Wayne: are you talking about Portland Or. I was raised there, family still there. Are these things you talked about in place now or are they on the table for the future?

Rick, from 1988 to 2006 I taught in a Jr. college. My students complained that they couldn't afford a book for the class (most of them were on Pell Grants which affords them money for a book). They also were decked out in bling, manicures, cell phones with all the bells and whistles, designer purses and clothes, and attitude. When I mentioned that their grant took care of their books, I was told they had "other" expenses that they needed the money for. I taught remedial reading and writing, and I always searched for inspiring articles for them to read and respond to. I talked to them about personal responsibility and taking pride in real achievements. I had these students for 12 hours a week, 9 more than most college classes, so...

I tried to email him about his vote on CAP and TAX.
He doesn't accept emails from out of district. I am a life long Republican and I will not vote for him. My husband and I spent 22 years in the Army and lived many place (here and overseas) and Illinios is the most corrupt place we have lived. It is interesting reading about the corruption in Chicago, at the sametime the MSM is falling all over Obama. Never investigating his background or questioning where we are headed as a country. As far as I am concerned Kirk is no better than other Chicago (and surrounding areas) politicians.

I live in S.Il and the first thing did after the vote was check to see which Rep. had vote for the Cap and Tax. No one even read the bill and for Kirk to vote for it, ended any vote from me. I have only voted for one Dem. and that is my representative from here, and he voted against it. I tried to email Kirk and was informed that he only accepts email from his district. If he were serious about running for the senate, he blew it big. I hope another Rep. runs because he or she would get my vote and many of my friends votes.

When he voted for cap and tax, he lost my vote. I was shocked to see a Republican vote for that mess. When he sent out a mailer for funds, I sent back a big no. We in Ill. already have liberal senators and reps. Why would any republican in this state vote for him?
I don't care if he is a homosexual, but if he was blackmailed into supporting cap and tax, then he would not be an effective senator from this state.

The other morning you missed a golden opportunity to respond to tina brown's comment "When people just vote against a party or person, it leaves the door open for an unqualified pretty face to be elected." Isn't that how we got Obama? You could have asked her, "Isn't that what happened last election?" How come you never question how qualified or unqualified Obama was when he ran? You also talk about how intelligent Obama is. On what criteria do you base that statement? His grades? Never saw them. His leadership in the Illinois senate? Voted present. His time in the US senate? Spent it running for president. His leadership this past year?
Also, you keep up the Glenn Beck bashing. His shows cover information that the MSM...

Great logical post, as usual. Count my husband and me as two who have cut waaaay back on spending. Glad to hear others think as we do, don't feed the machine.