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What a mess! Colorado politics…

September 9, 2010

Politics for Conservatives in Colorado are in a flux this year. Alright, so the whining and moaning about the Governors race may have some reasoning behind it. At this point there really isn’t much that can be done. Read about that mess HERE.

Outgoing Governor Bill Ritter, played politics with his selection for the Colorado Supreme Court.

Colorado’s Supreme Court is out of control…

Repeated rulings by Colorado’s Supreme Court – called the “most activist, partisan state Supreme Court in the nation” – have demonstrated their contempt for the very Constitution they are sworn to uphold.

DID YOU KNOW that you have the right to vote “NO” on these unjust justices?

It’s true – even Supreme Court justices in Colorado ARE accountable to the people. In 2010, FOUR (er, THREE now – since Chief Justice Mullarkey quit rather than face the voters in the November elections) of the current Colorado Supreme Court justices NEED YOUR APPROVAL to be retained on the bench.
DON’T GIVE IT TO THEM! Ditch the Mullarkey Majority – Vote “NO” on these unjust justices!
(Justices Michael Bender, Alex Martinez, Nancy Rice and Chief Justice Mary Mullarkey)

WANTED: Off the Supreme Court Bench, for Aiding and Abetting

Read more about that HERE.


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Posted in Editorial, Opinion, Education, Hoplophobia, Law, Local Politics Colorado, News, Politics, Wordpress Political Blogs | 4 Comments »

BIG GAME HUNTING SEASON STORIES NOW AVAILABLE AT DOW WEB SITE

August 28, 2010

The Colorado Division of Wildlife has posted its annual story package for the 2010 Big Game Hunting Season on its Web site. All media outlets are invited to use these for specials sections, on Web sites or in regular publications. Photos from the DOW image database are also available.

These are general stories that provide basic information to big game hunters. Topics include: care of big game meat; what hunters should do if they make a mistake in the field; proper use of off-road vehicles; common violations; tips for hunting deer and elk, and more.

Go to this web site to access the stories:
http://wildlife.state.co.us/NewsMedia/BigGameHuntingStories.htm.

Following is the list of the stories available this year.
–          Caring for Your Campsite
–          Don’t Shoot a Moose
–          Essential Hunting Gear Check-list
–          High Altitude Survival
–          DOW Offers Many Information Resources for Hunters
–          What to do if You Make a Mistake While Hunting
–          Know Where You’re Hunting
–          Preference Point System Explained
–          How to Hunt Pronghorn
–          Ranching for Wildlife Program Unique
–          Colorado’s Wildlife Conservation History
–          How to Hunt Deer
–          Avoid These Common Hunting Violations
–          How to Hunt Elk
–          Taking Care of Game Meat
–          Hunting Ethics Critical to Sport
–          How to Hunt Safely
–          Hunting with Horses
–          Know the Rules of Hunting
–          Poaching a Constant Problem
–          Staying Found in the Mountains
–          Use ATVs Properly
–          Wildlife Management in Colorado

If you need photos for your publication or Web site, photos from the DOW image database can be downloaded from http://wildlife.state.co.us/NewsMedia/ImageDB/. You can browse images by category or search by keyword. Once you’ve found the image you want, simply copy and paste the image or the image URL to your computer. Caption information is included with most photos. Unless otherwise noted, please credit Colorado Division of Wildlife.

For details about hunting in specific areas in Colorado, you can contact one of the DOW’s public information specialists:
Northeast region: Jennifer Churchill (303) 291-7234
Southeast region: Michael Seraphin (719) 227-5211
Northwest region: Randy Hampton (970) 255-6162
Southwest region: Joe Lewandowski (970) 375-6708
Statewide: Tyler Baskfield (303) 291-7468
Statewide: Jerry Neal (303) 291-7161

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

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Posted in Gun Control, Hunting Fishing and the Great Outdoors, Law, Local Politics Colorado, News, Uncategorized | Comments Off on BIG GAME HUNTING SEASON STORIES NOW AVAILABLE AT DOW WEB SITE

GOA scores victories for liberty and freedom!

August 22, 2010

Granted this is a little late folks. I’m still playing catch up. Contrast this with my earlier post about Matt Mead here in Wyoming.

GOA Scores Another Win in Tuesday’s Primaries

— Colorado’s Ken Buck Joins Growing List of Pro-gun Candidates
Wednesday, August 11, 2010

As we inch closer to the all-important 2010 general election, Gun Owners of America Political Victory Fund added one more name to the list of candidates who will come to Washington to slam the brakes on the Obama/Pelosi/Reid gun control agenda.

In Tuesday’s Republican primary in Colorado, Ken Buck won a hard fought victory with 52% of the vote.

Late in the campaign, Buck’s opponent criticized him for standing up for the rights of gun dealers when he worked as a federal prosecutor.  In 1999, a U.S. Attorney appointed by President Clinton engaged in politically motivated prosecutions of several Colorado gun dealers.  Buck took a bold stand to protect these businessmen and their Second Amendment rights in the aftermath of the horrific Columbine shooting.

Ken Buck’s victory is the latest in a string of wins for GOA-endorsed candidates.

In May, GOA-PVF supported Rand Paul in a primary against the hand-picked candidate of the Washington Republican establishment.  Paul coasted to victory, defeating his opponent by more than twenty percentage points.

Dr. Paul, an eye surgeon, faces Democrat career politician Jack Conway.

GOA-PVF also opposed the reelection of long-time incumbent Senator Bob Bennett of Utah.  Bennett went down in defeat at a Republican Party state convention in May.  Solid pro-gunner Mike Lee is favored to win the general election.

Another GOA-PVF candidate, Marco Rubio of Florida, avoided a primary altogether when his opponent dropped out of the Republican primary to run as an Independent.

And in what is the most watched, and maybe most important race in the country, GOA-PVF candidate Sharron Angle emerged victorious from a grueling three-way primary.  Mrs. Angle, a staunch, conservative pro-gun former state legislator, will take on Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid in November.

There are still several more Senate primaries to go before November.  J.D. Hayworth in Arizona and Christine O’Donnell in Delaware is running against one of the most anti-gun members of Congress, Mike Castle.

GOA-PVF is also supporting Carly Fiorina, who is running against Sen. Barbara Boxer — one of the most anti-gun members of the U.S. Senate.

The 2010 elections may be the most important votes we cast in our lifetimes.  To learn more about all of the candidates GOA-PVF is supporting, please visit www.goapvf.org.

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Posted in Editorial, Opinion, Education, Gun Control, Hoplophobia, Law, Local Politics Colorado, Local Politics Wyoming, mysandry, News, Politics, States Rights, Wordpress Political Blogs | Comments Off on GOA scores victories for liberty and freedom!

Mothers Against Debt (MAD)

May 17, 2010

A Message from Mothers Against Debt (MAD): From Transparency Czarina Amy Oliver,

This what we have done to our children with our reckless spending and massive national debt. Sadly this video is already out of date. Since this video was made, our national debt has climbed another $1700.

Please share this wonderful, but frightening video with as many people as you know. It’s about time we start talking about the massive amount of crippling debt we are enslaving our children and grandchildren with.

Don’t Be Like California (Or Greece): Writing about the fairly frightening similarities between Greece and California over at Reason Online, Tim Cavanaugh asks, “What do Europe’s most bankrupt nation-state and America’s most bankrupt united state have in common, aside from being bankrupt?”

Good question. Cavanaugh continues:

…it turns out that Greece, that sun-drenched paradise on the Aegean, and California, that sun-warmed El Dorado on the Pacific, are the worst places to do business in their respective economic zones.”

So how did California come to resemble a fiscally-wrecked European social-welfare state that needs a massive bailout? Independence Institute Senior Fellow Barry Poulson gave a heads up last year in the Denver Post

:

The Golden State’s GANN Amendment, a precursor of TABOR, limited the growth of state revenue and spending to the sum of inflation and population growth. In the late 1980s, the California legislature abandoned the GANN Amendment. As a result, state spending in California increased more rapidly than personal income and taxes were increased to one of the highest levels in the country. Business investment and jobs left the state for other states with better tax climates.

The moral of the story is of course, don’t be like California.

RSVP’s Welcome for the 8th Annual ATF Party! Registration for the most politically incorrect event of the year is now open – this year’s Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms party! The event is set for Saturday, July 17th at the swank Kiowa Creek Sporting Club. This year’s guest speaker is the brilliant and always straight shooting editor-in-chief at Reason Magazine, Nick Gillespie. Come on out and drink, smoke, and shoot with us… while it’s still legal! RSVP here online or call us at 303.279.6536.

What Fresh Obama Care Hell Is This? So here’s a nasty little surprise from deep in the bowels of Obama Care:

Section 9006 of the health care bill — just a few lines buried in the 2,409-page document — mandates that beginning in 2012 all companies will have to issue 1099 tax forms not just to contract workers but to any individual or corporation from which they buy more than $600 in goods or services in a tax year. The stealth change radically alters the nature of 1099s and means businesses will have to issue millions of new tax documents each year.

It’s things like this that help explain Nancy Pelosi’s motivation when she said, “But we have to pass the bill so you can find out what is in it, away from the fog of the controversy.” Look for more unbelievably bad tidbits to emerge now that the “fog of controversy” has been lifted from the Obama Care bill.

Free People, Free Markets – the Tuesday Night edition: Many of you asked for a Principles of Liberty course to take place on a weeknight, instead of on Saturdays. You also asked that we hold the class somewhere in the south metro area, instead of here at the Independence Institute offices in Golden. Well, you’re in luck! The Spring Free People, Free Markets classes will be held on 5 consecutive Tuesdays at 6:30pm, starting May 18th, down in the Denver Tech Center. Classes will be at the Colorado Contractors Association building at the intersection of I-25 and Arapahoe Road (map). For more information, click here for the official class flyer.

Again, that’s five consecutive Tuesdays, May 18th to June 15th from 6:30 to 9:30 in the Denver Tech Center. Call us at 303.279.6536 to RSVP!

Must See TV: A higher education marks an important chapter in one’s life, but what happens when this chapter is being distorted by a demonstrable lack of intellectual diversity and debate? Author Robert Maranto joins me to discuss a number of the problems, the scope, and reforms for higher education that are in his new book The Politically Correct University. Jessica Peck-Cory of Independence Institute steps up to discuss some of the issues surrounding the civic direction of CU at Boulder. Don’t miss this important discussion on the issues of higher ed this Friday night at 8:30PM on KBDI Channel 12; repeated the following Tuesday evening at 5PM.

Must hear podcast: Is there anything that reasonably can be done to change the overwhelming Left-leaning bias of faculties at American colleges? Lead editor of the new insightful volume The Politically Correct University, University of Arkansas Department of Education Reform professor Bob Maranto discusses the problem and possible solutions with Education Policy Center analyst Ben DeGrow.

Perspective: In this week’s op-ed, health care policy analyst Brian Schwartz questions your “compassionate” politics. Brian wonders when it became compassionate to take other people’s money away and give it to charity, rather than your own. Forced charity is not really charity.

Until next week…

Straight on

Jon Caldara

www.independenceinstitute.org

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Posted in Economics, Editorial, Opinion, Education, Gun Control, Law, Local Politics Colorado, News, Politics, Wordpress Political Blogs | 2 Comments »

Thieves at the Public Table: Poachers or just killers?

April 25, 2010

DOW INVESTIGATING DEER KILLINGS AT ADAMS STATE COLLEGE

ALAMOSA, Colo. — The Colorado Division of Wildlife is investigating the killing of five deer on the campus of Adams State College.

The animals were shot at approximately 2 a.m., April 22, and were found by Alamosa police department officers. They notified campus police and the Colorado Division of Wildlife. The DOW is the lead agency in the investigation because the crime involves wildlife. The investigation is being coordinated with campus police.

No motive or suspects have been identified.

Anyone who has information about this incident should contact the DOW’s Monte Vista office at (719)587-6900; Operation Game Thief at 1-877-265-6648; or the Adams State police at (719)587-7901.

Reports can be made anonymously to Operation Game Thief, and a reward is possible if a tip leads to a conviction.

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, News, Uncategorized | Comments Off on Thieves at the Public Table: Poachers or just killers?

Whew! Colorado Division of Wildlfe has been busy!

April 11, 2010

I do try to keep things posted in a timely  manner here with regards to things related to outdoors recreation. Mostly in Colorado, because I know it so well, and Wyoming, because it is like an adventure exploring my new home state. Then, there is my recent re-entry into reloading. My screen netting of Clear Creek here in the new local area… And so on.

So? Read on. This is, after all a compilation.

DENVER, Colo. — The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) is starting its 5-year review of statewide fishing regulations and is asking anglers throughout the state to provide comments and suggestions on regulations and possible changes.

DOW’s aquatic biologists continually evaluate Colorado’s fisheries, pausing every five years to review the fishing regulations with the Colorado Wildlife Commission to ensure that management objectives and recreation needs for anglers are met. The regulations set allowable methods of take, season dates, size requirements and bag limits, as well as statewide rules that apply to individual waters throughout Colorado.

In addition to regulations, DOW biologists will examine biological and social data from state waters. These include fish and creel surveys, research and trend information, water quality issues, stocking activity and angler-satisfaction surveys. This data will be considered in the decision-making process for setting new regulations.

“We have some very interesting feedback in the northeast region regarding our fishing regulations,” said Ken Kehmeier, Senior Aquatic Biologist,” We’ve already heard from folks who’d like to see carp tournaments allowed, bow and spear fishing, and changes to the walleye regulations. These meetings are a great place to hash out ideas on angling with the public and brainstorm ways to make fishing even better for Coloradoans.”

Northeast Region Meetings

Tuesday, April 27              Comfort Inn Fort Morgan, 1409 Barlow Rd., 6:30-8:30 PM

Wednesday, April 28      Sterling Ramada Inn, 22140 E Hwy 6, 6:30-8:30 PM

Tuesday, May 4                                Fort Collins Senior Center, 1200 Raintree Dr., 6:30-8:30 PM

Wednesday, May 5         DOW Denver HQ, 6060 Broadway, Bighorn Room, 6:30-8:30 PM

Timeline for 5-Year Fishing Regulation Process

The DOW requests that most angler comments be received by the end of April. The DOW is also asking for comments from fishing organizations, sportsmen’s groups; water resource managers, including ditch companies, conservancy districts, and state and federal government agencies; land management agencies, local governments and private landowners; and businesses and communities that have an economic stake in fishing activity.

After receiving input from anglers and an internal review, draft regulations will be prepared by July and presented for more public comment. The draft regulations will be sent to the wildlife commission in September for review and more public comment will be allowed at that time. New regulations will be adopted formally in November.

For the northeast region, submit questions or comments to Ken Kehmeier by calling, (970 472-4350), or emailing keh.kehmeier@state.co.us; Statewide-issue comments can also be submitted to Dave Chadwick, (303)291-7174, dave.chadwick@coloradostate.us.

Every year more than 600,000 people buy fishing licenses in Colorado. The state offers are wide variety of angling opportunities. Anglers can fish at warm- and cold-water lakes and reservoirs, in numerous big rivers, and in alpine streams and lakes. Every year, fishing in Colorado generates about $1.2 billion in economic benefits.

ANGLER ROUNDTABLES IN JUNCTION, GLENWOOD, MEEKER, STEAMBOAT AND GRANBY

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo., – The Colorado Division of Wildlife is hosting Angler Roundtables around northwest Colorado to discuss the agency’s five-year review of fishing regulations. Angler Roundtables are open to the public and anyone interested in fishing is encouraged to attend.

Local Angler Roundtables will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the following locations:

Meeker – Thursday, April 22 – Mountain Valley Bank (400 Main Street)

Granby – Monday, April 26 – Granby Community Center (3rd and Jasper)

Glenwood Springs – Tuesday, April 27 – Glenwood Springs Community Center (100 Wolfsohn Rd.)

Grand Junction – Wednesday, April 28 – Ramada Inn (752 Horizon Dr.)

Steamboat Springs – Thursday, April 29 – DOW/USFS Office (925 Weiss Dr.)

Angler Roundtables are public meetings designed to provide people who fish with the opportunity to hear about DOW management and to ask questions or provide suggestions. In addition to discussing regulation changes, anglers can get information or ask questions about local fishing opportunities.

Fishing is an important part of Colorado’s economy. Every year more than 600,000 people buy fishing licenses in Colorado. Fishing generates about $1.2 billion in recreation revenue each year in the state.

After receiving public input, DOW staff will develop draft regulations to present to the Colorado Wildlife Commission in September. Those draft regulations will receive additional public review and Commission discussion before formal adoption by the Commission in November.

FLY FISHING SEMINAR IN SALIDA


SALIDA, Colo. – The Colorado Division of Wildlife will provide a fly fishing class on Sat., April 17, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Salida.

The seminar is geared toward intermediate fly-fisherman and takes place in two sessions – indoor classroom instruction at the Salida DOW office in the morning, followed by “hands-on” fishing instruction on the Arkansas River in the afternoon.

“This class will help people who already have a working knowledge of fly fishing to further fine-tune their skills and make them a more versatile angler,” said Matt Yamashita of the DOW.  “We will cover topics such as reading the water, casting techniques, and various fly presentation styles.”

Participants must furnish their own waders and fly-fishing gear (rods, reels, etc.), and must have a current Colorado fishing license.

The seminar is free.  Class size is limited to12 anglers and pre-registration is required.  Due to fluctuating water levels and wading requirements, this course is not recommended for children.

For more information, or to register, call (719) 227-5200.

The DOW office in Salida is located at 7405 Hwy 50.

The price of an annual fishing license is $26 for Colorado residents.  A one-day license is $9.

JUMBO AND PREWITT RESERVOIRS NOW OPEN TO BOATERS

DENVER, Colo.–The Colorado Division of Wildlife today announced that Jumbo and Prewitt reservoirs are now open for the 2010 boating season.

Jumbo Reservoir, located in Logan County, is open to boating from 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. seven days a week through Memorial Day weekend.  Beginning June 1, boating hours will be extended to 9:30 p.m. until the end of the season.   All boats must complete a mandatory on-site inspection for aquatic nuisance species (ANS) prior to entering and upon leaving the reservoir.

Prewitt Reservoir, located in Washington County, is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week, until the end of the boating season.  All boats are required to complete a mandatory on-site ANS inspection prior to entering the reservoir.

The mandatory watercraft inspections are part of a statewide effort to stop the spread of zebra and quagga mussels, and other ANS in Colorado reservoirs.   In order to ensure inspections run smoothly and lines move quickly, boaters should arrive to inspection sites with their vessels Clean, Drained and Dry.

For a detailed explanation of the “Clean, Drain and Dry” protocol, click here: http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeSpecies/Profiles/InvasiveSpecies/WatercraftCleaning.htm

For more information on zebra and quagga mussels and how to prevent their spread, please visit the DOW’s Web site at:  http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeSpecies/Profiles/InvasiveSpecies/ZebraandQuaggaMussels.htm

SAN LUIS VALLEY BIG-GAME MEETINGS SCHEDULED

MONTE VISTA, Colo. – The Colorado Division of Wildlife has scheduled two public meetings in the San Luis Valley to discuss big game management and license allocations for the 2010 hunting seasons in Game Management Units 68, 681, 682, 76, 79, 791, 80, 81, 82 and 83.

The first meeting is 6:30 p.m., April 15, at the Monte Vista Co-op, at, 1901 E. U.S. Highway 160.

The second meeting is 6:30 p.m., April 20 at the Blanca/Fort Garland Community Center, located about one mile west of Fort Garland on the north side of U.S. Highway 160.

Every year, DOW biologists evaluate big game harvest and population estimates to set license numbers for the seasons.

Brad Weinmeister, terrestrial biologist for the DOW in Monte Vista, will explain proposed license numbers for big game species: deer, elk, bear, pronghorn and moose.

For more information, call Weinmeister at (719)587-6905.

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

Whew!

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Posted in Economics, Editorial, Opinion, Education, Gun Control, Hunting Fishing and the Great Outdoors, Law, Local Politics Colorado, Men's Issues, News, Politics, Uncategorized | 3 Comments »

Fast Tracks, Federal Slaps, Tabor and More

April 2, 2010

The Coming Battle is, well, Coming….  We are being swamped by questions about our hopeful ballot initiative to defend Colorado from Obama Care.  The short answer is we are going through the very bureaucratic process with the state before we can hit the streets with petitions.  We should be able to get petitions out there in early April, and WE NEED HELP!  If you can volunteer to gather signatures please give us your contact information here. And if you’d like to give some cash for our fight go here.

If you help, we are going to make Colorado a sanctuary state for quality health care.

Fighting Obama Care in the Courts – Must Hear Podcast: Colorado Attorney General John Suthers joins our Research Director Dave Kopel to discuss the lawsuit he and 12 others State Attorneys General have jointly filed, that claims the health care bill recently signed by President Obama is unconstitutional because it violates the 10th Amendment. AG Suthers makes a good point: if Obama Care is allowed to ride, it will be a dangerous precedent – one from which we can never return. As the AG puts it, if the Feds can punish you for NOT engaging in commerce, is there any limit to their power? To get the whole scoop, listen to the podcast on iVoices.org.

Attacking TABOR “for the kids”?: The usual suspects have lined up to float a proposal that would exempt our state legislators from having to ask voters before raising taxes to fund education. Policy Analyst Ben DeGrow explained the problem with the proposal on a recent Colorado Springs TV news story. As a result, our young blogging prodigy Eddie added in his two cents worth, too.

Unintentional Comedy at 70 mph: As Yogi Berra once said, “It’s deja vu all over again.” Remember those FasTracks lies we’ve been told for 30 years? Well, a new report from the Rocky Mountain Rail Authority makes RTD’s distortions look like child’s play. The report claims that “high speed” rail lines between Fort Collins and Pueblo, and Denver International Airport and Eagle County – I-25 and I-70, respectively – would cost over $21 billion AND not need a dime of taxpayer money. I’ll let you finish laughing before I go on….

Further, the study claims, “for every dollar of capital and operating costs, the project creates economic benefits greater than one dollar.” If true, that begs the question: Why on earth would we need government to do it if the project is both economically feasible and profitable? The fact that entrepreneurs are not jumping all over this alleged gold mine is proof enough it’s a money loser. Obviously, I don’t even need to rely on any sort of theoretical argument here. Look at the history! Look at the empirical evidence right in front of our eyes! We’ve got a FasTracks project underfunded, over-budget, and largely unbuilt that is already over 30 years in the making.

For your viewing pleasure, an additional assortment of unbelievable claims and interesting tidbits:

  • We’re supposed to believe that this passenger rail system can be maintained without taxpayer money, while Amtrak is subsidized by taxpayers to the tune of $50 per ticket.
  • The study was funded by a firm that designs rail projects and manages construction projects.
  • That people would be willing to pay $80 round trip to Vail just to go as fast as they would in their cars.
  • That $40 ticket each way is the low cost estimate. As in, “could be as low as $40 per ticket.” Wow.
  • It projects ridership upwards of 35 million passengers a year. The Boston to Washington, D.C., corridor carries around 10 million per year.
  • About that last figure, the 35 million one, Amtrak carries around 10 million per year as well. That math just doesn’t add up.

    • These great facts and figures were brought to my attention through this fantastic Denver Post editorial and Denver Daily News piece. The DDN article features our very own Senior Fellow in Transportation Randal O’Toole. Randal has been waging a war on the bogus claims made by RTD over the years and pulled no punches on this outrageous report saying, “They’re using the most optimistic assumptions imaginable and then relying on compounded optimistic assumptions.” Yeah, kind of like compounded interest. Except with compounded optimism you don’t make money, you lose a ton and go deep into debt.

    If you haven’t had the chance to hear Randal, take a few minutes and listen. His recent appearance on my TV show Independent Thinking was an opportunity to say “I told you so” with Denver Post columnist Chuck Plunkett. Randal also presented to an audience for an event here at the Institute a little while ago titled, “Mobility vs. Gridlock: Colorado’s Transportation Future.” You can view that event via YouTube playlist here.

    Leave Our State Alone: A Constitutional Path to Prosperity: It’s no secret that University of Colorado economics professor and senior fellow Barry Poulson is a prolific writer. The man cranks out a consistent bevy of works that are both substantive and interesting (the latter being something you almost never get from an economist). His latest piece is no exception. In “Restoring Federalism and State Sovereignty: A Constitutional Path to Prosperity,” Barry gives a brief overview of how we got to where we are – states becoming more and more subservient to Federal power – and the important role the Judiciary played in steering us in that direction. (I say “steering,” but Barry would probably say “pushing.”) After years of judicial abdication bolstering Federal powers and all but eviscerating Constitutional constraints, what can we do to turn the ship around? Is it too late?

    Are teachers unions to blame?: On March 16 in New York City, a panel of three union officials and supporters (including American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten) debated a panel of three union critics (including former Secretary of Education Rod Paige) on whether teachers unions are to blame for our nation’s failing schools. Watch the revealing two-hour event, and see for yourself why most of the audience ended up agreeing that unions bear the blame. If you don’t have enough time, please read our own Ben DeGrow’s insights on the Ed News Colorado blog.

    The State Board of Ed… According to Bob: Ever wonder what the Colorado State Board of Education does? I was curious myself, so I tuned in to this two- part iVoices.org podcast between Fiscal Policy Center Director Penn Pfiffner and former Congressman and current State Board of Education Chairman Bob Schaffer. In the first installment, Bob gives listeners news from the Board – what’s going on, what they’re planning, and information regarding the “Race to the Top” funds. In the second installment, Bob goes over what the Board does, its functions, its impact, and how it shapes policy for all of Colorado’s schools.

    Must See TV: It’s Obama Care and medical privacy on this week’s Independent Thinking as the Independence Institute’s Health Care Policy Center Director Linda Gorman and Colorado Transparency Project Director Amy Oliver-Cooke join me to discuss the political and policy implications for Colorado of the recently passed federal health care reform bill (otherwise known as Obama Care), and the implications for medical privacy in Colorado should the state legislature pass House Bill 1330, the All-Payer Database, which would allow the state to collect and store your personal health care information without your consent. It’s a health care double whammy this Friday at 8:30 PM on KBDI Channel 12. Re-broadcast the following Monday at 1:30 PM.

    Perspective: In this week’s op-ed, Jessica Corry takes CU to task for not exploring all options before making their decision to raise tuition rates by the maximum 9% allowed by law. If Colorado citizens have to tighten the ol’ belt, why not CU?

    Until next week…

    Straight on

    Jon Caldara

    www.independenceinstitute.org


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    Posted in Economics, Editorial, Opinion, Education, Law, Local Politics Colorado, News, Politics, Wordpress Political Blogs | Comments Off on Fast Tracks, Federal Slaps, Tabor and More

    DOW Insider

    March 23, 2010

    GUNNISON BASIN BIG GAME LICENSE ALLOCATIONS MEETING SET

    GUNNISON, Colo. – The Colorado Division of Wildlife will be holding its big game license recommendation meetings for the Gunnison Basin game management units on March 31 at the Gunnison DOW office, 300 W. New York.

    Deer and elk license numbers for the 2010 seasons for Game Management Units 66 and 67 will be discussed starting at 10 a.m. A second meeting to discuss deer and elk license numbers in GMUs 54, 55 and 551 will start at 1 p.m.

    For more information, contact the Gunnison DOW office at (970)641-7060.

    ANGLERS ASKED FOR INPUT ON FISHING REGULATIONS

    COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The Colorado Division of Wildlife invites local anglers to participate in “Angler Roundtable” meetings throughout southeastern Colorado.

    The DOW re-evaluates state fishing regulations every five years.  These public forums give anglers a chance to provide input to the fishing regulations process and hear the latest information affecting their favorite fishing waters.

    “We want to hear from anglers during this process,” said Doug Krieger, senior aquatic biologist for the SE Region. “Colorado’s anglers represent a diverse group who enjoy fishing for everything from catfish to trout. This is a great opportunity for anglers to provide input regarding allowable methods of take, size requirements, and bag limits.”

    DOW biologists regularly evaluate fishery management and collect data from state waters. They conduct fish sampling, creel census and angler satisfaction surveys, research studies, review fish stocking strategies, and examine water quality and water quantity. That information will be considered in the decision-making process for setting the new regulations for the five-year period (2011-2015).

    Anglers are encouraged to bring suggestions about how DOW can improve the fishing at their favorite lakes and streams.

    The forums are in the following locations:

    Leadville: April 13, National Mining Museum, 120 W. 9th Street, 6:30 p.m.

    Colorado Springs: April 20, Division of Wildlife, 4255 Sinton Rd., 6:30 p.m.

    LaJunta: April 21, Thyme Square Soup & Salad, 302 Colorado Ave., 7 p.m.

    Lamar: April 22, Division of Wildlife, 2500 S. Main St., 7 p.m.

    Trinidad: April 26, Trinidad Jr. College Sullivan Center, 600 Prospect St., 7 p.m.

    Westcliffe: April 27, Cliff Lanes Bowling Alley, 25 Main St., 7 p.m.

    Pueblo: April 28, Pueblo State Parks Auditorium, 640 Reservoir Rd., 7 p.m.

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

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    More epic fail obama: Surrender to the invaders

    March 19, 2010

    The impostor in chief, along with the usual suspects is steaming full throttle toward handing over the nation to the invaders. Nothing new about that of course. Remember, epic fail obamacare isn’t the only issue out there.

    President Barack Obama promised to make overhauling the immigration system a top priority in his first year as president. He’s now in Year Two, and the odds that he’ll get to sign a bill before the November midterm elections appear long.

    Grass-roots activists are frustrated by the wait for a new system and are organizing a rally Sunday on the National Mall by what they hope will be thousands of people from across the country loudly voicing their displeasure at the pace of action.

    SOURCE

    “Grass roots activists” are  liable to run headlong into American activists over this, and yes, I will not rule out violence. All too many Americans have had their lives utterly shattered by these so-called “immigrants.” People are fed up with having their lives destroyed by people that refuse to follow our laws but demand to have all of the rights and privileges that so many people, from all races and nations have fought and died for.

    Want to be an American? Great! I’m all for having new people come here, and become a part of this once great nation. Just do it according to our laws…

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    Posted in Economics, Editorial, Opinion, Education, Gun Control, Immigration, Law, Local Politics Colorado, Local Politics Wyoming, News, Non Compos Mentis, Politics, Stupid is as Stupid Does, Uncategorized, Wordpress Political Blogs | Comments Off on More epic fail obama: Surrender to the invaders

    TURKEY TRANSPLANT TO DOUGLAS COUNTY

    March 16, 2010

    DENVER, Colo. —February 17th marked the first day that transplanted Merriam turkeys touched ground in Douglas County. Due to a wild turkey distribution project involving a cooperative effort between private landowners, the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW), a flock of turkeys were released east of Larkspur, Colorado. The turkeys were caught in the area of Debeque, Colorado where their populations are flourishing and were brought to the recently improved habitat area for release.

    “In addition to offering a great opportunity to partner with landowners and key organizations, the transplant of these Merriam turkeys will also afford the DOW an opportunity to expand habitat for these popular game birds,” said Casey Westbrook, district wildlife manager for Elizabeth. “It is always rewarding to find suitable habitat to increase Colorado’s wildlife populations.”

    While population establishment projects like this are not common place, there are cases where suitable wildlife habitat exists that has not been colonized or recently occupied. The release site was one such case, having been further improved by several shrub plantings along with exclusionary cattle fencing to promote and protect areas of valuable wildlife forage and hiding cover.

    Wild turkeys released into this area will further enhance a landscape rich in wildlife and in future will provide increased hunting and viewing opportunities. Projects such as this are one way in which the DOW works cooperatively with other organizations like the NWTF to achieve the goal of protecting, preserving and enhancing the wildlife of the state of Colorado for the use benefit and enjoyment of its residents and visitors.

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

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