Assault on Religion, or Misguided Hyperbole?

Last week’s Letter to the Editor: Obama’s Assault on Religious Freedom, penned by the Coordinator of the Northern Illinois Tea Party was:

1. Her right to present her views

2. Absolutely ridiculous

Ms. Carrell, you and your like minded cohorts are a clear example of why this country is mired in matters that do nothing to advance the economic recovery of this great nation. You are wallowing in a subjective opinion (religion i.e.,.Christianity and its place or non place in government) that does nothing to promote a bi-partisan agenda that congress must embrace to return our country to fiscal soundness. Instead, you chose to use alarmist tactics that are meant to push the buttons of fundamentalists who, out of fear of being on the wrong side of The Rapture, will vote against common sense in lieu of how many souls are saved, or ignored, or consecrated to the fires of Hades on any given day.

For you to imply that President Obama is anti-christian and pro-muslim by citing the ravings of an internet provocateur and politically paid for carnival huckster as fact, is proof that you and the remnants of the so-called grass roots uprising you represent are desperate to ward off what is likely a slow fade to irrelevance.

Everything you cited in your letter was taken from wallbuilders.com. I encourage people to google these blurbs on factcheck.org to get the whole picture.

President Obama has done nothing that his predecessors haven’t done, nor will any of the future presidential office holder do. Because that’s the way it is. No matter how much you wish for it (though I don’t know why...witness the Taliban), we have a constitution that explicitly states the separation of religion and state. You all need to get out of this “what would Jesus do” mentality, and start getting into what we can do and what our elected officials will do for the betterment of our country.

Lisa Bloom
Morrison, IL

Schilling Does What He Says

Rep. Schilling: thanks to you, our prayers have been answered

When Ron was diagnosed with prostate cancer we attributed it to his exposure to Agent Orange during his service in Vietnam in 1966.

The VA agreed. Agent Orange was likely the cause, but since Ron’s ship was not on the Brown Water Navy list which grants compensation to sailors exposed to Agent Orange, nothing could be done for him. And Ron would not receive medical care from the VA for his cancer.

Then we remember the mailer we received from Rep. Schilling, so we contacted his office for assistance. What a blessing this was. We knew that it would be a tough battle to get the VA to add a Navy ship to the list. This was just not done this way, there were procedures to follow, and besides getting a ship added to the list is nearly impossible.

Procedures be dammed. Congressman Schilling took the fight for this veteran to the bureaucrats who kept telling us no, the ship can’t be added to the list, and Ron will not receive medical treatment from the VA.

But after nearly a year of dogged persistence, Ron receive a call from Congressman Schilling informing him that the VA had agreed to add the USS Stormes to the Brown Water Navy list, making Ron eligible for VA medical care for his cancer.

Finally, we have a representative who will fight for us and actually does what he says he’ll do.

Ron and Marcia Tady
East Moline, Il

Morrison’s Historic Preservation Meeting Notes

Here we are at the beginning of October. Morrison’s Historic Preservation Commission meeting was held Oct. 2, 2012 at 5:00pm and the Morrison Business Advisory Group met on Oct. 4, 2012 at noon. I attended both meetings since the issues they discuss concern many of our residents, me included.

The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) had several residents wanting to opt out of the “historic districts”. I do find this rather odd, since back at the April 9, 2012 City Council meeting there was information brought forth to the council that proved that the entire “downtown historic district” was set up illegally because they did not follow the processes in the law/ordinance #98-03 (defining the process). It calls for 60-day actual notice and the signatures of 24% of the property owners. No record exists. So are there really “historic districts” in Morrison or not?

Wishing to opt out of historic district-Bob Shambaugh’s building at 409 E. Wall is not in the district, not a landmark, so the application to opt out was moot. Bob said he was glad it was not in.

Wishing to opt out of historic district-Gary Milnes’ building at 628 W. Lincolnway (blue house across from Two Bums Hauling) he did not get his information in at least 7 days before the meeting so his building could not be discussed at this meeting.

Wishing to opt out of historic district-Dunlap Masonic Lodge 227 & 229 E. Main St.(it is a new building, built in 2010 under the direction of the Historic Preservation Commission). According to Committee Chairman Slavin, the Dunlap Masonic Lodge does not conform to the requirements of the ordinance. They did not provide a written statement with all appropriate documentation to opt out of the district. The Lodge provided a letter that stated the masonic members do not wish for their building to be in the historic district any longer. Mr. Slavin said that does not give any reason at all but he wanted to be fair and encouraged them to supplement the letter (which isn’t that written form??) by doing it in a petition form so they (HPC) have something to truly consider. They want some other reason other than that the members no longer want to be included in the historic district—and it has to be in writing. Mr. Shambaugh asked - What did they want in the paper? Mr. Slavin said there are 7 things the committee has to consider, so go by that.

According to the Historic Preservation Commission there are 3 sections: Downtown District-Orange on map; Hill District-Green on map; Lincolnway Highway Bypass Corridor-Blue on map (restrictions are not presently enforceable in the corridor). Note change of date for next meeting. It was decided the next Historic Preservation Commission meeting will be held November 20, 2012, City Hall basement at 5:00 pm.

At the Morrison Business Advisory Group (MBAG) meeting, they discussed the Market Street Renaissance study. Mr. Gross, ComEd engineer, walked the street with Bob Vaughn and CA Wise to look at the revision of the wiring on Market Street and will get back to CA Wise.

Market Street Parking lot purchase has been put on hold, according to CA Wise, because the legal person at ComEd assigned to this closing was reassigned so we are waiting for ComEd to fill that position in order to move forward. Apparently, this is taking some time. CA Wise stated we have 25% of a DECO grant to use for preplan expenses like engineering by Fehr Graham.

During the public comment I stated that I did not feel a TIF (Tax Increment Financing) District for downtown was a good idea at this time because the School is in financial distress and forming a TIF District for downtown would take away some of the monies the school could be using. CA Wise stated it does not affect the school. I asked for the information on TIF districts that he is looking at. He said if a TIF district is asked for, the city would have to get a TIF lawyer, a consultant, create a plan, and it is a very expensive lengthy process and would work toward the 2014 budget creating line items, etc.

Business District trash consolidation was discussed. CA Wise, Ellen Smith, and Stephanie Vavara will form a team to talk to Main Street residents, business owners, etc. According to CA Wise all trash receptacles downtown are on city property so the city can govern what is acceptable. Bob Vaughn said he didn’t think the city should dictate, the solution should come from the business owners.

Overnight downtown parking is not allowed. CA Wise and Corinne Bender were to check on this. CA Wise stated other towns have off street parking for apartments located on Main Street. I stated that the reason we have NO main street overnight parking because in the winter, it is almost impossible to clear the streets if the person does not move the car when the snow removal is done.

Dr. Jennings would like Mayor Drey to attend some of the MBAG meetings. This group recommended that the Main Street lights all be turned on and the idea was squashed by the Mayor. He felt that the group served no purpose if the mayor could decide on his own not to follow their recommendations.

Bob Vaughn asked why the bricks are falling on Market Street. CA Wise stated the pigeons are digging into the top layer of the façade. Bob said the bricks are falling it is not the façade. It is the new property owners’ responsibility not the city’s responsibility. Dr. Jennings asked if there is a timeline for the issue to be addressed. CA Wise said the new owners have 30 days to respond. I said it is an issue in all the area towns that have the old buildings….they have served their purpose and are falling down if not taken care of. People need to take care of their own buildings and not let them get to that state of disrepair.

Note the date and time change for the November meeting. The next MBAG meeting will be held on NOVEMBER 8, 2012 AT 8:00am at the Masonic Lodge.

A Morrison Taxpayer,
Marti Wood

A President’s Record

The four-year Illinois senator, whose most memorable act was standing (alone) on the senate floor to rail against a bill requiring humane treatment (not medical treatment) of babies surviving abortion, went on to the U.S. Senate. Two years in DC were spent campaigning for President. Obama was marketed to the American people like Kraft markets cheese.

Indifferent performance was expected, but who expected Obama would attack religion with a vengeance? Pastor David Barton, on his WallBuilders website, writes, “perhaps the most accurate description of his antipathy toward Catholics, Protestants, religious Jews, and the Jewish nation would be to characterize him as anti-Biblical.” He contrasts this with Obama’s clear preference for Muslims.

Among the many “Acts of hostility toward people of Biblical faith” Barton lists: (1) April 2009 - Speaking at Georgetown, a Catholic University, Obama orders the monogram symbolizing Jesus’ name be covered up; (2) May 2009 - failure to host National Day of Prayer events (a day established by federal law) at the White House; Obama does host White House Iftar dinners in honor of Ramadan; (3) 2010 – White House avoids all the normal official proclamations on Biblical holidays, but regularly recognizes major Muslim holidays; (4) February 2011 – Bush administration conscience protections for health workers are revoked; (5) June 2011 – The Department of Veterans Affairs forbids references to God and Jesus during burial ceremonies at Houston National Cemetery (6) May 2012 - The Obama administration opposes legislation to protect the rights of conscience for military chaplains who do not wish to perform same-sex marriages.

You can read these offenses and more, fully documented, at WallBuilders dot com. In folksy language, you bought a “pig in a poke” – i.e., something you could not examine. The media failed in their role of vetting the candidate, and are failing still. Sorry yet?

Jane Carrell
Coordinator, Northern IL Tea Party
Roscoe, IL

On The Thomson Prison . . .

Well, it may be sold and yes, it will have an effect on local economies, but . . .

Since 4 federal prisons already built have not been opened, how many years before they and Frank Wolf will allow funding to open Thomson?

My prediction: There will not be 50 jobs for local residents, since very few can qualify for federal bureau of prisons, and previous information stated they had over 20,000 applications in Washington, and at the job fair we were told there was no special allowance for local residents. Many of the new fbp officers will use Thomson to get their foot in the door, then transfer to other states.

I predict within the next 5 years Illinois will be building a new prison or adding on to existing prisons. That location will be where politicians are strongest.

Kirk Wellman
Erie, IL

What About a Fair Tax?

The unemployment report at 7.8% with 32 days left before the election gives a false impression. Not counted were those who have stopped looking for a job, unemployment is closer to 14% with over 23,000,000 Americans unemployed or underemployed.

More people are looking to the Fair Tax Plan to solve this nation’s economic woes. It would

1) give every worker their full paycheck

2) permit businesses to compete in the world market without having to pay high taxes

3) Require all the current tax dodgers to pay their fair share.

Any doubters this would work need only think what would happen if everyone has their full paycheck to put back into the economy and if every business and individual did not have to pay federal income taxes or report anything to the IRS ever again.

For more information: fairtax.org.

Roy T Newsom
Granbury, TX

Capitol Report

By Jim Sacia, State Representative, 89th District

HJRCA49 (House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 49) will be on your ballot November 6, 2012. It passed both Chambers with overwhelming support – 113 in favor, 0 opposed, and 0 present in the House and 51 in favor, 2 opposed, and 0 present in the Senate.

Yes, it’s dry stuff but it directly affects every one of you who is a citizen of this great state.

Ethics regulations prohibit me from advocating for or against the Resolution but I certainly feel duty bound to share with you factual information. The Resolution was authored by Speaker Madigan and President Cullerton.

It requires any state legislation that provides a pension benefit increase to receive a three-fifths vote of each Chamber of the General Assembly. If vetoed, it will require a two-thirds majority in each Chamber to override or amend.

It requires any local or school district legislation, ordinance, or resolution that increases the amount of the employees’ pension or annuity receive a three-fifths vote of the governing body.

It requires that any action by a pension or retirement system governing body at the state government, local government or school district level that results in a beneficial determination shall not be valid unless it receives concurrence of at least three-fifths of the members of the governing body.

Here are the pros and cons:

In favor

A higher vote requirement would help prevent unfunded future liability for pension benefits;

Requiring a three-fifths vote would provide better accountability; and

A three-fifths vote requires greater consensus among parties.

Against

A higher vote requirement may limit the bargaining power of employers and employees;

There is a possibility of disagreement of what constitutes a benefit increase; and

Requiring a supermajority for pension benefit increases could make it more difficult to recruit the best people to work in government service.

Support for the Resolution comes from local government interest including the Illinois Municipal League, DuPage Mayors and Managers, Cook County Forest Preserve, Illinois Library Association, City of Chicago, Cook County, Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, and United Counties Council.

The Resolution is opposed by AFSCME, SUAA, IFT, AFL-CIO, Chicago FOP, Retired Teachers of Chicago, FOP, Laborers’ Midwest, McLean County, and the IEA.

Secretary of State White’s Office has prepared a pamphlet that is available on line on his website at http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/con_amend/ca_english.pdf, The pamphlet is also available in other languages.

As always, you can reach me, Sally or Barb at 815-232-0774 or e-mail us at jimsacia@aeroinc.net. You can also visit my website at www.jimsacia.com. It’s always a pleasure to hear from you.