It is January 2009, the time that the Independence City Council is to consider legalizing the sale, possession and detonation of some fireworks. The rationale for this move is that the current ban can’t be enforced. Technically, neither can the act of murder, drunk driving or speeding. We rely on a stiff penalty to deter each of these crimes. In these cases, it is the penalty that is enforced, not the crime itself. This approach doesn’t totally eradicate the crime, but it may lessen their occurrence.

A new year is upon us and our fearless leaders are facing a full plate of important decisions. Should the Planning Commission approve a jail site out on Blue Ridge Blvd.? Dare the council amend the fireworks ordinance to allow limited sell, possession and use of explosive devices? Ought the T.I.F. Commission and ultimately the council approve a T.I.F. project involving the vacant IRMC and the adjacent medical office building?

This isn't exactly a new idea. Marion Kaufmann set up one shortly before he died. I believe it evolved into the Kaufmann Foundation which, I don't believe, sponsors any incubation of start-ups. Incubators have been around a long time. Not many, if any, ever turn a profit and most remain on public life support. They are a good deal for the start-up, but don't expect the incubator to ever get off the public support. There is a good critique if incubators here.http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/news/coladvice/trends/tr991025.htm

I t is ironic. According to several sources, in the 1st or 2nd century A.D. the Christians "borrowed" a day from the Roman celebration of Saturnalia, a heathen period of festivity, in order to celebrate the birth of their Savior. Of coure, this is the day we now celebrate as Christmas.

A goodly number of us feel that an arena to house a hockey team is a great waste of money. There have been hockey teams in Kansas City off and on since 1922. One lasted 5 years and it was a league champion. All the others lasted 4 years are less. So why do we continue to throw good money at a bad idea? I know if I have any extra cash to spend on a sport I will go to a Chief’s game or to watch the Royals’. Ice hockey would be far down the list. In fact, I would probably do the right thing and save the money rather than go to see a hockey game.

“Tis the season when we become all embroiled in discussions, sometimes rather heated, as to whether or not Christmas is a Christian holiday or secular holiday. Actually, both claims are correct. In order to explain this we must first go back to the date of the birth of Jesus.

An open e-mail to City Manager Heacock:

Independence’s city manager and the council have, in their infinite wisdom, decided to make the sell, possession and detonation of fireworks legal within the city limits for the period from July 3 through July 5. Their rationale for this idiotic behavior is that the current ban is unenforceable, so why try. Make it legal and it becomes a non-issue for the police. Let the emergency rooms and firefighters deal with the fallout.

This is a great way to tell our troops "Thank you" I hope we all will take part.
http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home.html

I hear that Sen Obama has now accused Mcain and Palin of making a virtue out of being selfish since they disagree with his philosophy of sharing the wealth. Let me tell Sen. Obama something. I am probably as poor as anyone reading this blog. I live in a 50 year old house. I drive a 20 year old vehicle. I don't own a real "dress-up" suit. I have only one pair of shoes. I collect a little social security, about equal to what I contributed over the years, and I am one of that 40% who pays no income tax.

Five surgeons from big cities are discussing who makes the Best patients to operate on.
The first surgeon, from New York , says, 'I like to see accountants on my operating table because when you open them up,everything inside is numbered.
The second, from Chicago , responds, 'Yeah, but you should try electricians! Everything inside them is color coded.
The third surgeon, from Dallas , says, 'No, I really think librarians are the best, everything inside them is in alphabetical order

The U.S. voters will shortly go to the polls to cast their votes in the most important election in this country’s history. The outcome of this election will determine the course of the country’s economy and social programs for the foreseeable future.

There are four candidates for the Presidency. Two, the Libertarian and the Independent will not likely have any major impact on the election. The future direction of this country will hinge on the election of either the Democratic candidate or the Republican candidate.

If you want a government that promises to “spread the wealth” (i.e. tax the rich and give to the poor).
If you want a government that promises universal health care..
If you want a government that will increase spending.
If you want a government that will insert itself more into the lives of the citizens.
If you want a government that will discourage increased domestic petroleum production.
If you want a government that will operate naval vessels on nuclear energy but refuse to allow its use for domestic generation of electricity.

Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road?

BARACK OBAMA: The chicken crossed the road because it was time for a change! The chicken wanted change!

JOHN MC CAIN: My friends, that chicken crossed the road because he recognized the need to engage in cooperation and dialogue with all the chickens on the other side of the road.

I just heard about Robert Moore. Seems he is a Presidential candidate. Anybody out there have any info on him?