Sad Days

Out of respect for the families of the victims and the survivors I have not yet commented on the attack on the Connecticut Elementary School. It deeply saddens me to see how the actions of 1 individual can be so devastating. All this week we have heard this attack compared to Columbine and others like it yet due to the nature and youth of the victims this tragedy is the worst. Our nation morns the loss of the 20 children and 6 adults that had their lives cut short last Friday. This tragedy has shocked our nation and will no doubt bring new issues to light but now is not just the time to discuss them. Our Representatives and others will discuss these issues in the coming months but now is time to heal.  I pray for the families of the the victims and for all those effected by this tragedy.

Concealed Carry!!

A court ruled yesterday that Illinois must catch up with the times and implement some form of concealed carry. Currently Illinois is the only state in the union to completely ban concealed carry of a firearm. The court gave law makers until June to implement a new law otherwise the court would step in and do it for them. The Pantagraph gave a good explanation of the issues and lawmakers positions on the topic. I am personally shocked of the precedent  that this decision sets, courts can instruct state on what to do even if they have already repeatedly voted against said legislating.

How does this make you feel?

Do you think that concealed carry is a good thing for this nation even with more gun violence in the news recently?

Dec. 7th Remmebered

It was today 71 years ago that Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Empire of Japan.


"Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory." - President Franklin D. Roosevelt

He was correct we are a hearty people and we band together and overcome what ever the world throws our way.  This is exactly why I never lose face that our great nation will overcome the current economic mess that we find ourselves in. 

Our leaders will work out a compromise by the dead line and we will begin the long road towards economic recovery in the new year.

Which Plan To Use?

Last week President Barack Obama released his plan for averting the Fiscal Cliff. Needless to say it was not what the Republicans had in mind when they had the summit at the White House.

The Obama Administration  updated an info-graphic online to outline their plan  and set up a website that citizens can have direct contact with the administration. You can tweet at President Obama and ask questions that he will be answering over the coming days.

Today, Speaker Boehner released today a letter addressed to President Obama outlining the Republican's position on the Fiscal Cliff. They wish to implement the Bowles Plan. Calling for much needed spending cuts coupled with in depth tax reform to close corporate loop holes and encourage job growth here at home.

What do you think of this battle over preventing the Fiscal Cliff?

Which plan do you want to see implemented?

The Presidential Lunch Date

Do you think that Romney and Obama had a productive meeting over lunch?

What is your opinion on these meetings?

Does Romney have new ideas and plans that will be beneficial to solve the issues facing the country?

Let me know your opinion on my questions or anything else you have to say about their meeting.

Illinois legislature goes "Lame Duck"

Well now that the election season is over and the dust has settled the Democrats have developed a veto proof majority in both chambers of the Illinois legislature. Leaders have stated tho that the new make up will not lead to rubber stamping for Governor Quinn's initiatives. If anything the legislature will now be able to do what it wishes such as sweep away a Quinn veto on issues such as gambling.

Thought before the newly elected state representatives and state senators get to Springfield the General Assembly enters its veto session, aka lame duck session. These next few weeks will be spent attempting to work out deals on the huge controversial issues of the year like pension reform, with legislators who will be out of a job in 1 months time. I believe that they will shoulder the blame of causing the needed cuts to occur.

Other issues that are most definitively to come up are:

E-15 Tax Credit - The shift of current tax credits to encourage E-15 as a new blend of gas and ethanol. E-15 has been approved by the US EPA for all automobiles makes 2001 or newer.This new tax credit shift would save the state a substantial amount of money along with helping boost the need for more corn based ethanol made right here in the state.

Medical Marijuana - There is a resolution in the legislature that would relax the ban on marijuana in the state of Illinois to allow for it to be used for medical purposes only. The measure barely lost an up or down vote earlier in the last legislative session and will be debated in Veto Session.



What do you expect to come of this veto session? Do you think anything will get done?

Turmoil in the Middle East!

With Israel and Gaza constantly trading rockets and mortars, the global community sits and watches hoping for no further escalation.

President Obama sent Sec. of State Hilary Clinton to the region to discuss the issues and push for a move to "deescalation and a broader calm". Secretary Clinton just met with the Prime Minister of Israel and will go on to Egypt and Palestine in the morning to meet with more leaders.

These actions in the middle east will effects the U.S. almost directly. Israel is our major ally in the area and if they go to war we will no doubt come to their aid. The last thing we want to see are Israel forces marching on Gaza and a full fledged war breaking out.

I think that the President needs to step up his involvement in the situation may need to take place if Israel doesn't back down and agree for a cease fire. Diplomacy needs to be used to develop a long term solution that will provide for more stability in the region.

I encourage you all to follow the news coverage on the situation in Gaza because it directly effects the stability in the region and the United States national security.