One of our most cherished rights is to petition our government. If there’s a problem, we want our representatives to know so they can fix it. Imagine, however, if a top law enforcement official denied this right to citizens. Imagine he arrested them, threatening them with fines and imprisonment. Imagine it’s being driven by partisan politics. “Not in my America!”, you say? Let me introduce you to Paul Jacob and the Oklahoma 3.
Oklahoma is fortunate. If Oklahomans want an issue on the ballot, they can gather signatures and put it to a statewide vote. It’s called a ballot initiative and it’s popular with citizens. Gathering signatures is hard work so it doesn’t happen all the time. When it does, it’s usually to limit government somehow so it’s unpopular with legislators. To stop it, legislators try to make it very difficult. In Oklahoma in 2006, citizens wanted to vote on capping government spending increases over a certain amount and didn’t want government taking their homes and businesses through eminent domain and giving them to someone else who would pay the state more in taxes. To do that, they needed to gather almost 225,000 valid signatures in just 90 days to put the measures on the ballot.
Because it’s hard to get that many signatures that fast, it’s also common to use companies which specialize in circulating petitions. It happened all the time in Oklahoma. It’s further common for those circulating petitions to be from out of state. Legislatures, who usually oppose ballot initiatives, try to stop signature gathering with residency requirements. They legislate that to gather signatures in a state, you must also live there. Those laws have been challenged around the country and and defeated on First Amendment grounds. But not in Oklahoma because it has immediate residency laws. You can immediately come to Oklahoma, declare yourself a resident , and petition. The Oklahoma 3 knew about issues with residency laws and specifically asked Oklahoma about theirs. They were assured there was no problem with petitioners moving from other states to help out.
Oklahoma’s 20O6 initiatives faced some tough fights. The worst may have been a union organizer from Oregon bringing in squads of paid blockers to harass petitioners. Blockers lied about petitioner activity to bar them from property where they were collecting signatures. They spilled coffee and Cokes on completed petitions to destroy them. They verbally and physically intimidated petitioners and signers alike to stop the work. Despite this heavy opposition, the petitioners prevailed. They gathered almost 300,000 signatures. 80,000 more than were needed to get the issues on the ballot!
Unfazed by defeat, initiative opponents immediately started another fight. They challenged the petitions. They did not argue the signatures were invalid as that meant fighting signatures one by one. Instead, they challenged the residency status of signature gatherers. Despite ample precedent, it was deemed illegal to be in Oklahoma from somewhere else to collect signatures. The challengers won and tens of thousands of legal signatures were thrown out. Enough to prevent the measure from being on the ballot. It gets worse.
To intimidate future initiative efforts, the Attorney General of Oklahoma himself, Drew Edmondson, personally issued felony indictments for three people - the Oklahoma 3. They are Paul Jacob, an initiative consultant; Susan Johnson, owner of the petition company; and, Rick Carpenter, the Oklahoma resident heading up the initiative. The basis of the indictment? The Oklahoma 3 should have known their petitioners were illegal even though the state said they were OK. Using them constituted attempted fraud!
NEW YORK - On Sunday the death toll of U.S. servicemembers in Iraq reached 4,000. In response, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the nation's first and largest non-partisan organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, issued the following statement:
"The 4000th KIA in Iraq is newsworthy, but the truth is that every death should be a news item," said Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. "The 4000th death should not be exploited in the polarized arguments about the war. Honoring the fallen is neither a pro nor an anti war statement. It's about respecting the sacrifice of thousands of America's sons and daughters."
Last week, IAVA called on the media to report more thoroughly on the war in Iraq. According to the Pew Research Center, last month's media coverage of the war was at its lowest point in five years and less than a third of the public knew how many troops had died in Iraq.
"Over 80% of Americans are aware that Oprah Winfrey endorsed Senator Obama, yet only 28% know how many troops have died in Iraq. These numbers are a slap in the face to everyone who has served in the current conflicts," said Rieckhoff. "While thousands of military families across the country are coping with the heartbreaking loss of a loved one, most Americans don't even know the death toll."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the families who have sacrificed for the war. But the fallen are much more than a statistic. More than half of those killed were under the age of 25 and many have left young families behind. Over 2,200 children have lost a parent in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan."
On the 5th anniversary of the war in Iraq, please take a moment to sign the following letter and ask the American media to devote more air time to coverage of the war. According to this study by the Pew Research Center, only 3% of the news media in February 2008 was devoted to covering the war.
Help honor the sacrifice of those who have served in the past five years and demand that the media increase their coverage of the war.
Quote by TriSec:
Morning, folks! I've been up and buzzing since 6:05 am...
YANKEES SUCK!
YANKEES SUCK!
Huh? What's that, you say? The Sox are playing the A's? In Japan?
And?
The Yankees still suck, don't they?
HAPPY OPENING DAY, EVERYONE!! :party:
:peace:
Quote by velveeta jones:Quote by TriSec:
Morning, folks! I've been up and buzzing since 6:05 am...
YANKEES SUCK!
YANKEES SUCK!
Huh? What's that, you say? The Sox are playing the A's? In Japan?
And?
The Yankees still suck, don't they?
HAPPY OPENING DAY, EVERYONE!! :party:
:peace:
WOOHOOOOOOOO!!
Yes, indeedy TriSec, the Yankees DO suck
Quote by TriSec:
Ah, Raine...
There are very few teams in baseball that I openly loathe. The Yankees are not one of them, despite all my Red Sox Nation bluster.
Given the choice between Yankees baseball and No baseball...I'll watch a Yankees game. You know they're going to play well and it will be a baseball game.
There's some teams I simply won't (or can't) watch.
Quote by Raine:Quote by velveeta jones:Quote by TriSec:
Morning, folks! I've been up and buzzing since 6:05 am...
YANKEES SUCK!
YANKEES SUCK!
Huh? What's that, you say? The Sox are playing the A's? In Japan?
And?
The Yankees still suck, don't they?
HAPPY OPENING DAY, EVERYONE!! :party:
:peace:
WOOHOOOOOOOO!!
Yes, indeedy TriSec, the Yankees DO suck
:kickcan:
Quote by velveeta jones:
Oops. Sorry Hon! My better half is a "yankee" as well. Though more of a Mets fan!
Quote by velveeta jones:
Ya know............ you DO live in a town........... with a team.......... (ahem).
Quote by Raine:
you call that a team?!?!?!
Quote by BobR:Quote by Raine:
you call that a team?!?!?!
HEY!! :modbat:
Last year was a "building year".... :whistling:
Quote by Raine:
Free kicks on opening day!
It's "open season for peeping Toms," says an Oklaholma Court of Criminal Appeals judge -- the lone dissenting voice on a 4-to-1 decision in favor of a 34-year-old perv who stuck his camera underneath a 16-year-old girl's skirt and flashed.
Ew. And I thought these things only happened on the New York City subway system.
The problem, you see, is this 16-year-old skirt-wearer expected privacy in public. According to the Feminist Daily News Wire, as originally reported by Tulsa World, the court decided "the [Peeping Tom] statute only applies in situations where the victims are in a reasonably private place such as their own homes, a restroom, or a locker room."
So, let me get this straight...it's not okay to violate someone in his or her own home, but it is okay to violate that person as soon as he or she sets foot on the sidewalk. Why would the court make such a distinction? To protect all those people who "accidentally" take photos or videotapes of other people's private parts?
Quote by starling310:Quote by Raine:
Free kicks on opening day!
Quote by velveeta jones:
Wow! I just played that Pat statement for my (black) wife........... she is NOT amused.
Quote by Raine:
:rofl: Wodka as a household cleaner!!!
Quote by wickedpam:
Morning :hug:
Quote by wickedpam:
Morning :hug:
Quote by BobR:Quote by Raine:
:rofl: Wodka as a household cleaner!!!
Seems like rubbing alcohol would do the same thing for a lot cheaper...
Quote by starling310:
Jim plays the harmonica? :: lesbian hetero crush swoon ::
Quote by Raine:
Kevin is sooo in love with Momma. he wants to kiiiisss her...
Quote by livingonli:
WLIW World is repeating part 1 of Bush's War tonight at 7 PM. So I just have to remember to record both parts tonight.
Quote by Raine:
Tequila is to Vodka as Hillary is to Obama! :rofl:
Quote by BobR:Quote by Raine:
Tequila is to Vodka as Hillary is to Obama! :rofl:
I disagree.
Tequila has color.
Tequila is the party.
I like tequila better.
case closed. :smug:
Quote by BobR:
Cheezus! It's Sacrilicious!
:rofl:
Quote by livingonli:Quote by wickedpam:
Morning :hug:
How have things been with mom?
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by livingonli:Quote by wickedpam:
Morning :hug:
How have things been with mom?
Hey Raine, Liv and all!
They're going okay - she's just depressed and scared. We've only been sending out resumes for a week and she feels like no one wants her and she's really scared about not having health insurance.
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by livingonli:Quote by wickedpam:
Morning :hug:
How have things been with mom?
Hey Raine, Liv and all!
They're going okay - she's just depressed and scared. We've only been sending out resumes for a week and she feels like no one wants her and she's really scared about not having health insurance.
Quote by BobR:
BREAKING NEWS!!!
The news just reported that Boston beat Oakland in that exhibition game.
:yawn:
... we now return you to your regularly scheduled blogging...
Quote by Raine:
Mala, I think that your Mom is eligable for unemployment insurance.
Quote by livingonli:
VJ if you're old, then I'm an old fart too.
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
Mala, I think that your Mom is eligable for unemployment insurance.
As far as I can figure out, she isn't. I think in VA you have to be fired or laid off to get unemployment.
Quote by Raine:I still think she can apply... She could also appeal to why she left the gig. A lot of times they are very good about things like this.Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
Mala, I think that your Mom is eligable for unemployment insurance.
As far as I can figure out, she isn't. I think in VA you have to be fired or laid off to get unemployment.
But, if it is too much for Momma Mala. I understand that as well.
Quote by starling310:
Hey Neal...you're not a News Network. You are a gaggle of pundits. PERIOD.
Quote by wickedpam:
what was happening on the SMS live blog?
Quote by starling310:
We neeeever get yelled at over at the 4F Blog.
Quote by Raine:Quote by starling310:
We neeeever get yelled at over at the 4F Blog.
That is becuase we are not calling each other idiots, Stupid saying Fuck you,
We don't accuse each other of being hillbots, or Obamaphiles and the flaven.
it is called community and respect that we have here.
We celebrate our differences...
Quote by velveeta jones:
GADS,
I LOATHE paris hilton................
Horsey looking stupid person........
:puke:
Quote by starling310:Quote by Raine:Quote by starling310:
We neeeever get yelled at over at the 4F Blog.
That is becuase we are not calling each other idiots, Stupid saying Fuck you,
We don't accuse each other of being hillbots, or Obamaphiles and the flaven.
it is called community and respect that we have here.
We celebrate our differences...
Oh, what I wouldn't give for the celebrate our differences song.
Quote by BobR:
she reminds me of a spoiled cat that just sits around all day looking self-satisfied, primping, and shunning whatever it pleases.
Quote by shelaghc:Quote by BobR:
she reminds me of a spoiled cat that just sits around all day looking self-satisfied, primping, and shunning whatever it pleases.
Watch how you talk about kitties.
Quote by Raine:
That is becuase we are not calling each other idiots, Stupid saying Fuck you,
We don't accuse each other of being hillbots, or Obamaphiles and the flaven.
it is called community and respect that we have here.
We celebrate our differences...
Quote by Raine:Quote by shelaghc:Quote by BobR:
she reminds me of a spoiled cat that just sits around all day looking self-satisfied, primping, and shunning whatever it pleases.
Watch how you talk about kitties.
AWW!!!!!!!!!!!
Quote by TriSec:
Remember back in the dark ages when we had a similar experience with the Springer show blog? I don't understand why Momma didn't just say "OK, kiddies, go and look on the internets for Four Frickin' Freedoms!"
*We* know who has the best bloggers!
Quote by TriSec:Quote by Raine:
That is becuase we are not calling each other idiots, Stupid saying Fuck you,
We don't accuse each other of being hillbots, or Obamaphiles and the flaven.
it is called community and respect that we have here.
We celebrate our differences...
Oh yeah? Oh yeah? You....Yankees Fan!!!
*snort*
Quote by IzzyBitz:
Good morning/afternoon!
I got nuthin. Just wanted to say hi.
Quote by Raine:
Yup, ther eit goes, Thom on, I feel my brain grow!
Quote by balleryna2:
We need Cindy Sheehan - and/or MORE people like her to make a very visual, very vocal, very memorable stand against those who continually push this war. We need people who will stand up against the rightwing spin machines - to politicians who backflip for votes - to even the most respected leaders who simply won't impeach Bush but continue to sympathise with our cause.
Having a sympathiser isn't enough. Nancy Pelosi won't impeach Bush. John Conyers won't impeach Bush. Harry Reid won't impeach Bush. All of them have the power to single-handedly make a difference. All of them have been our heroes, standing up for health care and human rights. Yet, for some inconceivable reason, they continue to stonewall their own party and voters.
We have the power to put them out of office and put someone else in who WILL impeach them.
If you can't think of someone else who will do it for us, maybe YOU are that person who can make a difference?
Please don't stay home this November if your candidate isn't on the ballot. Make NOISE. Not just a little bit -- MAKE A LOT OF NOISE. GET OUT INTO THE STREETS AND PROTEST WITH FELLOW LIBERALS AND DEMAND AN END TO THIS WAR!!!!!
Quote by velveeta jones:Quote by IzzyBitz:
Good morning/afternoon!
I got nuthin. Just wanted to say hi.
:rofl:
Though, I must say: nice tits Bitz.
Quote by Raine:Quote by Raine:
Yup, ther eit goes, Thom on, I feel my brain grow!
now if only thom could do something about my typing skills...
Quote by livingonli:Quote by Raine:Quote by Raine:
Yup, ther eit goes, Thom on, I feel my brain grow!
now if only thom could do something about my typing skills...
You're on your own there.
Quote by velveeta jones:Quote by IzzyBitz:
Good morning/afternoon!
I got nuthin. Just wanted to say hi.
:rofl:
Though, I must say: nice tits Bitz.
Quote by Raine:
Yup, ther eit goes, Thom on, I feel my brain grow!
Quote by Raine:Quote by livingonli:
Anyone listening to Thom right now?
Now I'm wondering if Hillary wins big in PA, how much of it will be from Republicans switching over under orders from Rush Limbaugh, Laura Ingrahm and the other right-wing scum?
Quote by starling310:Quote by Raine:
Yup, ther eit goes, Thom on, I feel my brain grow!
Wooooh....my brain is groooooowing..... :: starts to stagger backward ::
My head may actually explooooooode.
Quote by IzzyBitz:
Just putting my best assets forward!
Quote by Raine:Quote by Raine:
Yup, ther eit goes, Thom on, I feel my brain grow!
now if only thom could do something about my typing skills...
Quote by TriSec:
Although I have famously disagreed with Raine and Bobr on the Open Primaries thing, realistically there isn't anything that can be done if the sheeple go and change their registrations beforehand. I do agree that changing registrations to mess with the process, then immediately going back to your original registration afterwards is a dirty trick.
Maybe if the registrations were tied to the presidential term? You can register as a Republican or a Democrat, but you can't change until the next presidential election? That might cut down on the crossovers, or hugely inflate the Unenrolled and/or Independent voters.
There's really no easy solution.
Quote by TriSec:
Raine, it's a big, black man clutching a white waif. What's there to miss?
: oh my goodness, he's black :
Quote by Raine:Quote by TriSec:
Although I have famously disagreed with Raine and Bobr on the Open Primaries thing, realistically there isn't anything that can be done if the sheeple go and change their registrations beforehand. I do agree that changing registrations to mess with the process, then immediately going back to your original registration afterwards is a dirty trick.
Maybe if the registrations were tied to the presidential term? You can register as a Republican or a Democrat, but you can't change until the next presidential election? That might cut down on the crossovers, or hugely inflate the Unenrolled and/or Independent voters.
There's really no easy solution.
I can't remember how it was in NY, but it was I believe and extended period of time BEFORE an election that had to happen if you wanted to change parties.
you are correct, tho. There is no easy solution.
Quote by MMB:
Hi Everyone, I was trying to think if I read on here that someone has or knows a cat owner that is diabetic. My cat has just been diagnosed and has to take the same insulin at night that I do my question is how do you check the blood sugar? I check mine 4-6 times a day and adjust my insulin the vet is a little dense on this whole thing. I really don't want Gen. having a low blood sugar attack in the middle of the night. Any help? Thanks
Quote by MMB:
Hi Everyone, I was trying to think if I read on here that someone has or knows a cat owner that is diabetic. My cat has just been diagnosed and has to take the same insulin at night that I do my question is how do you check the blood sugar? I check mine 4-6 times a day and adjust my insulin the vet is a little dense on this whole thing. I really don't want Gen. having a low blood sugar attack in the middle of the night. Any help? Thanks
Quote by livingonli:Quote by Raine:Quote by TriSec:
Although I have famously disagreed with Raine and Bobr on the Open Primaries thing, realistically there isn't anything that can be done if the sheeple go and change their registrations beforehand. I do agree that changing registrations to mess with the process, then immediately going back to your original registration afterwards is a dirty trick.
Maybe if the registrations were tied to the presidential term? You can register as a Republican or a Democrat, but you can't change until the next presidential election? That might cut down on the crossovers, or hugely inflate the Unenrolled and/or Independent voters.
There's really no easy solution.
I can't remember how it was in NY, but it was I believe and extended period of time BEFORE an election that had to happen if you wanted to change parties.
you are correct, tho. There is no easy solution.
I believe it is a year for a party change to take effect. It is a pretty long time, as I learned when I changed my registration from "no affiliation" to "Democratic" in order to vote in the primaries.
Quote by Raine:
MArc MAron!!! slamming goldberg! :rofl:
Quote by livingonli:
Marc Maron is on now. Don't you miss the old days of Air America?
Quote by TriSec:
Quote by TriSec:Quote by livingonli:
Marc Maron is on now. Don't you miss the old days of Air America?
I close my Friday morning meeting the same way every week...
"Let's land this thing, Riley!"
Quote by TriSec:
Raine, it's a big, black man clutching a white waif. What's there to miss?
: oh my goodness, he's black :
Quote by MMB:
Hi Everyone, I was trying to think if I read on here that someone has or knows a cat owner that is diabetic. My cat has just been diagnosed and has to take the same insulin at night that I do my question is how do you check the blood sugar? I check mine 4-6 times a day and adjust my insulin the vet is a little dense on this whole thing. I really don't want Gen. having a low blood sugar attack in the middle of the night. Any help? Thanks
Quote by Shane-O:
Hey all - it's my understanding that Steph is going to be on CNN - Larry King Live tonight - 9 pm EST. For those who want to check it ow..t... Sucks that it is on opposite part 2 of Bush's War on PBS... however
Quote by Raine:
I miss Molly Ivans!
Quote by jd_in_ny:
I'd forgotten that Franken mentions Obama at the end of that book - way to go, Al, I say.
But man, that is dedication to a conspiracy theory.
Quote by starling310:Quote by Raine:
I miss Molly Ivans!
:bow:
I forgot about that column!!! Raine...THANK YOU for posting that.
Quote by Raine:
It is funny listening to sammy mention names of bloggers and posters I have talked to online.
Quote by jd_in_ny:
Howdy!
Great Ivans article... it calls for an AMEN right about now. Can you imagine what she'd be saying?
Quote by BobR:Quote by Raine:
It is funny listening to sammy mention names of bloggers and posters I have talked to online.
Did I miss that? Who was mentioned?
Quote by Raine:Quote by BobR:Quote by Raine:
It is funny listening to sammy mention names of bloggers and posters I have talked to online.
Did I miss that? Who was mentioned?
Pluger. (I am spelling it wrong)
We used to know him in the old place.
Quote by Raine:
MAGGIESBOY!!!!!!!
Quote by Raine:heya Shane-O! Thanks for the hedz-up!Quote by Shane-O:
Hey all - it's my understanding that Steph is going to be on CNN - Larry King Live tonight - 9 pm EST. For those who want to check it ow..t... Sucks that it is on opposite part 2 of Bush's War on PBS... however
How are you doing today?
How is moms knee?
Quote by Shane-O:
Hi all - sorry I haven't been as present on the blog as I'd like to be. Got a few balls in the air...
Quote by BobR:Quote by Shane-O:
Hi all - sorry I haven't been as present on the blog as I'd like to be. Got a few balls in the air...
Maybe you should put your pants back on...
:rofl:
Quote by Raine:
:rofl:
It's crack I tell you!
Quote by TriSec:
Morning, folks! I've been up and buzzing since 6:05 am...
YANKEES SUCK!
YANKEES SUCK!
Huh? What's that, you say? The Sox are playing the A's? In Japan?
And?
The Yankees still suck, don't they?
HAPPY OPENING DAY, EVERYONE!! :party:
:peace:
Quote by Raine:
:rofl: momma is on the panel with Sinbad!
HE sounds great!
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
:rofl: momma is on the panel with Sinbad!
HE sounds great!
What panel would this be??