http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/category_rss/propertyrights 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/ Colorado has a House power ratio of .016 (7 members of 435) a Senate power ratio of .04, equal to all the other 49 states. Seemingly insignificant unless you look at Wyoming's House power ratio of .002. Getting rid of the filibuster might be a giant step in the right direction. If majority rule works in the house, surely it should be applied in the senate. "Add the rise of the filibuster and the fact that small-state senators tend to stick around longer, gaining powerful chairmanships under the seniority system, and you've got today's change-resistant Senate." MC The Gangs of D.C. In the Senate, Small States Wield Outsize Power. Is This What the Founders Had in Mind? By Alec MacGillis Sunday, August 9, 2009 Wonder why President Obama is having a hard time enacting his agenda after sweeping to victory and with large congressional majorities on his side? Look to the Senate, the chamber designed to thwart popular will. There is much grousing on the left about the filibuster, the threat of which has taken such hold that routine bills now need 60 votes. Getting less attention is the undemocratic character of the Senate itself. Why, for example, have even Democratic senators been resistant on health-care reform? It might be because so many of the key players represent so few of the voters who carried Obama to victory -- and so few of the nation's uninsured. The Senate Finance Committee's "Gang of Six" that is drafting health-care legislation that may shape the final deal -- without a public insurance option -- represents six states that are among the least populous in the country: Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, Maine, New Mexico and Iowa. Between them, those six states hold 8.4 million people -- less than New Jersey -- and represent 3 percent of the U.S. population. North Dakota and Wyoming each have fewer than 80,000 uninsured people, in a country where about 47 million lack insurance. In the House, those six states have 13 seats out of 435, 3 percent of the whole. In the Senate, those six members are crafting what may well be the blueprint for reform. More at the Washington Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/07/AR2009080702045.html?hpid=opinionsbox1 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZRS http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZRS/commentary#comments Sun, 09 Aug 2009 11:30:35 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZRS Mike Collins http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/bcdcfd97be4d93f8d2_izvrmv8p8.jpg Mike Collins 0 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZRS/ Feel Free to post any info and promote yourself and organization. we are already getting 500 unique visits a day! LeadvilleLifestyle is a 100% interactive website, you can upload videos/pics and blog. free classifieds,free forums and free business pages, also interacts with facebook and twitter! launching coloradomountainlifestyle.com soon which will hopefully free the media in eagle/summit/lake counties and the central mtns of Colorado! the user drives the content of the site! any questions just ask. we encourage folks to get active and post video/pics or blogs!!! Free The Media!!! Stand Up! http://www.leadvillelifestyle.com http://www.coloradomountainmedia.com coming soon coloradomountainlifestyle.com 100% Interactive websites! I hope ProgressNow will use this to help communicate with citizens of colorado and the co mtns!!! http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/kennygriffin/CZNk http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/kennygriffin/CZNk/commentary#comments Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:17:30 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/kennygriffin/CZNk kenny http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/708d965bd2f1f5898a_hbbmv2ap3.jpg kenny 0 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZNk/ "The dignity code........It also commanded its followers to be dispassionate — to distrust rashness, zealotry, fury and political enthusiasm." I'm having trouble finding balance, even though we have been blatantly provoked by charlatans in positions of trust MC NY Times July 7, 2009 Op-Ed Columnist In Search of Dignity By DAVID BROOKS When George Washington was a young man, he copied out a list of 110 “Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation.” Some of the rules in his list dealt with the niceties of going to a dinner party or meeting somebody on the street. “Lean not upon anyone,” was one of the rules. “Read no letter, books or papers in company,” was another. “If any one come to speak to you while you are sitting, stand up,” was a third. But, as the biographer Richard Brookhiser has noted, these rules, which Washington derived from a 16th-century guidebook, were not just etiquette tips. They were designed to improve inner morals by shaping the outward man. Washington took them very seriously. He worked hard to follow them. Throughout his life, he remained acutely conscious of his own rectitude. Continued: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/07/opinion/07brooks.html?em http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZgJ http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZgJ/commentary#comments Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:15:33 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZgJ Mike Collins http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/bcdcfd97be4d93f8d2_izvrmv8p8.jpg Mike Collins 0 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZgJ/ NY Times June 29, 2009 By KIRK JOHNSON DURANGO, Colo. — For the first time since territorial days, rain will be free for the catching here, as more and more thirsty states part ways with one of the most entrenched codes of the West. Precipitation, every last drop or flake, was assigned ownership from the moment it fell in many Western states, making scofflaws of people who scooped rainfall from their own gutters. In some instances, the rights to that water were assigned a century or more ago. Continued: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/29/us/29rain.html?em http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZCm http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZCm/commentary#comments Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:51:45 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/michaelcollins/CZCm Mike Collins http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/bcdcfd97be4d93f8d2_izvrmv8p8.jpg Mike Collins 0 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZCm/ Less than a month ago I decided to run for Colorado City Council in district 3 (central and southwest). Why? Because our city is in a state of emergency, and I want to make sure we don't try to solve our problems by repeating the mistakes that got us into this mess. I believe even Colorado Springs is ready for change. I'm writing to simply invite readers to my campaign kickoff to find out more about my vision for a healthy and happy community. It's revolutionary! Hope to see you there! Dave Real Community True Prosperity Campaign Kickoff Dave Gardner for City Council District 3 The Warehouse Restaurant and Gallery 25 West Cimarron Street Colorado Springs, CO 80903 Thursday, Feb. 5, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/DaveGardner/CQTc http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/DaveGardner/CQTc/commentary#comments Wed, 04 Feb 2009 07:56:23 EST http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/DaveGardner/CQTc Dave Gardner http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/9849a2b90d463302f0_6hm6bn94n.jpg Dave Gardner 2 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CQTc/ December 16, 2008 An open letter to President-elect Barak Obama regarding the nomination of U.S. Senator Ken Salazar as Secretary of Interior, and an open invitation to ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox News, etc., to investigate and report on Senator Ken Salazar's corruption in Colorado. Dear President-elect Barak Obama, I openly object to your choice for Secretary of Interior. Before Senator Ken Salazar lied his way to becoming Colorado's U.S. Senator, he was Colorado's Attorney General. As Attorney General, Ken Salazar was instrumental in carrying out the theft of $15 million dollars in water rights for his wealthy friends: Nelson and Catherine Lane , Owns the Bell Ranch in New Mexico, Eldon Farms in Rappahannock County, Virginia, Blue Creek Ranch in Carbondale, Colorado, Shadow Creek Ranch in Summit County, Colorado, The Park at San Tan Development in Chandler, Arizona, Lane Agrico, Inc., Lane Industries-a holding company for General Binding Corporation which manufactures and markets branded office products, office equipment and related supplies, thermal laminating films, and owns Acco Brand office products, and Lane Hospitality which owns 9 hotels, and invests in, and manages 13 others. Kevin Smith, Developer, states he served as President of Southern Partners Capitol Corporation. Donald F. Moorehead, Jr., owns General Waste Corporation, a non-hazardous solid waste company. Paul Tudor Jones of Tudor Investments, named #123 on Forbes 400 at $3.3 billion. Roger Wikner, owns Aviation Charter, Beech Transportation, and Executive Aviation in Eden Prarie, Minnesota. In addition to the $15 million water rights theft, a bankruptcy unveils $80 million in fraudulent loans, land development, and sales tied to the stolen water rights. As Attorney General, Ken Salazar was charged with representing and defending the legal interests of the people of Colorado. If Mr. Salazar allowed that he and his State office of public trust be prostituted for the benefit of wealthy buddies, how can we the people trust that he will not do the same in this National office of public trust - Secretary of Interior? If he can't be trusted with small matters, how can we trust him with greater ones? President-elect Obama, please do not defile our House and your Presidency by appointing Senator Ken Salazar as Secretary of Interior. Respectfully, Halena Lewis For all interested in further information, dates, evidence, etc., I can be reached at 303 887-0284, or Halen@axint.net http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/halenalewis/CQDl http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/halenalewis/CQDl/commentary#comments Wed, 17 Dec 2008 01:22:34 EST http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/halenalewis/CQDl Halena Lewis Halena Lewis 1 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CQDl/ You are invited to our “Change is Coming” to Aspen community meeting!!! Progressive Future and Environment Colorado host a “Change is Coming” to Aspen community meeting on Sunday, December 14th at the Eagles’ Lodge in Aspen, Colorado from 4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. To RSVP, visit: http://www.environmentcolorado.org/action/other-issues/change-is-coming-aspen The event is part of a national effort by the Barak Obama Campaign for Change where activists are hosting community meetings across Colorado and the U.S. to talk about how to bring change to both Washington and their own communities. Americans voted overwhelmingly for change and a new direction this past election by electing Barak Obama. It was an historic victory, but the election was just the beginning. Join Environment Colorado and Progressive Future to reflect on the elections and create a “plan for change” for how we can reach out to our leaders and community to make change possible. Now is an historic opportunity to make progress, but only if communities work together. FULL EVENT DETAILS When: Sunday, December 14th, 2008 4 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. Where: Eagles’ Lodge 700 E Bleeker St Aspen, CO 81611 Hosts: Pam Kiely, Legislative Program Director, Environment Colorado Adam Lioz, Program Director, Progressive Future To RSVP, visit: http://www.environmentcolorado.org/action/other-issues/change-is-coming-aspen   http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/environmentcolorado/CQD2 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/environmentcolorado/CQD2/commentary#comments Fri, 12 Dec 2008 15:31:28 EST http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/environmentcolorado/CQD2 Matthew Garrington Matthew Garrington 0 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CQD2/ The head of the Congressional Oversight Panel that is overseeing the TARP program managed by the Treasury is just the latest to point out that the root of the financial problem lies in the residential mortgage market. Companies that service those loans by collecting loan payments from borrowers are not empowered to re-negotiate those loans that are at risk of default because they are not usually the underlying owners of the loan. In fact, a lawsuit has been filed by owners of securitized loans to prevent loan servicing companies from renegotiating those loans because that would require them to write down the value of their loan assets to market value. When the loan owner is a bank or insurance company, a write-down would require them to increase their capital. There are two potential approached to solving this - one is the carrot: provide loan servicing companies legal protection and some financial incentive to renegotiate mortgages with homeowners so that the loans can be refinanced at realistic market values. The other is the stick: Congress could revert to the legal protections afforded by adopting a bankruptcy law that restores the protections that were stripped away under the Bush Administration revisions done at the behest of the credit card industry. Either way, the loan would have to be written down, but TARP would provide access to the needed capital to preserve the investors from defaults on their obligations. But the reduced value of the assets would remain far greater than value that would appear after foreclosure and distressed sales, and homeowners would be able to remain in their homes. And the death spiral of declining home values that result from foreclosures could be slowed or stopped. It was the failure of the Japanese to undertake the required write-downs after the Japanese property bubble burst that dragged the Japanese economy into the gutter for a decade. The US must avoid imitating that error. The two approaches are not mutually exclusive. Both should be undertaken as rapidly as possible. http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/bullwinkle/CQDQ http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/bullwinkle/CQDQ/commentary#comments Thu, 11 Dec 2008 14:33:13 EST http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/bullwinkle/CQDQ Doc Martin Doc Martin 0 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CQDQ/ Has anyone else heard of the supposed petition in the works to force the city to go ahead and act on the mall development by circumventing the city council? Is that legal? I don't know the details as I heard about it from a friend who heard from another friend (so, yeah, not too reliable and not a lot of details) but he said something about a group (not sure who?) of people was seriously thinking about starting a petition to put an issue to election (I'm guessing next Nov since, there are no elections before that, right?) where the people of Longmont can vote to grant TIFF funding or bonds or whatever that would allow Panattoni to go ahead with development regardless of what city council votes to do. Anyone know any more about this? Would this be a good thing? Can "we the people" really petition for things and bypass our city council? http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/lizchristensen/CQDK http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/lizchristensen/CQDK/commentary#comments Thu, 11 Dec 2008 12:28:30 EST http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/lizchristensen/CQDK User from Longmont, CO User from Longmont, CO 0 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CQDK/ OBAMA CITY, JAPAN :  Banners on parade and dancing in the streets with shouts in English "YES WE CAN" KENYA:  Dancing in the streets - 2 days of national holiday declared amid chants of "YES WE CAN" FRANCE:  People pour into the streets of Paris amid dancing and singing there are shouts "YES WE CAN" LONDON, SOUTH AFRICA....ALL OVER THE WORLD: The REVOLUTION has been legitimized, accepted and praised.               WE actually won the 2nd revolution for the United States of America. http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/Jan/CQ88 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/Jan/CQ88/commentary#comments Wed, 05 Nov 2008 10:26:59 EST http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/Jan/CQ88 The Mad Woman http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/fcb34917d9fd3e3809_u806mvulr.jpg The Mad Woman 227 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CQ88/ With thousands of wells drilled and thousands more planned, no wonder the oil-and-gas industry has a big interest in the Garfield County commissioner races. Two seats are up for contention and if Democrats finally get a majority after 24 years of political drought, there could be big changes concerning impact fees, managing man camps, and monitoring drilling activities especially in regards to water and air pollution. The Post Independent reported that over $45,000 has been spent by outside interests to influence the outcome of the GarCo commissioner races. In one example, Paul Rady, the chief executive officer of Antero Resources Corp, a company drilling in GarCo, donated $20,000 to Western Heritage, one of the 527 committees spearheading media campaigns in support of the Republican candidates. GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado - Five groups from outside Garfield County have spent about $45,700 in the last two months to sway voters in this year's two county commissioner races. State campaign finance reports, court documents and local advertising rate cards show that three of the outside groups have connections to the several active state GOP members. Those people include the Colorado Republican Party's outside legal counsel, the chief of staff for former congressman Scott McInnis, and a Republican political consultant with ties to several state organizations. The groups supporting the Democratic candidates are a Montana-based environmental coalition, which includes Grand Junction-based Western Colorado Congress, and a Denver-based left-leaning organization. The money flooding the two races comes as many state officials see Garfield County as the epicenter of energy development in Colorado. Republican Larry McCown is vacating his seat after 12 years and former county judge Steve Carter, a Democrat and Republican Mike Samson, a school administrator, are vying for the open seat. Both live in Rifle. Democrat Steve Bershenyi, a blacksmith and artist, is challenging Republican John Martin, who is seeking his fourth term. Trési Houpt, a Democrat, is not up for re-election this year. Both Democratic commissioner candidates have promised tighter regulations for the oil and gas industry in Garfield County and want to enact impact fees to help pay for industry impacts on roads and local services. Houpt, who is also member of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, has been often silenced by a 2-to-1 vote on oil-and-gas issues. Martin was the swing vote to approve a $23 million tax credit for Chevron to reimburse the expense of rebuilding County Road 204 to their gas fields, a plan some locals have dubbed, "The Road to Nowhere." The funds could come out of the severance tax revenues given to the county to mitigate drilling impacts, about seven year's worth, if the two Republican commissioners have their way. Last spring, Martin and McCown also approved a variance in the county planning and zoning regulations that allows oil-and-gas man camps of eight men or less on private property without the owner's consent, an infringement on private property rights some landowners have claimed. Both Carter and Bershenyi have received help from environmental groups concerned with oil and gas development. The Western Organization of Resource Councils (WORC), a Billings, Mont.-based environmental and advocacy group, has spent about $13,550 in support of the Democratic candidates. Ballot returns and early voting in Garfield County have been very slow, perhaps a sign that there are still a lot of undecided voters in this battleground. References: http://www.postindependent.com/article/20081027/VALLEYNEWS/110279991/1083&ParentProfile=1074&title=Garfield%20County%20races%20see%20about%20$46K%20of%20outside%20money http://www.postindependent.com/article/20081026/VALLEYNEWS/810258690&SearchID=73334238374511&parentprofile=search http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/leslierobinson/CQ85 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/leslierobinson/CQ85/commentary#comments Mon, 27 Oct 2008 15:38:32 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/leslierobinson/CQ85 Rifle Shots by Leslie Robinson http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/4ff03b14c9ae1d793a_9770mvu15.jpg Rifle Shots by Leslie Robinson 218 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CQ85/ Bob Schaffer's out of touch, wrong on critical issues rap-sheet grows by the day. I found this latest charge in Ed Quillen's column in the Sunday Denver Post. Read the whole column online at http://www.denverpost.com/quillen/ci_10799075 or scroll down to the extended post text. The Referendum A test still carries a lot of weight with me.  Once again here's a case where Bob Schaffer sided with big-monied interests and against Colorado farmers, ranchers and communities. Hopefully, he'll be sliding into the dustbin of Colorado political history by 10:00 PM on November 4th.  Being too cozy with the "drill baby, drill" crowd of oilies is bad enough, but working on the wrong side of water policy is unforgiveable. PS - If you get a chance, drop a complimentary email to Ed (his email link at at the end of the Extended Post Text).  It is so hard to find something worthy of praise in the Denver Post these days that we should encourage Ed to continue his good work. http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CQ8p http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CQ8p/commentary#comments Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:59:31 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/CQ8p Ralph T http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/22970b0cb82ab5861b_e6yymv1de.jpg Ralph T 0 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CQ8p/ Please do not vote to retain ANY judges or justices in Colorado! Under Chief Justice Mary Mullarkey's leadership, Colorado's Judiciary and legal system has been turned into a protection racket for corrupt judges, justices, and attorneys. Self regulation is laughed at, and the Judicial Performance Commission's recommendation, cannot be trusted. As an example, see www.coloradoopencourt.blogspot.com Despite overwhelming evidence of judicial corruption, the Judicial Performance Commission recommended Judge David R. Lass be retained in 2004. Until there is real accountability within our judiciary, vote every justice and judge out of office. They are domestic terrorists who destroy the foundation of America, i.e., our inalienable rights and Constitution(s). I also petitioned ALL State Legislators to investigate the corruption and to hold the judges and justices accountable. To date, NO Legislator has made any real effort to protect We The People from Colorado's corrupt Judiciary. Therefore, please vote out EVERY incumbent as well. Please spread this message to everyone you know and ask them to do the same. If they (judges, justices and legislators) refuse to hear the truth, let them hear our vote!! Halena Lewis Halen@axint.net Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968) Join my group to support accountability within our judiciary at www.progressnowaction.org/page/group/OPENCOURT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/halenalewis/CZCx http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/halenalewis/CZCx/commentary#comments Fri, 17 Oct 2008 14:28:37 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/halenalewis/CZCx Halena Lewis Halena Lewis 1 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZCx/ Republicans must be onboard this bailout.  Because House Minority Leader John Boehner stated today the Republicans will not be for the bailout. Jake Tapper writes about Boehner: “As I told our Conference this morning, there is no bipartisan deal at this time," Boehner said. "There may be a deal among some Democrats, but House Republicans are not a part of it.” Meanwhile CNBC reports : The banking system needs another $500 billion to survive beyond the $700 billion rescue plan being contemplated by Congress, said Pimco founder Bill Gross. Gross said on CNBC that the government bailout plan will help free up bank balance sheets so they can start lending again, but will provide only about $50 billion in real capital to the system.... But what about the foundation from which all this came from?  The mortgage holders, of which there are about 4 million in or will be in a distressed position in the following 12 to 24 months?  From what I've read there has been fierce opposition from Mr. Bush and his cohort to any type of relief for home owners.  Propositions from Democrats and other groups include suspension of foreclosures for 60 to 90 days, freezing mortgage rates, and allowing judges greater latitude for individual cases. There should be no bailout bill without bipartisan support.  Period.  If Republicans want to kill the economy then let it be on their heads.   Democrats need to start with a major ad campaign to tie failure of this bailout for homeowners to intransigent Republicans.  The campaign itself should be not about Wall Street but homeowners. http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/kennethdebacker/CZMh http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/kennethdebacker/CZMh/commentary#comments Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:29:11 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/kennethdebacker/CZMh Ken Ken 3 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZMh/ Wow, I really need to order some of those special days with the extra hours...I keep falling behind as new deadlines erupt! Here's a bit of cool news I ran across today. A rancher from the endangered Pinon Canyon region, Cathy Mullins, has donated an acre of land on her historic ranch to help raise funds to keep fighting the threatened expansion of the Army's Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site. If you don't recall the details on this horrible plan, no worries. Just click through HERE and browse through the tabs that explain what's at stake. Then go buy your square inch of land, a bargain at only $10! Hey, maybe you will get one near mine! http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/neonnurse/CZGm http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/neonnurse/CZGm/commentary#comments Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:28:40 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/neonnurse/CZGm Susan the Neon Nurse http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/4d9f8366c95149b114_4l1gmvoe1.jpg Susan the Neon Nurse 101 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZGm/ Several email exposes regarding Sarah Palin have landed in my in-box. The most useful is the message from MoveOn.org (go to the extended Post Text). I hope my mother, my wife and my teenage daughter will excuse this one - but, my initial reaction holds that McCain is having a post midlife crisis moment here. Now he gets to spend the rest of the campaign on stage with either a blonde or a brunette former beauty queen; sometimes both. Considering the depth and experience available to him in the rest of the GOP universe I am completely baffled that there can be any other reason for this decision. I am now even more appreciative for the intelligent and practical decision by Barack Obama to grab Joe Biden as his VP running mate. The supposed VP Debate won't be. With this line-up it is clear that candidate Palin will carefuly recite radical right wing talking points fed to her by the McCain handlers. Even if Biden were allowed in the format/rules to challenge her on any issues we'll hear nothing original. Thus there could not be a more distinct choice between the two tickets. Looking at the "rap-sheet" provided by MoveOn, American voters can have no doubts of the radical and destructive policies and positions John McCain is accepting by filling the GOP ticket with Palin. http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/Cq7N http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/Cq7N/commentary#comments Mon, 01 Sep 2008 11:56:44 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/ralphtrenary/Cq7N Ralph T http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/22970b0cb82ab5861b_e6yymv1de.jpg Ralph T 2 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/Cq7N/ Orion Energy Partners, which is drilling in the Garfield Creek State Wildlife Area south of New Castle, approached Garfield county commissioners on Monday for permission to build a four-person man camp at their drilling rig. An Orion official said it would reduce traffic to the site and resolve their employee housing problem, according to Tuesday's Post Independent. http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080812/VALLEYNEWS/359092623/1083&ParentProfile=1074 One little hiccup in the plan is that Orion had already put up their man camp before asking for the commissioners' OK. But no worry, new county regulations go into effect in September that will allow man camps to house up to eight roustabouts without special permitting, thanks to Republican Commissioners Larry McGown and John Martin. Under these new regs, oil-and-gas man camps can even be erected on private property without the owner's permission. Other individuals and industries, like ranchers and tourism/ski companies, were not given the same privileges -- even on their own land. http://coloradoconfidential.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=3547 Martin faces a re-election challenge and no doubt private property rights and his special treatment to oil and gas companies are sure to be subjects of conversation during his campaign. http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/leslierobinson/CqPm http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/leslierobinson/CqPm/commentary#comments Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:39:49 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/leslierobinson/CqPm Rifle Shots by Leslie Robinson http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/profile_picture/4ff03b14c9ae1d793a_9770mvu15.jpg Rifle Shots by Leslie Robinson 0 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqPm/ Dear Representative Carroll, In reply to your last email; You said: "When you think a judge gets a decision wrong the best remedy is to appeal." Answer: You didn't read my account did you? To say that I think that the judge reached the wrong decision is insulting, offensive and derogatory. As my account exposes, Judge David R. Lass reached the wrong decision deliberately. He deliberately misstated the facts and evidence, he deliberately misapplied the laws, and deliberately abused his authority. He not only reached the wrong decision, he clearly reached a predetermined one. An appeal regarding the water rights was filed. That case was 04 SA 328. I submitted numerous pleadings and complaints to the Colorado Supreme Court regarding the collusion between the attorneys and judges, the lack of jurisdiction, the violations of law, etc. However, all my pleadings and complaints were struck from the record. You said: "I/we can help with legislative reforms that create /strengthen the judicial performance commission." Answer: The judicial performance commission doesn't work and should be abolished. Judges Lass, Ruckriegle, Ossola, and Petre are good examples of why it doesn't work. Instead, all judges and justices, should be term limited to four years or less. You said: "I don't think impeachment is the proper remedy unless a crime has been committed and if you think a crime has been committed the proper channel would be to report to the police and DA-not the legislature." Answer: 1. If you bothered to read my account, you would find that several crimes were committed. In all, Judge Lass violated, and allowed others to violate 22 laws. 13 of the 22 are felonies, and 9 of the 22 are State racketeering charges. I am herein adding 18-8-403(1)(a), 18-8-404(a)(b)(c), 18-8-405(a)(b), and 18-8-406 C.R.S. How much crime do you need? Show me where the general public is allowed to violate even one law without being held accountable? In addition to the violation of laws, Judge Lass violated the Judicial Cannons, Rules of Professional Conduct, the Constitution(s), his oath of office, and more. Article XIII, Section 2 of the Colorado Constitution provides that the governor and other state and judicial officers shall be liable to impeachment for high crimes and misdemeanors, (it doesn't even have to be a felony), or malfeasance in office. I have evidenced both, high crimes and malfeasance in office. Article XIII also provides that the House shall impeach and all impeachments shall be tried by the Senate. You are clearly provided with the power and the law, so why do you refuse to use it? While you and the rest of the Legislators are refusing to use your powers to stop Judge Lass, he is continuing with the trial and issuing orders even though he has no authority to do so. I recently submitted two Motions to Dismiss and Vacate for lack of jurisdiction. Judge Lass denied my Motions, and instead of relying on his own Court record to show jurisdiction(there is none), and the right to continue, Judge Lass used the Opinion issued in 04 SA 328 wherein the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that the doctrine of issue preclusion bars Appellants from collaterally attacking the lack of subject matter and in personam jurisdiction of the Summit County Court. Because all roads, in the abuse of authority, obstruction of justice, violations of law etc., lead to the Colorado Supreme Court, lets take a look at the jurisdictional findings of that Opinion, shall we? First of all, even though all my pleadings and complaints were stricken, the Justices still had full access to the entire record in Case No. 99 CV 277. The court record itself evidences that Judge Lass violated the laws, allowed others to violate the laws, abused his authority, and deliberately abused, violated, and denied me my civil rights to due process, contract freely, and right to be heard. The law recognizes that the Judgment in 99CV277 was not only void, but void ab initio. (From the beginning.) Instead of holding Judge Lass accountable, the Supreme Court Justices denied, circumvented and concealed his criminal conduct, and put the blame on me by saying I had the chance to litigate, and/or did litigate the lack of jurisdiction, and am now barred by the doctrines of claim and issue preclusion from challenging it. I re-read the transcript of 99 CV 277, and jurisdiction was not even mentioned once. The record shows that I hired four attorneys to represent me, my rights, and that of the Association. One was hired prior to the filing of the lawsuit, two were hired during proceedings to trial, and one was hired after the trial. Not one of the four ever mentioned subject matter or in personam jurisdiction, nor the lack thereof, to me or the court in any of the submitted pleadings before, during or after the trial. None. I stumbled upon jurisdiction requirements through law discussion groups and investigated it on my own. So no, I did not have a full and fair opportunity to litigate the lack of jurisdiction during the lawsuit, or at trial, and the record confirms it. For that matter, due process also mandates that the court confirm that subject matter and in personam jurisdiction exists. Again, the record does not evidence the court confirming its jurisdiction in any way except to deliberately misstate the facts and evidence in order to fraudulently obtain it. The Colorado Supreme Court then supported their findings with case laws. Case law is supposed to be used to support arguments in like or similar circumstances and determinations. Let's look at the ones they used: 1. Keystone v. Flynn, 769 P.2d 484, 488-89 n.6 (Colo.1989) This is a case regarding whether the District Court obtained subject matter jurisdiction while the parties had not yet exhausted all administrative remedies, nor had the Public Utilities Commission entered a final decision. 2. Insurance Corp. Of Ireland, Ltd. V. Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinea, 456 U.S. 694, 702, 102 S. Ct. 2099, 2104 n.9 (1982). This is a case regarding personal jurisdiction over a foreign party by sanction, under Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 37(b)(2)(A). 3. O'Neill v. Simpson. 958 P.2d 1121 (Colo.1998). This is a case regarding a lack of jurisdiction based on defective service of process. 4. City of South Pasadena v. Mineta, 284 F.3d 1154,1157 (9th Cir. 2002). This is a case regarding 11th Amendment immunity. 5. In re Marriage of Mallon, 956 P.2d 642, 645 (Colo. App. 1998). This case is a case regarding lack of jurisdiction due to the husband not residing in Colorado for 90 days prior to the petition for dissolution being filed. 6. People in Interest of E.E.A., 854 P2d 1346 (Colo.App.1992). This is a case regarding a jurisdictional flaw because the minor child being the subject of a paternity suit, was not made a party to the suit. 7. In People ex rel. J.A.U. 47 P.3d 327, 331 (Colo. 2002). This is another case regarding paternity, and lack of jurisdiction based on mistake. While claim and issue preclusion may have applied to the above cases, none of them state that the reasons for lack of subject matter or in personam jurisdiction was based on the unlawful, fraudulent and malicious actions of the judge. Claim and issue preclusion does not apply when unlawful, fraudulent and malicious actions are committed by the judge. None of the above case law applies to my situation, the record, or the appeal brought in 04 SA 328. Citing one case law wrongfully is a mistake, citing seven wrongfully is deliberate and a cover-up. The Justices then stated that to overcome the doctrines of claim and issue preclusion, there would have to be a showing of "manifest abuse of authority by the trial court." Again, in spite of striking all my pleadings and complaints which did show manifest abuses of authority, they had the Court Record, and the justices cannot escape the fact that the record itself speaks to manifest abuses of authority by the trial court. They also reference Restatement (Second) of Judgment §12 cmt.a (1982). In the Restatement, a modern rule was added wherein finality rather than the validity of a case is given greater weight. They also say that finality over validity is in the public's interest. No, it is not in the public's interest to forego truth over closure in any case. Off the top of my head, this principle of law is unconstitutional and violates the Rules of Professional Conduct. It strikes at the very core of our judicial systems stand for due process, fairness, equality, and to get at the truth in every case. The Supreme Court Justices have a duty to strike this principle everywhere it is used, and remove it from everywhere it is written. The concept of finality over validity only ensures a revolving door employment for attorneys, clogs our courtrooms, and denies justice. Again, the quoted Restatement did not apply to my case, or the appeal brought in 04 SA 328. In their final argument, the Justices validly cite Restatement (Second) of Judgments §12 (1982). But, because they denied, circumvented and concealed Judge Lass's criminal conduct, they say the remedy doesn't apply. Here is what it says: Section 12, paragraph 1, states that a judgment may be attacked for lack of subject matter jurisdiction when; (1) The subject matter of the action was so plainly beyond the court's jurisdiction that its entertaining the action was a manifest abuse of authority; or . . . . The Plaintiff(s), not an Opinion, establishes the court's subject matter jurisdiction. The record evidences that the Plaintiff's in 99 CV 277 had NO standing to bring suit, they could show NO injury, and there was NO justiciable controversy. In short, Judge David R. Lass lacked subject matter jurisdiction, BECAUSE THERE WAS NO SUBJECT MATTER!!!!!! Likewise, there was NO judgment on the merits, BECAUSE THERE WERE NO MERITS!!!!!! By deliberately not addressing or even explaining the abuse of authority, or criminal conduct committed by Judge Lass, the Supreme Court Justices Opinion is biased and can only be construed to be a cover-up. Judge Lass's use of the Opinion as a defense for his continuing actions shows not only cover-up, but collusion between himself and the Colorado Supreme Court Justices. Furthermore, because of the amount of officials involved, the amount of money and property involved, this is more than just a good ole boy type system. It is a criminal enterprise, and all roads lead to the Mullarkey Court. (www.fbi.gov/hq/cid/orgcrime/glossary.htm) The Opinion, and Judge Lass's reliance on it rather than his own court record, is yet another on ramp. The public will also be deceived by this Opinion as it will undoubtedly set precedence for someone else. They, not being privy to all the facts, and that crimes and abuses were intentionally denied, circumvented and concealed from the Opinion, will not be able to defend against it. How many more Opinions are there like this? Obviously, this case shows that a judge and/or justice can make a case, finding, or judgment have any outcome they want it to be, and the unsuspecting public has no clue. As long as the judge or justice signs it, the unsuspecting public will think that it must have been adjudicated fairly and by the rules and law, right? Again, how much crime do you need? How many more victims will there be who may or may not figure out what happened to them? If you want to look up this Opinion yourself, the Case No. is 04SA328. A google search will bring it up easily, and while I am only herein focusing on the jurisdictional findings, the entire Opinion can be shown to be geared towards protecting Judge Lass, the attorneys, and other public officials criminal conduct. The only remedy is impeachment, and I have herein made a partial but effective case against the Colorado Supreme Court Justices. If they are not stopped and held accountable, I as well as all other victims of this current corrupt judiciary, will hold you, and all the legislators, etc., liable for our losses of rights and property. And yes there are other victims. In fact, when I met with you in 2006 regarding this same case, Representative Wes McKinley told me that there had been another couple in to see him regarding Judge David R. Lass just two weeks earlier. Had something been done in 2006, I, as well as others would not have to be unduly enduring the continuing injustices today. I did everything right. I filed complaints with every agency, entity and officials who are in position and power to stop the corruption, and bring accountability to our judiciary. I didn't fail, you did, and they did. (In 2007, yet another person has contacted me regarding Judge David Lass.) 2. Regarding the second part of your statement, I did take it to Sheriff Minor and D.A. Hurlbert. They both told me they would not investigate or bring charges. In fact, Sheriff Minor even yelled his statement that he would do nothing about the corruption. Here are their phone numbers. Feel free to call and ask them why they won't perform the duties, obligations and responsibilities of their offices of public trust. Sheriff John Minor - 970- 453-2232, D. A. Mark Hurlbert - 970-453-2327. While your at it, here is the number to Summit County Commissioners Thomas Davidson, Bob French and Tom Long. Their number is 970 - 453-2561. I sent them a copy of the same account I gave you, and mailed it via Certified Mail No. 7007 3020 0002 4929 7947. Anyone can go to USPS.com, put in those numbers and verify that they did receive it. Ask them why I haven't heard from them, and ask them why they refuse to perform the duties, obligations, and responsibilities of their office of public trust. The number for Chief Judge Terry Ruckriegle is 970-453-2241. The number for Judges Ossola and Petre is 970- 945-5075 The number for County Attorney's Frank Celico and Jeff Huntley is 970 453-2561 The number for Summit County Planning Dept. is 970-668-4200 The number for Summit County Environmental Health is 970-668-4070 The number for Dept. Of Natural Resources is 303-866-3581 The number for Attorney General Suthers is 303- 866-4500 The number for Governor Bill Ritter is 303-866-2471 The number for Attorney Regulation is 303-866-6400 The number for the Judicial Discipline is 303-894-2110. The above is a shortened list, but call and ask these public officials why they refuse to perform the duties, obligations and responsibilities of their offices of public trust, and/or participated in the racketeering. Article XIII also provides that those who are not liable to impeachment are liable to removal. Will I hold them liable? You bet. Again, I didn't fail, they did. You said: "If you think the law itself is not properly written (which maybe lead to the wrong result in your case), we may be able to help." Answer: It is not the law itself. As I have shown, and which you continue to skirt the real issue, it is the people elected and appointed who do not follow, uphold, and/or apply the laws fairly and for the benefit of all. As I have shown, our laws are being prostituted for money and job security, and not for truth and justice. I will not respond to the rest of your e-mail because it is just more of the same skirting the real issues. I will however state that if this Governor and Legislature fails to use the power and rights we the people granted in Article XIII, I will in the future run a campaign to remove it from the Governor and Legislature, and put it in the hands of the people. Use it or lose it. I will be sharing this email with the public. Part of the reason is to show the people what it is really like to seek redress of grievances, the other part is to warn them of corrupt public officials. If I alienate you-the one legislator out of a hundred who has responded to me-so be it. When our judiciary is being allowed to render a Judgment/Opinion that fits any scenario but the truth, we have bigger problems than whether I made you mad. Ours is a government of, by and for the people, (a Republic), not the other way around. Halena Lewis Halen@axint.net Read my account at www.coloradoopencourt.blogspot.com Join my group to support judicial accountability at www.progressnowaction.org/page/group/OPENCOURT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/halenalewis/CqPc http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/halenalewis/CqPc/commentary#comments Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:29:42 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/halenalewis/CqPc Halena Lewis Halena Lewis 1 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqPc/ Joan Fitz-Gerald, Colorado Candidate for U.S. Congress Herein are excerpts from Joan Fitz-Gerald's ad for U.S. Congress. I answer the statements and provide first hand knowledge of why no-one should vote for Joan Fitzgerald. Statement: "You can count on Joan Fitz-Gerald." Answer: As my State Senator, I contacted Joan Fitz-Gerald regarding judicial corruption and criminal conduct within the 5th Judicial District in 2002, and again in 2006. She finally responded in 2006 stating she would look into my complaints, and that her aide would be contacting me. She did nothing with my complaint, her aide never called, and the corruption and criminal conduct within our Judiciary is continuing. So no, you cannot count on Joan Fitz-Gerald. Statement: "She'll change America" and "She'll bring change to Washington." Answer: How will she do that when she did nothing to change our corrupt and criminal Judiciary? She failed us at home, she'll fail us nationally, too. Statement: "She's tenacious" and "She's a fighter." Answer: She's a coward, and she's a liar. (See my first answer.) Statement: " She'll bring a sense of urgency to Congress." Answer: Really? I'm still waiting on the investigation into my complaint, it's been over two years, Joan. Statement: "Joan will work to get us out of Iraq." Answer: No she won't. Our young men and women are fighting and dying for our Country every day. What makes our Country great, and the envy of other countries, is our Constitutions, and laws. Joan Fitz-Gerald failed to uphold our Constitutions and laws when she refused to bring accountability to the corrupt and criminal Colorado Judiciary. She slapped the face of every man and woman fighting and dying in Iraq, and has shown her true concerns about their well being. She has shown she could care less about getting us out of Iraq, and that her only allegiance is to protect the wealthy. Statement: "Joan changed Colorado." Answer: Joan failed Colorado. No matter what accomplishments she stacks up on paper, she failed where the people needed her most, and that was to uphold our Constitutions, Laws, and our rights and freedoms. All the other accomplishments don't matter. If there was a truth pill every politician was made to take, Joan Fitz-Gerald's ad would state; You can't count on me, I am a liar, I'm a coward, I'll make promises I don't intend to keep, I won't uphold the Constitution's, the Laws, nor the oath I swore to do so, A vote for Joan Fitz-Gerald, is a vote for the same as before. I'm just a different face, After election, I'll pretend to work on tough issues that affect the working class, ignore the working class, and for the most part, sit on my ass and continue living off the public dole for another four years. Halena Lewis Halen@axint.net Don't vote for Joan Fitz-Gerald. We can't afford another four years of her forked tongue representation. My Judicial corruption case is told at www.coloradoopencourt.blogspot.com Join me in supporting a call for an investigation into our corrupt and criminal Judiciary at, www.progressnowaction.org/page/group/OPENCOURT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/halenalewis/CqPB http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/halenalewis/CqPB/commentary#comments Thu, 24 Jul 2008 01:15:21 EDT http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/post/halenalewis/CqPB Halena Lewis Halena Lewis 0 http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqPB/