Thursday, February 23, 2006
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.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
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
Visit The Home of Uncommon Sense...
www.craigdeluz.com
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
Visit The Home of Uncommon Sense...
www.craigdeluz.com
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
Visit The Home of Uncommon Sense...
www.craigdeluz.com
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
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
Visit The Home of Uncommon Sense...
www.craigdeluz.com
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
Visit The Home of Uncommon Sense...
www.craigdeluz.com
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 )
Friday, February 10, 2006
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
Visit The Home of Uncommon Sense...
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
Visit The Home of Uncommon Sense...
www.craigdeluz.com
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
Visit The Home of Uncommon Sense...
www.craigdeluz.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)