The Supreme Court just made it easier for the government to take your assets before you even go to trial
With charges looming, the Kaleys sought an estimate from their lawyers of how much mounting a defense would cost. The answer: $500,000. (That figure may seem high, but sadly the government agreed it was reasonable.) The Kaleys took out a home equity loan and used the $500,000 to purchase a certificate of deposit, which they planned to spend on lawyers.
Then came the grand jury indictment and with it a nasty surprise: an order freezing essentially all their assets, including the CD that was meant to pay their legal bills. The only assets exempt from the order—Kerri’s retirement account and their children’s college funds—weren’t enough to cover the $500,000 estimate. And if the Kaleys liquidated those funds, they’d have owed $183,500 in tax penalties. The bottom line: They could no longer pay for their lawyer of choice even though, as the government agreed, that’s what the Sixth Amendment right to counsel protects.
Friday, February 28, 2014
Obamacare: Now Appearing On Your Restaurant Bill
Obamacare: Now Appearing On Your Restaurant Bill
That the bulk of Americans (especially those 4 million whose insurance policies have recently been cancelled as a result of the ACA) have to pay more for healthcare as a result of Obamacare, is now largely accepted and well-known. But did you know that the cost of Obamacare is slowly metastasizing to other places? Such as your restaurant bill.
Several restaurants in a Florida chain are asking customers to help foot the bill for Obamacare. Diners at eight Gator’s Dockside casual eateries are finding a 1% Affordable Care Act surcharge on their tabs, which comes to 15 cents on a typical $15 lunch tab. Signs on the door and at tables alert diners to the fee, which is also listed separately on the bill.
That the bulk of Americans (especially those 4 million whose insurance policies have recently been cancelled as a result of the ACA) have to pay more for healthcare as a result of Obamacare, is now largely accepted and well-known. But did you know that the cost of Obamacare is slowly metastasizing to other places? Such as your restaurant bill.
Several restaurants in a Florida chain are asking customers to help foot the bill for Obamacare. Diners at eight Gator’s Dockside casual eateries are finding a 1% Affordable Care Act surcharge on their tabs, which comes to 15 cents on a typical $15 lunch tab. Signs on the door and at tables alert diners to the fee, which is also listed separately on the bill.
Feds seize gold coins worth $80 mln from Pennsylvania family
Feds seize gold coins worth $80 mln from Pennsylvania family
A federal judge has upheld a verdict that strips a Pennsylvania family of their grandfather’s gold coins — worth an estimated $80 million — and has ordered ownership transferred to the US government.
Judge Legrome Davis of the Eastern District Court of Pennsylvania affirmed a 2011 jury decision that a box of 1933 Saint-Gaudens double eagle coins discovered by the family of Israel Switt, a deceased dealer and collector, is the property of the United States.
A federal judge has upheld a verdict that strips a Pennsylvania family of their grandfather’s gold coins — worth an estimated $80 million — and has ordered ownership transferred to the US government.
Judge Legrome Davis of the Eastern District Court of Pennsylvania affirmed a 2011 jury decision that a box of 1933 Saint-Gaudens double eagle coins discovered by the family of Israel Switt, a deceased dealer and collector, is the property of the United States.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Spy Agency’s False Flag Operations Exposed by Snowden leaks
Spy Agency’s False Flag Operations Exposed by Snowden leaks
The document, entitled “The Art of Deception: Training for Online Covert Operations,” reveals shady practices like using “honey traps” that may start as Internet dating, but the PowerPoint also points to in-person meetings to discredit the subject.
Other findings include “false flag” operations (undertaking malicious actions and making it look like the work of a group they wish to discredit), the application of social sciences like sociology and psychology to disrupt and steer online activist discussions, lure targets into compromising sexual situations, deploy malicious software and virus and post lies about targets in order to discredit them.
The document, entitled “The Art of Deception: Training for Online Covert Operations,” reveals shady practices like using “honey traps” that may start as Internet dating, but the PowerPoint also points to in-person meetings to discredit the subject.
Other findings include “false flag” operations (undertaking malicious actions and making it look like the work of a group they wish to discredit), the application of social sciences like sociology and psychology to disrupt and steer online activist discussions, lure targets into compromising sexual situations, deploy malicious software and virus and post lies about targets in order to discredit them.
Supposedly Fiscally Conservative Republicans Make Exceptions For Defense Spending
Supposedly Fiscally Conservative Republicans Make Exceptions For Defense Spending
Some supposedly fiscally conservative Republicans are upset that the Obama administration has proposed that Department of Defense spending for fiscal year 2015 be limited to roughly $496 billion.
Chairman of the House Budget Committee Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.), said that the Obama administration’s plans to cut the defense budget were “disappointing,” and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) said that the proposed defense budget would put the U.S. military’s ability to protect American interests abroad, provide a deterrent to attack, and provide security for allies at risk.
Former Congressman Allen West (R-Fla.) issued a bizarre statement in response to the proposed budget, saying that it is being cheered by our enemies and that small cuts to our vast defense budget will “decimate our military capability.”
Some supposedly fiscally conservative Republicans are upset that the Obama administration has proposed that Department of Defense spending for fiscal year 2015 be limited to roughly $496 billion.
Chairman of the House Budget Committee Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.), said that the Obama administration’s plans to cut the defense budget were “disappointing,” and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) said that the proposed defense budget would put the U.S. military’s ability to protect American interests abroad, provide a deterrent to attack, and provide security for allies at risk.
Former Congressman Allen West (R-Fla.) issued a bizarre statement in response to the proposed budget, saying that it is being cheered by our enemies and that small cuts to our vast defense budget will “decimate our military capability.”
“Surrender Your Firearms,” Connecticut Tells Unregistered Gun Owners
“Surrender Your Firearms,” Connecticut Tells Unregistered Gun Owners
“We are returning your application for [an] assault rifle certificate and/or [a] large capacity magazine declaration because it was not received or postmarked prior to January 1, 2014 as required by law,” the notice states.
The letter breaks down the gun owner’s “options,” including surrendering their firearms and magazines to the police, selling them to a gun dealer, removing them from the state or rendering them inoperable.
Because these owners attempted to register their guns and accessories, the state can now prosecute them at will because they know exactly who they are.
But when it comes to the vast majority of gun owners who did not register at all, Connecticut lacks clout.
Last month it was revealed that out of the over 2.4 million high-capacity magazines in Connecticut, only 38,000 have been registered.
“We are returning your application for [an] assault rifle certificate and/or [a] large capacity magazine declaration because it was not received or postmarked prior to January 1, 2014 as required by law,” the notice states.
The letter breaks down the gun owner’s “options,” including surrendering their firearms and magazines to the police, selling them to a gun dealer, removing them from the state or rendering them inoperable.
Because these owners attempted to register their guns and accessories, the state can now prosecute them at will because they know exactly who they are.
But when it comes to the vast majority of gun owners who did not register at all, Connecticut lacks clout.
Last month it was revealed that out of the over 2.4 million high-capacity magazines in Connecticut, only 38,000 have been registered.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Hoggetowne Medieval Faire 2014 - Barely Balanced
Hoggetowne Medieval Faire 2014 - Barely Balanced
Barely Balanced performance at The Hoggetowne Medieval Faire in Gainesville, Florida.
Barely Balanced performance at The Hoggetowne Medieval Faire in Gainesville, Florida.
Monday, February 24, 2014
Connecticut gun owners revolt
Connecticut gun owners revolt
State law enforcement officials are now in the difficult position of dealing with one of the most widely flouted laws since the end of the 55 miles-per-hour speed limit and Prohibition. If it’s really serious, the state will have to find space to imprison 300,000 residents for the next five years.
The first article of the Connecticut Constitution couldn’t be more clear. “Every citizen has a right to bear arms in defense of himself and the state,” it says.
Busybodies at the Capitol in Hartford decided that “every” doesn’t really mean every, and it banned the semi-automatic rifles that would be most useful in defense of the state. As of Jan. 1, owners of arms that have a menacing appearance had to submit registration paperwork to the state.
Only about 50,000 did so. There’s no way to know how many “assault rifles” remain unregistered, but the best guess is that the new “gun safety” law instantly created 300,000 felons.
State law enforcement officials are now in the difficult position of dealing with one of the most widely flouted laws since the end of the 55 miles-per-hour speed limit and Prohibition. If it’s really serious, the state will have to find space to imprison 300,000 residents for the next five years.
The first article of the Connecticut Constitution couldn’t be more clear. “Every citizen has a right to bear arms in defense of himself and the state,” it says.
Busybodies at the Capitol in Hartford decided that “every” doesn’t really mean every, and it banned the semi-automatic rifles that would be most useful in defense of the state. As of Jan. 1, owners of arms that have a menacing appearance had to submit registration paperwork to the state.
Only about 50,000 did so. There’s no way to know how many “assault rifles” remain unregistered, but the best guess is that the new “gun safety” law instantly created 300,000 felons.
State: Flaming water in Dixie, LA not caused by drilling company
State: Flaming water in Dixie, LA not caused by drilling company
Samples were collected by Anadarko Petroleum Corporation under the supervision of the Office of Conservation. Geosyntec conducted testing of the samples. Their analysis, along with the Office of Conservation’s investigations of water well drilling records, local geology and DEQ 2002 findings in a similar situation in that general area indicate that the most likely source of the methane is the lignite interspersed in the aquifer sands of the area.
Samples were collected by Anadarko Petroleum Corporation under the supervision of the Office of Conservation. Geosyntec conducted testing of the samples. Their analysis, along with the Office of Conservation’s investigations of water well drilling records, local geology and DEQ 2002 findings in a similar situation in that general area indicate that the most likely source of the methane is the lignite interspersed in the aquifer sands of the area.
Friday, February 21, 2014
The Guide to Computer Living, July/August 1986
The Guide to Computer Living, Vol. 3, No. 4, July/August 1986
The Guide to Computer Living was a regional publication dedicated to Commodore computers, including the Commodore 64, Commodore 128 and Amiga. The July/August 1986 issue includes:
- Dateline Chicago - Would you believe an 800K Drive for the 64? An up-to-the minute, dynamic report of the ever-changing scene at the Chicago Consumer Electronics Show.
- Mother's Delicate Condition - Bob shares his impressions of The Show with an overview of the wanderings and wonderings in Wonderland.
- RND (0) Notes - Randy packs his bags for CES, a "new" 64 arrives and Commodore pulls the plug on staff.
- FontMaster II - This is not just another word processor. Not when it prints in one or several of 30 fonts from Hebrew to Russian. This one will even edit from right to left!
- Alter Ego - A review of a fascinating software package through which you can explore a multiplicity of alternate lives. The article is followed by an interview with the psychologist/author.
- Amiga: Multi-Tasking - Grant goes eight ways at once as he explores multi-tasking through the Command Line Interface.
- Pictorial 128 Memory Map - Nothing makes it as clear as a picture. Chirs follows up last months reference guide with a graph that puts it all in place.
- Computer Magic - Amazing Animals - john provides to us another program with which to amaze our friends. This month's offering will have you believing the 64 can read your mind!
- Computer Curmudgeon - This time the Curmudgeon takes on the world of "Vapor Ware", with explanations of what is happening, and guesses as to why.
- Pascal's Triangle - There may not be any choice numbers, but there sure are prime ones. here, the subject is explored in both English and Pascal.
- The Tube - The picture tube is everywhere, but few of us really know how it works. Here's your chance to find out.
- Bud Izzit Art School - Here is Bring 'Em Back Alive - a fun game program that is quick for the reader to type (for the 64 and the VIC-20).
- Computer Widow's Compendium - The Computer Widow hears strange voices in the night, and finds that it's her husband's new girlfriend.
- ...I Don't Speak Hexadecimal - Shelly takes another pot-shot at Commodore Company - but this time it's not the corporation...it's the one that shows up on your doorstep.
- Real Gamers Don't Read Instructions - Our intrepid reviewer has bagged another collection of new software. Are they winners or losers? May we have the envelope please...
- Leader Board Golf - Get a grip on your (joy) stick as Randy tees off the summer with a round of Leader Board. Beautifully-done graphics will have you leaning in your seat to help the ball towards the cup.
- Sequential File BASICs - Reading and writing your own data to the disk drive from BASIC is easy with sequential files - once you know how.
- BASIC Alley
- Potpourri
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Fourth Georgia hospital closes due to Obamacare payment cuts
Fourth Georgia hospital closes due to Obamacare payment cuts
Because the Affordable Care Act’s authors believed they’d forced all states to implement the Medicaid expansion, Obamacare vastly cut hospital payments, the Associated Press reports.
The Supreme Court ruled that states could reject the Medicaid expansion in 2012, as part of the decision that upheld Obamacare generally. Since that decision, the Obama administration has so far instituted 28 unilateral delays and changes to the health care law’s implementation without congressional approval…
Because the Affordable Care Act’s authors believed they’d forced all states to implement the Medicaid expansion, Obamacare vastly cut hospital payments, the Associated Press reports.
The Supreme Court ruled that states could reject the Medicaid expansion in 2012, as part of the decision that upheld Obamacare generally. Since that decision, the Obama administration has so far instituted 28 unilateral delays and changes to the health care law’s implementation without congressional approval…
Contempt Charges Filed Against Dad Who Defied Gag Order to Tell Daughter’s Heartbreaking Story
Contempt Charges Filed Against Dad Who Defied Gag Order to Tell Daughter’s Heartbreaking Story
“I need to save my daughter. It’s not this court house. It’s not the state of Massachusetts,” he said at another point in our interview. “If we don’t do something, she is going to die.”
The injunction preventing the Pelletiers from talking publicly about their daughter in the context of the case was issued on Nov. 7, 2013, according to WTIC-TV. The gag order was issued after the media investigation by WTIC’s Beau Berman.
“I need to save my daughter. It’s not this court house. It’s not the state of Massachusetts,” he said at another point in our interview. “If we don’t do something, she is going to die.”
The injunction preventing the Pelletiers from talking publicly about their daughter in the context of the case was issued on Nov. 7, 2013, according to WTIC-TV. The gag order was issued after the media investigation by WTIC’s Beau Berman.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Monday, February 17, 2014
At the Fed, The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same
At the Fed, The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same
Last week, Federal Reserve Chairman Janet Yellen testified before Congress for the first time since replacing Ben Bernanke at the beginning of the month. Her testimony confirmed what many of us suspected, that interventionist Keynesian policies at the Federal Reserve are well-entrenched and far from over. Mrs. Yellen practically bent over backwards to reassure Wall Street that the Fed would continue its accommodative monetary policy well into any new economic recovery. The same monetary policy that got us into this mess will remain in place until the next crisis hits.
Last week, Federal Reserve Chairman Janet Yellen testified before Congress for the first time since replacing Ben Bernanke at the beginning of the month. Her testimony confirmed what many of us suspected, that interventionist Keynesian policies at the Federal Reserve are well-entrenched and far from over. Mrs. Yellen practically bent over backwards to reassure Wall Street that the Fed would continue its accommodative monetary policy well into any new economic recovery. The same monetary policy that got us into this mess will remain in place until the next crisis hits.
Police Shoot, Kill 80-Year-Old Man In His Own Bed, Don't Find the Drugs They Were Looking For
Police Shoot, Kill 80-Year-Old Man In His Own Bed, Don't Find the Drugs They Were Looking For
Deputies approached the house, and what happened next is where things get murky. The deputies said they announced their presence upon entering and were met in the hallway by the 80-year-old man, wielding a gun and stumbling towards them. The deputies later changed the story when the massive bloodstains on Mallory’s mattress indicated to investigators that he’d most likely been in bed at the time of the shooting.
Investigators also found that an audio recording of the incident revealed a discrepancy in the deputies’ original narrative: Before listening to the audio recording, [Sgt. John] Bones believed that he told Mallory to “Drop the gun” prior to the shooting. The recording revealed, however, that his commands to “Drop the gun” occurred immediately after the shooting.
When it was all over, Eugene Mallory died of six gunshot wounds from Sgt. John Bones’ MP-5 9mm submachine gun. When a coroner arrived, he found the loaded .22 caliber pistol the two deputies claimed Mallory had pointed at them on the bedside table.
Mallory had not fired of a single shot. The raid turned up no evidence of methamphetamine on the property.
Deputies approached the house, and what happened next is where things get murky. The deputies said they announced their presence upon entering and were met in the hallway by the 80-year-old man, wielding a gun and stumbling towards them. The deputies later changed the story when the massive bloodstains on Mallory’s mattress indicated to investigators that he’d most likely been in bed at the time of the shooting.
Investigators also found that an audio recording of the incident revealed a discrepancy in the deputies’ original narrative: Before listening to the audio recording, [Sgt. John] Bones believed that he told Mallory to “Drop the gun” prior to the shooting. The recording revealed, however, that his commands to “Drop the gun” occurred immediately after the shooting.
When it was all over, Eugene Mallory died of six gunshot wounds from Sgt. John Bones’ MP-5 9mm submachine gun. When a coroner arrived, he found the loaded .22 caliber pistol the two deputies claimed Mallory had pointed at them on the bedside table.
Mallory had not fired of a single shot. The raid turned up no evidence of methamphetamine on the property.
Carlsbad mall security banishes steampunk group
Carlsbad mall security banishes steampunk group
Over 40 people in steampunk garb (Victorian dress meets sci-fi/time traveler) were turned away from the Westfield Plaza Mall in Carlsbad on February 9 -- mall security told them to leave because they were breaking the mall's "code of conduct."
The code states that "wearing apparel that disguises, obscures or conceals the face" is not allowed.
Lisa Vaca, one of those costumed, stated, "Since none of us had any part of our faces obscured, we respectfully pointed it out to the three security guards, and then their new reason for asking us to leave was a mix of 'this is private property so we can refuse entrance to anyone,' and 'a group of this number needs to call ahead first to get permission,' and, our favorite, 'recently we had a big problem with a vampire group who showed up here....'
Over 40 people in steampunk garb (Victorian dress meets sci-fi/time traveler) were turned away from the Westfield Plaza Mall in Carlsbad on February 9 -- mall security told them to leave because they were breaking the mall's "code of conduct."
The code states that "wearing apparel that disguises, obscures or conceals the face" is not allowed.
Lisa Vaca, one of those costumed, stated, "Since none of us had any part of our faces obscured, we respectfully pointed it out to the three security guards, and then their new reason for asking us to leave was a mix of 'this is private property so we can refuse entrance to anyone,' and 'a group of this number needs to call ahead first to get permission,' and, our favorite, 'recently we had a big problem with a vampire group who showed up here....'
Friday, February 14, 2014
Thursday, February 13, 2014
US DROPS TO 46TH IN PRESS FREEDOM
US DROPS TO 46TH IN PRESS FREEDOM
The Index, published Feb. 11, shows that America now ranks number 46, below countries like South Africa and France. The Index has been published annually since 2002, but the 2014 ranking for America marks one of the most significant declines ever reported.
According to Christophe Deloire, the Reporters Without Borders Secretary General, the World Freedom Index is based on seven criteria: the level of abuses, the extent of pluralism, media independence, the environment and self-censorship, the legislative framework, transparency and infrastructure.
Investigative journalist James Risen believes the Index rightly shows the drop in American journalists’ freedoms due to crackdowns on reporters and whistleblowers and the efforts of the Obama administration and the National Security Agency to limit the amount of information America has concerning the “War on Terror” and other subjects.
“I think 2013 will go down in history as the worst year for press freedom in the United States modern history,” James Risen said.
The Index, published Feb. 11, shows that America now ranks number 46, below countries like South Africa and France. The Index has been published annually since 2002, but the 2014 ranking for America marks one of the most significant declines ever reported.
According to Christophe Deloire, the Reporters Without Borders Secretary General, the World Freedom Index is based on seven criteria: the level of abuses, the extent of pluralism, media independence, the environment and self-censorship, the legislative framework, transparency and infrastructure.
Investigative journalist James Risen believes the Index rightly shows the drop in American journalists’ freedoms due to crackdowns on reporters and whistleblowers and the efforts of the Obama administration and the National Security Agency to limit the amount of information America has concerning the “War on Terror” and other subjects.
“I think 2013 will go down in history as the worst year for press freedom in the United States modern history,” James Risen said.
GOP leaders help Senate pass large increase in debt limit
GOP leaders help Senate pass large increase in debt limit
Congress approved a massive increase in the federal debt Wednesday, but only after Republican leaders linked arms and jumped together, helping Democrats pass a plan that will let President Obama borrow as much money as needed to cover federal obligations over the next 13 months.
The vote was about as dramatic as they get.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Kentucky Republican, held out for 40 minutes before casting the key vote to break his fellow Republicans’ filibuster. His top lieutenants then followed suit, clearing the way for a final vote to approve the debt ceiling increase.
Congress approved a massive increase in the federal debt Wednesday, but only after Republican leaders linked arms and jumped together, helping Democrats pass a plan that will let President Obama borrow as much money as needed to cover federal obligations over the next 13 months.
The vote was about as dramatic as they get.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Kentucky Republican, held out for 40 minutes before casting the key vote to break his fellow Republicans’ filibuster. His top lieutenants then followed suit, clearing the way for a final vote to approve the debt ceiling increase.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Monday, February 10, 2014
This is why the CBO’s deficit report is bad news
This is why the CBO’s deficit report is bad news
In fiscal years 2014-2015, the deficit does indeed fall; it’s expected to drop another $36 billion next year. In 2016, though, things change: from then on, the deficit skyrockets, growing by an average of $66 billion a year.
Over the next ten years, just the interest on the debt will grow to 1.3% of GDP, nearly quadrupling.
The reason? While federal revenues are expected to grow in sync with GDP, spending growth is projected to far outpace GDP growth.
In fiscal years 2014-2015, the deficit does indeed fall; it’s expected to drop another $36 billion next year. In 2016, though, things change: from then on, the deficit skyrockets, growing by an average of $66 billion a year.
Over the next ten years, just the interest on the debt will grow to 1.3% of GDP, nearly quadrupling.
The reason? While federal revenues are expected to grow in sync with GDP, spending growth is projected to far outpace GDP growth.
US economy may be stuck in slow lane for long run
US economy may be stuck in slow lane for long run
Two straight weak job reports have raised doubts about economists’ predictions of breakout growth in 2014. The global economy is showing signs of slowing—again. Manufacturing has slumped. Fewer people are signing contracts to buy homes. Global stock markets have sunk as anxiety has gripped developing nations.
The Congressional Budget Office foresees growth picking up through 2016, only to weaken starting in 2017. By the CBO’s reckoning, the economy will soon slam into a demographic wall: The vast baby boom generation will retire. Their exodus will shrink the share of Americans who are working, which will hamper the economy’s ability to accelerate.
At the same time, the government may have to borrow more, raise taxes or cut spending to support Social Security and Medicare for those retirees.
Two straight weak job reports have raised doubts about economists’ predictions of breakout growth in 2014. The global economy is showing signs of slowing—again. Manufacturing has slumped. Fewer people are signing contracts to buy homes. Global stock markets have sunk as anxiety has gripped developing nations.
The Congressional Budget Office foresees growth picking up through 2016, only to weaken starting in 2017. By the CBO’s reckoning, the economy will soon slam into a demographic wall: The vast baby boom generation will retire. Their exodus will shrink the share of Americans who are working, which will hamper the economy’s ability to accelerate.
At the same time, the government may have to borrow more, raise taxes or cut spending to support Social Security and Medicare for those retirees.
Friday, February 7, 2014
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Health-care law will prompt over 2 million to quit jobs or cut hours, a CBO report says
Health-care law will prompt over 2 million to quit jobs or cut hours, a CBO report says
More than 2 million Americans who would otherwise rely on a job for health insurance will quit working, reduce their hours or stop looking for employment because of new health benefits available under the Affordable Care Act, congressional budget analysts said Tuesday.
The findings from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office revived a fierce debate about the impact President Obama’s signature health-care program will have on the U.S. economy.
More than 2 million Americans who would otherwise rely on a job for health insurance will quit working, reduce their hours or stop looking for employment because of new health benefits available under the Affordable Care Act, congressional budget analysts said Tuesday.
The findings from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office revived a fierce debate about the impact President Obama’s signature health-care program will have on the U.S. economy.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
HOUSTON – Child Protective Services Is Being Ordered To Stay Away From A Child
HOUSTON – Child Protective Services Is Being Ordered To Stay Away From A Child
After 18 months in a CPS overseen group home 14-year-old Christianne ran.
”The case worker called (her) mom and said she ran away, but you find her, you can keep her,” said Julie Ketterman, the Brown’s attorney.
That is exactly what her mother did. After Brown found her daughter and made sure that she was safe, her attorney went to court turning the tables on CPS asking for a protective order against Child Protective Services, because of what allegedly happened when Christianne was in CPS’s care.
“She was beat up quite a bit. There was the running away. She has braces and the wires were literally falling off of her teeth,” Ketterman said.
In August of this year the Brazoria County court ruled in her favor granting a protective order saying:
“(CPS) engaged in conduct constituting family violence and good cause exists for issuance of a protective order…in best interest of the child.”
After 18 months in a CPS overseen group home 14-year-old Christianne ran.
”The case worker called (her) mom and said she ran away, but you find her, you can keep her,” said Julie Ketterman, the Brown’s attorney.
That is exactly what her mother did. After Brown found her daughter and made sure that she was safe, her attorney went to court turning the tables on CPS asking for a protective order against Child Protective Services, because of what allegedly happened when Christianne was in CPS’s care.
“She was beat up quite a bit. There was the running away. She has braces and the wires were literally falling off of her teeth,” Ketterman said.
In August of this year the Brazoria County court ruled in her favor granting a protective order saying:
“(CPS) engaged in conduct constituting family violence and good cause exists for issuance of a protective order…in best interest of the child.”
The drug war works its way into your pants
The drug war works its way into your pants
You may have read about the recent cases in New Mexico in which routine traffic stops degenerated into cavity searches, forced enemas, and even an involuntary colonoscopy. The man who was subjected to the latter (he got the other stuff, too) recently settled with Hidalgo County and the city of Deming for $1.6 million. That money will come from taxpayers and insurance, of course, not from the deputies who put him through it. (Police officials still insist the deputies did nothing wrong.)
Hidalgo county is now fighting two other lawsuits by people who say they were subjected to unlawful cavity searches. Another woman is suing the U.S. Customs and Border Protection for a cavity search agents performed on her, also in New Mexico. And today the A.P. is reporting on yet another lawsuit related to cavity searches, again in Hidalgo County. And there may be more on the way
You may have read about the recent cases in New Mexico in which routine traffic stops degenerated into cavity searches, forced enemas, and even an involuntary colonoscopy. The man who was subjected to the latter (he got the other stuff, too) recently settled with Hidalgo County and the city of Deming for $1.6 million. That money will come from taxpayers and insurance, of course, not from the deputies who put him through it. (Police officials still insist the deputies did nothing wrong.)
Hidalgo county is now fighting two other lawsuits by people who say they were subjected to unlawful cavity searches. Another woman is suing the U.S. Customs and Border Protection for a cavity search agents performed on her, also in New Mexico. And today the A.P. is reporting on yet another lawsuit related to cavity searches, again in Hidalgo County. And there may be more on the way
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Monday, February 3, 2014
Vermont becomes twelfth state to introduce legislation to banish NSA
Vermont becomes twelfth state to introduce legislation to banish NSA
Vermont is now the 12th state with legislation to take on NSA spying.
Last Tuesday, Rep. Teo Zagar (D-Windsor-4-1), along with co-sponsor Reps. Susan Davis (P/D-Orange-1), Patricia Komline (R-Bennington-Rutland) and William Stevens (I-Addison-Rutland) introduced the Fourth Amendment Protection Act to prohibit any state support of the NSA.
Based on model legislation drafted by the OffNow coalition, House Bill 732 (H732) would make it state policy to “refuse to provide material support for or assist or in any way participate in the collection of a person’s electronic data or metadata by any federal agency or pursuant to any federal law, rule, regulation, or order unless the data is collected pursuant to a warrant that particularly describes the persons, places, and things to be searched or seized.”
Vermont is now the 12th state with legislation to take on NSA spying.
Last Tuesday, Rep. Teo Zagar (D-Windsor-4-1), along with co-sponsor Reps. Susan Davis (P/D-Orange-1), Patricia Komline (R-Bennington-Rutland) and William Stevens (I-Addison-Rutland) introduced the Fourth Amendment Protection Act to prohibit any state support of the NSA.
Based on model legislation drafted by the OffNow coalition, House Bill 732 (H732) would make it state policy to “refuse to provide material support for or assist or in any way participate in the collection of a person’s electronic data or metadata by any federal agency or pursuant to any federal law, rule, regulation, or order unless the data is collected pursuant to a warrant that particularly describes the persons, places, and things to be searched or seized.”
State of the Union Promises Millennials the Short End of the Stick
State of the Union Promises Millennials the Short End of the Stick
It’s easy to lampoon the State of the Union address. A speech full of pomp and circumstance but relatively devoid of specifics is difficult to take seriously.
Few can see through the charade more clearly than younger generations. Marketers and ad execs know that traditional TV marketing techniques are ineffective with Millennials, so it’s obvious last night’s promises are liable to fall particularly flat with 20-somethings.
Young people today face a government that is more bloated, more invasive, and less efficient than ever. Tuesday night’s speech promised to continue this status quo.
It’s easy to lampoon the State of the Union address. A speech full of pomp and circumstance but relatively devoid of specifics is difficult to take seriously.
Few can see through the charade more clearly than younger generations. Marketers and ad execs know that traditional TV marketing techniques are ineffective with Millennials, so it’s obvious last night’s promises are liable to fall particularly flat with 20-somethings.
Young people today face a government that is more bloated, more invasive, and less efficient than ever. Tuesday night’s speech promised to continue this status quo.
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