Redrant: As I understand it Abeler is one the Republicans in the MN legislature who crossed the isle to join the democrats to raise gasoline taxes. I'm not positive but but I believe that ABeler voted against smokers rights. Greg Lang
> >> http://www.anokacountywatchdog.com/ >> >>
EMAIL UPDATE >> >>
AUGUST 1, 2008 >> >>
SPECIAL ISSUE! >> >>
In This Issue: >> >> >>
1. Fun at the Fair! >>
Ah, the Anoka County Fair, the second-greatest Minnesota Get Together. A >> bucolic affair where one can observe muscle shirt avant-garde, what's new >> in dragon tattoos, and sample the latest in deep-fried culinary cuisine >> (cheese curd, sir? No thanks, I'm sticking with the mini-donuts!). >> >> And after winning that special someone a stuffed unicorn or Jeff Gordon >> mirror, you can stop by the GOP booth and check out the latest craziness. >> And we mean off-the-hook craziness! >> >>
The Watchdog's email blew up last week with allegations that Rep. Jim >> Abeler lost his temper and vandalized the booth after he was denied a >> place to leave his literature. >> >> Since then, a whole lot of bad blood has developed between the Abeler >> camp and that of his primary challenger, Don Huizenga. In short, the >> contest has turned into a real donnybrook and should make for some >> interesting politics between now and September 9th.
Can an old-fashioned >> pistol duel be far behind? We're powdering our wigs as we write. >> >> The facts surrounding the incident are hotly disputed by the parties. >> Therefore, the Dog will simply publish statements we sought from each >> campaign and let you, the reader, decide. All we know is that this is >> certainly political news and something the mainstream press won't likely >> follow. This despite Jim Abeler's veiled threats to sue (go ahead Jim, >> we're not intimidated and never will be). >> >>
HUIZENGA STATEMENT FOLLOWS: >> A few weeks back, incumbent Representative Jim Abeler asked the BPOU >> leaders of MN House District 48B if he could place his campaign materials >> in the Republican Party booth at the upcoming Anoka County Fair.
They >> denied his request stating that only endorsed Republican candidates can >> place campaign materials in the Republican Party booth. Since neither >> Jim Abeler nor Republican challenger Don Huizenga are currently endorsed, >> neither candidate may place campaign materials in the booth. They did >> tell Mr. Abeler that he could set up his own booth at the fair, as other >> candidates have done, but it would be at his own expense. Don Huizenga >> was given the same response. >>
During the first day on the fair (Tuesday 7/22), Representative Abeler >> confronted a volunteer working at the Republican Party booth and again >> asked if he could put his materials in the booth. After receiving the >> same answer he got a couple of weeks earlier, Representative Abeler left. >> A short while after this clear answer was given; Representative Abeler >> proceeded to come back to booth to again fight the decision. Abeler was >> so upset about this ruling that he continued to go to the booth, fight >> with the volunteers working, and storm off. This happened 4 times. On the >> 4th visit Representative Abeler was out of control and was seen and heard >> by many belittling and berating the volunteer (who happened to be 20 >> years Abeler's senior).
Once Abeler finally left the booth volunteers >> thought the worst was finally over. >> Later that evening, after the booth had closed, Representative Jim Abeler >> broke into the booth and took matters into his own hands. Representative >> Abeler removed all of the campaign literature of Michelle Bachman, Norm >> Coleman, Jake Cimenski and Tim Pawlenty from the table, replacing it with >> his own campaign literature.
Representative Abeler also took two American >> flag poles and used them as spears to pierce the voter box that was >> sitting on the table. The last act was the hanging of a Jim Abeler sign >> on the outside of the booth. This was clearly an act of trespassing, >> breaking and entering, and destruction of private property...all >> punishable offenses. A complaint was subsequently filed by the staffer to >> the local BPOU. The BPOU Chair, Dan Emery, came to the fair and spoke >> with the staffer and Mr. Abeler. Having heard the story and Jim's >> confession, Mr. Emery thought it best to give Jim a slap on the wrist. >> Representative Abeler continued his antics days later.
Republican >> challenger Don Huizenga was served papers on Saturday, July 26 by >> Representative Jim Abeler's lawyer saying that if any news of this story >> was given to the press that Representative Abeler would file a law suit >> against Mr. Huizenga.
When asked about the threat of a lawsuit, Don >> Huizenga said "I don't understand exactly why Representative Abeler would >> threaten me with this suit. The events reported were factual, and >> therefore threatening me with a lawsuit for reporting the incident is a >> clear violation of freedom of speech. If Representative Abeler was so >> worried about his tantrum becoming public he should have had the sense >> and self control to handle himself like an adult." >> >> END OF STATEMENT >> >>
ABELER STATEMENT FOLLOWS: >> The Huizenga camp is totally misrepresenting the "incident" if you can >> even call it that. >> >> At best it is a misunderstanding and at worst it is a petty affair. >> >> The "facts" which they present are largely incorrect. I was never >> interested in having a booth at the fair, even though I have more than >> adequate funds. I consider a fair booth to be a lot of work to gain a >> small return for a legislative seat such as mine. >> >> I never sought the right to put materials at the booth from the District >> 48 GOP. They offered it to me, largely since they were so embarrassed by >> Don's racist and crass bloggings which he has been blogging more over the >> past few month at http://www.freedomsledder.com/ and since 2005 at >> http://www.hardcoresledder.com/.
FYI: There was an article in last weeks Anoka >> County Union by Tim Budig about this, including quotes from the District >> 48 chairman, Rep Tom Hackbarth, and the State Republican Party >> criticizing his writings and questioning his fitness for public service. >> The quote from the Party official is particularly direct and damaging. >> >> Because they didn't want his literature at the booth, at their latest >> meeting the District 48 leadership created a policy that elected >> incumbents could place non-campaign materials at the booth, but that no >> candidate from our district could place "vote for ____" kinds of items. >> The consensus was that this list would include as allowable legislative >> wrapups, non-election stickers, and non-election signs. Tom Hackbarth >> had all of these items there, as well. >> >>
Because the booth was staffed by individuals from District 49, many of >> whom were still unhappy with me (and with Kathy Tingelstad) for voting to >> pass the transportation funding package over the objections of the >> governor, this placement did not go smoothly. Part of the discussions >> included Anoka members of the District 48 exec committee later in the day >> and a phone call from the District 48 chairman, which I imagined settled >> the matter. My items bounced from the front table to the back table back >> to the front table and finally to a bin inside, inconsistent with the >> decision of the District 48 committee, which was one of several district >> partners in the county-wide booth. >> >>
The conversations with the various staffers were generally civil though >> occasionally terse as we discussed the vote, Jake's chances for election, >> and how unhappy they were with both myself and Kathy. I reminded them >> that we were all on the same side, and that we would do better to work >> together. No voices were raised much beyond normal conversation even >> though we never did quite come to agreement. >> >> The next morning I went over and hung one of my signs (with just my name >> on it) outside the booth in an empty space by some others that were stuck >> in the ground. >> >>
You may not be aware that I have been part of setting up and running this >> booth for a number of my 11 years of campaigning and being in office. I >> have developed an eye for organization and effective marketing and have >> received a large number of complements on how I set up tables and >> displays. Noticing that all the local candidates' literature was on the >> back table far from the view of passers-by and the front table was filled >> with clipboards seeking volunteers, I moved the materials around to >> better display everyone's materials, including my own which were neatly >> placed along with the rest.
If a candidate had stickers, I put those by >> his or her printed item. To better display the flags, which were hidden >> behind a brown paper-covered box with inkpen written "Free drawing", I >> sliced two slots into the box and inserted the flags vertically, to >> better draw attention to them. I was quite satisfied that the booth now >> would draw more people and be more effective in helping get >> our county candidates elected. I expected that the other candidates would >> appreciate having their literature now visible and accessible. >> >>
FYI Every item that I rearranged was already in the booth, and I didn't >> take any items away or add anything that wasn't already in the booth. >> Later I asked the man in charge if there were any items strewn about or >> in disarray when he arrived the second day, and he remarked that all was >> quite tidy. >> >>
My only error was in not understanding that the fellow who was tending >> the booth this year was to be part of it every day (different from past >> years where one district or another would rotate in service duties), >> liked how he had set it up, and was quite offended that I had taken the >> liberty of rearranging the booth. >> >>
Later in the day, he and the District 48 chairman met and at the end of >> that meeting I stopped by. We clarified that I indeed had the right to >> display materials there and all agreed. Following that, I apologized to >> the man for rearranging his work, and he accepted that and we shook >> hands. I then decided then to take all my materials out of the booth in >> the interest of unity. >> >>
I am surprised to hear of the comments by my opponent, some of which are >> quite slanderous and others of which are simply preposterous, in >> describing the incident. We asked him by letter to correct his version >> or delete it from his website, and he has refused. The version presented >> by him is grossly and seriously incorrect, and does little to advance the >> debate on the issues that our constituents and our voters deserve. >> >>
It is violation of Minnesota campaign law to willfully lie about ones >> opponent or grossly misrepresent a situation. We are deciding if we will >> take this any farther since their "version" is so far from the truth, but >> are certainly quite disappointed in the irresponsible way he is handling >> this. >> END OF ABELER STATEMENT >>
Fasten your seatbelts, sports fans!
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Theater Night Update 8-6-08
Hello Everyone -
- Please make sure you check out the votesmart web link below....it has information on all your elected officials!
- Jason Lewis had a great radio show this past Monday (podcasts below).
- Candidate from district 67B needs our help.
- Anoka County Update on Abeler & Huizenger.
Sheila
Banthebanminnesota Website ( http://banthebanminnesota.com/default.aspx )
Pass this website link on to as many people as possible. Forward it to your friends, relatives, etc....
The more the merrier.....everyone should know where these candidates stand before voting this November!
Banthebanminnesota has a scorecard based on the smoking ban issue only. To find out more about your incumbent
House representative, visit the website http://www.votesmart.org/index.htm . This website has TONS of information for all
the states. On the left hand side of the Home page is "Basic Categories", from here you can access your rep's voting record,
rankings from Special Interest Groups, and who donated to their campaign finance. Follow the process by selecting your state,
then select state offices, and then select House of Representatives. Everything you wanted to know about
your rep is on this website. Under voting records, you can pick any issue from Abortion to Welfare and see how your rep voted.
This website is for all states and not just Minnesota....it is a GREAT resource to further vet your elected officials. All officials
can be researched using this website (i.e. governor, senators,etc...)
Jason Lewis Podcast
This is a great show on the smoking ban issue and nanny state.
The 4PM hour content covers the following:
- Jason being reprimanded by kids in a park for smoking a cigar.
- Rosemount City Council ready to pass a city-wide outdoor ban.
- Barack Obama supports a federal smoking ban.
In the first hour Jason talks about global warming, the nanny state and smoking bans. He discusses the government"s increase regulation of our lives.
LEWIS080408_4pm Nanny State.mp3
The 5PM hour content covers the following:
- Energy (Oil Crisis)
- Crime
- Funding of smoking bans
- Ban on hot dogs
- MN's Taking's Clause (May not regulate you out of business)
- Washington County (Watch out....Herst vs Week for commissioner)
In hour two Jason continues to talk about smoking bans and how the nanny state ruins communities.
LEWIS080408_5pm Nanny State II.mp3
Letter from David Carlson (candidate from district 67B)
Dear Friends and Fellow Patriots,
My name is David Carlson and I am the endorsed Republican candidate in District 67B, East Saint Paul. My opponent is quite arguably the most liberal in the entire State of Minnesota; the infamous Sheldon Johnson. Although my race is not on GOP radars as a “targeted race,” we are making remarkable strides in a blue-collar, labor, pro-American, traditionally DFL area. My background is that I have been a life-long East Sider, graduating from Saint Paul Johnson High School and serving four years in the Marine Corps infantry as a machine gunner, completing three combat tours in Al Anbar Province and participating in both the Battle of Fallujah and Battle of Ramadi. Currently I am finishing up my bachelors degree at the University of Minnesota. Prior to withdrawing from the Marine Corps Officer’s Program, I studied political science at the University of Minnesota-Duluth as well as studying foreign relations abroad at Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom.
Some of the main issues this election for the residents of my district are public safety; Sheldon voted against the “Sex Crimes Bill” which would lock up sexual predators for life upon being convicted of a second sexual crime, he was 1 of the 3 out of 134 to vote against the bill which sailed through the House. East Sider’s are predominately middle class, and many live on a budget with their families. Sheldon’s stellar record of never seeing a tax increase he didn’t like has not resonated well with the voters either. He also voted against exempting military pensions from income tax and is certainly not an advocate of protecting personal property rights. He doesn’t receive the endorsement of either the Saint Paul Police or Fire Departments which is uncommon for local Democrats. The principal obstacle for my campaign will be finding funding outside the district. I have been pursuing an aggressive fundraising campaign, and our finance team is coming together at the right time. I humbly ask for your financial backing this election season. Hopefully, we will have the necessary funds by mid-September so that when it gets down to the home stretch, we can compete in direct mail and advertising to ensure the East Side is up for grabs and possibly in solid Republican hands come this November.
My campaign is having a fundraiser on Wednesday, August 20th with the social hour beginning at 7:00 PM at the Forest Lake American Legion. House Minority Leader Marty Seifert (R- Marshall), Representative Bob Dettmer (R-Forest Lake) and Senator Ray Vandeveere will be attending and showing their support and solidarity with me, and my campaign. I hope as many of you can make it as possible. This election year is one of the most pivotal in the State Of Minnesota’s history and for the nation as a whole. In the State House, if Republican’s loose five seats, we lose power to stop a veto-override. The East Side race could prove to be one of the most pivotal in the state if we can continue to close the gap and gain momentum within the community. I look forward to meeting you and working together to take back the House of Representatives, and to stop the Democrats in a year where we cannot afford them in any sense of the word.
Please remember to pray for all of our troops in harm’s way. May God bless you and your families, and may God continue to watch over and protect the United States of America.
Sincerely,David Carlson
State Representative Candidate 67Bcarlsonforhouse.orgdavidcarlson@carlsonforhouse.org
(651-307-5388)
Citizens for David Carlson
PO Box 600175
Saint Paul, MN 55106
From the Anoka County Watch Dog
The Watchdog's email blew up last week with allegations that Rep. Jim Abeler lost his temper and vandalized the booth after he was denied a place to leave his literature. Since then, a whole lot of bad blood has developed between the Abeler camp and that of his primary challenger, Don Huizenga. In short, the contest has turned into a real donnybrook and should make for some interesting politics between now and September 9th. Can an old-fashioned pistol duel be far behind? We're powdering our wigs as we write.(To read entire article see www.freedomtoact.com . Abeler and Huizenger are running in district 48B)
- Please make sure you check out the votesmart web link below....it has information on all your elected officials!
- Jason Lewis had a great radio show this past Monday (podcasts below).
- Candidate from district 67B needs our help.
- Anoka County Update on Abeler & Huizenger.
Sheila
Banthebanminnesota Website ( http://banthebanminnesota.com/default.aspx )
Pass this website link on to as many people as possible. Forward it to your friends, relatives, etc....
The more the merrier.....everyone should know where these candidates stand before voting this November!
Banthebanminnesota has a scorecard based on the smoking ban issue only. To find out more about your incumbent
House representative, visit the website http://www.votesmart.org/index.htm . This website has TONS of information for all
the states. On the left hand side of the Home page is "Basic Categories", from here you can access your rep's voting record,
rankings from Special Interest Groups, and who donated to their campaign finance. Follow the process by selecting your state,
then select state offices, and then select House of Representatives. Everything you wanted to know about
your rep is on this website. Under voting records, you can pick any issue from Abortion to Welfare and see how your rep voted.
This website is for all states and not just Minnesota....it is a GREAT resource to further vet your elected officials. All officials
can be researched using this website (i.e. governor, senators,etc...)
Jason Lewis Podcast
This is a great show on the smoking ban issue and nanny state.
The 4PM hour content covers the following:
- Jason being reprimanded by kids in a park for smoking a cigar.
- Rosemount City Council ready to pass a city-wide outdoor ban.
- Barack Obama supports a federal smoking ban.
In the first hour Jason talks about global warming, the nanny state and smoking bans. He discusses the government"s increase regulation of our lives.
LEWIS080408_4pm Nanny State.mp3
The 5PM hour content covers the following:
- Energy (Oil Crisis)
- Crime
- Funding of smoking bans
- Ban on hot dogs
- MN's Taking's Clause (May not regulate you out of business)
- Washington County (Watch out....Herst vs Week for commissioner)
In hour two Jason continues to talk about smoking bans and how the nanny state ruins communities.
LEWIS080408_5pm Nanny State II.mp3
Letter from David Carlson (candidate from district 67B)
Dear Friends and Fellow Patriots,
My name is David Carlson and I am the endorsed Republican candidate in District 67B, East Saint Paul. My opponent is quite arguably the most liberal in the entire State of Minnesota; the infamous Sheldon Johnson. Although my race is not on GOP radars as a “targeted race,” we are making remarkable strides in a blue-collar, labor, pro-American, traditionally DFL area. My background is that I have been a life-long East Sider, graduating from Saint Paul Johnson High School and serving four years in the Marine Corps infantry as a machine gunner, completing three combat tours in Al Anbar Province and participating in both the Battle of Fallujah and Battle of Ramadi. Currently I am finishing up my bachelors degree at the University of Minnesota. Prior to withdrawing from the Marine Corps Officer’s Program, I studied political science at the University of Minnesota-Duluth as well as studying foreign relations abroad at Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom.
Some of the main issues this election for the residents of my district are public safety; Sheldon voted against the “Sex Crimes Bill” which would lock up sexual predators for life upon being convicted of a second sexual crime, he was 1 of the 3 out of 134 to vote against the bill which sailed through the House. East Sider’s are predominately middle class, and many live on a budget with their families. Sheldon’s stellar record of never seeing a tax increase he didn’t like has not resonated well with the voters either. He also voted against exempting military pensions from income tax and is certainly not an advocate of protecting personal property rights. He doesn’t receive the endorsement of either the Saint Paul Police or Fire Departments which is uncommon for local Democrats. The principal obstacle for my campaign will be finding funding outside the district. I have been pursuing an aggressive fundraising campaign, and our finance team is coming together at the right time. I humbly ask for your financial backing this election season. Hopefully, we will have the necessary funds by mid-September so that when it gets down to the home stretch, we can compete in direct mail and advertising to ensure the East Side is up for grabs and possibly in solid Republican hands come this November.
My campaign is having a fundraiser on Wednesday, August 20th with the social hour beginning at 7:00 PM at the Forest Lake American Legion. House Minority Leader Marty Seifert (R- Marshall), Representative Bob Dettmer (R-Forest Lake) and Senator Ray Vandeveere will be attending and showing their support and solidarity with me, and my campaign. I hope as many of you can make it as possible. This election year is one of the most pivotal in the State Of Minnesota’s history and for the nation as a whole. In the State House, if Republican’s loose five seats, we lose power to stop a veto-override. The East Side race could prove to be one of the most pivotal in the state if we can continue to close the gap and gain momentum within the community. I look forward to meeting you and working together to take back the House of Representatives, and to stop the Democrats in a year where we cannot afford them in any sense of the word.
Please remember to pray for all of our troops in harm’s way. May God bless you and your families, and may God continue to watch over and protect the United States of America.
Sincerely,David Carlson
State Representative Candidate 67Bcarlsonforhouse.orgdavidcarlson@carlsonforhouse.org
(651-307-5388)
Citizens for David Carlson
PO Box 600175
Saint Paul, MN 55106
From the Anoka County Watch Dog
The Watchdog's email blew up last week with allegations that Rep. Jim Abeler lost his temper and vandalized the booth after he was denied a place to leave his literature. Since then, a whole lot of bad blood has developed between the Abeler camp and that of his primary challenger, Don Huizenga. In short, the contest has turned into a real donnybrook and should make for some interesting politics between now and September 9th. Can an old-fashioned pistol duel be far behind? We're powdering our wigs as we write.(To read entire article see www.freedomtoact.com . Abeler and Huizenger are running in district 48B)
Sheila: Theater Night Update 8-5-08
Hello Everyone -
Things didn't go so well for Iowa. Again, the supposedly "health" issue of SHS trumps everything else. Just as the "health" issue of obesity will "trump" all of our rights, espeically parents. Before long, social services will be knocking on your door and saying your a bad parent if your child's weight doesn't fall within THEIR guidelines and who knows what consequences you will face when they come knocking. It needs to stop! This is election year...lets make a difference!
Mark Benjamin is writing up his brief for the appellate court. He has 60 days to submit. I am still working on "theater nights" but unable to publish details at this point.
From Shawn (http://banthebanminnesota.com/default.aspx)
I've posted another district scorecard for District 7A, which covers part of Duluth. It's also Tom Huntley's District, who is one of the reps we can all thank for the smoking ban. Ryan Stauber is running against him, and he could use help. So, remember the PCR contributions, and let's help Ryan to win. Click here to go to the blog and the scorecard.
Have a Great Day!
Sheila
Iowa News on Smoking Ban Trial
Judge won't overturn smoking ban
By Rod Boshart
The Gazetterod.boshart@gazettecommunications.com
DES MOINES - A district judge ruled today that a coalition of bar owners failed to provide a convincing claim that a new law banning smoking in most public places should be stopped from being enforced.Polk County District Judge Douglas Staskal refused to issue a temporary injunction to halt the implementation of Iowa's "smoke-free air act," which has been in place since July 1.Disgruntled bar owners argued the new state law is "bizarre," burdensome and unconstitutional in its application and enforcement.However, the district judge ruled the bar owners failed to show the smoking ban is causing irreparable harm to Iowa businesses, and that the overarching goal of improving health for the general public and employees in establishments where smoking had been permitted outweigh other concerns.The attorney who represented the bar owners nor members of the Iowa Bar Owners' Coalition could not be reached for comment on today's ruling denying the request for a temporary restraining order to block the smoking ban.
http://www.gazetteonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080804/NEWS/134936664/1006/news
From Our Friends in Hawaii
Pro-smoking campaign gains power against Goliath
In recent months it has been reported that Hawaii visitor arrivals have fallen 7 to 10 percent during the last year alone. This translates into hundreds of millions of dollars in lost revenue for the state, affecting every one of us in some way.
On the Net:» thesmokevote.com
» hawaiismokersalliance.com In December 2006, less than one month after the Hawaii's smoking ban went into effect, we predicted that tourism numbers would dramatically drop, especially from the Japan market. Gov. Linda Lingle and her administration, as well as many lawmakers laughed at us. They chose instead to believe the anti-smoking fanatics and their mantra, "the smoking ban will be good for our economy."
In January 2007, just one month later, the slide began, way before today's convenient excuses of airline closures, fuel charges, mortgage meltdowns, exploding gas prices and the plummeting dollar, just to name a few. Sadly, we are now nearing the 24th month of consecutive decline in Japan numbers. Isn't it odd that Japan outbound tourism is up more than 5 percent? They're going somewhere. Hello! The painting rosy of a bad picture by the Hawaii Tourism Authority is laughable. Do we look that stupid? It's like spray painting a pile of poo with pink paint hoping nobody recognizes what it really is.
Lawmakers will pay for ignoring our efforts this last session. All we asked for was a reasonable compromise, allowing for exemptions for bars that request one (with fees for the exemption license going towards a statewide organ donor awareness campaign). Lawmakers pass unjust laws for one reason ... they do not fear a particular voting block. That will soon change.
Our Web sites now feature "The Red List," showing every lawmaker and how each stood on this issue of freedom of choice. A thumbs-up or a thumbs-down emblem is next to every picture. Smoker voters can now have the last say; they will vote with appreciation or with vengeance. The sleeping smoking giant is finally awakening.
At the beginning of our campaign two years ago, we were the laughingstock of the Capitol. Our opposition brushed us off publicly as nothing but a handful of scofflaws. Today, the Hawaii movement has become a story in USA Today, CNN and the BBC, just to name a few. Every day across the nation, bars are joining the national resistance in "defiant-compliance" against smoking bans. Much mahalos to the more than three dozen lawmakers who have supported our cause. And to our Goliath opposition ... never ever under estimate the power of many little Davids ... poke eye.
David Kawika Crowley and Jolyn Tenn are Oahu residents.
Visit www.freedomtoact.com to view the entire articles listed below:
British "fat police" now "going to the dogs".
"When the RSPCA discovered Rusty, a 161-pound Labrador, it took his owners to court. The judge likened poor old Rusty to a walrus, and fined his feeders $2,000." (read entire article at www.freedomtoact.com)
Montgomery, Attorney In Tobacco Lawsuit, Dies
PALM BEACH (CBS4) ― Florida's lead attorney in an $11-billion lawsuit against US tobacco companies died Sunday night at Minnesota's Mayo Clinic. Robert Montgomery Jr. of Palm Beach, who helped win the landmark case, was 78. (read entire article at www.freedomtoact.com)
Anti-tobacco lawyer Scruggs reports to Ky. prison
(read entire article at www.freedomtoact.com)
Health: Official letters to warn parents if their child is obese or overweight
· Initiative forms part of plan to tackle epidemic · Ministers say words 'fat' or 'obese' should be avoided
Parents in England will for the first time be routinely informed if a child is clinically overweight under controversial plans to tackle an epidemic of obesity that were announced yesterday by the Department of Health.
Ministers have ruled that letters to parents should not use the words "fat" or "obese" for fear they might stigmatise overweight children and cause families to ignore the results.
But the government has decided that parents ought to know if a child's weight is well above the healthy norm, carrying a greater risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer in later life, so that they can change the child's diet or lifestyle.
The move was welcomed by public health campaigners, but it attracted criticism from the National Obesity Forum, which said the government's decision to avoid using the word obese was "prissy and namby-pamby". (read entire article at www.freedomtoact.com)
Things didn't go so well for Iowa. Again, the supposedly "health" issue of SHS trumps everything else. Just as the "health" issue of obesity will "trump" all of our rights, espeically parents. Before long, social services will be knocking on your door and saying your a bad parent if your child's weight doesn't fall within THEIR guidelines and who knows what consequences you will face when they come knocking. It needs to stop! This is election year...lets make a difference!
Mark Benjamin is writing up his brief for the appellate court. He has 60 days to submit. I am still working on "theater nights" but unable to publish details at this point.
From Shawn (http://banthebanminnesota.com/default.aspx)
I've posted another district scorecard for District 7A, which covers part of Duluth. It's also Tom Huntley's District, who is one of the reps we can all thank for the smoking ban. Ryan Stauber is running against him, and he could use help. So, remember the PCR contributions, and let's help Ryan to win. Click here to go to the blog and the scorecard.
Have a Great Day!
Sheila
Iowa News on Smoking Ban Trial
Judge won't overturn smoking ban
By Rod Boshart
The Gazetterod.boshart@gazettecommunications.com
DES MOINES - A district judge ruled today that a coalition of bar owners failed to provide a convincing claim that a new law banning smoking in most public places should be stopped from being enforced.Polk County District Judge Douglas Staskal refused to issue a temporary injunction to halt the implementation of Iowa's "smoke-free air act," which has been in place since July 1.Disgruntled bar owners argued the new state law is "bizarre," burdensome and unconstitutional in its application and enforcement.However, the district judge ruled the bar owners failed to show the smoking ban is causing irreparable harm to Iowa businesses, and that the overarching goal of improving health for the general public and employees in establishments where smoking had been permitted outweigh other concerns.The attorney who represented the bar owners nor members of the Iowa Bar Owners' Coalition could not be reached for comment on today's ruling denying the request for a temporary restraining order to block the smoking ban.
http://www.gazetteonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080804/NEWS/134936664/1006/news
From Our Friends in Hawaii
Pro-smoking campaign gains power against Goliath
In recent months it has been reported that Hawaii visitor arrivals have fallen 7 to 10 percent during the last year alone. This translates into hundreds of millions of dollars in lost revenue for the state, affecting every one of us in some way.
On the Net:» thesmokevote.com
» hawaiismokersalliance.com In December 2006, less than one month after the Hawaii's smoking ban went into effect, we predicted that tourism numbers would dramatically drop, especially from the Japan market. Gov. Linda Lingle and her administration, as well as many lawmakers laughed at us. They chose instead to believe the anti-smoking fanatics and their mantra, "the smoking ban will be good for our economy."
In January 2007, just one month later, the slide began, way before today's convenient excuses of airline closures, fuel charges, mortgage meltdowns, exploding gas prices and the plummeting dollar, just to name a few. Sadly, we are now nearing the 24th month of consecutive decline in Japan numbers. Isn't it odd that Japan outbound tourism is up more than 5 percent? They're going somewhere. Hello! The painting rosy of a bad picture by the Hawaii Tourism Authority is laughable. Do we look that stupid? It's like spray painting a pile of poo with pink paint hoping nobody recognizes what it really is.
Lawmakers will pay for ignoring our efforts this last session. All we asked for was a reasonable compromise, allowing for exemptions for bars that request one (with fees for the exemption license going towards a statewide organ donor awareness campaign). Lawmakers pass unjust laws for one reason ... they do not fear a particular voting block. That will soon change.
Our Web sites now feature "The Red List," showing every lawmaker and how each stood on this issue of freedom of choice. A thumbs-up or a thumbs-down emblem is next to every picture. Smoker voters can now have the last say; they will vote with appreciation or with vengeance. The sleeping smoking giant is finally awakening.
At the beginning of our campaign two years ago, we were the laughingstock of the Capitol. Our opposition brushed us off publicly as nothing but a handful of scofflaws. Today, the Hawaii movement has become a story in USA Today, CNN and the BBC, just to name a few. Every day across the nation, bars are joining the national resistance in "defiant-compliance" against smoking bans. Much mahalos to the more than three dozen lawmakers who have supported our cause. And to our Goliath opposition ... never ever under estimate the power of many little Davids ... poke eye.
David Kawika Crowley and Jolyn Tenn are Oahu residents.
Visit www.freedomtoact.com to view the entire articles listed below:
British "fat police" now "going to the dogs".
"When the RSPCA discovered Rusty, a 161-pound Labrador, it took his owners to court. The judge likened poor old Rusty to a walrus, and fined his feeders $2,000." (read entire article at www.freedomtoact.com)
Montgomery, Attorney In Tobacco Lawsuit, Dies
PALM BEACH (CBS4) ― Florida's lead attorney in an $11-billion lawsuit against US tobacco companies died Sunday night at Minnesota's Mayo Clinic. Robert Montgomery Jr. of Palm Beach, who helped win the landmark case, was 78. (read entire article at www.freedomtoact.com)
Anti-tobacco lawyer Scruggs reports to Ky. prison
(read entire article at www.freedomtoact.com)
Health: Official letters to warn parents if their child is obese or overweight
· Initiative forms part of plan to tackle epidemic · Ministers say words 'fat' or 'obese' should be avoided
Parents in England will for the first time be routinely informed if a child is clinically overweight under controversial plans to tackle an epidemic of obesity that were announced yesterday by the Department of Health.
Ministers have ruled that letters to parents should not use the words "fat" or "obese" for fear they might stigmatise overweight children and cause families to ignore the results.
But the government has decided that parents ought to know if a child's weight is well above the healthy norm, carrying a greater risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer in later life, so that they can change the child's diet or lifestyle.
The move was welcomed by public health campaigners, but it attracted criticism from the National Obesity Forum, which said the government's decision to avoid using the word obese was "prissy and namby-pamby". (read entire article at www.freedomtoact.com)
Pro-smoking campaign gains power against GoliathIn recent months it has been reported that Hawaii visitor arrivals have fallen 7 to 10 percent during the last year alone. This translates into hundreds of millions of dollars in lost revenue for the state, affecting every one of us in some way.
On the Net:
» thesmokevote.com
» hawaiismokersalliance.com
In December 2006, less than one month after the Hawaii's smoking ban went into effect, we predicted that tourism numbers would dramatically drop, especially from the Japan market. Gov. Linda Lingle and her administration, as well as many lawmakers laughed at us. They chose instead to believe the anti-smoking fanatics and their mantra, "the smoking ban will be good for our economy."
In January 2007, just one month later, the slide began, way before today's convenient excuses of airline closures, fuel charges, mortgage meltdowns, exploding gas prices and the plummeting dollar, just to name a few. Sadly, we are now nearing the 24th month of consecutive decline in Japan numbers. Isn't it odd that Japan outbound tourism is up more than 5 percent? They're going somewhere. Hello! The painting rosy of a bad picture by the Hawaii Tourism Authority is laughable. Do we look that stupid? It's like spray painting a pile of poo with pink paint hoping nobody recognizes what it really is.
Lawmakers will pay for ignoring our efforts this last session. All we asked for was a reasonable compromise, allowing for exemptions for bars that request one (with fees for the exemption license going towards a statewide organ donor awareness campaign). Lawmakers pass unjust laws for one reason ... they do not fear a particular voting block. That will soon change.
Our Web sites now feature "The Red List," showing every lawmaker and how each stood on this issue of freedom of choice. A thumbs-up or a thumbs-down emblem is next to every picture. Smoker voters can now have the last say; they will vote with appreciation or with vengeance. The sleeping smoking giant is finally awakening.
At the beginning of our campaign two years ago, we were the laughingstock of the Capitol. Our opposition brushed us off publicly as nothing but a handful of scofflaws. Today, the Hawaii movement has become a story in USA Today, CNN and the BBC, just to name a few. Every day across the nation, bars are joining the national resistance in "defiant-compliance" against smoking bans. Much mahalos to the more than three dozen lawmakers who have supported our cause. And to our Goliath opposition ... never ever under estimate the power of many little Davids ... poke eye.
David Kawika Crowley and Jolyn Tenn are Oahu residents.http://starbulletin.com/2008/07/31/editorial/commentary.html
On the Net:
» thesmokevote.com
» hawaiismokersalliance.com
In December 2006, less than one month after the Hawaii's smoking ban went into effect, we predicted that tourism numbers would dramatically drop, especially from the Japan market. Gov. Linda Lingle and her administration, as well as many lawmakers laughed at us. They chose instead to believe the anti-smoking fanatics and their mantra, "the smoking ban will be good for our economy."
In January 2007, just one month later, the slide began, way before today's convenient excuses of airline closures, fuel charges, mortgage meltdowns, exploding gas prices and the plummeting dollar, just to name a few. Sadly, we are now nearing the 24th month of consecutive decline in Japan numbers. Isn't it odd that Japan outbound tourism is up more than 5 percent? They're going somewhere. Hello! The painting rosy of a bad picture by the Hawaii Tourism Authority is laughable. Do we look that stupid? It's like spray painting a pile of poo with pink paint hoping nobody recognizes what it really is.
Lawmakers will pay for ignoring our efforts this last session. All we asked for was a reasonable compromise, allowing for exemptions for bars that request one (with fees for the exemption license going towards a statewide organ donor awareness campaign). Lawmakers pass unjust laws for one reason ... they do not fear a particular voting block. That will soon change.
Our Web sites now feature "The Red List," showing every lawmaker and how each stood on this issue of freedom of choice. A thumbs-up or a thumbs-down emblem is next to every picture. Smoker voters can now have the last say; they will vote with appreciation or with vengeance. The sleeping smoking giant is finally awakening.
At the beginning of our campaign two years ago, we were the laughingstock of the Capitol. Our opposition brushed us off publicly as nothing but a handful of scofflaws. Today, the Hawaii movement has become a story in USA Today, CNN and the BBC, just to name a few. Every day across the nation, bars are joining the national resistance in "defiant-compliance" against smoking bans. Much mahalos to the more than three dozen lawmakers who have supported our cause. And to our Goliath opposition ... never ever under estimate the power of many little Davids ... poke eye.
David Kawika Crowley and Jolyn Tenn are Oahu residents.http://starbulletin.com/2008/07/31/editorial/commentary.html
Sheila: Can We Post 8-5-08
Health: Official letters to warn parents if their child is obese or overweight
· Initiative forms part of plan to tackle epidemic · Ministers say words 'fat' or 'obese' should be avoided
John Carvel, social affairs editor
The Guardian,
Tuesday August 5 2008
Article history
Parents in England will for the first time be routinely informed if a child is clinically overweight under controversial plans to tackle an epidemic of obesity that were announced yesterday by the Department of Health.
Ministers have ruled that letters to parents should not use the words "fat" or "obese" for fear they might stigmatise overweight children and cause families to ignore the results.
But the government has decided that parents ought to know if a child's weight is well above the healthy norm, carrying a greater risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer in later life, so that they can change the child's diet or lifestyle.
The move was welcomed by public health campaigners, but it attracted criticism from the National Obesity Forum, which said the government's decision to avoid using the word obese was "prissy and namby-pamby".
The height and weight of most children in England is already measured by school nurses in the first and last year of primary education, but parents have a right to exempt their children.
The results are converted into a body mass index (BMI) for each child to inform NHS commissioners about the extent of obesity in each area. Parents have been entitled to ask if a child is overweight, but few have done so.
From next month, results for about 1.2 million children a year will be sent automatically to parents, with advice on what to do if the child is overweight. To avoid stigma, school nurses and GPs will not be told the individual scores.
Figures for 2006-07, published earlier this year, showed 22.9% of children aged four to five in primary school reception classes were overweight or obese. Among those aged 10-11, the proportion rose to 31.6%.
The government may start measuring the height and weight of children at the age of two if statistical difficulties in calculating the desirable BMI can be resolved.
Ivan Lewis, the health minister, said: "Research shows that most parents of overweight or obese children think their child is a healthy weight." As the number of overweight children increased, it became harder for parents to identify the problem.
He added: "This important move isn't about pointing the finger and telling parents that their children are overweight. Instead it's about equipping parents with the information they need to help their children live healthier lives."
Legislation that came on to the statute book last month will allow NHS primary care trusts to tell parents if a child's body mass index is above or below the healthy norm. The scheme is likely to be adopted by about 80% of trusts this year and may later become obligatory.
Will Cavendish, the department's director of health and wellbeing, said: "We have to get the balance right between being a nanny state and a neglectful state."
Parents will be told if a child is underweight, a healthy weight, overweight or "very overweight" - a category that coincides with clinical obesity.
Cavendish added: "Use of the word obese shuts people down. They associate it with 10-tonne mums and half-tonne kids ... We have not banned it, but we have chosen not to use it. There's no point giving them a letter that does not have any impact on their behaviour."
But Tam Fry, a board member of the National Obesity Forum, said: "I find this particular line from the government [to be] tiptoeing through the daffodils."
Experts in the US had also suggested banning the word obese, but had changed their minds.
"The Americans have gone back to using the term because it's the kind of shock word that makes parents sit up and take notice. It's a nasty word, but by God it should sound alarm bells in parents' minds.
"I find this whole approach from the Department of Health a bit prissy and namby-pamby."
Andrew Lansley, the shadow health secretary, said: "School nurses can make a real difference in helping children develop healthy habits, [but the government has] failed to address the chronic shortage of school nurses."
The Liberal Democrat health spokeswoman, Sandra Gidley, said: "If ministers are serious about their plans to tackle child obesity, then they should use this opportunity to really highlight the health risks it causes.
"Unless these letters are accompanied by practical help, then they will be a waste of time and resources."
Height and weight
From September, primary school staff will measure the height and weight of children in the reception class (aged four to five) and in year 6 (aged 10-11). The NHS primary care trust will work out each child's body mass index (the weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared). The PCT will send a letter to parents saying whether the child is underweight, a healthy weight, overweight or very overweight. The "very overweight" category will correspond with the clinical definition of obese. The letter will be accompanied by leaflets on healthy eating, physical activity and the risks of being overweight. It will be left to parents to decide what to do. School nurses and GPs will not be told any individual results.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2008/aug/05/health.health
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2008/aug/05/health.health
· Initiative forms part of plan to tackle epidemic · Ministers say words 'fat' or 'obese' should be avoided
John Carvel, social affairs editor
The Guardian,
Tuesday August 5 2008
Article history
Parents in England will for the first time be routinely informed if a child is clinically overweight under controversial plans to tackle an epidemic of obesity that were announced yesterday by the Department of Health.
Ministers have ruled that letters to parents should not use the words "fat" or "obese" for fear they might stigmatise overweight children and cause families to ignore the results.
But the government has decided that parents ought to know if a child's weight is well above the healthy norm, carrying a greater risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer in later life, so that they can change the child's diet or lifestyle.
The move was welcomed by public health campaigners, but it attracted criticism from the National Obesity Forum, which said the government's decision to avoid using the word obese was "prissy and namby-pamby".
The height and weight of most children in England is already measured by school nurses in the first and last year of primary education, but parents have a right to exempt their children.
The results are converted into a body mass index (BMI) for each child to inform NHS commissioners about the extent of obesity in each area. Parents have been entitled to ask if a child is overweight, but few have done so.
From next month, results for about 1.2 million children a year will be sent automatically to parents, with advice on what to do if the child is overweight. To avoid stigma, school nurses and GPs will not be told the individual scores.
Figures for 2006-07, published earlier this year, showed 22.9% of children aged four to five in primary school reception classes were overweight or obese. Among those aged 10-11, the proportion rose to 31.6%.
The government may start measuring the height and weight of children at the age of two if statistical difficulties in calculating the desirable BMI can be resolved.
Ivan Lewis, the health minister, said: "Research shows that most parents of overweight or obese children think their child is a healthy weight." As the number of overweight children increased, it became harder for parents to identify the problem.
He added: "This important move isn't about pointing the finger and telling parents that their children are overweight. Instead it's about equipping parents with the information they need to help their children live healthier lives."
Legislation that came on to the statute book last month will allow NHS primary care trusts to tell parents if a child's body mass index is above or below the healthy norm. The scheme is likely to be adopted by about 80% of trusts this year and may later become obligatory.
Will Cavendish, the department's director of health and wellbeing, said: "We have to get the balance right between being a nanny state and a neglectful state."
Parents will be told if a child is underweight, a healthy weight, overweight or "very overweight" - a category that coincides with clinical obesity.
Cavendish added: "Use of the word obese shuts people down. They associate it with 10-tonne mums and half-tonne kids ... We have not banned it, but we have chosen not to use it. There's no point giving them a letter that does not have any impact on their behaviour."
But Tam Fry, a board member of the National Obesity Forum, said: "I find this particular line from the government [to be] tiptoeing through the daffodils."
Experts in the US had also suggested banning the word obese, but had changed their minds.
"The Americans have gone back to using the term because it's the kind of shock word that makes parents sit up and take notice. It's a nasty word, but by God it should sound alarm bells in parents' minds.
"I find this whole approach from the Department of Health a bit prissy and namby-pamby."
Andrew Lansley, the shadow health secretary, said: "School nurses can make a real difference in helping children develop healthy habits, [but the government has] failed to address the chronic shortage of school nurses."
The Liberal Democrat health spokeswoman, Sandra Gidley, said: "If ministers are serious about their plans to tackle child obesity, then they should use this opportunity to really highlight the health risks it causes.
"Unless these letters are accompanied by practical help, then they will be a waste of time and resources."
Height and weight
From September, primary school staff will measure the height and weight of children in the reception class (aged four to five) and in year 6 (aged 10-11). The NHS primary care trust will work out each child's body mass index (the weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared). The PCT will send a letter to parents saying whether the child is underweight, a healthy weight, overweight or very overweight. The "very overweight" category will correspond with the clinical definition of obese. The letter will be accompanied by leaflets on healthy eating, physical activity and the risks of being overweight. It will be left to parents to decide what to do. School nurses and GPs will not be told any individual results.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2008/aug/05/health.health
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2008/aug/05/health.health
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Side effects of Chantix anti-smoking pharm
Anti-Strib: Public Service Announcement
Public Service Announcement
There seems to be some movement for people to stop smoking??? I have no F'in clue why anyone would want to reduce their nicotine intake (It prevents Alzheimer's!) but as a service for those that fall in with this new trend, here is some great advice.DON'T TAKE CHANTIX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!“You know, I saw something about Chantix,” my boss said, sounding vaguely concerned.
He tracked down the story on a CBS Website. It was a sensational report on Carter Albrecht, a Dallas musician formerly with Edie Brickell & New Bohemians. Albrecht had started taking Chantix with his fiancée, with seemingly dramatic side effects. She claimed he had had bizarre hallucinations that worsened when he drank. One evening, he attacked her, something he’d never done before. He then ran to his neighbor’s house and kicked at the door, screaming incomprehensibly. The neighbor was so panicked he wound up shooting Albrecht through the door, killing him.
The comments are even better:Wow, what an article. I have not read an article that is so close to how I felt six months ago when I took Chantix. I am also glad I stopped taking it fairly quickly.... after I had my first seizure. I'm just happy that the further I get from having taken Chantix, the more normal I have begun. I am ready to plunge back into the workforce and be a truck driver once again.
Oh yeah, I can't drive, anything, I can't work, anywhere.This ____ is SO much _____ worse than smoking that I have no idea why anyone would even think about taking it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carter_Albrecht
Comments at Anti-Strib.com http://www.haloscan.com/comments/tracyeberly/5336608202681501495/
FastCounter by bCentral
Public Service Announcement
There seems to be some movement for people to stop smoking??? I have no F'in clue why anyone would want to reduce their nicotine intake (It prevents Alzheimer's!) but as a service for those that fall in with this new trend, here is some great advice.DON'T TAKE CHANTIX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!“You know, I saw something about Chantix,” my boss said, sounding vaguely concerned.
He tracked down the story on a CBS Website. It was a sensational report on Carter Albrecht, a Dallas musician formerly with Edie Brickell & New Bohemians. Albrecht had started taking Chantix with his fiancée, with seemingly dramatic side effects. She claimed he had had bizarre hallucinations that worsened when he drank. One evening, he attacked her, something he’d never done before. He then ran to his neighbor’s house and kicked at the door, screaming incomprehensibly. The neighbor was so panicked he wound up shooting Albrecht through the door, killing him.
The comments are even better:Wow, what an article. I have not read an article that is so close to how I felt six months ago when I took Chantix. I am also glad I stopped taking it fairly quickly.... after I had my first seizure. I'm just happy that the further I get from having taken Chantix, the more normal I have begun. I am ready to plunge back into the workforce and be a truck driver once again.
Oh yeah, I can't drive, anything, I can't work, anywhere.This ____ is SO much _____ worse than smoking that I have no idea why anyone would even think about taking it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carter_Albrecht
Comments at Anti-Strib.com http://www.haloscan.com/comments/tracyeberly/5336608202681501495/
FastCounter by bCentral
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)