Liz Writes Life 7-24-12

Published in Siskiyou Daily News in Yreka, CA

 There is much on my mind today as President Obama called for a day of prayer and reflection in the wake of the tragedy by the deranged shooter at a theater in Colorado on July 20. Because it is so difficult to understand how someone can conceive and carry-out such a cruel attack, it is easy to become embroiled in the accusation discussion. ABC News and other media have not been objective and do indeed escalate accusations recklessly blaming, of all, things the Tea Party and all gun owners.

We are a nation of individuals. Unfortunately, good and evil are alive and well; and both are expressed by the actions of individuals. We may never know why one person can become an “enemy” from within and terrorize his own people.

Tea Party Patriots.org sent out a statement demanding that the media report responsibly. And although many in what is considered the “liberal” media continue to malign the Tea Party, there is more than 3,400 locally organized chapters encompassing more than 15 million supporters nationwide. The Tea Party has grown because individuals see problems in our society and government; and believe the key to improvement are the simple words “ being responsible.” Entitlement is not productive. Being responsible as individuals; as a society and as a government takes character.

Tea Party supporters and many other like-minded grass roots groups promote the principles of fiscal responsibility, constitutionally limited government and free markets. These are values that provide decency for the individual and to governments at all levels.

Locally, the Siskiyou Daily News has become embroiled in an argument regarding an article written by reporter John Bowman, which repeated the opinions of the Huffington Post and took up several columns on the front page, above the fold. I have received comments from many who took offense to the article as did I. We claim there was a lack of equality. The Huffington Post’s opinions were on the front page. Siskiyou Sheriff Jon Lopey’s responses were relegated to the inside.

On his facebook page, John Bowman bemoaned he was being unfairly attacked. Those writing letters in support of Sheriff Lopey claim that the Sheriff was unfairly attacked.

Yes, opinions are at opposite extremes. Both sides feel misunderstood. No one appreciates being maligned. But many of us love the Constitution and believe, as Sheriff Lopey, it is still the “law of the land.” Huffington Post has a right to its opinion. For equality and decency to be apparent — so do we.

More state tyranny

On July 3, 2012, I wrote Assembly Bill 2179 passed the Assembly and was working its way through the Senate Committees. Many believe this bill will give the CA. Dept of Fish and Game an incredible increase of authority. It will allow the state agency to circumvent the local sheriff, District Attorney and Superior Court. If it passes, DFG will deal with violators “in-house” acting as judge and jury and levying fines up to $10,000.

Pure and simple, the state legislature likely looks at this bill as a way to provide funding for the agency employees. Yep, California is still broke and looking for ways to come up with income.

So I was not too surprised last week when a leader of the Los Banos Tea Party shared news about the California Transportation Commission and its plans to turn many State Highways into Toll Roads. To obtain the toll charges, a computer-type of program will be used to track every vehicle, its amount of miles and time of day, oh, and the speed of the vehicle for possible ticketing.

The Commission claims these toll roads will raise $295 billion in revenue for the state during the next 10 years. As with AB 2179, this will slam our already-flailing economy, let alone infringe our individual rights.

We must remain vigilant and I give Tea Party Patriots kudos as watchdogs.

POW meeting

This Thursday, July 26, Scott Valley Protect Our Water will hold a meeting at a new place, the Catholic Parish Hall in Fort Jones. Time is 7 p.m. Bring a dessert to share and, yes, there is lots to discuss.

Siskiyou Water Users Assoc. will hold its annual meeting on Friday, July 27 at the Greenhorn Grange in Yreka. Time is 7 p.m.

Garden

I have never had a problem with zucchini, but this plant has leaves in the middle acting very weepy, like they are not getting enough water, yet it is. The plant actually had three four-inch long zucchinis that haven’t grown in a week, which is really unusual. Any idea what the problem is? The huge leaves on the outside seem to be fine.

Liz Bowen writes biographies, freelances for radio and blogs. Check out Pie N Politics.com and Liz Bowen.com