The American Guesser

Woo Hoo! Good news in Peoria:

[Peoria resident Lonnie] Tinsley told police he was sitting on his porch when two males came around the side of his house just before midnight Sunday. Tinsley said Wells pointed a gun at him and told him to get inside the house.

Once inside, Tinsley tried to hold the door shut while being struck in the head.

—

Tinsley said he eventually went to retrieve his own gun from inside the house.

“I got to my gun, spun around and shot it,” Tinsley said, adding that he probably shot three rounds at the intruders.

When police arrived, witnesses reported seeing a man wearing a ski mask and holding a revolver. They said the masked man shot three times at Tinsley, who returned fire.

Wells was the only person shot during the exchange. Police did not say how many total shots may have been fired.

For those out-of-towners reading this, the mayor and other community leaders want the state’s permission to use Peoria’s home rule power and start letting citizens who qualify the power to carry concealed weapons. I’ll bet my next paycheck that neither of the two sociopaths who ended up getting shot at would qualify. And note that no law stopped them from carrying.

Cross posted to Peoria Pundit.

From the blog:

Although the Modern Whig movement was initially revived by veterans, this grassroots organization is geared toward all who value rational solutions in a manner that is realistic, non-fringe and avoids partisan bickering and ideology. With a headquarters in Washington, DC and a growing list of state chapters, we invite you to see what we are all about.

You also may register here.

From my inbox:

To the members of the Modern Whig Party,

Although the Modern Whig Party has so far attracted about 27,000 members from all walks of life, we like to use events such as Independence Day to get back to our roots. The historic Whig Party approach of common sense and rational solutions was formed by such important American luminaries as Henry Clay and Abraham Lincoln. And as most of you know, the Modern Whig Party was recently revived by Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who equally valued common sense ahead of partisan bickering and ideology. It is not an accident that numerous media outlets throughout the country cite this grassroots movement as “viable” and “the fastest growing mainstream political movement in the nation.” So this weekend, let’s celebrate our freedom while also keeping an eye toward the important tasks that need to get done.

For example, energy independence remains as elusive as ever while gas prices have crept back up to a national average of $2.62 per gallon. Funds for education continue to be cut, with summer school programs in various states being eliminated due to budgetary issues. And tens of thousands of service members are celebrating the July 4th holiday overseas.

Many of you signed onto this movement because you want to be a part of a political organization that truly represents the notions of “country first” and “change.” At the same time, indications point to the fact that our members also want a non-fringe movement that can build a viable foundation for gradual success. In this manner, we have attracted thousands of independents, Republicans and moderate Democrats. The idea is to find the working formula to cater to independent-minded voters who value common sense ahead of ideology.

As a start, as well as a sign of how far the Modern Whig movement has come, our organization currently is actively supporting two candidates running for office on the Whig ticket.

-  Gene Baldassari is beginning to ratchet up his 2009 campaign for the 14th Assembly in New Jersey. Please expect in a few weeks additional information and upgraded Web information about Gene to determine your support for this experienced and viable candidate. Gene is running on the Modern Whig Party banner. http://www.votegene.com
-  Paul McKain is campaigning for Congress in 2010 as a part of the Florida Whig Party. Paul is a child-safety advocate, successful entrepreneur and retired firefighter. http://www.paulmckain.com
-  Members of the Modern Whig movement also have expressed their support for Adam Kokesh of Santa Fe, NM who will be making an important announcement on July 4th in regard to his potential run for Congress in 2010. An Iraq veteran with the Marine Corps, Adam is an independent thinker who exemplifies the notion of independent mindedness ahead of ideology. http://www.kokeshforcongress.com

In addition to our candidates, there are a number of projects and endeavors underway as we continue to build this movement. In the coming weeks, we will inform you of ways you can help big and small. Until then, we wish you a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend.

Best regards,

Executive Committee
The Modern Whig Party

http://www.modernwhig.org/

From Skeptical Eye:

I can’t believe I hadn’t heard of these guys.

I am usually aware of trends in politics and interesting developments, but the modern Whig party apparently slipped right under my radar. I actually was looking for information on the English Whig party when a series of links led me to an article about them. I see a lot to like in what I have read so far. They are no Libertarians, but they seem to be fellow travelers.

And thisa is what I have been saying: If you want a country that operates more like the way libertarians would like it to be, don’t vote for Libertarians. But then, don’t for Dems of GOPers, either.