Help Wanted:  Ideas for a Ballot Measure to establish a Referee Prosecutor or a Judge Referee of the Referee within every County, whose job it would be to watch for questionable convictions so that no innocent person would be wrongly sent to prison.  This Special Referee should have the power to have cases retried.  One problem is what Prosecutor or Judge can be trusted to find errors on a fellow Officer of the Law?  Perhaps this individual should be elected.  Please contact Kirk Fraser at overcomerman@gmail.com   
 

NEWS

A new, interesting book, THE WAY WE'LL BE, by pollster John Zogby tells the 20 somethings of today are "globals."  As they increasingly take positions of governing, we can expect more attention to global needs, less patriotism (which has been taught them in public schools); taking for granted people living below poverty level have as basics microwaves, computers and ipods. He also sees society more accepting of such things as same sex marriage.  Those of us who have lived through unprecedented, swift, huge societal changes already can sagely advise the 'best laid plans of mice and men often go astray.' 

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Before leaving on vacaion the Dems blocked a vote to allow off-shore drilling!  No relief in sight until fall.  WHY?  President Bush did rescind the Executive Order forbidding off shore drilling. 

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Do we need more government/taxpayer funds for helping the less fortunate? That's what the Dems want to do.   In 2005 total federal, state and local government expenditures on 85 Welfare programs were $620 billion.  More than Defense, more than Education.  Washington Times.  One wonders if that number takes into account that all low income earners are entitled to a refundable tax Earned Income Credit? For those with children there is a cash payment of $1,000. per child.  This $1,000. also goes to illegal aliens.  This often results in a check of $3,000. to $7,000.  40% of Americans pay no income tax whatsoever. 

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ATTENTION  LEGAL  BEAGLES

For any lawyer wishing to help pro bono, we have a request for help to stop the Snake River Prison from keeping the lights on 24/7 which is not helpful for healthful, restful sleep.  An inmate legal assistant writes that such action has been ruled illegal in LeHaire v. Maass and all that is required is for someone to file an Injunction on behalf of the SRCI prisoners.

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GIVE US BACK OUR MONEY

Refund of surplus Unemployment funds and unused Food Stamp allocation should be done.   Cascade Policy Institute is proposing that those funds held as Unemployment Reserves, a surplus exceeding $1.5 billion,  be returned to eligible employees for Asset building:  the purchase of a home; education; and business start-up.  They also propose that for those persons allocated Food Stamps be permitted to transfer their unused allotment to an Asset building fund in their name likewise.  This is not a new concept.  It is in practice in some Latin American countries.  No U.S. State has implemented such a program.  However, several are considering doing so.  Cascade is planning on preparing a Bill for the 2009 legislators’ consideration.  They are also considering taking the proposal to the voters in a Ballot Measure.  Which ever way they go they will need wide voter/taxpayer support. For questions such as What if I already have a home?  Or have a good education, or don’t want to do a start-up?   Or  for more info, call:  503 242 0900.