Reunion at local levels now in progress around the country.

Ed Mayne spoke about the work labor can do to counter act the big money interests of corporate corruption in our Government. Working families have a weapon we can use; our votes must be counted in the upcoming election

Joyce Sewell, Director of the Workman’s Comp Division, spoke about bills coming up concerning workers comp and Health Insurance. Hospitals are not regulated and workers comp. has been looking for a reasonable rate to be paid so that injured workers won’t lose their houses because their being attached to hospital bills not being paid by workers compensation claims.

Funding is being offered in the next two years to find out if a link exists between meth- amphetamine and cancer in firefighters and police. 250,000 dollars has been set aside to study this problem.

Injured workers reports are not being filed by some contractors in the state so claims are not being paid to some people after they are hurt on the job. Especially foreign-born workers.

Pete Groesbeck talked about substantial success in speeding up the process of getting the money to injured workers. He also spoke about training Hispanic Workers about rights and the responsibilities American workers are entitled to so that their interest are brought to bear on companies hiring undocumented employees. Labor commition also hear about 12,000 cases a year of Spanish speaking workers not being paid at all, besides not paying into workman’s comp.

Contractors not keeping up with the regulations for workman’s comp will be investigated by more than this entity and their companies will be prosecuted to the limits of the law.

A Woman representing a teacher who had been poisoned by CO2 over a two-year period in a temporary classroom, asked about files not being submitted by the school district to OSHA or any other Government agency. A Civil suit can be filed to get those files by the employee or her rep and our school boards in these cases must pay all fees.

Any claim with Workman’s comp must be paid by the employer or the fund and Doctors and hospitals are not entitled to charge or threaten injured Workers.

Nancy Jones, President of the AFGE local 2199 talked about the way veterans programs have been under funded and how the staffs at all vets facilities are being pushed to the back row as far as any amounts being paid. She asked for, and was given a moment of silence for a member being buried today after spending the time since his service in Vietnam at the Veteran’s Hospital working for and with vets.

Kent Anderson, President of the CWA Local 7704, representing some 3000 members here in Utah, said Qwest outsources or downsizes about 8% of it’s workforce each year.

Troy Tinge, Pres. AFGE local 1592 at Hill Air Force Base. Fastest growing union in the state. 50 EVENTS scheduled next week alone. We continue to grow through organizing.

Break for lunch.

Kirk McLaughlin, Letter Carriers Local 111. Several issues before Congress affecting the postal workers. Some bills being kicked around in Washington to increase rates.

600 million has been mistakenly paid into the general fund, and Bush doesn’t want to give it back, so the retirement of postal employees suffers with every other pension fund.

The number one cause of poverty in the State is low wages and minimum wage stagnation, says Micheal Lester, with the State AFL-CIO office. With the Letter carriers food drive her office has been very busy distributing food around the state.

Labor Day Picnic accepting volunteers for booths and games.

The chairman for the Retired Union Workers of Utah said our Governor hasn’t been very helpful to our older Citizens, and republicans in general try to skirt senior issues. He said the difference between the dems and repubs on senior issues couldn’t be bigger. This organization, unlike the AARP was against the flat tax and for keeping Deductions for seniors.

Jay Seigmiller, UTU member, and candidate for house legislator, asked for help for Trent Alford in his primary race.

ITESE, New Local. Brian Fualkner Talked about bringing more convetions to Utah, and how the new local is well positioned for this new business.

Atw, running trax trains. Negotiating now for a new contract.

Mike Fredrickson said Firefighters signed a new contract yesterday. Looking to organize Layton and Murray.
Not a very good year for Firefighters with the Police lobbyist piggybacking onto every bill on the hill and killing the chances for passage.

Hubert Humphrey’s video. 30 years, and the conditions just keep getting worse. His loyalty to the Labor movement was unquestioned. He got choked up giving thanks to Labor for his career in Government. “Men without tears,” He said, “are men without hearts. The first thing any totalitarian does is abolish free organized Labor. Millions of Americans have healthcare today because Labor negotiated those benefits, not because the Government gave it to them. Americans are still the most productive in the World. And Union workers are more productive than any others”. If you ever get a chance to see this Speech, don’t let it pass you by. We can be the conscience of the American people again. “Living 50 years like a tiger is better than 100 years like a chicken. Some people talk about change, others cause it.”

Elected officials of the Democratic Party spoke about the things that motivated them into getting involved in their communities. Things like families, schooling, jobs, healthcare, you know, MORAL VALUES ISSUES.

Then it was on to successful lobbying. How do you get our representatives to listen and understand on issues that matter to you? Let them know you are their constituent. Give them the information you’ve researched beforehand, and hold them responsible personally. It’s not an adversarial relationship. Get your allies together and go at it.

Don’t be timid, or take it too personally. Target your members. Target your issues, get off your ass and get after it. If you don’t, who will? Universal Health Care comes to mind.

Lets get more Democrats elected here in Utah, so things like your sick Aunt’s teeth aren’t going to kill her. Issues pertaining to Working Families, Education, seniors, and those of us who have no voice.

We have opportunity and options we haven’t had in years, said Wayne Holland, Chairman of the democratic party of Utah. Our Government needs to have its house of cards blown down by their daily habit of showing themselves to be the same Hooverites of the 30’s. Honest, fiscally responsible public servants will win back the America we love. Arrogance and irresponsibility cannot stand against the corruptive power of corporate millions. Public investment in Education and public transformation is the way to rebuild the Greatness of this Country. But the bargaining environment will not change, until the political environment is changed by our votes. We can take the ball now and win. Even in rural Utah.

Pete Ashdown, candidate for U.S. Senate. Our country’s Legislators are running away from a minimum wage increase, and yet paid themselves more again. Maybe we could start paying public officials 5.15 per hour. They might even show up for all the votes.

Steve Olsen, candidate for the house. Too much of the wealth of this country is taken out of the pockets of working people and given to the top one percent. Our nations leaders are watching manufacturing swim away from this country and they don’t seem to care. Steve said he doesn’t have all the answers, but he will stand with us and listen to the people whose lives are being damaged by our current bunch.

Christian Burbidge, Candidate for house. David and Goliath was the way the local media categorized the election of 2006 here in Utah and Christian doesn’t mind that analogy. Look at the way that story comes out in the end. He wants to represent the voters in this district. The Republican Party is disintegrating and eating their own. Lets Fire the Cannon.

Senator Mayne wrapped up the day with the endorsements of labor friendly candidates for state office with his usual humor and common sense. Thanks to all who allowed me to be a part of the coming together of this labor body, and our first steps in taking back our Country for the working families we all love.

Saturday at the county convention, where thousands of Salt Lake County
Democrats came together to show support and find help for the things that
are killing this Nation on so many levels, a motion was made to impeach GWB.
About half said yea, more said nay. I asked a young Lady who got up and
walked out after voting nay, why she couldn’t support the motion? She said
it was just a waste of time with the Senate and House in control of Bushes
cabal. I guess she was right, but isn’t it too bad people are so cynical
about how our Government works.
A resolution was passed to enforce parental visitation rights.
A motion was passed to increase funding for treatment of Meth. Addicts and
their families.
A resolution was put before the body to lower the speed limit in Salt Lake
Co. and put more fuel-efficient cars on the roads.
None of these were official resolutions, just the way people passed the time
between voting and scheduled business.
As I understand that witch I cannot name, prejudice and supremacy are losing
their shine.
Avarice stumbles in mid-stride to its natural uncoolness. Fonzi was cool
because he was just. Patrick Fitzgerald may prove cooler, we trust.
Business as usual can’t “Just” go on, while young people die, dreaming of
dust.
But who am I to say what balance the world will allow.

As the Republican machine continues to divide and misinform us with their psychotic immigration policy, we’ll all be out in force, either for or against new laws, and nobody knows for sure witch side their on. But hey, at least the weather is nice and we’ll most likely meet some of our good neighbors while we’re out.

Looks like Henry Taylor’s back is being covered pretty well by the thousands of people writing thank you letters and comments all over the net. Wouldn’t you like to see his story on the evening News?

It’s my Brother’s birthday today, and also Buddha’s(563 B.C.), but my Brother may not want me making that comparison. Happy Birthday to both of you anyway.

After going to see the Doctor, I’m feeling much better now.

And we watched a little PBS. Getting worked up over things I cannot change may be part of my problem.

Maybe It’s just part of the Plan?

Comparing two stories. Trib,Des.News.

Now It’s time to do somthing. Orrin loves to here from the Citizens of our fair State. FAX info here.

Slow but steady wins the race, especialy when were running Away from ourselves.
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/032506X.shtml

Just being a wireman, I think I’ll defer to Molly.

Before the election in 2004 I sent this little call out to the people on one of the comment boards at Slate’s In The Fray. It got the usual shout down from the wingers like Ken.

Not wanting to bring the retaliation crew into my neighborhood here in red Utah I was very tempted to leave out my real name and such, but that just seemed like it was giving in to the fear mongers and Dick’s threats of more terrorists, made counter- terrorist ideas seem possible, so I hit the button on the publish screen, and dam the torpedoes.
Putting together a consensus on what’s important to us and what’s better left to the majority rule, gives representatives a chance to work for the people. The people know about it and respect them enough to keep them in office, till the time comes when their will turns, one way or another. Power for power’s sake just kills people, mostly those without any. Can you see it? Feel it in the wind?

The business of government, in a civilized society, falls to the bottom line, they say. The protection of large corporations against the ever-encroaching arm of poor and working people, or to a certain extent, educated people who think they can make a difference, just doesn’t matter.

History is rife with examples of entrenched power being overthrown by a seemingly ill prepared populace, banding together for just causes, and to rid themselves and their children of an oppressive and ego maniacal over class.

And yet the pillars of our scientific and philosophical communities remain silent. Maybe because of a very small attention span, where public knowledge never really quite makes it itself known. Of course we hear about the news. But that little hint of doubt shines through it all, bringing about a nearly psychotic fear, smoldering beneath the surface, waiting only for the next ill wind to blow it into an inferno.

This is why I need to write every day. The ideas back up like a dishwasher at the end of a well-received lunch special, petty, poor, and patronizing.
Now the frenzy begins. The sharks in the fishbowl have seen the future, and they’re not in it. McCain and other Republicans look at their constituency with some trepidation. Distance themselves, making known a little spine, knowing some of their retired or unemployed must be watching C-SPAN.
The neocons aren’t going to let go of their trough until we quit filling it, and even then they’ve shown a very poor face at the prospect of losing. No doubt the true motives and machinations of this administration will remain clouded and hidden, as we get closer to the election. But keep an eye on what they really fear. Our being able to find out what they’re holding may be as simple as a poker tell.
What are you afraid of really, at the end of the day? Answer that question each evening, watching the sunset, with a true and honest heart, and the world becomes paradise, or Hell if you’re not accustomed to it.
When the big boys resort to gutter language to make their points, we’re all swimming in sewer.

http://oneutah.org/2006/03/22/why-most-utahns-are-democrats-and-just-dont-know-it-yet/

Thousands of Citizens attended Mass Meetings here in Utah last night. Tell us about yours in the comments section below.

At our meeting Patricia Arent spoke about the changes in the west. We’re all about change at this point.

Patricia Jones, Senate Dist.4. Assistant minority whip in the House, said she was happy to see everyone. We literally filled the lunchroom at Olympus Jr. High. A record number of Democrats are running for office this year. She’s running for Patricia Arnet’s seat in the Senate.

House seat held by Democrat. Legislative District 37. Good lady. Didn’t vote for flat tax. Protecting seniors. Loves public schools. We may form a new school district. Lets get Carol reelected. carolspackmoss@mindspring.com

Pete Ashdown’s rep spoke. Make politicians accessible to constituents. He said maybe he would take Pete to the gym. www.peteashdown.org

Kelly Ann Booth, Sen. Dist. 7, I signed up for her campaign.

Karen Hale’s sister-in-law Kim Myers spoke about health care issues. Karen is resigning from her seat. All good wishes to her and her family.

John Forsman at the Veteran Caucus talked about two bills for vets being passed thru the legislature this year.

Dollars for Democrat’s bags went around. Hope my check doesn’t bounce. We’ll be updating as we go into this Election cycle on at least a weekly basis, so do pass along any info you’d like seen around our State. We’re also seen around the world on the web almost daily, so lets make sure they know Utah is True Blue.

http://www.firedoglake.com/2006/03/22/git-yer-boots-on-its-recess-time/

Last week our hometown Sheriff was in the spotlight of the big city newspaper and now the long time Clerk gets national coverage. Wouldn’t it be great if somebody in the Governors office, or a Senator, or a Democratic Representative, showed some guts and backed up this elected official and sent these piece of crap machines to an early grave.

http://www.bbvforums.org/cgi-bin/forums/board-auth.cgi?file=/1954/19673.html

http://www.blackboxvoting.org

Today’s Tribune, in case you think Uncle Bill might do a better job than his old lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

http://www.sltrib.com/portlet/article/html/fragments/print_article.jsp?article=3613957

http://www.seattleweekly.com/news/0602/abramoff.php

Ok, so I’m watching the Twilight Zone tonight because Colleen’s always watching Sci-Fi so she doesn’t have to think about the nightmare that is our reality, or vice versa, and some poor shmuck gets the bad news as he’s going up the gangway of a UFO and his girlfriend tells him, the book they have, To Serve Man, is a cookbook.

It’s like Orin having a big Barbeque in San Pete Co, to serve Utah.

Had enough?

http://www.partridge.net/blog/?p=328

http://www.democracyforutah.com/cvc/node/500

http://utahamicus.blogspot.com/2006/03/utah-democrats

-begin-record-election.html#links

No longer at blogger.

http://www.firedoglake.com/2006/03/20/

how-would-a-patriot-act/#comment-54263

Being pretty loyal to my hometown, I was happy to see this article in the paper today, with one cravat. We’d like it to keep the simple charms. But what do you do? Like Dave Chappell said on that interview show on bravo the other night,” You can’t become un-famous.”

Http://sltrib.com/utah/ci_3594285

Or, if it’s been more than 2 weeks since this was posted see print version here.

http://www.sltrib.com/portlet/article/html/fragments/print_article.jsp?article=3594285

I’m going to have to buy a mountain bike before May and hope Lamar will let me back into the County officially. All the fines and prerequisites were taken care of long ago and the statute of limitations should have expired by now, but when you’re on that list of usual suspects in a small town, you never know.

Meanwhile, on the National front, I’d like to pass on the request from Reddhedd, to make a phone call tomorrow to our Senators.

Bob’s number is here. The other one seems like a waste of time, but hey, give it a shot.

Jack Rabbit

Behind the scenes with his head down, because he knows it’s a hard place to be, here in this world, with nobody looking out for you.

We, on the other hand, have people looking out for us, and being a citizen of this Great Nation it’s our duty to look out for those who can’t look out for themselves, even Mr. Cottontail.

As most of the readers here at Utahblue know, we’ve made it a point to send our new friends to a site called firedoglake most every time we make up a new post. Its not because their selling our brand of anything really, but more that we’ve found their site to be a credible and trustworthy place to find the news, with just enough snark and intelligent commentary to keep us coming back day after day.

Big things are happening here in the U.S. of A. and if we’re planning on being Free Americans our duty is to vigilantly seek out information where ever and how ever we can find it. This is the spirit of this web site.

Many thanks to Cuibel for the photo on this page, I got it under duress as flicker flickered somewhat insubstantially, so I went around them, as I’m want to do when I’m made to go through some bogus. Ok, ok, I want to share their information with you, so they want me to share my information with them. It’s only fair really. But like I’ve said before, not my strong suit to wait around while somebody else decides weather I have the correct password our profile for his or her particular tastes, or a machine having a bad day.

I’m working on that.

And speaking of working, the powers that be have found it in their hearts to pay me to set up and maintain TV cameras at the NCAA basketball tournament next week at the Huntsman Center. Woohoo! Ever thought you’d like a job like that, apply here.

Our Moral Choice by Jim Wallis On Tuesday, March 7, Jim Wallis spoke on Capitol Hill at a “Rally to Protect America’s Priorities” on the proposed 2007 budget, sponsored by the Emergency Campaign for America’s Priorities, ACORN, and the U.S. Student Association. Following are his remarks.

I want to begin with what the Religious Community said all last year: A budget is a moral document! That was our clarion cry in the 2006 budget debate. If some political leaders haven’t got the message yet - just wait until this year. You see, we believe that fiscal choices, economic choices are also moral choices and, for us, even religious choices. Who is important? And who is not? What is important? And what is not? Who do we most value? And who don’t we value at all? They are fiscal choices, but also moral and religious matters. Read the rest of this entry »

I mean me and boyo.

Burrp. That was his part, but it was heart felt, and well executed. Sittin on grampa’s lap while we update our perspectives on a daily basis.

Over at One Utah I was reminded what were up against. Our Country’s been merged, Lock, Stock, and Port barrel, back into the British Empire, by a Tory bunch of Rogues.

Our Grandfathers have fought this war twice before, to the benefit of us all.

Will we be able to win this time on a battlefield of synapses and electrons?

Stay tuned gentle reader, the lives saved may be your own.

Chairman Dean Understands.

http://www.democrats.org/a/2006/03/reality_tv.php

These Guys? Starting to get it.

http://www.utdemocrats.org/ht/display/ReleaseDetails/i/758207

The Greens? Oh yah.

http://deesings.livejournal.com/200942.html

G.D.Gale of KSL Editorial fame? We’ll see.

http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,635189109,00.htm

This Guy? Not so much.

http://firedoglake.blogspot.com/2006_03_05_firedoglake_archive.html#114177085429733277l

Feeling rather like a square peg today, coming at things from the long way around.

This first read got me thinking of Teen,

http://www.jwj.org/updates/2006/02-06.htm#in

but before I could get away, something drew me here,

http://spewingforth.blogspot.com/

and here,

http://rawblogxport.blogspot.com/

and finally right back home. Thank you Hiedi.

http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/168418/3/

See what I mean?

You always come up with the best questions, Teen.

http://teen.wordpress.com/2006/03/06/whats-out-to-beat-google-2/

Luckily, people are coming up with answers.

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/030606J.shtml

http://firedoglake.blogspot.com/2006_03_05_firedoglake

_archive.html#114166689307777712

In case your feeling left out of the national debate or think we haven’t gotten our share of the spotlight this last week…

http://www.sltrib.com/utah/ci_3554100

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2006_03_01_digbysblog

_archive.html#114134150981950235

Thanks Jane, don’t you feel left out either.

http://firedoglake.blogspot.com/2006_02_26_firedoglake

_archive.html#114133602457283836

We also swiped this one from ya. If there’s ever any way…

Take the time this weekend to go back and live it from the perspective of a teenager in small town America.

4 year strike.

The short version.

http://www.nathannewman.org/laborblog/archive/003642.shtml

Thanks Nathan, you’re in our bookmarks.

http://www.nathannewman.org/

Full story

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/2/26/191453/696

Thanks to the Author. Not everybody coming out of Wyoming is a Dick.

http://writerscramp.dailykos.com/

Before we forget, all best wishes to Utah Phillips. Get well soon.

The Concert’s been rescheduled for May 18th. We’ll keep ya posted.

With the weekend fast approaching we thought we’d lighten the mood a little.

http://drinkingliberallyslc.org/

Somebody’s lit a fire under these guys lately, good job.

http://blog.aflcio.org/

Got a bit of extra scratch?

https://contribute.keepingamericaspromise.com

/s4a.html?sc=7093

And Reddhedd, as always, puts it all in perspective.

http://firedoglake.blogspot.com/2006_02_26_firedoglake

_archive.html#114130861144652838

In case you thought they were just fun’nin with ya.

http://wonkette.com/politics/iraq/were-bringing-the-war-back

-home-157660.php

http://www.democraticunderground.com/articles/06/03/01

_blogosphere.html

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/030106A.shtml

http://www.legacy.com/saltlaketribune/Obituaries.asp?

Page=LifeStory&PersonID=16890572

More War News

http://blogs.sltrib.com/iraq/

http://www.sltrib.com/iraq/ci_3382503

http://www.needlenose.com/node/view/2693

And with a little more time, a news you can use wrap up, Thanks Red

We’ll be in Cleavland UT tomorrow for the funeral of a Great Uncle, but He was 90 years old.

May we all count the blessings we have, and be greatful for the things we don’t.

http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0226-29.htm

See, we need both of you.

Today in history from the pages of MSN.

http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/onthisday.aspx

Out of the comments. Again. Kos this time.

http://peopleproject.blogspot.com/

Dee’s keeping up nicely.

http://deesings.livejournal.com/

Mysterious ways.

http://cleximus.wordpress.com/2006/02/24/corean/

And if you’re still looking for alternatives.

http://theexpress.wordpress.com/2006/02/23/new-to-linux/

Thanks for the pic

http://www.11th-hour.info/Articles/Project_for_a_New_American_Century.html

Thanks Prof

http://www.haloscan.com/comments/firedoglake/

114078598689042685/#277208

http://prisonplanet.com/articles/february2006/

220206_b_liberty.htm

http://oneutah.org/2006/02/23/

utahpolicy-exposing-liberal-bias-on-college-campuses/

Diligently following every lead.

Let’s be prepared.

http://www.partridge.net/blog/?p=304

Thanks to the South Dakota Boy Scouts

Google for the pic, and Uncie Cliff for the site.

And of course everyone at FDL.

We’re moving to a new url and hope you’ll come on by.

Plus as a moving day special we’re giving you the oppurtunity ,chance to get the new Tom Russell CD.
We saw him on Letterman last year and got on the net right away for the Borderland cuts.
Hope to see you at the park tonight.
One more thing. If your slogging through this blog on internet exporer maybe you’d like to try this.http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/

And there’s this little gem.

http://gregfelice.com/wiki//x/CwE

Tom Russell preordering information

Hello to all. We’re coming to you here off cycle just a bit with special news and a limited offer just for our customers. Next month Hightone Records will be releasing the all new studio album from Tom Russell. It features eleven new songs about you guessed it: Love & Fear and what feeds them both. The themes are explored as only Tom can do it. Gretchen Peters, Fats Kaplin, Gurf Morlix, Joel Guzman and of course Andy Hardin all contribute. If his albums “Borderland” and “Modern Love” are your cup of tea then get ready for a full pitcher as he returns to the sounds of the Southwest. Here’s where the fun part comes in. In honor of this release the early pressings will ship with a limited edition EP that contains five tracks. Three of the songs are from the new album, the other two are exclusive covers. Tom takes a swing at Emmylou Harris’s “Red Dirt Girl” and then hits it out of the park on Leonard Cohen’s “Tower Of Song.” Due to the royalties involved with the two covers this EP will be limited to a single run. There are two ways you can purchase the new disc. The album can be purchased with or without the bonus disc. To get the bonus EP the total price is $18.99 plus shipping. If you only want the new album it is $15.99 plus shipping. Placing your order now using the link below will guarantee that you get your copy reserved and shipped about a week ahead of the March 21 street date. As we’ve told you in the past ordering directly from us is the same as ordering directly from Tom. A sale through out site guarantees that Tom will see the largest share of the sale and that the sale will go through SoundScan where it will be tabulated for the label. This benefits everyone and lets Tom and his label know exactly where their sales are coming from. This helps with his touring and advertising clout. Thanks to all of you that support his work that we so strongly believe in. Enjoy the rest of the month and look for a new action packed mailer in a couple of weeks. For those who are interested in acquiring or seeing his original artwork check out this website for all of the details www.yarddog.com .

Respect My Authoratayyy!!!

When we were in the fourth grade at Millcreek elementary Mrs. Anticheck stood us up and publicly vilified us for our sins. Sitting at the back of the class, I had ample opportunities to hone my public speaking skills.

One day, after watching David O. Mackay’s funeral on the TV in our class, I was asked to spell English, it was written on the chalkboard.

I still can’t spell very well, but I got a pare of glasses that year, and some one on one time with a very nice older Lady who turned me on to a book called the Mouse and the Motorcycle.

Thank you Ma’am, I really needed those glasses.

Oh, and thanks for the spell checker, it’s awesome.

http://political.moveon.org/event/events/index.html?action_id=34&search_distance=30&search_zip=84047&submit=Search

http://deesings.livejournal.com/185967.html

http://firedoglake.blogspot.com/2006_02_19_firedoglake_archive.html#114055082068377914

Thanks for the pic.
http://www.toast442.org/C236517467/E20050826144602/

Asbestos seam on Salmon River,MT

Its not like any of this stuff is new. We just wish somebody would put it together, in a way all our bros, and sisters too, could get it with their morning coffee, or whatever.

http://goldenstateblog.latimes.com/goldenstate/2006/02/golden_state_co_4.html

http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002035220

http://www.madison.com/tct/opinion/column/index.php?ntid=73283&ntpid=0

http://vuscaria.blogspot.com/2006/01/coming-constitutional-crisis.html

http://www.haloscan.com/comments/firedoglake/114045483031421132/#271088

http://firedoglake.blogspot.com/2006_02_19_firedoglake_archive.html#114046404176196566

http://www.utdemocrats.org/

Thanks for the pic

Thanks Pachacutec

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2006/2/19/01542/9703

http://www.haloscan.com/comments/firedoglake/114035502644453175/#269827

http://www.haloscan.com/comments/firedoglake/114035502644453175/#269900

http://www.haloscan.com/comments/firedoglake/114035502644453175/#269923

And I meet new friends. http://www.democratsofsouthernutah.org/

http://www.anamericanscam.com/

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/021706A.shtml

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/17/opinion/17Wright.html?ei=5070&en

=e0a0d4f81b0626e2&ex=1140843600&emc=eta1&pagewanted=all

http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,635185011,00.html

Thanks Ed

http://zelph.blogspot.com/2005/08/where-are-they-now.html

It’s catching

http://oneutah.org/2006/02/16/torture-pros-visit-slc-this-sunday/

http://firedoglake.blogspot.com/2006_02_19_firedoglake_archive.html#114035928446061183

Green Jenni has it right.

Fighting desperately, but I just can’t get away. Since the shootouts Thursday night I’ve been pulled back into my opiate of choice, watching both the USAC and the Truck races yesterday. Today its Bushe league, tomorrow the Big One. If I haven’t OD’ed by Monday, I’ll be back to pointing out the obscene miscarriages perpetrated by our paid off Reps and myopic media. Till then, we’re on our own, with a Repub foot on our necks, just the way they like it.

Oh yea, by the way, News of the Weird gives a real news story a different spin. Life sentence huh? No more yachting for you ey, Duke?

Luckily, I read Kirby first thing this morning, so I have a voice of some reason keeping my head from just exploding. Wow, that was close.

My bad, its next to News of the Weird in Nation in Brief.

Thanks Mell for this little heads up.

http://firedoglake.blogspot.com/2006_02_12_firedoglake_archive.html#114027663149812479

Jim Wallis has a chapter in God’s Politics called,”Protest Is

Good:Alternatives Are Better.”

I hope we’ve brought some alternitive thought to the blogosphere here in our beautiful state.

http://wampum.wabanaki.net/vault/2006/02/002410.html

Thanks Sisyphus

http://wampum.wabanaki.net/vault/2006/02/002312.html

http://oneutah.org/

http://www.slcfilmcenter.org/

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/021606R.shtml

http://chronotron.wordpress.com/2006/02/16/the-history-of-404-errors/

http://patriotboy.blogspot.com/2006_02_12_patriotboy_archive.html#114007796354812907

Friday 17Feb06, Radisson Hotel, Downtown SLC. 1:30-3:00pm, OOh, just hit the first Link. Its All there.

http://blueutah.wordpress.com/2006/02/14/minimum-wage-increase/

http://www.grist.org

http://oneutah.org/2006/02/14/fema-is-just-another-word-for-nothing-left-to-lose/

What we’d like to know is, what’s happening while we’re spending so much time wrestling the shot gun away from ultra super secret tricky Dick?

http://blog.oneamericacommittee.com/section/arguments_analysis

http://www.davidcorn.com/archives/2006/02/no_retreat_no_s.php

http://www.dailyhowler.com/dh021406.shtml

http://firedoglake.blogspot.com/2006_02_12_firedoglake_archive.html#1140061473

85417076

http://www.smirkingchimp.com/article.php?sid=24876&mode=nested&order=0

http://claudialong.com/blog/2006/02/02/guilty_guilty_guilty_mother_lode_of_enron_emails_found.html

http://firedoglake.blogspot.com/2006_02_12_firedoglake_archive.html#114009773678156107

Thanks for the pic.

We used to know an Air Force Major who’d been an ace in Nam. Back in the early 80s He said,” Never work for an Air Force Officer who flies a desk.”

Do you see any wisdom in that?

http://lefarkins.blogspot.com/2006/02/jesus-the-f-22.html

http://www.balloon-juice.com/?cat=15

http://www.thecarpetbaggerreport.com/

http://www.thepoorman.net/

http://www.alternet.org/columnists/story/32237/

http://www.oliverwillis.com/2006/02/14/why-i-continue-to-call-out-instapundit/

http://glenngreenwald.blogspot.com/2006/02/why-ann-coulter-matters.html

Then we found a ray of hope.

Thanks for the pic.

I’m going to have to go back to work soon, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still get together sometimes to discuss our world and the changes being made.

Here’s a list of things we can do, think about, and play with.

See ya on the next one, Clint.

http://www.actionforum.com/forum/index.html?forum_id=266

https://secure.ga3.org/03/contribute_20060214_eitc

http://www.utahjwj.org/index.htm

http://daviscountywatch.blogspot.com/

http://scottmaxwell.wordpress.com/

http://theospeak.wordpress.com/2006/02/14/limbo-goes-to-heaven/

Minimum Wage Increase

http://dickcheneyquailhunt.cf.huffingtonpost.com/

http://scobleizer.wordpress.com/2006/02/14/polls-with-rounded-corners/

http://daoureport.salon.com/synopsis.aspx?synopsisId=f88ec861-e61b-4fc1-8bd1-2059e9878f29

And finally,Happy Valentine’s Day. And good luck Mayor Coroon.

Thanks Cory, always happy to help.
utjwj@xmission.com

www.utahjwj.org

MEDIA ADVISORY: FEBRUARY 14, 2006

Contacts: George Neckel, Utah Jobs with Justice. (801) 606-2074

Corey Hilton, Organizer, IBEW Local 354. (801) 319-3144

Dan Belnap, Utahns Against Hunger. (801) 328-2561

UTAH’S WORKING POOR NEED INCREASED MINIMUM WAGE

Low income workers to testify on economic hardship

Salt Lake City, UT. Tuesday, February 14, 2006. Low-wage Utah workers will present testimony before a Workers Rights Board on February 17 on the need for an increase in the State’s minimum wage. The workers will describe their efforts to support their families on less than $7.00 an hour. Utah’s current minimum wage is $5.15 an hour, the same as the federal minimum, which has not been increased in more than eight years. This provides an annual income of only $10,700 for a full-time worker.

Among those testifying will be a receptionist for the United States Forest Service, a fast-food worker struggling to provide for her three children and an oil company worker supporting a developmentally disabled son with substantial medical bills. In addition, the Board will hear expert testimony from economist Dr. Sarah Wilhelm, of Voices for Utah Children.

The testimony will be heard by a panel drawn from the Workers Rights Board of Utah Jobs with Justice. The panel includes Cathy Hoskins, Executive Director of Salt Lake Community Action Program; Salt Lake County Council member Joe Hatch; Glen Bailey, Executive Director of Crossroads Urban Center; and Dee Rowland, Director of the Peace and Justice Commission of the Catholic Diocese. Robert “Archie” Archuleta, Chair of Utah Coalition of La Raza and former Administrator of Minority Affairs under Mayor Rocky Anderson, will moderate the panel.

The hearing is part of the Citizens’ Day at the Legislature, organized by Utah Issues. Legislation introduced by Sen. Ed Mayne would increase Utah’s minimum wage to $7.00 an hour. A full-time worker would need to earn $7.74 an hour to meet the federal poverty line for a family of three.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 19,000 Utahns are working at or below minimum wage. The real value of the minimum wage is near its lowest point in 50 years. If the minimum wage in 2005 was worth what it was in 1968, it would be $8.88 an hour. And if it had gone up at the same rate as average CEO pay in the 1990s, the minimum wage would today be almost $45 an hour.

(MORE)

Nationwide, fourteen states have raised their state minimum wage above the federal minimum, ranging up to $7.65 an hour in Washington. The city of Santa Fe, New Mexico has set minimum wage at $9.80 an hour.

Utah Jobs with Justice is a coalition of 18 labor, community and faith organizations working for economic justice. The Workers Rights Board is a project of Utah Jobs with Justice that unites community, religious and business leaders to enhance and ensure the democratic rights of all workers.

The hearing, which is open to the public, will be held Friday, February 17^th from 1:30 – 3:00 pm at the Radisson Hotel Downtown, 215 South Temple, Parleys Rooms 1 and 2.

- 30 -

PO Box 3151

Salt Lake City, UT 84110

801.606.2074 fax 801.328.2564

Kirby Nails it.

And another little something thats been bothering us lately.

http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/ci_3499337

A special thank you James MacMurtry and the Heartless Bastards. It was a great show, but I didn’t see the Elephant.
thanks Ryan for the pic.

And last, but in no way least, Reddhead gives the farm report.

This could take all day.

In an attempt to afflict the comfortable, we give you an afternoon’s study.

Again, make sure your bad word censor is properly installed in your brain.

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/021106X.shtml#1

http://www.joebageant.com/joe/2006/02/welcome_to_midd.html

http://rigorousintuition.blogspot.com/2006/02/gods-must-be-crazy.html

Not feeling up to it? Speed week starts today. NBC 12:00 noon MST.

Or some spiritual growth, if you have no choice.

Forty-three and some odd years ago I had my tonsils taken out in a doctor’s office. Routine procedure they said at the time. Mom took me home, but by the time Dad got back from work I was looking pretty bad. Finding a screaming child and a toilet full of blood is an experience I wouldn’t wish on anyone.

Long story short, with a pint of Dad’s blood and a blessing, and the eternal vigilance of my Mom, and my Grandparents, Uncles, Aunts, and cousins, the dedicated staff of the local hospital, and Congregations around the world, I’ve been able to lead a fairly normal life.

Years latter, before he passed, Grampa told me this story, but I never really understood his words or the feelings they conveyed. He’d commended my spirit to the service of mankind, and I’ve never been very comfortable about it.

I commend your spirit Boyo, may you someday be able to do the same.

Thank you only begins to show the appreciation we feel to all who have kept us in their hearts. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/013106Y.shtml

Pic by Martha2.blogspot.com

Going to see Childish Things in Park City tonight. Thanks all for the support and feelings of unity I’ve gotten here over the last few weeks. You’re my Angels.

Interview with James.

http://www.standard.net/xx/74114/

Not feeling like braving the Canyons?

How about a good read with a hat tip to a friend?

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/2/10/72311/3592

With all the bigoted commentary and ballyhoo over the Mayor’s stand on Healthcare issues lately, we feel its high time working families figured out what all the ruckus is about.

A while back our dreams of fair treatment toward labor issues were realized by the City’s adoption of a living wage stipulation on new construction and service sector jobs.

Many people worked very hard to make sure this was implemented with an eye on the betterment of all our interests, and not just for the high and mighty Man.

As you read or re-read this article try to see how even our friends sometimes don’t understand or agree with everything we do. But dammit, can you say fiscal responsibility?

http://www.slweekly.com/editorial/2005/city_2_2005-06-23.cfm

And while I’m on this little peeve, when he passed the torch in Turin, we weren’t remembered as the laughing stock of the world.

There, now I can enjoy these Olympic games.

Or see a movie.

Get well soon. We never meant it as a personal insult. I don’t know if those guys from Colorado knew you or what, but it was just so painfully obvious. Your a great team player and we’ll miss poken fun at ya.

These are some other great things we found today. Check’em out.

http://partridge.net/blog/

http://americansdeservethetruth.blogspot.com/2006/02/national-news-review.html

http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/158322713X/ref=sib_dp_pt/103-9815199-4039858#reader-link

http://www.utahpolitics.org/

Dan and Sam gave us this heads up in the trib today. Hope to see you all there.

You could be Misconstrued.

http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0209-34.htm

http://www.sltrib.com/utah/ci_3494491

http://www.sltrib.com/utah/ci_3494542

http://patriotboy.blogspot.com/2006_02_05_patriotboy_archive.html#113955511299471176

Why can’t our Commander come up with better ideas? Too busy working damage control?

We do it every day. We’re all smarter than any one of us.

When things start coming apart, a little humor goes a long way, whether we can put them back together or not.

Taking myself too seriously isn’t my only problem, but it ranks right up there.

Most times a little change of scenery does the trick so here we go into a whole new world of information and possibility.

But don’t just walk out after a chuckle, feeling better, yet not satisfied. Dig in, and maybe send William some denaro.

See, that feels better already.

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/020506G.shtml

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/020806B.shtml

Or maybe you want to just get away from it all. That’s ok, but remember the new Code of the West.

Sticking around after all? Then Check out Part of the Plan. I almost forgot.

Mrs. Kings funeral.

http://www.mydd.com/story/2006/2/7/232743/2784

So many great people in this world have made contributions and dedicated themselves and their fortunes to the betterment of mankind though charities or little league baseball, team roping and Congressional lobbying. As with most things, the few rotten apples are spoiling the whole barrel. Just a few rotten apples, not much to worry about, until it starts stinking up our system, and spewing vileness onto every thing we hold dear.

It’s our job to comb through the barrel now and then, or we lose it all.

Can you tell a sqwishy, wormy, rotten apple from a crisp, fresh one? I thought you could. Lets start combing though the barrel.

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/

Do it for Elmo 

The undisputed go-to site for Utah news — from headlines to the obscure — is LaVarr Webb’s www.UtahPolicy.com. The sheer volume, on a daily basis, of content (or links to it) is almost suffocating.

That’s why when something is missing, especially when its political, bells start going off — as well they should.

The gapping hole at Utah Policy dot com was a Sunday Tribune article that describes what is possibly the greatest single power grab in recent Utah political history.

Legislature tries to grab more power
Proposed laws: Several bills being considered give state lawmakers more say.

Just “follow the money.”*

* LaVarr Webb’s Exoro Group provides lobbying services to the state legislature.

When the Founding Fathers brought forth this new form of Government, Of, By, and For the People, they did it with one overriding motive.

Power Corrupts.

http://glenngreenwald.blogspot.com/2006/02/hearings-update.html#c113899619818599123

http://claudialong.com/blog/2006/02/02/guilty_guilty_guilty_mother_lode_of_enron_emails_found.html

On Jan. 31, 2006 the Weber County Commission voted to merge the recorder’s office with the surveyor’s office. The Commission was elected to protect our constitution and bill of rights, our democracy. This is why our country and our soldiers are fighting and dying?

The office of County Recorder and County Surveyor serve as a check and balance to hold each other accountable to protect our rights and property.

There is a culture of corruption sweeping across America with our elected officials and lobbyists. Let’s not let it happen here in Weber County.

The commission has been quoted as saying that this merge would save the county $150 thousand to $200 thousand a year. Not long ago our taxes were raised by nearly 30%, and then lobbyists were hired by the commission at nearly $ 300 thousand. To do a job I believe is elected official’s responsibility. We elect state legislators and U.S. representatives to petition the state and federal government in our behalf. By using those resources and not paying lobbyist we could have kept the County Recorder and County Surveyor office’s separate.

The commission was also quoted as saying there are 10 counties in Utah that have these positions combined, but those are the 10 smallest counties and Weber County is one of the largest of 29 counties.

The whole conceived idea of merging these offices together is to cover up alleged illegal activities in the Recorder’s office? Where is the investigation to resolve the land dispute?

Now that these offices have merged it lessens transparency in government and we as voters get less choice and the merge closes one more window of democracy and less of; We the people, by the people, for the people.

Bill Hansen North Ogden

To post a message to this group, send it to: Dem-UT@yahoogroups.com

Isn’t it funny the things people do when they think no one is watching? Here in Utah I’ve learned, someone’s always watching, whether it be the little eyes of our children, or that all Seeing Eye in the sky.

Then we go the other way, on the National scene, and find Scooter. Why don’t you just go to jail now Louis, then it won’t seem so long, with time already served.

Like Cervantes and Douglas Adams always remembered,

Nobody Expects the Spanish Inquisition.

I wish Dirk Gently was here. What am I saying? He is here.

As long as there’s an A section in the Sci-fi isle.

http://villagerecords.com/

Fox news is reporting a computer viris to hit tonight at midnight. Eastern time? Don’t have protection?

http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1

Reddhead shows us why we may want to work together.
http://firedoglake.blogspot.com/2006_01_29_firedoglake_archive.html#113891564443034383

Please insert automatic bad word censor in your brain.

http://kfmonkey.blogspot.com/2006/02/just-stay-down.html

And maybe the Deseret news would like to meet Mr. Kettle.

http://utahbeehive.blogspot.com/

I’ve learned to keep my mouth shut about the papers of choice throughout the state.

All work equally as well on that oil stain in the drive, or to line the birdcage, and familiar harmony demands it.

On the other hand, subscribing to them all could get expensive, and I’d be filling the recycling bin at the elementary school about once a week.

Luckily, other people get up way earlier than I each weekday morning, and put together a nice collection of greatest hits.

Thank you all for the dedication and I commend you for thinking ahead of the curve.

That said, I humbly submit my own abbreviated list.

Today’s offering on the doorstep was a particularly enjoyable read, especially the letters.

I didn’t even have to kick the cat.(It’s a Joke!)

http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,635180408,00.html

http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/163050/4/

http://www.standard.net/xx.php/73408/?printable=story

http://www.sltrib.com/utah/ci_3459788

http://www.sltrib.com/utah/ci_3459811

http://www.sltrib.com/utah/ci_3459783

http://deesings.livejournal.com/159425.html

http://www.utahpolicy.com/

We know GWB listens to James on his I-pod, but have you heard the new CD? No? Maybe its because radio isn’t playing relevant. Remember the Dixie Chicks?

We don’t want an agenda, just Skinny Johnny Mitchell under the pillow on the transistor.

http://www.krcl.org/

http://www.smirkingchimp.com/

http://partridge.net/blog/

http://www.wyso.org/excursions.htm

http://jamesmcmurtry.com/

I wrote this after a fit of righteous indignation last October.
My best intentions leave me feeling cold and blue. May we all take into consideration the state of our spinning planet, as well as our spinning emotions?

First, let me apologies for the anonymous post. I just wanted to get the information to you and others asking these tongue in cheek questions, or so it seemed to me at the time. My intentions were to shed light and offer hope, not start fights.
The Ladies at firedoglake have been busting it wide open, so I thought they might offer you and your readers another point of view. Votehouse.org was there as a harbinger of my hope for good things to come.

Today I bring you the sad, sad facts.

http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1021-26.htm

Clint

p.s. Can we still be friends?

Kidnapped women

You take our women, we take your women.

The Senate is debating Alito on C-SPAN in the real world manner he deserves. Our Governor stood up to Cap. Chaos last week, to the relief of us all. Got a head ache Sen. Bennett? Go lie down for a moment. Take a nap. The day will come when you may wish you had.

Sen. Bob Bennett 202-224-5444

Politics is about solving problems. Give your representatives a call.

What you can do.
Why all this matters to you.

Like Joe Young in Orgazmo we sometimes get into things we don’t understand and find ourselves in the outhouse. Thanks to Sundance Channel for the analogy.
Blogging can be like that too. Security and control vs. free exchange of ideas.
Some places make it pretty obvious they want more info before you swim in the pool.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/

Others let you feel at home and welcome you to the group, but if you post and get two or three idiot call outs, sit back and watch for a while to find out what’s what, and who’s who.

http://www.haloscan.com/comments/firedoglake/113843199545068818/#236628

Different software packages offer different options as well, so keep abreast of the situation and remember you’re in a stranger’s home. Nobody likes the home teachers stopping by at dinnertime to teach a lesson. Apologize sincerely when the going gets tuff but being banned for life from the site is about the worst that can happen and that may turn out to be a badge of honor some places.

Colleen said it yesterday so clearly.

Respect brings people together; fear drives them apart.

Moving on

As a young man growing up in rural Utah, sunday afternoons were set aside for spiritual growth and study. Thanks Dad.
“A nation can survive its fools and even the ambitious. But it cannot survive treason from within. An enemy at the gate is less formidable, for he is known and carries his banners openly against the city. But the traitor moves among those within the gates freely, his sly whispers rustling through all the alleys, heard in the very halls of government itself. For the traitor appears not a traitor; he speaks in the accents familiar to his victims, and he wears their face and their garments, and he appeals to the baseness that lies deep in the hearts of all men. He rots the soul of a nation; he works secretly and unknown in the night to undermine the pillars of a city; he infects the body politic so that it can no longer resist. A murderer is less to be feared.”
~Cicero, 45 BC

Thanks so much for all the support and encouragement this week.

Now do your duty and increase our tribe.

Mr. Bush Doesn’t care, Captain Chaos goes from bad to . A kid hasn’t got a chance without turning to crime. Its no accident people don’t trust the system. That’s the plan.

Also being residents of SLC, UT, USA, Planet Earth, and still feeling a little lost in the universe, we were able to come up with a meal to power you though a Saturday’s action.

Jenni sorts it all out, Dee sees the forest from the trees, Ed keeps our spirits up, while Heal Utah gives directions. One Utah lets us listen where we weren’t able to be, and for dessert something imported, but sweet.

Don’t drink the kool-aid, somthing’s in the punch.

With all the people on the Internet every day it’s almost impossible to sort thru the noise and find intelligent and entertaining sites without spending a lot of time or getting a head ache. My goal is to give working families a place to find relevant content, and discuss the issues of the day.