Chickencrats.com

ANONYMOUS CHICKENCRAT

David — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 04:15:00 GMT

This week's chickencrat is an anonymous woman from Missouri who complained to the local Sheriff that she was upset about being delayed due to a procession for a fallen soldier killed in battle. Below is the email from her to Jefferson County Sheriff Glenn Boyer, the link to an article on www.stltoday.com and Sheriff Boyer's response email.

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/localheroes/story/4CBF361CCA9F41328625762D0054CCCE?OpenDocument

JEFFERSON COUNTY — The Jefferson County sheriff has offered a stern response to a woman complaining she was inconvenienced by a procession accompanying a soldier's casket.

The woman wrote an e-mail to Jefferson County Sheriff Glenn Boyer after she had a hard time driving around the procession escorting the casket of Sgt. William Woods, who was killed by Taliban fighters in Afghanistan.

In his response, Boyer called the complaint self-serving and noted that her inconvenience was of little consequence considering what America's soldiers go through.

Boyer's response has made its way to the Internet, where it is getting a strong reaction as it is e-mailed around the country by soldiers and military groups.

Boyer is a Vietnam veteran.

Boyer said he sent a copy of his response to the complaint internally to sheriff's department employees so they would know his position should the department receive similar complaints in the future. He assumes some of the employees sent it on to friends and colleagues. From there, it landed on military, police and news websites across the country.

Boyer estimates he has received more than 200 e-mails.

"She was a citizen who deserved an investigation and an answer to her complaint," Boyer said. "I wrote it from the heart. It took me about five minutes."

Boyer said he would not release the name of the woman who wrote the letter.

"It's not about releasing her name and allowing others to chastise her or cause her any more inconvenience," Boyer said. "What it's about is, making people understand that there are people willing to sacrifice their lives so they can complain about things like that."

Email from woman to Sheriff Glenn Boyer on August 27, 2009:

I tried to call you earlier this morning, but was unable to obtain your extension from the voice mail system as I was not sure of your first name or correct spelling of your last.

I was inadvertently in this procession as I was leaving work on 270 from Creve Coeur and proceeding on Hwy. 30 West. I have some issues and complaints. I called the Sheriff's office last night, but the officer in charge would not speak with me. His name was Corp. Curtis. I am in no way complaining about your officers. I, however, was not treated very fairly when I called last evening because I wanted a ticket/complaint/or at least a slap on wrist for the people involved. Let me explain:

1) This procession should never have been held during rush hour traffic! Hwy. 270 is dangerous and people drive way too fast and there is too much traffic. This soldier's certainly would not have want his family hurt on the interstate taking him to Cedar Hill. People were dead-stopping on the interstate even though the procession was in the far right lane, the other three lanes just stopped. There were many near accidents and possibly were after I drove through. I was in the 2nd to left lane, no way obstructing the funeral procession.

2) I exited off on Gravois (30 W), far right lane. Your police officers went in the left lane to stop any additional on-coming traffic so the procession could exit off 270 into the LEFT lane of 30. Again, I was in the right lane. The St. Louis County officer stopped and turned around at Weber Hill to return on 270 after the procession passed.

3) The road was not closed. (Only for president as far as I know.) Again, the road was not closed. Your officers only had the left lane blocked/closed for the funeral. All other traffic by MO law can proceed as long as they do not interfere (weave in and out )with funeral procession.

Let me say, that I did not know what was happening. I knew the did not have Kennedy coming to STL, at least not yesterday. I was at work all day. No news. Nothing reported on the traffic on the radio driving home.
Anyway, two of these dirty, nasty, renegade, who knows what motorcycle men that were escorting the procession proceeded to stop in front of me in the right lane on Gravois. I had to stop in the middle of an intersection. They proceeded to scream and yell at me about respecting this soldier, etc. One of them climbed off his motorcycle and came over to me and stuck his head in my car continuing to scream at me. I asked him what this was for and he told me I needed to stop as the officers had the road blocked and show some dang respect. #1, the road was not blocked, the funeral was in the other lane. #2, I am proud of our country and sorry for the family, but they had no idea where I was going or anything else. I could have a child at day-care, I could have been sick and racing to the bathroom, I could have a sick parent waiting for me, etc., etc.

#3, They are not law enforcement and had no right to stop in the lane on Gravois and they had no right to scream at me and intimidate and threaten me. If I would have had my pepper spray, I would have used it on this nasty man! He is just a big hoo ha that is not even related to this soldier. The other man did not get off his scooter, but was along side of my passenger window screaming.

I left an abusive husband 1 1/2 years ago and I did not need this intimidation. I was livid and shaking!!

My son is a deputy sheriff in another MO county. I respect police officers. It was not their fault as they were busy with traffic, but I called to make them aware of what was going on during this thing. The St. Louis County officer saw it but of course he was out of jurisdiction.

However, I called last night and your office asked me if I knew about this soldier. Again, I am sorry about him, but I am a taxpayer. I got a speeding ticket a few months ago and paid the fine. I do not deserve to be treated like this. I wanted to let the officer know how these men were acting. Also, they were driving into the turnarounds on Hwy. 30 and then back onto the road. the funeral was much further ahead. One of them nearly got hit by me and other people almost hit him and another as well. I wanted to lodge a complaint about them why they were still there, but no one in your office would take any information or do anything.

This was not a military funeral, even though it was a soldier. There were not military vehicles. It was a funeral and the road was not closed, the lane was closed, I was in the other lane and again, these nasty men had no right to do this and I would have liked them to get a ticket!

I am sorry for the soldier and his family but you cannot let these motorcycle renegades do this. They could have caused several accidents and I really wanted them arrested. If they had any respect for the soldier they would have dressed better and not looked and acted so scuzzy.

Thank you.

Response email from Sheriff Glenn Boyer to the citizen making the complaint:

Dear XXXXX:

Yes, you do deserve a response and I am willing to give you one.

I would like to say that I am sorry for the inconvenience we caused you during the funeral procession of Sergeant 1st Class William B. Woods, but I cannot do so. I would ask instead that you take a moment of your time to take into consideration the scope of the event. Your very right to complain was the reason Sgt. Woods fought for his country and ultimately gave his life; thus making the ultimate sacrifice for you and your family.

Let me introduce you to him. After high school, Sergeant Woods entered the Marine Corps. After his contract was up, he joined the Army, where he became a Green Beret. He comes from a long line of military members in his family. His Uncle is a Vietnam Veteran and two of his grandfathers were World War II Veterans. His job in the Army was one of the most dangerous jobs - he was a sniper looking for the bad guys to stop before they killed or injured one of our soldiers. He has numerous decorations to include the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.

He grew up in Catawissa and was best known by his middle name, Brian. He enjoyed the outdoors, playing sports, and skydiving. He had a wife, Elizabeth, and two daughters, whom he loved dearly. He was a soft-spoken, level-headed young man who was proud to serve his country no matter what the risk. Now, I did not know him, but I wish I did. I am quoting from newspaper articles written about him.

At the young age of 31, he was shot during an engagement with Taliban forces in Ghanzi , Afghanistan . He died of his wounds in Germany on August 16, with his family by his side. He did not choose the time of his death, nor did he choose the time his remains would be brought back to his home in Catawissa. He just did his duty. He was quite a young man.

While you were being inconvenienced in your car on your way home, there were soldiers just like Sergeant Woods carrying 100+ pounds of equipment in 120 degree heat, up some mountain or in the middle of some desert. They will shower out of a helmet liner if they get the chance. They will eat a cold meal of MRE's; something most people would consider garbage. They cannot text their family or friends, or go to McDonalds, or watch TV. They can only continue the mission and look out after the guy to the left and right of them. They don't complain because they know they volunteered. The only thing they ask is that we do not forget the sacrifices they have made.

One of the dirty "big hoo ha" bikers, as you call them, was Brian's uncle, a Vietnam Veteran, like myself. We were not treated with a homecoming. We were spit on and called baby killers by a misguided public. Brian's uncle was giving him the respect that he, himself, never received when he came back and I, for one, am proud of him for doing so.

You say that your brother is a deputy in another Missouri county. I am sure he would be proud to escort the casket of a fallen solder, the same as he would that of a fallen officer. I am also sure he would not agree with your complaint about being inconvenienced.

My mother recently passed away. She was a World War II Veteran, serving the U.S. Army. She would say, maybe you should pick up Sergeant Woods' ruck sack and carry on where he left off. Then you could see first hand what it really is to be inconvenienced.

Per your request, I will forward your complaint to the Prosecuting Attorney's Office for his review. It is my personal opinion that your complaint is self-serving and without merit.

Sheriff Oliver "Glenn" Boyer

If you would like to give Sheriff Boyer some email support, you can contact him here: GBoyer@jeffcomo.org.

CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE IS A CHICKENCRAT!

David — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 05:52:00 GMT

At what point in our history did politicians decide it was their job to convince us what was good for us and ignore the will of the people? Don’t we live in a representative Republic where our politicians are supposed to represent those who elect them?

Just one of many recent examples is that of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) who was caught talking on her cell phone (apparently to the “healthcare hot line” to find out how to respond to people at her town hall meeting on healthcare) while she was supposed to be having a conversation with a participant at her Texas town hall meeting, Tracy Miller.

Clearly Rep. Lee was in the wrong and clearly could care less about what her constituents had to say on this matter. Her response to those that called her on the carpet for this total lack of respect was only to say “I hope that Tracy will come to my town hall meetings…so that I can tell her that there was no offense… I hope I can convince her to support HR 3200.” Rep. Lee clearly has no desire to hear from her constituents and only wanted to preach her political beliefs and convince others to believe what she believes.

For this I hope that Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee is voted out of office in 2010 and she is labeled a CHICKENCRAT!

RONALD REAGAN SPEAKS FROM THE GRAVE

David — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:38:00 GMT

In a 1961 speech Ronald Reagan spoke out against socialized healthcare. The message is as pertinent today as it was 48 years ago.

Listen to what President Ronald Reagan has to say on this subject.

ARE YOU A TERRORIST? CONGRESSMAN THINKS SO.

David — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 18:44:00 GMT

Indiana Congressman Baron Hill (D) has called those who protest against the Obama and Democrat health care bill "political terrorists". He also says "I don't mind people disagreeing with you..." Really? So let me get this straight, if you disagree with me "I don't mind", but I'm going to call you a "terrorist"?

In calling those who disagree with his political inclinations "terrorists", he is simply trying to intimidate them and squash their public speech. If I'm not mistaken, we still live in a free United States of America and the U.S. Constitution's 1st Amendment still affords us freedom of speech. Citizens of the U.S. have the right to protest political changes and express those feelings freely and passionately to their representatives without fear of being labled a "terrorist".

The 1st Amendment also allows people, like Rep. Hill, to make a fool of themsleves by saying stupid things. The Constitution also allows us to label Congressman Hill a CHICKENCRAT!

Check here for a full report from The Hill's Michael O'Brien.

LIES ABOUT HEALTH CARE REFORM

David — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 22:23:00 GMT

President Obama tells us today that he doesn't want a government take over of health care, but a "single payer" system is just that. It takes all medical decisions out of the hands of Americans and those decisions in the hands of a government bureaucracy and those hired to administer it. Put aside, for a moment, the quality of health care do you really want the government in charge of your medical care and decisions? This is the same government in charge of the bankrupt Social Security funds, government contracts that overpay for the simplest of items and services, the VA health care system thatcan vary greatly by location fro standard care to sub-standard care with waits up to 8 hours past your appointment time.

Americans have raised up across our nation to voice their fears and displeasure with the current health care bills in Congress, specifically HR 3200, only to be called irrational, mobs with swastikas and right wing extremists, even though they span the spectrum of conservative to moderate to even liberal an libertarian. If we believe the proponents of the current legislation we would believe that all the "protestors" have been bussed in by the Repulican Party and are only there because they were told to be there. The truth is the "protestors" come on their own accord and are from all walks of life and political persuassion. They are simply feed up.

How about the pot calling the kettle black? The unions are so afraid they might be losing the health care battle, that they have rallied their own forces to storm Town Hall meetings and be disruptive and in fact have delivered protestors to the meetings themselves. They have also formed and supported political action groups like Health Care For America NOW who just put out their own battle plan, check it out here: http://coordinators.mojo4m.com/userdata/coordinators/hcanmemo.pdf.

Bottom line, don't believe the left wing and main stream media propaganda stating that America really wants a healthcare takeover and the protestors are just actors playing a part. Make your voice and opinions heard! Call, write and email you representatives and let them know how you feel about a "single payer", "socialized", "government controlled" health care system.

If President Obama is lying about his true intentions regarding health care, what do you think the Unions andCongress aredoing?

President Obama, the supporting unions and most of Congress are CHICKENCRATS!

FULL TEXT OF HEALTH CARE REFORM BILL - H.R. 3200 - America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009

David — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 07:00:00 GMT

Want to see exactly what your Congressman and Congresswoman are trying to push through without even reading it? Here are links to the the complete text of the House Resolution (H.R. 3200) on Healthcare Reform.

Why would our elected officials vote for a bill they haven't even read? Read it yourself and you will be more educated on the subject than most in Congress. Decide for yourself if it's good for America.

H.R. 3200 - all 1018 pages in pdf format.

H.R. 3200 - America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009 - complete online text (searchable).

U.S. Senate Finance Committee white paper on Health Care Reform - 98 page summary.

Read the bill, make your decision and then make your decision known by calling your representatives and telling them what you think.

Every politician that votes for this or any bill without thoroughly reading it is a CHICKENCRAT and deserves to be voted out of office!

US SENATOR JOHN CORNYN QUESTIONS WHITE HOUSE

David — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 03:53:00 GMT

In a letter to President Obama, Sen. Cornyn expressed serious concern about the White House's new program requesting Americans to forward email chains and other communications opposing the President's health care policies. Sen. Cornyn is seeking assurances that the program is being carried out in a manner consistent with the First Amendment and America's tradition of free speech and public discourse.

Sen. Cornyn's letter also inquires about the collection of names, email addresses, IP addresses, and private speech of U.S. citizens that will be reported, which raises the specter of a data collection program.

"I am not aware of any precedent for a President asking American citizens to report their fellow citizens to the White House for pure political speech that is deemed ‘fishy' or otherwise inimical to the White House's political interests," Sen. Cornyn wrote. "You should not be surprised that these actions taken by your White House staff raise the specter of a data collection program. As Congress debates health care reform and other critical policy matters, citizen engagement must not be chilled by fear of government monitoring the exercise of free speech rights."

--The full text of Sen. Cornyn's letter is below--

Dear President Obama,

I write to express my concern about a new White House program to monitor American citizens' speech opposing your health care policies, and to seek your assurances that this program is being carried out in a manner consistent with the First Amendment and America's tradition of free speech and public discourse.

Yesterday, in an official White House release entitled "Facts are Stubborn Things," the White House Director of New Media, Macon Phillips, asserted that there was "a lot of disinformation out there," and encouraged citizens to report "fishy" speech opposing your health care policies to the White House. Phillips specifically targeted private, unpublished, even casual speech, writing that "rumors often travel just below the surface via chain emails or through casual conversation." Phillips wrote "If you get an email or see something on the web about health insurance reform that seems fishy, send it to flag@whitehouse.gov."

I am not aware of any precedent for a President asking American citizens to report their fellow citizens to the White House for pure political speech that is deemed "fishy" or otherwise inimical to the White House's political interests.

By requesting that citizens send "fishy" emails to the White House, it is inevitable that the names, email addresses, IP addresses, and private speech of U.S. citizens will be reported to the White House. You should not be surprised that these actions taken by your White House staff raise the specter of a data collection program. As Congress debates health care reform and other critical policy matters, citizen engagement must not be chilled by fear of government monitoring the exercise of free speech rights.

I can only imagine the level of justifiable outrage had your predecessor asked Americans to forward emails critical of his policies to the White House. I suspect that you would have been leading the charge in condemning such a program-and I would have been at your side denouncing such heavy-handed government action.

So I urge you to cease this program immediately. At the very least, I request that you detail to Congress and the public the protocols that your White House is following to purge the names, email addresses, IP addresses, and identities of citizens who are reported to have engaged in "fishy" speech. And I respectfully request an answer to the following:

How do you intend to use the names, email addresses, IP addresses, and identities of citizens who are reported to have engaged in "fishy" speech?
How do you intend to notify citizens who have been reported for "fishy" speech?
What action do you intend to take against citizens who have been reported for engaging in "fishy" speech?
Do your own past statements qualify as "disinformation"? For example, is it "disinformation" to note that in 2003 you said:"I happen to be a proponent of a single-payer universal health care plan"?

I look forward to your prompt response.

Sincerely,

JOHN CORNYN

United States Senator

FREEDOM ISN'T FREE

David — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 04:03:00 GMT

A quick video from the Sean Hannity Freedom Concert 2009. This is from the Dallas, Texas concert (actually at the Nokia Theater in Grand Prairie, Texas.)

Billy Ray Cyrus sings "Some Gave All" while sharing the stage with 2 wounded warriors and American heroes. This is what the concert was all about. The Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund raises money for the children of servicemen and servicewomen killed or permanently disabled during active duty deployment.

To find to more, check www.FreedomAlliance.org.

To see the entire video, check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etiSuZdubnE

SEX EDUCATION FOR KINDERGARTNERS?

David — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 17:40:22 GMT

While Barack Obama didn't vote often, when he did, he sure made his stance on social issues obvious. Here is the complete text of Illinois General Assembly SB0099 which mandates comprehensive sex education in public schools. That's not the problematic part, the problematic part is in line #14 which shows that this bill was amended from 6th through 12th grade to include K through 12th grade. Do you really think that Kindergarteners need to learn sex education in any form?

Here's the direct link: Illinois General Assembly Bill 0099

093_SB0099

                                     LRB093 05269 NHT 05359 b

1        AN ACT concerning education.

2        Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
3    represented in the General Assembly:

4        Section 5. The School Code is amended by changing
5    Sections 27-9.1 and 27-9.2 as follows:

6        (105 ILCS 5/27-9.1) (from Ch. 122, par. 27-9.1)
7        Sec. 27-9.1. Sex Education.
8        (a) No pupil shall be required to take or participate in
9    any class or course in comprehensive sex education if the
10    pupil's ~~his~~ parent or guardian submits written objection
11    thereto, and refusal to take or participate in such course or
12    program shall not be reason for suspension or expulsion of
13    such pupil. Each class or course in comprehensive sex
14    education offered in any of grades K 6 through 12 shall
15    include instruction on the prevention of sexually transmitted
16    infections, including the prevention, transmission and spread
17    of HIV ~~AIDS~~. Nothing in this Section prohibits instruction in
18    sanitation, hygiene or traditional courses in biology.
19        (b) All public elementary, junior high, and senior high
20    school classes that teach sex education and discuss sexual
21    activity   or   behavior ~~intercourse~~ shall emphasize that
22    abstinence is an effective method of preventing unintended is
23    ~~the expected norm in that abstinence from sexual intercourse~~
24    ~~is the only protection that is 100% effective against~~
25    ~~unwanted teenage~~ pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases,
26    and HIV ~~acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)~~ when
27    transmitted sexually.
28        (c) In this subsection (c):
29        "Factual   information"   includes   without   limitation
30    medical,    psychiatric,    psychological,   empirical,   and
31    statistical statements.

                            -2-      LRB093 05269 NHT 05359 b
1        "Medically accurate" means verified or supported by
2    research conducted in compliance with scientific methods,
3    published in peer-review journals, where appropriate, and
4    recognized as accurate and   objective   by   professional
5    organizations and agencies with expertise in the relevant
6    field.
7        All sex education courses that discuss sexual activity or
8    behavior ~~intercourse~~ shall satisfy the following criteria:
9             (1) Factual   information   presented   in   course
10        material and instruction shall be medically accurate and
11        objective.
12             (2) All ~~(1)~~ course material and instruction shall
13        be age and developmentally appropriate.
14             (3) Course material and instruction shall include a
15        discussion of sexual abstinence as a method to prevent
16        unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections,
17        including HIV.
18             (4) Course material and instruction shall present
19        the latest medically factual information regarding both
20        the possible side effects and health benefits of all
21        forms of contraception, including the success and failure
22        rates for the prevention of pregnancy and sexually
23        transmitted infections, including HIV.
24             (5) Course material and instruction shall include a
25        discussion of the possible consequences of unintended
26        pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, including
27        HIV.
28             ~~(2) Course material and instruction shall teach~~
29        ~~honor and respect for monogamous heterosexual marriage.~~
30             ~~(3) Course material and instruction shall stress~~
31        ~~that pupils should abstain from sexual intercourse until~~
32        ~~they are ready for marriage.~~
33             ~~(4) Course material and instruction shall include a~~
34        ~~discussion of the possible emotional and psychological~~

                            -3-      LRB093 05269 NHT 05359 b
1        ~~consequences of preadolescent and adolescent   sexual~~
2        ~~intercourse outside of marriage and the consequences of~~
3        ~~unwanted adolescent pregnancy.~~
4             (6) ~~(5)~~ Course material and instruction   shall
5        stress that sexually transmitted infections ~~diseases~~ are
6        serious possible hazards of sexual activity or behavior
7        ~~intercourse~~. Pupils shall be provided with statistics
8        based on the latest medical information citing the
9        failure and success rates of all contraceptive methods
10        ~~condoms~~ in preventing unintended pregnancies and HIV ~~AIDS~~
11        and other sexually transmitted infections ~~diseases~~.
12             (7)   ~~(6)~~ Course material and instruction shall
13        advise pupils of the laws pertaining to their financial
14        responsibility to children born in and out of wedlock.
15             (8)   ~~(7)~~ Course material and instruction shall
16        advise pupils that it is unlawful for males or females of
17        any age to engage in sexual conduct or have sexual
18        relations   with   a   minor   as specified in ~~of the~~
19        ~~circumstances under which it is unlawful for males to~~
20        ~~have sexual relations with females under the age of 18 to~~
21        ~~whom they are not married pursuant to~~ Article 12 of the
22        Criminal Code of 1961~~, as now or hereafter amended~~.
23             (9) Course material and instruction shall discuss
24        and provide for the development of positive communication
25        skills   to maintain healthy relationships and avoid
26        unwanted sexual activity.
27             (10) Course   material   and   instruction    shall
28        emphasize that the pupil has the power to control
29        personal behavior. Pupils shall be encouraged to base
30        their actions on reasoning, self-discipline, sense of
31        responsibility, self-control, and ethical considerations,
32        such as respect for oneself and others.
33             (11) ~~(8)~~ Course material and instruction shall
34        teach pupils to not make unwanted physical and verbal

                            -4-      LRB093 05269 NHT 05359 b
1        sexual advances and how to say no to unwanted sexual
2        advances and shall include information about verbal,
3        physical, and visual sexual harassment, including without
4        limitation nonconsensual sexual advances, nonconsensual
5        physical sexual contact, and rape by an acquaintance. The
6        course material and instruction shall contain methods of
7        preventing sexual assault by an acquaintance, including
8        exercising good judgment and avoiding behavior that
9        impairs   one's   judgment.   The   course material and
10        instruction shall emphasize personal accountability and
11        respect for others and ~~Pupils shall be taught that it is~~
12        ~~wrong to take advantage of or to exploit another person.~~
13        ~~The material and instruction~~ shall also encourage youth
14        to resist negative peer pressure. The course material and
15        instruction shall inform pupils of the potential legal
16        consequences   of sexual assault by an acquaintance.
17        Specifically, pupils shall be advised that it is unlawful
18        to touch an intimate part of another person as specified
19        in the Criminal Code of 1961.
20             (12) Course material and instruction shall teach
21        male pupils about male accountability for sexual violence
22        and shall   teach   female   students   about   reducing
23        vulnerability for sexual violence.
24             (13) Course material and instruction shall teach
25        pupils about counseling, medical, and legal resources
26        available   to survivors of sexual abuse and sexual
27        assault, including resources   for   escaping   violent
28        relationships.
29             (14) Course material and instruction shall teach
30        pupils that it is wrong to take advantage of or to
31        exploit another person.
32             (15) Course material and instruction shall be free
33        of racial, ethnic,   gender,   religious,   or   sexual
34        orientation biases.

                            -5-      LRB093 05269 NHT 05359 b
1        (d) An opportunity shall be afforded to parents or
2    guardians to examine the instructional materials to be used
3    in such class or course.
4    (Source: P.A. 86-941.)

5        (105 ILCS 5/27-9.2) (from Ch. 122, par. 27-9.2)
6        Sec. 27-9.2. Family Life.
7        (a) If   any   school   district   provides courses of
8    instruction designed to promote wholesome and comprehensive
9    understanding of the emotional, psychological, physiological,
10    hygienic and social responsibility aspects of family life,
11    then such courses of instruction shall include the teaching
12    of prevention of unintended pregnancy and all options related
13    to unintended pregnancy, as ~~the alternatives to abortion,~~
14    appropriate to the various grade levels; and whenever such
15    courses of instruction are provided in any of grades K 6
16    through 12, then such courses also shall include   age
17    appropriate   instruction   on the prevention of sexually
18    transmitted    infections,    including    the    prevention,
19    transmission and spread of HIV ~~AIDS~~. However, no pupil shall
20    be required to take or participate in any family life class
21    or course on HIV ~~AIDS~~ instruction if his parent or guardian
22    submits written objection thereto, and refusal to take or
23    participate in such course or program shall not be reason for
24    suspension or expulsion of such pupil.
25        (b) In this subsection (b):
26        "Factual   information"   includes   without   limitation
27    medical,   psychiatric,   psychological,    empirical,    and
28    statistical statements.
29        "Medically accurate" means verified or supported by
30    research conducted in compliance with scientific methods,
31    published in peer-review journals, where appropriate, and
32    recognized   as   accurate   and objective by professional
33    organizations and agencies with expertise in the relevant

                            -6-      LRB093 05269 NHT 05359 b
1    field.
2        All family life courses of instruction shall satisfy the
3    following criteria:
4             (1) Factual   information   presented   in   course
5        material and instruction shall be medically accurate and
6        objective.
7             (2) All course material and instruction in classes
8        that teach sex education and discuss sexual activity or
9        behavior shall be age and developmentally appropriate.
10             (3) Course material and instruction shall include a
11        discussion of sexual abstinence as a method to prevent
12        unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections,
13        including HIV.
14             (4) Course material and instruction shall present
15        the latest medically factual information regarding both
16        the possible side effects and health benefits of all
17        forms of contraception, including the success and failure
18        rates for the prevention of pregnancy and sexually
19        transmitted infections, including HIV.
20             (5) Course material and instruction shall stress
21        that sexually transmitted infections are serious possible
22        hazards of sexual activity or behavior. Pupils shall be
23        provided with statistics based on the latest medical
24        information citing the failure and success rates of all
25        contraceptive methods in preventing unintended pregnancy
26        and HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
27             (6) Course material and instruction shall advise
28        pupils that it is unlawful for males or females of any
29        age to engage in sexual conduct or have sexual relations
30        with a minor as specified in Article 12 of the Criminal
31        Code of 1961.
32             (7) Course material and instruction shall discuss
33        and provide for the development of positive communication
34        skills   to maintain healthy relationships and avoid

                            -7-      LRB093 05269 NHT 05359 b
1        unwanted sexual activity.
2             (8) Course material and instruction shall emphasize
3        that the pupil has the power to control   personal
4        behavior.   Pupils shall be encouraged to base their
5        actions   on   reasoning,   self-discipline,   sense   of
6        responsibility, self-control, and ethical considerations,
7        such as respect for oneself and others.
8             (9) Course material and instruction shall teach
9        pupils to not make unwanted physical and verbal sexual
10        advances and how to say no to unwanted sexual advances
11        and shall include information about verbal, physical, and
12        visual sexual harassment, including without limitation
13        nonconsensual sexual advances, nonconsensual physical
14        sexual contact, and rape by an acquaintance. The course
15        material   and   instruction shall contain methods of
16        preventing sexual assault by an acquaintance, including
17        exercising good judgment and avoiding behavior that
18        impairs   one's   judgment.   The   course material and
19        instruction shall emphasize personal accountability and
20        respect for others and shall also encourage youth to
21        resist negative peer pressure. The course material and
22        instruction shall inform pupils of the potential legal
23        consequences of sexual assault by an   acquaintance.
24        Specifically, pupils shall be advised that it is unlawful
25        to touch an intimate part of another person, as specified
26        in the Criminal Code of 1961.
27             (10) Course material and instruction shall teach
28        male pupils about male accountability for sexual violence
29        and shall   teach   female   students   about   reducing
30        vulnerability for sexual violence.
31             (11) Course material and instruction shall teach
32        pupils about counseling, medical, and legal resources
33        available   to survivors of sexual abuse and sexual
34        assault, including resources   for   escaping   violent

                            -8-      LRB093 05269 NHT 05359 b
1        relationships.
2             (12) Course material and instruction in classes
3        that discuss sexual activity or behavior shall teach
4        pupils that it is wrong to take advantage of or to
5        exploit another person.
6             (13) Course material and instruction shall be free
7        of   racial,   ethnic,   gender, religious, and sexual
8        orientation biases.
9        (c) The State Superintendent of Education shall prepare
10    and make available to local school districts courses of
11    instruction designed to satisfy the requirements of this
12    Section.
13        The State Superintendent of Education shall develop a
14    procedure for evaluating and measuring the effectiveness of
15    the family life courses of instruction in each local school
16    district, including the setting of reasonable goals for
17    reduced sexual activity, sexually transmitted diseases and
18    premarital pregnancy. The goals shall be set by the beginning
19    of the 1991-92 school year. The State Superintendent shall
20    distribute a copy of the procedure to each local school
21    district. Each local school district may develop additional
22    procedures or methods for measuring the effectiveness of the
23    family life courses of instruction within the district.
24    Before the beginning of the 1993-94 school year, the State
25    Superintendent shall collect and evaluate all relevant data
26    to determine whether the goals are being achieved.
27    (Source: P.A. 86-941.)

28        Section   10.     The   Critical   Health   Problems and
29    Comprehensive Health Education Act is amended by changing
30    Sections 2 and 3 as follows:

31        (105 ILCS 110/2) (from Ch. 122, par. 862)
32        Sec. 2. Definitions.   In this Act, the following terms

                            -9-      LRB093 05269 NHT 05359 b
1    shall have the following meanings respectively prescribed for
2    them, except as the context otherwise requires:
3        ~~(a)~~ "Comprehensive   Health   Education   Program":    a
4    systematic and extensive educational program designed to
5    provide a variety of learning experiences   based   upon
6    scientific knowledge of the human organism as it functions
7    within its environment which will favorably influence the
8    knowledge, attitudes, values and practices of Illinois school
9    youth; and which will aid them in making wise personal
10    decisions in matters of health.
11        "Factual   information"   includes   without   limitation
12    medical,   psychiatric,   psychological,    empirical,    and
13    statistical statements.
14        "Medically accurate" means verified or supported by
15    research conducted in compliance with scientific methods,
16    published in peer-review journals, where appropriate, and
17    recognized   as   accurate   and objective by professional
18    organizations and agencies with expertise in the relevant
19    field.
20    (Source: P.A. 77-1405.)

21        (105 ILCS 110/3) (from Ch. 122, par. 863)
22        Sec. 3. Comprehensive Health Education Program.
23        (a) The   program   established under this Act shall
24    include, but not be limited to, the   following   major
25    educational areas as a basis for curricula in all elementary
26    and secondary schools in this State: human ecology and
27    health,   human   growth   and development, the emotional,
28    psychological,    physiological,    hygienic    and    social
29    responsibilities of family life, including sexual abstinence
30    and   prevention of unintended pregnancy ~~until marriage~~,
31    prevention and control of disease, including age appropriate
32    instruction in grades K 6 through 12 on the prevention of
33    sexually transmitted infections, including the prevention,

                            -10-     LRB093 05269 NHT 05359 b
1    transmission and spread of HIV ~~AIDS~~, public and environmental
2    health,   consumer health, safety education and disaster
3    survival, mental health and illness, personal health habits,
4    alcohol, drug use, and abuse including the medical and legal
5    ramifications of alcohol, drug, and tobacco use, abuse during
6    pregnancy, sexual abstinence   ~~until   marriage~~,   tobacco,
7    nutrition, and dental health.
8        (b) All    comprehensive   health   education   programs
9    established under this Act shall satisfy the following
10    criteria:
11             (1) Factual   information   presented   in   course
12        material and instruction shall be medically accurate and
13        objective.
14             (2) All course material and instruction in classes
15        that teach sex education and discuss sexual activity or
16        behavior shall be age and developmentally appropriate.
17             (3) Course material and instruction shall include a
18        discussion of sexual abstinence as a method to prevent
19        unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections,
20        including HIV.
21             (4) Course material and instruction shall present
22        the latest medically factual information regarding both
23        the possible side effects and health benefits of all
24        forms of contraception, including the success and failure
25        rates for the prevention of pregnancy and sexually
26        transmitted infections, including HIV.
27             (5) Course material and instruction shall stress
28        that sexually transmitted infections are serious possible
29        hazards of sexual activity or behavior. Pupils shall be
30        provided with statistics based on the latest medical
31        information citing the failure and success rates of all
32        methods of contraception in preventing HIV and other
33        sexually transmitted infections.
34             (6) Course material and instruction shall advise

                            -11-     LRB093 05269 NHT 05359 b
1        pupils that it is unlawful for males or females of any
2        age to engage in sexual conduct or have sexual relations
3        with a minor as specified in Article 12 of the Criminal
4        Code of 1961.
5             (7) Course material and discussion shall discuss
6        and provide for the development of positive communication
7        skills   to maintain healthy relationships and avoid
8        unwanted sexual activity.
9             (8) Course material and instruction shall emphasize
10        that the pupil has the power to control   personal
11        behavior.   Pupils shall be encouraged to base their
12        actions   on   reasoning,   self-discipline,   sense   of
13        responsibility, self-control, and ethical considerations,
14        such as respect for oneself and others.
15             (9) Course material and instruction shall teach
16        pupils to not make unwanted physical and verbal sexual
17        advances and how to say no to unwanted sexual advances
18        and shall include information about verbal, physical, and
19        visual sexual harassment, including without limitation
20        nonconsensual sexual advances, nonconsensual physical
21        sexual contact, and rape by an acquaintance. The course
22        material   and   instruction shall contain methods of
23        preventing sexual assault by an acquaintance, including
24        exercising good judgment and avoiding behavior that
25        impairs   one's   judgment.   The   course material and
26        instruction shall emphasize personal accountability and
27        respect for others and shall also encourage youth to
28        resist negative peer pressure. The course material and
29        instruction shall inform pupils of the potential legal
30        consequences of sexual assault by an   acquaintance.
31        Specifically, pupils shall be advised that it is unlawful
32        to touch an intimate part of another person as specified
33        in the Criminal Code of 1961.
34             (10) Course material and instruction shall teach

                            -12-     LRB093 05269 NHT 05359 b
1        male pupils about male accountability for sexual violence
2        and   shall   teach   female   students   about reducing
3        vulnerability for sexual violence.
4             (11) Course material and instruction shall teach
5        pupils about counseling, medical, and legal resources
6        available to survivors of sexual abuse and   sexual
7        assault,   including   resources   for escaping violent
8        relationships.
9             (12) Course material and instruction in classes
10        that discuss sexual activity or behavior shall teach
11        pupils that it is wrong to take advantage of or to
12        exploit another person.
13             (13) Course material and instruction shall be free
14        of racial, ethnic,   gender,   religious,   or   sexual
15        orientation biases.
16        (c) Notwithstanding the above educational areas, the
17    following areas may also be included as a basis for curricula
18    in all elementary and secondary schools in this State: basic
19    first aid (including, but not limited to, cardiopulmonary
20    resuscitation and the Heimlich maneuver), early prevention
21    and detection of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and
22    the prevention of child abuse, neglect, and suicide. The
23    school board of each public elementary and secondary school
24    in the State shall encourage all teachers and other school
25    personnel to acquire, develop, and maintain the knowledge and
26    skills   necessary   to   properly   administer   life-saving
27    techniques, including without   limitation   the   Heimlich
28    maneuver and rescue breathing. The training shall be in
29    accordance with standards of the American Red Cross, the
30    American Heart Association, or another nationally recognized
31    certifying organization. A school board may use the services
32    of non-governmental entities whose personnel have expertise
33    in life-saving techniques to instruct teachers and other
34    school personnel in these techniques. Each school board is

                            -13-     LRB093 05269 NHT 05359 b
1    encouraged to have in its employ, or on its volunteer staff,
2    at least one person who is certified, by the American Red
3    Cross or by another qualified certifying agency, as qualified
4    to administer first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
5    In addition, each school board is authorized to allocate
6    appropriate portions of its institute or inservice days to
7    conduct training programs for teachers and other school
8    personnel   who   have expressed an interest in becoming
9    qualified   to   administer   emergency    first    aid    or
10    cardiopulmonary resuscitation.   School boards are urged to
11    encourage their teachers and other school personnel who coach
12    school athletic programs and other extracurricular school
13    activities to acquire, develop, and maintain the knowledge
14    and skills necessary to properly administer first aid and
15    cardiopulmonary resuscitation in accordance with standards
16    and requirements established by the American Red Cross or
17    another qualified certifying agency.
18        (d) No pupil shall be required to take or participate in
19    any class or course on HIV ~~AIDS~~ or family life instruction if
20    his parent or guardian submits written objection thereto, and
21    refusal to take or participate in the course or program shall
22    not be reason for suspension or expulsion of the pupil.
23        (e) Curricula developed under programs established in
24    accordance with this Act in the major educational area of
25    alcohol and drug use and abuse shall include classroom
26    instruction in grades 5 through 12. The instruction, which
27    shall include matters relating to both the physical and legal
28    effects and ramifications of drug and substance abuse, shall
29    be integrated into existing curricula; and the State Board of
30    Education shall develop and make available to all elementary
31    and secondary schools in this State instructional materials
32    and guidelines which will assist the schools in incorporating
33    the instruction into their existing curricula. In addition,
34    school districts may offer, as part of existing curricula

                            -14-     LRB093 05269 NHT 05359 b
1    during the school day or as part of an after school program,
2    support services and instruction for pupils or pupils whose
3    parent, parents, or guardians are chemically dependent.
4    (Source: P.A. 92-23, eff. 7-1-01.)

5        Section 90. The State Mandates Act is amended by adding
6    Section 8.27 as follows:

7        (30 ILCS 805/8.27 new)
8        Sec. 8.27. Exempt mandate. Notwithstanding Sections 6
9    and 8 of this Act, no reimbursement by the State is required
10    for the implementation of any mandate created by this
11    amendatory Act of the 93rd General Assembly.

12        Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon
13    becoming law.

THE RNC BLEW IT!

David — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 22:09:00 GMT

Someone at the RNC made a HUGE error in judgement on Wednesday night. They fell behind and made the decision not to show a 4 minute biography video of Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin. After watching this video, it is my judgement that they missed the opportunity to show who she really is to a huge group of undecided voters. While she did an incredible job during her speech and gained a lot of supporters without the video, from a marketing standpoint they really dropped the ball on this one. Let's face it, both conventions for the RNC and DNC are really nothing more than marketing tools and the RNC missed $ millions in marketing.

"THE PRESIDENCY IS NOT SOMETHING THAT LENDS ITSELF TO ON THE JOB TRAINING."

David — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 07:33:00 GMT

As of 0033 E.T. it's official Joe Biden as Barack Obama's running mate. It's probably not a bad choice for Obama considering Joe Biden's foreign policy experience and Obama's complete lack of any real political experience. Does Biden add enough gravitas to the ticket to make up for Obama's shortcomings? Only time will tell. One thing is very clear, make sure you check all that Biden says or writes as he has a habit of "borrowing" other people's words.

"The Presidency is not something that lends itself to on the job training." Joe Biden during the Democratic primary debates. Amazing what looking potential increased power will do to someone's convictions.

One thing is for sure, this choice did nothing to try and woo Hillary Clinton's supporters. What will they do? Does this leave the door open for McCain to bring on board someone like Kay Bailey Hutchison and gain some of Hillary's female supporters?

This just in from Ben Porritt, McCain Spokesman; "There has been no harsher critic of Barack Obama's lack of experience than Joe Biden. Biden has denounced Barack Obama's poor foreign policy judgement... And has strongly argued in his own words what Americans are quickly realizing -- that Barack Obama is not ready to be President."

OBAMA DITCHES TROOPS, WORKS OUT INSTEAD.

David — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 03:45:00 GMT

Our Chickencrat of the day has to be...

"Barack Obama will not be coming to us," a spokesperson for the US military hospital in Landstuhl announced. "I don't know why." Well, Barack Obama clearly has his priorities in the right place during his time in Germany. A planned visit with wounded U.S. troops at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center was abruptly canceled today, but "citizen of the world" Obama still managed to squeeze in a workout at (where else?) the Ritz Carlton in Berlin. The campaign's pathetic excuse for the change? Obama adviser Robert Gibbs tried to spin the situation faster than Barack Obama on his elliptical machine, claiming it "would be inappropriate to make a stop to visit troops at a U.S. military facility as part of a trip funded by the campaign." Wow, how ethical of him.

How caring of him!

A DISGUSTING DISPLAY OF ELITISM

David — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 03:08:00 GMT

Barack Obama thinks you're stupid. At a townhall event yesterday in Powder Springs, Ga., Obama uttered the latest in a series of snide remarks about everyday Americans: "It's embarrassing when Europeans come over here, they all speak English, they speak French, they speak German. And then we go over to Europe and all we can say is 'merci beaucoup!'" Amazingly, the audience rewarded this bit of America-bashing with hearty chuckles and applause.

If he keeps this up, voters are increasingly going to wonder why Obama's more comfortable ridiculing his own country than going after actual threats - like Iran. Who wants a president who looks down on them?

And maybe Obama should spend some time mastering the English language before the next time he preaches the glories of multilingualism. The punch line of his statement above: "and alls [sic] we's [sic] can say is 'merci beaucoup!'"

Thanks to Laura Ingraham for this bit of information.

LAW MAKERS CAN KEEP THIER STOCK HOLDINGS SECRET

David — Fri, 16 May 2008 09:17:00 GMT

According to a Dallas Morning News report "While Congress prescribed a strict conflict-of-interest law for the judiciary, which prompted Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito to remove himself from a punitive-damages case involving Exxon Mobil, it didn't apply the same test to lawmakers. "

While the President generally puts his holdings into a blind trust there is no such law that demands it for Senators or House Representatives. This means that while Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison blocks legislation that would remove tax breaks for oil companies, she continues to profit from her massive holdings in both Exxon (estimated to be between $100,000 and $250,000) and Chevron (estimated holdings to be between $50,000 and $100,000).

According to the DMN "In December, Ms. Hutchison put a "hold" on a bill – a tactic that allows one senator to stop legislation – that would have repealed tax breaks for Exxon, Chevron and three other major oil companies. The measure would have raised $9.4 billion for the U.S. Treasury over 10 years. "

Don't think this is just a Republican problem. According to the DMN report "Sen. Jeff Bingaman, Democratic chairman of the committee with jurisdiction over energy policy, and his wife reported owning Exxon stock worth between $51,000 and $115,000 in last year's report."

Check out the entire article on this obvious conflict of interest: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/051608dnbuxexxonstock.39996d3.html

Time to vote out the Chickencrats and pass some new laws.

THE GRATITUDE CAMPAIGN

David — Fri, 16 May 2008 04:35:00 GMT

Everyone should check out this video and the orignal site at http://www.gratitudecampaign.org/.

http://chickencrats.com/2008/05/15/the-gratitude-campaigns.aspx

INTERESTED IN WRITING A POLITICAL BLOG?

David — Sat, 03 May 2008 08:38:00 GMT

We're looking for writers who are good at what the do, who's stories will take very little editing and want to contribute to a political web site through the 2008 election cycle and maybe even longer. Right, left or middle, it doesn't matter as long as you are well written and use factual information, not just conspiracy theories or plagerize stories from other sites.

If you are interested, email us a sample blog entry and we will review it and get back to you. You can email to us at chickencrats [at] gmail.com

Thanks!

A LITTLE HISTORY ON CHICKENCRATS.COM

David — Sat, 03 May 2008 08:28:00 GMT

Ok, so you may wonder why the name "Chickencrats". It all began in May, 2003 when 51 Texas House Democrats fled the state to Ardmore, Oklahoma to avoid a vote on redistricting. The battle started when House Republicans presented a redistricting plan to better reflct the votes of the citizens. For years more Texas voters had been voting for Republicans over Democrats, but more Democrats were being sent to the U.S. House of Representatives than Republicans. The redistricing plan was designed to reflect the will of the Texas voters - how dare them! (Check out these articles for more information: (http://www.cnn.com/2003/ALLPOLITICS/05/13/texas.legislature/) or (http://texasweekly.com/newsletter/tw20030519.html).

Texas state law says that if a quorum isn't present then a vote can't be taken, but at the same time gave the Speaker of the House (Tom Craddick-R) the authority to have the Texas Rangers round up the fleeing politicians and forcefully bring them to the State Capitol to exercise their responsbilities. Since state troopers don't have authority outside the state of Texas, the Democrats avoided this law by fleeing the state all together; this in my estimation was a very "chicken" move and how the term "chickencrats" was created.

The Texas Democrats pulled this stunt once more in August, 2003, fleeing to a more Democrat friendly state of New Mexico. (http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=940DEED9153EF932A3575BC0A9659C8B63) It was all entirely too much and didn't provide the service they were voted to do. It showed they were more interested in winning than working within the system to honor the votes of the citizens of Texas. They were and still are today - CHICKENCRATS!

BARACK OBAMA - WHAT DO WE REALLY KNOW ABOUT THE MAN?

David — Sat, 03 May 2008 07:48:00 GMT

It just blows me away that Barack Obama has been held up like the Messiah when not much was really known about him. He is a well spoke 1/2 white and 1/2 black man, a liberal with 2 years experience in the U.S. Senate, he is well spoken and apparently handsome; I guess that is all that is needed for the Democrats to pick an heir apparent.

A video of Senator Barack Obama's spiritual advisor Rev. Wright during a hate speeach filled sermon at church. Is this the kind of advisor we want our next president to listen to and be influenced by?

http://chickencrats.com/2008/05/03/barack-obama--what-do-we-really-know-about-the-man.aspx

How much do we really know about his true feelings about America? Can we afford to have a President that isn't 100% committed to the betterment of our country?

Senator Barack Obama not saluting the flag during the National Anthem. What kind of respect for our country is that? If it wasn't meant do be disrespectful it certainly wasn't very smart for a politician and do we want a politican that doesn't even know he needs to be aware of his public image? How smart will he be dealing with those that are out to destroy America?

And how about a First Lady that was never proud of America during her adult life. Is that who we want representing America in the rest of the world?

Come on America! Use the brains that God gave you and pick a candidate that we can be proud of and have confidence in that will lead America forward and not backward to a time of racial division and a attitude of entitlement. We need to move forward knowing that each American has the right and opportunity to achieve whatever they set their minds and hard work to.