DAKAR, 28 June 2010 (IRIN) - Without a major breakthrough in preventing and treating diabetes, the number of cases in sub-Saharan Africa is projected to double, reaching 24 million by 2030, according to the Brussels-based International Diabetes Federation (IDF).
A recent study, Diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa, led by the University of Yaoundé in Cameroon and published in the British medical journal, The Lancet, said inadequate donor attention and national prevention programmes were creating a global "public health and socioeconomic time bomb".
Diabetes is caused by inherited genetic factors and lifestyle choices, and manifests when the body does not produce enough insulin, or cannot break down sugar in the blood, according to the World Health Organization. The disease usually requires long-term treatment and can lead to costly and serious health complications, including heart failure.
In the 34 poorest African countries, the cost of diabetes per person is more than double their average income. In 2010 an estimated 6 percent of total mortality in sub-Saharan Africa will probably be caused by diabetes - a three-fold increase in the past 10 years, the IDF noted.
Jean Claude Mbanya, IDF president and the study's lead researcher, told IRIN that diabetes had been misunderstood as a rich country problem, despite medical data compiled by IDF showing that 70 percent of cases were reported in low- and middle-income countries.
"There is also the perception that when diabetes does affect people in low-income countries, it only affects those who are the wealthy elite. This is absolutely not the case - diabetes is devastating for the poor, affecting breadwinners," he told IRIN.
Researchers acknowledged that data was scarce in Africa and estimates were based on a limited number of studies. "More studies would increase our confidence in the numbers, but this does not mean they are wrong ... Most people in Africa who have diabetes are undiagnosed and, therefore, even when statistics are available from health systems, they will always underestimate the size of the problem."
Insulin
Sophie Sar, 29, was diagnosed with diabetes in Dakar, capital of Senegal, when she was nine years old. Doctors prescribed insulin, the main anti-diabetic drug, three times a day, costing her almost US$3 per dose. "Every penny I earn as a hairdresser goes to insulin," she told IRIN.
She earns around $6 a day if she has three clients; when she falls short, an uncle lends her money. Her medically approved diet is unaffordable: "We eat mostly rice here in Senegal, but I can only have a few cups of it a day. I am supposed to eat more vegetables but they are so much more expensive."
The authors call for diabetes treatment to be funded in the same way as HIV/AIDS drugs are, along with "support for delivery mechanisms and chronic disease education and care models".
Also needed are "socio-culturally appropriate health promotion campaigns" to address health beliefs in African, mostly rural, settings, that raise the risk of diabetes – such as obesity being a sign of "good living", and a preference for foods with a high saturated fat content, as well as improved access to care and affordable treatment.
"Late diagnosis of diabetes, coupled with inequalities in access to major anti-diabetes drugs ... leads to early presentation of diabetic complications and premature deaths," the study noted.
"HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis are important conditions, but they are not the only conditions," IDF's Mbanya told IRIN, questioning donor spending priorities that appeared to overlook "chronic non-communicable diseases", or non-infectious diseases requiring long-term treatment.
According to UNAIDS, 6 percent of patients infected with HIV died in 2008 - roughly the same percentage of global patient deaths IDF estimates will be caused by diabetes in 2010.
Source; http://www.irinnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=89660
[ENDS]
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Congress Approves Fountainhead Resort Transfer
Congress has approved Congressman Dan Boren’s bill that transfers Fountainhead Resort near Eufaula into a trust for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
The measure is H.R. 1554, the Fountainhead Property Land Transfer Act, and it was approved by a vote of 421 to 1.
Once passed by the U.S. Senate and signed into law the bill will transfer 18 acres of land within the Fountainhead Resort Property, which is currently owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, into trust for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
“I am honored that the U.S. House of Representatives approved this legislation. It is a very important step toward realizing the full potential of the Fountainhead Resort Property’s renovation and redevelopment. The Creek Nation, as well as state, county, and local officials, are to be commended for their hard work and diligence on this project, and I am proud to have helped move the effort forward. The new facility will create jobs in the region and increase tourism revenue in surrounding communities. Now that the bill has passed the House, I look forward to working with colleagues in the U.S. Senate to complete this legislation.”
The entire Foutainhead property was purchased by the tribe through a foreclosure auction in 2005 and consists of 48 acres of total land. After the tribe purchased the property, a survey determined that 18 acres was in fact owned by the Corps of Engineers, which also included a portion of a recreational building located on the property. Aside from this particular 18 acres, the remaining acreage includes the rest of the recreation building, a 188 room hotel, and some duplex cabins.
Even though the entire resort property falls within the jurisdiction of the Creek Nation, the Corps of Engineers has no authority to sell land outright and Congressional action is necessary for the transfer.
The bill requires another survey to be conducted to determine the exact acreage and legal description of the property. The survey will be paid for by the Creek Nation. The legislation also requires the tribe to pay the Secretary of the Interior fair market value for the property as well as all costs and administrative expenses associated with the transfer into trust.
Resolutions of support for the tribe’s resort project have been passed by the State Representatives of the Lake Eufaula area, Checotah Chamber of Commerce, City of Henryetta, City of Eufaula, and the Lake Eufaula Association.
Fountainhead and its sister lodge, Falconhead, were built as state tourism promotion projects four decades ago.
The measure is H.R. 1554, the Fountainhead Property Land Transfer Act, and it was approved by a vote of 421 to 1.
Once passed by the U.S. Senate and signed into law the bill will transfer 18 acres of land within the Fountainhead Resort Property, which is currently owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, into trust for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
“I am honored that the U.S. House of Representatives approved this legislation. It is a very important step toward realizing the full potential of the Fountainhead Resort Property’s renovation and redevelopment. The Creek Nation, as well as state, county, and local officials, are to be commended for their hard work and diligence on this project, and I am proud to have helped move the effort forward. The new facility will create jobs in the region and increase tourism revenue in surrounding communities. Now that the bill has passed the House, I look forward to working with colleagues in the U.S. Senate to complete this legislation.”
The entire Foutainhead property was purchased by the tribe through a foreclosure auction in 2005 and consists of 48 acres of total land. After the tribe purchased the property, a survey determined that 18 acres was in fact owned by the Corps of Engineers, which also included a portion of a recreational building located on the property. Aside from this particular 18 acres, the remaining acreage includes the rest of the recreation building, a 188 room hotel, and some duplex cabins.
Even though the entire resort property falls within the jurisdiction of the Creek Nation, the Corps of Engineers has no authority to sell land outright and Congressional action is necessary for the transfer.
The bill requires another survey to be conducted to determine the exact acreage and legal description of the property. The survey will be paid for by the Creek Nation. The legislation also requires the tribe to pay the Secretary of the Interior fair market value for the property as well as all costs and administrative expenses associated with the transfer into trust.
Resolutions of support for the tribe’s resort project have been passed by the State Representatives of the Lake Eufaula area, Checotah Chamber of Commerce, City of Henryetta, City of Eufaula, and the Lake Eufaula Association.
Fountainhead and its sister lodge, Falconhead, were built as state tourism promotion projects four decades ago.
Coffee Approves Senate Interim Studies
Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee has approved requests for twenty-four interim studies to be conducted in the coming months.
A variety of issues will be examined, including the areas of public safety, health, education, taxation and others. Studies were requested by twelve senators, and they will be heard in nine committees.
For a list of Senate interim studies, visit www.oksenate.gov and click on
Publications/Senate & Other Studies/Interim Studies.
A variety of issues will be examined, including the areas of public safety, health, education, taxation and others. Studies were requested by twelve senators, and they will be heard in nine committees.
For a list of Senate interim studies, visit www.oksenate.gov and click on
Publications/Senate & Other Studies/Interim Studies.
Terrill: Oklahoma Needs 'Arizona-plus' Law
The arrest of an alleged high-ranking member of the Mexican Sinaloa Cartel in Oklahoma City proves the need for Oklahoma to pass “an Arizona-plus illegal alien law,” Rep. Randy Terrill said today.
“We now have solid evidence that part of the effect of Arizona’s law is to send the illegal alien problem straight down Interstate 40,” said Terrill, R-Moore. “The border war is spreading to Oklahoma. Tough illegal alien laws in one state create a domino effect forcing these criminals into other states. We need to respond by duplicating the Arizona statute in Oklahoma law and enhancing it.”
According to reports, the Mexican Sinaloa Cartel has decided to shift operations from Arizona to Oklahoma due to the border state’s recently enacted law targeting illegal aliens. The Arizona law largely duplicates existing federal law and allows local law enforcement officials to request valid documentation of citizenship.
At least nine people were arrested as part of the Sinaloa Cartel bust.
As part of that sting operation, law enforcement officials were able to track hundreds of thousands of dollars in wire transfers to Mexico due to Oklahoma law.
Under legislation authored by Terrill in 2009, the state assesses a 1-percent fee on funds wired out of Oklahoma. Individuals with a valid Social Security number can recoup the cost of the fee on their tax returns. As a result, the law mostly impacts drug traffickers and illegal aliens.
Revenue collected from the fee is deposited in a “Drug Money Laundering and Wire Transmitter Revolving Fund.” The fee has generated millions that could have offset budget cuts to law enforcement agencies during this year’s shortfall.
“The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics has done yeoman’s work with this sting operation, but this week’s arrests prove we must not permit the wire transmitter act to be weakened,” Terrill said. “Oklahoma is the only state to have this law and it has clearly made it easier for law enforcement to catch these violent, dangerous criminals.”
Terrill said he will file legislation to duplicate and enhance the Arizona law in Oklahoma. In addition to allowing Oklahoma law enforcement to verify legal status, Terrill said the proposed law would also include greater penalties for illegal aliens involved in the drug trade and/or human trafficking crimes.
“We particularly need enhanced felony criminal penalties for these illegal-alien drug-dealing gangbangers caught carrying firearms,” Terrill said. “In addition, we need to expand our drug asset seizure-and-forfeiture laws to include all immigration-related offenses.”
Currently, law enforcement officials can seize any property used in the commission of a drug crime, such as vehicles used to transport drugs. Terrill said the same penalty should apply to immigration violations such as harboring, transporting, concealing and sheltering illegal aliens.
“Asset seizure would create an additional deterrent for all immigration-related offenses as well as violent gang activity,” Terrill said. “It would also create an additional funding source for state and local law enforcement officials. We can force the bad guys to pay for the good guys to catch and prosecute them.
“Illegal aliens are not only a drain on our state budget, but also create a breeding ground for violent drug dealers and gangbangers who victimize innocent citizens,” Terrill said. “It’s long past time that we drop the hammer on them.”
“We now have solid evidence that part of the effect of Arizona’s law is to send the illegal alien problem straight down Interstate 40,” said Terrill, R-Moore. “The border war is spreading to Oklahoma. Tough illegal alien laws in one state create a domino effect forcing these criminals into other states. We need to respond by duplicating the Arizona statute in Oklahoma law and enhancing it.”
According to reports, the Mexican Sinaloa Cartel has decided to shift operations from Arizona to Oklahoma due to the border state’s recently enacted law targeting illegal aliens. The Arizona law largely duplicates existing federal law and allows local law enforcement officials to request valid documentation of citizenship.
At least nine people were arrested as part of the Sinaloa Cartel bust.
As part of that sting operation, law enforcement officials were able to track hundreds of thousands of dollars in wire transfers to Mexico due to Oklahoma law.
Under legislation authored by Terrill in 2009, the state assesses a 1-percent fee on funds wired out of Oklahoma. Individuals with a valid Social Security number can recoup the cost of the fee on their tax returns. As a result, the law mostly impacts drug traffickers and illegal aliens.
Revenue collected from the fee is deposited in a “Drug Money Laundering and Wire Transmitter Revolving Fund.” The fee has generated millions that could have offset budget cuts to law enforcement agencies during this year’s shortfall.
“The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics has done yeoman’s work with this sting operation, but this week’s arrests prove we must not permit the wire transmitter act to be weakened,” Terrill said. “Oklahoma is the only state to have this law and it has clearly made it easier for law enforcement to catch these violent, dangerous criminals.”
Terrill said he will file legislation to duplicate and enhance the Arizona law in Oklahoma. In addition to allowing Oklahoma law enforcement to verify legal status, Terrill said the proposed law would also include greater penalties for illegal aliens involved in the drug trade and/or human trafficking crimes.
“We particularly need enhanced felony criminal penalties for these illegal-alien drug-dealing gangbangers caught carrying firearms,” Terrill said. “In addition, we need to expand our drug asset seizure-and-forfeiture laws to include all immigration-related offenses.”
Currently, law enforcement officials can seize any property used in the commission of a drug crime, such as vehicles used to transport drugs. Terrill said the same penalty should apply to immigration violations such as harboring, transporting, concealing and sheltering illegal aliens.
“Asset seizure would create an additional deterrent for all immigration-related offenses as well as violent gang activity,” Terrill said. “It would also create an additional funding source for state and local law enforcement officials. We can force the bad guys to pay for the good guys to catch and prosecute them.
“Illegal aliens are not only a drain on our state budget, but also create a breeding ground for violent drug dealers and gangbangers who victimize innocent citizens,” Terrill said. “It’s long past time that we drop the hammer on them.”
Chicago Columnist: Bad Guys Don't Obey Gun Laws
By Richard Roeper/Chicago Sun-Times Columnist ~ If we could start at Square One, with only law enforcement and the military in possession of guns, great.
But that's Utopia, not Chicago. In Chicago, any gang-banging thug who wants a gun can get a gun. A lot of people can get a gun more easily than they can get a credit card.
We can debate forever about whether owning a gun makes your home a safer or a more dangerous environment -- but I've said it before, and I'll say it now:
If you live in this city and you believe the best way to protect yourself, your family and your house is to own firearms, you should be able to do so legally.
In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court has reversed a ruling upholding Chicago's gun ban, sending the case back to a lower court. Mayor Daley responded by saying the City Council will immediately start considering new gun control measures.
Let's be real here. With the handgun ban in effect, three were killed and more than two dozen were shot in Chicago last weekend. The weekend prior to that, some 60 people were shot, and 10 were killed.
I don't think the bad guys are waiting around for the courts to rule so they can go out and legally purchase weapons.
But that's Utopia, not Chicago. In Chicago, any gang-banging thug who wants a gun can get a gun. A lot of people can get a gun more easily than they can get a credit card.
We can debate forever about whether owning a gun makes your home a safer or a more dangerous environment -- but I've said it before, and I'll say it now:
If you live in this city and you believe the best way to protect yourself, your family and your house is to own firearms, you should be able to do so legally.
In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court has reversed a ruling upholding Chicago's gun ban, sending the case back to a lower court. Mayor Daley responded by saying the City Council will immediately start considering new gun control measures.
Let's be real here. With the handgun ban in effect, three were killed and more than two dozen were shot in Chicago last weekend. The weekend prior to that, some 60 people were shot, and 10 were killed.
I don't think the bad guys are waiting around for the courts to rule so they can go out and legally purchase weapons.
This School Is In Need Of New Teachers!
When Sean Harrington entered his freshman year at Arlington High School, he noticed something peculiar: There were no American flags in the classrooms, and no one recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
So Harrington enlisted the aid of his fellow students, and now, three years later, they have succeeded in getting flags installed in the classrooms. But the pledge still will not be recited.
The Arlington, Mass., school committee has rejected the 17-year-old's request to allow students to voluntarily recite the Pledge of Allegiance, because some educators are concerned that it would be hard to find teachers willing to recite it, according to a report in the Arlington Patch.
So Harrington enlisted the aid of his fellow students, and now, three years later, they have succeeded in getting flags installed in the classrooms. But the pledge still will not be recited.
The Arlington, Mass., school committee has rejected the 17-year-old's request to allow students to voluntarily recite the Pledge of Allegiance, because some educators are concerned that it would be hard to find teachers willing to recite it, according to a report in the Arlington Patch.
5th District Runoff: You Vote Calvey, Lankford
With support from Facebook and Twitter users, congressional candidates James Lankford and Kevin Calvey roared into the No. 1 and No. 2 spots in The McCarville Report Online's unscientific poll in the 5th District Republican primary.
The poll asked which two of the seven candidates would make a runoff.
Lankford was ranked first as likely to make a runoff; 59 percent of the 385 votes cast in 12 hours were for him. Calvey was second, with 24 percent.
Mike Thompson had 8-1/2 percent.
Rick Flanigan, Shane Jett, Harry Johnson and Dr. Johnny Roy had only a few votes each.
Johnny Roy Airs First Television Commercial
Dr. Johnny Roy is up with his first television commercial in the 5th District Republican primary.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Jim Priest Proposes AG 'Cybercrime Unit'
Democrat Jim Priest said today that if elected attorney general, he will create the first-ever "Cybercrime Unit" in the office.
"This is something I've been talking about for several months,” said Priest. “The increasing number of internet child predators and the rising tide of cyber criminals makes it imperative for the attorney general's office to take the lead on cybercrime. The Attorney General's Cybercrime Unit will focus on coordinating and assisting the Oklahoma law enforcement community in their fight against those who prey upon our children on the Internet and those who commit cyber fraud."
Priest said he has already talked with representatives of various law enforcement agencies who confirm the value of his concept.
"Law enforcement officials tell me this problem is so significant and the resources to fight it are so small, they need help and I intend to help them out. We must use every resource to root out this problem,” said Priest.
Priest’s proposal states that he will advocate for new legislation targeting cybercrime offenders that will include tracking of sex offenders email addresses and screen names, increasing penalties for felony sexual offenses, and increasing penalties for solicitation of a minor.
Several state attorney generals' offices, including Texas, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Florida and Kentucky have such units and report substantial progress in the fight against cybercrime.
"The number one job of the attorney general is to protect the citizens of Oklahoma, especially our most vulnerable citizens,” said Priest. “This cybercrime unit will do just that by supporting our state's law enforcement community in their battle against online predators and Internet criminals."
For more information about the program go to www.jimpriest.com.
"This is something I've been talking about for several months,” said Priest. “The increasing number of internet child predators and the rising tide of cyber criminals makes it imperative for the attorney general's office to take the lead on cybercrime. The Attorney General's Cybercrime Unit will focus on coordinating and assisting the Oklahoma law enforcement community in their fight against those who prey upon our children on the Internet and those who commit cyber fraud."
Priest said he has already talked with representatives of various law enforcement agencies who confirm the value of his concept.
"Law enforcement officials tell me this problem is so significant and the resources to fight it are so small, they need help and I intend to help them out. We must use every resource to root out this problem,” said Priest.
Priest’s proposal states that he will advocate for new legislation targeting cybercrime offenders that will include tracking of sex offenders email addresses and screen names, increasing penalties for felony sexual offenses, and increasing penalties for solicitation of a minor.
Several state attorney generals' offices, including Texas, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Florida and Kentucky have such units and report substantial progress in the fight against cybercrime.
"The number one job of the attorney general is to protect the citizens of Oklahoma, especially our most vulnerable citizens,” said Priest. “This cybercrime unit will do just that by supporting our state's law enforcement community in their battle against online predators and Internet criminals."
For more information about the program go to www.jimpriest.com.
Which Two Of The 5th District Candidates?
With about four weeks remaining to the July primary, the seven Republican candidates for Congress in the 5th District appear to be falling into patterns.
The front-runners appear, by all accounts, to be Kevin Calvey, James Lankford and Mike Thompson.
Perceived in the second tier are Rick Flanigan, Shane Jett, Harry Johnson and Dr. Johnny Roy.
But that's what others think. What do you think? Which two of the seven will be in a runoff? Vote now in TMRO's unscientific poll, at the right side of this page.
In our previous poll, with six candidates, Lankford placed 1st with 48 percent, followed by Thompson, 23 percent, and Calvey, 16 percent.
More scientific polls have shown Calvey, Lankford and Thompson as the leaders.
A reminder: Our poll, like straw polls, party polls and organization polls, may or may not reflect political reality. Examples: One organization reports results based on 14 or 15 votes; some tout results in a race where 54 percent say they are undecided (usually indicating a race is wide open).
Arizona Law Drives Mexican Cartel To Oklahoma
Arizona's tough new illegal immigration law apparently has driven at least one Mexican drug cartel leader to the Oklahoma City area and he was nabbed this morning during a raid.
Narcotics agents arrested the Sinaloa Cartel member and said the 35-year-old Mexican national represents the strongest evidence to date that the Sinaloa Cartel is trying to establish a foothold in Oklahoma City, which has traditionally been the territory of the equally notorious Juarez Cartel, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics Executive Director Darrell Weaver said.
"This is a disturbing case," said Weaver, whose agents helped serve 18 arrest warrants and 13 search warrants in an operation that stretched from Tulsa to Elk City. Warrants also were served in Mustang and Norman. At least nine people ranging from users to suppliers were arrested this morning, authorities said.
Undercover agents became aware of their main suspect three months ago, after Arizona passed Senate Bill 1070 — the new immigration law that allows police to search anyone for valid documentation of citizenship.
"Our target received a dispatch from Mexico, and was told to leave Phoenix because of the new immigration law," said an undercover case agent whose name is being withheld to protect his identity. "He was told to set up shop in Oklahoma City. Fortunately, in a very short time, we learned of his presence and were able to infiltrate his operation."
Agents discovered a lucrative operation, and according to the undercover agent, an "established market" from a previous drug ring. Undercover surveillance revealed that an average of 10 pounds of methamphetamine was being shipped into Oklahoma City a week, Weaver said. Ten pounds of methamphetamine can net anywhere from $180,000 to $210,000 on the streets, depending on its purity.
The suspect tried to maintain a low profile by living in a gated apartment complex. But Weaver said his agents were able to track "hundreds of thousands of dollars in wire transfers" to Mexico, where the money was being used to buy land.
OBN alleges the money was being laundered through an Oklahoma City car lot.
Read more about this developing story at http://www.newsok.com/narcotics-agents-arrest-suspected-cartel-member-in-oklahoma-city/article/3472186?custom_click=lead_story_title#ixzz0sGNY1SkU.
Narcotics agents arrested the Sinaloa Cartel member and said the 35-year-old Mexican national represents the strongest evidence to date that the Sinaloa Cartel is trying to establish a foothold in Oklahoma City, which has traditionally been the territory of the equally notorious Juarez Cartel, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics Executive Director Darrell Weaver said.
"This is a disturbing case," said Weaver, whose agents helped serve 18 arrest warrants and 13 search warrants in an operation that stretched from Tulsa to Elk City. Warrants also were served in Mustang and Norman. At least nine people ranging from users to suppliers were arrested this morning, authorities said.
Undercover agents became aware of their main suspect three months ago, after Arizona passed Senate Bill 1070 — the new immigration law that allows police to search anyone for valid documentation of citizenship.
"Our target received a dispatch from Mexico, and was told to leave Phoenix because of the new immigration law," said an undercover case agent whose name is being withheld to protect his identity. "He was told to set up shop in Oklahoma City. Fortunately, in a very short time, we learned of his presence and were able to infiltrate his operation."
Agents discovered a lucrative operation, and according to the undercover agent, an "established market" from a previous drug ring. Undercover surveillance revealed that an average of 10 pounds of methamphetamine was being shipped into Oklahoma City a week, Weaver said. Ten pounds of methamphetamine can net anywhere from $180,000 to $210,000 on the streets, depending on its purity.
The suspect tried to maintain a low profile by living in a gated apartment complex. But Weaver said his agents were able to track "hundreds of thousands of dollars in wire transfers" to Mexico, where the money was being used to buy land.
OBN alleges the money was being laundered through an Oklahoma City car lot.
Read more about this developing story at http://www.newsok.com/narcotics-agents-arrest-suspected-cartel-member-in-oklahoma-city/article/3472186?custom_click=lead_story_title#ixzz0sGNY1SkU.
Every year since 1974, the House of Representatives has passed a budget resolution. No matter which party was in power or whether the economy was booming or struggling, the House has never failed to pass a budget blueprint setting spending limits for the year.
A Failure To Govern
By Congressman Tom Cole
Until now. For the first time in decades, Democratic leaders announced, House members will not get to vote on a budget plan.
In announcing the decision to punt on the budget, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said that debating a budget "isn't possible... until we've considered the bipartisan commission's deficit-reduction plan." Leaving aside the fact that the commission isn't set to release its recommendations until December -- and, thus, was never meant to impact this year's budget process -- this excuse does not hold water. Regardless of the activities of President Obama's symbolic, powerless debt commission, Congress is mandated by law to pass an annual budget resolution by April 15. Under the 1974 Congressional Budget Act, both chambers are obligated to adopt a framework to guide funding decisions for the coming fiscal year.
The real reason the liberals in Congress do not want to debate a budget resolution is that they don't want to call added attention to their reckless spending record. In just the first eight months of this fiscal year, the majority party has run up $935 billion in deficit spending, pushing our national debt to more than $13 trillion -- of which $5 trillion has been added in just the past five years. Paying off the debt would require the equivalent of $42,000 on behalf of every man, woman and child in America. And it will only get worse. Within the next 10 years, the interest alone on our debt is expected to reach almost $1 trillion a year.
The liberal agenda of increased spending and government expansion is damaging the economy so much that even Obama allies are speaking out. The chairman of the Business Roundtable, a group of corporate executives consulted frequently by the Obama administration, publicly accused the president and congressional Democrats of creating an "increasingly hostile environment for investment and job creation." The Washington Post reported that roundtable Chairman Ivan Seidenberg -- a guest at Obama's Super Bowl party, no less -- delivered a 54-page document to the White House detailing how "by reaching into virtually every sector of economic life, government is injecting uncertainty into the marketplace and making it harder to raise capital and create new business."
That job-killing uncertainty and federal encroachment will be even worse without a budget to provide a check on spending decisions. When his party was in the minority, Hoyer seemed to grasp the importance of budgeting, declaring it in 2006 "the most basic responsibility of governing." With our fiscal security in such dire straits, passing a budget is more important than ever. Congressional conservatives are not waiting on a toothless debt commission to take action. We've proposed deficit-reducing budget plans and numerous spending cuts. The majority party's inability to do likewise is nothing short of a failure to govern.
In announcing the decision to punt on the budget, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said that debating a budget "isn't possible... until we've considered the bipartisan commission's deficit-reduction plan." Leaving aside the fact that the commission isn't set to release its recommendations until December -- and, thus, was never meant to impact this year's budget process -- this excuse does not hold water. Regardless of the activities of President Obama's symbolic, powerless debt commission, Congress is mandated by law to pass an annual budget resolution by April 15. Under the 1974 Congressional Budget Act, both chambers are obligated to adopt a framework to guide funding decisions for the coming fiscal year.
The real reason the liberals in Congress do not want to debate a budget resolution is that they don't want to call added attention to their reckless spending record. In just the first eight months of this fiscal year, the majority party has run up $935 billion in deficit spending, pushing our national debt to more than $13 trillion -- of which $5 trillion has been added in just the past five years. Paying off the debt would require the equivalent of $42,000 on behalf of every man, woman and child in America. And it will only get worse. Within the next 10 years, the interest alone on our debt is expected to reach almost $1 trillion a year.
The liberal agenda of increased spending and government expansion is damaging the economy so much that even Obama allies are speaking out. The chairman of the Business Roundtable, a group of corporate executives consulted frequently by the Obama administration, publicly accused the president and congressional Democrats of creating an "increasingly hostile environment for investment and job creation." The Washington Post reported that roundtable Chairman Ivan Seidenberg -- a guest at Obama's Super Bowl party, no less -- delivered a 54-page document to the White House detailing how "by reaching into virtually every sector of economic life, government is injecting uncertainty into the marketplace and making it harder to raise capital and create new business."
That job-killing uncertainty and federal encroachment will be even worse without a budget to provide a check on spending decisions. When his party was in the minority, Hoyer seemed to grasp the importance of budgeting, declaring it in 2006 "the most basic responsibility of governing." With our fiscal security in such dire straits, passing a budget is more important than ever. Congressional conservatives are not waiting on a toothless debt commission to take action. We've proposed deficit-reducing budget plans and numerous spending cuts. The majority party's inability to do likewise is nothing short of a failure to govern.
Sullivan's Downloadable Booklet A 'Best Seller'
“It isn’t on The New York Times Best Seller List, but it would make the Oklahoma County Assessor’s Most Popular Downloaded Free Documents list, if there was one,” said Oklahoma County Assessor Leonard Sullivan.
“We are pretty proud of the ‘Taxpayer’s Rights, Remedies and Responsibilities’ booklet which has been downloaded more than 6,956 times from our internationally recognized web page http://www.oklahomacounty.org/assessor/homestead.htm. We provide the document free to thousands of Oklahomans in our office and at meetings we are invited to attend,” Sullivan said.
“This booklet was ‘adopted and adapted’ from the Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC), we updated and edited the document and reprint our own copies in our office for those who walk-in our office and also provide copies to other county officers when they go out on speaking engagements around the county,” Sullivan said.
“When the assessor’s staff started the process of making the updates on the booklet it was out of necessity. The OTC could only provide a handful of the booklets for our office and we all agreed it would be a great information source for all to see. Making these booklets for pennies a piece and also providing an electronic copy for people to print at home or review as they wish, made a lot of sense and it’s another way the world wide web can help inform property owners,” Sullivan said.
“The booklet is more than 20 pages and provides property owners all the information about property tax savings, the assessment process and the responsibilities of owning property. We hope other assessors in Oklahoma may have directed citizens to our webpage to get the booklet just in case they have run out. We know the forms we have available for download are sometimes used by other county residents. We put ‘Oklahoma’ in the blank for ‘County’ on all of our forms, and they sometimes show up in other counties or at other state agencies,” Sullivan said.
“We are pretty proud of the ‘Taxpayer’s Rights, Remedies and Responsibilities’ booklet which has been downloaded more than 6,956 times from our internationally recognized web page http://www.oklahomacounty.org/assessor/homestead.htm. We provide the document free to thousands of Oklahomans in our office and at meetings we are invited to attend,” Sullivan said.
“This booklet was ‘adopted and adapted’ from the Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC), we updated and edited the document and reprint our own copies in our office for those who walk-in our office and also provide copies to other county officers when they go out on speaking engagements around the county,” Sullivan said.
“When the assessor’s staff started the process of making the updates on the booklet it was out of necessity. The OTC could only provide a handful of the booklets for our office and we all agreed it would be a great information source for all to see. Making these booklets for pennies a piece and also providing an electronic copy for people to print at home or review as they wish, made a lot of sense and it’s another way the world wide web can help inform property owners,” Sullivan said.
“The booklet is more than 20 pages and provides property owners all the information about property tax savings, the assessment process and the responsibilities of owning property. We hope other assessors in Oklahoma may have directed citizens to our webpage to get the booklet just in case they have run out. We know the forms we have available for download are sometimes used by other county residents. We put ‘Oklahoma’ in the blank for ‘County’ on all of our forms, and they sometimes show up in other counties or at other state agencies,” Sullivan said.
High Court Ruling A Victory...For Democrats?
From Politico ~ When the Supreme Court extended the individual right to own a gun Monday, they handed Second Amendment advocates—many of whom are at home in the GOP—one of their most significant legal victories ever.
But who won the day in politics? The Democrats.
For them, the court’s groundbreaking decision couldn’t have been more beneficial to the cause in November. Now, Democratic candidates across the map figure they have one less issue to worry about on the campaign trail. And they won’t have to defend against Republican attacks over gun rights and an angry, energized base of gun owners.
“It removes guns as a political issue because everyone now agrees that the Second Amendment is an individual right and everybody agrees that it’s subject to regulation,” said Lanae Erickson, deputy director of the culture program at the centrist think tank Third Way.
A House Democratic aide agreed that the court’s decision removed a potentially combustible element from the mix.
“The Supreme Court ruled here that you have a fundamental right to own and bear arms, and that means at the national level it’s harder – whether it’s Republicans or whether it’s the [National Rifle Association] – to throw that claim out: if Democrats are in charge they’re going to come get your guns,” said the aide. “It pretty much took that off the table.”
The likely removal—or at least neutralization—of the gun issue this fall is of no small matter in the battle for the House and Senate. The Democratic majorities in both chambers were built, in part, on victories in pro-gun states and districts that had until recently been difficult terrain for Democratic candidates as a result of the national party’s position on gun control.
Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0610/39142.html#ixzz0sEgmmKlz.
But who won the day in politics? The Democrats.
For them, the court’s groundbreaking decision couldn’t have been more beneficial to the cause in November. Now, Democratic candidates across the map figure they have one less issue to worry about on the campaign trail. And they won’t have to defend against Republican attacks over gun rights and an angry, energized base of gun owners.
“It removes guns as a political issue because everyone now agrees that the Second Amendment is an individual right and everybody agrees that it’s subject to regulation,” said Lanae Erickson, deputy director of the culture program at the centrist think tank Third Way.
A House Democratic aide agreed that the court’s decision removed a potentially combustible element from the mix.
“The Supreme Court ruled here that you have a fundamental right to own and bear arms, and that means at the national level it’s harder – whether it’s Republicans or whether it’s the [National Rifle Association] – to throw that claim out: if Democrats are in charge they’re going to come get your guns,” said the aide. “It pretty much took that off the table.”
The likely removal—or at least neutralization—of the gun issue this fall is of no small matter in the battle for the House and Senate. The Democratic majorities in both chambers were built, in part, on victories in pro-gun states and districts that had until recently been difficult terrain for Democratic candidates as a result of the national party’s position on gun control.
Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0610/39142.html#ixzz0sEgmmKlz.
A Compliment from one of the stakeholders on Financial Education in Tanzania
From: Emilian Busara
Sent: Tuesday, June 29, 2010 12:11 AM
To: 'consint@consint.org'
Subject: Financial Skills Project in Tanzania
Dear colleagues,
I read an interesting article from Business Times newspaper, about financial skills project in Tanzania , in collaboration with Tanzania Consumer Advocacy Society. (TCAS). I also read it from you website. I missed email address of TCAS but please forward this message to them in case you have their email address. They are doing a good job by setting such an initiative in this lovely country of Tanzania .
In that regard, I would like to congratulate you -Consumers International, (Anne Fransen Fund and TCAS) for initiating such a wonder financial capacity building project. As an accountant, administrator and stock investor, I feel that such a project may help by setting the right financial skills at the secondary level.
I would like to bring to your attention that I authored a Kiswahili book about cultivating a culture of saving and investing for financial and economic prosperity (Wekeza Akiba – Jifunze Kuweka Akiba na Kuwekeza Ufanikiwe Kiuchumi na Kifedha). Details and book cover are attached.
Given that we are sharing same vision and mission in promoting financial education in our country, I wonder if you would have time to read and comment and see if such book could be an instrumental to educating Tanzanians and East African about key financial aspect.
Best regards
Emilian Busara, CPA.,MBA.
Director of Finance and Administration
EngenderHealth/CHAMPION
Plot No. 277 Chato Street , Regent Estates
P O Box 105410
Dar es Salaam
Sent: Tuesday, June 29, 2010 12:11 AM
To: 'consint@consint.org'
Subject: Financial Skills Project in Tanzania
Dear colleagues,
I read an interesting article from Business Times newspaper, about financial skills project in Tanzania , in collaboration with Tanzania Consumer Advocacy Society. (TCAS). I also read it from you website. I missed email address of TCAS but please forward this message to them in case you have their email address. They are doing a good job by setting such an initiative in this lovely country of Tanzania .
In that regard, I would like to congratulate you -Consumers International, (Anne Fransen Fund and TCAS) for initiating such a wonder financial capacity building project. As an accountant, administrator and stock investor, I feel that such a project may help by setting the right financial skills at the secondary level.
I would like to bring to your attention that I authored a Kiswahili book about cultivating a culture of saving and investing for financial and economic prosperity (Wekeza Akiba – Jifunze Kuweka Akiba na Kuwekeza Ufanikiwe Kiuchumi na Kifedha). Details and book cover are attached.
Given that we are sharing same vision and mission in promoting financial education in our country, I wonder if you would have time to read and comment and see if such book could be an instrumental to educating Tanzanians and East African about key financial aspect.
Best regards
Emilian Busara, CPA.,MBA.
Director of Finance and Administration
EngenderHealth/CHAMPION
Plot No. 277 Chato Street , Regent Estates
P O Box 105410
Dar es Salaam
ADVOCACY GROUP UNVEILS SCHOOLS FINACIAL SKILLS PROJECT
Friday; June 25th-July.1st.2010
A ONE-year project to raise the financial knowledge and capability for ten secondary schools in Ilala municipality in Dar-es-salaam was flagged off last month. The Tanzania Consumer Advocacy Society (TCAS), working in collaboration with Consumers International and Banked by the Anne Fransen Fund is undertaking that initiative to support teachers to be able to integrate consumer financial education in their teaching and outdoor activities to boost students’ ability to handle financial issues.
The picture above shows teachers following the session
The project is geared to impart teachers with the necessary consumer financial education topics and use this acquired skill by imparting it to students. That would make those leaving secondary school to be capable of handling matters, thus literate enough to participate in initiatives involving financial opportunities. They need to know where to go for help and to make informed choices, project officials said.
Bernard Kihiyo, executive director for TCAS, said in an interview last week that the project aims to improve students’ and teachers’ financial well being, by a better understanding and ability to manage risks, dealing with market complexity and increased credit sector competition. “That would help them to take part in building a sustainable finance sector in the country”, he said.
The project, ‘Teaching for financial education’, will encourage financial education in the selected school as entry point across the country, where it will also enable the recognition of well performing teachers, students and schools, he said.
The initiative challenges youth to take control of their financial future by learning more about personal finance, as well as teachers and schools to incorporate vital information and topics into day to day education activities. “The teaching kit describes key knowledge, understanding, skills and values in consumer and financial literacy that students can acquire through studies in commerce, bookkeeping, economics, and accounts”. The director noted that.
Those benefiting from the project are Al-Haramain secondary school, Azania secondary school, Benjamin Mkapa secondary school, Dar es salaam secondary school, Jangwani secondary school, Kisutu girls’ secondary school, Mchanganyiko secondary school, Mnazi Mmoja secondary school, Tambaza secondary school and Zanaki girls secondary school.
Kihiyo said that the initiatives is basically aimed at developing skills in financial education and build on consumer financial literacy which is still low in the country compared with other countries in the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern Africa Development Community(SADC).
The director, who heads Parasol Real Estate & Developer Agent Ltd, said that there is growing concern on violations of consumer rights, rising consumer debt, reduced household savings, lower Pension and retirement coverage.
There is also a problem of low levels of financial literacy and basic skills, negative charges in the marketing and delivery of financial services with increased reliance on alternative financial services under informal systems, he said.
On the left is a group picture of teachers participated on the two days training
Monday, June 28, 2010
Congressional Delegation Praises Court Gun Action
The Oklahoma Congressional delegation today reacted to the Supreme Court’s decision in McDonald v. Chicago by applauding the decision.
The decision, decided by a vote of 5 to 4, upheld every Americans’ right to bear arms by stating that the 2nd Amendment applies to state and local laws as well as federal laws. The case revolved around Chicago’s handgun law, one of the most restrictive gun laws in the country. In a similar Supreme Court case in 2008, District of Columbia v. Heller, the court overturned the District of Columbia’s extremely restrictive handgun laws for violating the 2nd Amendment.
Frank Lucas
“The United States Constitution could not be more clear when it states, ‘…the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.’ As a life-long supporter of the 2nd Amendment, I truly believe this constitutional right should apply in every corner of the country. I applaud the Supreme Court’s decision in McDonalds v. Chicago to reaffirm every American citizen’s constitutional right to bear arms and I hope the Supreme Court will continue down the path of ensuring strict adherence to the constitutional rights granted to every American citizen.”
Dan Boren
“I applaud the Supreme Court’s decision as a law abiding gun-owner, an avid sportsmen, and a member of the NRA’s National Board of Directors. I strongly believe that the individual’s right to gun ownership, granted by the Second Amendment, extends to all levels of government lawmaking and regulation. I was honored to join hundreds of my colleagues in signing an amicus brief urging the Court to rule on the side of the Constitution.”
Tom Cole
"The Constitution is crystal clear that citizens have the right to bear arms. This decision affirms that no government, at any level, has the authority to deny the rights of Americans to own guns. Today's ruling further reinforces the importance of appointing Supreme Court justices who will respect the fundamental rights plainly set forth in our Constitution."
Mary Fallin
“This ruling is a triumph for the Second Amendment and reaffirms the right of every American to keep and bear arms. As a life-long supporter of the Second Amendment, I am dedicated to Oklahoma’s long-standing tradition of gun-ownership. To deny this right to any law-abiding citizen is to strip Americans of one of the most fundamental freedoms intended by our Founders.”
The decision, decided by a vote of 5 to 4, upheld every Americans’ right to bear arms by stating that the 2nd Amendment applies to state and local laws as well as federal laws. The case revolved around Chicago’s handgun law, one of the most restrictive gun laws in the country. In a similar Supreme Court case in 2008, District of Columbia v. Heller, the court overturned the District of Columbia’s extremely restrictive handgun laws for violating the 2nd Amendment.
Frank Lucas
“The United States Constitution could not be more clear when it states, ‘…the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.’ As a life-long supporter of the 2nd Amendment, I truly believe this constitutional right should apply in every corner of the country. I applaud the Supreme Court’s decision in McDonalds v. Chicago to reaffirm every American citizen’s constitutional right to bear arms and I hope the Supreme Court will continue down the path of ensuring strict adherence to the constitutional rights granted to every American citizen.”
Dan Boren
“I applaud the Supreme Court’s decision as a law abiding gun-owner, an avid sportsmen, and a member of the NRA’s National Board of Directors. I strongly believe that the individual’s right to gun ownership, granted by the Second Amendment, extends to all levels of government lawmaking and regulation. I was honored to join hundreds of my colleagues in signing an amicus brief urging the Court to rule on the side of the Constitution.”
Tom Cole
"The Constitution is crystal clear that citizens have the right to bear arms. This decision affirms that no government, at any level, has the authority to deny the rights of Americans to own guns. Today's ruling further reinforces the importance of appointing Supreme Court justices who will respect the fundamental rights plainly set forth in our Constitution."
Mary Fallin
“This ruling is a triumph for the Second Amendment and reaffirms the right of every American to keep and bear arms. As a life-long supporter of the Second Amendment, I am dedicated to Oklahoma’s long-standing tradition of gun-ownership. To deny this right to any law-abiding citizen is to strip Americans of one of the most fundamental freedoms intended by our Founders.”
John Sullivan
“Today’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling in the case of McDonald vs. City of Chicago is a victory for the U.S. Constitution and for every law abiding American citizen who believes in the fundamental right to keep and bear arms. As an ardent supporter of 2nd amendment rights, I applaud the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision and firmly agree that the Constitution prohibits the government from denying citizens of any state the right to bear arms. Many Oklahomans choose to own a firearm for a variety of reasons, including for sport, hunting, and protection from criminals who have access to firearms illegally. Criminals will always find a way to circumvent any gun control law passed, and it is not only wrong, but unconstitutional, to leave law abiding citizens unarmed and without the means to protect themselves and their families.”
Anthony, Murphy Donate Wage Loss Pay To State
Corporation Commissioners Bob Anthony and Dana Murphy have informed Governor Henry they plan to again give the state part of their pay based on wage losses experienced by furloughed Commission employees.
As state law forbids the commissioners from having their pay reduced, the commissioners have opted to write checks back to the state.
Commission General Counsel Andrew Tevington said the Commissioners’ initial request on May 4 covered the four furlough days that had been taken.
“Since that time, employees have had to take four more unpaid furlough days, with the most recent being June 25,” Tevington explained. “As in the initial request that Governor Henry granted, the Commissioners are asking the Governor to accept the money on behalf of the State and direct the funds back to their agency so the money can be used for other Commission costs.”
The state’s budget shortfall has forced the Corporation Commission to cut approximately eight percent of the agency’s work force, place the Commission’s remaining 440 employees on eight unpaid furlough days through June and institute $400,000 in cuts in addition to those mandated for all agencies.
The Commission’s budget was cut 18 percent at the beginning of the current fiscal year compared to 5 to 10 percent for other agencies. The state’s current fiscal year ends June 30.
Including the latest request to the Governor, Commissioner Anthony has donated a total of $2,300 while Commissioner Murphy has donated a total of $2,122.
As state law forbids the commissioners from having their pay reduced, the commissioners have opted to write checks back to the state.
Commission General Counsel Andrew Tevington said the Commissioners’ initial request on May 4 covered the four furlough days that had been taken.
“Since that time, employees have had to take four more unpaid furlough days, with the most recent being June 25,” Tevington explained. “As in the initial request that Governor Henry granted, the Commissioners are asking the Governor to accept the money on behalf of the State and direct the funds back to their agency so the money can be used for other Commission costs.”
The state’s budget shortfall has forced the Corporation Commission to cut approximately eight percent of the agency’s work force, place the Commission’s remaining 440 employees on eight unpaid furlough days through June and institute $400,000 in cuts in addition to those mandated for all agencies.
The Commission’s budget was cut 18 percent at the beginning of the current fiscal year compared to 5 to 10 percent for other agencies. The state’s current fiscal year ends June 30.
Including the latest request to the Governor, Commissioner Anthony has donated a total of $2,300 while Commissioner Murphy has donated a total of $2,122.
OFRG Names Dan Sullivan Legislator Of The Year
Oklahomans for Responsible Government today named Representative Dan Sullivan (R-Tulsa) as recipient of its Legislator of the Year Award.
Sullivan finished up his third term in the Legislature serving as Chairman of the House Economic Development and Financial Services Committee. He was one of eight House members to receive a perfect score on OFRG’s Legislative Index and Scorecard for Taxpayers (LIST).
“Representative Sullivan consistently voted in the taxpayers favor,” said Brian Downs, OFRG Executive Director. “His LIST score and sponsorship of important bills that brought about worker’s compensation and school audit reforms showcase why he is our choice for this award.”
Sullivan finished up his third term in the Legislature serving as Chairman of the House Economic Development and Financial Services Committee. He was one of eight House members to receive a perfect score on OFRG’s Legislative Index and Scorecard for Taxpayers (LIST).
“Representative Sullivan consistently voted in the taxpayers favor,” said Brian Downs, OFRG Executive Director. “His LIST score and sponsorship of important bills that brought about worker’s compensation and school audit reforms showcase why he is our choice for this award.”
Supreme Court Backs Right To Keep And Bear Arms
The Supreme Court ruled today that the Constitution's "right to keep and bear arms" applies nationwide as a restraint on the ability of the federal, state and local governments to substantially limit its reach.
In doing so, the justices, by a narrow 5-4 margin, signaled that less severe restrictions could survive legal challenges.
Justice Samuel Alito, writing for the court, said the Second Amendment right "applies equally to the federal government and the states."
The court was split along familiar ideological lines, with five conservative-moderate justices in favor of gun rights and the four liberals, opposed.
Two years ago, the court declared that the Second Amendment protects an individual's right to possess guns, at least for purposes of self-defense in the home.
That ruling applied only to federal laws. It struck down a ban on handguns and a trigger lock requirement for other guns in the District of Columbia, a federal city with a unique legal standing. At the same time, the court was careful not to cast doubt on other regulations of firearms here.
Gun rights proponents almost immediately filed a federal lawsuit challenging gun control laws in Chicago and its suburb of Oak Park, Ill, where handguns have been banned for nearly 30 years. The Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence says those laws appear to be the last two remaining outright bans.
Lower federal courts upheld the two laws, noting that judges on those benches were bound by Supreme Court precedent and that it would be up to the high court justices to ultimately rule on the true reach of the Second Amendment.
The Supreme Court already has said that most of the guarantees in the Bill of Rights serve as a check on state and local, as well as federal, laws.
In doing so, the justices, by a narrow 5-4 margin, signaled that less severe restrictions could survive legal challenges.
Justice Samuel Alito, writing for the court, said the Second Amendment right "applies equally to the federal government and the states."
The court was split along familiar ideological lines, with five conservative-moderate justices in favor of gun rights and the four liberals, opposed.
Two years ago, the court declared that the Second Amendment protects an individual's right to possess guns, at least for purposes of self-defense in the home.
That ruling applied only to federal laws. It struck down a ban on handguns and a trigger lock requirement for other guns in the District of Columbia, a federal city with a unique legal standing. At the same time, the court was careful not to cast doubt on other regulations of firearms here.
Gun rights proponents almost immediately filed a federal lawsuit challenging gun control laws in Chicago and its suburb of Oak Park, Ill, where handguns have been banned for nearly 30 years. The Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence says those laws appear to be the last two remaining outright bans.
Lower federal courts upheld the two laws, noting that judges on those benches were bound by Supreme Court precedent and that it would be up to the high court justices to ultimately rule on the true reach of the Second Amendment.
The Supreme Court already has said that most of the guarantees in the Bill of Rights serve as a check on state and local, as well as federal, laws.
The case heard by the court involved Chicago's ban on guns.
Gun rights supporters had challenged the Chicago ordinance, which has been in place since 1982 and bans the sale and possession of handguns for people who didn't own one before the ordinance was passed.
The court's ruling today depended not on its interpretation of the 2nd Amendment as much as its method of extending the right to bear arms beyond federal law to states and cities.
"The right to keep and bear arms must be regarded as a substantive guarantee, not a prohibition that could be ignored so long as the States legislated in an evenhanded manner,'' today's opinion states.
Fallin Wins Cleveland County GOP Straw Poll; Ryan Leonard, Scott Pruitt Tie In AG Primary
The Cleveland County Republican Women’s Club reports these results from its straw poll:
U.S. Senator
Tom Coburn 101
Evelyn Rogers 6
Lewis Spring 2
U.S. Congress District 4
Tom Cole 73
R.J. Harris 40
Governor
Mary Fallin 64
Randy Brogdon 49
Robert Hubbard 3
Roger Jackson 0
Lt. Governor
Todd Lamb 83
John Wright 20
Paul Nosak 4
Bernie Adler 2
Bill Crozier 1
State Auditor
Gary Jones 81
David Hanigar 25
Attorney General
Scott Pruitt 56
Ryan Leonard 56
State Treasurer
Owen Laughlin 74
Ken Miller 33
State Superintendent
Janet Barresi 96
Brian Kelly 7
Commissioner of Labor
Mark Costello 70
Jason Reese 36
Insurance Commissioner
John Doak 81
John Crawford 12
Mark Croucher 10
Corporation Commissioner
Dana Murphy 86
Tod Yeager 10
State Senator District 24
Anthony Sykes 77
Linda Molsbee 16
U.S. Senator
Tom Coburn 101
Evelyn Rogers 6
Lewis Spring 2
U.S. Congress District 4
Tom Cole 73
R.J. Harris 40
Governor
Mary Fallin 64
Randy Brogdon 49
Robert Hubbard 3
Roger Jackson 0
Lt. Governor
Todd Lamb 83
John Wright 20
Paul Nosak 4
Bernie Adler 2
Bill Crozier 1
State Auditor
Gary Jones 81
David Hanigar 25
Attorney General
Scott Pruitt 56
Ryan Leonard 56
State Treasurer
Owen Laughlin 74
Ken Miller 33
State Superintendent
Janet Barresi 96
Brian Kelly 7
Commissioner of Labor
Mark Costello 70
Jason Reese 36
Insurance Commissioner
John Doak 81
John Crawford 12
Mark Croucher 10
Corporation Commissioner
Dana Murphy 86
Tod Yeager 10
State Senator District 24
Anthony Sykes 77
Linda Molsbee 16
Vehicle Insurance Ticket? Talk To Camera Company
From Traffic Technology Today (UK) ~ The US state of Oklahoma is preparing an unprecedented statewide deployment of automated ticketing machines designed to generate US$95 million in revenue. Instead of using red light cameras and speed cameras, the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS) is preparing to sign a contract with a company that will track all passing motorists with a network of at least 20 ALPR cameras. The devices would also generate additional revenues by issuing US$250 citations for expired insurance using the Oklahoma Compulsory Insurance Verification System (OCIVS) database that went live in July 2009.
The proposal includes a requirement for the ability to keep daily statistics and related data on vehicles for which license plate data was captured, which could include logging the date, time, and location any particular vehicle passes a stationary camera. The two largest red light camera vendors, Australia’s Redflex Traffic Systems and American Traffic Solutions (ATS), offer a nationwide tracking service that uses automated ticketing machines. ATS has filed a bid for the Oklahoma contract along with several other companies including InsureNet. 6th Amendment Violation?
“It poses a serious threat to privacy and civil liberties whenever the government compels private companies to turn over customers’ personal information,” one expert said. “It is not inherently troubling that police raise revenue from law enforcement activities. Fines help deter illegal behavior, and increased revenue can help motivate officers to do their job well.
“But the Bill of Rights keeps a motivated police force in check,” he added. “And I believe that the cameras likely violate a citizen’s Sixth Amendment right to confront his accuser. Absent an actual witness, the accused cannot cross-examine a camera.” The winning company would install, test, maintain and operate the cameras. It would mail tickets to vehicle owners. It would run a toll-free hotline and conduct hearings where motorists would contest camera tickets before a camera company employee instead of a judge. It would also collect fines and generate statistics. In return for the right to issue tickets, the company would pay DPS a bounty on each citation collected.
The proposal includes a requirement for the ability to keep daily statistics and related data on vehicles for which license plate data was captured, which could include logging the date, time, and location any particular vehicle passes a stationary camera. The two largest red light camera vendors, Australia’s Redflex Traffic Systems and American Traffic Solutions (ATS), offer a nationwide tracking service that uses automated ticketing machines. ATS has filed a bid for the Oklahoma contract along with several other companies including InsureNet. 6th Amendment Violation?
“It poses a serious threat to privacy and civil liberties whenever the government compels private companies to turn over customers’ personal information,” one expert said. “It is not inherently troubling that police raise revenue from law enforcement activities. Fines help deter illegal behavior, and increased revenue can help motivate officers to do their job well.
“But the Bill of Rights keeps a motivated police force in check,” he added. “And I believe that the cameras likely violate a citizen’s Sixth Amendment right to confront his accuser. Absent an actual witness, the accused cannot cross-examine a camera.” The winning company would install, test, maintain and operate the cameras. It would mail tickets to vehicle owners. It would run a toll-free hotline and conduct hearings where motorists would contest camera tickets before a camera company employee instead of a judge. It would also collect fines and generate statistics. In return for the right to issue tickets, the company would pay DPS a bounty on each citation collected.
Hat tip: Kaye Beach
West Virginia's Byrd Dead At Age 92
Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia, the longest-serving senator in American history and one of its most controversial members, died Monday at the age of 92, a spokesman for the family said.
Byrd, a Democrat who served in the U.S. Senate since 1959, had been plagued by health problems in recent years and was confined to a wheelchair. He had skipped several votes in Congress in the past months.
Jesse Jacobs, a family spokesman, said Byrd died peacefully at about 3 a.m. at Inova Hospital in Fairfax, Va.
He was the oldest member of the 111th Congress and one of its most controversial. The onetime racist who wrote in 1944 he'd never serve in uniform "with a Negro" later said he'd been wrong.
Byrd's death will not affect the balance of power in the Senate. West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin, a Democrat, will appoint a replacement senator to serve out the remainder of Byrd's term which ends in 2012.
Byrd, a Democrat who served in the U.S. Senate since 1959, had been plagued by health problems in recent years and was confined to a wheelchair. He had skipped several votes in Congress in the past months.
Jesse Jacobs, a family spokesman, said Byrd died peacefully at about 3 a.m. at Inova Hospital in Fairfax, Va.
He was the oldest member of the 111th Congress and one of its most controversial. The onetime racist who wrote in 1944 he'd never serve in uniform "with a Negro" later said he'd been wrong.
Byrd's death will not affect the balance of power in the Senate. West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin, a Democrat, will appoint a replacement senator to serve out the remainder of Byrd's term which ends in 2012.
Will Supreme Court Extend Gun Rights Today?
The Supreme Court could strike down a key part of a 2002 corporate reform law and extend gun rights in the United States on Monday when the justices issue their final rulings of the term.
In eagerly awaited rulings, the nation's highest court is expected to decide the constitutionality of a national board that polices auditors of public companies and whether gun rights extend to every state and city in the nation.
The nine justices could also decide a dispute closely watched by some software, biotechnology and financial companies on whether business methods can be patented if they involve a machine or transformation.
In eagerly awaited rulings, the nation's highest court is expected to decide the constitutionality of a national board that polices auditors of public companies and whether gun rights extend to every state and city in the nation.
The nine justices could also decide a dispute closely watched by some software, biotechnology and financial companies on whether business methods can be patented if they involve a machine or transformation.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Brogdon Wins GOP State Committee Straw Poll
While Congresswoman Mary Fallin is the runaway leader for the Republican nomination for governor in every statewide poll, a straw poll of members of the Republican State Committee shows the more conservative party activists have a soft spot for Senator Randy Brogdon.
Brogdon won Saturday's straw poll in the governor's race, getting 54 percent (119 votes) of the 222 ballots cast.
Fallin received 93 votes (42%), Robert Hubbard got 7 votes (3%), and Roger Jackson took 3 votes (1%).
Brogdon won Saturday's straw poll in the governor's race, getting 54 percent (119 votes) of the 222 ballots cast.
Fallin received 93 votes (42%), Robert Hubbard got 7 votes (3%), and Roger Jackson took 3 votes (1%).
Matt Pinnell Elected GOP State Chairman
Matt Pinnell is the new chairman of the Oklahoma Republican Party.
Pinnell was elected without opposition by the Republican State Committee on Saturday. He succeeds Gary Jones, who resigned to campaign for state auditor and inspector.
Pinnell, 30, has been director of operations for the Republican Party and regional director for The John Hancock Committee for States, an organization that promotes civic engagement.
Jackson Says He'll 'Stomp into' Governor's Office
By Debi DeSilver Terry/Chickasha News ~ "I'm the man that nobody knows."
That's how gubernatorial candidate Roger L. Jackson introduced himself last week at the Oklahoma Press Association's summer workshop at Sequoyah State Park.
He raised a few eyebrows with the statement that he would immediately invoke emergency powers. This, in part, was his answer to a panel question in reference to how he would handle Oklahoma's budget crisis.
"I may be a long-shot for governor, but if elected I will stomp into the governor's office in January, invoke emergency powers, roll-up my sleeves and begin to try to fix this fiscal emergency," Jackson said on a website, okc.about.com, introducing all six Oklahoma 2010 gubernatorial candidates.
"Free rides and lavish lifestyles at taxpayers' expense have got to stop. My administration would begin to reorganize Oklahoma state government from top to bottom," he said.
OK. Who is Roger L. Jackson?
For starters, he is a retired Oklahoma City businessman. He spent 24 years in the office equipment business. He was also an account executive for Southwestern Bell Yellow pages for several years.
"I'm one of the best managers in the state of Oklahoma," Jackson said this week in a telephone interview. "Look, Oklahoma doesn't need a politician or lawyer in the governor's seat. We need a manager."
He said he's running for the gubernatorial slot, because the "governor is the only one that can fix this mess. If I could do it as a senator or in the legislature, I would do it that way. But, it can't be done that way. Only the governor can do this."
In part, what Jackson is saying, is that under the Oklahoma Emergency Management Act of 2003, the Governor of Oklahoma gains vast and comprehensive emergency powers.
Detailed information about the act, which was signed into law by Gov. Brad Henry on May 29, 2003, is available at many websites, including en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_Emergency_Management_Act_of_2003.
That's how gubernatorial candidate Roger L. Jackson introduced himself last week at the Oklahoma Press Association's summer workshop at Sequoyah State Park.
He raised a few eyebrows with the statement that he would immediately invoke emergency powers. This, in part, was his answer to a panel question in reference to how he would handle Oklahoma's budget crisis.
"I may be a long-shot for governor, but if elected I will stomp into the governor's office in January, invoke emergency powers, roll-up my sleeves and begin to try to fix this fiscal emergency," Jackson said on a website, okc.about.com, introducing all six Oklahoma 2010 gubernatorial candidates.
"Free rides and lavish lifestyles at taxpayers' expense have got to stop. My administration would begin to reorganize Oklahoma state government from top to bottom," he said.
OK. Who is Roger L. Jackson?
For starters, he is a retired Oklahoma City businessman. He spent 24 years in the office equipment business. He was also an account executive for Southwestern Bell Yellow pages for several years.
"I'm one of the best managers in the state of Oklahoma," Jackson said this week in a telephone interview. "Look, Oklahoma doesn't need a politician or lawyer in the governor's seat. We need a manager."
He said he's running for the gubernatorial slot, because the "governor is the only one that can fix this mess. If I could do it as a senator or in the legislature, I would do it that way. But, it can't be done that way. Only the governor can do this."
In part, what Jackson is saying, is that under the Oklahoma Emergency Management Act of 2003, the Governor of Oklahoma gains vast and comprehensive emergency powers.
Detailed information about the act, which was signed into law by Gov. Brad Henry on May 29, 2003, is available at many websites, including en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_Emergency_Management_Act_of_2003.
Key points of the act, as outlined on the website include:
• Emergency powers provided to the governor are operative only during the existence of a natural or man-made emergency.
• The existence of such an emergency must be proclaimed by the governor through executive declaration.
• Upon an emergency being declared, the governor must activate the Emergency Operations Plan. This allows the governor to assume direct regulatory control over all essential resources of the state.
• It is then the responsibility of the governor to determine the priorities of such resources and allocate them as he deems necessary.
• The Emergency Management Act defines "resources" as "all economic resources within [Oklahoma] including but not limited to food, manpower, health and health manpower, water, transportation, economic stabilization, electric power, petroleum, gas, and solid fuel, industrial production, construction and housing."
And, that, in a nutshell is what Jackson plans to do.
"The other candidates are not recognizing that we are even in an emergency distress," Jackson said. "Someone has to be a leader. No one has the guts to do something about it."
He believes he can get the job done.
"I'll just need to be careful that the legislature doesn't impeach me the next day," Jackson said at the OPA workshop.
Here's the main thing the "man that nobody knows" wants everyone to know about him: he's mad and he wants to do something about it.
• Emergency powers provided to the governor are operative only during the existence of a natural or man-made emergency.
• The existence of such an emergency must be proclaimed by the governor through executive declaration.
• Upon an emergency being declared, the governor must activate the Emergency Operations Plan. This allows the governor to assume direct regulatory control over all essential resources of the state.
• It is then the responsibility of the governor to determine the priorities of such resources and allocate them as he deems necessary.
• The Emergency Management Act defines "resources" as "all economic resources within [Oklahoma] including but not limited to food, manpower, health and health manpower, water, transportation, economic stabilization, electric power, petroleum, gas, and solid fuel, industrial production, construction and housing."
And, that, in a nutshell is what Jackson plans to do.
"The other candidates are not recognizing that we are even in an emergency distress," Jackson said. "Someone has to be a leader. No one has the guts to do something about it."
He believes he can get the job done.
"I'll just need to be careful that the legislature doesn't impeach me the next day," Jackson said at the OPA workshop.
Here's the main thing the "man that nobody knows" wants everyone to know about him: he's mad and he wants to do something about it.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Debate Audience Votes Calvey, Lankford
Republican congressional candidates Kevin Calvey and James Lankford received 47 percent and 33 percent, respectively, of the votes in a straw poll conducted among the estimated 200 who attended a debate Friday night in Oklahoma City.
Mike Thompson, Shane Jett, Rick Flanigan, and Dr. Johnny Roy all received less than 10 percent of the vote.
Read more: http://www.newsok.com/5th-district-republican-congressional-candidates-debate-immigration-health-care-reform/article/3471541?custom_click=headlines_widget#ixzz0rwvlDZyV.
Mike Thompson, Shane Jett, Rick Flanigan, and Dr. Johnny Roy all received less than 10 percent of the vote.
Read more: http://www.newsok.com/5th-district-republican-congressional-candidates-debate-immigration-health-care-reform/article/3471541?custom_click=headlines_widget#ixzz0rwvlDZyV.
Revolutionary Link: It is of considerable import to members of the Clan McCarville (in ancient Ireland, the O'Cearbhaill Clan) that ancestor Charles Carroll was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and was the last surviving signatory to that definitive document in American history. The Gadfly On The Wall
By Mike McCarville
The Carroll family descended from the Ó Cearbhaill lords of Éile (Lords of Ely) in County Tipperary. A descendant of Irish rebels, Carroll was born on September 19, 1737, in Annapolis, Maryland. The only child of Charles Carroll of Annapolis (1702–1782) and Elizabeth Brooke (1709–1761), he remained illegitimate until his parents married in 1757. He became a wealthy land owner and benevolent slave owner and supported the abolition of slavery. It is said that he did not release his own slaves because he feared for their well-being and treatment as freedmen.
Disgusted: I don't know which disgusts me more: The allegations of sexual misconduct against Al Gore, or the unproven allegations being made public four years after they were made. You'll get no defense of Al Gore the liberal goof ball here; my concern is the constant villification of public figures through the leveling of unproven allegations, and this year it has afflicted Republicans as well as Democrats. Sports figures, too, like the baseball player accused of rape two years after a police investigation cleared him. In many cases, of course, the allegations have been proven to be true and that may be the case with Gore. But if not...where does Al Gore go to get his reputation back and will all the bloggers who have rushed to judge apologize?
Happy Trails: The travelers pictured here are treasured friends Jim and Mary Galbraith of California. Jim and I met in 1968 when he was director of public relations for the Republican Governors Association. He later became the RGA's executive director. We shared many miles (and laughs) together and indulged far too much Maker's Mark in watering holes all over the country. Jim later moved on to Ticor in Los Angeles and then became Baron Hilton's right-hand man at the Hilton Corp. Jim retired a few years back and since, he and Mary have traversed the world. If I had to be in a foxhole, I'd want Jim at my back; one of the truly fine human beings it's been my pleasure to know. Duh: Tulsa Police Department records show blacks and Hispanics are stopped more than whites on a percentage-of-population basis. This seems to confuse some; others call it racism. Seems obvious: More police officers patrol areas where the most crime occurs. Ergo...the statistics.
Jim Priest Sunday's Guest On The Verdict
Democratic candidate for attorney general Jim Priest is Sunday's guest on "The Verdict."
The show, hosted by Mick Cornett and Kent Meyers, airs at 9 a.m. on Cox Channel 3 in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
The show also airs on Monday at 9:30 and Tuesday and Wednesday at 10.
The show is the third in a series featuring the candidates for attorney general. Republicans Ryan Leonard and Scott Pruitt were featured previously.
The show, hosted by Mick Cornett and Kent Meyers, airs at 9 a.m. on Cox Channel 3 in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
The show also airs on Monday at 9:30 and Tuesday and Wednesday at 10.
The show is the third in a series featuring the candidates for attorney general. Republicans Ryan Leonard and Scott Pruitt were featured previously.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Arizona's Immigration Law Becomes Popular Issue
Boise, Idaho ~ Arizona's sweeping new immigration law doesn't even take effect until next month, but lawmakers in nearly 20 other states are already clamoring to follow in its footsteps.
Gubernatorial candidates in Florida and Minnesota are singing the law's praises, as are some lawmakers in other states far from the Mexico border such as Idaho and Nebraska. But states also are watching legal challenges to the new law, and whether boycotts over it will harm Arizona's economy.
The law, set to take effect July 29, requires police to check the immigration status of anyone they think is in the country illegally. Violators face up to six months in jail and $2,500 in fines.
Lawmakers or candidates in as many as 18 states say they want to push similar measures when their legislative sessions start up again in 2011. Arizona-style legislation may have the best chance of passing in Oklahoma, which in 2007 gave police more power to check the immigration status of people they arrest.
Bills similar to the law Arizona's legislature approved in April have already been introduced in Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Minnesota, South Carolina and Michigan, but none will advance this year.
Read more from this Tulsa World article at http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=13&articleid=20100625_13_0_BOISEI229808.
Gubernatorial candidates in Florida and Minnesota are singing the law's praises, as are some lawmakers in other states far from the Mexico border such as Idaho and Nebraska. But states also are watching legal challenges to the new law, and whether boycotts over it will harm Arizona's economy.
The law, set to take effect July 29, requires police to check the immigration status of anyone they think is in the country illegally. Violators face up to six months in jail and $2,500 in fines.
Lawmakers or candidates in as many as 18 states say they want to push similar measures when their legislative sessions start up again in 2011. Arizona-style legislation may have the best chance of passing in Oklahoma, which in 2007 gave police more power to check the immigration status of people they arrest.
Bills similar to the law Arizona's legislature approved in April have already been introduced in Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Minnesota, South Carolina and Michigan, but none will advance this year.
Read more from this Tulsa World article at http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=13&articleid=20100625_13_0_BOISEI229808.
Potential Askins-Fallin Matchup Intrigues Observers
The possibility that Republican Mary Fallin and Democrat Jari Askins may face each other on the November ballot is drawing national attention.Political observers, including John Tures at Southern Political Report, note the number of prominent women on ballots this year and the Oklahoma governor's race, should both women win their party's nominations, likely will become one followed closely at the national level.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Lightning Strikes Two Chicago Towers At Once
This is the extraordinary moment a photographer captured bolts of lightning striking not one, but two Chicago landmarks at the same time. Electricity rushed down the lightning rods atop the The Willis Tower and the Trump Tower at the exact same instant last night.
Benge Announces Approved Interim Studies
House Speaker Chris Benge today announced his approval of 68 interim studies that will be conducted over the summer and fall prior to the next legislative session.
The studies cover a wide range of issues, including child welfare services, agency consolidation, math education in Oklahoma schools, tax credits and incentives, and a review of recent government modernization efforts, among other topics.
“Interim studies give lawmakers an opportunity to investigate and flesh out potential legislative proposals before drafting bills,” said Benge, R-Tulsa. “This year we have a good set of studies covering a diverse array of topics.”
Overall, 76 study requests were approved, although eight were combined with either similar or duplicate proposals, bringing down the total number of actual studies to 68.
Due to the budget situation, the number of days committees can conduct interim studies was limited to reduce costs.
“In light of the budget situation, we felt it was important to strike a balance between reducing expenses and allowing for legitimate examination of issues,” Benge said.
Committees and subcommittees assigned three or fewer studies will be required to conduct all of them in a single day.
Committees assigned four to five studies will have no more than two days to meet and those with six or more studies will have up to three days to meet.
As a result, 12 committees and subcommittees will have only one day of interim studies, four committees will be allowed no more than two days for review, and four committees will have three or fewer days to meet.
For a full listing of the interim studies, go to http://www.okhouse.gov/ and click on the “House Committees” tab on the left side of the screen, then select “interim studies.”
The studies cover a wide range of issues, including child welfare services, agency consolidation, math education in Oklahoma schools, tax credits and incentives, and a review of recent government modernization efforts, among other topics.
“Interim studies give lawmakers an opportunity to investigate and flesh out potential legislative proposals before drafting bills,” said Benge, R-Tulsa. “This year we have a good set of studies covering a diverse array of topics.”
Overall, 76 study requests were approved, although eight were combined with either similar or duplicate proposals, bringing down the total number of actual studies to 68.
Due to the budget situation, the number of days committees can conduct interim studies was limited to reduce costs.
“In light of the budget situation, we felt it was important to strike a balance between reducing expenses and allowing for legitimate examination of issues,” Benge said.
Committees and subcommittees assigned three or fewer studies will be required to conduct all of them in a single day.
Committees assigned four to five studies will have no more than two days to meet and those with six or more studies will have up to three days to meet.
As a result, 12 committees and subcommittees will have only one day of interim studies, four committees will be allowed no more than two days for review, and four committees will have three or fewer days to meet.
For a full listing of the interim studies, go to http://www.okhouse.gov/ and click on the “House Committees” tab on the left side of the screen, then select “interim studies.”
Martin: Uninsured Vehicles Can Now Be Impounded
Under legislation recently signed into law by the governor, law enforcement agencies will be able to impound vehicles driven by uninsured drivers, a legislator said today.
“I am proud to see this legislation become law. It will get uninsured motorists off the road so that those motorists who do obey the law will have one less thing to worry about,” said Rep. Steve Martin (R-Nowata, Washington, Osage Counties). “I am constantly told by the voters in my district that they are fed up with this problem.”
House Bill 2331, by Martin, takes advantage of a recently activated instant-verification system available to law enforcement officers. The system allows officers to immediately determine if vehicles are covered by qualifying liability insurance.
“Now law enforcement officers can instantly determine if a car is insured by entering the license tag number into an onboard computer or by having that done by a dispatcher,” Martin said.
Under House Bill 2331, if a car is uninsured, it could be seized immediately by the officer and towed to an impoundment lot until the owner of the vehicle can produce proof of ownership, proof of insurance, and a valid driver’s license. Upon paying for the tow and any storage, the vehicle can be redeemed.
The instant verification system, ordered by an act of the state Legislature in 2006, has been created through cooperation of the insurance industry and the State of Oklahoma. It is now fully operational and has been available to law enforcement for several months. Up to this time, however, law enforcement has had no power to seize an uninsured vehicle or to use results of the instant verification system as a primary cause to stop a vehicle. Law enforcement would have both of these tools available when the law goes into effect on November 1, 2010.
“It has been estimated that one in four cars on Oklahoma roads has no liability insurance in spite of our mandatory insurance law,” Martin said. “My hope is that this new law will reduce the number of victims of these uninsured motorists.”
“I am proud to see this legislation become law. It will get uninsured motorists off the road so that those motorists who do obey the law will have one less thing to worry about,” said Rep. Steve Martin (R-Nowata, Washington, Osage Counties). “I am constantly told by the voters in my district that they are fed up with this problem.”
House Bill 2331, by Martin, takes advantage of a recently activated instant-verification system available to law enforcement officers. The system allows officers to immediately determine if vehicles are covered by qualifying liability insurance.
“Now law enforcement officers can instantly determine if a car is insured by entering the license tag number into an onboard computer or by having that done by a dispatcher,” Martin said.
Under House Bill 2331, if a car is uninsured, it could be seized immediately by the officer and towed to an impoundment lot until the owner of the vehicle can produce proof of ownership, proof of insurance, and a valid driver’s license. Upon paying for the tow and any storage, the vehicle can be redeemed.
The instant verification system, ordered by an act of the state Legislature in 2006, has been created through cooperation of the insurance industry and the State of Oklahoma. It is now fully operational and has been available to law enforcement for several months. Up to this time, however, law enforcement has had no power to seize an uninsured vehicle or to use results of the instant verification system as a primary cause to stop a vehicle. Law enforcement would have both of these tools available when the law goes into effect on November 1, 2010.
“It has been estimated that one in four cars on Oklahoma roads has no liability insurance in spite of our mandatory insurance law,” Martin said. “My hope is that this new law will reduce the number of victims of these uninsured motorists.”
Henry Silent On Traffic Camera Controversy
It's his plan, it's in his budget, but Governor Henry has been remarkably silent thus far about the system of highway traffic "spy" cameras he wants to nab vehicle insurance scofflaws and raise a claimed $50 million in new revenue.
While the controversy over the system has bubbled for weeks now, with privacy concerns and questions about how the idea for the system was developed, where the $50 million in revenue figure came from, and how his campaign fundraiser Barry Switzer became involved in it, Henry has been silent.
The system was proposed by Henry in his budget, which was agreed to by Republican leaders in the House and Senate, without comment or explanation from any of them. And despite questions, House Speaker Chris Benge and Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee have remained silent.
The lack of comment, by Henry in particular, appears to be generating unrest among some legislators. Democrat Mike Shelton brought the plan to the attention of the American Civil Liberties Union, which has filed an Open Records request with the Department of Public Safety. Shelton cites privacy concerns about information gathered through the system.
Several Republicans question the authority for instituting the plan and note they can find no law specifically authorizing it.
Highway Traffic Camera Plan Draws ACLU Concern
By Randy Ellis/The Oklahoman ~ A local civil rights organization Wednesday said it is concerned that privacy rights of Oklahomans could be violated by a proposed state contract to use highway traffic cameras to identify motorists without vehicle insurance.
To read The McCarville Report Online's detailed coverage of this issue, search Highway Cameras in the box at top left.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma issued a news release announcing it has submitted an open records request to the state Department of Public Safety seeking information about a proposed insurance verification enforcement system.
"While the state has a vested interest in demanding all drivers are insured, it is not acceptable if the information captured from this elaborate camera system is used for any other purposes,” said C.S. Thornton, deputy director of ACLU of Oklahoma.
For example, it would be an abuse of authority to use information obtained under the guise of insurance verification to identify locations of people with outstanding arrest warrants, contends Tamya Cox, legislative counsel and program director for ACLU Oklahoma.
The Department of Public Safety is evaluating bids submitted by four companies that are competing for the contract.
Former University of Oklahoma and Dallas Cowboys football coach Barry Switzer has been promoting InsureNet, which is part of the Oklahoma Public Safety Consortium which is one of the bidders seeking the contract. The other bidders are Canadian-based Intelligent Imaging Systems of Edmonton, Alberta; MV VeriSol, headquartered in Kingston, Ga.; and American Traffic Solutions, based in Scottsdale, Ariz.
State officials are counting on the system to raise at least $50 million in additional revenue next fiscal year.
"I have many concerns of the potential authorized and unauthorized abuse of government intrusion,” said state Rep. Mike Shelton, D-Oklahoma City, who brought the proposed contract to the attention of the local ACLU affiliate. "The idea that private information may be handed over by insurance companies to a third party without strong safeguards should worry all Oklahomans.”
Jonathan Miller, chairman of InsureNet, and Charles Pecchio, chairman of MV VeriSol, both previously told The Oklahoman that their proposed systems are designed to protect privacy rights.
A Department of Public Safety spokesman did not return telephone calls Wednesday seeking comment.
Read more: http://www.newsok.com/article/3470777?searched=aclu&custom_click=search#ixzz0rlfRVpJK.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Henry Seeks Federal Aid For Flood Victims
Governor Henry today asked the White House to approve federal disaster assistance for Oklahoma County residents impacted by last week’s flooding and severe storms that left one dead and hundreds of homes and businesses damaged or destroyed.
Henry's request for individual assistance comes after Department of Emergency Management surveys showed 221 homes were damaged by the June 14 record rainfall. Only two percent of the structures were insured through the National Flood Insurance Program. Flood damage is not covered by homeowners insurance. The primary reason for the low insurance coverage is most of the homes that sustained damage are located outside an identified flood zone.
Henry's request for individual assistance comes after Department of Emergency Management surveys showed 221 homes were damaged by the June 14 record rainfall. Only two percent of the structures were insured through the National Flood Insurance Program. Flood damage is not covered by homeowners insurance. The primary reason for the low insurance coverage is most of the homes that sustained damage are located outside an identified flood zone.
Cole Comments on McChrystal Dismissal
Congressman Tom Cole said today General Stanley McChrystal's comments were "ill-advised" and although Cole stopped short of agreeing with President Obama's dismissal of the general, it's obvious he believes the president was justified.
"I have the utmost respect for General McChrystal and his distinguished career of service to our country, but his comments were ill-advised for a commander in a time of war. It is disturbing that the administration's management of the war has created an atmosphere of doubt and division among military and civilian leaders in Afghanistan. However, any criticism must be kept within the chain of command, regardless of disagreements with the White House. It is imperative that our men and women in uniform have the full, unified support of the administration, the Congress, and the American people.
"I'm pleased with the appointment of General Petraeus to lead the mission in Afghanistan. He is a brilliant commander, an accomplished diplomat, and a great patriot. Now, it is vital that the Obama administration fully commit itself to achieving victory and providing General Petraeus and our soldiers with the support needed to complete the mission in Afghanistan."
"I have the utmost respect for General McChrystal and his distinguished career of service to our country, but his comments were ill-advised for a commander in a time of war. It is disturbing that the administration's management of the war has created an atmosphere of doubt and division among military and civilian leaders in Afghanistan. However, any criticism must be kept within the chain of command, regardless of disagreements with the White House. It is imperative that our men and women in uniform have the full, unified support of the administration, the Congress, and the American people.
"I'm pleased with the appointment of General Petraeus to lead the mission in Afghanistan. He is a brilliant commander, an accomplished diplomat, and a great patriot. Now, it is vital that the Obama administration fully commit itself to achieving victory and providing General Petraeus and our soldiers with the support needed to complete the mission in Afghanistan."
Businessman Suspects OHP Plane Move Is Politics
By Jerry Bohnen/NewsRadio 1000 KTOK ~ Six years after the state government promised Oklahoma City businessman Miles Dickinson it would not move its fleet of state airplanes from Wiley Post airport if he built a new hangar for the Highway Patrol, he's about to be left with a more than $1 million empty hangar.
"I feel like I've been taken advantage of and taken down this path," lamented Dickinson as the state prepares to move the last of its planes from the hangar he built under assurances by the Department of Public Safety that it would never move.
But last month, State Representative Randy Terrill, who chairs the House Appropriations subcommittee on Public Safety, announced the fleet of planes would move to Norman's Westheimer airfield where he claimed the savings could total $100,000 a year.
"Yeah, they're saving money but I'm not," said Dickinson. "This smells political, big time."
[A news release stated that the rent for 10,000 square feet of hangar space — along with 5,000 square feet of office, barracks and parts room space — at the Westheimer Airport facility will be approximately $4,000 per month. The agency is paying $15,300 per month in rent at Wiley Post Airport.]
"I feel like I've been taken advantage of and taken down this path," lamented Dickinson as the state prepares to move the last of its planes from the hangar he built under assurances by the Department of Public Safety that it would never move.
But last month, State Representative Randy Terrill, who chairs the House Appropriations subcommittee on Public Safety, announced the fleet of planes would move to Norman's Westheimer airfield where he claimed the savings could total $100,000 a year.
"Yeah, they're saving money but I'm not," said Dickinson. "This smells political, big time."
[A news release stated that the rent for 10,000 square feet of hangar space — along with 5,000 square feet of office, barracks and parts room space — at the Westheimer Airport facility will be approximately $4,000 per month. The agency is paying $15,300 per month in rent at Wiley Post Airport.]
Six years ago, Dickinson learned the state was interested in construction of a new hangar at Wiley Post so he contacted Central Services and learned the contract would be on a yearly lease. When he expressed concerns about building a new hangar with only a one-year State lease, Dickinson said, "They assurred me they would stay there and never leave."
But in May, a representative of the Department of Public Safety called Dickinson and asked to have the rent cut because state budgets were being trimmed.
Dickinson inquired with Central Services, the department with which he negotiated with originally. He was told the Highway patrol could not negotiate and a spokeswoman added, "This deal is squirrelly."
When Dickinson received a 30-day written notice that the patrol was leaving, he contacted Central Services again and was told, "This can't happen--they don't have the authority to negotiate." Finally, the spokeswoman told him in subsequent phone calls, "This is over my head."
The contract with the state expires at the end of June but it was May 13th when Terrill announced the Department of Public Safety was relocating the airplanes to the Westheimer Airport in Norman.
"Even as this move saves taxpayer dollars, it also adds to the prestige and stature of Westheimer Airport and is something the Moore-Norman area can take pride in," said Terrill in the news release.
Senator Anthony Sykes, chairman of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee on Public Safety was also quoted in the announcement. "It makes sense to locate all of these state law-enforcement, public-safety assets in one central location."
Now Terrill is one of three legislators named publicly by Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater in a corruption investigation involving legislator's efforts to create an $80,000 a year job for Senator Debbe Leftwich at the State Medical Examiner's office. Prater would not confirm this week whether Senator Sykes is also a target of the probe that will go next month before a grand jury.