Blue in Red Zion

NEW WEBSITE!

2009-04-01T13:16:00.004-06:00

I have made the switch to wordpress -

please visit me at http://blueinredzion.com

Haring for 2nd Vice Chair - On Targeting

2009-03-31T20:46:00.002-06:00

As part of my lead up to the election of Salt Lake County 2nd Vice Chair, I have decided to start a series of posts on specific platform positions that I am running on - hopefully I can get your support.

Targeting of Races

For far too long, the Salt Lake County Democrats have been playing defense - focusing on maintaining the local, state, and federal races rather than expanding out and attempting to win more races. This is understandable, as reaching out to virgin territory is risky and takes resources away from the races we have won in the past. It is risky because it means that we may lose races from time to time in what we all believed to be Democratic strong holds. It is risky because we, as Democrats, feel that we are surrounded on all sides and that this would be a waste of resources.

I say to you now that these ideas are false.

For the first time in over forty years, Salt Lake County supported the Democratic presidential candidate over the Republican. Furthermore, the shifting demographics of the county are bringing more liberally minded youth into voting age. Finally, as Salt Lake becomes more and more urban, we take on the statistical advantage that Democrats are favored in big cities. This trifecta means that now is the time to strike at the hart of the Republicans, now is the time that we need to build alliances, now is the time that we must act. Failure to do so will doom us to another forty years of failure.

One problem with the old way of thinking is that it focuses too much on one election - whereas my ideas focus on the next 10. We may not see more victories in any given election, but I guarantee that we will see more victories over all.

When the party plays defense, they require a charismatic candidate to win in non-traditional areas; when the party plays offense, they require that candidates stick to the Democratic ideals we all pride ourselves in. The offensive version avoids us being angry at DINO's (Democrats in name only) and allows our message to less easily get distorted by Republicans.

We can win and we will win. Vote Curtis Haring for 2nd Vice Chair this April 18th at Cottonwood High. Details can be found here.

YDA: WTF?!

2009-03-26T14:52:00.002-06:00

Many of you know that I am involved with the Young Democrats of Utah - an origination near and dear to my heart. That being said, our parent organization, the Young Democrats of America, are very good at being Democrats - that is loosing everything when there is no plausible way for them to do so.

You see, at last nights weekly YDU meeting it was announced that YDA was insolvent - no money, no staff, no idea how they got into this situation. Now there is no excuse for a national Democratic group to go belly up, especially one that focuses on youth, and especially one that claimed so much success in getting President Obama elected. You see, the Young Democrats of America is the official arm of the Democratic National Committee, specifically designed to reach out to youth and get them involved in politics.

But, here we are, a national democratic organization goes belly up. Now as a board member for the Young Democrats of Utah (again we are under YDA) we were told of YDA's financial trouble...oh, about three weeks ago. After a desperate, and apparently unsuccessful, fundraising drive, the status of our national organization is less than certain. Now YDA may be shaking its head, wondering what happened - but I think I have it figured out:

Leadership, or rather a lack there of. From the first time I ever attended a YDA conference, I was amazed to see the utter lack of desire for candidates to actually run an organization, rather they wanted to have something to put on their resume. Now I have to wonder if, under their job description, they will actually put "drove organization into the ground."

But who is really harmed in all of this? Statewide organizations, such as YDU, who now have to pick up the financial burden YDA once agreed to cover. In Utah, for example, our Executive Director's (who has catapulted YDU to the forefront of Utah Democratic politics) job has been put into mild jeopardy, all because YDA was not smart enough to know how to balance a budget. Now, don't cry for our ED, our board made a commitment to shift everything around in order to keep him - but what of other states who have tighter budgets than ours? They will have to make some tough decisions.

Good job, Young Democrats of America - not only have you screwed your own personal careers over, but you have made things even more difficult for states such as Utah (where we have finally started to see some Democratic progress in elections) to make a change.

To this day, the YDA web site makes no mention of the mistake they made or how they intend to fix it. My fellow board members tell me that leaders have magically forgotten to turn on their phones over the last week - strong leadership indeed.

So, in closing, please let me make a plea for you to contribute to the Young Democrats of Utah. We are open and honest about how we intend to spend your money, and our track record speaks for itself.

Click here to participate in our 9 in 09' program wherein we intend to set up 9 new countywide chapters in 2009. Though we ask for $20.09, any contribution would be appreciated.

I caved...

2009-03-26T12:09:00.003-06:00

I am so ashamed - everyone else on the interwebs may be thrilled, but I feel like I need a shower.

http://twitter.com/c_haring

The Utah State Legislature - We do What we Must Because We Can

2009-03-25T07:05:00.000-06:00

Yes, yes, I know it has been two weeks sense the Utah State Legislature wrapped up its 58th session, but that does not mean that it is too late to actually chime in on some of the stuff that went on on Capitol Hill. Here is my analysis of a few of the major issues discussed this year.

Voting Rights

This year your right to vote was severely under attack by Republicans. Everything from early voting to the procedure at the polls were questioned by Republicans, often creating problems where none existed before. Bills were written to require proof of citizenship at the polls despite the fact that you have to be a citizen in the first place to be eligible, and one bill (which passed into law) could potentially make it more difficult for people in Salt Lake County, and only Salt Lake County, to vote early. On the flip side, Democrats proposed various bills that would make voting easier and more fair - some focused on same day voter registration while others advocated for a non-partisan commission to create fair legislative boundaries that are not gerrymandered. Not surprisingly, these bills died a terrible terrible death.

Citizens - 0, Special Interests - 1

Abortion

As sensitive of a topic as I know this is, I still must say that the citizens of the state of Utah lost big in regards to abortion. If you are anti-abortion, you may think you scored big with the passage of Ray's bill calling for the criminal prosecution of those who perform abortions, but in reality you, and indeed all of us, are loosing quite a bit. You see, this law will be challenged, and it will go all the way to the Supreme Court where it will inevitably be found unconstitutional - so what do you get out of it pro-life crusader? Well a giant bill for the cost of all them big city lawyers and no progress on taking down Roe v. Wade. I, as a pro-choicer, will have to foot the bill as well - but my only reward is going to be able to say "I told you so" as I drive past a dilapidated school that could have been repaired with the same funds.

Citizens - 0, Special Interests - 2

Ethics Reform

Bwa, ha ha ha ha! Yeah right - next.

Citizens - 0, Special Interests - 3

Equality

Despite the citizens stating that they supported equal footing for the GLBT community when it comes to employment, health care, and the like, the far right legislature resoundingly shot down all six of the Common Ground Initiatives - fearful that they are going to catch teh gey if they move so much as an inch towards treating people like people. So, to all you homophobes (and you are, don't try to convince me otherwise) out there that were pleased as punch to see that those ookie gay people still have no rights, just know that it is not a matter of "if" but "when" Utah will pass a law that treats all of its citizens equally.

Citizens - 0, Special Interests - 4

Civil Rights

Most notable this year in regards to civil rights was the passage of a bill that would prohibit gang activity. Not a bad idea on the surface, but dig a little more and you will discover that the law fundamentally harms our First Amendment right to peaceably assemble. By forcing people to disperse on public land, Senator Grieners SB 16 severely limits our rights in the name of protection. A law similar to this has already been passed and has already been shot down by the Supreme Court, yet we all stick our heads in the sand because we hate those brown people talking on the street corner.

Citizens - 0, Special Interest - 5

Environment

This year we really had a mixed bag when it came to environmental protection laws. On the one hand we saw a revolutionary bill designed to help municipalities draft environmentally sustainable codes, on the other we had head-in-the sanders continue to deny that climate change exists and that we are harming not only the earth, but our economy, if we continue down a dirty road. Also we saw the passage of the "Tim DeChristopher" law that would arrest anyone in peaceful protest by jacking up the price of land during a bid - a law so narrow, and so out of the jurisdiction of the state of Utah that it is almost laughable.

Citizens - 1/2, Special Interests - 6

Alcohol

This year, largely with the help of the progressive Huntsman (yeah, I said it), Utah was able to make some real progress in updating our liquor laws. Now the state is still the most conservative when it comes to getting a drink, but things have gotten a little bit better. Most notable of the changes is the removal of the private clubs - adults will actually be able to walk into a bar and order a drink with little resistance at the door (aside from getting their license scanned - another new provision). Now many teetotalers may think that this endangers the children by having more drunks wander the street, but the simple fact of the matter is that everyone who drinks in Utah already knows how to get around the laws, and tourists who don't drive will spend more money while in our state.

Citizens 1 1/2 - Special Interests 6

Well, that is a good summary as always. I neglected to talk about the budget because cuts had to be made all around and everyone felt the pain. Aside from the Buttars fiasco, this was actually quite a boring session. I attribute this to the fact that we did have a budget crisis where we knew no one was going to get that much special treatment and that we had new leadership in both the House and the Senate. We will see what next year will bring, but in the mean time, go walk into a bar on June 1st!

Vote Haring April 18th!

2009-03-22T17:37:00.004-06:00

Today I am officially announcing my candidacy for second vice chair of the Salt Lake County Democratic Party. I would appreciate any support you can give, and I would appreciate your vote on April 18th.

Second Vice Chair is the most hotly contested race, with no less than five candidates running. I know quite a few personally, and, needless to say, it is a lot of great talent out there.

Why vote for me?

As a five year board member of the Young Democrats of Utah, I have literally committed my entire adult life to advancing the goals of the Democratic Party.
I have worked on numerous campaigns - My first official position outside of volunteer was as Campaign Manager for the Beth Holbrook for District 20 race; Beth would be the best performing Democrat in Davis County. Next I worked on the Ralph Becker for Salt Lake City Mayor campaign as Volunteer Coordinator, I personally worked with at least 50 dedicated volunteers and 100 individuals over the course of the campaign. As many of you know, we knocked on every house in Salt Lake City at least once and, in many cases, two or three times, before election day. This past election I was the Deputy Campaign Manager for the Jean Welch Hill for Attorney General Campaign. With a campaign focused on holding Mark Shurtleff's feet to the fire in regards to pay-day lenders, we made sure that people became aware of this terrible problem.
I have worked for both the Democratic National Committee and the Utah State Senate Democrats - Thanks to the Hinckley Institute of Politics, I have had the opportunity to work in both our state and nations capitol. During my time in D.C. I worked in the research department during the Roberts and Alito confirmation hearings, Hurricane Katrina, and, at the devastating effects of the war in Iraq. Locally, I was on Utah's Capitol Hill during the voucher debate and eventual passage, and assisted my legislators, Senator Ed Mayne and Mike Demitrich, in their attempts to block legislation. I am also proud to say that I assisted in reducing house fires and in the creation of the Pete Suazo Utah Athletic Commission.
Passion - Any reader of this blog knows that I do what I do because I love it. I know that I will bring that same passion to the office of second vice chair.

As Second Vice Chair, I intend to do the following:

Work on party building - we must find new volunteers, candidates, and donors by working from the ground up. For far to long we have assumed that people will either choose to become a party member or they won't. We must throw this assumption away and actually reach out to like minded individuals.
Start playing offense when it comes to elections - for far to long it has been assumed that the Salt Lake County Party focuses only on Salt Lake City, and in politics perception is reality. We must have a greater presence in areas where it seems we don't show up. The victories of Laura Black and Jay Seegmiller show that we can win in southern Salt Lake County.
Update the feel of the Platform and Steering Committees meetings to be more adaptable to the realities on the ground - in our political world, things are constantly changing, but often the decision makers don't. Please do not mistake this as an insult towards current members, rather, with my chairmanship to the Platform Committee, I will be providing fresh new ideas for taking on (and taking down) Republicans.
Digital domination is key- We are lucky that the Republicans have not caught up with the Salt Lake County Democrats in regards to the use of technology in elections. This, however, will not last. Though we may have had the digital advantage last election, much work still needs to be done to improve the system. I will work to ensure that every volunteer on every campaign will have the best tools available to them to ensure victory.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. I can be found at curtis.haring@gmail.com. Also, and financial contributions would be much appreciated, and can be mailed to 1171 Oakley St. Salt Lake City, Utah 84116.

The convention will be held at Cottonwood High School, 5715 S. 1300 E. (ma p) and starts at 10:00 AM - Hope to see you there!

Oh Danny Boy

2009-03-17T10:53:00.001-06:00

Don't get too drunk tonight!

Young Democrats of Utah Legislative Hangover!

2009-03-16T21:01:00.002-06:00

Feeling Down? Tired? Headache? Not feeling too good?

Sounds like a Legislative Hangover to me.

But no need to worry as the session is over and YDU is going to celebrate our successes and commiserate our failures.Join YDU this Friday for our annual Legislative Hangover & End-of-Session Party!

Where: Squatters 147 West Broadway SLC

When: Friday March 20th 7:00 PM

Space is limited so arrive early.

Want to help YDU make a difference? Join our CHANGE FOR CHANGE program by becoming a monthly donor.

Just in Case You Were Wondering...

2009-03-13T17:33:00.002-06:00

Take the test here - report your own scores!

IT'S OVER! Final Status of Bills to Watch - 3/13

2009-03-13T10:53:00.005-06:00

Somehow we managed to survive another legislative session without the state falling into utter chaos (honestly, I don't know how we did it, but I will take what I can get). Here is the final blog post discussing the status of bills - no more "legislative limbo," no more "bills still in play," no, bills are either alive or dead.

The Governor, of course, can still veto, but barring any of that stuff, the bills that still live will become law.

So, without further adieu, here is the final "bills to watch" for the 2009 legislative session. If you were wondering, there were approximately 600 bills this session, and my 53 "bills to watch" made up about 10% of all the action going on on the hill.

IT'S ALIVE!

H.B. 14 - Material Harmful to Minors Amendments
H.B. 17 - Expedited Partner Therapy Treatment
H.B. 90 - Criminal Homicide Abortion
H.B. 114 - Abortion Litigation Trust Amendments
H.B. 116 - Uniform Fees on Canoes
H.B. 118 - Archives and GRAMA Revisions
H.B. 144 - Medical Language Interpreter Act
H.B. 222 - Unborn Child Pain Prevention Act
H.B. 437 - Obstruction of Natural Resource or Agricultural Production
H.J.R. 8 - Joint Resolution Regarding Secret Ballot
S.B. 16 - Prohibited Gang Activity
S.B. 24 - Early Voting Amendments
S.B. 25 - Online Voter Registration
S.B. 112 - Obstruction of Justice Amendment
S.B. 187 - Alcohol Amendments
S.J.R. 1 - Joint Resolution - Renewable Energy System

Deader than a doornail:

H.B. 13 - Crime of Strangulation or Smothering
H.B. 82 - Teacher Mortgage Loan Program
H.B. 84 - Campaign Financing and Gift Regulation
H.B. 93 - Establishment of State Ethics Commission
H.B. 95 - Restrictions on Use of Wireless Communication Devices in Vehicles
H.B. 103 - Revolving Door Limitations for Public Officials to Become Lobbyists
H.B. 109 - Modifications to Campaign Finance Provisions
H.B. 115 - County Conservation and Preservation Fund
H.B. 159 - Ethics Provisions
H.B. 187 - Recreational use of Public Waters on Private Property
H.B. 191 - Air Quality Board Amendments
H.B. 196 - Provisional Ballot Amendments for Unregistered Voters
H.B. 204 - Concealed Firearms Instructors Amendments
H.B. 208 - Modification of Exemption from Nonresident Tuition
H.B. 219 - Tobacco Tax Increase
H.B. 225 - Driver License Amendments
H.B. 248 - Regulating the Use of a Wireless Communication Device While Operating a Motor Vehicle
H.B. 260 - School Employee Termination Amendments
H.B. 267 - Antidiscrimination Amendments
H.B. 268 - Legislator Reporting Gifts and Other Items
H.B. 288 - Adoption Amendments
H.B. 325 - Opting Out of the REAL ID Act
H.B. 406 - Compact Agreement Among the States to Elect the President by National Popular Vote
H.J.R. 2 - Joint Resolution to Amend the Marriage Provision of the Utah Constitution
H.J.R. 17 - joint Resolution urging Congressional and Presidential Opposition to Federal Bailout and Promotion of Fiscal Responsibility
S.B. 32 - Wrongful Death Amendments
S.B. 42 - Nuclear Power Distribution and Generation
S.B. 69 - Proof of Citizenship Required to Vote
S.B. 106 - Alcoholic Beverage Control Act Restrictions
S.B. 113 - Delayed Effective Date for Illegal Immigration Legislation
S.B. 114 - Tobacco Tax Amendments
S.B. 119 - Hospital Emergency Room Task force
S.B. 128 - Rainwater Harvesting
S.B. 132 - Individual Income Tax Contribution for Methamphetamine Housing Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Fund
S.B. 144 - Pete Suazo Memorial Highway
S.B. 164 - In Person Voter Registration
S.B. 174 - Redistricting Commission

Analysis coming soon!

The Unsung Heros of the Utah State Legislature

2009-03-12T11:02:00.002-06:00

As the final day of the Utah State Legislature comes to an end, I feel that it is worth pointing out that, despite headline grabbing activities of the 104 members of the legislature, there are numerous people working behind the scenes to make sure that the Capitol does not utterly blow up every time Chris Buttars says something stupid.

The reading clerks, legislative research, the "Green Jackets," and the ones that hold a special place in my heart, the interns. They, along with many others are often ignored by us political complainers - that is until we need something from them.

These people all work tirelessly for the people. Their efforts make sure the legislative process only looks like pure and utter chaos while preventing it from actually turning the past 45 days into an actual train wreck/car accident/bad plastic surgery cluster hug.

So I would just like to extend my personal thanks to all those who make things run up there. You don't get enough credit, but things would be much worse without you.

9 in '09

2009-03-11T18:09:00.002-06:00

Help the Young Democrats of Utah reach their goal of nine new county Young Dems chapters across the state by donating $20.09 a month for the next year. I have contributed...have you?

For more information, click here.

Ethics bills - Part two

2009-03-10T11:32:00.002-06:00

As I was putting together my most recent "Status of Bills to Watch" post, I noticed something rather interesting - ethics bills that have not moved since the start of the session suddenly had been resurrected from a quite and undignified death only to...not...move.

So why bother? Simple: it is an election ploy.

Let us take Phil Riesen's H.B. 93 - A bill that literally sat, untouched, until late last week. This, despite the fact that it was one of the first bills to be submitted for consideration this year. Why did it suddenly get a breath of air pumped in it and actually get on the docket of the House Ethics Committee (only to be "not considered anyway")? Well because it was a bill that was demanded by the people. By briefly bringing it up, lawmakers are able to legitimately say that they considered ethics bills this year.

As true of a statement as this is, we all know that their is the technical truth and the actual truth.

Technically the legislature talked about ethics; technically legislators care about this issue because they gave it a chance from certain death; technically ethics was a priority for the people you elected into office.

The reality of the situation is that we all know nothing happened with ethics this year - furthermore nothing will happen concerning ethics so long as the same cast of players are in office.

Ah, but there is the rub. The same cast of legislators will go back to their district in a few short days and claim that they did all they could to clean up the state but was unsuccessful because of other lawmakers actions. "What was I to do?" they will cry. This, despite the fact that, behind the scenes, they actively worked to kill bills that might actually threaten them. Legislators know that the average citizen will not take the time to learn about the process that affects them every day, legislators know that an "R" or a "D" is generally enough to make you vote one way or another, and legislators know that they can get away with it - all the while claiming that they are doing the peoples business.

Watchmen>Awesome

2009-03-08T20:07:00.003-06:00

I think I peed a little while watching the movie...

What? Too much?

And just for fun...

Status of Bills to Watch - 3/7

2009-03-07T13:55:00.003-07:00

Still in Play:
H.B. 84 - Campaign Financing and Gift Regulation - 2nd Reading in House
H.B. 93 - Establishment of State Ethics Commission - 2nd Reading in House
H.B. 95 - Restrictions on Use of Wireless Communication Devices in Vehicles - Receiving Fiscal Note
H.B. 103 - Revolving Door Limitations for Public Officials to Become Lobbyists - 2nd Reading in House
H.B. 159 - Ethics Provisions - 2nd Reading in House
H.B. 248 - Regulating the Use of a Wireless Communication Device While Operating a Motor Vehicle - 2nd Reading in House
H.B. 437 - Obstruction of Natural Resource or Agricultural Production - 3rd Reading in House
S.B. 106 - Alcoholic Beverage Control Act Restrictions - 2nd Reading in Senate
S.B. 128 - Rainwater Harvesting - 2nd Reading in House
S.B. 174 - Redistricting Commission - Received Fiscal Note (no change)
S.B. 187 - Alcohol Amendments - Favorable report from Senate committee (no change)

Legislative Limbo:
H.B. 14 - Material Harmful to Minors Amendments - Introduced in Senate (no change since 1/29)
H.B. 109 - Modifications to Campaign Finance Provisions - Sent to House Committee (no change since 2/9)
H.B. 187 - Recreational use of Public Waters on Private Property - Circled in House
H.B. 191 - Air Quality Board Amendments - To Receive Fiscal Note (no change since 2/12)
H.B. 196 - Provisional Ballot Amendments for Unregistered Voters - Received Fiscal Note (no change since 2/11)
H.B. 268 - Legislator Reporting Gifts and Other Items - Sent to House Committee (No change since 2/9)
H.B. 406 - Compact Agreement Among the States to Elect the President by National Popular Vote - Received Fiscal Note (no change since 2/17)
S.B. 42 - Nuclear Power Distribution and Generation - Introduced in Senate (no change since 1/26)
S.B. 69 - Proof of Citizenship Required to Vote - Circled in Senate
S.B. 119 - Hospital Emergency Room Task force - Introduced in House (no change since 2/5)
S.B. 144 - Pete Suazo Memorial Highway - Receiving Fiscal Note (no change no change since 2/4)
S.B. 164 - In Person Voter Registration - Circled in Senate

Actually Dead:
H.B. 13 - Crime of Strangulation or Smothering -3rd Reading - returned to Rules
H.B. 17 - Expedited Partner Therapy Treatment - Returned to Rules
H.B. 82 - Teacher Mortgage Loan Program - Not considered in committee
H.B. 204 - Concealed Firearms Instructors Amendments - Returned to Rules
H.B. 208 - Modification of Exemption from Nonresident Tuition - Failed in House
H.B. 219 - Tobacco Tax Increase - Sent back to Rules
H.B. 225 - Driver License Amendments - Not considered in committee
H.B. 115 - County Conservation and Preservation Fund - Failed in House
H.B. 260 - School Employee Termination Amendments - Not Considered in Committee
H.B. 267 - Antidiscrimination Amendments - Motion to Recommend Failed
H.B. 288 - Adoption Amendments - Not lifted from Table in House Committee
H.B. 325 - Opting Out of the REAL ID Act - Returned to Rules
H.J.R. 2 - Joint Resolution to Amend the Marriage Provision of the Utah Constitution - Sponsor Dropped Bill
H.J.R. 17 - joint Resolution urging Congressional and Presidential Opposition to Federal Bailout and Promotion of Fiscal Responsibility - Returned to Rules
S.B. 32 - Wrongful Death Amendments - Motion to Recommend Failed
S.B. 113 - Delayed Effective Date for Illegal Immigration Legislation - Not recommended in Committee
S.B. 114 - Tobacco Tax Amendments - Substitute Sent back to Rules
S.B. 132 - Individual Income Tax Contribution for Methamphetamine Housing Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Fund - Not recommended by committee

Bills Ready for the Governor:

H.B. 90 - Criminal Homicide Abortion - Returned to House for final signing
H.B. 114 - Abortion Litigation Trust Amendments - Prepared for Enrollment
H.B. 116 - Uniform Fees on Canoes - Enrolled Bill Prepared
H.B. 118 - Archives and GRAMA Revisions - Prepared for Enrollment
H.B. 144 - Medical Language Interpreter Act - Prepared for Enrollment
H.B. 222 - Unborn Child Pain Prevention Act - Prepared for Enrollment
H.J.R. 8 - Joint Resolution Regarding Secret Ballot - Passed both Chambers
S.B. 16 - Prohibited Gang Activity - Prepared for Enrollment
S.B. 24 - Early Voting Amendments - Prepared for Enrollment
S.B. 25 - Online Voter Registration - Prepared for Enrollment
S.B. 112 - Obstruction of Justice Amendment - Prepared for Enrollment
S.J.R. 1 - Joint Resolution - Renewable Energy System -Sent to Lieutenant Governor

Signed into Law:
(none)

Our Tax Dollars at Work

2009-03-06T15:12:00.002-07:00

Senator Dan Liljenquist belts out a tune...on the Senate Floor! During floor time! Take from this post what you will.

The Joys of Pseudo-Security

2009-03-06T13:39:00.003-07:00

Working at a helicopter flight school, I often have run-ins with various federal officials - most commonly the Federal Aviation Association (FAA) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Well today I finally got around to actually taking the TSA security test to make it possible for me to, you know, work at an airport.

What I found interesting was the oh so subtle messages that they implanted in this little online certification program were astounding. This certification was created in a post-9/11, pre-Obama Administration world wherein there was clearly a an xenophobic tint to it. There was a "we all know who the bad guys are - but we want to look like we don't think that way" tint to it.

September 11th was directly referenced once, and there were several more allusions to the events leading up to it. Things like "flight schools have become the front line (you know after those terrorists went to classes to learn how to fly)" and "you are the eyes and ears (insert an SS reference at any point)" were laced throughout. What was really interesting, however, is how they follow all of this up with a statement along the lines of "the people out to get us could be any color and any gender, so don't let your guard down" all while having a tone, again that says "you know what you are looking for, nudge, nudge, wink, wink."

And this is the real point of this post. I am amazed of the subtle fear that government agencies are putting into our lives even to this day - seven and a half years after the events of 9/11. We are told constantly to be vigilant, protect the home front, keep an eye out for suspicious activity - if only because if you blink, if you flinch, if you have faith in your fellow man for even a moment, it would bring about the end of our republic.

You know what? I am tired of being told to be afraid. I am tired of having the same message shoved down my throat in a way that is so subtle and pervasive that it could almost be called subliminal. I am tired of the discussion being about reaction to disasters and not why these people hate us so much. I know that there are bad people out there who want to watch the world fall, but what I also know is that we are being raised in a culture of fear wherein we are still far more likely to die from preventable disease than from a terrorist attack.

If you would like to experience what I had to go through today, simply click here and follow the page. It did take about an hour to go through, though, so you really have to be dedicated to my blog!

Booze, Bad Words, and Buttars

2009-03-06T13:20:00.004-07:00

For those of you who are interested, here is the link to listen to my most recent foray onto the radio. Glen Brown from OneUtah and myself discuss all sorts of topics and flirt with FCC regulations.

Also, it has been requested that I post past discussions as well. So here are the links:

January 27 - Bloggers Unite!
February 5 - YDU is keeping it real.
February 7 - Left of the Dial-a-tude.

Bills to Watch: H.B. 437 - Obstruction of Natural Resource or Agricultural Production - M. Noel

2009-03-04T12:04:00.003-07:00

Mike Noel (R - Kanab, District 73) made a bit of a mistake when he proposed H.B. 437 that could get him, and Legislative Research and General Council, in a bit of hot water. You see this bill violates a state law that requires bill titles to accurately reflect what the bill actually does. In my oh so legal opinion "Obstruction of Natural Resource or Agricultural Production" is a lie... it should really be called "We hate the fact that Tim DeChristopher was able to upset a questionable land deal and I, as the bill sponsor, am amazingly hostel to people who actually like to recycle and drive hybrid cars." A little long, I know, but it is more accurate. How about we just call it "Tim's Law?"

Yes, yes, Representative Noel is creating laws for problems that don't even exist. This bill would make it a third degree felony for someone goes to an auction and purposefully bids on land that they have no intention of paying for - artificially raising the price of the land in the process. Now, it should be noted that if this law were already in effect since the birth of our state, exactly one person would be guilty. ONE PERSON!

But, to be honest, I am so glad that Representative Noel is missing the bigger issue here. I mean it is not as if DeChristopher was acting out of a frustration caused by various state and national policies that allow for the desecration of our land with little to no public input. Furthermore I am happy that, at no point, Noel is aware of the fact that this is a federal issue and not a state one - after all DeChristopher placed bids on federal land, not state. Finally I am glad that Noel has placed this as a priority for the state to consider - taking away time from things like budgets and school funding.

With nine days left in the session, I doubt that this bill will make it anywhere. But the fact of the matter is that this is a bill designed to fix a problem that does not really exist.

Click here to contact Representative Noel.

Blogging while on the air

2009-03-03T18:02:00.002-07:00

6:01 - Glen makes an admittedly awkward statement about being drunk while on the air.

6:07 - I am employed!

6:09 - Don't be drunk, or be drunk while voting!

6:12 - Talking about other liquor laws, and host is busting out his ID just to make me look bad.

6:14 - Glen points out that drinking is like robbing a house! :) Drinking is basically a moral issue.

6:17 - Glen and I flirt with FCC regulations.

6:20 - First caller!

6:26 - Talking about Buttars

6:30 - Commercial Break

6:34 - GRAMA Laws

6:39 - Do legislators have daddy issues?

6:40 - Buttars and Common Grounds Initiative.

6:42 - School funding!

6:46 - What is the common good? Future blog post?

6:51 - Give me my Crackberry!

6:53 - Guns in cars

6:58 - How to get involved.

7:00 - End of show.

Status of Bills to Watch - 3/3

2009-03-03T10:12:00.002-07:00

Still in Play:
H.B. 17 - Expedited Partner Therapy Treatment - Sent to Senate Committee
H.B. 95 - Restrictions on Use of Wireless Communication Devices in Vehicles - 2nd Reading in House
H.B. 118 - archives and GRAMA Revisions - Favorable Recommendation from Senate committee (no change)
H.B. 144 - Medical Language Interpreter Act - 2nd Reading in Senate
H.B. 204 - Concealed Firearms Instructors Amendments - Sent to Senate Standing Committee
H.B. 222 - Unborn Child Pain Prevention Act - Favorable Report from Senate Committee
H.B. 248 - Regulating the Use of a Wireless Communication Device While Operating a Motor Vehicle - Fiscal report returned to sponsor
H.B. 325 - Opting Out of the REAL ID Act - Sent to Senate Committee
H.B. 406 - Compact Agreement Among the States to Elect the President by National Popular Vote - Received Fiscal Note (no chane)
S.B. 69 - Proof of Citizenship Required to Vote - Favorable Recommendation from Senate Committee (no change)
S.B. 106 - Alcoholic Beverage Control Act Restrictions - Favorable Recommendation from Senate Committee
S.B. 128 - Rainwater Harvesting - Sent to House Committee
S.B. 174 - Redistricting Commission - Received Fiscal Note (no change)
S.B. 187 - Alcohol Amendments - Favorable report from Senate committee

Legislative Limbo:
H.B. 14 - Material Harmful to Minors Amendments - Introduced in Senate (no change since 1/29)
H.B. 84 - Campaign Financing and Gift Regulation - Received Fiscal Note (no change since 2/9)
H.B. 93 - Establishment of State Ethics Commission - Sent to House Committee (no change since 2/9)
H.B. 103 - Revolving Door Limitations for Public Officials to Become Lobbyists - Sent to House Committee (no change since 2/9)
H.B. 109 - Modifications to Campaign Finance Provisions - Sent to House Committee (no change since 2/9)
H.B. 159 - Ethics Provisions - Sent to House Committee (no change since 2/13)
H.B. 187 - Recreational use of Public Waters on Private Property (Circled in House)
H.B. 191 - Air Quality Board Amendments - To Receive Fiscal Note (no change since 2/12)
H.B. 196 - Provisional Ballot Amendments for Unregistered Voters - Received Fiscal Note (no change since 2/11)
H.B. 268 - Legislator Reporting Gifts and Other Items - Sent to House Committee (No change since 2/9)
H.J.R. 8 - Joint Resolution Regarding Secret Ballot - Circled in House
S.B. 42 - Nuclear Power Distribution and Generation - Introduced in Senate (no change since 1/26)
S.B. 119 - Hospital Emergency Room Task force - Introduced in House (no change since 2/5)
S.B. 144 - Pete Suazo Memorial Highway - Receiving Fiscal Note (no change no change since 2/4)
S.B. 164 - In Person Voter Registration - Circled in Senate

Actually Dead:
H.B. 13 - Crime of Strangulation or Smothering -3rd Reading - returned to Rules
H.B. 82 - Teacher Mortgage Loan Program - Not considered in committee
H.B. 208 - Modification of Exemption from Nonresident Tuition - Failed in House
H.B. 219 - Tobacco Tax Increase - Sent back to Rules
H.B. 225 - Driver License Amendments - Not considered in committee
H.B. 115 - County Conservation and Preservation Fund - Failed in House
H.B. 260 - School Employee Termination Amendments - Not Considered in Committee
H.B. 267 - Antidiscrimination Amendments - Motion to Recommend Failed
H.B. 288 - Adoption Amendments - Not lifted from Table in House Committee
H.J.R. 2 - Joint Resolution to Amend the Marriage Provision of the Utah Constitution - Sponsor Dropped Bill
H.J.R. 17 - joint Resolution urging Congressional and Presidential Opposition to Federal Bailout and Promotion of Fiscal Responsibility - Returned to Rules
S.B. 32 - Wrongful Death Amendments - Motion to Recommend Failed
S.B. 113 - Delayed Effective Date for Illegal Immigration Legislation - Not recommended in Committee
S.B. 114 - Tobacco Tax Amendments - Substitute Sent back to Rules
S.B. 132 - Individual Income Tax Contribution for Methamphetamine Housing Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Fund - Not recommended by committee

Bills Ready for the Governor:

H.B. 90 - Criminal Homicide Abortion - Returned to House for final signing
H.B. 114 - Abortion Litigation Trust Amendments - Prepared for Enrollment
H.B. 116 - Uniform Fees on Canoes - Enrolled Bill Prepared
S.B. 16 - Prohibited Gang Activity - Prepared for Enrollment
S.B. 24 - Early Voting Amendments - Prepared for Enrollment
S.B. 25 - Online Voter Registration - Prepared for Enrollment
S.B. 112 - Obstruction of Justice Amendment - Prepared for Enrollment
S.J.R. 1 - Joint Resolution - Renewable Energy System -Sent to Lieutenant Governor

Signed into Law:
(none)

Bills to Watch: S.B. 187 - Alcohol Amendments - J. Valentine

2009-02-27T11:16:00.002-07:00

So, a crazy liquor bill is nothing new in Utah, but sometimes...well I just have to wonder what goes through the mind of our legislators.

Take, for example, S.B. 187 as proposed by Senator John Valentine (R - Orem, District 14). This is the infamous "Zion Curtain" bill that Senate President Waddoups thinks is so vital to the protection of the children at those filthy little dives known as Chili's and Applebees.

A zion curtain is a proposed ten foot high partition between alcohol storage behind a bar and the eating area of a restraunt. Patrions are not allowed to see the booze through the partition and, somehow, all this will prevent the children from getting a vodka tonic to wash down their chicken nuggets.

Yeah, I know...

What the bill also changes is the rules regarding the term intoxication - as it stands, the Utah Supreme Court ruled that it is not illegal to be intoxicated so long as you are not acting in a way that threatens yourself or others. Senator Valentine, in proposing this, is spitting in the eye of the Supreme Court by saying that it is illegal to be intoxicated if you "exhibit plain and easily observed outward mainifestations of behavior or physical signs produced by the over consumption of an alcoholic beverage."

How vauge is that? If you pretend to be drunk in a play...BAM! Brekaing the law. If you have a mental disability...BAM! Breaking the law. If you are a kid on the playground immitating dad...BAM! Breaking the law. Now these are extreeme cases, of course, but the point stands - we can't have this kind of vaugeness in the law.

We will see how this goes - there is less than two weeks left in the session, and so far this bill has only made it out of the Senate Business and Labor Committee - it has a long way to go and has pesky little things like budgetary bills that take higher priority.

Click here to contact Senator Valentine.

Crazy Radio-ness

2009-02-27T11:07:00.003-07:00

Blue in Red Zion, on the air yet again!

KRCL FM 90.9 this Tuesday, March 3rd from 6-7 PM
or listen online at krcl.org

Discussion will focus on the oh so fantastic Utah State Legislature

Condoms, Buttars, and the Young Democrats of Utah

2009-02-26T11:27:00.006-07:00

The next few days are going to be rather busy up at the capitol!

Youth Lobbying Day - sponsored by the Planned Parenthood Action Council
Friday, February 27 from 8:45 to noon - Capitol Rotunda

From PPAC:

The Utah legislature has a reputation for being adults who only care about adults and make decisions for adults. ! And we’re working on a way to change it! We will go to the state capitol and bend the ears of our legislators with the voices of Utah teens and parents, especially promoting our comprehensive sex education bill, House Bill 189.

Buttars-Palooza!
(co-sponsored by the Young Democrats of Utah)

Rally to discuss threats to America aside from "the gay agenda" while having a good time.

Saturday, February 28 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM
South Lawn, Utah State Capitol

From the Facebook Page:

Utahns are fair and just people who strive for a better society. We believe “in life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”. We also believe in free speech.

However, State Senator Chris Buttars crossed the line drawn by a fair and just people by stepping on a minority with offensive and demeaning language. Through his defense of the Senator from West Jordan, Senate President Michael Waddoups is equally complicit in this defense of the Senator. By their actions, Senators Buttars and Waddoups do not value or respect that sense of fairness and justice of the majority of Utahns.

All Utahns are invited to come the Capitol on Saturday, February 28th at 1pm to party for truth and justice. The event will be a lively and fun celebration of our diversity and inclusion of all in a fair and just society. The event will be MC’d by Troy Williams of KRCL and there will be great speakers, music, and other fun. Come celebrate with us!!!

Bills to Watch: H.B. 187 - Recreational use of Public Waters on Private Property - B. Ferry

2009-02-25T20:10:00.003-07:00

My first exposure to H.B. 187 was an admittedly odd one - I was up at the legislature lobbying for a few of the Young Democrats bills when I noticed a rather large boat on the steps of the Capitol. Somewhat intrigued by the inner steps of the House being over-run by fishing poles and nets, I could not help but wonder what the hub-bub was about.

Well it turns out that Representative Ben Ferry (R - Corrine, District 2) is running a bill that would do some rather interesting things to Utah's waterways.

As it stands, people can use public streams to fish, wade, and raft down even if the stream happens to go through some ones private property. So long as someone does not exit the stream and actually touch a persons property, the land owner has to allow the activity. Again, and this is worth noting, these are PUBLIC water ways. This bill would stand that concept on its head by making someone guilty of trespassing on PUBLIC waters it the water happens to flow through private land - not the moment someone steps off of the public water onto the private property, they are trespassing on public property.

Now does this make any sense to you - I mean how can you trespass on public property?

In fact, the bill would only make an exception for 17 streams - 17 out of how many rivers that run though Utah?

I have to wonder why Representative Ferry feels the need to pass this bill in the first place. Private interest perhaps? I don't know - what I do know is that this is a bad law that threatens not only the rights of outdoorsmen to use public land, but starts a slippery slope that allows the state to take away the rights for all of us to access public land just because a portion of a road or highway happens to go through someones land.

Click here to contact Representative Ferry.