Utah
updated
2:40 p.m.
From Jesse Fruhwirth at City Weekly : As I reported first via my Twitter feed, the press conference calling for a ballot initiative to remove homosexuals from Utah was fake. At best, the organizers put together improv theater that punked the Utah press corps and maybe got people to think about gay rights for a moment. It's fashionable to make fools of news media folk such as myself, so, touche....
Bob Aagard - 8:07 a.m. - 2 clicks 
High noon, today, in fact. Capitol Cafeteria. Holly @ Holly on the Hill suggested it (I think), and I seconded it (I think)... either way, it got planned. Great opportunity for all the bloggers, tweeps, facebookers, and "misc." following the 2010 Legislative session to meet up, and match real faces to user ID's and "handles." Maybe, if we're lucky, we'll all catch a glimpse of the oft s...
The Sidetrack - 7:21 a.m.
This month, Afghanistan becomes the longest war in U.S. history. There have been 1,664 coalition deaths –1,009 Americans, 11 Australians, one Belgian, 272 Britons, 140 Canadians, three Czech, 29 Danes, 21 Dutch, seven Estonians, one Finn, 40 French, 31 Germans, two Hungarians, 22 Italians, three Latvian, one Lithuanian, five Norwegians, 16 ......
One Utah - 7:05 a.m.
A few days after these mass meetings all of the precinct officers who were elected at that mass meeting will meet and elect the Legislative Chair. This person will work very close with their state representative especially when it is time for them to run again. They are one step below our Regional Directors and one more beneath our Executive Committee. They are our contact with the district and...
Utah Amicus - Wed 7:02 p.m.
I'm sure Jim Matheson figured he could oppose health care reform and immunize himself against Republican attacks and thereby save his seat. In that, he's made a fundamental miscalculation. As we've seen over the last year, the Republican party - individually and corporately - have no compunctions concerning lying about health ......
One Utah - Wed 1:22 p.m. - 5 clicks
This complete disregard of both science and the economic and environmental future of our state demands our protest. The Legislature has had its say, now it's our turn. Please come and invite your Facebook friends. Despite our phone calls, letters, emails, and testimonies HJR 12 passed resoundingly in both the House ......
One Utah - Wed 7:02 a.m. - 6 clicks
The lege ends its annual session on Thursday at midnight. Let's talk about the disasters, the meltdowns and the entertainment! ...
One Utah - Tue 5:25 p.m.
Washington Post's "Morning Headlines" email this morning... ____________________________________________________ ...
The Sidetrack - Tue 3:08 p.m.
Just a thought: One of my part-time jobs is at a grocery store. I enjoy the people I work with, but I hate the working environment. I'm asked to be a psychiatrist for cranky customers half of the time; I only get two 15-minute breaks in an 8-hour shift (no lunch); ......
One Utah - Tue 2:25 p.m.
There was a time when I liked George Will. I didn't consider him to be a great commentator, and I certainly didn't agree with all of his stances, but I respected that he bucked the party line from time to time. I don't like him all that much any more, ......
One Utah - Tue 11:42 a.m.
I have mixed feelings about posting this followup as I'm actually pretty embarrassed about yesterday, but I want to make sure that everyone who read my diary has the correct information that what I reported was indeed a HOAX. Background for those who missed it: late in the morning yesterday I posted a diary linking to an article about a reported press release from a group in Utah who were subm...
DailyKos (Utah) - Tue 10:49 a.m. - 4 clicks
From Tapped: A recent analysis of religious attitudes by researchers at Duke, USC and Augsburg College reaches the conclusion that religious people tend to be more racist -- and the more religious you are, the more racist you tend to be. It may come as no surprise that some Christians may ......
One Utah - Tue 9:05 a.m.
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c Leno-Palin vs. Letterman-Romney www.thedailyshow.com Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Health Care Reform www.theworldaccordingtome.us .adHeadline {font: bold 10pt Arial; text-decoration: underline; color: #0000FF;} .adText {font: normal 10pt Arial; text-decoration: none; color: #0000...
Bob Aagard - Tue 9:05 a.m.
Part whev in a never ending series. "I beg you, look for the words 'social justice' or 'economic justice' on your church Web site. If you find it, run as fast as you can. Social justice and economic justice, they are code words.... 'Communists are on the left, and the Nazis ......
One Utah - Tue 7:25 a.m.
US Capitol Rotunda Welcome to the Overnight News Digest ! We have a rotating crew of regulars and guest hosts. Founded by Magnifico and currently strong-armed by Neon Vincent! Today is International Women's Day . I read some of the clues on their About page, and I think I know why this is not widely promoted in the USA. It's a pinko commie organiz...
DailyKos (Utah) - Mon 9:49 p.m.
The guvmint-hatin' Utah state legislature has just declared a preemptive strike against creating new jobs and revenue in the state. Today, the state senate passed a resolution opposing federal creation of new monuments. A few weeks ago, a Department of the Interior memo brainstorming 14 possible national monuments, including two in Utah, was leaked to a national park-hating membe...
DailyKos (Utah) - Mon 6:20 p.m. - 4 clicks
Democratic Strategist : Right now, Obama's leadership on national security polls well, but imagine how much better it could be if Democrats were actually prepared to press their advantage home. What if the administration had well-briefed allies on the Hill ready to talk up the administration's approach whenever cable news gets interested in this issue? What if the chief of staff were bragging to...
The Sidetrack - Mon 3:09 p.m.
Mushroom cloud on the horizon from TV series "Jericho." Via Media Matters. In his new book, President Bush's Senior Advisor and Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove writes (emphasis added): So, then, did Bush lie us into war? Absolutely not. [...] ......
One Utah - Mon 3:09 p.m.
Wow, first the miscarriage=abortion bill, and now this: A local group called Patriots for a Moral Utah has petitioned Lt. Gov. Greg Bell to submit what it calls the "Fair Solution Initiative" to referendum vote this November. According to the bill’s text, published this morning on the group’s Facebook page, the initiative seeks to change state law to provide for "the involunta...
DailyKos (Utah) - Mon 3:09 p.m. - 4 clicks
From the Washington Post - KARACHI, Pakistan — The American-born spokesman for al-Qaida has been arrested by Pakistani intelligence officers in the southern city of Karachi, two officers and a government official said Sunday, the same day Adam Gadahn appeared in a video urging U.S. Muslims to attack their own country. The arrest of Gadahn is a [...]...
JM Bell - Sun 11:45 a.m.
I’ve been having a lot of personal and online conversations about environmentalism with self-described conservatives lately, and noticed an interesting trend. All agree in theory with the root concept of environmentalism. They all agree that we need to be good stewards of the land, air, and water upon which we rely. But they still bristle [...] ...
A Liberal Mormon - Sat 4:25 p.m. - 2 clicks
You'd think that with a legislature that is predominantly LDS, a religion whose scriptures say "And again, tobacco is not for the body, neither for the belly, and is not good for man," that big tobacco would have a horrible time in the legislature. But, big tobacco has big money. And some of that money flows into the coffers of our legislators. And the pockets of lobbyists. Lobbyists like forme...
Bob Aagard - Sat 5:27 a.m. - 4 clicks
document.body.scrollTop = 462.000000; Seconding Balloon Juice: Jay Rosen's series of posts on "The Church of the Savvy" are well worth worth reading. http://www.balloon-juice.com/2010/03/05/church-of-the-savvy/ ____________________________________________________ ...
The Sidetrack - Fri 11:22 a.m. - 2 clicks
Want proof that HB 12 was a bad bill? Well just ask the bills sponsor, Representative Carl Wimmer (R-Herriman-District 52) who is also sponsoring HB 462 – Criminal Homicide and Abortion Revisions. Now HB 12 was the act of a zealot who could not think beyond sending a message to the arch-conservatives out there that Carl [...]...
Blue in Red Zion - Fri 7:08 a.m. - 2 clicks
Wimmer plans fix to controversial abortion bill A bill that captured national headlines for potentially putting mothers who miscarry at risk of being investigated for criminal homicide will be replaced. Rep. Carl Wimmer, R-Herriman, said Thursday he plans to introduce new legislation to refine his bill, which was drafted in response to a case in Vernal where a teen paid a man to beat h...
DailyKos (Utah) - Thu 3:09 p.m. - 3 clicks
From a press release, as posted on Facebook: It is with deep gratitude and humility that I announce my intention not to seek re-election for the Utah House of Representatives. I make this announcement now in order to provide the Democratic Party and my community ample opportunity to organize to secure a candidate for the 2010 election. It has been an honor to represent the diverse and progressi...
Bob Aagard - Mar 4 - 10 clicks
Someone once said that politics makes strange bedfellows. You know it's true when I agree with Utah Eagle Forum's Gayle Ruzicka on a bill. But, sometimes, a bill is so wrong (wrong isn't even the right word. Strange? Stupid? I don't know) that it requires people of all stripes to weigh in in opposition. To the Trib : Utah kids could begin getting hit up to play blackjack or try their luck on...
Bob Aagard - Mar 4 - 11 clicks
Do you want proof that the legislature hates to be challenged? Want proof that the powers that be don’t like to hear the people speak up? Wonder if they like to throw their weight around and get upset when they don’t get their way? Well I would like to direct you to SB 275 – [...]...
Blue in Red Zion - Mar 4 - 2 clicks
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Bob Aagard - Mar 4 - 3 clicks
By Karen McCreary, Executive Director, ACLU of Utah Last month, the Utah legislature passed a new abortion amendment (H.B. 12) that threatens to criminalize women for their behavior during pregnancy. Gov. Gary Herbert can and should stop this dangerous legislation from becoming law. ...
DailyKos (Utah) - Mar 4 - 10 clicks
And 50 years of prosperity followed… Share this on del.icio.us Digg this! Share this on Reddit Share this on Technorati Share this on Facebook Tweet This! Subscribe to the comments for this post? Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon Blog this on Blogger ...
Blue in Red Zion - Mar 4 - 2 clicks
1000 fps. Bonus beneath the fold - Share this on del.icio.us Digg this! Share this on Reddit Buzz up! Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon Share this on Technorati Post this to MySpace Share this on Facebook Tweet This! Email this to a friend? Subscribe to the comments for this ...
JM Bell - Mar 3
Anti-Fed "message lands bill" HB143 , rallying the tea part troops against those "evil Feds" (who are paying our bills right now)? Campaign fodder and proof of one's commitment to the Constitution. Shurtleff's "We don't need no stinkin' warrants!" HB150 , a blatant violation of the 4th amendment? Complete and total silence. What Constitution? All candidates ru...
The Sidetrack - Mar 3 - 6 clicks
I wish I could sit down with legislators from time to time and explain to them the concept of federalism – I honestly don’t think that Representatives such as Stephen Sandstrom (R – Orem – District 58) understand the concept of local, state, and federal laws. You see, Sandstrom is proposing HB 432 – Hate Crime [...]...
Blue in Red Zion - Mar 3 - 4 clicks
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Bob Aagard - Mar 3 - 8 clicks
While Congress remains deadlocked on health reform, some state legislators are working to make it more difficult for women to access health care and much easier for states to put them, and the people who help them, in jail. Written by Lynn Paltrow and Farah Diaz-Tello for RHRealityCheck.org - News, commentary and community for reproductive health and justice. ...
DailyKos (Utah) - Mar 3 - 5 clicks
Senator Hatch calls the starving and homelessness of unemployed Americans and their families “Gutsy” – because he’s gutless wanker. Today, in an editorial in Senator Bunning’s home state of Kentucky the Lexington Herald-Leader described Senator Bunning’s actions as “callous grandstanding.” As long as Republicans were in charge, Sen. Jim Bunning wa...
JM Bell - Mar 2
In 1942, the allies were suffering heavy losses of merchant ships to German U-boats as a result of the limited range of patrolling aircraft. Lord Louis Mountbatten suggested building large ships made of ice to protect allied merchant ships and possibly as a platform to launch an offensive from. Mountbatten, the Chief of Combined Operations, [...]...
JM Bell - Mar 2
SALT LAKE CITY – March 1, 2010. A resolution that would encourage Congress to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty passed the Utah House Government Operations committee on a unanimous vote this evening. HR4, sponsored by Representative Jen Seelig, D—Salt Lake City, asks the United States of America to be a leader in the world by ratifying the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treat...
Utah Amicus - Mar 2 - 3 clicks
Nothing much to ad to this campaign email from Peter Corroon, other than I really like what I've seen from the campaign so far. Aggressive, creative... saying relevant and timely things. Generating their own buzz. Hitting Herbert where Herbert deserves to be hit. It's impressive. The latest: On March 17, 2010, I will officially kick off my statewide campaign. The...
The Sidetrack - Mar 2
A poignant satirical send up of the "anti-Fed" rhetoric spewing from the 2010 legislative session. A good general rule: whenever Rep. Carl Wimmer (R - Mars) is the front man of your "movement," you probably didn't think things through well enough. ____________________________________________________ ...
The Sidetrack - Mar 1
There really was only one way to make Lincoln even more of a badass without making him a pirate. Share this on del.icio.us Digg this! Share this on Reddit Buzz up! Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon Share this on Technorati Post this to MySpace Share this on Facebook Tweet This! Email thi...
JM Bell - Mar 1
Dear Fair Boundaries supporter, Last week, several legislators launched an all out assault on the initiative process, and your right to play an equal part in the governance of your state. Senator Howard Stephenson, sponsor of SB275, claimed his signature removal bill is an “assault on hucksters.” But several of his Republican colleagues made it clear who [...]...
JM Bell - Mar 1
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Bob Aagard - Mar 1
Mitt Romney wrote a whole book say America is so great we, have nothing to apologize for. Connor Boyack (my favorite Conservative) says Mitt's wrong : Mitt Romney, unsurprisingly, is wrong. He’s not the only one spouting this hollow rhetoric, however. Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) said just last week during his CPAC speech that we should “never, ever, ever” apologize for America. Former Governor ...
Bob Aagard - Feb 28 - 2 clicks
Tea is for sissies – http://bit.ly/cUweIC <– Join a real party #coffeeparty # West Jordan High School student protest budget cts and teacher firings – http://tweetphoto.com/12466428 # You want to play "Cream Wolf," the game where you're a werewolf who serves ice cream to kids: http://is.gd/8YkRM # Just 5 Saturdays Until Doctor Who Comes Back! [...]...
JM Bell - Feb 28 - 4 clicks
Johnny Depp is a pretty good guitar player … wow. Also including – Nick Cave, Bobby Gillespie, Glen Matlock, Chrissie Hynde, Paloma Faith, Eliza Doolittle. Please pre-order the single by clicking HERE – Or text SPELL (all in capitals) to 78789 (the text costs £1.50). So moved by the plight of the people of Haiti, Shane and his [...]...
JM Bell - Feb 27 - 3 clicks
Rolly : Sen. Curt Bramble, R-Provo, said he is sponsoring a bill that would allow Sandy to annex Snowbird Ski resort away from the jurisdiction of Salt Lake County because of the mean and nasty taxes and fees imposed by that mean and nasty Democrat, Mayor Peter Corroon. If Bramble lived in a community so poorly treated, he would look to the heroic Utah Legislature for help, too, the senator to...
Bob Aagard - Feb 26 - 6 clicks
‘Cause she’s smart! Share this on del.icio.us Digg this! Share this on Reddit Buzz up! Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon Share this on Technorati Post this to MySpace Share this on Facebook Tweet This! Email this to a friend? Subscribe to the comments for this post? ...
JM Bell - Feb 26 - 3 clicks
If God hates gays, and wants them dead … they’d be dead. He’s God. I’ve read the Bible – he’s very good at killing large groups of folks. So either God doesn’t care, or, the homophobes are proving the non-existence of a God that puts any value to their hate. Their God is a powerless, [...]...
JM Bell - Feb 25 - 3 clicks
From The Sausage Grinder by Joe Pyrah: The debate about banning smoking in cars when children are present is a couple of years old now. But yesterday's House floor discussion may well be the most surreal yet. Specifically, the back and forth between Provo's Chris Herrod and bill sponsor Jay Seegmiller. I'm posting the transcript because nothing I can write will do this thing justice: Herr...
Utah Amicus - Feb 25 - 4 clicks
At some point in our lives, almost every American has wanted to effect political change in the system. Whether it was to enact a new law, or to amend the Constitution, courageous individuals have come forward to lead the effort to bring about change in order to right a wrong or to extent civil rights and liberties to all citizens of our great nation. These individuals have endured h...
Utah Amicus - Feb 25 - 7 clicks
Like most Americans, I enjoy a good holiday. Especially those of the three-day weekend variety. Last week, Sen. Mark Madsen briefly vetted a proposal to have the state commemorate gun-maker John Browning on Martin Luther King Day. Madsen’s proposal didn’t exactly get off the ground. (It was a lead balloon.) Even a legislature that has never quite embraced the civil rights holiday ...
Utah Amicus - Feb 25 - 4 clicks
Republicans and their insane message bills are really out of control up on the Utah Hill this year. Tea Baggers and their non-nonsensical succession messaging have augmented the normal homophobic and racial memes of years past and have really cranked up the anti-American rhetoric. Utah Republicans hate America, despise the bulk of the US Constitution, [...]...
JM Bell - Feb 24 - 6 clicks
From Auto-Tune the News, American Economic Recovery explained. In Song. V.P. Biden has a lovely singing voice, no? Share this on del.icio.us Digg this! Share this on Reddit Buzz up! Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon Share this on Technorati Post this to MySpace Share this on Facebook Tweet This! ...
JM Bell - Feb 24 - 2 clicks
So, I want to start a revolution. Protest against the wrongs my government is imposing on me. Since this is 2010, the most important thing to have is a name. Hmm.... Let's name it after someone from the revolution! I found the perfect person! He's a failed businessman turned lawyer (conservatives hate lawyers!). In his most famous case as a lawyer, he defended a law that restricted how much c...
Bob Aagard - Feb 24 - 3 clicks
We have passed the time were legislators can no longer simply submit bills, yes the madness has, somewhat, come to an end…well, except for the boxcars. For those of you who don’t know, a “boxcar” is a bill that has been “numbered and titled” but does not have anything in it. In other words, if you [...]...
Blue in Red Zion - Feb 24 - 3 clicks
This video had me sold on your idea of state sovereignty -- had even begun registering my own secessionist domain and website to jump on the wingnutty bandwagon -- until I realized, at about 2 minute 2 seconds , that you couldn't even spell it . ____________________________________________________ ...
The Sidetrack - Feb 23 - 4 clicks
Tribune : A businessman says he's only months away from starting construction on a toll bridge across Utah Lake. Leon Harward said the bridge will cost $300 million, but didn't say where he will get the money. Harward, a partner for a private outfit called Utah Crossing Inc., is rejecting calls from skeptics to take out an insurance bond for the bridge's removal in case the project sours. Ha...
Bob Aagard - Feb 23 - 5 clicks
I use Old Spice because of this kind of advertising since long before they started making ads like this. Share this on del.icio.us Digg this! Share this on Reddit Buzz up! Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon Share this on Technorati Post this to MySpace Share this on Facebook Tweet This! ...
JM Bell - Feb 22 - 4 clicks
Ironic how most of these “Dem” descriptives from the 1994 Republican’t Revolution seem to be synonymous with the Bush Administration – yet Democrats have yet to get out from under a 16 year old list of concentrated BS and snake oil. crisis cynicism decay deeper destroy destructive devour disgrace endanger excuses failure (fail) greed hypocrisy ideological impose incompetent...
JM Bell - Feb 22 - 3 clicks
A lampoon of the Tonight Show with Jay Leno’s return to 11:35pm, and a response to the original promo’s choice of the Beatles’ “Get Back (To Where You Once Belonged)”. Share this on del.icio.us Digg this! Share this on Reddit Buzz up! Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon Share this on Technorati ...
JM Bell - Feb 22 - 2 clicks
It is rare for me to disagree with a Democrat on the hill, especially one so liberal as Representative Jackie Biskupski (D – Salt Lake, District 30). But, frankly, I find the language in HB 340 – Sexual Assault Victim Protocols, a little concerning. Currently, if a victim of sexual assault walks into an Instacare center, [...]...
Blue in Red Zion - Feb 22 - 6 clicks
I'm starting to believe the boys at Sutherland Institute just have a legislative opposition quota that must be met each session. Usually you can see (if not agree, or even come close to believing) their POV in opposition to this bill or that. But with their assault on the -- as they're saying -- PLANNED PARENTHOOD BOOGA BOOGA BOOGA "Sex-Ed" bill this session, their opposition wears a...
The Sidetrack - Feb 21 - 4 clicks
This is not a compliment . Eagar called: Michele Bachmann with blond hair, after recent US Senate debate. #TCOT #glennbeck #utpol #sgp #UtGOP Outside of the carnie circuit , at least. ____________________________________________________ ...
The Sidetrack - Feb 20
Glad to see CPAC finally giving those poor John Birch Society folk their proper place in the "revolution." A come back a long time coming, huh? I mean it goes without saying they should be taken seriously and all. "Birchtube." Heh. ____________________________________________________ ...
The Sidetrack - Feb 20
And,in this case, I'm the caveman. Some months ago, I got introduced to an online app that allows you to practice your skills with redistricting. I gave it a try, and was impressed. I made my own 4-district map, which took a couple of hours. Using current population estimates, and only being able to draw lines along current voting precincts (something the actual line drawers don't have to do)...
Bob Aagard - Feb 20 - 2 clicks
I'm posting these partly so I have them archived here, and partly because I think they deserve additional attention. Sen. Hillyard at The Senate Site and on air with us last Thursday , talking final budget numbers. Enjoy? (Thoughts on the budget from last year, here ) ____________________________________________________ ...
The Sidetrack - Feb 20 - 8 clicks
The following discussion came between Representative Craig Frank and myself was on Facebook. I edited out other people's comments in between. The whole thread can be found here . Don't you find it just a little dishonest that Representative Frank claims that legislators bring down $6000 when he took home more than three times as much? Not too many part time jobs pay mileage reimbursement ...
Bob Aagard - Feb 20 - 3 clicks
Stumbled on this very convenient collection of the all the GOP hypocrisy on the stimulus (in short, voting against it, speaking against it, demagoguing the beejeezus out of it... then going back home and whispering "hey, can I have some of that?" ) Our federal Republican delegates, in all their hypocritical glory: Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) Requested $95 Million In Stimulus Money. The Sa...
The Sidetrack - Feb 19 - 3 clicks
Two quotes hitting the front page of Political Wire on separate days this week worth considering. "To the extent the Republican Party is seen as sitting on the sidelines, rooting for failure, I don't think they will be rewarded." -- White House political adviser David Axelrod, in an interview with The Hill, on the midterm elections outlook. and, Stan Greenberg: "President Obama and the Demo...
The Sidetrack - Feb 19 - 2 clicks
This time last year I discussed how Senator Luz Robles (D – Salt Lake, District 1) was sponsoring a bill to designate the portion of Redwood Road in Salt Lake City the “Pete Suazo Memorial Highway.” Sadly, the bill had the enacting clause struck and made it nowhere. For those of you who don’t know, the [...]...
Blue in Red Zion - Feb 19
Starts at about the 3-minute mark: The Daily Show With Jon Stewart Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c The Apparent Trap www.thedailyshow.com Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Health Care Crisis And, more Dog the Bounty Hunter: The Daily Show With Jon Stewart Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c Moment of Zen - Dog the Bounty Hunter on Health Care www...
Bob Aagard - Feb 18 - 2 clicks
Much has been made by the Climate change unbelievers about the snow storms in Washington DC last week. Yet, they fail to mention that it rained in Salt Lake City (and at the site of the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver) at the same time it snowed in Dallas, Atlanta, and in Florida. In fact, for the first time ever, there was snow on the ground Saturday in 49 states. That's every state except Hawaii. ...
Bob Aagard - Feb 18 - 2 clicks
If there is one thing I can’t stand, it is the legislature making even more power grabs in an attempt to offset the balance of the three branches of government. Well, enter Senator Curt Bramble (R – Provo, District 16). He is proposing SB 93 - Gubernatorial Appointment Powers Amendments, a bill that would give unprecedented [...]...
Blue in Red Zion - Feb 18 - 2 clicks
FOX 13 News 2:54 PM MST, February 16, 2010 SALT LAKE CITY - A bill that proposes the elimination of affirmative action from the Utah constitution has been put on hold Tuesday after going through the House. The resolution will prevent local government agencies, state agencies and public colleges from discriminating or providing any kind of preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, e...
Utah Amicus - Feb 17 - 3 clicks
David Leonhardt breaks down the raw job data, and writes: Imagine if, one year ago, Congress had passed a stimulus bill that really worked. Let’s say this bill had started spending money within a matter of weeks and had rapidly helped the economy. Let’s also imagine it was large enough to have had a huge impact on jobs — employing something like two million people who would otherwise be unempl...
The Sidetrack - Feb 17 - 3 clicks
Ezra Klein explains why, despite the apparent success of the stimulus, Republicans find it so easy to attack. In short: macroeconomics is hard, Fox News talking points are easy. The stimulus has grown the economy 5 plus percent in one year (no marginal feat, and the most growth we've seen in 6 years ) and saved or created millions of jobs... But it is operating amid an economy that's mu...
The Sidetrack - Feb 17 - 2 clicks
On the one year anniversary of the Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Utah Democratic Party Chairman Wayne Holland calls out Republicans for their... how to say it... bullshit stimulus rhetoric . Just two of the top recipients in Utah are the Granite and Jordan School Districts that received more than $100 million to keep our schools afloat. The University of Utah has received $44 million, $13.8...
The Sidetrack - Feb 17 - 3 clicks
This seems like such a no brainer... Right now 50% of voters say they oppose President Obama's health care plan to just 39% in support. Digging a little deeper on those numbers though 64% of respondents planning or open to voting Democratic this fall support it with only 22% opposed. The overall numbers are negative only because of 94/1 opposition among folks who have said there is no way they'...
The Sidetrack - Feb 17
Via The Monkey Cage : Lawmakers today understand the partisan fight, but the act of actually governing requires doing things that are not merely designed to score political points. Instead of governing, we get financial meltdowns, near-miss terrorist attacks, and the potential for many more failures of government responsibility. While Democrats and Republicans play petty politics, Ameri...
The Sidetrack - Feb 17
At first, I was excited to see the title of Senator Ralph Okerlund’s (R – Monroe, District 24) SB 60 – Voluntary Search and Rescue Funding. I often complain that it is unfair to us non-outdoorsie types that we have to pay to pluck people off the side of the mountain every time they purposefully [...]...
Blue in Red Zion - Feb 17 - 3 clicks
Granato Hails Recovery Act Success, Calls Out Bennett's Hypocrisy 0 false 18 pt 18 pt 0 0 false false false / Style Definitions / table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; ms...
Utah Amicus - Feb 16 - 2 clicks
If a student has the credits to leave high school early, they are allowed to already. www.theworldaccordingtome.us .adHeadline {font: bold 10pt Arial; text-decoration: underline; color: #0000FF;} .adText {font: normal 10pt Arial; text-decoration: none; color: #000000;} Your Ad Here ...
Bob Aagard - Feb 16
From: Curtis Haring < curtis@fairboundaries.org > Subject: Press release for Cedar City Trip FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Utah Fair Boundaries – On the Road Again Tour of the State Carries on February 16, 2010, Salt Lake City, Utah – Director of Operations, Curtis Haring, announced Tuesday that he is continue his around the state "tour" to promote his gro...
The Sidetrack - Feb 16 - 3 clicks
I have been asked by several Democratic candidates for my endorsement. I'm holding off endorsing for now, until I learn a little more about the candidates. Mostly because at this point, I don't know much more about most of them other than their names and what office they are seeking. Therefore, I'm preparing a questionnaire for Democratic candidates that I hope to send out by the end of this we...
Bob Aagard - Feb 16
Utah blogger Holly on the Hill has a rare opportunity, just announced yesterday : Woot! Erick Erickson and RedState , a nationally known conservative website, are sponsoring the bloggers lounge at this weekend’s CPAC gathering. It’s probably the largest conservative conference of the year, held in DC every February. A couple of weeks ago, they called for applications from bloggers. They spec...
The Sidetrack - Feb 16 - 3 clicks
I must commend my Senator, Luz Robles (D – Salt Lake, District 1) for proposing SB 59 – At-Risk Student Provisions. Having grown up on the West-side of Salt Lake my entire life, I know first hand the effect gang activity can have on a school. Furthermore, as a volunteer with the Salt Lake Peer Court [...]...
Blue in Red Zion - Feb 16 - 6 clicks
I’ve been enjoying a lot of different kinds of music lately, and one that has really resonated for me is SLOW ME DOWN by Emmy Rossum. Growing up Mormon, we learned there was not a whole lot of “slow me down” that went on. Rather it was, get up and GO. Go to church. Go [...]...
Trapped by the Mormons - Feb 15 - 4 clicks
Note: A few days after this video was made Mr. Freeman won his 13th consecutive Hula Championship. Mr. Freeman is now working diligently to have the Olympics include Hula in 2020. Another note: It is rumored that several candidates including U.S. Senate Candidate Sam Granato are seeking Mr. Freeman's endorsement to hopefully bring the Hula Community into the 2010 election cycle. ...
Utah Amicus - Feb 15 - 3 clicks
Finally! Bayh has decided against a third term as a Senator from Indiana. Mr. Bayh will announce the news at a press conference at 2 p.m., an aide confirmed on Monday. The decision was closely held by Mr. Bayh, a party official in Indiana said, and came as a surprise to Democrats in his state who had already started working on his campaign. Mr. Bayh made his decision even after entreaties by Pr...
The Sidetrack - Feb 15
Click the link, watch Reid rediscover a bit of spine... http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rawstory/gKpz/~3/VI3e2UfKshM/ ____________________________________________________ ...
The Sidetrack - Feb 13
The Nation : On Wednesday, British activists launched a major campaign to push Gordon Brown's government into adopting a " Robin Hood Tax " on financial transactions -- a tiny tax on bank transactions that could raise hundreds of billions for public services and for tackling poverty and climate change. "By taking an average of 0.05 percent from speculative banking transactions, hundreds of bill...
The Sidetrack - Feb 12 - 2 clicks
hero noun A person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life www.theworldaccordingtome.us .adHeadline {font: bold 10pt Arial; text-decoration: underline; color: #0000FF;} .adText {font: normal 10pt Arial; text-decoration: none; color: #000000;} Your Ad Here ...
Bob Aagard - Feb 11
The on-line process designed for use by Fair Boundaries and Utahns for Ethical Government is in full compliance with Utah law and today’s Attorney General’s opinion . While the government could be provided with electronic records and electronic signatures, if they are not willing to accept it in an electronic form then the petitions will be provided in the paper format as required by today...
Utah Democrats - Feb 10 - 3 clicks
It's that weird season of the year again. No, I'm not talking about the Utah Legislative Session. I'm talking about the season in between when football ends and baseball starts. For those of you confused about the differences between the two, here's a little primer: I think that's the longest Carlin ever went without cussing..... www.theworldaccordingtome.us .adHeadline {fon...
Bob Aagard - Feb 9 - 5 clicks
This just in... Utah Senate Republicans call Utah's Public employees "ridiculous." Click here to read the whole story. ...
Utah Amicus - Feb 8 - 3 clicks
Deseret News: "Over time, I've had so many constituents say they hate switching," said [Rep. Kenneth] Sumsion, [(R-American Fork)], who Wednesday introduced HB288. So his bill, with an accompanying amendment, will open a dialogue that simply says: Pick Daylight Savings Time or pick Mountain Standard Time and stay on that all 12 months. No more spring forward and fall back. No more resetting...
Bob Aagard - Feb 5 - 2 clicks
KSL : Gov. Gary Herbert has been challenged by his presumptive Democratic opponent to return a $10,000 campaign donation to a coal company that got a fast-track decision from state regulators on a strip mine. "The right thing for the governor to do here is to return the money," Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon said Thursday. "The public needs to have confidence that their elected officials...
Bob Aagard - Feb 5
Deseret News : The 104 part-time Utah legislators should not get a pay raise next year. So says House Minority Leader David Litvack, D-Salt Lake, who introduced a bill Wednesday that would keep lawmakers' daily pay at $117, like it is this 45-day session. If legislators don't act, they would automatically get a pay raise July 1 to $130 a day — their old pay level. That is the recommendation o...
Bob Aagard - Feb 5
There's a big difference between Utah's Democratic candidate for United States Senate Sam Granato and incumbent Bob Bennett concerning the importation of foreign radioactive waste for permanent storage in Utah and the United States. Watch the video and see the difference. VoteForGranato.com ...
Utah Amicus - Feb 5 - 4 clicks
I was so pleased to read the news in the city newsletter this week that the recyling program will start the first of March. And although the newsletter failed to mention the cost, I found it posted on the city's website . I'll be pleased to pay $3.75 a month to be able to have such convenient recycling. I already do all I can to recycle, and it has meant driving out of my way to...
RedStateBlues - Feb 5 - 4 clicks
Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon to Gov. Gary Herbert: Return money SALT LAKE CITY — Gov. Gary Herbert has been challenged by his presumptive Democratic opponent to return a $10,000 campaign donation to a coal company that got a fast-track decision from state regulators on a strip mine. continue... ...
Utah Amicus - Feb 5 - 2 clicks
The Tribune ran a feature yesterday talking about the similarities and few differences between the two candidates running for Governor. It is well worth the time and effort to read the piece. I agree with BYU political scientist Quinn Monson when he says that while Corroon and Herbert agree on many social issues, Corroon ... needs to make the governor's race about fiscal responsibility and g...
Bob Aagard - Feb 3 - 2 clicks
I posted about my opposition to this bill a couple of weeks ago. Well, it looks like the bill died in committee yesterday : Utah bicyclists will have to keep stopping at stop signs or risk a ticket, regardless of whether there's any traffic. The House Transportation Committee on Tuesday deadlocked 6-6 over a bill that would legalize a rolling stop when a bicyclist finds it safe to cross and...
Bob Aagard - Feb 3
"No other country in the world takes another country's radioactive waste, I don't think we should either." ...
Utah Amicus - Jan 29
