New Year's Day:
Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions.
Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual. ~Mark Twain
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Other Thoughts About Wikileaks
While Democratic and Republican politicians outdo each other with calls for the prosecution and even execution of Bradley Manning and Julian Assange for providing information to various news media, Libertarian Party Chair Mark Hinkle says that free speech and freedom of the press must be supported unconditionally. Hinkle recently released the following statement:
"In 1787, as the U.S. Constitution was being written, Thomas Jefferson wrote, 'Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.' His recognition of the critical need for a free press led him and others to demand a Bill of Rights, where freedom of speech and freedom of the press were listed in the very first amendment to the Constitution.
"In 2010, Democratic and Republican politicians alike are trying to destroy this precious liberty. The Obama Administration, which has already invoked the 'state secrets' claim in court more than any administration in history, has arrested Army Private Bradley Manning, alleging that he copied and leaked various documents, and is holding him in solitary confinement pending a military trial. Meanwhile, Republican presidential hopefuls are falling over themselves seeing who can sound the toughest. Mike Huckabee says that anything less than execution of the leaker is too kind. Newt Gingrich wants Julian Assange, founder of Wikileaks, declared an 'enemy combatant' so that he can be denied all due process. And Sarah Palin wants Assange hunted down like Osama bin Laden (perhaps missing the irony that bin Laden has not been caught).
"Even more ominously, companies which provided various services to WikiLeaks suddenly decided to end their relationship after receiving pressure from Washington. Amazon, PayPal, Visa, and MasterCard all suddenly felt that the activities of WikiLeaks, well-known to them for years, were illegal, absent any actual charges being filed for the violation of any law. When government officials start pressuring businesses in order to silence critics, tyranny isn't far off.
"Publishing documents provided by a government agent is not a crime. Embarrassing public officials is not a crime. Regardless of the degree to which the released documents are helpful or harmful, Assange and WikiLeaks are exercising their rights, and American politicians and government agents should stop threatening and harassing them.
"Freedom of the press is not a luxury, and the prospect of a government able to silence dissent and prevent the press from communicating unfavorable information about the behavior of government employees should frighten anyone who loves liberty. It is understandable that government officials who are lying to the public and covering up misdeeds want to keep their actions secret, just as a criminal doesn't want the police to find out about his crime. As Steven Greenhut of the Pacific Research Institute notes, 'If it weren't for anonymous sources and leaked information, the journalism business would serve as a press-release service for officialdom.'
"Private Manning deserves the presumption of innocence, due process, a speedy and fair trial, and decent treatment while in prison. If Manning revealed information which did not damage national security or result in harm to others, but instead revealed evidence of incompetence, corruption, or other illegal activities, then he should be able to raise that as a defense at any trial. Just as when Daniel Ellsberg released the Pentagon Papers in 1971 and had his subsequent prosecution dismissed by the courts, an important principle is that information which is being kept secret to protect wrongdoing is not in fact legally and properly classified. A jury should be able to judge both the facts and the law, and to acquit Manning if the jury finds his actions to be justified.
"Two years ago, candidate Barack Obama praised the long tradition of information leaks by defending those who revealed Bush-era covert actions.'We only know these crimes took place because insiders blew the whistle at great personal risk.... Government whistle-blowers are part of a healthy democracy and must be protected from reprisal.' Obama appears to have forgotten this statement, just as he has forgotten many other statements and promises he made while campaigning.
"Only a month ago, we were told by the Transportation Safety Administration that they should have the power to strip or grope us if we want to exercise our right of travel. In my view, any government official too embarrassed to handle a full-body scan of their words and actions should resign."
The Libertarian Party platform includes the following:
1.1 Expression and Communication. We support full freedom of expression and oppose government censorship, regulation or control of communications media and technology.
1.5 Crime and Justice. Government exists to protect the rights of every individual including life, liberty and property. Criminal laws should be limited to violation of the rights of others through force or fraud, or deliberate actions that place others involuntarily at significant risk of harm. Individuals retain the right to voluntarily assume risk of harm to them selves. We support restitution of the victim to the fullest degree possible at the expense of the criminal or the negligent wrongdoer. We oppose reduction of constitutional safeguards of the rights of the criminally accused. The rights of due process, a speedy trial, legal counsel, trial by jury, and the legal presumption of innocence until proven guilty, must not be denied. We assert the common-law right of juries to judge not only the facts but also the justice of the law.
The LP is America's third-largest political party, founded in 1971. The Libertarian Party stands for free markets, civil liberties, and peace. You can find more information on the Libertarian Party at our website.
Assistance For Small Businesses At MCC
The Illinois Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) at McHenry County College is offering opportunities and assistance to small businesses. The following topics and dates being offered are:
Thursday, Jan. 6 --6 to 8 p.m.
Marketing Roundtable group (formerly “Branding Brainstorming”). This is a no-cost seminar to collaboratively discuss various approaches to marketing and apply the strategies to your business. No admission fee, but reservations are requested.
Wednesday, Jan. 12--6 to 8 p.m.
Starting A Business In Illinois is intended for anyone interested in starting their own business. Our experienced instructor will discuss many of the basics pertaining to entrepreneurship, as well as distribute various handouts about agencies and resources available. Cost: $25.
Tuesday, Jan. 18--6 to 8 p.m.
Brand Development: A brand is the sum of the good, the bad, or the just plan awful strategy. What perception are you communicating to your customers? Good brand development is evident in every aspect of an organization’s business routine, including customer service, direct marketing, website design, teleconferences, and working with employees and strategic partners. Cost: $39.
Tuesday, Jan. 25--6 to 8 p.m.
Hiring Your First Employee will guide you step by step through the process of hiring employees; how much to pay, how to recruit, and how to choose the best person. From salaries and benefits to personnel policies and being a boss—it is all here. Participants will receive a “Hire Your First Employee” textbook. This class will be held on Cost: $45.
Thursday, Jan. 27--6-8 p.m.
10 Mistakes on Your Website: Your website must do something for you. Does yours? Come learn the top ten mistakes made on small Business websites and how to avoid them on yours. From domain names to search engine optimization—make sure this investment is working for you. Cost: $39.
All classes are held at the McHenry County College Shah Center, 4100 W. Shamrock Lane, McHenry, near Centegra Medical Center.
For more information or to register, contact the Illinois Small Business Development Center at (815) 455-6098 or sbdc@mchenry.edu.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Flu Shots This Week At McHenry County Department of Health
This is holiday time, but McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) is providing walk-in flu clinics for adults and children aged 9 and over until Thursday in the Woodstock office of the Health Department, 2200 N. Seminary Avenue (Annex A) Woodstock. No appointment is needed. The cost is $30 and Medicaid and Medicare Part B are accepted.
The Health Department sends the reminder that even if you're healthy, the flu is highly contagious and you can spread the flu to classmates, co-workers, and family members, including young children who are at greater risk for illness.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone aged 6 months and older to get a flu shot. For individuals with chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, and COPD, the flu can make these health conditions worse, causing serious complications which may require hospitalization.
To reduce the spread of influenza, it is important to cover your cough, wash your hands and stay home if you're sick.
Call 8l15-334-4500 to schedule flu shot appointment for children younger than 9 years of age. For more information, visit http://www.mcdh.info/ or call 815-334-4510.
Crystal Lake Library Closed Friday and Saturday for New Year's Holiday
The Crystal Lake Public Library will be closed Friday, December 31 and Saturday, January 1 for the New Year's Holiday. The Library will re-open at 1:00 p.m. Sunday January 2, 2011.
Additionally, two committees of the Library Board of Trustees will be meeting in the New Year. On Monday, January 3 at 7:00 pm the Public Relations Committee will meet in the Library Directors office to consider a draft of the Annual Report as well as consider current messages to be communicated.
The Planning Committee of the Library Board will meet at 7:00 pm January 4 in the Library Director's Office. This committee will consider the needs assessment project, planning timeline and responsibilities.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Outstanding Jazz Soloists
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