Now how many times have I written about the 2500 block of Warsaw? I just recently read that one of the neighbor's house was torched. Folks do a lot of talking about not be able to stop these folks, but you never see these same folks come together and stand on that street corner and counter the drug dealing in the neighborhood. Whoever says ,the police is doing a good job about combating the drug traffic ,are lying for the heck of it.
That street is so well known for drug dealing that the blind and deaf could tell you about it. Get a grip, candidate Fries stated that $1 million dollars leaves the community a month in drug money. Now do you really think they want to shut down this business? A business that is conducted in low-income neighborhoods to hide the money spending and needy drug users who frequent the neighborhood? Customers who drive in (not all) and buy their drugs and then drive back to their safe little neighborhoods. Get real.
Friday, October 20, 2006
It's getting hot
What does the assessors and the sheriffs have in common? Easy, the sheriffs arrest criminals, when things began to heat up. Allen County Assessor Pat Love is reported to be interested in enforcing an ethical policy among the various assessors. It's understandable that Mrs Love is a late in implementing oversight over the assessors, with her dependency on these folks who worked under her.
Which would explain how both the Republican and the Democratic candidates somehow are charged with changing their own records without Mrs. Love having a clue. It is understandable for Mrs. Love to not notice who was doing what while she was busy trying to pass the assessor test. Plus Mrs. Love would have to rely on the expertise of her underlings, including the Republican Candidate Stacey Lopshire, who have probable passed the test already, during Mrs. Love period of not being adequate informed about the operation of the assessment.
I'm only suggesting here, that it would be very easy for Mrs. Love to miss the little details of changing so many other property record cards too, you think? I know that assessor's offices has not be charged with just changing other folks' property record cards for the heck of it. But remember all the computer glitches, makes me thing they were more human manipulations. Doesn't the whole thing just make you go...hmmmm, I wonder who else is benefiting from Ms. Love lack of knowledge about assessing property? I sure would be checking my property record card about now, and I would go back three years, just in case these knuckleheads might owe you some money.
Which would explain how both the Republican and the Democratic candidates somehow are charged with changing their own records without Mrs. Love having a clue. It is understandable for Mrs. Love to not notice who was doing what while she was busy trying to pass the assessor test. Plus Mrs. Love would have to rely on the expertise of her underlings, including the Republican Candidate Stacey Lopshire, who have probable passed the test already, during Mrs. Love period of not being adequate informed about the operation of the assessment.
I'm only suggesting here, that it would be very easy for Mrs. Love to miss the little details of changing so many other property record cards too, you think? I know that assessor's offices has not be charged with just changing other folks' property record cards for the heck of it. But remember all the computer glitches, makes me thing they were more human manipulations. Doesn't the whole thing just make you go...hmmmm, I wonder who else is benefiting from Ms. Love lack of knowledge about assessing property? I sure would be checking my property record card about now, and I would go back three years, just in case these knuckleheads might owe you some money.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Wal-Mart Workers Walking
Today Wal-Mart officials are to make an announcement in Fort Wayne about generic drugs, according to WOWO. There will be a cost saving for customers purchasing certain drugs. However, Business Week online reports, workers are not concerned about saving money on drugs, but about earning money.
It was reported that almost the entire 200 employees on first shift walked out. What do you contribute to the success of such actions on such short notice? Maybe, because the folks were Spanish speaking, "We are a Spanish-speaking community, some from Cuba, some from Venezuela and the Dominican Republic, and if something affects my brothers and sisters, it affects me," says Yahima Morales, who has been a department manager of health and beauty aids for four years at the store.
Maybe, that why Wal-Mart media coverage of their drug program is so positive because Fort Wayne is not Florida. A community that offer little to no resistance.
It was reported that almost the entire 200 employees on first shift walked out. What do you contribute to the success of such actions on such short notice? Maybe, because the folks were Spanish speaking, "We are a Spanish-speaking community, some from Cuba, some from Venezuela and the Dominican Republic, and if something affects my brothers and sisters, it affects me," says Yahima Morales, who has been a department manager of health and beauty aids for four years at the store.
Maybe, that why Wal-Mart media coverage of their drug program is so positive because Fort Wayne is not Florida. A community that offer little to no resistance.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Strict Scrutiny of Indiana Photo Identification Law
Thomas Fisher is to argue for Indiana's right to require a state or federal issued photo identification from voters going to the poll to cast their vote. The issue is whether or not imposing such a rule upon legal citizens, who are eligible to vote, is a severe burden that impinges on their fundamental right to exercise the right to vote. If it is, the photo identification requirement must be necessary or the requirement must be deemed as narrowly tailored to meet the objective of the state to prevent voter fraud.
If not, the photo identification is limiting and is only preventing one type of fraud, impersonation fraud and is not preventing the overall objective of the state. Therefore the measure of the state is so limited and unwarranted, to accomplish it goal, that the requirement of the photo identification is too much of a burden on the fundamental right of its citizens to vote.
Indiana suggests that since it will allow those eligible voters who cannot afford a photo identification to vote with a provisional ballot or that the Bureau of Motor Vehicle will issued such voters a free photo identification therefore offsetting this burden. On it face, it might appear that the free photo identification is cost free, but it is not. There is a cost..the purchase of a birth certificate or passport to obtain the state issued photo identification. This fee is not, but is similar to, a poll tax, where the courts have ruled that, "wealth or fee-paying has. . .no relation to voting qualification; the right to vote s too precious, too fundamental to be so burdened." Harper, 383 U.S. at 663, 670 (1966)(cited in Kathleen Weinschenk, et al., Respondents, v. State of Missouri).
The Missouri Court ruled that when a fundamental right is impinged the challenge to its statute should require a strict scrutiny. This means that the state's interest in preventing impersonation fraud should be weighed against the degree of burden that it places on it citizens to exercise their right to cast their vote at the poll. The burden of a photo identification, when other types of identification are available, is too much of a burden for the citizen to shoulder.
The evidence presented to the Missouri court showed that 3% to 4% percent of it voters did not have a photo identification. It showed that the provision ballot signature requirement would not guarantee the voters' signatures would match and their vote counted with the provisional ballot. Thus these eligible registered would be prevented from participating in the electoral process because of Missouri statute.
Indiana statue is similar to the Missouri statute and should be reviewed under the strict scrutiny standard and not simply defer to the wishes of the state in prevention of voter fraud. The court has no direct evidence of voter fraud. And unlike Missouri, which had direct evidence, Indiana only offered theoretical arguments.
It is not individual citizens who are the problem, it is the body of corrupt folks who would do anything to circumvent the election process. Evidence is a plenty for organized fraud, such as fraud committed by voting buy, ghost voting, double addresses voting, and absentee ballots voting, according to the brief submitted by the Brennan Center for Justice. These issues of organized fraud were to be addressed by the Help Americans Vote Act. HAVA laws regulating the updating of voter's registration records.
Listen to the arguments: William Crawford, et al., v. Todd Rokita
If not, the photo identification is limiting and is only preventing one type of fraud, impersonation fraud and is not preventing the overall objective of the state. Therefore the measure of the state is so limited and unwarranted, to accomplish it goal, that the requirement of the photo identification is too much of a burden on the fundamental right of its citizens to vote.
Indiana suggests that since it will allow those eligible voters who cannot afford a photo identification to vote with a provisional ballot or that the Bureau of Motor Vehicle will issued such voters a free photo identification therefore offsetting this burden. On it face, it might appear that the free photo identification is cost free, but it is not. There is a cost..the purchase of a birth certificate or passport to obtain the state issued photo identification. This fee is not, but is similar to, a poll tax, where the courts have ruled that, "wealth or fee-paying has. . .no relation to voting qualification; the right to vote s too precious, too fundamental to be so burdened." Harper, 383 U.S. at 663, 670 (1966)(cited in Kathleen Weinschenk, et al., Respondents, v. State of Missouri).
The Missouri Court ruled that when a fundamental right is impinged the challenge to its statute should require a strict scrutiny. This means that the state's interest in preventing impersonation fraud should be weighed against the degree of burden that it places on it citizens to exercise their right to cast their vote at the poll. The burden of a photo identification, when other types of identification are available, is too much of a burden for the citizen to shoulder.
The evidence presented to the Missouri court showed that 3% to 4% percent of it voters did not have a photo identification. It showed that the provision ballot signature requirement would not guarantee the voters' signatures would match and their vote counted with the provisional ballot. Thus these eligible registered would be prevented from participating in the electoral process because of Missouri statute.
Indiana statue is similar to the Missouri statute and should be reviewed under the strict scrutiny standard and not simply defer to the wishes of the state in prevention of voter fraud. The court has no direct evidence of voter fraud. And unlike Missouri, which had direct evidence, Indiana only offered theoretical arguments.
It is not individual citizens who are the problem, it is the body of corrupt folks who would do anything to circumvent the election process. Evidence is a plenty for organized fraud, such as fraud committed by voting buy, ghost voting, double addresses voting, and absentee ballots voting, according to the brief submitted by the Brennan Center for Justice. These issues of organized fraud were to be addressed by the Help Americans Vote Act. HAVA laws regulating the updating of voter's registration records.
Listen to the arguments: William Crawford, et al., v. Todd Rokita
Sorry Congressman Souder
Sorry Mr. Congressman. Since I was late getting to the Northeast Partnership hosted forum at Northside High School I missed Congressman Mark Souder. According to the Journal-Gazette Souder arrived early and left early, my bag, for the community forum sponsored by the Northside Neighborhood Association.
But I have a question for you, Congressman Souder, what is up with the billboard with the little red barn that's titled "let freedom ring" in central city Fort Wayne?!!! Are you trying to tell us something?
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
More on Voter Photo I.D.
Missouri Supreme Court strikes down the voter photo I.D. Law in their state according to the Associated Press. What's up with Indiana. Check out Indiana Law Blog for more information on Indiana voters Photo I.D. Law. This law is being appealed in the UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE SEVENTH CIRCUIT on October 18, 2006.
Some Felonies retain their right to vote
Many states have reformed their felony disenfranchisement policies which allows certain felonies to regain their right to vote. Nevertheless, under a report by, The Sentencing Project, “which is a partner in the Right to Vote Campaign, attempts to remove barriers for voting by people with felony convictions”, can be slow. The Sentencing Project report, "A Decade of Reform: Felony Disenfranchisement Policy in the United States by Ryan S. King October 2006 suggest that many parolees who are eligible voters do not believe they can participate in the political process. A study was conducted and over 41 % did not believe they were eligible to vote. Although part of their exist strategy was to inform them of their right to vote.
Some Felonies retain their right to vote
Many states have reformed their felony disenfranchisement policies which allows certain felonies to regain their right to vote. Nevertheless, under a report by, The Sentencing Project, “which is a partner in the Right to Vote Campaign, attempts to remove barriers for voting by people with felony convictions”, can be slow. The Sentencing Project report, "A Decade of Reform: Felony Disenfranchisement Policy in the United States by Ryan S. King October 2006 suggest that many parolees who are eligible voters do not believe they can participate in the political process. A study was conducted and over 41 % did not believe they were eligible to vote. Although part of their exist strategy was to inform them of their right to vote.
Who will be the new sheriff in town?
Tina Taviano has walked a many miles in the various precincts listening to the voters’ issues. Taviano is poised to beat Ken Fries and P.J. Smith this election by focusing on the issues that are important to the people. Issues such as combining the 911 system, keeping children and family safe in their community are on the minds of the voters. Taviano as sheriff will serve the community as a benefit for the people. In an appointed position, Taviano currently serves as the director of training in the sheriff department.
P.J. Smith, is an independent. I did not know who he was so I did not get a chance to talk with him. Smith is a very tall and handsome man, but the thing, about running as an independent, is that you have to work really hard to get folks to give you their vote. That is if you are running a serious campaign and not trying to skim off votes from one candidate to benefit the other candidate. How about it P.J.zzzzzzzzz?
Congressional Contest
Mark Souder was absent( don't have the name of his stand in) from the community forum held by the Northside Neighborhood Association. Could Souder be thinking like I am thinking that the Fort Wayne Republicans may not be 100% behind him? Or that just maybe that it would be more advantageous for Fort Wayne’s Republicans to have someone who is more vested in Fort Wayne in Washington D.C.? I don’t see Republicans’ giving Souder the same kind of loving and hugging as Dan Quayle!
Would it not advance the land ownership, I mean downtown development, by having Fort Wayne’s Tom Hayhurst to unseat Grabill’s Souder? Besides was it not Souder himself who put his seat and other career republicans’ seats in questions with his term limit pledge. Now, just how many Republicans in Fort Wayne or Allen County would the term limit pledge affect if applied whole heartily to other experienced or senior incumbents? Seniority and experience does not necessarily equal competency.
Now let me talk about the Democrats for a minute. On the one hand, Hayhurst to me appears to take certain Democrat voters' vote for granted. For example, Souder has no problem supporting local candidates, as he recently endorsed Ken Fries. But on the other hand, Hayhurst appears to have distanced himself from the local candidates, his group. Hayhurst’s media campaign does not include many of his peers within the party, yet party loyalty will require them to vote for him. Hmmm, does this not scream taking voters vote for granted?
Having expressed my opinion I must state that I am an independent, meaning I have no loyalty to traditional parties nor do I believe that they represent the people. Both parties have a long history of discrimination and manipulation of the political process. I have been deemed a republican for speaking out against Democrats and republicans are very clear on whom interest they represent in the political process. My vote belongs to me as a citizen, not to a party.
Gabcast! Fort Wayne African-American Independent Woman #3 - Voting
voting as an independent
Monday, October 16, 2006
Simon Rios Trial Delayed-Gullible Language Barrier
Simon Rios's trial for the alleged murder of his wife and children has been delayed until October 2007. This would allow his defense team to better prepare for his trial. You have got to be kidding! This man does not speak English and probably the majority of the witnesses. Now, do we really think that the judge and the jurors will be fluent Spanish speaking by next year? This trial in Fort Wayne is a joke and will prove how unprepared its legal system is for a multicultural community. Here is a couple of poems by Martin Espada on the mockery of justice in a bias court system unable to speak the language.
"Offerings to an Ulcerated God"
Tell her she has to pay
and she has ten days to get out,
the judge commanded, rose
as the rest of the courtroom rose,
and left the bench. Suddenly
the courtroom clattered
with the end of business:
the clerk of the court
gathered her files
and the bailiff went to lunch.
Mrs. Lopez stood before the bench,
still holding up her fan of snapshots
like an offering this ulcerated god
refused to taste,
while the interpreter
felt the burning
bubble in his throat
as he slowly turned to face he
and "Mariano Explains Yanqui Colonialism to Judge Collings"
Does the prisoner understand his rights?
"¿Entiende usted sus derechos?"
"¡P'al carajo!
"Yes."
"His rights are carajo. His rights are worth nothing here. He is worth nothing here. For me, that made sense because for most Latinos, the legal system is just a series of mistranslations anyway." (a quote from Espada in Z mazagine.)
"Offerings to an Ulcerated God"
Tell her she has to pay
and she has ten days to get out,
the judge commanded, rose
as the rest of the courtroom rose,
and left the bench. Suddenly
the courtroom clattered
with the end of business:
the clerk of the court
gathered her files
and the bailiff went to lunch.
Mrs. Lopez stood before the bench,
still holding up her fan of snapshots
like an offering this ulcerated god
refused to taste,
while the interpreter
felt the burning
bubble in his throat
as he slowly turned to face he
and "Mariano Explains Yanqui Colonialism to Judge Collings"
Does the prisoner understand his rights?
"¿Entiende usted sus derechos?"
"¡P'al carajo!
"Yes."
"His rights are carajo. His rights are worth nothing here. He is worth nothing here. For me, that made sense because for most Latinos, the legal system is just a series of mistranslations anyway." (a quote from Espada in Z mazagine.)
Obama on his way to the White House
U.S. Sen. Barack Obama stops in Indy for a fundraiser luncheon. Read more in the Indystar. Obama has as good a chance to run for President as U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh or better. Obama has the looks, the education and the skills.
Junior Varsity Lions beats Raiders
Lions Junior Varsity win to advance to Metro Super Bowl. Lions 13 Raiders
Fort Wayne MetroJunior Varsity Rams defeats Colts
junior varsity rams defeats colts to advance to superbowl
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