Today I voted and I want to make jot down some of my experiences at the poll this morning for all of your entertainment.

The local election board must be hurting for election judges. I practically had four judges begging me to volunteer to be an election judge. Why I donÂ’t know, since I didnÂ’t know any of them. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that they were all Republicans and Democrats and my voter registration has me listed as Independent. ThatÂ’s right, I wonÂ’t side with either of the tyrannous parties. And no I donÂ’t trust any party any further then I would trust my kids with a child molester.

I voted pretty early this morning, in fact I was only the twelfth voter in my precinct at that time. Where I live the election judges wear nametags that have their name and political party affiliation listed on it. Now, IÂ’m not trying to make any generalizations here, but I noticed something unusual. Out of the 6 judges I encountered three were dressed nicely, the guys wearing dress pants and shirts or sweaters the one lady wearing a nice, but casual, pants suit. They all looked well kempt and groomed. The other three were wearing clothes that I feel are fine for around the house, but not out in public. Definitely not as a representative of the election board and the city of Rockford. Hell one was wearing a muumuu. Yea, a muumuu. Muumuu lady looked like she rolled out of bed threw on some shoes and headed to the polls. Her hair was not brushed. The other two also looked like they didnÂ’t take any pride in their appearance. At this point I noticed that the three nicely dressed had Republican listed on their nametags, the three poorly dressed and Democrat listed on their nametags. IÂ’m not saying that is true everywhere, just at 6:20 AM at my polling place.

Finally the City of Rockford has been pushing to get a one percent sales tax increase. This is the second time they have tried to get it. Now at first this was just to repair the roads in the Rockford area, then it was to help improve the infrastructure. They claim this is going to lower our property taxes and distribute the burden to people visiting Rockford. Last year this tax was voted down. IÂ’m not so sure it will this year. Mainly because the people of Rockford seem to like being taxed to excess. I will admit that this method for funding Road repair is better then the way they use to do it, bonds. They would sell bonds and then pay them back with interest, itÂ’s like using a credit card to make major purchases you canÂ’t afford. You end up paying a lot more due to interest.

Folks, to be honest I like my money. I want my money and I want to spend my money. I don’t like either of these taxes. So I was asked how I would fund the road repairs and this is what I said, “I own a home. I want new windows, a new front door and new carpet. I’ve been saving and have the money to pay for those things. Then I find out my roof is needs repairing and it needs it badly. Since I manage my money, I won’t finance or take a loan (unless there is no interest). That means I have to find someone that will do a good job and be relatively cheap to make the repairs. That also means I put off getting something or things done so I can pay for the others. I do NOT go to my employer and demand a 5% raise to help me pay for everything this year. My employer would laugh and say no. I need to budget for it.”

That stands the place here. I think the city needs to control itÂ’s spending, especially on the nonessential projects, and budget better. The MayorÂ’s (The dishonorable Larry Morrissey) office needs to realize that they are here to serve the citizens, not that the citizens are serfs for the Morrissey Empire.

What I can tell you is that if this Sales Tax passes, IÂ’m taking my business outside the city of RockfordÂ’s limits. Remember, this is just for the city of Rockford, Businesses in Cherry Valley, Machesney Park, Loves Park, New Milford, etc donÂ’t have to add this one percent to their tab, just the state/county 7.25%. Sure one percent is not that big of a difference, only 1 dollar more for each 100 spent. When you do the math on what all you spend in a year and figure out how much that extra 1 percent adds up, you realize that DAMN, it adds up after a while. This tax goes on all services (hair dressers, mechanics, tailors, etc) it also applies to restaurants. I think the only thing it doesnÂ’t apply to is groceries, medication and titled property.

The polls closed two hours ago. WeÂ’ll see what happens, but right now with 22% in itÂ’s a yes on the Sales Tax. Which means my business is all outside of the city now. I really need to move.

Posted by: Contagion at 08:02 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
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Today is Tartan Day, as part of Gathering of the Blogs we are to post a Scottish post. In the years past I did a four-part post on Jacobites, as well as some highland fashion. And recipes for Minced Callops, Colcannon and Barley with Mushrooms, really you should try each one. Today I’m going to sit back with a nice bottle of Glenmorangie 12 year old port wood finish single malt scotch and receipt my favorite Robert Burns poem, “Scots, wha hae wi’ Wallace Bled” depicting the battle of Bannockburn fought on June 24th, 1314. In the battle the Scots, led by Robert the Bruce defeated the English in what could only be called a slaughter.

Scots, wha hae wiÂ’ Wallace Bled!
Scots, Wham Bruce has often led,
Welcome to your gory bed,
Or to victory!
NowÂ’s the day, and nowÂ’s the hour;
See the front oÂ’ battle lour;
See approach proud EdwardÂ’s power,
Chains and Slavery!

Wha will be a traitor knave?
Wha can fill a cowardÂ’s grave?
Wha so base as be a slave
Let him turn and flee.
Wha for ScotlandÂ’s king and law,
FreedomÂ’s sword will strongly draw,
Freeman stand, or freeman faÂ’
Let him follow me!

By oppressionÂ’s woes and pains,
By your sons in servile chains,
We will drain our dearest veins,
But they shall be free.
Lay the proud usurpers low!
Tyrants fall in every foe!
LibertyÂ’s in every blow!
Let us do or die!
~Robert Burns

This poem by Burns is supposed to be his interpretation of what is thought to be the BruceÂ’s words to the Scots prior to the battle. Since there is no record of what was actually said there is no way of knowing if this is even close. On the other hand it would be easy to see these words inspiring soldiers to fight to the death in what had to be the goriest type of warfare. ItÂ’s also easy seeing these words applying today.

Other Blogs participating in the Gathering of the Blogs.

Posted by: Contagion at 05:31 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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Before I get, this years Gathering of the Blogs is kicking off here in just 6 short days. If you are interested in joining, see the Tartan Day post over at Absinthe & Cookies.

Of course IÂ’m going to participate.

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