"Milk" Trailer

Meet the new junior Senator from Illinois

You might have noticed, I have refrained from commenting about Blago's latest controversy. For one, it's overkill on every news outlet. And also it is because I have always admired Roland Burris and voted for him each time he ran for various offices in Illinois. I don't know him personally, having only shook his hand several different times at rallies. But there has always been something about him I just liked. I trusted him and had faith in his ability to govern. Many people in this state, and throughout the U.S. think he should have not accepted the appointment. But as it stands, Governor Blagojevich has yet to be convicted, impeached, or even indicted. Illinois deserves two senators just like all other states. And it is the Governor's duty to fill the seat. And so it is done.

None of that was the first thing on my mind, when I heard about this on the news. What did come to mind was the time I had my own little experience with the "shakedown tactics" of Illinois politicians. You see, I had always allowed the local democratic party to put large signs in the unused part of my large front yard of my farm and home, since the house sits far back and there is a highway in front.

Well, it was about a month before the primary of 2002 that I received a threatening phone call from the then county Chairman of the Democratic Party. He wanted to know why I had that "Burris for Governor" sign in my yard! I told him, "because that is who I want to win." And then I was asked, "well, does he spend money at your business?" I said, "no, but none of the candidates do, because they aren't from this area." He said, "well, the democrats here are for Blagojevich, not Burris. So, if you want me and the rest of the local democrats to spend money at your business, you will take down that Burris sign." I was so angry, but I did take the sign down. I did not; however, put up a Blagojevich sign.

And if you wonder why this local chairman did not want to support Burris in any way, just use your imagination. I wouldn't want to accuse him of anything, but I have a pretty good idea as to why he didn't want Burris to win. I will keep that to myself though.

After that incident, I don't allow primary signs at all in my yard!

Oh My Gov!

Clicking the title link will give you a complete list of the bills passed by the Illinois General Assembly and signed by Gov. Rod Blagojevich that became law Jan. 1, 2009 . Thanks to the Alton Telegraph for listing the new laws, and even putting them in alphabetical order.

Some of the new laws, like Cigarette Fake IDs (SB 2546/PA 95-0905) - Prohibits minors from using fake identification to obtain cigarettes makes you wonder. Isn't it already against the law to use a fake i.d. for anything?

New Year brings New Illinois Laws

House Bill 824, one of the most important pieces of legislation approved in 2008, is supposed to put an end to pay-to-play politics. This is just one of about 120 new laws that take effect in 2009. Makes you wonder if some of the corrupt Illinois politicians got all their pay-to-play in last year (or at least tried). Notice I didn't even have to give names!

Another new law will require first time DUI offenders to get ignition breathalyzers installed in their car. It seems like a good idea to me, since it will surely save lives. Of course MADD is all for it, and the ABI is not all pleased, (http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-duilegislation-ig,0,3463292.story) saying it will make you think twice though about having that glass of wine, drink a beer at a ballgame, or enjoy a champagne toast at a wedding, etc. The American Beverage Institute thinks "there will be a defacto zero tolerance policy imposed on people by their cars."

Other notable new laws target sex offenders and electronic surveillance for violators of an order of protection.

Be sure and click the title link for the Belleville News Democrat's full story.

Happy New Year!