Thanks to my wife for emailing this to me:
Here's your chance to let the media know where the people stand on our faith in God, as a nation. NBC is taking a poll on 'In God We Trust' to stay on our American currency. Please send this to every Christian you know so they can vote on this important subject. Please do it right away, before NBC takes this off the web page. Poll is still open so you can vote. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10103521/
Right now its 63% in favor of keeping In God We Trust. I guess that shows people are still trusting that this government is based on Christian values.
8/19/2008
Democrats to set LGBT delegate record at Denver DNC
The Democratic Party is being positively shaped by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender advocates who believe in Democratic principles of fair play, hard work, security at home and equal opportunity for all," said NSD Executive Director Jon Hoadley.
The increase in participation is due in part to the Stonewall Democrats' Pride in the Party program, which sought a 14% increase in participants to 321 from the 282 that attended Boston's Democratic National Convention in 2004.
Become a Delegate to the Democratic National Convention!
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) voters are one of the most loyal voting-blocks in the Democratic Party – second only to the African American community. We are everywhere and we vote!
We have earned our seat at the table and it is now time to make sure we have a strong voice in selecting the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee at the National Convention August 25-28 in Denver. This is our chance to be a part of the solution this country so desperately needs.
National Stonewall Democrats (NSD) worked closely with the National Committee’s LGBT Caucus to push every state to set goals for LGBT delegates to the convention. But goals are nothing if they are not met.
That’s where you come in. We need you and LGBT Democrats in every state to run for national convention delegate. NSD has put together Pride in the Party to help you run for delegate..
Just sign up and we’ll make sure the campaign of your presidential candidate knows you want to be a delegate. Campaigns are looking for LGBT Democrats just like you who support them, who want to run for delegate, and who want to be a part of electing a Democratic President. (But they can’t talk to you if they can’t find you. That’s why you need to sign up!)
Be sure to also check out the “Delegate Information” where you can download information about your state’s delegate selection process. Our summary shows the filing deadlines and filing requirements. It also provides information about contacting your State Democratic Party. (Most State Parties have information and filing forms on their website.)
So, what are you waiting for? Click on the link below to sign-up today.
Being a delegate to the National Convention is your ticket to being there as the Party selects the next President of the United States. It is also your chance to get involved with your state’s elected leaders and Party officials. And, the more involved we are in the Democratic Party at the state and local levels, the more successful we will be in securing our full equality in every state.
http://www.prideintheparty.org/
The increase in participation is due in part to the Stonewall Democrats' Pride in the Party program, which sought a 14% increase in participants to 321 from the 282 that attended Boston's Democratic National Convention in 2004.
Become a Delegate to the Democratic National Convention!
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) voters are one of the most loyal voting-blocks in the Democratic Party – second only to the African American community. We are everywhere and we vote!
We have earned our seat at the table and it is now time to make sure we have a strong voice in selecting the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee at the National Convention August 25-28 in Denver. This is our chance to be a part of the solution this country so desperately needs.
National Stonewall Democrats (NSD) worked closely with the National Committee’s LGBT Caucus to push every state to set goals for LGBT delegates to the convention. But goals are nothing if they are not met.
That’s where you come in. We need you and LGBT Democrats in every state to run for national convention delegate. NSD has put together Pride in the Party to help you run for delegate..
Just sign up and we’ll make sure the campaign of your presidential candidate knows you want to be a delegate. Campaigns are looking for LGBT Democrats just like you who support them, who want to run for delegate, and who want to be a part of electing a Democratic President. (But they can’t talk to you if they can’t find you. That’s why you need to sign up!)
Be sure to also check out the “Delegate Information” where you can download information about your state’s delegate selection process. Our summary shows the filing deadlines and filing requirements. It also provides information about contacting your State Democratic Party. (Most State Parties have information and filing forms on their website.)
So, what are you waiting for? Click on the link below to sign-up today.
Being a delegate to the National Convention is your ticket to being there as the Party selects the next President of the United States. It is also your chance to get involved with your state’s elected leaders and Party officials. And, the more involved we are in the Democratic Party at the state and local levels, the more successful we will be in securing our full equality in every state.
http://www.prideintheparty.org/
8/18/2008
Speaking of old idea's
I came across this in a email some time ago. It makes sense today:
Dirt Roads:
What's mainly wrong with society today is that too many Dirt Roads have been paved.
There's not a problem in America today, crime, drugs, education, divorce, delinquency that wouldn't be remedied, if we just had more Dirt Roads, because Dirt Roads give character.
People that live at the end of Dirt Roads learn early on that life is a bumpy ride.
That it can jar you right down to your teeth sometimes, but it's worth it, if at the end is home...a loving spouse, happy kids and a dog.
We wouldn't have near the trouble with our educational system if our kids got their exercise walking a Dirt Road with other kids, from whom they learn how to get along.
There was less crime in our streets before they were paved.
Criminals didn't walk two dusty miles to rob or rape, if they knew they'd be welcomed by 5 barking dogs and a double barrel shotgun. And there were no drive by shootings.
Our values were better when our roads were worse!
People did not worship their cars more than their kids, and motorists were more courteous, they didn't tailgate by riding the bumper or the guy in front would choke you with dust & bust your windshield with rocks. Dirt Roads taught patience.
Dirt Roads were environmentally friendly, you didn't hop in your car for a quart of milk you walked to the barn for your milk. For your mail, you walked to the mail box.
What if it rained and the Dirt Road got washed out? That was the best part, then you stayed home and had some family time, roasted marshmallows and popped popcorn and pony rode on Daddy's shoulders and learned how to make prettier quilts than anybody. At the end of Dirt Roads, you soon learned that bad words tasted like soap.
Most paved roads lead to trouble, Dirt Roads more likely lead to a fishing creek or a swimming hole. At the end of a Dirt Road, the only time we even locked our car was in August, because if we didn't some neighbor would fill it with too much zucchini.
At the end of a Dirt Road, there was always extra springtime income, from when city dudes would get stuck, you'd have to hitch up a team and pull them out.
Usually you got a dollar...always you got a new friend...at the end of a Dirt Road!
~by Paul Harvey~ http://famguardian.org/Subjects/FamilyIssues/Articles/DirtRoads/DirtRoads.htm
Dirt Roads:
What's mainly wrong with society today is that too many Dirt Roads have been paved.
There's not a problem in America today, crime, drugs, education, divorce, delinquency that wouldn't be remedied, if we just had more Dirt Roads, because Dirt Roads give character.
People that live at the end of Dirt Roads learn early on that life is a bumpy ride.
That it can jar you right down to your teeth sometimes, but it's worth it, if at the end is home...a loving spouse, happy kids and a dog.
We wouldn't have near the trouble with our educational system if our kids got their exercise walking a Dirt Road with other kids, from whom they learn how to get along.
There was less crime in our streets before they were paved.
Criminals didn't walk two dusty miles to rob or rape, if they knew they'd be welcomed by 5 barking dogs and a double barrel shotgun. And there were no drive by shootings.
Our values were better when our roads were worse!
People did not worship their cars more than their kids, and motorists were more courteous, they didn't tailgate by riding the bumper or the guy in front would choke you with dust & bust your windshield with rocks. Dirt Roads taught patience.
Dirt Roads were environmentally friendly, you didn't hop in your car for a quart of milk you walked to the barn for your milk. For your mail, you walked to the mail box.
What if it rained and the Dirt Road got washed out? That was the best part, then you stayed home and had some family time, roasted marshmallows and popped popcorn and pony rode on Daddy's shoulders and learned how to make prettier quilts than anybody. At the end of Dirt Roads, you soon learned that bad words tasted like soap.
Most paved roads lead to trouble, Dirt Roads more likely lead to a fishing creek or a swimming hole. At the end of a Dirt Road, the only time we even locked our car was in August, because if we didn't some neighbor would fill it with too much zucchini.
At the end of a Dirt Road, there was always extra springtime income, from when city dudes would get stuck, you'd have to hitch up a team and pull them out.
Usually you got a dollar...always you got a new friend...at the end of a Dirt Road!
~by Paul Harvey~ http://famguardian.org/Subjects/FamilyIssues/Articles/DirtRoads/DirtRoads.htm
Mayor Bashing?
There seems to be a lot of Mayor bashing going on today about the mini parks in Indy. But few if any has brought out a solution to this problem.
For those who knows me, before you tell me that I am old and that I bring up some old ideas, I would offer this. Why don’t those citizens pitch in and do some of the work in these important parks. They could cut the grass, rank out the gavel or sawdust around the play area. It does not take much to bend over and pick up trash. They could even start a fund for improvements.
But as usual we have those that do not agree with a idea but does not offer any solution or actions. They want to burden the tax payers with work that they could do them selves. One poster on the Indianapolis star even said it did not cost much for the city to mow these parks. I disagree. It takes a person, truck and lawnmower to do this. Not counting the time and expense to travel to the location.
It seems everyone wants to complain about services being cut but will do nothing in the form of doing anything themselves. You can not have it both ways. You either have to pitch in and do some of the work or you have to pay to have it done thru taxes.
For those who knows me, before you tell me that I am old and that I bring up some old ideas, I would offer this. Why don’t those citizens pitch in and do some of the work in these important parks. They could cut the grass, rank out the gavel or sawdust around the play area. It does not take much to bend over and pick up trash. They could even start a fund for improvements.
But as usual we have those that do not agree with a idea but does not offer any solution or actions. They want to burden the tax payers with work that they could do them selves. One poster on the Indianapolis star even said it did not cost much for the city to mow these parks. I disagree. It takes a person, truck and lawnmower to do this. Not counting the time and expense to travel to the location.
It seems everyone wants to complain about services being cut but will do nothing in the form of doing anything themselves. You can not have it both ways. You either have to pitch in and do some of the work or you have to pay to have it done thru taxes.
Talking about money problems.
Talking about money problems today seems to be the norm. But have you seen the new menu prices at the new stadium?
If you are having trouble with making your monthly payments how can one be so excited about the new stadium?
Hot dog: $4.75.
Bratwurst: $5.50.
Italian sausage: $5.50.
Polish sausage: $6.
Corn dog: $4.
Personal pizza: $7.
M&Ms: $4.
Snickers bar: $4.
Twizzlers: $4.
20-ounce soda: $4.
32-ounce soda in a souvenir cup: $5.50.
20-ounce bottled soda: $4.
20-ounce bottled water: $3.50.
12-ounce coffee: $2.50.
16-ounce coffee: $4.
22-ounce draft beer in a souvenir cup: $7.
16-ounce domestic bottle/can of beer: $7.
12-ounce glass bottle of beer: $6.50.
But we will still hear how people can not make those house payments and are behind so much that they can not afford school books or a trip to McDonalds when you see these same people sampling food at the stadium.
If you are having trouble with making your monthly payments how can one be so excited about the new stadium?
Hot dog: $4.75.
Bratwurst: $5.50.
Italian sausage: $5.50.
Polish sausage: $6.
Corn dog: $4.
Personal pizza: $7.
M&Ms: $4.
Snickers bar: $4.
Twizzlers: $4.
20-ounce soda: $4.
32-ounce soda in a souvenir cup: $5.50.
20-ounce bottled soda: $4.
20-ounce bottled water: $3.50.
12-ounce coffee: $2.50.
16-ounce coffee: $4.
22-ounce draft beer in a souvenir cup: $7.
16-ounce domestic bottle/can of beer: $7.
12-ounce glass bottle of beer: $6.50.
But we will still hear how people can not make those house payments and are behind so much that they can not afford school books or a trip to McDonalds when you see these same people sampling food at the stadium.
Foreclosures
According to the Mortgage Bankers Association there has been 31,000 in foreclosure in the first quarter of 2008.
Blame school for death of son?
VENTURA, California — The family of a gay teenager who was fatally shot in class blames the school district for allowing their son to wear makeup and feminine clothing to school — factors the family claims led to the death.
The parents and brother of 15-year-old Larry King of Oxnard filed a personal injury claim against the Hueneme school district seeking unspecified damages for not enforcing the dress code, The Ventura County Star reported.
King, an eighth-grader at E.O. Green Junior High School, was shot in February. Classmate Brandon McInerney pleaded not guilty to the shooting last week. He was charged as an adult and also faces a charge of a committing a hate crime.
The family's claim, filed last week in Ventura County Superior Court, said administrators and teachers failed to enforce the school's dress code when King wore feminine clothing and makeup to school.
His parents, Dawn and Gregory King, said faculty members knew their son had "unique vulnerabilities" and was subject to abuse because of his sexual orientation.
King was a ward of the court and living at a shelter for abused, neglected and emotionally troubled children at the time of the shooting. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,404502,00.html?sPage=fnc/us/crime
The parents did not have any control over what this 15 year old did at school?
The parents and brother of 15-year-old Larry King of Oxnard filed a personal injury claim against the Hueneme school district seeking unspecified damages for not enforcing the dress code, The Ventura County Star reported.
King, an eighth-grader at E.O. Green Junior High School, was shot in February. Classmate Brandon McInerney pleaded not guilty to the shooting last week. He was charged as an adult and also faces a charge of a committing a hate crime.
The family's claim, filed last week in Ventura County Superior Court, said administrators and teachers failed to enforce the school's dress code when King wore feminine clothing and makeup to school.
His parents, Dawn and Gregory King, said faculty members knew their son had "unique vulnerabilities" and was subject to abuse because of his sexual orientation.
King was a ward of the court and living at a shelter for abused, neglected and emotionally troubled children at the time of the shooting. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,404502,00.html?sPage=fnc/us/crime
The parents did not have any control over what this 15 year old did at school?
8/16/2008
$20,000 to become a member of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
McDonald’s has done it again. First, the company paid $20,000 to become a member of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and to have a seat on the board of directors. Next, McDonald’s refused a request to remain neutral in the culture war by choosing to promote the gay agenda. Then McDonald’s accused those opposing the gay agenda, including same-sex “marriage,” of being motivated by hate.
Now we learn that McDonald’s sponsors training for homosexuals on how to promote their agenda among corporations from the inside. Out & Equal™ Workplace Advocates is a national organization devoted to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in the workplace. One of its primary purposes is to train employees how to aggressively promote homosexuality within the company they work for, all the way to the corporate boardroom. Part of last year’s Out & Equal Summit in Washington, DC, (sponsored by McDonald’s) was an organized march into congressional offices demanding same-sex “marriage” laws be passed.
At the bottom of McDonald’s half-page ad in the Out & Equal Summit booklet is this statement: “From neighborhood to neighborhood, coast to coast and around the world, McDonald’s is proud to celebrate diversity” [homosexuality].
http://americansfortruth.com/news/afa-mcdonalds-does-it-again-sponsoring-homosexual-activism-from-the-inside.html
Now we learn that McDonald’s sponsors training for homosexuals on how to promote their agenda among corporations from the inside. Out & Equal™ Workplace Advocates is a national organization devoted to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in the workplace. One of its primary purposes is to train employees how to aggressively promote homosexuality within the company they work for, all the way to the corporate boardroom. Part of last year’s Out & Equal Summit in Washington, DC, (sponsored by McDonald’s) was an organized march into congressional offices demanding same-sex “marriage” laws be passed.
At the bottom of McDonald’s half-page ad in the Out & Equal Summit booklet is this statement: “From neighborhood to neighborhood, coast to coast and around the world, McDonald’s is proud to celebrate diversity” [homosexuality].
http://americansfortruth.com/news/afa-mcdonalds-does-it-again-sponsoring-homosexual-activism-from-the-inside.html
Master Card with Social Security Tries
The U.S. government is offering Social Security recipients a new way to receive benefits: debit cards.
The cards, which target the 4 million Social Security and Supplemental Security Income recipients without bank accounts, debuted this spring in four states—Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma—and are expected to be available nationwide by the end of the summer.
Those who choose to sign up for the debit program will receive a MasterCard debit card, which will be reloaded each month with benefit payments and secured with a personal identification number (PIN). The card can be used at ATMs to withdraw cash and at retailers for purchases and to get cash back.
Some usage fees are attached: Paper account statements will cost 75 cents; online bill-paying service will be 50 cents per bill. The first ATM withdrawal each month will be free; additional withdrawals will cost 90 cents each, and some ATMs may assess their own usage fees. International ATM withdrawals will cost $3 plus a 3 percent currency conversion fee.
http://www.aarpsegundajuventud.org/english/finances/2008-SUM/08sum_ssdebitcards.html?NLC-WBLTR-CTRL&DET=F5-81508
The cards, which target the 4 million Social Security and Supplemental Security Income recipients without bank accounts, debuted this spring in four states—Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma—and are expected to be available nationwide by the end of the summer.
Those who choose to sign up for the debit program will receive a MasterCard debit card, which will be reloaded each month with benefit payments and secured with a personal identification number (PIN). The card can be used at ATMs to withdraw cash and at retailers for purchases and to get cash back.
Some usage fees are attached: Paper account statements will cost 75 cents; online bill-paying service will be 50 cents per bill. The first ATM withdrawal each month will be free; additional withdrawals will cost 90 cents each, and some ATMs may assess their own usage fees. International ATM withdrawals will cost $3 plus a 3 percent currency conversion fee.
http://www.aarpsegundajuventud.org/english/finances/2008-SUM/08sum_ssdebitcards.html?NLC-WBLTR-CTRL&DET=F5-81508
School district letting teachers carry guns
A tiny Texas district will allow teachers and staff members to carry concealed firearms to deter and protect against school shootings when classes begin this month, provided the gun-toting employees follow certain requirements.
The small community of Harrold in north Texas is a 30-minute drive from the Wilbarger County Sheriff's Office, leaving students and teachers without protection, said David Thweatt, superintendent of the Harrold Independent School District. The lone sits near a heavily traveled highway, which could make it a target, he argued
Read more at http://ap.indystar.com/dynamic/stories/G/GUN_TOTING_TEACHERS?SITE=ININS&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
The small community of Harrold in north Texas is a 30-minute drive from the Wilbarger County Sheriff's Office, leaving students and teachers without protection, said David Thweatt, superintendent of the Harrold Independent School District. The lone sits near a heavily traveled highway, which could make it a target, he argued
Read more at http://ap.indystar.com/dynamic/stories/G/GUN_TOTING_TEACHERS?SITE=ININS&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
8/12/2008
More on art funding
When we here that the city will cut funding on the arts, the full story is not told.
Form: http://www.ibj.com/html/detail_page_Full.asp?content=18120
“There are few line items in the budget with such a good rate of return,” said Kwok of the International Violin Competition. “And if public safety is truly at the top of the mayor’s agenda, which I know it is, one must consider the long-term impact on today’s youth.” Since he took office, Ballard has noted cultural leaders’ concerns, and pledged to assist them wherever possible, particularly from the bully pulpit.
But many arts leaders have remained skeptical. “Part of the problem is, Mayor Peterson worked so hard from the beginning to establish a profile in the cultural community,” said John Pickett, executive director of the Indianapolis Opera. “When he went in to help major arts organizations, his statements had much more weight than Mayor Ballard’s would.”
Other cities Indianapolis competes against directly—both for businesses and talent—do far more than even Peterson did to support the arts, Pickett pointed out. Denver, for example, has a dedicated sales tax as well as a seat tax at major sporting events, which together generate $13 million for its cultural arts community annually.
It doesn’t work like that here. In addition to the $1.5 million in direct city funding Ballard is considering cutting, Indianapolis provides another $1 million to its arts community through the Capital Improvement Board, which oversees the city’s sports venues.
CIB Chairman Bob Grand said he hasn’t made any plans yet to cut into that $1 million. He’s waiting for Lucas Oil Stadium to open its doors. After that, Grand said, CIB will know what it can afford. But its top priority will be stadium expenses. “It doesn’t make sense to make cuts when, in our case, we don’t have facts on the cost of Lucas Oil’s operation,” Grand said. “I’ve got to get in there. Then we’ll assess it.” •
So now we are up to two million dollars to see the "arts" in the new Budget.
Form: http://www.ibj.com/html/detail_page_Full.asp?content=18120
“There are few line items in the budget with such a good rate of return,” said Kwok of the International Violin Competition. “And if public safety is truly at the top of the mayor’s agenda, which I know it is, one must consider the long-term impact on today’s youth.” Since he took office, Ballard has noted cultural leaders’ concerns, and pledged to assist them wherever possible, particularly from the bully pulpit.
But many arts leaders have remained skeptical. “Part of the problem is, Mayor Peterson worked so hard from the beginning to establish a profile in the cultural community,” said John Pickett, executive director of the Indianapolis Opera. “When he went in to help major arts organizations, his statements had much more weight than Mayor Ballard’s would.”
Other cities Indianapolis competes against directly—both for businesses and talent—do far more than even Peterson did to support the arts, Pickett pointed out. Denver, for example, has a dedicated sales tax as well as a seat tax at major sporting events, which together generate $13 million for its cultural arts community annually.
It doesn’t work like that here. In addition to the $1.5 million in direct city funding Ballard is considering cutting, Indianapolis provides another $1 million to its arts community through the Capital Improvement Board, which oversees the city’s sports venues.
CIB Chairman Bob Grand said he hasn’t made any plans yet to cut into that $1 million. He’s waiting for Lucas Oil Stadium to open its doors. After that, Grand said, CIB will know what it can afford. But its top priority will be stadium expenses. “It doesn’t make sense to make cuts when, in our case, we don’t have facts on the cost of Lucas Oil’s operation,” Grand said. “I’ve got to get in there. Then we’ll assess it.” •
So now we are up to two million dollars to see the "arts" in the new Budget.
Another "witch hunt,"
Indianapolis police officer arrested in a drunken-driving case Sunday, George Leon Benjamin says the investigation is just another "witch hunt". His past jobs were, a former security guard for Mayor Bart Peterson, and Huber, former president of the Fraternal Order of Police, was among the former mayor's most outspoken critics.
He has had two prior alcohol-related accidents in which he was not charged. This time his blood-alcohol level was 0.32, four times the level at which a driver in Indiana is considered intoxicated.
his brother, IMPD Deputy Chief William Benjamin, said that He did not want to get involved after Benjamin wanted to contact him.
Here is another story related to the democrats in our city. Why does it take three rule infractions as important as having involved in two prior alcohol-related accidents take all these years to do what is right? I wonder, how many years will he be on paid leave until charges are filed? If the IMP moves like our city council in this city does, it may take some time.
He has had two prior alcohol-related accidents in which he was not charged. This time his blood-alcohol level was 0.32, four times the level at which a driver in Indiana is considered intoxicated.
his brother, IMPD Deputy Chief William Benjamin, said that He did not want to get involved after Benjamin wanted to contact him.
Here is another story related to the democrats in our city. Why does it take three rule infractions as important as having involved in two prior alcohol-related accidents take all these years to do what is right? I wonder, how many years will he be on paid leave until charges are filed? If the IMP moves like our city council in this city does, it may take some time.
city county meeting August 11
The City council meeting was held Monday night Aug. 11. Many things were brought before the Council including the budget for next year by Mayor Ballard. While cutting spending I do not think this proposed budget cuts deep enough. We will still be funding one million dollars in the “arts” in Indianapolis. One thing that I like about this budget is that we do not have to borrow money to support this plan. It turns $26 million deficit in the operating budget into a $4.8 million surplus. I do not like to us the word surplus when the city is in debt. When you owe money that is putting extra tax money going for interest is not operating with a “surplus” within the picture as a whole.
Joanne Sanders protects Monroe Gray:
Councilwoman Virginia Cain asked the President before the meeting if she could give an update on the ethics committee report on Monroe Gray. She did not get into her report even three minutes until Sanders spoke up. This stopped the meeting until a ruling by the legal attorney could be presented. The last committee meetings the two democrats, William Oliver and Paul Bateman did not even show up. In my own opinion this “ethics” committee is nothing short of a political joke. A government body investigating its own members, two from each party, always spelled disaster or cover up by any means.
Republicans give in:
It was rumored that the republicans wanted five members to be appointed to the ethic committees in the future. But when the final ethic bill was passed, it has six members. This way neither party can stall like the democrats has on the Monroe Gray issue. With six members on the committee, 3 republicans, three democrats, it will still be a draw.
What can we do?
The only reason this committee has held sessions this year is from emails from the public. I suggest that you keep the emails going to the full city council. Be polite but to the point that the citizens are not going to stand by while this drags on for another year. It’s about time the democrats on our council stops protecting members of their own party when the public knows they have done something wrong or improper. You can file a compliant to the full council at:
http://www.indygov.org/eGov/Council/contactus.htm
Joanne Sanders protects Monroe Gray:
Councilwoman Virginia Cain asked the President before the meeting if she could give an update on the ethics committee report on Monroe Gray. She did not get into her report even three minutes until Sanders spoke up. This stopped the meeting until a ruling by the legal attorney could be presented. The last committee meetings the two democrats, William Oliver and Paul Bateman did not even show up. In my own opinion this “ethics” committee is nothing short of a political joke. A government body investigating its own members, two from each party, always spelled disaster or cover up by any means.
Republicans give in:
It was rumored that the republicans wanted five members to be appointed to the ethic committees in the future. But when the final ethic bill was passed, it has six members. This way neither party can stall like the democrats has on the Monroe Gray issue. With six members on the committee, 3 republicans, three democrats, it will still be a draw.
What can we do?
The only reason this committee has held sessions this year is from emails from the public. I suggest that you keep the emails going to the full city council. Be polite but to the point that the citizens are not going to stand by while this drags on for another year. It’s about time the democrats on our council stops protecting members of their own party when the public knows they have done something wrong or improper. You can file a compliant to the full council at:
http://www.indygov.org/eGov/Council/contactus.htm
8/09/2008
From the National Democratic Party.
Democrat National Committee June 3, 2008
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean today joined Massachusetts Democratic Representative Barney Frank and Wisconsin Democratic Representative Tammy Baldwin in issuing the following Proclamation marking PRIDE Month:
"Today, on behalf of Democrats across America, we join together in celebrating the contributions that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans and their families make to our society and reaffirm our Party's commitment to promoting full equality under the law for every American.
"As leaders of the Democratic Party, we stand proudly with the LGBT community and commit ourselves to working together to build an America that is truly inclusive. Every American has the right to live in dignity, with equal rights, responsibilities and protections under the law.
These are our country's and our Party's core values. Across the country, at every level of government, Democrats have championed sweeping protections in the areas of employment, housing, domestic partnerships and civil unions, adoption, gender identity or expression, and hate crimes.
__________
If you want to see who these democrats are supporting I urge you to go to this site:
http://www.zombietime.com/up_your_alley_2008/part_1_full/
I urge you to read the warnings before going further. "The report you are about to view of the 2008 "Up Your Alley" Fair in San Francisco contains newsworthy images of people engaged in extreme sexual behavior in public. Although these images are not intended to be pornographic, some people might regard them as such. Because of this, only adults age 18 or over may view the images on the following page."
If this is the core of values that the democratic party holds, now I know why I have only voted for a few democrats in my 62 years.
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean today joined Massachusetts Democratic Representative Barney Frank and Wisconsin Democratic Representative Tammy Baldwin in issuing the following Proclamation marking PRIDE Month:
"Today, on behalf of Democrats across America, we join together in celebrating the contributions that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans and their families make to our society and reaffirm our Party's commitment to promoting full equality under the law for every American.
"As leaders of the Democratic Party, we stand proudly with the LGBT community and commit ourselves to working together to build an America that is truly inclusive. Every American has the right to live in dignity, with equal rights, responsibilities and protections under the law.
These are our country's and our Party's core values. Across the country, at every level of government, Democrats have championed sweeping protections in the areas of employment, housing, domestic partnerships and civil unions, adoption, gender identity or expression, and hate crimes.
__________
If you want to see who these democrats are supporting I urge you to go to this site:
http://www.zombietime.com/up_your_alley_2008/part_1_full/
I urge you to read the warnings before going further. "The report you are about to view of the 2008 "Up Your Alley" Fair in San Francisco contains newsworthy images of people engaged in extreme sexual behavior in public. Although these images are not intended to be pornographic, some people might regard them as such. Because of this, only adults age 18 or over may view the images on the following page."
If this is the core of values that the democratic party holds, now I know why I have only voted for a few democrats in my 62 years.
Oh where have I been?
It was time for me to take a little vacation from this site. I don’t know if you known it or not but it takes quit a bit of time and effort to keep sites like this active. I know that I have missed some important news this week but that is the way it had to be.
It’s not all cut and paste. It’s looking for important issue of today that affects all of us. Even for those who disagree with my opinion, it’s important to get those opinions out to the public.
I have not received enough replies about August 25th public outcry about crime in this city to go on with this issue. If one can not take a few seconds to send an email, then I suspect that those same people are not going to be an event. As of right now I do not plan on going forward with this event. If there is a response, then this will be reinstated. I even contacted all those churches that are in the news with no reply from any of them. I guess they are not interested enough unless they head an event to take part in any other. I sent this to all the blogs that I could and only got it posted on one.
As all of you know Monday night the Mayor will be giving his budget speech at the City County council meeting. Last year we were lock out of this meeting. I plan on attending this years meeting to see how many of the “protesters” of last year will show.
Did you know that Monday night a vote may be taken on the new code of ethics for public employees?
Did you know that in the appointment of former Council attorney Aaron Haith to the Indianapolis Housing Agency Board, Haith did not show up at the Metropolitan Development Committee meeting? Haith is under investigation by the Indiana Supreme Court for alleged unethical conduct.
Did you know that last ethics committee on Monroe Gray that the two democrat members did not show up? This will also be brought up at Mondays night’s meeting on how to censor Monroe Gray. (Big Deal).
My biggest question for the democrats is where they are going to stop up to the plate and take some responsibility for the now three people on the council.
We still have the question of Councilwoman Doris Minton-McNeill.
We still have not heard anything about Councilman Bateman situation.
Could you see the democrats if these members were all republicans? Don’t think that the democrats on the council are not taking heat from not only the public but from inside the council. Where is Sanders?
It’s not all cut and paste. It’s looking for important issue of today that affects all of us. Even for those who disagree with my opinion, it’s important to get those opinions out to the public.
I have not received enough replies about August 25th public outcry about crime in this city to go on with this issue. If one can not take a few seconds to send an email, then I suspect that those same people are not going to be an event. As of right now I do not plan on going forward with this event. If there is a response, then this will be reinstated. I even contacted all those churches that are in the news with no reply from any of them. I guess they are not interested enough unless they head an event to take part in any other. I sent this to all the blogs that I could and only got it posted on one.
As all of you know Monday night the Mayor will be giving his budget speech at the City County council meeting. Last year we were lock out of this meeting. I plan on attending this years meeting to see how many of the “protesters” of last year will show.
Did you know that Monday night a vote may be taken on the new code of ethics for public employees?
Did you know that in the appointment of former Council attorney Aaron Haith to the Indianapolis Housing Agency Board, Haith did not show up at the Metropolitan Development Committee meeting? Haith is under investigation by the Indiana Supreme Court for alleged unethical conduct.
Did you know that last ethics committee on Monroe Gray that the two democrat members did not show up? This will also be brought up at Mondays night’s meeting on how to censor Monroe Gray. (Big Deal).
My biggest question for the democrats is where they are going to stop up to the plate and take some responsibility for the now three people on the council.
We still have the question of Councilwoman Doris Minton-McNeill.
We still have not heard anything about Councilman Bateman situation.
Could you see the democrats if these members were all republicans? Don’t think that the democrats on the council are not taking heat from not only the public but from inside the council. Where is Sanders?
8/03/2008
Councilman Monroe Gray faces 2 investigations
Monroe Gray shrugs it off to politics as usual, but the veteran city-county councilman continues to face two investigations that could determine his political and legal future.
Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi confirmed last week that there is a "pending investigation concerning the alleged misconduct of Monroe Gray."
Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi confirmed last week that there is a "pending investigation concerning the alleged misconduct of Monroe Gray."
The democrats has been getting heat from inside and outside of the full council. How can the democrats on the city council keep defending its members? Now they have three that charges are being look at. If this was on the republican side it would be front page news everyday.
8/02/2008
Want to buy a house?
I have been thinking of investing in maybe a rental or contract lease in the housing market. As I have looking around I thought that I may have found the right house. But after some research, it open my mind to the housing dilemma.
Here is a house that is appraised at $69,300 by the Star’s web site.
The list price by Fifth Third Bank is $21,800. But by researching the property tax, I soon change my mind. Channel 13 web site list the property tax at $1088.44 for the spring taxes alone. I don’t know if this includes any back taxes or not.
http://www.wthr.com/global/Category.asp?c=106040
Even with the new property tax cap of 2% on renters, the taxes on this home as stated value of $69,000 would be $1386 per year. I my estimate this house is not worth the asset value or even close to it. I would not asset it more then $50,000 if that. You can see a picture of this house at http://reo.53.com/display_listing/213/2027_Perkins_Avenue_Indianapolis_Indiana.html
So goes the housing dilemma with our property taxes hurting just as much as the tight and over extended credit problem that we face today.
Here is a house that is appraised at $69,300 by the Star’s web site.
The list price by Fifth Third Bank is $21,800. But by researching the property tax, I soon change my mind. Channel 13 web site list the property tax at $1088.44 for the spring taxes alone. I don’t know if this includes any back taxes or not.
http://www.wthr.com/global/Category.asp?c=106040
Even with the new property tax cap of 2% on renters, the taxes on this home as stated value of $69,000 would be $1386 per year. I my estimate this house is not worth the asset value or even close to it. I would not asset it more then $50,000 if that. You can see a picture of this house at http://reo.53.com/display_listing/213/2027_Perkins_Avenue_Indianapolis_Indiana.html
So goes the housing dilemma with our property taxes hurting just as much as the tight and over extended credit problem that we face today.
Remember how we won in 2004 by putting democrats into the House
From Foxnews.com.
House Republicans, hours after Democrats took their last vote before their five-week August recess, stormed the empty House chamber, ordered up some pizzas, hooted and hollered, and did their best to keep the cameras on them so they could call attention to what they said was irresponsibility on Democrats' part for not passing new energy legislation.
After more than five hours, the event came to an end shortly after the Capitol closed to the public around 4:30 p.m Friday.
"I just saw one of the Democrats interviewed on television. The question was, if oil was $10 a gallon and you knew exactly where to get it in Alaska or on the coast, would you drill there, and there was no answer," House Minority Whip Roy Blunt, of Missouri, said before a last-minute gathering before reporters late Friday.
"We think we need to have more sources of energy, use energy more efficiently, and invest in the future. That's all. We want to have that debate. We think those are winning ideas in America today. But for whatever reason, the leaders of this Congress, the Democrat leaders of this Congress, are afraid of those ideas," Blunt said, using the invective form of the adjective to describe the opposite party by dropping the "ic" Democrats prefer, as in Democratic Party.
Earlier, Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., told FOX News: "Many of us speaking on the floor today, including the Republican leadership, believe the president of the United States should call this congress back into session immediately under Article II of the Constitution, and demand that this Congress deal with the issue of energy independence."
No word from the White House had yet filtered down, however.
And Democrats seemed to issue a collective yawn, with one top aide telling FOX News: "Who cares? I'm in a meeting actually working."
Democrats and Republicans are at loggerheads over solutions to reducing gas prices, which recently jumped to record levels, but have since eased off a few cents below a $4 per gallon national average.
Republicans are angry that Democrats blocked them from a vote on allowing more off-shore oil drilling and increasing domestic oil supplies.
House Republicans, hours after Democrats took their last vote before their five-week August recess, stormed the empty House chamber, ordered up some pizzas, hooted and hollered, and did their best to keep the cameras on them so they could call attention to what they said was irresponsibility on Democrats' part for not passing new energy legislation.
After more than five hours, the event came to an end shortly after the Capitol closed to the public around 4:30 p.m Friday.
"I just saw one of the Democrats interviewed on television. The question was, if oil was $10 a gallon and you knew exactly where to get it in Alaska or on the coast, would you drill there, and there was no answer," House Minority Whip Roy Blunt, of Missouri, said before a last-minute gathering before reporters late Friday.
"We think we need to have more sources of energy, use energy more efficiently, and invest in the future. That's all. We want to have that debate. We think those are winning ideas in America today. But for whatever reason, the leaders of this Congress, the Democrat leaders of this Congress, are afraid of those ideas," Blunt said, using the invective form of the adjective to describe the opposite party by dropping the "ic" Democrats prefer, as in Democratic Party.
Earlier, Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., told FOX News: "Many of us speaking on the floor today, including the Republican leadership, believe the president of the United States should call this congress back into session immediately under Article II of the Constitution, and demand that this Congress deal with the issue of energy independence."
No word from the White House had yet filtered down, however.
And Democrats seemed to issue a collective yawn, with one top aide telling FOX News: "Who cares? I'm in a meeting actually working."
Democrats and Republicans are at loggerheads over solutions to reducing gas prices, which recently jumped to record levels, but have since eased off a few cents below a $4 per gallon national average.
Republicans are angry that Democrats blocked them from a vote on allowing more off-shore oil drilling and increasing domestic oil supplies.
WWE helping out stock investors.
Here is a different approach to business.
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:WWE) today declared the Company's regular quarterly dividend of $0.36 per share on its Class A shares of common stock. As previously announced, members of the McMahon family have waived $0.12 per share of the dividends. As a result, all Class A and Class B shares owned by the McMahon family will instead receive dividends in the amount of $0.24 per share. The record date for the dividend will be September 15, 2008, and the payment date will be September 25, 2008.
Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:WWE) today declared the Company's regular quarterly dividend of $0.36 per share on its Class A shares of common stock. As previously announced, members of the McMahon family have waived $0.12 per share of the dividends. As a result, all Class A and Class B shares owned by the McMahon family will instead receive dividends in the amount of $0.24 per share. The record date for the dividend will be September 15, 2008, and the payment date will be September 25, 2008.
Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.
8/01/2008
A question for a Libertarian
I am sure that all of you know Tim Maguire that ran for our city council last year. I like Tim and even voted for him. As many of you know he was appointed to the zoning board of appeals this year.
This got me to thinking (and as many of you know, that can be bad) about Tim being a libertarian and setting on a zoning board.
So off goes an email to Tim with this question.
"Tim, Most Libertarians do not believe that there should be no zoning laws on the books. They believe that zoning laws are only a form of central planning by the government. So my Question is how can you sit on Metropolitan Board of Zoning Appeals and believe as most libertarians do on this subject?"
I did get a reply saying that was a very interesting question and He was late for a appointment. But he did reply with this: "I will however, start with this: My duty on this board of appeals is to vote on just that: appeals. We’re not making new policy, nor changing old ones. We simply hear appeals to the strict application of the zoning ordinances."
I will leave this story as it is for you to make up your own mind unless Tim wants to respond and I will gladly put it here on this blog. I remember an old saying "a penny for your thoughts" Tim.
This got me to thinking (and as many of you know, that can be bad) about Tim being a libertarian and setting on a zoning board.
So off goes an email to Tim with this question.
"Tim, Most Libertarians do not believe that there should be no zoning laws on the books. They believe that zoning laws are only a form of central planning by the government. So my Question is how can you sit on Metropolitan Board of Zoning Appeals and believe as most libertarians do on this subject?"
I did get a reply saying that was a very interesting question and He was late for a appointment. But he did reply with this: "I will however, start with this: My duty on this board of appeals is to vote on just that: appeals. We’re not making new policy, nor changing old ones. We simply hear appeals to the strict application of the zoning ordinances."
I will leave this story as it is for you to make up your own mind unless Tim wants to respond and I will gladly put it here on this blog. I remember an old saying "a penny for your thoughts" Tim.
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