Chris Rock Presents “How Not To Get Your A** Kicked By The Police.” (Video Here)

First let me say this:

There is no excuse for the police to verbally harass or physically assault innocent black youth (or anyone for that matter). And the use of excessive force against criminal suspects should not be tolerated either.

But this video parodies something that I have said for years. Anytime a policeman pulls a car over or in anyway interacts with a criminal suspect, it is already a highly charged situation. DON’T MAKE MATTERS WORSE!

WARNING: THIS SKIT IS PG-13 AND CONTAINS SOME FOUL LANGUAGE

(Video Here)

Is it possible that the policeman pulled you over for no reason? Yes.

Do you have rights against illegal detention and unreasonable search and seizure? Yes.

But yelling at; cursing at; being belligerent with or ignoring the instructions of an individual who is armed and who’s primary concern at the moment is walking away from this confrontation with his/her life does not help the situation. It will only serve to put the officer more on edge.

If you believe that you are being treated unfairly, be polite and do as the officer directs you to do. But make sure to get his badge number so that at a later time you can file a complaint with the police department.

Don’t just go to the NAACP. You see, if you only file a complaint with them, it will not trigger an official investigation. And while some chapters of the NAACP do have exceptional follow through on these issues, many do not. The best thing to do is to file complaints with both.

Folks, we have spent so much of our time telling our black youth about their rights when dealing with the police that we have forgotten to share with them how to RESPONSIBLY exercise those rights in a way that will first- protect their lives and secondly- protect their civil liberties.

Maine’s universal healthcare program saves so much money, they have to raise taxes! Huh?

That’s right! Maine’s newly instituted “Dirigo” healthcare program has saved the state so much money, they will be instituting a new tax called the “Savings Offset Payment” (SOP) in order to recover every dollar the state has saved.

The Wall Street Journal published an Op-Ed stating:

The Dirigo board is levying a Savings Offset Payment, or SOP--a remarkably innovative name for a new claims tax--to "recover" every dollar that the state says it has "saved."

This SOP is similar to a sales tax; a 2.4% surcharge is added to all paid health-care claims. When applied, this new tax will cost the average individual about $70 and the average family about $200 a year--at a time when most individual insurance policyholders are already absorbing a 16% increase in their insurance premiums.
But, you may ask, if the program is saving all this money, why is a new tax necessary? The answer is that without the SOP, Dirigo Health's high costs would bankrupt the program.

The SOP, effective last month, applies only to individuals, small businesses and other businesses buying health insurance from a Maine insurer or using a third-party administrator. By raising insurance costs, this tax may end up compelling some individuals to drop their coverage. But, hey, maybe they too can get subsidized coverage under Dirigo.

The reality is that this program doesn’t save taxpayers a dime! What does do is encourage those who can already afford and are paying for health insurance to drop their existing coverage in favor of the cheaper subsidized state program. But keep in mind, the reason it is cheaper is because those who are not part of the state program are the ones subsidizing those who are.

If Dirigo truly saved money, the program's benefits would exceed its costs. Elementary math indicates that this is not the case; every dollar questionably identified by the state as having been "saved" is taken from consumers thanks to the SOP. Perhaps not surprisingly, several other states are asking whether Maine's Dirigo Health could be a model for them. It could, if they too want to increase taxes, meanwhile doing virtually nothing to help the uninsured.

This “Money Saving”, “Tax Raising” Universal Healthcare scam is headed to a liberal state near you!

Craig DeLuz

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Saddam discusses terrorism, WMDs and Deception of UN on Secret Tapes. MSM ignores the story!

As those on the left continue to beat the “There were no weapons of mass destruction” drum, secret tapes have been released that provide proof that Saddam Hussein and the Iraqi government proving otherwise. On the tapes released by ABC’s Nightline, Saddam and his top aides discussed potential terrorist plots, the ease with which they could reconstitute their WMD program and their successful deception of UN weapons inspectors. (Video Here)

ABC has posted transcripts of the tapes in which HUSSEIN KAMEL is quoted as saying:

Sir, I would not be speaking so openly if it were not for your excellency's and Mr. Tariq's clarification and statement that we produced biological weapons.

We did not reveal all that we have. On the subject of missiles, they can bring up three issues with us now, in one year or in two years' time. They are undeclared -- one of them being the location. Secondly, they don't know about our work in the domain of missiles. Sir, this is my work and I know it very well. I started it a long time ago, and it is not easy. The issues are more dangerous, a lot more dangerous than what they came to know. I am explaining to your excellency, sir.

With regard to the issue of the chemical, sir, which we assume that they have not raised, and our belief that the sole problem is that of the biological weapons. No, sir. I think they have detailed information about the missiles, and if they want to bring them up, they will as I said because we did not complete. In the chemical, sir, they have a problem far bigger than the biological, bigger than the biological.

For me, the most interesting part of this story is the fact that it seems to be a non-story with the MSM. Let’s see how long it is before the my fellow bloggers for them to talk about this most damning proof that we were justified in removing Saddam Hussein.

Craig DeLuz

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Republicans issue details on "Pay As You Go" Infrastructure Proposal

As the California Legislature begins to discuss the details of the The Governor’s Infratstructure Bond, Assembly Republicans are putting forth the details on their own plan to meet California’s many infrastructure needs.

They believe their “Pay as You Go” plan will allow us to “Build More, Build Now and Spend Less”

The Assembly Republican Caucus issued the following press release this afternoon:

ASSEMBLY REPUBLICANS UNVEIL
INFRASTRUCTURE REFORM PACKAGE

Proposals Will Enable California to Build More, Build Now, and Spend Less

SACRAMENTO – Building on their commitment to address California’s infrastructure challenges, Assembly Republicans today unveiled a package of common-sense reform legislation that will enable California to build more, build now, and spend less.

“These reforms provide the tools we need to get the job done,” said Assembly Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy, of Bakersfield. “Republicans believe we must adopt the reforms needed to build a stronger California. Our proposals will stretch infrastructure dollars to the fullest, and eliminate the roadblocks that have hindered vital projects for far too long.”

The following reform proposals have been introduced recently by Assembly Republicans:

A Fiscally Responsible Way to Pay for Infrastructure Spending

Assembly Constitutional Amendment 27, by Assemblyman McCarthy, institutes a “pay as you go” approach for infrastructure, setting aside a portion of the state budget each year for critical projects like highways, levees, and water delivery systems – without raising taxes or incurring billions of dollars in unnecessary interest payments.

Protecting Proposition 42 Transportation Funds

Assembly Constitutional Amendment 4, by Assemblyman George Plescia, R-San Diego, eliminates the ability of the Legislature and the governor to raid gas tax revenue, protecting funding for streets and highways just as the voters demanded when they passed Proposition 42.

Assembly Bill 2028, by Assemblyman Bob Huff, R-Diamond Bar, states the intent of the Legislature to fully restore all funds in the 2007-08 budget that have been diverted from Proposition 42 projects in recent years.

Utilizing Design-Build Methods in Transportation Projects

Assembly Bill 2025, by Assemblyman Roger Niello, R-Sacramento, authorizes the California Department of Transportation to utilize design-build methods when building transportation projects across California. With design-build projects, one single entity designs and constructs the project, reducing administrative costs, increasing flexibility and innovation in design and construction, while improving accountability.

Allowing School Districts to Invest More in the Classroom

Assembly Bill 2024, by Assemblyman John J. Benoit, R-Palm Desert, repeals Senate Bill 1419 of 2002, which makes it impossible for school and community college districts to save money through public-private partnerships. Under the proposal, local districts would be able to contract out for non-instructional services like bus transportation, facilities maintenance and cafeteria service – allowing them to invest more in the classroom.

Granting the Governor Additional Powers for Flood Emergencies

Assembly Bill 2029, by Assemblyman Mike Villines, R-Clovis, gives the governor the authority to declare a state of emergency when federal or state flood control officials proclaim an area of the state is in danger of an imminent levee breach or flood threat.

Preserving Our Environment While Protecting Health and Safety

Assembly Bill 2026, by Assemblyman Greg Aghazarian, R-Stockton, requires state officials to reexamine the standards for maintenance and operation of levees in the state, giving the highest consideration to protecting the health and safety of Californians, while respecting environmental protections.

Assembly Bill 2027, by Assemblyman Doug LaMalfa, R-Richvale, eliminates a key hurdle for stronger flood control efforts by suspending the requirement that “no net loss” of wildlife habitat may take place due to such projects

Craig DeLuz

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Memo to Nunez: If you serious about dealing with sexual predators Dump Leno

The Sacramento Bee has recently published a series of articles highlighting our state’s many shortcomings when it comes to how we deal with sexually violent predators. These articles prompted an epiphany by Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez that we need to change how we deal with these dangerous felons (Bee Article Here). And if he is truly serious about reform, there is no way he can allow Mark Leno to continue to sit as chairman for the Assembly Public Safety Committee.

The following was posted by Marc Lucas at The Samish Shop:

Let me say that these claims of a vast anti-gay, GOP conspiracy against Mark Leno is completely bogus. As many of you know, I am a Democrat and have worked for many years in the Capitol - Mark Leno's soft on crime label is absolutely true and the Jessica's Law debacle only highlights the fact.

Now for some interesting behind the scenes info. Leno has consistantly killed pro-public safety, tough on crime legislation as Chair of Assembly Public Safety Committee. It is common knowledge by staffers ON BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE, that if your bill increases penalties on convicted felons - Leno will kill it.

Now this is not a comment from a member of the “Vast Right Wing Conspiracy” (At least I haven’t seen him at any of the meetings I have attended.) Rather, it is a comment based on a common perception by Republicans and Democrats who work in and around the capitol. And as we all know, in politics- perception is reality. So how can Speaker Nunez change the perception that Democrats are soft on crime? Easy… by removing the one individual who is perceived to be the primary roadblock to our getting tough on sexually violent predators; that being the Chairman of the Assembly Public Safety Committee, Mark Leno (D- San Francisco).

In Mr. Leno’s defense, “get tough on sexual predators” legislation heard by his committee in 2005 was more often killed once it reached Assembly Appropriations or the even more liberal Senate Public Safety Committee. But his prior opposition to such measures (See Who's Girlie on Crime) , coupled with statements he has made equating the possession of child porn with stealing a bicycle (See Hogue Blog) supports the perception that Leno is soft on child porn (if not soft on crime). And as I said before, in politics- perception is reality.

And the reality is; if Nunez is to be taken seriously, Leno must go.
____________

To sign a Petition asking Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez to replace Mark Leno as Chairman of the Assembly Public Safety Committee (Click Here- Courtesy of The California High School Conservative)

(Also, Hat tip to Hack-n-Flak )

Craig DeLuz

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www.craigdeluz.com

Liberal Tourette Syndrome… They simply can’t help themselves!

(Picture courtesy of MacBigot.com)

While many conservatives are coming down hard on those who used the funeral of Corretta Scott King as a platform to embarrass the president, I have decided to cut them some slack. Why? I believe they simply can’t help themselves.

It is my contention that their actions are consistent with an offshoot of another well known disease known as Tourette Syndrome. We’ll call it Liberal Tourette (Sounds French, so it clearly fits!)

Here is a brief description of this disease from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders:

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, stereotyped, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics.

Tell me that this does not sound like the constant rantings of Liberals?

“Weapons of Mass Destruction! Bush stole the election! Hurricane Katrina! K street project!”

No matter what the topic may be or how inappropriate the venue might be liberals cannot resist the urge to throw out the same old tired one-liners; as if civil, intellectual discussion is beyond them. And the fact that these instances are occurring more frequently can also be explained:

Tics are often worse with excitement or anxiety and better during calm, focused activities. Certain physical experiences can trigger or worsen tics, for example tight collars may trigger neck tics, or hearing another person sniff or throat-clear may trigger similar sounds.

Democrats have been out of power for so long that when they are finally given an opportunity to speak out, the stress and anxiety of constantly losing to Republicans just gets the best of them. And while not every liberal politician demonstrates the symptoms, you can bet it is only a matter of time before they do.

Although the symptoms of TS are involuntary, some people can sometimes suppress, camouflage, or otherwise manage their tics in an effort to minimize their impact on functioning. However, people with TS often report a substantial buildup in tension when suppressing their tics to the point where they feel that the tic must be expressed. Tics in response to an environmental trigger can appear to be voluntary or purposeful but are not.

So let’s take it easy on the liberals. They’re sick…

Craig DeLuz

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www.craigdeluz.com

Man Prints the name of the Koran on toilet paper and sends to Mosques… What do you think he was trying to say?

If Muslims considered cartoons mocking the prophet Mohammed offensive enough to riot in the streets, you know they are going to lose it over this one! A German businessman decided to print "Koran, the Holy Qur'aen" on toilet paper and send it to mosques and the media.

The Associated Press released the following story:

A German businessman who printed the name of the Koran on toilet paper and offered the rolls for sale to mosques and media will face trial for disturbing the peace.

The man, identified only as Manfred van H., is scheduled to go on trial Feb. 23 at a court in Luedinghausen in western Germany, Jochen Dyhr, a spokesman for judicial authorities in nearby Muenster, said Thursday.

The businessman last summer printed sheets of toilet paper with the sentence "Koran, the Holy Qur'aen" and sent them to about 15 mosques, television stations and magazines.

In an accompanying letter, authorities say, he asserted that Islam's holy book is a "cookbook for terrorists" that calls for acts of violence.

He proposed that a "memorial to all victims of Islamic terror" be set up, financed by sales of the toilet paper - an offer that prosecutors say he also posted on the Internet.

The businessman's offer led to criminal complaints and telephone death threats against him.

Prosecutors argue that the man's actions overstepped the legally guaranteed freedom to criticize other religions. They say he has cited his right to freedom of opinion and artistic expression, and said his aim was to provoke rather than actually sell the toilet paper.


All jokes aside, I have to ask... Was this guy simply exercising his right to free speech or was he intentionally trying to offend Muslims and provoke them? Do you believe that he has committed a crime?

My take:

If he simply printed the toilet paper and had it available for sale that would be one thing. But this guy sent it to mosques and the media with a note intended to offend and insight anger. In a civil society, we have to draw the line somewhere and this guy clearly crossed it.

Craig DeLuz

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www.craigdeluz.com

Liberal Christian Talk Show Host can’t handle Uncommon Sense

First of all, we’ll ignore the fact that a liberal Christian is an oxymoron.

But setting that aside, I was invited to go on the air with a Dean Schoenwald, a liberal Christian talk show host on WVOL 1470AM in Tennessee. When we spoke on the phone I was told that his listenership was middle of the road politically and they really didn’t have an agenda for the show; we would simply go wherever the discussion lead us.

Sound like a setup? Well it was. But I guess he didn’t know who he was dealing with as yours truly turned the tables on him. As a matter of fact, the intellectual beating got so bad he actually hung up on me.

(Click Here for audio of the show)

Here is how the whole thing went down. Schoenwald called the President of the California Black Republican Council, David Morgan and asked him to be a guest on his show. He was equally as evasive with David, so he decided to check with the California Republican Party press folks to see if they were familiar with this show. And in fact, they were.

Evidently, CRP Chairman Duff Sundheim had been on the show and his experience was less than pleasant. So, heeding their advice, David decided that he would employ the services of a bona fide "Liberal Slayer". Thus, knowing of my background in talk radio, he thought he would give me a crack at doing the show.

Now, I’ll admit that my performance wasn’t perfect. But keep in mind that I had no idea what the topic was going to be or that they would be coming at me from a “Christian” perspective. Had I known, I would have been better prepared with historical and scriptural references. But overall, I think I did ok.

But I did want to point out a few interesting observations.

First, did you notice how Schoenwald dismisses the Bible in favor of his own definition of Christianity? Like most Christian liberals, he dismisses the validity of the Bible because much of the scripture is in conflict with this liberal world view. So, instead of altering their world view to fit their faith, they alter their faith to fit their world view. Thus, they only talk about those parts of scripture such as love, forgiveness, and charity that they agree with and dismiss those parts like the consequences of sin, righteousness and repentance that they don’t like. I also love how he throws in “Tolerance”. Maybe I’m mistaken, but I don’t know where in the Bible God says that we should be tolerant of sin.

Secondly, how Christian is it to lie to someone in order to get them on your show? As I previously stated, Schoenwald was insistent that they did not have a topic in mind for us to discuss. It sure sounded like he had a topic in mind… Clearly, he wanted to go after me on the war in Iraq. And from what I heard about Duff Sundheim’s experience, this was his typical MO; to call Republicans, act like he is an objective talk show host who is interested in open dialogue and then he ambushes his unsuspecting conservative guest. Is this supposed to be Christ-like? I think not.

And finally, he showed his true colors when he commenced to call me names. “An embarrassment to Black People”, “A coward” and stating that I was “not a Christian” were just a few of the zingers he threw my way. Although I guess calling him “An Idol Worshiper” wasn’t the nicest thing to say. But hey... at least I backed it up with scripture.


Craig DeLuz

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www.craigdeluz.com

God registers to vote in Pennsylvania. I wonder if he is a Republican?

A Pennsylvania man who has signed his drivers license as “God” for years, has had his identity questioned now that he has used the same signature on his voter registration card.

Associated Press is reporting:

A man who signs his name as "God" may have to surrender his driver's license.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation told Paul Sewell in a letter Tuesday that he would have to turn over the license if he didn't provide his birth certificate and Social Security card to the agency by Feb. 14.

The letter came less than a week after the Berks County Elections Board questioned Sewell's "God" signature on a voter registration form.

Sewell on Friday asked a Berks County court to intervene in the PennDOT matter. The department does not cite a reason in the letter and a spokeswoman declined comment.
State law requires a driver to write his usual signature on the license. The law also states the department can cancel a license if the licensee was not entitled to it, if the person failed to give required or correct information, if the person committed fraud in obtaining the license or if the license has been materially altered.

Sewell, a self-employed bond enforcement agent, has said he signs official documents as "God" because fugitives always preface their comments with "Oh, God," when he captures them. He said his co-workers thought that was funny and took to calling him God.

In his appeal to the court, he said "I do not know why they are canceling my driver's license that I have had at age 16. Now I am 40."

He signed his appeal, "God", reports AP.

So, they had no idea this guy was going by the name of "God" until he registered to vote?

This is just another attempt to further remove God from the public square! First they remove God from our schools. Then they remove God from our courts. And now they want to remove God from our public streets and deny him the right to vote! What’s next!

(For those of you who are offended…it’s called sarcasm!!!!!)

Craig DeLuz

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www.craigdeluz.com

CNN Mocks Jesus. But Mohammed is off limits.

CNN runs a story about Kanye West mocking Jesus and includes a photo of West with a crown of thorns on his head, pretending to be Jesus. But when they run a story about pictures mocking Mohammed they state "CNN has chosen to not show the cartoons in respect for Islam."

I guess Christians get no respect from CNN. Michelle Malkin has the complete story. (Click Here to check it out!)

Craig DeLuz

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www.craigdeluz.com

9th Circuit calls partial birth abortion “Constitutionally Protected Right”...This is what they are protecting.

NO COMMENTARY NEEDED!

Craig DeLuz

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www.craigdeluz.com

Public financing of campaigns will limit free speech. Take if from someone who’s been there.

The California State Assembly recently passed a measure by Assemblywoman Loni Hancock (D-Berkeley) that would provide for public financing of political campaigns at the state level. My personal experience with public financing has convinced me that it is nothing more than an attempt by liberals to restrict the free speech of conservative candidates.

According to the LA Times:

"Everybody's worn out by this incessant fund-raising, the ceaseless dialing for dollars" the bill's author, Assemblywoman Loni Hancock (D-Berkeley), told me. "Everybody knows that it skews the system. Who do we work for? The people pay our salary. But then we are dependent on special interests to get elected."

Her solution — a product of the California Clean Money Campaign — would be strictly voluntary. Candidates could opt to let the public pay for their campaigns if they agreed to very tight spending limits. There'd be exceptions for candidates being trampled by big-bucks bullies.

For example, an Assembly candidate would be entitled to $150,000 during a general election. But if an opponent raised private money and outspent the "clean" candidate — or if the "clean" guy was attacked by an independent committee — another $750,000 in public funds would be available.

For a gubernatorial candidate, there'd be a base $10 million for the general election, plus $50 million to match some rich rival or an independent hit squad.

There are varying estimates about what this would cost taxpayers, ranging from $100 million to $134 million a year. But don't bother memorizing figures.

The proposal will change. Sponsors hope to negotiate a final bill in a two-house conference committee. If passed and signed by the governor, it would be placed on a statewide ballot.

As a candidate for the Sacramento City Council in 2004, I (a conservative Republican in a heavily Democrat district) was the first candidate ever to qualify for their matching funds public financing program. And while there were many technical issues with the implementation of the program, it was (for the most part) non-partisan and fair. However, it was after the election was completed, and I had lost that the true dangers of public financing would become evident.

As a part of the agreement to receive the matching funds, candidates had to agree to have their books audited after the campaign was completed. I figured that I had nothing to hide, so why not. Well after the audit was completed and the auditor concluded that I had fully complied with all federal, state and local ordinances; my opponent in the election, Democrat Sandy Sheedy proceeded to attack the findings and attack me personally. Read “What a Sheedy thing to do!” for the details. But it was not her unfounded accusations that I took issue with most, but the suggestions that she and other members of the council made for the next round of public financing.

1. Force candidates to sign the “Voluntary” Fair Campaign Practices Pledge.
2. Restrict the types of expenditures for which the funds could be used.
3. Prohibit funds from being used for “Negative” campaign or “hit” pieces.
4. Prohibit contributions from outside the city.

In other words, the program they claimed would level the playing field for non-incumbent, viable candidates would actually be used to muzzle those candidates, controlling what public positions they can take on controversial issues, prohibiting them from mentioning their opponent’s record and limiting who can support their candidacy.

Supporter of the bill currently before the legislature accurately state that it does not contain any limitations on speech and how the money can be spent. However, you can be sure that should it get the 2/3 vote it needs to pass the legislature, “The Anti-Family /Anti-God Caucus” will waste no time approving restrictions on those who oppose same sex marriage, homosexual indoctrination in schools and the war against Christianity in the public square. Think not?

Consider the resurrection of Leland Yee’s bill to blackmail candidates into limiting their ability to address homosexuality and transgender issues in their campaigns. AB 1207, which formerly dealt with business and professions code related to alcoholic beverages was gutted and amended to include the language from AB 866, which was vetoed by the governor last fall. Imagine the impact this measure would have on campaigns if money was tied to it?

There is only one cure for the impact of big money on politics; an informed and active electorate.

And there simply no way to legislate that!

Craig DeLuz

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www.craigdeluz.com

Driver fingered for giving traffic camera the finger!

Not particularly important, but very funny. Simon Thompson was issued a ticket for flipping the bird to a speeding camera manned by traffic police.

The Online Sun reports:

Simon Thompson, 41, made the middle finger curse when he spotted the mobile camera as he drove home from work WITHIN the speed limit.

He was stunned half an hour later when the two cops who had been operating the device knocked on his door — and handed him a fixed penalty notice for making offensive gestures under the Public Order Act.

I don’t know which is more ridiculous:

• The fact hat the police bothered to follow this guy to give him a ticket or;

• The fact that Simon Thompson is the Headmaster at a local college.

Craig DeLuz

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