CB station which causes radio frequency interference with the operation of any electronic device located in the City of Beloit and off the premises of the CB station. If a City of Beloit police officer determines that a CB station is causing interference with the electronic equipment kept on premises adjacent to the CB station, the police officer may do any of the following:(a)Order the operator of the CB station and/or the occupant of the premises on which the CB station is located to cease operation of the CB station during specified hours or times.(b)Have the CB station equipment inspected by a person certified as technically qualified to perform transmitter maintenance and repair duties in the private land mobile services and fixed services by an organization or committee representative of users in those services.(15)INSPECTIONS OF CB STATION EQUIPMENT AND CB STATION RECORDS. A police officer may inspect CB radio station equipment and CB station records whenever the officer has probable cause to believe that a CB station operator, or person in possession of CB radio equipment, has interfered with the operation of electronic equipment of another by means of radio frequency interference. In the event that the operator or person in possession of CB radio equipment refuses to permit inspection of the CB radio equipment or CB station records, the officer may apply to the municipal court for an inspection warrant pursuant to §§66.122 and 66.123, Wis. Stats.(16)PENALTIES. Any person who violates any of the provisions of this section shall be subject, upon conviction, to a forfeiture of not less than $500 nor more than $10,000 for each violation.
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