More on Citizens United v. FEC , Supreme Court case #08-205

by Sheldon Funk

In the Supreme Court Campaign Finance Decision of January 21, 2010, [  Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, No. 08-205 ]  the Court ruled that corporate speech will  now be treated the same as that of human beings and would, therefor, be afforded all the Constitutional protections provided to human beings.

This case specifically addresses the corporate spending limits that have been imposed on corporations (as concerns Federal elections). The existing bans came to the forefront in the 2008 presidential primaries because of a challenge by the Washington-based Citizens United, the corporation that created “Hillary: The Movie.” The 90-minute film was stopped from airing because it “would violate campaign finance laws. But as you know, things should never be taken at “face value” … there is always at least one hidden agenda … and usually more.

The best explanation of how the case came to be that I can provide you is a summary that I found on FOXNEWS.COM [ http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/03/21/supreme-court-review-hillary-movie/ ]:

Months after its debut, “Hillary: The Movie” faces nine of the nation’s toughest critics: the Supreme Court.

[ MORE ]

Supreme Court Campaign Finance Decision of January 21, 2010

Many say that the Supreme Court decision  to throw out laws limiting corporate and union campaign spending is a slap in the face of democracy.  The court, however, explains that their decision is based  upon the rights to free political speech which are protected by the First Amendment.[Read complete post]

The Government and Women’s Breasts

written by Sheldon Funk, November 17, 2009

A government task force said Monday that most women don’t need mammograms in their 40s and should get one every two years starting at 50. This is a stunning reversal and a total break with the American Cancer Society’s long-standing position. What’s more, the panel said breast self-exams do no good, and women shouldn’t be taught to do them.

Ironically, this task force,  the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force,  whose stance influences coverage of screening tests by Medicare and many insurance companies, does not  even seat one oncologist.

Dr. Otis Brawley, the chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society, said in a statement, “This is one screening test I recommend unequivocally, and would recommend to any woman 40 and over”.

It seems that our government, with its hands touching everything in our lives, down to holding a majority stake in what used to be the largest and most profitable corporation in the world, now wants to wrap its dirty little fingers around women’s breasts. If self examinations and mammograms save the life of only one woman, no matter the age, then I am all for it …  How about you?

Please leave your comment now.

Funk’s Place and Other Great Websites or What I Did On My Summer Vacation

Wow … I haven’t written here since May of this year … it’s been a long sabbatical.  But I’ve been busy … not just playing. Since May I have designed two new websites and associated myself with another program that has actually generated two additional websites on my behalf.

The two that I designed are:

1. Funk’s Place – a “gateway” if you will, to my shopping venues (The Coffee Shoppe, Funkee Tees, Graph Tech Apparel and Accessories and Thinking Green) The website also contains some entertainment for the visitor such as Games, Horoscopes,  Celebrity Entertainment and World-wide Lottery results. Oh yeah, and we also have Auto Parts on the site. No kidding … you don’t have to run out to the parts store for your auto parts … you can order them right from Funk’s Place … and not fly-by-night auto parts … the brands you want … such as Delco, Fomoco, Mopar, Ansco, Sylvania, etc … even if you’re looking for parts for a 1901 Packard or Ford or an 1896 Duryea … you can order them at Funk’s Place.

If you would like to visit, here is the url: http://www.funksplace.com/

2. Thinking Green – this is a  website that discusses all things green; Green Technology, Automotive Technology, Alternative Energy, Climate Change and much, much more.

If you would like to visit, here is the url:

http://thinkinggreen.funksplace.com/

I have associated myself with a company/website called Spreadshirt. Spreadshirt allows me to upload graphic designs, sell those designs and/or add the designs to apparel. The designs are put onto these various apparels using a technique called “direct digital Flexprint”. The end result is a fantastically printed piece of apparel.  I am really impressed with the quality of the product … and the price. I was so impressed that I’ve set up two stores: Funkee Tees and Graph Tech apparel and Accessories.

If you would like to visit the stores, here are the urls:

http://www.funksplace.com/funkeetees.html

http://graphtech.spreadshirt.com/

So that’s what I did for Summer vacation … come on over and take a look.

Shel Funk

Nov. 15, 2009

COUPLES and EQUAL RIGHTS UNDER THE LAW

written by Sheldon Funk, May 27, 2009

All things being equal … things are not equal.

It is a fact that, to be considered a (legal) couple in the eyes of the church and(most) states , you have got to have that piece of paper that says that you have been married … and this document has to have been signed by a minister or other official who has been granted the authority of God and/or state to perform such ceremonies?

First of all, what ever happened to separation of “church and state”? Why, in this sensitive issue of love and coupling, does the state have to validate what the church has done. In what ‘Book, Chapter, Verse’ of the Bible  did God state that “the state has the right and obligation to verify that the person administering the marriage ceremony be properly licensed  by me or my direct representative on Earth … or the state in question.

Second, where in this book we call the Bible does it state that marriage or coupling must be sanctioned and verified by the state and performed by a properly trained and licensed minister or duly sworn representative of the state and that any other act of marriage or coupling to obtain legal benefits of same shall be deemed fraudulent and punishable by confinement and/or fines.

Third, what ever happened to “separation of church and state”.

Fourth, how can we give so much power to a book that is totally unverifiable and takes a ‘leap-of-faith’ to believe in. We might as well believe in a book written by or for Walt Disney. Don’t get me wrong (though I know that most will), I believe in God (or a much more supreme intelligence in the Universe) and in Jesus Christ, his only begotten son ….. , etc., but I don’t believe in laws that are derived by some minister or priest or priestess  or other whose only real job is to bring money into the church and live off of the backs of hard working people like you and I. Look, I could tell you that I am the Right Reverend Hunk of Funk from the Church of Elderly Affairs  and Other Affairs of The Mind, Body and Soul and I have brought to you and the rest of the world a new bible based on the personal teachings of Mathew, a near and dear friend of mine who I have not only known for years and years but for many lives as well. Oh yeah, and would you please leave a true and honest tithe in the plate when passed. Now, are you going to take that “leap-of-faith” and do as I say (even if I ask you to fight a war in my name). I hope not.

So besides rambling on and on, what is it that I am trying to get to? Simply this; There needs to be equal justice and benefits for all people who live together. Whether or not the couple in question is “properly married in the eyes of GOD” or are gay (in the eyes of heterosexuals) or are of mixed race, color or creed … it shouldn’t matter to you, me or anyone else!

The next question that I will get is,  “Are you for GAY  RIGHTS?”  Answer: NO, I’m not … I am for equal rights under the law for ALL people … regardless of race, color, creed or sexual orientation.

This is MY OPINION, What is YOURS?      —Shel Funk

The Economy Is So Bad That…..

my cousin Nina sent me this in an email and I thought sharing it was appropriate. I’m pretty sure that I heard all of these on the “Tonight Show” though I don’t know exactly who to give the credit to.

Look, we all know that our economy is in bad shape … but we also know that a littlehumor can can add a rainbow to our feelings … sort of like “Pin the tail on the donkey”. (I really wasn’t intending to include a metaphor in that statement but ….)

The economy is so bad that….

• Jewish women are marrying for love.

• Even people who have nothing to do with the Obama administration aren’t paying their taxes.

• Hotwheels and Matchbox stocks are trading higher than GM.

• Obama met with small businesses to discuss the Stimulus Package :  GE, Pfizer  and Citigroup.

• McDonalds is selling the 1/4 ouncer

• Parents in Beverly Hills fired their nannies and learned their children’s names.

• A truckload of Americans got caught sneaking into Mexico.

• The most highly-paid job is now jury duty

• People in Africa are donating money to Americans.

• Motel Six won’t leave the light on.

• The Mafia is laying off judges.

• Congress says they are looking into this Bernard Madoff scandal .  Hey, neat -  the guy who made $50 billion disappear is being investigated by the people who  made $750 billion disappear.

GM – An Attitude I Can Live Without

written by Sheldon Funk, Monday, May 18, 2009  -  It Is My Opinion

In the news this morning was the usual report on the status of General Motors … you know, the kind of information you hear daily, don’t want to hear daily but listen to because (somewhere within you) you know its important.

Well, I’m glad I listened today because there was something important to hear. General Motors has caused a new ruckus with their union by announcing that in their effort to stay out of bankruptcy court they will reduce manufacturing costs by purchasing more products from outside the borders of this country. Of course, this purchasing will be done with monies that have been loaned by the tax payers of this country.

Look, I am not a protectionist. In fact, I own a vehicle that was made outside the borders of this country. The manufacturer of the vehicle that I bought, though, is majority owned by GM, and, yes, that was a piece of the decision making process that was used when purchasing the vehicle.

For GM to announce at this point that they are willing to further discount the American workers by taking their tax dollars outside this country is ludicrous. I think that our government should call the loan that our tax dollars have provided GM … and I also believe that GM should be allowed to sink into the (moral) bankruptcy that they have created for themselves.  Their attitude is an attitude I can live without!

THIS IS MY OPINION … WHAT’S YOURS!

Have You Ever Wondered…….

sent to me by my cousin Nina … Thanks, Nina … I thought they were cute enough to post.

WHY… we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are almost dead?

WHY… banks charge a fee on ‘insufficient funds’ when they already know there is not enough money?

WHY… someone believes you when you say there are four billion stars; but have to check when you say the paint is still wet?

Why… Tarzan doesn’t have a beard?

WHY… Superman, who can stop bullets with his chest, ducks when you throw a revolver at him?

WHY… Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?

WHY …someone put an ‘S’ in the word ‘lisp’?

WHY… if people evolved from apes, there are still apes?

WHY… no matter what color bubble bath you use the bubbles are always white?

WHY… there is never a day that mattresses are not on sale?

WHY… people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized?

WHY… do people keep running over a string a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it and then put it back down ,,, to give the vacuum one more chance?

WHY.. it is that no plastic bag will open from the end on your first try?

WHY… there are always  dead bugs in enclosed light fixtures?

WHY… it is that whenever you attempt to catch something that’s falling off the table, you always manage to knock something else over?

WHY…  in the winter we try to keep the house as warm as it was in summer … when we complained about the heat?

WHY …  you never hear father-in-law jokes?

CONFICKER – Final Word

The latest version of the conficker worm reared its ugly head for April Fools day this year. Computer users around the world were worried that they would be infected. If you happened to be a user who kept a wary eye on “computer viruses” you were probably worried that maybe you had not done enough but probably pretty confident that you had.

Many users eyed the situation (after all the hype) as simply an “April Fools” joke and a “non-event”. That’s OK … I guess … but the virus is real … and if you were prepared, “good job” … if you weren’t … OOPS … which is much more serious than an “uh oh”.

If you’re a computer user and whether your use is at home or on the job or both, you know that you have got to have an “anti-virus” software … so you don’t have to say, “OOPS” … and there are plenty of these softwares out there. If you need to find one, just ‘google’ the word “anti virus” … you’ll get pointed to where you have to go. A couple of good ones are Norton and AVG.

I prefer and use AVG … but I’m not telling you this to sell you anything. AVG is just my preference … they keep me well informed and updated without being invasive … and they do it all in a very timely manner. For instance, here is a reprint from their January 29, 2009 news:

January 22, 2009

Downadup/Conficker worm

We saw a large amount of infections from the Downadup worm last month. This worm is also known as Conficker or Kido and is able to spread very quickly because it uses 3 effective ways to propogate:

• Exploits a Windows vulnerability MS08-067. The patch was released a long time ago but there are still a lot of unpatched computers.
• Exploiting network shares with weak or no passwords. The worm contains a list of common passwords – a good reason to use strong passwords.
• Copies itself to removable media, usually USB sticks. Using the AutoRun function (creates autorun.inf file)

The first versions of Downadup were seen at the start of December 08 and until now we have observed more than 300 different variants. All known variants are detected and healed by AVG. Besides spreading, the worm can also download other malware and can redirect legitimate URLs access to various other malicious webpages.

We strongly recommend that you install all of the latest security patches for your version of Windows. Microsoft have also released a special KB article here.

When did you learn about the Conficker virus? AVG didn’t leave me in the lurches and tell me about it the last week of March.

The FINAL WORD is simply this: It doesn’t matter how you do it … stay protected … it can be a very ugly world out there!

Life After People?

written by Sheldon Funk, “It Is My Opinion”, Thursday, May 7, 2009

I have been watching a very interesting multi-part series on The History Channel called “Life After People“. At first I didn’t think it would interest me because, “Hey, guess what, I’m one of those people (as are all of us) and why would I care … after I’m gone … and we’re all gone … what life on this world would be like?”  You know, sort of like the age-old question that asks, “If a tree falls in a forest and there’s nobody there to hear it … does it really make any sound ?”

But I gave it a chance … I mean, “Why not, the History Channel’s never let me down before … even the programming that totally bored me at least let me cop a good nap.” So, worst case scenario, a nice nap. Turns out, it has kept me quite interested. The effects that they are showing are done masterfully and they have been answering every question that I’ve been asking … almost on cue.

The complete series is comprised of 10 episodes and will be airing throughout the month of May. So if you are wondering what this earth would be like if all of us humans just “up and disappeared”, the History Channel is where to get your question answered.

Here are some examples of what questions are asked (quoting The History Channel):

Episode: The Bodies Left Behind

What if every human being on earth disappeared? This isn’t the story of how we might vanish–it is the story of what happens to the world we leave behind. In this episode, we’ll see what happens to some of the bodies left behind. Most embalmed and buried, some mummified, others cryogenically frozen. Will any of them truly achieve immortality? Or will they be outlived by other memorials to mankind, like the Statue of Liberty or the Sistine Chapel. This is just part of a journey that will take us to the future of cities of Boston and Houston–as well as haunting sites already devoid of man.

Episode: The Capital Threat

Nature attacks Washington DC and Los Angeles. The fate of the Constitution and other monuments. Wilted palm trees help spread a massive inferno, while another capital emerges in the Pacific Ocean.

Clicking on THIS LINK will take you to the complete schedule for the series.

No … this is not an advertisement for the History Channel and they’re not paying me anything to write this. I just thought that you might have asked some of these same questions and might be one of those people that enjoy great computer effects. If you are, you will ENJOY this series.