http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/category_rss/liberty This letter is in regards to a grave injustice done by Adams County Colorado prosecutors, Adams County Sheriffs officers, a lab department manager of the Colorado Department of Health and Environment, who falsely presented drug test results that were negative as positive, to convict a 53 year old toddler teacher, pizza delivery driver of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs with a breathalyzer reading of 0.00. Diane Branthoover, the victim of this false arrest, trial and conviction has never been arrested prior to this incident. This is all documented testimony sworn under oath Mrs. Branthoover was a victim of snow covered roads, hypertension blood pressure of 202/108, and a county sheriff angry and determined to make an arrest, regardless of the cost. This is fully documented by drug test results that per federal laboratory mandates were to be reported as negative, perjured testimony under oath of arresting officer and State witness, more. Diane was also the victim of legal counsel that she hired that failed to present any defense what-so-ever during trial. The test results of Diane were never presented in court, just lab tech manager Cynthia Silva-BurBach testifying that she failed. When Diane received the actual lab results, researched the lab requirements to urine testing, she found that per federal law, they were to be reported as negative. The same test results could be presented to Department of Transportation for a commercial driver’s license. The same lab tech testified that the negative test results caused “uncontrollable eye and leg tremors” in Diane, as well as other unbelievable allegations. During the same trial, Adams County Sheriff Jason Gallegos testified that Diane crashed into concrete median and stop sign Highway 224 and York. There is not a stop sign or concrete median at that corner, it’s a traffic signaled intersection, as well as other perjured testimony as to Diane’s conduct. The same officer changed his testimony from an earlier hearing on the same incident. Her paid attorney Joe Lusk based his only defense on a label on the urine sample after Diane had given him everything he needed to get the case dismissed. He left her after trial crying uncontrollably, wondering what had happened. The same test results could be found by taking Advil, Nuprin, Motrin, Excedrin IB etc. Diane lost her job and reputation as a toddler teacher and delivery driver, lost the respect of her peers, her license, her vehicle, more. They charged her at the same time with careless driving or which she was also convicted causing 16 points on her driving record, and was refused a “red license” because she refused to admit alcohol use. Her husband lost his business because of this, and they have assumed a debt of over $11,000 – not including the home mortgage debt of over $220k. This is on appeal now before Adams County District court filed “pro se”, again all of this is documented and before the court awaiting decision. In the State’s response, they do not dispute the allegations describe here, except to say that the witnesses are beyond reproach. Because this is filed pro se, without attorney, she believes it will be brushed under the rug. Diane can provide all transcripts, drugs tests, pictures, etc., by contacting her or her husband at dyanfb@gmail.com or timthemechanic@gmail.com ; or by phone at 720 275-6985 or 720 338-7848. Sincerely, Tim and Diane Branthoover http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/timothybranthoover/CZhC http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/timothybranthoover/CZhC/commentary#comments Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:52:38 EST http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/timothybranthoover/CZhC User from Denver, CO User from Denver, CO 0 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZhC/ Today on DenverPost.com, Vincent Carroll wrote : "Shouldn't this country's experience after 9/11 reassure those who fear a backlash against Muslims?... The most recent data, from 2007...: Of 1,477 offenses motivated by religious bias, only 9 percent were directed at Muslims." Peter Boyles was echoing the "there has been no Anti-Muslim backlash" mantra.  They seems to be ignoring the rest of the FBI Religious Hate Crimes data : Year - % of Religious Hate Crimes that were Anti-Islamic 1995 - 2.3% 1996 - 1.9%  (page 11) 1997 - 2.0%  (page 10) 1998 - 1.5%  (page 10) 1999 - 2.3%  (page 9) 2000 - 1.9%  (page 11) 2001 - 26%   <-- I'd call this a "backlash" 2002 - 10.8%  (page 13) 2003 - 11%  (page 9) 2004 - 13% 2005 - 11.1% 2006 - 12% 2007 - 9.0%  (last year available) Muslims in America were 0.5% of total U.S. population in 2001 (Jewish was 1.4% ).  In 2007, Muslims made up 0.6% of total U.S. population (Jewish was 1.7% ).   http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/nowmds/CZRs http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/nowmds/CZRs/commentary#comments Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:47:03 EST http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/nowmds/CZRs NoWMDs http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/fb7bdc7167f99eb19d_h7xmv2a1w.gif NoWMDs 0 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZRs/ If Initiative 300 in Denver passes, and you forget your wallet and get pulled over, police officers will be forced to impound your car leaving you stranded. Which is why we're asking for your help. We need you to vote  No on Initiative 300 if you live in Denver County. It's deceptive. It's scary. It's expensive. And it's unnecessary. Police officers already have the ability to impound vehicles if they are concerned about public safety. The Denver Post , Mayor Hickenlooper, ten members of the Denver City Council, House Speaker Terrence Carroll, and a long list of Denver community organizations and individuals oppose Initiative 300 . And the proponents of this nightmare are counting on low turnout in an off-year election to sneak this one past us. What can you do? Send an e-mail to 5 friends in Denver and ask them to vote no. Talk to your friends, neighbors, and co-workers in person about how important it is for them to return their ballots, and ask them to vote no on Initiative 300. Sign up to volunteer . As for voting, the 2009 Election will be Mail-In Ballot only. Voting couldn't be easier-- it just takes 2 stamps to return, or you can drop it off to the Denver Election Commission in person. So please Vote NO on Initiative 300 and help spread the word. If you live in Denver, you should have received your ballot in the mail. To check on your voter registration and on the status of your ballot, click here to look it up at the Secretary of State: http://www.sos.state.co.us/Voter If you believe you are registered to vote and you have not received your ballot, call 311 today . http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelditto/CZnR http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelditto/CZnR/commentary#comments Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:34:37 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelditto/CZnR Michael Ditto http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/f660dc8ce688a8bfdc_5fmmv2i99.jpg Michael Ditto 0 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZnR/ From the Bob Herbert op/ed, "Igniting the Growth of Jobs" NY Times '40,000 teachers lost their jobs in the last year.  16 to 29 year olds, worst unemployment ever since national records have been kept.   One in four black men in Illinois between the ages of 20 and 24 has a job.' One of the regents of the University of Colorado, Michael Carrigan, told me that Colorado had a return on investment of 40 to 1 for each dollar invested in higher ed. The only figures I could find for Colorado was a 15.07 percent return.  New Jersey leads the nation with 42.32 percent, followed by Massachusetts 39.16, New York 37.82, California 36.53 percent.  All in all a substantial return on investment.  The lowest in the nation, predictably, was Mississippi at 6.49 percent.  Most surprisingly, Indiana is second from the bottom at 7.22 percent Higher Ed Return on Investment for States Most significantly, Herbert says this: ""The past," as William Faulkner told us, "is not dead. It’s not even past ." The lessons of the Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s are right in front of us, ready to be studied, analyzed, updated and applied to the present-day needs of the country." I hate to say this, but we are a country of nepotism, in our unions, our military, in corporations, in government.  Because of this "inbreeding" and counterproductive behavior, we must import the brightest minds/strongest work ethics from around the world to carry our water and be used as if indentured servants.  It is all a vast pyramid scheme where the unqualified extinguish the flames of the most gifted and reap the rewards off the backs of the timid.  Their only qualification?  Being members of the lucky sperm club.  Here's something the "conservative revision" Bible will surely leave out, "As you have done to the least of these......."  The least very much includes the youthful poor, who have no say in the conditions they find themselves in and obviously don't have the attention of those that have the most.  While we argue about war, healthcare, social justice, gay rights, Obama's Nobel Prize, etc., no one considers our most precious asset nor what should be our greatest legacy to them, "Liberty and Justice for all .."  This is what is great about the idea of America, eloquently pronounced in the Preamble of the Constitution, not just to ourselves but to our Posterity,  the word was capitalized unlike the word "ourselves": http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZnG http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZnG/commentary#comments Sat, 10 Oct 2009 19:30:58 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZnG Mike Collins http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/bcdcfd97be4d93f8d2_izvrmv8p8.jpg Mike Collins 0 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZnG/ If one were consider the US financial industry as a threat to the welfare of the nation and an entity without constraint or regulation, being in effect outside the law of the US with many foreign investors in collusion might legally be considered "foreign" and a quasi government, fully capable of seriously injuring the host nation. One might also assume that given the conservative/capitalistic propensity that the 14th Ammendment gives corporations citizenship status, a conclusion might be drawn that the US government (of, by and for the people) has been overthrown and seriously injured without a shot being fired. As far as attracting "good people" and your belief that members of Congress work long hours, them making more money in the private sector, reasonable compensation, I find all to be extremely laughable. Assuming that most members of congress are lawyers and also taking into consideration their incompetence as law makers, I would be hard pressed to hire one of them: In May 2006, the median annual earnings of all wage-and-salaried lawyers were $102,470. The middle half of the occupation earned between $69,910 and $145,600. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of lawyers in May 2006 were: Management of companies and enterprises $128,610 Federal Government 119,240 Legal services 108,100 Local government 78,810 State government 75,840 "Oran's Dictionary of the Law (1983) defines treason as: "...[a]...citizen's actions to help a foreign government overthrow, make war against, or seriously injure the [parent nation]." "Outside legal spheres, the word "traitor" may also be used to describe a person who betrays (or is accused of betraying) their own political party, nation, family, friends, ethnic group, team, religion, social class, or other group to which they may belong. Often, such accusations are controversial and disputed, as the person may not identify with the group of which they are a member, or may otherwise disagree with the group leaders making the charge." http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZnC http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZnC/commentary#comments Mon, 05 Oct 2009 20:51:01 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZnC Mike Collins http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/bcdcfd97be4d93f8d2_izvrmv8p8.jpg Mike Collins 1 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZnC/ I've been a little depressed lately, the Michael Moore movie seems to have intensified the despair. Much has been said to marginalize the so called "left wing" of the Democrat Party. In reality, the left wing is the "right" wing, meaning that it is the segment of the party that is mostly correct in it's philosophies and promotes academic, logical introspection and solutions. Most of all they are somewhat unselfishly devoted to truth, justice and the idea that America is duty-bound to strive for a more perfect union. That liberty and justice for all applies to our law and most certainly to economic equity. I am afraid that conservative/blue dog Democrat thought implies no room for improvement or reflection and a preference for a balance that is in their favor. The Right Wing of the Democrat Party seems the most "Christian" in its opinions and deeds. However, they are less likely to belong to an organized religion, they carry within them the only law that matters when dealing with most human, animal and earthly interaction. The Golden Rule is at once logical and effortless, what else could qualify as "self-evident" if not the Golden Rule. Where are we as a nation? From the Declaration of Independence comes a profound clue, an indication that we are in fact sheep, the status quo is undemanding of social responsibility or activism: "accordingly all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed." The Declaration of Independence "When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bonds which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed............................." In the words of Ann Richards in answer to, "What must Democrats do in order to win" she answered, "You (All of us) must find the courage to talk to the people you don't know and tell them things they may not want to hear." Michael Moore has that kind of courage. I wish I had asked Governor Richards if there was a cure for complacency. MC CONFORMITY We are discreet sheep; we wait to see how the drove is going, and then go with the drove. - Mark Twain's Autobiography Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to reform (or pause and reflect). Mark Twain- Notebook, 1904 Conformity-the natural instinct to passively yield to that vague something recognized as authority. Mark Twain- "Corn Pone Opinions" TREACHERY Gratitude and treachery are merely the two extremities of the same procession. You have seen all of it that is worth staying for when the band and the gaudy officials have gone by. Mark Twain- Pudd'nhead Wilson TRADITION ...scrap heap of unverifiable odds and ends which we call tradition. Mark Twain- Speech, 5/25/1908 JUSTICE The rain ...falls upon the just and the unjust alike; a thing which would not happen if I were superintending the rain's affairs. No, I would rain softly and sweetly on the just, but if I caught a sample of the unjust outdoors I would drown him. - Mark Twain, a Biography TRUTH Familiarity breeds contempt. How accurate that is. The reason we hold truth in such respect is because we have so little opportunity to get familiar with it. Mark Twain- Notebook, 1898 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZSY http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZSY/commentary#comments Sat, 03 Oct 2009 14:58:31 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZSY Mike Collins http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/bcdcfd97be4d93f8d2_izvrmv8p8.jpg Mike Collins 0 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZSY/ I saw the movie tonight at a special showing at Chez Artiste. Mr. Moore has done it again, he has taken pure, unadulterated truth and made it an art form. Moore expressed a desire to be a priest in his early days, I think he became one for all intents and purposes. Bravo, Mr. Moore, you are a priest in every sense of the word. http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZSP http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZSP/commentary#comments Fri, 02 Oct 2009 01:08:48 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZSP Mike Collins http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/bcdcfd97be4d93f8d2_izvrmv8p8.jpg Mike Collins 0 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZSP/ Truth = Law? "Where the law is subject to some other authority and has none of its own, the collapse of the state, in my view, is not far off; but if law is the master of the government and the government is its slave, then the situation is full of promise and men enjoy all the blessings that the gods shower on a state." Plato circa 350 BC Likewise, Aristotle endorsed the rule of law, writing that "law should govern", and those in power should be "servants of the laws." The ancient concept of rule of law is to be distinguished from rule by law, according to political science professor Li Shuguang: "The difference....is that under the rule of law the law is preeminent and can serve as a check against the abuse of power. Under rule by law, the law can serve as a mere tool for a government that suppresses in a legalistic fashion." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_of_law   http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZS3 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZS3/commentary#comments Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:08:39 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZS3 Mike Collins http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/bcdcfd97be4d93f8d2_izvrmv8p8.jpg Mike Collins 0 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZS3/ September 20, 2009 Op-Ed Columnist Even Glenn Beck Is Right Twice a Day By FRANK RICH "IF only it were just about the color of his skin. With all due respect to Jimmy Carter, the racist component of Obama-hatred has been undeniable since the summer of 2008, when Sarah Palin rallied all-white mobs to the defense of the “real America.” Joe Wilson may or may not be in that camp, but, either way, that’s not the news. As we watched and rewatched the South Carolina congressman’s star turn, what grabbed us was the act itself......" ".......................Beck frequently strikes the pose of an apocalyptic prophet, even insisting that he predicted 9/11. This summer he also started warning of domestic terrorism in the form of a new Timothy McVeigh. On this, one fears he knows whereof he speaks. For all our nation’s unfinished business on race, racism is not Obama’s biggest challenge during our unfinished Great Recession. He — and our political system — are being seriously tested by a rage that is no less real for being shouted by a demagogue from Fox and a backbencher from South Carolina." http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/20/opinion/20rich.html?hp http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZSq http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZSq/commentary#comments Sun, 20 Sep 2009 14:24:34 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZSq Mike Collins http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/bcdcfd97be4d93f8d2_izvrmv8p8.jpg Mike Collins 0 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZSq/ "The political and commercial morals of the United States are not merely food for laughter, they are an entire banquet." - Mark Twain in Eruption Romanoff Remarks on Courage and Leadership About 6:20 into the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuN4plsyNzE "Courage means standing up for what you believe, even when somebody might take offense." -A. Romanoff Kind of like believing in the Preamble of the Constitution, the most liberal quotation in the fewest words I have ever read. I'm sure that they inspire Romanoff as much as they do me. "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." None of the things mentioned above have conservatives done well or for that matter had any intention of promoting or upholding. Regarding "Defence" their bread and butter, ha ha, the greatest breach of national security in our country's short history was due to the supreme incompetence of a Republican administration. The only apparent asset of the Republican party is the ability to strictly adhere to their motto, "If at first you don't deceive, lie, lie again." Hey, bearing false witness is no small matter, unless of course you're a Baptist. The best kind of leadership? Leading by example, something that Romanoff has no trouble doing, he talks the talk and walks the walk. "It is curious--curious that physical courage should be so common in the world, and moral courage so rare." - Mark Twain in Eruption http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZSt http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZSt/commentary#comments Fri, 18 Sep 2009 23:26:48 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZSt Mike Collins http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/bcdcfd97be4d93f8d2_izvrmv8p8.jpg Mike Collins 0 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZSt/ Part 1 Romanoff Denver kickoff. At the very end he says some very flattering remarks regarding veterans. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuN4plsyNzE Part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDiL2Ki-zFA&feature=related http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZSR http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZSR/commentary#comments Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:46:29 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZSR Mike Collins http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/bcdcfd97be4d93f8d2_izvrmv8p8.jpg Mike Collins 0 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZSR/ "We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people" Martin Luther King, Jr. http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZSN http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZSN/commentary#comments Wed, 16 Sep 2009 20:59:05 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZSN Mike Collins http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/bcdcfd97be4d93f8d2_izvrmv8p8.jpg Mike Collins 0 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZSN/ Must be the Anschutz money, do you think? Read below and tell me who his master is. Better yet go to his site and read how many times he repeats his experience with big money. And because he understands complex financial and economic issues he's going to protect "working families" from the big bad wolf and has anyone asked him why things have to be so complex?. Not once does he mention using his law degree to uphold the Constitution and protect working families, organized labor and the poor from corporations run amok. MC "Michael was a Managing Director at the Anschutz Investment Company, where he managed the restructuring of over $3 billion in corporate debt. Representing Colorado as our state’s next U.S. Senator, Michael will use his understanding and leadership on complex financial and economic issues to be a voice for Colorado’s working families." Source Bennet's Website: http://bennet.senate.gov/about/ http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZSn http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZSn/commentary#comments Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:53:48 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZSn Mike Collins http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/bcdcfd97be4d93f8d2_izvrmv8p8.jpg Mike Collins 0 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZSn/ Sign me up, I'm a "Liberal" If your elected Democrat doesn't talk and think like this, you have a problem and perhaps you should encourage that "Centrist" to switch parties. I certainly wouldn't contribute my money or time to a person just because they use a "D" by their name. People who pretend to be liberal can get elected in Colorado, e.g. Ken Salazar, a liberal Hispanic, Bill Ritter, a liberal, law and order, Catholic kind of guy ("Law and Order" types scare me, they usually consider "prison building" a solution). Ben NightHorse Campbell, a liberal Native American. Liberals can get elected in Colorado, even if they are DINOs. MC "What do our opponents mean when they apply to us the label 'Liberal'? If by 'Liberal' they mean, as they want people to believe, someone who is soft in his policies abroad, who is against local government, and who is unconcerned with the taxpayer’s dollar, then the record of this party and its members demonstrate that we are not that kind of 'Liberal'. But if by a 'Liberal' they mean someone who looks ahead and not behind, someone who welcomes new ideas without rigid reactions, someone who cares about the welfare of the people — their health, their housing, their schools, their jobs, their civil rights, and their civil liberties — someone who believes we can break through the stalemate and suspicions that grip us in our policies abroad, if that is what they mean by a 'Liberal', then I’m proud to say I’m a 'Liberal'." John F. Kennedy Wikipedia http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZSM http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZSM/commentary#comments Sat, 12 Sep 2009 14:04:19 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZSM Mike Collins http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/bcdcfd97be4d93f8d2_izvrmv8p8.jpg Mike Collins 0 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZSM/ It seems the Supreme Court is poised to rule that corporations are truly “people” under the law and as such, are protected by the First Amendment’s right to free speech. This will overturn over one hundred years of legal precedent and create a political imbalance of seismic proportions. The current ability of large corporate interests to influence legislators through their lobbyists will pale in comparison to the ability to directly participate in partisan politics that a Supreme Court ruling would allow. Literally billions of dollars could flow into efforts to defeat legislators who do not toe their line, thus drastically changing our nation’s political landscape. The voices of average citizens, non-profits and even labor unions would be buried under an avalanche of corporate cash. If the Supreme Court decides that a corporation has First Amendment rights, protected by the Constitution the same as a natural born person, then it follows that a corporation should be extended all other rights a person has under the Constitution. This should include the right to vote in local, state and federal elections, in addition to the individual voting rights of the officers and stockholders of the corporation. If and when the Supreme Court issues the expected ruling, a sympathetic corporation should attempt to register as a voter and when registration is denied, file a federal lawsuit. A creative mind could imagine many more rights that personhood would bestow upon corporations. Such actions would be viewed as frivolous by Federal Courts but would be newsworthy and serve to draw attention to the issue and hopefully spur an expanded debate. The time has come for a Constitutional Amendment that would redefine the status of corporations. A campaign to advance such an amendment would have the advantage of the simple sound bites and simple mantras that every voter could understand. After our near financial collapse caused partly by corporate greed, now may be the perfect time to introduce such a measure. Support may never be this high again. Something must be done quickly. Such a ruling would effectively usurp the current moderate, liberal, progressive voting majority in this country and replace it with a permanent right wing majority in Congress and a permanent “lock” on the White House…beginning as soon as 2010 and 2012... all bought and paid for by major corporate interests. The establishment of a corporate state was a central tenant of our enemies in WWII. The threat to our Representative Democracy should be apparent to all. http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/DarrylEskin/CZNR http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/DarrylEskin/CZNR/commentary#comments Fri, 11 Sep 2009 21:00:29 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/DarrylEskin/CZNR Darryl Eskin http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/078fe461d1d51def72_wwnmv2yq7.jpg Darryl Eskin 1 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZNR/ Just so we are all aware of what's at stake. MC "Where the law is subject to some other authority and has none of its own, the collapse of the state, in my view, is not far off; but if law is the master of the government and the government is its slave, then the situation is full of promise and men enjoy all the blessings that the gods shower on a state." Plato NY Times September 3, 2009 Editorial Dick Cheney’s Version After the C.I.A. inspector general’s report on prisoner interrogation was released last week, former Vice President Dick Cheney settled into his usual seat on Fox News to express his outrage — not at the illegal and immoral behavior laid out in the report, of course, but at the idea that anyone would object to torturing prisoners. He was especially vexed that the Obama administration was beginning an investigation. In Mr. Cheney’s view, it is not just those who followed orders and stuck to the interrogation rules set down by President George Bush’s Justice Department who should be sheltered from accountability. He said he also had no problem with those who disobeyed their orders and exceeded the guidelines. It’s easy to understand Mr. Cheney’s aversion to the investigation that Attorney General Eric Holder ordered last week. On Fox, Mr. Cheney said it was hard to imagine it stopping with the interrogators. He’s right. The government owes Americans a full investigation into the orders to approve torture, abuse and illegal, secret detention, as well as the twisted legal briefs that justified those policies. Congress and the White House also need to look into illegal wiretapping and the practice of sending prisoners to other countries to be tortured. Mr. Cheney was at the center of each of these insults to this country’s Constitution, its judicial system and its bedrock democratic values. To defend himself, he offers a twisted version of history: http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZ5z http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZ5z/commentary#comments Thu, 03 Sep 2009 11:27:19 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZ5z Mike Collins http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/bcdcfd97be4d93f8d2_izvrmv8p8.jpg Mike Collins 0 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZ5z/ For once, Mr. Cheney is absolutely and indisputably correct. He is obviously inviting prosecution. MC Political: Synonyms: governmental, administrative, civil, diplomatic, constitutional, electoral, doctrinal, ethical, civic NY Times August 31, 2009 Cheney Calls Interrogation Inquiry ‘Political’ By BRIAN KNOWLTON WASHINGTON — Former Vice President Dick Cheney asserted on Sunday that the Justice Department’s decision to review detainee interrogation practices by Central Intelligence Agency workers and contractors was “a political move” and that President Obama was trying to “duck the responsibility” by saying the choice was the attorney general’s. But the comments from Mr. Cheney, a constant, sharp critic of the Obama administration, drew an impassioned if partial dissent from a prominent fellow Republican, Senator John McCain, their party’s presidential candidate in 2008. Speaking on the television program “Fox News Sunday,” Mr. Cheney called Attorney General Eric H. Holder’s decision to name a federal prosecutor to examine abuse of prisoners held by the C.I.A. “clearly a political move — I mean, there’s no other rationale for why they’re doing this.” Continued NY Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/31/us/politics/31cheney.html?hp http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZ5L http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZ5L/commentary#comments Sun, 30 Aug 2009 18:42:27 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZ5L Mike Collins http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/bcdcfd97be4d93f8d2_izvrmv8p8.jpg Mike Collins 0 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZ5L/ From the movie, "Devil's Advocate" John Milton is the Devil, Kevin Lomax is a hot shot lawyer employed by Milton's firm. He has just found out he is Milton's son. If you haven't seen the movie, by all means, do so. MC Kevin Lomax: "Why the law? Cut the shit, Dad! Why the lawyers? Why the law?" John Milton: "Because the law, my boy, puts us into everything. It's the ultimate backstage pass. It's the new priesthood, baby. Did you know there are more students in law school than lawyers walking the Earth?" Another quote from the movie, Milton telling Lomax about God: "Let me give you a little inside information about God. God likes to watch. He's a prankster. Think about it. He gives man instincts. He gives you this extraordinary gift, and then what does He do, I swear for His own amusement, his own private, cosmic gag reel, He sets the rules in opposition. It's the goof of all time. Look but don't touch. Touch, but don't taste. Taste, don't swallow. Ahaha. And while you're jumpin' from one foot to the next, what is He doing? He's laughin' His sick, fuckin' ass off. He's a tight-ass. He's a sadist. He's an absentee landlord. Worship that? Never." August 30, 2009 Supreme Court to Revisit ‘Hillary’ Documentary By ADAM LIPTAK WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court will cut short its summer break in early September to hear a new argument in a momentous case that could transform the way political campaigns are conducted. The case, which arises from a minor political documentary called “Hillary: The Movie,” seemed an oddity when it was first argued in March. Just six months later, it has turned into a juggernaut with the potential to shatter a century-long understanding about the government’s ability to bar corporations from spending money to support political candidates. Continued at the NY Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/30/us/30scotus.html?hp http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZ53 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZ53/commentary#comments Sun, 30 Aug 2009 08:11:56 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZ53 Mike Collins http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/bcdcfd97be4d93f8d2_izvrmv8p8.jpg Mike Collins 0 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZ53/ Who doesn't have flaws? Eugene Robinson sums up the triumph and tragedy of THE champion of the less fortunate. MC A Prince's Fate Ted Kennedy Played a Role to Near-Perfection By Eugene Robinson Friday, August 28, 2009 That the nation is so moved by the passing of Edward Moore Kennedy testifies to his skill, grace and determination at playing a role that must have been infinitely more difficult than it sounds: a prince fated never to be king. Ted Kennedy was the youngest of nine children in a family whose ruthless patriarch was intent on building an American dynasty. The old man, business titan Joseph Kennedy, was a king. Ted's older brother Jack, the handsome young president, was a king. The other two brothers, Joe and Robert, were slated for the throne but died too soon. Ted made a run for president, but with the air of someone who didn't really believe he was meant to win. He was the baby brother, the eternal prince. Princes often have lives that are difficult, even within a context of wealth and privilege. They have to find ways to keep from being eaten alive by ambition that can never be requited. Some become sage counselors in the affairs of state; some become wastrels who lose themselves in women and booze; some fade away and become hobbyists who go off and pilot sailboats or collect butterflies or something. It's fair to say that at various points in his life, Ted Kennedy tried all of these identities. The hardest task for an eternal prince is to construct an original identity of which he can be proud -- an identity that allows him to live a life of purpose, meaning and impact. Ted Kennedy accomplished this feat by becoming the greatest senator of our age and serving as the liberal conscience of the nation. Every once in a while, the conventional wisdom is basically right. The generally agreed-upon story line is that Kennedy found himself through the experience of defeat. The consensus view is that he ran for president in 1980 largely out of a sense of obligation, that he ran such a disorganized and almost desultory campaign that it almost looked like self-sabotage, and that when he lost the Democratic nomination to incumbent Jimmy Carter he became a free man, able for the first time to find his own voice and chart his own path. http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZ5r http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZ5r/commentary#comments Fri, 28 Aug 2009 18:54:59 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZ5r Mike Collins http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/bcdcfd97be4d93f8d2_izvrmv8p8.jpg Mike Collins 0 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZ5r/ "I say again, as I have before, if health insurance is good enough for the President, the Vice President and the Congress of the United States, then it is good enough for you and every family in America." Senator Edward Kennedy-Democrat National Convention August 12, 1980 Well, things worked out a little different from the way I thought, but let me tell you, I still love New York. My fellow Democrats and my fellow Americans, I have come here tonight not to argue as a candidate but to affirm a cause. I'm asking you--I am asking you to renew the commitment of the Democratic Party to economic justice. I am asking you to renew our commitment to a fair and lasting prosperity that can put America back to work. This is the cause that brought me into the campaign and that sustained me for nine months across 100,000 miles in 40 different states. We had our losses, but the pain of our defeats is far, far less than the pain of the people that I have met. We have learned that it is important to take issues seriously, but never to take ourselves too seriously. The serious issue before us tonight is the cause for which the Democratic Party has stood in its finest hours, the cause that keeps our Party young and makes it, in the second century of its age, the largest political party in this republic and the longest lasting political party on this planet. http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZ5Z http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZ5Z/commentary#comments Thu, 27 Aug 2009 17:26:56 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZ5Z Mike Collins http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/bcdcfd97be4d93f8d2_izvrmv8p8.jpg Mike Collins 0 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZ5Z/