Archive for May 24th, 2009

Justice Ken Salazar?

May 24, 2009

As I have posted elsewhere, Ken Salazar is a nice guy. He appears to work very hard at pleasing as many people and causes as he possibly can. That, however, is not leadership. Leadership is about making hard choices based upon personal beliefs and solid ethics. It’s decidedly not about pleasing groups or popularity. That is “leading” by way of polls and political correctness. Soon, the impostor in chief will submit a nominee for the Supreme Court. The obama has a lot of political debts left to be paid off. Not the least of which is the Latino contingent. So will obama toss the Latinos a bone or continue to hold them out in front of a bus where they will be easy to toss under as a matter of political expediency? The obama also has some real serious debt politically in Colorado. Two birds with one stone perhaps? As much as I disagree with obama I’m not about to call him stupid when it comes to obfuscation and related “skills.”

I’m thinking that the heavy hitters in Colorado may have hit a home run on this one. After all, being a Justice on the Supreme Court isn’t at all about intestinal fortitude, and hasn’t been for quite some time, if indeed it ever was. It is about turning any argument away from the true issue at hand. Witness the recent decisions in the Heller case, and another having to do with domestic violence that was really about ex post facto law. The Supreme Court was at best disingenuous, and in the worst sense kowtowing to political correctness.

Based upon the preceeding realizations of truth I whole heartedly support Ken Salazar for a position on the Supreme Court of the United States of America. He would fit right in.

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Posted in Domestic Violence, Editorial, Opinion, Education, Gun Control, Law, Local Politics Colorado, mysandry, Non Compos Mentis, Politics, Uncategorized, Wordpress Political Blogs | 2 Comments »

Profiles in Valor: 10th Special Forces (ABN)

May 24, 2009

Based out of Colorado Springs the Tenth Special Forces Group displays Valor and courage. It is said that Navy Seals leave craters but that when it comes the the Special Forces, you never knew they were there. Well, that is not always the case. Read on …

On 10 September 2007, a team of three Army Green Berets led by Capt. Matthew A. Chaney, along with nine Iraqi police, began an assault from two helicopters near Samarra, Iraq. The team was targeting Abu Obaeideah, a leader of the Islamic State of Iraq in the area. The field designated for landing was covered with water, so the helicopters had to land closer to the insurgents’ safe house, where they came under heavy enemy fire.

Practically blinded by dust from the second helicopter, the Iraqis were all but taken out of the fight from the start, so Chaney, Sgt. 1st Class Michael D. Lindsay and Staff Sgt. Jarion Halbisengibbs led a charge against the building where the hostile fire was originating. Halbisengibbs threw in a fragmentation grenade, killing two, and the soldiers rushed in. Lindsay was hit in the throat by an AK-47 round, and Chaney took a hit to the pelvis. Then both were thrown from the doorway by a grenade blast. Lindsay, who couldn’t raise his rifle, fired at the enemy with his pistol. Chaney couldn’t feel his legs, but he kept firing, killing a jihadi. Halbisengibbs “continued to clear the structure in complete darkness as his night vision goggles and personal radio were all destroyed by enemy gunfire at point blank range,” the official narrative read. He was shot in the thumb and knocked down by a grenade blast but continued fighting, killing another terrorist. As he moved back to the courtyard to protect his wounded comrades, Halbisengibbs was shot through the abdomen but managed to kill another jihadi on his way to the ground. He then directed the Iraqi police to finish the fight. Obaeideah was killed, along with 12 other insurgents, six by Halbisengibbs.

All three Green Berets have recovered from their injuries. Chaney and Lindsay were each awarded the Silver Star; Halbisengibbs received the Distinguished Service Cross, the Army’s second highest combat medal.

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More on taxation…

May 24, 2009

So the Tea Party’s were just a bunch of fringe lunatics? At least that seems to be what the politicians and MSM thought. It’s too bad that they couldn’t come up with a better descriptive than having to borrow a term from the porn industry to call the supporters of the latest tax rebellion. This week, arguably the most liberal state in America told the big government types to go away with their ever expanding and oppressive form of government. The election results told the tale; the people are “Taxed Enough Already!” And that friends, is not “tea bagging.”

The Golden State is seeing red — lots of it. After voters Tuesday nixed state legislators’ hopes of supplementing federal stimulus money with another taxpayer-funded “bailout,” California’s budget deficit ballooned from $15 billion to $21 billion. Voters rejected five of six ballot measures that would have, among other things, extended tax increases, let the state borrow against future revenue, and redirected education and mental-health money into the state’s general fund. The vote against each of the five defeated measures exceeded 60 percent. The only initiative that passed bans pay raises for elected officials in a year with a budget deficit — it passed with 74 percent of the vote.

The problem isn’t lack of revenue — far from it. As columnist George Will notes, if “state spending increases [since 1990] had been held to the inflation rate plus population growth, the state would have a $15 billion surplus.” Instead, in the past six years, inflation-adjusted per capita government spending has skyrocketed almost 20 percent — under the “Republican” governor who replaced a Democrat in a recall election with his promise to pull California back from financial ruin.

Failing to mention the causes of California’s financial disaster, The New York Times headlined its story with “Calif. Voters Reject Measures to Keep State Solvent,” and ABC was no better, bemoaning the state’s “unwillingness to raise taxes.” Perhaps the most troubling quote, however, comes from columnist Jack Kelly, disturbing not for its distortion but for its truth: “Pay attention to what happens in California. It’s a harbinger of things to come everywhere.”

Then we have this to show as further repudiation of socialism’s promise…

Speaking of higher taxes, Americans are saying good-bye to higher taxes — literally. According to a study recently conducted for the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), from 1998 to 2007, more than 1,100 people per day — many of them high-income earners — moved from the nine highest-income-tax states primarily to the nine no-income-tax states. For example, after New Jersey implemented its “half-millionaire” tax hike in 2005, the state lost 4,000 half-millionaires. And as billionaire Tom Golisano recently wrote in The New York Post, his move from the Empire State to the Sunshine State will save him more than $5 million annually in state taxes.

High taxes are not only the antagonist to population retention but are also the toxin that kills economic growth. When the University of Colorado’s Barry W. Poulson examined reasons for states’ prosperity or lack thereof from 1964 to 2004, he found “a significant negative impact of higher marginal tax rates on state economic growth.” The ALEC study confirmed this, finding that from 1998 to 2007, states with no income tax created 89 percent more jobs and boasted 32 percent faster personal income growth than high-tax states.

Still, liberals cry for tax hikes on the rich to alleviate state budget deficits. It turns out that by talking with their feet, the “rich” are saying, “No thanks.”

SOURCE

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Posted in Economics, Editorial, Opinion, Law, News, Politics, Wordpress Political Blogs | 1 Comment »

The three “non’s” of PBS

May 24, 2009

In a swiftly changing political climate that seems to be affecting nearly every aspect of American life, switching from the news channel to, say, a documentary on Antarctica or a sermon by your local televised church on PBS is a good way to drown out the incessant babble. Or at least, it was.

The word is that PBS is living up to its company motto to “Be More” by threatening to yank its association with stations that broadcast “sectarian” content. Sounds like “Be Less” to us. Back in 1985, PBS enacted a policy of “Three Nons,” meaning PBS affiliate stations could only air material that met the following criteria: noncommercial, nonpartisan and nonsectarian. Noting the irony, Newsbusters reports, “PBS routinely fails at nonpartisanship, and its programs have long been a commercial bonanza for savvy ‘nonprofiteers.’ The ‘sectarian’ use of PBS, by comparison, is quite rare and localized.”

So what’s the focus of this action? Apparently if PBS enforces the “Three Nons,” a station that airs religious material, such as WLAE in New Orleans, which has broadcast its Catholic Mass for 25 years without any viewer complaints, would lose its affiliation.

The Washington Post reports that the number of affiliate stations carrying religious programming is small — PBS isn’t even sure of the number. But “religious services of faith-based groups” will be barred, said Jennifer Lawson, chairwoman of the PBS committee that is scheduled to vote next month on enforcing the “Three Nons.” But lest readers be confused, “The intent is for [PBS stations] to show editorial independence,” Lawson added. So censoring religious programming is meant to be a show of “editorial independence?” Thanks for clearing that up.

SOURCE

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Posted in Editorial, Opinion, Education, Law, News, Non Compos Mentis, Politics, Wordpress Political Blogs | 2 Comments »

Joe Biden, the gift that keeps on giving!

May 24, 2009

The next time that a Vice President needs a hidy hole the terrorist will know exactly where to find him…

Joe Biden is at it again. Known for his loose lips, Biden is constantly in the position of issuing clarifying statements regarding some off-the-wall comment. The VP has outdone himself this time, though. At the recent Gridiron Club dinner in Washington, Biden informed his companions of the secret bunker where the vice president remains if he needs a secure location — it’s under the old U.S. Naval Observatory, which is now home to the vice president. A spokesperson did clarify later that Biden meant the “upstairs workspace.” Sure. We can only imagine that Biden was thinking, “I’ll show Cheney. I’ll tell everyone where he was hiding, that slime ball.” The only problem is the next time the vice president — which would be Joe Biden — needs a secure location, everyone knows the first place to look. For his slack jaw, Biden was sent on a super secret mission to the Balkans, where he claimed that he came under sniper fire in 1993. The gift that keeps on giving…

SOURCE

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Bag ’em and Tag ’em, Cap ’em and tax ’em

May 24, 2009

This is trophy hunting at it’s best! (sarcasm)

Democrats Hot for Global Warming Legislation

House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA) won a victory on his 1,000-page cap and trade (read: cap and tax) bill Thursday when it passed his committee on a party line 33-25 vote. The bill ostensibly tackles global warming by creating a system in which industrial producers of greenhouse gas emissions would be required to meet a government-imposed cap on their emissions, but would allow them to purchase credits that cover emissions exceeding the cap.

Initially, Obama wanted the credits to be auctioned off, with the estimated $629 billion in proceeds to go to other government-subsidized programs, of which he has no shortage. Congress thought otherwise, though, and instead will allow the EPA to dole out 85 percent of the credits for free to various energy producers and states. The remaining 15 percent would be auctioned off, with the proceeds going to low- and middle-income families hardest hit by the inevitable rise in electricity costs that will come after the program is in place.

This brings us to why Waxman is in such a hurry to get this bill through the House. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that 80 percent of Americans can expect a rise in their energy bills and a reduction in real income because of the cap and trade bill. What amounts to a national energy tax also will cost jobs, as the bill itself admits. Part 2, section 426, states: “An eligible worker, specifically workers who lose their jobs as a result of this measure, may receive a climate change adjustment allowance under this subsection for a period of not longer than 156 weeks.” That’s three years for those educated in public schools.

Unfortunately, consumers know very little about the cap and trade legislation (and as seen in this video, neither does Waxman. According to a recent Rasmussen poll, only 24 percent of voters know what cap and trade is; 29 percent thought it was related to Wall Street and 17 percent thought it was related to health care reform. Fully 30 percent didn’t have a clue what the term even meant. And that fits perfectly into the Democrats’ plan.

SOURCE

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Be “Bear Aware”

May 24, 2009

While this will apply mostly to Colorado the information is both timely and appropriate all across America, if not the world. Keeping yourself, family, and loved ones safe starts with you, it is your responsibility, not the governments. They all act “after the fact,” and you “the people” voted in measures that have resulted in little or no fear of humans by dangerous wildlife species.

BE ‘BEAR AWARE’ WHEN CAMPING


WESTCLIFFE, Colo. – Memorial Day Weekend marks the traditional start to the camping season, and the Colorado Division of Wildlife reminds campers to be “bear aware” when enjoying the outdoors.  Campers should keep their campsites clean to avoid attracting bears, or other wildlife.

Bears go into campgrounds because food is often available around tents, camp trailers, and dumpsters.  The potential for conflicts increases when food brings bears and humans come into close contact.

“Bears are built to eat and their sense of smell is incredible,” explained Justin Krall, a district wildlife manager in the Westcliffe area. “They can smell food from miles away and they’ll travel to find it.”

In a natural setting, bears would just as soon avoid people, but bears that learn to associate humans with food begin to lose their natural fear of people.  “Food Conditioned” bears are the most dangerous kind.  They usually end up being euthanized.

“It is unfortunate, but bears get into trouble because humans leave food around,” Krall said.

“Bears are not naturally aggressive toward humans, they are actually very shy creatures,” Krall said. “However, bears are on a mission to find food. Campers need to take precautions to avoid problems for you and your family, but also for the campers who use the site after you.  Do not leave food or garbage behind.  Always pack out your trash.”

Here are a few tips for campers in bear country:
*   Keep a clean site and clean up thoroughly after every meal;
*   After grilling, allow the fire to continue until food scraps and grease are burned completely off the grill.
*   Do not eat in your tent or keep food in your tent;
*   Do not leave pet food outside for a long period of time.  Any uneaten pet food should also be stored in a secure container.
*   Store unused food and garbage in secure containers out of the reach of bears and away from your sleeping area;
*   If you see a bear in a campground, report it to the local DOW office as soon as possible.
*   If you come in close contact with a bear, talk to it firmly and make yourself look as large as possible. Back away slowly, but do not run.
*   Teach children and others who might be unfamiliar with bears about bear safety.

For additional information on how the public can do their part to keep Colorado’s bears wild please visit the Division of Wildlife’s Living With Wildlife web page at http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeSpecies/LivingWithWildlife/ and click on the “Living with Bears in Colorado” link.

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

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Posted in Editorial, Opinion, Education, Hunting Fishing and the Great Outdoors, Law, Local Politics Colorado, Men's Issues, News, Non Compos Mentis, Politics, Wordpress Political Blogs | Comments Off on Be “Bear Aware”

2009 Waterfowl Stamp: Colorado Winner

May 24, 2009

COLORADO DIVISION OF WILDLIFE ANNOUNCES 2009 WATERFOWL STAMP ART CONTEST WINNER

DENVER, Colo.–The Colorado Division of Wildlife today named Wisconsin artist Craig Fairbert winner of the 2009 Colorado Waterfowl Stamp Art Contest.  Fairbert’s painting entitled “Golden Colorado” was selected as the best representation of this year’s featured duck species, the Barrow’s Goldeneye (Bucephala islandica).

“Craig’s depiction of the Barrow’s Goldeneye was outstanding and captured the essence of the species,” said Brian Sullivan, DOW wetlands coordinator.  “We want to congratulate Craig on winning this year’s contest and look forward to seeing his artwork on this year’s stamp.”

Each year, the Colorado Waterfowl Stamp Program holds a contest for original waterfowl artwork to be depicted on the Colorado Waterfowl Stamp.  Thirty-seven artists participated in this year’s competition.  Fairbert said he was honored to compete with so many talented and well-known wildlife artists.

“Based on some of the other entries I’ve seen, this year’s contest could have easily gone to someone else,” said Fairbert.  “I’m relatively new to stamp contests, so it is a real privilege to be mentioned along with the other artists in the competition who have won numerous awards around the country.”

Fairbert began competing in Wisconsin wildlife stamp contests in 2004 and achieved great success, winning the 2005 Wisconsin Great Lakes Trout Stamp, 2007 Wisconsin Inland Trout Stamp, 2008 Wisconsin Pheasant Stamp and the 2009 Wisconsin Turkey Stamp contests.   In spite of all his success in his home state, Fairbert said winning the Colorado contest was particularly satisfying.

“This was a big win for several reasons,” Fairbert said.  “This was my first national-level stamp win and it was also my first waterfowl stamp win. Most importantly, I’ve enjoyed bow hunting for elk in the great state of Colorado on several occasions, and also hope to make Colorado my home someday.”
Fairbert, who began his art career painting murals on 40-feet wide billboards, said there are some unique techniques and considerations when creating art for something as small as a postage stamp.

“You definitely have to consider that the piece is going to be significantly smaller than the original art,” Fairbert said.  “When nearing completion, I usually scan the art, and then reduce it to stamp size and make necessary changes before sending it off for competition.  It is difficult but necessary to leave out subtle details that would most likely never be seen when the artwork is reduced to stamp size.”

Fairbert is currently employed as a designer and artist for a company that produces outdoor apparel for Cabelas, Gander Mountain, Ducks Unlimited and resort areas throughout the country.   In addition to his passion for art, Fairbert is an avid angler and bow hunter.  Craig and his wife Maria, hope to move to Colorado once their children begin college.

The 2009 Colorado Waterfowl Stamp and collector’s prints will be available for purchase August 1, 2009.  All hunters are required to purchase a stamp to hunt waterfowl in Colorado.  Hunters receive an electronic stamp validating their license and may also request the traditional stamp, featuring the artist’s rendition, at the time of purchase.

The Colorado Waterfowl Stamp Program is designed to conserve wetlands for waterfowl and other wetland-dependent wildlife.  All revenue generated from the program is used to fund wetlands projects throughout the state.  Participation in the Waterfowl Stamp Program by hunters and non-hunters alike is an effective way to contribute to the conservation of this precious resource. Wetlands conservation efforts improve habitat for ducks, geese and many other species of birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish and mammals.

Since its inception in 1990, the Colorado Waterfowl Stamp has raised $6.7 million to help preserve more than 19,500 acres of waterfowl habitat from development.

Waterfowl stamps and prints from previous years are available through the Colorado Wildlife Heritage Foundation.  They can be purchased online (www.cwhf.info/ShopOnline/index.asp) or by contacting Terrie DeLoria (Terrie.DeLoria@state.co.us).

For more information about artist Craig Fairbert and the Waterfowl Stamp Program, please visit: http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/Waterfowl/WaterfowlStampProgram/ColoradoWaterfowlStampWinners.htm
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For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.

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