Illinois Review

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Pastor Anderson: The Unfortunate Flip Side of Reverend Wright

Hadn't heard about this until fellow Illinois blogger Liberty Watchman brought it to our attention, and we have to agree with his analysis 100% -- there's absolutely no reason for the vast majority of sane conservatives to shun the likes of this Baptist preacher ....

No sooner does the Watchman advocate that conservatives rally behind an increase in Secret Service protection for President Obama, than a pastor in Arizona preaches a sermon calling for God to strike him dead.

Let's take this in two parts:  political and spiritual.

Rivadeneira proposes plan to reduce corruption and waste

From the Rafael Rivadeneira for State Rep in 41st Campaign:

Our corrupt and inefficient state government is one of the biggest issues we face in Illinois. Our politicians are being paid above-average salaries, the General Assembly is consistently passing pork-projects and wasteful programs, and our spending has gone out-of-control. The time has come for Illinois to halt its path of corruption and wastefulness and start providing quality, effective government.

Salary Reduction
We need to take several steps to regain the trust and respect of Illinois residents. As your state representative, I would support a pay reduction for all elected officials. Currently, members of the House make a base salary of roughly $65,000, and House Speaker Mike Madigan makes over $90,000 for his position of leadership.  Elected officials should not be in office for the salary, and we owe it to the citizens to reduce our pay. States with large salaries, like California (roughly $105,000), Michigan (roughly $80,000), and New York (roughly $80,000) are examples of why higher salaries do not provide a better government.

Dan Proft asks media "What took you so long?" about Madigan's scam

In reference to "State Contractors hire Madigan's Law Firm," Proft for Governor issued the following: 

Proft Issues Statement on Sun-Times' Article On Speaker Madigan's Tax Firm

CHICAGO -- Republican gubernatorial candidate Dan Proft issued the following statement today in response to the Chicago Sun-Times article “State contractors hire Madigan’s firm.”

“Today’s Chicago Sun-Times’ story on how House Speaker Michael Madigan’s law firm enriches itself by seeking property tax breaks for contractors who get state financing should come as no surprise to anyone who has been paying attention. But it is encouraging nonetheless that the Chicago media is finally reporting on the scam Speaker Madigan has been running for years.

“My only question is: What took you so long? As Speaker of the House, Madigan has control over property tax rates throughout Illinois. Speaker Madigan also decides who sits on the Illinois Housing Development Authority, the state agency that finances low-income housing projects. In addition, Madigan’s firm, Madigan & Getzendanner, works with the local developers to get property tax breaks on those projects.

"Illinois Review asks" 2010 GOP gubernatorial candidates

If you haven't yet had a chance to hear the six GOP gubernatorial candidates whose petitions are circulating for filing in November, Illinois Review has put together a sampling of questions for our readers.  We've asked candidates Adam Andrzejewski, Bill Brady, Kirk Dillard, Matt Murphy, Dan Proft and Bob Schillerstrom to answer just a few questions to introduce us to them, and we've clipped their answers (except for Murphy, whose schedule didn't allow him to participate) and accumulated them for your perusal. 

State contractors hire Madigan's law firm

The Sun-Times is reporting that over the past nine years, Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan's law firm has made $171,000 by seeking property tax breaks for developers who get state financing to build low-income housing.

Records also show the firm of Madigan & Getzendanner helped another state contractor save about $300,000 in property taxes on the Atrium Mall and food court it operates inside the James R. Thompson Center, the state's main office building in Chicago.

More here.

Schakowsky announced town hall for tonight

Democrat U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky plans to host a town hall meeting for constituents to discuss health care reform. Schakowsky has set the forum for this evening at Niles West High School in Skokie. The congresswoman's office says a "standing room only audience" is expected for the event.

The Government Can

Take a moment and watch this one ... you'll laugh out loud at comedian Tim Hawkins' "The Government Can." Second time through, sing along...

H/T Larry LaVanway

"It Costs Too Much"

by John F. Di Leo

"It costs too much."

Not "America's health care system doesn't work" or "People aren't getting treated" or "We're not finding new cures for previously untreatable things every day."

No, "It just costs too much."  Who says?

Seriously... I'm not kidding.  Who says it costs too much?  Who complains that a diamond costs more than a cubic zirconia?  ...that a Rolls Royce costs more than a Kia?  ...that an Armani tie costs more than one from K-Mart?

Dillard blasts Quinn for inept leadership as unemployment rises

from the Dillard for Governor campaign

LISLE, Ill. – State Senator Kirk Dillard, gubernatorial candidate, today expressed outrage that Governor Quinn failed to make appointments to his own economic development commission designed to offer recommendations for improving Illinois’ economy during the worst economic time in our nation since the Great Depression.  Dillard who has announced plans to make Illinois a “destination economy” called on Governor Quinn to fulfill his responsibility by making appointments so that the General Assembly can consider legislation to encourage job growth during the fall veto session beginning October 14.

Meers offers $1000 to Halvorson to hold town hall meeting

from the Meers for Congress campaign

Frankfort, Illinois businessman and 11th District congressional GOP candidate, Henry Meers, has sent a letter to U.S. Rep. Debbie Halvorson offering a “bribe” if she will hold a public hearing on the issue of healthcare.

In his letter, Meers said that he had previously appealed to Halvorson’s  “sense of duty and decency.”  The letter went on to say: “It occurred to me (Meers) that you (Halvorson) ARE a long standing operative and leader of the corrupt Democrat machine of Chicago and Springfield.  Therefore, I am appealing to you in a way that you might better understand, and by which you would be more likely to respond favorably.  I am hereby offering you a bribe.” 

David McAloon talks to the MC Freedom Coalition

Are they going to tax AIDS risks?

by Sam Pierce

As the glorious state of Illinois prepares to enter a new era of even more oppression by taxation, I can't help but wonder if the denizens of D.C. are going to follow suit. I am specifically curious about the taxes on behaviors related to healthcare. While citizens who don't live near enough to a border to shop in neighboring states might be stocking up ahead of September first tax hike, will our illustrious Senators and Congressmen be considering subjecting the nation's taxpayers to something similar?

We in the cyanotic blue state of Illinois (cyanotic describes the effect of Illinois policies on business) should not be surprised when the bloated Springfield/Chicago tick moves to draw even more blood from its host electorate. This is the nature of the parasite.

Beginning September 1, it may be worth your while to cross state lines and purchase alcohol, soda, or even some of your hygiene products because our benevolent redistributors of wealth have said they do not want you to do business in Illinois. I wish I could comprehend the brilliance of those who seek to increase revenue by reducing the number of transactions.

Obama Care: Answer our Prayers, O Lord!!

by Matt Gauntt

Excuse me. When was it that Democrats decided to incorporate religion into politics?? I'm sure a 12-year old thought of praying for nationalized health care by himself. When my son isn't thinking about baseball and video games, the VERY next thing he cares about is nationalized health care. Don't grieve for your grandpa, talk about health care - classy.  h/t - Gateway Pundit.

Lang blames Cross for "personally killing" income tax increase

by Cal Skinner

At last Wednesday's meeting of the McHenry County Democratic Central Committee State Rep. Lou Lang (D-Skokie) talked about "what really happened in Springfield."

Let me skip to what he said Republicans did and didn't do.

"Twelve brave souls said they would (vote for the income tax increase.) We only needed five of those brave souls. Their leader Tom Cross said, 'No.'" Lang said he was told there were two arguments: 

NRCC ads blast Foster's unwavering support of Pelosi

Politico featured a story Sunday about the RNCC's new attack ad, aimed at House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's top political allies in the socialized medicine debate -- and one of which is Illinois' 14th CD U.S. Rep. Bill Foster.

The ad is part of a nationwide offensive by the House GOP campaign arm, which is also airing TV and radio ads in Alabama, Colorado, Maryland, Missouri, New Mexico and Pennsylvania. The NRCC declined to disclose how much it was spending on the campaign. The Foster ad is set to air on Illinois cable TV for a week.

The Illinois ad targets Bill Foster, a Democrat who is serving his first full term in the House. Obama won 55 percent of the vote in Foster's northern Illinois district in November's presidential election.

Here's the ad:

The ad is part of a nationwide offensive by the House GOP campaign arm, which is also airing TV and radio ads in Alabama, Colorado, Maryland, Missouri, New Mexico and Pennsylvania. The NRCC declined to disclose how much it was spending on the campaign. The Foster ad is set to air on Illinois cable for a week.

The Illinois ad targets Bill Foster, a Democrat who is serving his first full term in the House. Obama won 55 percent of the vote in Foster's northern Illinois district in November's presidential election.

House plan threatens cancer patients' future, Roger says

Congressman Mike Rogers from Michigan explained very succinctly the problems with the health care bill long before the August recess.

Illinois Review asks "How would you fix the budget?"

As part of Illinois Review's ongoing series with IL GOP gubernatorial candidates, we asked, "How would you, as governor of Illinois, correct Illinois' budget problems?"

57 percent think we should dump Congress

Rasmussen says Americans are ready for a "throw 'em out" year next year ...'

If they could vote to keep or replace the entire Congress, just 25% of voters nationwide would keep the current batch of legislators.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 57% would vote to replace the entire Congress and start all over again. Eighteen percent (18%) are not sure how they would vote.

Why are you a Republican?

"Gov Jello," Kass dubs Quinn, and more

Chicago's only fearless voice against Illinois' politically-lethal "Bi-Partisan Combine" -- the Tribune's John Kass -- is rested after a relaxing summer, and is back to work.  Right out of the box, he takes on Governor Quinn, shaming him for his weak-spined retreavals on ethics legislation, the U of I trustees and more.  Kass mercilessly dubs Quinn "Governor Jell-o."

Quinn, also a nice fellow who portrays himself as a reformer, sold out his own reform legislation in a political deal. He negotiated a provision with the legislature that would have prevented the state Democrats from endorsing a gubernatorial candidate. In exchange, he let the legislators gut the work of his blue-ribbon reform commission.

But Kass also hints at what's on his mind on the Republican side of the governor's race ...

Why is Sen. Ted Kennedy Qualified for Burial at Arlington National Cemetery?

by Mark Rhoads

Many Americans highly regard the privilege of burial at Arlington National Cemetery because it has always been considered a special place and home to military heroes, often medal winners and combat veterans with distinguished service in uniform. Sen. Ted Kennedy will be buried next week at Arlington and that might come as a surprise to some since he served only two years in the Army of light active duty in peace time in Europe.

But he is technically qaulified to be buried at Arlington not because he has two brothers there who were independently qualified. What makes Sen. Ted Kennedy qualified is a special law that Congress passed for its own members to be buried there if they had ever served any active duty time in any branch and also were elected to Congress.

To see the rules, CLICK HERE to see the regulations on the Arlington Cemetery web site.

Rush pushes for national FOID card

Illinois is the only state in the union that requires gun owners to have a current Firearm Owner Identification (FOID card). Congressman Bobby Rush (D- 1st CD) thinks it's time a national FOID card was issued. He also wants all guns to be registered with the Attorney General.

The National Rifle Association is sounding the alarm over Rush's latest introduction of HR 45. 

The measure calls for all handgun owners to submit to the federal government an application that shall include, among many other things: a photo; an address; a thumbprint; a completed, written firearm safety test; private mental health records; and a fee. And those are only some of the requirements to be licensed! 

Central Illinois 9/12 Tea Party

by Sam Pierce

What: Sept. 12th, 2009 Tea Party discussing the health care bill, Cap and Trade, US debt/deficit, Constitutional issues, and other issues facing us as voters and Americans

When: 2:00 pm

Where:  Effingham, IL - Old Courthouse gazebo (off of Route 45).

Directions: here

U of I clout scandal getting costly

It has been revealed that the University of Illinois has paid about $440,000 to a number of law firms to represent the university in matters related to the political clout admissions scandal. The bulk of the costs, about $392,000, went to Latham & Watkins for work done through June 30 to comply with the Admissions Review Commission.

More here.

Quinn goes after legislator pay raises

Gov. Lennie Small (aka Pat Quinn) finally did something right. He proposed the elimination of yearly pay raises, which lawmakers automatically receive unless they vote not to take it. Quinn also proposed eliminating the controversial pay review board that frequently recommends giving lawmakers and statewide officials (read bureaucrats) raises.

Of course, Quinn’s idea was stolen directly from a House Republican initiative (HB 252) that Speaker Madigan never allowed a vote on.

LaBarbera sues InterContinental Hotels Group

The Daily Herald and other news outlets covered the Pete LaBarbera's and AFTAH's lawsuit against a hotel chain the discrimiated against him and his organization. According to the Daily Herald:

Americans For Truth About Homosexuality recently filed a federal discrimination lawsuit against Holiday Inn Select, 1801 N. Naper Blvd.

The Carol Stream-based group alleges its Oct. 6, 2007 fundraiser was canceled by the hotel six weeks earlier because of the group's religious beliefs against homosexuality.

Bill Brady answers, "Will being from Downstate matter in 2010?"

Other Brady responses in the "Illinois Review Asks" series HERE. 

"It ain't [America] no more, OK?"

Durbin answers about health care

The far southern Carmi Times nabbed some answers about health care legislation from U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, and has published them on their website.  The website's current format makes it almost impossible to read, so we've duplicated the answers with a few changes in formatting for readability.  The gist is Durbin supports the public option, plans to offer health insurance options online, says doctors who make errors in care will have to eat the cost of mistakes, thinks the reform can happen this year if Congress can stay focused.  The questions: 

Q. Do you support a public option for government-funded health care coverage? Why or why not?

A. Durbin says two of the most important elements of the debate are finding a way to keep costs controlled for families with insurance and making sure people who don't have coverage now can afford it in the future. He supports a public option as a way to help accomplish both goals but is willing to compromise for a "meaningful health care bill."

Durbin says a public option would simply be offered as a choice among several others in the health insurance market and would provide a "valuable alternative" for those who want different coverage or can't afford coverage now. Durbin points to the competition provided by private schools and shipping companies with public suppliers. "A public option will provide competition that will hold private plans accountable and help moderate the price of health insurance," Durbin said in a written response sent by his office.

Congressman gets town hall ass whooping from a U.S. Marine

McKenna for Governor?

Rumors are circulating that Andy McKenna may be looking to jump into the race for Governor. The former chairman of the Illinois Republican Party would join a crowded field. However, there are several Republican "leaders" who feel that none of the current six have the support needed to clear the field and take the Party to victory in 2010. This opening may be the reason Andy is entertaining the idea.

Stay tuned.

Halvorson continues to ignore unhappy voters

The Joliet Area Tea Party demonstraters staged a counter protest to Obama's "Organizing for America" send-off in front of Debbie Halvorson's Joliet office Friday afternoon "to show our congresswoman that there is no support for government healthcare in this district," organizer Tim Kraulidis wrote in an email this week.

"We will beat them at their own protesting game. We cannot allow [Debbie Halvorson] and her liberal allies to stage events to show that there is support for the government takeover of 1/7th of our economy."

There has been no report of Halvorson speaking with today's protestors.

UPDATE: David Smith, a constituent of the 11th CD, just reported to Illinois Review that a group of protesters went up to Halvorson's office, but staffer Greg Bales said Ms. Halvorson was not in, and that he'd pass along their concerns and requests to her. He did not mention a date for a planned town hall in the upcoming days before the expected vote on health care in Congress. Smith estimates there were close to 100 anti-ObamaCare ralliers. At the beginning of the rally, he spotted 6 or 7 pro-Obama supporters, but they got discouraged and left the location to anti-Obama protesters serenade of "Na, na, na, nah...Get ready...Goodbye!"

(Thanks to Karen Hayes and Dave Smith) for sending IR the photos. Organizers Debbie Kraulidis and husband Tim are featured in second photo above. Click on photos below to enlarge)

Bill would give president emergency control of Internet

Internet companies and civil liberties groups were alarmed this spring when a U.S. Senate bill handing the White House the power to disconnect private-sector computers from the Internet.

They're not much happier about a revised version that aides to Sen. Jay Rockefeller, a West Virginia Democrat, have spent months drafting behind closed doors. CNET News has obtained a copy of the 55-page draft (excerpt), which still appears to permit the president to seize temporary control of private-sector networks during a so-called cybersecurity emergency.

Campaign Finance Reform: A 'Present' from GOP Leadership

from Dan Proft for governor campaign

Both Speaker Mike Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton were seen yesterday, standing side-by-side with the governor, praising his veto of the campaign finance “reform” bill. It may surprise you to learn that they both voted for it.

This is what passes for reform in Illinois. Egregious corruption is exposed by third parties, and when the public finally seems to have had its fill, some career politician decides to take a stand and appoint a “blue-ribbon” panel, headed by a fresh new face from his own party. Inevitably, the conclusion they come to is not that government is too big, has too much influence, or is designed to increase the accumulation of power over time; they conclude that there aren’t enough laws designed to exclude outsiders.

Connelly Lauds Veto of Phony Campaign Finance Reform Bill

Springfield … After voicing his concerns and frustration with the passage of a watered down campaign finance reform, State Representative Michael Connelly (R-Naperville) today lauded Governor Quinn’s decision to reverse course and veto House Bill 7.

“I applaud the Governor for listening to the concerns of the residents, good government groups, and even his own Reform Commission members to veto the watered down “reform” legislation the Democrats passed in the spring,” said Rep. Connelly. “My hope is that the Governor along with all caucuses will now push towards enacting House Bill 24 which recognizes and codifies the Patrick Collin’s Reform Commission’s recommendations. These recommendations came from people all over the state – not politicians."

The real well-funded Astro-turfers

Right to protect yourself re-affirmed in IL

One of the only gun rights bills that passed the legislature this spring was signed into law yesterday, as reported in The Southern ...

Gov. Pat Quinn signed a bill Wednesday introduced by Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion, that is intended to protecting the right to bear arms.

The bill reaffirms that it is legal to possess a firearm in one's own home or on another person's land with permission. The legislation was introduced in response to a 2007 appellate court decision that ruled possession of a firearm was legal as long as it is in a residence where the person has established substantial and uninterrupted ties and treats as his or her home, according to a news release from Bradley's office.

42nd Ward Republicans celebrate new GOP enthusiasm in Cook County

On Wednesday, August 26th, the most awaited and always well attended Republican event of the summer, the 42nd Ward Republican Organization's 9th Annual Boat Cruise, cruised successfully down the Chicago River.

In attendance were officers and members of the largest and the most active Republican organization in the city, the 42nd Ward, prominent elected officials and candidates from across Illinois as well as energized republicans from the Chicago Metropolitan area.

Drowning out the district

by Joel B. Pollak, American Thinker

At a town hall meeting on health care in June -- before the nationwide outrage over the current legislation -- I asked my congressional representative, Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), how she could promise that the public option would merely compete with private insurance, given that she had boasted in April that "a public option will put the private insurance industry out of business." She flatly denied ever having made the statement.

When I replied that her speech was on YouTube for all to see, a man three seats over from me shouted: "Shut up!" Another man across the room yelled, "I want to put them out of business," and several people applauded. "Well," I said, "I have private insurance and so do many people in the district, and we don't want to lose it."

Bobby Rush builds his 'church' with stimulus money

CQ reported yesterday that over the past five years, Illinois Democrat Rep. Bobby Rush has spent $152,777 of his campaign cash on a church he founded: Beloved Community Christian Church. Sounds harmless and generous...right? Well, not exactly.

You see, the church is his center of "operations" to which he recently earmarked nearly $700,000 for two of its "related" social services entities - Beloved Community Family Wellness Center and Beloved Community Family Services. Both have quickly have become magnets for federal money, including $688,500 in earmarks from Rush in fiscal 2008 and a $409,090 injection of economic stimulus funds from the Obama Administration in the current fiscal year.

Overall, the nonprofits have won more than $2.5 million in federal grants since 2007, including the stimulus money.

Obama keeps Nemazee bundled money

President Obama and the DNC finally agreed to return or donate to charity campaign contributions from Democratic moneyman Hassan Nemazee, who was arrested and charged Tuesday with trying to defraud Citibank of $74 million by offering fake collateral for a loan.

But Obama stopped short of promising that he would give back or give away contributions from other donors that came through Nemazee through a process known as bundling that brought in more than $500,000 for Obama’s campaign.

Read more: here

Malkin writes what Chicago media wouldn't

The United Republican Fund will host current #1 New York Times' bestselling author of Culture of Corruption Michele Malkin on October 22. If you haven't read Malkin's book yet, you must. It's the story of Chicago Democratic machine corruption that our own Chicago lame stream media refused to expose, which eventually led to Barack Obama's so-far-abysmal and destructive presidency. 

From the "Culture of Corruption", available on Amazon:

Bill Foster still missing?

Where was Bill Foster during the 5 days he is unaccounted for this August? Where is he now?  Not talking to his constituents, that’s for sure. Please see the background below, and accompanying comment from the NRCC, for details:

“While Bill Foster has spent most of his August recess consumed with a ‘fact-finding trip’ and a high-dollar campaign fundraiser, his constituents have good reason to question why he is so unwilling to talk to them face to face about healthcare. Now, Illinois families are left with even more unanswered questions regarding the five days their congressman went completely unaccounted for. This begs the question – where was Bill Foster, and where is he now?” – Paul Lindsay, NRCC spokesman

Schillerstrom agrees with Quinn's ethics bill veto

NAPERVILLE – County Chairman and Republican candidate for Governor Bob Schillerstrom agrees with Governor Pat Quinn’s veto of campaign finance legislation that Quinn previously hailed as “landmark.”

“It is the way of Springfield to pass weak legislation, proclaim victory and leave town. That is what Gov. Quinn tried to do with campaign finance legislation, and it is a step in the right direction that he has admitted his mistake and changed position. While it is surreal to see the Governor veto a bill he hailed as ‘landmark’ just weeks ago, it was a necessary action. After the arrest of Quinn’s running mate, Illinois residents understand the importance of Ethics legislation better than anyone and are looking for real reform, not more lip service.

“It appears that Gov. Quinn now sees the difference, which is encouraging. From Ethics to the budget, he is right, our state can ‘do better.”

Depending on Illinoisans' losses no way to fund capital program

by David E. Smith, Illinois Family Institute

Thanks to Gov. Quinn and our state lawmakers, Illinois has a new gambling law which allows up to 5 video gambling machines in local establishments where liquor is served. We will soon have mini-casinos in our favorite restaurants throughout Illinois.

There are good reasons why dozens of local municipalities are considering banning this type of gambling – also known as the crack cocaine of gambling. A leading study from Australia in 2000 concluded that for every 80 video gambling machines, $2 million was drained from and "damaged the local economy" each year. 

Numerous machines make it hard to regulate and almost impossible to monitor to prevent underage gambling. Experts estimate between 7% - to 11% of the teen population are already compulsive gamblers.

Brady speaks out on Quinn's U of I flip-flop

from the Brady for Governor campaign

Rather than waffling and changing course, Governor Quinn needs to remember that sage reality from Harry Truman.

Since he became our accidental governor with the impeachment of Rod Blagojevich, Quinn has failed to show any hint of the leadership that Illinois needs today and that Illinois citizens deserve.

When he backed down from his demand that the final two trustees of the University of Illinois resign, Quinn again displayed a lack of backbone that is needed to be the chief executive of Illinois.

Bean's constituents' frustrations grow

Where's Democrat  Melissa Bean and when will the people of the 8th District know how she plans to vote on Obamacare? Congresswoman Bean (8-IL) refuses to hold open forums so her constituents can voice their concerns over the health care bill.

Frustrated taxpayers that are not members of the Lake Zurich Chamber of Commerce will not be allowed into their breakfast next Wednesday morning featuring Rep. Bean, so they're planning to protest outside.  Details are: 7:00 AM, Wed, Sept 2, outside Concorde Banquets, 20922 Rand Rd in Kildeer, IL. More at Liberty Watchman's blog HERE.

In addition, the "With or Without You" Town Hall Meeting will be held tonight at 7:00 PM at the Libertyville IL Civic Center, 135 W. Church St. in Libertyville.

Protecting your freedom is the last thing on their minds

by Mark Rhoads

It might sound harsh but I think it is a true statement to observe that Americans who love liberty have much more to fear from some fuzzy-headed members in Congress who pretend to be "conservative Republicans" than they need to fear from all the socialist schemes of the Obama Administration and liberal Democratic majorities. The reason is that "conservatives" such as Sen. Orrin Hatch(R-Utah) or Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) labor under the delusion that their job in Washington is to make laws regardless of content and think they will be remembered as statesmen if they can only cave in enough times to left-wing Democrats in helping forge a "bipartisan" path to socialism. 

Ted Kennedy

by Matt Gauntt

I was always taught to "never speak ill of the dead". OK, maybe they weren't the best of persons, but they're dead now, so just move on. Of course it is just fine and dandy for the liberals in Congress to suddenly pull out the sympathy card on health care "reform" and name it after Ted Kennedy just so Orrin Hatch will feel compelled to vote for it. Way to stay classy there Ms. Pelosi.

When the death of Ted Kennedy came, I moved into that mindset. Sad for his family, since I know what it is like to lose a loved one.  It is obvious, that Ted was loved by his family. I also know the ravage of cancer in a loved one, and I'm sure Ted Kennedy was in pain and his passing eased that pain much like it did with my mother, who died from cancer 16 years ago next week. At the same time, I was honestly not that sad that a vocal and effective liberal was gone from the US Senate. One that was fervently pro-life before he became pro-choice because that's where his party wanted him to be. I just kept it to myself, like I was supposed to.