UPDATE: This is updated information that occurred after Rick wrote his column:

CHICAGO – The Democratic nominee for Illinois lieutenant governor has dropped out of the race less than a week after winning the nomination amid a political uproar about his past. (Snip) The pawn broker and owner of a cleaning supplies company won the nomination Tuesday. Since then, it has become widely know that he was accused of abusing his ex-wife and holding a knife to the throat of an ex-girlfriend. (Ed.) – thank to a wise and resourceful Granny.

Well comrades, how do you feel about all of that hope and change now?

The political pundits in Illinois are aghast because pawn broker, Scott Lee Cohen, had overwhelmingly won the Democratic primary for Lieutenant Governor.

Cohen, a typical Chicago Democrat, had been arrested for attacking his live in prostitute girlfriend with a knife.

In addition, Cohen’s ex wife claimed that he was physically abusive and engaged in fits of rage and sexually aggressive behavior before their divorce, and skipping out on child support payments while he spent millions on his campaign.

Now the powers to be, are hoping to get rid of him before the general election but can’t. He was officially elected by the people and he is constitutionally qualified, so they can’t change the law to suit their needs.

“Well, son, since you haven’t learned to respect your elders, it is time you learned to respect your betters.” John Wayne, from the movie ‘Big Jake‘.

Very few people have become an icon of a way of life, as did John Wayne. On or off camera, John portrayed the fierce independence, self reliance and pride that epitomized the perception of the American West, with all its faults and warts. He stood physically taller than most men and few would “crowd” him. He took no quarter and gave none. The perception was that no matter what came his way, he would walk away standing.

SEC says companies must disclose risks due to climate change. Seize the opportunity.

We are not weighing in on the climate debate. We are not opining on whether the world’s climate is changing, at what pace or due to what causes, Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Mary Shapiro insisted on announcing the SEC’s new “interpretive guidance” on climate change.

The Commission’s two Republican members objected that the Obama Administration was using the Commission to promote its global warming and renewable energy agenda (along with the EPA, NASA, Defense and Interior Departments and others). It’s true, but irrelevant.

Perhaps it is just the product of the times in which I grew up and my experience with the events of the world. Or perhaps it is the spin that has been added to the word “global”, endowing it with an almost spiritual quality.

Mostly, though, I think it is my utter disgust with “global warming”, having spent the better part of three decades striving to defeat this plot to enable all forms of governmental intrusion into people’s lives and choices.

As of late I have felt an overwhelming sense of weariness. Even after a good nights sleep I awake feeling drained, as though all the life force has been sucked right out of me.

Part of the problem is that during the winter months I get somewhat depressed as I am a warm weather person. I remember times when, as a military contractor, I would get sent to the middle east. While most people stayed inside nice cozy air conditioned trailers, I would sit outside in the 120 degree sun just soaking up the rays. The heat from a hot summer day does something to energize and revitalize me, and during the winter months I lose that feeling of vitality.

Progressives are perpetual malcontents. They have little appreciation of the world and life and our civilization’s accomplishments. Somehow, deep inside them is the conviction that they, and they alone, can make it better. IT’s what leads them to their incessant drives for power. This is also at the heart of socialism and communism.