Some Metro projects to think about while you stare at red taillights throughout your commute:
Trolley Trail: Southeast Arista Drive to Glen Echo Avenue
Funding category Bike/Trail
Total project cost $1,653,000
The 6-mile Trolley Trail is a multi-use path that follows an abandoned streetcar right of way between Milwaukie and Gladstone.
Only $275,000 per mile.
Eastside Streetcar: Northwest 10th/Lovejoy to OMSI
Funding category Transit
Total project cost $84,000,000
This project will fund preliminary engineering for extending the Portland Streetcar system by 3.4 miles from the Pearl District to the east side of the Portland central city.
Only $24,705,882.35 per mile.
MAX Multi-use path: Cleveland Avenue to Ruby Junction
Funding category Bike/Trail
Total project cost $1,383,000
The 2-mile, shared-use path runs parallel to the light-rail tracks.
Only $691,500 per mile.
Marine Drive Bike Lanes and Trail Gaps: Northeast 6th to 185th Avenue
Funding category Bike/Trail
Total project cost $1,840,000
Four segments of off-street trail adjacent to Marine Drive will be completed, making a continuous 9.1-mile off-street trail from Northeast 28th to Northeast 185th avenues. This project also will complete .9 miles of bike lane between Northeast Sixth and Northeast 28th avenues that are an on-street alternative to the Bridgeton portion of off-street Marine Drive Trail.
Only $184,000 per mile.
Springwater Trail: Sellwood Gap: Southeast 19th Avenue to Umatilla Street
Funding category Bike/Trail
Total project cost $1,815,000
This project completes a missing link in the existing multi-use path. This .9-mile section of path will run adjacent to the Oregon Pacific railroad tracks from Southeast Umatilla Street to 19th Avenue.
The full price tag is for less than one mile.
I think that you get my point. I was looking for a project were they are widening a freeway so I could do a cost comparison, I was hoping to show that it is cheaper to widen a road than build a "multi-use trail" but I can't seem to find a project like that on their Project Priorities page.
The ones that do talk about streets have descriptions like:
This project constructs bike lanes and sidewalks along the north and south sides of Southeast Jennifer Street between 106th and 122nd.
and
This project reconstructs the existing street to include sidewalks, turn lanes, landscaped medians and bike lanes.
Let me take a shot at liberal hysteria here: (read aloud in frantic voice that doesn't let you get in a word edgewise)
Metro is causing global warming!!! The stop and go traffic is polluting the planet and destroying the ozone!!! If the roads had the capacity to move cars at the posted speed limits we could reduce pollution and our dependence on foreign oil!!! NO BIKE PATHS FOR OIL!!! NO MAX TRAIN FOR OIL!!! Halliburton has brainwashed you into spending money on light-rail!!! Look at the cost overruns!!! Dick Cheney, Texas, Tom DeLay, aaaahhhhhhhhhh!!!
Sunday, August 14, 2005
Even better than Transit Oriented Development
Big-box blues
National megastores scouting the Portland region for sites search out one common ingredient: people, and lots of them.
That's why large retailers want to locate near centers designed for urban living: Portland neighborhood hubs and suburban downtowns.
But many elected officials worry that large stores will spell death for the centers, which have developed with millions of dollars in local government investment.
They want more authority to turn away the so-called big-box stores. Short of that, they want a strategy to help their own live-and-shop districts compete. Both will be considered this fall at Metro, the regional government.
You want to "compete?" Try the free market you idiots. Oh that's right, everything government does fails miserably when forced to compete on a level playing field.
Politicians from Hillsboro to Gresham foot the bill for plans and land to carry out an urban revival theory that plays well in earthy do-it-yourself Oregon. They envision shoppers with coffee in hand combing farmers markets and popping into friends' condos down the block. Metro has designated about 40 such places as "centers," each with its own personality.
This story mirrors my post from yesterday. Our "planners" at metro and local government would like to change our behavior and culture. They don't care if you want to save some time and money at Wal-Mart, they want you to sip a latte and pop into your friends condo downt he block.
What makes government think that it's their job to do this kind of social engineering? Especially when they can't do their first mandate which is public safety. This really seems communist to me that government makes decisions on who gets what, when, and for how much depending on our elite leaders "vision" for our community.
In Gresham, where a decade of planning and subsidies fueled development along MAX light-rail lines, city officials are poised to reject a Wal-Mart Supercenter.
They want to reject Wal-Mart because it would interfere with what the government has done, against taxpayer wishes I might add, to the area. And really, I don't see the Gresham city planners sitting at the Rockwood MAX station at 10:00pm sipping their coffees. Wonder why that is?
And it's no doubt that the Fishwrapper always takes the side of government. Here's something interesting. A man named "Bernard" is quoted in this story multiple times but we never find out who he is:
...Bernard says
...Bernard says
Bernard says...
...Bernard says
"All of us have to do things to make ourselves unique," he says. "But we don't need to bring in more competition."
"Bernard" who may in fact be a made up character, doesn't understand capitalism very well.
Local governments generally hang their denials on land-use zoning and traffic. Current laws don't allow them to consider competing business districts.
GreshamFirst, a group opposing the city's proposed Wal-Mart Supercenter, is nudging the Gresham City Council to look at the issue. During a recent council meeting, members spelled out their fears. Among them: Big-box stores could hurt existing businesses and jobs.
So local governments violate the spirit of the law by turning away business for a false reason. This is like an employer not hiring someone because they are black but saying it is because the position is filled. Wal-Mart faces the same kind of discrimination from Metro and local governments.
Feel free to write to your Metro councilor with your feelings on this post and my previous post.
*UPDATE*
Email I received from my (really hardworking) Metro Councilor:
Thank you for your e-mail. I will be out of the office until Sept. 6. If you need a response before then, please contact my assistant LinneaNelson at 503-797-1886 or nelsonl@metro.dst.or.us.You may also call the Metro Council office at 503-797-1540.
Thank you,
Carl Hosticka
Metro Councilor, District 3(503) 797-1549
National megastores scouting the Portland region for sites search out one common ingredient: people, and lots of them.
That's why large retailers want to locate near centers designed for urban living: Portland neighborhood hubs and suburban downtowns.
But many elected officials worry that large stores will spell death for the centers, which have developed with millions of dollars in local government investment.
They want more authority to turn away the so-called big-box stores. Short of that, they want a strategy to help their own live-and-shop districts compete. Both will be considered this fall at Metro, the regional government.
You want to "compete?" Try the free market you idiots. Oh that's right, everything government does fails miserably when forced to compete on a level playing field.
Politicians from Hillsboro to Gresham foot the bill for plans and land to carry out an urban revival theory that plays well in earthy do-it-yourself Oregon. They envision shoppers with coffee in hand combing farmers markets and popping into friends' condos down the block. Metro has designated about 40 such places as "centers," each with its own personality.
This story mirrors my post from yesterday. Our "planners" at metro and local government would like to change our behavior and culture. They don't care if you want to save some time and money at Wal-Mart, they want you to sip a latte and pop into your friends condo downt he block.
What makes government think that it's their job to do this kind of social engineering? Especially when they can't do their first mandate which is public safety. This really seems communist to me that government makes decisions on who gets what, when, and for how much depending on our elite leaders "vision" for our community.
In Gresham, where a decade of planning and subsidies fueled development along MAX light-rail lines, city officials are poised to reject a Wal-Mart Supercenter.
They want to reject Wal-Mart because it would interfere with what the government has done, against taxpayer wishes I might add, to the area. And really, I don't see the Gresham city planners sitting at the Rockwood MAX station at 10:00pm sipping their coffees. Wonder why that is?
And it's no doubt that the Fishwrapper always takes the side of government. Here's something interesting. A man named "Bernard" is quoted in this story multiple times but we never find out who he is:
...Bernard says
...Bernard says
Bernard says...
...Bernard says
"All of us have to do things to make ourselves unique," he says. "But we don't need to bring in more competition."
"Bernard" who may in fact be a made up character, doesn't understand capitalism very well.
Local governments generally hang their denials on land-use zoning and traffic. Current laws don't allow them to consider competing business districts.
GreshamFirst, a group opposing the city's proposed Wal-Mart Supercenter, is nudging the Gresham City Council to look at the issue. During a recent council meeting, members spelled out their fears. Among them: Big-box stores could hurt existing businesses and jobs.
So local governments violate the spirit of the law by turning away business for a false reason. This is like an employer not hiring someone because they are black but saying it is because the position is filled. Wal-Mart faces the same kind of discrimination from Metro and local governments.
Feel free to write to your Metro councilor with your feelings on this post and my previous post.
*UPDATE*
Email I received from my (really hardworking) Metro Councilor:
Thank you for your e-mail. I will be out of the office until Sept. 6. If you need a response before then, please contact my assistant LinneaNelson at 503-797-1886 or nelsonl@metro.dst.or.us.You may also call the Metro Council office at 503-797-1540.
Thank you,
Carl Hosticka
Metro Councilor, District 3(503) 797-1549
Saturday, August 13, 2005
Even better than the Urban Growth Boundary
Perhaps the only development program devised by government that is more pernicious than the high-density Urban Growth Boundary land use rules is Transit Oriented Development. What is transit oriented development?
Through Transit Oriented Development (TOD), communities encourage higher-density residential and commercial development near bus lines, streetcar routes, and train stations. This proximity increases the likelihood that transit services will be better used by the public. Such increased usage, in turn, makes the construction and operation of transit easier for governments to finance.
Yes, with TOD it makes life easier on government by making it cheaper to finance their pet projects. Notice how it does not make your commute easier, your shopping easier, or your time to destination any faster.
Jennifer L. Dorn, after being introduced by our own Earl "Bow-Tie" Blumenaur had the following things to say in a speech at the Rail-Volution Conference:
The world that liberals dream of:
The traditional nuclear families that made up 40 percent of households in 1970, now comprise less than 25 percent of households. And that percentage is expected to decline even more. In just one generation, the “typical” American household won’t have children living in it. In fact, nearly 70 percent of households will not include children. These households will consist of singles, empty nesters, and couples without children. And these are groups with a proven preference for our cities and the transit options they provide.
That icky, non-progressive world that liberals mock, ridicule and would rather leave behind:
When we think about the American Dream, we tend to think about the post-World War II vision. The American Dream was something that Americans would DRIVE to. In the popular lexicon, the American Dream meant a two-parent family with two children (one crew-cut boy and one pig-tailed girl, of course), and a dog -- all ensconced in a suburban tract house with a big yard surrounded by a white picket fence- and a roomy automobile parked in the garage to carry Dad to his job in the city each day.
Remind me again, was AIDS, drive-by's, teenage pregnancy, rampant homelessness, drug use, etc a problem back in "those times?"
Reality check:
There are clear signs that people are getting tired of the isolation that the car culture tends to create, and they are growing weary of having to get in the car for even the simplest of errandsÂ… The fact is, a gallon of gas for a gallon of milk is a terrible exchange rate.
I would venture that Ms. Dorn has never tried to take 3 screaming kids on the bus, in the rain, in December to get a gallon of milk. Rather than have the trip take 15 minutes it will take about 45. And good luck buyicartfullrtful of groceries, you know, the way that most people shop, when taking mass transit.
The transit crowd isn't just about "saving the ozone" but radically changing Americas families and lifestyles. They envision hip 20-somethings who lead selfish lives with no children to burden them, they will dwell in high density condos in the middle of downtowns. The icky suburbs (or sprawl in their language) will be outlawed through land use planning.
On the left and right coast no one will have a yard for the dog. No one will be able to have a car because there will be no where to park it. We will all take the MAX to our jobs with the local government while relying the heartland to continue to supply enough federal tax income to subsidize our urban lifestyles.
Of course, this vision is very flawed. The urban utopia is a farce. The shootings, the aggressive panhandling, the high housing prices, and the mass exodus of families has shown us that Portland is not where normal Americans want to live.
Through Transit Oriented Development (TOD), communities encourage higher-density residential and commercial development near bus lines, streetcar routes, and train stations. This proximity increases the likelihood that transit services will be better used by the public. Such increased usage, in turn, makes the construction and operation of transit easier for governments to finance.
Yes, with TOD it makes life easier on government by making it cheaper to finance their pet projects. Notice how it does not make your commute easier, your shopping easier, or your time to destination any faster.
Jennifer L. Dorn, after being introduced by our own Earl "Bow-Tie" Blumenaur had the following things to say in a speech at the Rail-Volution Conference:
The world that liberals dream of:
The traditional nuclear families that made up 40 percent of households in 1970, now comprise less than 25 percent of households. And that percentage is expected to decline even more. In just one generation, the “typical” American household won’t have children living in it. In fact, nearly 70 percent of households will not include children. These households will consist of singles, empty nesters, and couples without children. And these are groups with a proven preference for our cities and the transit options they provide.
That icky, non-progressive world that liberals mock, ridicule and would rather leave behind:
When we think about the American Dream, we tend to think about the post-World War II vision. The American Dream was something that Americans would DRIVE to. In the popular lexicon, the American Dream meant a two-parent family with two children (one crew-cut boy and one pig-tailed girl, of course), and a dog -- all ensconced in a suburban tract house with a big yard surrounded by a white picket fence- and a roomy automobile parked in the garage to carry Dad to his job in the city each day.
Remind me again, was AIDS, drive-by's, teenage pregnancy, rampant homelessness, drug use, etc a problem back in "those times?"
Reality check:
There are clear signs that people are getting tired of the isolation that the car culture tends to create, and they are growing weary of having to get in the car for even the simplest of errandsÂ… The fact is, a gallon of gas for a gallon of milk is a terrible exchange rate.
I would venture that Ms. Dorn has never tried to take 3 screaming kids on the bus, in the rain, in December to get a gallon of milk. Rather than have the trip take 15 minutes it will take about 45. And good luck buyicartfullrtful of groceries, you know, the way that most people shop, when taking mass transit.
The transit crowd isn't just about "saving the ozone" but radically changing Americas families and lifestyles. They envision hip 20-somethings who lead selfish lives with no children to burden them, they will dwell in high density condos in the middle of downtowns. The icky suburbs (or sprawl in their language) will be outlawed through land use planning.
On the left and right coast no one will have a yard for the dog. No one will be able to have a car because there will be no where to park it. We will all take the MAX to our jobs with the local government while relying the heartland to continue to supply enough federal tax income to subsidize our urban lifestyles.
Of course, this vision is very flawed. The urban utopia is a farce. The shootings, the aggressive panhandling, the high housing prices, and the mass exodus of families has shown us that Portland is not where normal Americans want to live.
No habla espanol
Via Orbusmax.com
Supercuts sued for ban on Spanish
Some Chicago businesses post "Se Habla Espanol" signs to boast about their Spanish-speaking employees.
But two hair stylists said in a federal lawsuit Thursday that their former bosses at Supercuts posted a different sign:
"Speaking a language other than English is not only disrespectful, it's also prohibited."
I am currently considering putting that exact sign out in front of my house...
Supercuts sued for ban on Spanish
Some Chicago businesses post "Se Habla Espanol" signs to boast about their Spanish-speaking employees.
But two hair stylists said in a federal lawsuit Thursday that their former bosses at Supercuts posted a different sign:
"Speaking a language other than English is not only disrespectful, it's also prohibited."
I am currently considering putting that exact sign out in front of my house...
Guess who got a good deal?
The Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center is a health care site that caters to illegal aliens. With programs such as the Prenatal Outreach (to migrant camps) and the Migrant outreach program it is very clear that the purpose of this medical group is to serve a select demographic.
Through this program the Center provides screening, medical treatment and health education to migrant and seasonal farm workers living and working in the area migrant labor camps.
In conjunction with the migrant outreach the Center intensively provides outreach to find pregnant women in the migrant camps.
This program is funded through the Washington County Commission on Children and Families.
So Washington County helps fund "outreach" to the illegal workers. Great. But what really gets me is this:
A County building was leased to VGMHC at a cost of $1 per year, allowing their grant funds to be used for remodeling rather than land purchase and construction. We continue to work with them in plans for further expansion into Beaverton. SOURCE
What business does Washington County have leasing a building for $1 a year? This is simply a workaround so that they do not have to put their subsidy of this illegal alien health care center in their budget.
That building belongs to the taxpayers. It was built at our expense and if the county is not going to use it then they should sell it at market value.
Under the left's precious "campaign finance reform" I am not allowed to buy a Cadillac and then "sell" it to my favorite candidate for $1. This limits my individual liberty to do what I want with my money and my property.
But somehow government thinks that whatever they want to do with our money and our property is just fine. What would stop Washington County from buying a bunch of vans and then "selling" them to this illegal alien clinic for $1 a piece? What would stop them from buying a thousand bicycles and selling them to citizens for $1 a piece? Does this seem screwed up to anyone else?
Through this program the Center provides screening, medical treatment and health education to migrant and seasonal farm workers living and working in the area migrant labor camps.
In conjunction with the migrant outreach the Center intensively provides outreach to find pregnant women in the migrant camps.
This program is funded through the Washington County Commission on Children and Families.
So Washington County helps fund "outreach" to the illegal workers. Great. But what really gets me is this:
A County building was leased to VGMHC at a cost of $1 per year, allowing their grant funds to be used for remodeling rather than land purchase and construction. We continue to work with them in plans for further expansion into Beaverton. SOURCE
What business does Washington County have leasing a building for $1 a year? This is simply a workaround so that they do not have to put their subsidy of this illegal alien health care center in their budget.
That building belongs to the taxpayers. It was built at our expense and if the county is not going to use it then they should sell it at market value.
Under the left's precious "campaign finance reform" I am not allowed to buy a Cadillac and then "sell" it to my favorite candidate for $1. This limits my individual liberty to do what I want with my money and my property.
But somehow government thinks that whatever they want to do with our money and our property is just fine. What would stop Washington County from buying a bunch of vans and then "selling" them to this illegal alien clinic for $1 a piece? What would stop them from buying a thousand bicycles and selling them to citizens for $1 a piece? Does this seem screwed up to anyone else?
Friday, August 12, 2005
Is Lars psychic?
The fact that PERS is a boondoggle for this state and completely out of line with other state's retirement plans is not debatable at this point.
The only debate is what do we do about it? One one side you have responsible people who want to rein the system in so that Oregon does not go bankrupt and taxpayers are not paying for the retired extravagance of public employees. On the other side you have big union. (From now on I will insert the word "big" in front of groups that I disagree with, similar to liberals naming of "big oil," "big tobacco," etc.)
Word came down yesterday that the taxpayers had won a major victory in court over the extravagance of PERS. This is good news for you and I however Lars predicted that today's fishwrapper headlines would portray the story not as a victory for the taxpayers but as a loss for public employees (government).
Here we are:
Employees lose PERS ruling
Workers wary of pension cuts, repayments
PERS divides high court a second time
High court rules PERS retirees must repay benefits
The only debate is what do we do about it? One one side you have responsible people who want to rein the system in so that Oregon does not go bankrupt and taxpayers are not paying for the retired extravagance of public employees. On the other side you have big union. (From now on I will insert the word "big" in front of groups that I disagree with, similar to liberals naming of "big oil," "big tobacco," etc.)
Word came down yesterday that the taxpayers had won a major victory in court over the extravagance of PERS. This is good news for you and I however Lars predicted that today's fishwrapper headlines would portray the story not as a victory for the taxpayers but as a loss for public employees (government).
Here we are:
Employees lose PERS ruling
Workers wary of pension cuts, repayments
PERS divides high court a second time
High court rules PERS retirees must repay benefits
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Illegal aliens came out on top in Oregon's legislature
Legislative Attacks on Farmworkers and Immigrants Defeated
The third longest legislative session in the history of Oregon ended on Friday, August 5th, marking the defeat of every major anti-immigrant, anti-farmworker piece of legislation. PCUN and numerous allies worked against over 18 proposals to undermine the minimum wage and collective bargaining, require proof of legal status to get a driver’s license, and make it more difficult for people to vote.
Short video from PCUN website
This session presented a different political reality due to the passage of the federal “REAL ID” Act in May, galvanizing the anti-immigrant group, Oregonians for Immigration Reform. One modest victory was persuading the Oregon Legislature to refrain from mandating implementation of any of REAL ID’s provisions this session, as the Department of Homeland Security has not yet issued regulations. For now, Oregon remains one of eleven states where all residents can get a driver’s license regardless of immigration status.
Way to go Oregon. You made it so meth cooks have to drive an extra 15 minutes to Vancouver to buy cold pills but you couldn't muster the support to make illegal aliens show proof of citizenship to get a drivers license.
In a few years all our ID's will be worthless because our "representatives" can't stomach the thought of punishing lawbreakers.
I had a comment on a previous post from a guy who suggested that he was considering becoming a drug addict as a career move. He felt like he would then be a represented constituency in Portland.
I would add that we could all renounce our citizenship so that our government officials would have more respect for us, we could get free health care at the many taxpayer supported migrant clinics and get ITINs, which in this day of ID theft are probably more secure than having a real SSN.
So nice that the illegal alien union has something to celebrate. The rest of us just shake our heads.
The third longest legislative session in the history of Oregon ended on Friday, August 5th, marking the defeat of every major anti-immigrant, anti-farmworker piece of legislation. PCUN and numerous allies worked against over 18 proposals to undermine the minimum wage and collective bargaining, require proof of legal status to get a driver’s license, and make it more difficult for people to vote.
Short video from PCUN website
This session presented a different political reality due to the passage of the federal “REAL ID” Act in May, galvanizing the anti-immigrant group, Oregonians for Immigration Reform. One modest victory was persuading the Oregon Legislature to refrain from mandating implementation of any of REAL ID’s provisions this session, as the Department of Homeland Security has not yet issued regulations. For now, Oregon remains one of eleven states where all residents can get a driver’s license regardless of immigration status.
Way to go Oregon. You made it so meth cooks have to drive an extra 15 minutes to Vancouver to buy cold pills but you couldn't muster the support to make illegal aliens show proof of citizenship to get a drivers license.
In a few years all our ID's will be worthless because our "representatives" can't stomach the thought of punishing lawbreakers.
I had a comment on a previous post from a guy who suggested that he was considering becoming a drug addict as a career move. He felt like he would then be a represented constituency in Portland.
I would add that we could all renounce our citizenship so that our government officials would have more respect for us, we could get free health care at the many taxpayer supported migrant clinics and get ITINs, which in this day of ID theft are probably more secure than having a real SSN.
So nice that the illegal alien union has something to celebrate. The rest of us just shake our heads.
New Ann Coulter column
It's 'Let's Roll,' not 'Let's Roll Over'
Even if the next attack comes tomorrow, it is worth pondering that we've gone 47 months without the savages being able to mount another terrorist attack in a country virtually designed for terrorist attacks, a country where we search the purses of little old ladies so that recent immigrants from Saudi Arabia named "Mohammed" wearing massive backpacks don't get singled out.
But instead of news stories about how we must be doing something right in the war on terror, we're being carpet-bombed with news stories about how Bush doesn't have a "plan," the war was based on "lies," we're losing the war, the redcoats are coming!
Ann Coulter mocks the enemy.
Even if the next attack comes tomorrow, it is worth pondering that we've gone 47 months without the savages being able to mount another terrorist attack in a country virtually designed for terrorist attacks, a country where we search the purses of little old ladies so that recent immigrants from Saudi Arabia named "Mohammed" wearing massive backpacks don't get singled out.
But instead of news stories about how we must be doing something right in the war on terror, we're being carpet-bombed with news stories about how Bush doesn't have a "plan," the war was based on "lies," we're losing the war, the redcoats are coming!
Ann Coulter mocks the enemy.
Cuba lost a role-model
Oregon has lost ground as a model for land use
Way back in 1973, a bunch of Oregonians got together with a common goal: save farmland and stop urban sprawl.
These visionary individuals created Senate Bill 100, the most effective and resilient land-use program in the United States. The program's No. 1 goal was citizen involvement, and thousands of Oregonians helped cities, counties and the state design and implement the land-use rules.
Last fall, it was the people who surrendered.
By a stunningly wide margin, Oregonians embraced Measure 37 and jilted decades of consistent land-use planning.
Oregonians' approval of Measure 37 did more than chop local land-use ordinances into pieces. The measure stunned the nation, stalling efforts elsewhere to rein in sprawl.
Yes, I really felt like I was "surrendering" when I voted yes on Measure 37. I mean, I really wanted government to continue to tell people they couldn't use their land in the way they choose to but the folks down a Oregonians In Action just strong armed me.
The media's suprise at the "stunningly" wide margin just shows the disconnect between the media elites and the regular folks. We don't want big government telling us that we can't build a house on our property, put up a fence, or cut down a tree.
As for the opinion of the rest of the nation, it may have been other media outlets that were "stunned" by the passage of Measure 37 but it certainly wasn't the citizenry who look at Oregon like we are a bunch of hippie throwbacks.
Way back in 1973, a bunch of Oregonians got together with a common goal: save farmland and stop urban sprawl.
These visionary individuals created Senate Bill 100, the most effective and resilient land-use program in the United States. The program's No. 1 goal was citizen involvement, and thousands of Oregonians helped cities, counties and the state design and implement the land-use rules.
Last fall, it was the people who surrendered.
By a stunningly wide margin, Oregonians embraced Measure 37 and jilted decades of consistent land-use planning.
Oregonians' approval of Measure 37 did more than chop local land-use ordinances into pieces. The measure stunned the nation, stalling efforts elsewhere to rein in sprawl.
Yes, I really felt like I was "surrendering" when I voted yes on Measure 37. I mean, I really wanted government to continue to tell people they couldn't use their land in the way they choose to but the folks down a Oregonians In Action just strong armed me.
The media's suprise at the "stunningly" wide margin just shows the disconnect between the media elites and the regular folks. We don't want big government telling us that we can't build a house on our property, put up a fence, or cut down a tree.
As for the opinion of the rest of the nation, it may have been other media outlets that were "stunned" by the passage of Measure 37 but it certainly wasn't the citizenry who look at Oregon like we are a bunch of hippie throwbacks.
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
What's YOUR middle school kid reading?
Sexual Diversity Bibliography: Middle School
Portland Public Schools
Zack’s Story: Growing Up with Same-Sex Parents.
Lerner, 1996.
Eleven-year-old Zack talks about his life with his mothers. Many color photographs show Zack at home, at school, at the Gay Pride Parade in New York City and with his dad and his dad’s other family.
Jack.
Macmillan, 1989.
The fictional account of a year and a half in Jack’s life, ending on his 16th birthday. It begins with the day Jack’s father tells him he is gay.
From the Notebooks of Melanin Sun.
Scholastic, 1995.
Melanin Sun is almost 14 when his mother tells his she is a lesbian. Melanin’s struggle to deal with his own homophobia and his friend’s reaction is intensified by the fact that his African American mother is in love with a white woman.
These are just a couple of the books available to your middle schoolers. I have no idea how graphic the content of these books are.
Again, the schools have decided that they will be the arbiters of what's right and wrong. Parents input is not needed or wanted. Your kids will be taught that homosexuality is not only ok, but something special to be admired.
Portland Public Schools
Zack’s Story: Growing Up with Same-Sex Parents.
Lerner, 1996.
Eleven-year-old Zack talks about his life with his mothers. Many color photographs show Zack at home, at school, at the Gay Pride Parade in New York City and with his dad and his dad’s other family.
Jack.
Macmillan, 1989.
The fictional account of a year and a half in Jack’s life, ending on his 16th birthday. It begins with the day Jack’s father tells him he is gay.
From the Notebooks of Melanin Sun.
Scholastic, 1995.
Melanin Sun is almost 14 when his mother tells his she is a lesbian. Melanin’s struggle to deal with his own homophobia and his friend’s reaction is intensified by the fact that his African American mother is in love with a white woman.
These are just a couple of the books available to your middle schoolers. I have no idea how graphic the content of these books are.
Again, the schools have decided that they will be the arbiters of what's right and wrong. Parents input is not needed or wanted. Your kids will be taught that homosexuality is not only ok, but something special to be admired.
Oh the irony
Sin. Bad behavior. Unhealth lifestyle choices. Behavior modification programs.
Are these words from the Fishwrapper talking about homosexuality? Abortion? Drug users? Hahahahaha. Absolutely not! These phrases are all used to describe smoking, drinking, gambling, and overeating.
Yes, the same people who are outraged that someone like me could "judge" their behavior or refer to it a sinful have looked down their noses at people who drink wine or eat fried food.
My absolute favorite quote from the "Eat, drink, be merry, Salem tells Oregonians" article is definitely this: "Sin had a fabulous session," summed up Sen. Ginny Burdick, D-Portland.
I would agree Ginny, sin did have a fabulous session with the special rights for gays being pushed by your half of the legislature. Especially since it was being cloaked as neccessary because of Christian values. (which are NOT allowed unless liberals agree with them)
My point is this, bad behavior is relative. A drug addict thinks that stealing is fine, most of society disagrees. Therefore we have laws that say stealing is wrong. We have made a judgement on right and wrong and are regulating behavior. A homosexual thinks that gay marriage is fine, most of society disagrees. Again, we have made a judgement on right and wrong. This does not make us bigots. We simply disagree.
And don't give me the "uncostitutional" garbage about regulating behavior. If we want to regulate sodomy then we should be able to. Sodomy is NOT in the constitution. The right to bear arms is in the constitution but liberals such as Ginny Burdick would take that right away in a heartbeat if she had the power.
That Ginny burdick can come out and call people who drink wine or gamble "sinners" is laughable because she would recoil at the suggestion that homosexuals are sinners. Not only that, she would have my employer tell me that my views are wrong, teach my children that my views are wrong, and demand that my tax dollars go towards promoting behavior that I think is sinful.
Refering to gambling, drinking, smoking and eating as "bad habits" is also amusing. The media and the liberals have appointed themselves the sole arbiters of what constitutes "bad" nowadays.
Urban growth boudaries = good
Partial birth abortion = good
Homosexuality = good
Taxes = good
Cars = bad
Development = bad
Christians = bad
Guns = bad
Always keep that in mind when you are reading the Fishwrappers. They are under the impression that they are right and you are a backwards Wal-Mart shopping hick who doesn't know what's good for you.
Are these words from the Fishwrapper talking about homosexuality? Abortion? Drug users? Hahahahaha. Absolutely not! These phrases are all used to describe smoking, drinking, gambling, and overeating.
Yes, the same people who are outraged that someone like me could "judge" their behavior or refer to it a sinful have looked down their noses at people who drink wine or eat fried food.
My absolute favorite quote from the "Eat, drink, be merry, Salem tells Oregonians" article is definitely this: "Sin had a fabulous session," summed up Sen. Ginny Burdick, D-Portland.
I would agree Ginny, sin did have a fabulous session with the special rights for gays being pushed by your half of the legislature. Especially since it was being cloaked as neccessary because of Christian values. (which are NOT allowed unless liberals agree with them)
My point is this, bad behavior is relative. A drug addict thinks that stealing is fine, most of society disagrees. Therefore we have laws that say stealing is wrong. We have made a judgement on right and wrong and are regulating behavior. A homosexual thinks that gay marriage is fine, most of society disagrees. Again, we have made a judgement on right and wrong. This does not make us bigots. We simply disagree.
And don't give me the "uncostitutional" garbage about regulating behavior. If we want to regulate sodomy then we should be able to. Sodomy is NOT in the constitution. The right to bear arms is in the constitution but liberals such as Ginny Burdick would take that right away in a heartbeat if she had the power.
That Ginny burdick can come out and call people who drink wine or gamble "sinners" is laughable because she would recoil at the suggestion that homosexuals are sinners. Not only that, she would have my employer tell me that my views are wrong, teach my children that my views are wrong, and demand that my tax dollars go towards promoting behavior that I think is sinful.
Refering to gambling, drinking, smoking and eating as "bad habits" is also amusing. The media and the liberals have appointed themselves the sole arbiters of what constitutes "bad" nowadays.
Urban growth boudaries = good
Partial birth abortion = good
Homosexuality = good
Taxes = good
Cars = bad
Development = bad
Christians = bad
Guns = bad
Always keep that in mind when you are reading the Fishwrappers. They are under the impression that they are right and you are a backwards Wal-Mart shopping hick who doesn't know what's good for you.
Stopping communism upsets city government
Limits sought on forcible land sales
Oregon's top property rights group is asking voters to do what lawmakers wouldn't: limit governments' ability to forcibly buy private land.
Less than a week after the Legislature adjourned, Oregonians In Action laid the groundwork for a November 2006 ballot measure resurrecting a failed last-minute bill.
The Neighborhood Protection Act, filed on Tuesday with the state elections office, would allow governments to condemn property only if they plan to use it themselves -- not to turn it over to a private developer. Critics say the proposal could prevent important public projects.
You heard Dave Hunnicutt talk to Lars about this the other day. Now that the ballot measure has been filed the most difficult part will be collecting signatures. (No one thinks this won't pass by the voters) 75,630 signatures are needed.
I would urge all of you to make sure you are on the OIA mailing list so that they can send you petitions. Take on to your place of work or you church or just ask a few friends to sign.
This is democracy in action. Instead of letting 5 unelected judges impose communist property rules on us we can make our own laws.
Oregonians In Action website
Oregon's top property rights group is asking voters to do what lawmakers wouldn't: limit governments' ability to forcibly buy private land.
Less than a week after the Legislature adjourned, Oregonians In Action laid the groundwork for a November 2006 ballot measure resurrecting a failed last-minute bill.
The Neighborhood Protection Act, filed on Tuesday with the state elections office, would allow governments to condemn property only if they plan to use it themselves -- not to turn it over to a private developer. Critics say the proposal could prevent important public projects.
You heard Dave Hunnicutt talk to Lars about this the other day. Now that the ballot measure has been filed the most difficult part will be collecting signatures. (No one thinks this won't pass by the voters) 75,630 signatures are needed.
I would urge all of you to make sure you are on the OIA mailing list so that they can send you petitions. Take on to your place of work or you church or just ask a few friends to sign.
This is democracy in action. Instead of letting 5 unelected judges impose communist property rules on us we can make our own laws.
Oregonians In Action website
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
DeLay is with the good guys
Watch DeLay Segment (courtesy ABP)
Tom DeLay at a Republican forum in Texas. He gets applause when he talks about immigration enforcement, he gets laughter when he jokes about the McCain/Kennedy plan! He has joined Tom Tancredo as an advocate for the American people.
Make sure that you make your voice heard. Take 3 minutes and use the links below to make our elected officials know how you feel.
Make sure that you have signed this petition:
Petition to the President
You can send free faxes to congress from here:
http://www.numbersusa.com/faxcenter
Contact Senator Smith
Tom DeLay at a Republican forum in Texas. He gets applause when he talks about immigration enforcement, he gets laughter when he jokes about the McCain/Kennedy plan! He has joined Tom Tancredo as an advocate for the American people.
Make sure that you make your voice heard. Take 3 minutes and use the links below to make our elected officials know how you feel.
Make sure that you have signed this petition:
Petition to the President
You can send free faxes to congress from here:
http://www.numbersusa.com/faxcenter
Contact Senator Smith
Only slightly longer lines than the DMV
Need a new ID card but don't have the proper documents? Head on down to the Mexican Consulate and pick yourself up a Matricula Consular! Great for obtaining government services, a drivers license, and voting rights.
For those of you outside Portland who have multiple DUII's and can't make the drive, the Consulate may be coming to a city near you!
SERVICE OF MOVABLE CONSULATE (Google Translation)
The Consulate of Mexico makes services of Movable Consulate during the week ends, to provide services to the Mexican communities that are in moved away zones of the consular seat.
In the services of Movable Consulate the "MERRY-go-round OF INFORMATION" participates that is integrated by several departments of the State of Oregon and Federales, that provide information in Spanish on their services.
Hat tip to Lars Larson for the great pics!
Why is it so hard to get an appointment?
You know how you want to make an appointment with your doctor for a problem that doesn't require a visit to the emergency room or urgent care but you want it taken care of ASAP? You know how sometimes it's difficult to find an appointment right away?
That might be because the state of Oregon has this recommendation:
The following are some suggestions, adapted from the Migrant Health Newsline, for practitioners who may be caring for migrant and seasonal farm worker families:
4. Consider booking 2 time slots for the first visit of a migrant/seasonal farm worker and family members. They often have transportation problems and the office visit could take longer if there is a language barrier.
That's right, illegal aliens get two time slots! Because they didn't bother learning the language or staying sober while driving it is more difficult for you, the legal resident, to make an apointment.
This was among other suggestions such as:
1. Consider attending a workshop on cultural competency to better understand the issues.
3. Ask about their living and work situations and give guidance that is within the realm of possibility for them. Ex. Be sure a patient has a refrigerator before prescribing medication that needs refrigeration, or asking them to apply ice to an injury.
The Oregon Health Division is very excited that, yes, even urban doctors have the "opportunity" to treat illegal aliens of their tuberculosis!
However, even urban practitioners will have opportunities to serve this population. Lately, migrant and seasonal farm workers are increasingly employed by labor contractors who transport them to and from the work place.
Source:
HEALTH ISSUES AMONG MIGRANT/SEASONAL FARM WORKERS
That might be because the state of Oregon has this recommendation:
The following are some suggestions, adapted from the Migrant Health Newsline, for practitioners who may be caring for migrant and seasonal farm worker families:
4. Consider booking 2 time slots for the first visit of a migrant/seasonal farm worker and family members. They often have transportation problems and the office visit could take longer if there is a language barrier.
That's right, illegal aliens get two time slots! Because they didn't bother learning the language or staying sober while driving it is more difficult for you, the legal resident, to make an apointment.
This was among other suggestions such as:
1. Consider attending a workshop on cultural competency to better understand the issues.
3. Ask about their living and work situations and give guidance that is within the realm of possibility for them. Ex. Be sure a patient has a refrigerator before prescribing medication that needs refrigeration, or asking them to apply ice to an injury.
The Oregon Health Division is very excited that, yes, even urban doctors have the "opportunity" to treat illegal aliens of their tuberculosis!
However, even urban practitioners will have opportunities to serve this population. Lately, migrant and seasonal farm workers are increasingly employed by labor contractors who transport them to and from the work place.
Source:
HEALTH ISSUES AMONG MIGRANT/SEASONAL FARM WORKERS
Traffic doesn't seem to get better?
Perhaps you were driving home last night, listening to Michael Savage, and when listeing to the news breaks on the half-hour you came to the realization that the traffic report is never good. Ever.
I love how we have gotten to the point where the traffic guy reports on "normal slowdowns" meaning you are going 20mph in a 55 zone. Anyway, you hear this report and this time it dawns on you. You look to your left and you see room to expand the road, you look to your right and you see room to expand the road. Then you wonder to yourself: What does ODOT do with all that money they have?
ODOT Pedestrian & Bicycle Program
Well, $4,958,679 went to "grants" for bike programs. If perhaps you are thinking that hey, it cost money to strip the bike lanes and stuff like that don't worry. This is not ODOT's budget for bikes, these are just grants they awarded various cities/counties to do something special in one location.
For instance, a "Bike Signal at E Burnside and 41st Ave" cost $147,900 to build. I'm not sure what a "bike signal" is or why it costs $150k but Portland is getting one on East Burnside and 41st.
So your stuck in your car and don't speak English you say? Never fear, your friendly state agency has printed up a Spanish Bicycle Manual for you. Yes, just think, while you are sitting in traffic wasting gas your gas tax dollars were paying state workers to translate a bike manual into Spanish.
I love how we have gotten to the point where the traffic guy reports on "normal slowdowns" meaning you are going 20mph in a 55 zone. Anyway, you hear this report and this time it dawns on you. You look to your left and you see room to expand the road, you look to your right and you see room to expand the road. Then you wonder to yourself: What does ODOT do with all that money they have?
ODOT Pedestrian & Bicycle Program
Well, $4,958,679 went to "grants" for bike programs. If perhaps you are thinking that hey, it cost money to strip the bike lanes and stuff like that don't worry. This is not ODOT's budget for bikes, these are just grants they awarded various cities/counties to do something special in one location.
For instance, a "Bike Signal at E Burnside and 41st Ave" cost $147,900 to build. I'm not sure what a "bike signal" is or why it costs $150k but Portland is getting one on East Burnside and 41st.
So your stuck in your car and don't speak English you say? Never fear, your friendly state agency has printed up a Spanish Bicycle Manual for you. Yes, just think, while you are sitting in traffic wasting gas your gas tax dollars were paying state workers to translate a bike manual into Spanish.
Monday, August 08, 2005
Now I'm getting worked up
This is a retread but for those of you who have not heard these phone calls before it is definitely worth a listen to see more evidence of the "abortion culture" that I referred to in my last post.
Planned Parenthood’s Child Molester Cover Up EXPOSED!
Sexual activity with underage girls is illegal in all 50 states—yet Life Dynamics discovered that Planned Parenthood counselors are willing to cover up sexual crimes against underage girls by adult males!
LDI encouraged a team of girls to call PP clinics and pretend to have been sexually abused by adult males. In case after case, PP counselors willingly ignored state law to cover up these molestations and violations of statutory rape laws! These conversations were taped by LDI.
INDEX OF PHONE CALLS
Planned Parenthood’s Child Molester Cover Up EXPOSED!
Sexual activity with underage girls is illegal in all 50 states—yet Life Dynamics discovered that Planned Parenthood counselors are willing to cover up sexual crimes against underage girls by adult males!
LDI encouraged a team of girls to call PP clinics and pretend to have been sexually abused by adult males. In case after case, PP counselors willingly ignored state law to cover up these molestations and violations of statutory rape laws! These conversations were taped by LDI.
INDEX OF PHONE CALLS
Continuing the topic of tonight
Details of Teen's Forced Abortion in Portland, Oregon Come Forward
Portland, OR (LifeNews.com) -- Felicia Bautista was 15 years-old when she found herself pregnant and in a dispute with her boyfriend about whether to have an abortion. He said yes, she said no. Bautista took him to a local abortion business with the hope of changing his mind. Instead, she found herself the victim of a forced abortion.
Bautista won an out of court settlement against the All Women's Health Services abortion facility in January...
Over time you hear stories trickle out of these abortion clinics that should frighten anyone. And I don't believe it to be isolated incidents but a systemic problem that is a direct result of the abortion culture that says "the more abortions the better."
Portland, OR (LifeNews.com) -- Felicia Bautista was 15 years-old when she found herself pregnant and in a dispute with her boyfriend about whether to have an abortion. He said yes, she said no. Bautista took him to a local abortion business with the hope of changing his mind. Instead, she found herself the victim of a forced abortion.
Bautista won an out of court settlement against the All Women's Health Services abortion facility in January...
Over time you hear stories trickle out of these abortion clinics that should frighten anyone. And I don't believe it to be isolated incidents but a systemic problem that is a direct result of the abortion culture that says "the more abortions the better."
Planned Parenthood goes nuts!
Planned Parenthood superhero terminates Christian protesters
An online animated video sponsored by Planned Parenthood's San Francisco-area branch features a superhero character drowning an abstinence promoter in a trash can and blasting into oblivion several pro-life picketers protesting in front of one of the organization's facilities.
See the movie
Oh...my...God... when I called my wife over to watch this she thought it was a parody. It's that far out there. I'm not going to take the "I'm so offended" route but I am very disturbed that this is a cartoon. Cartoons are for children. Showing Christians as green faced zombies who get called "ugly" and told that we "dress funny" doesn't seem like a very tolerant message. That doesn't even cover the drowning and exploding done.
Now if I made a cartoon that showed what I though of PP women, that they are baby-killing sluts who kill for conveniance because they won't take responsibility for their actions, and showed them getting drowned or exploded like in this video I think that the tolerance police would have a problem.
This video is a must watch!
An online animated video sponsored by Planned Parenthood's San Francisco-area branch features a superhero character drowning an abstinence promoter in a trash can and blasting into oblivion several pro-life picketers protesting in front of one of the organization's facilities.
See the movie
Oh...my...God... when I called my wife over to watch this she thought it was a parody. It's that far out there. I'm not going to take the "I'm so offended" route but I am very disturbed that this is a cartoon. Cartoons are for children. Showing Christians as green faced zombies who get called "ugly" and told that we "dress funny" doesn't seem like a very tolerant message. That doesn't even cover the drowning and exploding done.
Now if I made a cartoon that showed what I though of PP women, that they are baby-killing sluts who kill for conveniance because they won't take responsibility for their actions, and showed them getting drowned or exploded like in this video I think that the tolerance police would have a problem.
This video is a must watch!
Strangely, no lawsuit from the ACLU
Lars talked a little about this on Friday and I meant to check it out sooner but here it goes:
Understanding Fannie Mae
The FHA Administrator chartered Fannie Mae on February 10, 1938. The impetus for creation of Fannie Mae was twofold: the national commitment to housing and the inability or unwillingness of private lenders to ensure a reliable supply of mortgage credit throughout the country.
It stipulated that Fannie Mae be exempt from all local taxes except property taxes, and provided for the Federal Reserve Banks to perform various services for Fannie Mae.
Fannie Mae would be transformed into a "government-sponsored private corporation" responsible for the self-supporting secondary market operations. The reconstituted Fannie Mae was to be stockholder-owned and managed. Fannie Mae retired the last of its government stock on September 30, 1968, and transformation to a government-sponsored private corporation was completed in 1970.
OK, we have established that Fannie Mae is a governement sponsored lender with some serious perks. Then we have this:
News Release
Fannie Mae To Invest $10 Million In Unique Islamic Home Financing Model With American Finance House LARIBA; Islamic Mortgages Recognize Qur'aan's Restrictions Against Interest Payments
The amount of the monthly payments by homeowners under the LARIBA home financing model is made to be very comparable to a conventional, market-rate, fully amortizing mortgage.
Very comparable or exactly the same? Would I have a lower mortgage payment if I was Muslim?
"Fannie Mae recognizes the growing needs of observant American Muslims who want to achieve the dream of homeownership and the unique religious sensitivities that, in the past, have kept so many from being able to own a home of their own," said Julie Gould, vice president for community lending at Fannie Mae.
At what point did our public institutions start giving preferential treatment to Muslims? Oh yeah, right after 19 of them flew planes into our buildings.
I have no problem with LARIBA or some other private financial institution (although without looking into it I am going to say that it is probably financed by Saudi Arabia) offering Muslims a financial service that caters to their religion. If Muslims want to buy a house/car/whatever without paying interest then save up for it and purchase it outright.
What I have a problem with is a tax subsidized quasi-government agency bending the rules for the religion of Islam and the double standard that no media outlets complain, no ACLU lawsuit, no Americans United for the Separation of Church and State protests. Just silence.
I mean, I understant they are very busy trying to keep an idea, intelligent design, that a majority of Americans believe in, out of our government schools but you would think they could pay a little attention to this issue as well.
Understanding Fannie Mae
The FHA Administrator chartered Fannie Mae on February 10, 1938. The impetus for creation of Fannie Mae was twofold: the national commitment to housing and the inability or unwillingness of private lenders to ensure a reliable supply of mortgage credit throughout the country.
It stipulated that Fannie Mae be exempt from all local taxes except property taxes, and provided for the Federal Reserve Banks to perform various services for Fannie Mae.
Fannie Mae would be transformed into a "government-sponsored private corporation" responsible for the self-supporting secondary market operations. The reconstituted Fannie Mae was to be stockholder-owned and managed. Fannie Mae retired the last of its government stock on September 30, 1968, and transformation to a government-sponsored private corporation was completed in 1970.
OK, we have established that Fannie Mae is a governement sponsored lender with some serious perks. Then we have this:
News Release
Fannie Mae To Invest $10 Million In Unique Islamic Home Financing Model With American Finance House LARIBA; Islamic Mortgages Recognize Qur'aan's Restrictions Against Interest Payments
The amount of the monthly payments by homeowners under the LARIBA home financing model is made to be very comparable to a conventional, market-rate, fully amortizing mortgage.
Very comparable or exactly the same? Would I have a lower mortgage payment if I was Muslim?
"Fannie Mae recognizes the growing needs of observant American Muslims who want to achieve the dream of homeownership and the unique religious sensitivities that, in the past, have kept so many from being able to own a home of their own," said Julie Gould, vice president for community lending at Fannie Mae.
At what point did our public institutions start giving preferential treatment to Muslims? Oh yeah, right after 19 of them flew planes into our buildings.
I have no problem with LARIBA or some other private financial institution (although without looking into it I am going to say that it is probably financed by Saudi Arabia) offering Muslims a financial service that caters to their religion. If Muslims want to buy a house/car/whatever without paying interest then save up for it and purchase it outright.
What I have a problem with is a tax subsidized quasi-government agency bending the rules for the religion of Islam and the double standard that no media outlets complain, no ACLU lawsuit, no Americans United for the Separation of Church and State protests. Just silence.
I mean, I understant they are very busy trying to keep an idea, intelligent design, that a majority of Americans believe in, out of our government schools but you would think they could pay a little attention to this issue as well.
Sunday, August 07, 2005
Oh how the left loves socialism
The democrats always have a very thinly veiled love for socialism. They can't say it outright, but you know they are thinking it. You know that their goal is incremental steps towards government be-all and end-all. The Nation magazine (you know, the one that is always most prominently displayed at Powells bookstore) just can't hold back any longer.
Being Like Bernie
Even if he were not a socialist, and even if he were not an independent who eschews most of the trappings of contemporary partisan politics--including those of a Democratic Party he sees as dramatically too centrist, too cautious and too unfocused to counter the country's drift to the right--the enthusiasm Sanders inspires would be remarkable.
There is nothing cautious about Sanders's politics: He opposes the war in Iraq, he is an outspoken critic of the Patriot Act, he condemns corporations and he maintains a lonely faith that government really can do a lot of things--like guarantee healthcare for all--better than the private sector.
Inside sources tell me that his stance on that last issue could change before election time, it turns out he has to renew his license at the DMV soon...
...as played out on issues ranging from protecting Social Security, retirement plans and Medicare to expanding access to healthcare, lowering drug prices, raising the minimum wage, helping small businesses get started and keeping family farmers on the land.
Read: government retirement plan, government healthcare, government interfering with the free market and stifling new medical innovations, forcing employers to fire employees or send jobs overseas, subsidies, and telling land-owners that they can't develope their own land.
Democrats have essentially backed off the race; Sanders's old nemesis, former Governor Howard Dean, now the Democratic National Committee chair, says, "A victory for Bernie Sanders is a win for Democrats," while most of the party's prominent players in the state have endorsed him.
The self-identified socialist is considered a Democrat by most on the left. Let that be a lesson on where the left stands.
At least, Sanders notes, his status as the country's best-known "out" socialist means "it'll be hard to redbait me." To counter the GOP attacks that do come, Sanders expects he'll have to raise $5 million--after years in which "the most money I have ever raised in an election is $800,000 or $900,000."
As long as we are talking about ways to better spend other people's money, couldn't that $5 million go to a more worthy cause?
Vermont's a nutty state and this will be an interesting race to watch. A statewide Senate seat is very different that an House seat however. Bernie can only promise to give government hand-outs to so many people.
Being Like Bernie
Even if he were not a socialist, and even if he were not an independent who eschews most of the trappings of contemporary partisan politics--including those of a Democratic Party he sees as dramatically too centrist, too cautious and too unfocused to counter the country's drift to the right--the enthusiasm Sanders inspires would be remarkable.
There is nothing cautious about Sanders's politics: He opposes the war in Iraq, he is an outspoken critic of the Patriot Act, he condemns corporations and he maintains a lonely faith that government really can do a lot of things--like guarantee healthcare for all--better than the private sector.
Inside sources tell me that his stance on that last issue could change before election time, it turns out he has to renew his license at the DMV soon...
...as played out on issues ranging from protecting Social Security, retirement plans and Medicare to expanding access to healthcare, lowering drug prices, raising the minimum wage, helping small businesses get started and keeping family farmers on the land.
Read: government retirement plan, government healthcare, government interfering with the free market and stifling new medical innovations, forcing employers to fire employees or send jobs overseas, subsidies, and telling land-owners that they can't develope their own land.
Democrats have essentially backed off the race; Sanders's old nemesis, former Governor Howard Dean, now the Democratic National Committee chair, says, "A victory for Bernie Sanders is a win for Democrats," while most of the party's prominent players in the state have endorsed him.
The self-identified socialist is considered a Democrat by most on the left. Let that be a lesson on where the left stands.
At least, Sanders notes, his status as the country's best-known "out" socialist means "it'll be hard to redbait me." To counter the GOP attacks that do come, Sanders expects he'll have to raise $5 million--after years in which "the most money I have ever raised in an election is $800,000 or $900,000."
As long as we are talking about ways to better spend other people's money, couldn't that $5 million go to a more worthy cause?
Vermont's a nutty state and this will be an interesting race to watch. A statewide Senate seat is very different that an House seat however. Bernie can only promise to give government hand-outs to so many people.
Campaign ad for Kulongoski's opponent
Ran across this one this old speech from our fearless leader:
Speech by Governor Kulongoski
I also want to thank your very hard working Executive Director – Chris D’Arcy. Chris – you not only fought and helped win an uphill battle to save the Oregon Arts Commission and the Oregon Cultural Trust – you started the year serving one board and finish the year serving two. That makes you Exhibit A that in Oregon we really are making government more efficient.
Yes Teddy, having one guy serve on two seperate public art boards really does show how frugal Oregon government really is.
The best kept secret of 2003 – and the accomplishment I am most proud of – is that we truly did save the arts in Oregon. The record speaks for itself. We merged the Cultural Trust into the Arts Commission – which protected both of them. We held on to the cultural tax credit. And we assured that the Oregon Arts Commission would have not just a budget – but a budget large enough to earn a matching grant from the NEA.
The accomplishment he was most proud of?!? I mean sure, he takes a lot of naps but jeez, didn't he do anything worthwhile that year?
We just unveiled a new branding campaign for Oregon – built around the line: Oregon – we love dreamers. So I ask you: How could we possibly love dreamers – but not love the arts. The answer is obvious – we can’t. And fortunately, we don’t.
This is a statement that makes perfect sense to liberals but makes no sense to the rest of us.
At a time when we were cutting the Oregon Health Plan – and schools in some districts were closing several weeks early – many people looked at the arts and saw a frill. I see something different. I see art and culture as part of the solution – not part of the problem. We need art and culture in Oregon.
We have all seen how public art has been the "solution" to the school and health care problems. Thank goodness that Teddy had the foresight to recognize this when he did.
...we’re going to hold onto our cultural history, hold onto our support for the humanities; and hold onto the arts. Not simply because we want to – but because if we are to remain a tolerant, progressive, enlightened – and economically strong community, we have to.
Avoiding the progressive and enlightened society is just one more reason to oppose public art!!
While Teddy may not even run for reelection (he does have winter hibernation to think about) we are all paying for the one-term he does have. Really, what is that piece of junk? (besides a great wasted of taxpayer dollars)
Terrorists from Potterville
Oregon terror camp suspect extradicted to U.K.
LUSAKA, Zambia -- Haroon Rashid Aswad, the militant wanted by the United States for attempting to set up a terrorist training camp in Oregon, has been extradited from Zambia.
No word on whether or not Vera Katz has a job opening for Mr. Aswad. Also, Tommy Potter has indicated that unless he knows the terror suspect's shoe size, favorite tv show, and exactly how many lice are infesting his beard, then no Portland agency will offer support in his prosectution. However city agencies will still be able to offer to pay his water bill or find him some health care.
LUSAKA, Zambia -- Haroon Rashid Aswad, the militant wanted by the United States for attempting to set up a terrorist training camp in Oregon, has been extradited from Zambia.
No word on whether or not Vera Katz has a job opening for Mr. Aswad. Also, Tommy Potter has indicated that unless he knows the terror suspect's shoe size, favorite tv show, and exactly how many lice are infesting his beard, then no Portland agency will offer support in his prosectution. However city agencies will still be able to offer to pay his water bill or find him some health care.
Saturday, August 06, 2005
"Breaking" news
The mainsteam media, in this case FOX12, covers a story that was blogged here on July 12. NARALS "screw abstinece" party finally got a little tv coverage, but if you want your news in a timely manner just keep coming here. (no mention of this story on KPTV12 website or I would provide link)
Of course, the local news did the usual. Pan the camera on the front of the building then stick a microphone in some local idiots face so us viewers can hear the least intelligent comments possible.
In this case you had a guy who was obviously very excited over the prospect of a bunch of drunk women in a room with sex toys who are wanting to put out to make a political statement. I'm soooo glad that the feminist movement has brought women this far.
The second local idiot was a women who said that her six year old son knows about safe sex and that they "talk about sex openly" in her house.
But maybe these people are right, maybe kids should be having sex. After all, they are responsible...
Trends in Reportable Sexually Transmitted Diseases in the United States, 2003 - National Data on Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Syphilis
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) continue to be a major health threat in the United States. CDC estimates that 19 million STD infections occur annually, almost half of them among youth ages 15 to 24.
Err, maybe not.
Of course, the local news did the usual. Pan the camera on the front of the building then stick a microphone in some local idiots face so us viewers can hear the least intelligent comments possible.
In this case you had a guy who was obviously very excited over the prospect of a bunch of drunk women in a room with sex toys who are wanting to put out to make a political statement. I'm soooo glad that the feminist movement has brought women this far.
The second local idiot was a women who said that her six year old son knows about safe sex and that they "talk about sex openly" in her house.
But maybe these people are right, maybe kids should be having sex. After all, they are responsible...
Trends in Reportable Sexually Transmitted Diseases in the United States, 2003 - National Data on Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Syphilis
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) continue to be a major health threat in the United States. CDC estimates that 19 million STD infections occur annually, almost half of them among youth ages 15 to 24.
Err, maybe not.
Editorial page rant
Ahh, the Saturday Fishwrapper. Nothing helps my morning breakfast of eggs and toast go down better than the editorial page. Or does it make my breakfast want to come back up?
We start with the "we should hurry and save money but not too fast" editorial on the outrageous FPD&R scandal. Ooops, sorry, it doesn't qualify as a "scandal" since Republicans aren't involved. We'll just call it an "oversight."
I'm not sure what the Fishwrapper editorial board wants here except to not give voters a chance as soon as possible to scale this Cadillac plan down to the norm.
The we have the "oh woe is us for winning a war" piece. Do any of the peaceniks realize that Japan wasn't always the Honda making, Pokemon loving, technology having society that it is now? We were fighting Imperial Japan. They attacked us first! Then we won with the help of our superior weapons technology and save thousands of our soldiers lives. And yes, our soldiers lives are worth more than their lives when we are at war.
Moving over to the "Daniel is no longer printed here section" also know as the "letters to the editor," we start with another "I'm ashamed to be American" writer. If Rowdy Webb has to "look at her shoes and mutter" when telling people what country she is from then maybe she should just leave. Renounce your citizenship and move to Mexico.
Next we have the "war never solved anything" (except independence, slavery, genocide, imperialism...) letters that blame America for wars started by communists and Muslims. Dennis Kenny is an idiot.
A Certified Public Accountant has a great idea for setting public employee wages but doesn't quite grasp how the system works. I'm sure that the Union goons are inside his house right now beating some sense into him.
A little farm bashing... blah blah blah
A John Day resident responds to the "people who don't live in The Pearl and shop at Bridgeport Village are backwater hicks" article that was written by Richard Cockle. (obviously this man was teased as a child because of his name causing him to become a lifelong democrat, aka "a victim") My music player is currently playing the song "Hicktown" by Jason Aldean. Ah, the good life...
Then Mark Kirby writes a letter in opposition to preventing terrorism. Kirby makes the most absurd comparison of racial profiling Arab terrorists to auditing middle-aged white guys with six figure incomes. Uh, Mark, that's who they do audit. Tax lawyers will tell you that if you make less than $50,000 a year you are more likely to be struck by lightning than audited. This is why Clinton's IRS was suspect when Paula Jones got audited. People who make less than $50k are less likely to cheat on their taxes, people who are 21 - 34, Arab, and named Mohammed are more likely to blow themselves up. Those are facts.
Moving to the op-ed page we have another "ashamed American." Not just content to let foreigners bash our country she must write a guest column for our Fishwrapper advising Americans to pretend to be Canadian.
Let me say this, Mr. T pities the fool who tries to talk down on America to me. (foreign or not) And if Tracey Barrnett, surprise: a liberal, hates America so much then she should renounce her citizenship and adopt a new country. I hear that you can sneak into Mexico and they will give you all kinds of free social services with no questions asked, try that Tracey.
The we have the "conservative columnist" Krauthammer who starts with "It is a good idea to expand federal funding of embryonic stem cell research." You always know who the least conservative, least eloquent, least intelligent republicans are because the mainstream media has them writing on their op-ed pages. I will stop calling The Oregonian the "Fishwrapper" as soon as they start running Mac Johnson, Ann Coulter and Lars Larson columns.
Then we have the Saturday cartoons. Boring, boring, ah a football analogy. Since liberals have never watched football they apparently don't understand the rules. Bush scoring after the game wouldn't happen. He would have steadily advanced up the field because the Dems would have had repeated DELAY OF GAME penalties.
Steroid cartoon is funny...
Oh good, let's compare Christianity to alchemy and magic. Yes, that's nice. Don't think that I'm "offended" or a "victim" here, I just don't like the double standard. Wiccans get more respect in the Fishwrapper than Christians do.
This concludes my Fishwrapper editorial analysis.
Links:
http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/
Today's Letters
EDITORIALS ARCHIVE
Guest Commentary
letters@news.oregonian.com
We start with the "we should hurry and save money but not too fast" editorial on the outrageous FPD&R scandal. Ooops, sorry, it doesn't qualify as a "scandal" since Republicans aren't involved. We'll just call it an "oversight."
I'm not sure what the Fishwrapper editorial board wants here except to not give voters a chance as soon as possible to scale this Cadillac plan down to the norm.
The we have the "oh woe is us for winning a war" piece. Do any of the peaceniks realize that Japan wasn't always the Honda making, Pokemon loving, technology having society that it is now? We were fighting Imperial Japan. They attacked us first! Then we won with the help of our superior weapons technology and save thousands of our soldiers lives. And yes, our soldiers lives are worth more than their lives when we are at war.
Moving over to the "Daniel is no longer printed here section" also know as the "letters to the editor," we start with another "I'm ashamed to be American" writer. If Rowdy Webb has to "look at her shoes and mutter" when telling people what country she is from then maybe she should just leave. Renounce your citizenship and move to Mexico.
Next we have the "war never solved anything" (except independence, slavery, genocide, imperialism...) letters that blame America for wars started by communists and Muslims. Dennis Kenny is an idiot.
A Certified Public Accountant has a great idea for setting public employee wages but doesn't quite grasp how the system works. I'm sure that the Union goons are inside his house right now beating some sense into him.
A little farm bashing... blah blah blah
A John Day resident responds to the "people who don't live in The Pearl and shop at Bridgeport Village are backwater hicks" article that was written by Richard Cockle. (obviously this man was teased as a child because of his name causing him to become a lifelong democrat, aka "a victim") My music player is currently playing the song "Hicktown" by Jason Aldean. Ah, the good life...
Then Mark Kirby writes a letter in opposition to preventing terrorism. Kirby makes the most absurd comparison of racial profiling Arab terrorists to auditing middle-aged white guys with six figure incomes. Uh, Mark, that's who they do audit. Tax lawyers will tell you that if you make less than $50,000 a year you are more likely to be struck by lightning than audited. This is why Clinton's IRS was suspect when Paula Jones got audited. People who make less than $50k are less likely to cheat on their taxes, people who are 21 - 34, Arab, and named Mohammed are more likely to blow themselves up. Those are facts.
Moving to the op-ed page we have another "ashamed American." Not just content to let foreigners bash our country she must write a guest column for our Fishwrapper advising Americans to pretend to be Canadian.
Let me say this, Mr. T pities the fool who tries to talk down on America to me. (foreign or not) And if Tracey Barrnett, surprise: a liberal, hates America so much then she should renounce her citizenship and adopt a new country. I hear that you can sneak into Mexico and they will give you all kinds of free social services with no questions asked, try that Tracey.
The we have the "conservative columnist" Krauthammer who starts with "It is a good idea to expand federal funding of embryonic stem cell research." You always know who the least conservative, least eloquent, least intelligent republicans are because the mainstream media has them writing on their op-ed pages. I will stop calling The Oregonian the "Fishwrapper" as soon as they start running Mac Johnson, Ann Coulter and Lars Larson columns.
Then we have the Saturday cartoons. Boring, boring, ah a football analogy. Since liberals have never watched football they apparently don't understand the rules. Bush scoring after the game wouldn't happen. He would have steadily advanced up the field because the Dems would have had repeated DELAY OF GAME penalties.
Steroid cartoon is funny...
Oh good, let's compare Christianity to alchemy and magic. Yes, that's nice. Don't think that I'm "offended" or a "victim" here, I just don't like the double standard. Wiccans get more respect in the Fishwrapper than Christians do.
This concludes my Fishwrapper editorial analysis.
Links:
http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/
Today's Letters
EDITORIALS ARCHIVE
Guest Commentary
letters@news.oregonian.com
Friday, August 05, 2005
Protest tommorow
Don't forget that there will be a protest in Springfield because the State of Oregon is cooperating with the Mexican government in aiding and abetting illegal aliens. BROCHURE Come watch your taxpayer dollars in action!
RALLY AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION
Bring cameras and your "unofficial border patrol" minutemen t-shirts!
See previous post on this subject.
RALLY AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION
Bring cameras and your "unofficial border patrol" minutemen t-shirts!
See previous post on this subject.
New Lars Larson column
Introducing a new column by radio guy Lars Larson
If you're tired of waiting for your Oregon Megabucks winning lottery number to come up, try getting the job held by the top dog in the Public Employee Retirement System sweepstakes. He only made $89,000 a year when he was working for the state (not quite 300 percent of the average wage of the taxpayers who funded his salary). But when he retired, the PERS board (in its infinite collective wisdom) decided that he was entitled to $221,000 a year for the rest of his life.
More newspapers are picking up the new Lars Larson column! This is the first time that The Springfield News is carrying it. Make sure you drop them a line to tell them thanks!
(541) 746-1671
news@springfieldnews.com
And I have to say that I like the way Lars' writing style is evolving.
Down at Charleston, they have a real squabble going over Squaw Island. It's a little spot of land in Sunset Bay. You may remember that the Oregon legislature, when it's not working hard (for a definition of "working hard," see "Kulongoski," above) on the state budget, it's doing important things like banning Foie Gras and deciding the midnight speed limits near grade schools.
I see a little Ann Coulter (the gold standard) in there. I have read Lars in the local magazine Brainstorm NW and subscribed to The Lars Report (while it was available) and his style has definitely changed. Now we just have to wait for a book...
If you're tired of waiting for your Oregon Megabucks winning lottery number to come up, try getting the job held by the top dog in the Public Employee Retirement System sweepstakes. He only made $89,000 a year when he was working for the state (not quite 300 percent of the average wage of the taxpayers who funded his salary). But when he retired, the PERS board (in its infinite collective wisdom) decided that he was entitled to $221,000 a year for the rest of his life.
More newspapers are picking up the new Lars Larson column! This is the first time that The Springfield News is carrying it. Make sure you drop them a line to tell them thanks!
(541) 746-1671
news@springfieldnews.com
And I have to say that I like the way Lars' writing style is evolving.
Down at Charleston, they have a real squabble going over Squaw Island. It's a little spot of land in Sunset Bay. You may remember that the Oregon legislature, when it's not working hard (for a definition of "working hard," see "Kulongoski," above) on the state budget, it's doing important things like banning Foie Gras and deciding the midnight speed limits near grade schools.
I see a little Ann Coulter (the gold standard) in there. I have read Lars in the local magazine Brainstorm NW and subscribed to The Lars Report (while it was available) and his style has definitely changed. Now we just have to wait for a book...
Oregon Senate forces meth cooks to drive 15 miles
Oregon Senate Approves Major Meth-Fighting Bill
Salem, Oregon - Legislation ramping up the fight against meth on a wide range of fronts passed the Oregon Senate July 30. The bill, HB 2485, focuses on effective means to regulate precursor drugs and requires a doctor's prescription to purchase any product with Pseudoephedrine, Ephedrine, or Phenylpropanolamine.
"This horrific drug is a tragedy to the environment, a tragedy to our communities, a tragedy to the people enslaved by it, and a tragedy to the children living in meth houses," said Senator Ginny Burdick (D - Portland) chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee and co-author of the bill.
The only thing that Ginny Burdick hates more than guns is cold pills. The cold pills are ruining this state. It's all the cold pills fault...
This is typical liberal logic that involves no accountability for people. The drug isn't the problem, the people using it are. And people aren't "enslaved" by it, they choose to smoke, snort, or shoot it into their veins. Obviously this is an addictive drug that users feel compelled to keep taking but that still doesn't negate the fact that they could choose to stop.
But many won't stop. They will do anything and everything to get their hands on this drug... inlcuding driving over a bridge to Vancouver to buy their cold pills!!! Gasp! A serious loophole in the "major meth fighting bill." Or, if the drug makers have email they could simply order from one of the many spam mails that advertise prescription drugs over the internet.
What this has accomplished is that when my kid is sick at 10:30pm I can't just go to Albertson's to pick them up a decongestant. That late at night I would have to use urgent care because the doctor's office is closed, but it probably wouldn't matter because the pharmacy is closed that late anyway.
And imagine a scenario where you have a really sick kid late at night and you do bother to go to the expense of getting a prescription from urgent care ($$$) and driving to a 24 hour pharmacy to fill it. Kids are contagious and so your other kid gets sick the following night. It is ILLEGAL for you to give him the cold pills you already have in your possession because they are a prescription drug!
Salem, Oregon - Legislation ramping up the fight against meth on a wide range of fronts passed the Oregon Senate July 30. The bill, HB 2485, focuses on effective means to regulate precursor drugs and requires a doctor's prescription to purchase any product with Pseudoephedrine, Ephedrine, or Phenylpropanolamine.
"This horrific drug is a tragedy to the environment, a tragedy to our communities, a tragedy to the people enslaved by it, and a tragedy to the children living in meth houses," said Senator Ginny Burdick (D - Portland) chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee and co-author of the bill.
The only thing that Ginny Burdick hates more than guns is cold pills. The cold pills are ruining this state. It's all the cold pills fault...
This is typical liberal logic that involves no accountability for people. The drug isn't the problem, the people using it are. And people aren't "enslaved" by it, they choose to smoke, snort, or shoot it into their veins. Obviously this is an addictive drug that users feel compelled to keep taking but that still doesn't negate the fact that they could choose to stop.
But many won't stop. They will do anything and everything to get their hands on this drug... inlcuding driving over a bridge to Vancouver to buy their cold pills!!! Gasp! A serious loophole in the "major meth fighting bill." Or, if the drug makers have email they could simply order from one of the many spam mails that advertise prescription drugs over the internet.
What this has accomplished is that when my kid is sick at 10:30pm I can't just go to Albertson's to pick them up a decongestant. That late at night I would have to use urgent care because the doctor's office is closed, but it probably wouldn't matter because the pharmacy is closed that late anyway.
And imagine a scenario where you have a really sick kid late at night and you do bother to go to the expense of getting a prescription from urgent care ($$$) and driving to a 24 hour pharmacy to fill it. Kids are contagious and so your other kid gets sick the following night. It is ILLEGAL for you to give him the cold pills you already have in your possession because they are a prescription drug!
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Unable to act, Al-Qaeda continues to "threaten"
Al Qaeda Leader Vows More Attacks
Al Qaeda deputy leader Aymen al-Zawahiri (search) marked the four-week anniversary of the deadly blasts in London's transit system by threatening more attacks on London and against the United States.
"If you go on with the same policy of aggression against Muslims, you will see, with God's will, what will make you forget the horrible things in Vietnam and Afghanistan."
With the reference to Vietnam and Afghanistan I have a nagging suspician that al-Zawahiri (birthname: Billy) might be a former member of our mainstream media, they love to think about the glory days of Vietnam and they are certainly the only ones who think that Afghanistan wasn't the easiest military victory of all time. (Maybe Dan Rather grew a beard and put a towel on his head?)
But stuff like this makes me chuckle. It is infantile posturing. Obviously this nutjob wants to kill us. But killers who can, do. "Killers" who don't have the means or guts, simply posture and threaten.
And the reference to him as a "leader" by our news outlets is also a joke. These people are a ragtag group who have no real command structure and no real organization. The media will constantly recycle the Al-Qaeda "training" video of a group of guys with towels on their heads crossing some monkey bars in preparation for... don't touch the gravel tag. Yeah, my kids play that at school on the monkey bars too.
Really, I think that we give these guys to much credit. I'm not saying that they don't have the ability to cause great death and destruction, any idiot can do that if they have the will. What I'm saying is that we have this grandiose image of our enemy that is false.
Any time a bomb/rocket kills some civilians in Israel you see three different "groups" take credit for the act. They can't have all done it, some are lying because they want to look tough. And I don't think they want to look tough for the Israelis, they want to look tough to their own people. Kind of like the bully who is a scared little boy inside.
This al-Zawahiri has his gun sitting behind him (ooh, I'm so scared that you are going to come to my house and shoot me) and makes all these threats but I'm not buying that this is significant in any way. They wanted to kill us yesterday and they will want to kill us tommorow, I don't need a video of some guy puffing out his chest to tell me that.
They will keep being cowardly and killing civilians and waging guerilla warfare and we will continue to fight with one hand tied behind our back rather than release the full power of our military might. (Time for some shock and awe on Syria and any country that is supporting these terrorists)
Al Qaeda deputy leader Aymen al-Zawahiri (search) marked the four-week anniversary of the deadly blasts in London's transit system by threatening more attacks on London and against the United States.
"If you go on with the same policy of aggression against Muslims, you will see, with God's will, what will make you forget the horrible things in Vietnam and Afghanistan."
With the reference to Vietnam and Afghanistan I have a nagging suspician that al-Zawahiri (birthname: Billy) might be a former member of our mainstream media, they love to think about the glory days of Vietnam and they are certainly the only ones who think that Afghanistan wasn't the easiest military victory of all time. (Maybe Dan Rather grew a beard and put a towel on his head?)
But stuff like this makes me chuckle. It is infantile posturing. Obviously this nutjob wants to kill us. But killers who can, do. "Killers" who don't have the means or guts, simply posture and threaten.
And the reference to him as a "leader" by our news outlets is also a joke. These people are a ragtag group who have no real command structure and no real organization. The media will constantly recycle the Al-Qaeda "training" video of a group of guys with towels on their heads crossing some monkey bars in preparation for... don't touch the gravel tag. Yeah, my kids play that at school on the monkey bars too.
Really, I think that we give these guys to much credit. I'm not saying that they don't have the ability to cause great death and destruction, any idiot can do that if they have the will. What I'm saying is that we have this grandiose image of our enemy that is false.
Any time a bomb/rocket kills some civilians in Israel you see three different "groups" take credit for the act. They can't have all done it, some are lying because they want to look tough. And I don't think they want to look tough for the Israelis, they want to look tough to their own people. Kind of like the bully who is a scared little boy inside.
This al-Zawahiri has his gun sitting behind him (ooh, I'm so scared that you are going to come to my house and shoot me) and makes all these threats but I'm not buying that this is significant in any way. They wanted to kill us yesterday and they will want to kill us tommorow, I don't need a video of some guy puffing out his chest to tell me that.
They will keep being cowardly and killing civilians and waging guerilla warfare and we will continue to fight with one hand tied behind our back rather than release the full power of our military might. (Time for some shock and awe on Syria and any country that is supporting these terrorists)
New Ann Coulter column
Read My Lips: No New Liberals
The relevant question for a prospective justice, and it can be asked properly either by a president or a senator, is: "What, in your view, is the legal force of a Supreme Court opinion?" If Roberts believes that Supreme Court opinions are law of some kind, all is lost.
Now comes the news that Roberts says he respects "precedent" -- which is another way of saying: We can count on Roberts to uphold the court's previous unconstitutional findings.
More criticism of prospective Supreme Court Justice Roberts. I have to say that I share her opinion, just nominate Tony Perkins (the head of Family Research Council) and let's start arguing about the issues.
With Roberts we look at a meager helping of decisions and try to make vague guesses as to what he will do as a judge. His nomination will turn into an argument about procedural formalities (not turning over documents) that will put Republicans on the defensive in the media rather than argue about recent decisions like to communist "take your property for a wealthy developer" decision where our side has the support of the American people.
The relevant question for a prospective justice, and it can be asked properly either by a president or a senator, is: "What, in your view, is the legal force of a Supreme Court opinion?" If Roberts believes that Supreme Court opinions are law of some kind, all is lost.
Now comes the news that Roberts says he respects "precedent" -- which is another way of saying: We can count on Roberts to uphold the court's previous unconstitutional findings.
More criticism of prospective Supreme Court Justice Roberts. I have to say that I share her opinion, just nominate Tony Perkins (the head of Family Research Council) and let's start arguing about the issues.
With Roberts we look at a meager helping of decisions and try to make vague guesses as to what he will do as a judge. His nomination will turn into an argument about procedural formalities (not turning over documents) that will put Republicans on the defensive in the media rather than argue about recent decisions like to communist "take your property for a wealthy developer" decision where our side has the support of the American people.
Study: Posted signs not able to prevent crime
Forbidding handguns does not keep them off campus
When I filed my lawsuit against the Oregon University System in an attempt to lift an unjust and illegal rule prohibiting the carrying of licensed concealed handguns, the response was predictable. The OUS and University of Oregon administration brought out the standard line: They were concerned about student safety. Student interviews and polls printed in the Emerald showed that the majority of students (and I’m sure faculty and staff) felt uneasy about having concealed handguns carried onto campus by lawfully licensed and competent people.
If the campus community was uneasy about handguns carried by law-abiding citizens, I can only imagine the fear that has fallen upon campus with the revelation that, yes indeed, there are already guns on campus — not being carried by licensed, responsible people.
The Daily Emerald has this guest commentary written by a student with a CWP who has tried to overturn the U of O's unlawful prohibition on carrying concealed on campus.
Clearly the school has no authority to regulate the carrying of concealed weapons as only the legislature is allowed to do that and the school is open to the public. And really, someone at the school should be armed to protect the local hippies who would probably cry at the sight of blood.
When I filed my lawsuit against the Oregon University System in an attempt to lift an unjust and illegal rule prohibiting the carrying of licensed concealed handguns, the response was predictable. The OUS and University of Oregon administration brought out the standard line: They were concerned about student safety. Student interviews and polls printed in the Emerald showed that the majority of students (and I’m sure faculty and staff) felt uneasy about having concealed handguns carried onto campus by lawfully licensed and competent people.
If the campus community was uneasy about handguns carried by law-abiding citizens, I can only imagine the fear that has fallen upon campus with the revelation that, yes indeed, there are already guns on campus — not being carried by licensed, responsible people.
The Daily Emerald has this guest commentary written by a student with a CWP who has tried to overturn the U of O's unlawful prohibition on carrying concealed on campus.
Clearly the school has no authority to regulate the carrying of concealed weapons as only the legislature is allowed to do that and the school is open to the public. And really, someone at the school should be armed to protect the local hippies who would probably cry at the sight of blood.
No protection for women, but no feminist outrage
Oregon Will Likely Fail to Protect Pregnant Women From Violence
Salem, OR (LifeNews.com) -- The Oregon legislature will likely fail to offer additional protection for pregnant women and their unborn children. The state House has rejected a bill that acknowledges only one victim when pregnant mothers are attacked and a two-victim bill will not get a vote in the Senate.
Protecting women comes in as a distant second to protecting the most sacred of all Democrat values: the ability to kill babies as birth control.
Salem, OR (LifeNews.com) -- The Oregon legislature will likely fail to offer additional protection for pregnant women and their unborn children. The state House has rejected a bill that acknowledges only one victim when pregnant mothers are attacked and a two-victim bill will not get a vote in the Senate.
Protecting women comes in as a distant second to protecting the most sacred of all Democrat values: the ability to kill babies as birth control.
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
Illegal banking
Reading finacial and bank analysts talk about the "purchasing power" and "growth potential" of an untapped market may seem pretty boring in the same way that reading conveniance stores discuss an "untapped market" for cold pills sounds boring. That is, unless you realize that both of these examples involve illicit activity and illegal money.
The cold pills are just a comparison but several banks are gloating about there ability to "serve" the illegal alien market. Wells Fargo has this on their website:
Wells Fargo Matricula Account Openings Surpass Quarter Million Mark
“We’re proud to have been the first major financial services company in the United States to help Mexican nationals move from the risky cash economy into secure and reliable financial services – by promoting acceptance of the matricula card as a primary form of identification,” said Dick Kovacevich, Chairman and CEO of Wells Fargo. "By accepting the matricula card as a qualifying form of primary identification, Wells Fargo is providing a much-needed service to help Mexican nationals open a bank account and to succeed financially.”
Perhaps it escaped Dick's attention but Mexican nationals are not allowed to work in the United States. That means the money being desposited in his bank is illegaly earned. I would say that Wells Fargo is participating in money laundering and if I had any authority I would shut them down.
They also have a handy Money to Mexico (translated with google) page so that illegal aliens can take money out of the local economy to prop up their home country.
Bank of America has this in their FAQs section:
Can I get a loan if I'm not a U.S. citizen or if I live outside the country?
Yes. As long as the property you are buying or refinancing is in the United States.
Banking Strategies Magazine has this on their website:
Immigrant Outreach
One community bank in Vienna, Ga. has gone a step further. Flag Financial Corp., with assets of $540 million, operates two separate all-Spanish branches in the Atlanta suburbs under the name "El Banco de Nuestra Comunidad." The first branch in this group, which opened in June 2002, is already profitable, according to the bank.
Federal banking officials generally applaud these efforts, noting that alternatives to the banking system, such as check-cashing shops and informal remittance systems, can be more expensive for the immigrants. "It's good for the consumer, it's good for the economy, and it's good for banks to develop new customers," says Sandra Braunstein, senior associate director of the Division of Consumer and Community Affairs at the Federal Reserve Board.
The banks make money, the Feds like the idea, and the illegal aliens feel more comfortable breaking the law. Everyone's happy... except 75% of American citizens who have a serious problem with the current state of illegal immigration.
I would like to give kudos to two banks who failed to return any hits on the search term "matricula" either through their internal site search or a google search of their site: Washington Mutual and Key bank. Although Washington Mutual did return some hits on the term "immigrant" with regards to "outreach" but it didn't seem to go into all the "cultural" garbage and Spanish speaking nonsense found at other banks.
Definitely the worst of the worst is Wells Fargo. Contact them HERE
General Banking Questions: 1-800-869-3557
Report Fraud: 1-866-867-5568
The "report fraud" number is especially ironic. I intend to call them tommorow to report some fraud, namely that illegal aliens are banking with them. I will post a comment or update this post with the response I get.
The cold pills are just a comparison but several banks are gloating about there ability to "serve" the illegal alien market. Wells Fargo has this on their website:
Wells Fargo Matricula Account Openings Surpass Quarter Million Mark
“We’re proud to have been the first major financial services company in the United States to help Mexican nationals move from the risky cash economy into secure and reliable financial services – by promoting acceptance of the matricula card as a primary form of identification,” said Dick Kovacevich, Chairman and CEO of Wells Fargo. "By accepting the matricula card as a qualifying form of primary identification, Wells Fargo is providing a much-needed service to help Mexican nationals open a bank account and to succeed financially.”
Perhaps it escaped Dick's attention but Mexican nationals are not allowed to work in the United States. That means the money being desposited in his bank is illegaly earned. I would say that Wells Fargo is participating in money laundering and if I had any authority I would shut them down.
They also have a handy Money to Mexico (translated with google) page so that illegal aliens can take money out of the local economy to prop up their home country.
Bank of America has this in their FAQs section:
Can I get a loan if I'm not a U.S. citizen or if I live outside the country?
Yes. As long as the property you are buying or refinancing is in the United States.
Banking Strategies Magazine has this on their website:
Immigrant Outreach
One community bank in Vienna, Ga. has gone a step further. Flag Financial Corp., with assets of $540 million, operates two separate all-Spanish branches in the Atlanta suburbs under the name "El Banco de Nuestra Comunidad." The first branch in this group, which opened in June 2002, is already profitable, according to the bank.
Federal banking officials generally applaud these efforts, noting that alternatives to the banking system, such as check-cashing shops and informal remittance systems, can be more expensive for the immigrants. "It's good for the consumer, it's good for the economy, and it's good for banks to develop new customers," says Sandra Braunstein, senior associate director of the Division of Consumer and Community Affairs at the Federal Reserve Board.
The banks make money, the Feds like the idea, and the illegal aliens feel more comfortable breaking the law. Everyone's happy... except 75% of American citizens who have a serious problem with the current state of illegal immigration.
I would like to give kudos to two banks who failed to return any hits on the search term "matricula" either through their internal site search or a google search of their site: Washington Mutual and Key bank. Although Washington Mutual did return some hits on the term "immigrant" with regards to "outreach" but it didn't seem to go into all the "cultural" garbage and Spanish speaking nonsense found at other banks.
Definitely the worst of the worst is Wells Fargo. Contact them HERE
General Banking Questions: 1-800-869-3557
Report Fraud: 1-866-867-5568
The "report fraud" number is especially ironic. I intend to call them tommorow to report some fraud, namely that illegal aliens are banking with them. I will post a comment or update this post with the response I get.
YES on HB 3486
Of all the worthless bills/new laws that the Fishwrapper is bemoaning about not getting a vote/hearing or passing before the end of the session I notice a very simple and important one missing: HB 3486
Sponsored by Rep Jerry Krummel, who happens to be my representative, this bill simply tells the Oregon State Police to establish a sex offender registry website. It looks like this bill is heading to the Senate floor tommorow so it's very important that you contact at least your Senator and tell them to vote YES on HB 3486.
As parents we have a duty to protect our children. A sex offender website that shows us where these predators live will help us to make informed decisions on where to live, where to let our kids play and who they must avoid.
Thanks to Rep Krummel for pushing this!
Sponsored by Rep Jerry Krummel, who happens to be my representative, this bill simply tells the Oregon State Police to establish a sex offender registry website. It looks like this bill is heading to the Senate floor tommorow so it's very important that you contact at least your Senator and tell them to vote YES on HB 3486.
As parents we have a duty to protect our children. A sex offender website that shows us where these predators live will help us to make informed decisions on where to live, where to let our kids play and who they must avoid.
Thanks to Rep Krummel for pushing this!
Why business goes to China
Kids' lemonade stand shut down after competitor complains
Police shut down the lemonade stand on Salem Common after the sausage man complained that the boys didn't have a permit and were taking customers away from him.
Lieutenant Scott Englehart says police had no choice but to enforce the rules. But he says it's "ridiculous that little kids can't sell lemonade."
These kids got a real life lesson on the way that government works with business. Pointless rules, constant regulations and random enforcement. This is a microcosm of the problem of government involving itself in every facet of the free market.
Why would little kids need a permit to sell lemonade? Does government want their application fee? Do they want to tax them? This is ruining America. The parents of these kids are probably trying to teach them cost/profit and general capitalist principles but government stepped in and said NO.
I for one always make a point to buy lemonade/water/cookies from the stand that the neighborhood kids put up. The kids get excited and I know they are learning something.
Police shut down the lemonade stand on Salem Common after the sausage man complained that the boys didn't have a permit and were taking customers away from him.
Lieutenant Scott Englehart says police had no choice but to enforce the rules. But he says it's "ridiculous that little kids can't sell lemonade."
These kids got a real life lesson on the way that government works with business. Pointless rules, constant regulations and random enforcement. This is a microcosm of the problem of government involving itself in every facet of the free market.
Why would little kids need a permit to sell lemonade? Does government want their application fee? Do they want to tax them? This is ruining America. The parents of these kids are probably trying to teach them cost/profit and general capitalist principles but government stepped in and said NO.
I for one always make a point to buy lemonade/water/cookies from the stand that the neighborhood kids put up. The kids get excited and I know they are learning something.
Reading, writing and arithmatic take back stage
educational excellence for our diverse community conference
Special thanks to our partner, NABE
National Association for Bilingual Education
Join NABE today! www.nabe.org
With speeches titled: "The Illusion of Inclusion" and "Cultural Transformation" this seems like a conference that is more about "cultural diversity" rather than teaching English language learners quickly and effectively.
A Course for Educators Working with Latino Youth
The goal of this course is to provide an introduction to Latinos in education. The Latino community is growing by leaps and bounds. Latino students possess rich cultural, linguistic and experiential resources that often go untapped. This workshop will focus on the learning styles of Latino youth, and off er hints as to how best to tap into their intellectual abilities.
I would submit that we should teach all kids the same way, regardless of their race.
Advanced Spanish for Spanish Speakers
Course conducted in Spanish using a Spanish immersion approach. Intended for staff who speak Spanish as a second language who instruct Spanish-speaking students and work with their families. This strand will develop participants’ Spanish language profi ciency. The main focus will be on the structures of formal Spanish language to improve participants’ Spanish language skills in speaking, reading and writing. Topics will include: Spanish development (reading/writing), research on eff ective classroom practices and assessment.
So using a full immersion approach is effective to teach Spanish speakers more Spanish but not to teach them English, is that it?
Special thanks to our partner, NABE
National Association for Bilingual Education
Join NABE today! www.nabe.org
With speeches titled: "The Illusion of Inclusion" and "Cultural Transformation" this seems like a conference that is more about "cultural diversity" rather than teaching English language learners quickly and effectively.
A Course for Educators Working with Latino Youth
The goal of this course is to provide an introduction to Latinos in education. The Latino community is growing by leaps and bounds. Latino students possess rich cultural, linguistic and experiential resources that often go untapped. This workshop will focus on the learning styles of Latino youth, and off er hints as to how best to tap into their intellectual abilities.
I would submit that we should teach all kids the same way, regardless of their race.
Advanced Spanish for Spanish Speakers
Course conducted in Spanish using a Spanish immersion approach. Intended for staff who speak Spanish as a second language who instruct Spanish-speaking students and work with their families. This strand will develop participants’ Spanish language profi ciency. The main focus will be on the structures of formal Spanish language to improve participants’ Spanish language skills in speaking, reading and writing. Topics will include: Spanish development (reading/writing), research on eff ective classroom practices and assessment.
So using a full immersion approach is effective to teach Spanish speakers more Spanish but not to teach them English, is that it?
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Important Phyllis Schlafly column
What's Behind a Phone Call From Newt Gingrich?
The message was skillfully designed to appeal to Americans who are outraged at our government's failure to protect us from the invasion of illegals. But slyly buried in the middle of Newt's message was an endorsement of a "guest worker" plan to invite even more aliens to take U.S. jobs.
The politicians and business executives, who are determined to continue bringing in foreigners to work for lower wages than Americans expect, have gotten smart. The plan to import "willing workers" from other countries is now being packaged in the language of concern about border security.
The comprehensive Cornyn-Kyl bill contains dozens of excellent and necessary proposals that should have been ordered years ago, such as eliminating the Diversity Visa Program.
But buried in the middle of this vast bill is Title V, which creates a "Nonimmigrant Temporary Worker Category." That's the euphemism for giving amnesty to some ten million illegal aliens already in the United States, plus creating "guest worker" status for them and for millions more aliens who will be invited into our country to take U.S. jobs.
I don't trust any national politician other than Tancredo and Sensenbrenner on the issue of illegal aliens. It seems that everyone else is willing to capitulate to the White House or other illegal alien apologist group.
All we can do is refuse to compromise, keep up the pressure, and send a strong message in the primaries that this single issue can be sink or swim for any candidate.
The message was skillfully designed to appeal to Americans who are outraged at our government's failure to protect us from the invasion of illegals. But slyly buried in the middle of Newt's message was an endorsement of a "guest worker" plan to invite even more aliens to take U.S. jobs.
The politicians and business executives, who are determined to continue bringing in foreigners to work for lower wages than Americans expect, have gotten smart. The plan to import "willing workers" from other countries is now being packaged in the language of concern about border security.
The comprehensive Cornyn-Kyl bill contains dozens of excellent and necessary proposals that should have been ordered years ago, such as eliminating the Diversity Visa Program.
But buried in the middle of this vast bill is Title V, which creates a "Nonimmigrant Temporary Worker Category." That's the euphemism for giving amnesty to some ten million illegal aliens already in the United States, plus creating "guest worker" status for them and for millions more aliens who will be invited into our country to take U.S. jobs.
I don't trust any national politician other than Tancredo and Sensenbrenner on the issue of illegal aliens. It seems that everyone else is willing to capitulate to the White House or other illegal alien apologist group.
All we can do is refuse to compromise, keep up the pressure, and send a strong message in the primaries that this single issue can be sink or swim for any candidate.
A real "heartwarming" tale
From NARAL Oregon's website we have a "personal story" submitted by anonymous.
Ten percent of Cannon Beach’s population is originally from Mexico. To many, they are invisible. However, Cannon Beach could not function without its Mexican workers...
I teach English to Spanish speakers here....
Last year, a student approached me to help him find an abortion provider for his wife...
My student and his wife took time off work the next week for the procedure. Unfortunately, they have doctored papers and is unable to become legal despite being here, working and paying taxes for 10 years. As a result, my student had to pay out of pocket without the benefits of the Oregon Health Plan...
A teacher, someone who we trust with our kids, thinks that illegal aliens with "doctored papers" need help killing their babies. Not only that but this "teacher" (English) doesn't even use proper grammar. "they have doctored papers and is unable" is incorrect stupid.
I don't know about you but I'm scared silly that one of these left-wing moonbats could be teaching my child in school. It's not just their political ideology, this woman is actively aiding and abetting known criminals. She knows that they are guilty of immigration violations, labor violations, and fraud yet thinks that her responsibility is to find them an abortion provider rather than turn them in.
Ten percent of Cannon Beach’s population is originally from Mexico. To many, they are invisible. However, Cannon Beach could not function without its Mexican workers...
I teach English to Spanish speakers here....
Last year, a student approached me to help him find an abortion provider for his wife...
My student and his wife took time off work the next week for the procedure. Unfortunately, they have doctored papers and is unable to become legal despite being here, working and paying taxes for 10 years. As a result, my student had to pay out of pocket without the benefits of the Oregon Health Plan...
A teacher, someone who we trust with our kids, thinks that illegal aliens with "doctored papers" need help killing their babies. Not only that but this "teacher" (English) doesn't even use proper grammar. "they have doctored papers and is unable" is incorrect stupid.
I don't know about you but I'm scared silly that one of these left-wing moonbats could be teaching my child in school. It's not just their political ideology, this woman is actively aiding and abetting known criminals. She knows that they are guilty of immigration violations, labor violations, and fraud yet thinks that her responsibility is to find them an abortion provider rather than turn them in.
Monday, August 01, 2005
Money well spent
Multnomah County has released their new budget and here are some interesting line items.
Program #25027 - African American Youth A&D Treatment
Leo Ni Leo is the only African-American culturally specific A&D adolescent program in Multnomah County. The Leo Ni Leo (“Time Is Now” in Swahili) program directly impacts the integration of the physical health, mental health, and behavioral health (addictions) needs of African-American adolescent males who have become involved with alcohol and drugs and are in danger of or have become involved with the criminal justice system.
At least 54 youth will receive Leo Ni Leo services in FY05.
Program Total: $577,564 (FY 2006)
Pretend that this program has the same "success" in '06 that it did in '05 and what you get is a cost of $10695.62 per youth (of a certain skin color only) served. What a bargain. But thankfully "Less than 20% of the youth in the program will report arrests while in treatment." The keyword there is report.
Program #40026A - Healthy Birth and Early Childhood Services (Part A)
The general fund is used to provide a broad umbrella of services for pregnant women and their children who are poor but ineligible for the Oregon Health plan. Typically these are undocumented residents, teenage mothers, or working poor who do not have sufficient insurance to cover a medically needy child.
Program Total: $8,387,952
This program is to help "undocumented residents" and teenage sluts by fullfilling the nanny state obligations envisioned by Kitzhaber. Home visits and "targeted services" (cultural competency garbage) are this programs specialty.
Program #10013 - Cultural Diversity Conference
The diversity conference continues to receive excellent evaluations. we have been tracking the same data for the past 4 years and the evaluation are positive. Evaluation data shows a consistently high degree of satisfaction with and usefulness of the conference. Over 300 employees attended the conference and 91% rated it either a good or an excellent use of their time.
Program Total: $40,000
Government employees get paid to attend a conference rather than do their work, but they rate it as an "excellent" use of their time. (and tax dollars)
Program #71006A - Human Resources - Diversity, Equity and Affirmative Action
This program contributes to strengthening County workforce competencies and the environment needed to achieve quality results by developing staff competencies related to diversity and inclusion. It develops, markets, and monitors policies, programs and avenues that help create a culturally safe environment where safe communication can occur.
Program Total: $412,471
What can I say? Multnomah County is more worried about a "culturally safe" working environment than they are about safe streets that aren't filled with meth junkies.
Program #71006D - Diversity-Cultural Competency
The position requested is an existing position that has been temporarily assigned to this project from another department. That arrangement is no longer feasible. To enable implementation of the policy framework to proceed, this position needs to be moved permanently into the diversity office. In addition, funding is required to conduct organizational assessments and 360 degree evaluations to be able to respond quickly and effectively to the current climate and situations.
Program Total: $145,195
More garbage.
Program #25026 - A&D Acupuncture
Acupuncture services were delivered to approximately 700 clients in outpatient treatment and more than 500 clients in detoxification last year and this year's results should be similar.
Program Total: $89,481
For those of you who thought that the best way to stop using drugs was to just quit, you obviously don't have the wisdon of the Multnomah County acupuncture program. Next up: aromatherapy.
This is not a comprehensive list but just a few of the programs that I would gladly exchange for an increase in jail funding.
Program #25027 - African American Youth A&D Treatment
Leo Ni Leo is the only African-American culturally specific A&D adolescent program in Multnomah County. The Leo Ni Leo (“Time Is Now” in Swahili) program directly impacts the integration of the physical health, mental health, and behavioral health (addictions) needs of African-American adolescent males who have become involved with alcohol and drugs and are in danger of or have become involved with the criminal justice system.
At least 54 youth will receive Leo Ni Leo services in FY05.
Program Total: $577,564 (FY 2006)
Pretend that this program has the same "success" in '06 that it did in '05 and what you get is a cost of $10695.62 per youth (of a certain skin color only) served. What a bargain. But thankfully "Less than 20% of the youth in the program will report arrests while in treatment." The keyword there is report.
Program #40026A - Healthy Birth and Early Childhood Services (Part A)
The general fund is used to provide a broad umbrella of services for pregnant women and their children who are poor but ineligible for the Oregon Health plan. Typically these are undocumented residents, teenage mothers, or working poor who do not have sufficient insurance to cover a medically needy child.
Program Total: $8,387,952
This program is to help "undocumented residents" and teenage sluts by fullfilling the nanny state obligations envisioned by Kitzhaber. Home visits and "targeted services" (cultural competency garbage) are this programs specialty.
Program #10013 - Cultural Diversity Conference
The diversity conference continues to receive excellent evaluations. we have been tracking the same data for the past 4 years and the evaluation are positive. Evaluation data shows a consistently high degree of satisfaction with and usefulness of the conference. Over 300 employees attended the conference and 91% rated it either a good or an excellent use of their time.
Program Total: $40,000
Government employees get paid to attend a conference rather than do their work, but they rate it as an "excellent" use of their time. (and tax dollars)
Program #71006A - Human Resources - Diversity, Equity and Affirmative Action
This program contributes to strengthening County workforce competencies and the environment needed to achieve quality results by developing staff competencies related to diversity and inclusion. It develops, markets, and monitors policies, programs and avenues that help create a culturally safe environment where safe communication can occur.
Program Total: $412,471
What can I say? Multnomah County is more worried about a "culturally safe" working environment than they are about safe streets that aren't filled with meth junkies.
Program #71006D - Diversity-Cultural Competency
The position requested is an existing position that has been temporarily assigned to this project from another department. That arrangement is no longer feasible. To enable implementation of the policy framework to proceed, this position needs to be moved permanently into the diversity office. In addition, funding is required to conduct organizational assessments and 360 degree evaluations to be able to respond quickly and effectively to the current climate and situations.
Program Total: $145,195
More garbage.
Program #25026 - A&D Acupuncture
Acupuncture services were delivered to approximately 700 clients in outpatient treatment and more than 500 clients in detoxification last year and this year's results should be similar.
Program Total: $89,481
For those of you who thought that the best way to stop using drugs was to just quit, you obviously don't have the wisdon of the Multnomah County acupuncture program. Next up: aromatherapy.
This is not a comprehensive list but just a few of the programs that I would gladly exchange for an increase in jail funding.
Oregon government is never boring
If only we were allowed to cut as many boards from timber...
The following are state agency boards:
Board of Accountancy
Appraiser Certification and Licensure Board
Board of Architect Examiners
Athletic Trainers, Board of
Board of Higher Education
Chiropractic Examiners Board
Clinical Social Workers Board
Construction Contractors Board
Cosmetology, Board of
Counselors And Therapists, Board Of Licensed Professional
Dentistry, Oregon Board Of
Denture Technology, Board of
Emergency Board
Employment Relations Board
Engineering And Land Surveying, Board Of Examiners For
Environmental Health Registration Board
Geologist Examiners, State Board of
Insurance Pool Governing Board
Investigators Board
Landscape Architect Board
Landscape Contractors Board
Land Use Board of Appeals
Marine Board
Massage Therapists, Board Of
Medical Examiners Board
Midwifery, Board Of Direct Entry
Mortuary And Cemetery Board
Nursing Board
Optometry, Board Of
Oregon Medical Insurance Pool Board
Parole/Post Prison Supv Board
Physical Therapist Licensing Board
Psychiatric Security Review Board
Psychologists Examiners Board
Public Employees Benefit Board
Respiratory Therapist Licensing Board
Tax Practitioners Board
Watershed Enhancement Board
Workers' Compensation Board
Can you imagine what life would be like without the Board of Architect Examiners? (est. 1918) Who would enforce the pointless regulations regarding building design?
And without a Landscape Architect board how would the state be able to charge these fees:
Application fee: $50.00 (required to sit for each exam):
Application fee for reciprocity: $100.00
Examination fee for Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE); set by CLARB; section C & section E are $235.00 each for the June 2005 administration of the examination.
Initial registration for Landscape Architect registration: $225.00
Initial registration for Landscape Architect in Training registration: $50.00
Initial certification as an Authorized Business Entity in Landscape Architecture: $225.00
Annual renewal for Landscape Architect: $225.00
Renewal fee for an Authorized Landscape Architecture Business: $225.00 every other year
Duplicate certificate: $50.00
Late renewal fee: $100.00
All that just so you can hire some illegal aliens to rake barkdust.
As far as I'm concerned the state should not be using a single dollar of tax money to buy doughnuts for these board meetings. Do we really need all this largesse? Is this yet another example of the over-regulation and fees that our state imposes on bussiness/people/anything that moves? Are there any boards that actual citizens care about or are these just places to appoint so-and-so's cousin?
The following are state agency boards:
Board of Accountancy
Appraiser Certification and Licensure Board
Board of Architect Examiners
Athletic Trainers, Board of
Board of Higher Education
Chiropractic Examiners Board
Clinical Social Workers Board
Construction Contractors Board
Cosmetology, Board of
Counselors And Therapists, Board Of Licensed Professional
Dentistry, Oregon Board Of
Denture Technology, Board of
Emergency Board
Employment Relations Board
Engineering And Land Surveying, Board Of Examiners For
Environmental Health Registration Board
Geologist Examiners, State Board of
Insurance Pool Governing Board
Investigators Board
Landscape Architect Board
Landscape Contractors Board
Land Use Board of Appeals
Marine Board
Massage Therapists, Board Of
Medical Examiners Board
Midwifery, Board Of Direct Entry
Mortuary And Cemetery Board
Nursing Board
Optometry, Board Of
Oregon Medical Insurance Pool Board
Parole/Post Prison Supv Board
Physical Therapist Licensing Board
Psychiatric Security Review Board
Psychologists Examiners Board
Public Employees Benefit Board
Respiratory Therapist Licensing Board
Tax Practitioners Board
Watershed Enhancement Board
Workers' Compensation Board
Can you imagine what life would be like without the Board of Architect Examiners? (est. 1918) Who would enforce the pointless regulations regarding building design?
And without a Landscape Architect board how would the state be able to charge these fees:
Application fee: $50.00 (required to sit for each exam):
Application fee for reciprocity: $100.00
Examination fee for Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE); set by CLARB; section C & section E are $235.00 each for the June 2005 administration of the examination.
Initial registration for Landscape Architect registration: $225.00
Initial registration for Landscape Architect in Training registration: $50.00
Initial certification as an Authorized Business Entity in Landscape Architecture: $225.00
Annual renewal for Landscape Architect: $225.00
Renewal fee for an Authorized Landscape Architecture Business: $225.00 every other year
Duplicate certificate: $50.00
Late renewal fee: $100.00
All that just so you can hire some illegal aliens to rake barkdust.
As far as I'm concerned the state should not be using a single dollar of tax money to buy doughnuts for these board meetings. Do we really need all this largesse? Is this yet another example of the over-regulation and fees that our state imposes on bussiness/people/anything that moves? Are there any boards that actual citizens care about or are these just places to appoint so-and-so's cousin?
New Mac Johnson column
What Would It Cost to Deport Illegal Aliens?
Imagine that you came home tomorrow and found a stranger living in your home. Would you pay $148 to have him removed, or would you instead just legally adopt him and give him the run of the place to save the $148? The Center for American Progress, a liberal think tank in Washington, D.C., thinks the “practical” thing to do would be adopt the “undocumented family member” that broke into your home.
Mac Johnson looks at the numbers... and comes to the conclusion that the USA would not only save money deporting illegal aliens, we could also make a profit.
I am all for confiscating their ill-gotten gains.
Mac Johnson homepage
Imagine that you came home tomorrow and found a stranger living in your home. Would you pay $148 to have him removed, or would you instead just legally adopt him and give him the run of the place to save the $148? The Center for American Progress, a liberal think tank in Washington, D.C., thinks the “practical” thing to do would be adopt the “undocumented family member” that broke into your home.
Mac Johnson looks at the numbers... and comes to the conclusion that the USA would not only save money deporting illegal aliens, we could also make a profit.
I am all for confiscating their ill-gotten gains.
Mac Johnson homepage
Looking out for the working man
AFL-CIO Calls to Legalize Workers
The United States' largest labor federation, the AFL-CIO, brought to a close its 25th annual convention with a call to legalize undocumented workers and a condemnation of the free trade agreement with Central America and the Dominican Republic known as the CAFTA-DR.
"Undocumented workers and their families should get the opportunity to secure legal status through a new legalization program," says a resolution endorsed by the assembly.
The main organization as well as a dissident coalition formed at the Chicago convention decided to focus attention and funds on recruiting Latino workers, especially women.
Notice to all union workers: You have been sold out! The people that you pay dues to, the ones that are supposed to "protect" your job, have endorsed letting non-citizens take your job.
The union is for people who have broken the law by working here and taken a job that an American citizen could have.
Looks like they put politics before their working members.
The United States' largest labor federation, the AFL-CIO, brought to a close its 25th annual convention with a call to legalize undocumented workers and a condemnation of the free trade agreement with Central America and the Dominican Republic known as the CAFTA-DR.
"Undocumented workers and their families should get the opportunity to secure legal status through a new legalization program," says a resolution endorsed by the assembly.
The main organization as well as a dissident coalition formed at the Chicago convention decided to focus attention and funds on recruiting Latino workers, especially women.
Notice to all union workers: You have been sold out! The people that you pay dues to, the ones that are supposed to "protect" your job, have endorsed letting non-citizens take your job.
The union is for people who have broken the law by working here and taken a job that an American citizen could have.
Looks like they put politics before their working members.
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