When does yes mean no and no mean yes?

E-Mail from Lars Larson--

When does yes mean no and no mean yes? The Oregon legislature.

Where democrats plan to pass taxes they know full well won’t pass muster with voters. So they’re pulling a last minute sneaky snakey move. Gut and stuff. That’s where you take one bill…gut everything and stuff in something brand new. Hurry it out of committee. It’s house bill 2414. When voters refer this billion dollar tax hike to the ballot it must now include “overturns legislation” in the ballot title. And the voters won’t be overturning any legislation… because legislation has no legal standing in Oregon if it has been referred to the ballot...and the voters have their say That ought to confuse some. And the law says it must include the phrase “a yes vote rejects legislation that”…and a second statement must include “a no vote approves legislation that”. .Bernie Madoff should have had these scam artists on his staff. Vote yes if you mean no on taxes and vote no if you mean yes.

A gut-and-stuff amendment to House Bill 2414 would overturn Oregon history and practice and sew confusion for Oregon voting on referrals.

The amendment to House Bill 2414 would require that any state measure referred to the people by referendum include the phrase “Overturns Legislation” in the caption. It requires two “understandable” statements of not more than 25 words in the ballot title. One statement would describe the result if the state measure is rejected. It must be worded so that an affirmative vote corresponds to a rejection of the state measure and must begin with the phrase, “A ‘yes’ vote rejects legislation that.” The second statement would describe the result if the state measure is approved and must begin with the phrase, “A ‘no’ vote approves legislation that.”

If you’re not confused by this you’re not paying attention, because the amendment is meant to create a fog of confusion in Oregon’s referendum process.

Currently, a “yes” means “yes” to the issue that the people are deciding in their legislative capacity – the imposition of a tax or an environmental regulation or deregulation – and a “no” means “no” on the issue. “Yes” means acceptance of the legislative proposal; no means rejection of the legislative proposal.

The mischievous amendment to House Bill 2414 overturns both Oregon history and elemental logic in one fell swoop. The guiding principle of Oregon’s referral system has always been that a piece of legislation has no standing if it is immediately referred to voters. Only the voters give it standing and lock a referred measure into Oregon law. That’s why a referendum does not go into effect until voters have had their say at the ballot box. It cannot be overturned because, unlike a legislation that is not referred, it has never been established in law.

The proposed amendment to House Bill 2414 would change this.

“Yes” will mean “no” and “no” will mean “yes”— an affirmative vote will mean rejection and a negative vote will mean approval -- under the proposed amendment, and confusion will reign.

This confusion may work to one side’s advantage on a particular issue, but just as easily work to its disadvantage on the next issue. What’s good referral politics in one political season can be bad politics in another. The current legislature may want to increase taxes; the next legislature may want to strip protection for the Metolius River.

The proposed amendment to House Bill 2414 uses the words “simple and understandable” but the amendment would establish a complicated and obscure ballot on voter referenda and referrals. What this legislature should focus on is consistency and clarity.


Citing a 2001 Oregon Supreme Court opinion, the Attorney General’s Office wrote that a ballot title “complies substantially” with Oregon law “if it identifies the subject matter of a proposed measure in terms that will not confuse or mislead voters.” The Attorney General’s Office made this statement in the context of approving a 2003 referendum petition in which a “yes” vote enacts a legislatively-passed income-tax surcharge and a “no” vote retains existing income-tax rates.

Michael Jackson dead at 50

Fox news --

Michael Jackson died Thursday afternoon at a Los Angeles hospital.

There are reports that Michael Jackson had gone into cardiac arrest although official cause of death wasn't immediately known.

it always comes in threes -- rest in peace

Ed McMahon and Farrah Fawcett

The New York Times --

Farrah Fawcett
died on Thursday in Santa Monica, California
She was 62 and had been battling cancer since late 2006.


The New York Times
Ed McMahon
Ed McMahon, who steadfastly introduced Johnny Carson through the host’s nearly 30 year run on “The Tonight Show,” died Tuesday morning, NBC said. Mr. McMahon was 86

President Obama getting ready to take first step in immigration reform

The New York Times

President Obama is expected to meet with congressional leaders of both parties on Thursday regarding comprehensive immigration reform.

Both Republicans and Democrats agree that the current immigration system is broken and remain divided over how to fix it.

Democrats, who are concerned that the unemployment rate is expected to stay high, are wavering on the idea of immigration reform. In addition, polls show that Hispanic voters, not surprisingly care deeply about changing the system because many of them are related to or least know someone who is entered the country illegally. However, some see it as a lower priority than the economy and health care.

“His [President Obama] position is very clear: he thinks we need comprehensive immigration reform,” David Axelrod, a senior adviser to the president, said in an interview. “But that’s not something that’s going to happen simply on his volition.”

Senator majority leader, Harry Reid, Democrat of Nevada believes that there is enough votes to pass a comprehensive bill this year.
Senator Charles E. Schumer, who has succeeded Senator Edward Kennedy as chairman of the Senate Judiciary subcommittee on immigration added, "unless we can convince Americans were going to be really tough, this is not going to work."

“By definition,” Representative Jason Altmire said, “illegal immigrants are people who broke the law to get here. So any effort to reward them with legal status and work permits would not be supported by the people who elected me.”

House Bill 2377-Prohibits person of any age from operating motor vehicle while using mobile communication device except under certain circumstances.

The Oregonian--

WHAT THE MEASURE DOES: Requires use of a hands-free device to lawfully use a mobile communications device while operating a motor vehicle. Expands list of exceptions to include public safety personnel, persons using the device in the scope of employment, and person using devices that allow for voice communication only one-way at a time. Designates as primary offense and as Class D traffic violation, punishable maximum fine of $90.

Exceptions are provided for several cases, including use by public safety officers or persons operating a vehicle in the scope of employment and select uses of devices that allow only for oneway voice communication (such as citizen-band radios or certain push-to-talk phones). Violations will continue to be punishable by a maximum fine of $90.

House vote April 28, 2009

YES 38

Member	Party	City	Dist.
J. Bailey	D	Portland	42
J. Barker	D	Aloha	28
P. Barnhart	D	Eugene	11
T. Beyer	D	Springfield	12
D. Boone	D	Cannon Beach	32
P. Buckley	D	Ashland	5
B. Cannon	D	Portland	46
B. Clem	D	Salem	21
J. Cowan	D	Newport	10
M. Dembrow	D	Portland	45
C. Edwards	D	Eugene	14
S. Esquivel	R	Medford	6
L. Galizio	D	Tigard	35
B. Garrard	R	Klamath Falls	56
C. Garrett	D	Lake Oswego	38
S. Gelser	D	Corvallis	16
V. Gilliam	R	Silverton	18
M. Greenlick	D	Portland	33
C. Harker	D	Beaverton	34
P. Holvey	D	Eugene	8
D. Hunt	D	Gladstone	40
B. Jenson	R	Pendleton	58
N. Kahl	D	Portland	49
B. Komp	D	Woodburn	22
T. Kotek	D	Portland	44
G. Matthews	D	Gresham	50
N. Nathanson	D	Eugene	13
M. Nolan	D	Portland	36
T. Read	D	Beaverton	27
C. Riley	D	Hillsboro	29
A. Roblan	D	Coos Bay	9
M. Schaufler	D	Happy Valley	48
C. Shields	D	Portland	43
J. Smith	D	Portland	47
J. Stiegler	D	Bend	54
C. Tomei	D	Milwaukie	41
S. VanOrman	D	Hood River	52
B. Witt	D	Clatskanie	31

NO 22

Member	Party	City	Dist.
B. Barton	D	Clackamas	51
C. Bentz	R	Ontario	60
V. Berger	R	Salem	20
S. Bruun	R	West Linn	37
K. Cameron	R	Salem	19
D. Edwards	D	Hillsboro	30
T. Freeman	R	Roseburg	2
G. Gilman	R	Medford	55
B. Hanna	R	Roseburg	7
J. Huffman	R	The Dalles	59
B. Kennemer	R	Oregon City	39
W. Krieger	R	Gold Beach	1
R. Maurer	R	Grants Pass	3
A. Olson	R	Albany	15
D. Richardson	R	Central Point	4
G. Smith	R	Heppner	57
S. Sprenger	R	Scio	17
K. Thatcher	R	Keizer	25
J. Thompson	R	Dallas	23
J. Weidner	R	Yamhill	24
G. Whisnant	R	Sunriver	53
M. Wingard	R	Wilsonville	26

NOT VOTING 0

Member	Party	City

“This is a stupid bill. This is more nanny state. Let’s leave the people of Oregon alone, for God’s sake,” said Sen. Jeff Kruse, R-Roseburg.

Keep an eye on those people that voted YES, and see if they make a phone call while driving. bet you they will.

Lars has some thoughts to share

E-mail from Lars Larson:

I just want to encourage all of you to think about how Oregon and Washington should change to encourage an environment that does not tolerate this kind of despicable behavior.



what’s next for Sam…the disgraced Mayor of Portland?

Recall we can only hope. But given history in the Northwest don’t bet on it unless public anger fires up again.

Let’s review…long before Adams began grooming his teenage sex partner…There was boy wonder Neil Goldschmidt…who raped a teenage girl while he was Mayor and on his way to a Presidential cabinet post and the Governor’s office.

Senator Bob Packwood lied about whose girdle he grabbed ‘till all the ballots were counted. Add to this environment, the lesser known names in Oregon and Washington who teach….and in far too many cases take sexual liberties with your kids…teachers shuffled down the road to a new job when they get caught.

Face it…we openly tolerate illegal aliens, illegal drug use, and illegal voting. This community stood up to support the now convicted terrorist Mike Hawash when he went Jihad. We’ve legalized suicide and dope smoking. There’s far too little real outrage about the crimes of Mary Kay, Tonya and Trey. You reap what you sow.

The Question this morning…how bad does it have to get before the community demands it stop?

Even the president gets it regarding immigration

The White House --
President Obama, speaking at the Esperanza National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast June 19, 2009, speaks about his views on illegal immigration.

Here are a few highlights from that speech.

"Like some of you, I am the son of a parent who came to these shores in search of a better future. And while I may be the first African American President, there is nothing unique or unusual about the opportunities that this country gave to me...And I am confident that it's a story that will someday be told by the first Hispanic President of the United States of America. (Applause.)".

while as the audience applauded, President Obama continues...

"We also know that keeping this promise means upholding America's tradition as a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants. Those things aren't contradictory; they're complementary. That's why I'm committed to passing comprehensive immigration reform as President of the United States." (Applause.)

the audience again signifies their approval by applause...

"The American people -- the American people believe in immigration, but they also believe that we can't tolerate a situation where people come to the United States in violation of the law, nor can we tolerate employers who exploit undocumented workers in order to drive down wages."

there is excitement in the air...

"That's why we're taking steps to strengthen border security, and we must build on those efforts. We must also clarify the status of millions who are here illegally, many who have put down roots. For those who wish to become citizens, we should require them to pay a penalty and pay taxes, learn English, go to the back of the line behind those who played by the rules. That is the fair, practical, and promising way forward, and that's what I'm committed to passing as President of the United States. (Applause.)"

I think I heard a pin drop.
notice, in the transcripts and says "applause" however, watching the video, the room seemed fairly quiet as the president continued.

A US senator from Oklahoma claims that the way Oregon is spending its portion of the stimulus package is not in line with the intent of the program

The Oregonian --

Senator Tom Coburn -- Republican from Oklahoma, is making the accusation that four out of five Oregon projects, and a project from Washington State University in Vancouver qualify as a questionable project.

Coburn claims that there is misappropriation of taxpayer money. For example,

Scappoose -- receiving $4.2 million to raise railroad tracks 18 inches to create a new traffic crossing.

Tri-Met -- 550 bike lockers and stalls cost of $1 million.

Tualatin -- $1.6 million to the end train horn noise inTualatin.

Eugene -- $2.25 million for a 1000 foot bike bridge and pedestrian path

Washington state -- $150,000 project at Washington State University in Vancouver, which will study the brain's reaction to cannabinoids , synthetic drugs that act like marijuana.

Just to name a few. Obama staff has dismissed nearly one third of Coburn's claims as being either faults or misleading. However, local officials are saying not to worry.

The question is do the projects listed above fall in line with the intent of the stimulus package?

"So my main message to all of you is I think you're up to the task; I think you guys will do extraordinary work with using these precious tax dollars that the American people have given up in order to deliver on the kind of economic growth -- short-term and long-term -- and job creation that's going to be so important.

But we're going to need to work really hard and we're going to have to make sure that every single dollar is well spent. We've got to go above and beyond what I think is the typical ways of doing business in order to make sure that the American people get the help that they need and that our economy gets the boost that it needs.

And so I've said before -- I know Joe [Biden] emphasized this to you earlier -- if we see money being misspent, we're going to put a stop to it, and we will call it out and we will publicize it. On the other hand, if the money is being spent as it needs to be spent -- to rebuild our roads and our bridges and our schools, and making sure that we are putting in place the kinds of infrastructure foundations that are necessary for economic growth over the long term -- then I think all of us will benefit and our voters and our constituents, the people we work for, are going to be extraordinarily grateful." Obama press release -- March 12, 2009

so does that fall in line with the intent of the stimulus package?

" So let me be clear, though: This is not a blank check. I know you've heard this repeatedly over the last few days, but I want to reiterate it: These funds are intended to go directly towards helping struggling Americans keep their health coverage, we want to make sure that's what's happening and we're going to work with you closely to make sure that this money is spent the way it's supposed to.

We will get the rest of this plan moving to put Americans to work doing the work America needs done, making an immediate impact while laying the foundation for our lasting growth and prosperity." Obama press release -- February 23, 2009

The "intent" was to maintain or have health insurance and to help put people back to work, not to fund state and local governments pet projects.

"It's all about priorities, says Don Tatro, a spokesman for Coburn. "Is a bike locker more important than a broken-down bridge? "

Spokeswoman Mary Fetsch defends the tri-Met project. "I don't know how much cycling happens in Oklahoma, but there is a phenomenal number here."

Ever wonder why Springfield gets more done then Eugene?

The answer in my opinion is trust.

Now Springfield is not perfect. it has it flaws, and it has it good points too.

One of those good points is the leadership and our mayor.

I was very glad to hear that Sid Leiken was running for congress.

I feel that he is in touch with reality and would make a good congressman.

[besides, he sometime reads my blog so he can't be all that bad ;-) ]

Check out his website at www.sidleiken.com

President Obama-- Fly Gate

Fox news--

Washington, DC -- during an interview with John Harwood for CNBC at the White House on Tuesday, President Obama took aim at a fly that was bothering them during the conversation.

"Get out of here," the president told the pesky insect. When it didn't, he waited for the fly to settle, put his hand up and then smacked it dead.

"Now, where were we?" Obama asked Harwood. Then he added: "That was pretty impressive, wasn't it? I got the sucker."

Normally, that would be a pretty funny incident, however, this is Washington, DC and PETA was not amused.

"We support compassion even for the most curious, smallest and least sympathetic animals," PETA spokesman Bruce Friedrich said Wednesday. "We believe that people, where they can be compassionate, should be, for all animals."

PETA would have preferred that Obama used a more peaceful method of "catch and release" for the poor fly.