July 22, 2008
We will have an historic opportunity for Denver and the West to be front and center in the political arena in determining who the next President of the United States will be.
Some frequent questions include:
- how can I volunteer for the convention?
- how do I get tickets for the Obama acceptance speech at Invesco Field?
- who is having watch parties and where and how do I get tickets?
- what are the activities for delegates / alternates?
- how can someone is not a delegate or alternate participate in the process?
If you or anyone you know has any questions about the convention, you should go to http://www.demconvention.com.
Hope this helps!
July 18, 2008
The State of Colorado, among its many other functions, is also an employer — and we need to lead by example. We can learn from best practices across the public and private sector. We know that if we expect top rate service and dedication to serving the public, we must also be prepared to back up our workers with a solid, solvent and reliable retirement benefit. A good retirement benefit can help attract good workers, reduce turnover, and ultimately deliver a better service to the public for whom we work.
PERA Shareholder Meeting – Aurora
August 25, 2008
6:30 – 8:00 PM
Doubletree Hotel
13696 E. Iliff Place
*If you are a PERA participant or retiree make your voice heard!
Quick Facts:
Arapahoe County
Active Members 17,543
Inactive Members 8,807
Benefit Recipients 5,795
Adams County
Active Members 12,008
Inactive Members 5,452
Benefit Recipients 3,785
The ability to retire in peace and dignity should be a right for all working Americans.
July 11, 2008
It seems sad and ironic to me that shortly following the 4th of July, that the Senate could approve something so contrary to the spirit of our Declaration of Independence signed in 1776.
So as you may have guessed, I am talking about the FISA vote and pondering why we should care if we (1) made it easier for the government to conduct warrantless searches, (2) without probable cause, (3) to spy on civilians and (4) provide retroactive (5) corporate immunities to those who (6) aid and abet in the violation our constitutional rights?
This is personal for me and should be personal for every American citizen. You see, the Carrolls knew something about fighting for freedom and independence under British occupation from their experience in Ireland before they were order to convert, swear loyalty to the crown, face execution or leave the country. Many Carrolls willingly faced execution rather than submit and some of the Carrolls after the edict chose to leave before bowing to their oppressor.
Charles Carroll was the last surviving member of those who signed the Declaration. He died, the last survivor of the signers of the Declaration, in 1832 at the age of 95.
Why did my family fight in the American Revolution or push for our independence from foreign occupation? The answer is simple – LIBERTY.
Under foreign occupation, they experienced first hand what happens when unchecked government power allowed search and seizure without warrant, taking of private property without due process, charges and detention without due process and trial, and a system where one was assumed guilty until proven innocent.
In 1787, Daniel Carroll would go on to participate in the constitutional conventions and was a signer of the U.S. Constitution for the State of Maryland. The 4th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution was created as a protection for citizens to foster democracy over a police state. It provides that,
"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."
So in 2008 we now think we think we are wiser than the framers of the constitution? Using terrorism as political extortion to erode the Constitution is particularly offensive when one considers that the tried and true standard of "probable cause" for a warrant would allow for 100% pursuit and apprehension of terrorists without ever gutting the 4th Amendment. If we can't even articulate "probable cause" to pursue terrorists than we have much bigger problems. It simply requires some evidence. Is that too high a hurdle?
Our 1st President of the United States, George Washington, himself was described as a "terrorist" by the British regime and would have been exempted from the very 4th Amendment protections he would later inspire under the revised FISA standards.
The soul of our nation needs to find and remember the flames of liberty that gave rise to this country and carry the torch to forming an ever more "perfect union" as charged to us by the preamble of the Constitution.
Our work of perfecting liberty and justice is not done. This, was a step in the WRONG direction.
July 11, 2008
If you are uninsured or underinsured please mark this date!
SUNDAY AUGUST 3, 2008 from 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Kaiser Permanente and various health partners are hosting their 12th annual health fair and all are welcome!
WHAT: Free Health Fair
WHERE: Kaiser Permanente Skyline Medical Offices, 1375 E. 20th Avenue, Denver
WHEN: Sunday August 3, 2008 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
For more information about the fair and treatments available call 303.344.7560.
July 07, 2008
The content and policy aims of legislation are clearly the primary area of discussion, but frequently the process of good legislation gets over-looked. I feel very strongly about the process itself and what we should expect from our elected officials and candidates acting with the public trust. Here is a quick run-down of how I think legislation should be approached.
- What is the problem?
- Study, Research and Learn more about the problem.
- What are all the possible solutions?
- Does it need legislation or can it be fixed another way?
- What are the pros and cons of each possible "solution."
- Identify the competing principles at stake;
- Compare practices among 50 states and get experience and data from each.
- Are there other ideas that better align incentives / disincentives?
- What is the gravity of the rights at issue?
- How much do various solutions cost?
- How much does failure to act cost?
- Are there possible areas of consensus?
- Ask for input from experts, constituents, people with real-world experience.
- What are the intended consequences? Unintended consequences?
- Will it make a difference in people's lives for the better?
Legislation should NOT be carried:
- As a favor for a lobbyist
- To solve one person's problem
- When a problem can be solved without a bill
- That is unconstitutional
- That can't be enforced
- When the problem is implementing existing law
- When it is merely symbolic or without much effect
A good process for good legislation should be approached as solid problem-solving (not name-calling, posturing, political scores, or blood sport).
Likewise a good legislator should understand that the majority of opinions of lobbyists at the capitol (even if polite and professional) are not the same as the majority opinion of the public. Hearing from a 100 lobbyists still can't equal hearing from 1 constituent.
As a final note, ask your candidates if they are committed to READING every bill before they vote on it. Given the volume of some 800 bills per session you should have the right to know someone is diligently reviewing each of them on your behalf before voting.
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