Newsmax:
"Ten employees at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement are suing the Obama administration to block a new program to let many young illegal immigrants avoid deportation and get a work permit.
The suit also claims that directives from the Department of Homeland Security and its secretary, Janet Napolitano, force agents to break the law by not arresting certain illegal immigrants.
Kris Kobach, the Kansas secretary of state and an immigration adviser to presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, is representing the employees. The lawsuit was filed Thursday in federal court in Dallas.
The 22-page filing, which names Napolitano and ICE Director John Morton as defendants, contends that the Obama administration's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals plan violates federal law.
The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Napolitano has previously defended the plan.
The suit says the mandate "unconstitutionally usurps and encroaches upon the legislative powers of Congress."
Kobach equated the move to give thousands of illegal immigrants a reprieve to the failed Fast and Furious gun-walking operation.
"In both instances, the Obama administration ordered federal law enforcement agents to break the law, to ignore the laws that they're supposed to enforce, and, in the case of the ICE agents, to actually break federal laws that say you're supposed to deport certain people," he told Fox News."And in each case, the Obama administration seems to be doing so for political reasons."..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
Showing posts with label sandbox blogger colorado. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sandbox blogger colorado. Show all posts
August 27, 2012
August 26, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Made to Order"
Dave Danforth:
"DA’s Wearhouse, where District Attorneys never wear out. I’m Jack,” the voice answers.
“You have a warranty department?” I ask, jumping right in. “We need a replacement.”
“What seems to be the problem?” Jack queries.
“We have a DA here named Truden, Colleen Truden,” I say. “She’s in trouble. Probably not a real scoundrel. Just Not Ready for Prime Time.”
“Truden, hmmm,” Jack notes, flipping through some pages. “Here she is. She’s almost new. You have a fresh new practicing DA and there are problems already?”
“Let’s just say we may have made a bad hire,” I say. “So, perhaps you and I could come to an understanding? Just an employment discussion. No hard feelings. You send us a new one?”...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"DA’s Wearhouse, where District Attorneys never wear out. I’m Jack,” the voice answers.
“You have a warranty department?” I ask, jumping right in. “We need a replacement.”
“What seems to be the problem?” Jack queries.
“We have a DA here named Truden, Colleen Truden,” I say. “She’s in trouble. Probably not a real scoundrel. Just Not Ready for Prime Time.”
“Truden, hmmm,” Jack notes, flipping through some pages. “Here she is. She’s almost new. You have a fresh new practicing DA and there are problems already?”
“Let’s just say we may have made a bad hire,” I say. “So, perhaps you and I could come to an understanding? Just an employment discussion. No hard feelings. You send us a new one?”...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: SkyHi Daily "Oldham resigns post as 14th Judicial District attorney; governor appoints Barkey"
Drew Munro:
"Brett Barkey became the new district attorney for the 14th Judicial District on Monday when Gov. Jon Hickenlooper announced his appointment to be the chief prosecutor for Grand, Routt and Moffat counties.
Barkey replaces Elizabeth Oldham, whose last day was Friday, Aug. 10, according to Donna Zulian, administrator in the DA's Craig office.
Oldham announced in December that she would not run for re-election. Attempts to reach her for comment on Monday were unsuccessful.
She said in July during an informal conversation that she was resigning so she could return to the Front Range and spend less time as an administrator and more time in the courtroom.
“I gratefully accept Governor Hickenlooper's appointment as district attorney for the 14th Judicial District,” Barkey said. “It is a great honor and privilege to continue in public service in this role.
“I also want to express my profound appreciation for Elizabeth Oldham's eight years of public service to Moffat, Routt and Grand counties in the district attorney's office,” he added. “She will be greatly missed, and I wish her all the success in her new position.”
Oldham resigned to take a post in the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office, which serves Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties, according to Barkey...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"Brett Barkey became the new district attorney for the 14th Judicial District on Monday when Gov. Jon Hickenlooper announced his appointment to be the chief prosecutor for Grand, Routt and Moffat counties.
Barkey replaces Elizabeth Oldham, whose last day was Friday, Aug. 10, according to Donna Zulian, administrator in the DA's Craig office.
Oldham announced in December that she would not run for re-election. Attempts to reach her for comment on Monday were unsuccessful.
She said in July during an informal conversation that she was resigning so she could return to the Front Range and spend less time as an administrator and more time in the courtroom.
“I gratefully accept Governor Hickenlooper's appointment as district attorney for the 14th Judicial District,” Barkey said. “It is a great honor and privilege to continue in public service in this role.
“I also want to express my profound appreciation for Elizabeth Oldham's eight years of public service to Moffat, Routt and Grand counties in the district attorney's office,” he added. “She will be greatly missed, and I wish her all the success in her new position.”
Oldham resigned to take a post in the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office, which serves Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties, according to Barkey...."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
SandBoxBlogs: Durango Herald "Bill Gates has a new loo for you"
Donna Gordon Blankenship:
"These aren’t your typical loos. One uses microwave energy to transform human waste into electricity.
Another captures urine and uses it for flushing. And still another turns excrement into charcoal.
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"These aren’t your typical loos. One uses microwave energy to transform human waste into electricity.
Another captures urine and uses it for flushing. And still another turns excrement into charcoal.
They are part of a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation competition to reinvent the toilet for the 2.5 billion people around the world who don’t have access to modern sanitation.
Scientists from around the world have taken up the challenge, and the foundation announced some projects Tuesday that will be getting more money to take their ideas from the lab to cities.
There, local entrepreneurs will use the new technology to turn pollution into cash.
“We couldn’t be happier with the response that we’ve gotten,” Bill Gates said...."
(Read more? Click title)
(Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Welcome dopers"
Jeremy Madden:
"With the USA Pro Cycling Challenge in town I’d like to extend a warm welcome to all the dopers peddling through the city’s streets. While you may be scorned and scoffed at in other communities for your commitment to compete, please know that in the Aspen area you have plenty of kindred spirits.
In fact, I cannot think of a better pairing than long distance cycling and Aspen. Although you dopers might not know it, much like the sport of cycling, Aspen has quite a reputation for its drug use. Aspen and cycling go together like pot and coke, or steroids and human growth hormones....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
"With the USA Pro Cycling Challenge in town I’d like to extend a warm welcome to all the dopers peddling through the city’s streets. While you may be scorned and scoffed at in other communities for your commitment to compete, please know that in the Aspen area you have plenty of kindred spirits.
In fact, I cannot think of a better pairing than long distance cycling and Aspen. Although you dopers might not know it, much like the sport of cycling, Aspen has quite a reputation for its drug use. Aspen and cycling go together like pot and coke, or steroids and human growth hormones....."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."
August 7, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: CBS News "4 sophisticated drug tunnels found on border"
"(AP) TIJUANA, Mexico - Four drug smuggling tunnels equipped with lighting and ventilation — including one with a railcar system — have been discovered along the U.S.-Mexico border in less than a week, the latest signs that cartels are building sophisticated passages to escape heightened detection above ground.
Three of the tunnels were incomplete, including one that the Mexican army found in a Tijuana warehouse Thursday with more than 40 tons of marijuana at the entry. The passage extended nearly 400 yards, including more than 100 yards into the United States....."
(Read more? See more photos? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
Three of the tunnels were incomplete, including one that the Mexican army found in a Tijuana warehouse Thursday with more than 40 tons of marijuana at the entry. The passage extended nearly 400 yards, including more than 100 yards into the United States....."
(Read more? See more photos? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
June 19, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Obama can't make up his mind about the economy"
James Kellogg:
"There are plenty of headwinds right here at home, too. The president castigates congressional Republicans for blocking his potentially game-changing proposals to give tax breaks to businesses that hire and to provide mortgage refinancing for underwater homeowners. And in the last couple weeks, Obama proclaimed, “The big challenge we have in our economy right now is state and local government hiring has been going in the wrong direction.”
Here's a tip for the president. At this point, the majority of American voters don't care who is to blame for the current crisis. They are demanding solutions. Such solutions will be founded on free markets and private enterprise, not government control.
If Obama is intent on convincing Americans that he is powerless to foster the circumstances for economic recovery, why would we give him a second term?
The November election is looming closer, and voters are already waving goodbye to the president. Who will Obama blame for that? It'll be a tough decision......" (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
"There are plenty of headwinds right here at home, too. The president castigates congressional Republicans for blocking his potentially game-changing proposals to give tax breaks to businesses that hire and to provide mortgage refinancing for underwater homeowners. And in the last couple weeks, Obama proclaimed, “The big challenge we have in our economy right now is state and local government hiring has been going in the wrong direction.”
Here's a tip for the president. At this point, the majority of American voters don't care who is to blame for the current crisis. They are demanding solutions. Such solutions will be founded on free markets and private enterprise, not government control.
If Obama is intent on convincing Americans that he is powerless to foster the circumstances for economic recovery, why would we give him a second term?
The November election is looming closer, and voters are already waving goodbye to the president. Who will Obama blame for that? It'll be a tough decision......" (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Records release reveals more about secret Vernal meeting"
It's rare anymore that SandBox agrees with Republican commissioner Tom Jankovsky. His heavy and ham-handed handling of Garfield County needs is just not setting well with a number of residents. And they're conservatives...
But in this case, we'll run alongside Jankovsky. This craziness over the Vernal meeting is nothing but political.
With that said, this controversy is another great reason to say NO to the re-up of Republican John Martin and YES to Democrat Sonja Linman.
We definitely need balance in Garfield County BOCC. Things like this dust-up over the Vernal meeting are preventable.
"Save a gas rig. Vote Sonja Linman (D) for Garfield County Commissioner".
John Stroud:
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado — Garfield County commissioners were more than just an idle participant at a special closed-door meeting in Vernal, Utah, in late March to discuss oil shale policy, a Colorado government watchdog group says.
The meeting produced a unified political statement from counties in three states, which was later sent to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. The letter was critical of the BLM's plan to reduce the amount of federal lands available in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming for oil shale research and development.
“Garfield County Commissioner Tom Jankovsky organized the Vernal meeting,” Colorado Common Cause charged Thursday...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
But in this case, we'll run alongside Jankovsky. This craziness over the Vernal meeting is nothing but political.
With that said, this controversy is another great reason to say NO to the re-up of Republican John Martin and YES to Democrat Sonja Linman.
We definitely need balance in Garfield County BOCC. Things like this dust-up over the Vernal meeting are preventable.
"Save a gas rig. Vote Sonja Linman (D) for Garfield County Commissioner".
John Stroud:
"GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado — Garfield County commissioners were more than just an idle participant at a special closed-door meeting in Vernal, Utah, in late March to discuss oil shale policy, a Colorado government watchdog group says.
The meeting produced a unified political statement from counties in three states, which was later sent to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. The letter was critical of the BLM's plan to reduce the amount of federal lands available in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming for oil shale research and development.
“Garfield County Commissioner Tom Jankovsky organized the Vernal meeting,” Colorado Common Cause charged Thursday...." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "CMC sticks with its rejection of compressor station"
Should Pat Chamber run again for CMC Trustee, just say YES.
One has to wonder what defines 'education' in the Trustee's eyes. The loss of $12,000 in revenue per year that would pay a lot of overhead on our local CMC campus.
Remember, this is a dispute over a noxious weed infested patch of land that even the donor's families refuse to maintain and our Trustees do absolutely nothing with.
What's on the agenda for this ground if no revenue is generated off it?
Another few decades of continued neglect or is there some secret campus expansion or learning mecca planned for the spot?
Inquiring minds want to know exactly what 'education' is set for this land.
John Colson:
"News of the lease was met by an uproar among students, faculty members and landowners living near the college, including ranchers who had donated land for the school's campus back in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
The furor prompted the trustees to reconsider Jensen's agreement.
Less than two weeks after the May 14 meeting, SourceGas filed a lawsuit asking a judge to force the school to allow the compressor station to be built on campus property. The company also asked the trustees to consider a proposal to put the compressor station at a second site, near the school's water tower.
The majority of trustees this week appeared unswayed by the threat of continued legal action against the school.
“We're here to do education,” said Trustee Kathy Goudy of Carbondale, “and this is not education.”..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
One has to wonder what defines 'education' in the Trustee's eyes. The loss of $12,000 in revenue per year that would pay a lot of overhead on our local CMC campus.
Remember, this is a dispute over a noxious weed infested patch of land that even the donor's families refuse to maintain and our Trustees do absolutely nothing with.
What's on the agenda for this ground if no revenue is generated off it?
Another few decades of continued neglect or is there some secret campus expansion or learning mecca planned for the spot?
Inquiring minds want to know exactly what 'education' is set for this land.
John Colson:
"News of the lease was met by an uproar among students, faculty members and landowners living near the college, including ranchers who had donated land for the school's campus back in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
The furor prompted the trustees to reconsider Jensen's agreement.
Less than two weeks after the May 14 meeting, SourceGas filed a lawsuit asking a judge to force the school to allow the compressor station to be built on campus property. The company also asked the trustees to consider a proposal to put the compressor station at a second site, near the school's water tower.
The majority of trustees this week appeared unswayed by the threat of continued legal action against the school.
“We're here to do education,” said Trustee Kathy Goudy of Carbondale, “and this is not education.”..."
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
SandBoxBlogs: Glenwood Springs Post Independent "Mediation unable to resolve Encana, Thompson dispute"
Let's hope the outcome on this one is the same defeat as the Strudley family. Isn't it about time that Colorado passed the same type of frivolous lawsuit laws as Rick Perry has instilled down in Texas?
The rising costs of heating our homes, gas prices and all needs every American has when it comes to using energy sources daily deserve to not be forced even higher because of ridiculous lawsuits like this one.
Good wishes to EnCana USA that their winning streak on this one continues.
John Colson:
"RIFLE, Colorado — A court-appointed mediator has been unable to resolve a dispute between Porcupine Creek landowner Thomas Thompson and Encana Oil and Gas (USA), a drilling company operating on Thompson's land.
As a result, according to spokesmen for both sides, the matter appears headed for trial.
Thompson and Encana disagree about the cause of a 2011 flood along Porcupine Creek, which flows through Thompson's 40-acre property south of Rifle.
Thompson maintains that the flood, which he says caused $700,000 in damage to his property on both sides of the creek, happened because EnCana did a poor job installing a culvert/bridge over the creek for an access road to its drilling sites. The flood damage is uphill from the culvert.
EnCana, however, has said that its culvert had nothing to do with causing the damage, and that repair costs should be more like $75,000.
Thompson ordered the company off his property in March, and Encana won an injunction to force Thompson to let its crews resume work on the drilling rigs. But Garfield District Judge James Boyd's ruling did not grant the company legal permission to start fixing the creekside damage unless it obtains Thompson's permission....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
The rising costs of heating our homes, gas prices and all needs every American has when it comes to using energy sources daily deserve to not be forced even higher because of ridiculous lawsuits like this one.
Good wishes to EnCana USA that their winning streak on this one continues.
John Colson:
"RIFLE, Colorado — A court-appointed mediator has been unable to resolve a dispute between Porcupine Creek landowner Thomas Thompson and Encana Oil and Gas (USA), a drilling company operating on Thompson's land.
As a result, according to spokesmen for both sides, the matter appears headed for trial.
Thompson and Encana disagree about the cause of a 2011 flood along Porcupine Creek, which flows through Thompson's 40-acre property south of Rifle.
Thompson maintains that the flood, which he says caused $700,000 in damage to his property on both sides of the creek, happened because EnCana did a poor job installing a culvert/bridge over the creek for an access road to its drilling sites. The flood damage is uphill from the culvert.
EnCana, however, has said that its culvert had nothing to do with causing the damage, and that repair costs should be more like $75,000.
Thompson ordered the company off his property in March, and Encana won an injunction to force Thompson to let its crews resume work on the drilling rigs. But Garfield District Judge James Boyd's ruling did not grant the company legal permission to start fixing the creekside damage unless it obtains Thompson's permission....." (Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
SandBoxBlogs: Craig Daily Press "Officials comment on Hayden, Dinosaur casino projects "
See related story here: http://www.steamboattoday.com/news/2012/jun/12/plans-casino-near-hayden-airport-move-forward/
Joe Moylan:
" A group of Yampa Valley business partners announced in March their interest in developing a venture new to Northwest Colorado.
After more than 50 meetings with a variety of entities the past six months, Steamboat Springs resident Steve Hofman said Monday the time to present to the public information for an Indian gaming facility in Hayden is approaching.
“We have understood from the very beginning that not only would the opportunity for public comment and input be appropriate, but essential,” Hofman said. “We fully anticipate having those discussions and having the public ask questions we believe we have answers to, and if they ask questions we don’t have answers to, then we’re going to be obligated to get them answers.
“That’s been our approach through this entire process.”......"
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
Joe Moylan:
" A group of Yampa Valley business partners announced in March their interest in developing a venture new to Northwest Colorado.
After more than 50 meetings with a variety of entities the past six months, Steamboat Springs resident Steve Hofman said Monday the time to present to the public information for an Indian gaming facility in Hayden is approaching.
“We have understood from the very beginning that not only would the opportunity for public comment and input be appropriate, but essential,” Hofman said. “We fully anticipate having those discussions and having the public ask questions we believe we have answers to, and if they ask questions we don’t have answers to, then we’re going to be obligated to get them answers.
“That’s been our approach through this entire process.”......"
(Read more? Click title)
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
SandBoxBlogs: Note from Nanny " Moderation trust, bones that mend and back to the future"
You've been terrific 'kids' while I have been laid low with my fractured wrist and surgery.
Yes, I know I have a mailbox full of your comments to moderate and post. I promise I will get to those very soon.
The other issue many of you know has been a factor over the past month is that I now live in a mountain area that has limited cell and internet signal. That issue has now been remedied thanks to the kindness and aid of 'chirkers' (bless his welding guy happy soul) who has put together a sturdy 'directional' antenna that attaches to my wireless. What a talented guy and so appreciated.
Because you have been so good and not bombarded me with 'Nanny...when will you get back? (and) 'Nanny', hurry up!'...I am going to take the blog off the global moderation only posting safeguard I've had it on. You can go back to direct posting and I'll get caught up with your moderated comments as quickly as I can.
Thank you to all who've sent 'old bones' jokes, you're really hilarious.
Let's get caught up on some of the action that affects Coloradans and get some new posts up.
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
Yes, I know I have a mailbox full of your comments to moderate and post. I promise I will get to those very soon.
The other issue many of you know has been a factor over the past month is that I now live in a mountain area that has limited cell and internet signal. That issue has now been remedied thanks to the kindness and aid of 'chirkers' (bless his welding guy happy soul) who has put together a sturdy 'directional' antenna that attaches to my wireless. What a talented guy and so appreciated.
Because you have been so good and not bombarded me with 'Nanny...when will you get back? (and) 'Nanny', hurry up!'...I am going to take the blog off the global moderation only posting safeguard I've had it on. You can go back to direct posting and I'll get caught up with your moderated comments as quickly as I can.
Thank you to all who've sent 'old bones' jokes, you're really hilarious.
Let's get caught up on some of the action that affects Coloradans and get some new posts up.
"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within news others make since 2010"
June 12, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Town Hall "A True American Independent"
Salena Zito:
"This longtime Democrat left his party after it demanded that he sign a pledge to support only its candidates.
Local and national Democrats branded him as an extremist, out of touch with constituents; the press judged him to be “dead meat” in the 1970 campaign to win back his U.S. Senate seat.
Undeterred, Harry Byrd Jr. – namesake son of the legendary boss of Virginia’s then-dominant Democrats – beat the odds and won re-election. Not once but twice.
“It was a contentious time,” Byrd now says. “Then again, everyone thinks they are living in the most contentious times ever. Well, they really aren’t, are they?”
The longest-living former senator at age 97, Byrd still resides in his hometown of Winchester, Va., within walking distance of one of his beloved newspapers, the Winchester Star.
He served eight terms in Virginia’s senate before being appointed to his ailing father’s U.S. Senate seat.
He won that seat outright a year later, but the undercurrents of change already were building among Democrats.
“Liberals began … winning local elections in the primaries over moderate and fiscally conservative Democrats,” Byrd said of that shift. “You could just see it coming in successive primary elections, and that was in the ’60s.
“Now, the party is barely recognizable.”
He scoffs at the notion that this is the country’s worst-ever time, but passionately agrees we’re heading in a dangerous direction.
He served in the Senate under four U.S. presidents; he was close friends with Johnson, Nixon, Ford and Reagan, liked Clinton, but “never much cared for Carter.”
After his switch to independent, he still caucused with Senate Democrats but “no one ever took my vote for granted.” A staunch fiscal conservative, he introduced balanced-budget legislation four years in a row requiring that “total outlays of the federal government shall not exceed its receipts,” he said.
“Congress approved it, then promptly ignored it.”...." (Read more? Click title)
"This longtime Democrat left his party after it demanded that he sign a pledge to support only its candidates.
Local and national Democrats branded him as an extremist, out of touch with constituents; the press judged him to be “dead meat” in the 1970 campaign to win back his U.S. Senate seat.
Undeterred, Harry Byrd Jr. – namesake son of the legendary boss of Virginia’s then-dominant Democrats – beat the odds and won re-election. Not once but twice.
“It was a contentious time,” Byrd now says. “Then again, everyone thinks they are living in the most contentious times ever. Well, they really aren’t, are they?”
The longest-living former senator at age 97, Byrd still resides in his hometown of Winchester, Va., within walking distance of one of his beloved newspapers, the Winchester Star.
He served eight terms in Virginia’s senate before being appointed to his ailing father’s U.S. Senate seat.
He won that seat outright a year later, but the undercurrents of change already were building among Democrats.
“Liberals began … winning local elections in the primaries over moderate and fiscally conservative Democrats,” Byrd said of that shift. “You could just see it coming in successive primary elections, and that was in the ’60s.
“Now, the party is barely recognizable.”
He scoffs at the notion that this is the country’s worst-ever time, but passionately agrees we’re heading in a dangerous direction.
He served in the Senate under four U.S. presidents; he was close friends with Johnson, Nixon, Ford and Reagan, liked Clinton, but “never much cared for Carter.”
After his switch to independent, he still caucused with Senate Democrats but “no one ever took my vote for granted.” A staunch fiscal conservative, he introduced balanced-budget legislation four years in a row requiring that “total outlays of the federal government shall not exceed its receipts,” he said.
“Congress approved it, then promptly ignored it.”...." (Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Sleeping duty: A bedtime story"
Dave Danforth:
"It’s hard enough to ask a jury to serve faithfully under duty to the American system of justice. Why double up by tempting the odds on wakefulness?
It would help if we asked juries to decide issues that really matter. Sure, it’s a technical question if ex-Sen. John Edwards and star pitcher Roger Clemens lied about the wrong things to the wrong people. But they’re both publicly dead and gone no matter the verdict. They’ll do the perp walk anyway.
Under orders to serve on a jury, sleeplessness is not entirely voluntarily...."
(Read more? Click title)
"It’s hard enough to ask a jury to serve faithfully under duty to the American system of justice. Why double up by tempting the odds on wakefulness?
It would help if we asked juries to decide issues that really matter. Sure, it’s a technical question if ex-Sen. John Edwards and star pitcher Roger Clemens lied about the wrong things to the wrong people. But they’re both publicly dead and gone no matter the verdict. They’ll do the perp walk anyway.
Under orders to serve on a jury, sleeplessness is not entirely voluntarily...."
(Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Agency probes sheriff’s office ahead of discrimination suit"
When a cop the extremely high caliber and respectable standard of Joe Bauer, who also happens to be a quiet man of few words; not only walks away from a job he loved but feels strongly enough to publicly speak up over the reasons why, 'strange things are afoot at the Circle K'.
This now makes at least three major strikes against Pitkin County Sheriff Joe DiSalvo. The outside agency assists to the DEA bust in May of 2011. The ongoing and active FBI probe into public corruption and now still yet another agency probe into possible misconduct.
The citizens of the Roaring Fork Valley have more than enough t o be concerned over when it comes to our law enforcement and judicial needs. Maybe the time has come for DiSalvo to consider stepping down.
Chad Abraham:
"DiSalvo vehemently disagreed, contending “this department is the best of its size, without question, in Colorado and maybe the country.”
The turnover issue arose last week when Pitkin County Commissioner Jack Hatfield asked in a public meeting why 10 employees had left the sheriff’s office since DiSalvo took office.
DiSalvo said Hatfield was misinformed. He said the number of former employees who have left since he took over is five, comprised of the termination of Stephenson and four resignations — along with Rayton, Anderson and Bauer; longtime deputy Mario Strobyl also recently retired.
Hatfield did not return a message seeking comment Monday...."
(Read more? Click title)
This now makes at least three major strikes against Pitkin County Sheriff Joe DiSalvo. The outside agency assists to the DEA bust in May of 2011. The ongoing and active FBI probe into public corruption and now still yet another agency probe into possible misconduct.
The citizens of the Roaring Fork Valley have more than enough t o be concerned over when it comes to our law enforcement and judicial needs. Maybe the time has come for DiSalvo to consider stepping down.
Chad Abraham:
"DiSalvo vehemently disagreed, contending “this department is the best of its size, without question, in Colorado and maybe the country.”
The turnover issue arose last week when Pitkin County Commissioner Jack Hatfield asked in a public meeting why 10 employees had left the sheriff’s office since DiSalvo took office.
DiSalvo said Hatfield was misinformed. He said the number of former employees who have left since he took over is five, comprised of the termination of Stephenson and four resignations — along with Rayton, Anderson and Bauer; longtime deputy Mario Strobyl also recently retired.
Hatfield did not return a message seeking comment Monday...."
(Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "The abuse of power"
Another special thank you goes out to Maurice Emmer of Aspen. Prior to Emmer writing op-eds and LTE's in local papers, the bullying of others in this valley was at an all time high. Especially the bullying of women.
Emmer is not the only one who stepped up and began engaging in the same forums. Other men in the valley have as well and all are appreciated.
There has been a long needed, long sought after shift in the social structures within the Roaring Fork Valley over the past three years. A very positive change that has finally, since mid-term elections seeped over into politics, business, policies that affect us all and law enforcement.
Here's to the little guys.
Let freedom ring.
Maurice Emmer:
"Competition is a nasty thing for a city. The ski industry is in decline, and there are many attractive resorts competing for visitors and investment. If it is too inconvenient to visit Aspen or invest in Aspen, bye-bye. The visitors and the investment will go elsewhere, and presumably some are right now. We are special but not that special.
Consider Aspen and Detroit. The similarity should scare us. Detroit was the queen of the auto industry, just as Aspen has been the Silver Queen of skiing. Detroit thought it was so special because it was the Motor City. The world could not survive without Detroit cranking out wheels for a growing America. But, little by little, Detroit and its state adopted policies that were unfriendly to investment and even to daily life. So the people and the investment went elsewhere. Many other examples can be identified of the phenomenon of know-it-all public officials killing the investment climate and leaving the wreckage for later generations. Fifty years from now, will residents of Vail, Telluride, Park City and other resorts tell jokes about the brilliant policies that killed Aspen? Never think it impossible...."
(Read more? Click title)
Emmer is not the only one who stepped up and began engaging in the same forums. Other men in the valley have as well and all are appreciated.
There has been a long needed, long sought after shift in the social structures within the Roaring Fork Valley over the past three years. A very positive change that has finally, since mid-term elections seeped over into politics, business, policies that affect us all and law enforcement.
Here's to the little guys.
Let freedom ring.
Maurice Emmer:
"Competition is a nasty thing for a city. The ski industry is in decline, and there are many attractive resorts competing for visitors and investment. If it is too inconvenient to visit Aspen or invest in Aspen, bye-bye. The visitors and the investment will go elsewhere, and presumably some are right now. We are special but not that special.
Consider Aspen and Detroit. The similarity should scare us. Detroit was the queen of the auto industry, just as Aspen has been the Silver Queen of skiing. Detroit thought it was so special because it was the Motor City. The world could not survive without Detroit cranking out wheels for a growing America. But, little by little, Detroit and its state adopted policies that were unfriendly to investment and even to daily life. So the people and the investment went elsewhere. Many other examples can be identified of the phenomenon of know-it-all public officials killing the investment climate and leaving the wreckage for later generations. Fifty years from now, will residents of Vail, Telluride, Park City and other resorts tell jokes about the brilliant policies that killed Aspen? Never think it impossible...."
(Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Steamboat Today "Turnover at top of Routt County Road and Bridge Department"
Tom Ross:
"The top two employees in the Road and Bridge Department have left Routt County government just as the busy summer season of road projects gets under way. County officials say they are taking steps to ensure construction of a $1.2 million traffic roundabout near the state’s largest coal mine, installation of a pair of new bridges in California Park and routine chip-and-seal and magnesium chloride chores continue to move forward.
Assistant Road and Bridge Director Paul Draper was “released from his duties,” County Commission Chairman Doug Monger confirmed Monday. The county commissioners declined to discuss the reason for Draper’s termination...." (Read more? Click title)
"The top two employees in the Road and Bridge Department have left Routt County government just as the busy summer season of road projects gets under way. County officials say they are taking steps to ensure construction of a $1.2 million traffic roundabout near the state’s largest coal mine, installation of a pair of new bridges in California Park and routine chip-and-seal and magnesium chloride chores continue to move forward.
Assistant Road and Bridge Director Paul Draper was “released from his duties,” County Commission Chairman Doug Monger confirmed Monday. The county commissioners declined to discuss the reason for Draper’s termination...." (Read more? Click title)
SandBoxBlogs: Summit Daily News "New form of barter introduced in Summit County"
Kathryn Turner:
" A new network of currency measured in hours, not dollars, has landed in Summit County.
The idea behind Mountain Hours is that people are the money, said Wayne Walton, one of the four creators, or “revolutionaries” of Summit's new system.
“It's organic, usury-free money,” he said. “Hours are a universal unit of value.”
Here's how it works: one “mtnhour” is equal to $10 (There are four denominations: 1/10 hour, 1/2, 1 and 2). Local business owners agree to accept the currency, and are given 200 mtnhours right off the bat. The hours are then used at other businesses around Summit that accept the currency, thus encouraging local spending and keeping everything within the county. The money is debt and interest-free, Walton said.
“It's basically to show people that they are the money, and since they are the money, they don't have to rely on a private company called the Federal Reserve,” Walton said. “By virtue of controlling the monetary system, they finance the things that they value that keep us in servitude ... there's plenty of money circulating on Wall Street, but there's not enough money circulating locally.”
Once people realize they are the money, they can have abundance, Walton said.
In only five weeks of operation, Walton has 34 businesses signed up. Every one that signs on gets its initial allocation of hours — and another every three months — and a marketing video, which is displayed on the mtnhours directory online. There is no cost to join, Walton said, since the local businesses and people are the money.
“At a very fundamental level, it's completely changing the paradigm of what money really is,” he said.....
" (Read more? Click title)
" A new network of currency measured in hours, not dollars, has landed in Summit County.
The idea behind Mountain Hours is that people are the money, said Wayne Walton, one of the four creators, or “revolutionaries” of Summit's new system.
“It's organic, usury-free money,” he said. “Hours are a universal unit of value.”
Here's how it works: one “mtnhour” is equal to $10 (There are four denominations: 1/10 hour, 1/2, 1 and 2). Local business owners agree to accept the currency, and are given 200 mtnhours right off the bat. The hours are then used at other businesses around Summit that accept the currency, thus encouraging local spending and keeping everything within the county. The money is debt and interest-free, Walton said.
“It's basically to show people that they are the money, and since they are the money, they don't have to rely on a private company called the Federal Reserve,” Walton said. “By virtue of controlling the monetary system, they finance the things that they value that keep us in servitude ... there's plenty of money circulating on Wall Street, but there's not enough money circulating locally.”
Once people realize they are the money, they can have abundance, Walton said.
In only five weeks of operation, Walton has 34 businesses signed up. Every one that signs on gets its initial allocation of hours — and another every three months — and a marketing video, which is displayed on the mtnhours directory online. There is no cost to join, Walton said, since the local businesses and people are the money.
“At a very fundamental level, it's completely changing the paradigm of what money really is,” he said.....
" (Read more? Click title)
June 10, 2012
SandBoxBlogs: Right Scoop "Allen West gives 2012 campaign kickoff speech"
"Allen West laid out his principles and policy positions in a great speech yesterday to kick off his 2012 campaign for Congress. He ended the speech by having everyone repeat “I’m Spartacus!” several times which was a reference to the movie Spartacus...."
SandBoxBlogs: KREX News 5 "TBD Colorado Opens Multi-Region Summits"
Angela Scott:
GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo.-TBD Colorado, a statewide conversation around some of Colorado's largest issues, opened its multi-region public summits on Saturday in Durango, Glenwood Springs and Pueblo.
TBD, also known as "To Be Determined," was the name given to a non-partisan group formed by Governor Hickenlooper to tackle tough political issues.
The five areas discussed during the group's Western Slope visit were education, health, transportation, the budget, and workforce issues.
"Even though the the TBD Colorado board came up with these five issues, the people through the regional meeting said the other issue we really want to talk about is the state constitution. So today we're also talking about the complexity of the state constitution and what needs to change or not change for us to move forward," said Paul Alexander, a member of the Lead Facilitation Team for TBD Colorado...." (Read more? Click title)
GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo.-TBD Colorado, a statewide conversation around some of Colorado's largest issues, opened its multi-region public summits on Saturday in Durango, Glenwood Springs and Pueblo.
TBD, also known as "To Be Determined," was the name given to a non-partisan group formed by Governor Hickenlooper to tackle tough political issues.
The five areas discussed during the group's Western Slope visit were education, health, transportation, the budget, and workforce issues.
"Even though the the TBD Colorado board came up with these five issues, the people through the regional meeting said the other issue we really want to talk about is the state constitution. So today we're also talking about the complexity of the state constitution and what needs to change or not change for us to move forward," said Paul Alexander, a member of the Lead Facilitation Team for TBD Colorado...." (Read more? Click title)
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