Was there not a news segment very recently about prisoners doing time for meth and cocaine being released 27 months early? This was decided by the Supreme court.
I mention this, because it seems to me that marijuana is a lesser crime, yet there seems to be a large cost expended and more attention with this issue than the other mentioned above. At least, locally, agreed?
CAMP has been in existence for nearly 20 years, I believe. In all the reports we read in the paper, or hear on the TV has only shown numbers of plants and estimated value. As with the currect article publish in the Times-Standard today.
http://www.times-standard.com/local/ci_7457610
I bring this view up, because in many views the legalization of marijuana for medical use by the Federal Government should be done, as it already is within 11 States, I believe. It may even be thought to be rightfully just as legal as alcohol is and treated as such.
If CAMP was so important to the eradication and prevention program, why do they not demonstrate in the articles the effects on society, socially as well as medically? It seems this would provide a stronger case against marijuana if it was for anything else but to harrass the public.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Do Kerrigan’s Constituents Miss Him?
The Eureka Reporter had published a Letter to the Editor regarding Kerrigan's absence.
http://www.eurekareporter.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ArticleID=30606
Thinking about the letter, it only demonstrated, maybe a lack of understanding how things work today; following old ideas. Not looking at new opportunities and ways of accomplishing common goals. I
t was an opportunity for him to work with the Edwards campaign, Kerrigan's benefit. But it may also turn out to be a benefit (one not seen), in the future to the north coast.
Missing Kerrigan? Probably not, for if it is needed, I understand Email works very well. As well as having other Council-members available to speak with if there is a concern.
http://www.eurekareporter.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ArticleID=30606
Thinking about the letter, it only demonstrated, maybe a lack of understanding how things work today; following old ideas. Not looking at new opportunities and ways of accomplishing common goals. I
t was an opportunity for him to work with the Edwards campaign, Kerrigan's benefit. But it may also turn out to be a benefit (one not seen), in the future to the north coast.
Missing Kerrigan? Probably not, for if it is needed, I understand Email works very well. As well as having other Council-members available to speak with if there is a concern.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Abuse of "Disabled Placards"
was reading a post under "Rants & Raves" in the Humboldt County Section of CL (below).
http://humboldt.craigslist.org/rnr/475476134.html
As a disabled individual confined to a chair from a spinal cord injury, I have used a "Disabled Placard" in various situations. I honestly try not to use it, feeling there are those worst-off.
But this earlier mentioned rant made me consider this issue again. In so doing, I have to agree with the poster. It isn't even funny about the abuse. It is disgusting!
I believe the State of California should color code the Placards. This would kind of identify the sort of disability.
- A blue placard for the non-ambulatory (needs wheelchair, crutches, walker or are leg amputees) and this would be a permanent placard.
- A green placard for the ambulatory conditions(heart poblems, diabetic and so forth), where walking long distances maybe difficult. This may also be a permanent placard.
- A yellow placard would cover all other disabilities that (Broken legs, hips and so on) are short-term disabilities.
This is something the disabled community should consider when addressing our State Representatives.
I can assure you, there is nothing worst to me than seeing an individual with a placard quickly jump from their car or high pick-up and run/walk quickly into a shop and buy something you or I probably could not of even carried without help!
This is just a part of the abuse.
http://humboldt.craigslist.org/rnr/475476134.html
As a disabled individual confined to a chair from a spinal cord injury, I have used a "Disabled Placard" in various situations. I honestly try not to use it, feeling there are those worst-off.
But this earlier mentioned rant made me consider this issue again. In so doing, I have to agree with the poster. It isn't even funny about the abuse. It is disgusting!
I believe the State of California should color code the Placards. This would kind of identify the sort of disability.
- A blue placard for the non-ambulatory (needs wheelchair, crutches, walker or are leg amputees) and this would be a permanent placard.
- A green placard for the ambulatory conditions(heart poblems, diabetic and so forth), where walking long distances maybe difficult. This may also be a permanent placard.
- A yellow placard would cover all other disabilities that (Broken legs, hips and so on) are short-term disabilities.
This is something the disabled community should consider when addressing our State Representatives.
I can assure you, there is nothing worst to me than seeing an individual with a placard quickly jump from their car or high pick-up and run/walk quickly into a shop and buy something you or I probably could not of even carried without help!
This is just a part of the abuse.
California Prop. 215 Abuse
I was reading a post under "Rants & Raves" in the Humboldt County Section of CL (below).
http://humboldt.craigslist.org/rnr/475476134.html
It made me think about my friends who use marjiuana for its calming effect on their pain, as well as a way to relax with cancer. With the passing of the Prop. 215 has come abuse along with positive views and effects economically as demonstrated in the NorthCoast Journal.
http://www.northcoastjournal.com/110807/cover1108.html
The city of Arcata has had some other problems with how to deal with grows with in the city. This is also somewhat addressed in the above article.
http://humboldt.craigslist.org/rnr/475476134.html
It made me think about my friends who use marjiuana for its calming effect on their pain, as well as a way to relax with cancer. With the passing of the Prop. 215 has come abuse along with positive views and effects economically as demonstrated in the NorthCoast Journal.
http://www.northcoastjournal.com/110807/cover1108.html
The city of Arcata has had some other problems with how to deal with grows with in the city. This is also somewhat addressed in the above article.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Court Halts Government From Implementing Flawed Social Security No-Match Rule (8/31/2007)
Wow! This surprises me. I thought checking the Social Security Numbers was for ensuring that those being paid were having money credited to the appropriate account. If this is not done and a wrong number is being used, who pays for the mistake?
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has advocated for this effort because it was believed it would be used against "illegal immigrants". We seem to have or take pleasure in taking the ability of our government agencies ability to do their job properly away.
If someone is using a false number, illegal or not, would it not be appropriate to get the situation corrected?
Here is the link to the news release regarding this subject.
http://www.aclu.org/immigrants/workplace/31537prs20070831.html
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has advocated for this effort because it was believed it would be used against "illegal immigrants". We seem to have or take pleasure in taking the ability of our government agencies ability to do their job properly away.
If someone is using a false number, illegal or not, would it not be appropriate to get the situation corrected?
Here is the link to the news release regarding this subject.
http://www.aclu.org/immigrants/workplace/31537prs20070831.html
Friday, November 9, 2007
Illegal Aliens Driver's License
Excuse me, if I may sound ignorant about the conflict of issuing “Illegal Aliens” a driver’s License from any State with the United States.
I am not understanding why anyone would want to circumvent a policy that is already in place for issuing driver’s Licenses to visitors of the United States. It is as follows:
Quick facts for foreign visitors about driving in the United States:
1. An international driver's license must be obtained from your home country. This permit only verifies that you hold a valid license in your home country. It is your foreign driver's license that allows you to drive in the United States. Contact the authorities in your home country to get an international driving permit, as the United States does NOT issue international driver's licenses to foreign visitors.
2. If you obtain a valid international driver's license from your country of origin before you come to the U.S., you may rent a car and drive before you get your U.S. driver's license.
3. A U.S. driver's license is not a federal document, but it's a permit issued by one of the 50 states' motor vehicle departments. If you're going to reside in the U.S., it may take several months to obtain a U.S. driver's license.
4. Foreign visitors who become U.S. residents can only obtain a driver's license from the state in which they reside. Each state has its own driving rules and regulations. Check with your state's motor vehicles department to find out how to apply.
5. Once you receive your U.S. driver's license from a state motor vehicles department, you will be permitted to drive in all other U.S. states. The laws in each state vary from one to another. It is your responsibility to know and obey the laws of that state while driving.
6. The residency requirement for obtaining a U.S. driver's license varies with each state. Consult the motor vehicles department in your state for more information.
7. If you are a foreign student coming to the U.S. to study, contact the university or college you will attend, as most institutions provide students with driving information and most have websites.
8. The U.S. government has issued warnings about Internet vendors of worthless international driver's licenses. It is important to educate yourself about the dangers of these costly and illegal operations.
http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Foreign_Visitors_Driving.shtml
The word “illegal” would seem to trigger something is wrong in a thinking man’s thought process. That is why the above rules were established, I thought, but maybe I am not a thinking man.
Now, I understand Congress is trying to supplement another Bill or Act regarding Driver’s Licenses to Aliens, illegal or not.
Why can’t our government provide the necessary resources to support the Laws we already have on the books? This is what disappoints me in our Congress and those looking to represent us in the future!
Am I the only one seeing that our Congress does not need to create new laws in dealing with “Illegal Aliens“, but to enforce the ones we currently have?
I am not understanding why anyone would want to circumvent a policy that is already in place for issuing driver’s Licenses to visitors of the United States. It is as follows:
Quick facts for foreign visitors about driving in the United States:
1. An international driver's license must be obtained from your home country. This permit only verifies that you hold a valid license in your home country. It is your foreign driver's license that allows you to drive in the United States. Contact the authorities in your home country to get an international driving permit, as the United States does NOT issue international driver's licenses to foreign visitors.
2. If you obtain a valid international driver's license from your country of origin before you come to the U.S., you may rent a car and drive before you get your U.S. driver's license.
3. A U.S. driver's license is not a federal document, but it's a permit issued by one of the 50 states' motor vehicle departments. If you're going to reside in the U.S., it may take several months to obtain a U.S. driver's license.
4. Foreign visitors who become U.S. residents can only obtain a driver's license from the state in which they reside. Each state has its own driving rules and regulations. Check with your state's motor vehicles department to find out how to apply.
5. Once you receive your U.S. driver's license from a state motor vehicles department, you will be permitted to drive in all other U.S. states. The laws in each state vary from one to another. It is your responsibility to know and obey the laws of that state while driving.
6. The residency requirement for obtaining a U.S. driver's license varies with each state. Consult the motor vehicles department in your state for more information.
7. If you are a foreign student coming to the U.S. to study, contact the university or college you will attend, as most institutions provide students with driving information and most have websites.
8. The U.S. government has issued warnings about Internet vendors of worthless international driver's licenses. It is important to educate yourself about the dangers of these costly and illegal operations.
http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Foreign_Visitors_Driving.shtml
The word “illegal” would seem to trigger something is wrong in a thinking man’s thought process. That is why the above rules were established, I thought, but maybe I am not a thinking man.
Now, I understand Congress is trying to supplement another Bill or Act regarding Driver’s Licenses to Aliens, illegal or not.
Why can’t our government provide the necessary resources to support the Laws we already have on the books? This is what disappoints me in our Congress and those looking to represent us in the future!
Am I the only one seeing that our Congress does not need to create new laws in dealing with “Illegal Aliens“, but to enforce the ones we currently have?
Upward Bound closure
As sent to our representatives - Hope others do the same!
Closure of a local Upward Bound Program that serves veterans is a shame. The Upward Bound Program at Humboldt State University will permanently close it doors at the end of November, 2007, because of the “lack of funding” (http://www.times-standard.com/local/ci_7413944).
It is hard to understand how a program that has been serving veterans over 33 years to continue their education is not funded. Especially with the number of new veterans that will be returning home from the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. Take into fact that many of these returning individuals left school, jobs and their families to defend our Nation against a war on terrorism as claimed by our current President and those in Congress who supported this cause.
Now, those in Congress need to address how to best assist the many returning home in re-adjusting their lives to return to school, work and their families with more funding for support programs. Veteran’s support programs seem to be always the first to be cut in our National Budget System. How does this demonstrate our country’s appreciation for what our young men and women did to protect our way of life here at home?
Providing more immediate funding for Veteran Upward Bound Programs is needed!
Veterans upward bound provides a comprehensive program of support services to improve both academic and motivational skills. Services are available for college preparation and GED completion . Specific services include developmental courses to improve basic skills, tutoring, career counseling and advisement, college orientation, assistance with admissions, financial aid and referrals to other agencies. Veterans must meet program eligibility requirements.
Our veterans will be coming home with a possibility of many different life adjustment issues and being able to provide them with an education and training should not be one left out.
I ask you, as our representative to address the concern shown here locally, as well as Nationally with an immediate increase in funding.
Closure of a local Upward Bound Program that serves veterans is a shame. The Upward Bound Program at Humboldt State University will permanently close it doors at the end of November, 2007, because of the “lack of funding” (http://www.times-standard.com/local/ci_7413944).
It is hard to understand how a program that has been serving veterans over 33 years to continue their education is not funded. Especially with the number of new veterans that will be returning home from the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. Take into fact that many of these returning individuals left school, jobs and their families to defend our Nation against a war on terrorism as claimed by our current President and those in Congress who supported this cause.
Now, those in Congress need to address how to best assist the many returning home in re-adjusting their lives to return to school, work and their families with more funding for support programs. Veteran’s support programs seem to be always the first to be cut in our National Budget System. How does this demonstrate our country’s appreciation for what our young men and women did to protect our way of life here at home?
Providing more immediate funding for Veteran Upward Bound Programs is needed!
Veterans upward bound provides a comprehensive program of support services to improve both academic and motivational skills. Services are available for college preparation and GED completion . Specific services include developmental courses to improve basic skills, tutoring, career counseling and advisement, college orientation, assistance with admissions, financial aid and referrals to other agencies. Veterans must meet program eligibility requirements.
Our veterans will be coming home with a possibility of many different life adjustment issues and being able to provide them with an education and training should not be one left out.
I ask you, as our representative to address the concern shown here locally, as well as Nationally with an immediate increase in funding.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Multiple Assistance Center Woes
http://www.times-standard.com/local/ci_7337690
RE-reading the article above, Ice pointed out the problem: "We have three organizations with different thoughts that do not want to lose their anonomity.
This especially applies to the Rescue Mission Ice operates. "When this project first started, there were differences between these organizations regarding funding and who should do what. It seems now, when one is about to go down, they give the impression of support, but yet are concerned about individual powers.
If they think about it, the 16 individuals will be going where for assistance? St. Vincent DePaul or Eureka Mission, or both. This is going to increase their problems. Who will pick up the slack in their budgets?
The Mac's future hinges on the RCAA being able to reorganize its budget. Here is another part of the problem, and this is going to be very difficult for them to overcome. For they can not only look at financial responsibility for the MAC as a single entity.
They must be able to look at the overall structure of RCAA. This may mean, Department heads wearing more than one hat of responsibility, as well as better time management towards the operation of new duties, as well as duties currently in possession of that need to be turned over to others.
No matter, RCAA and the MAC has to look outside of the box, as well as look within their own box to create new ways of doing things - Some of the new ways of business may be just doing what worked in the past and are currently working for others outside of the area.
Also, no matter how faith driven they are, in the present world money and resources are tight individually. Not working in following strong traditional structures will demonstrate more towards survival than standing on old ways of doing things (I am not saying forget your faith, but create an avenue for sharing your faith, as well as accomplishing common goals.).
As one, these organizations will not be self-supported; but as a combined effort, I believe they could stand stronger for future work needed.
RE-reading the article above, Ice pointed out the problem: "We have three organizations with different thoughts that do not want to lose their anonomity.
This especially applies to the Rescue Mission Ice operates. "When this project first started, there were differences between these organizations regarding funding and who should do what. It seems now, when one is about to go down, they give the impression of support, but yet are concerned about individual powers.
If they think about it, the 16 individuals will be going where for assistance? St. Vincent DePaul or Eureka Mission, or both. This is going to increase their problems. Who will pick up the slack in their budgets?
The Mac's future hinges on the RCAA being able to reorganize its budget. Here is another part of the problem, and this is going to be very difficult for them to overcome. For they can not only look at financial responsibility for the MAC as a single entity.
They must be able to look at the overall structure of RCAA. This may mean, Department heads wearing more than one hat of responsibility, as well as better time management towards the operation of new duties, as well as duties currently in possession of that need to be turned over to others.
No matter, RCAA and the MAC has to look outside of the box, as well as look within their own box to create new ways of doing things - Some of the new ways of business may be just doing what worked in the past and are currently working for others outside of the area.
Also, no matter how faith driven they are, in the present world money and resources are tight individually. Not working in following strong traditional structures will demonstrate more towards survival than standing on old ways of doing things (I am not saying forget your faith, but create an avenue for sharing your faith, as well as accomplishing common goals.).
As one, these organizations will not be self-supported; but as a combined effort, I believe they could stand stronger for future work needed.
More Homeland Security
Our County of Supervisors are spending $1.26 million for new security at the courthouse here in Eureka. Here is a bit on this:
http://www.times-standard.com/local/ci_7337625
More security to induce fear in Humboldt County, as well as throughout our Nation. What next?
We have $1.26 million dollars being spent on security, needed or not. The need is not even being questioned by our representatives, it is just being done because of good authority there is a possibility of danger, a low possibility, but it is there.
After the installation of these security systems, as individuals we will have our bags and bodies checked for possible weapons (Though Law Enforcement will still enter through a private entrance and still carry their weapons, providing access to a weapon to the one who really wants trouble - No win situation.). Of course, after going through the security gate, you will need to sign in, show proof of who you are, provide reason for visit, and maybe even be asked to leave something of value at the entrance.
All in the name of security, protecting us, the people from ourselves. Kind of like President Bush using the 9/11 incident as something that "may" happen again because he hasn't got an Attorney General.
I know I am really sounding out of it. But I was shopping earlier today and noticed something that gave me thought to maybe our future. An individual was asked for a picture ID to purchase alcohol.
We all are in agreement with this, but as the customer asked: "It is not obvious that I am old enough to purchase alcohol?" as he reached into his billfold for his ID.
The store cashier/clerk responded: "We must ask everyone for an ID. It is the store policy, it is the Law." as they pointed to the camera behind him.
Imagine a few years from now, not too long, new security measures throughout the local area and country require we all wear our ID's on our chest. We would need to have ID's with various colors to point out that we may or may not be of risk. On top of this, these ID's don't come from the Department of Motor Vehicles, but our new local Department of Homeland Security.
But this is not all, because after we have gotten these ID's, we will become registered as residents of this County. Meaning, we can still travel freely to visit other parts of the country, but we could not change our residence without re-registering at the County we are looking to move to, show proof of employment, or ability to care for oneself, etc. (This is how it is in China, only tied to the City.).
Oops, maybe I should not of shared this thought. Our local government might use it, instead of coming to a sensible idea that does not take away our individual dignity and so-called freedoms.
http://www.times-standard.com/local/ci_7337625
More security to induce fear in Humboldt County, as well as throughout our Nation. What next?
We have $1.26 million dollars being spent on security, needed or not. The need is not even being questioned by our representatives, it is just being done because of good authority there is a possibility of danger, a low possibility, but it is there.
After the installation of these security systems, as individuals we will have our bags and bodies checked for possible weapons (Though Law Enforcement will still enter through a private entrance and still carry their weapons, providing access to a weapon to the one who really wants trouble - No win situation.). Of course, after going through the security gate, you will need to sign in, show proof of who you are, provide reason for visit, and maybe even be asked to leave something of value at the entrance.
All in the name of security, protecting us, the people from ourselves. Kind of like President Bush using the 9/11 incident as something that "may" happen again because he hasn't got an Attorney General.
I know I am really sounding out of it. But I was shopping earlier today and noticed something that gave me thought to maybe our future. An individual was asked for a picture ID to purchase alcohol.
We all are in agreement with this, but as the customer asked: "It is not obvious that I am old enough to purchase alcohol?" as he reached into his billfold for his ID.
The store cashier/clerk responded: "We must ask everyone for an ID. It is the store policy, it is the Law." as they pointed to the camera behind him.
Imagine a few years from now, not too long, new security measures throughout the local area and country require we all wear our ID's on our chest. We would need to have ID's with various colors to point out that we may or may not be of risk. On top of this, these ID's don't come from the Department of Motor Vehicles, but our new local Department of Homeland Security.
But this is not all, because after we have gotten these ID's, we will become registered as residents of this County. Meaning, we can still travel freely to visit other parts of the country, but we could not change our residence without re-registering at the County we are looking to move to, show proof of employment, or ability to care for oneself, etc. (This is how it is in China, only tied to the City.).
Oops, maybe I should not of shared this thought. Our local government might use it, instead of coming to a sensible idea that does not take away our individual dignity and so-called freedoms.
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