State Representative Jim Sacia (R-Freeport) addresses members of the House while debating Concealed Carry Amendments.

Only three more weeks at this writing until the greatest opportunity offered anywhere in the world. Yes many countries offer the ballot box, but nowhere as free and open as in America.

The attack ads from both sides, for all levels of government, grow in intensity and nastiness. Why would any sane person vote for either candidate if they are in fact that evil? We all know they are not and I shudder when someone tells me, and many do, that they aren’t going to vote for the very reasons I’ve stated. (Do go to the polls, inform yourself and take advantage of this amazing privilege.)

One word that is used often this election cycle that, in my opinion, is reaching a new low is LIE. “He lies” – “she lied”. Webster defines the word as “to make a statement that one knows is false, especially with intent to deceive”. Way too many liberties are being taken with that word making its true meaning diluted and the word “liar” even more acceptable. It is a hateful word and should be avoided.

Yesterday I learned that I had been downgraded by a prominent organization that has always given me the highest endorsement. Of course I inquired – the response “in one of your newspaper columns you lied about us”. I was so dumbfounded I could not respond. Going back to the article, there it was, I had taken issue with them, therefore I “lied”.

On a brighter note, a prominent Galena citizen from the Civil War Era is being honored with a ribbon cutting at his restored home on October 26, 2012 at 3:00 P.M. in Galena. Elihu Washburne, who has more to do with Ulysses S. Grant becoming the Commanding Officer of all U.S. Forces at that time and ultimately becoming President of the United States than any other single person, will be honored as the man of the hour.

Mr. Washburne served as a U.S. Congressman, Secretary of State, and ultimately U.S. Minister to France.

Director of all Illinois Historic Sights, Amy Martin, will join Galena Director Terry Miller and hopefully Mr. Washburne’s great great grandson Ray Washburne for this momentous event. Senator Bivins will join us as well.

The home has so much significance, to include being the location of where Ulysses S. Grant received a teletype at 1:30 A.M. on November 4, 1866 that he was elected the 18^th President of the United States. It’s one more reason to visit Galena and tour the Home which is lead by a dedicated group of ladies belonging to the International Order of Questers, Galena Belles, Chapter 1304. These ladies also get much of the credit for the home’s restoration.

“Budgeting for Results” and the people of Illinois demand that we tell the truth. This was the tone that Governor Quinn set as he addressed the packed chamber of the Illinois House of Representatives with his annual budget address on Wednesday, February 22, 2012.

The protocol is a scene to marvel at as the Door Keeper announces, “Mr. Speaker, His Excellency the Governor of Illinois, Patrick Quinn.” Five minutes of pomp and circumstance and then a very serious tone, as well it must be, sets in.

Our state has found itself in the worst financial condition anyone can remember and naturally we all look to our chief executive officer, who is surrounded by many bright advisors, on just how is the best way out of this deplorable situation.

To the Governor’s great credit, he addressed two of our 800 pound guerillas, namely a pension system that is not sustainable and a Medicaid system that is completely out of control. We all agree they need to be fixed, but really Governor, how about addressing the best way to do it without regard for political ramifications. Yes, he did say that ninety percent of state retirees get free health care and that must go away, but most everyone already agrees with that and it’s a very small piece of a very big puzzle. Let’s get around the big table, both sides of the aisle, like we did with last year’s budget (the first time since 1992) and come up with the best answer. You might say this is naive thinking but until we address the issue without regard for reelection it will never be solved.

The Governor failed to mention that approximately $1 out of every $3 you send us goes to pay debt obligations. We can never be solvent if we continue spending on debt service. That money should go to government services. That being said, we are still $8.5 billion in arrears.

The Governor failed to mention two other 800 pound guerillas, namely the need for unemployment compensation reform and workers compensation reform. How could he miss those when Caterpillar sited them as the primary reason why their new 1400 employee assembly plant would be built in Georgia and not Illinois?

The Governor stated we will close two major Illinois prisons, namely Tamms and Dwight. I’m prepared to bet the tallest beer in Pecatonica that will not happen.

I like Governor Quinn. I recognize he has a tough job but until he is willing to grab the rudder of the ship of state, sail over unaffordable give-away programs and go nose to nose with the state labor unions, we will continue to be awash on the rocks.

Chicago Mayor  Rahm Emanuel is proposing legislation that would require the state’s handgun owners to register their weapons with the state to make it “easier for police to figure out where they came from.”  Emanuel says the majority of guns recovered at crime scenes in Chicago – about 56 percent – come from outside city limits, but within the state.

The proposal would require a $65 registration fee that would be good for 5 years.   A renewal fee would then cost $25.  The person registering the gun would need to provide name and address, along with the weapon’s serial number, place it was purchased and the date of purchase.  The registry would be in addition to the firearm ownership standards all gun owners must already meet.  Gun owners and dealers would need to get in touch with the Illinois State Police if a gun changes hands or is lost or stolen — or else they would risk a misdemeanor charge. Those caught with an unregistered gun could face a felony charge.

State Representative Jim Sacia said he is not surprised that Mayor Emanuel is proposing such legislation,  calling it a concerted effort, by a liberal few who are totally opposed to guns of any type, to kill that opportunity for law abiding residents of the state of Illinois.

Click to hear Rep. Sacia’s comments……………

Those of us lucky enough to have animals in our lives are truly blessed. Their complete forgiving nature often outdoes our closest friends.

The country singer Tom T. Hall recorded a top ten hit about thirty years ago – “Old Dogs and Children and Watermelon Wine”. A line in the song – “old dogs care about you even when you make mistakes”, also a favorite wall plaque of Jenny’s in our home reads – “I wish I was half the person my dog thinks I am”, says a lot of our love for animals.

Our farm home in Pecatonica still has nine horses (seven too many) and five dogs (four too many) but we love them all and they will live out their years here. I often think of lonely old folks who live alone, if only they had a pet.

The point of course, is our animals are completely non judgmental and love us in spite of our failings.

On the world scene is an outcry against four young marines in Afghanistan urinating on the bodies of deceased Taliban fighters. The outcry is horrific – “It will lower our standing on the world stage”. “It will be a Taliban recruiting tool.”  Are you kidding me? Let’s not be so quick to judge. No, I don’t condone it but war is hell. It’s not about sportsmanship. It’s kill or be killed. Our finest young men and women are trained to kill, sent half way around the world placed in life and death situations, watch their best friends horribly wounded or worse by some of the most evil people on the planet (the Taliban). Ya, it’s going to happen.

If you believe the Taliban won’t desecrate our remains, rethink it. Once again, I agree that doesn’t make it right. Those of you believing we can negotiate with the Taliban, good luck with that thought. It does make good press though.

We, the American people grew up believing that all people are inherently good. Thirty years in law enforcement took away any possible belief in the “all people” away from me. I do believe most people are. I don’t include the Taliban among them.

My prayer will be that four young marines will not have their lives ruined because of an outcry of the self righteous.

The old American Indian adage applies here – “don’t judge another brave until you’ve walked a mile in his moccasins”.

Spanky (one of our five dogs) is sitting on my lap in front of the fire looking at me as if I can do no wrong. It’s a good feeling.