Monday, June 30, 2008
Amicus Morning Edition
- Campaign 2008, The Game.
- GOP "Attack Machine" Running Out of Steam.
- Bush's Police State Agenda.
- Steve Urquhart on Mark Walker Investigation: Nothing to See Here!
- One Way to Reduce Oil Prices: Balance the Federal Budget.
- Immigration Not the Key Issue in Cannon Ousting.
- Advantage California.
- McCain Takes Credit for GI Bill He Opposed.
- I-CAN Win a JMBell.org T-Shirt. (Check Out Ethan's Entry.)
- Utah Republican Turnout Less Than 2006.
- 2008 Candidates on Facebook: Morgan, Bennion, and Bob.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
McCain supporters get points for blogging
John McCain and Barack Obama both give points to bloggers. The difference is that while Barack gives points for blogging on his site, McCain gives points for blogging on other sites, particularly Daily Kos, MyDD, and Think Progress, among others. For your convenience he outlines daily talking points and suggests the liberal blogs first. So if you notice all McCain bloggers are saying the same thing and seem a little scripted, now you know why.
Check it out:
http://www.johnmccain.com/ActionCenter/BlogInteract/BlogInteract.aspx
McCain gets, or gives, some points for this one.
If you need some background on what I'm referring too, set up a profile on my.barackobama.com or McCainSpace and post a blog.
Check it out:
http://www.johnmccain.com/ActionCenter/BlogInteract/BlogInteract.aspx
McCain gets, or gives, some points for this one.
If you need some background on what I'm referring too, set up a profile on my.barackobama.com or McCainSpace and post a blog.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Pay day Lending and Liquor Stores
Democratic Candidate for Utah Attorney General
As I was driving home yesterday, I heard an interesting radio ad from a pay day lender. After touting the virtues of overpriced loans, the ad ended with the comment "always use pay day advances responsibly."
This struck me as very simlar to the comments made at the end of beer and other liquor commercials that end "please drink responsibly."
And that's when the idea hit that perhaps the solution to pay day lending is to treat this business the same as we treat the sale of alcohol. Pay day lenders already have mark-ups on their products almost as high as the alcohol tax (though without the public benefit the alcohol tax provides since the tax pays for school lunch programs across the state), all we need to do now is limit all pay day lendors to 1 per 100,000 people, locate them in the most out of the way spots, perhaps right next to our liquor stores, or, if they are more centrally located, charge a membership fee to enter!
Okay, perhaps its not a perfect solution, but if the lenders recognize the dangers of "overindulging" in pay day loans, shouldn't they also be willing to accept some common sense protections for those who have a tendency to do so, just like our local bars, taverns, and clubs?
Springmeyer pledges thorough review of Government
Bob Springmeyer, the good jobs, good education, good health, good government candidate for Utah governor, pledged today to scour every state office and program for cost cuts and efficiencies."Utah is feeling the pinch of the economic downturn affecting other states in the country," said Springmeyer, citing recent figures that show a decline in the growth of Utah jobs for the tenth month in a row. Even without a doubling of gas prices in the past year we are overdue in evaluating twenty four years of legislative leadership that refuses to listen to and be responsive to Utahns.
"We cannot wait any longer. It's time to step up and conduct a thorough review of every agency in state government, who we serve and how we serve - top to bottom, inside and out." "I want to know what works, and what doesn't.
Four dollar gas means we can't do business the old ways any longer," said Springmeyer. Bob also suggested that we may need to look at some state employees working four days per week to reduce the environmental and cost impacts of commuting. "In no way can this reduce the availability and responsiveness of state services" said Springmeyer.
Springmeyer is proposing to appoint a Performance Review Commission of private-sector executives, elected officials and senior-level state employees to conduct a thorough review of every agency in state government. Governor Cal Rampton set up his, "Little Hoover" Commission as a public/private partnership to evaluate state government - "It is time we have a state government that listens to and is responsive to all Utahns," said Springmeyer.
Springmeyer has operated his own management consulting business for 30 years. The company, Bonneville Research, specializes in strategic planning and economic development. Springmeyer was born in Provo and raised in Ogden and Sugarhouse. He attended the University of Utah where he earned degrees in economics and political science.
Springmeyer has a long record of working to make Utah communities better places to live. At the recent State Democratic Convention, Springmeyer was nominated to be his party's standard bearer by 88 percent of the vote. Josie Valdez was nominated to run as his lieutenant governor.
Contact:
Bob Springmeyer, (801) 558-1114
info@bobforgov.org
www.bobforgov.org
Salt Lake Campaign Office
#11 East 400 South Salt Lake City, 84111
Come by and pick up a lawn sign, bumper sticker and help make some phone calls.
Our New Website
Check it out!!
Bob Springmeyer, (801) 558-1114
info@bobforgov.org
www.bobforgov.org
Salt Lake Campaign Office
#11 East 400 South Salt Lake City, 84111
Come by and pick up a lawn sign, bumper sticker and help make some phone calls.
Our New Website
Check it out!!
Friday, June 27, 2008
Fossil Foolishness
From Joe Dulin's blog
Candidate for Utah State Senate District 25
Like everyone else I have been thinking a lot about energy lately.
How do we reduce the cost of a barrel of oil?
I guess we could emulate the ice cream vendors and reduce the size of the barrel. Just imagine the savings per barrel if we made the barrel say, ¼ its current size! We would be back to $35 p/bbl overnight.
Or perhaps we could convert to the metric system and post prices per liter instead of per gallon. Heck, with that plan we would once again see $1.00 posted at our favorite filling station. That would alleviate some of the sticker shock and make filling her up a tad easier on the psyche not to mention your blood pressure.
To save money on gas I have been looking into mailing my car to wherever I want go. I think the postage might be cheaper than driving. However, I am not sure I want to spend my summer standing in the postal service line and dealing with the uncertainty that my car will ever arrive at its destination in my lifetime.
There is a certain appeal to think that we can just drill more holes in the ground right here in our own backyard and find some more oil. In the 10 to 20 years it will take for that oil to get to market, Alzheimer’s might set in and I won’t even remember that gas used to cost me a buck a gallon.
We could invade a foreign country that has lots of oil, be welcomed as liberators and cut ourselves a sweetheart deal on cheap crude. I wonder if that has ever been thought of before. Do you think it could work?
Seriously folks: Fuel Costs us over $4 gallon today and grocery costs are skyrocketing due the undeniable truth that our Republican leadership’s energy policies have failed us. We need to stay ahead of the Global competition. We need leadership that will make Geothermal Power, Wind Power and Solar power economic realities. America has always led the way in technological innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. We can’t afford 4 more years of the same old outdated energy policies. We need change. It is time to give Democrats a chance this fall.
Candidate for Utah State Senate District 25
Like everyone else I have been thinking a lot about energy lately.How do we reduce the cost of a barrel of oil?
I guess we could emulate the ice cream vendors and reduce the size of the barrel. Just imagine the savings per barrel if we made the barrel say, ¼ its current size! We would be back to $35 p/bbl overnight.
Or perhaps we could convert to the metric system and post prices per liter instead of per gallon. Heck, with that plan we would once again see $1.00 posted at our favorite filling station. That would alleviate some of the sticker shock and make filling her up a tad easier on the psyche not to mention your blood pressure.
To save money on gas I have been looking into mailing my car to wherever I want go. I think the postage might be cheaper than driving. However, I am not sure I want to spend my summer standing in the postal service line and dealing with the uncertainty that my car will ever arrive at its destination in my lifetime.
There is a certain appeal to think that we can just drill more holes in the ground right here in our own backyard and find some more oil. In the 10 to 20 years it will take for that oil to get to market, Alzheimer’s might set in and I won’t even remember that gas used to cost me a buck a gallon.
We could invade a foreign country that has lots of oil, be welcomed as liberators and cut ourselves a sweetheart deal on cheap crude. I wonder if that has ever been thought of before. Do you think it could work?
Seriously folks: Fuel Costs us over $4 gallon today and grocery costs are skyrocketing due the undeniable truth that our Republican leadership’s energy policies have failed us. We need to stay ahead of the Global competition. We need leadership that will make Geothermal Power, Wind Power and Solar power economic realities. America has always led the way in technological innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. We can’t afford 4 more years of the same old outdated energy policies. We need change. It is time to give Democrats a chance this fall.
No Mr. Walker, this is real...
From SLTrib.com, Ethics probe could take an ugly turn:
"I think" those bringing the new ethics investigation "are just using me as a whipping boy to get to (GOP) leaders," said Walker, R-Sandy, who lost the GOP treasurer's primary Tuesday.
The new investigation "is just a vindictive political cheap shot ... to harm the elections of others" in the House this year, Walker added.
Maybe Mr. Walker is simply incapable of understanding the severity of the allegations that are facing him. This ethics investigation is a necessary and most needed step towards ethics reform on Capitol Hill.If there has been a political cheap shot it has been played on the Utah voters who put their trust in Mr. Walker and other GOP leaders who played a part in what could (and should) be the unraveling of GOP dominance in the Utah.
Uh, uh, uh...
Shurtleff clarifies conflicting letters on Walker investigation
A.G. clears confusion, says treasurer's primary bribery probe will continue
By Cathy McKitrick
The Salt Lake Tribune
Salt Lake Tribune
Article Last Updated:06/27/2008 06:15:29 AM MDT
Two county attorneys tapped to look into bribery allegations against state Rep. Mark Walker will continue to investigate a possible criminal violation, the state Attorney General's Office said Thursday.
Attorney General Mark Shurtleff's office issued the statement to clarify its seemingly contradictory letters on the matter released a day earlier. The letters came from different officials in the A.G.'s Office, one seeming to indicate the investigation was being dropped and the other that it was going forward.
continue
Out of the Closet
Is it possible to have a civil and intelligent dialogue about anything these days, but especially about gay rights? I hope so.
Attorney Stephen C. Clark (a gay man) and I (president of the conservative Sutherland Institute) had a private email conversation over the course of a year to 18 months about gay rights and, with all the current hoopla over California's decision to allow legal same-sex marriage, we felt it might be appropriate to turn our private conversations into public ones.
This dialogue is marked by candor...it is raw and honest. We discussed gay marriage, civil unions, sexual orientation, hate crime laws, social integration, the science of homosexuality, and just some plain old-fashioned argumentation.
I am sure you'll let us know how we did!
Here are PDF links (it is a long dialogue so we broke it into three parts). You also can find them on the Sutherland home page at http://www.sutherlandinstitute.org/.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Happy Reading!
Attorney Stephen C. Clark (a gay man) and I (president of the conservative Sutherland Institute) had a private email conversation over the course of a year to 18 months about gay rights and, with all the current hoopla over California's decision to allow legal same-sex marriage, we felt it might be appropriate to turn our private conversations into public ones.
This dialogue is marked by candor...it is raw and honest. We discussed gay marriage, civil unions, sexual orientation, hate crime laws, social integration, the science of homosexuality, and just some plain old-fashioned argumentation.
I am sure you'll let us know how we did!
Here are PDF links (it is a long dialogue so we broke it into three parts). You also can find them on the Sutherland home page at http://www.sutherlandinstitute.org/.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Happy Reading!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Amicus Morning Edition
- Populist Revolt A-Brewin'.
- Lesson's of Cannon's Loss: GOP has Backed Itself into a Corner (and it's all downhill from here).
- Windmills.
- Hendrik Hertzberg on the Failure of the Bush/McCain "War on Terror."
- Dam Inspection Report Withheld for "Reasons of National Security."
- The Late George Carlin on the U.S. Media.
- Are Americans Ready for a Conversation on Racial Bias?
- Utah Poverty Rate Nears National Average.
- The Electoral College Map as of June.
- "Centrist" Isn't a Very Useful Word.
- The Obama Eighteen.
- Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT) took the floor with a two hour speech on the sham FISA
CompromiseCapitulatoin Bill. Hear what real Democratic leadership sounds like like.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Fire Shurtleff
Nightside's Ethan Millard just announced that current Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff will not investigate the complaint filed by Republican State Treasurer candidate Richard Ellis.In the complaint filed by Ellis to Lieutenant Governor Gary Herbert Ellis alleges that his primary opponent, Rep. Mark Walker of Sandy, bribed Mr. Ellis to drop out of the race.
Tonight the Attorney General's office basically stated that bribery isn't a crime if you lose the election when his office stated the the point was moot because Walker lost his primary race.
Mr. Shurtleff's disregard for ethics, justice, and public service is indefensible, and he needs to be held accountable, as do those who he is protecting.
BREAKING: UTAH LEGISLATORS REQUEST A HOUSE ETHICS INVESTIGATION
A bi-partisan group of Republicans and Democrats have filed an ethics complaint today against Rep. Mark Walker (R – Sandy), asking the House Ethics Committee to investigate allegations respecting violations of House ethics rules arising out of Walker’s alleged improper use of his House position in connection with his campaign to be elected as state treasurer. Under the House Rules, the Ethics Committee, jointly chaired by a Republican and a Democrat, must determine whether an investigation is warranted, and may appoint a special prosecutor to pursue the four charges outlined in the complaint against Walker. If he is determined to have violated the House Rules on ethics, he could be disciplined or even expelled from the House. If exonerated of these charges, the complaint would be dismissed.
The complaint against Representative Walker asks for an investigation into four issues: (1) abuse of official position and whether Walker offered a job and a substantial salary increase to Richard Ellis if Ellis would withdraw from the treasurer’s race; (2) potential criminal violations of the election laws and whether another unnamed legislator colluded with Walker to offer assurances that the money to fund the Ellis salary increase would be provided by the legislature; (3) abuse of the constitutional rules on legislator behavior and whether the unusual salary increase received by the treasurer in a bill Walker voted for makes him guilty of an impermissible conflict of interest (and incidentally would have rendered him constitutionally ineligible to be elected as treasurer); and (4) whether these allegations, if accurate and taken together, violate the constitutional limitations on legislative compensation.
The House members who filed the complaint are Representatives Rosalind McGee, Phil Riesen, Neil Hansen, Steve Mascaro, and Sheryl Allen. They delayed filing the complaint until today because they did not wish to have the complaint taken as an effort to influence the election outcome. The group stated in the complaint that all proceedings should be open to the public, in the interest of transparency, and they asked that any member on the Ethics Committee who for any reason may doubt his or her ability to act in a disinterested fashion in considering the complaint “should declare that fact and step down as a judge in this matter.”
If the investigation finds the probability of criminal conduct, the complainants ask that the matters be referred to “authorities with jurisdiction to take whatever future action they may deem appropriate.”
The complaint cites a statement by Justice Cardozo, “Many forms of conduct permissible in a workaday world for those acting at arms’ length, are forbidden to those bound by fiduciary ties. A trustee is held to something stricter than the morals of the market place. Not honesty alone, but the punctilio of an honor the most sensitive, is then the standard of behavior.” The complainants ask, “Should the bar be any lower for legislators who are servants of the public trust? Should we tolerate conduct from a member of our body which treats a public office as an object of barter?”
The complaint concludes, “Unless our political culture is founded upon principles of stewardship, integrity, and fidelity, we will suffer a loss of public confidence in government policies and those who are its stewards that may be irreparable."
Asked if a House ethics investigation was necessary in light of Lt. Gov. Herbert’s last-minute decision to call for an investigation by the Attorney General, Rep. Phil Riesen said, “It’s encouraging that Mr. Herbert has finally referred this complaint to the Attorney Generally for further investigation. However, these are two separate matters. Irrespective of what the Attorney General – who endorsed Walker -- may conclude, the Constitution makes the House of Representatives the judge of who shall sit as a member, and after all that has gone on in this race and elsewhere, it is time that we take appropriate action to begin to set the People’s House in order. The Ethics Committee has subpoena power, and it is time we use it to get to the truth of what has happened – not behind closed doors, but out in the sunshine.”
Asked if Walker could avoid the ethics inquiry by resigning, Rep. Neil Hansen said, “This is bigger than just Rep. Walker, and it’s important that the inquiry pursue all allegations to determine whether, as has been alleged, other legislators inappropriately and unethically colluded with Walker by giving him assurances that the state budget would be adjusted to provide the $56,000 salary increase which appears to have been the consideration for Ellis dropping out of the treasurer’s race.”
The complaint against Representative Walker asks for an investigation into four issues: (1) abuse of official position and whether Walker offered a job and a substantial salary increase to Richard Ellis if Ellis would withdraw from the treasurer’s race; (2) potential criminal violations of the election laws and whether another unnamed legislator colluded with Walker to offer assurances that the money to fund the Ellis salary increase would be provided by the legislature; (3) abuse of the constitutional rules on legislator behavior and whether the unusual salary increase received by the treasurer in a bill Walker voted for makes him guilty of an impermissible conflict of interest (and incidentally would have rendered him constitutionally ineligible to be elected as treasurer); and (4) whether these allegations, if accurate and taken together, violate the constitutional limitations on legislative compensation.
The House members who filed the complaint are Representatives Rosalind McGee, Phil Riesen, Neil Hansen, Steve Mascaro, and Sheryl Allen. They delayed filing the complaint until today because they did not wish to have the complaint taken as an effort to influence the election outcome. The group stated in the complaint that all proceedings should be open to the public, in the interest of transparency, and they asked that any member on the Ethics Committee who for any reason may doubt his or her ability to act in a disinterested fashion in considering the complaint “should declare that fact and step down as a judge in this matter.”
If the investigation finds the probability of criminal conduct, the complainants ask that the matters be referred to “authorities with jurisdiction to take whatever future action they may deem appropriate.”
The complaint cites a statement by Justice Cardozo, “Many forms of conduct permissible in a workaday world for those acting at arms’ length, are forbidden to those bound by fiduciary ties. A trustee is held to something stricter than the morals of the market place. Not honesty alone, but the punctilio of an honor the most sensitive, is then the standard of behavior.” The complainants ask, “Should the bar be any lower for legislators who are servants of the public trust? Should we tolerate conduct from a member of our body which treats a public office as an object of barter?”
The complaint concludes, “Unless our political culture is founded upon principles of stewardship, integrity, and fidelity, we will suffer a loss of public confidence in government policies and those who are its stewards that may be irreparable."
Asked if a House ethics investigation was necessary in light of Lt. Gov. Herbert’s last-minute decision to call for an investigation by the Attorney General, Rep. Phil Riesen said, “It’s encouraging that Mr. Herbert has finally referred this complaint to the Attorney Generally for further investigation. However, these are two separate matters. Irrespective of what the Attorney General – who endorsed Walker -- may conclude, the Constitution makes the House of Representatives the judge of who shall sit as a member, and after all that has gone on in this race and elsewhere, it is time that we take appropriate action to begin to set the People’s House in order. The Ethics Committee has subpoena power, and it is time we use it to get to the truth of what has happened – not behind closed doors, but out in the sunshine.”
Asked if Walker could avoid the ethics inquiry by resigning, Rep. Neil Hansen said, “This is bigger than just Rep. Walker, and it’s important that the inquiry pursue all allegations to determine whether, as has been alleged, other legislators inappropriately and unethically colluded with Walker by giving him assurances that the state budget would be adjusted to provide the $56,000 salary increase which appears to have been the consideration for Ellis dropping out of the treasurer’s race.”
Amicus Afternoon Edition
A bit late on this today, as I was preparing for the debate of the decade.
Now without further ado...
Now without further ado...
- A Glimmer of Hope on FISA.
- Obama on Rich Liberal Political Donors.
- Last Night a Bad Night for Incumbents.
- Rolly: AG's Office Keeps Treasurer's Race Memo a Secret.
- Google's Internet for Everyone Campaign.
- The Press Corps Secret Crush on McCain.
- Davis County Clipper: Her Point - Abstinence Only Program a Waste of Time. His Point - Government Shouldn't Have Role in Sex-Ed.
- Republican Candidate Hopes to Ride Obama's Coattails (And yes, he's serious).
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Amicus Morning Edition
- McCain's Recession Solution: Ebay?
- Reminder: Polls Opened at 7am Today.
- Utah's Teacher Pay Experiment Begins.
- Government Surveillance Showdown Promised in Senate.
- Is Congress Blindly Setting the Stage for War, Again? And is Israel Doing the Same?
- What Happened to Those Iraqi Benchmarks?
- Minorities Discriminating Against Minorities?
- McCain Ahead in Utah by Only 19%.
- The Future of Political Activism: Organizing without Organization.
- You Call This A Choice?
- Bill O'Reilly's Homophobic Hits.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Qualified / Not Qualified
Richard Ellis on KVNU: Qualified to be Utah State Treasurer
Rep. Mark Walker on KVNU: Not Qualified to be Utah State Treasurer
Tom Grover talks with Utah State Treasurer candidate Richard Ellis about Rep. Greg Hughes' last minute negative attack letter, and with Rep. Mark Walker about his lack of qualifications.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Amicus Morning Edition: The Warrantless Wire-Tapping Episode
Reactions to Friday's FISA vote from the blogosphere:
- Blue America strikes back. See the ad.
- Dailykos: If the Bush Administration Directs Them to...
- FireDogLake: Unconstitutional Travesty.
- Greenwald: What They Meant By "Bipartisan."
- OpenLeft: The System Melts Down.
- TalkLeft: FISA Wasn't Broke, It Needs No Fix.
- Me: Mad As Hell.
- JM Bell: 104 Democrats Need to Step Down.
- One Utah: Tell Obama to Honor His Pledge.
- RedState: We Like It!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Barack Obama on Oil: The Facts vs. McCain's Politics
by Christopher Hass
At a press conference yesterday along the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, Florida, Senator Obama talked about the truth behind the politics of offshore drilling, and explained how John McCain's plan to lift the ban on offshore oil production would do little, if anything, to ease gas prices:
UPDATED: Barack's statements were echoed today in Michael Tackett's column for the Tribune's political blog The Swamp, in which Tackett explained that:
You can follow Barack's Economic Tour and watch additional videos on our "Change That Works For You" page.
At a press conference yesterday along the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, Florida, Senator Obama talked about the truth behind the politics of offshore drilling, and explained how John McCain's plan to lift the ban on offshore oil production would do little, if anything, to ease gas prices:
The politics may have changed, but the facts haven't... Offshore drilling would not lower gas prices today, it would not lower gas prices next year and it would not lower gas prices five years from now.
UPDATED: Barack's statements were echoed today in Michael Tackett's column for the Tribune's political blog The Swamp, in which Tackett explained that:
The offshore drilling would take years to accomplish, would cost who knows how many millions of dollars and would almost surely do environmental harm. And, by the way, it would do absolutely nothing to reduce the price of gasoline in any new president's first term.
You can follow Barack's Economic Tour and watch additional videos on our "Change That Works For You" page.
"The Shale Sham"--Utah's huge oil reservoir
Something to keep an eye on...
Read more here.
and here.
By Josh Patashnik
Ultimately, a more notable proposal in Bush's speech is the one to allow oil shale leasing on federal lands in the Green River basin in Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming. Unlike the offshore-drilling idea, oil shale development, at least in theory, promises a lot of oil: the Green River basin alone may hold 800 billion recoverable barrels. Unfortunately, the idea also has a number of other problems. For one thing, nobody really knows to how to do it well: Bob Loucks, a former oil shale production manager, told Environmental Science and Technology that "Despite all the attempts to develop a shale-oil industry in the U.S. over the past 100 years, the fact remains that no proven method exists for efficiently removing the oil from the rock." And whereas oil companies say they can drill for conventional oil in environmentally sensitive areas without disturbing the environment, no one even bothers making that claim when it comes to oil shale development, which by its very nature requires disturbing huge tracts of land. It also produces a fair amount of groundwater pollution--which, if it winds up in the Green River, could contaminate the rest of the Colorado basin. Suffice it to say that there are lots of people in Las Vegas, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and San Diego who would not be pleased.
Read more here.
and here.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Amicus Morning Edition
- Utah County Dems still Out-Raising GOP Opponents. (Keep it going via their ActBlue pages)
- Archived Email's Support Claims of Impropriety in State Treasurer Race.
- Community Organizer for President.
- McCain's Campaign Slogan: "Every Day is National Security Day"
- Feingold: Wiretap Deal No Compromise, it's Capitulation. (Help Fund the FISA Fight)
- Get Your Political Ring Tones Here.
- McClatchy Interviews 66 Former Guantanamo Prisoners.
- The Bush/Cannon Energy Solution Campaign Gimmick.
- Free Trade My A%#!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Find the Hidden Lessons Contest
The fullness of modern culture has surfaced in beautiful downtown Gloucester, Massachusetts...or at least at Gloucester High School. This story is so rich in metaphor, human nature, human experience, and just plain old natural consequences that it was too juicy to pass up.
It seems a bunch of young girls (students at Gloucester HS) made a peer-pact to get pregnant. So serious were they that one of the girls even allowed a 24 year old homeless man to father her child. The fun of this story for policy wonks and students of modern liberal/secular culture is to identify the many underlying lessons within it. Kind of like those old Highlights magazine games to find the "hidden" item on the page. Let me start you off and then see how many "hidden" lessons we can find in the Gloucester story:
1. Teen pregnancies aren't always due to a lack of proper contraception.
2. Contraceptives don't work when girls actually want to get pregnant. (Two Gloucester HS health officials quit their jobs to protest a lack of free contraceptives for students at the HS...all for naught...so sad.)
3. Modern equity feminism still can't deal with human nature -- girls just want to be mommies.
4. But feminists take heart...the girls still don't want daddies, just the babies.
5. Where is Massachusetts child welfare services when you need them? (Surely they will swoop in at any moment...a la FLDS in TX...and snatch ALL of the children from the in loco parentis authority of the HS? Clearly, ALL girls at the school are endangered.)
6. (And speaking of in loco parentis authority)...uh, government parents are no substitute for real ones.
7. What does Planned Parenthood have to say? (official response from Gloucester PP: "ummmm...ummmm...oh yeah, we just assume kids only want to have non-consequential sex. Whoda thunk???")
8. Gee, aren't we all a bit surprised this occured in enlightened Massachusetts (where everything but consequences are free)!
9. Lesson learned by Utah PP..."Let's see if we can pass a law requiring all boys to wear condoms 24 hours a day." (Nah, stupid idea...we all know they would just turn them into water balloons.) Follow up lesson learned by Utah PP..."But maybe water ballon fights might distract them. Eureka!!"
10. Lessons learned by liberal do-gooders...A) no need to blame anyone here, B) poor girls...they just need a public school lesson on self-esteem, C) we told you that selling high-fat junk food from vending machines would lead to no good, D) if only we had an international baccalaureate program...(liberal thoughts slowly devolving into)...T) damn conservatives, U) impeach Bush, V) get us out of the war, W) Obama would have kept those girls from getting pregnant, X) if only Barack and Oprah would make up, Y) Hillary should be our nominee, and Z) McCain is a wimp!!!
Okay, Amicus faithful. It's up to you. What are the hidden lessons in the mystery of the Gloucester teen moms?
Gloucester Teens Had Pact To Get Pregnant
Keller Blog: Kids Having Kids
GLOUCESTER, Mass. (WBZ) ― There's a stunning twist to the sudden rise in teen pregnancies at Gloucester High School. Seventeen students there are expecting and many of them became that way on purpose. Time Magazine first reported that nearly half of the girls confessed to making a pact to get pregnant and raise their babies together. None of them is older than 16. Schools Superintendent Christopher Farmer told WBZ's Bill Shields Thursday the girls had "an agreement to get pregnant." Farmer said these are generally "girls who lack self-esteem and have a lack of love in their life." "The common threat is the lack of self-esteem and purpose in life, and a lack of a sense of direction," said Farmer. "Young women wanting and needing affection."Principal Joseph Sullivan has not returned calls from WBZ for comment. Sullivan told the magazine that the pact wasn't the only shocking incident. "We found out one of the fathers is a 24-year-old homeless guy," he told Time. Last month, two top officials at the high school's health center resigned in a fight over contraceptives distribution. Medical Director Dr. Brian Orr and chief nurse practitioner Kim Daly support confidentially giving contraceptives to students. They were outraged about resistance from Addison Gilbert Hospital, which administers the state public health grant that funds the school clinic. Normally, the school has about four pregnancies per school year. According to Time, school officials started looking into the spike in pregnancies after an unusual number of girls came to the school clinic for pregnancy tests. Some came by several times. "Some girls seemed more upset when they weren't pregnant than when they were," Sullivan told the magazine. The pregnant girls and their parents turned down requests to be interviewed. A recent graduate who had a baby during her freshman year told Time she knows why the girls wanted to get pregnant. "They're so excited to finally have someone to love them unconditionally," Amanda Ireland, 18, said. "I try to explain it's hard to feel loved when an infant is screaming to be fed at 3 a.m." Ireland also spoke with WBZ about her young pregnancy."I don't call it a mistake because the way I look at is everything happens for a reason," Ireland said. "But, no, she was not planned."WBZ has also tried to contact Mayor Carolyn Kirk and Public Health Director Jack Vondras. Both are said to be out of town this week.Beyond the social implications of the pregnancies, there are some legal questions being asked, including whether the men who fathered the babies will face charges of statutory rape.
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
It seems a bunch of young girls (students at Gloucester HS) made a peer-pact to get pregnant. So serious were they that one of the girls even allowed a 24 year old homeless man to father her child. The fun of this story for policy wonks and students of modern liberal/secular culture is to identify the many underlying lessons within it. Kind of like those old Highlights magazine games to find the "hidden" item on the page. Let me start you off and then see how many "hidden" lessons we can find in the Gloucester story:
1. Teen pregnancies aren't always due to a lack of proper contraception.
2. Contraceptives don't work when girls actually want to get pregnant. (Two Gloucester HS health officials quit their jobs to protest a lack of free contraceptives for students at the HS...all for naught...so sad.)
3. Modern equity feminism still can't deal with human nature -- girls just want to be mommies.
4. But feminists take heart...the girls still don't want daddies, just the babies.
5. Where is Massachusetts child welfare services when you need them? (Surely they will swoop in at any moment...a la FLDS in TX...and snatch ALL of the children from the in loco parentis authority of the HS? Clearly, ALL girls at the school are endangered.)
6. (And speaking of in loco parentis authority)...uh, government parents are no substitute for real ones.
7. What does Planned Parenthood have to say? (official response from Gloucester PP: "ummmm...ummmm...oh yeah, we just assume kids only want to have non-consequential sex. Whoda thunk???")
8. Gee, aren't we all a bit surprised this occured in enlightened Massachusetts (where everything but consequences are free)!
9. Lesson learned by Utah PP..."Let's see if we can pass a law requiring all boys to wear condoms 24 hours a day." (Nah, stupid idea...we all know they would just turn them into water balloons.) Follow up lesson learned by Utah PP..."But maybe water ballon fights might distract them. Eureka!!"
10. Lessons learned by liberal do-gooders...A) no need to blame anyone here, B) poor girls...they just need a public school lesson on self-esteem, C) we told you that selling high-fat junk food from vending machines would lead to no good, D) if only we had an international baccalaureate program...(liberal thoughts slowly devolving into)...T) damn conservatives, U) impeach Bush, V) get us out of the war, W) Obama would have kept those girls from getting pregnant, X) if only Barack and Oprah would make up, Y) Hillary should be our nominee, and Z) McCain is a wimp!!!
Okay, Amicus faithful. It's up to you. What are the hidden lessons in the mystery of the Gloucester teen moms?
Gloucester Teens Had Pact To Get Pregnant
Keller Blog: Kids Having Kids
GLOUCESTER, Mass. (WBZ) ― There's a stunning twist to the sudden rise in teen pregnancies at Gloucester High School. Seventeen students there are expecting and many of them became that way on purpose. Time Magazine first reported that nearly half of the girls confessed to making a pact to get pregnant and raise their babies together. None of them is older than 16. Schools Superintendent Christopher Farmer told WBZ's Bill Shields Thursday the girls had "an agreement to get pregnant." Farmer said these are generally "girls who lack self-esteem and have a lack of love in their life." "The common threat is the lack of self-esteem and purpose in life, and a lack of a sense of direction," said Farmer. "Young women wanting and needing affection."Principal Joseph Sullivan has not returned calls from WBZ for comment. Sullivan told the magazine that the pact wasn't the only shocking incident. "We found out one of the fathers is a 24-year-old homeless guy," he told Time. Last month, two top officials at the high school's health center resigned in a fight over contraceptives distribution. Medical Director Dr. Brian Orr and chief nurse practitioner Kim Daly support confidentially giving contraceptives to students. They were outraged about resistance from Addison Gilbert Hospital, which administers the state public health grant that funds the school clinic. Normally, the school has about four pregnancies per school year. According to Time, school officials started looking into the spike in pregnancies after an unusual number of girls came to the school clinic for pregnancy tests. Some came by several times. "Some girls seemed more upset when they weren't pregnant than when they were," Sullivan told the magazine. The pregnant girls and their parents turned down requests to be interviewed. A recent graduate who had a baby during her freshman year told Time she knows why the girls wanted to get pregnant. "They're so excited to finally have someone to love them unconditionally," Amanda Ireland, 18, said. "I try to explain it's hard to feel loved when an infant is screaming to be fed at 3 a.m." Ireland also spoke with WBZ about her young pregnancy."I don't call it a mistake because the way I look at is everything happens for a reason," Ireland said. "But, no, she was not planned."WBZ has also tried to contact Mayor Carolyn Kirk and Public Health Director Jack Vondras. Both are said to be out of town this week.Beyond the social implications of the pregnancies, there are some legal questions being asked, including whether the men who fathered the babies will face charges of statutory rape.
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Bloggers, What Are You Doing Friday Night?
Anyone who's Anyone will be here.
And Gas prices aside, this will be worth the drive. Morgan has eagerly embraced the creative use of technology, blogging, and bloggers themselves in his campaign. This is a chance for Utah bloggers of any political bent to show support for a candidate who understands that technology is changing the way candidates and voters interact. The 411:
Come join The SideTrack, and (as rumor has it) local celebrities Tom Grover of KVNU's For The People, and the Militant Progressive himself, JM Bell in getting to know a candidate who is running a very different kind of campaign.
As bloggers, we find plenty of time to complain and now here in 2008 we have our chance to support those candidates who "get it" by making our presence known.
Also, hear Morgan on Utah's BlogTalkRadio, JMBell's Left of the Dial, and KVNU's For The People.
And Gas prices aside, this will be worth the drive. Morgan has eagerly embraced the creative use of technology, blogging, and bloggers themselves in his campaign. This is a chance for Utah bloggers of any political bent to show support for a candidate who understands that technology is changing the way candidates and voters interact. The 411:
Join us on Friday, June 20 at 7pm
Bowen for Congress
Campaign Office Open House
Our campaign Head Quarters is now open. Please stop in Friday night for our open house and help Morgan kick off his campaign for United States Congress.
The new office is located at:
55 West Center Street
Logan, Utah
On the East side of the Great Harvest Bread Store
Please forward this to friends or call and invite them to come over.
For more information email or call:
morgan@bowenforcongress.com
435-770-1488
www.bowenforcongres.com
Come join The SideTrack, and (as rumor has it) local celebrities Tom Grover of KVNU's For The People, and the Militant Progressive himself, JM Bell in getting to know a candidate who is running a very different kind of campaign.
As bloggers, we find plenty of time to complain and now here in 2008 we have our chance to support those candidates who "get it" by making our presence known.
Also, hear Morgan on Utah's BlogTalkRadio, JMBell's Left of the Dial, and KVNU's For The People.
From City Weekly: The $50,000 Question: Utah’s attorney general explains campaign donations received from company his office investigated for fraud
By Eric S. Peterson
Posted 06/19/2008
Jean Welch Hill, Democratic challenger to Republican heavyweight Mark Shurtleff, believes it’s time she took over as the state’s attorney general. Hill counts many reasons why she should get the seat, including Shurtleff’s courtship of the payday-loan industry and his conflict of interest in investigating the alleged bribery charges of political ally Mark Walker in the treasurer’s race—and now she can count at least 50,000 more reasons.
That’s one for each dollar Shurtleff accepted in campaign donations from Jeremy Johnson, president of the St. George company IWorks. While Shurtleff maintains that he only knew Johnson from meeting him once at a fund-raiser last March, several attorneys at the attorney general’s office have known of Johnson for much longer. That’s because they’d been investigating his company for more than a year for allegations of fraud.
“If you’ve been involved in litigation with some company,” says Hill. “Then you ought to have the discipline to say this isn’t the best donation for me to accept.”
More here!...
That’s one for each dollar Shurtleff accepted in campaign donations from Jeremy Johnson, president of the St. George company IWorks. While Shurtleff maintains that he only knew Johnson from meeting him once at a fund-raiser last March, several attorneys at the attorney general’s office have known of Johnson for much longer. That’s because they’d been investigating his company for more than a year for allegations of fraud.
“If you’ve been involved in litigation with some company,” says Hill. “Then you ought to have the discipline to say this isn’t the best donation for me to accept.”
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Amicus Morning Edition
History of the Battle for a Living Wage.
Utah Soldier Receives Bronze Star.
Meet the Fascinating Darius McCollum, Transit Imposter.
The Power of Personal Decisions.
Newspapers and The Net: From Edison to Google.
Can a VP Pick Secure a Swing State?
Utah Candidate Makes the Big Time on BlogTalkRadio.
Still Searching for the Real McCain.
Stand Up for Privacy.
Bob Springmeyer Not Satisfied with Status Quo.
Utah Soldier Receives Bronze Star.
Meet the Fascinating Darius McCollum, Transit Imposter.
The Power of Personal Decisions.
Newspapers and The Net: From Edison to Google.
Can a VP Pick Secure a Swing State?
Utah Candidate Makes the Big Time on BlogTalkRadio.
Still Searching for the Real McCain.
Stand Up for Privacy.
Bob Springmeyer Not Satisfied with Status Quo.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Monkey Lovers are "Worst Persons"
The Lawson's, who choose to show their "affection" for Obama with a sock monkey, were honored with a Worst Persons In The World award by Keith Olbermann tonight.
Amicus Morning Edition
2007 a Record Year for Blogger Arrests. (Also enjoy: AP Versus Bloggers)
Honda and the Zero Emission Car.
McCain / Giuliani '08?
Bennion Spencer is on Facebook.
Editorial: Lobby Congress to Ban Foreign Waste.
Red States in Synch with Obama on Iraq.
A Seemingly Unstoppable Movement.
CNAPI: Civil Diplomacy is Both Possible and Necessary.
Summer Reading: Fire-Breathing Liberals.
Honda and the Zero Emission Car.
McCain / Giuliani '08?
Bennion Spencer is on Facebook.
Editorial: Lobby Congress to Ban Foreign Waste.
Red States in Synch with Obama on Iraq.
A Seemingly Unstoppable Movement.
CNAPI: Civil Diplomacy is Both Possible and Necessary.
Summer Reading: Fire-Breathing Liberals.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Amicus Morning Edition
GOP and Vouchers: Ignoring the Will of Utah Voters. Again.
McCain Flip-Flops on Immigration. Again.
For News Junkies: Top 10 RSS Readers Reviewed.
Bush Doesn't Know What the Supreme Court Does.
Obama and McCain Surrogates Debate Technology.
Iraq 'Special Weapons' Have a Fallout on Babies.
Fresh Perspective and Balance.
Fox News Hires Huckabee.
The Growing National Debt.
Unicorn Discovered in Italy?
Jean Welch Hill, On the Campaign Trail.
75 Years Ago Today...
McCain Flip-Flops on Immigration. Again.
For News Junkies: Top 10 RSS Readers Reviewed.
Bush Doesn't Know What the Supreme Court Does.
Obama and McCain Surrogates Debate Technology.
Iraq 'Special Weapons' Have a Fallout on Babies.
Fresh Perspective and Balance.
Fox News Hires Huckabee.
The Growing National Debt.
Unicorn Discovered in Italy?
Jean Welch Hill, On the Campaign Trail.
75 Years Ago Today...
Sunday, June 15, 2008
McCain: It can be "tough" to be proud of USA
From Reuters.com:
WASHINGTON - Republican presidential candidate John McCain admitted on Saturday it can be difficult at times to be proud of the United States.
“I’ll admit to you … that it’s tough in some respects,” McCain said when asked by a questioner at a town hall meeting how to be proud of the country.
“We have not always done things right and we mismanaged the war in Iraq very badly for nearly four years.”
Oh really, McCain? Do tell...
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Hear Morgan Bowen on JM Bell's Left of the Dial
Morgan Bowen (The Invisible Congressman's challenger for District 1) was a guest on JM Bell's Left of the Dial today, addressing everything from the energy crisis to the use of the internet in campaigning.
Listen here.
Listen here.
Top News Last Night, A Stuffed Animal
Rob Miller is right, this is an embarrassment to Utah. Check out the top story on Fox News last night:
Watch the video here.
The Salt Lake Tribune asks, Racist or Naive?
Park City's David Lawson has nothing to do with "vile" Obama toy.
Misty Fowler, Chair of Utah for Obama, says in the Deseret News that this is "someone to be ignored".
From abc4.com:
Silliness is back in season.
Watch the video here.
The Salt Lake Tribune asks, Racist or Naive?
Park City's David Lawson has nothing to do with "vile" Obama toy.
Misty Fowler, Chair of Utah for Obama, says in the Deseret News that this is "someone to be ignored".
From abc4.com:
The Sock Obama is the creation of David and Elizabeth Lawson of West Jordan. They say they are shocked by the anger. In responding to a handful of the emails that are filling their inbox, they wrote:
“We at TheSockObama Co. are saddened that some individuals have chosen to misinterpret our plush toy. It is not, nor has it ever been, our objective to hurt, dismay or anger anyone. We guess there is an element of naiveté on our part, in that we don't think in terms of myths, fables, fairy tales and folklore. In earnest folks, we're so sorry we offended anybody.”
So far, few web commentators are buying their plea of “naiveté,” especially since the Lawsons have said nothing about stopping the sale of their Sock Obama.
Silliness is back in season.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Davis County's next commissioner, J. Dell Holbrook
Road back to office?
Dem eyes Davis County Commission seat
By Cathy McKitrick
The Salt Lake Tribune
Salt Lake Tribune
Article Last Updated:
n.
fluke
(flook) [Informal] a result, esp. a successful one, brought about by accident; stroke of luck
- Webster's New World College Dictionary, Fourth Edition
Some called it a fluke when Democrat J. Dell Holbrook got elected to the Davis County Commission in 1990.
After all, Republicans had enjoyed total dominance in the largely white, largely Mormon county for three decades.
The small Democratic gain marked by Holbrook's election 18 years ago has not been duplicated since.
But this year the 62-year-old Holbrook is back, ready to test his chances to win another term on the three-person commission.
"Once you have insanity, it can recur," quips Holbrook about his reasons for a repeat run.
Holbrook faces a formidable Republican opponent in West Point Mayor John Petroff.
Petroff, in his second term leading his fast-growing westside city, has well-established relationships and support within the Davis GOP, an organization secure in the fact that it wins elections.
"Government should not hinder our success as businessmen. It should help us," Petroff says, summarizing his philosophy of efficient, nonintrusive government.
Holbrook describes himself as a Cal Rampton Democrat, referring to the late three-term governor who was born and reared in Davis County. He acknowledges his strong Republican and Mormon roots, underpinnings he shares with most Davis County voters.
So why the blue streak when he could easily go red?
"A one-party system doesn't serve us well," Holbrook says. "When one faction gets too powerful, it becomes abusive. We need checks and balances."
While Petroff touts the state's stable economy as a tribute to Republican ideals, Holbrook points to Davis County's double-digit property tax increases that occurred under Republican reign.
"Taxes have doubled since I served on the commission," Holbrook says. "The only thing comparable is the rise in elected officials' wages."
Holbrook recalls making about $45,000 a year during his single term. Now Davis commissioners receive an annual salary of $108,000.
During his short stint at the helm, Holbrook scrambled to get the causeway to Antelope Island rebuilt.
"It had washed out and UDOT estimated it would cost $40 million to rebuild," Holbrook says, noting he had witnessed large numbers of international tourists who had hoped to reach the island.
With the help of former Davis Public Works Director Sid Smith and then-Gov. Norm Bangerter, Holbrook put together a successful $16 million renovation, and a modest toll helped fund the road's upkeep.
Holbrook ran unsuccessfully to regain the seat in 1994 and 1998.
"Some might say I'm gutsy to run again, others might say I'm mentally defective."
To Rob Miller, vice chairman of the State Democratic Party, the choice is clear.
"They need him so badly," Miller says. "J. Dell is a true administrator, someone who can go in and cut the fat."
Right now the commission seat belongs to Alan Hansen, who retires at the end of the year.
"I'm 100 percent behind Petroff," Hansen says. "I think he's the best man for the job."
Hansen acknowledges that his mother and grandfather were Democrats.
"I know good people on both sides," he says. "But it's hard to say if a Democrat can get elected in Davis. The statistics bear it out that it probably won't happen."
cmckitrick@sltrib.com
Amicus Morning Edition
Obama Vs. McCain on Media Consolidation / Net Neutrality.
College Democrats Have a New Blog.
What's Up With the Purple Protestors?
Utah Supreme Court Hear Arguments Today Possible Election Code Violation. (Ellis/Walker)
Utah for Obama Get New Office and TIME Magazine Mention.
Are You Ready for Metered Broadband with Overage Fees?
Simply Put: McCain's Tax Plan is Fiscally Irresponsible.
Utah GOP Launch $250,000 Rebranding Campaign. Is the Public Buying?
College Democrats Have a New Blog.
What's Up With the Purple Protestors?
Utah Supreme Court Hear Arguments Today Possible Election Code Violation. (Ellis/Walker)
Utah for Obama Get New Office and TIME Magazine Mention.
Are You Ready for Metered Broadband with Overage Fees?
Simply Put: McCain's Tax Plan is Fiscally Irresponsible.
Utah GOP Launch $250,000 Rebranding Campaign. Is the Public Buying?
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Amicus Morning Edition
Have You Checked Your Voter Registration?
Supply Side Nation Building: Bill the Grandkids for the War.
Obama Creates "Anti-Disinformation Swat Team"
More Than Just Gas Prices Going Up.
Editorial: Let Vouchers Decide.
Guantanamo Trials Fall Short of International Standards.
Fox News Idiocy: Obama's Baby Mama.
Republican House Incumbent Won't Debate Opponent.
More Summer Reading: Ladies of Liberty - Women Who Shaped Our Nation.
Supply Side Nation Building: Bill the Grandkids for the War.
Obama Creates "Anti-Disinformation Swat Team"
More Than Just Gas Prices Going Up.
Editorial: Let Vouchers Decide.
Guantanamo Trials Fall Short of International Standards.
Fox News Idiocy: Obama's Baby Mama.
Republican House Incumbent Won't Debate Opponent.
More Summer Reading: Ladies of Liberty - Women Who Shaped Our Nation.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Stop Foreign Radioactive Waste!
Stop Foreign Radioactive Waste!
Several days ago, my wife received a call from Energy Solutions. They wanted to invite me to tour their radioactive waste dump in Clive. They offered to take me from their Salt Lake offices in their “corporate vehicle” and give me a personal tour of their facility. I respectfully and publicly decline their offer. I also ask that they do not donate money to my campaign. I will return it if they do. I do not want to be beholden to a special interest that does not have the best interest of Utah as their objective.
Energy Solutions has a congressman. My opponent has been taking contributions from Energy Solutions even before he became a congressman. It is no wonder that he refuses to sign onto a bill co-sponsored by Jim Matheson to stop foreign nuclear waste from entering into our state. Bishop claims it is a states issue and will not take a position on the Matheson bill. He is dead wrong. I continue to encourage him to take the high road and do what’s right for District 1, Utah, and the rest of our country.
Energy Solutions has their congressman. On November 4th I invite the voters of District 1 to elect a congressman for the rest of us.
www.bowenforcongress.com
Airport TRAX Extension Line Soon to Be a Reality Mayor Ralph Becker to Sign Interlocal Agreement with UTA at Central Station Plaza Tomorrow
SALT LAKE CITY – Mayor Ralph Becker will sign an agreement tomorrow between Salt Lake City and the Utah Transit Authority that initiates the design and construction of the Airport TRAX Extension between downtown and the Salt Lake City International Airport. The signing will take place at 11:00 at the Salt Lake Central Station Plaza, 600 West 250 South.The interlocal agreement calls for UTA to build the TRAX extension in exchange for Salt Lake City granting to UTA the use of City streets and property. The agreement also calls for the City to pay UTA up to $35 million for the project.
Mayor Becker and representatives from Salt Lake City and UTA will be available to answer questions.
Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series
Prescription Drug Abuse Presentation
Free to Public at City & County Building
Award winning Happy Valley Director, Ron Williams
Free to Public at City & County Building
Award winning Happy Valley Director, Ron Williams
Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series
A monthly presentation on substance abuse issues that affect our community
A monthly presentation on substance abuse issues that affect our community
Date: Friday, June 13th, 2008
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Room 326, Salt Lake City and County Building (451 S. State St.)
Topic: Prescription Drug Abuse: Happy Valley Project
In 2006, according to the Utah Department of Health, more Utahns died from prescription pain medication overdoses than in auto accidents or illegal drug overdoses. Utah leads the nation in prescription drug abuse. Learn seven safety tips from the Utah Department of Health and see real life stories from the movie “Happy Valley.” Learn health and wellness tips, and discuss community norms surrounding prescription drug use and abuse.
Guest Speaker: Ron Williams
Born and raised in Southern California, Ron learned his greatest lessons in life playing sports. These lessons continue to contribute to Ron’s passion for life, music, and especially humanity. Today, he is a successful lecturer and advocate for health and personal development. He is committed to a philosophy of using his time, talent and resources to making a difference in the world, one person at a time. Williams has successfully led multi-million dollar corporations with his unique talent for creatively bringing intangible concepts to life. He is currently CEO and Chairman of ForeverGreen, an international, publicly-traded organic wellness company. He is also an award-winning filmmaker, author, and music writer/producer.
Guest Speaker: Ron Williams
Born and raised in Southern California, Ron learned his greatest lessons in life playing sports. These lessons continue to contribute to Ron’s passion for life, music, and especially humanity. Today, he is a successful lecturer and advocate for health and personal development. He is committed to a philosophy of using his time, talent and resources to making a difference in the world, one person at a time. Williams has successfully led multi-million dollar corporations with his unique talent for creatively bringing intangible concepts to life. He is currently CEO and Chairman of ForeverGreen, an international, publicly-traded organic wellness company. He is also an award-winning filmmaker, author, and music writer/producer.
For more information contact: Abbie Vianes, Tel: (801) 535-7936 Email: abbie.vianes@slcgov.com
Our Deepest Fear
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn't serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do.
We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn't serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do.
We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
Marianne Williamson
Lovingly Submitted by Uncle Don Miller
Amicus Morning Edition
David Sirota Debates Lou Dobbs.
Military Families Targeted in Recent Scam.
McCain Campaign Agrees With CNBC Pundit: Americans Making $200,000 Are 'Not Rich.'
When Bill O'Reilly goes after you, you must be doing something right.
Southern Utah's Housing Market on Ice?
Women Give McCain a Zero.
Constitutional Scholar on Impeachment: "Time to Pony Up"
Utah Property Tax: Truth in Taxation.
Worried that you'll never get into another cyclical argument with some shaved-headed guy with tattoos about states' rights?
Military Families Targeted in Recent Scam.
McCain Campaign Agrees With CNBC Pundit: Americans Making $200,000 Are 'Not Rich.'
When Bill O'Reilly goes after you, you must be doing something right.
Southern Utah's Housing Market on Ice?
Women Give McCain a Zero.
Constitutional Scholar on Impeachment: "Time to Pony Up"
Utah Property Tax: Truth in Taxation.
Worried that you'll never get into another cyclical argument with some shaved-headed guy with tattoos about states' rights?
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
You know you've got them when they say, " "This is really just a cheap campaign ploy"
Endorsement under fire
AG's challenger says Shurtleff backing of state treasurer is an ethical breach
Shurtleff is backing Mark Walker for state treasurer; Walker is accused of bribing the opposition
By Cathy McKitrick
The Salt Lake Tribune
Salt Lake Tribune
Article Last Updated:06/10/2008 10:03:40 AM MDT
Jean Welch Hill, Mark Shurtleff's Democratic challenger in the race for state attorney general, raised concerns Monday over what she views to be an obvious conflict of interest.
"By hosting a fundraiser for a candidate that could soon be under investigation by the Attorney General's Office, Mark Shurtleff has plunged his office into an obvious conflict of interest," Hill said in a news release. "His actions flunk common sense and legal ethics 101."
Shurtleff has made no secret about his endorsement of Rep. Mark Walker, R-Sandy, in his run for state treasurer. He donated $5,000 to Walker's campaign and nominated him at the state Republican convention in May.
On May 29, Walker's Republican challenger - Chief Deputy Treasurer Richard Ellis - filed a complaint with Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert alleging that Walker offered him a job and a hefty pay increase if he would drop out of the race.
On Friday, Herbert, the state's chief elections officer, said he was postponing any determination until after the June 24 primary.
That same day, Shurtleff and other powerful Republicans, including House Speaker Greg Curtis, hosted a noon fundraiser for Walker.
While Shurtleff did not attend the fundraiser - he underwent surgery that day to repair a leg injury - his campaign consultant, Jason Powers, confirmed Shurtleff's role as co-host. He said the event had been planned before Ellis launched his complaint.
"We were expecting these sorts of political tactics from Jean, but not quite so early in the season," Powers said. "This is really just a cheap campaign ploy."
Attorneys who work under Shurtleff function separately from their high-profile boss, said Paul Murphy, spokesman for Shurtleff.
"We have means to create firewalls so they can act independently on any investigation or prosecution," Murphy said. "They are merit employees who have the ability to do their jobs without political influence."
Hill, a former editorial writer and columnist for The Salt Lake Tribune, asserts that consistently lax enforcement of election laws destroys the public's trust.
"This is a pretty serious allegation. The fact that it will sit in the Lt. Governor's office is untenable," Hill said in an interview. "Both Herbert and Shurtleff dropped the ball, Shurtleff because he's too connected to the candidate."
"By hosting a fundraiser for a candidate that could soon be under investigation by the Attorney General's Office, Mark Shurtleff has plunged his office into an obvious conflict of interest," Hill said in a news release. "His actions flunk common sense and legal ethics 101."
Shurtleff has made no secret about his endorsement of Rep. Mark Walker, R-Sandy, in his run for state treasurer. He donated $5,000 to Walker's campaign and nominated him at the state Republican convention in May.
On May 29, Walker's Republican challenger - Chief Deputy Treasurer Richard Ellis - filed a complaint with Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert alleging that Walker offered him a job and a hefty pay increase if he would drop out of the race.
On Friday, Herbert, the state's chief elections officer, said he was postponing any determination until after the June 24 primary.
That same day, Shurtleff and other powerful Republicans, including House Speaker Greg Curtis, hosted a noon fundraiser for Walker.
While Shurtleff did not attend the fundraiser - he underwent surgery that day to repair a leg injury - his campaign consultant, Jason Powers, confirmed Shurtleff's role as co-host. He said the event had been planned before Ellis launched his complaint.
"We were expecting these sorts of political tactics from Jean, but not quite so early in the season," Powers said. "This is really just a cheap campaign ploy."
Attorneys who work under Shurtleff function separately from their high-profile boss, said Paul Murphy, spokesman for Shurtleff.
"We have means to create firewalls so they can act independently on any investigation or prosecution," Murphy said. "They are merit employees who have the ability to do their jobs without political influence."
Hill, a former editorial writer and columnist for The Salt Lake Tribune, asserts that consistently lax enforcement of election laws destroys the public's trust.
"This is a pretty serious allegation. The fact that it will sit in the Lt. Governor's office is untenable," Hill said in an interview. "Both Herbert and Shurtleff dropped the ball, Shurtleff because he's too connected to the candidate."
cmckitrick@sltrib.com
Amicus Morning Edition
November Projections: The Making of a Landslide.
The Case for Stronger (Not Less) Government.
Utah GOP Hearts Rolly?
Bush on Iraq: Did I Say This Year?
Wyoming Judge Dismisses "French Fry Throwing Citation." (Issued to a 13 year old?!)
Fox News 1.0.
Scott McLellan to Testify Friday.
Op-Ed: Congressmen, You Failed to Do Your Duty.
Tornado Tomato Warning.
The Case for Stronger (Not Less) Government.
Utah GOP Hearts Rolly?
Bush on Iraq: Did I Say This Year?
Wyoming Judge Dismisses "French Fry Throwing Citation." (Issued to a 13 year old?!)
Fox News 1.0.
Scott McLellan to Testify Friday.
Op-Ed: Congressmen, You Failed to Do Your Duty.
Monday, June 09, 2008
Mayor Becker to Announce Director of Community and Economic Development
Appointee Will Lead Salt Lake City’s Community and Economic Development Efforts
Salt Lake City – Mayor Ralph Becker will hold a press conference tomorrow to announce the appointment of the Director of Community and Economic Development for Salt Lake City. The press conference will take place tomorrow morning, June 10, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. on the west steps of the Salt Lake City and County Building.
When Mayor Becker took office in January, he moved the office of Economic Development — then housed in the Mayor’s Office — to the Department of Community Development, forming the Salt Lake City Department of Economic and Community Development. The Mayor’s appointment will head the department which includes the Divisions of Planning and Zoning, Transportation, Housing, Building and Licensing Services, and the Arts Council.
When Mayor Becker took office in January, he moved the office of Economic Development — then housed in the Mayor’s Office — to the Department of Community Development, forming the Salt Lake City Department of Economic and Community Development. The Mayor’s appointment will head the department which includes the Divisions of Planning and Zoning, Transportation, Housing, Building and Licensing Services, and the Arts Council.
Amicus Morning Edition
McCain's "Vision Thing."
Utah GOP Hopes to Retool It's Voucher Tainted Image.
State of the Nation Just a Rough Patch?
OPEC Takes a Day Off.
Utah Cities Heart Lobbyists.
Obama has organized a revolutionary campaign machine, but we should also give Clinton credit where enormous credit is due.
Bikini Ban in Kanab.
Meet the New Blue Media.
Wired Magazine: Rethink Everything You Know About Being Green.
Utah GOP Hopes to Retool It's Voucher Tainted Image.
State of the Nation Just a Rough Patch?
OPEC Takes a Day Off.
Utah Cities Heart Lobbyists.
Obama has organized a revolutionary campaign machine, but we should also give Clinton credit where enormous credit is due.
Bikini Ban in Kanab.
Meet the New Blue Media.
Wired Magazine: Rethink Everything You Know About Being Green.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
One Historic Night, Two Americas
With all the punditry going on about the upcoming presidential campaign last week (because of the fact that Senator Obama finally crossed the finish line on the Democratic side), this one (click on title for link) seemed to me the most insightful.
Hey Morgan, Mr. Invisible hasn't updated his website since...
January 28, 2008!
The update was for a good reason, but quite frankly, I would think that a member of congress would have a bit more to say to his constituents, especially during an election cycle.
But not Mr. Invisible.
The less you hear from him, the better of he thinks he is.
Isn't it time to elect someone who actually wants the job?
From KSL.com: Utah Democrats react to Clinton's announcement
Sarah Dallof reporting/ VIDEO
Utah Democrats say today's announcement by Hillary Clinton unifies the presidential campaign and brings them one step closer to a victory in November.
As you can imagine, leaders in the Utah Democratic Party have been closely following the race. They say it's sparked interest in their party and in the political process in general.
Now they're looking forward to Sen. Barack Obama starting to debate Sen. John McCain.
Utah Democratic Party Vice Chair Rob Miller disagrees with critics who say Clinton should have dropped out long ago.
"We've seen record numbers of people, especially in Democratic primaries and caucuses, turn out. I think it's given people opportunity to vote in primaries who haven't before, and quite frankly, it's made Barack Obama a stronger campaigner having to go toe-to-toe with Hillary Clinton," Miller said.
Now people wait to see who Obama picks as a running mate. Miller says he fully supports a Clinton-Obama ticket, as well as several other possibilities.
E-mail: sdallof@ksl.com
Saturday, June 07, 2008
From Lisa Johnson's Blog: Think the voucher fight is over? Think again!
If you’re like most people, you probably assume that elections for the state school board are run pretty much like other elections, minus the partisan element. Most Utahns aren’t aware of the complicated process by which state school board candidates are selected—and how easily that process can be manipulated by anti-public education activists. The events of this week are a strong reminder of the reasons that the citizens who oppose vouchers—62% of Utah voters—cannot let their guard down.MORE...
Hillary Clinton on Barack Obama, "I endorse him and throw my full support behind him"
Me too Senator Clinton, and THANK YOU!
Three Steps to Better Representation
Step One: Get to Know the Candidate.
Step Two: Cut and paste this blog button code into your blog sidebar and/or web page.
Step Three: Carry on your way with an irreplaceable sense of self-satisfaction.
Friday, June 06, 2008
Cool Down on Global Warming
This has to be one of the best opening lines in any article in recent memory...
"Apparently three days of debate was enough for what many senators called 'the most important issue facing the planet.'"
http://www.politico.com/blogs/thecrypt/0608/Dems_yank_global_warming_bill.html
Where's the moral courage? Come on, the global warming bill is only 500 pages (about the size of a toddler with the same IQ). I am soooooo glad that Utah's Democratic leadership aren't in that Barbara Boxer mold (author of the bill). You aren't are you?
Now, if we could only get our Republican governor to move away from that mold!!
"Apparently three days of debate was enough for what many senators called 'the most important issue facing the planet.'"
http://www.politico.com/blogs/thecrypt/0608/Dems_yank_global_warming_bill.html
Where's the moral courage? Come on, the global warming bill is only 500 pages (about the size of a toddler with the same IQ). I am soooooo glad that Utah's Democratic leadership aren't in that Barbara Boxer mold (author of the bill). You aren't are you?
Now, if we could only get our Republican governor to move away from that mold!!
Amicus Morning Edition
Just About One Year Ago...
Utah Education Issues Parses the Omnibus Bill.
Federal Climate-Research Report: Inappropriate Political Influence.
Do Mountains Have Growth Spurts?
Republican Attack Machine Warming Up to Divide Dems.
GOP Senators on Senate's Own Iraq Report: "Partisan Politics!"
Why Does AT&T Need Protection?
MIT NewsWrap Podcast: Meet the Riskbusters, and Cheap Solar Power.
Obama/McCain V Kerry/Bush.
Get Involved: The Swing State Newspaper Project.
Utah Education Issues Parses the Omnibus Bill.
Federal Climate-Research Report: Inappropriate Political Influence.
Do Mountains Have Growth Spurts?
Republican Attack Machine Warming Up to Divide Dems.
GOP Senators on Senate's Own Iraq Report: "Partisan Politics!"
Why Does AT&T Need Protection?
MIT NewsWrap Podcast: Meet the Riskbusters, and Cheap Solar Power.
Obama/McCain V Kerry/Bush.
Get Involved: The Swing State Newspaper Project.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Finally, a voice of reason!!
Thanks Rob for inviting me to your blog. We'll leave it to others to judge whether or not it was wise of you! Go Hillary!! (oh sorry, she's done...forgot.)
Amicus Morning Edition
- Obama Corners Lieberman ('Bout Time!).
- Obama Leads McCain Nationally.
- What Happens to Retired Airliners?
- Senate Intel Report, Part II: Bush Lied to Go to War.
- Fox News Rewrites History (Again).
- Unlikely Coalition Sets Aside Difference for a Good Cause.
- Tens of Thousands of Highly Skilled Workers Turned Away.
- This is What We Stand For? I hope not.
- McCain: Bush Sucked So Bad, I Helped Re-Elect Him.
- Utah's Liberal Talk Radio Take-Over: Catch Me on KVNU's For The People Tonight (4 to 6, 610 AM or Live Stream w/Chat), and JM Bell on KSL Every Saturday (4pm, 102.7 FM, with Podcast).
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Sainted
Utah for Obama chair and Saintless blogger Misty Fowler at the Skybox during future president Barack Obama's victory speech last night.
Just the beginning.
Utah's next attorney general, Jean Welch Hill and Utah Obama delegate. Kurt Bestor are all smiles.
And, Robin Ballard and Pete Ashdown were simply glowing as Senator Barack Obama announces that he will be the Democratic nominee for President of the United States.
Thanks for the invitation Misty and congratulations to our future president, Senator Barack Obama!
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
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