Burlington Derailed � The Continuing Story

Courtney Boys In Another IDED Scandal

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:30:12 -0700

Spike,

"The audit faults the state's Department of Economic Development for oversight problems, particularly for failure to ensure that the businesses receiving grants complied with a key eligibility standard established for the program."

What quality legislative oversight of Iowa's bureaucracies? Where is the Vice Chair of the Iowa Senate Government Oversight Committee?

It would be unfair to expect legislators to know every minute detail of every agency. You would expect some questions concerning the Iowa Department of Economic Development. These folks had trouble threading the film in the projector showing where their movie grants went.

How many more installments of the Keystone Cops should we expect? Is anybody in Des Moines paying attention? Does it make any difference? It is not that big a problem.

There is always the Heland solution. Just raise taxes.

GH

Do either one of them read what they scribe to?

Is it the chicken or the egg Courtney? You know what they say about Birds of a Feather? Or was that Bird Brain Brothers of a Feather?

Spike

Pay Cuts Start In Worden's Office - One Secretary = 2 Cops/Firemen

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 07:06:00 -0700

Spike,

After the post on Worden's over priced staff the council should now know where to start making cuts instead of laying off policemen and firemen.

And they never have to leave the building.

MM

City Salaries In Excess

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 06:55:00 -0700

Spike,

The council is always so quick to compare salaries to other communities, how about comparing Worden's secretary's pay to other communities the size of Burlington?

While they're at it, compare the rest of the city staff. Plus benefits.

TL

Oh, that doesn't count.

Spike

This Can Not Stand

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 06:52:00 -0700

Spike,

"Private-industry employers spent an average of $27.42 per hour worked for total employee compensation in December, while total compensation costs for state and local government workers averaged $39.60 per hour."

What is the spread in Des Moines County?

Taxes Due

Burlington's Spiral of Demise? Incompetent Elected Officials & Blood Suckers

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 06:50:00 -0700

Spike:

The reason the city and county continue increasing taxes is to offset their stupid decision to constantly give raises and bonuses to employees who are nothing like civil servants at all. Our brain dead government management has created a privileged class of government employees while destroying our ability to survive in this loser town.

I think it�s time city, county and state employees begin to feel the burden their over pay and over benefited jobs have caused the normal low paid private employee. What these employees are causing the average citizen actually verges on criminal and it�s perpetrated by totally ignorant government management at all levels. Government management is complacent and irresponsible in their jobs a fact proven again and again by Burlington and Des Moines County. The single party system is reminiscent of how Stalin ran Russia and we all know what happened to Russia and it is already started here in Burlington, Des Moines County, Iowa and the country.

How could any secretary earn $70,000, this is just insane and for a dumpy town like Burlington. It�s nothing more than stealing from the taxpayer, plain and simple.

How would anyone have the audacity to pay a secretary that much money, it�s a sign of insanity within our local government.

We also pay the management far more than their worth because none of them have ever succeeded in any planned or unplanned brainstormed agenda without failure and nightmares for the taxpayer.

Just look at the WreckPlex a constant $100,000 loser every year since it opened its doors. All our local government can do is run their mouths and raise taxes and that�s just what we�re stuck with in this dimwitted part of Iowa.

We have organizations here in town that feed off the taxpayer and have done so much damage to Burlington it will never recover. Being a surrogate for Louisa County has cost Burlington dearly and we can thank SEIRP, the Chamber and Grow Greater Burlington for this demographic mess we now have. These organizations are sucking us dry otherwise we�d be rid of them by now.

Burlington can never recover from its losses over the past 20 years.

T-Bone

Worden on Potholes: 'Get Tar and Some Gravel'

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 06:40:00 -0700

Systemic Blight From Little ACORNs Grow

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 06:38:00 -0700

Spike,

"Judicial Watch, the public interest group that investigates and prosecutes government corruption, announced today that it has obtained documents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) detailing federal investigations into the alleged corrupt activities of Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN). The documents reference serious allegations of corruption and voter registration fraud by ACORN as well as the Obama administration's decision to shut down a criminal investigation without filing criminal charges."

Rather than waste time and money checking voter registrations prior to election day, just let people register to vote on election day. That is how it is now done here in Iowa. Those who abuse get to vote more than you.

Voting aye to do so, Senator Courtney, Senator Fraise and Representative Cahoon. Party hearty forever.

SG

'I'm Gonna Choke You Rotten Taxpayers'

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 06:35:00 -0700

Satans of A Different Cloth - Ladies, Guard Your Purses!

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 06:30:00 -0700

Would You Give Either One of These Guys $500,000?

Satan's Co-Chief Money Launderer Steve Scheffler and Ralph Reed, fresh from a prison visit to see his running buddy Jack Abramahoff, try to pick each other's pocket at a recent Iowa Christian Alliance tent party. Pots of money reportedly exchanged hands for fresh laundering at the Antioch Church.

�Tonight, when you give, we�re not a PAC and we�re not a candidate,� he said. �Therefore, there is no limit to what you give here tonight. Isn�t that exciting?� (Ralph Reed)

Oh yeah, it's real exciting when I'm gettin' screwed by Satan and a Georgia Cracker.

The Real Disciple of Satan at Satan Scheffler's Fund Raiser

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:37:00 -0700

Crooked Ralph Reed Trying to Fund the New Theocracy

New Laundromat Opens in Marion

Spike,

"Ralph Reed, the former head of the Christian Coalition and a veteran Republican strategist, told a Des Moines crowd Tuesday night that he was helping establish an Iowa-based Christian political organization, and if he could raise $500,000, Hawkeye State politics would be changed for the better."

Just like a televangelist crying on television, send me your money and the Kingdom of Iowa will be heaven. Where is Rev. Ike now that we need him? Rev. Ike just wants the riches, not the power.

The last new Republican face elected Governor, or U. S. Senator, was Terry Branstad. That was in 1982. Nearly 30 years of theological political purity has produced Tom Harkin, Tom Vilsack, and Chet Culver. Locally, we get Senator Courtney and Supervisor Heland.

Every new Republican face for a generation vying for the brass ring state wide has been whacked by theocrats. Abortion, nude dancing in bars, gay marriage, etc. are not the primary concerns of Iowa voters. We wisely abhor a Ralph Reed, Steve Sheffler theocracy. Doing so comes at a price.

Iowa is sinking deeper into a billion dollar plus hole of socialist created debt. The old warrior has come out of retirement to effect a remedy. Governor Branstad can not live forever. Where is the next generation of responsible leadership?

Unless people step up in Republican caucuses and primaries, our choices will be limited. We can have one nation under Karl Marx, or one nation under Ralph Reed.

Jack Abramhoff for President?

BLB

This type of Satan Stumping with the right hand of a criminal lends so much credibility to the GOP.

These people will never get it. Nor will their candidate win another election.

BTW - where was Satan Jr. Rob Gettemy, Satan Steve Scheffler's hand picked demon? Why was Gettemy conspicuously absent after his church people signed his petition during Sunday School. Were they back at Antioch doin' the laundry?

Spike

City Management Failures

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:30:00 -0700

Spike:

Our city management is a total disgrace and makes the city appear to rival Detroit for incompetence and being just plain stupid. I suppose Worden will give �Iowa�s Worst Lawyer� a call and straighten out the mess down at Daisianna�s. So, again this lawyer can yellow pad an un-itemized bill to the city and steal some more taxpayer money for his already inflated taxpayer funded retirement account.

When will the citizens who vote learn their lesson about Burlington�s dumbest civil servants who turnstile their way back and forth in and out of office. Just by accident something city hall does should be successful but odds are it will never happen. Everything they dabble in turns out a failure time after time, like what happened to the lights from the Manor ballpark? The city is so incompetent they can�t even explain what happened to those lights after they took them down. Sooner or later it will come out as to what happened to those lights and one can bet it involved a crime of one sort or another by city management.

The Paddle Wheel should take the city to court for their blundering failures and incompetence should their wall need repair. Wake up citizens it�s your fault this constantly happens in Burlington a city where accountability is unknown and responsibility never happens.

Jacob Donner

City Management High Priced Failures

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:29:00 -0700

Spike,

Looking over the city wages it looks like Doug Worden and his secretary cost this city over $200,000 a year, BEFORE benefits.

Worden's secretary makes twice what an entry level policeman or fireman make.

There isn't an employee in city hall worth $70,000 a year let alone paying a secretary twice what a cop or fireman make.

What a total disaster. It's criminal.

MP

This is incomprehensible. Maybe she deserves hazardous duty pay for the occasional fire that breaks out in the waste baskets. But $70,000?

I know some $70,000/year secretaries. They aren't in Burlington.

Spike

Kansas City Closes 26 of 59 Schools 700 Fired

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:28:00 -0700

�It�s not buildings that count, It�s what happens in those buildings.�

"Teachers union president Andrea Flinders said the long-term health of the district won�t be determined by buildings, but by the success of students. �It�s not buildings that count,� she said. �It�s what happens in those buildings.�

Seems to me the Kansas City School Board gets it. Too bad our highly educated, inexperienced school board could learn from this and understand building more schools doesn't make any sense in today's economy.

We've always advocated circus tents and bales of hay for chairs. Seems that philosophy is now quite appropriate.

Spike

The Devil Makes Them Do It

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:25:00 -0700

Spike,

"Father Jos� Antonio Fortea Cucurull, a Rome-based exorcist, said that Father Amorth had "gone well beyond the evidence" in claiming that Satan had infiltrated the Vatican corridors."

While not necessarily his denomination, could this guy do something about laundering political money through Iowa Churches?

GH

If Satan made his way into the Vatican you can bet the Satan's Disciple Steve Scheffler, Kim Lehman and Ralph Reed are the real Children of the Corn.

Spike

Relating Information's Explosion to Our Needs

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:15:00 -0700

Spike,

"Cisco made headlines today announcing a next generation router that will revolutionize the internet by increasing downloads to unheard of speeds."

Is not technology's advance a thing to ponder? Under four minutes to stream every movie every made is quicker than selecting a video store rental.

Is it all really necessary?

A Univac I could disseminate the collected wit and wisdom of our local leaders in a fraction of a nanosecond. In 1952, a Univac I predicted Americans liked Ike. As far as predicting local election results, Heland wins again in 2010.

This does not mean we will not buy the latest thing in internet technology. All the salesman need do is convince our local elected class their machine will out Spike. In addition, it will require hiring another consultant to show them how to plug it in.

Rand Sperry

Of Carps and Communism

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:10:00 -0700

Spike,

"The Obama administration has proposed using United Nations-guided principles to expand a type of zoning to coastal and even some inland waters. That�s raising concerns among fishermen that their favorite fishing holes may soon be off-limits for bait-casting."

The socialist nanny that state local voters continually support is hitting home. One world under control freaks could be coming to navigable inland waters. Do not harass the carp.

Our God given right to go out on the father of waters, bake our exposed bloated bellies in the sun, cover fingers and hooks with worm slim while consuming mass quantities of Milwaukee's cheapest is under attack. Where is the great local defender of our rights, Citizen Kane of the Ad Vertiser?

If Kane's hero outlaws fishing, what reason will there be to buy his local newspaper? No fish. No fish wrap. Will this finally stir him to buck his single party bias?

This is what you get when vote for socialists.

I. Walton

Burlington Is Crumblin� Down, Crumblin� Down, My Fair Dougie

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 05:15:00 -0700

Spike,

According to the published report on the delay in demolishing the Daisianna�s building, the city claims additional asbestos abatement is needed before demolition can proceed further.

According to my enlightened coffee shop sources, it seems there are larger problems afoot.

It seems Doug Worden never inspected the demolition contractor�s proof of insurance certificates before hiring the contractor. The contractor supplied forms to the city as per the contract. However, one insurance form was for part of the Manor demolition, another for something else and on top of all that, all the forms were out of date.

This latest saga started when the building owner adjacent to Daisianna�s was worried about his wall collapsing during the Daisianna�s demolition. When documents were checked, the falsified documents were discovered.

Not to be the only problem coming home to roost in Worden�s den of inept stupidity, a brick scavenger was allowed on the Daisianna�s job site and fell off scaffolding or a ladder severely injuring himself in his quest for the perfect brick.

Now the way I see it, if the brick scavenger is hurt, the wall collapses or the demolition contractor bails out; guess who pays the bills and medical claims?

That�s right, we taxpayers do! It�s the Burlington way.

Taxpayers left to suffer the incompetency and thrive on the detritus.

Not Surprised

Public Input Session Needed for Manor Mall

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:51:00 -0700

Spike,

I see our self-esteemed mayor and council think the Manor Revisited great home robbery was a success.

Do you think they might want to endure a public input session to answer questions about the $6 million debt and no one in sight to pay for it?

Why do stupid people become our mayor?

00

Response to TM's letter

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:40:00 -0700

Spike:

You can bet your bottom dollar all the organizations mentioned in TM�s letter read Derailed each and every day because they can�t help themselves. Only the lonely would skip reading derailed in Burlington because it�s the only source of accurate news and complete news about the one party of scoundrels who try to run the city and I might add, continually fail.

Burlington would be totally lost without the reporting published in Derailed since the Hawk Eye censors and edits most of its local reporting maintaining its blackout on the one party system of dimwits.

Other than the NYT the Hawk Eye leads the pack on whitewashing local politics and the promoting of the one party system. The Hawk Eye tries to emulate Pravda of the old Union of Socialist Republics. Otherwise they�d report the news on the up and up and stop trying to cover up the constant blunders of the democratic party of losers. Stalin would be proud that some newspapers of old are still publishing their censored versions of the news on a daily basis as the Hawk Eye does.

Just think, without the Derailed web site Burlington�s masses would still be living in the dark when it comes to local political misdeeds and the dimwitted local government.

Thanks Derailed,

Glad

The Bean Fields of Burlington

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:38:00 -0700

Spike,

"There is now a realization that past glories are never going to be recaptured. Some people probably don't accept that, but that is the reality."

Half the number of people call Detroit home as did half a century ago. Detroit is being forced to accept a heavy industries driven economy and U. A. W. political machine will never be what it was.

All Heland's yakking and 18% increases in taxing will only accelerate what is happening. Tapp, Hinkle and Senator Courtney's welfare based economic development did not work in Detroit. False hope and resulting frustration simply fuels a riotous rise in crime.

Like the auto industry that made its rise, Detroit is being forced to literally downsize. Detroit's experiment in retrenching is being watched with interest.

When will anybody in local leadership accept Burlington's reality?

JB

Tax Cheat and Bankers

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:35:00 -0700

Spike:

It seems out of place trying to fix and regulate banks problems when we have a known tax cheat as Secretary of the Treasury.

Geithner is a know tax cheat and liar on his taxes but Obama thinks that�s okay and hired him anyway. What kind of a message does this send to the world, the country and our children?

Just how low can our government go when appointing a cabinet? Does this mean Obama will next look at our prisons for cabinet members? Why Obama would appoint a known tax cheat is beyond comprehension and is there a logical explanation? I would sure like to know why he would appoint such a person.

Longing

The GOP CD2 Primary - Curiouser and Curiouser - How Can This Be?

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:06:20 -0700

Spike

In honor of the Alice in Wonderland movie currently in the theaters, we seem to have our very own 'curiouser and curiouser' moment occurring in the 2nd congressional district GOP primary race. The Monday Cedar Rapids Gazette published an article online that Rob Gettemy, who just announced a week ago, already has more than 2,400 signatures and has met the signature requirements to be put on the ballot.

For those not aware, signature requirements in a congressional race in Iowa are 1% of your party's vote in the 2008 election, plus 2% of the vote in at least 1/2 of the counties. On the Republican side that is at least 1,224 signatures in the 2nd district. It usually takes several months, doing things like hitting central committee meetings, the caucus, and the county conventions to name a few. Often it involves the efforts of a contingent of volunteers and door to door work.

Which brings us to the $64 million dollar question - how is it possible that someone could get double that amount in as little as one week? Common sense says that if everyone who attended the March 6th GOP county conventions in the district signed Gettemy's petition - it wouldn't be near enough. It's doubtful they were mailed back in time to be counted for the article anyway.

Gettemy seems to have no volunteer team assembled at this date. It would take a signficant amount of organizing to put one together and mobilize across the district so quickly, a very impressive feat so late in the game when most activists already have their candidate. It's possible there's been an ongoing effort beneath the radar - at least since the caucus anyway. Gettemy's petitions were no where to be found there. Keeping the rumor mill quiet though would be an even more amazing feat, and require expending significant effort to avoid the usual GOP circles.

Either way, there are very few people I know of in GOP politics in the state of Iowa that can pull something like that off - someone bigger than Tim Palmer, Brent and Renee Schulte, and their local church. This has the fingerprints of the Iowa Christian Alliance and Steve Scheffler all over it, which means they've officially dumped their poster child Chris Reed in favor of a new Chosen One.

Keep your eyes open, and as always in politics when curious things happen - follow the money. It will tell you very quickly who's the controlling hand of the puppet.

Publius

AFSCME At It Again

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:55:00 -0700

Spike,

"A state employee filed a complaint last week that says a union refused to represent her as she faces layoff."

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20100308/NEWS10/3080313/1001/NEWS/AFSCME-failed-me-worker-facing-layoff-at-ISU-says

Isn't this against the law?

NB

A Pox Upon Them

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:47:00 -0700

Spike,

"Just as the healthcare drama in the capitol reaches a grand finale, congressional officials are warning employees to avoid the DRUDGE REPORT!"

Is Derailed considered a "virus" at City Hall, the Court House, the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission, Grow Greater Burlington, etc.?

It could be fatal for some if an epidemic of the whole truth continues to infect the lemming sheep.

TM

We're not so much a pox as a plague.

Spike

Capital "L" Losers

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 05:21:00 -0700

Spike,

I agree with the letter to the editor in Sunday's Hawkeye where the writer asks what the governor is thinking of by supporting adding 3 or 4 more casinos to Iowa. The last thing lots of Iowans need is another place to lose/waste their money.

I was struck by the last line though - "How many gamblers does he think live here?" or words to that effect.

I consider myself a gambler extraordinaire a/k/a a Burlington, Iowa resident.

1.Everyday when I wake up here I'm gambling one of the taxing bodies isn't going to make some exceptionally stupid decision that will cost even more money, which in turn will raise my taxes.

2. Then too I'm gambling that the home we built 20+ years ago is worth at least what we've got in it, so if we did decide to sell we could get our investment back.

3. Next, if we were to sell our house and decide to build again, I'd be gambling that the contractors hired to do the construction would be at least somewhat realistic in their charges - Not! Been there - done that. They're not even remotely realistic when you consider cost of living here and possible income potentials.

4. Finally, on a very basic level, when I get in my car to travel somewhere in town I'm gambling that it isn't seriously damaged driving on our streets (a loose use of the term for sure). The one to our house right now has mud ruts in it even though we live in town.

We Iowans are gamblers, trying to eke out a living in a long forgotten state that few people care about or want to visit. We freeze in the winter and deal with snow up our b - - - s , and then when summer arrives we put up with extreme heat, and that's if we haven't been swept away during a spring flood.

We are the original gamblers, and for most of us that makes us losers with a capital "L".

NP

Socialist Indoctrination of Our School Children

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 12:01:32 -0700

Every Parent Needs To Watch This & Ask Their Kids If This Sounds Familiar

The entire show is here. When Part 1 ends, Part 2 will appear as the second frame at the bottom of the screen.

Hinkle and Tapp Could Not Have Spun It Better

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 04:56:00 -0700

Spike,

"Only 36,000 lost their jobs today," Senate Majority Leader "Dirty Harry" Reid.

That's about how many people used to live in Burlington. Where should those 36,000 who lost their jobs go?

Once their unemployment runs out, tell them to come here. Not that they will find a job that pays better than minimum wage. Thanks to State Senator Courtney, Iowa is a better deal on welfare.

After loosing all hope and self respect, new prospects abound. You can always supplement your income dealing drugs.

The Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission will provide your transportation. Grow Greater Burlington will declare your being here a sign of growth opportunities. Senator Courtney will sign you up to vote, more than once every election day if you please.

Dirty Harry Reid will likely be out of work after the next election. Don't look for Dirty Harry to join his bush league Democrat buddies here. Unemployed Senators and Congressman get a better deal for life than almost everybody else.

As for everybody else, yakety-yak, you need taxed.

Y. Y. Y.

Council Sets New #1 Goal - SOS on '08's #1 Goal!

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 04:30:00 -0700

Lost Keys Bill Ell Still Incompetent, Ineffective Mayor; But Still Good Beer Buddy

Spike,

I see the city council set their goals for the next 2 years. In fact, the council set a new #1 goal to build a new joint law enforcement center according to the Ad Vertiser.

If the council works as diligently on this as they did the 2008 #1 goal of improving the city's image, suffice to say, SOS for 2 more.

These Huckleberry's can't finish a thing they start.

GB

A Capital Idea for Iowa's Late Great Capitol - Let's Bring 'Em here

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 07:25:00 -0700

Spike,

The Sioux City Journal reports that Iowa Republicans may hold their State Convention there. Burlington is equally geographically unhandy. Where is Grow Greater Burlington on bringing that business here?

Consider what Iowa's first capitol has to offer Iowa Republicans. Burlington would be down right inspirational. Democrats have ruled Burlington for over a generation. Examine the results.

Businesses and productive residents have fled in droves. Buildings in the city's heart crumble into the streets. Vital infrastructure decays. An important bridge is closed for fear of collapse. Taxes are sky high and 18% annual increases are demanded as a matter of course. Crime is above the national average. Welfare clients are brought in from Chicago as economic development. School achievement scores are dropping. We in the midst of dire distress know the rest.

Those ruling Burlington now control Iowa. They advocate for the entire state what has worked so well in Burlington. The rest of the state should experience first hand what could be their fate.

The Des Moines County Republican Party counts angels dancing on the head of a pin. Meanwhile, pinheads like County Supervisor Heland prick taxpayers in their opposite end with another hefty tax hike.

The waste and decay of Burlington should be put to a purpose. Burlington would scare the hell out of Republicans across Iowa.

Let Iowa's Republicans see what will be when ruled by one party. May they return inspired to save their communities from the same fate and put State Senator Courtney back in the minority where he belongs.

SL

Paying for Others' Affliction Addiction

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 07:11:00 -0700

Spike,

"The casinos would create hundreds of construction and permanent jobs, which are critical to the state, Culver said. Voters in each of the counties � Lyon, Webster, Tama and Wapello � have approved the licenses."

Chet the Debt Culver is a spendaholoic. Chet and his party pals like Senator Courtney simply can not stop spending to pay off their political allies.

Chet wants to expand gambling and skim the top just like the infamous Mafia, Teamsters Pension Fund alliance during the golden years of Vegas. The difference, taxation is legal.

Chet and his pals spending addiction will have a direct effect here in Burlington. City taxpayers were muscled to invest in Catfish Craps, Huck's Hole Division. More competition in a saturated market means Burlington will take a hit.

The spread must be covered. There is no alternative but the Heland solution.

Yakety-yak, you'll be taxed.

Busted

Ready, Aim, Spike

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 07:00:00 -0700

Spike,

"A North Korean factory worker has been executed by firing squad for sneaking news out of the country on his illicit mobile phone, Seoul-based radio said today."

This is what happens to those who tell the truth in a single party workers paradise. When are they coming for you?

NH

Not much to worry about. When Southeast Iowa has emissaries like Courtney, Courtney, Heland, Tapp, Hurd, Fraise, Ell, Hoschek, Massner, Edwards and all of the rest of the wannabe power brokers it doesn't take long for word to leak on its own.

We merely illustrate the suicide.

Spike

What Tee Shirt to Wear in Heaven?

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 05:43:00 -0700

What in the name of God is going on in Linn County?

Spike,

Thanks to Publius for informing us about the new candidate for Congress, Mr. Gettemy. Did whoever is running his campaign tell the press? I had seen nothing in the Ad Vertiser, nor the Des Moines Register. Does the press figure Gettemy doesn't have a snowball's chance in hell?

I looked up the Iowa Independent article. Is the Antioch Church in Marion a church, or a political action committee? Has Rev. Hurd mailed them his resume. Or is he still too busy with the Federal Elections Commission?

One Congressional District, under God, as ordained by one church, no thanks.

Holey T. Shirt

What in the name of God is going on in Linn county? Did the Antioch Church successfully launder money and this is the reward; a T-shirt franchise?

And where did this Linn County Kommisar and Disciple of Satan Scheffler Tim Palmer come from? He acts like Kommisar Massner. What a conniving scumbag. After he destroys the local primary, Palmer installs Satan Scheffler's handpicked 666.

According to the Iowa Independent post, another Den of Satan Scheffler has formed -

"Gettemy has not necessarily been an unknown local political force. His attendance at Antioch Church places him in proximity of several key social conservatives � not the least among them being Linn County GOP Chairman Tim Palmer and Vice-Chairman Brent Schulte, a minister at Antioch, and Schulte�s wife, state Rep. Renee Schulte."

What is more troubling is that Tim Palmer removed a GOP member from the central committee for questioning Palmer's total disregard for the rules and making himself Kommisar. You can listen to it here.An edited version is coming soon. Listen at about an hour 10 minutes. Thatis when Palmer shows his ass.

It's time to stand up to Satan Scheffler and his dens of these bible thumpin' money launderers, thugs, petty thieves, stock swindlers and brainless nitwits that make me believe I am listening to Jeff Heland expound on not having a gambling problem.

If you think this is the way the GOP is going to win an election, go play with your snowballs in Hell Tim!!

Spike

A Good Samaritan?

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 05:20:00 -0700

Spike,

"A staff member of First United Methodist Church in Des Moines scooped up four pieces of conduit pipe and two spools of wire as they were apparently about to be stolen."

Could this generate new leads on a computer missing from a local church?

GGL

Did the good samaritan look around in the basement to see if they were installing any new washing machines? Any pallets of Tide or Cheer? Used wrappers from $100 bills?

Spike

Sounds Like Burlington

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 04:32:00 -0700

Spike,

"The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating why a child was allowed to direct air traffic at John F. Kennedy airport, one of the busiest airports in the country."

Arguably the busiest airport in Southeast Iowa, has it happened here? If not in the control tower, what about the Airport Board meetings?

Orville

White House Offers Judgeship to Congressman's Brother For Healthcare Vote

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 04:25:00 -0700

The White House offered a judgeship to the brother of a member of Congress and then asking that member for their vote on health care.

Michele Bachmann calls for investigation of the White House
Uploaded by therightscoop. - Up-to-the minute news videos.

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 04:23:00 -0700

Obama's #1 Visitor and Scumbag - Andy Stern - "The Redistributor"

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 04:21:00 -0700

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 04:20:00 -0700

Get Your Glenn Beck Here Fresh Everyday

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 04:18:00 -0700

Things are changing in the world. Watch Glenn now. Don't wait.

Chicago Rules

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 06:15:00 -0700

Spike,

"It makes me feel like the city cares more for the thugs than they do me, and I'm the one paying taxes," McDonald said of being barred from owning a gun in his own house. "

Being brought to Burlington by Tapp, Hinkle, Senator Courtney and the rest of the single party ruling you.

Ma Duce

GOP On The Outs - Satan Scheffler Tries to Extend Christian Grasp

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 06:10:00 -0700

Spike:

Anyone paying attention to the Republican 2nd district congressional race knows that a bomb was dropped over the weekend when Cedar Rapids businessman Rob Gettemy announced that he was joining the field with Mariannette Miller Meeks, Steve Rathje and Chris Reed. It looks to be the fat lady singing for Reed, who's been sucking wind behind the other two clearly superior candidates.

According to the Iowa Independent it looks to be an effort of a group of Linn county GOP players including Tim Palmer and Brent and Renee Schulte, state house representative in Cedar Rapids. Speculation is that David Chung is part of that group as he announced Gettemy on his blog. It looks to be an effort to put up a more viable Christian Right candidate.

All this is bad news for the Reed campaign, which has already been sputtering along with no money, little support, and a great deal of baggage from the '08 campaign. Reed has no traction despite being the self-styled 'true conservative' and constantly attacking his opponents, especially Miller Meeks, such as in a recent article in the Centerville Daily Iowegian where he claimed without proof that Miller Meeks described herself as 'Jim Leach in a skirt'.

The level of desperation is pretty evident, because despite the sniping Reed has taken to parroting Meeks' positions and phrasing out on the campaign trail, copying Mariannette's stances on immigration, abortion, and health care. As they say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and for an intellectual lightweight like Reed, a necessity to keep appearances that he's in the same league. He also tried to grab the spotlight at a Bob Vander Plaats event recently and hijack the question-answer session that was going on, in a vain attempt to draw attention to his campaign in the social conservative circles.

Gettemy jumping in the race might be the death knell in Reed's campaign. It says a lot when the leaders of your own GOP organization have to prop up another candidate because they have no confidence in you. Unless he decides to go Independent in June as has been rumored as well as implied in some of his recent statements, stick a fork in Reed - he's done.

Publius

Iowa's 2nd Congressional District has a messiah. The church connection through current Linn County "leadership" is reportedly strong. Buy a tee shirt save a soul.

Spike

Lost Leaders

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 06:00:00 -0700

Spike,

Iowa Sucks made an excellent observation concerning local leadership. The problem is, what is the alternative?

The terror of drug pushers and the party that furnishes welfare as the base funding for that trade, do we exchange that for Theocratic terror squads? Do you want the belief police starring through your bedroom window? Missionary position and marriage license, or else?

There has been a total lack of reasonable people of both parties involved to support, or take, leadership positions. The void has been filled by those void between the ears.

Is anybody willing to help? Has the decline gone so far there are insufficient of the reasonable left to do the job?

Iowa Bites

Good Enough For Greece - Good Enough For Us - Japan Next

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 05:50:00 -0700

from the Wall Street Journal -

"The Greek government on Wednesday announced a new austerity plan that will yield �4.8 billion euros ($6.5B U.S.) in savings, as Prime Minister George Papandreou called on the European Union to show its support amid the country's worst economic crisis in recent times.

The government decided at a cabinet meeting to move ahead with steep cuts in civil-service salaries and entitlements, and to raise Greece's sales tax by two percentage points.

The measures effectively include slashing more than 60% of one month's pay for public-sector workers by cutting 30% of their current Christmas, Easter and holiday bonuses, the official said. Greek civil servants get an extra salary at Christmas and another through bonuses during the Easter holiday and the month of August."

The Communist Role In America - Destroy This Country - Today

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 05:40:00 -0700

Democrat Leaders Responsible for Burlington's Downfall

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 04:40:00 -0700

Spike:

Several reasons can probably be attributed to Des Moines County poor health rankings in Iowa.

Des Moines County has a large and varied drug culture that has resorted to stealing in order to feed its drug habits. Of course the police say crime isn�t increasing but I beg to differ with them on that point. We actually have a cottage industry of drug dealers walking the streets peddling their wares to local inhabitants on a 24 hour basis.

For the Record in the Hawk Eye can�t possible cover all the crimes everyday but you can go to the police web site and click on police department and then Daily Activity Log where the entire list of incidents is recorded on a daily basis.

SEIRPC brings people from who knows where to fill all the jobs in Burlington because Burlington needed the workers, at least that�s what was published a while back in the Hawk Eye. Problem is there are no jobs in Burlington where anyone could make a living at.

I often wonder if those companies that got TIF money in Des Moines County are sticking to their contracts because we never here a word about it after they take our money and move into town. Are they paying a livable wage of $10.50, have they hired the number of full time people they said they word and just how many temporary�s have they hired to beat the system? Why doesn�t the Chamber tell us how these firms are doing and if they�ve become delinquent in their agreements? Why doesn�t the city tell us what�s going on with these firms whose taxes we�ve been paying for the schools, fire protection and other entities?

Government in Des Moines County is a total failure and only seeks to protect its employee�s while crapping on the taxpayers as though they don�t exist. The taxpayer has no representation in Des Moines County where local government does everything in its power to provide the good life to its employees by stealing from the taxpayer in the form of excessive taxes and fees.

Burlington has been ruined by local government and a state that has neglected southeast Iowa for years while spending most tax dollars on the central portion of the state. Most of the undesirable counties in Iowa are border counties where people from Illinois, Nebraska and Missouri desire to settle because they can get back home easily while taking advantage of Iowa�s high paying welfare benefits.

We also have a state that spent $94 million tax dollars on illegal aliens rather than on its own citizens.

The Democratic Party is responsible for the decline of Iowa and its cities; there is just no doubt about it.

Iowa Sucks

Time To Stop Tapp

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 04:30:00 -0700

Spike,

It seems the best way to improve the quality of life in Burlington is to run the scumbags out of town and that includes that Brian Tapp guy from regional planning.

Tapp and Hinkle from the chamber are the root cause of this influx of drug dealing criminals. Them and the Mississippi River bridge.

We can't do anything about the bridge. But we sure as hell can call every local politician that scribes to Tapp's lunatic ideas and insist that they correct this problem before we hand over the keys to our homes.

I see no future for Brian Tapp other than dealing drugs on a street corner. That is until the BPD arrests him for the criminal he is and he goes to FT Madison for visit like all criminals do.

These two peas in a pod need to be cell mates for the mess they created.

TL

Time for a Flat Tax

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 04:25:00 -0700

Spike,

I think we have reached the point a flat income tax makes sense. Of all the European Union countries to grow involve countries with a flat tax.

GH

How would Largemouth Yakity-Yak you'll be taxed Heland handle this excess in funding? Blow it like he does his paycheck at Catfish Bend?

Spike

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 04:22:00 -0700

Obama Knew Van Jones Was A Communist Radical

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 04:15:00 -0700

"Things don't make sense, Mr. President. Help us understand."

Obama isn't the only problem we have in Washington. He leads a group of career criminals for his persona agenda of transforming America into a progressive, socialist society.

In other words, communist, Marxist, progressive, all everything utopia government.

Communism Dead in America? Not Quite! And Unions Are In Deep

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 04:10:00 -0700

Sins of the City Fathers

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 04:32:00 -0700

Spike,

"Do we have any good elected officials left. I still have hope from Dan Cahill or Bob Fleming. I'm not sure about the others."
Baffled

Baffled has a legitimate point. Examining the problem, the future is not bright.

Cahill and Fleming have a history of accomplishments. Both are retired from their careers and eligible for Social Security. Time marches on.

What does our future hold? We have no new blood moving in. Nearly all good blood that is born here bids fare thee well. Opportunity is elsewhere.

We have Jr. Murray. Jr. Murray did not start like a jack rabbit. In his defense, Jr. Murray had Slime Minister Slagle as a mentor. Lately, there have been a few glimmers of hope.

Jr. Murray said no to Worden. If Jr. Murray shows much more promise, he will be likely be defeated.

A local product, Jr. Murray is old enough to have vague memories of real leaders departed and has heard first hand stories of others longer gone. Jr. Murray is but one. Where are the rest?

More important yet, what of the generation that comes next?

The outflow of talent only gets worse. Senator Courtney has laid the foundation for the perpetuation of endless generations on welfare. If there is intelligence willing to remain for the welfare dime, what has been their experience?

Drunks, dummies, thugs, bums and monkeys shall rule in the ruins.

I. M. Packing

I Ain't Never Goin' Back to Rehab

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 04:00:00 -0700

Spike,

"A Russian chimpanzee has been sent to rehab by zookeepers to cure the smoking and beer-drinking habits he has picked up, a popular daily reported on Friday."

A resident of a political entity infamous for being a single party system is headed for the drunk tank. Given the success rate of local primates in the public eye, do you hold any hope?

Amy W.

Des Moines County - Worst Rankings on Health Factors

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 02:05:34 -0700

Spike:

Here�s how Des Moines County ranks in health out of the 99 counties in Iowa with a ranking of 99 being the worst:

Health outcomes 88

Mortality 82

Morbidity 78

Health Factors 98

Health Behaviors 88

Clinical Care 35

Social & Economic Factors 99

Physical Environment 76

Needless to say Des Moines County leaves plenty to be desired and I attribute this to the one party system of government here in this loser county. Just take a look at the social and economic factors where we rank dead last in Iowa and then health factors where Des Moines County ranks second from last.

The full report can be viewed at Snapshot 2010: Des Moines | County Health Rankings should anyone care to take a look at the dismal rankings of Des Moines County home of the worst local government in Iowa along with the worst taxpayer funded greedy organizations known to man.

SEIRP has probably done more damage to Burlington�s rankings than has the dimwitted local one party government. All said and done Burlington brings it on itself through greedy, self serving public servants that are in government to feed off the taxpayer their entire lives while never being responsible or accountable for their poor governing and accountability to the taxpayer.

Distraught

Obama Bows to the Queen of Tampa

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 05:20:00 -0700

"Burdened by the sheer tonnage of the lies he has been spouting for the last year, Barack Obama today bowed to the mayor of Tampa, Fl. Upon meeting the mayor at MacDill Air Force Base, on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2010, Obama bowed about half as deeply as he did to the king of Saudi Arabia.

"This is Bush's fault," said Obama. "When I took office I inherited a mess, which was compounded by a serious lack of subservience to foreign powers and a severe absence of bowing. I apologize for bowing to an actual American, and to make up for that I will drop to my knees the next time I see Osama bin Laden"

It Can't Happen Here

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 06:47:52 -0700

Spike,

"The Johnson County Board of Supervisors agreed to cut $1.1 million from its budget for fiscal 2010, Supervisor Rod Sullivan said."

There are limits. Some realize that fact. Then again, Heland is not a member of the Johnson County Board of Supervisors.

Yakety-yak, you need taxed.

GH

Tax Increases - Ell's Comments Baffling

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 04:35:00 -0700

Spike

Mayor Ell's comments are typical. Can't do anything because of the contracts. It's getting old. Why did they agree to all of these pay raises and Free Health insurance? The City and County employee's think it is unfair for them to have to pay anything for their monthly heath insurance. $1200 for Free family health insurance. They should be co-paying at least $300 per month.

A question for all council members and County supervisors. Is it fair to raise taxes on everybody so we can provide your employees free health insurance? The people in the private sector are already paying more and more monthly for their own insurance. This makes no sense.

You can't control what percentage increase the State passes down for pension increases, but you must take responsibility for your contract negotiations. Now we know why the employees were happy and laughing after the contract agreements. Our management team did not do a good job for the City or the County because they are benefiting too. They sold us out. If they insist on too much, lay off some of their employees. You must cut the spending to cut taxes or just continue to bleed everybody dry.

Do we have any good elected officials left. I still have hope from Dan Cahill or Bob Fleming. I'm not sure about the others.

Looking over the budget, if the City and the County paid a reasonable portion of the monthly insurance premium, there would be no need for a property tax increase. Who do you work for? People are suffering in our County and you take more of their money to give to your employees.

What a disappointing group of so called managers. There will be people leave here and some businesses won't make it. That is not doing your job.

Baffled

Never Give a Taxpayer an Even Break

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 04:30:00 -0700

Spike,

Here's shot of Mayor Ell explaining the City of Burlington's budget.

The morning after where the City budget was determined.

BM

School Board on Notice

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 04:17:00 -0700

Spike,

Well, wasn't that a wonderful wake-up call this morning when we all popped open our AD Vertisers - School Superintendent runs up debts and then quits to avoid responsibility. At least this time we aren't paying his retirement health care until he's 900 years old.

So now, school board members, what kind of stupid human tricks are you going to pull out of your shorts now? Build another unneeded school to deflect our attention? Move Corse to Middletown? Eliminate band, sports, music and art to pay for Oak Street's failures? Give everybody a raise? Cut the government peanut butter out of the menus? Add more pop machines? Rename the Bracewell to Bruce Slagle Field?

I think it is time to put the school board on notice. You folks aren't as smart as you think you are. You may have a spent years in a class room. But you have to admit, you really don't have any 'real' experience managing a multi-million dollar budget. You blindly follow wherever the "staff" takes you.

Frankly, you can't even utter the most needed word; No!

Fed Up

Union Boss Homan Just A Condescending Thug

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 04:15:00 -0700

Spike:

Who in their right mind would believe Danny Homan�s apology to Mr. Anderson for calling him a SCAB even though he joined the vengeful AFSCME union after years of harassment?

I have to think Mr. Homan�s feelings towards the taxpayer�s of Iowa are probably worse than his feelings towards Mr. Anderson. Union bosses are normally riddled with greed, hate and disrespect towards those who are not union members because in a way unions are similar to the Nazis party whose members were thoroughly brainwashed back in the 1930s where a few creeps rule the majority by telling them who to vote for, who to give donations to, who to protest against as though none of members can think for themselves.

Government alone is bad for America and when you throw in government unions you have the worst of both worlds trying to empty your pockets.

Appalled

Downsizing Detroit - How Soon Burlington?

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 04:10:00 -0700

Spike,

"Detroit mayor Dave Bing says the city plans to encourage residents to move from some neighborhoods: "If they stay where they are I absolutely cannot give them all the services they require."

Like Detroit, Burlington is shrinking. Detroit has blazed the trail Burlington is following. Raising taxes to cover the shrinkage, ala Heland and Ell, can not go on forever. If anything, doing so just increases the number of fleeing refugees.

As things now stand, government employees will be the last to leave. Where else can they find it so good? That appears unlikely to change.

What to about Burlington? Should plans be drawn up to relocate and concentrate Burlington's remaining victims? What areas should be returned to wilderness?

How much of Burlington should be converted to an empty lot just like the Manor Mall at Agency and Roosevelt? Should the City even continue cutting the weeds at that monument to government directed growth?

Nash Packard

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 03:56:00 -0700

Picking at the Taxpayers' Wounds

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 04:34:00 -0700

Spike,

"A union leader inadvertently sent e-mail that calls a state worker a derogatory term, and the employee says that hints at the union attitude toward people who are not union members."

Does this apply to more than union officials? Does it apply to those dependent upon union support to hold office? Can you think of any local office holders who hold this attitude toward those whose standard of living declines as they are taxed to placate AFSCME?

17% & Counting

Our state senator, Scabby Courtney, will find a way to fix his house with illegal scabs. And he taught Largemouth Heland everything he didn't know about screwing the taxpayers to repent.

Spike

Ell Smells On Leadership

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 04:30:00 -0700

Spike,

"There's not much we can do about those raises short of reopening the contracts, and nobody is suggesting that," Mayor Bill Ell said.

A CEO of any company in dire straits who told a Board of Directors that would be fired. In the public sector that is not the case.

There is always the Heland solution. You simply raise taxes to compensate for your mismanagement.

Barrel Apparel

His largeness wouldn't want to make things difficult. This guy is no leader. Ask any of his former employees at the fire department. Nobody respected him. They put up with his stupidity.

Spike

Government and Schools Aren't Working

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 04:25:15 -0700

Spike:

In the early 60�s one didn�t even think about the cost of insurance and those without it could just pay cash to the hospital or doctor. Doctors even made house calls if you were too sick to make it into the office.

All of that changed when government began to stick their nose into the medical business and since then it has become the monster everyone hates.

Big government ruined the health care industry and forced it into the money grabbing industry it is today. Government is a predator constantly seeking ways to control our everyday lives.

Government is the ruination of our once great country. The NEA along with government has ruined our once great school system that has left us verging on 3rd world class.

The NEA along with government puts more emphasis on what�s �political correct� rather than what�s important. Our kids know about Black History month but can�t add or subtract. They know about the environment but have no knowledge about history or physics. They�ve probably seen Al Gore�s fiction move about the environment but have they seen a film about calculus or astronomy?

Everything is basically wrong with government and the NEA agenda which leaves our children uneducated and unhealthy. The education department along with the NEA and other teacher unions should be disbanded and the schools returned to local control. Government and unions are destroying our country and we better start doing something positive to get local control back into the communities where it belongs.

Longing

Who Cares About Greece? We ALL Do!!

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 04:20:00 -0700

"Public- and private-sector unions called the strike to protest a range of measures aimed at reducing Greece's budget deficit. The government has announced a freeze on civil-service wages, cuts in public-sector entitlements and the closing of tax loopholes for certain professions, including some civil servants. It has also announced a fuel-tax increase.

....There is an all-out war against public servants, those who earn the least," said Spyros Papaspyros president of ADEDY, an umbrella union for public-sector workers. "We will fight to keep the little we have. The government and the EU must understand the crisis must be paid by the rich."

The government moves are aimed at reducing Greece's budget deficit, which at about 13% of gross domestic product last year was well over the EU's 3% limit. This has raised the interest rate Greece has to pay to borrow money. Brussels has ordered Greece to bring the deficit to within the EU limit by 2012.

...Government offices, schools and universities were closed, as was Athens International Airport. Train, bus and ferry services were canceled nationwide, though a minimum level of service was maintained in Athens.

The journalists' union also took part, so there were no reports of the strike on Greek television, and no newspapers were scheduled to be published Thursday."

The U.S. budget deficit is currently about 13% of our gross domestic product. And it is spiraling upward totally out of control.

The Greek unions think the rich need to pay their wages and benefits. Sound familiar?

Like Neil Diamond sings, "Coming to America."

Avowed Communist Dirtbag Van Jones Wins NAACP Award

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 04:20:00 -0700

Hawkeye Hits County Benefits

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 04:55:00 -0700

Spike,

Tuesday morning's Hawkeye editorial written by Randy Miller was right on. The editorial is about Des Moines County employee expensive Free health insurance. Some even get the money if their spouse has insurance, building a second retirement fund.

Miller is correct when he says that Free monthly health insurance went away in the 1980's except for City/County employees. The management is negotiating their own benefits too. No reason to keep the cost down when it is Free and for those taking the money, the higher the premium, the better.

Just who are all these people taking the money? Are they the same people that helps negotiate the contracts? Definitely a conflict of interest and has lead to self serving.

Miller also points out that the County employee receives a year end bonus and some are up to $2,000. (which probably pays their property taxes). This is a gift from taxpayers who can't afford their own taxes.

This bonus was started years ago when the County employee was paid less than the private sector employee. Back when the bonus was started, elected officials and Dept. heads made public comments that the bonus was to help retain employees. Honestly, if they take the year end bonus away, are these employees going to quit. Not one County employee is going to quit and leave their great pension and health insurance. This is a deceitful excuse for taking money. C'mon guys, at least be honest with your community.

Please don't raise property taxes anymore and give our money out in bonuses.

And they (City and County) continue to blame everything on the State and they say they are doing everything well as stated by Burlington City manager in today's Hawkeye. Just who in the City and County agreed to these 5 year contracts with Free health insurance, pay raises, bonuses, etc. Is that Tom Courtney's fault too? You must take some responsibility for the costly decisions that you made and quit making excuses.

DMC Resident

Courtney Is As Despicable As They Come

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 04:50:00 -0700

Spike,

When Tom Courtney needed work done at his house he hired non-union labor at the lowest possible cost. Yet when Courtney is playing with the taxpayers' money nothing is too good for his union political agenda. We can't afford any more taxes, laws or rules.

Tom Courtney is a worthless, phony, hypocritical, Marxist jackass scumbag that needs to be run out of town. He was joke as a union rep and and is an even bigger jerk now. Yeah, Tom, I'm one of your union brothers you tried to shaft.

You're no good.

GH

Tell us how you really feel. Editing the bad words was pretty intensive work.

Spike

2 Courtneys Behind Film Office Scandal

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 04:45:00 -0700

Spike,

The Des Moines Register has been slowly uncovering all the problems at the Iowa Department of Economic Development's Film Office. Under siege by a bunch of crooked film makers to approve bogus tax credits, the scandal has already claimed 5 or 6 top officials. As the Des Moines Register slowly dissects this mess they have begun to ask the pregnant question; who's responsible?

What may not be known to most local citizens is that we can be proud of 2 local Courtneys - Tom and Jerry; like the cartoon show only not so funny. They are both involved in the scandal.

Both Courtneys sit on the IDED board of directors. Jerry sits as a board member and policy maker. Tommy sits astride the spitoon as an ad hoc member of the state senate. Both are in a position of department oversight. The board is ultimately responsible for lack of setting policies to prevent oversight of new programs.

Now I know we can't expect anything from our weasel Tommy but you would think that Jerry, a certified financial planner, entrusted everyday to handle other people's money would surely look over the monthly reports he has been entrusted with. Did Jerry notice anything amiss? Did Jerry ask any questions of the staff? Did Jerry miss any meetings? Does Jerry even care or was he there for the dinner and drinks?

The IDED Board website says, "The Board will play a pivotal role in transforming Iowa's economy."

I say they already have. At least two of their members took it right down the crapper.

That's what happens when you send incompetent amateurs to a gun fight acting like know-it-alls. They don't know their rifle from their gun.

KL

My, my, my. What an interesting development. Maybe we could name a street after them - Nit Wit Lane.

Spike

Obama�s �BFF� Likes Idea of Simple Booklets to Educate �Typical� Tea Partiers

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 04:30:00 -0700

Obama's Slum Lord Tells Us, Obama "Would Do It Without Congress"

"It's an anti-government...I mean that's the Tea Party. They really are, um, are, uh, trying to rebel against government at all. And I think that that's...again it's an extreme. It's always easier to scare people and get them angry when they're already scared...and I think that's what the Tea Party is trying to capture."

Last Year's 17% Not Enough - 18% This Year says Yakety-yak You'll Be Taxed

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 04:55:00 -0700

Spike

Jeff Heland announced on KCPS that Des Moines County is proposing a 18 cent per thousand tax increase on top of the roll back increase. We had a large tax increase last year. Beck and Cahill are responsible too and should demand CUTS!

We can't afford this. This will hurt families, retired people and local businesses.

Everybody feels the pain and is sacrificing except government employees.

They get pay raises, free health insurance (including Heland who is taking the money) larger pensions, work clothes or uniforms paid for by the taxpayers, more vacation, sick pay and paid holidays than most in the private sector. They live the good life.

We make cuts, pay for our health insurance or a portion of it, take pay freezes, get furloughed, cut out some of our services that we already pay for, cut out some of our recreation, don't eat out as much and so on. This hurts local businesses. We do this to pay for our ever increasing taxes so we can finance the above.

The County elected officials, all of them, not just the unions, are all benefiting on the backs of the citizens who are sacrificing. They are greedy and selfish and that is just a fact. They can't get enough and are never satisfied. It is sad that they have this City and County in this financial condition. They care about themselves. They should not expect residents and businesses to continue to donate money and other things. We can't afford it anymore. They can get their donations from government employees. Their phony excuse, that they pay taxes too! Yes, and they are all receiving pay raises and free insurance.

How can we trust and respect these people that are handling our money?

Tired of it too

Cahill Says No - Heland Says Yes, I'll Take All I Can Grab Like Hoschek

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 04:50:00 -0700

Spike,

I thought I heard Dan Cahill say on KCPS Monday morning that he is not taking the insurance or the money. Heland said he is.

Did they say how much per month they can take in the wrap around or cafeteria plan or some other BS name so they can take the money? How much per month? all from insurance dollars!

Should not be allowed

I guess we will have to review the tape.

Spike

Falcon's Reader Outs Burlington School Board

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 04:46:00 -0700

Burlington's teachers answer to funding crisis - raise taxes to pay for teacher benefits.

That's what happens when you have a bunch of retired school teachers making policy.

Spike

Nutless Wonders

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 04:43:00 -0700

"And since that time, many Democratic lawmakers including Courtney and Cohoon, have said they would vote to let the people vote on the issue, only if they did not have to buck their leadership to do so. Since the Democratic leadership, which holds the majority, refuses to do so, the Burlington Democrats have not voted to override them."

Actually, the turkey testicles article should have been at the top of Sunday's front page. The article concerns what these turkeys the Ad Vertiser perpetually endorse lack.

Bon appetit!

JC

Birds of a feather flock together, nuts or not.

Spike

Worden Can Move to What Suits Him

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 04:40:00 -0700

Spike:

I think the depot would be a good place for Worden�s office and it looked ready for him to move right in, saving the taxpayer money for remodeling and cleanup.

Glad

Doomsday a Short Distance Away From Des Moines County

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 04:30:00 -0700

Spike,

"SPRINGFIELD -- To become solvent, the state must enact the largest tax-increase package in Illinois history, whack another $2 billion from already starved government programs and wrest major financial concessions from the state's unionized work force, a nonpartisan government watchdog contends."

Illinois is facing a taxpayer doomsday to clean up that state's fiscal fiascoes. Years in the making, Illinois is simply ahead of where we are headed.

Iowa is billion bucks in the hole. State Senator Courtney and his comrades solution is more tax funded goodies for their union good fellows. It is not just our representatives in Des Moines we have to fear.

Here in Des Moines County, we have County Supervisor Jeff Heland afraid to face the facts. Those costly pay offs for their political support will be the ruin of us all.

Yakety yak, you'll be taxed.

M. T. Pockets

Heland - The Quiet Man?

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 04:02:00 -0700

Yakety-yak, Heland needs axed!

Spike,

Curious silence from Cruel Hand Heland on reducing labor costs in county government. Christmas is over. Ho-ho-ho and handing out presents to his union friends is no longer an option.

Stagflation is commencing as both the jobless and inflation rates rise. The Great Santa Claus in Washington has too many dollars floating around with nothing to soak them up. The squeeze is on and it will get worse.

Cahill and Beck know the truth. Nobody in office likes saying no. Unlike Heland, Beck and Cahill's heads are not in the sand.

There is still time for somebody with fiscal sense and a modicum of political courage to take out papers and run against Heland. Heland needs to be handed his political head this November.

Yakety-yak, Heland needs axed.

JS

It's 50/50 Heland will show up for Friday's meeting. If he does, don't look for Heland to have anything substantive to say about union concessions.

He will never bite the hand that feeds him. No, not our hand. His union voters.

Spike

'Turkey Nuts' Worden In Wrong Place?

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 04:00:00 -0700

Spike,

If you ask me the front page of Sunday's Hawkeye had Doug Worden's picture in the wrong article.

He belongs further down the page in the 'Turkey Nuts' article that for some reason is conspicuously absent from the online edition since he looks like he lost something.

Jake

One of Publisher Steve Delaney's finest journalistic achievements. The Ft. Madison paper wins a slug of newspaper awards and Delaney is talkin' turkey nuts.

As for Worden, he doesn't own a pair, he can't wear a pair and he sure can't borrow a pair. He's a bigger 4th place loser than Crooked Springsted Bond Salesman Bruce Slagle.

What other commentary can we make.... 'Ain't Nothin' Better.'

Spike

Bruce Slagle In Bond Heist?

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 03:55:00 -0700

Spike,

The story is Bruce Slagle is in the middle of the city move to the depot. Several people have said he is going to sell the city the bonds to refurb the buiding.

GH

Wouldn't surprise me. Mini-Me Worden welcoming home the Wraith queen.

Spike

Your Tax Dollars At Work for Child Safety

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 03:50:00 -0700

Spike,

The DOT is now purchasing right-of-way from Budweiser down to the intersection of Sunnyside and Roosevelt. They are going to put in a sidewalk down to the intersection so the kids can walk to the new school.

From what I've heard they may not pick up the kids in Lenox Park by bus anymore. That highway is dangerous for anyone walking along there.

Whose going to remove the snow from it in the winter? I think the people that live in Lenox Park had better check with the schools.

Concerned

Judas Reed and the GOP Devil in Des Moines

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 03:45:00 -0700

Spike,

Your piece on that Sheffler character had a link. I read the link and a name mentioned trouble me. I went to this so called Christian Alliance web site and my fears were confirmed. Ralph Reed is running the event you mentioned.

Ralph Reed is as sleazy as it gets without going to prison. Reed's old partner Jack Abramoff was in prison the last I knew. If he wasn't would Abramhoff be sharing the pulpit with Reed and Sheffler?

Google Ralph Reed and Jack Abramhoff. You could spend hours reading about their "Christian" activities. Here are some starters:

Lobbying for the Chinese Communists who freely administer abortions in pursuit of a one child policy.

Selling the faithful out to gambling interests.

Claiming you were lobbying for Christ when your old buddies the Chicoms were your real client forcing women and girls into prostitution and back alley abortions

If you like video, check out Bill Moyers Journal, "Capitol Crimes."

Or, Abramoff on Reed and a Texas Baptist official talking about Satan's friend Judas.

The Iowa so called Christian Alliance sponsoring this event goes on and on about traditional values. Lots of flags and God at their web site. Why do honest Christians buy into this? Do they have any idea what they are supporting? Do Republicans in Iowa realize what their National Committeeman is associating them with?

My pieces of silver will not be going to the Iowa Christian Alliance for consolidation into lots of 30. What about yours?

JN

Watch These and Then Bombard the Politicians With Emails

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 03:30:00 -0700

America's Government Employee Pension Debacle

Government Employee Pay and Benefits Totally Irrational Thinking

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:11:59 -0700

NASA Image

ISS022-E-068726 (19 Feb. 2010) --- NASA astronaut George Zamka, STS-130 commander, is pictured in a window of the newly-installed Cupola of the International Space Station while space shuttle Endeavour remains docked with the station.

NASA Image Click Here for high resolution image.

S130-E-010367 (18 Feb. 2010) --- A portion of the docked space shuttle Endeavour is featured in this image photographed by an STS-130 crew member from a window in the newly-installed Cupola of the International Space. Earth's horizon and the blackness of space form the backdrop for the scene.

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 21:48:12 -0700

�When I ran project vote, the voter registration drive in Illinois, ACORN was smack dab in the middle of it. Once I was elected there wasn�t a campaign that ACORN worked on down in Springfield that I wasn�t right there with you. Since I have been in the United States Senate I�ve been always a partner with ACORN as well. I�ve been fighting with ACORN, along side ACORN, on issues you care about my entire career.� - Barack Obama

County Insurance Costs Need Debate - Will Heland Show?

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 04:10:00 -0700

Spike

It is good that the County Supervisors are asking to open up union contracts because of the rising insurance cost. As reported in the Hawkeye article, family health insurance is $15,000. per year and the employee pays nothing towards the monthly premium. What a great deal, but a large financial burden on the taxpayers.

Why would the County Supervisors or our Burlington City Council agree to 5 year contracts with Free health insurance and pay raises? They knew that the insurance cost was on the rise when they made the agreement. That seems irresponsible and foolish to do that. What were they thinking? They sure were not looking out after the taxpayers.

As The Hawkeye editorial stated, private sector employees are getting hit with rising insurance cost, reduced hours, salary freezes and we can't afford to have our property taxes raised every year just so the City and County employees can have expensive Free health insurance and higher pensions. They should pay like the private sector does, 25%-40% of the monthly premium.

Do they even know how good they have it? Don't be surprised if residents or businesses leave.

Feeling it

You would think that Cruel Hand Heland - "Yakety yak, you'll be taxed" would have stuck a sword in defense of the taxpayer since this year is election year. It just goes to show that Heland is not the consummate statesman he thinks he is but a phony politician that is ready to gamble with the taxpayers' money just like he does with his own.

He just needs to quit while he is ahead.

Spike

Don't Expect Word From Mike

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 04:04:00 -0700

Spike:

I don�t think Mike will be spewing the rhetoric any time soon because he�s still licking his wounds since his messiah has failed his first year in office. Even with a majority in both houses he couldn�t pass any real legislation and now with the seat from Massachusetts filled with a Republican it will be harder for him to force the country into socialism.

I have a feeling Mike will be doing general interest editorials for the time being, after all blaming everything on Bush made his writing easy although ridicules, pointless and boring. I like his general interest writing but his socialism views are something I can live without.

Wondering

What We Got Here is .... Failure to Commiserate

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 04:55:00 -0700

Cruel Hand Heland - "Yakety yak, you'll be taxed!"

Spike,

"Facing a spike in insurance premiums, Chairman Bob Beck and Supervisor Dan Cahill agreed last week to explore reopening collective bargaining unit contracts. Supervisor Jeff Heland hasn't publicly endorsed the idea."

Employees in the private sector know all about what shortfalls mean. Why should those earning far more for doing the same in the public sector be any different?

They have the man, Cruel Hand Heland, to point his shotgun at taxpayers.

Yakety yak, you'll be taxed.

Dragline

Crooked Danny Carroll Looking For Another Hand to Feed Him

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 04:46:00 -0700

From Satan To The Loony Bin �

Crooks, Thugs, Thieves, Con Men & The Devil - Looks Like Democrats!

When Is the GOP Going to Find Direction?

Apparently, when The Ad Vertiser�s #2 in opinions researched his editorial subject he forgot to hit Google for a clear picture of his affections.

Publisher Steve Delaney�s minion Dale Alison expounded Tuesday on just how important Danny Carroll and his Iowa Family Policy Center�s endorsement might be for former Gov. Terry Branstad�s quest for the Hill.

�..Branstad surely covets Carroll's support and it will be interesting to see how the Republicans' primary fight goes.�

If Due Diligence Dale had done his research he would have found that Brandstad probably isn�t too alarmed about Danny�s endorsement.

You see, Danny Carroll scammed a little old lady out of $50,000 and the lawyer in the deal got disbarred. Both were trying desperately to fill their own pockets when they had an ethical and legal responsibility that was contrary to their own interests.

Attorney �Bisbee was disbarred in 1999, but because he declined to name his partner in crime directly, Carroll largely got off the hook � though not completely: after Bisbee�s disbarment, Carroll �voluntarily� retired from Ramsey-Weeks, the Grinnell real estate firm where he had been employed.�

So my bet is Terry Branstad could care less about Danny Carroll�s endorsement for anything.

But what is more troubling is how similar GOP wannabe Carroll behaves like the local Des Moines County GOP Kommandant Massner. Not in a fighting sense. More of a common view of business practices. Similar to Satan and his co-defendants doing your 'laundry' at the local church.

Due Diligence Dale's opinion on connecting those dots would be a far better read than what a friend we have in Danny.

Spike

Go Ahead Mike - Let It Out - Spew That Rhetoric

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 04:42:00 -0700

Spike,

With all this turmoil in Washington and the Democratic party imploding on a daily basis, why haven�t we heard any local missives from Mike Sweet taking George Bush to task?

You would think Mike has to be terribly disappointed and feeling low because his Obama guy has blown it.

You�d also think he would want to get that weight off his chest. He could tell us how he feels.

Tell us the truth Mike. We know it hurts. The country elected an inexperienced, community organizer progressive Marxist to run this country and he is a miserable failure. He was your guy for hope and change.

Go ahead Mike. Let it out. Take a deep breath.

Spew that rhetoric. We miss it.

HB

Roquette to Pay $1 million Fine for Air-quality Infractions

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 04:41:00 -0700

Roquette America Inc. has agreed to pay a $1 million fine for air-quality infractions at its Keokuk corn-processing plant, tying the biggest air-pollution penalty in Iowa history.

All the News They Don't Know About Until Derailed Puts It In Print

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 04:37:00 -0700

Spike,

"The New York Times is conducting an investigation after a Wall Street and finance reporter was found to have improperly used wording and passages from other news organizations."

While they never quote you, we know where the Ad Vertiser all too often discovers what is happening in Burlington.

Thanks, Spike.

Gray Dowager Down

Market Based Performance Proposed in Marxist Stronghold

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 04:20:00 -0700

Spike,

"The UI should reconsider General Education Fund allocations, factoring in suggestions to tie faculty salary to performance and investing in more programs to bring in tuition revenue, a task force said Monday."

Incentives to perform in academia, what is the Marxist/Leninist ideal coming to? This must not be permitted.

If meeting the needs of the market becomes expected of public employees at University of Iowa, it could spread to public employees in Des Moines County. Where is Senator Courtney? He better nip this in the bud.

Dublay LaDip

I noticed one of the comments verbalized Deming's thoughts on performance. Deming wrote all that years ago before minimum standards became a norm and not an exception.

Some bonehead that never moved beyond the hallways.

Spike

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 04:00:00 -0700

Cost of Government Funding

11.5% Flat Tax Would Fix It

Tough Fixes

Tea Party - "Old White People"

Government Employees Public Enema #2

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 05:35:00 -0700

Spike

Letter written by Revolted is correct. It is extortion when you take more property taxes and money right out of the pockets of our citizens and give it to our local government employees in rising pay and benefit cost.

They put it on our tax bill and we have little choice, but to pay it or they take our property. Why should they get $1200 per month in Free health insurance? It should not cost that much. Raise their deductible and have them co-pay a little.

Their pensions are increasing every year based on their increasing annual pay. This is causing a tax increase to pay for it.

There is no way we can keep up with this. They are hurting all local small businesses because people have less to spend. We can't trust management because they are benefiting too and have been the ones to let it happen. They are cozy with the City/County workers.

Privatize and layoffs are the only answer to fix this mess.

ABC

Pass the Collection Plate for Unemployed Politicians

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 05:15:00 -0700

Spike,

"Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum plans to return to Iowa next month to headline the spring fund-raiser for the Iowa Christian Alliance, aides to the Republican said today."

I see your friend in Des Moines is holding up potential Presidents for money again. Have you donated?

With the laundromat in Burlington under surveillance, where should big donors send their donations so nobody knows where the pay off came from?

ML

That weasel Laundromat Operator and Pay for Play Satan Steve Scheffler ain't no friend of mine. You can tell the caliber of speaker by the details. "Former" politician, 800 miles from home better be careful where he does his laundry.

I guess we shouldn't be concerned. In a few months Satan will be preachin' from inside the walls along with his co-conspirators.

I'm telling you, if you want to put a wrinkle in the cloud just offer that reward for the GOP headquarters' hard drives. Santorum will be speaking to a vacant room. If he even shows up.

Spike

Global Burlington

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 04:50:00 -0700

Spike,

"Colleagues say that the reason Professor Phil Jones has refused Freedom of Information requests is that he may have actually lost the relevant papers."

Global warming has become global cover up. When your political objective melts down, or runs out of steam, destroy all records. This sounds like Slime Minister Slagle and all records of the should not have been secret meeting to sue the railroad.

Professor Phil Jones maybe looking for a new line of work when all is said and done. Is there a place for the good professor with the City of Burlington, the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission, of some other local political entity?

JH

Earning Public Funded Health Care

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 04:50:00 -0700

Spike,

"Inmates in Black Hawk County will begin filling potholes tomorrow as part of a cooperative effort between the City of Waterloo and the county sheriff's office."

Will we ever see such cooperation here?

GH

Ronald McDonald - You Deserve a Brick Today

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 04:34:00 -0700

Spike,

"Police arrested Ronald McDonald for possession of marijuana and allowing others to use drugs at his residence on Sunday."

How long until one of Burlington's entrepreneurs opens up a South Central drive through window? With all the talent Tapp and Hinkle have brought to town, it is only a matter of time.

McHashburgler

Public Servant Crooks - Enema Anyone?

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 05:20:00 -0700

Spike:

The city and county have been double dipping off the taxpayer for years by stashing unused benefit monies in their personal Oppenheimer funds or other funds.

Those that don�t take insurance benefits should not be getting the money it should go back to the general fund. Des Moines County public servants have been robbing the taxpayer for years through their insurance, their grossly exaggerated salaries and yearly holidays all of which exceed their worth.

I say lets outsource every public service job in the county until the unions are gone and wages and benefits can return to what their worth rather than what they can steal from the taxpayer. Government unions are the scourge of the working man and woman forced to pay extortion style taxes; so government employees can live the good life.

This is all caused by the dimwitted elected officials here in Des Moines County who themselves are stealing from the taxpayer such as the Supervisors getting benefits and $36,000 a year for a mini part time job. Then the city council rolls over for their buddies in the unions by giving them everything including the farm without even considering what it cost the taxpayer.

Screw all the one party scumbags elected to office in Des Moines County because they're all worthless free loaders. If they were going to give Iowa an enema they�d stick it in Burlington; right where it belongs.

Revolted

Government Employee Double Dipping Needs To Stop - Today

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 04:58:00 -0700

Spike,

There was a letter in Sunday's Des Moines Register written by BL Burnett. Burnett is a retired government employee. Burnett hit the nail on the head as he responded to a recent article in the Register about government employees 'Double Dipping" and abusing the taxpayers.

Burnett said that it was unfair because the retired government employee already has a pension, they have an insider advantage because they know the staff and the people that do the hiring. He also said in some cases the job was designed so only the retired employee would be qualified with his/her experience to get the job. He also said many citizens are unemployed and need the job, and the double dippers take this opportunity. He said the government retired employee with the good pension, should look for places to volunteer, but if they want employment, to seek it away from government jobs.

This guy gets it. This is happening in Burlington and Des Moines County. The excuse is, these retired people have the experience. They also have the inside track because they know the staff. Experience? Did these retired employees have the experience when they started out? No, they were given an opportunity when they were young and needed the job for their families. Now they take the opportunity from the younger person that needs the job. Our elected officials and City/County management should not have allowed this. More young people leave the area because they can't find employment. I wonder why.

Burlington Resident

President Obama's Official Twitterer Connected To MoveOn.org

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 04:20:00 -0700

The woman that poses as Barack Obama on all his social networking websites such as Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter is connected to the far-left organization MoveOn.org.

....NOI's original Organizing Director was Zack Exley. For those of you who might not recognize the name, you can check out his lengthy entry at Discover The Networks.

But suffice to say that Mr. Exley is an activist with the domestic terrorists known as the Ruckus Society. He has also worked as an undercover labor union organizer.

However, his great online achievement was his creation of a �phishing� site, which pretended to be the official website for George Bush."

STS-130 Endeavour Closing On International Space Station

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 04:11:00 -0700

Shuttle Silhouette

In a very unique setting over Earth's colorful horizon, the silhouette of the space shuttle Endeavour is featured in this photo by an Expedition 22 crew member on board the International Space Station, as the shuttle approached for its docking on Feb. 9 during the STS-130 mission.

Image Credit: NASA

Party On!

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 05:45:00 -0700

Party guest from left to right: Tim Geithner, John Kerry, KSM, Oprah, Nancy Pelosi, Joe Biden, Axelrod, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, Party Crashers #1, Rahm Emanuel, Eric Holder, Party Crashers #2, Harry Reid, John Edwards, Bluto, Andy Stern, Bill Clinton, Chris Matthews, Keith Olbermann, Barney Frank, Kevin Jennings

Statues left to right: Che Guevara, Saul Alinsky, Obama, Chairman Mao, Lenin

Click Here for the interactive version.

City County Insurance Abuse

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 05:30:00 -0700

Spike,

Is that true about Cahill taking the insurance money? That's disappointing after what he said when he first went into office.

The more the monthly insurance premium goes up, the more money for those taking the money for extra retirements. They actually benefit more when the cost is higher. They had no incentive to keep premiums down. Some insurance board members City and County (employees) have taken the cash. They make the rules.

It use to be that they got the difference from the single to the family plan. If single is $400.00 per month and family is $1200.00 they could take $800.00 per month. that is how it use to work according to County courthouse workers. I heard two downtown businessmen discussing this. They thought it was wrong and was surprised the Hawkeye wasn't all over this. They are asleep on the issues.

Add that up over 30 years. Two retirements is correct. Maybe Bev Hunter or Jeff Heland that have abused this taxpayer funded health insurance to build another retirement will write in and tell us how much money a month that they get. The downtown private sector people know who is filling their pockets. Tax businesses and residents more so some of these people can have two retirements.

Paying our own!

From what we hear Carol Copeland won't release the data.

Spike

How Long Before One of These Lights Up Central Avenue?

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 05:23:00 -0700

Fourteen weapons, including a rocket launcher, were seized when Chicago police executed multiple search warrants in the West Side's Austin neighborhood, police said today.

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 05:12:00 -0700

Heland is Lost In Double Dipping

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 05:30:00 -0700

Spike

I agree with you. Jeff Heland is always quick to call the radio shows when he wants to talk about himself. And we all know he is full of himself.

From what County courthouse people say, Heland is cashing in on this family health insurance.

Fred at KCPS or the Hawkeye should ask Heland how much money he is putting into a special retirement fund from his insurance premiums. It's legalized stealing from a plan put in place by the insurance board made up of employees that wanted to take the money.

There are City hall people taking the cash too. These same people are the ones negotiating the contracts.

Conflict of interest? Absolutely!

People would be shocked if they knew how much money was in some of these personal accounts that was taxed for health insurance needs. They will have double retirements. How they sleep at night is beyond me.

I think we could trust a crook more than some of these people that we are supposed to trust. I have lost respect for all of them.

Sheriff Johnstone has run up his dept budget too. I wish Behne would run again and straighten that dept out. At least he would work 40 hours.

And all that commotion about Cahill and his insurance was smoke and mirrors. He is plowing his county paid health insurance premium right into a retirement account along the same way as Heland.

Lost respect for them all

Burlington - City of Losers - Led By a Loser

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 05:15:00 -0700

Spike:

One thing we do know, Burlington has the stupidest city council, mayor and city manger known to man, save for the congress of the United States. They have no backbone or conscience, otherwise they would never have voted to pay city employees those disgustingly gross salaries stolen from the public under the guise of taxes needed to repair our falling down dump of a city.

They could have told the city employees no raise for the next five years just as easily as giving them everything for nothing, after all it�s only taxpayer money and it grows on trees: so they think.

The voter in Burlington is ignorant by voting in the same revolving door dimwits year after year despite their not having enough brains to get out of the rain.

The mayor is a joke and nothing but a retired fireman who cost the taxpayers over $50,000 for the keys he lost to the schools on his watch. The voter then turns around and elects this known loser to the council and then the council makes him the mayor, something he knows nothing about and they do it twice. Talk about a comedy of errors, Burlington has it all when it comes to losers.

Cascade Bridge is falling down because the city spent the money on the Manor, railroad lawsuit, Iowa�s worst lawyer, employee wage and benefit increases and the worst part - bonus money for the loser managers employed by the city.

The East St. Louis syndrome is gaining ground here in Burlington and soon we�ll be their sister city. Our city hall probably thinks it�s an honor to be similar to East St. Louis. I know it won�t surprise anyone but them.

Miserable

Don't lump Lost Keys Bill Ell into the category of a fireman. Lost Keys is a pathetic liar that got caught lying while deceiving the public.

No real fireman would want Lost Keys anywhere near a real fire.

They couldn't trust him.

Spike

Going Away Are the Buffaloed

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 05:02:00 -0700

Spike,

"The days of union power are long gone in America"

STRIKES and employer-initiated lockouts in America last year were at their lowest since records began, according to new figures published by the Bureau of Labour Statistics."

When will this trend reach here?

GM

Give Illegal Aliens In State Tuition?

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 04:50:00 -0700

Spike,

"A bill in the Iowa House Education Committee could change that.

The bill � the Iowa Opportunities and Workforce Act � would allow undocumented immigrants more access to higher education by charging them the same in-state tuition as their classmates and friends."

Governor Culver fudges figures as Iowa is a billion bucks in the hole. Our regents Universities struggle with cuts as more legal citizens of Iowa try raising their level of education. How to deal with crises?

Give in state tuition to illegal aliens. As usual, a Democrat is behind this solution.

Representative Dennis Cohoon of Burlington is on the House Education Committee. http://www3.legis.state.ia.us/ga/committee.do?id=21&ga=83 Where does our man in Des Moines stand on in state tuition for illegal aliens?

GW

Where does Cahoon stand on this issue? Anybody know?

We couldn't illegally enter Canada and go to school for free. Why should anyone be able to come here and do the same?

Spike

To a Healthier of Des Moines County

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 04:40:00 -0700

Spike,

I totally enjoyed the link to low I. Q. and heart disease. It lifted my spirits.

If the Republicans can not make Heland go away, perhaps a truly massive brain fart on KCPS will do the trick.

Nigh Trou Pill

Heland Sleeping In When Questioned About Healthcare Costs

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 07:14:00 -0700

Spike,

Minutes ago the KCPS - Burlington's Flagship Station 1150 AM - Big Show Fred asked if Jeff Heland was up yet to answer questions about the free family health care bonus offered county employees. Several callers all had similar concerns about these extravagant benefits.

The sound was silence. Heland was sleeping, in-rem, dreaming of a dozen donuts to wash down his breakfast gut buster.

Yesterday, Heland was on the Big Show, blah-blah this and blah-blah that. Telling us all how to think like him.

Jeff, we don't care what you think. You need to do something for the taxpayer that isn't so self-serving for your well being.

Fed Up With Jeff

Beck and Cahill want to revisit cost cutting measures. Heland will be absent for that, too.

Spike

City Employee Pay Raise Totally Unwarranted - Let's Kill Burlington

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 04:45:00 -0700

Spike

The Burlington City Council and Manager Doug Worden made a decision to give all City employees a nice pay raise for the next 5 years. They also included in the contracts, Free family health insurance. Nobody receives this anymore but government employees. This decision was made in poor economic times.

They complain about the growing pension cost, but give them pay raises and hire more people. How smart is that? These employees were very happy with their new contracts, and stated so at the City Council meetings.

Worden even said they had a fun time negotiating and were laughing at the table. It's real funny now isn't it? They (Council) and City management sold out this City and their citizens. Tim, Garry, Jim, Bill and Matt are all responsible. They voted to pass the contracts. They even said what a good deal the City got. Old people will be turning their heat down, cutting back on their medicine and food to pay their property taxes. Bill Ell commented at the meeting, the City employees should receive free insurance because they always have had it. Bill, get your head out of the sand! This is not 1980.

Now, they must raise taxes AND cut services to pay for this very irresponsible action. They should be ashamed of themselves. Take more money from young struggling families and retired people on limited fixed incomes and give it to the over paid government employees. They have already cut services, so don't use that as your annual option.

Rather than, Let's Grow Burlington, Let's kill Burlington. That's what they are doing. The County and School District is as much to blame. Poor management.

Not Surprised

Worden is one of the most irresponsible 4th place jackasses to ever occupy any seat this dumbass ever flops in. To molly coddle this fool is just another step down the road of stupid council moves.

As for Lost Keys Bill Ell, we've always had his incompetence on the job, why settle for anything any better?

Spineless jellyfish have more moral fabric.

Spike

Keep Your Feet Off Our Furniture

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 04:41:00 -0700

Spike

We should inundate the White House with emails demanding that he keep his frigging feet off of our furniture. This arrogant, immature, self-centered man has no sense of honor, or even simple decency.

While this displayed posture is disrespectful in any culture, it should never done in an executive setting. Further, in over half of the cultures of the world, it is recognized not only as disrespectful, but as an extreme insult.

He thinks of himself as a king and not as a servant of the people, occupying our White House for his term in office. Electing him was an enormous mistake and doing so will cost us in many ways, for many generations.

Clogged Arteries and Clouded Minds

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 04:35:00 -0700

Spike,

"LONDON (Reuters) - Intelligence comes second only to smoking as a predictor of heart disease, scientists said on Wednesday, suggesting public health campaigns may need to be designed for people with lower IQs if they are to work."

Should paramedics be present at City Council meetings? Should paramedics be following Heland around?

GH

No wonder GRMC is so successful; they're just waiting for the city council to show up.

Spike

Time for Another Heland Solution

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 04:30:00 -0700

Spike,

"Gov. Chet Culver�s proposed budget is at least $25 million above the state�s legal spending limits largely because of inaccurate calculations, State Auditor David Vaudt said this morning."

If you over spend, you cut back. Not if you are the State of Iowa. Declare your vote buying is balanced. The solution comes after the next election.

Raise taxes just like what Heland made happen. Hope and pray the victims' memory is short term.

Let's take a guess. Voting aye, Courtney, Fraise and Cahoon.

JH

Courage in the Face of Cold Lager

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 04:20:00 -0700

Spike,

"A southern Iowa newspaper editor who was beaten unconscious because of an article he wrote about a local bar's liquor license is suing the bar where he was attacked."

A southern Iowa journalist's reporting on an unruly public house allegedly resulted in unruly action. Another allegedly unruly house is being sued as a consequence.

We have unruly public houses. They are called City Halls, Planning Commissions, etc.

Based on how well we are informed of what goes on, do local journalists have any reason to fear running into inebriated denizens of our unruly houses at a public house?

WWE

Burlington's Reputation - Check Comments

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 04:15:00 -0700

Spike:

The only thing Brian Tapp and Dennis Hinkle attract is unwanted attention to Burlington's plight of self-destruction. Just read the comments posted to the article.

Not Surprised.

Disco Dolls In Hot Skin a Liberal Sin

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 04:00:00 -0700

Spike,

"�The political climate is not conducive for experimentation with ideas of free speech,� said Lyombe Eko, an associate professor of journalism and mass communication."

The tyranny of censorship in the service of political correctness is making great strides. The aging free speechers and free lovers who once wore flowers in their hair are now running the asylum. Nostalgic art and culture must not be seen.

It is not only in Washington where the new age of thought control is being practiced. Banned in Boston has become banned in Iowa City.

What starts with erotic camp will work its way to removing the right of free access to information for all adults.

Deep Throat

Local Political Woes

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 03:49:00 -0700

Spike,

While I don't necessarily disagree with the repeated criticisms of the current leadership in Des Moines County and Burlington, I'm dismayed to think that these "experts" aren't willing to step into the political arena and deliver us from the horrible situation we're currently mired in.

To you who have all the answers I say, "Come one! Come all! Save us from ourselves!" In other words, put up or shut up!

MP

Financial Debt Bombs

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 03:30:00 -0700

R = Reject Heland

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 05:24:00 -0700

What a friend Jeff has in Jesus

Spike,

The Des Moines County Soviet of Decrepit Unions will not take Heland off their ticket. Primary party switching only goes so far. Less than 20 votes made Hoschek history. That will not happen to Heland.

The only alternative is for somebody with fiscal competence to take out papers and run as a Republican. As far as local Republican leadership, they are no help.

Other than amateur fight nights and revival meetings, what have they accomplished for years? They can not prevent anybody registered as Republican from taking out submitting nomination papers with the required number of signatures. Do so and you are on the ballot.

If the candidate fails to swallow the local Republican purple communion kool-aid, let them make another denouncement. Only a tiny number are swallowing what they are selling. Their non endorsement would be an asset.

A candidate will need help from local individuals and organizations sick of stagnation in all but taxation. It will take money and lots of volunteer hours of work. It will not be easy, but it is not impossible.

If Heland is given the heave ho, a solid block of common sense on the County Board of Supervisors would be a signal to the world that Des Moines County is back on track and open for business.

KM

GOP Blocks Obama Labor Board Nominee

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 05:10:00 -0700

"Senate Democrats on Tuesday failed to push through President Barack Obama's choice of a union lawyer to serve on the National Labor Relations Board after two of their own joined Republicans to block the nomination.

By a 52-33 vote, Democrats fell far short of the 60 needed to overcome a GOP filibuster of the nomination of Craig Becker.

...."Mr. Becker's previous statements strongly indicate that he would take an aggressive personal agenda to the NLRB, and that he would pursue a personal agenda there, rather than that of the administration"

Becker, a lawyer for the AFL-CIO and the Service Employees International Union, has spoken favorably on "card check" legislation that would take away the right of employers to demand secret ballot union representation elections. Some of his legal writings suggest that its goals could be accomplished by the NLRB without Congress having to pass the legislation."

Murtha's Epitaph - Crooked To The End

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 04:56:00 -0700

Des Moines County's Despair Curtain

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:48:00 -0700

Spike,

"We need a change in leadership at our local government level or we will continue to get the same results." - County Tax Payer

If you want quality leadership Des Moines County's single provider political system will not deliver it. The Democrats will do nothing about Heland.

The Iron Curtain came down when those suffering rose up. Their sacrifices were far greater than taking the time and getting politically active in Des Moines County.

The longer nobody does anything, the worse it will get.

LW

#9 Most Corrupt Politician "Abscam" Murtha Dead

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:30:00 -0700

Jack Murtha, just named the 9th most corrupt congressmen in modern history, has died. Heland will sing his praises as a Tiger of the Democrats.

Murtha was one of the biggest no good scum bags to occupy Congress and a Marine Corps uniform.

Good riddance!

Caution: Lots of bad words and descriptors for American politicians.

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:16:00 -0700

Obama's Unsustainable Deficit - It's All Bush's Fault - Oh Wait A Minute!

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:08:00 -0700

Start at 5:30 if you're in a hurry and continue to Part 2.

Heland, Not Again

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:36:03 -0700

Spike

We need a change in leadership at our local government level or we will continue to get the same results. Higher property taxes, crumbling infrastructure and less services. I can hear Jeff Heland's campaign slogan as he fights to keep his government job and benefits.

Ask not what your County can do for you, but what can you do for your County? And me. Heland For Supervisor.

County Tax Payer

This campaign slogan? 'Yakety yak, you need taxed.'

Spike

Lookin' to the East

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:20:00 -0700

Spike,

"The pawn broker and owner of a cleaning supplies company won the nomination Tuesday. Since then, it has become widely know that he was accused of abusing his ex-wife and holding a knife to the throat of an ex-girlfriend.

The girlfriend herself had been charged with prostitution. He also admits using steroids in the past."

Our local single party hacks are entertaining at times. However, nepotism, cronyism, graft and plain old incompetence are just plain getting old. Give the Drunk ex-Mayor his due, he was entertaining.

Just look at the former Democrat candidate for Lt. Governor in Illinois. Threatening to slit the throat of your hooker girlfriend beats beating a drunk driving rap all to hell and back. We are so close, but no cigar.

If Gulfport regains its pre-flood glory do you think the entertainment value of our local single party government will improve?

Misty

Lookin' to the East will be insightful this election season. I predict it will be quite insightful to at least one supervisor's re-election bid.

Spike

She's Alive

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:15:00 -0700

Satan Steve Scheffler Sidekick and Co-Defendant Kim Lehman Takes New Position with Stem Cell Research Institute

Des Moines, IA�Kim Lehman, President of Iowa Right to Life, is leaving to take a new position with the John Paul II Stem Cell Research Institute in Iowa City.

Lehman is transitioning this week to John Paul II Stem Cell Research Institute (JP2SRI) and will be responsible in helping the non-profit fulfill its mission in advancing adult stem cell research while promoting medical ethics in regenerative medicine.'

Isn't this that nut job lady you keep talking about? Does this pay better than running a political action committee, or was her old employer getting too much heat over her actions?

GH

The plethora of laundry chutes continues to weave a tangled web. It just illustrates one of W.C. Fields theories; we know what you are, we only needed to determine the price.

Spike

How to Destabilize and Destroy a Country - KGB Mantra Worked

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 05:01:00 -0700

929,000 Unemployed Americans Help Obama

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 05:29:00 -0700

Largest Community Organization Ever In Sector

"In December, 929,000 out-of-work Americans did their part to help the Obama administration, staying out of the official unemployment figures by not looking for a job."

Still The Most Expensive Prostitute in America

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 04:00:00 -0700

Southeastern Iowa Regional Planning Pocket-Lining Agenda

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 08:59:00 -0700

Spike:

The Schockleys' cake wasn�t good enough for Brian Tapp but it doesn�t bother him to waste their tax dollars on his worthless black hole Southeastern Iowa Regional Planning pocket lining agenda.

Once a snake always a snake and you�d of thought Tapp was working for the city or the board of supervisors with the attitude he�s got.

Tapp is a nobody running his shady business off the taxpayer and the Schockleys should just consider the source and then forget about him. Isn�t it once a loser always a loser; so they say?

I still think Haiti�s the place for Tapp and his style of doing tax funded rip-offs.

Disgusted as Usual

Average Federal Worker's Pay - $71,206; Private Sector - $40,331

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 08:30:00 -0700

"The number of federal workers earning six-figure salaries has exploded during the recession, according to a USA TODAY analysis of federal salary data.

...The highest-paid federal employees are doing best of all on salary increases. Defense Department civilian employees earning $150,000 or more increased from 1,868 in December 2007 to 10,100 in June 2009, the most recent figure available.

When the recession started, the Transportation Department had only one person earning a salary of $170,000 or more. Eighteen months later, 1,690 employees had salaries above $170,000."

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 08:15:00 -0700

Nuthin' Says Luvin Like Sumthin' from the Oven

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 08:10:00 -0700

Spike,

"After about five minutes, the couple were told by a SEIRPC employee that the cake would not be accepted and Tapp had declined to meet with them."

You are right. If friends and family cannot lick taxpayer goodies from the bowl, what else should you expect?

If the whole truth is ever revealed, do you think Tapp and the rest of tribe would accept a cake? There could be a file inside.

Betty Crocker

Government Pay in Iowa Totally Out of Control

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 08:05:00 -0700

�Iowa has held...the top spot among states for the largest Pay Gap between government workers and private-sector workers for over two decades.�

Spike:

All your viewers should take a look at this report from the Public Interest Institute at Iowa Wesleyan College. Our state employees are paid 146.61 percent of what the private sector in Iowa earns on average.

This means when a private sector employee earns $35,256 annually that a government employee will earn a 146.61 percent of the private sector person coming out at $51,688 annually.

What this means is Iowa is ranked #1 in the United States for pay gaps between its private employees and government employees. In other words Iowa government employees are grossly overpaid.

Iowa government is grossly overpaid for the quality of management we receive for our state. Iowa government salaries should be reduced by at least 30% which would bring the state into range of the taxpayer in the private sector. In other words the way it is now the private sector taxpayer is not getting any bang for its buck from state government.

Please read this report.

Totally Disgusted

Government Pay in Iowa Totally Out of Control 2

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 08:00:00 -0700

Spike:

Disappointed In Our Officials should take a look at the attached table that will show how Iowa city county and state government are raping the Iowa private sector to line their pockets with over pay and benefits.

Iowa government employees are living the life of Riley while the private sector employee is robbed to pay for it. Government unions are destroying our way of life through their greed with the help of Democrats.

Now the brain dead democrats in Des Moines want to reinforce the unions by doing away with our right to work laws as payoff to the scum bag government unions for their support.

Why do Iowans continue to support the same people that are ruining their lives? Many Iowans gave up their lives in wars to prevent the take over of our government by thieves, liars and crooks namely Democrats and unions rubbing each others back to the detriment of the private citizen.

Wake up Iowa and look at what the Democrats and unions have done to our state by looking at the attached table for Iowa below.

Disgusted

Thanks for sending this. Never fail to realize that people like Jeff Heland, Tim Hoschek, Lost Keys Bill Ell, Dandy Jim Davidson, our ex-drunk mayor Mike Edwards, Springsted crooked bond salesman Bruce Slagle, Mini-Me Crook Doug Worden, Brian Tapp and the revolving door of tax and spend Democrats contributed their undivided efforts to this mess.

Spike

Brown sworn in as US senator; takes Kennedy's seat

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 07:45:00 -0700

Kennedy's Burnt Bridge Finally Gone

"Republican Scott Brown took over the seat of the late Massachusetts Sen. Edward Kennedy on Thursday, vowing to be an independent voice in a bitterly divided Senate.

"I can't promise I will be right in every vote I make. ... I will do the very best job I can," Brown told reporters.

Brown was sworn-in by Vice President Joe Biden at a Capitol Hill ceremony a week earlier than he originally planned, and just in time to plunge into a partisan fight over President Barack Obama's choice of a union attorney for a top labor job. "

�Supported by Video Evidence; Ignored, Insulted & Eventually Proven Correct�

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 07:43:00 -0700

"The Word Game/Vague Game � Marxist � Progressive - Liberal � Progressive - Populist"

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 07:42:00 -0700

Challenger Accident

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 07:40:00 -0700

The four-minute film, shot by optometrist Jack Moss, brings an entirely new perspective to the terrible event which killed a team of seven, including science teacher Christa McAuliffe, who had been chosen by NASA to become the first civilian in space.

Let Tapp Eat Cake Crumbs In The Dark With The Cockroaches

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 06:15:00 -0700

Spike,

That guy Brian Tapp from regional planning sounds like a real idiot. He refuses to meet with two local business people in his lobby along with a Hawkeye reporter and photographer. And he refuses their cake.

Only a mindless nitwit would refuse free cake.

That's un-American and terribly rude.

GH

Keep in mind Tapp is the same nitwit that sucks up bags of taxpayer money and redistributes it to worthless family and church projects.

Why would he try to save any money when he is building his monument in Uncle Hans' backyard.

Spike

City Pay and Free Insurance

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 06:10:00 -0700

Spike

Just a question for our City management and the City Council. There was an article in this weeks Des Moines Register about the State union workers. They were told at their last contract that they could not have pay raises and free health insurance. Not both. The State could not afford it. They chose the free health insurance.

Why did our City council and City manager agree to 5 years of FREE health insurance and nice pay raises? For the next 5 years?

Our Burlington City management should never have done this. We can't afford it. It will increase taxes or cut services to our citizens.

Then they have the guts to blame the State for all of their troubles. Do they think this is fair to burden the citizens of Burlington so they can have more money and benefits? Government is too big and too expensive. It is killing the economy.

The public pension system will either break everybody trying to keep up or it will go broke at the rate it is headed. There will be massive layoffs in the future because the union contracts are too costly. Our community is not better for it. There are citizens sacrificing and suffering right now. It sure is not local government employees.

Thank you for this forum. There are a lot of citizens reading it and discussing the issues.

Disappointed in our Officials

If you think this is bad wait just until Heland uncovers his next 4-year spendaholic crime spree campaign promise to city employees to get their vote.

Spike

An "Interrupter" By Any Other Name

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 06:05:00 -0700

From the Ad Vertiser�s newest cub, Jermaine Pigee; not found online but found in iowa's Oldest (and thinnest) News in Print:

"When a doctor needs medication, my job will be to find the closest medication that works for each patient," she said. "Then I have to go through an interrupter and explain and hope the patient understands how to take the medication and hope that if there is medication that must be taken with food, the patient has food to take it with. That's an issue in itself."

Interrupter

Interpreter

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Blackwell

HS2 Jonathan Edwards, MSST 91112, and ET1 Leroy Marcel, MSST Miami, provide translation (interpreter) and medical assistance to American citizens awaiting transport back to the U.S., Jan. 18, 2010.

"Ten Most Wanted Corrupt Politicians" for 2009

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 06:00:00 -0700

Judicial Watch Announces List of Washington's "Ten Most Wanted Corrupt Politicians" for 2009

1. Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT)
2. Senator John Ensign (R-NV)
3. Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA)
4. Secretary of Treasury Timothy Geithner
5. Attorney General Eric Holder
6. Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-IL)/ Senator Roland Burris (D-IL)
7. President Barack Obama
8. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)
9. Rep. John Murtha (D-PA) and the rest of the PMA Seven - Murtha�s son and Peter J. Visclosky (D-IN.), James P. Moran Jr. (D-VA), Norm Dicks (D-WA.), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), C.W. Bill Young (R-FL.)and Todd Tiahrt (R-KS.)
10. Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY)

Schools Aqua Park & Depot

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 05:55:00 -0700

Spike

The Burlington Community School District rec'd a grant for $4,079,671.00 dollars. Out of that a $1,573,499.00 grant was used to provide special education for children with disability and support struggling reading students.

Do you think Oak St. got any of this money or are we going to start building another school?

I see the city paid Two Rivers Bank and General obligation &Interest for the aquatic note for their $1,738,037.78. I hope this was the final payment because we've lost enough principal and interest on this loan due to city leaders failure to understand business.

Mr. Worden wants to move to the depot, I would advise him to figure in the price of sound proofing, we don't want those pesky trains making any noise when they go by.

I think we need some independents running for city, state and federal governments.

Another disgusted taxpayer

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 05:51:06 -0700

Sound is out of sync -

Choo Choo DeJa Vu

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 04:10:00 -0700

Spike,

Another piece of no longer used railroad real estate. Another illegal secret government meeting over its fate. What did the "without merit" railroad shops lawsuit cost us?

Even if the City backs away moving to the depot, there are still some questions that must be answered. Who is pushing this proposal and why? Is this a smoke screen to justify the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission buying a facility far in excess of their needs? Do cronies stand to profit at public expense if the move goes through?

What was discussed at the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission meeting that the public was barred from? Are the answers to these questions known only to those at that meeting?

Whatever happened to rule of law? Where is law enforcement? For that matter, whatever happened to a free press telling us more than the price of lettuce at Hy-Vee?

CP

Good Riddance to Worden & Tapp's City Hall to Depot Plot

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 04:08:00 -0700

Get the Manor developed and Cascade bridge done first

Spike

I think it was a wise move for the city council to rid this dumb idea to move City Hall to the Depot. Matt Murray was right! I have not heard any citizens say they thought this was a good idea, except Delaney at The Hawkeye. The Hawkeye was pushing this. They should report the news, and both sides of an issue and let their readers decide. They lobby for the projects that they support. The public and their readers then get one sided information. They would not admit to this, but it is the truth.

Delaney had an editorial a few weeks ago about families should cut up their credit cards and live within their means. It was actually a good editorial about financial management. When it comes to City projects that he wants done, no end to borrowing and no common sense to spending?

My suggestion is: If Delaney and The Hawkeye think it is such a good investment, good location, good return on their money, let them develop it. There is sound reasons why no private business has developed the Depot in 25 years.

Our City Council needs to listen to the public and not just special interest groups.

Get the Manor developed and Cascade bridge done first.

Burlington Resident

FEMA Dumped Means Dumped, Not Recycled

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 04:05:00 -0700

Spike:

Why in the hell would city hall think they�d be better off down in the flood plain? Who ever dreamed up such an idea needs to be thrown out of town after being tarred and feathered?

Where does Burlington come up with these lame brained people that have contaminated our public service jobs?

Why don�t Tapp and his den of dimwits head on down to Haiti where they would be welcomed with open arms and could live with people that have similar ideas for creating income.

All the local taxpayer funded entities are stealing the taxpayer blind with the exception of the Salvation Army, in my opinion. That Tapp character leaves a lot to be desired because anyone that hangs around with Slagle, Worden, Heland and other has-been public servants surely can�t be too gifted between the ears.

I�ve heard that SEIRP isn�t even paying the landfill in Des Moines County where they�ve been dumping concrete from Oakville in a special place so it can be redeemed at a later date. In other words, it would appear the landfill is just storing the concrete which will be retrieved at a later date for use by a �phantom� business or the county or the city. In the mean time, what happened to the money set aside to pay for the dumping fees? Dumped means dumped, not recycled.

Is there no one keeping tabs on what SEIRP does with its taxpayer funds? Just another example of no accountability or responsibility by taxpayer funded personnel here in Des Moines County and Burlington.

Where�s FEMA when corruption is running rampart throughout the county?

Disconsolate

A Curse Upon Ye Evangelicals

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 04:00:00 -0700

Spike,

""The evangelicals are in control and they take everything for themselves," he claimed. "They have the advantage that they control the airport where everything is stuck. They take everything they get to their own people and that's a shame."

Is there a correlation with the disaster in Haiti and the single party, tax and spend disaster we are suffering from?

PD

Yes, but a lot more VooDoo and smoke.

Spike

Trousil Neck Deep in Tapp Building Deal

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 03:58:00 -0700

Spike,

I've been hearing stories at the coffee shop that West B mayor Trousil is neck deep in the Raider building deal regional planning is trying to buy. The story is that Tapp and Trousil are joined at the hip through family relatives and it's an insider deal all the way.

And why have we all of a sudden heard that there needs to be a business incubator? Is that the set up for Tapp to justify his $1 million dollar building? Or, is it the dodge to go to city hall and go steal more taxpayer money?

Just pass the Kool-Aid. It will be easier if I'm delirious.

just give me the cup

Why the Rush to the Station?

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 04:50:00 -0700

Spike,

Down by the depot
Taxpayers in mourning
See the little pocket liners
All in a row.

Something is odd about the sudden rush and illegal secrecy surrounding moving City Hall to the old railroad station. That building has languished for decades.

Who stands to make money from moving City Hall to the old depot? How does Tapp and Southeast Regional Planning tie in? If the taxpayers end up taken for a ride, that is probably of no concern.

Are there any public information records showing everybody involved? Knowing local compliance with public access to public information, it may take the U. S. Marshalls to get it. It may take a forensic specialist with access to pertinent hard drives. That is, if the hard drives do not end up on a burglary report first.

SB

I smell a turd and dandruff shampoo that reminds me of Springsted's Crooked Bond Salesman Bruce Slagle.

Spike

Doug Worden Will Need His Speedos

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 04:45:00 -0700

Another Dumb Ass Disaster From the Folks In City Hall

Brian Tapp Can't Afford To Move

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 04:40:00 -0700

Spike,

I have two questions about Brian Tapp and Hans Trousil.

If Tapp can't gather enough earnest money ($55K) for a $1 million dollar building, how's Tapp going to cover the operating expenses to run a 35,000 sf building, utilities alone? Regional planning occupies 3500 sf now and according to the paper he needs about 6,000 sf. So how does Tapp justify spending the money for utilities to keep 14,000 sf of unoccupied office space heated?

Secondly, has Hans Trousil abstained from voting on anything to do with the Raider building since he and Tapp are related; or at least were?

Seems to me it would be a far better idea for Tapp and regional planning to move to the depot. When it floods, the city can loan him a couple of boat docks or have Mike Sweet come down with his johnboat singin' "Sittin On The Dock of the Bay."

GH

Obama's Radical Training for Interns

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 04:35:00 -0700

Training Radicals Instead of Educating Children

"By the way Cathy.. your candidate (McCain) will keep your Dad in Iraq for 100 years."

If you read through the application form for the Organizing for America (OFA) intern program you will find on page 4 Suggested Readings, a few books a prospective intern should read before their internship.

The books are manuals written for training radicals. A good example - Rules for Radicals by vowed Marxist Saul Alinsky - "The end justifies the means."

Furthermore, the NEA - National Education Association - is promoting Saul Alinsky's books on their Recommended Reading page.

I don't know if this crap is being handed out in any local school system. But if it is let us know. We will pursue this. We will print any teacher's name that strives to promote this type of indoctrination on children.

We will expose this nonsense.

Spike

Satan Scheffler Leading GOP to Election Hell

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 04:25:00 -0700

Spike,

GOP Satan Steve Scheffler is clinging to his perverse ideas of litmus testing candidates. Here's a post from his Gates of Hell Facebook page:

"RNC's Platform Fidelity Resolution

Below is a letter written by the Republican National Committee Man from Indiana, James Bopp Jr. The subject of the letter is a resolution that was recently passed at the Winter meeting of the Republican National Committee. Please read his letter as well as the NY Times article about the same.

Republican and Conservative Leaders and Activists:

At its Winter Meeting last week, the Republican National Committee adopted an important and historic resolution "concerning party support for candidates." Sponsored by Bill Crocker of Texas, the unanimously-adoptedresolution calls on all Republican Party leaders "to carefully screen" all candidates and to "determine that they wholeheartedly support the core principles and positions of the Republican Party as expressed in the Platform" and urges that "no support, financial or otherwise, be given to candidates who clearly do not support the core principles and positions of the Republican Party as expressed in the Platform."

This is the first time that the RNC hastaken stepsto ensure that Republican candidates are faithful to the Republican Platform. It empowers the RNC Chairman to consider the positions of candidates on issues and to deny funding to those candidates who are clearly out of the mainstream of our Party. As Mr Crocker said after the resolution's adoption: "No more Scozzafavas, please. No more Specters, please. No more Chafees, please."

State and local Republican parties, the National Republican Congressional Committee and National Republican Senatorial Committee are independent organizations and the resolution is not binding on them. The RNC, however, is calling all Republican leaders to follow the RNC lead. After all, what each of us does effects everyone.

With the adoption of thePlatform Fidelity Resolution, I withdrew from consideration the Reagan Resolution and the Accountability Resolution, since the Platform Fidelity Resolution accomplishes our goalofdemonstrating that this party isserious about standing for our principles, so thatdisaffected conservatives, such as tea partymembers, will be comfortableworking with usin defense of freedom,and gainwidespread support."

TP

What a load! If these morons think this is a winning strategy then strap on ObaMao for 4 more.

Spike

Oak Street Syndrome Over Seas

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 04:20:00 -0700

Spike:

"According to the company, only 4.2% of India�s engineers are fit to work in a software product firm, and just 17.8% are employable by an IT services company, even with up to six months� training. A larger share could cope in business-process outsourcing (call centres and the like). These findings are even gloomier than the 25% figure for employability that has been bandied about since 2005, when McKinsey released the results of a survey of international companies."

At what point do those developing, India, surpass we the declining?

IG

Two Rivers Financial Profiteering On Taxpayer Money

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 04:13:00 -0700

Spike,

I�ve been looking thru the Tarp funds bailout and noticed that Two Rivers Financial Group got 12million dollars in Tarp funds. Well this wasn�t going to help anyone.

What they did with the money was Purchase-Preferred Stock w/Exercised Warrants. I don�t see where they were in financial trouble and this was just for personal gain.

They were just using the taxpayers� money to make a profit in the stock market. They have rec'd two dividends in the amount of $301,566.00.

I wonder if our city officials have any money in the financial group? It looks like something they would do. It�s too bad the taxpayers can't get money like this for there's not much of a downside to investing it.

In closing they have not paid any of this money back to date.

Disgusted as hell

Yeah, but look at all the small business loans they've made trying to do their part to reverse the economic downturn and help local businesses. And how they lowered the fees they charge to their customers.

They're the pinnacle of community greed. There is no difference between Two Rivers Financial Group and any Wall Street Bank other than their balance sheet; it's smaller. But still greedy.

Opportunists. They had the opportunity to make money off the taxpayers and they took it.

There are a lot of banks in Burlington. Pick one that didn't drop snout down the taxpayer trough.

Spike

Report: TARP Failing to Meet Goals

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 04:09:00 -0700

"The quarterly report said that because of TARP, "there are clear signs that aspects of the financial system are far more stable than they were at the height of the crisis in the fall of 2008."

But the report also stated that "many of TARP's stated goals... have simply not been met" and that the potential for a new crisis looms without major reforms.

"Even if TARP saved our financial system from driving off a cliff back in 2008, absent meaningful reform, we are still driving on the same winding mountain road, but this time in a faster car," the report said."

Imagine that.

Spike

Obama Recruiting Radicals in High School

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 03:55:00 -0700

"Barack Obama is using our public school system to recruit for his Alinsky-inspired private army. Organizing for America (OFA), formerly Obama For America, is recruiting in our high schools to �build on the movement that elected President Obama by empowering students across the country to help us bring about our agenda� � that is, his agenda of socialism for the United States of America.

Chuck, a reader of my website AtlasShrugs.com, has a daughter in the eleventh grade in a public high school, Perry Local in Massillon, Ohio. The teacher in her government class passed out a propaganda recruiting paper � headed with Obama�s distinctive �O� logo � asking students to sign up as interns for Organizing for America.

You can see the entire intern recruiting form at AtlasShrugs.com."

Back For Another Limited Engagement

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 04:21:00 -0700

Tapp, Tapp - Who's There?

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 13:05:29 -0700

Spike:

Q: Why didn't the drug pusher cross the road?
A: Tapp gave him a bus ride.

Q: Whatever happened to Cabrini Green?
A: Tapp is rebuilding it in Burlington.

Q: Why didn't Tapp become a park ranger at the Grand Canyon?
A: Tapp can't stand being near anything he can't close and cover up.

Q: Why do Mayor Ell and City Manager Worden want to sell Tapp City Hall?
A: So the rats and roaches won't need to move.

So It Goes

Brian Tapp Knows It All � �That�s Why We Regularly Violate The Iowa Law�

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 05:01:00 -0700

The Room Was Filled With Tapp�s Criminal Co-Defendants

�When questioned about the closed session, Brian Tapp, SEIRPC executive director, responded: "I think enough of us around the table have been experienced with this (closed sessions), so we know what we can and what we can't do."

It should come as no surprise that Nit Wit BrianTapp and his board of criminal directors are running around out of control as they have so many times before. This time, Tapp�s buddy wanted more earnest money to secure his tickets to the Super Bowl.

Illegal closed session meetings involving Tapp, Lost Keys Bill Ell, Kommandant Trousil should come as no surprise to anyone. This isn�t the first time for any of these criminals nor will it be the last. They do whatever they want whenever they want to do it without any regard.

All someone has to do to stop this madness is sue Tapp and regional planning. It�s easy pickins.

The rest of Iowa marches to a different drum. Tapp and the rest of these jackasses march around like little kids in the sandbox.

That statement was a mischaracterization. Sorry.

They are little kids playing in the sandbox with poopy diapers not realizing their diapers are poopy and not caring that their diapers are poopy. It just feels good to �em.

Spike

Taxpayers pay $101,000 for Pelosi's in-flight 'food, booze'

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 04:45:00 -0700

Total Bill For The Parisian Prostitute for 2 Years - $2.1 Million for in-Flight Expenses

"It reads like a dream order for some wild frat party: Maker's Mark whiskey, Courvoisier cognac, Johnny Walker Red scotch, Grey Goose vodka, E&J brandy, Bailey's Irish Cr�me, Bacardi Light rum, Jim Beam whiskey, Beefeater gin, Dewars scotch, Bombay Sapphire gin, Jack Daniels whiskey � and Corona beer.

But that single receipt makes up just part of the more than $101,000 taxpayers paid for "in-flight services" � including food and liquor, for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's trips on Air Force jets over the last two years. That's almost $1,000 per week.

Documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by Judicial Watch, which investigates and prosecutes government
corruption, show that the Pelosi incurred expenses of some $2.1 million for her use of Air Force jets for travel over that time."

Government Unions Killing Economy

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 04:40:00 -0700

Spike:

Here�s another problem that makes living in Burlington as a non-government employee a losing proposition.

In Burlington as in other cities across the nation government unions have taken over the landscape making them the largest block of union members in the country. Private sector unions are down to 7.4 million member�s nation wide while government unions, like a cancer have spread until they now account for 37.4 percent of all government employees.

So, when Burlington has a vote for something the unions want they can just vote it in because Burlington has a low private sector voter IQ coupled with a large entitlement population reinforced by a large government union membership. We have the teachers unions, city unions, fire and police unions, county unions and on and on and on. These unions mean only one thing and that�s their dedication to lining their own pockets at the expense of the people they supposedly work for. Unions must be thrown out of the government sector before anything will improve for the taxpayer.

On top of the unions we have 60 percent of the population paying all the taxes so the other 40 percent can have a life without any value added by them or their offspring.

Just look at the school lunch programs here in Burlington where it can be over 50% of the children getting free or subsidized meals. This shows just how poor a city is when the population can�t even feed itself or the money goes for drugs and partying rather than life�s necessities. Look at the school dropout rate or failure to graduate rate, it�s just disgraceful and goes to show how our tax dollars are wasted here in Burlington.

We have public employees messing up constantly and then getting raises and free benefits year after year. Des Moines County and Burlington government employees are irresponsible, unaccountable and nothing more than wards of the taxpayer. We have double dipping by retired city employees, county employees and state employees all of which take jobs away from those who need them.

What the unions did to the auto industry is being duplicated by government employees who are ruining the lives of all non-union employees through their excessive pay, unaccountability and privileged life styles.

Government unions are just as devastating to the private sector employee as the plague was back in the mid 1300�s. Remember government unions are a cancer eating away at our paychecks. Government is basically a non-value added entity unlike private sector employment that adds value to its labors.

It is sickening how much our city pays for its inadequate city management and no one on the counsel or anywhere else in city government is accountable or responsible. We have losers running our city, county, and state. The education system is also a mess and out of control. Most of these management positions could be outsourced, an option that would raise the standards from what they currently are.

Amazed

IAM Union Cost Boeing $3.5 Billion In Strike Costs

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 04:30:00 -0700

Spike,

That was a great Boeing ad. The taxpayers need to tell their congressmen to endorse Boeing for the tanker contract. No excuses.

Boeing is the United States largest exporter. Last year the IAM cost Boeing $3.5 BILLION dollars in lost sales with their strike. I'll bet not one of those knot heads have a clue how many airplanes Boeing has to sell to make up for those lost sales.

Thanks for a place to air my opinion.

LTC

The IAM doesn't care how much they cost Boeing.

Spike

Culver Loebsack Express Derailed

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 04:20:00 -0700

Spike,

"Iowa officials have been turned down in their bid to obtain federal money to help establish two passenger trains operating daily between Chicago and eastern Iowa, the White House confirmed late Wednesday."

It looks like the Zephyr through Burlington is safe, for now. Don't get comfortable. These voter buyers will be back and as usual, Burlington will be moved to the back of the bus.

BCR

USAir 1549 'Miracle In the Hudson' Flight Simulation

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 04:15:00 -0700

Click Here for a full screen. HD also available.

For a different perspective of the behind the scenes activity, Click Here.

Also, the simulation creator's website.

Logic & Math - Obama Doesn't Add Up Either Way

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 04:10:00 -0700

Obama's Lobbyists Admission Refused

Obama's Enemy List: The Big Banks - Really?

Obama's Enemy List Filed With His Staff

Obama's Blue Ribbon Economic Advisors? The All Came From Goldman Sachs!

ETL (End of The LIne) Burlington

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 04:00:00 -0700

Historically Honoring His Ex-Honor

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 03:54:00 -0700

Spike,

LDV's suggestion of a bronze monument to what Bud Light bestowed upon Burlington bears consideration. Where to put the statue of Burlington's first mayor to resign from office?

Assuming the old depot becomes our new City Hall, put his ex-Honor's statue there. It would be of appropriate historical significance.

Next to the door that served as the direct entrance to what was Grier's Restaurant would be perfect. Grier's was the great post-Gulfport gathering place in its heyday.

If Dougie Worden gets his Lionel accessory City Hall, rent out the old Grier's location for a bar and grill. It would be much more convenient for making the real decisions effecting our future after official City Council meetings are adjourned.

K. C. Jones

Who Lied? Obama or Alito?

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 03:50:00 -0700

President Wrong on Citizens United Case
posted by [Bradley A. Smith]

"Tonight the president engaged in demogoguery of the worst kind, when he claimed that last week's Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v. FEC, "open[ed] the floodgates for special interests � including foreign corporations � to spend without limit in our elections. Well I don't think American elections should be bankrolled by America's most powerful interests, or worse, by foreign entities."

The president's statement is false.

The Court held that 2 U.S.C. Section 441a, which prohibits all corporate political spending, is unconstitutional. Foreign nationals, specifically defined to include foreign corporations, are prohibiting from making "a contribution or donation of money or ather thing of value, or to make an express or implied promise to make a contribution or donation, in connection with a Federal, State or local election" under 2 U.S.C. Section 441e, which was not at issue in the case. Foreign corporations are also prohibited, under 2 U.S.C. 441e, from making any contribution or donation to any committee of any political party, and they prohibited from making any "expenditure, independent expenditure, or disbursement for an electioneering communication.."

This is either blithering ignorance of the law, or demogoguery of the worst kind."
� Bradley A. Smith is Josiah H. Blackmore II/Shirley M. Nault Designated Professor of Law at Capital University Law School

$35 Billion Dollars - Boeing or Airbus?

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 03:49:00 -0700

The World ain't no frog pond.

10th Amendment Grants Power to States for Healthcare - Not Congress

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 03:48:00 -0700

Play Compare & Contrast Radicals - Progressives or Teabaggers?

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 03:45:00 -0700

Satan ICA Steve Scheffler Gonna Bust a Move to Jail?

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 03:30:00 -0700

Can we see a pattern here?

Spike,

"Republican National Committeeman Steve Scheffler was shockingly not elected as a delegate to the next convention by his own caucus. I�m not sure what that means. Was it a logistical oversight? Was it something else? Scheffler has been one of the better grassroots organizers in Iowa politics for years, which is how he won his National Committeman seat last year in the first place. One little birdie guessed that �Scheffler is probably caught between Branstad/establishment people that don�t like him because he�s not their guy and conservatives who think he doesn�t stand up for them enough.� I contacted Scheffler for comment but he didn�t respond."

Do those who know him best like him least?

MK

After reading the Des Moines Police reports it seems odd that there are so many similarities to the burglary at West Hill Methodist Church. I wonder if the same gang has moved on to Des Moines? Or are the laundry technicians feeling FEC heat from their overtaxed washing machine?

I wonder what would happen if you offered a $5000 no questions asked reward for the return of all these missing hard drives? How much fun could you have then?

I think it is the same gang.

Spike

MSNBC's Chris Matthews - 'He's Post Racial... I Forgot He Was Black�

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 03:20:00 -0700

"I was trying to think about who he was tonight. It's interesting: he is post-racial, by all appearances. I forgot he was black tonight for an hour. You know, he's gone a long way to become a leader of this country, and past so much history, in just a year or two. I mean, it's something we don't even think about."

In his zeal to boost the Obama pedestal higher, MSNBC's Chris Matthews popped a cork of stupid remarks; "He's post racial, I forgot he was Black, tribal, ethnicity."

What's wrong with him? Has he been drinking from Rachel Maddow's glass of Kool-Aid?

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:53:50 -0700

The most eagerly awaited tablet since Moses delivered the Ten Commandments

Statue of Limitations

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 04:32:00 -0700

Spike,

"Barack Obama has yet to make a significant contribution to the Indonesian nation. We could say Obama only ate and s (expletive) in Menteng. He spent his subsequent days living as an American," the web page says.

"For the dignity of a sovereign nation, Barack Obama's monument in Menteng Park must be removed immediately."

Will our fair city ever erect such a monument to Burlington's first mayor to resign from office?

LDV

Where would we put a monument honoring the drunk ex-mayor? All the property around Burger King is private property.

I guess we could put it down around Manor Mall. But it would look so small and lonely in all that empty space.

Maybe the city could carve a niche in the limestone bluff north of the bridge exit and light it only at night as a beacon to those headed home from Gulfport.

Send us your ideas. Please refrain from the obvious rectal insertion designs.

Spike

Less Than A Month - Murray Drifting Back To Reality

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 04:31:00 -0700

Worden's Mimics Slagle "Time Is Of The Essence" Here It Comes Again

City Has Solid 100% Failure Record for "Time Is of The Essence" Projects

"They need to know if we're going ahead with this move or not. They can't wait long because they're in the 11th hour of their deal right now," Worden said. "We need to get this moving now if you're serious about this."

......Murray argued the council should not be "backed into a corner because of regional planning's timetable."

He added: "I'm glad we're thinking outside of the box, but we have a lot of projects on the table. I'm all for renovating the depot. Right now, I'd say I'm not in favor of moving City Hall into the depot."

Less than 30 days after leaving office as Burlington's mayor pro-tem, it appears Junior Murray has realized that drinking from the Worden cup is like drinking from the Crooked Bruce Slagle cup of lies and deceit.

Worden's push to do the depot move is indicative of every other failed project he and his mentor Bruce Slagle ever tried to jam down out throats; abject failure.

While Murray may still drink enough Worden Bobble Head Elixir, we can hope he sees his way with 2 other councilmen to squash this boat ride.

Brian Tapp wouldn't move to the depot because of high tide.

Why the hell would the city move out of perfectly good building, sized proportionately for our declining population, into the depot?

Unless Tapp needed a way out and could suck more of his existence in writing bad grants for flood protection into his retirement years.

Spike

Vander Plaats, Reed & others to bolt Independent after the primary?

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 04:20:00 -0700

Spike -

Here's a story for The Hackeye to investigate, since they like bashing the GOP so much. Word on the street at the LUV event in Des Moines last week was that there may be a package deal if the chosen ones of the GOP religious right don't get elected.

Vander Plaats, Chris Reed in the 2nd District congress race, possibly ones from the 1st and 3rd races (forget the names), and some state candidates might all go in together as an Independent ticket. I know BVP didn't rule out a third party run when he was interviewed recently. We know that notables associated with the Iowa Family Policy group that endorsed him at the LUV gathering have loudly said they won't support Branstad if he wins.

I know Reed was at that event for sure, don't know about the others. Makes me wonder if there was a meeting after the meeting where some contingency plan was formed. I also wonder if Reed supported Brent Oleson's loyalty pledge at the Linn county caucus that's all over the blogs. That may be a tip off to whether he's in or not.

- Publius

I don't understand. Satan Steve Scheffler lied to us? He clearly stated a candidate could miss 3 of Satan's platform items and still receive the ICA endorsement.

You gotta watch for Satan no matter where you go.

Even in the local laundromat.

Spike

New School Boondoggle

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 04:10:00 -0700

Spike:

I cannot believe the audacity of the school board to rob and rape the taxpayer for another new school. This time the waste will be located over on Mason Road which will mean every main street in Burlington will have a school slowing down traffic to 20 mph along with having to bus most students back and forth to the schools.

We have a city dying on the vine along with a dwindling school enrollment coupled with a third world rated school district that manages to graduate around 70% of the students per year, basically the worst in the State of Iowa.

Burlington has an industrial base that�s all but vanished and now finds itself playing the role of a surrogate to Columbus Junction by burdening Burlington taxpayers with the drugs, crime, destroyed neighborhoods and third world schools all shoved down our throats for the Tyson plant and the egos of tax supported dimwits festering here in Burlington.

These are people that would sell their souls to have their egos stamped onto a plaque that represents failure. All the new schools in the world will not make one student here in Burlington any smarter than had they been in the old schools. Burlington could have afforded the best teachers in the world for what they�ve wasted on the schools and the library that was to be a boon for attracting new jobs to Burlington. Just where are the damn jobs? All that�s been attracted to Burlington are problems while the jobs have gone about 65 miles north of town.

To add insult to injury the taxpayer subsidizes the bus fares for getting these new citizens up to Columbus Junction. I would like to know, with the exception of Burlington�s slum lords who has benefited from our new citizens and our servitude to Columbus Junction?

Also, it looks like SEIRPC will be moving out to West Burlington and making another taxable building nontaxable further burdening the taxpayers in our area.

The people of Burlington allow this subpar management of our city through electing and appointing greedy and dimwitted people to public office over and over again.

Languishing

The school board is going to throw money at the Oak Street problem. Maybe they should have thrown the money at Oak Street before they decided to have their names inscribed on a piece of granite demonstrating their incompetent stupidity for generations to come.

Spike

The Battle? Democrats & Republicans vs. the Progressives

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 03:55:00 -0700

"As Government Expands, Liberty Contracts"

Who Said It?

Government Is Not The Answer

Contrast & Compare - Chavez vs. Obama

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 03:45:00 -0700

Trip Home From Menard's - Russian Style

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 03:30:00 -0700

Burlington City Bloated & Inept All The Way Around

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 04:31:00 -0700

Spike:

People that take up space at city hall and the other buildings belonging to the taxpayer in Burlington are grossly over paid for the accountability and responsibility they accept as theirs.

They earn their money for just showing up since there�s little to no accountability or responsibility with their positions. Their yearly raises are based solely on longevity and nothing else.

These city employees are wards of the taxpayer and will be until the single party system ends in Burlington and Des Moines County. The taxpayer carries them through their entire working life because they, in most cases are incapable of the accountability and responsibility associated with private sector employment; so they seek out government jobs where only time on the job counts for anything, namely raises and benefits with performance totally excluded.

Had the Cascade Bridge been the property of a private firm heads would have rolled since it was just left to rot by city management.

If we lived in a real town our streets wouldn�t be mirror images of corduroy roads of the 1800�s.

There would also be new homes in the Manor or some business would have been in there years ago. A classic example of the substandard city management we have in Burlington.

The railroad shops and the law suit are classic examples of our substandard worthless city government. No accountability from anyone is what we the taxpayer has gotten from this lamebrain loser of a government.

We have a city attorney that sends in un-itemized charges to the city written on a pad of paper rather than an itemized accounting of what the charges are for. If the city attorney does it we should all be able to request payment in a similar fashion for services rendered.

Our city counsel is a disaster, totally incapable of leading a group of misfits such as our local city management. Very similar to the county where just showing up for work is grounds for a yearly raise. Of course when you have three supervisors ripping off the taxpayer for part time work what can one expect? Losers beget losers, right?

GH was absolutely correct about the pay our city management steals from the taxpayer here in Burlington.

Just remember there are several causes for Burlington�s infrastructure deterioration and government worthlessness:

1. Union mentality
2. One party system
3. Poor voter turnout
4. Voter inability to distinguish between a good candidate and a bad one
5. City managements accountability, responsibility, honesty coupled with their self generated greed
6. Extremely poor city government decision making processes and planning
7. Canned codes that are seldom enforced otherwise all the dumpy houses would be repaired or gone
8. If the fire chief can�t make people number their homes he should be fired
9. How can no one in the city remember where the lights from the Manor ball park went? Again, no responsibility or accountability by city employees
10. A newspaper that just goes the easy route of never reporting any of the misdeeds of local government let alone the constant failures. Our mouse of a paper isn�t even good enough to wrap fish in anymore.

These are just a sampling of some reasons Burlington is setting itself up to be the next East Saint Louis type of town.

Totally Disgusted

Start With Heland

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 04:29:00 -0700

Spike:

Adding to the Burlington city employee salary breakdown, here's the county breakdown.

(48) County employees $40,000 - $50,000
(35) $50,000 - $60,000
(16) $60,000 and up

And all these jobs include full benefits. Where else can you find that, especially in the public sector? I never got a 5% raise and I co-pay my health plan that doesn't include a massage and fuzzy slippers to run the hallways.

Heland and the rest of the spineless supervisors are scared to death of the unions and the union vote instead of doing what's right for the taxpayer. Cahill was squawking about not needing the county insurance plan. He said he was going to return the money to the general fund. Instead he collects the money and rolls it into his own retirement plan.

We need to start with Yakity-Yak, You Need Taxed Heland and boot his ass all the way back to Jefferson Street. There's a reason SCC found someone to run him out of his Board job.

Had Enough

Taxanne Heland - Votes to Ruin

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 04:27:00 -0700

Spike,

Menage a trios, Taxanne Conlin, Heland and Junkins. Only the taxpayers get squeezed.

GH

If you think this year's 17% pop was a fly ball, wait until next year.

It's gonna hurt. Heland's reckless, unbridled spending from his first day in office with that Nit Wit Emeritus Hoschek is catching up.

Spike

Double Dippers Steal City & County Jobs

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 04:25:00 -0700

Spike

Articles in the Register and The Hawkeye about government employees retiring and then returning to earn a pay check. They are double dipping and have been doing it for years.

They retire and then get a another government job. It is going on right now in the County and the City of Burlington.

As the young person was quoted in the article, they are receiving a large pension and then taking jobs from the younger generation. Yes, maybe they do have more experience and they should if they have been employed for 30 years. Give the young person a chance to learn and grow into the job. They need a job just like the retired person with the pension did 30 years ago to raise their families and pay their taxes.

Jo

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 04:15:00 -0700

Parisian Prostitute Pelosi Rightfully Gets Hammered

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 04:10:00 -0700

Snopes verified.

Problem is she is too stupid to know how dumb she really is. Probably the Botox pulled her head so tight her brain ruptured.

Spike

Surprise! No Bid Barry!!

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 04:00:00 -0700

Obama Administration Steers Lucrative No-Bid Contract for Afghan Work to Dem Donor

"Despite President Obama's long history of criticizing the Bush administration for "sweetheart deals" with favored contractors, the Obama administration this month awarded a $25 million federal contract for work in Afghanistan to a company owned by a Democratic campaign contributor without entertaining competitive bids, Fox News has learned.

The contract, awarded on Jan. 4 to Checchi & Company Consulting, Inc., a Washington-based firm owned by economist and Democratic donor Vincent V. Checchi, will pay the firm $24,673,427 to provide "rule of law stabilization services" in war-torn Afghanistan."

One More Day

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 03:55:00 -0700

What will the new Apple Mac Tablet look like and how will it change what we do?

One more day.

Fore Our City

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:35:00 -0700

Spike:

The Three Stooges in Three Little Beers is an eerily clairvoyant documentary on Burlington's current city government.

City Manger Curly Worden, Mayor Moe Ell and Head Handyman Larry Knocke meet amidst towering beer kegs where public policy is made. It is Friday, so a field trip to Flint Hills is in order. The boys deliver a truck load of pertinent issues to the club house and take to the links.

Worden tees off into the trees, but Ell has a better day. Teeing off from Worden's noggin, Ell makes a hole in one. After due deliberation, the boys return downtown and uncap their wisdom with predictable results.

Knoke dives right into an important paving project. Not wanting to miss an opportunity to share credit for maintaining city infrastructure, Ell and Worden follow Knoke's lead - loss after loss after loss and filled with incompetence.

No small wonder there are fewer now residing in Burlington to view this masterpiece than when it was released in 1935.

S. Howard

Heland - Insightful Incompetence - 'Yakety yak, you need taxed'

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:30:30 -0700

Spike,

"Heland to run for a second term"
The Hawk Eye

Des Moines lawyer Roxanne Conlin, who announced her bid for U.S. Senate in November, will visit southeast Iowa this week as part of her "Fight to Fix It" tour.

The Democrat is one of three vying to challenge 28-year Senate veteran Charles Grassley, a Republican."

The online Ad Vertiser took its time to headline what has been terrifying Des Moines County for several days. Beneath the Heland headline is a story about Roxanne Conlin's second coming like a lamb to slaughter. The irony is hilarious. It is insightful.

Like the unlamented Lowell Junkins of Lee County, Roxanne Conlin ran for Governor against Terry Branstad. Roxanne Conlin's love of taxes earned her the tag "Taxanne Conlin." Like Lowell Junkins, "Taxanne Conlin" was defeated.

Only in Des Moines County could party label get Heland as far as he has. "Yakety yak, you need taxed," keeps repeating out of Heland's trap. That skip in the groove will get Heland removed.

It is obvious Heland learned nothing more at Southeastern than to weld metal. Voters last Fall tossed Heland off the Community College Board. Facing an election to hold his County Board seat in November, Heland repeatedly keeps advertising his ignorance.

Heland has one thing going for him. Nobody else has entered the race. At the rate Heland is going, a contestant is all it should take to give him something in common with "Taxanne Conlin." Please, please, will somebody who can balance a public account by other than writing new taxes in the deposit column come forward.

If that happens, the Ad Vertiser will for once no longer be reporting Iowa's Oldest News on Paper. The Ad Vertiser will have inadvertently reported the news months in advance.

RVW

Where Were They Then?

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 11:49:53 -0700

Falcon's reader, as I am sure many others, asked the same question as I.

Where was Hollywood when the lights went out in New Orleans?

And the follow-up question?

Why hasn't the Great O fixed New Orleans and earn his Nobel instead of driving the 747 to Copenhagen for a party down weekend?

Spike

Burlington Employee Wages Outta Control

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 04:58:00 -0700

Spike,

The Hawkeye published the City of Burlington 2009 wages in Thursday's paper. How many times have we heard that the public sector does not earn enough? I don't think that is true anymore although they usually get at least a 3% pay increase every year. The more they make, the 3% adds up to more of a raise each year. A few years back, very few made over $50,000.

There are now 73 City employees that were paid over $50,000 plus benefits.

There were 93 City employees paid between $40,000-$50,000. That is 166 very well paying jobs. Now, add in their fully paid health insurance, large pensions that grow each year with the pay raises and these are much better jobs than are available in the private sector. We will see tax increases to pay for this. Seriously, how much more do they need and expect us to fork over for their needs? We can't afford to have this many employees at this pay scale.

The wages for Police Chief, Fire Chief, Public works director for a City of 25,000 is getting out of hand. We don't need to pay a fire chief $77,000 in a town this size and $25,000-$30,000. more than a fireman. You can promote up a fireman for $5,000-$10,000 more and fill the position. We have had terrible streets in this town for the last 10 years because we could not afford to fix them, but they can find the money to pay Knoke $89,000 a year while our Cascade bridge is boarded up. Does this even make sense? We know where the priorities are. In this difficult and challenging economy, nothing changes for the local government employee, which puts more financial burden on the private sector businesses and local families. Some families have lost their jobs. Does anybody even care. As long as they are getting theirs?

What is wrong with our City council's? Are they stupid are just gutless. They just talked about going Green at the last council meeting, and then in the next segment they approve another large Ford SUV for the police dept. that probably gets 9-10 MPG in town up and down the hills for 12 hours a shift. Why would we approve more of these? You would think the Police Chief would wise up some too. Other Cities have gone to smaller vehicles and cut their fuel bill in half. If it were a private business, they wouldn't use large SUV's to drive around all day. Taxpayers footing the bill, it's a different deal. The Chief claims they need the large vehicle, but it is because they don't like change, but other Cities are buying the smaller and more efficient cars and they are working well. It comes down to management!

Thank you for this forum to vent

GH

The High Priced Horror of Heland

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 04:54:00 -0700

Heland says We're Making Money - $1874 for $1000

Spike,

GFH set me to thinking about the Heland problem. I did a little web research. I entered some figures on a web compound interest calculator.

17% is the figure our county taxes raised this year thanks largely to Heland. Let us assume Heland will raise the taxes we pay 17% more than we paid the previous year for four years.

Starting with $1,000 and compounding at 17% for four years, the horrifying result was $1, 873.89. Can we really afford another term of Supervisor Heland?

Heland openly admits his love of raising our taxes. Will somebody with a sense of fiscal responsibility please take out papers and run against Heland.

What political party they do so with is not the real issue. The issue is bringing this horror to an end.

CC

The way Heland sees it is like a revenue stream for him to play in. Probably very similar to the way he manages his insurance investment business; poorly. If he had his business under control there would be no reason to squat off(on) the taxpayers.

As they say, if you're getting your investment advice from someone that has a product to sell, you'll never make any money; and insurance men selling insurance company investments are the lowest rung of that totem pole. And the consumer pays for that incompetence.

Spike

Cutting the Middleman Out of Free Speech

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 04:45:00 -0700

Spike,

"Fans of the First Amendment can rejoice. In a 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court today struck down large portions of the abomination known as the McCain-Feingold campaign finance law, especially those aspects of the law that imposed restrictions on corporate spending on political issues."

Outfits like Moveon.org, the Iowa Christian Alliance, etc. etc. etc. have profited from McCain-Feingold. These 501(c)4 corporations have been a handy way to hide where the money was coming from to sway public opinion and policy. It is not just businesses that use their services.

Could this Supreme Court decision be bad for the 501(c)4 business?

ML

Now they won't need any Tide or Cheer.

Spike

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 03:19:44 -0700

What Can You Buy for $1.9 Trillion Dollars?

Obama Totally Out Of touch

Obama Says Bush Caused Republican Victory in Massachusetts Senate

Still think Obama isn't totally out of touch?

Obama says the Massachusetts voters elected Brown was George Bush's fault.

Maybe Mike Sweet can explain that to us.

Local Government a Reflection of Incompetent Union Bosses

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 05:55:00 -0700

Spike:

I�m convinced that if these stupid voters elect that Heland again there is no hope for this town or county in the future. I use to think voters in Massachusetts were dumb but I guess they proved they weren�t yesterday. I spent 18 months working out there and just hated their liberal tax happy crooked government.

I really think it�s the union ties that have ruined Burlington and Des Moines County. The voters think if a person running was a union member then he or she is the one to elect regardless of their views about the issues.

I do know if I were younger I�d get the hell out of Iowa because it�s basically becoming similar to Massachusetts.

Would if I Could

And Heland Reigns Forever and Ever

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 05:10:00 -0700

Spike,

Heland for another four years, nobody should be singing Hallelujah. We cannot afford Heland's historical pattern of pilfering to continue. With taxes being increased 17% each year over four years, what does that compound out to on a $1,000 tax bill?

I went to Oak Street. Please do the math.

Will anybody find a solution to our Heland problem?

GFH

Test the experiment.

The county budget is out of whack. Next year it is going to the first of several years of repeated bad news.

Do the taxpayers want an incompetent insurance man with a gambling problem that can't tie his shoes to make sound financial plans to cut costs and get the budget under control?

Run those odds.

Spike

Brag Loudly and Carry a Match Stick

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 04:55:00 -0700

Spike,

As long as local Republicans are nothing but straw men, Heland can talk like a big man.

Heland ain't got nuthin' to worry about.

BP

Chamber Legends Plan New Deal

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 04:45:00 -0700

Spike,

I read something in the paper about the Chamber setting a goal to raise a couple million $$ and add $40 million dollars to the payroll in Burlington.

I want to know who is going to donate to that lunacy?

If they ever did raise that kind of money all Hinkle would do is add more staff members and take more trips. Speaking of trips your sure don't see the Chamber telling any stories about where they go on these trips and how much success they have.

Why is that?

Wondering

Informed People Can Be Trusted WIth Their Own Government

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 04:30:00 -0700

"Wherever The People Are Informed They Can Be Trusted With Their Own Government"
-Thomas Jefferson

Left With The Dictators, Revolutionaries and Criminals or Center Right with the Majority - Where Are You?

You Say You Want to Stop a Revolting Revolution

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 04:50:00 -0700

Follow Jefferson to County GOP Caucus

"And if you go carryin' Pictures of Chairman Mao Ya ain't Gonna Make it with anyone anyhow"
- Lennon

Spike,

A popular English political philosopher of the 1960s issued a warning. Those seeking positive change should take note. Zealotry lacking mass appeal equals zero. Waving pictures of an abortion aftermath and demanding sodomites be burned at the stake will turn your cause into a pillar of salt.

Scott Brown's Senate victory in the People's Republic of Massachusetts was a political earthquake. Obama's Socialist Revolution is being rejected. Social issues were not Scott Brown's banner. Socialism was the issue. Bring the lesson home.

If you are tired of being taxed into the wilderness, attend your Republican precinct caucus this coming Saturday. If you have learned the error of ways, you can change party affiliation at the caucus site. Be aware if you go there.

Zealots of faith confused with cause will be there. They have been trained to keep a low profile. Listen for phrases like, "Our values." Confusion of scripture with our Constitution and Declaration of Independence are other warning signs. Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin will be spinning in their graves. Follow Jefferson's lead.

You will be electing precinct leaders. Keep these warnings in mind when voting. If you are disgusted enough to get further involved. Go for a precinct leadership position yourself.

Platform issues will be discussed and passed. Be on the look out for any papers put out by the Iowa Christian Alliance. These are the people being investigated for laundering money through the West Hill Methodist Church.

Social issues are legitimate issues for consideration. They are not the only issues. Those who get emotional and cannot handle social issues in a rational manner should be treated with respect. They should not be handed leadership.

The process does not end at your precinct. Seek to be a delegate to the party's County Convention. From the county, put your name in nomination to the District and State Conventions. The same rules for a return to the age of reason apply up the ladder as well.

Socialism's tyrannical taxation and single party non-representation were recently served tea in Boston. If you want the same in Burlington, it is up to you.

LP

Obama Greatest Representative of Empty Vessel

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 04:36:00 -0700

"It's inherently risky for any charismatic politician to legislate. To act is to choose and to choose is to disappoint the expectations of many who had poured their hopes into the empty vessel -- of which candidate Obama was the greatest representative in recent American political history."
Charles Krauthammer

Jeff Heland Says "Bring It On"

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 04:30:00 -0700

Spike,

I heard Jeff Heland announce his run for another 4 years as supervisor on The Drive Show on KCPS 1150 AM Tuesday. Talk about arrogant. When a caller asked about someone else running against him, Heland said, "Bring it on."

Does Heland have any clue how stupid he looks when he says stuff like that?

FG

No. Heland will know that someone brought it on and slapped his ass while they did it. And that is a lot of ass slapping.

After he gets done explaining things to the voters, he will be ready to lose.

Spike

Rethink City Hall & SEIRPC Relocation

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 04:25:00 -0700

Spike,

I would suggest both of these entities relocate to the Oak Street Middle School Building when it's vacated later this year.

The 60% performance rating that's causing problems for the school district would be an aspiration level for the City and SEIRPC to work towards.

MB

That's a pretty lofty goal considering the incompetent jackasses involved.

Spike

Power Bilks/Bills Another $18,630.05

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 04:20:00 -0700

Iowa's Losingist Lawyer, counsel to everyone without regard for conflict of interest and thief in the taxpayers' pocket, Scott Power, collected another $18,630.05.

Spike

Need a Ride?

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 04:15:00 -0700

Spike,

On Sunday Obama was nervous about riding in Scott Brown's pickup truck.

I wonder how comfortable he would be today riding around in Scott Brown's pickup truck.

RM

Obama's Progressive Road to Ruin

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 04:10:00 -0700

2� Men Parallels GOP Loons & Politics In General

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 04:55:00 -0700

On Monday�s TV show 2� Men, Charlie tries to avoid meeting Chelsea�s apparent homophobic, racist parents in Chicago. As a result of Charlie lying to Chelsea about a Dr.�s appointment for a colonoscopy, Chelsea�s parents show up for a week visit in Malibu.

When Charlie and Alan take Chelsea�s father to the local bar they find out that Chelsea�s father is harboring Broke Back Mountain feelings for Ed, a black submariner that he served with in the navy.

So, it just goes to show you, just when you think all that homophobic, racist, elitist, Christian political mumbo jumbo is going to get you somewhere, you wind up with some other guy�s tongue down your throat while you�re getting the shaft when all you wanted was to be left alone.

Spike

Martha Goes Mad! - Shades of Hoschek, Courtney Heland, Ell, Edwards

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 04:50:00 -0700

Can she win Massachusetts by attacking Catholics and Red Sox greats?

Want to see a genuine out of touch Democratic nut job running for Teddy Kennedy's senate seat?

Look no further!

And she's the Attorney General of Massachusetts.

Don't Expect Help From Obama

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 04:40:00 -0700

Spike:

Don�t expect much help from the Obama administration on the economy or any other main issues facing the nation.

Only 8 percent of Obama�s cabinet is from the private sector in other words over 90 percent of his cabinet is made up of people with the majority of prior experiences in the public sector - not private.

No wonder just about everything Obama proposes for us is absolutely ridiculous and destined for failure. When you have a cabinet full of trough feeders with no experience related to working people it�s easy to understand why things are so messed up. Government employees have no concept of how to manage on their own, live within a budget, not waste time, be accountable, responsible, react under pressure and survive outside attachment to the taxpayer�s umbilici cord. These are generally people that could not produce in the private sector and sought out government where there is no accountability required.

Having a government full of trough feeders their entire working lives is very dangerous and doomed to failure. Only 8 percent of the president�s top advisors, according to the report, have any kind of extensive experience working in the private sector-the smallest percentage of any president�s cabinet in the last 108 years.

Research from J.P. Morgan and published at Forbes.com

Dismayed

Everybody But Bubble Brain Democrats Are Dumb Asses

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 04:36:00 -0700

Today's clip for all to see.

Liberal Hollywood Demonstrates Stupid Human Remarks

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 04:34:00 -0700

Danny Glover arm in arm with Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez at 3:59. Glover is a mess. sounds like Murtaugh drunk.

Soon To Be East St Louis

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 04:30:00 -0700

Spike:

Mad as Hell Taxpayer has it right in that not one student will be any smarter than the effort he or she puts into their education regardless of the newness of the schools. We have organizations here in Burlington that could care less that the schools are forced to lower their standards since many of the new comers aren�t really interested in education and can�t read or write.

The main pursuit of these organizations is to gratify the slum lords, Tyson Foods and the organizations themselves. Their like Democrats in that they don�t care about anyone else or the damage done to the community as long as their agenda is obtained and they can line their pockets.

Being the surrogate for Louisa County and Tyson Foods was a mistake SEIRP and the Chamber made to maintain their cash flow despite the damage it�s doing to our community. Instead of 70% taxpayer funded the Chamber should be dropped down to the 25% value where most other Chambers are, why are we robbed at 70% for an organization that does little to nothing for the community? Who or what group of losers set the 70% funding fee we the taxpayers pay the Chamber and what do we get if anything for it?

Burlington is turning into a clone of East St. Louis and within a couple of years we should be calling East St. Louis our sister city.

Disgusted

Cut The School Administration Costs for A Start

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 04:30:00 -0700

Spike,

I talked to two teachers at Oak St. yesterday and asked them why the school wasn't doing very good. I guess we have Dennis Hinkle and Brian Trapp to thank for the low performing students. We have a lot of people that come out of Chicago that are in the local schools here. It's hard to keep discipline in the classroom. And they say superintendent Lee Morrison is no help at all.

The old days or going to school not only would you have been disciplined by the school but you knew what your parents were going to do when you got home. Time out is not working very well. And after what I was told by the teachers I can feel the desperation they must feel.

All the new schools in Burlington have done little with the problem that we have. You can't teach if you have no respect from parent or student. There's too much money spent on administration as usual and not enough in the classroom.

Mad as hell taxpayer

Just think what Assistant Jane's $100,000+ salary would do to begin reconstruction of the school system. For that matter, you could fire Morrison. It's a toss up. Obviously, the plan isn't working.

All these new schools and the taxes to pay for them and the administration can't deliver the goods.

But we sure have great monuments to administrators and school boards that have never done anything in the real world.

Spike

Establishing a Pattern

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 04:12:00 -0700

Spike,

Oak Street Middle School has been cited for unenviable achievement test scores. There is a study it would be interesting to conduct. It would require certain data be made available to determine if there is a correlation.

The comparison would be ridership on Tapp's welfare coaches within middle school boundaries. An interesting graphic would be school boundaries overlaid with passenger counts at various stops therein.

Would it be possible for the Burlington Community School District and the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission to conduct an objective study?

AST

Cambridge Police Officers endorse Scott Brown for US Senator

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 04:05:00 -0700

I guess a few beers in the Rose Garden didn't fix Obama's misguided remarks.

All Members,

Members of our Association have inquired and requested that we endorse Scott Brown in the upcoming election against Martha Coakley. Ms. Coakley along with some of her campaign workers have talked publicly about how her husband is a retired Cambridge Police Officer, giving appearances that she is being endorsed by the Cambridge Police. This may be an innocent insinuation but most do take this as our giving her our support and endorsement. Yesterday, the CPPOA Executive Board voted to endorse State Senator Scott Brown in the upcoming election for US Senate. In an 11 to 2 vote, the Executive Board voted overwhelmingly in favor of the endorsement.

We do not endorse anyone who advocates changes in the health care that take away any bargaining rights or increases our cost along with our contributions. Senator Brown does not support the Comprehensive Healthcare Reform Bill and promises to be the 41st vote to ensure its defeat. The current leadership at the state house, as we all know and have seen over the past two years, have an agenda to dismantle all of our hard earned bargained benefits and they will continue to dismantle these until there is a complete change from the top down. Martha Coakley is part of this Massachusetts leadership and she will continue with this agenda, only now it will be at the capital level and we need to stop it.

So today, we the members of the Cambridge Police Patrol Officers Association endorse Scott Brown for the senate seat vacated by Senator Kennedy.

Fraternally,

Stephen Killion
President Cambridge Police

Patrol Officers Association.

"I'd Cheat to Keep These Bastards Out"

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 03:55:00 -0700

I Guess Ed Would Feel Right At Home in Southeast Iowa

MSNBC's Ed Schultz told radio listeners yesterday he thinks cheating is justified in order to prevent Scott Brown's victory in Massachusetts.

Krauthammer: Massachusetts 'Could Be a Copenhagen III' for Obama

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 03:50:00 -0700

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 03:30:00 -0700

Labor's $60 Billion Payoff - Unions Exempt to "Cadillac Tax"

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 03:25:00 -0700

A health tax that hits everyone except the Democratic base

"Democrats seem impervious to embarrassment as they buy votes for ObamaCare, but their latest move makes even Nebraska's Ben Nelson look cheap: The 87% of Americans who don't belong to a union will now foot the bill for a $60 billion giveaway to those who do.

The Senate bill was financed in part by a 40% excise tax on high-cost insurance coverage. The White House backs this "Cadillac tax" as one of the few remaining cost-control tokens. But Big Labor abhors the tax because union benefits tend to be far more generous than average, and labor leaders and House Democrats have been throwing a political tantrum for weeks.

So emerging from their backrooms, Democrats have agreed to extend a special exemption from the Cadillac tax to any health plan that is part of a collective-bargaining agreement, plus state and local workers, many of whom are unionized. Everyone else with a higher-end plan will start to be taxed in 2013, but union members will get a free pass until 2018.

Ponder that one for a moment. Two workers who are identical in every respect�wages, job, health plan�will be treated differently by the tax system, based solely on union membership."

$42 Million Union Embezzlement Hidden From Public

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 03:15:00 -0700

Largest Ever Hidden By Mainstream Media - $7.2 Million to American Express

"LIUNA Local 147 is an elite underground construction unit known as the �Sandhogs.� With roots going back well over 100 years, the heavily Irish-ethnic 1,000-member union represents the workers who dig New York City�s subway, sewer and water tunnels, often at hundreds of feet beneath the ground. It was the sandhogs who did the excavation work for such engineering marvels as the Lincoln, Holland, Queens-Midtown and Brooklyn-Battery Tunnels. Their massive ongoing main project, the Third Water Tunnel, when completed in 2020 at a projected cost of roughly $6 billion, will carry 1.3 billion gallons of water per day for 9 million area residents and ensure that water keeps running should either of the first two tunnels fails. It�s grueling and dangerous work. And the workers are paid well. They also expect to collect their full retirement benefits. But thanks to the alleged actions of Melissa King, there�s a distinct possibility they won�t.

King, 58, a resident of Irvington, N.Y., through her home-based company, King Care LLC, handled all administrative functions for Sandhog benefit funds since 1980, and at an annual official compensation that eventually reached $540,000. That�s pretty lavish even for an international union president. Apparently, it wasn�t lavish enough. Starting in 2002, prosecutors charge, King illegally transferred about $42 million from three union accounts covering pensions, vacation pay and other benefits to accounts she personally controlled. A large portion of it, to put it lightly, was unrelated to union business. Of the alleged thefts, $7.2 million went to pay off American Express bills, more than $3 million to equestrian businesses (apparently she was grooming her daughter for an equestrian career), and $713,500 to a jewelry business. The criminal complaint states she also transferred $500,000 to an E*Trade Securities account without union authorization.

Her arrest details.

Heland Excellent Example of A Democrat Brain Out Of Whack

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 04:14:00 -0700

Spike:

Jeff Heland is a loser put into office by people that haven�t a clue about a person�s character or honesty. The entire state of Iowa is controlled by Democrats leaving the citizens with no visible means of checks and balances that has ended in Iowa�s budget mess.

Democrats have one side of their brains out of whack and can never rid themselves of spend and tax disorder they�ve all been afflicted with. Imagine you have an entire state wide school system failing and their only solution is more money thrown in the hole.

The problem is the school system itself in Iowa from the management right on down to the crossing guards. Our taxes have been so mishandled and wasted it�s a wonder our kids learn anything. Take Burlington as an example, our school board has been throwing good money after bad for years. Building monuments to failure like there is no tomorrow. All these new schools topped off with the worst dropout rate in the state. Our school �leaders� seem to think the way to good school results is through brick and mortar and it has nothing to do with the �3 R�s� that seem to have been misplaced. All these monuments to failure will in no way increase one student score on a local, state or country level.

We basically have two superintendents whose salaries could support better than four new teachers on a yearly basis. We are also paying the salary and benefits for the last superintendent who left the system a few years ago. Just look how generous the school board is with our tax dollars. The previous superintendent will be paid and receive Cadillac benefits until he reaches age 65 whenever that is.

This entire system in Burlington, Des Moines County and the state just reeks of failure. People that work for schools and government should never be allowed to unionize because it�s the worst possible thing that can happen and we�re paying for it now with all these dead head losers getting raises and free benefits for doing nothing but ruining our lives through crazy laws and taxes. Hell, in Iowa we even have judges making laws; so why do we even have a legislature?

Some people will say we need a place for people that can�t make it in the private world to go but government has definitely not been the right place. Just look around, most government programs end up in failure because bureaucrats and dim wits just can�t function when asked to think or solve problems. Don�t forget they get raises based on longevity a truth that explains many of the faults of government.

Depressed

Goofball Evangelist Pat Robertson - Haitians Carry VooDoo Curse

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 04:05:00 -0700

Un-Caught Thief Pat Robertson In the Communion Wine Again

"You know, something happened a long time ago in Haiti," Robertson said. "They got together and swore a pact with the devil. They said, 'We will serve you if you get us free from the French.' True story. ... And so, the devil said, 'OK, it's a deal.' And they kicked the French out. ... You know, the Haitians revolted and got themselves free. But ever since, they've been cursed by one thing or another."

You get it. They signed a contract with Satan. They have Vodou over there. And so, the Almighty sent an earthquake.

Surely everyone is offended by such talk, even those of us who don't sign contracts with the Evil One and are so afraid of Vodou that we run out of the room rather than watch reruns of the movies "The Believers" or "The Serpent and the Rainbow."

....Robertson's foolishness once again allows knee-jerk critics of Christianity to use his nonsense to paint countless Christian ministers and priests with the Robertson brush.""

The Haitian response:

Heland Will Win - Fat Chance

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 04:00:00 -0700

Spike,

All you Republicans claiming Heland will lose and bashing him haven't got a prayer. Heland will go on working for the working people of this county.

You rant and smear all you want. It won't do any good. Heland is a good man. Democrats know Heland will win again.

The Republicans don't even have anybody to run against Heland. Who would after what they did to that guy who ran for supervisor two years ago. The Republicans run revival meetings and boxing matches. They couldn't carry Des Moines County for Abraham Lincoln.

So what makes you so sure Heland will lose? Heland will be around long after you're gone.

Working Man

Don't call me a Republican, I didn't launder any money to sit by Satan at the Portal of Hell.

As for Heland, his days of unbridled passion in the taxpayers' checkbook is going to come home to crap in his nest.

Spike

No Loss to Ad Vertiser's Carpetbaggin' Kansas Owners

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 03:55:00 -0700

Spike,

Why is TT upset about the Ad Vertiser's blowing the Siemens story? So what if those Siemens jobs are going to Hutchinson, KS instead of Ft. Madison. It's not like it makes any difference in the end.

http://www.harrisenterprises.net/

The Hutchinson News is owned by the same chain that owns the Ad Vertiser. All the resulting advertising revenue growth will get where it belongs when all is said and done.

CBR

Let's Get Physical

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 03:50:00 -0700

Spike,

"Bay State Attorney General Martha Coakley blamed GOP �stalkers� today for triggering tensions outside a Washington, D.C., fund-raiser last night where a Weekly Standard reporter said he was roughed up by a Coakley campaign volunteer."

If somebody brings to light some unpleasant facts you want unknown, you threaten and physically attack them. Is that anyway to get elected? It has not worked around here recently.

PBB

You been to any Des Moines County GOP events? Massner will arm wrestle you for your check book. He makes the best laundered check in Southeast Iowa.

Spike

Culver and Heland's Heavenly Helpers

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 03:45:00 -0700

Spike,

�You are not answering to a party. You are not answering to a political machine. You are not answering to people who sit in high buildings downtown and tell you what you ought to think and how you ought to vote. You are answering to God almighty."

"You�ll see an open repudiation of Terry Branstad and, perhaps, hear Carroll�s publicly announcing his own divorce from the Iowa Republican Party. That�s significant because at this time last year Carroll was meeting with Republican leaders, asking them to elect him chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa (he lost that race to current chairman Matt Strawn)."

Who is this guy? Is he mad because his party's National Committeeman could not get him elected to the job he wanted? Did his winning ballots get lost in the laundry?

As far as answering to "God Almighty." would that be in the person Mr. Carroll?

JW

Danny Carroll? He's thumping Bibles now? He can thump that thing like Bugs Bunny. It is isn't gonna help him. Who the hell cares what he has to say.

Spike

County Property Tax Hike Gutsy - Heland Has A Screw Loose

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 04:50:00 -0700

Spike

I agree with surprised. County Supervisor Jeff Heland was heard saying on the radio that it takes guts to raise taxes in a bad economy and that he favored raising taxes.

I think he may have a screw loose. Heland and some other elected officials will blame everything on the State cuts. It is correct that the State cuts do effect the locals, but how can they blame the local spending on the State. That is untruthful.

With the poor economy, Heland and the Supervisors promised pay raises and free health insurance for 4 or 5 consecutive years. The Burlington City Council did the same thing. Now, we will have to tax everybody to pay for this.

There are families hurting and all the local government employees, including Jeff Heland, will get a pay raise and free insurance. Nothing changes for them. The employees that are laid off at GE, Champion, Case, and many other places will have to come up with more money for property taxes to give to the local government employees.

The retired folks on fixed incomes (as Heland calls them) and Jeff is looking out for these folks, will be hurting with property tax increases. Why would the County Supervisors and City Council make these 5 year promises with pay raises in a down economy?

Are they in office only to represent the employees? Are we not people with needs too? They hurt the local economy because everybody will have less money to spend, unless you work in government. I see more boarded up buildings and deteriorating residential and commercial property in the future.

They either are not smart enough to figure this out or they just don't care.

Not Surprised

Heland doesn't care. Keep in mind this is a guy that writes checks to gamble on Thursday thru Sunday only to chase the checks to the bank on Monday to make sure they don't bounce even though they technically and legally, have. And when that doesn't work he strikes out on a road trip to play the float.

People with a gambling problem are like drug addicts, they will do anything especially if they are politicians. These same people have a propensity to touch other people's stuff.

I don't like people touching my stuff.

I really don't like people touching the taxpayer's stuff.

Spike

A Revolving Door of Errors

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 04:45:00 -0700

Spike,

"A press release on a $3.45 million tax credit awarded to Siemens Energy of Fort Madison for a plant expansion was issued by the office of 2nd District U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack, not the Lee County Economic Development Group. The amount of the tax credit was reported incorrectly in a story Tuesday."

Siemen's is not bringing a new production line to Ft. Madison. Congressman Loebsack's press release was one giant error.

The Ad Vertiser did not consider it worth their while to verify a friend's press release. On top of that, the Ad Vertiser writer credited the wrong source of the erroneous report.

It gets better. Jimmy Olson did not write the story. The Ad Vertiser's Managing Editor did - dalison@thehawkeye.com Jimmy Olson would have caught hell over this. Who scolds Jimmy's boss?

Jimmy's boss won't get fired. Can the same be said for Congressman Loebsack's propaganda aide-de-camp?

If Loebsack crucifies the aide to save the Congressman's spot at the trough, the crucified should take heart. A job at the Ad Vertiser probably awaits - jjaeger@thehawkeye.com.

They would not be the first down that path.

JMC

Revolving Door Spinning Faster

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 04:43:00 -0700

Spike,

Did anybody see Congressman Loebsack's goofy Siemens press release? I checked the Nutty Professor's web site and could not find it. Was that news an Ad Vertiser exclusive?

JL

No exclusive. Ft Madison had their dose of stupid too. We even heard that nitwit Ireland went out and bought a big ribbon to cut.

Not to be outdone It was done twice in Keokuk.

Spike

Utility Board Another Example of Failed Government

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 04:40:00 -0700

Utility Board Joins State, County & City In Failure

Spike:

We�re so lucky here in Iowa because we have no choice in utilities we use, we have a utility board that works for the utility companies that together rob Iowans on a daily basis. I guess when you have lawyers running the utility board anything goes as long as it�s for the benefit of the utility companies and/or the board itself. Why can�t boards have just normal people on them instead of those that think their crap don�t stink and have a job rating right next to whale dung and congressmen.

Then on top of the Iowa Utility Board we have Obama wanting to throw an additional tax of up to $1500 on us for the purpose of supporting a global warming myth headlined by Al �the phony� Gore who expects to reap in millions at our expense based on facts he obtains from the loons of the science world.

Since Obama has been elected we still have a government �of the people, by special-interest groups, and for special-interest groups.� In the theory of democracy, corrupt and ineffective politicians are thrown out by elections. Yet the fact that more than 90 percent of incumbents who seek reelection to the House of Representatives are re-elected provides a clear warning that all is not well. Almost every congressional district is drawn by the ruling party with computer-driven precision to ensure that a clear majority of Democrats or Republicans reside within its borders. Indeed, it�s not a stretch to say that most voters no longer choose their representatives; instead, representatives choose their voters.

The net effect of all this is that American governmental institutions and processes are now designed to protect special interest rather than public interest. Hence we have the Iowa Utilities Board working for the utility companies and not the people of Iowa.

Between Iowa and the federal government we have no chance of ever having freedoms as known by our parents of just a few years ago. Since the governments have gotten corrupt and greedy our lives are being destroyed.

I guess the governor is going to reward the schools even though Iowa has not one school in the top 100 high schools nation wide (US News and World Report Gold Award). In fact Iowa now ranks around 40th when it comes to high schools and for this we reward the government run school system in Iowa with a raise.

What kind of governor rewards failure? Look at the Burlington School System with the worst drop out rate in the state do our teachers get a raise for this performance?

With the money crisis the Democrats have put on Iowans the government should only pay for the quality education received which in reality would cut the cost a good 50%.

We have a failed government in Des Moines, a failed government in Des Moines County topped off with a failed government in Burlington. Where have all the true leaders gone since its obvious we are being governed by misfits and losers state wide.

There should be a 20% pay decrease for all state, county and city employees along with a reduction in school funding since we aren�t getting anywhere near our monies worth from the government run schools.

Sick of It

Honey Creek - Iowa's Wrecked Plex

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 04:21:00 -0700

Spike,

Just like Burlington, The State of Iowa has its very own Wrecked Plex. Honey Creek Resort was another quality of life initiative. Honey Creek was supposed to make living in Iowa such a joy, you would never notice taxation's misery.

Just like Burlington's Wreck Plex, Honey Creek has not performed as promised. Honey Creek is $900,000 in the hole.

Something this stupid begs a question. Did Senator Courtney, Senator Fraise and Representative Cohoon vote to make it happen?

HC

It Was a Happy Place

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 03:31:00 -0700

Spike,

"James Cameron's completely immersive spectacle "Avatar" may have been a little too real for some fans who say they have experienced depression and suicidal thoughts after seeing the film because they long to enjoy the beauty of the alien world Pandora."

At my age, Burlington going down hill is all I know. When I graduate, I am leaving.

My parents and grandparents have lived here all there life. They say it was not perfect, but it was a lot better than it is now. They get unhappy when I ask questions about how it was.

Is that something like watching this movie everybody is talking about?

LH

Praying for a Miracle

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 03:20:00 -0700

"Iowa lawmakers would be constitutionally required to say "so help me God" when being sworn into office under a proposal by a Mount Auburn Republican."

Our local State Senators need all the help they can get. How much good will this do?

When will we stop electing the hapless, hopeless and helpless? The lord helps those that help themselves sounds like better advice.

Suffering Job

Worden - We're Gonna Tax The Daylights Out of Ya

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 03:21:00 -0700

Spike,

I was listening to KCPS this morning. Burlington City manager Doug Worden was in the studio for an interview. Dan, a caller asked Worden about the State tax roll back for residential property that is increasing again this year. Worden said that yes it is increasing and will raise property taxes unless the City, County and School District lower their levy.

With this economy and lots of families hurting because of layoffs or reduced hours, raising property taxes so they can meet their budgets is just wrong. They should live within their revenue not raise property taxes. Where will the majority of the money go? It will go for pay raises and benefits.

I have not read anything in The Hawkeye about the roll back that will go up and elected officials need to lower the levy to off set the roll back increase just like they raised the tax levy in years to off set the roll back decrease. I have not heard the elected officials talk about this in their public meetings. Seems strange nothing in The Hawkeye or in public meetings, but The Iowa Dept. of Revenue released a press release about this roll back increase on Oct. 23rd, 2009 and it has been in other newspapers.

Surprised

You shouldn't be surprised. Have you ever seen Doug Worden or his mentor, Crooked Springsted Bond Salesman Bruce Slagle ever do anything to contain costs?

Or a city council stand up to the city staff and tell them, no?

I predict this new batch of performance enhancers will be super duty rubber stampers.

Spike

Not Many At GOP Christian Training Meeting - Satan Scheffler a No Show

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 03:19:00 -0700

Spike,

I read your warning about political meeting at the Library. Monday night, I went down to the Library and took a quick peek. There were 15 people there, tops. Is this all it takes to control a local political party?

I recognized Morris Hurd, but nobody else. A young man barely old enough to shave was running the meeting. Was that Sheffler fellow you keep talking about laundering money there?

Want to know

When in doubt, Granny Clampett always swore by the eye of a newt to ward off what ailed you. In Satan's case, it only took fair warning. 12 of those 15 in attendance were there to ask him what he did with their money.

The other 2? The eye of a newt took care of them.

As for Scheffler, he was at the hideout burning the books.

Spike - Satan Buster

No Matter Your Preference A Common Threat Looms

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 03:18:00 -0700

Spike,

"The traditional marriage supporters are still seeking and willing to transport southeast Iowans to the rally on Tuesday."

http://www.thehawkeye.com/story/luv-011010

Gay marriage is an issue. It's importance lies in procedure. If judges wish to legislate, they should run for the legislature. Judicial abuse needs addressed, but there are other issues.

The Iowa Legislature has been behaving like Burlington's City Council. They have ignore the core reasons for which government was enabled and focused on feel good fluff and lint.

Why are people not travelling to Des Moines to pin back Courtney, Cahoon and Fraise's ears about Iowa's financial mess? These people and their Governor made it happen. No matter your sexual preference, deficit spending will be the death of us all.

Enraged

Go West While We Go Broke

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 03:15:00 -0700

Spike,

We are supposed to gain by losing tax base through TIF at the railroad shops. Our money will make a lot of space available for commercial users. It doesn't end there.

The Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission wants space in excess of its needs not far away. The excess space is supposed to make this off the tax rolls real estate self supporting by leasing out excess space.

Nobody with half a brain would keep an office downtown. There is no parking. There will be plenty of parking at a better rate on every taxpayers nickle elsewhere. More TIF funding will be proposed to save downtown.

The last I looked, this area is not growing that much. Too much of anything drives down its price and often knocks somebody out of the game.

If owned commercial real estate, I would be furious. Why are my taxes to be used to subsidize my bankruptcy?

This spiral of stupidity is bound to end in one hell of a crash. When it does, who will left to be taxed to clean up the mess?

DT

Riverside Sucking The Life Out Of The Locals

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 03:45:00 -0700

Spike:

I was at Penny�s awhile back on a Saturday and I asked the clerk why the Penny�s south parking lot was full because there were few if any customers in the store and the clerk said, �I have no idea why it�s full.�

I thought to myself that it was the Tyson workers cars since Burlington is the surrogate for Columbus Junction through providing homes, transportation, welfare, a crime base, lawyers, bondsmen, police, schools, drug sales, and in return Burlington�s slum landlords are provided a never ending supply of renters all based on the lies that Des Moines County needed the workers even though there were no jobs in Des Moines County.

Now we hear that those cars were probably for gamblers being transported out of Des Moines County free of charge up to the casino in Washington County where they proceed to spend their money.

Now if I were a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Grow Greater Burlington or any other supposedly �support Burlington organization� I would withdraw my membership ASAP since Burlington is an exported of customers and not an importer.

With the exception of the Rec Plex, that loses money every year to the tune of at least $100,000, Des Moines County exports its citizens to other locations where they spend their money.

Of course none of this information would be made public if it weren�t for Burlington Derailed or one or two other news outlets with the only exception being the Hawk Eye, that tries to cover up most of the local crime and misdeeds of elected and appointed officials that have ruined our city. It was pointed out in a couple of big studies the city had done that the Hawk Eye was one of the main problems confronting the public and the only positive note about the Hawk Eye was the paper it provided to local fishermen for wrapping their fish.

Burlington�s voters are fools and na�ve because they continue to elect losers year after year based on union or party affiliation a trend that has left Burlington on the verge of financial failure. Burlington is a city with a failed industrial base and no prospects for employment other than social workers along with other government welfare organizations.

Alarmed

Keep Those Casinos Coming

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 03:44:00 -0700

Spike,

When does Prairie Grove get a casino?

Catfish Spiked

Jimtown is first.

Spike

Where's Jesse and Al? Or The Rest of The Selective Race Bigots?

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 03:42:00 -0700

Senator Harry Reid described then-Senator Obama as 'light skinned' and commented that he had "no 'negro' dialect."

Maybe someone could tell us where the two usual loud mouths Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson were for that little soiree into 1940.

Spike

Around the Dead End Bend- Nope! It's Here Right Now

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 03:40:00 -0700

Spike,

"Venezuelans rushed to the shops on Saturday, fearful of price rises after a currency devaluation that will let President Hugo Chavez boost government spending ahead of an election but feeds opposition charges of economic mismanagement."

Venezuela is simply further around the curve. Leadership we elected in the last four years has us catching up on a fast track.

Tax and spend more than you have to elect more of your friends has a some serious side effects.

VL

Chavez and Venezuela are skipping along almost in tandem to Obama's direction. Shouldn't be much of a surprise since Chavez and Obama aren't too far apart in ideology. For all you disbelievers and those that can't stomach the truth about job numbers, skip to 6:40 in Part 1 and then continue to Part 2.

Then tell us Glenn Beck is an alarmist.

Spike

Put Tapp on Track

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 03:35:00 -0700

Spike,

Whatever happened to the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission's plans for a grand palace on Gear Avenue? Did that deal ever go through? There is no need for it.

The old railroad shops complex is to be redeveloped. With all the planned Tax Increment Funding follies involved, what additional negative tax base effect by putting Tapp in a bay? Those old buildings are massive and unique.

Tapp's welfare zephyrs, old school buses, would have a great maintenance facility. Cranes that lifted massive passenger locomotives can certainly lift a small block V-8 and transmission from a bus with no strain.

Keep the waste in one place. We can ill afford one, let alone two, under utilized pieces of real estate on the taxpayer dole.

CP

But it doesn't look pretty. We need pretty to suck the life out of the taxpayers.

Spike

Contacting the Inmates

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 03:32:26 -0700

Spike,

For those that don't know how to contact their state senator -

Twiddle Dumb

Sen. Tom Courtney
Majority Whip
D-Burlington
Home address:
2200 Summer St.
Burlington, Iowa 52601
Cell phone:
(319) 759-5334
E-mail:
thomas.courtney@legis.state.ia.us

Twiddle Most Ineffective

Sen. Gene Fraise
D-Fort Madison
Home address:
1699 280th Ave.
Fort Madison, Iowa 52627
Home phone:
(319) 528-6176
E-mail:
gene.fraise@legis.state.ia.us

Does It Really Matter

Is There a Tie In? - Or A Fly In The Ointment?

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 04:04:00 -0700

Hey Spike,

I read this in the Register.

Didn't the Hawkeye run a story a few months back about church robbery in Burlington? Was there some kind of political tie in with the Republican Party? Is there a tie in with what happened in Des Moines? Nobody there is saying a lot.

wondering

Two GOP burglaries while Scheffler, Lehman, Gopal and Hurd are under FEC scrutiny?

If I had $500 I'd offer a reward for the hard drives, no questions asked.

But if you have questions, you might slip down to the library Monday night and ask Satan and his little helpers, "Show me the money!"

Spike

A Bus To A Better Place - Sign Up Online

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 03:00:00 -0700

Spike,

Why risk getting caught in a brawl at Catfish Bend. Ride the shuttle to Riverside.

Burlington
Jan. 13 & 27, Feb. 10 & 24, Mar. 10 & 24
* To reserve your seat today, call: 800-621-0245 or 563-264-1330
* Pick-up
8:30 AM in the south lot of JC Penny, Westland Mall (near AmericInn Motel)
* Departure
2:15 PM Riverside Casino

Muscatine/Burlington
Monday Mornings
* January 4, 11, 18 & 25
* Febuary 8, 15 and 22
* March 1, 8, 15 and 22
* To reserve your seat today, call: 800-621-0245 or 563-264-1330

Riders must be a Resort Club member to participate. Membership is free to anyone 21 years of age or older with proper ID.

They Are Heland's Shepherd, He Shall Not Want

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 08:31:00 -0700

Spike,

The only local political party of consequence will not remove Heland. They barely replaced a horrible Hoschek with a competent Cahill. The only option is the two party option. It will take change.

Republicans in Des Moines County have not elected a Supervisor in nearly 20 years. In 2008, their chairman denounced a brave soul who took out nomination papers and ran as a Republican. Like the popular image of Jesus, the guy's hair was too long and he was not wearing a suit. Not the right kind of people.

Local Republicans got a headquarters office, late. Did anybody ever see anybody in it? The main activity was pictures in a store front. Local Republicans did not even have poll watchers to check for fraud.

The local Republican party has certainly gone to hell over the years, but as pointed out, it is right with the self righteous. Meanwhile, Des Moines County suffers.

A rebirth of the local Republican Party will require enough rational people taking an interest again. Until then, born again black balling will bring further plagues upon our County.

CJ

4 New Casino Groups Meet Finance Deadline Including Ottumwa

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 08:05:00 -0700

Spike,

"All four applicants for Iowa casino licenses met Thursday's state-imposed deadline to show they have secured financing commitments for gambling complexes costing from $40 million to $120 million.

The casino projects are proposed for Ottumwa, Fort Dodge and rural Lyon and Tama counties.

....Iowa now has 17 state-regulated casinos and two tribal casinos by operated American Indian tribes. They employ about 10,000 workers. Ketterer said the commission continues to be concerned about cannibalization of existing casinos and wants the applicants to demonstrate compelling reasons why they should be awarded licenses."

The Gaming Commission is worried? I wonder if they would like to hear how worried I am about my investment in Catfish Bend?

KG

Or, how worried the Burlington taxpayers are about their investment?

Spike

Non-Believer? Drink the Democrat's Kool-Aid? Sorry About It?

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 07:35:00 -0700

Don't believe Glenn Beck? Been told Beck is part of the vast right wing conspiracy set to unseat the blessed change?

just listen to Part 5 of Thursday's show for 4 minutes and 12 seconds. If this sparks interest listen to Part 1 of Thursday's show for 2 minutes and 37 seconds.

Then watch the rest of Thusday's show.

Finally, write us and tell us how wrong we are.

Spike

"Advance for Art, Advance Forever"

Interpol Executive Order

What About The GOP vs. Heland, Copeland, Hoschek & Diewold?

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 04:10:00 -0700

Spike,

Can the local GOP mount a campaign to boot Heland out of the courthouse? How about the massage therapist 'er auditor? Can she be replaced? I've even heard Hoschek is lurking in the bushes, rubbing his hands together like Diewold, looking for fresh tax meat.

LG

It helps to get a GOP Christian haircut.

Well, then you have to pass GOP Satan Steve Scheffler's Litmus Test of Money Laundering. You must prove you can bury at least $100,000 in your church's books. Weaker candidates are allowed to obtain a key for better record keeping and enlightenment. If you can bury enough cash you get a ticket to touch the hand of Satan.

When you get to the next stage you must show a certificate of Christian Caucus Study. Bible salesmen need not apply. Credit will be given if you can threaten, provoke and intimidate anyone demonstrating non-compliance to your personal agendas, personal interpretation of your ability to imbue Christian political values upon GOP members or show a propensity to skirt campaign election laws through experience with violating securities laws without having local law enforcement called to the scene.

If you reach stage three you will be vetted by Lil' Kim Lehman. She will decide to endorse you if you can meet her Christian agenda flavor of the day. A few weeks later you will be tested. Lil' Kim will have a personal vision of self importance and personal agendas and then flip flop on your endorsement like a Skunk River carp. This is your moral challenge. Do you have the moral courage to bite your tongue, turn the other cheek and rise above the fray? Or will you be a radical and tell her to shove her endorsement up her anti-Christian agenda?

Whatever happens don't count on any campaign donations from Scheffler or Lehman. All their money is tied up in defense spending. But they are looking for donations. Never hand over any personal funds to either of these Messiahs. Send all checks to Gopal The Money Keeper for proper distribution to various church basements.

Anyone wanting the auditor's job only has to have the common sense to balance the employees' pay and not run a massage parlor in the court house. Simple deal.

Any Democrat facing Heland must stay out of Gulfport until way past your bedtime. Don't associate with people of questionable moral character. Don't gamble more than 3 days on any one weekend. Never write any checks at the casino for more than can be covered by Monday's deposits. Never gamble out of town to cover the float. And never admit to anything other than a vast right-wing conspiracy that has ruined everyone's life but yours. Most importantly, try to exude an aura that you and only you possess the magic elixir to tax and spend the taxpayers' money freely without regard to consequences or accountability.

Spike

Des Moines County, IA 52666

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 03:50:00 -0700

"As much as $9.5 million in federal stimulus dollars went to 14 zip codes in Virginia that don�t exist or are in other states, Old Dominion Watchdog reports."

Fraud and waste in government, we should be getting more. Where is Supervisor Heland?

Heland loves to tax and spend. Heland is one love sick puppy in the presence of Congressman Loebsack. Congressman Loebsack has consistently voted for handing out "free" federal treats.

Loebsack's little tax and spend terrier should do some begging for our benefit. Heland should lobby Congressman Loebsack for his own Court House zip code. A second post office box with its very own zip code, jackpot! We can double our money.

Just like Des Moines County, the bill for all that is "free" from the feds eventually comes due. Our children and grandchildren will have the devil to pay for what people like Supervisor Heland and Congressman Loebsack are giving us. Why should we care?

>17% Worried

Our children can't pay this debt. It's too great and the interest is killing us.

Spike

US Public Pensions 'facing $2,000bn shortfall'

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 03:39:00 -0700

"The US public pension system faces a higher-than-expected shortfall of more than $2,000bn that will increase pressure on many states' strained finances and crimp economic growth, according to the chairman of New Jersey's pension fund.

....Mr Kramer's analysis used the market value of the assets and liabilities of the top 25 public pension funds at the end of last year. He also looked at market interest rates, which are used by corporate pension funds and are lower than the rate of return of about 8 per cent used by public funds, to calculate returns."

Congressional Loser List Is Long

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 03:20:00 -0700

Spike:

Now that Dodd is retiring, with pockets full, it�s time for Reid, Pelosi, Feinstein, Harkin and Frank to follow in his footsteps. This group of losers has accomplished more failures than any know group in Washington with the exception of all those Democrats that are facing criminal charges while still ruining our lives by continuing to pass rotten legislation when they should be behind bars.

We need term limits on both houses to insure losers such as these can no longer destroy our way of life and country. If it�s good enough for the president it�s good enough for congress; two terms maximum is more than enough of these free loading bums in Washington.

Our current congress has caused enough grief for the population and it�s time their all voted out since it�s impossible for them to stuff their pockets any fuller, all though they�d sure like to try.

Also, if they won�t accept Obamacare why should the people they supposedly work for have it forced down their throats under the threat of legal action, what kind of legislation is this? In grade school they call it bullying.

Sick of Them

As Usual, Heland Can't See His Shoes For His Pomposity

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 04:34:00 -0700

Spike,

Supervisor Jeff Heland says Cahill and Beck's lack of interest in being chairman is a vote of confidencein his abilities.

Is this guy really that conceited? Doesn't he know his political career is over for these reckless tax and spend jaunts we have endured during his tenure as Chief Thief?

LM

Let's put it in terms Heland can understand. Heland needs to quietly disappear from public life. We can guarantee that this campaign, should he decide to run, will be the ugliest campaign ever run in Des Moines County or Southeast Iowa. Maybe the state.

He cannot win when the details of his antics are uncovered. Heland needs to connect to retirement before he suffers another resounding, embarrassing loss much worse than the college board election.

Spike

A Biting Image of Burlington Spreads Afar

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 04:22:00 -0700

Spike,

All those Catfish Bend billboards on US 218 near Riverside, to what avail? After reading this, why turn east on US 34 to the south?

There are other places to take the kids swimming next Summer. Better yet, leave the kids with their grandparents. Play golf and games of chance at nicer, larger, safer facility.

AP

Thanks For Exposing the "Fun" in Fun City - Fightin' Dancin' Bitin' Club

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 04:18:00 -0700

Spike,

Back when Burlington had a real newspaper, one of the Hawk-Eye reporters checked the police blotter daily. They told anything of interest to the town that they found. That was then. Now, we read about it first from you.

Seeing all the Catfish Bend advertising in the Ad Vertiser, it makes you wonder if the details would have been public if not for your internet efforts. There are local people with a lot of pull getting pulled under by what they freely invested in Catfish Bend. Their influence has dragged every taxpayer in Burlington into the cesspool, whether they like it, or not. Keeping this riot quiet probably had a lot of pressure on its lid.

Thanks, Spike. We certainly would know a lot less if you were not around.

N. Formed

GOP Satan Steve Scheffler Headed to Town for Blood Letting

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 04:15:00 -0700

Spike,

The Iowa Christian Alliance demon and GOP loudmouth Steve Scheffler is headed to Burlington next Monday for caucus training. Does that mean we have to get our chicken feathers and goats' eyes together to get in the door? Do bible salesmen get better seats? Do I have to take a litmus test?

GH

Not sure about the chicken feathers and goats' eyes but you might want to hit the cupboard jar for Scheffler's bail money for his role in laundering campaign money. That might illicit a non-Christian response or Massner's fist.

Spike

Slow Order at the Shops

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 04:12:00 -0700

Spike,

The BNSF Railway is working to redevelop their old Burlington Shops complex. This is good news. If Burlington's municipal micro brains had not sued the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad, would this story be history by now?

At a secret meeting of doubtful legality, State Senator Courtney whipped the wimps into a "without merit" legal action. The City figured they would make off with the proceeds and all involved would earn political points by punishing evil big business. Wrong.

The railroad was forced to waste money in their legal department on a matter "without merit." Graciously, the railroad did not go after the City of Burlington to recoup dealing with our deluded. One wonders if our elected's clinkers fouled the grates of swift redevelopment at the shops.

Better late by the better part of a decade than not at all. The railroad should be happy to get the shops off their tax liabilities. The less potential exposure to the City of Burlington's illogical antics, the better.

There is an expensive lesson local voters should take to heart in all of this. The populist chest poundings of intoxicated Socialists cost you more than they deliver, or promise.

E. Debbs

This has Crooked Springsted Bond Salesman Bruce Slagle fingerprints of deceit to expand the TIF district written all over it. Just a ploy.

Spike

Bringing Light and Warmth to the World

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 04:09:00 -0700

Spike,

"Volunteers have reported that �a large number� of elderly customers are snapping up hardbacks as cheap fuel for their fires and stoves."

Old technology is being put to use. Old books cost less than coal in Wales of all places. How Green is My Valley when it comes to the bogeyman of greenhouse gases? Who cares.

Newspapers are another passing technology that maybe put to the same use. http://www.ehow.com/how_4964426_make-fire-logs-out-newspaper.html Fighting Winter's darkness and chill with Ad Vertiser's converted to better use is quick and easy. How much filth contained therein sticks to your flue, who has a clue?

Unlike the late, lamented Hawkeye, burning Ad Vertiser's in your fireplace is the only way Iowa's Oldest News on Paper brings light and warmth to Burlington.

Huw Morgan

With this last iteration of thin newsprint (I could see the print on page 5 bleeding through to the cover) a ton of Ad Vertisers wouldn't make 10 minutes of reliable heat.

Spike

Monetizing The Fed - A Giant Step Towards Financial Collapse

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 04:00:00 -0700

Glenn Beck - The Truth Hurts Democrats

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 03:55:00 -0700

Fun City Fights

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 04:30:00 -0700

Spike,

I too heard there was quite a problem out there on New Years Eve. The story I heard had the police closing the place down early in order to get everything under control.

KW

So much for our investment. Maybe his Lordship Lost Keys Ell would like to comment on his investment. Or Double Speak Davidson?

What about it boys?

Spike

From Surplus to Deficit - Heland's 17% Tax Increase

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 04:25:00 -0700

Spike

Not even Alliant asked for a 17% increase at once. And Alliant is getting greedy!

The only thing that could save Heland in November, is all the local Democrats vote party line. I think they are beginning to be sick of Heland too. He makes promises with Other Peoples Money; OPM to get the vote. When other workers got furloughed, Heland got a pay raise.

JR

I hope Large Mouth keeps his continuing ed up to date this year so he can make that transition back to the private sector.

Spike

Huck's Hole - A Cathedral of Collectivist Enterprise

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 04:20:00 -0700

Spike,

"It was only in 1958, five years after Stalin's death, that Nikita S. Khrushchev ordered that the swampy foundations -- by that time a place where drunks and prostitutes congregated -- be turned into one of the world's largest, heated outdoor swimming pools. With typical Soviet logic, the pool, which was popular, was normally shut in the summertime for cleaning."

Burlington's collectivist commissars on our City Council have invested our collective wealth in a water park. Despite assurances from Comrade Finance Minister Worden, this 10 year plan has not paid off as promised.

The Moscow model is an example of a heated outdoor pool's appeal to a depressed proletariat in near polar climes. Should the collective effort of Burlington's 10 year plan be altered?

Burlington's pool is currently open but three months of the year. Should the heat be turned up to convert Huck's Hole into one of the Upper Midwest's larger outdoor heated swimming pools?

Drunks and prostitutes have no need to fear being displaced. There are other areas in the casino complex for them to gather. City Hall will not be razed.

If heating Huck's Hole is not an option, can we at least exile Comrade Worden to Siberia?

Nikita

Forever Blowing Bubbles - We Don't Mean Ell In The Liquor Store

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 04:15:00 -0700

Spike,

"But outnumbering these familiar names, hundreds of UK companies selling anything from hair loss treatments to electronics have mysteriously registered to buy and sell carbon permits in the Scandinavian nation � mostly in the last 18 months."

Dot coms, no money down real estate, etc. are all passe. The fraud of global warming is opening up a whole new field for fraud. NBC news, a division of GE and sister company of GE Capital, says we will all roast to death if something is not done. Buy into a sure thing now.

Buy carbon credits. Trade carbon credits. Those wonderful people who brought you the collapse of 2008 will save the planet.

Has Doug Worden bet any City money on this yet? It makes as much sense as an outdoor water park in Iowa making money year round.

CO2

I want to know what happened to this city's hydroelectric venture. Publisher Steve Delaney hid from that story.

Spike

New Year - Same Old Heland - For Now

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 13:51:23 -0700

Spike,

2010 means a general election in November. Will Heland get another four years to embarrass us all? Will anybody run against this arrogant expanse of wasting public money? Why must we suffer such fools?

17% Victim

This look's like Heland's last year in public office. I doubt if he will be able to endure the campaign season. The closet door is about to swing open.

Spike

Navy Seals Still On Hook While Blackwater Skates

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 13:44:00 -0700

Spike:

In Washington a Federal judge dismissed all charges Thursday against five Blackwater Worldwide security guards accused of killing unarmed Iraqi civilians in a crowded Baghdad intersection in 2007.

Now that the Blackwater case was thrown out of court maybe the administrations political correct show trial of the Navy Seals will also be thrown out because it�s based on one of the terrorists getting a fat lip during their apprehension. Maybe the administration expects the troops to talk terrorists into custody like Obama keeps them in line over in Iran through constant blabbering.

Taking these Seals to court is a disgrace and disservice to all our military and the American people.

Amazed

Obama has to go apologize for his role in the war and make happy with the World first. Then he has to intensely think about how good he can look in everyone's eyes and how his gray hair will look on TV.

After 6-10 months something might happen.

Spike

Fun City Fightin' & Dancin' Club

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 13:40:00 -0700

Spike:

Did you hear anything about a huge fight at Fun City around 2:00 AM on the 1st? I checked the police blotter on the police web site and they only list a fight at 01:01:2010 @ 01:01:44 and an assault at 01:01:2010 @ 01:50:49.

It wouldn�t surprise me if the police and the Hawkeye never record anything about something that big happening out there.

GH

Nobody can report something like this. All the Ad Vertiser's writers were already drunk or passed out when it happened.

Sounds like our tax money was hard at work.

Spike

JR. Murray Not In Worden's Fold of Lies & Deceit?

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 04:20:00 -0700

Spike,

Why didn't Jr. Murray get the mayor's job? Murray has spent most of his council career filling in for our MIA mayor at most every public event.

Are the hacks afraid Murray is too young, impressionable and could still fall from their crooked path? Did Jr. piss off Bruce Slagle's criminal understudy, Mini-Me Worden?

It seemed all too convenient that Davidson wormed his way into the Vice Commander's chair since he's a voice over for Caspar Milquetoast.

Even if Fleming and Reed perform beyond expectations can any real change be effected? Doubtful.

Lost Key's platform was built on deceit, lies and even more lies while covering his ineptness.

KL

Similarities Too Close to Call Differences

3 Strike Drunk Mayor Reputation

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 04:15:00 -0700

Spike,

Well you got 'em all jacked up at city hall. Now we have to put up with a three-strike drunk mayor reputation.

Next time, tell your audience that our loser drunk mayor is one of the most qualified, exceptional political animals to walk the halls of Des Moines and Washington, D.C. Maybe he will land somewhere else.

NM

What? And be like the rest of these "cheap, lying, no-good, rotten, four-flushing, low-life, snake-licking, dirt-eating, inbred, overstuffed, ignorant, blood-sucking, dog-kissing, brainless, dickless, hopeless, heartless, fat-ass, bug-eyed, stiff-legged, spotty-lipped, worm-headed sack of monkey sh**?

Pass me the Tylenol.

Spike

City Lost View of Casino Books - 10 Years of Debt with No Verification

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 04:10:00 -0700

Spike,

I see our bunch of dimwitted council members signed away the public's right to view the casino books. How nice!

Now the taxpayers can thank Tim Scott for his belligerent outburst chastising Leon Shahan for asking the council to double check the supposed facts laid out by Worden and casino investor Bill Ell.

I guess that's why Scott is selling picnic tables and dumping sewage on city streets.

WJ

Boy, the stench of sewage sure hits the sweet spot here.

Somebody needs to check with DNR to see if they were contacted about Scott's sewage dump on city streets since Publsiher Steve Delaney is hiding behind his ad revenue. DNR wrote all those tickets a few months prior. Surely, they would be interested in this.

Spike

On The Job

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 04:05:00 -0700

Hawkeye Letters to the Editor Leave Questions

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 04:00:00 -0700

Spike,

A recent letter taking the BPD to task has drawn several rebuttals, and the most recent one eluded to a local bar fight that resulted in a stabbing.

Today's reply went on to say it happened during a local business's holiday party. Though he didn't elaborate further I'm guessing it might have happened at The Buffalo since that business's manager also had a letter to the editor in the paper recently apologizing to neighbors about the problems.

I'm curious whether any Burlington Derailed readers know and would care to share the identity of the local business that's holiday party resulted in the stabbing and/or the identity of the business that held its holiday party at The Buffalo. Were they related?

I admit that I had an identity guess, but after today's letter that says, "You might be surprised to find out what business it was," I'm not sure. One more thing, I heard that the BPD was involved in a manhunt Tuesday night. Any truth to that?

TL

Burlington's MIA Lost Keys Bill Ell Retains Crown

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 04:30:00 -0700

�Ten Most Wanted Corrupt Politicians� for 2009

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 04:15:00 -0700

Democrats Dominate List of Crooks 9-1

Judicial Watch, the public interest group that investigates and prosecutes government corruption, today released its 2009 list of Washington�s �Ten Most Wanted Corrupt Politicians.� The list, in alphabetical order, includes:

1. Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT
2. Senator John Ensign (R-NV)
3. Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA)
4. Secretary of Treasury Timothy Geithner
5. Attorney General Eric Holder
6. Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-IL)/ Senator Roland Burris (D-IL)
7. President Barack Obama
8. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)
9. Rep. John Murtha (D-PA) and the rest of the PMA Seven
10. Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY)

New Crown for Council Imbecile

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 04:05:00 -0700

The System Failed Along With "Planet Janet" Napolitano

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 03:57:00 -0700

Spike:

Well, according to our Homeland Security Chief the system worked as it was supposed to and private citizens prevented a terrorist from blowing up one of our airliners. This terrorist avoiding all security checks along with having no passport was able to board an American airliner with explosives in his pants and the chief of Homeland Security says, �The system was working.�

Our president then has the gall to say, �The alleged terrorist� when finally making a speech about the guy. Since when is a person caught in the act of trying to blow up our citizens and alleged person?

I think our government under Obama is incapable of protecting us any longer. Their main concern is to be politically correct as Obama wishes and refrain from saying the word terrorist or any other word that may offend Muslims when all along their the group that�s trying to kill us all. A man gets caught with his pants down trying to blow up Americans and according to Obama he is �alleged� to have done it. Remember, Obama is the only person on earth that never heard his pastor of twenty years say anything racist or against the United States.

I guess we can be thankful for a handful of passengers or we�d have no security at all. The government is protecting its ass and that�s all there is to it. Homeland Security dropped the ball but at the same time has the balls to say, �The system is working.� Just who are they trying to make believe the system is working? I find it hard to believe Americans are gullible enough to believe one word of this response.

Why does government continue to be a burden to the American taxpayer? Why is government so loaded with deadbeat incompetent personnel? Just why does government employees get paid, on average over $30,000 more than comparable private employees performing the same job?

Disgusted

Isn't it just amazing how incompetence runs rampant from the bottom up in the Democratic Party.

I can't wait to hear Mike Sweet's version of how this is George Bush's fault.

Spike

A Fifth More of Your Income to be Taken

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 04:40:00 -0700

Spike,

Sobriety is not necessary when spending other people's money. It would not be first time this has happened.

Be it the U. S. Senate, or your local City Council, clarity of thought is no barrier to advancing your agenda even if you head the Senate Finance Committee.

Old Crow

Must be a friend of our local politicians.

Spike

One Picture is Worth a Thousand Government Meeting Minutes

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 04:35:00 -0700

Spike,

Some newspapers have put the web's plethora of space to good use. Public record arrest photos are put up on their web site. This is most helpful.

Often times the name does not connect with a face. With the photo, it all comes together. It avoids suspicion leading to a wrongful identification in peoples minds.

Why does the Ad Vertiser not do this? Have they asked for such information from the Des Moines County jail. Are they afraid to follow through for public record information as they were the video of a Mayor's phone call for a ride home?

MB

Our real criminals drive home drunk from Gulfport or the Sombrero. Usually after a council meeting. Or after stealing votes from nursing homes.

Spike

Gambling - Good for Anything that Ails

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 04:30:00 -0700

Spike,

With a 4 to 2 vote, the council gave its blessing to the proposed casino at Arundel Mills mall, which would be the largest of five slots sites authorized in Maryland and one of the largest of its kind in the nation.

Westland Mall ain't what it used to be. Gaping holes, not as many people as years ago, something is missing. This reminds some older residents of what happened to downtown Burlington. What to do?

A casino. Gambling is the answer to any and all problems. Remember all those promises of what a gambling boat would do for downtown Burlington.

Gambling can do the same for Westland Mall.

SE

Now that Ottumwa is in the hunt for a casino Catfish Bend needs to make a move. A West Burlington expansion wouldn't be too far away and still draw a whole new bunch of gamblers to help pay off the casino debt to Burlington.

Spike

After 2 Drunks - What's Next?

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 13:30:00 -0700

Tonight, the Burlington city council misfits will ordain two new members and vote for a new mayor.

After two inept, drunk mayors with no leadership skills, what does the future hold for Burlington?

Junior Murray, a school teacher that thinks he knows everything and tells us often.

Jim Davidson, a retired school teacher that has no real experience doing anything except reading from a text book and kissin' Doug Worden's ass.

Chris Reed, a "performance manager" with no political experience except that garnered by 2 votes.

Bob Fleming, a retired, respected businessman with a personal relationship with Scott Power fermented to the point that he believes Scott Power to be an "honorable man."

Or, does everyone cave in to the no-show, old drunk Bill Ell?

It can't get any better than this.

Spike

Mildew Jerry Strauss Retires - Why Not Take A Couple More?

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 13:28:47 -0700

Spike,

Des Moines County Mildew Custodian Jerry Stauss is set to retire this week. I won't be available for his retirement party this week. I have to work to pay my taxes to pay for his screw up at the county home along with his 911 expense account extravaganzas.

Speaking of retirement, maybe Jerry could take can't-balance-the-payroll Carol with him. We'd wait while she had her last massage.

Jerry, if there is anyone for you to pal around with on your last 911 sign milk run, please take Jeff Heland with you right out to the furthest corner of the county and drop him off.

We could use a lot less Jerry, Carol and Jeff in the court house.

Had Enough Excess Living Politicians

Life After The Railroad Shops

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 03:50:00 -0700

Spike,

"Last week in Plattsmouth the re-employment office had closed, the Welfare Board disbanded, not a house, not an apartment was vacant, not a man was out of work."

A different time. A different place. No Manor Mall.

GH

There has been no life after the railroad shops. And there won't be until there is a wholesale house cleaning in downtown Burlington.

But I see Burlington's Worthless Lawyer stole another $17,000+ of taxpayer money without explanation or documentation. Dumbass Dougie will just go borrow more free money.

Burlington is infested with worthless politicians and incompetent government employees. Can't balance the payroll...what a joke.

Spike

How the Obama Administration Cuts Wasteful Spending

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 03:40:00 -0700

Party Time at the FAA; Critics Question $5 Million Gathering

This is just sickening and heads should roll along with the FAA leadership. Americans are losing jobs and these scumbags are spending our money on partying for no logical reason. A power point could have explained the contract that is already been in force for about three months. 3600 government scumbags having a party on the taxpayer.

Sick of Government

Marxmart - Fewer Freedoms Everday!

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 03:30:00 -0700

Spike,

"They'll see what's good. We'll show them what a real market is all about, not those speculative, money-grubbing markets, but a market for the people," said Chavez in his drive to change Venezuela from a market-based economy to a socialist one.

That wild and crazy communist on our door step is venturing into retailing. No junk food, but politically correct merchandise for the exploited masses. What to do about the competition?

If people do not buy what you are selling, outlaw the competition. Force feed a workers paradise by dictatorial fiat. This has implications beyond distribution of goods. It could spread to distribution of information. Could it spread to here?

Socialist news organizations in America are suffering. Competition is offering what the market wants. With the decline in readers, so declines the advertising revenues. Some politically correct newspapers are already gone.

For the good of the masses, politically correct newspapers would probably be the only ones sold at Marxmarts. With the competition ordered off to re-education camps, Marxmart would be the only retail advertiser.

Retail socialism would be subsidizing information socialism. Putting advertising dollars only in the hands of the politically correct would make perish free market pariahs. Freedom of speech may thus be circumvented by destroying free markets.

May the circle be unbroken. When does Burlington get a Marxmart?

If Marxmart should become the only show in town, would the Ad Vertiser's troubles be over?

Sam Stalin

Head for the Hills

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:00:58 -0700

Spike,

"It is getting harder for governments to buy United States Treasuries because the US's shrinking current-account gap is reducing supply of dollars overseas, a Chinese central bank official said yesterday."

The Shanghai Daily is warning America's credit card is near maxed out. The world will not keep taking our I. O. U.s

This is announced on the heels of trillions in new obligations as political quacks like Sen. Harkin and Congressman Loebsack have voted to play doctor. Get ready for the destruction of the middle class Latin American style. Our currency will be debased through inflation.

Not only will individuals be poorer, so also lower levels of government will find the cost of credit destructive. The City of Burlington is always ready to bond its way to prosperity, but for how much longer?

Take notes when watching reruns of the Beverly Hillbillies. Do it before America's aging, neglected electrical grid collapses like Cascade Bridge.

Do more than laugh at home remedies for what ails you and coon grease cookies as a Christmas treat. Moving out of the mansion in Beverly Hills and back to the shack is what our leaders have decided for us. Be prepared.

JDC

"Small stuff" - How Harkin Spends Your Taxes

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 12:59:02 -0700

Spike,

"Harkin dismissed deals dubbed vote-buying by GOP senators as "small stuff" that distracted Americans from the primary focus of the overhaul bill."

Bribing socialized medicine through the Senate with home state pork did not get the public option. That is no problem. Senator Tom Harkin (D) IA will be back with your cash to grease the wheels.

"I am a strong supporter of a public option, I remain so, and I believe that sometime in the near future we will revisit that issue again and we will adopt a public option." Thank you, Senator Harkin. We will all sing your praises every April 15th.

To rephrase the late, great Barry Goldwater, extreme waste in the pursuit of socialism is no vice. With Senator Harkin, waste and bribery is a virtue.

State Senator Courtney couldn't have said it better.

VL

Conflict + Confusion = Failure - Similar to Coming Out - Or Capture

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:45:00 -0700

Spike,

"Scheffler stated that his candidate could not agree on 2 of his 10 points of minion rules to pass party muster.

So now, Satan flip flops like all bad little boys do."

You nailed it. Conflict of interest.

This Sheffler guy says one thing to satisfy his political action employer and then contradicts himself as a Republican Party official. Trying to serve two masters fails both.

Why do Republicans put up with this? For that matter, why do the people paying him?

BVP

Where's Michael Moore? Could Heland or Sweet Fill In? They Look Alike!

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:35:09 -0700

No Trail - No Tourists?

Spike,

I see the Iowa DNR is killing Des Moines County's bike trail. A trail might disturb a rattle snake at Star's Cave. This could have major implications.

Supervisor Heland says this project is vital for our area. Eco tourists will flock to the bike trail. No bike trail. No rich tourists coming from where people have real jobs. We will all perish.

If the bike trail is dead and all those tourists are not coming, does that mean Huck's Hole will need another interest free loan to stay afloat?

LA

Whenever Michael Moore decides to boycott, tourism flourishes. This time Connecticut is his target because of Joe Lieberman's stance on health care.

Maybe we could get Heland to stand in if Michael isn't available. Or Mike Sweet.

Denounce the hell out of the decision and generate those tourist dollars.

Spike

Politician's Carbon Footprint

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:30:00 -0700

Spike:

Who would you venture spews the most carbon into the atmosphere, Obama or Gore? It would seem the only thing green about these two guys is what they put into their wallets. We then have that nag Pelosi running a close third with Dirty Harry running fourth.

Why can�t Obama keep his feet on the ground and make his speeches from the White House rather than dirty up the air he claims needs cleaning? The nag seems to think she needs a Boeing 757 to fly back and forth to that fruitcake, obnoxious San Francisco on the weekends.

This presidency is beginning to make Carter�s look good by lifting it out of the bottom and replacing it with the current administration.

By the way I noticed Hillary seems to have gotten a new face job. I saw her on TV the other day and there wasn�t any sag to be seen; good thing she won�t have to have Obamacare or she�d be in real trouble.

None of the losers in Washington will have their lives disrupted by this loser administration because they make their own rules that are far more privileged than ours.

Disgusted

Congressional Debate is Killing the Country

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:25:00 -0700

Spike:

Let�s take a look at how congress is ruining our country by debating programs that will do nothing but damage our way of life and make life miserable for our grandchildren and those beyond.

1. Debating a healthcare bill that they themselves don�t want along with a majority of real Americans

2. Borrowing money from China and wasting it on failed programs to stimulate jobs and earmarks for worthless projects such as paying off congressmen for their healthcare votes and other dumb witted crap. Where did the six million for paying off Hillary�s campaign cost come from? You don�t think Obama took it out of his party do you?

3. After the first of the year they�ll be working on cap and trade which is another step in the loss of American jobs and a huge increase in the cost of American goods

4. They�ll be working on making 12 million illegal�s citizens; so the democrats can improve their vote situation while the rest of us face much higher insurance premiums in order to pay the cost of their insurance

Anyone who voted for Obama should have their head examined and I wonder if the stimulus would pay for it. I�m just so sick of Obama and his line of BS that I want to scream. He�s either flying somewhere to make a speech, driving somewhere to make a speech, or inviting people to the White House to make more speeches. Doesn�t he know how to do anything but talk? Did he not learn anything at Harvard? I�m about sick and tried of hearing about all the Harvard people he has working for him and yet nothing is improving and we�re just sliding down hill into more and more debt and job losses.

Disgusted

A Wiser City Investment Strategy - But Where Will Heland Go?

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:20:00 -0700

Spike,

"I made $7000 when I invested in your big pick last month. I cannot believe I made so much money with just $1500 to start with. Thank you so much for the priceless information you send me. I've told my friends about your website, and they have signed up as well!"

Those annoying pop ups may hold Burlington's salvation. Given the City of Burlington's track record with the Wrecked Plex, the Manor Mall and Huck's Hole, we need a new strategy; Penny Stocks!

With a penny stock newsletter and $1,500 to start out, how long until Burlington's City Manager can recover what our City financial misplacement specialists have lost? Even if they lose, we maybe winners with strict limits placed on the "investors."

Could budgeting <5% of what is paid out in interest on current bad investments minimize future losses?

Yes, the odds favor the house. Like fools on a casino floor, their gains by chance they will trumpet. None the less, keeping them occupied thinking they are winning could keep them at the penny machine and out of the high stakes room.

Until voters wake up and remove those from the casino playing with our money, could a controlled feeding of their addiction reduce our ever increasing losses?

Pump 'N Dump

Where will Heland go? The Riverside casino? The Augusta Tap?

Spike

Republican Satan Scheffler Denounces Branstad as "Irrelevant"

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:40:00 -0700

Satan's Republican Laundryman Doesn't Follow His 10 Commandments for Platform

Spike,

"Steve Scheffler, president of the Iowa Christian Alliance, said choices Branstad made almost two decades ago are �irrelevant.� What Scheffler cares about now, he said, is getting promises of action from Branstad, not just assurances of shared beliefs.

�We want someone who will exert leadership as opposed to saying: �Yeah, I�m with you on taxes; I�m with you on marriage; I�m with you on life, don�t worry about it.��

Scheffler said social conservatives want someone who will not let the Legislature go home until agreeing to let the people vote on an amendment banning gay marriage."

Iowa's Republican National Committeeman says former Governor Branstad's experience is "irrelevant." Under investigation on a complaint of laundering money through a Burlington Church, the group that pays Iowa's Republican National Committeeman's salary is more concerned about beating up homosexuals than Iowa going broke.

This is excellent news for Governor Culver. The last thing Iowa's incumbent Governor wants is for his record as Governor to be relevant. Put the spot light on a social issue side show.

Southeast Iowa's dysfunctional duo in the Iowa Senate, the comedy team of Courtney and Fraise, are no doubt secretly cheering. With Mr. Sheffler's antics, they will remain in the majority safe from rebuke for voting to spend Iowa into a billion dollar debt.

With leaders like Steve Sheffler, the Republican Party of Iowa is following the path of the Republican Party of Des Moines County. Total irrelevance awaits.

DG

Scheffler stated that his candidate could not agree on 2 of his 10 points of minion rules to pass party muster.

So now, Satan flip flops like all bad little boys do.

Spike

Gather Wood and Torches

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:38:00 -0700

Spike,

"Grassley, a self-described born-again Christian, issued a statement late Friday saying he hopes parliamentarians in the East African nation drop the proposal that calls for life sentences for people convicted of sex with a same-gender partners and execution if convicted more than once."

How long until Iowa's Republican National Committeeman and his employer under investigation for money laundering through a local church call for Chuck Grassley to be burned at the stake?

Joan of Arc

I wonder if Scheffler values human life above same-sex marriage. Or, does he secretly torture animals he doesn't like?

Spike

To Hell With Christmas Music - 2nd Graders to Sing "Allah is God"

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 06:15:00 -0700

�Allah is God, we recall at dawn,
Praying �til night during Ramadan
At this joyful time we pray happiness for you,
Allah be with you all your life through.�

"A battle over religion is brewing in central Indiana after a public school wanted second graders to sing a song declaring, �Allah is God.� The phrase was removed just before the performance after a national conservative group launched a protest.

The principal of Lantern Road Elementary School in Fishers, IN, said they were trying to teach inclusiveness through their holiday production. It included references to Christmas, Hanukkah, Ramadan, Las Posadas and Kwanzaa.

However, no other deity, other than Allah, was referenced in the show."

This bullshit is out of control whether it be these loons or Satan Steve Scheffler and his minion Daisy Duke Lehman.

Spike

Why Losers Should Not Pick Winners

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:55:39 -0700

Spike,

"A report released Monday by Gov. Chet Culver's office on the costs and benefits of tax credit programs provides no clear documentation of a return on investment for the state for more than half of the 32 active programs."

The Government knows best does not pay. Warm and fuzzy sounding "tax incentives" result in special interest give away programs impossible to account for.

All politicians fall for this trap. The worst are liberals like Senator Courtney and Supervisor Heland. "Tax incentives" are a command and control tool not unlike Marxist Leninist five year economic plans.

Voters are guilty too. They believe the laws of human behavior and resulting market forces maybe nullified with other people's money. Demagogues will provide in return for votes.

Until voters do a reality check before casting their ballot, look for more Manor Malls and worse wasting scarce resources.

HJN

Social Issue Extremists on Branstad - 4 More Years of Culver?

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:54:00 -0700

Spike,

"Steve Scheffler, president of the Iowa Christian Alliance, said choices Branstad made almost two decades ago are �irrelevant.� What Scheffler cares about now, he said, is getting promises of action from Branstad, not just assurances of shared beliefs.

�We want someone who will exert leadership as opposed to saying: �Yeah, I�m with you on taxes; I�m with you on marriage; I�m with you on life, don�t worry about it.��

Scheffler said social conservatives want someone who will not let the Legislature go home until agreeing to let the people vote on an amendment banning gay marriage."

Iowa's Republican National Committeeman says former Governor Branstad's experience is "irrelevant." Under investigation on a complaint of laundering money through a Burlington Church, the group that pays Iowa's Republican National Committeeman's salary is more concerned about beating up homosexuals than Iowa going broke.

This is excellent news for Governor Culver. The last thing Iowa's incumbent Governor wants is for his record as Governor to be relevant. Put the spot light on a social issue side show.

Southeast Iowa's dysfunctional duo in the Iowa Senate, the comedy team of Courtney and Fraise, are no doubt secretly cheering. With Mr. Sheffler's antics, they will remain in the majority safe from rebuke for voting to spend Iowa into a billion dollar debt.

With leaders like Steve Sheffler, the Republican Party of Iowa is following the path of the Republican Party of Des Moines County. Total irrelevance awaits.

DG

Is It Constitutional? Healthcare Demand for All Isn't

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:40:00 -0700

Obama's "Greedy Fat Cats?" - Wall Street Thieves

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:24:00 -0700

Why has Obama surrounded himself with his despised "Greedy Fat Cats?"

What Stupidity Will the New Year Bring?

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 11:11:53 -0700

Spike,

Local leaders provided a bounty of stupidity in 2009. Personal conduct unbecoming of a college freshman was not as entertaining as in past years. Still, public money was wasted and long ignored infrastructure came to the fore.

I suspect 2010 could bring massive mayhem with public money. There is rumbling from the downtown whacked who live in the past. With their redevelopment genius, Montgomery Ward will move back in on Main Street. It will only take $____ million dollars to make it so.

Spike, what predictions of perfidy and pilfering would you care to make? One and all, what do you think can be accomplished by local minds most small?

Please, share your observations. Do not worry that those incapable of an original thought will take your tongue in cheek chide and make it public policy.

They say, nobody reads Spike. When it comes to the written word, most of them require assistance translating writing into reading.

Edgar Cayce

Congress - American's Reason to Vote

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 11:10:02 -0700

Spike:

We need our worthless scumbag congress cleaned up long before we need them ruining the rest of the country with their dreams of grandeur.

How can such a group of lowdown rotten people think they hold the high ground when they�ve ruined every part of our economy, our healthcare, our world image, our banking system and the list just goes on without end?

These people have the lowest membership standards of any organization in the world. The only qualifications are not being able to make it in the private sector, dishonest, natural liar, thief, loose morals, massive ego, crook, tax cheat, incompetent, easily bought off, wife cheater, tax cheater, speak with forked tongues and their all just a waste of human life.

Sick of Them All

See Burlington and Sue

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:35:00 -0700

Spike,

"The justice secretary, Jack Straw, said recently that he was alarmed about �libel tourism.� And in the House of Commons, a committee has listened to a parade of witnesses denounce the current law as perverse, unfair, prohibitively expensive, contemptuous of free speech and an anachronism in an age when access to articles on foreign Web sites can be obtained anywhere."

England is considering rewriting its libel laws. If you do not like what you see in a blog, sue, sue, sue. Travel to England to do so.

America's tradition of freedom of speech has much tighter restrictions on libel. However, that tradition has been under attack by elements demanding greater command and control over every aspect of our lives.

State Senator Courtney once introduced legislation against anonymous free speech. Should England change its libel law, Senator Courtney may wish to consider rewriting libel law in Iowa. Sell it as an economic development tool.

Iowa can become the Mecca of libel tourism. More specifically, write the law so libel suits must be filed in economically depressed areas. The glitterati, mad at scandal sheets, will flock to Burlington.

Besides outing Spike and any others for punishment, Huck's Hole will be filled movie stars kids while their parents are in court. We will all become rich.

To rephrase Iowa's motto, Our liberties we let die and our rights have been mortgaged.

QB VII

The New Math of Obama's Unsustainable Growth

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:33:00 -0700

Spike,

"The number of federal workers earning six-figure salaries has exploded during the recession, according to a USA TODAY analysis of federal salary data."

We need more government to control the private sector that produces wealth for government to confiscate to hire more experts to further restrict the private sector and individual freedom.

It is not just at the federal level. State and local government is just as bad. Lower levels of government are often encouraged, or outright required with unfunded mandates, to do the same.

As long as 2+2=5, it all makes perfect sense.

O'Brien

A Dying Trade?

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:31:00 -0700

Spike,

"The journalism trade journal Editor & Publisher is shutting down after 108 years of publication."

If a trade journal covering a declining trade dies, can the trade be far behind?

HG

Tried to Help With City Debt

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:29:00 -0700

Spike,

Seeing how patronizing my investments seems like a good thing, I went out to Huck's Hole Tuesday. It was closed. How is this thing ever going to pay when it is only open 25% of the year?

Have they considered stocking the pool with exotic fish like trout and salmon in the off season? They could charge people to ice fish.

If this keeps up, we're all gonna be eating a lot of carp to pay our taxes.

IW

Need A Project Manager - Ghosts of Incompetence

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:24:29 -0700

Spike,

I see where we are now having problems with bio-solids from the Wastewater treatment plant. And if a site isn't found it will cost the taxpayers $1.1 million to construct a building.

I think we should bring John Mercer back because I know he will have a place to dump this. John gets along with the DNR very well, so I believe he can get this taken care of with little or no expense.

Leonard Johnson

Merry Christmas From the Mismanagers

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:22:40 -0700

Spike,

I would like to know why we voted on the new library? We voted it down twice and our city council passed it anyway. Now if we have to vote on these kind of things why go to expense of doing it if the council just does as they damm well please.

We need to find some independent candidates to run for state and federal government. Mr Worden and the council didn't want to take the $1.8 million loan in a lump sum, so now we are stuck paying the interest on it for ten years.

Heland, Courtney, Loebsack and Harkin need to be voted out. Government has gotten too big and seeing as they can't police their own, it needs to be downsized and have term limits.

The business about the Christmas trees and nativity scenes need to be straightened out also. If they don't like it let those folks go back wherever they came from. One thing I never hear is we have "In God we trust" on our money, they have no problem carrying that.

The next election we really need to get the people out to VOTE. Or we can blame ourselves for where we are. This whole government is disgusting.

Damn Disgusted

Interest Free - But Not to You and Me

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 09:15:00 -0700

Spike,

"Burlington City Council members approved bonding to pay off an existing loan used to invest in an outdoor water park and to offset the cost of improvements at the city's wastewater treatment plant."

"The interest will be paid from hotel/motel tax revenues," he said. For the 2008-09 fiscal year, the city received $656,292 from the so-called "pillow tax," according to information supplied by the city.

Brilliant, Dougy. Taxation without representation revenue that could have gone for what else? Wanna buy a bridge?

Is there an accountant in the house? Figuring opportunity cost of the money, etc. etc. what is the dollar figure the public has lost on this deal?

Tired of Stupidity Subsidization

It's all play money for Doug Worden. He's no manager or leader. He's just a stooge.

I'd like to tell my banker that I am rolling my principal and interest payment into a new loan while relying on a declining revenues and a third position collateral spot.

I like the way the Publisher Steve Delaney shirks its "Community Watch Dog" job by failing to name Huck's Harbor as the "outdoor water park."

How lame is that? A drunken night at the casino reward for Delaney?

Spike

Loebsack vs. Braley - The Winner is Heland?

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 09:10:00 -0700

Spike,

Ethics sink with the ship. Iowa's continuing decline compared to the rest of the nation means the loss of a seat in Congress. Braley and Loebsack know what is coming. Perhaps it is the root of their dispute.

Every decade redistricting makes the rats scurry. The loss of a seat creates panic. Loebsack and Braley's home counties are not that far apart. These two could end up in the same district. Somebody will drown.

This process creates opportunities for others. When the new map is drawn, there could be a district where there are none. Sitting on the fringe of Iowa's provincial universe, Burlington could end up in the same Congressional district as Council Bluffs.

Heland has been catching a lot of heat in his current seat. If up the ladder a seat comes open and looks cooler, Heland for Congress could happen.

Scared

Heland is no winner and he'll have a real tough time running for city council.

Spike

A Candidate's Pledge of Explosive Action

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 08:50:00 -0700

Spike,

CEDAR RAPIDS � Two-time city council candidate and carnival business owner Robert Bates faces charges for first-degree harassment and making threats with an explosive device after police officers arrested Bates at his home Thursday night.

An unsuccessful candidate for public office promises action and gets a response. Talk about the ultimate political activist, this candidate fits the bill. Has this guy ever considered moving here?

Guy Fawkes

Government Honesty Past History

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:00:00 -0700

Spike,

Under most circumstances the congressional ethics committee looks the other way when it comes to congressional scumbags.

Take Murtha and Rangel both of whom should have been in prison by now yet their still functioning as real senators. These two idiots have lied and cheated their way into the lives of all Americans.

We cannot have congress regulating themselves because congressmen are people of low moral values who would sell their mothers if it met more graft and money in their pockets.

Basically the American people have no representation in Washington anymore and we have only ourselves to blame because we seem to think longevity creates knowledge and governmental skills. What longevity creates in our congress is lying, scumbags who only represent those people and companies with money which has turned our government into a cesspool of greed and corruption.

We the people should regulate congress because their just not capable of doing it themselves. If they want a raise then the people should vote on it. If they commit a crime then the civil courts should handle the case because there again congress is too corrupt to manage themselves.

We the people need to control these scumbags that have ruined our government and destroyed any honesty that may have existed in government over the past 30 years.

Disgusted as Usual

Loebsack Involved In Ethics Probe

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 05:03:00 -0700

Apparently, according to the Huffington Post,Congressman Loebsack has gotten himself involved in an old fashioned ethics probe over conduct brought about by fellow Democratic Congressman Bruce Braley.

Prior to a vote on an undisclosed "something," Loebsack received calls from his constituents trying to influence his vote. The calls were allegedly prompted by Braley's office.

The questions remaining are how did Loebsack vote and how does he verfiy the phone calls had no impact on his vote.

And why haven't we heard about this from the Main Street Frog Pond?

Spike

Are Any Local Leaders Going?

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 04:45:00 -0700

Spike,

"Copenhagen Mayor Ritt Bjerregaard sent postcards to city hotels warning summit guests not to patronize Danish sex workers during the upcoming conference. Now, the prostitutes have struck back, offering free sex to anyone who produces one of the warnings."

Free food and booze at a municipal bond salesman's hospitality suite in Des Moines just can not compare.

GH

We heard the local democrats chartered a jet for the event. Sold out in 10 minutes.

Spike

The Safety of Anonymity

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 04:30:00 -0700

Spike,

"He was forced to appear before television cameras giving evidence to a House of Commons committee. Later he was taken away to be interviewed by the British intelligence services in a safe-house. In a telephone call shortly before his death, Dr Kelly said he would not be surprised "if my body was found in the woods"."

It a town where, "I've got a gun in my boot," is standard operating procedure, anonymity is paramount. No wonder Senator Courtney is always trying to out you.

Casper

23 Democrats & 6 Republicans Under Congressional Ethics Probe

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 05:36:00 -0700

Loebsack In Another Ethics Probe

"House ethics investigators have been scrutinizing the activities of more than 30 lawmakers and several aides in inquiries about issues including defense lobbying and corporate influence peddling, according to a confidential House ethics committee report prepared in July.

The report appears to have been inadvertently placed on a publicly accessible computer network, and it was provided to The Washington Post by a source not connected to the congressional investigations. The committee said Thursday night that the document was released by a low-level staffer.

The ethics committee is one of the most secretive panels in Congress, and its members and staff members sign oaths not to disclose any activities related to its past or present investigations."

1. Rep. Barton (R-Tex.)
2. Rep. Bishop (D-Ga.)
3. Rep. Christian-Christensen (D-Virgin Islands)
4. Rep. Dicks (D-Wash.)
5. Rep. Engel (D-N.Y.)
6. Rep. Graves (R-Mo.)
7. Rep. Harman (D-Calif.)
8. Rep. Jackson (D-Ill.)
9. Rep. Kaptur (D-Ohio)
10. Rep. Kilpatrick (D-Mich.)
11. Rep. Mack (R-Fla.)
12. Rep. Matsui (D-Calif.)
13. Rep. Miller (R-Calif.)
14. Rep. Moran (D-Va.)
15. Rep. Murtha (D-Pa.)
16. Rep. Payne (D-N.J)
17. Rep. Rangel (D-N.Y.)
18. Rep. Reyes (D-Tex.)
19. Rep. Richardson (D-Calif.)
20. Rep. Linda T. Sanchez (D-Calif.)
21. Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-Calif.)
22. Rep. Shuler (D-N.C.)
23. Rep. Stark (D-Calif.)
24. Rep. Tiahrt (R-Kan.)
25. Rep. Thompson (D-Miss.)
26. Rep. Towns (D-N.Y.)
27. Rep. Visclosky (D-Ind.)
28. Rep. Waters (D-Calif.)
29. Rep. Young (R-Fla.)

Tit for Tat

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 04:41:00 -0700

"Ten Most Wanted Corrupt Politicians" for 2009

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 06:00:00 -0700

Judicial Watch Announces List of Washington's "Ten Most Wanted Corrupt Politicians" for 2009

1. Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT)
2. Senator John Ensign (R-NV)
3. Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA)
4. Secretary of Treasury Timothy Geithner
5. Attorney General Eric Holder
6. Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-IL)/ Senator Roland Burris (D-IL)
7. President Barack Obama
8. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)
9. Rep. John Murtha (D-PA) and the rest of the PMA Seven - Murtha�s son and Peter J. Visclosky (D-IN.),
James P. Moran Jr. (D-VA), Norm Dicks (D-WA.), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), C.W. Bill Young (R-FL.)
and Todd Tiahrt (R-KS.)
10. Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY)

Recount or Sell Picnic Table Plan Set

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 05:55:00 -0700

Spike,

"Black Hawk County officials say 24 absentee ballots from Waterloo did not get counted on Election Day.

According to unofficial results, Buck Clark edged out Steve Schmitt by 29 votes for Waterloo mayor."

It looks like another molecule margin municipal election in Iowa. Burlington just went through one and it ended up in a recount. Waterloo could end up recounting too.

When the outcome is in doubt, hire a champion to defend you. Do either of the contestants in Waterloo have Burlington's Drunk ex-Mayor's phone number?

TS

Maybe the loser would like to buy picnic table plan sets?

Spike

IPERS Wants Taxpayers to Pay Brunt of Their Greed

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 05:50:00 -0700

Spike,

According to an article in the Register this morning, IPERS officials want the taxpayers to pay $60 million of their $100 million they think they need to fund their retirement accounts.

I say the hell with IPERS. No one "shores up" my retirement account when the market fluctuates. If they hadn't been so greedy and went looking for some quick cash they would have audited their California stock swindler before they lost millions to his crooked ways.

It's time to stop the slop.

No new taxes for government employees until they start to absorb some of the burdens the rest of us have.

Screwed by Government Employees

Sheaffer Toxic Waste

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 05:45:00 -0700

Spike:

Several years ago the Sheaffer Pen company then owned by Eaton started up it�s new waste treatment plant for the purpose of removing hexavalent chromium, cyanide, nickel and other hazardous waste from their metal plating water.

During that time the waste was centrifuged and pumped into regular 55 gallon barrels and hauled up to the city dump and just thrown in with the rest of the trash.

I wonder what has happened to those barrels after about 30 years of wasting away in the landfill or whatever one wants to call it. This stuff was really bad news and very toxic and no precautions or safety issues were taken to protect the citizens of Lee County should they start leaking.

It was just an old guy in his farm truck that would pick up the barrels and haul them to the city dump which apparently was up on the ridge at that time.

Must have been hundreds of barrels of this toxic waste that were hauled up there and needless to say there was no paper trail or documentation even stating it was toxic at the time, to my knowledge.

If I lived in Ft. Madison I�d really be concerned just where that stuff was dumped and if it�s started leaking onto the open ground or into any underground water sources.

Remember that hexavalent chromium was the toxic that caused all the health problems for those people living in that town in California. There was a movie starring Julia Roberts who got those people a huge award from Pacific Gas and Electric.

Anyway, I just happened to think about all that stuff that was hauled off prior to there being any controls other than not dumping it directly into the river which had gone on for years before the waste treatment plant was opened at which time it was just dumped in the city landfill, although in barrels.

There must be some retired or other ex Sheaffer people that remember those barrels of toxic waste just being hauled off to the dump somewhere there in Ft. Madison.

Wondering

What's uphill ultimately seeps downhill. When does it hit?

Spike

Mice and Mortarboards

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 05:33:00 -0700

Spike,

"Could be it�s their eighth grade graduation picture." - Sick of Them.

Sick of them has a valid observation. That photo looks fairly recent.

Has either of them gotten their G. E. D. yet?

LK

RE: Mousketeers - Rodent Indentification

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 05:30:00 -0700

Spike,

Which one has bigger man boobs?

FH

Job Cuts Not a Local Option

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 05:20:00 -0700

Spike,

"Des Moines City Manager Rick Clark on Monday will recommend the elimination of about 55 jobs as one option to help balance the city budget."

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20091203/NEWS/912030355/1001/NEWS/Des-Moines-city-manager-to-urge-cutting-55-jobs

Reducing the numbers on the public payroll is something we will see here when?

TH

Putin or Trousil - Don't Hold Your Breath

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 05:10:00 -0700

Spike,
"Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, in power for over 10 years, ruled out a departure from politics on Thursday, telling a questioner: "Don't hold your breath."

In Russia, they have Putin. In West Burlington, they have Trousil.

MN

Food Stamp Usage

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:59:00 -0700

Spike:

Below are the numbers for food stamp usage in Des Moines County and I wonder what the numbers are for the school district subsidized and free food programs.

Des Moines County

All people 17% (Approximately 6906 persons based on a county pop. of 40,629)

Children 32% (2209)

Whites 9% (865)

Blacks 40% (3842)

Change since �07 +18%

It would seem our new residents are taking advantage of Iowans far and above what SEIRPC, Chamber of Commerce, slum lords and our city management had counted on. Muscatine knew what they were doing and Burlington showed its incompetence again.

Why would the new people even come here when there were no jobs for the Iowans already living here? I doubt the local trough feeders listed above would have provided subsidized bus service for the local people.

These numbers tell us a lot about Burlington and what the town is becoming and for sure it�s not desirable but rather depressing to say the least. Will Burlington become another East St. Louis in the foreseeable future?

Of course we all know that crime is way down also because the police chief said it was. I�ll wait for the numbers to be published by the FBI next year.

Worried

An Ad Vertiser Tax? Tax Money for Newspaper Bailout?

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:58:49 -0700

Spike,

"The newspaper industry is suffering "market failure" and the government will need to help preserve serious journalism essential to democracy, an influential US congressman said Wednesday."

Liberal Democrat Congressman Henry Waxman of California is worried. His serious allies in the old media are in serious trouble. If Waxman's plan of government gimmes goes through, a free and independent press is through.

If that happens, we are all in serious trouble. The internet? These people, including State Senator Courtney, have also been advocating content control of the internet as well.

Locally, the Ad Vertiser has been a serious ally of tax and spend liberals. As the local propaganda service of the single party system, what price party loyalty?

In 2008, the Ad Vertiser dutifully endorsed the entire single party slate. The column inches of coverage given the single party versus its opposition were right down the single party line. Has the Ad Vertiser earned a spot at the trough?

It will take more than Waxaman to destroy an independent press. Where do liberal Congressman Loebsack and liberal Senator Harkin stand on this issue? Will they vote to use your taxes to support their local friends in need?

Somebody needs to ask and report their answers.

If what Waxman wants goes through, you will become a total slave to socialist taxation. There will be no independent voice left to warn.

P. Revere

Meeska, Mooseka, Moronteers

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:30:00 -0700

Spike,

I am still puzzled as I stare at the photo you ran of the mice. Which one is Bobby and which one is Annette?

Lawrence Welk

One rat looks like another. Beats me. But we have reports of Heland running scared with his dress flying in the wind.

Spike

Androgynous Mice?

Heland Can't Understand Culver's Tax Warning

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 05:35:00 -0700

Spike

I was reading the Des Moines Register this morning. The article was about the State budget cuts and their employees taking furloughs to save jobs.

Some Union employees disagreed with the furloughs and commented that the State should raise taxes. How greedy and stupid are these idiots. Put more on the backs of the public so they can have more.

Culver correctly said that it is unwise to raise taxes in a recession and it would hurt the public even more. I agree! Evidently, County Supervisor Jeff Heland does not agree with this based on his voting record.

The DMC supervisors, especially money hungry Heland should be listening. The DMC supervisors, led by Heland, but Beck and Cahill are responsible too, voted for annual pay raises and Free monthly health insurance at $1200.00 per month for family health insurance. Some employees (I think Heland) are taking a good portion of the money rather than the insurance and building a second retirement.

They then had a 17.5% tax increase, according to the Hawkeye and our tax statements. They were complaining that they would run out of money before the taxes came in. Hopefully Beck and Cahill will not fall for this twice. DMC needs to make cuts just like everybody else. Real cuts, not just failing to fill the pot holes. Our taxes are for services, not just to provide very good jobs with better benefits and more retirements than any in the private work force.

Taxed enough

Mickey Mouse Losers or Eighth Grade Graduation Picture

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 05:27:00 -0700

Spike:

What a great picture of our two super stooges at the Mickey Mouse convention. Don�t the two of them look just about as smart as a road kill? I know that�s a stretch but its true.

I wouldn�t want anyone any dumber making decisions for the county or the city, Des Moines County is just so lucky to have twin dimwits at the helms.

Could be it�s their eighth grade graduation picture.

Sick of Them

The Enemy is Us - Publisher Steve Delaney: "I Are The Enemy"

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 05:15:00 -0700

Spike,

"It is time to pause and recognise this � free costs too much."

Media mega giants are wondering if selling advertising to earn a profit for their efforts has become suicide. The net has not been paying off as expected.

If not Ad Vertising, what is the of worth local news in small markets like Burlington?

GH

There has to be content worth something of value before you can make these leaps of revenue creation. Dated articles cut and pasted from last week's newswire has no value except fill the pages between the ads.

Spike

The Universality of the Socialist Elite

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 05:10:00 -0700

Spike,

"During the past two decades, social democrats have joined Europe's ruling elites on a truly massive scale. Disproportionately, they have been parachuted in the corridors of power, almost exclusively as unelected officials at all levels and all branches of government. In exchange for cash, dozens of these loyal social democrats were raised to the peerage by their crony Blair. Craving for recognition of their new status, anxious to line their pockets, and hurrying to shower benefits upon their offspring, the new caste of social democratic, parasitic office-holders has opened the gates widely towards mostly poor, muslim immigrants. They did so with the purpose of turning these underprivileged newcomers into a faithful electoral base to compensate for the loss of the traditional workers' vote."

A Pravda columnist bemoans Social Democrats destruction of Europe and betrayal of the workers they claim to represent. It sounds a lot like what Democrat Socialists are doing right here and now.

ITT

Fighting Mediocrity in the Mouse Kingdom - Junket for Cheese Thieves?

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 04:30:00 -0700

Spike,

"While some have questioned UI Hospital and Clinics officials� pricey proposed Disney World visit for a lesson in management, others say no area options would meet the hospital�s needs."

The University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics wish to conduct research on customer satisfaction techniques. A trip to the magic kingdom to learn how Disney keeps their customers happy and coming back is generating heat.

Our local elected officials have made money losing amusement projects a priority with public money. Would a trip to Orlando improve the performance our squeaking cheese thieves?

If nothing else, a photo of Courtney and Heland wearing Mouseketeer ears would be priceless.

Minnie M.

Here are the head cheese thieves now - Boofus & Doofus.

Spike

State Employee Math Skills Lacking

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 04:25:00 -0700

Spike:

Something just doesn�t add up because state workers claim they earn less than the private sector when doing the same job.

How come the statistics show that Iowa has the biggest spread in the country between private and state employees with the state employee earning on average 45% more than the private employee when doing the same job.

Also, if these people were worth so much and are so highly educated how come the state budget is facing one billion in deficits? Where are all these super smart overpaid employees when we need them?

Surprised

Summer Street Now Gravel Road

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 04:20:00 -0700

Spike:

It�s my understanding that Summer Street will be unfinished until next spring thanks to the incompetence of the Burlington Street Department management. If there wasn�t time to finish it why the hell did they even start it? Now were stuck with a torn up piece of crap for the next four months, although it now blends in with the other corduroy streets in Burlington.

Is there no one with any brains left in this city or did any of them have brains to begin with?

Disgusted Again

Ruse is a Ruse is a Ruse

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 04:12:00 -0700

Spike,

"ACORN, the troubled community service organization, recently considered changing its name in a bid to rehabilitate its image, according to an internal memo obtained by POLITICO."

"In March, the Christian Coalition of Iowa announced it was changing its name to Iowa Christian Alliance. Steve Scheffler, the president of the group, said the national organization, which is struggling to raise funds and is accumulating debt, had lost focus and become "an albatross around our necks."

What's in a name? If a name becomes associated with shame, is it time for a change? If you change only the name, may you continue doing the same?

G. Stein

After Scheffler and Lehman's campaign money laundering schemes are exposed, what will be the new name -

Satan's Coin Wash or Satan's Giffy Lube?

Spike

It Was a Great Thanksgiving

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:30:00 -0700

Spike,

I left Burlington 30 years ago. I could not find a job. In fact my college education was a barrier to finding a job of any kind, "You're over qualified." I left.

My family gathered on Thanksgiving with so much to be thankful for. My wife and I have good jobs. Our children are getting a good education. When they finish school, there are opportunities that will hopeful keep our children within easy contact distance.

My parents and my wife's parents traveled from Burlington to be with us. The stories they told of how much worse things have gotten back there were heart breaking. They told us we did the right thing years ago.

We had a happy Thanksgiving here. It is such a shame so many in Burlington can no longer say the same. Our hopes are with you all that things will someday improve in Burlington.

NGB

What Iowans Are Not Buying

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:20:00 -0700

From the Des Moines Register -

"-But Iowans who have fallen away from the GOP differ with current members in how they view the party's tone and tactics:

- By roughly 2-to-1, former Republicans say the party's lawmakers have become too partisan, have become the party of "no," and have made some people feel unwelcome.

- Three times as many former Republicans as current members say the party is controlled by the religious right.

- More than 60 percent of Republicans who have left the party say it has focused too much on social issues such as abortion, compared with roughly 40 percent of party regulars."

Spike,

Do you think the feds investigation of dirty fingers in the collection plate of a local church could change the Republican landscape? Could Governor Culver, Senator Courtney and Senator Fraise face obscurity if the feds shake up the Republican Party leadership.

YTR

SEIRPC Involved In Trash Fraud?

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:15:00 -0700

Spike:

I wonder if there�s any interlinking fraud between the Otter Island cabin disposal, SEIRPC-regional planning, Jeff Heland and the Des Moines County Landfill. It�s my understanding that the cost of trash disposal for this project is up to five times the cost charged by surrounding counties.

Could be their all lining their pockets with taxpayer money under the guise of �Our Government at Work�?

Des Moines County needs an honest newspaper that has some sort of loyalty to its readers rather than local party control in order to watch out for the misdeeds of the one party scumbag political system. Des Moines County is a classic example of ignorant voters, nepotism in hiring and the law, remember the Eric Bell incident just a few weeks ago.

The Hawk Eye fails at basic journalism and honesty and why anyone would purchase it is beyond comprehension. The Hawk Eye is as guilty of fraud as the local government with its political misfits and bottom feeding losers.

Concerned

Dubai, Burlington on the Persian Gulf

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:05:00 -0700

Spike,

"Fears of a dangerous new phase in the economic crisis swept around the globe yesterday as traders responded to the shock announcement that a debt-laden Dubai state corporation was unable to meet its interest bill."

Dubai has gone on a terror using state funds to build amusement parks. Dubai's water park projects put Huck's Hole to shame. Dubai's foolishness should be visible from space without much magnification. Dubai, Burlington, the principle is the same.

Go into debt for frivolous, foolish projects that will supposedly lead to quick riches. When times get tight, the bubble bursts. When does cost of the Manor Mall mess start to compound? Burlington has yet to default on bonds, but if some big infrastructure does a Cascade Bridge...?

The cause and effect of the stupid we elect is not immediate, but it happens. Just remember that as Heland seeks re-election.

Beggar Sheik

Hang a tent over Heland and what would you have? A broke sheik.

Spike

The Purity of Defeat

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 14:34:47 -0700

Spike,

"Iowa Christian Alliance President and Republican National Committee member Steve Scheffler is among 10 co-sponsors of a resolution being circulated that aims to impose a conservative litmus test on potential GOP candidates."

Rather than just levering more rounds into their foot, why don't these people put a Winchester '94's business end to the roof their mouth and pull the trigger?

Is this Sheffler character backing this in hopes it will draw his sheep's attention away from laundering money through a Burlington church?

J. M. Browning

What happens when the co-sponsor winds up in prison along with his money laundering friends?

Spike

A Burning Issue of Local Interest

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 05:30:00 -0700

Spike,

"The Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Commission is looking into the future of Everclear, a Hot 100 product with 151 proof. The Commission will not necessarily be looking at banning the liquor, but the possibility of tightening regulations and educating the public on Everclear and other highly concentrated alcohol."

Where does Burlington's City Council stand on this issue? Is a resolution in order? If so, what should that resolution be?

GL

It sure would liven up the holidays for us. We haven't had any relatives of the drunk ex-mayor email us for over a year now.

Spike

Four Crooked Washington Scum

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 05:15:00 -0700

Spike:

It never ceases to amaze me how congress can let scum bag crooks such as Murtha, Pelosi, Frank and Reid continue to pollute the congress with their obnoxious and criminal behavior.

That Murtha alone is enough to make anyone puke if they knew of all the crap he�s done to destroy faith in the American way. He�s stolen so much money from the taxpayer to fund worthless waste in his state such as a large airport in the middle of nowhere that has three flights per day.

Pelosi would sell her soul to promote abortion and pass a devastating healthcare bill that will be more costly than the current system, increase the size of government, and destroy healthcare for 98% of the population in order to please a minority of 2% and of course congress exempts themselves.

Reid gives 300 million to a congress woman from Louisiana in order to buy her vote for healthcare. This guy is a wimp and hopefully he and any others that push this healthcare will be serving their last terms in office.

Frank is another worthless pile of crap that should have been gone ages ago. Basically he�s the father of the mortgage crises and forced the government mortgage business to loan money to people that had no assets, jobs or money. He also didn�t know his male lover was running a sex ring out of his apartment and just recently he didn�t know his new lover was a pot smoker. What a guy.

If all of these people were in the private world they�d most likely be in jail for fraud, deception, buying votes and a host of other charges but congress as an organization is no different than the mob and until the people throw them out it will be business as usual in Washington and Obama will make no difference because he was one of them prior to being elected president.

Disgusted

Barney Frank has had trouble with his gay boyfriends since 1984. Most have dealt with pot as a catalyst and male prostitution is a common theme.

The all belong is Pelosi's thug-ridden Cadillac full of prostitutes.

Spike

Dingy Harry Reid and His Payoff to Senator Landrieu of Louisiana

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 05:05:00 -0700

Spike:

This is how Dingy Harry Reid and Pelosi gather votes for their sick bills. Giving this woman senator a $300 million payoff with taxpayer dollars for her vote on healthcare should be a treasonable offense against the American people.

These people are demented and sick in the head to squander our money on such worthless legislation. People like these are the scum of the earth and are nothing more than mobsters, crooks and thieves. It makes me sick to even see them in the news when jail is where they belong.

Disgusted

Branstad Reaches Out to Satan's Cult Duo - Scheffler & Lehman

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 04:50:00 -0700

Spike:

It looks like certain zealots are not pleased with the man who has experience and the best chance of changing course in Des Moines. These zealots proclamations may not be good for Iowa, but pandering to their choir probably fills their collection plate.

Governor Culver and Senator Courtney are probably rolling on the floor with them, but in laughter.

AE

How many in the Scheffler & Lehman cult choir were engaged in laundering church money?

Branstad better run as fast as he can from these loons if he wants to win.

Spike

A Disturbing Trend

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 04:45:00 -0700

Spike,

Political Action Committees are getting involved more and more with City races. Parties are being more involved as well.

Do you think the Distillery and Brewery lobbies maybe making endorsements and donations in Burlington's next City election?

CQW

This may be news is Sioux City but never forget Junior Murray dumped the GOP just so he could be elected by the Democrats. And he is just one of many that sold their soul to get their perceived public power fix. Then there are the rest of the losers like Ell and King.

The historical list of our city council reads like a sign-in sheet should read at AA. But they never went to AA.

They could never get past and face the issue of clinical definitions.

Spike

Party Time Obama Style - Who Pays While We Eat Bologna?

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 04:43:00 -0700

SNL Finally Slaps P'Bo's Fiscal Policies - Part II

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 04:40:00 -0700

If you missed Saturday Night Live's skit of the Obama screw-ups, you can still view it. Youtube has deleted this video. Click here while you can. Obama's guardian NBC won't let this hang long without ad revenue.

Or here, with a 15 second ad ala Publisher Steve Delaney

Military Court Martials Navy Seals for Giving Terrorist 'Fat Lip'

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 04:30:00 -0700

Paying More for Turkeys - Publisher Steve Delaney Next?

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 04:15:00 -0700

Spike,

"Tribune Co., E.W. Scripps Co. and a U.S. newspaper industry suffering record declines in advertising sales and circulation will raise prices on Thanksgiving as readers seek inserts touting holiday discounts."

Will you be charging 300% more to view Derailed on Thanksgiving? When will the Ad Vertiser try this?

Some people deserve to just get stuffed.

A. Fowl

If the Facts Discredit Your Issue - The Facts are at Fault

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 03:12:00 -0700

Spike,

"If you own any shares in alternative energy companies I should start dumping them NOW. The conspiracy behind the Anthropogenic Global Warming myth (aka AGW; aka ManBearPig) has been suddenly, brutally and quite deliciously exposed after a hacker broke into the computers at the University of East Anglia�s Climate Research Unit (aka Hadley CRU) and released 61 megabites of confidential files onto the internet. (Hat tip: Watts Up With That)"

Science in the service of political interests has had its cover blown. Dishonest manipulation of data, silencing critics as cranks, getting the main stream media to serve as your propaganda machine, the list goes on and sounds familiar.

The Wrecked Plex will pay for itself. The railroad lawsuit will only cost $50,000. The Manor Mall will create jobs and increase tax revenue, etc. Make the projections fit your plan to sell the public. Always, always, trot out "experts" of your choice and ignore any who may raise issues resulting in open debate.

Politicians are objects of study in the "soft science" of Political "Science." When these lab rats champion only one side of a scientific debate to increase their control, beware. Science "in the public interest" could be akin to Scientology.

L. R. Hubbard

SNL Finally Slaps P'Bo's Fiscal Policies

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 05:59:00 -0700

Youtube has deleted the original video. Click here while you can. Obama's guardian NBC won't let this hang long without a revenue stream.

found this one lingering from NBC with a 15-second ad.

America's Most Expensive Prostitute

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 05:50:00 -0700

Louisiana Senator Dealt $300 Million to Vote Yes on Health Care Bill

As you probably have heard, Crooked Senator Harry Reid slipped a $300 million amendment into the Senate's health care bill to buy Landrieu's vote Saturday night.

So how does it feel Senator knowing you're the most expensive prostitute in America?

W.C. Fields, once the vocation was verified, said it was only about negotiating the price.

Landrieu proved that.

2+2=5

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 05:44:00 -0700

Spike,

"SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - While U.S. newspapers are losing subscribers at a staggering rate, a few dailies stand out because their circulation is rising. But they aren't necessarily selling more copies.

Here's why: Since April 1, new auditing rules have made it easier for newspapers to count a reader as a paying customer."

The rules of counting have changed. The "New Math" of 40 years ago is making a come back.

"Under the new auditing standards, if a newspaper sells a "bundled" subscription to both the print and electronic editions, the publication is often allowed to count that subscriber twice."

Advertisers look at the bottom line. Does their dollar invested in advertising produce a return in sales figures? With inexpensive market entry costs made possible by computers, the curse of interesting times is upon many a daily Times.

Is the local Ad Vertiser's survival approaching short time?

GR

Hell, this is nothing new. Publisher Steve Delaney has been triple counting the mice in our barn to get his circulation numbers in order to pick his advertisers' pockets.

His rag supports the lying and thieving Democratic Party, why would new rules change things? Rules are meant for other people, not Delaney and his band of sub-intellectual hypocrites.

Spike

Fraudulent Stimulus Job Claims from Falcon - More New Math

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 05:30:00 -0700

Last week Falcon had a post on false stimulus jobs in Iowa. For those of you that missed that, it bears repeated disclosure and the question as to how an $18 million dollar website could harbor such creative White House lies.

Iowa has five Congressional Districts and no 00 District.

Obama Admits Being Muslim

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 05:14:00 -0700

Towards end of tape.

Workers Blow Whistle on SEIU Election Fraud

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 05:01:00 -0700

SEIU Intimidation Caught on Tape

STS 129 Set to Depart Space Station

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 04:37:24 -0700

NASA Image

S129-E-007592 (22 Nov. 2009) --- The bright sun greets the International Space Station in this Nov. 22 scene from the Russian section of the orbital outpost, photographed by one of the STS-129 crew members.

NASA Image

S129-E-007324 (21 Nov. 2009) --- One of the crewmembers onboard the space shuttle Atlantis recorded this still image of the Bahamas' lengthy narrow Eleuthra Island. Like most of the Bahama Islands, Eleuthra is composed mainly of limestone and coral, and rises from a vast submarine plateau. The island, 80 miles (133 kilometers) long, about two miles (three kilometers) wide and covering an area of 164 square miles (425 square kilometers), is generally low and flat, has many mangrove swamps, brackish lakes, coral reefs and shoals, and many miles of sandy beaches. The Atlantic Ocean just east of Eleuthra Island is nearly 5000 meters deep.

NASA Image

S129-E-007317 (21 Nov. 2009)--- This scene of the Bahamas' Andros Island and the Tongue of the Ocean was captured by one of the STS-129 crewmembers aboard the space shuttle Atlantis during flight day six activities This scene from Earth orbit appears much more peaceful than earlier in the month, when Hurricane/Tropical Storm Ida was not only threatening but seriously affecting several areas in several oceans. The dark blue area, aptly named "Tongue of the Ocean", is characterized by water depths as great as 3000 meters (almost two miles). The Atlantic Ocean just east of Eleuthra Island is nearly 5000 meters deep. By comparison, the waters of the Bahama Platform are less than 15 meters deep.

Burlington School Superintendent Wants Advice

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:00:00 -0700

According to Sunday's Ad Vertiser 3 local school superintendents, including Burlington's, wanted Governor Culver to clarify what he expected of the local districts to deal with the huge state budget shortfall.

Since the Governor is a busy man, I'll clear this confusion for you.

Stop spending all the damn money like drunken sailors looking a good time.

We don't need that damn school on Mason Road and we can't afford it. Mothball it.

As I have stated many times before, you would be better off with a circus tent and bales of hay until you get your dropout rate below our tax rate needed to pay for your overpriced, failed, pompous, arrogant, monument building administrators.

It sure as hell doesn't take a college degree to realize you are failing.

Still don't get it?

Here:

Schools Out of Control

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:30:00 -0700

Spike:

Does anyone know how many millions of taxpayer dollars the BCSD has squandered on new schools and administrators? For all the money spent we have obtained the lowest graduation rate in the state.

What a record we�ve earned for all the millions spent on brick and mortar while neglecting the human factor completely. All the new schools combined will not make one child any smarter than had he or she been in the old schools; so why was all this money wasted?

I suppose all the new jobs created in Burlington are a direct result of the new schools, new library and the state record for high school graduations.

Boy, when it comes to brilliance Burlington is right at the bottom of the pile along with the snakes and other lowly creatures.

Our newspaper has failed and is no longer active in policing the low life politicians and other groups that have ruined our city. Censorship of the news has destroyed the paper and made it nothing more than a loosely bound flyer of advertisements. I wonder if they�ve even bothered to check on the number of real jobs created by the stimulus money sent to Burlington, if any.

We are also blessed with SEIRPC and the Chamber neither of which has done anything to entice new employers to Burlington. Of course their part in making Burlington a surrogate to Columbus Junction has helped ruin the neighborhoods, increase crime and lower the school standards in Burlington with little else unless one counts the benefits to the plentiful group of slumlords.

Every time I drive by one of those new monuments to failure I cringe and feel sick to my stomach at the thought of what idiots we have running our school system. There is just no accountability by any of the organizations that are dependent on tax money for their existence.

Burlington is not creating jobs or obtaining jobs; so why are we wasting millions on a failed city? Burlington is beyond anything good coming from all the wasted millions because the city has been made a sacrificial lamb through a one party system of greed and egotistical losers over the past 25 years.

Disgusted

Good-bye, Mr. Scott - Another Notch on Spike's Pistol Grip

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:12:00 -0700

Spike,

It is official. All the Drunk ex-Mayor's help and all the single party yes men could not put Tim Scott back in office again. He will not be missed.

The Reign of Senator King ended. The big ride home from BK for the Drunk ex-Mayor revealed. The night in the fog of Little Timmy Hoschek lifted. A permanent spot at the picnic table for Tim Scott. All are gone.

The margin of sanity with Hoschek and more so Scott, was depressingly close. Had it not been for Spike, there would be no reason to celebrate.

Close is still a sign of improvement. The aforementioned embarrassments are gone. There are still more to go.

Would somebody please take all this to heart and organize to rid us of Jeff Heland.

Hopeful

Don't forget we sent that crooked city manager Springsted Inc bond consultant Bruce Slagle on his way running with his dress blowing in the wind.

As for Heland, time will tell along with his story.

Spike

Obama & The Democrat's Saturday Night Debt Star

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:27:00 -0700

Catfish Bend fined $20,000

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:18:43 -0700

Spike,

Two Iowa casinos have agreed to fines for admitting people who should not have been allowed inside.

The Catfish Bend Casino in Burlington was fined $20,000 for admitting an underage female who played a slot machine and was served an alcoholic beverage. A security supervisor questioned her identification and discovered she was underage.

MB

Dirt Bag John Murtha Typical Of Washington Crooked Politicians

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:15:00 -0700

Afghanistan - What Would JC Do?

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:50:00 -0700

Spike,

After months of twiddling his thumbs and letting our under-staffed military fight the war in Afghanistan; I wonder, what would JC do?

No not that JC. I mean Jimmy Carter.

Carter had his moments, like the �killer rabbit� and the Iranian hostage debacle. Even though the Iranian hostage rescue plan failed, something was planned and tried.

I don�t think academy graduate Jimmy Carter would sit for months and pine away on what he should do to fully support our military while his brothers in arms died due to lack of manpower and equipment.

What the hell is P�BO thinking? Maybe it�s time for P�BO to ask the question.

What would JC do?

TL

Ft Madison Mayor Has Cancer � Withheld It From The Voters

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:46:00 -0700

Spike,

I�ve never written to your website before but there is something people should know. Ft Madison mayor Steve Ireland has lung cancer. I tried to get some attention to this prior to the election by asking 3 newspapers and one radio station if they knew about it. Not one of them responded.

What is troubling to me is that he knew this well in advance of the election, withheld the information from the public, told the city council about it, supposedly told them to be discreet and allowed the taxpayers to take the fall for his judgment down the road for selecting his replacement since he stated that he would run and then later on, appoint someone to fill his shoes.

I say, Mr. Ireland, it won�t take much to fill your shoes of deceit and lies. If your private quest was to garner the sympathy vote, it failed. I guess that should tell you, and us, a lot.

Fed Up

A Red Herring in Pink Tights

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:42:00 -0700

Spike,

"Iowa Christian Alliance President Steve Scheffler says his group will focus on the legislative session beginning in January, lobbying lawmakers to begin the process of amending the state constitution to ban gay marriage."

Iowa's Republican National Committeeman with an alleged $100,000 Burlington connection is on a crusade. It is not to tighten restrictions on money laundering. It is to set the fagots alight at the feet of homosexuals.

Beg for more money. Extort candidates for office to "donate" to your 501 (c) 4 which by law as tax exempt is not supposed to be directly influencing political races. Tell your sheep you are out to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah.

If any sheep ask if their money went through the rinse cycle, tell them it is all anti-Christian discrimination. The accusers are not playing with a full deck. Plant the seed that those complaining could be "one of them."

Your distractions will not go unnoticed. From Governor Culver through Senator Courtney and right down to Supervisor Heland, they will be laughing in private.

Another massive tax increase, nothing to worry about. Those who should be challenging it are off chasing fairies.

As long as this goes on, nothing will get better.

Percy Dovetonsils

When the sole purpose of the Iowa Christian Alliance seems to be nothing more than a Political Action Committee, it seems Satan's goal is somewhat contrary to the IRS rules.

I guess, if you want to donate to the ICA you can. But just keep in mind that the IRS might one day show up and ask you to pay taxes on that donation. Or show up at ICA and ask for the West Hill Methodist Church records to show where the money was laundered.

Spike

The GOP Has Lost Their Way

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:25:00 -0700

Spike,

I read Falcon�s post yesterday. I agree the Iowa Republican Party has totally lost their way. When Steve Scheffler represents the GOP he represents the GOP and not some right wing Christian group that he happens to be sucking the life out of. And the same goes for that Lehman woman. She has done nothing for the GOP except divide it into more pieces.

If the Iowa GOP has any thought of winning next year, things need to radically change. And that change starts at the top with the removal of Sheffler and Lehman. They�re nothing but squirrels looking for nuts to steal.

They do not represent the Republican Party that I have belonged to for over 50 years.

GOP member

P.S. I like the Glenn Beck videos you publish. Saves me from having to search for them.

Small Town Crony Accounting 101

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:45:00 -0700

Spike,

"Under the terms of the settlement, the casino's assessed property value will be reduced from $24.9 million to $20 million beginning in 2011 and continuing through 2014, the last year of the deal."

If a respected outside appraiser says $24.9 million is Catfish Craps value, they should pay the taxes. When do I get the assessed value of my house lowered 20%? What about a 17% assessed reduction to offset Supervisor Heland's stupidity?

"We're not losing any property taxes, and we're able to help a company who has given back a lot to the city," he (Worden) said." Really, Dougie? What other local business will see their assessed value lowered? Is the casino in such bad shape that paying their taxes like anybody else may cause their default on that big note you folks floated for them with our money?

While our city financial geniuses are at it, how about giving me one of those 10 year loans with an interest rate that would land a bank officer in the unemployment line.

There are a lot of local leaders who need to be in the unemployment line. With their resume, lots of luck when time drains their benefits to their skill value.

J. P. Mortified