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Friday, February 08, 2008

Bye-Bye Mittens



Watching Mitt Romney's fatuous "farewell speech" last night, I thought of that wonderful line -- something like, Nothing in this world became him so much as his leaving it. Romney, an empty suit stuffed with money and overweening ego, declared that he would have to save the republic by stepping aside, otherwise Hillary or Obama might win and there'd go America since Hillary and Obama are surrender monkeys who want the terrorists to win.



Gosh, I had no idea that the only thing standing between me and the complete destruction of the republic was this ninny.



Instead, we now will likely have a Republican candidate who hugged and stood smiling on a platform, arm around the guy who was responsible for sliming and trashing his wife and son. All grins and hail fellow well met. THAT's how much McCain lusts after the presidency. Sell his grandmother for a shot at it.



Meanwhile, Huckabee, who believes the world was created some 5,000 years ago, is still chugging along, scraping for the Christian Vote. Still echoing in the muddled silence is this: What the hell kind of platform can Republicans possibly present to the American people after George Bush has finished demonstrating exactly how the End Game of Reaganism actually works? Ideally, McCain should run on a platform of simply dismantling what's left of this crony-filled, corporate kleptrocratic mess and go out on the stump to tell Americans, "See? Reaganism is Great! The Economy is wonderful! The War in Iraq is surging along beautifully! Wall Street Rules, Privitization Works! We're cutting taxes even further on those earning over $750,000 a year, We'll slash Medicare to nothing! Get a constitutional ban against Gay Marriage. It's a free market so, Congratulations, you're on you own! Let's Bomb Iran!"



Of course, most of the polls show Americans are asking for help from, of all things, their Government. Apparently they found out that Reagan's comment that the most frightening thing in the world is someone who says, I'm from the government and I'm here to help you, is crap. When Katrina hit, people were actually waiting for the government to help them and, Surprise, Heck of a Job Brownie didn't bother to show up. Privitized Health Care System crumbling into an expensive mess, Surprise, even the AMA is taking out full page ads begging the voters to think about the upcoming elections to ensure that the government will step in to craft a national healthcare program to help stop the uninsured bleed-out of this cracking system. And so on.



So, this election year it's going to be really interesting. Have Americans finally seen what, in the real world, the End Game of Reaganonics really looks like, up close and personal? Are they ready for a change? Try something that works to bring back the Value of the Commons so they can be more fully engaged in and benefit from that Commons?



Barack Obama's line -- We are the change we've been waiting for -- is one of the most fascinating lines I've heard in any of the campaigns. Yes, indeed, America. WE the people are -- and always have been -- the change agents, but that only happens when WE get real, get wised up and then get off our duffs and act.

25 comments:

Ron said...

Ann wrote:

"... we now will likely have a Republican candidate who hugged and stood smiling on a platform, arm around the guy who was responsible for sliming and trashing his wife and son."

Can't forget about what Rove and Bush did to McCain's daughter in 2000.

Absolutely disgusting.

THAT was the beginning of the end.

McCain -- this year's Dole.

Mark said...

Sorry folks for breaking in on this line of thinking but I wanted to be certain this was promulgated widely. I just posted it over at Ron's Ranch.

I never tire from reading and promulgating this, as it is illuminating "law": because it is sometimes difficult to read the full text of a law in the U.S.C., and because the section numbers you might be familiar with do not correlate with U.S.C. section numbers

This just in...The words "and because the section numbers you might be familiar with do not correlate with U.S.C. section numbers" have been removed from the USEPA web page ""Laws the we Administer"....Hmmm.

Fortunately I now copy all the web pages I visit.
I am glad that someone from the government may actually be reading the LOSTDEP Blogs.

Mike Green said...

And now we will have a republican candidate that will finally marginalize the "moral minority"
It just seems to be getting better and better.
Of course McCain IS a politician supreme, don't expect anything but the big suck-up from here on.
Hillary just rankles my patriot sensibilities, I don't like "Royal families" in control of our government.
And don't start with that "experience" mantra.
Where has "experience" got us so far?

Go Obama!

Mike Green said...

A kind of unique Los Osos experience.

A foreboding that no matter which way the vote goes.

Yin Yang.

Mike Green said...

OBTW has anyone else tried the mexican market?
Killer meat section (sorry vegans)
The help is super friendly, great cooking tips too.

Churadogs said...

Mike sez:"OBTW has anyone else tried the mexican market?
Killer meat section (sorry vegans)
The help is super friendly, great cooking tips too."

Which market? Where?

Mark said...

WE the people are -- and always have been -- the change agents, but that only happens when WE get real, get wised up and then get off our duffs and act.

All politics are local...

The following email chain by one "citizen" who got up their "duff".
Are there any more out there?


Hello REDACTED,

I blind copied a couple of supervisors(not Gibson) on my first reply to you on this.

There is no accounting or accountability in the County's process.
It is flawed in many ways and one or another will most likely will be challenged in court at some point.

AB 2701 does shield the county from the LOCSD obligations.
It does not protect them from their own actions, no matter how closely they wish to follow AB2701 as federal law regarding treatment selection is now made clear.

It takes an aircraft carrier several miles to coast to a full stop after steaming full speed ahead.
The inertia and arrogance is clearly on display in the statements made by Supervisor Gibson.

There is no way $25,000.00 covers the full cost of a project. It would have been difficult to put a real project and cost up for a vote.
Onsite costs should be a part of any project but were not included, because a 218 won't cover those by law.

I have attached another copy of the Fraudulent use of 218, AB2701 and a couple of other pieces of the puzzle for your study.
The desire to use a fine screening report that did not include BADCT alternative and pretreatment is not sustainable.

The County's "money man" is on record as stating to continue or use funds for Los Osos would be "risky"...
That is what, by law, he is obligated to do.

It was interesting to see Supervisor Gibson responding, although not effectively, to the issues I raised in our "Potential disease spread w/o warning" attached ,exchange yesterday. I guess he must be thinking about it as is his "fiduciary duty".

I appreciate your "super citizenship"! You are ultra compliant in the fulfillment of your duty!!
Redacted-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Best to you and yours,

Mark
Questioning, common sense, communicator.

----- Original Message -----
From: Mark Low
To: REDACTED
Sent: Friday, February 08, 2008 2:42 PM
Subject: Re: Your Words?


Ask what happens if no project is ever built by the county..
Who repays the money if no sewer is built as the result of a lawsuit or failed EIR?
----- Original Message -----
From: Redacted
To: Mark Low
Sent: Friday, February 08, 2008 1:47 PM
Subject: Fwd: Your Words?


This is the response from an e-mail I sent out a few weeks ago, So from what he has written, do you think it is fair to assume, that if you can pay the $25,000 lump sum, that is the minimum price of our waste water system, which has yet to be chosen? It seems like quite an assuption to throw that number out there if you were truely, objectively, looking at all reasonable options. Does that make sense? Note his comment on litigation. We would be paying for it on both ends, if anyone files suit against the project, as they are shielded from liability due to the Blakesly deal, AB2701 right? Redacted


---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: bgibson@co.slo.ca.us
Date: Feb 8, 2008 12:07 PM
Subject: Re: Your Words?
To: Redacted



Redacted--

The short answer is that there will be monthly charges for the sewer beyond payments due for the Prop 218 assessment. The $25,000 of the assessment can be paid in a lump sum if desired.

More detailed answers to your questions are covered by documents on our project website (http://www.slocounty.ca.gov/PW/LOWWP.htm). The project costs fall into four basic categories (property assessments for special benefits, capital costs for general benefits, on-lot costs to the home owner, and ongoing operations and maintenance costs). These costs are detailed on page 7 of a brochure, which was sent to the community last summer. If you'd like another copy mailed to you, please let me know.

Regarding Los Osos' legal woes, the existing liabilities of the LOCSD are their responsibility. Any future legal challenges associated with the County's development of the project will be included in the project cost, unless a court decides otherwise. Whether these costs are covered by assessments or monthly sewer rates and charges will depend on if they are part of the costs for the project assessment for special benefits.

I hope this helps.

Bruce Gibson

Unknown said...

"Regarding Los Osos' legal woes, the existing liabilities of the LOCSD are their responsibility"

So just what is going on over at the LOCSD? A Sunday "Closed" Session?

Ron said...

Damnit... who cares about Sunday closed sessions, or who pays what?

Let's stay focused on the important stuff:

Where's the good Mexican market, and do they make food to go?!!

Mike Green said...

The mexican market is behind Starbucks in the same building as the new mexican restaurant.
I think because of the restaurant they are limited on food to go,
But check it out! Blood sausages, pulpo (octopus)
white shrimp with the heads on from San Felipe,
Chiken feet! the place is awesome!
and very low priced.

Mark said...

Look ahead:

Ask what happens if no project is ever built by the county..
Who repays the money if no sewer is built as the result of a lawsuit or failed EIR?

Unknown said...

Guess the problems of the LOCSD aren't nearly as important as finding a Mexican Market, but then anyone wondering WHY the Special Closed Session Meeting of the Board of Directors tomorrow at 5:00p.m. ?

Interesting agenda? This is so much more "transparent" than the meetings of the pre-recall Directors. And does anyone remember the pre-recall Directors ever having a Special Meeting on a Sunday? Do the Directors need some extra pay this month? Has someone gone to jail? Is some money missing? Oh it's such a joy to be represented by such an honest and transparent group of Directors!

Only 2 items on the Agenda so we might get out by 2 or 3 in the morning!


A. POTENTIAL LITIGATION (Government Code §54956(b)
Conference with District Counsel with regard to one matter of significant exposure to litigation

B. PERSONNEL
The Board will meet in closed session under the provisions of Government Code Section 54957 with regard to matters of public employment: SLOCEA Negotiations

Mark said...

Mexican Markets will come and go.
There is only one LOSTDEP.

The cost of which LOSTDEP Solution is chosen will make the choice of which market to shop, inconsequential.

Watch out for that cow meat, it is really red with yellow fat..., make certain you see white fat and some marbling...

Unknown said...

How much are you paying Ann to publish your advertisment?

You don't seem to have a clue how you are coming across. You may have the greatest poo-clamator in the new world, but you are pushing way way too hard. Makes one think there is something not quite as up and up as you would have us believe.

Mark said...

----- Original Message -----
From: Mark Low
To: lisaschicker@sbcglobal.net ; jtacker@losososcsd.org ; Joe Sparks ; stevensenet@yahoo.com ; Chuck Cesena
Cc: Roger Briggs ; John B. Schempf ; Hkolb@waterboards.ca.gov ; Harvey Packard ; jharper@losososcsd.org ; tom@nowastewater.com ; Mthompson@waterboards.ca.gov
Sent: Saturday, February 09, 2008 6:41 PM
Subject: LOCSD Compliance with State Cease and Desist Orders



LOCSD Chairman Cesena, Board Members All:

Ladies and Gentleman,

Attached for your immediate attention is an advance email copy "front only" of the Advanced Environmental Systems Discharge Elimination Service (AES DES) Subscription Agreements, which when executed will provide technology and service that will bring the LOCSD into compliance with the November 19, 1999 CCRWQCB issued Cease and Desist Orders, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1948 i.e. U.S. CODE Title 33 Chapter 26 and relevant California Water Laws for the community collection systems of Vista De Oro and Bayview Ridge Estates.

A copy will be hand delivered by AES DES Counsel with supporting information and a copy will be sent U.S. Mail Certified Return Receipt Requested, early next week.

Respectfully submitted,
Mark Low
AES DES
www.NOwastewater.com
480.363.1154







--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Tom Murphy [mailto:tom@aes-usa.com]
Sent: Saturday, February 09, 2008 4:23 PM
To: 'Mark Low'
Subject: LOCSD Compliance with State Cease and Desist Orders



Mark, here are the two Subscription Agreements (front only) for the LOCSD

Mark said...

Makes one think there is something not quite as up and up as you would have us believe.

Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.
John Adams

Churadogs said...

Mark sez:"The following email chain by one "citizen" who got up their "duff".
Are there any more out there?"

Mark, when is your website going to be up and running so you can post this stuff there instead of here? I've asked nicely and this is the second AND LAST request. If you keep dragging long, involved Mark Low-ish /reclamator stuff and dumping it here, I'm gonna start dumping it off the comment site.

This comment site isn't the Mark Low Website, you know. Comments, fine, but you need to post all this involved stuff on your own website, then certainly feel free pop in here to let any readers know and they can click on over. Ron Crawford does that, Steve Paige, Ed Ochs, etc. All these sites can be linked. If you have any press releases, or long info or Adobe files of your legal case, or long involved emails, park them on your own website, and feel free to let us know here and we can go visit and read all about it.

Sewertoons AKA Lynette Tornatzky said...

Thank you Ann!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mark said...

Dear Ann,

Now I have over stayed my welcome.
I had better get my own place, soon.

Starting now!

*PG-13 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Watershed Mark said...

NOwastewater.blogspot.com
Questioning, Common Sense, Communication

Toons, 13, MIKE!, I will look for the directions to your blog(s) soon...
(If I can do it you can too)

Watershed Mark said...

13?

Churadogs said...

Mark sez:"Now I have over stayed my welcome.
I had better get my own place, soon.

Starting now!"

Good. They're easy and cheap to set up, let us know where, then when you post stuff, you can let us know and anyone interested can click over and read. Steve Page has done a great job with his. Also, I believe Ron Crawford designs websites. You could hire him to set yours up really swell.

Watershed Mark said...

Mark Low is now Watershed Mark.
See above hot link for blogspot.

Anonymous said...

Ron blames Rove and Bush for a slime campaign by racist loose cannons in South Carolina, and documents his allegations on newspaper stories with no link to Bush and Rove's involvement. Sort of a little of the same.

Racism abounds throughout the world. It is a fact of life. It is wrong. However, it will be a major factor in this election if Obama wins. Blacks will vote for him out of black pride. Whites will say they voted for him so they will not be branded racist, regardless of how they voted.

I hope Obama beats Hillary. Go Obama! Good to see the spector of racism removed from the democratic party political arena, and a black man the nominee of the democratic party. And this guy has charisma like a royal straight flush. ( I was going to say "in spades", but felt that "spades" was not politically correct. )

And it will take until August for this to occur.

However, McCain will sew up the Republican nomination early, if he has not already done so and be free to bang away at socialist ideas. So we will have Hillary banging away at Obama, Obama banging away at Hillary, and McCain banging away at both of their ideas about change (should either ever define such) in the forum of public opinion.

I see no difference between Obama and Clinton as far as their ideas. They both want change, but have been unable to define their change. Lots of hope, little substance. Both are socialists, with very little respect for individual rights. The greater good is far more important than individual good.

However, individuals pay the bills for socialistic agendas. We are overtaxed already. Want to pay more? What is in your pocket book?
( That depends upon what the definition of "is" )
I just want bang for the buck from government and honesty. Never seem to get it.

And when it comes down to the final election, as always, we will vote for a lesser of two evils, or NOT vote. Just swell, we always end up with swells.