Sacramento Republicrat

My New Blog is up!

2005-10-16T19:59:00.000-07:00

I have gotten most of the changes made and my new blog is up and running. I will be doing the majority of my posting there. I will however keep this site for a while longer. I have put a lot of effort in to my new blog and I am very excited about it. So take a look!
The new site is as follows:
http://sacramentorepublicrat.com
Click the link, come on over and take a look. Let me know what you think, I welcome your comments!
I hope to see you there...
SR

My Apologies...

2005-10-13T06:43:00.000-07:00

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I would like to apologize to those of you that have been on my blog in the past few days and have found nothing new! Well, thats because I am in the process of creating an all new blog. I am sure you will find that it is up to your standards. At any rate, please check back tomorrow or Saturday. I hope to be up and running by then. Until then, thanks for stopping by! SR

Local talk show host has multiple personalities???

2005-10-05T10:58:00.000-07:00

In a VERY well written post, The SactoDan Blog has local talk radio host Mark Williams allegedly making posts on The Sacto Dan blog using multiple names. None of which are his own. This is very worthwhile reading. Read more here. Great job Sacto Dan!

FEMA Says "No Thanks" to Help...

2005-10-02T21:43:00.000-07:00

When Loudoun County Sheriff Steve Simpson got a call for help from fellow officers in Louisiana, he gathered equipment, supplies, and a 22 person team. Ten hours later, they were ready to go. Simpson said once they finally reached someone at the Jefferson Perish Sheriff's Office, the lady was desperate. Simpson said the tone of emotion and concern in her voice made it clear that something had to happen.

"She said, 'We need help and we need it now. People are shooting at the station. "

Simpson said they got all political and legal issues resolved with Loudoun County Attorney around 1pm the next day. All they needed was a "FEMA tracking number" and they could hit the road. Sheriff Simpson continued calling FEMA every few minutes for hours with no one answering the FEMA telephone. After getting nowhere with the FEMA line, he called an old friend who is with The Red Cross - who got him another number.

"When someone finally answered, they told him the didn't know who to call in Louisiana," Simpson said.

Simpson continued to push as he knew it was the right thing to do. He finally spoke with a trooper froom the Louisiana State Police.

"This trooper actually told us that we were not to come down. I couldn't believe it. All I could say 'Excuse me?'" " I told him, 'With all due respect sir, your governor is on television pleading for help amd that's what were are offering.'" "They said we were 'Self Dispatching'" Simpson said.

Sheriff Simpson did not take this lying down. He placed a call to CNN, a reporter was on site within hours and he was doing a live interview. I would like to say a personal "Thank You", to Sheriff Simpson. People like him give Law Enforcement a good name.

Commander in Chief - I LIKED IT

2005-09-27T22:00:00.000-07:00

In the first 15 minutes of the show, Vice- President Mackenzie Allen (Geena Davis) was pushed around by the Presidents Chief of Staff, told to resign, and raised the alert status of the United States. She continued to catch flack from almost everyone. Then, she took the Oath of Office and started running the country. The way she thought it should be. I have always been a HUGE fan of the tv show "The West Wing." There are changes coming on "The West Wing" and I am not a big fan so farof these changes. I don't think this show will be the next "West Wing", but I think it will certainly be descent. So I look forward to reading other bloggers opinions as well as the media, and of course to see the upcoming episodes of "Commander in Chief".

What A Concept...

2005-09-22T19:38:00.000-07:00

I was going to write an in depth post on this Houston/New Orleans planning and lack of planning. BUT, these pictures pretty much sum it up: Houston...

New Orleans...

ENUFF said! Hat tip: Jason Smith

Kennedy and Roberts Trade Blows

2005-09-13T18:23:00.000-07:00

In what is shaping up to be an interesting confirmation, today Senator Edward M. Kennedy (Mass-D), agressively questioning Roberts on his briefs that were written during the Reagan administration. Kennedy described some of those writings on voting rights as a "narrow, cramped and mean-spirited view" that failed to show a full appreciation of discrimination. After repeatedly interrupting Roberts, Kennedy was told by Arlen Specter (PA-R) to "allow the nominee to finish his answers".

Kennedy: "I'm just trying to find out, on the Voting Rights Act, whether you have any problem at all and trouble at all in terms of the constitutionality of the existing Voting Rights Act that was extended by the Congress." Roberts: "Oh. Well, the existing Voting Rights Act and the constitutionality has been upheld. And I don't have any issue with that."

In a surprising repsonse, Roberts came out with a left hook. His response:

"Perhaps I can refer the Senator to the precedent-setting case of Chappaquiddick vs. Kopechne."

Hat Tip: Nickie Goomba for Roberts response

Fox News Does It Again!

2005-09-02T19:37:00.000-07:00

For the past 5 or 6 days, Fox News has done a phenominal job of covering the Gulf Coast disaster. They have had numerous individuals in the field covering this disaster. I would like to point out one Anchor/Host/Reporter: Shepard Smith. Shep has been there since before Katrina hit the Gulf Coast. Walking the walk and talking the talk. He consistantly reports with conviction and heart. If there is a News Person of the Year Award, Shepard Smith deserves it. Keep up the great work Shep!

Louisiana Government: Did They Drop The Ball, or Ever Really Have It?

2005-09-02T17:39:00.000-07:00

There is continuing speculation that the government of the State of Louisiana who is headed up by Governor Kathleen Blanco, had what many call "Virtually no disaster plan". There is mass pandemonium in New Orleans. Louisiana has 1,000 State Troopers and 6,000 National Guard Troops. "Where are they?" people are asking. They are out in full force, helping people, saving lives and trying to restore peace. These people are giving 110%. 20+ hours a day. They have been doing this for the past 5 days. There are just simply not enough of them. But where is the Calvary you ask? Well, they arrived today. Convoys that were miles long. They brought food, supplies, and most of all, water. Thousands of Armed National Guardsman. The big question, "Were they too late"? Quite frankly, YES! Hundreds, maybe thousands are dead. People are being murdered, beaten and raped inside the Superdome. As of the time of this post, there are an estimated 30,000 people still waiting to be rescued in New Orleans. I guess if they had known Katrina was coming, maybe they could have planned. Oh wait, they did know. Hmm, you have to wonder why the government did not contact federal agencies earlier. Staged supplies in metal containers, something. Preparation, preparation, preparation. Katrina was heading to New Orleans as a Category 5. Even as a Category 3 or 4, they knew it would be devastating. So why not plan. I have followed this story very closely and even tonight, people are still dying. Where is Rudy Giuliani when you need him...

Craig DeLuz is Elected to the Robla Elementary School District Board of Trustees

2005-08-19T16:29:00.000-07:00

Last night fellow Sacramento Blogger Craig DeLuz was elected to the Robla Elementary School District Board of Trustees. You can read the official announcement at the Robla School District's official site.

I am looking forward to the experience. I have been involved in education at just about every level; as a parent, teacher, charter school board member and public policy consultant. However, this is my first experience as an elected representative.

Way to go Craig!

BTK Killer Gets Life

2005-08-18T18:05:00.000-07:00

Today BTK killer Dennis Rader was sentenced to life in prison on 10 counts of premeditated murder. The 10 counts are to be served consecutively. CNN FOXNews.com

Rader will be behind bars for the rest of his life. He has one case with aggrevating factors which requires he serve a minimum of 40 years. The other 9 cases require a minimum of 15 years. So he will be eligle for parole in 175 years. Rader, 60, will live out his days behind bars, in a cell with three square meals a day. The man who took numerous lives between 1974 and 1991. My question is this: WHY? The answer from CNN: Rader could not face the death penalty because Kansas did not reinstate capital punishment until 1994, three years after his last killing.
Kansas did not reinstate the death penalty? What about the lives he took. Can they be reinstated? I think not. Rader should face the same fate as the people he murdered. Below are some comments from family members: His sister, Carmen Otero Montoya, addressed him only as Rader, saying she would not give him the satisfaction of calling him BTK. "Rader is an appropriate name for you, as in one who invades, a surprise attack. That is nothing to be proud of," she said. "My mother against your gun, you are such a coward," she added. "This monster took her life," said Fred Fox, whose sister Nancy Fox was one of Rader's 10 victims. "I hope his sentence is the worst it can be and that he be put away for the rest of his life." "He snuffed out 10 people's lives who had done nothing," said Kevin Bright, who was injured by Rader and whose sister Kathryn Bright was killed. "My sister, she suffered so much. ... I pray he'll get the toughest sentence possible."

Who's The Real Criminal???

2005-08-10T20:33:00.000-07:00

On August 2nd of this year, 42-year-old attorney Jan Helder was convicted by a federal jury of using the Internet to try to entice a child after he attempted to meet an undercover agent posing as a 14-year-old girl. Immediately following the verdict, U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple tossed out the conviction citing that since no child was actually involved, the case was bogus. The practice has become widespread where undercover agents pose as children on Internet chat rooms. When adults strike up online relationships and arrange for sexual liaisons, police are waiting at the rendezvous point with handcuffs and arrest warrants. "We will appeal this," U.S. Attorney Todd Graves said. "Our program is going forward." So let me make sure I understand this, unless a child was actually molested, abused, or murdered, it's ok for this guy to get away with this? Now then for my original question: Who is the real criminal???
I think that since Jan Helder was convicted by a federal jury, then the conviction should stand. Furthermore, there needs to be an investigation in to U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple for his actions. So who is the real criminal? BOTH! We have Helder who was convicted by a jury and Whipple who over turned the conviction and let Helder back on the streets. For Helder, the police will get you again. For Whipple, how can you sleep at night with this on your conscious??? I could not...

Your Tax Dollars At Work

2005-07-29T06:37:00.000-07:00

UPDATE 08/03:

It appears that I am not the only person with this opinion on the subject. Fox News is reporting that Senate, when they return, will be taking up this very issue. Only on a Federal basis. But it is a start.

Currently there are 560 inmates on Death Row (condemned) at San Quentin Prison. I seem to recall reading that the average cost per inmate is $20,000 a year. That is $11,200,000 per year that we're spending to keep these people alive. If they have been convicted, had an opportunity for an appeal, lost the appeal, then carry out the sentence and use those monies for education or something constructive. Don't get me wrong. Everyone deserves their day in court and to a fair trial, but at some point enough is enough.

A Message From Scott Peterson

2005-07-29T06:08:00.000-07:00

Scott Peterson who was convicted of killing his wife and unborn child, is sending messages to his supporters and followers via a Canadian based website. See it here: Canadian Coalition Against the Death Penalty It is very disturbing that these prople are supporting Peterson. It is not like he stole something or even commited robbery. He is convicted of MURDER! For who knows how many years, there will be appeals. He should get ONE chance for an appeal and then BOOM, be done with it. We are spending entirely too much of the tax payers dollars keeping the inmates on death row alive.

Heeeeeeer's Hillary...

2005-07-28T21:12:00.000-07:00

A picture says a thousand words... God help us!

Sacto Dan On The Air?

2005-07-25T17:21:00.000-07:00

Today our friend and fellow blogger Sacto Dan, started his internship at KTKZ. Today it's phones, tomorrow it's coffee what's next for blogger/journalist? Live from New York, it's the Sacto Dan Show... With his level of passion and articulation, I would gladly tune in if Sacto Dan was guest hosting.

Kings Have One Foot In The Grave

2005-07-22T14:43:00.000-07:00

In a surpising move today, the Sacramento Kings traded Bobby Jackson to Memphis for shooting guard Bonzi Wells. It is currently the headline on News 10 The trade will also send Greg Ostertag to Memphis where he will be sent back to the Utah Jazz. At some point you have to wonder what the Maloofs and Petrie are thinking. One has to wonder if Sacramento will ever see a championship, and I don't mean from the comfort of their living rooms. Over the past couple of years we have lost Divac, Weber and now Jackson. When are Adelman and the cheerleaders going? Might as well get rid of everyone...

Canada Legalizes Gay Marriage

2005-07-20T16:01:00.000-07:00

Today Canada became the fourth nation to grant full legal rights to same-sex couples. Supreme Court Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin signed the legislation only hours after it passed Senate. Both Conservative and religious leaders expressed strong opposition to the legislation. So where does the United States go from here???

Sexual Predator's Get Off Easy

2005-07-02T14:56:00.000-07:00

In a breaking story today, Shasta Groene, the 8-year-old girl whose mother, oldest brother and the mother's boyfriend were bludgeoned to death at their home six weeks ago, was found alive at a Denny's restaurant early this morning. The fate of her brother Dylan, is still unknown but authorities fear the worst. Shasta was found to be in the company of Joseph Edward Duncan III, a registered sex offender. Duncan's criminal history goes back to 1980, where he was prosecuted and convicted of raping a 14-year-old boy in Washington state when he was 16 years old. Duncan has a long history of sexual offenses. He was arrested in Becker County, Minn., in April 2005 for allegedly molesting a 7-year-old boy, and served 14 years in prison for raping a 14-year-old boy in Washington state in 1980. Duncan was out on bail from Minnesota. Hmmm, if he had been held, would the family still be alive??? You decide...I am sure the judge that granted Duncan's bail is questioning that decision! The laws for sex offenders need to be rewritten. They are way to lenient. Currently the laws for sex offenders lump the next three scenarios together: -An individual inappropriately touches or has a child touch him or her. -A man rapes a woman. -An 18 year old high school male has a sexual relationship with a 17 year old female with whom he had been going out with the entire time they were in high school (high school sweethearts) gets charged with statutory rape. Even if the 17 year old girl does not want charges filed. The first two scenarios need to face the harshest punishment. The third one does not. But under the current laws, they all face the same. Sexual predators should be identified by a National Sex Offenders Database. Currently California has a database. Megan's Law Database Sexual predators need to be sentenced and put in prison. If and when they get out, the should wearing an electronic ankle monitoring device. If they commit a second crime of sexual nature, they should be put to death. Why fill up prisons with a group of individuals that are nothing more than a wart on the ass of humanity.

BLOG THIS!

2005-06-27T18:36:00.000-07:00

As a blogger I am finding it amazing how personal the attacks on these blogs are becoming. I thought a blog was supposed to be a place where Republican's, Democrat's and Independents alike can have an opportunity to voice their opinions whether it be a political topic or something else. Over the past week I have been witness to some vicious attacks in blogs. I have seen blogs that have contained everything from vulger personal attacks to blogs that contain personal and private information simply because adults are acting like 15 year olds. Two words... GROW UP! A very popular phrase comes to mind: " Opinions are like assholes, everyones got one and they all stink!" You may disagree with me, and I may disagree with you or the next person, that's the beauty of blogs, but don't make it personal...

2005-06-20T22:07:00.000-07:00

Haloscan commenting and trackback have been added to this blog.

Father Convicted of Killing His 9 Children

2005-06-20T17:24:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, a father was convicted of murdering nine of his children. This guy was accused, charged and convicted of murdering his children as well as raping and molesting his daughters and nieces. What kind of person could commit such a heinous crime against children or any person for that matter? FOXnews.com is reporting that he could get the death penalty. COULD get the death penalty??? Don't get me wrong, I believe he should get the death penalty. But only after enduring the harshest of punishments. I am sure the Left will be out there preaching that he should spend the rest of his life in incarcerated. Meanwhile our taxes are keeping him fed, clothed, and most importantly, ALIVE. While living in over populated prisons. But the prison issue is a blog for another day. If you have not been able to tell, I take any crime against children very seriously.