the ursa.il daily news

Ursa Daily News Year in Review

2012-01-01T09:29:00.000-06:00

HealthThe population of Ursa continues to age. Everyone grew one year older this year. Local officials are quite concerned about this trend.

TransportationSome seasonal load limit signs were installed on rural roads. As one local resident said,"Them there signs are a helluva lot more useful than the f<>kin' CKC signs."

Crimedoes cow tipping count?

Sports Mendon 7th grade girls basketball wins state and all the kids got to go to school late the next day.

Businesssome guy set up a hotdog cart at Ursa 1 Stop for a while

WeatherWe had snow, rain, wind, and sunshine. All occured in pretty much the appropriate season. No point beating it to death.

Occupy North Pole

2011-12-25T13:58:00.001-06:00

Christmas in a Beer Joint

2011-12-23T11:22:00.003-06:00

"if you like Christmas and you like beer"

some holiday cheer

2011-12-19T14:02:00.001-06:00

Quit Your Bitchin'

2011-11-29T19:02:00.000-06:00

Some Thanksgiving Music

2011-11-24T12:34:00.001-06:00

3 and 19

2011-10-27T17:43:00.007-05:00

Reason #3 I don't drink much vodka: not into this.

Reason #19: It clogs arteries.

James O'Keefe at OWS

2011-10-22T10:55:00.000-05:00

UDN Week in Review

2011-10-07T19:25:00.004-05:00

RMF'ers: From the whig: "Broadband Internet connectivity is key to the economic development of the region, the director of Missouri's broadband expansion initiative told the Tri-State Development Summit Wednesday."

Who let this f@#$%r say that? Historically, keys to economic development of the region have been highways named after newspaper publishers, Amtrak, and hydro power. I'd like to know if he had permission to declare a new key.

King of Pedophiles: I don't care if Michael Jackson's doctor killed the dude or not. But if he did, he isn't getting the respect he deserves.

Stinky Hippies: One picture of the Occupy Wall Street clowns I enjoyed is in this slide show. Is that a cigarette? Isn't big tobacco one of the biggest, most evil groups of corporations ever? It might be a joint.

UJD: The University of J-dub board needs to air some dirty laundry and 'splain itself.

Habits are homes: If your kid gets taught the seven habits of highly effective people in kindergarten, ask your child to explain what the habits mean...and what habits are.

See you in a few months.

Record Breaking Fail

2011-07-25T17:13:00.002-05:00

The main problem with last week's record breaking heat wave is that very, very few high temperature records were broken. Another problem was all the stupid cooking demonstrations attempted by the clowns in certain local media circles.

if you can't take the heat

2011-07-21T18:37:00.002-05:00

With all of the old school media pissing and moaning like it hasn't ever been hot, filling half the print space and evening news with fluff hot weather pieces about cooking shit on the sidewalk and people breaking a sweat while they work, it is nice to see that QNO is still covering news...and giving heat everywhere the middle finger with the Crawdad's/Mike Shannon hot sauce ad.

Will There Still Be A Turbine Plant in Quincy?

2011-05-24T16:41:00.003-05:00

The expected failure of the Quincy hydro project has been in the news a lot lately. What hasn't been mentioned, at least not in anything I've read, is the Canadian corporation that was going to build a turbine factory in Quincy once Spring held out his City of Quincy AMEX and said, "Build me some turbines, eh."

From the QNO archives:
As part of Klingner's explanation of the city's downsized $6.6 million hydro bond which would primarily focus on using Lock and Dam 21 for power generation for the city's wastewater plant and other utilities, he said the company building the turbines is considering opening a new plant and Quincy with its centralized location could be a possible site. Klinger said the company, VLH, is building turbines in Canada and is looking for a plant in the United States as the demand is high.

I assume until we hear otherwise that it is safe to assume they still want to locate a turbine factory in Quincy, right? Right? Somebody should tell the Canadians about the slightly used manufacturing facility at 40th and Broadway for sale.

Target is Coming to Quincy!

2011-05-21T11:43:00.004-05:00

Prediction: After Doyle Manufacturing finishes moving production and 92 good paying manufacturing jobs to Missouri (or getting the hell out of our business unfriendly state, depending on how you want to look at it) while local "leaders" do nothing, the former Doyle site in Quincy will be used to build a Target. Out of town engineering and construction firms will do most of the work on the project. Hundreds of people will apply for all the new barely minimum wage jobs. The traditional media will make a big happy deal of it, praising Target, Spring, Bevelheimer, and I-72 for making it possible. The grand opening will be greeted with even more fanfare and women all over Adams County will wet themselves with excitement.

Within nine months, K Mart will close, and Shopko within two years. While Quincy was busy trying to get itself into bed with Target, another Quincy manufacturer will announce plans to move out of state.

WI on YouTube

2011-02-19T23:24:00.003-06:00

Doctors help teachers play hookey.

The correct answer to tough questions is to chant.

WI lawmakers take action.

Poor teachers.

Students weigh in.

another reason why everybody hates the Quincy school board

2011-02-10T21:43:00.003-06:00

Making improvements to a soccer field in no way and by no stretch of the imagination is a "life-safety" project. At least they claim they won't use life safety dollars on Astroturf.

Shit I Missed Before the Super Bowl

2011-02-07T22:08:00.003-06:00

Before the BEP sucked up the halftime show, the commercials sucked, and will.i.am asked BO to educate all the kids yesterday, two things happened:

1) Hitler found out about the halftime show

2) will.i.am was on CNN. Can't embed CNN - link here. If you can't watch the whole thing, here are the Cliff Notes:

0:26 Global warming has made it unbearably cold in Texas.
1:07 Compares playing at Superbowl to World Cup
1:50 limp clap, limp clap, ask about outfits
2:05 Anchor wants to know if he will see Fiergie's boobs
2:40 "We were inspired by the Olympics in China"
4:20 made up the word "interactivity"

Maybe tomorrow I'll watch the O'Reilly vs Obama pre-game.

Great Moments in Super Bowl History

2011-02-06T15:07:00.001-06:00

go f*** yourself of the day

2011-02-01T17:46:00.003-06:00

they couldn't have done it without me either

2011-01-29T19:06:00.003-06:00

The Ursa Daily News would like to take partial credit for AT&T offering 3G and mobile broadband service in the Quincy area. Might as well, everybody else is.

The Local U

2011-01-13T18:50:00.002-06:00

Ursa Lions Club 54th Annual Pork A Rama
15Jan2011 6:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The event will once again be held at Unity High School in Mendon, Illinois. Adult tickets in advance are $8.50 or $9.00 at the door. Children 5 to 11 are $5.00 in advance or $5.50 at the door.

Serving pancakes, eggs, sausage, biscuits & gravy, coffee & milk. Lunch begins at 11am until it is gone!!! Serving Bar-B-Q chops & potatoe, Bar-B-Q ribs & Kraut, coffee & milk. For more information call 964-2575 and Quincy call 222-4891.

handing over the gavel

2011-01-10T19:55:00.000-06:00

A Jim By Any Other Name

2011-01-10T19:28:00.004-06:00

If "racially sensitive words" are being removed from literary classics, when will racial slurs be removed from rap music, South Park, and late night comedy shows? I'm pretty sure Twain just used those words because he thought it was cool. He wasn't trying to make any kind of commentary on important issues of his time or anything.

You Don't Have To Put On The Red Light

2010-12-24T13:35:00.000-06:00

Christmas Play Season

2010-12-22T22:36:00.004-06:00

The use of the line "Calm down and be quiet or we'll go wait in the car" is apparently not sufficient to get either parent or child out of a Christmas play early.

Dear Santa II

2010-12-19T17:10:00.001-06:00

Dear Santa...

2010-12-19T17:01:00.001-06:00

I'll defer identifying the fruity Mich Ultra beer in the video to Bob Gough.

these are a few of my favorite things

2010-11-17T16:05:00.003-06:00

This week, the FDA is cracking down on alcoholic energy drinks. Their bitch is that college kids are getting drunk by consuming these beverages. I hate to tell the FDA this, but a) college kids have been getting drunk since college was invented and b) alcoholic drinks with caffeine have been around since they invented caffeine (I'm assuming alcohol came first). Jack and Coke, Coffee and Baileys, Coffee and Irish Whiskey, Red Bull and Vodka. I even had a beer and coffee cocktail mixture, but that was when I was in college.

You Don't Really Mean That

2010-11-16T16:06:00.003-06:00

The last two times the DSW and I went to Jorge the Crook's we found the staff to be overly rude and snotty, so we haven't been in a couple years. I was driving up Hampshire today and they have one of those orange Miller Lite "Welcome Hunters" signs (poorly) affixed to the front railing. Is their business really so hard up that they want a bunch of camo and orange vest wearing deer hunters to come chug Miller Lite in their rude and snotty fine dining establishment?

You're Never Gonna Get It

2010-11-15T23:26:00.008-06:00

Ethanol in Ewbanks Village, biodiesel in South Quincy, hydro on the river, wind turbines all over the county (especially Golden), FutureGen CO2 storage at the airport.

It seems like every green energy project that gets talked about around here never makes it past the talking point for one reason or another. The local leadership ought to quit messing with attracting green energy projects that are both feasible and publically supported and continue to work on putting a Cracker Barrel on East Broadway. No, I don't think we need a Cracker Barrel, but there's a better chance of getting Cracker Barrel jobs than green collar jobs. For whatever reason, and regardless of what politicians promise and claim, this historically isn't a green energy area.

The more you talk, the more things sound the same.

Apologies for the early 90's video, but it does fit.

Same Gender Pat Downs

2010-11-15T23:04:00.002-06:00

When Clinton was president, we would have never, ever had to put up with this kind of crap. (Image from the TSA blog.)

FW:

2010-11-13T09:30:00.003-06:00

I very, very seldom post forwarded emails, or even forward forwarded emails, but this is damn funny.

From The Manitoba Herald

The flood of American liberals sneaking across the border into Canada has intensified in the past week, sparking calls for increased patrols to stop the illegal immigration. The recent actions of the Tea Party are prompting an exodus among left-leaning citizens who fear they'll soon be required to hunt, pray, and agree with Bill O'Reilly and Glenn Beck.

Canadian border farmers say it's not uncommon to see dozens of sociology professors, animal-rights activists and Unitarians crossing their fields at night. "I went out to milk the cows the other day, and there was a Hollywood producer huddled in the barn,"said Manitoba farmer Red Greenfield, whose acreage borders North Dakota . "The producer was cold, exhausted and hungry. He asked me if I could spare a latte and some free-range chicken. When I said I didn't have any, he left before I even got a chance to show him my screenplay." Greenfield then installed loudspeakers that blared Rush Limbaugh across the fields. "Not real effective," he said. "The liberals still got through and Rush annoyed the cows so much that they wouldn't give any milk."

Officials are particularly concerned about smugglers who meet liberals near the Canadian border, pack them into Volvo station wagons and drive them across the border where they are simply left to fend for themselves. "A lot of these people are not prepared for our rugged conditions," an Ontario border patrolman said. "I found one carload without a single bottle of imported drinking water. They did have a nice little Napa Valley cabernet, though."

When liberals are caught, they're sent back across the border, often wailing loudly that they fear retribution from conservatives. Rumors have been circulating about plans being made to build re-education camps where liberals will be forced to drink domestic beer and watch NASCAR races.

In recent days, liberals have turned to ingenious ways of crossing the border. Some have been disguised as senior citizens taking a bus trip to buy cheap Canadian prescription drugs. After catching a half- dozen young vegans in powdered wig disguises, Canadian immigration authorities began stopping buses and quizzing the supposed senior-citizens about Perry Como and Rosemary Clooney to prove that they were alive in the '50s. "If they can't identify the accordion player on The Lawrence Welk Show, we become very suspicious about their age," an official said.

Canadian citizens have complained that the illegal immigrants are creating an organic-broccoli shortage and are renting all the Michael Moore movies. "I really feel sorry for American liberals, but the Canadian economy just can't support them," an Ottawa resident said. "How many art-history majors does one country need?"

In an effort to ease tensions between the United States and Canada, Vice President Biden met with the Canadian ambassador Gary Doer and pledged that the administration would take steps to reassure liberals. A source close to President Obama said, "We're going to have some Paul McCartney and Peter, Paul & Mary concerts. And we might even put some endangered species on postage stamps. The President is determined to reach out," he said.

If You Give A Democrat A Cookie

2010-11-10T23:36:00.000-06:00

A spoof on the "If You Give a Mouse" book series.

Greatest Hits of the 111th

2010-11-10T22:26:00.000-06:00

From the 62376

2010-11-10T16:17:00.002-06:00

Dear Editor:

Did you feel like a winner when you got cash for a clunker, a new appliance rebate, or an $8000 home purchase credit? If so, thank the loser, the taxpayer, instead of the tyrant who redistributed the wealth, just like a Communist. Few admit it, but most are comfortable with various levels of tyranny which divides us into winners and losers.

Tyranny is the unjust use of power and authority. Tyranny victims feel subservient, forced, and unfairly treated. To oppose tyranny, one must demand that all citizens be treated absolutely equally in all government matters. Unlike a dictatorship, in a truly free country the government has no need to know your race, sex, income, or purchases. Their job is to protect EVERYONE’S individual liberty and economic freedom.

Our tax code treats individuals unequally based on marital status, income type and level, and whether you behave in the state preferred way. Only the Fair Tax eliminates all unequal tax treatment. Social justice immorally seeks group equality by treating individuals unequally. Consider your feelings if you were on the looser end of other unequal treatment examples. Mandated charity forces productive people to pay nonproductive ones. We are forced to pay subsidies to give state preferred businesses an unfair advantage. Taxpayers are forced to bail out failing business models. When the state says mandatory instead of voluntary, think TYRANNY. These and many other examples all divide our nation through unjust use of power.

Those supporting unequal treatment boast of the benefits to winners, but are mute about unfairness to losers. Their immoral creed is “the end justifies the means”, a phrase from a tyrant’s vocabulary. Many voters are selfishly swayed by tyrant politician’s promises to shower them with other’s wealth. Such politicians are dishonorable, dangerous to our liberty, and must be banished.

Gary Shaffer
Ursa, Illinois 62376

A Late 60's Musical Tribute to Phil Hare

2010-11-03T18:52:00.003-05:00

Today, Phil Hare gets a pink slip that comes as a result of failed economic policy and helping grow and expand an already bloated government. I think this proves that we all eventually reap what we sow.

For fun, here is audio of Hare's (Unepm-IL) concession speech.

Phil Hare's Get Out the Vote Message

2010-11-01T17:41:00.002-05:00

Phil Hare reminds everybody to vote tomorrow - for somebody they can trust.

Phil Hare Ursa Farmers Coop Today at 10

2010-10-27T08:52:00.000-05:00

Hat Tip

2010-10-26T22:01:00.003-05:00

The Ursa Daily News tips its hat to the cowboys in Hannibal. Picture stolen from whig.com.

a letter from Dick Turbin

2010-10-26T17:51:00.003-05:00

Received the following email from our fearless Dick. I'd unsubscribe from his mailing list if his emails weren't so funny.

Dear David,
I just received the email message below from my friend and colleague, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

Harry Reid has been such a stalwart fighter for our progressive agenda in the Senate, and now he needs our help -- so we're making Harry the third of five candidates who I'm asking you to support with a $30 contribution before Election Day.

Will you contribute $30 to Harry's campaign today -- so he can win in November?

Harry is facing a tough re-election campaign this year against a right-wing opponent, Sharron Angle, who just raised $14 million from "tea party" extremists all across the country.

This is the same Sharron Angle who wants to abolish the U.S. Department of Education, aspires to eliminate Social Security, and denies the existence of man-made global warming because "there's not sound science to back that up."

Our right-wing "tea party" opponents would love nothing better than to defeat Harry Reid this November -- and we can't let them. Harry has been leading the charge for jobs, health care, and Wall Street reform on the floor of the Senate -- and we need to make sure he's re-elected so he can keep up the fight with all of us.

Please contribute $30 to Senator Harry Reid's campaign today -- so he can keep fighting to move America forward.

Thanks for joining me and standing up for our friend and majority leader, Harry Reid.

Dick Durbin
U.S. Senator

---Begin forwarded message---

FR: Harry Reid
TO: Dick Durbin
SUBJ: Urgent -- need your help

Dear Dick,

A major development here in Nevada: My Tea Party opponent just announced that she received $14 million in donations in the last quarter. That could be enough to dominate Nevada airwaves in the critical final days and prevent us from exposing her wild rhetoric and dangerous extremism.

I need you to send a contribution as soon as you can. I know there are many demands on your time and your resources, but we have no choice but to fight back against my extremist opponent and her far-right allies.

Nevada is just the front line in the Tea Party's assault on middle class families. My opponent would phase out Social Security and Medicare, end the VA as we know it, and eliminate the Department of Education. We cannot afford to lose our country like that.

Shadowy outside groups have bought tens of millions of dollars worth of television airtime. We are bracing for an unprecedented wave of attacks. And although we believe we are ahead in this race, our lead is fragile and we must have the resources to fight back against the smear attacks that may come our way in the final days.

If you have even five dollars to devote to the cause of stopping my opponent and her Tea Party allies from bringing their anti-jobs, anti-health care, anti-immigrant, anti-middle class agenda to the United States Senate, I need you to make that contribution right now.

This race is extremely close, but I know with your generous support, we're going to win on Election Day.

Harry Reid

P.S. -- Time is of the essence. Even if you can only afford to give a few dollars, please do so right away so I can fight back.

I Worked So Hard....

2010-10-22T18:50:00.000-05:00

Call Me Senator from RightChange on Vimeo.

The Nancy Pelosi Mask

2010-10-20T18:18:00.001-05:00

While doing a little Halloween research, I came across this page of political Halloween masks. Click here and scroll down.

The Highway Patrol, The Highway Patrol

2010-09-23T19:34:00.003-05:00

Let's begin by agreeing that the state of Illinois is broke. Schools are getting their budgets cut, services are getting their budgets cut, government workers are taking furlough days, blah, blah, blah. Somebody 'splain why the state, specifically the IL Department of Transportation, is giving out grants to local police departments to write speeding and seat belt tickets. Let me repeat for the slow people: the STATE is funding LOCAL law enforcement officers so they can go write tickets for non violent crimes, probably on OT. The money doesn't go back to the state, at least I can't see where it does. And isn't IDOT supposed to build state roads as opposed to playing nanny on city roads?

Constitution Day

2010-09-17T10:33:00.001-05:00

The staff of the Ursa Daily News would like to wish everybody a very happy Constitution Day. Except Phil Hare. Phil Hare can bite me.

Bobby's Commercial

2010-09-15T16:22:00.000-05:00

Wicked Witch of the Left

2010-09-14T16:42:00.001-05:00

They Aren't Coming Here

2010-09-14T05:42:00.002-05:00

Creative idea. BUT, the group behind the billboard had it put up on I-94 South, which comes into Illinois. They might want to put it on a different state line, because they aren't moving here.

Michael Berry: I'm Taking Action

2010-09-11T21:20:00.000-05:00

The Second Plane

2010-09-11T10:03:00.000-05:00

The First Plane

2010-09-11T09:46:00.002-05:00

We'll Put A Boot In Your Ass....

2010-09-10T21:16:00.001-05:00

Tough Guy Phil

2010-09-10T11:23:00.001-05:00

Click on image to enlarge.

When you upload a video into YouTube, you have the option to "tag" the video. If I load a Ranger video, I might tag it "mini burro" or "ass". This screen shot of the Friends of Phil Hare commercial on YouTube that I took after I disliked the video, which I did after they deleted my comment, shows the video tagged as "tough guy".

Does anybody really think that a grossly overweight career democrat who ranks 404/435 (that would be lowest 10%) in terms of effectiveness compared to all other members in a democrat controlled House of Representatives is a "tough guy"?

Phil Hare Doesn't Care About YouTube Questions

2010-09-09T05:03:00.006-05:00

The first screen shot was taken at 4:39pm on 08Sept2010, shortly after I asked what I feel is a relavent question on the Friends of Phil Hare YouTube page. "If "Washington" sent jobs to Mexico and abroad, shouldn't we start voting the current bums out of Washington instead of re-electing them?". I guess they're not going to answer me. The second screen shot was taken at 5:02am on 09Sept2010 and shows that instead of answering my question, Phil's "friends" deleted it. Personally, I think if Phil and his "friends" are going to go to the trouble and (special interest campaign contribution) expense of making a commercial, they should at least want to defend it and clarify their points.

On the Friends of Phil Hare website, a welcome letter is posted from the big boy. The last sentence of the letter reads: "Please do not hesitate to contact me." I call Bullshit.

Phil HareTV

2010-09-08T17:19:00.001-05:00

Phil "I Don't Care" Hare's campaign recently began running the above ad. Watch the ad, then see if you find it strange that an incumbent representative would seriously run an ad - against a new to politics challenger - that blames folks in Washington, DC for all of the job losses. Gee, Phil, if the current people and laws in Washington are the problem - which, according to you, they are - shouldn't we vote their fat, constitution hating asses out? And if Phil Hare is committed to saving jobs in Illinois and the US, what happened to the suit company that he personally vowed to save?

More at QC Examiner.

Never Let A Political Opportunity Go To Waste

2010-09-08T15:57:00.003-05:00

"If Mayor Daley doesn't (run), one day I would like to run for mayor of the city of Chicago. That's always been an aspiration of mine even when I was in the House of Representatives." -Rahm Emanuel

Political aspiration, including those seeking to make careers of elected office, are a huge part of what is wrong with our current political climate. Gone are the days of citizens getting elected, going to serve, and returning to their businesses, jobs, and communities. Instead, we have guys like Rahm who aspire to make a living and a fortune as an elected or appointed political figure. The problem with lifers is that if they have no desire to return to life as a normal citizen, they quickly lose touch with what normal citizens really want, need, and desire in life. The only thing they care about is what it takes to stay in power, get re-elected, and cling to their position of power.

By his own admission, being mayor of Chicago is Rahm's own personal aspiration and desire. How can a guy be in politics for the right reasons when his goal is simply to be king of Chicago? If his heart was in the right place, he could have said that he wanted to be mayor to bring about some great changes in Chicago (that line worked for his boss), he thought it was too excessively corrupt and he was the right guy to clean it up, or something else that showed interest and concern for more than one resident of Chicago.

From the 62376

2010-09-08T15:55:00.001-05:00

Dear Editor:

Trust is the life blood of successful business and government interactions. Theft and deceptive language indicate low character and they murder trust.

The Feds had a moral and fiduciary responsibility to protect and grow the Social Security Trust Fund. Instead, for decades politicians have looted it and spent it on non-social security items. The Trust Fund contains IOU’s to be repaid with interest by future generations including our grandkids, a repugnant fact. Any bank mishandling funds would land people in prison. This is the crime of the century, yet no felony charges. It is another reason why I do not trust them with my family’s healthcare.

You could fill a book with deceptive political statements. They refer to earmarks, but a more informative title would be vote purchases. The Stimulus should have been called the Grow Government Bill. Comprehensive Imigration Reform is actually the Voter Rights Bill for Illegal Alliens. The Card Check Bill masks the fact that it bands the secret ballot for union workers. Since political correctness is an assault on our first amendment, it should be called anti-free speech norms. The Cap and Trade Bill reveals little about it’s nature. It is actually the “ New Tax on Everything Made or Moving”.

Many voters are easilly deceived by such language, resulting in uninformed voters returning dishonest and deceitful politicians to office. Since they work for us, we deserve the raw unmasked truth just like any employer demands so good decisions can be made. Honesty is so critical to efficient and effective government, that deceptive communications and mishandling our money should result in felony prison time. That is a better alternative to term limits, and another reason to keep the GITMO prison open.

Gary Shaffer
Ursa, IL 62376

They Caught Me Hauling Ass

2010-08-31T11:46:00.000-05:00

There's a Quincy officer behind the OLCC writing tickets on a state grant. If Illinois is too broke to fund schools, why are we paying city officers to write tickets in Quincy? That money doesn't go back to the state?

The Money Hole

2010-08-28T21:27:00.001-05:00

H/T: Tookie

QP Caption Contest Play Along

2010-08-26T19:28:00.002-05:00

You know what Reg? I don't care about counting calories and fat content, either.

Submit your own here.

This Weekend at the Rodeo

2010-08-24T21:27:00.004-05:00

Rodeo ticket - $10

Beer ticket - $3

Putting Ranger in a bucking chute for a photo op - Priceless

Today at the Adams County Fair: 2010 Big Ass Bonus Edition

2010-08-21T06:00:00.001-05:00

More rodeo tonight at 7:30, but come early to get an autograph from Porkchop and pet the most famous little ass in Adams County.

Another one of the greatest rodeo songs of all time is Hooked On An Eight Second Ride by Chris Ledoux.

Highway 99 live and in concert again tonight.

Today at the Adams County Fair: 2010 Big Ass Bonus Edition

2010-08-20T06:00:00.001-05:00

Rodeo at 7:30 pm TONIGHT

One of the greatest rodeo songs of all time is Amarillo by Morning by George Strait.

More great music after the rodeo by Highway 99.

Keep Your Eyes On The Barrels

2010-08-18T22:00:00.004-05:00

Know what's even more exciting than barrel racing? Setting up the barrels. At least it is in Adams County this Friday and Saturday night.

Milton Friedman On Capitalism

2010-08-14T11:57:00.001-05:00

The great achievements of civilization have not come from government bureaus.

What's that old saying about the view never changing?

2010-08-13T18:50:00.001-05:00

About 75% of top speed. Now I get the whole thing where kids skateboard with video cameras.

My Drunk Ass

2010-08-07T17:53:00.001-05:00

Luke Bryan wrote a song about Ranger.

Blotter

2010-08-07T07:11:00.002-05:00

Click on image to enlarge.

I hope he made sure it wasn't his friend that stole it before he called the po-po.

Today at the Adams County Fair: 04August2010

2010-08-04T06:03:00.001-05:00

7:00 A.M. 4-H Horse & Pony Check in
8:00 A.M. 4-H Horse and Pony Judging
4-6 P.M. Release of all 4-H & Open Projects
5-7 P.M. Release of Domestic Arts Projects
6:30 P.M. Demo Derby by Kickabudah Promotions
6:00 P.M. 13 -18 yr Kids & Parents Fun Horse Show (Horse Arena)
8:00 P.M. Teen Dance

The last song of this year's fair is the greatest county fair country and western song of all time.

County Fair - Chris Ledoux

Not Quite Country and/or Western

2010-08-03T20:16:00.004-05:00

Blogging the fair is hard work. If it was easy, everybody would do it. One of the hardest parts is coming up with great country and/or western songs every day. We sort through thousands of songs to come up with the official daily country and/or western song of the Adams County Fair.

Here are the top three songs about fair stuff that almost but not quite made the cut this year:

Nelly - Country Grammar

Kelis - Milkshake

Jessica Simpson - These Boots Are Made For Walkin

From the 62376

2010-08-03T11:02:00.000-05:00

Dear Editor:

Equal administration of the rule of law is essential for government to command respect, and for all to be treated equally. Wide spread corruption of our formerly cherished rule of law is common.

The old immoral phrase “the end justifies the means” results in unequal treatment under the law. For example, quotas for hiring, college entrance, and home loans give preference to some, rather than equal consideration for all. With illegal drugs in your blood, you will likely lose your government job and income, but that won’t stop your income if you receive welfare or other forms of taxpayer money.

We seize income and assets from drug dealers’ illegal activity, but not from illegal activity of foreigners who are here and working illegally. The Feds sued Arizona for passing an immigration law that mirrors the Federal law, but they do not sue all the “sanctuary cities” who openly support violation of Federal immigration law. The blatant voter intimidation case against the New Black Panthers was dropped after obtaining a guilty plea, and after the world saw the video of them guarding a poling entrance with clubs. Do not assume you could similarly evade the law.

We prosecute private sector bribery, but tolerate Senators bribing the Louisiana and Nebraska Senators with our money for a yes vote on the Soviet-like health care bill. If you lie under oath in court, you will be prosecuted. But when politicians and judges take the oath to uphold the Constitution, then routinely vote for unconstitutional laws, we do nothing. Such actions should produce felony convictions and banishment to GITMO prison. Every year the House refuses to pass the John Shadegg (R-Az.) law requiring all new laws recite the related Constitutional authority.

Simply enforcing the rule of law and honoring our Constitution will eliminate most of the division our society argues about. If you do not like our Constitution, then try to amend it or move to a country of your preference. Do not vote for politicians who corrupt the rule of law.

Gary Shaffer
Ursa, IL 62376

Today at the Adams County Fair: 03August2010

2010-08-03T06:05:00.001-05:00

8:00 AM 4-H Judging of 4-H Beef
1:00-5:00 P.M. Kids Day–(reduced price carnival rides & $2 a carload)
1:30 P.M. Teen Games Contest
3:30 P.M. Pedal Tractor Pull Sign-up
4:00 P.M. Pit Gate opens for Quad TT Races
5 & 6 P.M. Quad TT practice
7:00 P.M. Quad TT Races
6:30 P.M. 3 Head Sort N Pen - Horse Arena
8:00 P.M. Teen Dance

Today's country and/or western song is Rockin the Beer Gut by Trailer Choir.

Today at the Adams County Fair: 02August2010

2010-08-02T18:30:00.002-05:00

Tractor pullin' bonus videos

Today at the Adams County Fair: 02August2010

2010-08-02T04:09:00.000-05:00

8:00 A.M. Open Class Beef Judging
8:00 A.M. 4-H Goat Judging in 4-H Sheep Barn
10:00 A.M. Sawing and Threshing
Noon 4-H Poultry Judging in 4-H Sheep Barn
1:00 P.M. Open Swine Judging
2:00 P.M. Sawing and Threshing
5:00 P.M. Ranch Hand Rodeo - Horse Arena
5:00 P.M. Classic Tractor Pull
6:30 P.M. Farm Tractor Pull IFPA Classes
7:00 P.M. ECMTPA & CMPA Tri-state Truck Pullers
8:00 P.M. Teen Dance

Since a lot of the dairy cows went home last night, today's country and/or western song in Milk Cow Blues by George Strait.

The bonus video is No Milk Today by Herman's Hermits, which is neither country nor western but is awesome.

Even though the dairy cows are starting to leave, my sources tell me that you can get milk shakes through Wednesday. I'm going to refrain from putting up any rap songs about milk shakes. Wouldn't be right during the fair. One thing that is right during the fair is the ham and bean dinner by the Old Time Assn. Awesome. Definitely not missing that next year. The ham and bean dinner was so awesome that it is better than Qdoba, even if it isn't the crown jewel of future local economic development.

Today at the Adams County Fair: 01August2010

2010-08-01T05:33:00.001-05:00

7:30 A.M. Catholic Mass
9:00 A.M. Union Church Service
10:00 A.M. ABGA Sanctioned Goat Show
10:30 A.M. Team Roping - Horse Arena
11:00 A.M. Ham & Bean Dinner
12:00 P.M. Open Beef Judging
12:00 P.M. Garden Tractor Pulls
2:00 P.M. Olde Tyme Parade
4-6 P.M. 4-H Goats weigh in
4:30 P.M. Olde Tyme Association Musical Show in Shelter House
5:00 P.M. 4-H Beef Weigh-In
6:00 P.M. Sawing and Threshing
7:30 P.M. Mark Lowry
8:00 P.M. Teen Dance

Today's country and/or western song is Luckenbach, Texas by Waylon Jennings.

AC Fair Video (Almost)

2010-07-31T15:41:00.003-05:00

This is kind of what it looked like at the fair last night, with the only exception being that the sheep were wearing neon green shirts. So were their kids, which was creepy.

Today at the Adams County Fair: 31July2010

2010-07-31T07:00:00.000-05:00

8:00 A.M. Open Class Sheep Judging
8:00 A.M. 4-H Swine Judging
8:00 A.M. Open Dairy Judging
8:00 A.M. JR Beef Judging
9:00 A.M. Western Horse Show (Horse Arena)
9:00 A.M. Open Class Rabbit Judging
9:00 A.M. ABGA Sanctioned Goat Show
10:00 A.M. Sawing, Threshing, Steam Engine and Blacksmith Demo
10:00 A.M. Olde Tyme Association Petting Zoo
1:00-5:00 P.M. $15 Armband Carnival Ride Promotion
2:00 P.M. Olde Tyme Parade
3:00 P.M. 4-H Dogs & 4-H Cats in Showbarn
5:00 P.M. Sawing and Threshing
6:00 P.M. Weigh Open Class Steers
6:30 P.M. Team Sorting - Horse Arena
8:00 P.M."Lonestar" Concert
8:00 P.M. Teen Dance
9:00 P.M. Adult Tent featuring the band "Staggard"

Since Lonestar is the country and/or western band on tap tonight, today's music video is Lonestar. Original on my part...no. But this is old Lonestar, when John Rich was part of the band.

Today at the Adams County Fair: 30July2010

2010-07-30T04:54:00.000-05:00

9:00 A.M. Society & Open Youth Horse Show (Horse Arena)
12 Noon Weigh Open Class Wether Sheep
12 Noon Weighing 4-H Sheep
4-H Sheep and Wool Judging
1:00 P.M. 4-H Dairy Show
4:00 P.M. ADM 4-H Master Showmanship Contest
5:00 P.M. Sawing, Threshing, Steam Engine and Blacksmith Demonstration
5:00 P.M. Open Horse Speed Show (Horse Arena)
7:30 P.M. Bull Riding (more below)
8:00 P.M. Teen Dance
9:00 P.M. Madd Hoss Jackson in Beer Garden

First, the ultimate country and/or western song about bull riding is by Chris Ledoux - Eight Second Ride.

Second, I heard a little rumor that there is going to be a rodeo at the Adams County Fairgrounds in a couple weeks, so don't miss that either.

Third, a bonus video because lighting stuff on fire before riding bulls is fun.

Fourth, since there isn't going to be bronc riding at the fair this year we'll run a second bonus video on bull riding day.

Today at the Adams County Fair: 29July2010

2010-07-29T05:53:00.002-05:00

9:00 A.M. Judging Open Class Entries
10:30A.M. Mississippi Valley Holstein Club Show in Show Barn
6:00 P.M. 4-H Rabbit Judging
6:00-8:00 PM 4-H Weighing of Commercial Gilts, Market Barrows, & Gilts
6:00 P.M. 12 & Under Pee Wee Fun Horse Show (Horse Arena)
7:00-9:00 P.M. Weigh 4-H Swine
7:00 P.M. Miss Adams County Fair Queen Pageant
8:00 P.M. Teen Dance

Since today is the Queen Pageant, the first country and/or western music video of the fair is by Sammy Kershaw - Queen of My Double Wide Trailer.

An Ass's Baby

2010-07-28T16:45:00.001-05:00

Ranger's mother and half brother. Awww.

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

2010-07-27T16:25:00.003-05:00

If Quincy builds an AMTRAK/bus/taxi/space shuttle/casino/airport building in downtown, won't it make it easier for drug dealers and gang bangers from Chicagoto get into the heart of Quincy???

More here.

Hog Roast - One Down, One to Go

2010-07-20T06:09:00.005-05:00

Hats off to Gary Shaffer and everybody else who helped put together last weekend's Bobby Schilling fundraiser/hog roast. The place was packed - several months before the election when people would not normally care so much. I think that is a huge testament to the fact that a large number of people are passionate about getting Hare out of office. If you missed this event, fear not. Go to www.bobby2010.com to donate, then show up to vote in November. That's when we're going to have to come together again to cut the next fat hog - named Phil - in the ass.

From the 62376

2010-07-15T04:56:00.002-05:00

Dear Editor:

Have you ever wondered why some countries are wealthy and others are destitute? I’ve said it is differences in rule of law, and others say natural resources. Both are wrong.

Heritage.org ranked 179 countries on economic freedom. Hong Kong (owned by Red China) is first, and all of the top 4 are in the Asia-South Pacific region. Those with the most economic freedom (capitalism) are also the wealthiest.

At the bottom of the list are Cuba and North Korea. Both are communist and very poor. Countries with socialism, the slow boat to communist poverty, are in the middle. Margaret Thatcher said “The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people’s money”, hence poverty. We saw that happen in the old Soviet Union and now Greece. Socialism consumes wealth with its huge inefficient bureaucracies, and smothers private wealth creation with its anti-capitalist high taxes and crushing regulation. Socialism claims to help the poor, but it kills their upward mobility, creating a permanent underclass.

The U.S. taught the world how to be free. Our economic freedom produced upward mobility and prosperity that amazed the world. Now we have slipped to #8 in economic freedom. Concurrently, few expect their kids to be as successful as themselves. Business owners are not free to make the simplest decisions on employee benefits, smoking, and minimum wages based on ones productivity.

Some government is a necessary evil to prevent anarchy. But the nature of all governments is to grow in size and control of the people and business. Only informed voters can stop that natural progression toward less freedom and wealth when our politicians routinely ignore the Constitution.

We can learn from Hong Kong and our founding documents how to regain our former level of economic freedom and wealth. It starts with shrinking the Fed’s size and control, shifting from federal to local decision making, and making freedom legal again.

Gary Shaffer
Ursa, IL 62376

WGAFF: Barefoot Bandit

2010-07-13T16:49:00.003-05:00

If it wasn't for the fake sighting at Irene's Cabaret, would the local news really be falling all over themselves to cover his arrest? What would they cover instead? Would they cover Spring suggesting tax increases? Nahhhh...

There's Something Called An Election

2010-07-12T17:55:00.004-05:00

This is one of my favorite Phil Hare sound bites, simply because it gives one hope for better leadership someday. Help drive that change this weekend by attending a local fundraiser in Quincy - but organized slightly north.

Hog Roast For Bobby Schilling
Candidate for U.S. Congress, 17th District
July 17 , 2010 5:00 – 7:00p.m
At Twin Oaks, 2707 Bonansinga Dr, Quincy, IL
$15 Per person, $25 Per couple. Everyone is welcome.

For tickets contact:
Ursa – Gary + Janet Shaffer 217-964-2261
Mendon – Maas Enterprises 217-936-2545
Lima – Vinson + Sill Inc 217-985-5100
Quincy – Steve Reilly 217-223-2608, Leonard Reiter 217-430-0831

Go to www.bobby2010.com for Bobby’s Contract with the 17th District.
Join Bobby Schilling and Jill Tracy for a great summertime HOG ROAST.

Illinois at Work

2010-07-08T06:01:00.000-05:00

Pyrotechnics

2010-07-05T16:13:00.003-05:00

Some pyrotechnic devices for the Quincy Pundit. Don't miss this post while you're there.

Pyrotechnics coming soon to a city near you.

The Declaration of Independence

2010-07-04T12:21:00.002-05:00

When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bonds which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security. --Such has been the patient sufferance of these colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former systems of government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these states. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his assent to laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his governors to pass laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of representation in the legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved representative houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the legislative powers, incapable of annihilation, have returned to the people at large for their exercise; the state remaining in the meantime exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavored to prevent the population of these states; for that purpose obstructing the laws for naturalization of foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migration hither, and raising the conditions of new appropriations of lands.

He has obstructed the administration of justice, by refusing his assent to laws for establishing judiciary powers.

He has made judges dependent on his will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither swarms of officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, standing armies without the consent of our legislature.

He has affected to render the military independent of and superior to civil power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his assent to their acts of pretended legislation:

For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by mock trial, from punishment for any murders which they should commit on the inhabitants of these states:

For cutting off our trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing taxes on us without our consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of trial by jury:

For transporting us beyond seas to be tried for pretended offenses:

For abolishing the free system of English laws in a neighboring province, establishing therein an arbitrary government, and enlarging its boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule in these colonies:

For taking away our charters, abolishing our most valuable laws, and altering fundamentally the forms of our governments:

For suspending our own legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated government here, by declaring us out of his protection and waging war against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burned our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large armies of foreign mercenaries to complete the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of cruelty and perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow citizens taken captive on the high seas to bear arms against their country, to become the executioners of their friends and brethren, or to fall themselves by their hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavored to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian savages, whose known rule of warfare, is undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these oppressions we have petitioned for redress in the most humble terms: our repeated petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have we been wanting in attention to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, enemies in war, in peace friends.

We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the name, and by the authority of the good people of these colonies, solemnly publish and declare, that these united colonies are, and of right ought to be free and independent states; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as free and independent states, they have full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and to do all other acts and things which independent states may of right do. And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.

New Hampshire: Josiah Bartlett, William Whipple, Matthew Thornton
Massachusetts: John Hancock, Samual Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, Elbridge Gerry Rhode Island: Stephen Hopkins, William Ellery
Connecticut: Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, William Williams, Oliver Wolcott
New York: William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis Lewis, Lewis Morris
New Jersey: Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, Abraham Clark
Pennsylvania: Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, John Morton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James Wilson, George Ross
Delaware: Caesar Rodney, George Read, Thomas McKean
Maryland: Samuel Chase, William Paca, Thomas Stone, Charles Carroll of Carrollton
Virginia: George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter Braxton
North Carolina: William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, John Penn
South Carolina: Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward, Jr., Thomas Lynch, Jr., Arthur Middleton
Georgia: Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton

Adopted by Congress on July 4, 1776

Phil on Packing

2010-07-01T05:59:00.004-05:00

For example, people should not be able to carry weapons into schools, government buildings, churches, and amusement parks. - Phil Hare in QNO.

I suppose Phil has the right to think that governments can set gun rules for their own facilities like schools and government buildings. I personally don't agree with his statement, but I'll let him have that for now.

I don't know where he gets off saying what private institutions should allow or not allow. If we acknowledge some reasonable separation of church and state, then I don't see where Phil can have any business dictating what people legally carry in religious institutions.

Amusement parks are private property and no way in hell am I letting some perv in a Barney suit anywhere near my kids.

From the 62376

2010-06-24T05:30:00.002-05:00

Dear Editor:

Slavery is barbaric and as old as mankind. After surviving thousands of years, slavery mostly ended in the 1800’s by efforts of two countries; a bloody U.S. Civil War and an expensive 100 year English worldwide shipping embargo. We should never forget the horror of slavery. And we should honor those countries that took actions to end it, although few do so.

Overseas, enslaved people included white Southern Europeans captured by North Africans, and Orientals captured by other Orientals. The Islamic Mideast purchased Whites from Eastern Europe and Blacks from Eastern Africa. Slaves worldwide had one thing in common, and it was not race. They were weaker than their captors, and therefore vulnerable. One irony is that many African slaves were losers in tribal warfare, and their Black captors chose to sell, rather than kill them.

For a comprehensive history of worldwide slavery, read Black Rednecks and White Liberals by Thomas Sowell, a brilliant Black author and historian. It includes the tremendous accomplishments and progress that U.S. Blacks made following the Civil War.

That progress in many ways was reversed beginning with the War on Poverty. The subsequent explosion of socialists programs for poor citizens do both good and harm. A safety net is honorable. But in excess it enslaves by destroying ambition and self esteem. That leaves the recipient controlled and beholding to his Master, the socialist politician. That Master also enslaves taxpayers who have their property (money) confiscated to “spread the wealth”, again destroying ambition. Masters do not like to relinquish control over their subjects, hence we have few term limits and no fair tax. To the extent you are enslaved you are not free.

I have always wondered why those most enslaved do not vote against their political Masters. Few must recognize their enslavement. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said, “None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free”.

Gary Shaffer
Ursa, IL 62376

things the government does with the money it seizes from your paycheck

2010-06-21T23:05:00.004-05:00

Hell, I don't care. Use the tax dollars that we send to Washington to advertise and provide the service of helping illegals get paid fairly. Great idea!

Greeting Card Blogging

2010-06-20T17:59:00.002-05:00

Usually the DSW is the one posting greeting cards on the internet.

WGAFF: World Cup Soccer

2010-06-18T18:21:00.001-05:00

Soccer sucks.

how do you like me know?

2010-06-16T22:00:00.003-05:00

The Ursa, IL FB page is up to 233 fans as of 10:01pm today. When I first promoted it, the page had 6 fans.

If you'd like to pay me to advertise your FB page, email ursadailynews@yahoo.com.

Corn Makes Whiskey

2010-06-14T16:50:00.001-05:00

Because the right way to do things around here is to include an overly positive spin.

Friday WTF

2010-06-11T06:02:00.001-05:00

Come on, Bob!

2010-06-08T17:48:00.003-05:00

Bob - Ranger is upset that you'd write this blog post without putting up his picture or embedding a little ass video footage.

I'll see your ass kickin' and ass eatin' and raise you an ass eatin'.

Ursa on Facebook

2010-06-05T11:12:00.004-05:00

If I was on Facebook, which will probably never happen, I'd be a fan of the Ursa, IL page. That would bring the total to seven people.

2:32 pm update: My post has helped this page pick up one more fan.

10:19 pm update: 8!

From the 62376

2010-06-02T05:34:00.001-05:00

Dear Editor:

Slavery is an ageless immoral concept. Today most acknowledge the horror of our slave history, but socialists embrace the tenants of slavery. A free man owns his body, labor, property acquired with that labor, and is responsible for his actions. Slavery is the opposite.

Many like partial slavery because they covet security at the expense of freedom. Others take no responsibility for their poor life choices. Some simply want to control everyone. All this reeks of slavery, not freedom.

A good test question is: Should one be able to sell his own kidney? Most say no, but remember a free man owns his own body.

When you hire a politician to take your neighbors’ property (money) for your benefit, you are enslaving your neighbor and our grandkids.

We no longer have slave auctions. Instead we have elections followed by socialist politicians passing laws that confiscate property (money) for redistribution (social justice, subsidies, bailouts). Socialist judges uphold such unconstitutional acts. Now there is talk of controlling what we eat in addition to healthcare. New ideas develop monthly involving one trying to control another. All this is soft slavery, which slowly progresses, devouring freedoms.

Most Americans claim to love freedom, but when other’s free actions or speech offends them, they howl “There ought to be a law”. Free men want laws holding people responsible for their actions, not controlling their actions.

In a free country, all Ponzi schemes should be voluntary, but our big social programs are mandatory. They will go broke either way, just like Bernie Madoff’s voluntary one. Do you support slavery or freedom?

Gary Shaffer
Ursa, IL

O'Keefe vs. Census

2010-06-01T22:17:00.002-05:00

James O'Keefe takes on the Census. The Census Bureau loses.

Ursa: this must be where rednecks come from

2010-05-20T19:18:00.005-05:00

My DSW is on the phone with a fellow resident of Ursa discussing weekend plans and was just told the following:

"We can't get together before three 'cause the goats gotta get bred."

Pet Contest: Hell No, We Won't Go!

2010-05-18T16:29:00.003-05:00

The Ursa Daily News is not going to help the Whig give newspapers to school kids this year. I felt bad about doing it last year, but sometimes an ass has to kick some ass. We would have kicked every one's ass, but the dog had a grandmother that went around collecting change from old people on fixed incomes to buy votes and the sheep had God on it's side. Plus the whole mail in vote thing is corrupt as hell. So we're not going to do it this year. Ranger is also busy readying himself for his next career, which is much more exciting than competing in Beaux Arts-type events with cats.

That being said, as the team that should have won last year, Ranger and I have decided to endorse an animal this year. Most of the field sucks. There are way too many damn cats (I haven't counted mine yet today, if you were wondering) and only one large animal (a deer). We have selected an animal named "Fatgirl" (photo below) for our non-financial endorsement. Fatgirl is from Hannibal and is owned by Jayme and Randy.

Fatgirl is also ugly.