Feb 20, 2020

Posted by | 0 Comments

Saying No Doesn’t Mean You’re for the Status Quo...

Saying No Doesn’t Mean You’re for the Status Quo

The ninth Democratic Presidential debate was held on Wednesday, February 19, 2020. I have not chosen my candidate yet because the Illinois primaries are still a month away. I liked what Pete Buttigieg said about Bernie Sanders because I do not think it applies to only Sen. Sanders – it applies to any of the candidates as well as any of their supporters. Mayor Pete said, “On issue after issue after issue this is what Senator Sanders is...

Jul 10, 2013

Posted by | 0 Comments

I Am Somebody

...

Jan 21, 2013

Posted by | 0 Comments

40 Years of “Pro-Choice” – What Does That Really Mean?...

“The only differences between the Herod of old and the Herods of today are in the weapons used and the number of victims. Herod used swords and spears to kill the Holy Innocents. Today’s Herods use abortion, “The Pill” and other chemical weapons. And whereas Herod killed a relatively small number of babies, today’s Herods have butchered literally hundreds of millions … with no end in sight!” ~Msgr. Ignacio Barreiro-Carámbula, HLI Interim President,  Spirit & Life Newsletter, December...

Nov 30, 2012

Posted by | 0 Comments

Convicted Sex Offenders and Felons Should Not Be Elected. Ever....

Mel Reynolds wants to be re-elected “So he can finish the work.” Seriously? What “work” would he like to “finish”? Perhaps sexually assaulting more minors? Perhaps committing more bank fraud? Perhaps by lying more? All this talk of convicted sex offender, Mel Reynolds, wanting to be a Congressman again, even though he is a CONVICTED FELON, made me realize that folks like him are really delusional. He thinks his crimes should be “forgotten” because they happened so long...

Jul 28, 2012

Posted by | 0 Comments

I Support Religious Freedom

All this hoopla about Dan Cathy, CEO of Chick-fil-A, believing that marriage is between one man and one woman has caused a lot of interesting discussions. Add in Mayor Emanuel claiming that the views of Cathy are not the views of Chicago, while also supporting Louis Farrakhan, who also believes as Cathy does, and the discussion continues. Some who have discussed this topic suggest that Farrakhan is entitled to his view because he is a “religious leader” but...

May 18, 2012

Posted by | 0 Comments

Another Thing Obamacare Does Not Fix

Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine. ~Lord Byron Yet another thing Obamacare did NOT fix: I went to pick up meds today and was told my order was “conveniently converted” to a generic format. When I asked where it was made, I was told “it’s made by Teva USA so it must be made in the USA.” I guess I must have really rolled my eyes, rather than thinking about it, because the girl at...

Feb 25, 2012

Posted by | 0 Comments

Remember the Born Alive Infant Protection Act?...

“President George W. Bush signed the federal version of the Born Alive Infant Protection Act in 2002. The federal bill passed the U.S. House in an overwhelming 380-15 vote, with a majority of outspokenly pro-abortion representatives supporting the legislation. Even after NARAL withdrew its opposition to the federal version of the bill, Obama had continued to oppose the state version.” The Born Alive Infant Protection Act was passed on the Federal level in 2002. This act provides protection...

Jan 30, 2012

Posted by | 0 Comments

Silence Equals Acceptance

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Martin Luther King I came across this quote the other day when I was doing some research on how recent mandates by the Obama administration violate the First Amendment. This quote reminded of when my dad used to say, “If you see something going on and stand by silently, you are accepting it.” So very true! Over the past week or so, I have...

Jan 29, 2012

Posted by | 0 Comments

Let’s Just Trample the First Amendment...

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. ~First Amendment  On January 20, 2011, the Obama Administration announced it will force all insurance plans to provide coverage for abortifacients, contraceptives, sterilization, and abortions, including those plans provided by religious organizations vehemently...

Jan 23, 2012

Posted by | 0 Comments

Obama: Government, Privacy and Dreams...

“As we mark the 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we must remember that this Supreme Court decision not only protects a woman’s health and reproductive freedom, but also affirms a broader principle: that government should not intrude on private family matters. I remain committed to protecting a woman’s right to choose and this fundamental constitutional right. While this is a sensitive and often divisive issue—no matter what our views, we must stay united in our determination to...

Jan 20, 2012

Posted by | 0 Comments

What Do They Mean By “Choice”?...

“If we accept that a mother can kill even her own child, how can we tell other people to not kill each other? Any country that accepts abortion is not teaching its people to love, but to use any violence to get what they want.” ~Mother Teresa January 22, 2012, marks the 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the legislation that legalized abortion. On that day, pro-abortion groups are sponsoring a “Blog for Choice Day.” I am joining other...

Jun 25, 2011

Posted by | 0 Comments

Concealed and Carry Laws

The Wisconsin House and Senate both passed a bill to allow law abiding citizens carry concealed handguns. This makes Illinois the only state that does not. In a recent article in the Daily Caller, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn was quoted as saying, ““About two-thirds of the people of Illinois are strongly opposed to that proposed idea and public safety comes first. We should listen to the everyday people of our state when it comes to their safety that...

Feb 19, 2011

Posted by | 0 Comments

SB 136: Killed But Still Kicking

On Thursday, February 17, 2011, Senator Edward Maloney killed SB 136. When I heard the news, I contacted his Chicago office to thank him and to ask if he will continue to pursue the registration of homeschooled students with the Illinois State Board of Education. I was told by a woman in his office (Jackie) that the senator was still in Springfield and that she did not have a lot of details. She did inform me that “any...

Feb 16, 2011

Posted by | 0 Comments

Contact Sen. Ed Maloney to Oppose SB 136...

Please contact Sen. Ed Maloney, and let him know that you oppose SB136. This bill proposed all non-public students be required to register with the state. Now, he plans to amend it so it only affects homeschoolers. Registration is not necessary and it will be costly – this does affect the entire community. Please call/fax/email Sen Maloney to oppose this bill. His contact information: Email: emaloney@senatedem.ilga.gov District Office: 10444 South Western Ave. Chicago, IL 60643 (773) 881-4180 (773)...

Feb 16, 2011

Posted by | 0 Comments

Tell Senator Ed Maloney to Withdraw SB 136 – and Do Not Amend It!...

Yesterday, thousands of homeschoolers traveled to Springfield, Illinois, to attend a hearing regarding SB 136. This bill would require non-public school students to register with the Illinois State Board of Education. It is sponsored by State Senator Edward Maloney, 18th District. This happens to be my district. It seems Sen. Maloney plans to amend SB 136 so that the language specifically references homeschooled students. I have several questions about this bill: I am wondering how a bill can...

Feb 14, 2011

Posted by | 0 Comments

Sen. Ed Maloney discusses SB136 on WLS Radio...

Earlier today, Senator Ed Maloney discussed SB 136, the proposed bill to regulate homeschoolers in the State of Illinois, with Cisco Cotto on WLS radio. There is a transcript of the discussion here: http://www.triviumpursuit.com/blog/2011/02/14/transcript-state-senator-edward-maloney-joins-cisco-cotto-on-wls-am-890/comment-page-1/#comment-265978 I have made several attempts to contact Senator Maloney, who actually represents my district. His office in Worth, as listed on his website, is closed, with a big “For Rent” sign in the window. The phone at his office in the Beverly community goes...

Feb 13, 2011

Posted by | 0 Comments

Senior Tax Freeze Renewal Must Be Completed Every Year...

You have to love how our government officials keep making laws that basically screw the regular guy. A recent change affects the senior citizen property owners here in Cook County (or perhaps I should call it “Crook County?’). Since 2007, seniors who filed for the Senior Freeze Exemption for their property taxes automatically had that exemption renewed yearly. Starting with 2010 taxes, which are payable in year 2011, seniors will have to submit an application every year in...

Feb 12, 2011

Posted by | 0 Comments

SB 136 – A Hot Topic for Illinois Homeschoolers...

Earlier this week, I wrote in to the SouthtownStar Newspaper about the proposed SB 136 bill, put forth by Sen. Edward Maloney, 18th District (my district), here in Illinois. The same day that the newspaper published an abridged version of my letter (see my post on that here), it also published a letter from one Dana P. Zigmund. Today’s post is a comment I wrote on the SouthtownStar’s website in response to her letter. Below is Ms. Zigmund’s...

Feb 10, 2011

Posted by | 0 Comments

Illinois: Trying to Regulate Homeschoolers...

Last week, Senator Edward Maloney, Illinois 18th District, introduced SB136, which will require non-public school students to register with the Illinois State Board of Education. This would include both private school students and homeschool students. I recently wrote in a letter to the SouthtownStar, after reading a column about the subject by Fran Eaton. Below is my letter, in its entirety. Fran Eaton’s piece, “Homeschool parents ask, ‘Why state registration?’” raised some good points regarding the proposed Senate...

Jan 20, 2011

Posted by | 0 Comments

Ask Them What They Mean By ‘Choice’ Blog Day is January 21!...

“The undeniable fact is that those who defend the destruction of innocent human life in the form of abortion and euthanasia cannot confront the moral issues, nor can they confront the history that proves beyond a doubt the similarity between their reasoning and that of the most heinous murderers of history.” ~ Msgr. Ignacio Barreiro-Carámbula, HLI Interim President, Human Life International e-Column, September 24, 2010 Tomorrow, January 22, 2011, marks the 38th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the...

Jul 22, 2010

Posted by | 0 Comments

Another Obama Email

This must be my lucky week! A few days ago, I received an email from Michelle Obama; yesterday, I received an email from Barack Obama. (See image of email below my signature.) I would guess that I have somehow ended up on an email list for the Democratic National Committee. Barack begins the email with a warm, “When you and I set out on this journey three years ago, we knew that ours would be a lengthy struggle...

Jul 19, 2010

Posted by | 0 Comments

An Email from Michelle Obama

Today, I received an email from Michelle Obama. It was addressed to me by name, too. The subject of the email was “Prevention,” and it extolled all the virtues of the “Affordable Care Act” that was passed earlier this year. (I have posted the email in its entirety below my post.) The first line of Michelle’s email  states: “When you hear about the new health reform law these days, too much talk is focused on the political.” That...

May 11, 2010

Posted by | 0 Comments

Is This Really America?

And I’m proud to be an American,where at least I know I’m free.And I won’t forget the men who died,who gave that right to me.~Lee Greenwood  During my recent trip to Florida, I saw an Italian restaurant, on Fort Myers Beach, flying the Italian flag above the American flag. The American flag was also turned upside down. Last week, five high school students in Morgan Hill, California, were reprimanded and sent home for wearing t-shirts with the American...

Mar 28, 2010

Posted by | 0 Comments

On the recent health care bill…

Last week, one of our local columnists, Phil Kadner, wrote a commentary on the passage of the health care bill, entitled Health Care Battle Far From Over. (You can read the piece here: http://www.southtownstar.com/news/kadner/2117609,032310kadner.article) I sent in a response to Kadner’s commentary, which was published in the SouthtownStar on Sunday, March 28, 2010 ( http://www.southtownstar.com/news/opinion/letters/2124604,032810letters.article ). Here is my response (in italics): Phil Kadner discussed the ongoing health care reform battle on Tuesday, March 23. He referred to...

Jan 25, 2010

Posted by | 0 Comments

Is Silence Really Golden?

” I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.”  ~Elie Wiesel Yesterday, our priest gave an excellent sermon on the sanctity of life. He has been one of our priests since I was a child. He is about the same age as my folks (a year younger, actually); we share the same...

Jan 23, 2010

Posted by | 0 Comments

A Fundamental Right?

“….is it surprising that today we have become so morally blind (for wickedness blinds) that we save the baby whales at great cost, and murder millions of unborn children?” ~Alice von Hildebrand, The Privilege of Being a Woman Yesterday, January 22, 1010, was the 37th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, a Supreme Court decision which deemed abortion a “fundamental right” under the Constitution of the United States. I do believe that this decision has led to a complete...

Dec 21, 2009

Posted by | 0 Comments

It’s “Merry Christmas, ” Not “Happy Holidays”...

A recent conversation on Facebook was started when a friend of mine posted that she did not want to hear “Happy Holidays” or “Seasons Greetings,” but rather “Merry Christmas.” Her reasoning was quite sound: Jesus is the reason for the season. I do agree with her. Discussion ensued about Christmas programs now being called “Winter Programs” or “Holiday Programs” so that those who do not observe Christmas may be included in the festivities. There certainly has been a...