McHenry County Blog

I was going to put Gary Christ’s first name in the title in parentheses in front of “Christ,” but I concluded it would be sacrilegious.

You can see one reason I didn’t use the play on words in the following paragraph from an email that Gary sent me:

“As for me, I am full of faith that this creative mind God blessed me with will be focused on doing the Father’s Will.

“This latest invention, a land mine destroyer, may provide a platform for ministry in Cambodia and other places, I will check out Angola.

“The Cambodians have become so good at de-mining they are hired to go to other countries to teach their skill.”

My first big memory of Gary goes back to when he was promoting a way he had designed to use old tires and plastic to build cheap housing.

He even erected one on his family’s farm near the power lines in what is I think is now Sunset Park. (Well, it’s a park in name only. The Crystal Lake Park District is still growing crops.)

Then, I ran into him at the Illinois Libertarian Party convention in 2002.

He ran against me for the party nomination for governor.

Since we both shop in Crystal Lake, we see each other once in a while. The next time he was taking apart a barn to ship to Cambodia.

And, right before I wrote this article (over a year ago, maybe two years ago) while purchasing some movies at the old Wal-Mart, we found each other again.

This time he filled me in on an invention to dispose of land mines, which he had just finished field-testing in Cambodia.

It is a big steel box, several feet long and wide and about 2 feet high. It is open on the bottom.

This contains the explosion.

The box is attached to the front of a small tractor.

To detonate the bomb, there are 8 pound hammers attached to chains.

As the hammers drop, they activate any land mines.

The force of the explosion pushes the hammers and chains back up into the box.

And is Gary Christ finished?

What do you think?

“I also have plans to restore old water wells, as that is a huge problem in Cambodia and many other places.”

Previously, McHenry County Blog extracted the responses of state representatives to a proposal to impose term limits on leaders.

Locally, Republican Mike Tryon was the only one opposed to imposing term limits on legislative leaders.

That’s the reform I championed when I was running on the Libertarian Party ticket for governor against “unreformer” (as John Kass puts it) Rod Blagojevich and Jim Ryan.

(Top fund raisers of both of my 2002 opponents are now Federal felons awaiting imprisonment.)

Based on my 43 years of watching Springfield politics, I believe such term limits would do more to make the General Assembly responsive to citizen wishes than anything else.

Here’s where suburban state senators stand on the issue:

• Pam Althoff – Favors
• Michael Bond – Favors
• Dan Cronin – Favors
• Kirk Dillard – Favors
• Dan Duffy – Favors
• Susan Garrett – Favors
• Don Harmon – Refused to answer, saying he was part of the negotiating process
• Linda Holmes – Favors
• Randy Hultgren – Favors
• Dan Kotowski – Opposes
• Chris Lauzen – Favors
• Terry Link – Opposes
• John Millner – Favors
• Matt Murphy – Favors
• Michael Nolan – Favors
• Carol Pankau – Favors
• Arthur AJ Wilhelmi – Opposes

So, all Republicans in favor; three Democrats openly opposed.

= = = = =
The signs are the ones I took to every appearance in my 2002 gubernatorial campaign. The phone number on the bottom was switched because I thought an 8-year term limit for legislative leaders was more appropriate than one of 6 years.

Wonder Lake’s Dave Brady’s YouTube presentation of the Crystal Lake and Cary TEA Parties follows:

Brady is Chair of not only the McHenry County Libertarian Party, but also the Illinois Libertarian Party.

Illinois and McHenry County Libertarian Party Chair Dave Brady, who lives in Wonder Lake, sent the following press release about the Crystal Lake TEA Party. (All photos can be enlarged by clicking on them.)

Let us just say that the Crystal Lake Tea Party was an overwhelming success. This event had 550 people stretched down route 14 making their corporate voice heard loud and clear.

It started at 11:45 and ended at 1:15 and we were met by WIND radio broadcasting from our location for a about 30 minutes. (This is WIND Senior Marketing Consultant Chuck Barham. In the background, you can see former State Senator Jack Schaffer and McHenry County Republican Central Committee Treasurer Fred Wickham.)

The focus on this rally hovered around the oppressive tax the federal and state governments impose us it’s citizens, while bloating the size and scope of government with no shame or apology.

While there the Norwest Herald tracked me down and in addition to the above quotes they also got the admonitions to move this focus and purpose to the ballot box and show our elected officials we are done with this abusive tax system.

As a pleasant surprise I fielded a phone call from USA Today or US News and World Report (it was so noisy it was hard to tell) telling me that heard that the LP Illinois came up with the concept, and even though others may have high-jacked it from us how I feel about the event.

I told him plainly that high jacked or not was not important. the important thing is that people came together with a solid purpose to tell our government leaders that we have had it with their oppressive and abusive tax policies, and again, the increase of size and scope of government.

The tea party concept is the outcome of their own actions.

And not to be forgotten, I gave credit to

• Mike Folgelsanger,
• Josh Hanson,
• Chris Jenner,
• John Kramer &
• Kent McMIllan

for their hard work.

See Libertarians give credit when credit is due for hard work, unlike other groups stepping on each other claiming credit for personal glory.

If I missed anyone I apologize.

Thank you Jim Young and Bill Baruth for being there with me.

Those of you who couldn’t be there remember you are doing a good job as well at your work place supporting a struggling economy.

Thanks All.

Dave Brady
Chair, LP Illinois
Chair, LP McHenry

Other stories you might find of interest:

Noon TEA Party Biggest Demonstration in McHenry County History at Route 14 and Main Street

Algonquin Area Residents TEA Party on Route 62

TEA Party Moving Down to Cary

Obama Supporters Object to My Sense of Humor

I received this press release from Dave Brady of Wonder Lake, the president of the Illinois and McHenry Libertarian Parties.

Libertarians Urge TEA Party Participation

McHenry County Libertarian Party is urging McHenry residents to join millions of libertarians and other advocates of economic freedom at one of thousands of “Tea Parties” being held on April 15.

The “tea party” concept started with the Libertarian Party of Illinois (LPI)who began organizing a 2009 Tax Day ‘Boston Tea Party’ in Chicago back in December of 2008 and created a Facebook group for it on Feb. 10, 2009.

“Nine days later, CNBC’s Rick Santelli, broadcasting from the floor of the Chicago stock exchange, popularized the concept.

“Americans agree with the Libertarian Party that taxes and spending are out of control, and that bailouts and nationalizing industries destroys freedom and prosperity.

“The Libertarian Party is the only party supporting shrinking budgets, lowering tax burdens, eliminating deficits and getting government out of the way of recovery,” said David Brady.

“We will be joining other liberty minded McHenry residents for a demonstration at the intersection of Main Street and Route 14 in Crystal Lake between 12 noon and 1 pm on April 15. We plan to be on the southeast corner on the public sidewalk around the Home State.”

Click to enlarge the TEA Party announcement details.

Below is a press release that arrived from the Illinois Libertarian Party. It’s political point is that, with a Republican governor in jail and a Democratic one about to be indicted,

“It is clear that Illinois voters deserve to have more choices than the two traditional parties.”

MR. PRESIDENT, RETAIN FITZGERALD

The Libertarian Party of Illinois (“LP Illinois”) strongly urges President Barack Obama to retain Patrick Fitzgerald as U.S. Attorney.

With the history of political corruption in Illinois, Fitzgerald has acted as a neutral sheriff, vigorously investigating wrongdoing, regardless of political party. He was originally recommended by former Republican Senator Peter Fitzgerald, who wanted an “outsider” as U.S. Attorney, someone with no ties to any local political organization which might influence investigations of inside influence peddling or pay to play politics. As anyone who has followed the news can attest, there is plenty of that in the State of Illinois.

Fitzgerald had previously investigated former Republican Governor George Ryan, who ultimately was convicted and is currently serving a prison sentence.

In December, Fitzgerald filed a criminal complaint against current Democratic Governor Rod Blagojevich, who was arrested, subsequently impeached and will soon come before the Illinois Senate, who will decide whether or not to remove him from office. Based on the accusations in the criminal complaint, LP Illinois expects that Blagojevich will be indicted and will stand trial.

It is quite possible that two consecutive Illinois governors, one a Republican and one a Democrat, will be serving prison sentences at the same time.

This shows that neither party is worthy of the citizens’ trust and that an independent U.S. Attorney is essential. It is clear that Illinois voters deserve to have more choices than the two traditional parties. Unfortunately, ballot access laws in Illinois are designed to support the status quo and keep other political parties out.

President Obama has indicated his intention to retain Fitzgerald. LP Illinois feels that this is the proper decision and soundly praises the President for taking a non-partisan stand to fight corruption in Illinois politics, despite how members of his own party might feel. We fully expect the President to follow through on his stated intention.

Below is a press release that arrived from the Illinois Libertarian Party. It’s political point is that, with a Republican governor in jail and a Democratic one about to be indicted,

“It is clear that Illinois voters deserve to have more choices than the two traditional parties.”

MR. PRESIDENT, RETAIN FITZGERALD

The Libertarian Party of Illinois (“LP Illinois”) strongly urges President Barack Obama to retain Patrick Fitzgerald as U.S. Attorney.

With the history of political corruption in Illinois, Fitzgerald has acted as a neutral sheriff, vigorously investigating wrongdoing, regardless of political party. He was originally recommended by former Republican Senator Peter Fitzgerald, who wanted an “outsider” as U.S. Attorney, someone with no ties to any local political organization which might influence investigations of inside influence peddling or pay to play politics. As anyone who has followed the news can attest, there is plenty of that in the State of Illinois.

Fitzgerald had previously investigated former Republican Governor George Ryan, who ultimately was convicted and is currently serving a prison sentence.

In December, Fitzgerald filed a criminal complaint against current Democratic Governor Rod Blagojevich, who was arrested, subsequently impeached and will soon come before the Illinois Senate, who will decide whether or not to remove him from office. Based on the accusations in the criminal complaint, LP Illinois expects that Blagojevich will be indicted and will stand trial.

It is quite possible that two consecutive Illinois governors, one a Republican and one a Democrat, will be serving prison sentences at the same time.

This shows that neither party is worthy of the citizens’ trust and that an independent U.S. Attorney is essential. It is clear that Illinois voters deserve to have more choices than the two traditional parties. Unfortunately, ballot access laws in Illinois are designed to support the status quo and keep other political parties out.

President Obama has indicated his intention to retain Fitzgerald. LP Illinois feels that this is the proper decision and soundly praises the President for taking a non-partisan stand to fight corruption in Illinois politics, despite how members of his own party might feel. We fully expect the President to follow through on his stated intention.

The following press release has been received from Woodstock’s Dave Brady, Chair of the Libertarian Party of Illinois:

GOVERNOR SHOULD RESIGN IMMEDIATELY

The Libertarian Party of Illinois (‘LP Illinois”) condemns the recent actions of Democratic Governor Rob Blagojevich and calls for his immediate resignation for the good of the State of Illinois.

Blagojevich was arrested on December 9, 2008, accused of scheming to profit from the selling of President-Elect Barack Obama’s senate seat for cash or for a political appointment. Charges against Blagojevich were detailed in a 76 page criminal complaint.

“This type of arrogant, outrageous behavior has become the norm among our elected officials and must no longer be tolerated in Illinois,” said Dave Brady, State Chair of LP Illinois.

“The citizens of this state deserve and must demand elected officials who serve honestly and with integrity,” he added.

Brady also emphasized the need for more voter choices in Illinois.

“First, George Ryan, a Republican, and now Rob Blagojevich, a Democrat, abusing the public trust in an attempt to enrich themselves,” he said.

“I hope this sends a signal to the voters of Illinois and to the media that there really is no difference between the two major parties, and more choices are needed,” said Brady.

“We fully expect to provide an alternative candidate for governor who is well qualified, accountable and responsive,” he added.

“I challenge all media to provide equal attention to all third parties during the next campaign for governor,” he added.

The following press release has been received from Woodstock’s Dave Brady, Chair of the Libertarian Party of Illinois:

GOVERNOR SHOULD RESIGN IMMEDIATELY

The Libertarian Party of Illinois (‘LP Illinois”) condemns the recent actions of Democratic Governor Rob Blagojevich and calls for his immediate resignation for the good of the State of Illinois.

Blagojevich was arrested on December 9, 2008, accused of scheming to profit from the selling of President-Elect Barack Obama’s senate seat for cash or for a political appointment. Charges against Blagojevich were detailed in a 76 page criminal complaint.

“This type of arrogant, outrageous behavior has become the norm among our elected officials and must no longer be tolerated in Illinois,” said Dave Brady, State Chair of LP Illinois.

“The citizens of this state deserve and must demand elected officials who serve honestly and with integrity,” he added.

Brady also emphasized the need for more voter choices in Illinois.

“First, George Ryan, a Republican, and now Rob Blagojevich, a Democrat, abusing the public trust in an attempt to enrich themselves,” he said.

“I hope this sends a signal to the voters of Illinois and to the media that there really is no difference between the two major parties, and more choices are needed,” said Brady.

“We fully expect to provide an alternative candidate for governor who is well qualified, accountable and responsive,” he added.

“I challenge all media to provide equal attention to all third parties during the next campaign for governor,” he added.

After the Daily Herald caught 26th state senate district Democratic Party candidate Bill Gentes saying that he was on a leave of absence when he had been fired, the Daily Herald ran a story.

This is the first time I remember the Northwest Herald’s citing a Daily Herald story as the source of an article.

To do that means it is an important development in the 26th district contest with Dan Duffy.

Actually, the NW Herald article is mild compared to Round Lake School Board member and former Illinois Libertarian Party State Chairman W. Guy Finley’s “Stay the Course” blog story.

On its front page is a photo of mine from which Finley has extracted just Gentes’ eyes and nose.

The scathing headline is indicative of the story’s content:

Finley talks about “Lying eyes,” going on to describe a developer impact disagreement that the school board had with the Round Lake Mayor about development impact fees.

Before the meeting, Finley said he had a lot of respect for the mayor.

But not afterward.

Here’s what Finley wrote,

“…he demanded RLAS (Round Lake Area Schools) come to an agreement with a developer to lower our impact fees or he would dictate to us what we would get.

“We had researched our impact fees before adopting them and they were in line with other school districts.

“But because the developer had been quoted fees from several years ago and had already negotiated impact fees with other entities they were unwilling to give RLAS what we wanted.

“Here I thought Bill would step in on our behalf, we’re under state oversight after all and we’re talking about critical funds to help provide infrastructure for the additional kids we would take on, and he was telling me our fees were way out of line.

“He then accused me of threatening him when I said I would take my case to the village trustees and said,

‘Do you know who runs the village, Guy?’

“I hesitated and replied,

‘The board of trustees.’

“Bill leaned forward in his chair towards me at that point and said,

‘No, Guy, the mayor does’

as he pointed a finger into his chest looking dead at me.

“In a matter of a few moments my opinion had totally changed and it was clear to me that Bill was not the person I thought he was.

“So this latest admission on his part comes as no surprise to me.”

Compared to this, the NW Herald article is mild.