What is REALLY up with Decatur Illinois?

September Thoughts

2008-09-21T21:11:00.004-05:00

A few things I'd like to comment on:

1) 1st National Bank of Decatur

Well, it used to be called that. Then they "merged" with Main Street Bank & Trust, then Main Street was purchased by Busey Bank (from Champaign/Urbana.) There are always hiccups when banks change owners and computer systems. One thing that Main Street lost when it became Busey: the personal touch. To get anything done, you have to go through faceless people in Champaign. I'd like to see a Herald & Review "Best of" category for banks and see what the general population has to say. Anyone care to comment?

2) School is back in session

...and I've already been hit up by at least three different groups of kids from different schools asking me to buy something. Raising money for....what? Band instruments? Trips to Venezuela? I heard once that the Mt. Zion Bingo Hall can generate a huge amount of money for any given group almost overnight. My question is this: Why do we need to raise money, and what is it going for? If the answer has anything to do with the Illinois State budget, then watch out... you don't want to get me started.

3) Baseball

Not one but TWO Chicago teams heading to the playoffs? Whoa. Predictions anyone? I think the Cubs have an excellent shot at the NL pennant. The White Sox will have a very large uphill battle to win the AL, but it is indeed possible. With the division series only five games and the LCS being seven, I don't think the White Sox will be able to make it. I give them a 50/50 shot. The Cubs I give a 75% chance at winning the NLCS. Although I would love to see an all-Chicago World Series, I just don't think it's going to happen.

4) Election Time

Speaking of "I just don't think it's going to happen," has anyone heard the latest about Obama? Seems his campaign has been caught lying on national television, and the MSM has been defending RUSH LIMBAUGH, of all people!! Google it; it's there. Predictions here? I think the more the American people take a good long look at both candidates, look at the levels of experience, level-headedness, and how much each candidate's philosophy matches their own, McCain/Palin will emerge victorious. One thing that both parties still haven't mastered yet is knowing the effect of the new media. Dan Rather/forged documents, Plamegate, and now lying in Spanish, the new media will not allow the propaganda to go unchallenged. Maybe this will all lead to people personally researching their candidates and their party, and then making a decision? Not for a while. We have too many people out there that vote for a party much like they do for a sports team--do or die, bad or good, their team is the one. Being a die-hard Cub or Cardinal fan is fine by me--the way the game is played doesn't change all that much; just the players and stadium location. Political parties DO change, and for many reasons. New technology, new national problems, new dictators (trying old tricks), new philosophies changing the platform of each party as time passes, etc. My question here is this: If a party goes from being a defender of the free world, pro-traditional values, and putting defense of country before party ambition =TO= a party of appeasement, anti-traditional values, and putting party before country, does that mean they are the same? No. It doesn't. I have been a registered Democrat. I have been a registered Republican. I now vote based upon how close each candidate's/party's philosophy matches my own philosophy/values. I would encourage you to do the same.

5) State Government

One question: Will we ever get political leaders in Illinois State government that ARE NOT CORRUPT? George Ryan, Rod Blagojevich....and all the people that help(ed) them...

Okay, I think I'm done.

I'm sure that few people read this anymore, except for the other local bloggers. Feel free to comment away....

Its August, AND WE'RE STILL IN FIRST!!!

2008-08-05T16:20:00.001-05:00

100 years is long enough!

HOLY COW!

2008-04-23T11:05:00.005-05:00

What's up in Decatur, Illinois? Well, not a whole heckuvalot. There's nothing to do in Decatur, right? WRONG

The weather's warming up, people are boating, fishing (and I hear a few crappie have been seen!) School will be out soon and then softball and baseball will be in full swing (pun intended.)

Speaking of baseball, how about them Cubbies! They're 14-6 as of today, and in FIRST PLACE! And the White Sox are in FIRST PLACE, too!

At least now there's one thing going Blago's way in Chicago. Piniella better watch out...I think Blago may start a new tax on Cubs' wins to make up for his mismanagement of state funds to date.

More to come...oh, and check out the new Lou Piniella widget!

December's Here...

2007-12-11T17:19:00.000-06:00

What is really up with Decatur Illinois?

Well, a few things:

(1) It's finally cold (& icy & snowy, etc.)
(2) There's a push to get rid of the current form of government in Decatur. Is it better or worse. Jackson has been talking about it. I don't know. I would be interested to see what Daniels has to say.
(3) The Fighting Illini football team is going to the Rose Bowl! Nice...I hope they do well.
(4) Gas prices are up and down. No rhyme or reason. I wonder what the oil companies' profits were this year?
(5) Main Street Project (or whatever it's called) is looking good. How about doing that down my street? I just wonder how long before the road sinks and the bricks start sticking up out of the road.
(6) Christmas is a comin'....two weeks from today! Wow. Downtown shops do offer a LOT of ideas, people. If nothing else, walk around, grab some caramel corn or an ice cream...maybe a sub! Enjoy the experience!
(7) Is it me, or does WSOY between 6-9am still sound lame despite the move to downtown?
(8) I'm tired...time to go home.

Comments anyone?

Sports

2007-09-23T19:18:00.001-05:00

The Fighting Illini are looking good so far...

Who was that back-up quarterback that played the first week? Hmmmm.

The Bears are getting ready to start. Can they repeat as NFC Champs?

Who was that back-up quarterback...oh yeah...Griese.

Da Cubs.....their magic number is 4. After that they clinch the National League Central Division.

Illinois teams should do decent this year.

Who do you like for the respective leagues mentioned?

Hhhhhhhot

2007-07-21T20:13:00.000-05:00

...and humid.

Is it me, or has the heat pretty much stifled any kind of fun outside? I've seen a few boats on the lake (more in the morning early when it's cool and the fish are out.)

The Decatur Celebration is around the corner. I can't find the official site, but the Stage Schedule can be found here.

The Cubs are doing pretty good right now...only 2 1/2 games out of first place. Don't know how long they'll stay there. One can only hope, and pray. (Is next year here?) I'm not sayin' it.

The Farm Progress Show is also opening up soon. It's not just for farmers, by the way. It's also a great way for local businesses to make some extra cash. Check it out!

It's been pretty quiet. If anyone has anything they want to say, have at it.

...Nice Weather...

2007-04-29T18:26:00.000-05:00

Ahhhhhhh.

It's Sunday afternoon, the sun is shining, burgers are on the grill. It's 84 degrees, there's a slight breeze, and the birds are chirping.

Spring Is Here, Spring Is Here...

2007-03-25T13:20:00.000-05:00

Spring is finally here. Time to put in the screens, break out the shorts, and also probably time to clean out the garage.

Things to remember for Spring:

1) The crappie don't start biting until about the middle of May, unless you know some good spots in Shelbyville.

2) You may want to get the lawn-mower out, change the oil, grease the bearings, oil the wheels, and put fresh gas in it. OR--let the lawn-service know when you want them to come around. I prefer the former...it's about all the exercise I get anymore.

3) That funky smell coming from the lake in the next few weeks are the dead shad. No, it's not the pollution from Staley's or ADM (although that IS in the lake) it's the water temperature change. Phew.

4) No, just because it's Spring doesn't mean that Krekel's is calling to you any more than it usually does. It's just now you actually don't mind getting out of the car. Mmmmmmmmm....lemon soft-serve.......

I just hope the governor's proposed budget and his "fair tax plan" don't run most of our small businesses out of business. How about wiser spending instead of raising our taxes (we're already dealing with Ameren's gouging, please....)

Happy Spring, all.

UPDATE 16:55 3/25/07

You may have seen this already. I stumbled upon it today. This was done by Dave Colvin, a 1974 Macarthur graduate. It's a music video "My Decatur, My Hometown":

Arrgh

2007-02-04T21:34:00.000-06:00

Many were wondering who would show up to the game today. Would it be "Sexy Rexy" or "Goofy Grossman?" I heard one guy say that Grossman was due for a "goofy episode."

I guess he was right.

One less interception, one less overthrown pass, a little better defensive line...

Go Bulls. [sniff]

2007-02-01T20:20:00.000-06:00

GO BEARS!

Bear down, Chicago Bears, make every play clear the way to victory;

Bear down, Chicago Bears, put up a fight with a might so fearlessly.

We'll never forget the way you thrilled the nation with your T-formation.

Bear down, Chicago Bears, and let them know why you're wearing the crown.

You're the pride and joy of Illinois, Chicago Bears, bear down!!

Audio File (RealPlayer): Click Here

Local Hero and President Bush Honor World Series Champions St. Louis Cardinals

2007-01-16T22:20:00.000-06:00

President Bush embraces Marine Lance Cpl. Chad Watson of Mt. Zion, Ill., who lost his lower right leg in Iraq, during a ceremony honoring the 2006 World Series Champions St. Louis Cardinals, Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2007 in the East Room of the White House in Washington. Bush, who presented Watson, a Cardinals fan, with a Purple Heart at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, made good on a promise to bring him to the White House for the East Room ceremony. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

I got home late tonight, and was pulling up my yahoo homepage when WHAM! I actually saw "President Bush" and "Mt. Zion, Illinois" in the same sentence!

Cpl. Watson, YOU ARE A HERO! Thank you for your service to our nation and for the cause of freedom.

Da Bears!

2006-10-30T20:31:00.000-06:00

The season so far has me recalling fond memories from the 1985-1986 season...the 44-0 win over Dallas...the Superbowl Shuffle.

I just hope my hopes and dreams of another Bears Superbowl appearance are not pipe-dreams. From the stats I've seen, I think we have a real good shot.

What about all of us in Decatur? Will Decatur, Illinois' original football team go to the Superbowl this year?

Other Decatur Staleys links:

Comcast

BearsHistory.com

Wiccapedia

"But There's Nothing To Do In Decatur...."

2006-06-24T13:19:00.000-05:00

Don't you get tired of hearing that?

Of course, to the ethanolic crowd, there are not a bunch of good, themed taverns where you can go to get loaded and puke in the parking lot.

However, there are a lot of fun things to do.

What does LR like to do in Decatur? From my previous post, you can probably guess I like to fish. (BTW, *is* it safe to eat fish from Lake Decatur? Family has said no, but I turned out okay, right?) If I didn't lose so many golf balls in the water hazards, I would probably golf more. Is RedTail Run any good? Ye Olde Putt-Putt is also an occasional pleasure. Back when I was young, I enjoyed softball/baseball, but my old bones/joints/stiff muscles/fat gut won't do too much of that anymore. I used to play tennis, shoot hoop, and a whole lot of other stuff when I was younger, too. I also used to go to the zoo when I was young. If you have kids, the zoo/children's museum at Scoville is mandatory. (BTW, the library is also a great place to take your kids, too...)

After work, I also enjoy some of Decatur's fine dining opportunities. If you haven't been to Porter's On Merchant, you are missing out on one of the best steak places around. The ambiance is wonderful, the service is great, and the food is immaculate (no apologies to Madonna.) Since "The Beachhouse" has been renamed from Marsha's (and the menu/chef has changed) this place is also wonderful. Robbie's for lunch can't be beat (get the salmon....mmmmm get the salmon) and Jimmy Ryan's is a great place for a business lunch/dinner with a large private meeting room if desired. I could go into detail with all the chain restaurants around town, but most of you already know what we have available here in town.

Okay, I've rambled long enough...any thoughts on what you like to do in Decatur?

Where Have All The Crappie Gone?

2006-06-03T16:37:00.000-05:00

I've been to Shelbyville, Lake Decatur and a few of its tributaries and haven't found much more than one or two at a time. Minnows or jigs, nothing seems to work well.

Anyone else having any luck?

If so, WHERE?

Until then:

Thanks

2006-05-29T11:08:00.000-05:00

Map for Lakeside2006 (updated)

2006-05-23T15:46:00.000-05:00

Click to Enlarge

SummerStart or Lakeside Music & Arts Festival?

2006-05-23T14:57:00.000-05:00

It's getting closer to the Lakeside Music & Arts Festival where the Brian Byers show will unfold on the 27th.

Check out the website for an itinerary and to make your plans today!

BTW, if Brian's 'conversations' on the air are in keeping with his definition of "adult-oriented," then we are in for a shock in the evenings!

Teen Challenge Walk-A-Thon A Success!

2006-05-15T17:13:00.000-05:00

Audrey's Home For Girls, our local chapter of Teen Challenge for girls 13-18, had a walk-a-thon this past Saturday at Fairview Park. "Stride For Recovery" raised over 11,000 for ongoing projects to modernize the facility at the old YMCA building and to help subsidize the cost of ongoing care for these troubled teens.

Although Teen Challenge is very appreciative of those who took part in Stride For Recovery, I'm sure they would appreciate any additional support anyone in Decatur could give.

One thing I would offer would be this: Consider putting Audrey's Home For Girls on your list for a monthly donation. Similar to other charities, a monthly donation would be a great way for you to help girls in your community and can also be a tax deductible gift as well.

If you would like to donate to Teen Challenge - Audrey's Home For Girls, call Heather Harper at 423-9117.

Decatur's Little Secret...That Shouldn't Be

2006-03-31T20:12:00.000-06:00

At the indirect request of a poster, I have decided to answer the question this blog poses.

What is REALLY up with Decatur, Illinois?

We could go on and on about economic woes, smoking bans, Decatur City Council meetings, or the price of eggs at Wal-Mart. What I would like to talk about is a very important part of our community that many people don't know about.

Teen Challenge of Illinois is an inpatient facility for drug/alcohol addiction with a "faith-based" approach. Here's a statement from Teen Challenge USA website:

Drug and Alcohol addiction is at an all-time high in the United States. According to SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) there are at least 23 million people who have used illicit drugs in the past thirty days. For us to understand the impact on society-- the population of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Alaska, Wyoming, and the Dakotas is less than 23 million. Every person who uses illicit drugs directly affects a minimum of five other people. We have an epidemic in America!

Since 1958, Teen Challenge International USA centers have been recognized nationally as a provider of recovery services for those who desire to transform their lifestyle and develop a new life free from the devastation of drug and alcohol abuse.

Since its beginning, Teen Challenge centers have founded their programs on the teachings of Jesus Christ. These Biblical truths have physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually unchained the lives of thousands of addicts. Instead of ‘dope’ pushers, Teen Challenge ministries are serving as ‘hope’ pushers. As their personal testimony, Teen Challenge students often claim the scripture, “I have plans to give you a hope and a future”.
(Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)

For the past thirty years, I personally have found nothing more satisfying than investing my time and resources into lives of hurting individuals. America needs to know there is a new life waiting for them through the life-changing power of Jesus. Teen Challenge is in the business of providing a hope and a future for families as well as individuals who desire a positive and optimistic transformation in their lives.

There is no better time than the present for you to get involved in an exciting ministry. Take my challenge as you browse through this website. Please ask God how you can make a difference in your community, state and nation.

– Mike Hodges, President Teen Challenge International USA

Teen Challenge offers hope for drug/alcohol addiction to people of all ages. In Decatur, we have a facility for girls ages 13-17, Audrey's Home For Girls.

Audrey's Home For Girls has been in downtown Decatur for a little over a year, and already many clients have 1) received their GED, 2) turned their lives around by giving their lives to Jesus Christ, and 3) gained victory over their drug/alcohol addiction. (Teen Challenge chapters all over the USA have very high rates of success in assisting people in their addictions. See the national site for statistics and more information.

If you or a friend or loved one are in need of the services Teen Challenge offers, call them at 423-9117.

If you live in Decatur, and would like to help Teen Challenge in their ministry, call the same number.

Keep your eyes/ears open for an opportunity to participate in Teen Challenge's Walk-a-thon coming in May!

Decatur may have a few problems, and may not have all the answers yet to those problems. There is, however, a beacon of light for teen girls who need to find their way out of a life of destruction. Teen Challenge is that beacon of light, and it's right here in Decatur.

The Weather

2006-03-23T16:16:00.000-06:00

I was always told that if you don't like the weather in central Illinois, just wait until tomorrow, it'll change.

Tornadoes to blizzards. That's a first for me. Must be global warming. :)

Web pic from Wabash Avenue, Springfield 3/13/06

I am now waiting for the tsunami from Lake Decatur or a volcano to erupt in Hervey City.

Actually, I'm really just waiting on the carpet to dry. I think they got most of the stains out. &#@%! cats.

No Smoking?!?!?

2006-02-13T21:34:00.000-06:00

In the Illinois General Assembly, House Bill 4338, a proposed amendment to the Illinois Clean Indoor Air Act, has already passed the Illinois House and is headed for the Illinois Senate. It would, in effect, ban smoking in all public places, including bars, taverns and bowling alleys. It's endorsed by several medical boards and other health-related groups.

Chicago and Springfield already have comprehensive laws banning smoking, although, I've heard the Springfield law has plenty of loopholes and is not a restrictive as the language of HB 4338. It must be controversial, otherwise Brian Byers wouldn't harp on it so much.

So, Decatur, what do you think about a comprehensive smoking ban in all public places?

Okay, Illinois Needs A LOT of Work

2006-02-13T21:29:00.000-06:00

After Sunday's embarassing loss to Ohio State, Bruce Weber and the guys will have a lot of work to do to rebuild (or perhaps "start to build"?) a team that could win the BigTen, let alone win anything beyond that.

I hope this won't hurt Dee Brown's chances of getting drafted for the NBA.

Anyone hear how Luther Head has been doing? Maybe he could get Dee recruited to his team, too...

2006-01-02T07:47:00.000-06:00

Our National Champions

2005-12-10T15:19:00.000-06:00

Last year, NCAA officials helped usher in the victory of the "TV Champion" North Carolina. This year, the Illini are already 9-0 and are ranked #10 in the nation.

Can they go all the way, again?

The Transfer House

2005-11-17T21:09:00.000-06:00

Many may have heard that our Mayor has suggested we move the Transfer House back to it's original location: to Lincoln Square.

So, what do you all think? The *OLD* blogDecatur did have an article written at one time, but I wonder, as the topic has been discussed more and more, have people's minds changed? What's the current opinion?

I personally think it would be cool to do this; I just wonder how the traffic would work.

WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS!!!!!

2005-10-27T16:06:00.000-05:00

Astros Make It To The Big Show...

2005-10-20T12:12:00.000-05:00

For the first time in franchise history, the Houston Astros have won the National League Championship and will go to the World Series. And, for the second year in a row, the St. Louis Cardinals, with the best record in the National League, don't make it.

Pujols might need to share some of the "juice" with the rest of the team.

So, who's going to win the World Series? White Sox or Astros?

I have my opinion, of course....

American League Champions!!

2005-10-17T13:24:00.000-05:00

WORLD SERIES FEVER

2005-10-12T17:33:00.000-05:00

FOUR TEAMS.

FOUR WINS.

THE WORLD SERIES.

WHO WILL IT BE, AND WHY?

NEW BLOG SPOTLIGHT

2005-10-05T21:52:00.000-05:00

Well, fall is upon us, the kids are back in school (thank GOD almighty) and the weather is still 90 degrees (but is supposed to be fall-like tomorrow.)

Not much happening here in town. Perhaps a few folks watching the baseball playoffs (GO WHITESOX!!), others gearing up for highschool football, or maybe getting that boat ready for winter.

Well, while you're doing all that, I thought I'd point you to a different blog than you're used to.

Try Hey Pastor By The Way for some interesting discussion on religion for the non-religious, as I see it. MCR evidently has talked to some pastors who have volunteered to answer questions for anyone who may have had them, but didn't know who to ask. The cool thing is you can do it anonymously. It's not getting much traffic yet, so I thought I'd point it out.

Okay, MCR, here's one I heard a while back:

Q: If God is all-powerful can He create a rock so big that even He can't lift it?

A: Yes, but then he would create the power to lift it. (Okay, I heard it a long time ago at college, but I thought it was thought-provoking anyway.)

Oh, by the way, don't forget the AVALON concert on October 22nd at Kirkland Fine Arts Center!

...And You Did

2005-09-15T21:52:00.000-05:00

Thanks to all who made the WSOY/WAND fundraiser for the American Red Cross such a huge success. Regardless of where/when you gave, or what you gave, thanks for contributing to this large need. I've heard of local firefighters going to down to Louisiana and Mississippi to volunteer their services. Large corporations, churches, small businesses, and individuals across the USA are all combining their efforts to make this an American response, not just a government response.

For any who have been displaced because of this disaster, or who may have lost loved ones, our prayers and our hearts are with you. We do care, and we will be there for you in word AND in deed.

Please Help...

2005-09-02T17:45:00.000-05:00

As more and more stories of the suffering in the gulf states comes in, it is obvious that our brothers and sisters need our help.

Many don't know where to send donations, or where to volunteer. There are probably many choices, but the American Red Cross seems to be the best choice at this point.

The trouble with picking charitable organizations is that there is always a question as to how much actually goes to the intended target as compared to overhead costs. If anyone knows of a good source for a list of "efficient" charities, especially for hurricane relief, please post and let us know.

"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
--James 2:14-17

Number 23 Retired

2005-08-28T14:27:00.000-05:00

Ryne Sandberg, newly elected to the MLB Hall of Fame, and probably the best 2nd baseman the Cubs have ever had, had his number retired today at Wrigley Field.

After giving his acceptance speech, Ryne and his wife walked the perimeter of the field thanking the Cubs fans for their support all these many years. It was neat to watch.

Coincidently, the Cubs are almost out of first place by 23 games. Sort of a bittersweet day. But there's always next year...(y'know, I'm tired of saying that.)

2005-08-20T13:54:00.000-05:00

From August 30th through September 1st in an area north of Richland Community College, a new city is being built to accomodate hundreds of exhibitors, and literally hundreds of thousands of people for the 26th Farm Progress Show. The first show was evidently held in 1953, and every two years after new and exciting farming advances are shown to all who are interested.

For Decatur this will mean literally millions of dollars in tourist money coming to the city. Who knows what the future will bring after this year's show; perhaps more industry could settle in Decatur as a result. I plan on running more stories and/or pictures of the FPS as they become available.

The Farm Progress Show's Official Site: www.farmprogressshow.com

UI Extension's News Site: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/macon/factsheets/fps223.html

Check out the webcam on the offical site!

More Jars Pics

2005-08-11T07:37:00.000-05:00

in open fields of wild flowers
she breathes the air and flies away
she thanks her Jesus for the daises and the roses
in no simple language
someday she'll understand the meaning of it all
he's more than the laughter or the stars in the heavens
as close a heartbeat or a song on her lips
someday she'll trust him and learn how to see him
someday he'll call her and she will come running
and fall in his arms and the tears will fall down and she'll pray

i want to fall in love with you

sitting silent wearing sunday best
the sermon echoes through the walls
a great salvation through it calls to the people
who stare into nowhere, and can't feel the chains on their souls

he's more than the laughter or the stars in the heavens
as close a heartbeat or a song on our lips
someday we'll trust him and learn how to see him
someday he'll call us and we will come running
and fall in his arms and the tears will fall down and we'll pray

i want to fall in love with you

it seems too easy to call you "Savior"
not close enough to call you "God"
so as i sit and think of words i can mention
to show my devotion

i want to fall in love with you

my heart beats for you

Decatur Celebration - Another Big Success

2005-08-10T21:59:00.000-05:00

I was there. It was hot. It was full of greasy food. I ate too much. Again.

Thanks again to Mr. Puglia for putting together a great '05 Decatur Celebration. The acts were great, and the people, for the most part, were well-behaved.

The one show that I think *MADE* this years' celebration was not the Boyz, nor the Village People, or even Cledus T. Judd. It was JARS OF CLAY. I estimated at least 5000 people around the stage and lot, with maybe another 1000 in the street or so.
(And this was for the early show!)

What this proves is that just like the G and PG movies are winning over the R films over and over, that Christian bands are going to draw many more people than some headbangers or rap group.

How about the Newsboys next year?

Funny Picture

2005-07-21T18:09:00.000-05:00

I found this on the internet, and couldn't pass up sharing it with y'all. Our beloved (....right) Gov'nuh is now the subject of political cartoons from national cartoonists.

Rod, in case you're wondering, snowball's chance in hell of getting into the White House. Sorry to burst your bubble.

Have a great Thursday. I'm off to see the The Fantastic Four, finally.

The Supreme Court

2005-07-06T20:06:00.000-05:00

This would be a post y'all would come to expect on DecaturConservative, but I chose to put it here since I feel that it's really a Decatur issue.

Our president, like him or not, has the opportunity to select one, probably two, and possibly three Supreme Court justices during his second term. I know it will be hard for some, but try to put aside all the rhetoric about the left and right and what have you. Think about the eminent domain case; think about other recent rulings the Supreme Court has made that left you scratching your head. Is this what was intended when our Constitution was drafted? Would James Madison, John Dickinson, Alexander Hamilton, George Washington, and the other Framers of the Constitution have envisioned these rulings?

I've heard a lot of talk about conservatives and liberals, leftists and rightwingers; now there are new terms I've been hearing: originalists and activists (descriptive terms of a judge.) An originalist is someone who adheres to the original job description, if you will, of interpreting the Constitution as it is written, and doesn't add anything of their own in. An activist is someone who may or may not adhere to the Constitution (see eminent domain case) and who definitely adds in their own ideas (or the ideas of foreign governments.)

Now you're asking yourself, how does this apply to Decatur, Illinois?

We're a town of 85,000 people, living around acres of farm land, with factories processing beans and corn, making products to ship overseas, with people who have lived here for generations. We've grown up here on land that has been ours for over a hundred years. We own our homes, we attend our churches, we take care of our families. We want our government to be the same government that it has always been: Three branches, interdependent, checks and balances, and no one with domination over the other. However, with an activist judge, this changes all that. An Amendment to the Constitution has been trumped by activist judges. Parental rights have been trumped by activist judges. Even celebrations of our religious heritage are considered acceptable in one state and deemed unconstitutional in another, all because of activist judges. I don't want my town's heritage to change simply because an activist judge thinks it should. If anything changes to any radical degree, then it must come as a result of the vote of the people. The Constitution does NOT change, unless amended by the people. We as people may change, but the Constitution DOES NOT.

The time of activist judges needs to stop now. I don't care whether Bush appoints democrats or republicans to the Supreme Court, I just hope he appoints someone who will be an originalist. For our nation, yes, but also for my family and me. And for Decatur, Illinois.

Baseball

2005-06-27T09:08:00.000-05:00

Taking Spongeblog's lead, and being almost mid season, I want to spend a few moments discussing MLB.

Being a Cubs fan almost all my life, I have wanted nothing more than to see them at least make it to the World Series. Having watched the 2003 playoffs and sinking into a deep depression that lasted almost two weeks, I now approach each year with cautious optimism. Last year I didn't think they had what it took, and I was right. This year was much the same, until this last series with the White Sox caused me to re-think things.

The best team in the National League by far, in my opinion, is the St. Louis Cardinals. With all the talent they have, and if their pitching staff remains healthy, I see no problem with them winning the division. That being said, the next question is who's going to win the other divisions? Who cares. The wild card is where I think the Cubs have a really good shot. If they can beat the best team in baseball (CWS) two out of three, then I think they have a shot at the wild card. If they can beat the best team in baseball (CWS) two out of three, then I think they have a shot at taking the pennant, whether it be against the Cardinals or whoever else.

Now to the American League. Boston is looking good, again, and everyone else (except for the Sox) are "eiiigh." So, assuming the Sox stay on their current stampede, I am expecting them to take the division, and if they can keep their heads together, they can win the pennant.

A lot of "ifs" here, I know, but I would *LOVE*, just *LOVE* to see an all-Chicago World Series. It probably won't happen with all the variables (even though I know they have the potential to do it, I just don't think the Cubs are going to be strong enough to follow through) but it would be so nice to see.

A special note to all you Chicago-ites:

In Central Illinois, we are generally for both Chicago Teams, not either/or. There is no big Sox/Cubs rivalry here. It's Cards/Cubs for the most part (hey, we've had murders in this city over the two.)

So, have a great summer, and go Cubs! go Sox!

DCC Meeting

2005-06-26T21:53:00.000-05:00

I have heard rumblings about the DCC meeting last monday. Caulkins, the freshmen councilman, should have paid more attention in "Being a DC Councilman 101"

Lots of spending, not much said about how we're going to pay for all this yet.

Two citizen talks, one real good one on why the DCC should investigate serving liquor at drive up locations, and how we can keep drunk drivers off the street.

The other person asked why the city police and firefighters don't actively recruit AA members to their ranks; the person stated that in emergencies, people of color respond better to people of color.

All very nice issues...but when the Supreme Court issue hits with eminent domain and churches, etc., I think it should get interesting.

A dios, mi amigos.

Decaturite? GONE?!?!

2005-06-25T16:49:00.000-05:00

It would appear that is the case. "What is up with Decatur, Illinois?" has been deleted by it's author, reasons unknown.

So, for those who want to know "What is REALLY up with Decatur Illinois?", I would suggest reading any of the following blogs:

Decatur Conservative
Solid Logic
Decatur Republican Blog
The SpongeBlog Times
Blog Decatur
The Jackson File
Decatur Democrat

Have a great day!