Brookfield7

All content, of both the original Brookfield7.com and this blog, is written from my point of view and is my opinion. I believe it to be accurate at the time it is written. ~ Kyle Prast, Brookfield resident since 1986

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

April 5, 2011 Judicial Ballot Picks: David Prosser & Lloyd Carter

Tuesday, April 5th's election has risen in scope from being a typical sleepy non-partisan spring election to one gaining national attention. For the first time ever, I had an email from a person in California asking about where he could donate to help Judge David Prosser. (See links below.) And it is no wonder, for this election will mark a turning point in our state.

Depending on the outcome, Wisconsin's Supreme Court will remain dominated by 4 judges who believe in the rule of law or change over to become dominated by 4 activist judges, those who believe you can legislate from the bench. Judge David Prosser IS the swing vote.

The choice is between fair-minded, pro-life Justice David Prosser and Greeniac Green Party backing, DNR Attorney Joanne Kloppenberg for this very important, 10 year term, position on the highest court of our state.

Joanne Kloppenberg has NO JUDICIAL experience and in fact has been turned down 3 times for state and federal judgeships by Gov. Jim Doyle and President Obama. For comparison, Kloppenberg is to the far left of liberal former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Louis Butler who Doyle appointed to the Wisconsin Supreme Court in 2004 and Obama nominated for Federal Judge in the United States District Court in 2009. (Butler, perceived as too liberal, was rejected by the U.S. Senate.)

Take a look at Judge David Prosser's Endorsement page, and you will see former Wisconsin Republican GovernorTommy Thompson and Democrat Governor Patrick Lucey listed there as Campaign Chairs!* Even The Journal Sentinel Editorial stated We Back Prosser in the primary. The Sun Prarie Star is endorsing Prosser on April 5th.

Tough on Crime Prosser also has Law Enforcement and experience on his side, having been "involved in more than 900 published decisions on the Supreme Court" alone and "authored at least 45 criminal case opinions", whereas Kloppenberg has only handled 51 overall cases ever in appellate and supreme courts, with only 7 being criminal cases, rightly acknowledges, "I never said I was tough on crime".

Between her statement that she would serve as a "check and balance on overreaching by the other branches of government" [the executive and state legislature] and her husband's public support of collective bargaining rights for public employees, it is difficult to believe she has or will remain "independent" on the collective bargaining bill.

If you wish to help David Prosser's campaign, you may donate to Citizens for Impartial Justice, Wisconsin Club for Growth to help them put ads on the airwaves, or volunteer at your local Republican Headquarters branch. The GOP is looking for people to man the phone banks, help put together yard signs, etc. In Waukesha, 1701 Pearl St., they are open M-Sat 9am-9pm, Sun. Noon - 8pm.

Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge
As for our more local race for Waukesha Country Circuit Court Judge, Branch 4, my vote is going for Lloyd Carter, as I stated in Lloyd Carter for Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge. Check out his page of endorsements and supporters.

ELMBROOK residents select school board representatives: April 5, 2011 Elmbrook School Board Ballot Picks: Brunner & Write-In Kormanik

More Reading:
National Review, Robert Costa: Wisconsin Fight Goes to Court

April 5, 2011 Elmbrook School Board Ballot Picks: Brunner & Write-In Kormanik
Judge David Prosser & Jeff Stone need your support

*UPDATE April 1 am: As of last night (March 31), former Governor Patrick Lucey resigned as honorary chair from the Prosser campaign to back Kloppenberg. Given the other pressures put on by unions and the Democrat Party, it would seem to me his resignation wasn't because of the reasons he stated...but that is just my opinion.

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

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April 5, 2011 Elmbrook School Board Ballot Picks: Brunner & Write-In Kormanik (Yes, that was Brunner! UPDATED)

UPDATES: See brown text sections below

Yes, it is true! I am voting for Dick Brunner for Area 1 Elmbrook School Board Member.

Here is my sample ballot with all my picks selected: David Prosser for Supreme Court Justice, LloydCarter for Circuit Court Judge, Branch 1, and School District of Elmbrook Board Members: Richard Brunner for Area 1 and Write-In Nancy Kormanik for Member-at-Large.

Why Brunner? (Pictured left) He is the more conservative of the 2 men running. Notice, I did not say he was a conservative, just that he was more conservative. While they both* support 4K, (*Brunner just emailed me to clarify that he is "not necessarily a proponent of 4K, but [he] would consider it as an option if appropriate"), at least Dick Brunner realizes if we cannot reduce the budget by other means, we must close some of our existing schools because of excess capacity. He has stated this privately to me in an email as well as publicly at the Candidate Forum.

He wrote, "As it stands now, we're in a box if the [enrollment] numbers don't change. We have to work within our revenue limits and expenditures. Expenses have to go down. We have two choices: lay off teachers and increase class size or close schools. Closing schools won't save nearly as much as layoffs though. I've been looking at administrative staffing and [it] appears that they are VERY well staffed!"

Brunner also wrote this about his financial background, "I was employed by Waukesha County for 16 years as a financial manager. During that time, I was the primary architect of the annual budget. Each budget was scrutinized line by line and the responsible manager was asked to fully justify each item. If this technique was applied to the Elmbrook budget, I believe we could make a substantial cut in the deficit. ...I sincerely believe that there are substantial amounts of fat in that budget."

He closed with this statement, "I am committed to our students getting the best education possible..."

So, Richard Brunner has my vote, while Mr. Moe seems to think that renting out vacant old school space could be a money maker. History would not prove that to be true, but he can believe what he wishes.

UPDATE: I see from the comments, that this race needs a bit more explanation. Ken Moe was a former Superintendent for Brown Deer schools. Superintendents historically are in favor of growing their empires. It was true of our former Elmbrook Superintendent Cronin, who pushed numerous building referendums at the community, and is true of our present Superintendent Matt Gibson, who was hired in 1995 because of his reputation of passing building referendums. (By the way, some fought against these referendums because data showed declining enrollment.)

Even now in the face of our schools only operating at 70% capacity, Moe still doesn't believe we need to close a school. Keep in mind even if we rent out the space, which is VERY difficult to do at a profit, or even at a loss, these buildings still need maintaining--think heating, lawn care, boiler care, roof repairs, etc. The roofs need resurfacing regardless of occupation and is a huge expense. These costs are what Tom Gehl referred to as OPERATING COSTS, and a reason to close a school if too high.

In shopping for a new Superintendent, would you rather have an empire builder on the board or someone who realizes our financial shortfall and need to cut back. It is your choice.

For the Member-at-Large position, I am voting for Nancy Kormanik (pictured in the center). Since I have written much about Kormanik's candidacy already, perhaps this would be a good time to explain why I cannot support Kathryn Wilson. (Sandra Schultz was never a consideration since she is pro 4K and anti school closings.)

Had I not entered into some back and forth with Kathryn Wilson regarding 4K in mid February, I easily could have had a Wilson sign in my yard right now. But after some email exchange and conversation, it became clear to me that I no longer trusted Wilson's judgment on what constituted a priority in the Elmbrook School District.

In a nutshell, though Kathryn Wilson agreed with me that 4K had no real academic value and no real revenue enhancement value, she still was supportive of it. She admitted it would probably fail if the vote was taken, but she felt it was important because parents wanted it. This wasn't a little wobble in her former position, it was a complete about face.

When I pressed her that taxpayers shouldn't be asked to fund an unnecessary 4K program, she then wondered what we could cut out of Elmbrook's budget to afford 4K outright--that we would take the state reimbursement but not charge the remainder of the cost to the Elmbrook taxpayers by increasing the tax levy. In other words, Elmbrook would absorb the extra cost within their existing budget.

That really shocked me, since the whole reason the Enrollment Management Study Team was considering starting 4K was that it would increase Elmbrook's revenue via new taxes. Why were we looking at these options if there were areas in the budget we could cut to make up the $16 million budget shortfall for the next 5 years?

So Wilson was willing to divert scarce funds from what we are told is money needed for valuable programs in Elmbrook, to start an academically unnecessary 4K program?

I retorted if there was excess money in the budget, it should be used for building maintenance, and referred to the maintenance deferment article--that we needed to be a better steward of our buildings. She agreed. (I have since found out that East High School's roof is leaking onto the newly tiled floors. This neglect has got to stop!)

I told her I was disappointed in her; she said she needed to go. So Kathryn was going to vote for 4K. But then 4K was taken off the agenda. I still attended that school board meeting on February 23rd and spoke against 4K. But before I spoke, a very articulate woman spoke out against starting 4K. That woman was Nancy Kormanik!

About 2 weeks later on March 4th, Wilson emailed and indicated she was backing down on 4K in response to a constituent asking, "Is this [4K] the most important thing you have to do right now?"

But for me, this isn't a reassuring retreat. As the Patch reported, "Only one candidate (Nancy Kormanik) expressed opposition to adding a 4-year-old kindergarten program, while four favored adding 4k and one (incumbent Kathryn Wilson) did not clearly endorse or reject it." Wilson admits, "so far I have not been impressed with 'revenue,' per se, as a reason to support 4K", but is still looking at 4K. At this point she is willing to wait for more data on it to see if it is necessary for the district to remain competitive in the future.

And that is why I have a Write-In Nancy KORMANIK sign in my yard instead of a Wilson.

To vote for a Write-In on any race, just connect the arrow next to the write in space and print in your candidate's name.

How to Write-In candidate Nancy Kormanik.

If you want to help the campaign, email Nancy: NANCY.KORMANIK@gmail.com

You may LINK to her pdf to view an exact copy of her campaign flier or to print yourself to share with friends.

More Reading:

March 23, 2011 Budget has board hopefuls' attention Some want to cut, others seek better financial picture "Kormanik, a former educator and program coordinator at Milwaukee Area Technical College, said it may sound obvious, but the district needs to stop spending money unnecessarily. She said all options - closing a school, increasing class sizes, changes to pay and benefits - need to be considered."

March 23, 2011 Elmbrook School Board at-large race "There is nothing off the table anymore, all the way from toilet paper to contracts. We need to look at everything: insurance policies, contracts not just for teachers but for other personnel, personnel, staff, bills that have to be paid, investments, fees."


March 21, 2011, Elmbrook Candidates Disagree on 4K, School Closure "Only one candidate (Nancy Kormanik) expressed opposition to adding a 4-year-old kindergarten program, while four favored adding 4k and one (incumbent Kathryn Wilson) did not clearly endorse or reject it."


School Board candidate forum to be replayed [3 times daily] through Election Day


Cindy Kilkenny
Public Forum: Kormanik will stand up for taxpayers
Cheri Mastel
Public Forum: Kormanik has can-do attitude Elmbrook needs
Nora Schumann Public Forum: Kormanik offers choice beyond names on ballot
Barbara and Michael Shore Public Forum: Kormanik has the courage to make hard choices


Blog posts: What? Families who HAVE 4K petition to join Elmbrook WITHOUT 4K?
Conservatives, you now have a real choice:
Write-In Nancy Kormanik


Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

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Monday, March 28, 2011

Guest posting: Nancy Kormanik Fiscal Conservative

Recently, I asked Nancy Kormanik if she would write a guest posting for my blog. After all, who better to speak for Nancy Kormanik than Nancy Kormanik!

FISCAL CONSERVATIVE

Thank you, Kyle, for inviting me to write a guest blog. Many thanks also to our district and the press for including me, as a write-in candidate, in the school board candidate forum and subsequent election coverage issue of the newspaper. Above all, I want to thank the many people who have contacted me, vetted me, and have become supporters.

I am running as a write-in candidate for the At-Large seat on the Elmbrook school board to represent all residents in Elm Grove and Brookfield. I am not running to divide the vote. I am running to WIN.

I am FISCALLY CONSERVATIVE. That phrase is sometimes over-used, I have been asked what that means and how it will guide my community representation on the school board. Being fiscally conservative means living within our means, not spending more than what we take in.

The school board has taxing authority to increase district revenue by raising property tax bills. Some means by which property tax bills are increased are:

· Changing from Chapter 220 to Open Enrollment,

· Increasing resident attendance in such as by adding a 4K program,

· Passing referenda, such as 2 recent building referenda and a proposed future referendum for operational expenses,

· Increasing tax levy to offset loss of State revenue sharing.

Some may call themselves “fiscally conservative” in that they believe in a balanced budget; however in raising taxes to achieve a balanced budget, they are not being conservative in my opinion.

· I am aware that necessary changes in our State budget may result in decrease in district revenue.

· I am also aware that district monies need to be set aside to fund teacher retirement benefits.

Rather than raise taxes, I believe we must follow a business model in which the company grows leaner, produces a better product, and the revenue follows.

Many, if not most, community residents are also trying to be financially conservative with their own personal budgets. This is done by carefully examining on a routine basis their expenditures. I believe our district can do that also.

To maintain and advance the academic performance of Elmbrook public schools, I will focus on the student experience. In viewing Wisconsin DPI data, we see that Mequon-Theinsville district has achieved higher ACT test scores (25.9 to Elmbrook’s 24.8) at about the same cost per student. I believe together we can continue to improve Elmbrook student experience and performance without additional costs.

Reference: http://www.dpi.state.wi.us/sig/index.html




Barbara and Michael Shore Public Forum: Kormanik has the courage to make hard choices
Blog post: Conservatives, you now have a real choice: Write-In Nancy Kormanik


Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

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Thursday, March 24, 2011

Write-In Nancy Kormanik for Elmbrook School Board Member-At-Large

The following contains the information included in the flier for Nancy Kormanik. (Sorry, I couldn't post the exact PDF.) You may LINK to her pdf to view an exact copy of her campaign flier or to print yourself to share with friends. (If distributing large numbers of copies, check with Elmbrook Deputy Clerks Keith Brightman or Pat Felde at 262-783-2963, as to how to reword the disclaimer. This flier has been posted here at no cost.)
___________________________________________________

VOTE
TUESDAY APRIL 5, 2011
FOR
NANCY KORMANIK

ELMBROOK SCHOOL BOARD
WRITE-IN CANDIDATE
FOR
MEMBER-AT-LARGE


WHY VOTE FOR ME:
  • Fiscally conservative, will work to serve all students well, and do “more” with “less”.
  • Will help hold the line on property taxes, to maintain property values.
  • Strive to represent all taxpayers in our community.
  • Committed to “serve the children”, not bureaucratic status-quo.
  • Oppose 4K funding.

ABOUT ME:
  • Resident of the City of Brookfield (1978-1991 and 2002 to present).
  • Masters Degree in Administrative Leadership –UWM.
  • Educator: MATC Associate Degree Dietetic Technician Program.
  • Former coordinator of the above referenced program. Returned to teach part-time at MATC ; newly retired.
  • I want to hear from you. NANCY.KORMANIK@gmail.com

HOW TO VOTE FOR ME AS A WRITE – IN CANDIDATE:

1. ON THE BALLOT: Find the AT-LARGE candidate section.

2. COMPLETE THE BROKEN ARROW for WRITE-IN Candidate:
____________ <-------<
3. WRITE – IN: Nancy Kormanik
<-------<


Paid for by FRIENDS OF NANCY KORMANIK - Nancy Kormanik, treasurer.
____________________________________________________________________
Side 2

WRITE-IN CANDIDATE NANCY KORMANIK: MEMBER AT-LARGE
15365 W. Burleigh Rd, Brookfield 53005 . NANCY.KORMANIK@gmail.com

WHY HAVE YOU CHOSEN TO SEEK ELECTION TO THE ELMBROOK BOARD OF EDUCATION?

I have decided to run for Member-at-Large of the Elmbrook School Board to provide a different perspective, easing the frustration evident in these economic times. By re-focusing on fundamentals, I can partner with other board members to re-direct the educational process, guiding us to provide children with meaningful learning opportunities while being ever more vigilant financially. While empowering students to take charge of their education, we can remain accountable to our taxpayers.

A community’s schools represent a large investment. The expected return is two-fold:
  • First, in terms of graduating students prepared to master their future,
  • Second, in terms of fostering a strong community.
I believe it is essential to do both.


WHAT PERSONAL PHILOSOPHIES AND EXPERIENCES DO YOU HAVE
THAT WILL HELP YOU BEST REPRESENT THE ELMBROOK ELECTORATE?

My personal philosophy is straightforward: Continued improvement of our students’ educational experiences is a primary focus. All energies must be expended to guarantee that the foundations of our educational system remain solid.

My experiences as a post-secondary educator identified the discrepancies that exist in education. The gaps are great and need to be closed. ALL students want to be successful. ALL students should be given the same district-wide opportunities to work towards their success. We can give our children those opportunities within our monetary means – it’s all about priorities.

Drawing on my experiences as an educator, administrator, parent of grown children, and community member, I am able to understand, appreciate, and combine various vantage points into workable solutions.

Paid for by FRIENDS OF NANCY KORMANIK - Nancy Kormanik, treasurer.


Barbara and Michael Shore Public Forum: Kormanik has the courage to make hard choices
Blog post: Conservatives, you now have a real choice: Write-In Nancy Kormanik


Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

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Lloyd Carter for Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge, Branch 4

On Tuesday, April 5, 2011, Waukesha County residents will go to the polls to select a new Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge for Branch 4. On this race, my vote will go to Lloyd Carter, who has served as a criminal prosecutor for over 20 years in the Waukesha County District Attorney's office.



Carter has an extensive page of endorsements and supporters that include some names you might recognize: Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman, Brookfield's State Representatives Dale Kooyenga and Paul Farrow, Brookfield's State Senator Rich Zipperer, Waukesha County Executive Dan Vrakas, and Waukesha County D.A. Brad Schimel, to name a few. Organizations include Professional Police Associations from New Berlin, Big Bend, Mukwonago, and Waukesha.

Lloyd Carter's opponent is Kathy Stilling, who was appointed last July by former Governor Doyle to fill the vacancy created when Judge Paul Reilly was elected to the Court of Appeals in April of 2010. Stilling was a State Public Defender from 1981 to 1989 and then went into private practice. I checked her page of supporters and didn't really recognize many names on it, though I did spot Brookfield Alderman Gary Mahkorn and Waukesha County Supervisor Tom Schellinger's names listed there.

If you want to learn more about the candidates' views and philosophies, there will be a Candidate Forum at Carroll University, Humphrey Memorial Chapel, 238 N. East Ave. in Waukesha, on Monday, March 28th, 6:30 - 8pm. Audience members will be able to submit questions to the candidates.


Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

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Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Come out and play at the Midwest Gaming Classic, March 26 & 27

It's that time of year again, the Midwest Gaming Classic comes to Brookfield's Sheraton Hotel, 375 South Moorland Road this weekend. Pay one fee and play all day: $20 Admission on Saturday, March 26th, 10am - 8pm, and $10 Admission on Family Day, Sunday, March 27th, 10am - 5pm. Children 12 and under are FREE if accompanied by an adult with paid admission.

This year marks the 10th Anniversary of the Midwest Classic. Billed as "The largest all-encompassing electronics gaming trade show", it has grown quite a bit since its early days. They are also offering a bus tour to the Stern Pinball factory in Illinois for $95 on Friday, March 25th. (Stern is the last of the pinball manufacturers in the US.)

There are tournaments, $5,000 in prizes, speakers, vendors, 100s of games to play, vintage games and computers museum section, and games to purchase. If it plugs in and has buttons, it probably will be at the Classic! The weather this weekend returns to the low 30s, so I would think attendance would be up. Check out the Event Guide for specifics.

Have fun!

Past Posts: Midwest Gaming Classic weekend, play pinball, arcade games & more!
Play pinball and arcade games at Midwest Gaming Classic

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

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Sunday, March 20, 2011

Nancy Kormanik to participate in Elmbrook Candidate Forum Monday, March 21, 7pm

Just a reminder here, Monday, March 21st, at 7pm, there will be an Elmbrook Board of Education Candidate Forum, at the Central Administrative Offices at 13780 Hope Street in Brookfield.

What you might not know, is that Nancy Kormanik, the Write-In candidate for the At-Large position, will participate in that school board candidate forum, along with the other 5 candidates running for the 3 seats.

I encourage you to be there and get to know the views of each candidate.

The election is April 5th. All Elmbrook residents vote for ALL 3 BOARD POSITIONS: Area 1, 3, and At-Large, regardless of what area of the district we live in.


Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

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Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Write-In Nancy Kormanik files for Elmbrook School Board Election April 5

April 5th's Elmbrook School Board election just got more interesting. Nancy Kormanik filed as a Write-In candidate on Tuesday for the At Large position on the board.

Nancy Kormanik will run against Pro 4K Sandra Schultz and incumbent Kathryn Wilson. (Kathryn was against 4K in last year's election, then a month ago stated Pro 4K support, reversing her previous position. On March 4, she indicated her vote would probably be no 4K for now.) All of this public support of 4K occurred AFTER the candidate filing deadline, hence, the Nancy Kormanik Write-In campaign.

You may recall I mentioned Nancy Kormanik spoke at the February 22 School Board meeting against implementing 4K: "Nancy Kormanik, spoke against 4K, saying that taxpayers shouldn't have to pay for a program that isn't mandatory. Kormanik, I found out, was a teacher at MATC."

I made a point to speak with Nancy Kormanik after that meeting and found that we have very similar views. She is someone who won't waffle on her 4K position; she is solidly against it.

Nancy Kormanik is also an educator, which I think is a valuable perspective to have on the School Board. She is fiscally conservative.

So Conservatives, you now have a real choice....Write-In Nancy Kormanik.

I will be posting more information about Kormanik in the days to come. In the meantime, if you have a question for Nancy Kormanik, you may contact her directly at NANCY.KORMANIK@gmail.com or email me directly at PracticallySpeaking@gmail.com

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

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Friday, March 11, 2011

Want ObamaCare defunded? Call Congress to sign Vote NO pledge on Continuing Resolution

Many newly elected Republican Congressmen ran on a pledge to defund ObamaCare; reelected Republican Congressmen voted against ObamaCare over a year ago. On January 19th of this year, all of the House Republicans (plus 3 Democrats) voted to overturn ObamaCare.* However, unless these Republican Congressmen sign a pledge to vote NO on the Continuing Resolution up for a vote next Wed., March 17th, ObamaCare's implementation will be funded and next to impossible to repeal or defund in the future.

You see, $105 Billion was stuck here and there within the bill to fund ObamaCare's implementation WITHOUT Congressional Appropriation! In other words, this money ensured ObamaCare would proceed regardless of who won the November elections.

This is why it is essential that we call Speaker John Boehner, Majority Leader Eric Cantor, and Chair Rogers and tell them to VOTE NO on the Continuing Resolution vote that includes this ObamaCare funding. Tell your Congressman to sign the pledge to VOTE NO on the Continuing Resolution if it contains ObamaCare funding. If enough Republicans sign that pledge, Boehner will have to take that ObamaCare funding out. (Congressional contact numbers below)

Last month, Congressman Michele Bachmann blew the whistle on the $105 Billion dollars to fund implementation tucked in the ObamaCare bill, which passed in early 2010. (No wonder Speaker Nancy Pelosi said we have to pass to bill to find out what is in it!)

Last "[Wednesday] former Congressman Ernest Istook testified before the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee about the $105 billion slush fund in advance appropriations liberals tucked inside Obamacare. The $105 billion bypasses the traditional yearly budgeting process and is spread throughout the 2,700 page legislation. It took the Congressional Research Service (CRS) seven months to identify all the disparate funds and it was not until February (11 months after the bill passed) that all of the funds could be totaled up."

Republicans have the position of strength here--the upper hand. The Continuing Resolution must be passed if we are to keep funding the Federal Government and avoid a shut down on March 18th. Instead of always negotiating weakly from a position of strength, like they did with extending the Bush Tax cuts, urge them to stand strong here? Ask them to honor their pledge to repeal and defund ObamaCare. Tell them to sign the pledge.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
House Switchboard (202) 224-3121

Speaker John Boehner (202) 225-0600
Majority Leader Eric Cantor
(202) 225-4000
Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (202) 225-5101
Find your Congressman


H/T Conservative Mark Levin spoke with Congressmen Michele Bachmann and Steven King last night from about 19 minutes to 30 minutes into the broadcast. Listen.

Mark Levin surge: Call Congress, Vote NO on Continuing Resolution

Call your member of Congress and say, "Vote No On the Continuing Resolution because it doesn't cut funding for Obamacare!" 202.224.3121

PDF of the Steve King-Michele Bachmann Pledge

*Sentence added since original post

More Reading:
Letter to Leadership to Defund ObamaCare Immediately
Heritage: Defund Obamacare's Secret Stash

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

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Thursday, March 10, 2011

Don't laugh, this is serious, Rand Paul is pro choice on toilets!

I think we could all use a little comic relief, so when I saw this caption on the Drudge Report, I had to snicker: Paul wants government hands off his toilet.

That's right. Newly elected Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky (Rep. Ron Paul's son) asked, "If the federal government can support abortion rights, why can't it also support light bulb choice."

I don't mean to diminish the serious side of Rand's inquiry, but it is a good question.

If you have shopped for incandescent light bulbs lately, you probably noticed that some higher wattage models are becoming scarce. (My personal favorite is the 150w large white globe bulb. It gives a nice even bright light for open ceiling fixtures, and because of its large size, the filament doesn't overheat--it lasts a long time. I can only find them at my trusty Elliot's Ace Hardware store.)

The article went on to suggest it was better not to "get [Paul] started about his toilet".

Rand Paul said, “'Light bulbs, refrigerators, toilets, you name it. You can’t go around your house without being told what to buy. You restrict my purchases. You don’t care about my choices. You don’t care about the consumer.''' (I would add phosphate dish-washing detergent to that list--you know, the kind that actually works.)

“'Frankly, my toilets don’t work in my house, and I blame you and people like you who want to tell me what I can install in my house,' Paul said."

As for our toilet, we are fortunate to still have our original model--very dependable.

I have heard stories of flushing tricks though: add a drop or two of hand soap to the water, flush twice (boy, that's a real water saver), throw a piece of toilet paper in at the last minute, etc.

When we still had rental property, we bought a new one for a bathroom we put in. It gave your feet a shower when you flushed!

I am hopeful that the conservatives will be able to repeal some of these anti-choice laws. Republican Senator Mike Enzi already introduced the Better Use of Light Bulbs Act which would put an end to the 2007 restrictions. Go for it guys!

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

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Friday, March 04, 2011

"Hippie" Days are here again in Madison

Last April, I was privileged to visit my representatives after the April 15th Tea Party rally in Madison. It was my first time at our State Capitol (inside or out), and I was impressed by the artistry--its classic design, stonework, woodwork, sculpture, gilding, and murals.






Now to hear about the $7.5 million dollars* worth of damage from protesters taping protest signs on the Mankato limestone walls and marble trim, and to the floors from camping out, is heartbreaking. Marble and limestone are considered to be soft, porous stone, easily damaged by acids (spilled Coke is very acidic), staining, and glues. No wonder they have a "NO TAPING ON THE MARBLE" rule!

Take a look at the damage. (About half way through the news story.)

The photos and reports coming out of Madison reminded me of the Hippie days back when I was in college. It is one thing to make a shlook out of a field in Woodstock, for example, but in our state capitol?

Contrast Madison 2011 with these last 2 pictures taken after the 2010 Tea Party rally.
















Neat as a pin.


Yes, we have the right to assemble and to free speech, but can we please show some respect?

*Early estimates were $7.5 million. Now it seems the dollar amount might not be as much.


Links:
Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

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Wednesday, March 02, 2011

Hear Dr. Bergman on The Dark Side of Charles Darwin, March 8th

College professor Dr. Jerry Bergman will present a 2 part talk The Dark Side of Charles Darwin at the Creation Science Society of Milwaukee's monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 8th, at 7:15pm. This month's meeting will be hosted by Grace Ev. Lutheran Church, 3030 W. Oklahoma Ave, in Milwaukee.

The first part deals with some of the dark details of Darwin's life such as:
Charles Darwin’s major goal in developing his theory was religious, he wanted to "murder" god (his words).
•He was active in "converting" all he could to his theory of origins.
•Darwin plagiarized most of his major ideas.
•Darwin was a racist of the worst kind and believed the lower races (the blacks) would go extinct.
•Darwin was opposed to helping the sick, but realized this idea would not go over well.

In Part 2, Dr. Bergman will explain "Atheism as it is found in the teachings of science", and "why the creation view of Origins is so important in this day when the media and public education disallows any view other than evolution to explain how all life has come about in this world of ours."
It is well known and well recognized that evolution is the doorway to Atheism.
•A major reason given to become an Atheist was evolution.
•The whole point of the evolution creation account is to demolish the theistic creation account.
•It takes more faith to be an Atheist than a Creationist.
•Dr. Bergman will cover the Atheist creation story as developed by Hawking and others to document this.

It isn't often that we have a speaker with his level of experience. Dr. Bergman "has taught biology, genetics, chemistry, biochemistry, anthropology, geology, and microbiology at the college level for over 30 years. He has 9 degrees, including 7 graduate degrees, and has authored over 800 publications" including a book by the same title The Dark Side of Charles Darwin".

Interestingly, though once an Atheist*, "[Dr. Bergman's] examination of the scientific evidence for evolution led to ... Christ! ", which is why "case studies show clear evidence that many university officials and faculty are deeply afraid of intellectual freedom on this subject".

I am looking forward to hearing Dr. Bergman speak on this subject. If you are interested in Origins and Charles Darwin, I urge you to attend too.

*Like so many other Creationists who originally were Atheists, questioning the evidence for Evolution also led author, Kitty Foth-Regner, to Christianity: From Feminist Atheism to Biblical Truth

Links: Practically Speaking, Betterbrookfield, RandyMelchert, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, The Right View Wisconsin, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

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