April 4, 2012

SandBoxBlogs: The Atlantic "Why Obamacare Is Going to Stay Unpopular Even If Upheld by the Court"

Will Kryder:
"The politics of hedging have officially begun. With the Supreme Court not set to deliver its ruling on the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) until June, pundits and politicians on both sides have worked furiously to square any potential result against the political impact it could have in November. Legal guru Jeffrey Toobin kicked things up roughly one million notches last week when he declared the constitutionality of the individual mandate DOA, with the forthcoming decision by the court a veritable "train wreck" for the Obama Administration.

But what if -- as predicted by a recent survey of Supreme Court clerks -- the ACA ends up being ruled constitutional, in whole or in part? Everything we've seen about the law so far suggest it would still be unpopular...."  (Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Town Hall "President Obama Accuses Bill Clinton of “Thinly Veiled Social Darwinism”"

Daniel J. Mitchell:
"....But the proposal from the House Budget Committee Chairman only reduces the burden of federal spending to 20.25 percent of GDP by the year 2023.

Yet when Bill Clinton left office in 2001, following several years of spending restraint, the federal government was consuming 18.2 percent of economic output.

And by the President’s reasoning, this must make Clinton something worse than a Darwinist. Perhaps Marquis de Sade or Hannibal Lecter.

Here’s a blurb from the New York Times on Obama’s speech.

Mr. Obama’s attack, in a speech during a lunch with editors and reporters from The Associated Press, was part of a broader indictment of the Republican economic blueprint for the nation. The Republican budget, and the philosophy it represents, he said in remarks prepared for delivery, is “antithetical to our entire history as a land of opportunity and upward mobility for everyone who’s willing to work for it.” …“Disguised as a deficit reduction plan, it’s really an attempt to impose a radical vision on our country. It’s nothing but thinly veiled social Darwinism,” Mr. Obama said. “By gutting the very things we need to grow an economy that’s built to last — education and training, research and development — it’s a prescription for decline.”

I’m particularly amused by the President’s demagoguery that Ryan’s plan is “antithetical to our entire history” and “a radical vision.”...."  (Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Right Scoop "Bret Baier GRILLS Jay Carney over Senate refusal to vote on budget in over 1,000 days"

Scoop:
"Once again Bret Baier steps up to the plate and holds this administration’s feet to the fire over their dishonest arguments about getting a budget passed in Congress. Carney seeks to blame Republicans, but Baier won’t let him get away with it, citing both that Obama’s budget was voted on in the House (and unanimously failed) AND that the Senate won’t even put it up for a vote. Carney dodges, but Baier continues to grill him, noting the Senate has the 51 votes needed to pass it. After 3 minutes, Baier finally decides they need to move on to another point.

Gold....."  (Watch the exchange on video?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Colorado Springs Gazette "TOWN HALL: Judge tosses illegal Amazon Tax (poll)"

Gazette:
"Goodbye and good riddance forever."

Thank God and the founders for checks and balances and a federal court system that sometimes defends free trade.

Back in 2010, then-Gov. Bill Ritter, D-Colo., signed into law a bill passed by the Colorado Legislature that instantly cost thousands of Coloradans their livelihoods. On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Robert Blackburn tossed it out.

The infamous Amazon Tax represented an arrogant attempt by state government to profit from Internet transactions. The bill, passed in February of 2010, required online retailers to collect sales taxes or provide summaries of Colorado Web purchases and contact customers to explain the taxes they owed to their government. It meant two things for online retailers: 1. They would collect taxes that would make their pricing noncompetitive, as online sales already generate shipping costs; or 2. Companies would have to divulge to the state the private purchases of customers. Either was unworkable...."

Read more: http://www.gazette.com/articles/colorado-136210-amazon-online.html#ixzz1r5mHlOk9

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Newsmax "Appeals Court Calls President's Bluff on Obamacare"

David A. Patten:
"President Barack Obama’s attack on the Supreme Court appeared to backfire Tuesday, when the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals issued an order giving the Justice Department until noon Thursday to state whether the administration truly believes courts lack the authority to strike down mandates that they determine are unconstitutional.

On Monday, Obama said that striking down his signature healthcare legislation would be an “unprecedented, extraordinary step” and would demonstrate a lack of “judicial restraint” by the Supreme Court.

He also pointed out that the nine Supreme Court justices are unelected, suggesting that it would therefore be undemocratic for them to overturn Obamacare, which narrowly eked through Congress by a seven vote margin in the House of Representatives.

“This is liberals in shock over watching their side being demolished in oral arguments,” Fox News commentator Charles Krauthammer said Tuesday, pointing out the courts have had the authority to strike down unconstitutional provisions for over 200 years. “And [they are] trying to bully the Supreme Court into ending up on their side in a case which they clearly had lost intellectually and logically.” (Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times "Feds, not Pitkin Sheriff's Office, are corrupt"

Oh, dear.

(sighs....rolls eyes....could be a long day with the 'kids' today....)

See what  Jay Cowan has to say about the DEA being in town?  Click title.

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: KJCT News 8 "Fruita Voters Ban Medical Marijuana"

Don Coleman:
"FRUITA, Colo. -- Voters in Fruita have decided to ban the medical marijuana industry inside city limits in April's municipal election. The final tally was released around 10:15 pm Tuesday after more than 2,800 people cast ballots.


Drawing interest this election were a number of issues and city races, but none may be more controversial than the question regarding an outright ban of medical marijuana operations within city limits.


Referred Issue B, as it was labeled, was passed by an unofficial vote of 2,044 to 754. The vote 'Yes' bans the industry inside city limits. It's a decision that joins Grand Junction and unincorporated Mesa County with similar bans making Palisade the next closest town allowing dispensaries...."
(Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Colorado Springs Gazette "Pot regulators slashed in state"

Kristen Wyatt:
"DENVER — Colorado is cutting its medical marijuana enforcement staff by more than half because the state isn't collecting enough licensing fees to pay for them.

The Department of Revenue said Tuesday that 20 of 37 staffers at its Medical Marijuana Enforcement Division will be reassigned to other jobs within the department. The division licenses and regulates medical marijuana businesses such as dispensaries and marijuana growers.

Read more: http://www.gazette.com/articles/slashed-136200-state-denver.html#ixzz1r5fax9iF

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Denver Channel "Fire Victim Family: Ann Appel Never Got Reverse Notification"

"JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. -- The third victim of the Lower North Fork Fire called 911 at 2:34 p.m. according to family members.


Ann Appel called to report the fire and was told that crews were on the way...."
(Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "New development applications pour into planning office"

Ah, so the dysfunctional (?? Is that really the right word for it?) shuck and jive money dance begins.

One must give all credit where credit is due for being just as bold as brass.

Curtis Wackerle:
"Boogie’s, Bidwell, Gap buildings among those pursuing new projectsThe city of Aspen has received seven new downtown redevelopment applications in the last month, encompassing many prominent sites.

Included in the slew of new applications is a two-story redevelopment of the Bidwell building at the corner of Galena Street and Cooper Avenue; a plan to put a third-story penthouse on top of Boogie’s; scrape and replace projects at the Gap building, and on the Hyman Avenue mall at the site of the restaurant Zocalito; and a project developing a residential condo on the Susie’s consignment shop property.

There are also two new “Aspen Modern” applications, from properties seeking voluntary historic designation, but also some development incentives from the city. Those properties are at 610 E. Hyman Ave. — the offices of Charles Cunniffe Architects — and 720 E. Hyman Ave., which is the Aspen Athletic Club building.

Also, owners of the “Tom Thumb” building at the corner of the Hyman Avenue mall and Mill Street are seeking to demolish and rebuild a portion of the property.

“It’s been busy,” said city of Aspen senior planner Sara Adams. “The phone’s been ringing off the hook.”..."
(Read more?  Click title)
"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Mesquite Citizen/Breaking News "City Names New Manager"

"City officials announced yesterday, Apr. 3, that Andrew M. Barton has accepted and signed a contract as Mesquite's new City Manager. He is currently the Town Administrator for New Castle, CO, a town of 4,518 located on I-70, west of Glenwood Springs.

In a telephone interview with the Mesquite Citizen Journal, Barton confirmed the information released at the Council's Technical Review meeting and intends to begin his new job May 7. "I am very happy," Barton remarked. "I look forward to serving Mesquite. My wife is happy also. My present organization is stunned."

New Castle uses a similar form of government as Mesquite with six council members and a mayor. Its population is approximately 4,518 people. The town employs 25 full-time and 5 part-time employees with seven full-time and 1 reserve police officers.

"Many of the people in New Castle know a lot about Mesquite and come to play golf there," Barton commented. "My friends think I landed a plum assignment. I feel the same way."..."
(Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Eagle County Times "Election News? Town of Eagle Regresses – Gypsum Advances Slightly"

How important is the Hot Sulpher Springs municipal election to the residents of Basalt?

Frisco to Silt?

Critically important.  All politics are local politics. The entire demographic that surrounds you and the community you live in has an effect on your overall community health.

The news in Carbondale is terrific.  Congrats to Bonedale for defeating Bill Lamont.

The news in Basalt is deeply troubling.  RFTA board member and crony just about everywhere Jacque Whitsitt pulled in her...well.  Cronies...and defeated Glenn Rappaport for Mayor.  Yes, Scott Condon is in a happy gloat this morning up on the Aspen Times.

Blue River held an election for the first time in decades and thus made history.  

Basalt is keeping their plastic bags and Fruita said no to medical marijuana.

Winter Park folks voted in their very own and first ever lodging tax to use for tourism promotion.

We'll go with our fav's over on the Eagle County Times as the post to hold regional links this morning.  Enlighten yourself as to what is going on around you out there. 

It's a brave new world.

ECT:
"ECT Analysis:  If Eagle’s election is any harbinger of Eagle’s ERS vote scheduled for Tuesday, May 22nd 2012 – it doesn’t look too good for the Voter Approval of the ERS development project…  Eagle’s top vote getter (Brandi Resa) and Eagle’s newly elected Mayor – campaigned against Eagle River Station – and everyone voting in Eagle knows it.  It also shows that the majority (barely) of Eagle voters aren’t much concerned with the state of Eagle’s struggling economy and clearly are not convinced ERS v2.0 is what Eagle needs to move ahead economically.

ECT caught wondering…if all the families that have since lost their Eagle/Gypsum homes due to Job Loss and moved out of Eagle/Gypsum…were still here to vote…what would today’s election results look like?
The ECT thinks it’s time to keep track of the (NEW) number of home foreclosures in Eagle/Gypsum (by Zip code) – right after this new crew is sworn into office.  So the ECT will!

The good news for Gypsum voters is that they can count on newly elected member Beric Christiansen to keep any eye on all the mitigation issues of any proposed expansion of the Eagle County Regional Airport...."  (Read more?  Click title)

http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20120404/NEWS/120409927/1078&ParentProfile=1055
http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20120403/NEWS/120409929/1078&ParentProfile=1055
http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20120404/NEWS/120409930/1078&ParentProfile=1055
http://www.krextv.com/news/around-the-region/Results-for-Fruitas-Municipal-Election-146049355.html
http://www.postindependent.com/article/20120403/VALLEYNEWS/120409963/1083&ParentProfile=1074
http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20120404/NEWS/120409945/1077&ParentProfile=1058
http://www.skyhidailynews.com/article/20120403/NEWS/120409999/1079&ParentProfile=1067
http://www.skyhidailynews.com/article/20120403/POLITICS/120409982/1079&ParentProfile=1067
http://www.skyhidailynews.com/article/20120403/POLITICS/120409983/1079&ParentProfile=1067
http://www.skyhidailynews.com/article/20120403/POLITICS01/120409981/1079&ParentProfile=1067
http://www.skyhidailynews.com/article/20120403/POLITICS01/120409979/1079&ParentProfile=1067
http://www.skyhidailynews.com/article/20120404/POLITICS01/120409985/1079&ParentProfile=1067


"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Monitoring for natural gas pollutants to expand"

Let's take a walk back to the past since John Stroud isn't going to let any historical data into his piece today.

1.  GarCo commissioners have never, ever said they were against air monitoring nor have they ever dropped the ball in any way on performing studies.  They stood up to the very poor output of the HIA study because it was filled with holes and they had hired the study for specific scientific data not speculation.  At that time, they stepped up their already in place air monitoring controls and sat back to see where it all landed.

2.  The recent "scientific" independent study that was ostensibly "leaked" to eco-pen style paparazzi and then "found" its way plastered all over the worldwide web as a result is hysteria.  BOCC is accurate on that point.

With that said, SandBox scoffs at the commissioners this morning with their ostensibly placed 'political' rhetoric.

How very convenient it is that whenever there is pressure put on you by the loudest or most powerful social groups in the county; you stand up and go for dotting the 'i's' and crossing the 't's'.   Except of course when the power group in front of you happens to be more powerful politically and socially than the loudest.

What will it take?  More 'shock-jock' style blogs like this one?  More 'bethatesantero' and 'Just Anita' campaigns against gas companies and law enforcement in local chat rooms?  More tabloid style eco-pen paparazzi stalking the gas wells?

Hmmmm....or just maybe all it will take...

Is an election.

For the record, 'SandBox Nanny's' personal view on the smoldering issues with Garfield BOCC and Garfield GOP is that they are not political in nature.  They're personality and business ethics based.  Still nothing that a good epiphany found in the heat of a hot election race won't 'cure'.

John Stroud:
"“One of the goals here is to not use fear, and to have good information instead of reacting to the pressures of politics,” Commission Chairman John Martin said at the work session.

“We need to have facts instead of hysteria,” he said.

The Board of County Commissioners will formally consider the additional expenditure at an upcoming regular meeting.

Currently, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) also contributes about $87,000 annually toward the air quality monitoring in Garfield County.

“I would like to encourage the state to pay for more of this,” Commissioner Mike Samson suggested...."
(Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Op-ed: Idaho wolf torture highlights brutality of state ‘management’ plans in absence of federal oversight"

This is such a  horrific report.  I linked it in the roundup over five hours ago and am still nauseous.

US Forest Service employee?  He should be criminally charged if that is true.  As for these "hunters" and "trappers" you are no such thing.   There are humane ways to control predator populations.

Shame on you.

Bob Berwyn:
"...This week, the Center for Biological Diversity sent letters to both the Forest Service and Idaho Attorney General, Lawrence Wasden, today requesting investigations into the actions of Forest Service employeed Josh Bransford, who posted photos of a wolf he had trapped in northern Idaho that had been maliciously and non-fatally shot by people who spotted the animal from a nearby road.

“A year ago, that wolf was protected as a member of an endangered species, but last month he was trapped, tortured and killed thanks to an underhanded congressional rider that’s also responsible for the deaths of hundreds of other wolves in the northern Rocky Mountains,” said the Center’s Michael Robinson. “A lack of respect for the balance of nature is leading to a war on wolves in the northern Rocky Mountains.”

The posting, on trapperman.com, shows the Forest Service employee smiling in front of a still-living wolf surrounded by snow that is bloody from the animal’s gunshot wounds. Idaho state law makes it a crime for a person who “causes or procures any animal to be cruelly treated, or who, having the charge or custody of any animal either as owner or otherwise, subjects any animal to cruelty.”...."
(Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

SandBoxBlogs: Summit County Citizens Voice "Morning Photo: The kids are alright!"

Bob Berwyn:
"SUMMIT COUNTY — Taking pictures of kids always makes me smile. When you capture a moment — like the picture above — you realize anew that there’s a whole world going inside of them. If you’re a parent, or spend a lot of time around youngsters, you know that anyway, but a good snapshot is, as they say, priceless...."