Yesterday news came out that more than half of the teenage girls swept into state custody
from the polygamous sect's ranch have been pregnant.
Child Protective services spokesman said 53 girls ages 14 to 17 were living on the ranch in Eldorado, Texas.
31 of that group were or had been pregnant.
One of those teens gave birth this week with guards protecting her in the Hospital.
News out of Austria about a father who kept his daughter prisoner in the basement and fathered 7
children with her, made me really ill.
They are now investigating unsolved crimes in the area
"Alois Lissl, the chief of police of Upper Austria province, told The Associated Press that, although no evidence had surfaced so far, police have widened their investigation into an unsolved murder 22 years ago to include the incest suspect because he could have been in the area at the "time and place" of the killing.
The bound body of Martina Posch was found on a shore of the Upper Austrian lake of Mondsee on Nov. 12, 1986. The wife of the incest suspect owned part of an inn and camp ground on the other side of the lake then."
I'm sure we haven't heard the last of this story.
One group of men using their religion to satisfy their sick fantasies another using his child.
What next??
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Bad hair day !
About 2 years ago, the stylist I had been going to for about 20 years,
moved up north and I started going to one of the other ladies in the shop.
A few short months later she and another stylist in the shop were recruited by 2 young woman
who owned a beauty shop, and were looking for some experienced stylists with loyal clients that would follow
them.
They needed some one who could satisfy the more mature client from a nearby retirement home,who had been calling their shop.
Todays young stylists don't want to work with older woman,
by older I mean woman who
still want the roller sets and back combing from the 60's and
ladies with arthritis who can't do their own hair.
The young stylists today want to wash and blow dry and send them out the door,
or they specialize in coloring and perms.
My current stylist is 60 something, so is the other one who moved with her.
Over the years they have developed a very loyal following.
They are the only two in the shop who seldom have time to sit down, and they are
bringing in a lot of money to this shop.
It had been a pleasant place to go, but then one day last fall one of the more popular stylists
a cute tiny little Asian, left and opened up her own shop, a full service, nails, massages, tanning beds etc.,
financed by a boy friend with money.
Since then one of the young owners has shown her jealousy by constantly changing things around trying to compete, trying to make the place a show place instead of a salon
We thought she would eventually get over it, but today when I went in for my haircut,
I saw the results of her latest little temper tantrum.
She had moved the hairdryers to a back corner by the two older stylists who are the busiest.
A friend of mine who goes to one of the younger stylist's was told that the youngest owner( 30 ish) felt it was
embarrassing to have all of those old woman sitting under hairdryers in the front of the shop.
I was seething when I went in today, I told my stylist I thought she should look for another shop, I said I would follow her, hell I would give her other clients a ride if they needed one.
It just isn't fair to some of the older ladies cramped in a corner with no leg room.
When I left today I came close to telling off the little snot owner and her older partner who knows it's wrong but doesn't seem to have a back bone.
I know if my former stylist was there she would
have read them the riot act by now and if they didn't change things she would have packed up and left, but this chicken little decided to leave it up to those being affected.
For this time anyway, but I do feel guilty for not speaking up for them.
I have had to learn to cool off first, because sometimes my mouth just makes things worse!
moved up north and I started going to one of the other ladies in the shop.
A few short months later she and another stylist in the shop were recruited by 2 young woman
who owned a beauty shop, and were looking for some experienced stylists with loyal clients that would follow
them.
They needed some one who could satisfy the more mature client from a nearby retirement home,who had been calling their shop.
Todays young stylists don't want to work with older woman,
by older I mean woman who
still want the roller sets and back combing from the 60's and
ladies with arthritis who can't do their own hair.
The young stylists today want to wash and blow dry and send them out the door,
or they specialize in coloring and perms.
My current stylist is 60 something, so is the other one who moved with her.
Over the years they have developed a very loyal following.
They are the only two in the shop who seldom have time to sit down, and they are
bringing in a lot of money to this shop.
It had been a pleasant place to go, but then one day last fall one of the more popular stylists
a cute tiny little Asian, left and opened up her own shop, a full service, nails, massages, tanning beds etc.,
financed by a boy friend with money.
Since then one of the young owners has shown her jealousy by constantly changing things around trying to compete, trying to make the place a show place instead of a salon
We thought she would eventually get over it, but today when I went in for my haircut,
I saw the results of her latest little temper tantrum.
She had moved the hairdryers to a back corner by the two older stylists who are the busiest.
A friend of mine who goes to one of the younger stylist's was told that the youngest owner( 30 ish) felt it was
embarrassing to have all of those old woman sitting under hairdryers in the front of the shop.
I was seething when I went in today, I told my stylist I thought she should look for another shop, I said I would follow her, hell I would give her other clients a ride if they needed one.
It just isn't fair to some of the older ladies cramped in a corner with no leg room.
When I left today I came close to telling off the little snot owner and her older partner who knows it's wrong but doesn't seem to have a back bone.
I know if my former stylist was there she would
have read them the riot act by now and if they didn't change things she would have packed up and left, but this chicken little decided to leave it up to those being affected.
For this time anyway, but I do feel guilty for not speaking up for them.
I have had to learn to cool off first, because sometimes my mouth just makes things worse!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Save The Children!
After watching children being taken from their mothers at the Polygamist compound last week in Texas,
I had such mixed feelings.
Then I saw these mothers robotic performance on Larry King
and I now feel the right thing was done.
The judge had a very difficult decision to make and she did it swiftly.
When it was discovered that several under age girls were pregnant, I don't think she had a choice.
I hope that some how many of these children can be returned to their mothers, outside of the compound they were raised in.
There is an excellent book about life inside a polygamist community written by Carolyn Jessop
Her father had three wives, and she had always hoped she would some day go to college.
Then one day at the age of 18, she was informed she was going to be the fourth wife of
Merril Jessop, the 50 year old leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS),
a radical offshoot of the Mormon Church.
She was devastated, and her own experience in the cult was so disturbing that she ran away with her eight children four years ago.
Every religion has it's radical groups, and I don't think this should reflect on todays Mormon church.
Meanwhile children are separated from their mothers and the fathers are not coming forward for obvious reasons.
Stay tuned !
I had such mixed feelings.
Then I saw these mothers robotic performance on Larry King
and I now feel the right thing was done.
The judge had a very difficult decision to make and she did it swiftly.
When it was discovered that several under age girls were pregnant, I don't think she had a choice.
I hope that some how many of these children can be returned to their mothers, outside of the compound they were raised in.
There is an excellent book about life inside a polygamist community written by Carolyn Jessop
Her father had three wives, and she had always hoped she would some day go to college.
Then one day at the age of 18, she was informed she was going to be the fourth wife of
Merril Jessop, the 50 year old leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS),
a radical offshoot of the Mormon Church.
She was devastated, and her own experience in the cult was so disturbing that she ran away with her eight children four years ago.
Every religion has it's radical groups, and I don't think this should reflect on todays Mormon church.
Meanwhile children are separated from their mothers and the fathers are not coming forward for obvious reasons.
Stay tuned !
Thursday, April 17, 2008
What is your American Accent?
Mine is Midland , which means I don't have an accent.
But hey I have never even been to Philadelphia!
It must be the early American heritage in charge.
But hey I have never even been to Philadelphia!
It must be the early American heritage in charge.
| What American accent do you have? Your Result: The Midland "You have a Midland accent" is just another way of saying "you don't have an accent." You probably are from the Midland (Pennsylvania, southern Ohio, southern Indiana, southern Illinois, and Missouri) but then for all we know you could be from Florida or Charleston or one of those big southern cities like Atlanta or Dallas. You have a good voice for TV and radio. | |
| Philadelphia | |
| The Inland North | |
| The South | |
| The Northeast | |
| The West | |
| Boston | |
| North Central | |
| What American accent do you have? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz | |
Monday, April 14, 2008
I wanted to be Irish!
After my last post I need to clear my mind, so I borrowed this from Jessica.
The sun came out today, funny how that improves my disposition.
I really wanted to be Irish but I guess my Inner European is
French??
Sophisticated I am Not! But I do like Chicken Marsala :D
The sun came out today, funny how that improves my disposition.
I really wanted to be Irish but I guess my Inner European is
French??
Sophisticated I am Not! But I do like Chicken Marsala :D
Your Inner European is French! |
 Smart and sophisticated. You have the best of everything - at least, *you* think so. |
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Another one bites the dust!
Finally we had sunshine today, hopefully it will improve my
attitude.
I have felt bitchy ever since yesterday when I attended a convention
which ended up endorsing another male with no experience,
other then telling everyone over and over how his parents came to America with 19 dollars in their pocket and how he served in Iraq.
He did, but in a comfort zone, as a JAG (Judge Advocate general) in the Marines for about 6 months.
A sweet talking young guy with no credentials, over a woman who has been a Legislator and worked hard for her district.
He won with votes from feminists who have complained for years that they weren't treated right, but were entranced by his oratory.
Wait that isn't all, in 2000 he was a Republican who supported McCaine
but now at the old age of 30 he has been born again.
Kind of like Old Norm Coleman, who started as a war protesting Democrat, but switched to the Republican party when he saw he wasn't going to get any where and now is the Senator who replaced Wellstone after his death.
I have finally come to the conclusion, if a woman wants to succeed in the political
arena.
They should consider majoring in speech and theater, or maybe becoming a lawyer so they can become a JAG and only have to serve a few months in an arena they can boast about.
Do I sound bitter? Blame it on my age and the fact that now I am expected to smile and do the work for a candidate I don't believe in.
But Surprise!!!
I won't do that any more..that is one advantage you get at my age you can say
Screw you!!! with a smile!!
attitude.
I have felt bitchy ever since yesterday when I attended a convention
which ended up endorsing another male with no experience,
other then telling everyone over and over how his parents came to America with 19 dollars in their pocket and how he served in Iraq.
He did, but in a comfort zone, as a JAG (Judge Advocate general) in the Marines for about 6 months.
A sweet talking young guy with no credentials, over a woman who has been a Legislator and worked hard for her district.
He won with votes from feminists who have complained for years that they weren't treated right, but were entranced by his oratory.
Wait that isn't all, in 2000 he was a Republican who supported McCaine
but now at the old age of 30 he has been born again.
Kind of like Old Norm Coleman, who started as a war protesting Democrat, but switched to the Republican party when he saw he wasn't going to get any where and now is the Senator who replaced Wellstone after his death.
I have finally come to the conclusion, if a woman wants to succeed in the political
arena.
They should consider majoring in speech and theater, or maybe becoming a lawyer so they can become a JAG and only have to serve a few months in an arena they can boast about.
Do I sound bitter? Blame it on my age and the fact that now I am expected to smile and do the work for a candidate I don't believe in.
But Surprise!!!
I won't do that any more..that is one advantage you get at my age you can say
Screw you!!! with a smile!!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Good by Michael Johns!
I am an Idol junkie and tonight one of my favorites was voted off
and left behind
were a couple surprised mediocre Female singers.
I'm glad he gets to tour with the group this summer,
and I'm sure he'll be around for a long time.
I'll buy your CD Michael, especially if you
record more songs by Queen.
His down fall last night was singing a song by Arrowsmith.
Michael isn't a rocker even if he wants to be.
He needs to stick with the blues.
Go to Youtube and check out his Bohemian Rhapsody, the
embedding was disabled by request so I couldn't post it here.
Maybe thats a good sign that it is going to be recorded.
I did see Randy Jackson whispering in his ear tonight, we'll see.
Here is a little taste:
and left behind
were a couple surprised mediocre Female singers.
I'm glad he gets to tour with the group this summer,
and I'm sure he'll be around for a long time.
I'll buy your CD Michael, especially if you
record more songs by Queen.
His down fall last night was singing a song by Arrowsmith.
Michael isn't a rocker even if he wants to be.
He needs to stick with the blues.
Go to Youtube and check out his Bohemian Rhapsody, the
embedding was disabled by request so I couldn't post it here.
Maybe thats a good sign that it is going to be recorded.
I did see Randy Jackson whispering in his ear tonight, we'll see.
Here is a little taste:
Sunday, April 06, 2008
10 Things You Should Know About John McCain
I keep hearing people say that John McCain wouldn't be as bad as Bush.
For all the coverage of Senator John McCain's background, there are some important things you won't learn about him from the TV pundits.
His carefully crafted positive image relies on people not knowing this stuff—and you might be surprised by some of it.
1. John McCain voted against establishing a national holiday in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Now he says his position has "evolved," yet he's continued to oppose key civil rights laws.
"The Complicated History of John McCain and MLK Day," ABC News, April 3, 2008
"McCain Facts," ColorOfChange.org, April 4, 2008
2. According to Bloomberg News, McCain is more hawkish than Bush on Iraq, Russia and China. Conservative columnist Pat Buchanan says McCain "will make Cheney look like Gandhi".
"McCain More Hawkish Than Bush on Russia, China, Iraq," Bloomberg News, March 12, 2008
"Buchanan: John McCain 'Will Make Cheney Look Like Gandhi,'" ThinkProgress, February 6, 2008
3. His reputation is built on his opposition to torture, but McCain voted against a bill to ban waterboarding, and then applauded President Bush for vetoing that ban.
"McCain Sides With Bush On Torture Again, Supports Veto Of Anti-Waterboarding Bill," ThinkProgress, February 20, 2008
4. McCain opposes a woman's right to choose. He said, "I do not support Roe versus Wade. It should be overturned".
"McCain says Roe v. Wade should be overturned," MSNBC, February 18, 2007
5. The Children's Defense Fund rated McCain as the worst senator in Congress for children. He voted against the children's health care bill last year, then defended Bush's veto of the bill.
"2007 Children's Defense Fund Action Council® Nonpartisan Congressional Scorecard," February 2008
"McCain: Bush right to veto kids health insurance expansion," CNN, October 3, 2007
6. He's one of the richest people in a Senate filled with millionaires. The Associated Press reports he and his wife own at least eight homes! Yet McCain says the solution to the housing crisis is for people facing foreclosure to get a "second job" and skip their vacations.
"Beer Executive Could Be Next First Lady," Associated Press, April 3, 2008
"McCain Says Bank Bailout Should End `Systemic Risk,'" Bloomberg News, March 25, 2008
7. Many of McCain's fellow Republican senators say he's too reckless to be commander in chief. One Republican senator said: "The thought of his being president sends a cold chill down my spine. He's erratic. He's hotheaded. He loses his temper and he worries me".
"Will McCain's Temper Be a Liability?," Associated Press, February 16, 2008
"Famed McCain temper is tamed," Boston Globe, January 27, 2008
8. McCain talks a lot about taking on special interests, but his campaign manager and top advisers are actually lobbyists. The government watchdog group Public Citizen says McCain has 59 lobbyists raising money for his campaign, more than any of the other presidential candidates.
"Black Claims McCain's Campaign Is Above Lobbyist Influence: 'I Don't Know What The Criticism Is,'" ThinkProgress, April 2, 2008
"McCain's Lobbyist Friends Rally 'Round Their Man," ABC News, January 29, 2008
9. McCain has sought closer ties to the extreme religious right in recent years. The pastor McCain calls his "spiritual guide," Rod Parsley, believes America's founding mission is to destroy Islam, which he calls a "false religion." McCain sought the political support of right-wing preacher John Hagee, who believes Hurricane Katrina was God's punishment for gay rights and called the Catholic Church "the Antichrist" and a "false cult".
"McCain's Spiritual Guide: Destroy Islam," Mother Jones Magazine, March 12, 2008
"Will McCain Specifically 'Repudiate' Hagee's Anti-Gay Comments?," ThinkProgress, March 12, 2008
"McCain 'Very Honored' By Support Of Pastor Preaching 'End-Time Confrontation With Iran,'" ThinkProgress, February 28, 2008
10. He positions himself as pro-environment, but he scored a 0—yes, zero—from the League of Conservation Voters last year".
"John McCain Gets a Zero Rating for His Environmental Record," Sierra Club, February 28, 2008
For all the coverage of Senator John McCain's background, there are some important things you won't learn about him from the TV pundits.
His carefully crafted positive image relies on people not knowing this stuff—and you might be surprised by some of it.
1. John McCain voted against establishing a national holiday in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Now he says his position has "evolved," yet he's continued to oppose key civil rights laws.
"The Complicated History of John McCain and MLK Day," ABC News, April 3, 2008
"McCain Facts," ColorOfChange.org, April 4, 2008
2. According to Bloomberg News, McCain is more hawkish than Bush on Iraq, Russia and China. Conservative columnist Pat Buchanan says McCain "will make Cheney look like Gandhi".
"McCain More Hawkish Than Bush on Russia, China, Iraq," Bloomberg News, March 12, 2008
"Buchanan: John McCain 'Will Make Cheney Look Like Gandhi,'" ThinkProgress, February 6, 2008
3. His reputation is built on his opposition to torture, but McCain voted against a bill to ban waterboarding, and then applauded President Bush for vetoing that ban.
"McCain Sides With Bush On Torture Again, Supports Veto Of Anti-Waterboarding Bill," ThinkProgress, February 20, 2008
4. McCain opposes a woman's right to choose. He said, "I do not support Roe versus Wade. It should be overturned".
"McCain says Roe v. Wade should be overturned," MSNBC, February 18, 2007
5. The Children's Defense Fund rated McCain as the worst senator in Congress for children. He voted against the children's health care bill last year, then defended Bush's veto of the bill.
"2007 Children's Defense Fund Action Council® Nonpartisan Congressional Scorecard," February 2008
"McCain: Bush right to veto kids health insurance expansion," CNN, October 3, 2007
6. He's one of the richest people in a Senate filled with millionaires. The Associated Press reports he and his wife own at least eight homes! Yet McCain says the solution to the housing crisis is for people facing foreclosure to get a "second job" and skip their vacations.
"Beer Executive Could Be Next First Lady," Associated Press, April 3, 2008
"McCain Says Bank Bailout Should End `Systemic Risk,'" Bloomberg News, March 25, 2008
7. Many of McCain's fellow Republican senators say he's too reckless to be commander in chief. One Republican senator said: "The thought of his being president sends a cold chill down my spine. He's erratic. He's hotheaded. He loses his temper and he worries me".
"Will McCain's Temper Be a Liability?," Associated Press, February 16, 2008
"Famed McCain temper is tamed," Boston Globe, January 27, 2008
8. McCain talks a lot about taking on special interests, but his campaign manager and top advisers are actually lobbyists. The government watchdog group Public Citizen says McCain has 59 lobbyists raising money for his campaign, more than any of the other presidential candidates.
"Black Claims McCain's Campaign Is Above Lobbyist Influence: 'I Don't Know What The Criticism Is,'" ThinkProgress, April 2, 2008
"McCain's Lobbyist Friends Rally 'Round Their Man," ABC News, January 29, 2008
9. McCain has sought closer ties to the extreme religious right in recent years. The pastor McCain calls his "spiritual guide," Rod Parsley, believes America's founding mission is to destroy Islam, which he calls a "false religion." McCain sought the political support of right-wing preacher John Hagee, who believes Hurricane Katrina was God's punishment for gay rights and called the Catholic Church "the Antichrist" and a "false cult".
"McCain's Spiritual Guide: Destroy Islam," Mother Jones Magazine, March 12, 2008
"Will McCain Specifically 'Repudiate' Hagee's Anti-Gay Comments?," ThinkProgress, March 12, 2008
"McCain 'Very Honored' By Support Of Pastor Preaching 'End-Time Confrontation With Iran,'" ThinkProgress, February 28, 2008
10. He positions himself as pro-environment, but he scored a 0—yes, zero—from the League of Conservation Voters last year".
"John McCain Gets a Zero Rating for His Environmental Record," Sierra Club, February 28, 2008
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Cotton What?? Lou
Saw this on huffingtonpost.com
When you are talking about a black Woman..not a bright thing to almost come out of your mouth, even if you are thinking it.
How long is CNN going to let this man blather and stir up hate?
When you are talking about a black Woman..not a bright thing to almost come out of your mouth, even if you are thinking it.
How long is CNN going to let this man blather and stir up hate?
Monday, March 31, 2008
Winter's Last Breath
Right now we are bordering on a Blizzard out side,
It has been snowing here all day long, one of those days when you just want to wrap in a blanket , drink green tea and read.
In the last hour it turned a little wicked, just in time for heavy drive time.
I suspect there will be many cars in the ditch before this is over.
The good news for us in the hinterland, is the predicted 40's and 50 temps predicted for the rest of the week so we know this snow won't last long.
I was stuck home all day, waiting for the cable guy, or I should say cable boy,
I swear these tech's get younger and younger.
He came and rewired my TV's but since some reception is still poor, he will be back Sunday when Hubba is hear to talk to him.
Maybe he can understand the lingo.
Today is also one of my G sons 16th birthday, Hmm, wonder if he has ever been kissed?
It has been snowing here all day long, one of those days when you just want to wrap in a blanket , drink green tea and read.
In the last hour it turned a little wicked, just in time for heavy drive time.
I suspect there will be many cars in the ditch before this is over.
The good news for us in the hinterland, is the predicted 40's and 50 temps predicted for the rest of the week so we know this snow won't last long.
I was stuck home all day, waiting for the cable guy, or I should say cable boy,
I swear these tech's get younger and younger.
He came and rewired my TV's but since some reception is still poor, he will be back Sunday when Hubba is hear to talk to him.
Maybe he can understand the lingo.
Today is also one of my G sons 16th birthday, Hmm, wonder if he has ever been kissed?
Sunday, March 30, 2008
I Can Never Forget !
I remember an article I read several years ago in "The Rake".
It said "Tornadoes don't have names, they have dates and times.
The date was March 29th, 1998 and the time was 5:20 PM.
An angry Twister cut through the center of my hometown, St. Peter, Mn.
also the home town of five former Governors of our state and
a neighbor of mine who happened to marry John Denver, Annie Martell.
Her former home like my parents was on the south end of town and escaped any damages.
The twister destroyed over 500 homes, and damaged more then 1,700 more.
It totally destroyed the 2 churches I and my Hubba had gone too.
It was shortly after the Tornado struck that I received a call from one of my closest
friends, she was calling from the nursing home she worked at.
She was saddened because she had heard it on the news and she knew how close we were to so many in our hometown.
It would be around 4 months later that I would also lose her to a strep virus gone wild.
So I remember yesterday for more then one reason, and couldn't bring myself to post about it till now.
For more about the Tornado and some pictures and links, you can click on Centrisity.
It said "Tornadoes don't have names, they have dates and times.
The date was March 29th, 1998 and the time was 5:20 PM.
An angry Twister cut through the center of my hometown, St. Peter, Mn.
also the home town of five former Governors of our state and
a neighbor of mine who happened to marry John Denver, Annie Martell.
Her former home like my parents was on the south end of town and escaped any damages.
The twister destroyed over 500 homes, and damaged more then 1,700 more.
It totally destroyed the 2 churches I and my Hubba had gone too.
It was shortly after the Tornado struck that I received a call from one of my closest
friends, she was calling from the nursing home she worked at.
She was saddened because she had heard it on the news and she knew how close we were to so many in our hometown.
It would be around 4 months later that I would also lose her to a strep virus gone wild.
So I remember yesterday for more then one reason, and couldn't bring myself to post about it till now.
For more about the Tornado and some pictures and links, you can click on Centrisity.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
He has no Heart!
In 1992 the Minnesota Legislature introduced a plan to help all Minnesotans get access to affordable health care.
This plan the Health Care Access Fund (HCAF)was payed for by a new tax on health care services.
The idea of the fund was to give preventative and primary care to those without insurance, thus reducing
preventable Emergency room visits.
Though many Administrators, Doctors and health-care workers were opposed at the beginning because they would be paying the provider tax, they soon came to accept it, because they were assured that the fund had appropriate safe guards that would allow the funds
to be used only to increase access to care for sick patients.
What it is now happening is outrageous.
Minnesota Governor,Tim Pawlenty, who is on the short list for McCain's VP, has decided this is his bank to raid to balance the State budget.
A budget in trouble because he doesn't want to raise taxes on his wealthy friends.
Pawlenty, Bush's lackey, has lowered the bar in this state for people who need health care and now he wants to lower it even further
If you live in Minnesota, call the Governor and your Representatives tell them to keep their hands off these funds.
This plan the Health Care Access Fund (HCAF)was payed for by a new tax on health care services.
The idea of the fund was to give preventative and primary care to those without insurance, thus reducing
preventable Emergency room visits.
Though many Administrators, Doctors and health-care workers were opposed at the beginning because they would be paying the provider tax, they soon came to accept it, because they were assured that the fund had appropriate safe guards that would allow the funds
to be used only to increase access to care for sick patients.
What it is now happening is outrageous.
Minnesota Governor,Tim Pawlenty, who is on the short list for McCain's VP, has decided this is his bank to raid to balance the State budget.
A budget in trouble because he doesn't want to raise taxes on his wealthy friends.
Pawlenty, Bush's lackey, has lowered the bar in this state for people who need health care and now he wants to lower it even further
If you live in Minnesota, call the Governor and your Representatives tell them to keep their hands off these funds.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Garden Party!
Today some of my friends and I went down to the Garden show at Macy's.
This has been a trip we have enjoyed for many years downtown Mpls on
Dayton's 8th floor.
When Marshall Fields bought Dayton's they continued the tradition, but
since Macy's took over they have changed it and this is the last trip we will take.
Like everything else nothing is the same.
They place all of the flowers through out the store, hoping that you will wander around and maybe buy something.
We didn't!!
Let Ricky explain!!
This has been a trip we have enjoyed for many years downtown Mpls on
Dayton's 8th floor.
When Marshall Fields bought Dayton's they continued the tradition, but
since Macy's took over they have changed it and this is the last trip we will take.
Like everything else nothing is the same.
They place all of the flowers through out the store, hoping that you will wander around and maybe buy something.
We didn't!!
Let Ricky explain!!
Monday, March 24, 2008
Truth is Power
Every Friday night Bill Moyers Journal is a must see for me.
This past Friday on the Journal was Phil Donohue discussing his documantery Body of War
Check the trailer
It seems like the only way you can get any kind of truth in the Media is to turn to PBS.
You don't see the true story of Iraq on the national Media.
Tonight while people are watching Dancing with the Stars, Frontline on PBS will be giving us the true story of Bushes War.
I will be watching it, and I hope that anyone that misses it
checks to see when it is rerun.
This past Friday on the Journal was Phil Donohue discussing his documantery Body of War
Check the trailer
It seems like the only way you can get any kind of truth in the Media is to turn to PBS.
You don't see the true story of Iraq on the national Media.
Tonight while people are watching Dancing with the Stars, Frontline on PBS will be giving us the true story of Bushes War.
I will be watching it, and I hope that anyone that misses it
checks to see when it is rerun.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Five years ago My Senator spoke
If only someone had listened, maybe 4000 of our kids would still be here, and if
Paul was still with us, I think he would have been a candidate for President.
Many in Minnesota, see something in Obama that reminds them of our friend Paul.
Paul was still with us, I think he would have been a candidate for President.
Many in Minnesota, see something in Obama that reminds them of our friend Paul.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
We have a Verdict!
I was at my Book Club at the library when the call came that there was a verdict.
The jury was going to return it within 15 minutes, not enough time for me to
get to the Government Center.
So my friend (who is also a neighbor of my niece)and I sat and waited for the call.
When the phone rang we both jumped out of our chairs.
On the phone was a very happy Father, my niece's husband and also the Mayor of my city
GUILTY of MURDER in THE 3rd DEGREE.
Sentencing will be held April 22, I WILL be there for that.
I am so happy for the prosecutor and our County Attorney who put so much time into this conviction.
It is a new law and it had not been tried before, because they usually don't have a witness willing to come forward in these cases.
Maybe this will send some kind of message to those that pollute our kids.
I am not excusing those that use drugs, but in many cases these are people
trying to erase some kind of emotional pain they are feeling, and these drug dealers take advantage of that.
Thanks for all the prayers and good thoughts and if you live in the Mpls area,
watch the news tonight and check the paper tomorrow.
The jury was going to return it within 15 minutes, not enough time for me to
get to the Government Center.
So my friend (who is also a neighbor of my niece)and I sat and waited for the call.
When the phone rang we both jumped out of our chairs.
On the phone was a very happy Father, my niece's husband and also the Mayor of my city
GUILTY of MURDER in THE 3rd DEGREE.
Sentencing will be held April 22, I WILL be there for that.
I am so happy for the prosecutor and our County Attorney who put so much time into this conviction.
It is a new law and it had not been tried before, because they usually don't have a witness willing to come forward in these cases.
Maybe this will send some kind of message to those that pollute our kids.
I am not excusing those that use drugs, but in many cases these are people
trying to erase some kind of emotional pain they are feeling, and these drug dealers take advantage of that.
Thanks for all the prayers and good thoughts and if you live in the Mpls area,
watch the news tonight and check the paper tomorrow.
Monday, March 17, 2008
It's in Their Hands Now!
Today was closing arguments.
I have been so impressed with the prosecutor assigned to this case.
She has done a great job with a limited amount of evidence.
The defense attorney put on a slide show which reminded me of high school.
But he does have the upper hand, because the only witness's were an addict and a cell mate of the defendant.
The phone records are not complete, and there was one mystery call on my nieces
phone to Disney Mobile and no one knows who that was.
The defense attorney has been followed around by two young female interns, whom I guess had a lot to do with putting his closing together.
They got there early to get front row seats.
The judge's instructions to the jury were orderly, he told them they could only rely on their notes and remembrance of the testimony.
They could not reflect on the fact that he was arrested in a sting, or that he had delivered heroin to my niece and her friend at other times.
The only charge they can consider is Murder in the 3rd degree.
I don't expect a conviction, the jury seemed to take copious notes.
They were very attentive, I never saw a yawn.
This after noon after a couple hours of deliberation they asked for a transcript of some testimony related to the phone records.
The judge denied them.
If they have a reasonable doubt then they should vote not guilty.
If he is released I have no doubt that this defendant will be back
before a judge soon.
They recessed at 4:30 and will be back tomorrow at 9:00
I have been so impressed with the prosecutor assigned to this case.
She has done a great job with a limited amount of evidence.
The defense attorney put on a slide show which reminded me of high school.
But he does have the upper hand, because the only witness's were an addict and a cell mate of the defendant.
The phone records are not complete, and there was one mystery call on my nieces
phone to Disney Mobile and no one knows who that was.
The defense attorney has been followed around by two young female interns, whom I guess had a lot to do with putting his closing together.
They got there early to get front row seats.
The judge's instructions to the jury were orderly, he told them they could only rely on their notes and remembrance of the testimony.
They could not reflect on the fact that he was arrested in a sting, or that he had delivered heroin to my niece and her friend at other times.
The only charge they can consider is Murder in the 3rd degree.
I don't expect a conviction, the jury seemed to take copious notes.
They were very attentive, I never saw a yawn.
This after noon after a couple hours of deliberation they asked for a transcript of some testimony related to the phone records.
The judge denied them.
If they have a reasonable doubt then they should vote not guilty.
If he is released I have no doubt that this defendant will be back
before a judge soon.
They recessed at 4:30 and will be back tomorrow at 9:00
Friday, March 14, 2008
No Defense??
Prior to court resuming, the Prosecutor informed us that the defense was going to rest it's case with out any testimony.
The defendant chose not to go on the stand, which was smart, for him anyway, from what we have been told, he isn't the sharpest tack in the box.
I think our Prosecutor would have chewed him up and spit him out
She is brilliant.
I was happy he didn't go on the stand, mainly, because at least this way they weren't going to attack the victim any more then they had already done.
They didn't know her, they didn't know how smart and caring she was,or how much talent she had.
They didn't know her as we did.
They only looked at her as a drug addict, somebody else's problem.
They didn't know the real human heart underneath all that pain.
I just wish there had been testimony about her as a young woman struggling with her depression.
How she was hoping to go back to school and become a nurse before she got hooked on that shit!
I guess there was a reason and I am not second guessing anyone.
I have been so impressed with the young woman assigned to prosecute this case.
She knew from the beginning it would be a toughie and she has done the best she could with the evidence they had.
The County Attorney is a friend and when this is over, I am going to tell him how lucky he is to have this woman on his team.
We will go back on Monday for closing statements, I hope one way or the other that it ends that day.
The defendant chose not to go on the stand, which was smart, for him anyway, from what we have been told, he isn't the sharpest tack in the box.
I think our Prosecutor would have chewed him up and spit him out
She is brilliant.
I was happy he didn't go on the stand, mainly, because at least this way they weren't going to attack the victim any more then they had already done.
They didn't know her, they didn't know how smart and caring she was,or how much talent she had.
They didn't know her as we did.
They only looked at her as a drug addict, somebody else's problem.
They didn't know the real human heart underneath all that pain.
I just wish there had been testimony about her as a young woman struggling with her depression.
How she was hoping to go back to school and become a nurse before she got hooked on that shit!
I guess there was a reason and I am not second guessing anyone.
I have been so impressed with the young woman assigned to prosecute this case.
She knew from the beginning it would be a toughie and she has done the best she could with the evidence they had.
The County Attorney is a friend and when this is over, I am going to tell him how lucky he is to have this woman on his team.
We will go back on Monday for closing statements, I hope one way or the other that it ends that day.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Day Two!
Today's testimony started at 9:30 with a Detective from the Drug Enforcement Task Force, testifying about the drug sting that was used to arrest the dealer the day after my G Niece's death from the overdose.
The dealer fled when he realized what was going down, but was apprehended when he ran
his car into the side of a building.
Then there was follow up testimony from The Bureau of Apprehension concerning the drug analysis of the buy.
After lunch the prosecution called a witness who had been a cell mate of the defendant.
He testified that the defendant, shared information with him that led him to believe he was the seller.
Unfortunately because of his history I am not sure the jury took him too seriously.
The rest of the afternoon was filled with boring technical stuff about phone records.
I learned more about cell phones, location of cell phone towers then I care to know.
As the Prosecution rested, I felt it had not been a good day.
Trying to connect the dealer's phone to any of the calls made wasn't settled in any one's mind.
There also is a witness who is unable to be found because she doesn't want to be found, she was the girlfriend of the male friend who was with my G niece on the day of her death.
The defense did a good job of turning things around and putting doubt in peoples minds about whether she may have been the one who delivered the drugs.
We know that isn't possible, because if she had the drugs, they would have gone to her apartment not to a fast food place.
There was a 3rd syringe found with the the evidence and her boyfriend said he was suppose to bring it home to her.
At the end of the afternoon the prosecution rested and tomorrow morning the
defense presents it's case.
This dealer does not deny that he has ever sold heroin to the victim and her friend.
Some times 3 or 4 days a week.
He just denies he did it on the day my G niece overdosed.
All they need is one person with reasonable doubt.
Frankly the Defense lawyer is obnoxious and I think he may have ticked off the jury a couple times.
We'll just have to see what happens tomorrow and whether the defendant goes on the stand.
Thanks for all the good thoughts.
The dealer fled when he realized what was going down, but was apprehended when he ran
his car into the side of a building.
Then there was follow up testimony from The Bureau of Apprehension concerning the drug analysis of the buy.
After lunch the prosecution called a witness who had been a cell mate of the defendant.
He testified that the defendant, shared information with him that led him to believe he was the seller.
Unfortunately because of his history I am not sure the jury took him too seriously.
The rest of the afternoon was filled with boring technical stuff about phone records.
I learned more about cell phones, location of cell phone towers then I care to know.
As the Prosecution rested, I felt it had not been a good day.
Trying to connect the dealer's phone to any of the calls made wasn't settled in any one's mind.
There also is a witness who is unable to be found because she doesn't want to be found, she was the girlfriend of the male friend who was with my G niece on the day of her death.
The defense did a good job of turning things around and putting doubt in peoples minds about whether she may have been the one who delivered the drugs.
We know that isn't possible, because if she had the drugs, they would have gone to her apartment not to a fast food place.
There was a 3rd syringe found with the the evidence and her boyfriend said he was suppose to bring it home to her.
At the end of the afternoon the prosecution rested and tomorrow morning the
defense presents it's case.
This dealer does not deny that he has ever sold heroin to the victim and her friend.
Some times 3 or 4 days a week.
He just denies he did it on the day my G niece overdosed.
All they need is one person with reasonable doubt.
Frankly the Defense lawyer is obnoxious and I think he may have ticked off the jury a couple times.
We'll just have to see what happens tomorrow and whether the defendant goes on the stand.
Thanks for all the good thoughts.
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