Wednesday, March 31, 2010

I'll Be Busy....


Yesterday was the filing deadline for most federal, state and county offices in Missouri.

For a brief moment I thought it would have been humorous to find a bunch of guys with the same names as some candidates and get them to file. Or get some guys with the same name to file for the same post on different tickets, especially in uncontested races.

But, unlike the manipulations that may or may not be played by some, I take my government too serious to pull crap like that.

But it always strikes me as interesting how some elected officials think the gubmint is too dang big and want to downsize it ... I notice those same guys who beef about gubmint being too big still draw a fat gubmint check with health benefits and ain't gonna give up their social security or medicare benefits. Oh, and don't forget the gov't pension either.

In my opinion, if you are an elected official and you really believe limited government also means having the right layer of government doing the right job-- why are you still here?They're everywhere! They're EVERYWHERE!

Monday, March 29, 2010

Boots And Leather: A Real Biker Babe

It took a while to assemble all these pictures, but I was glad to do it.








Rich Lowry:

A very wise TV executive once told me that the key to TV is projecting through the screen. It's one of the keys to the success of, say, a Bill O'Reilly, who comes through the screen and grabs you by the throat. Palin too projects through the screen like crazy. I'm sure I'm not the only male in America who, when Palin dropped her first wink, sat up a little straighter on the couch and said, "Hey, I think she just winked at me." And her smile. By the end, when she clearly knew she was doing well, it was so sparkling it was almost mesmerizing. It sent little starbursts through the screen and ricocheting around the living rooms of America. This is a quality that can't be learned; it's either something you have or you don't, and man, she's got it.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Robert Mitchum Shares His Interpretation Of The Roodra / Jones Encounter In Jefferson City This Past Week As The School Children And Assemblage Watch

Blogaroni Award Nominations Announced


The local #SGF blogging community, loosely assembled under the banner of The Springfield Blogger's Association, has announced the 2010 Blogaroni Award nominiations, which are listed here.

A few infrequent bus riders were shocked and stunned (well, at least one was), others were dang near turned upside down when they learned that the Bus did not receive a single nominination the previous year, and this after being a co-winner of the "Most Improved Blog" the year previous to the previous year.
Riding the waves of the huge ground swell of emotion, Frequent Bus riders will recall the "Golden Plunger Awards" of years gone by. While the awards were scheduled to be awarded in 2008, circumstances and general feeling of malaise led to their indefinite suspension, ditto for 2009 and 2010/

The "Yellow and Black Plunger" award, as it was known then, were only awarded in 2007 and that makes them a collectible.

Before you ride the Bus over there to look at the winners from back then*, remember that this blog post is about the nominations for the Blogaronis. There are no winners or losers in this competition--just being nominated means that someone, somewhere (within a reasonable driving distance of #SGF) thinks a blog is worth reading.

Congratulations to everyone who takes part in the SGF blogger's association awards.

Accustomed as I am to driving the Bus, oftentimes it does require a cool head and a keen eye coupled with the learned ability to perform basic arithmatic functions.



*You can find the results of the 2007 awards here as this slide depicts two jeep riders as they scan the horizon looking for something that came up missing.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Representative Timothy W. Jones --- Has He Gone Over The Edge?


We already know Representative Tim Jones' opinion of Missouri voters who deem to comment on his antics in Jefferson City. Len Eagleburger and I were the recipients of a bizarre string of emails from Jones several days ago. You can read the emails here and the second group, where he tried to claim the emails were a big joke, can be read here.

But just to remind you here it is again:

"I laugh at you..typical left wing character assassins...you both make me chuckle...it is too easy to debate you and win...in fact, to quote a famous man, I'm doing it with half my brain tied behind my back!...Now go bother your own State Rep and State Senator with your foolish left wing diatribes. Maybe some day you'll both be lucky though and you can vote for me for Governor!"


Well, Jones is at it again. Only this time, his embarrassing behavior occurred on the floor of the Missouri House of Representatives. You can see video here: In the video Roodra apologizes, although for what I am not sure, it appears that Jones instigated the exchanged.

Jones later apologized.

Well, that's good, Jones apologized. Maybe he does have a pair, it takes a man to apologize. I am sure he and Representative Roorda shook hands and made up. Good.

Well,,,not exactly.

What do you mean, "not exactly"?

It was on Twitter.

TimWJones I apologize for losing my cool. I do not apologize for calling Rep. Roorda on the carpet for his constant name calling and partisan baiting
9:52 AM Mar 25th via web.

HE APOLOGIZED ON TWITTER? WTF?

MissourinetRep. Jones takes to the MO Hse floor, apologizing for remarks made earlier, apologizing to Spkr and Roorda.
about 24 hours ago via web

Later, Jones put out the following tweet:
TimWJones For the record: Rep Roorda and I privately met and personally exchanged apologies. We agreed: budget battles are difficult and emotional.
about 22 hours ago via web

Jones apologized over Twitter. I would have thought he would have used his iPhone, but I guess there isn't an app for that. There is for almost everything else.

"Maybe some day you'll both be lucky though and you can vote for me for Governor!"

ps-- who is the baldheaded guy and why is he laughing?

Thursday, March 25, 2010

The Pope, Obama, Bin Laden and the President of Iran


Coming to Springfield. Hurry, seating is limited. bring the family. Babysitting is provided.



Who are these people?

Do the promoters really think this will play in Springfield? Does JQH know this is going on in his hotel? I can't find any ownership of this brochure. I got it in the mail yesterday. It is much more vile and offensive than can be transmitted in a pic on this blog.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Roy's A' Tweetin' But That Don't Mean He Can Count And Local Blogger Says Liberals May Be Going To Hell

RoyBlunt: Will you help me repeal ObamaCare & replace it with real solutions? Take action today. http://ow.ly/1pya0
about 1 hour ago via mobile web (5:35 P.M.)

Busplunge: @RoyBlunt it’s literally not possible for Republicans to win enough Senate seats in 2010 to pass anything over Barack Obama’s veto
less than 5 seconds ago via web in reply to RoyBlunt

"Now I'm not saying that if you are a Liberal you're going to hell necessarily, but I do believe that liberal beliefs are fundamentally at odds to Judeo-Christian values."

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Yes We Did: Thank You, Mr. President.

For the first time in our nation's history, Congress has passed comprehensive health care reform. America waited a hundred years and fought for decades to reach this moment. Tonight, thanks to you, we are finally here.

Consider the staggering scope of what you have just accomplished:

Because of you, every American will finally be guaranteed high quality, affordable health care coverage.

Every American will be covered under the toughest patient protections in history. Arbitrary premium hikes, insurance cancellations, and discrimination against pre-existing conditions will now be gone forever.

And we'll finally start reducing the cost of care -- creating millions of jobs, preventing families and businesses from plunging into bankruptcy, and removing over a trillion dollars of debt from the backs of our children.

But the victory that matters most tonight goes beyond the laws and far past the numbers.

It is the peace of mind enjoyed by every American, no longer one injury or illness away from catastrophe.

It is the workers and entrepreneurs who are now freed to pursue their slice of the American dream without fear of losing coverage or facing a crippling bill.

And it is the immeasurable joy of families in every part of this great nation, living happier, healthier lives together because they can finally receive the vital care they need.

This is what change looks like.

My gratitude tonight is profound. I am thankful for those in past generations whose heroic efforts brought this great goal within reach for our times. I am thankful for the members of Congress whose months of effort and brave votes made it possible to take this final step. But most of all, I am thankful for you.

This day is not the end of this journey. Much hard work remains, and we have a solemn responsibility to do it right. But we can face that work together with the confidence of those who have moved mountains.

Our journey began three years ago, driven by a shared belief that fundamental change is indeed still possible. We have worked hard together every day since to deliver on that belief.

We have shared moments of tremendous hope, and we've faced setbacks and doubt. We have all been forced to ask if our politics had simply become too polarized and too short-sighted to meet the pressing challenges of our time. This struggle became a test of whether the American people could still rally together when the cause was right -- and actually create the change we believe in.

Tonight, thanks to your mighty efforts, the answer is indisputable: Yes we can.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

Roy Tweets While On Teleconference Call?

I was part of a town hall meeting with Roy Blunt this evening. As I was on the phone with Roy, Twitter was on my computer screen.

Apparently Roy can talk and twitter at the same time!

Saturday, March 20, 2010

"Kill The Bill", "Ni**er", "Fa**ot": "If Brown Can't Stop It, A Browning Can." This Is Getting Ugly.


Unidentified tea party protester outside of Representative Russ Carnahan's Brentwood office this afternoon. Apparently this woman needed to write "kill the bill" on her hand so she could remember what she was protesting.

The protesters torched Russ’s photo while they chanted “Death to Dictator.” A link to Briefbart's blog on the anti Carnahan rally and comments are here

Earlier today, in Washington, D.C., Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.) was spat on by a protestor. Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), a hero of the civil rights movement, was called a 'nigger.' And Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) was called a "faggot," as protestors shouted at him with deliberately lisp-y screams.

Representative Cleaver issued this statement later this afternoon:

For many of the members of the CBC, like John Lewis and Emanuel Cleaver who worked in the civil rights movement, and for Mr. Frank who has struggled in the cause of equality, this is not the first time they have been spit on during turbulent times.

This afternoon, the Congressman was walking into the Capitol to vote, when one protester spat on him. The Congressman would like to thank the US Capitol Police officer who quickly escorted the others Members and him into the Capitol, and defused the tense situation with professionalism and care. After all the Members were safe, a full report was taken and the matter was handled by the US Capitol Police. The man who spat on the Congressman was arrested, but the Congressman has chosen not to press charges. He has left the matter with the Capitol Police.

This is not the first time the Congressman has been called the "n" word and certainly not the worst assault he has endured in his years fighting for equal rights for all Americans. That being said, he is disappointed that in the 21st century our national discourse has devolved to the point of name calling and spitting. He looks forward to taking a historic vote on health care reform legislation tomorrow, for the residents of the Fifth District of Missouri and for all Americans. He believes deeply that tomorrow's vote is, in fact, a vote for equality and to secure health care as a right for all. Our nation has a history of struggling each time we expand rights. Today's protests are no different, but the Congressman believes this is worth fighting for.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Blunt / Steelman Settle Differences, Team Up

Apparently no longer just another white guy in a suit, Roy Blunt and Sarah Steelman have formed a mutual admiration society. When asked about her characterization of Roy Blunt as "just another white guy in a suit," Steelman noted he was "wearing a sports coat today."

More Leaves From An Ozark Journal: "Garden Of Allah"


Leaves From An Ozark Journal:

March 8, I spent one hour with L.P. Jarvis getting his biography.

Mar. 10, At Houston for Teaching Mission. C.C. Keller addressed a big H.S. audience 1-2 P.M. Holloway talked. Harry Smith presided.

Mar. 11, Twenty-five CCC boys came to Plato C.E. Social and working. A big help. Called to Houston for Ben Meadows funeral.

Mar. 16, attended movie at CCC Camp. Nora's first movie in five years. "Garden of Allah," the film.

Grace afraid of Mickey Mouse, her first movie. She screamed, put her hands over her eyes and went to sleep. Grace awoke in the night, trembled with fear, said a cat was "in her bed"--impressions of the movie on her mind. Hope it has no nervous consequences.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Karl Rove, His Gay Dad, Contemporary Republicans: At Some Point You Also Have To Govern.


Andrew Sullivan, The Daily Dish, posted the following on March 17, 2010, as NPR was interviewing Rove about his new book, Courage and Consequence:

It's not exactly startling to see that Karl Rove has denied he was aware his own father was gay, even as he guided the GOP into anti-gay wedge politics in the last decade (the Christianists, he coolly calculated, had potentially way more votes for the GOP than gays and their families).

But it is important to note that it is untrue that he had no idea his dad was gay or that he was unaware it was the reason for his parents' divorce.

From James Moore, the author of The Architect, a biography of Rove:
When I went to Palm Springs in 2005 prior to the publication of The Architect, one of Louis Rove's neighbors literally laughed when I told him Karl claimed he didn't know what happened to his parents' marriage.

"He [Karl] was obviously hurt by the divorce. It's just absurd when he says, 'I had no idea what the problems were with my parents and their marriage.' He knew damned good and well what was going on. His father had decided to come out of the closet."

In fact, according to Louis Rove's best friend Joe Koons, Rove not only knew his father's sexual orientation but also was comfortable with it and had accepted his father's honesty.

People are complicated; families are only knowable from within; we should comment on their people's private lives with great reluctance. But Rove's cynical attempts to wage culture war against gay couples, servicemembers and our families surely make this a legitimate issue.

You cannot try to destroy gay couples' marriages while claiming privacy as soon as you face your own divorce or are asked uncomfortable questions about squaring your policy positions and your father's orientation.

In fact, Rove's experience is as good an argument as any for getting over denial and for embracing marriage equality as any. His own family was torn apart by denial of homosexuality. His experience shows that suppressing, stigmatizing and preventing solid gay relationships is anti-family, not pro-family. He had a great opportunity to show this publicly and, from all accounts, he acted humanely, decently and lovingly around his father, and had a great relationship with him. This could have been a constructive, teaching moment.

Similarly with Dick Cheney's lesbian daughter's de facto marriage and grandchildren. And with George W. Bush's personal ease and familiarity and empathy with the actual gay and transgender people he knew and worked with.

These people should not be demonized. Many of them are humane in private and not bigots in any personal way. That's how they live with themselves. But the tragedy of their lives and the last painful decade should not be missed.

They knew better. But they pandered to the worst. And their victims were among the people they loved.
Today, the Dish continued:
A reader writes:

You wrote: "these people should not be demonized. Many of them are humane in private and not bigots in any personal way."

That second sentence is exactly why they should be demonized. In many ways this is no different than the attempted rehabilitation of George Wallace.

The idea that they just said what was popular so that they could win office is no justification. The ends do not justify the means.

And when you are a public figure, how you act in private does not justify advocating (and enacting) law and policy to the contrary.

Later in life, Wallace said, "You know, I tried to talk about good roads and good schools and all these things that have been part of my career, and nobody listened. And then I began talking about niggers, and they stomped the floor."

That doesn't make what he said or did right. Nor does the idea that he really wasn't a bigot, because even if he didn't believe in segregation, he took action to uphold it.

Really, this is the problem with the GOP, when people talk about good roads and good schools, the base doesn't listen. But when they talk about faggots, the base stomps the floor.

The role, and obligation, of leaders is to say what is right and do what is right.

It is not to pander to build the slimmest of majorities to win elections.

As a side note, that really was the great political sin of Rove, he could not see beyond 51%, or 270 electoral votes, he could not see that winning elections is not enough, that you also have to actually govern at some point... Rove's political sin is becoming the original sin of contemporary Republicans.

New Tractor...Well, It's New To Me. It Was A Craigslist Find




Frequent bus riders will know that I came into possession of 1947 8N Ford tractor last November. I really didn't want it but I was owed some money and it appeared that the only way I could get my money was to take this tractor. Which I did, I brought home, powerwashed it and could never get it started again.

It spend the winter in the Private Mechanic's garage getting overhauled. Now, I have a very nice tractor that needs new rear tires.

This afternoon, I found this nice tractor on Craigslist at a very affordable price. It had two new rear tires on it. So, I bought the tractor for about what I would have paid for two new rear tires. Plus, I got a finish mower and a box blade.

Soon, with a litte paint, I will be keeping up with Brother Tom (aka the Horsefarmer)and his green machine.

To those who ask why do I need two tractors, my answer is for the same reason I.watch tv on the back porch.








Here are some photos of a tractor I sold last October.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Move Your Money: "A Wonderful Life" From Today's Perspective.

I received a link to this video in the email from a friend who writes,

The producers of this video obviously wants us to 'move our money' and achieve some political/economic effect, but all I could think about was how this clip changed my perception of 'It's a Wonderful Life' to a financial & moral drama instead of the Xmas/angel thing. It also got me to thinking about a modern era remake of that movie (as a financial drama), except edgier and without the smarmy happy ending.
But my reaction to this clip, and the way it has gone memetically viral, suggests that people are feeling some strong 'gut-level' emotions about what is happening right now. Exactly what those emotions may be, exactly what the resulting behavioural effects may be, or exactly what relevance such an observation might have is unclear, but I can't help but think it might be important somewhere.

Monday, March 15, 2010

City of Springfield News Release - Cover the Uninsured Weel: A Local Perspective. If Not Us, Who? If Not Now, When?

City of Springfield News Release - Cover the Uninsured Weel: A Local Perspective:

In 2009, nearly 47 million Americans were uninsured and more than 9 million of those were children. In Greene County, it was reported in 2007 that almost 37,000 individuals were uninsured. That number continues to rise with each year. These individuals are hard working people including your friends, co-workers, neighbors, and our family. More than 8 out of 10 people that are uninsured come from working families. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has declared the week of March 14-20, 2010, Cover the Uninsured week.

According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation only 50% of employers offer health insurance to their employees. And, as the economy continues to force people into unemployment, more and more Missourians find themselves without health insurance for themselves and their families.

The consequences of uninsurance are great. Here is why health insurance coverage matters:

•Uninsured Missourians are less likely to have a usual source of care outside of the Emergency Room;

•Uninsured Missourians often go without screenings or preventive care and are more likely to be diagnosed with a condition that has already reached an advanced stage;

•Uninsured Missourians often delay or forgo needed medical care;

•Uninsured Missourians are sicker and die earlier than those who have insurance, making uninsurance the third leading cause of death for the near-elderly; and

•Uninsured Missourians pay more for medical care and have worse health care outcomes.

The Springfield-Greene County Regional Health Commission is working to increase awareness about the issue of the uninsured, amplify diverse voices on behalf of the uninsured and develop innovative solutions for our community. The mission of the organization is to assist in building community partnerships to promote affordable quality health care for the underserved. Throughout this week, information will be forthcoming regarding these local efforts.

For more information contact:
Katie Towns-Jeter MPH
Public Information Administrator

If not us, who? If not now, when?

Pray for healthcare.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

But Wait, There's More! Representative Tim Jones, (89-R), Has Been Busy Too!


I previously shared with frequent bus riders the unedited transcripts of the emails exchanged between Len Eagleburger, Representative Tim Jones, R-89 and myself.

While I redacted Eagleburger's personal email address and the email address of the individual who chronicled Jones' involvement in the "birthers lawsuit", I did not redact Representative Jones' email address because he was using his government email address and that is subject to the sunshine law.

Now, based on emails Representative Jones sent to Eagleburger this afternoon, he is trying to play his vindictive 12:16 AM Sunday email rant as just trying to "provide you some weekend entertainment" and that he was only giving Eagleburger, whom he has started calling "Lenny", some conservative talking points.

Throughout the afternoon and early evening hours, Len Eagleburger has been subjected to a barrage of unwanted emails originating from Tim.Jones@House.mo.gov. I haven't posted all of them because some of them were hard to read, with run on sentences, lack of proper paragraphing, almost as if he was just cutting and pasting other's work into the body of his emails.

The emails that Representative Jones wrote himself are posted below. If you wish a link to his rambling discourses not printed here, leave me a comment and I will see that you have access to them.

Continuing where we left off:

8.
From: len eagleburger
Sent: Sun 3/14/2010 12:40 AM
To: Tim Jones
Subject: RE: Re: Fw: Re: Political Science 101

Democratic Socialism Forever! Try to stop it

9.
From: Tim Jones
Subject: Nice!
To: "len eagleburger"
Date: Sunday, March 14, 2010, 8:44 AM
Had no idea there was such a den of leftist socialist progressives down there in Southwest MO!

Wow!

Hey...I'd be happy to swing by your Annual Comrade Convention next time my Dad and I are heading down to our family farm where he grew up without indoor plumbing and worked his way through college and veterinarian school (yes, I am a farmer, an attorney and a Statesman and I come from very humble roots...a true Rennaissance Man!) and give you all a good does of Conservative Common Sense!

Or, like I said...shoot me another email after the first week of November and we can figure how who should eat how much crow!
10.
From: Tim Jones
Subject: RE: ride the bus
To: "len eagleburger"
Date: Sunday, March 14, 2010, 2:59 PM

I am so very glad I could provide you some weekend entertainment.

Oh well...perhaps that kept you occupied from verbally assaulting someone with less thick skin.

Have fun with all your little "blog buddies".
11.
From: len eagleburger
Subject: RE: ride the bus
To: Tim Jones
Cc: Jim Lee
Date: Sunday, March 14, 2010, 5:13 PM
My blog buddies are the Greene County Democratic Central Committee.....Chairman of the Missouri Democratic Party has all of this also.....

Yes, have had fun passing this all on to those you might regret having read this in the future....

Nothing like a rabid conservative when they don't agree with you!

Len Eagleburger
12.
From: Tim Jones
Subject: Love them Dems!
To: "len eagleburger"
Date: Sunday, March 14, 2010, 5:51 PM
You are toooo funny!

All I gave you were what you would say are "typical conservative talking points" (known by normal people as THE TRUTH) so anything you say will only elevate me with my conservative base so please do your best!

I am however very impressed with the amount of time you have spent on me, I really appreciate all the attention!

PS...I'm serious about getting back in touch with you after the November elections...want to put a friendly wager on which party does better this fall? We can go State and Federal. We have excellent Super Smokers BBQ up here in Eureka...what's the delicacy in Greene County?


13.
From: Tim Jones
Subject: Love them Dems!
To: "len eagleburger"
Date: Sunday, March 14, 2010, 5:58 PM
Also...while we are at it, would you like me to send you my weekly Capitol Report every week?

That way, you can keep up with all the great work I am doing and frequently cite me on all your cute little blogs...I would appreciate all the free media!

Just let me know, happy to add you...I already have subscribers all over the State, several nationwide and even a few internationally...SCARY...huh?

14.
From: Tim Jones
Subject: What about them Anti-Obama Dems?
To: "len eagleburger"
Date: Sunday, March 14, 2010, 6:59 PM
Hey Lenny...I keep waiting for you to address one of the biggest problems you have (on your end) with my Health Care Freedom Act (the proverbial "elephant in the room" so to speak...ha ha!)

DEMOCRATS SUPPORT IT!

In fact Lenny...not sure you realize this but nearly THIRTY (30) Missouri House Dems voted for my Health Care Freedom Act the week before Break. Did you notice that? That's nearly HALF of the Democrats in the House Lenny...oh my goodness!

So what's the deal Lenny? Do you have THIRTY...30 DINO's (Democrat In Name Only?) in the MO House? Why have nearly 30 Democrats run off the Obama left wing reservation?

Sounds like you fellows down in there in Greene County better take care of your own leaks and broken windows in your own house before you start going after anyone in the GOP. Apparently you have nearly 30 Democrats in the MO House who have woken up and realized what a disaster we have in DC...what are you going to do with them Dems? Have you gone after them? Have you gotten primary candidates for them?

Or do you have some other brilliant explanation for it Lenny?

And this is true not only in MO but across the country...LOTS of Dems are now voting against Obamacare and for their own State's version of the Health Care Freedom Act.

What say you O Great Blogger?
But Wait, There's MORE!

When Representative Tim Jones Says,"You keep your Government out of my doctor's office, out of my pocketbook and out of my business",*


Does he mean he supports women's reproductive rights?

Does he mean he supports Planned Parenthood?

Does he mean he supports Roe v Wade?

Does he mean he supports equal rights?

Does he mean he supports the pro-choice movement?

Does he mean he supports same sex marriage?

If that's not what means, what DOES he mean when he says in that email he sent from Tim.Jones@house.mo.gov, dated Sunday, March 14, 2010, 12:14 AM to Len Eagleburger and myself: "You keep your Government out of my doctor's office, out of my pocketbook and out of my business"?


He also had this to say about Eagleburger and myself in the course of last night's email exchange:

"I laugh at you..typical left wing character assassins...you both make me chuckle...it is too easy to debate you and win...in fact, to quote a famous man, I'm doing it with half my brain tied behind my back!...Now go bother your own State Rep and State Senator with your foolish left wing diatribes. Maybe some day you'll both be lucky though and you can vote for me for Governor!"


But Wait, There's MORE!

I've Been Busy,

Real Busy.

How Representative Timothy W. Jones (89-R) Responds to Citizens Of Missouri:

"I laugh at you..typical left wing character assassins...you both make me chuckle...it is too easy to debate you and win...in fact, to quote a famous man, I'm doing it with half my brain tied behind my back!...Now go bother your own State Rep and State Senator with your foolish left wing diatribes. Maybe some day you'll both be lucky though and you can vote for me for Governor!"

Representative Tim Jones had an opinion piece on healthcare in Saturday's SN-L about a bill he is sponsoring that would shield state from federal health care mandates

Today, Len Eagleburger shared some of his correspondence with Representative Tim Jones regarding this issue. Eagleburger cc'ed his emails to Representative Jones to several of his email contacts. Following are transcripts of the emails in chronological order.

1.
From: len eagleburger
Sent: Sat 3/13/2010 1:54 PM
To: Tim Jones
Subject: Political Science 101

As their hero, Ronald Reagan put it...."there they go again"! Missouri Republican lawmakers evidently are ignorant of the US Constitution. Federal law supercedes state law. If Missouri enacts a amendment to the state constitution, it cannot conflict with federal law if and when it passes health-care reform. The amendment will be tied up in federal court and eventually annulled. Just another case of Republican legislators wasting time and resources when they could be passing laws to actually help Missourians, not trying to promote their own narrow-minded agendas...

Respectfully,
Len Eagleburger
Springfield, MO

2.
From: Tim Jones
Subject: RE: Political Science 101
To: "len eagleburger"
Date: Saturday, March 13, 2010, 3:57 PM
Mr. Eagleburger,
Thank you for your email.
Unfortunately, you are incorrect sir.
As an attorney and a student of the US Constitution, I would be HAPPY to cite you numerous cases where State Statututes, much less State Constitutions, have stood up to and yes, even defeated, Federal Statutes.
Perhaps sir you are ignorant of (and must be ignorant of) that little inconvenient thing called the Tenth Amendment.
Here are examples of some case citations where State Statutes have TRUMPED Federal Statutes:

US v. Lopez
Printz v. US
NY v. US
Mack v. US

I would also be happy to send you a copy of my Law Journal article that I wrote on this topic about 15 years ago.

Finally, you must be a big fan of the giant, government run, entitlement driven takeover program known as ObamaCare which will invade our lives like nothing before in history, will cost over 2 TRILLION DOLLARS (yes, sir, the CBO finally revised their estimates last week after Republican Congressman Paul Ryan called them on the carpet) and is simply a horrible idea...the insurance mandate has failed in Maine and is failing in Massachusetts but that does not stop the Big O, Pelosi and Reid from their diabolical plan.

And perhaps you have been living under a rock for the past year or so but a strong, vocal, massive majority of Americans, much less Missourians, do not want Obama's Faux Care plan.

Wake up sir, smell the Conservative Coffee!

Rep. Tim Jones.

3.
From: One of Len's email recipients
Subject: Re: Political Science 101
To: "len eagleburger"
Date: Saturday, March 13, 2010, 8:39 PM
About Jones...

"Birther" lawsuit
Jones is a "Birther," a plaintiff represented by attorney/dentist Orly Taitz in a lawsuit against President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Michelle Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, alleging that President Obama is not the lawful Commander in Chief, based on the allegation that he is not a "natural born citizen." [1] The lawsuit was dismissed on October 29, 2009.

Group and Church Memberships
Jones and his family attend church at the Most Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Eureka, and is a past president of the church's Parish Council. Additionally, Jones is a member of the Board of Directors and the Development Committee at SSM St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation-Kirkwood; Second Vice President, Member of the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee for the West St. Louis County Lions Club; member of the Board of Directors and pro bono legal counsel for the Eureka Historical Society; a member of both the Eureka and Chesterfield Chambers of Commerce; and is involved in the Rockwood School District Partners in Education and in the Missouri Bar Continuing Legal Education program, where he is a frequent lecturer and published author.

Elected career
In 2006, Jones announced his intention to run to replace the outgoing Jack Jackson in the Missouri House of Representatives. Jones garnered 53% of the vote in a 3-way primary race, and ran unopposed in the general election. In 2008, Jones faced minimal opposition, even receiving the endorsement of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He won reelection with over 70% of the vote.

4.
From: Jim Lee
Subject: Re: Fw: Re: Political Science 101
To: "len eagleburger" et all
Cc: Tim.Jones@house.mo.gov
Date: Saturday, March 13, 2010, 10:43 PM
And, seeing as he is apparently a devout Roman Catholic, I am sure he believes in social justice and economic justice.

Jim Lee

5.
From: len eagleburger
Subject: Re: Fw: Re: Political Science 101
To: "Jim Lee"
Date: Saturday, March 13, 2010, 10:48 PM
Was that a test joke?

Len

6.
From: Jim Lee
Subject: Re: Fw: Re: Political Science 101
To: "len eagleburger"
Date: Saturday, March 13, 2010, 11:07 PM
Glenn Beck says that those two phrases, social justice and economic justice, are code words the liberals use for socialism and communism. He wants christians everywhere to report to their pastors anyone who uses those words.

This Davis guy, based on his replies to you and his birther history, probably doesn't believe in social justice or economic justice.

He also apparently has no sense of constituent service, his email to you was not the kind of correspondence I would want from an elected state rep.

But then, it's Tim Davis.

Jim Lee

(I refer to Jones as Davis in this email. Len forwarded this email,as he has all in this series of exchanges. to his recipients and to Representative Tim Jones.)

7.
From: Tim Jones
Subject: RE: Re: Fw: Re: Political Science 101
To: "len eagleburger"
Cc: Jim Lee
Date: Sunday, March 14, 2010, 12:16 AM
Mr. Eagleburger and Mr. Lee,

First of all...I laugh at you...typical left wing character assassins...you both make me chuckle...it is too easy to debate you and win...in fact, to quote a famous man, I'm doing it with half my brain tied behind my back!

I am not really sure what the point is that you two are trying to make but you obviously are extremely ill-informed and largely ignorant of politics, government and law in Missouri and on the Federal level.

First of all...I see you have taken to scouring the Internet for the sake of personal character assassination...a typical ploy of the left wing fringe of which you both must be a part of. Don't believe eveything you read on the Internet...I know Al Gore invented it and all but you know...I have no idea what you are talking about relating to the Birther stuff.

Second, the Davis you are referring to is Cynthia Davis...that makes her a female, not a "guy".

Third, I am Tim Jones (not Davis...read more carefully you two...how embarassing for you both!)...I represent the good and largely conservative folks of the 89th District in Eureka and Wildwood (the home of Six Flags!) All of my constituents think the Democrats on the Federal level have pretty much ruined the country over the last 14 months.

Fourth, speaking of Federal Democrats...you guys have COMPLETELY OWNED THE POWER on the Federal level over the last 14 months...you have the House, the Senate and the White House...but you CANNOT get ObamaCare passed and you cannot get Cap and Trade passed. In fact, you haven't gotten anything passed except for trillions of dollars in new spending.

Do you know why you cannot get anything passed? Because moderate and conservative Dems know how CRAZY people like you fringe folks really are and how completely ridiculous all of these socialist leaning destructive bills are. That is why ObamaCare has not passed and that is why Obama has had a horrible first year in office and why he has plummeted faster in approval ratings than any President in history.

You have FAILED...you and your ilk...Pelosi/Reid/Obama...despite having the House, the Senate and the White House...you have FAILED.

I am sorry you have such bitter Grapes of Wrath now but the American People have been the ones who have stopped Obama's socialist left leaning destructive agenda...not the Republicans.

And the American People will have the last word in November...give me a call after election day and we can compare notes on how we each did.

Finally...Jesus never said "The Government Should Do Everything for the People"...he said that each of us, as individuals, should take care of our fellow man. I do that every day....how much do you give to charity? I give a ton...want to compare notes on that as well you hypocrites? Give to Ceasars what is Ceasars, give to God what is God's.

You keep your Government out of my doctor's office, out of my pocketbook and out of my business.

Now go bother your own State Rep and State Senator with your foolish left wing diatribes.

Maybe some day you'll both be lucky though and you can vote for me for Governor!

God Bless!

And so ends Representative Jones' email to Eagleburger and myself. I like the statement Jones makes: You keep your Government out of my doctor's office, out of my pocketbook and out of my business.

But Wait, There's MORE!

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Hey Glenn Beck, Read It and Weep: Social Justice And Economic Justice



The Condition Of Labor by Pope Leo XIII,

Encyclical (Latin Title Rerum Novarum), written by Pope Leo XIII, May 15, 1891.

Main points: Promotion of human dignity through just distribution of wealth. Present inequality creates a decline of morality as shown in alcohol consumption, prostitution, and divorce. Workers have basic human rights that adhere to Natural Law, which says all humans are equal. Rights include the right to work, to own private property, to receive a just wage, and to organize into workers' associations. Employers and employees each have rights and responsibilities: while the worker should not riot to create a situation of conflict with the employer, the employer should maintain an environment respecting worker's dignity.

The church has the right to speak out on social issues. Its role is to teach social principles and bring social classes together. The state's role is to create a just society through laws that preserve rights.

Context: Much poverty. Because of the Industrial Revolution, workers are being exploited by profit-hungry employers. Public authorities are not protecting the rights of the poor.

Innovation: First comprehensive document of social justice; brings the subject of workers' rights to light.

How To Set Your Atomic Clock For Daylight Savings Time


1. Remove the battery from the battery compartment for 30 seconds and then re-install.

2. Press the SET button for a few seconds until the hour starts flashing in the display.

3. Press the ADJUST button to set the hour.

4. Use the SET and ADJUST button to set the rest of the time and date. The setting sequence is hour-minute-second-month-date-year.

5. Press the MODE button to exit the setting mode.


TIME ZONE SETTING:

1. Press the MODE button to enter the Alarm Time Mode.

2. Press the SET button to change the time zone.

3. Press the MODE button to exit.


If I help just one person set their atomic clock then my life will truly be a purpose-driven life.