Emanuel rips Chico in first negative ad
Sorry, but anyone who believes this sales tax issue of Rahm's is a good idea has not thought this through.
1) He says that his sales tax "decrease" should save the average family $200/year. That's $.55/day. I understand $200 is money... if someone handed it to me all at once I'd be happy, but I don't think that's even something we're going to notice. However, that $200/year is going to cost the city $45 Million dollars. I don't know if anyone's heard, but the city is pretty much cash strapped. I'm not sure there's a cost/benefit there.
2) As I've said before, Emanuel can't tell us what is going to be considered a "luxury" item because it will be in the hands of the Illinois legislature. I'm sure that fine establishment will have only our best interests at heart. Really. There is no way of knowing how much more we'll be paying when these new taxes hit. None. No one knows. What are the chances it's going to be more than the $200 we're supposedly saving? My guess is pretty good.
But then it's a guess. If Rahm can do it, why can't I?
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
Charlie Foxtrot by Raymond Starmann
Charlie Foxtrot by Raymond Starmann
This is one of Ray's first books and is another terrific read. Charlie Foxtrot is a full novel, not a short story and is available on both Kindle and print.
My review of the book:
This is a great read. Extremely funny and entertaining, it also has its poignant moments that warm your heart. I've read this book twice and it was just as good, if not better, the second time around. I would also love to see this book get picked up by a publisher and get widespread attention.
Book description:
CHARLIE FOXTROT - a novel about the Cold War, the Gulf War and the stupidity of war. CHARLIE FOXTROT is the story of First Lieutenant Bryce Bennett, an army intelligence officer assigned to the 74th Cavalry Squadron in West Germany, during the final days of the Cold War. Bennett is the straight man, who through the looking glass, must interact with characters so bizarre, that only the army could manufacture them. Bennett feels that he is living in a camouflaged insane asylum. He must survive patrols across the East German border and sub-zero field exercises. He is forced to participate in absurd army intelligence investigations and is an eyewitness to the fall of the Berlin Wall. Just when Bennett thought he was going home, his unit is accidentally deployed to the Persian Gulf War. While there, things seem to spin completely out of control...
This is one of Ray's first books and is another terrific read. Charlie Foxtrot is a full novel, not a short story and is available on both Kindle and print.
My review of the book:
This is a great read. Extremely funny and entertaining, it also has its poignant moments that warm your heart. I've read this book twice and it was just as good, if not better, the second time around. I would also love to see this book get picked up by a publisher and get widespread attention.
Book description:
CHARLIE FOXTROT - a novel about the Cold War, the Gulf War and the stupidity of war. CHARLIE FOXTROT is the story of First Lieutenant Bryce Bennett, an army intelligence officer assigned to the 74th Cavalry Squadron in West Germany, during the final days of the Cold War. Bennett is the straight man, who through the looking glass, must interact with characters so bizarre, that only the army could manufacture them. Bennett feels that he is living in a camouflaged insane asylum. He must survive patrols across the East German border and sub-zero field exercises. He is forced to participate in absurd army intelligence investigations and is an eyewitness to the fall of the Berlin Wall. Just when Bennett thought he was going home, his unit is accidentally deployed to the Persian Gulf War. While there, things seem to spin completely out of control...
Saturday, February 05, 2011
The Cole Madison Trilogy
If you like mystery and adventure, you will like Cole Madison, the American PI in Germany. The three stories that make up the trilogy are:
Double Tap - Madison is on the trail of a murderer who knocked-off a wealthy, philandering banker, Arno von Ringbach. Madison gets knocked around a bit as well. With enough twists and turns to keep you guessing, this fast-paced story will make you want to read more of Cole's adventures.
Lest We Forget - In the second story, Madison is driving home one night, when he sees flames billowing in the distance above his home town, Buedingen, Germany. Arriving on the scene, he learns a friend of his, Hannelore Feldman, an aging Holocaust survivor died in the blaze that also levelled her place of business, the Cafe Buedingen. Madison suspects arson. He follows a trail of blood, guts and horror as he battles Neo-Nazi thugs and stays one step ahead of his best friend, KRIPO(Criminal Police), Inspector Kurt Ginther. Multiple suspects and red herrings appear and disappear as Madison adds up the evidence and learns the cold, hard truth behind the macabre crime.
Here Today, Gone Tomorrow - Cole follows a trail that leads him to kidnappers, heroin dealers and the stolen art world. Multiple twists and turns, and Cole really gets put through the ringer as well.
All three stories are well written, exciting and an entertaining read. I personally hope to see more Cole Madison stories in the future. All are available on Kindle right now, separately and as a trilogy. If you don't have a Kindle, the trilogy should be out in print soon. In fact, if you would like to read the stories in print form, please leave a comment so I can let the author know the interest level.
Happy reading!
Chicago Tribune Endorsement
Chicago Tribune Endorsement
You may wonder why I'd post the Chicago Tribune's endorsement since they endorsed Rahm Emanuel, and I am backing Gery Chico. I wanted to point out some things from their article that they are using as reasons why they did not endorse Chico who, if you read the article, you can see was clearly their second choice.
"But it was the other major player in this crowded field, Gery Chico, who made this decision difficult. It's rare to have two competing candidates who could do this job so well. Chico, too, has a record of effectiveness in government, particularly during his tenure as head of the Chicago Public Schools board during the first, groundbreaking wave of education reform.
Chico, though, is largely a product of Chicago government. He has built a successful career in law and public service via his hard-earned clout at City Hall. We do not see Chico as the candidate likeliest to disrupt a status quo of which he is such an integral part. That is the realpolitik reason why public employees unions have been gravitating toward Chico."
1) Chico has built a successful career in law and public service via his hard earned clout at City Hall. - Okay, don't you normally build on what you have to help your career? He has clients in his law firm that come from his days at City Hall. If you need a lawyer, wouldn't you turn to someone you knew and trusted? I don't understand why this is an issue. This isn't the "Chicago way", that's business. You build your career and company on networking.
2) I cannot speak for the police or fire departments, but the way I heard it, the fire department endorsed Chico because Emanuel gave them the very clear impression that he just didn't give a fig about them. Who on earth is going to endorse someone who doesn't care. The police and fire departments have not been treated well under the Daley administration, why would they want more of the same? I would like to remind everyone that the police and firemen in this city, and all cities, put their lives on the line EVERY day for the citizens in their cities. If you have a problem with them, think about what would happen if you needed them and they just didn't show up.
3) Chico has the experience to help our schools. I do not know Rahm's background but I have not read anything about how he has already fixed the same problems we are dealing with right now. However, Gery has. So why should we vote for someone who might get the job done as opposed to someone who we know can get the job done?
The Trib's endorsement seems to be built an suppositions that Emanuel will do a better job, that's fine. They're entitled to their opinion. I just think their wrong. They say themselves that "It's rare to have two competing candidates who could do this job so well." Chico is the right one.
You may wonder why I'd post the Chicago Tribune's endorsement since they endorsed Rahm Emanuel, and I am backing Gery Chico. I wanted to point out some things from their article that they are using as reasons why they did not endorse Chico who, if you read the article, you can see was clearly their second choice.
"But it was the other major player in this crowded field, Gery Chico, who made this decision difficult. It's rare to have two competing candidates who could do this job so well. Chico, too, has a record of effectiveness in government, particularly during his tenure as head of the Chicago Public Schools board during the first, groundbreaking wave of education reform.
Chico, though, is largely a product of Chicago government. He has built a successful career in law and public service via his hard-earned clout at City Hall. We do not see Chico as the candidate likeliest to disrupt a status quo of which he is such an integral part. That is the realpolitik reason why public employees unions have been gravitating toward Chico."
1) Chico has built a successful career in law and public service via his hard earned clout at City Hall. - Okay, don't you normally build on what you have to help your career? He has clients in his law firm that come from his days at City Hall. If you need a lawyer, wouldn't you turn to someone you knew and trusted? I don't understand why this is an issue. This isn't the "Chicago way", that's business. You build your career and company on networking.
2) I cannot speak for the police or fire departments, but the way I heard it, the fire department endorsed Chico because Emanuel gave them the very clear impression that he just didn't give a fig about them. Who on earth is going to endorse someone who doesn't care. The police and fire departments have not been treated well under the Daley administration, why would they want more of the same? I would like to remind everyone that the police and firemen in this city, and all cities, put their lives on the line EVERY day for the citizens in their cities. If you have a problem with them, think about what would happen if you needed them and they just didn't show up.
3) Chico has the experience to help our schools. I do not know Rahm's background but I have not read anything about how he has already fixed the same problems we are dealing with right now. However, Gery has. So why should we vote for someone who might get the job done as opposed to someone who we know can get the job done?
The Trib's endorsement seems to be built an suppositions that Emanuel will do a better job, that's fine. They're entitled to their opinion. I just think their wrong. They say themselves that "It's rare to have two competing candidates who could do this job so well." Chico is the right one.
Thursday, February 03, 2011
What is the Rahm Tax
What is the Rahm Tax?
A few good points in this article:
"His idea is to try to reduce the sales tax, and make up for it by creating new taxes on services - but only those used by the wealthy. "If you can afford an elective cosmetic procedure like Botox, if you can afford to take a charter plane flight into Chicago, you shouldn't be able to do that on the backs of working families," said Chicago For Rahm communications director LaBolt.
This seems eminently reasonable. The question is, which services will ultimately get taxed? Only the ones that won't affect "working families," LaBolt insisted. But different working families use different services. Is there a comprehensive, specific list of the things Emanuel would like to see taxed?
At this point, the spokesman was decidedly more curt, pointing to a press release. "We released the policy to the press two weeks ago, but you all didn't pay any attention to it until Gery Chico announced he was against it," he said."
Yes, that would be because Gery Chico explained that it's not just a "decrease on sales tax" which is all it was being hyped as.
"LaBolt would only say that it will "require negotiation with Springfield" - state lawmakers would have to pass a new tax - and that Emanuel has drawn his "line in the sand" at not harming "working families."
It's this ambiguity that Chico finds misleading. "Voters who are heading to the polls in just three weeks have no idea what services Emanuel would tax if he were elected as mayor," the campaign said in a press release today."
I have to wonder why Emanuel thinks that he can draw a line in the sand for the state lawmakers. And sorry, I trust the state gov't less than.... yeah, well, nevermind, don't really trust any of them at the moment.
"But the problem goes further than uncertainty about nitpicky details. If, as LaBolt suggests, the tax only affects a very limited set services for the wealthy, then it's hard to imagine that it will generate the tens if not hundreds of millions of dollars required to offset the sales tax decrease. After all, how many dog-walking, limo-riding plane-charterers are there in the state of Illinois?"
The tax issue that Emanuel is hinging his campaign on is smoke and mirrors. I hope that people figure it out before heading to the polls.
A few good points in this article:
"His idea is to try to reduce the sales tax, and make up for it by creating new taxes on services - but only those used by the wealthy. "If you can afford an elective cosmetic procedure like Botox, if you can afford to take a charter plane flight into Chicago, you shouldn't be able to do that on the backs of working families," said Chicago For Rahm communications director LaBolt.
This seems eminently reasonable. The question is, which services will ultimately get taxed? Only the ones that won't affect "working families," LaBolt insisted. But different working families use different services. Is there a comprehensive, specific list of the things Emanuel would like to see taxed?
At this point, the spokesman was decidedly more curt, pointing to a press release. "We released the policy to the press two weeks ago, but you all didn't pay any attention to it until Gery Chico announced he was against it," he said."
Yes, that would be because Gery Chico explained that it's not just a "decrease on sales tax" which is all it was being hyped as.
"LaBolt would only say that it will "require negotiation with Springfield" - state lawmakers would have to pass a new tax - and that Emanuel has drawn his "line in the sand" at not harming "working families."
It's this ambiguity that Chico finds misleading. "Voters who are heading to the polls in just three weeks have no idea what services Emanuel would tax if he were elected as mayor," the campaign said in a press release today."
I have to wonder why Emanuel thinks that he can draw a line in the sand for the state lawmakers. And sorry, I trust the state gov't less than.... yeah, well, nevermind, don't really trust any of them at the moment.
"But the problem goes further than uncertainty about nitpicky details. If, as LaBolt suggests, the tax only affects a very limited set services for the wealthy, then it's hard to imagine that it will generate the tens if not hundreds of millions of dollars required to offset the sales tax decrease. After all, how many dog-walking, limo-riding plane-charterers are there in the state of Illinois?"
The tax issue that Emanuel is hinging his campaign on is smoke and mirrors. I hope that people figure it out before heading to the polls.
The Gumshoe - Coming soon
There are 57 days left to raise money for the Pilot. Just noticed that a $10 donation will get your name in the credits. There are more perks the more you contribute, but I thought it was cool that you could get your name in the credits for $10.
Follow the link above.
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
Conversation with Rahm
Rahm Emanuel was at my train station today. I have to admit, when I saw him from across the street, I actually walked around the station to avoid walking past him. I didn't really want to shake his hand. However, once I got around the station I realized I was passing up an opportunity to give him a chance to explain the sales tax issue - maybe I've been wrong, maybe he really does have a plan he can explain without vague references...maybe we're going to have a sunny day with temperatures in the 60s today too.
When I turned around to go back he was trying to get my attention to shake my hand so I told him I had a question for him regarding the tax issue. He was fine with that and started going into his single mother..yada yada yada...luxury planes. So I interjected with, yes but what about everything in between? What else is going to be affected? He mentioned working with the legislature but then started the speech again. So I asked him again what about everything in between? (I mean, I don't know about you, but I don't know anyone that owns a plane.) He said it would have to go to the legislature. I confirmed that the idea would have to go to the state legislature and he said, yes, that's why I say that we will have to work on it.
I'm sorry, I don't think our state legislature is really going to help our cause here. I would rather have a mayoral campaign based on something that the future mayor can do on his own, perhaps needing to work within the confines of the city government to get things done. I'm not opposed to the mayor working with the state but don't hinge your campaign on it. Because in my eyes, that means nothing.
His final comment was "You asked for someone who would tell you the truth." I was trying too hard not to giggle at this point, so I could not say anything except thank you. Really? I live in Chicago, Illinois. The last thing that I'm expecting is a politician to tell me the truth. And in any case, I don't think I'm going to get the truth from Rahm Emanuel.
When I turned around to go back he was trying to get my attention to shake my hand so I told him I had a question for him regarding the tax issue. He was fine with that and started going into his single mother..yada yada yada...luxury planes. So I interjected with, yes but what about everything in between? What else is going to be affected? He mentioned working with the legislature but then started the speech again. So I asked him again what about everything in between? (I mean, I don't know about you, but I don't know anyone that owns a plane.) He said it would have to go to the legislature. I confirmed that the idea would have to go to the state legislature and he said, yes, that's why I say that we will have to work on it.
I'm sorry, I don't think our state legislature is really going to help our cause here. I would rather have a mayoral campaign based on something that the future mayor can do on his own, perhaps needing to work within the confines of the city government to get things done. I'm not opposed to the mayor working with the state but don't hinge your campaign on it. Because in my eyes, that means nothing.
His final comment was "You asked for someone who would tell you the truth." I was trying too hard not to giggle at this point, so I could not say anything except thank you. Really? I live in Chicago, Illinois. The last thing that I'm expecting is a politician to tell me the truth. And in any case, I don't think I'm going to get the truth from Rahm Emanuel.
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