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I got a good laugh out of the automated email I received from the Shimkus Congressional newsletter this morning.
No, I didn't unsubscribe myself. I guess his office doesn't appreciate a little public scrutiny about what they're sending constituents? Well, maybe it was just an error. haha
I would prefer not to write a series of outraged blog posts about my Congressman, but he continues to find new ways of making himself a national laughingstock. John Shimkus has outdone himself yet again by claiming in an email to constituents that the internet is an invention of the free market with no help from government.
An official Congressional email sent to constituents in March begins with the subject line: "Hands Off! Stopping the FCC Internet Takeover"
It claims that: Everything the internet is today has been made possible without the heavy hand of government mediation or regulation.
His talking points, which he cut and pasted from telecom industry lobbyists, continue with this.
Unfortunately, some in Washington now want to put the brakes on the internet's development by regulating it through the FCC. They would put the future of this national treasure in the hands of bureaucrats rather than the proven hands of the same free market that fostered the internet's incredible expansion. I do not support this.
That's interesting but things are a little different back here on planet earth. Searching the internet will reveal that its a creation of government, not the private sector. The research and investment to create the internet was done by the US Department of Defense, PUBLIC universities, and non-profit research institutions that received government grants.
The private sector had no short-term profit motive to make the investments necessary to create the internet. In fact, commercial use was initially forbidden. The investments made later by private companies are merely piggybacking on years of public spending by we the people. The internet wouldn't be what it is today without the heavy hand of government intervention.
I really wouldn't care that Shimkus is living in a world of make believe except that he sits on an important committee which oversees telecommunication policy.
Let's reflect on that for a moment. One of the Congressmen with the most influence over telecommunications policy is either completely ignorant about the internet, or is shamelessly lying to constituents on behalf of his telecom campaign contributors. Or both.
It's bad enough that he's using his Congressional newsletter to mislead constituents about the attempt by telecom giants to forever change the internet for their own financial gain. It's even more insulting that he does so with populist rhetoric as though he's actually standing up for the people.
Once again, I'm ashamed that this man represents me in Congress. And there's no one who deserves more blame than the Illinois Democrats who guaranteed his re-election for the past decade by drawing him an incumbent protection district. I can only hope they choose to restore democracy for the 19th district by drawing a new map that allows us to choose our Congressman instead of allowing a bad Congressman to choose his district.
My Republican Congressman, John Shimkus, usually sounds more reasonable in his district than he does in Washington. Despite toning down the ideological rhetoric, his underlying message still came through in a recent constituent newsletter.
His latest newsletter claims that the Mine Safety and Health Administration can "make it difficult to operate a mine."
Well, yes, I'm sure they make it more difficult to cut corners on safety and operate a dangerous mine. That's why the agency exists. George W. Bush tried the anti-government approach to mine safety and that resulted in more coal mine accidents.
I'm used to Shimkus attacking environmental regulation on behalf of the coal industry. This sort of rhetoric suggests he will represent industry lobbyists on questions of mine safety as well.
It's an important question since new coal mines are opening in Shimkus' district. Will he do his best to protect his constituents who work underground? Or will he represent his industry campaign donors who want to make it less "difficult" to operate a mine?
Vanishing of the Bees is getting a swarm of screenings this month and it stings Springfield as part of two environmental films hosted by the Sierra Club Sangamon Valley Group. The free Bees showing is Wednesday, April 27, 7:00pm at Capitol City Bar & Grill's City Nights Theater. The documentaries will also serve as this month's Liberty Brew & View selection.
Honeybees have been mysteriously disappearing across the planet, literally vanishing from their hives.Known as Colony Collapse Disorder, this phenomenon has brought beekeepers to crisis in an industry responsible for producing apples, broccoli, watermelon, onions, cherries and a hundred other fruits and vegetables. Commercial honeybee operations pollinate crops that make up one out of every three bites of food on our tables.
Vanishing of the Bees follows commercial beekeepers David Hackenberg and Dave Mendes as they strive to keep their bees healthy and fulfill pollination contracts across the U.S. The film explores the struggles they face as the two friends plead their case on Capital Hill and travel across the Pacific Ocean in the quest to protect their honeybees.
Filming across the US, in Europe, Australia and Asia, this documentary examines the alarming disappearance of honeybees and the greater meaning it holds about the relationship between mankind and mother earth. As scientists puzzle over the cause, organic beekeepers indicate alternative reasons for this tragic loss. Conflicting options abound and after years of research, a definitive answer has not been found to this harrowing mystery.
The new documentary "On Coal River" makes its Springfield debut on Thursday, April 28, 7:00 at City Nights Theater in Capital City Bar & Grill. It's the second of two free Earth month movies hosted by the Sierra Club Sangamon Valley Group.
ON COAL RIVER takes viewers to the Coal River Valley of West Virginia — a community surrounded by lush mountains and a looming toxic threat. The film follows four longtime residents as they confront their local school board, the state government, and a notorious coal company — Massey Energy — for putting their families and community's health at risk.
I went early to Recycled Records to make sure I didn't miss out on any limited supply goodies for this year's Record Store Day. My house is currently filled with newly acquired noise but checking out the unique packaging is half the prize.
I've been wanting a Black Angels record for a while and I picked up two. "Another Nice Pair" came in red vinyl with a poster.
I first heard these guys on a small side stage at Lollapalooza a few years ago and I'm not surprised they're becoming more popular. I'll get the chance to see them again at Bonnaroo this year.
I also came home with a limited edition release of B-sides called Phosgene Nightmare.
Both Black Angels records came with a code for digital download. That's very important and not enough labels do it. No one should have to pay for the music twice to get it in a digital format.
I grabbed a Record Store Day re-release of a rare 7" single by the White Stripes. The record looks marble and came in an appealing fold-out cover.
Regina Spektor came out with an exclusive Record Store Day 7" vinyl that I'll be letting my girlfriend open.
I'm most excited about the numbered Steve Earl 7" 45 red vinyl single. The B-side is This City, which will be on his next album. The A side is an amazing cover of Hank Williams' "I'll never get out of this world alive." Supposedly it won't be on his upcoming album, despite it sharing the same title.
I love this song. I ended up with No. 986 of 2600. It was a good day.
It's finally election day in Springfield and I keep thinking of the movie Pleasantville. Remember that one? It's revolves around a 50's TV town that's afraid to embrace change and the future. The Chamber of Commerce serves as the stern, backward-thinking local government.
The fact that our daily newspaper endorsed a former mayor elected in the 70's who more recently chaired the Chamber of Commerce strikes me as the ultimate expression of the desire many residents have to turn back the clock to Pleasantville.
Do a majority of Springfield residents want to embrace the past or a new future? I'm a little worried about finding out.