OBAMA CITY, JAPAN: Banners on parade and dancing in the streets with shouts in English "YES WE CAN"
KENYA: Dancing in the streets - 2 days of national holiday declared amid chants of "YES WE CAN"
FRANCE: People pour into the streets of Paris amid dancing and singing there are shouts "YES WE CAN"
LONDON, SOUTH AFRICA....ALL OVER THE WORLD: The REVOLUTION has been legitimized, accepted and praised.
WE actually won the 2nd revolution for the United States of America.
Read More »The Post Independent reported that over $45,000 has been spent by outside interests to influence the outcome of the GarCo commissioner races. In one example, Paul Rady, the chief executive officer of Antero Resources Corp, a company drilling in GarCo, donated $20,000 to Western Heritage, one of the 527 committees spearheading media campaigns in support of the Republican candidates.
GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado - Five groups from outside Garfield County have spent about $45,700 in the last two months to sway voters in this year's two county commissioner races.
State campaign finance reports, court documents and local advertising rate cards show that three of the outside groups have connections to the several active state GOP members.
Those people include the Colorado Republican Party's outside legal counsel, the chief of staff for former congressman Scott McInnis, and a Republican political consultant with ties to several state organizations. The groups supporting the Democratic candidates are a Montana-based environmental coalition, which includes Grand Junction-based Western Colorado Congress, and a Denver-based left-leaning organization.
The money flooding the two races comes as many state officials see Garfield County as the epicenter of energy development in Colorado.
Republican Larry McCown is vacating his seat after 12 years and former county judge Steve Carter, a Democrat and Republican Mike Samson, a school administrator, are vying for the open seat. Both live in Rifle.
Democrat Steve Bershenyi, a blacksmith and artist, is challenging Republican John Martin, who is seeking his fourth term. Trési Houpt, a Democrat, is not up for re-election this year.
Both Democratic commissioner candidates have promised tighter regulations for the oil and gas industry in Garfield County and want to enact impact fees to help pay for industry impacts on roads and local services. Houpt, who is also member of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, has been often silenced by a 2-to-1 vote on oil-and-gas issues.
Martin was the swing vote to approve a $23 million tax credit for Chevron to reimburse the expense of rebuilding County Road 204 to their gas fields, a plan some locals have dubbed, "The Road to Nowhere." The funds could come out of the severance tax revenues given to the county to mitigate drilling impacts, about seven year's worth, if the two Republican commissioners have their way. Last spring, Martin and McCown also approved a variance in the county planning and zoning regulations that allows oil-and-gas man camps of eight men or less on private property without the owner's consent, an infringement on private property rights some landowners have claimed.
Both Carter and Bershenyi have received help from environmental groups concerned with oil and gas development. The Western Organization of Resource Councils (WORC), a Billings, Mont.-based environmental and advocacy group, has spent about $13,550 in support of the Democratic candidates.
Ballot returns and early voting in Garfield County have been very slow, perhaps a sign that there are still a lot of undecided voters in this battleground.
References: http://www.postindependent.com/article/20081027/VALLEYNEWS/110279991/1083&ParentProfile=1074&title=Garfield%20County%20races%20see%20about%20$46K%20of%20outside%20money
http://www.postindependent.com/article/20081026/VALLEYNEWS/810258690&SearchID=73334238374511&parentprofile=search
Bob Schaffer's out of touch, wrong on critical issues rap-sheet grows by the day. I found this latest charge in Ed Quillen's column in the Sunday Denver Post.
Read the whole column online at http://www.denverpost.com/quillen/ci_10799075
or scroll down to the extended post text.
The Referendum A test still carries a lot of weight with me. Once again here's a case where Bob Schaffer sided with big-monied interests and against Colorado farmers, ranchers and communities.
Hopefully, he'll be sliding into the dustbin of Colorado political history by 10:00 PM on November 4th. Being too cozy with the "drill baby, drill" crowd of oilies is bad enough, but working on the wrong side of water policy is unforgiveable.
PS - If you get a chance, drop a complimentary email to Ed (his email link at at the end of the Extended Post Text). It is so hard to find something worthy of praise in the Denver Post these days that we should encourage Ed to continue his good work.
Read More »Until there is real accountability within our judiciary, vote every justice and judge out of office. They are domestic terrorists who destroy the foundation of America, i.e., our inalienable rights and Constitution(s). I also petitioned ALL State Legislators to investigate the corruption and to hold the judges and justices accountable. To date, NO Legislator has made any real effort to protect We The People from Colorado's corrupt Judiciary. Therefore, please vote out EVERY incumbent as well.
Please spread this message to everyone you know and ask them to do the same. If they (judges, justices and legislators) refuse to hear the truth, let them hear our vote!! Halena Lewis Halen@axint.net
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968)
Join my group to support accountability within our judiciary at www.progressnowaction.org/page/group/OPENCOURT
Republicans must be onboard this bailout. Because House Minority Leader John Boehner stated today the Republicans will not be for the bailout.
Jake Tapper writes about Boehner:
“As I told our Conference this morning, there is no bipartisan deal at this time," Boehner said. "There may be a deal among some Democrats, but House Republicans are not a part of it.”
Meanwhile CNBC reports:
The banking system needs another $500 billion to survive beyond the $700 billion rescue plan being contemplated by Congress, said Pimco founder Bill Gross.Gross said on CNBC that the government bailout plan will help free up bank balance sheets so they can start lending again, but will provide only about $50 billion in real capital to the system....
But what about the foundation from which all this came from? The mortgage holders, of which there are about 4 million in or will be in a distressed position in the following 12 to 24 months? From what I've read there has been fierce opposition from Mr. Bush and his cohort to any type of relief for home owners. Propositions from Democrats and other groups include suspension of foreclosures for 60 to 90 days, freezing mortgage rates, and allowing judges greater latitude for individual cases.
There should be no bailout bill without bipartisan support. Period. If Republicans want to kill the economy then let it be on their heads.
Democrats need to start with a major ad campaign to tie failure of this bailout for homeowners to intransigent Republicans. The campaign itself should be not about Wall Street but homeowners.
Here's a bit of cool news I ran across today. A rancher from the endangered Pinon Canyon region, Cathy Mullins, has donated an acre of land on her historic ranch to help raise funds to keep fighting the threatened expansion of the Army's Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site. If you don't recall the details on this horrible plan, no worries. Just click through HERE and browse through the tabs that explain what's at stake.
Then go buy your square inch of land, a bargain at only $10! Hey, maybe you will get one near mine!
I hope my mother, my wife and my teenage daughter will excuse this one - but, my initial reaction holds that McCain is having a post midlife crisis moment here. Now he gets to spend the rest of the campaign on stage with either a blonde or a brunette former beauty queen; sometimes both.
Considering the depth and experience available to him in the rest of the GOP universe I am completely baffled that there can be any other reason for this decision. I am now even more appreciative for the intelligent and practical decision by Barack Obama to grab Joe Biden as his VP running mate.
The supposed VP Debate won't be. With this line-up it is clear that candidate Palin will carefuly recite radical right wing talking points fed to her by the McCain handlers. Even if Biden were allowed in the format/rules to challenge her on any issues we'll hear nothing original.
Thus there could not be a more distinct choice between the two tickets. Looking at the "rap-sheet" provided by MoveOn, American voters can have no doubts of the radical and destructive policies and positions John McCain is accepting by filling the GOP ticket with Palin. Read More »
Orion Energy Partners, which is drilling in the Garfield Creek State Wildlife Area south of New Castle, approached Garfield county commissioners on Monday for permission to build a four-person man camp at their drilling rig. An Orion official said it would reduce traffic to the site and resolve their employee housing problem, according to Tuesday's Post Independent. http://www.postindependent.com/article/20080812/VALLEYNEWS/359092623/1083&ParentProfile=1074
One little hiccup in the plan is that Orion had already put up their man camp before asking for the commissioners' OK. But no worry, new county regulations go into effect in September that will allow man camps to house up to eight roustabouts without special permitting, thanks to Republican Commissioners Larry McGown and John Martin. Under these new regs, oil-and-gas man camps can even be erected on private property without the owner's permission. Other individuals and industries, like ranchers and tourism/ski companies, were not given the same privileges -- even on their own land. http://coloradoconfidential.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=3547
Martin faces a re-election challenge and no doubt private property rights and his special treatment to oil and gas companies are sure to be subjects of conversation during his campaign.
In reply to your last email;
You said: "When you think a judge gets a decision wrong the best remedy is to appeal."
Answer: You didn't read my account did you? To say that I think that the judge reached the wrong decision is insulting, offensive and derogatory. As my account exposes, Judge David R. Lass reached the wrong decision deliberately. He deliberately misstated the facts and evidence, he deliberately misapplied the laws, and deliberately abused his authority. He not only reached the wrong decision, he clearly reached a predetermined one.
An appeal regarding the water rights was filed. That case was 04 SA 328. I submitted numerous pleadings and complaints to the Colorado Supreme Court regarding the collusion between the attorneys and judges, the lack of jurisdiction, the violations of law, etc. However, all my pleadings and complaints were struck from the record.
You said: "I/we can help with legislative reforms that create /strengthen the judicial performance commission."
Answer: The judicial performance commission doesn't work and should be abolished. Judges Lass, Ruckriegle, Ossola, and Petre are good examples of why it doesn't work. Instead, all judges and justices, should be term limited to four years or less.
You said: "I don't think impeachment is the proper remedy unless a crime has been committed and if you think a crime has been committed the proper channel would be to report to the police and DA-not the legislature."
Answer: 1. If you bothered to read my account, you would find that several crimes were committed. In all, Judge Lass violated, and allowed others to violate 22 laws. 13 of the 22 are felonies, and 9 of the 22 are State racketeering charges. I am herein adding 18-8-403(1)(a), 18-8-404(a)(b)(c), 18-8-405(a)(b), and 18-8-406 C.R.S. How much crime do you need? Show me where the general public is allowed to violate even one law without being held accountable?
In addition to the violation of laws, Judge Lass violated the Judicial Cannons, Rules of Professional Conduct, the Constitution(s), his oath of office, and more. Article XIII, Section 2 of the Colorado Constitution provides that the governor and other state and judicial officers shall be liable to impeachment for high crimes and misdemeanors, (it doesn't even have to be a felony), or malfeasance in office. I have evidenced both, high crimes and malfeasance in office. Article XIII also provides that the House shall impeach and all impeachments shall be tried by the Senate. You are clearly provided with the power and the law, so why do you refuse to use it?
While you and the rest of the Legislators are refusing to use your powers to stop Judge Lass, he is continuing with the trial and issuing orders even though he has no authority to do so. I recently submitted two Motions to Dismiss and Vacate for lack of jurisdiction. Judge Lass denied my Motions, and instead of relying on his own Court record to show jurisdiction(there is none), and the right to continue, Judge Lass used the Opinion issued in 04 SA 328 wherein the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that the doctrine of issue preclusion bars Appellants from collaterally attacking the lack of subject matter and in personam jurisdiction of the Summit County Court.
Because all roads, in the abuse of authority, obstruction of justice, violations of law etc., lead to the Colorado Supreme Court, lets take a look at the jurisdictional findings of that Opinion, shall we?
First of all, even though all my pleadings and complaints were stricken, the Justices still had full access to the entire record in Case No. 99 CV 277. The court record itself evidences that Judge Lass violated the laws, allowed others to violate the laws, abused his authority, and deliberately abused, violated, and denied me my civil rights to due process, contract freely, and right to be heard. The law recognizes that the Judgment in 99CV277 was not only void, but void ab initio. (From the beginning.)
Instead of holding Judge Lass accountable, the Supreme Court Justices denied, circumvented and concealed his criminal conduct, and put the blame on me by saying I had the chance to litigate, and/or did litigate the lack of jurisdiction, and am now barred by the doctrines of claim and issue preclusion from challenging it.
I re-read the transcript of 99 CV 277, and jurisdiction was not even mentioned once. The record shows that I hired four attorneys to represent me, my rights, and that of the Association. One was hired prior to the filing of the lawsuit, two were hired during proceedings to trial, and one was hired after the trial. Not one of the four ever mentioned subject matter or in personam jurisdiction, nor the lack thereof, to me or the court in any of the submitted pleadings before, during or after the trial. None. I stumbled upon jurisdiction requirements through law discussion groups and investigated it on my own. So no, I did not have a full and fair opportunity to litigate the lack of jurisdiction during the lawsuit, or at trial, and the record confirms it. For that matter, due process also mandates that the court confirm that subject matter and in personam jurisdiction exists. Again, the record does not evidence the court confirming its jurisdiction in any way except to deliberately misstate the facts and evidence in order to fraudulently obtain it.
The Colorado Supreme Court then supported their findings with case laws. Case law is supposed to be used to support arguments in like or similar circumstances and determinations. Let's look at the ones they used:
1. Keystone v. Flynn, 769 P.2d 484, 488-89 n.6 (Colo.1989) This is a case regarding whether the District Court obtained subject matter jurisdiction while the parties had not yet exhausted all administrative remedies, nor had the Public Utilities Commission entered a final decision.
2. Insurance Corp. Of Ireland, Ltd. V. Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinea, 456 U.S. 694, 702, 102 S. Ct. 2099, 2104 n.9 (1982). This is a case regarding personal jurisdiction over a foreign party by sanction, under Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 37(b)(2)(A).
3. O'Neill v. Simpson. 958 P.2d 1121 (Colo.1998). This is a case regarding a lack of jurisdiction based on defective service of process.
4. City of South Pasadena v. Mineta, 284 F.3d 1154,1157 (9th Cir. 2002). This is a case regarding 11th Amendment immunity.
5. In re Marriage of Mallon, 956 P.2d 642, 645 (Colo. App. 1998). This case is a case regarding lack of jurisdiction due to the husband not residing in Colorado for 90 days prior to the petition for dissolution being filed.
6. People in Interest of E.E.A., 854 P2d 1346 (Colo.App.1992). This is a case regarding a jurisdictional flaw because the minor child being the subject of a paternity suit, was not made a party to the suit.
7. In People ex rel. J.A.U. 47 P.3d 327, 331 (Colo. 2002). This is another case regarding paternity, and lack of jurisdiction based on mistake.
While claim and issue preclusion may have applied to the above cases, none of them state that the reasons for lack of subject matter or in personam jurisdiction was based on the unlawful, fraudulent and malicious actions of the judge. Claim and issue preclusion does not apply when unlawful, fraudulent and malicious actions are committed by the judge. None of the above case law applies to my situation, the record, or the appeal brought in 04 SA 328. Citing one case law wrongfully is a mistake, citing seven wrongfully is deliberate and a cover-up.
The Justices then stated that to overcome the doctrines of claim and issue preclusion, there would have to be a showing of "manifest abuse of authority by the trial court." Again, in spite of striking all my pleadings and complaints which did show manifest abuses of authority, they had the Court Record, and the justices cannot escape the fact that the record itself speaks to manifest abuses of authority by the trial court.
They also reference Restatement (Second) of Judgment §12 cmt.a (1982). In the Restatement, a modern rule was added wherein finality rather than the validity of a case is given greater weight. They also say that finality over validity is in the public's interest.
No, it is not in the public's interest to forego truth over closure in any case. Off the top of my head, this principle of law is unconstitutional and violates the Rules of Professional Conduct. It strikes at the very core of our judicial systems stand for due process, fairness, equality, and to get at the truth in every case. The Supreme Court Justices have a duty to strike this principle everywhere it is used, and remove it from everywhere it is written. The concept of finality over validity only ensures a revolving door employment for attorneys, clogs our courtrooms, and denies justice. Again, the quoted Restatement did not apply to my case, or the appeal brought in 04 SA 328.
In their final argument, the Justices validly cite Restatement (Second) of Judgments §12 (1982). But, because they denied, circumvented and concealed Judge Lass's criminal conduct, they say the remedy doesn't apply. Here is what it says:
Section 12, paragraph 1, states that a judgment may be attacked for lack of subject matter jurisdiction when;
(1) The subject matter of the action was so plainly beyond the court's jurisdiction that its entertaining the action was a manifest abuse of authority; or . . . .
The Plaintiff(s), not an Opinion, establishes the court's subject matter jurisdiction. The record evidences that the Plaintiff's in 99 CV 277 had NO standing to bring suit, they could show NO injury, and there was NO justiciable controversy. In short, Judge David R. Lass lacked subject matter jurisdiction, BECAUSE THERE WAS NO SUBJECT MATTER!!!!!! Likewise, there was NO judgment on the merits, BECAUSE THERE WERE NO MERITS!!!!!! By deliberately not addressing or even explaining the abuse of authority, or criminal conduct committed by Judge Lass, the Supreme Court Justices Opinion is biased and can only be construed to be a cover-up. Judge Lass's use of the Opinion as a defense for his continuing actions shows not only cover-up, but collusion between himself and the Colorado Supreme Court Justices. Furthermore, because of the amount of officials involved, the amount of money and property involved, this is more than just a good ole boy type system. It is a criminal enterprise, and all roads lead to the Mullarkey Court. (www.fbi.gov/hq/cid/orgcrime/glossary.htm) The Opinion, and Judge Lass's reliance on it rather than his own court record, is yet another on ramp.
The public will also be deceived by this Opinion as it will undoubtedly set precedence for someone else. They, not being privy to all the facts, and that crimes and abuses were intentionally denied, circumvented and concealed from the Opinion, will not be able to defend against it. How many more Opinions are there like this? Obviously, this case shows that a judge and/or justice can make a case, finding, or judgment have any outcome they want it to be, and the unsuspecting public has no clue. As long as the judge or justice signs it, the unsuspecting public will think that it must have been adjudicated fairly and by the rules and law, right? Again, how much crime do you need? How many more victims will there be who may or may not figure out what happened to them?
If you want to look up this Opinion yourself, the Case No. is 04SA328. A google search will bring it up easily, and while I am only herein focusing on the jurisdictional findings, the entire Opinion can be shown to be geared towards protecting Judge Lass, the attorneys, and other public officials criminal conduct.
The only remedy is impeachment, and I have herein made a partial but effective case against the Colorado Supreme Court Justices. If they are not stopped and held accountable, I as well as all other victims of this current corrupt judiciary, will hold you, and all the legislators, etc., liable for our losses of rights and property. And yes there are other victims. In fact, when I met with you in 2006 regarding this same case, Representative Wes McKinley told me that there had been another couple in to see him regarding Judge David R. Lass just two weeks earlier. Had something been done in 2006, I, as well as others would not have to be unduly enduring the continuing injustices today.
I did everything right. I filed complaints with every agency, entity and officials who are in position and power to stop the corruption, and bring accountability to our judiciary. I didn't fail, you did, and they did. (In 2007, yet another person has contacted me regarding Judge David Lass.)
2. Regarding the second part of your statement, I did take it to Sheriff Minor and D.A. Hurlbert. They both told me they would not investigate or bring charges. In fact, Sheriff Minor even yelled his statement that he would do nothing about the corruption. Here are their phone numbers. Feel free to call and ask them why they won't perform the duties, obligations and responsibilities of their offices of public trust. Sheriff John Minor - 970- 453-2232, D. A. Mark Hurlbert - 970-453-2327.
While your at it, here is the number to Summit County Commissioners Thomas Davidson, Bob French and Tom Long. Their number is 970 - 453-2561. I sent them a copy of the same account I gave you, and mailed it via Certified Mail No. 7007 3020 0002 4929 7947. Anyone can go to USPS.com, put in those numbers and verify that they did receive it. Ask them why I haven't heard from them, and ask them why they refuse to perform the duties, obligations, and responsibilities of their office of public trust.
The number for Chief Judge Terry Ruckriegle is 970-453-2241.
The number for Judges Ossola and Petre is 970- 945-5075
The number for County Attorney's Frank Celico and Jeff Huntley is 970 453-2561
The number for Summit County Planning Dept. is 970-668-4200
The number for Summit County Environmental Health is 970-668-4070
The number for Dept. Of Natural Resources is 303-866-3581
The number for Attorney General Suthers is 303- 866-4500
The number for Governor Bill Ritter is 303-866-2471
The number for Attorney Regulation is 303-866-6400
The number for the Judicial Discipline is 303-894-2110.
The above is a shortened list, but call and ask these public officials why they refuse to perform the duties, obligations and responsibilities of their offices of public trust, and/or participated in the racketeering. Article XIII also provides that those who are not liable to impeachment are liable to removal. Will I hold them liable? You bet. Again, I didn't fail, they did.
You said: "If you think the law itself is not properly written (which maybe lead to the wrong result in your case), we may be able to help."
Answer: It is not the law itself. As I have shown, and which you continue to skirt the real issue, it is the people elected and appointed who do not follow, uphold, and/or apply the laws fairly and for the benefit of all. As I have shown, our laws are being prostituted for money and job security, and not for truth and justice.
I will not respond to the rest of your e-mail because it is just more of the same skirting the real issues. I will however state that if this Governor and Legislature fails to use the power and rights we the people granted in Article XIII, I will in the future run a campaign to remove it from the Governor and Legislature, and put it in the hands of the people. Use it or lose it.
I will be sharing this email with the public. Part of the reason is to show the people what it is really like to seek redress of grievances, the other part is to warn them of corrupt public officials. If I alienate you-the one legislator out of a hundred who has responded to me-so be it. When our judiciary is being allowed to render a Judgment/Opinion that fits any scenario but the truth, we have bigger problems than whether I made you mad. Ours is a government of, by and for the people, (a Republic), not the other way around. Halena Lewis Halen@axint.net
Read my account at www.coloradoopencourt.blogspot.com
Join my group to support judicial accountability at www.progressnowaction.org/page/group/OPENCOURT
Herein are excerpts from Joan Fitz-Gerald's ad for U.S. Congress. I answer the statements and provide first hand knowledge of why no-one should vote for Joan Fitzgerald.
Statement: "You can count on Joan Fitz-Gerald."
Answer: As my State Senator, I contacted Joan Fitz-Gerald regarding judicial corruption and criminal conduct within the 5th Judicial District in 2002, and again in 2006. She finally responded in 2006 stating she would look into my complaints, and that her aide would be contacting me. She did nothing with my complaint, her aide never called, and the corruption and criminal conduct within our Judiciary is continuing. So no, you cannot count on Joan Fitz-Gerald.
Statement: "She'll change America" and "She'll bring change to Washington."
Answer: How will she do that when she did nothing to change our corrupt and criminal Judiciary? She failed us at home, she'll fail us nationally, too.
Statement: "She's tenacious" and "She's a fighter."
Answer: She's a coward, and she's a liar. (See my first answer.)
Statement: " She'll bring a sense of urgency to Congress."
Answer: Really? I'm still waiting on the investigation into my complaint, it's been over two years, Joan.
Statement: "Joan will work to get us out of Iraq."
Answer: No she won't. Our young men and women are fighting and dying for our Country every day. What makes our Country great, and the envy of other countries, is our Constitutions, and laws. Joan Fitz-Gerald failed to uphold our Constitutions and laws when she refused to bring accountability to the corrupt and criminal Colorado Judiciary. She slapped the face of every man and woman fighting and dying in Iraq, and has shown her true concerns about their well being. She has shown she could care less about getting us out of Iraq, and that her only allegiance is to protect the wealthy.
Statement: "Joan changed Colorado."
Answer: Joan failed Colorado. No matter what accomplishments she stacks up on paper, she failed where the people needed her most, and that was to uphold our Constitutions, Laws, and our rights and freedoms. All the other accomplishments don't matter.
If there was a truth pill every politician was made to take, Joan Fitz-Gerald's ad would state;
You can't count on me,
I am a liar,
I'm a coward,
I'll make promises I don't intend to keep,
I won't uphold the Constitution's, the Laws, nor the oath I swore to do so,
A vote for Joan Fitz-Gerald, is a vote for the same as before. I'm just a different face,
After election, I'll pretend to work on tough issues that affect the working class, ignore the working class, and for the most part, sit on my ass and continue living off the public dole for another four years.
Halena Lewis
Halen@axint.net
Don't vote for Joan Fitz-Gerald. We can't afford another four years of her forked tongue representation.
My Judicial corruption case is told at www.coloradoopencourt.blogspot.com
Join me in supporting a call for an investigation into our corrupt and criminal Judiciary at,
www.progressnowaction.org/page/group/OPENCOURT
July 7, 2008
Governor Bill Ritter
136 State Capitol Building Denver, CO. 80203
Certified Mail No. 7002 2030 0000 0388 5347
Dear Governor Ritter,
On May 22, 2008, I sent you a certified letter regarding the criminal conduct within our judicial and legal system. I detailed how my rights, water, and land was stolen from me through corrupt judges and attorneys. I also detailed that I have been unlawfully subjected to the Summit County Court for more than ten years, and that the criminal conduct is allowed and protected by Chief Justice Mary Mullarkey, and all the Colorado Supreme Court Justices. Instead of answering my letter with concern over the criminal state of the people’s judiciary, and helping to put a stop to it, you answered my petition for an investigation and accountability through an unsigned letter from a Citizen Advocate dated June 18, 2008. I herein answer your letter:
1. You said, “the Governor has no jurisdiction over the Judicial Branch.” Yes you do. When corruption is involved as it is in this case, you, Governor Ritter, have the authority and duty to ask that the CBI and/or FBI investigate and bring charges. You also have the authority to convene the Legislature in order to impeach the corrupt Judges, Justices, and other public officials. Every day they are allowed to remain in office, is another day that all Coloradans are in jeopardy of losing their rights and freedom.
2. You said, “the Governor’s office cannot intervene in court cases, overturn decisions made by judges, or offer legal advice.” I never asked for that. Nowhere did I ask that you intervene, overturn a decision, nor did I ask for legal advice. I asked you to do your job as Governor and call for an investigation and accountability. Again, you not only have the authority, you also have the duty.
3. You recommended that I my petition the Colorado Legal Services, and the Colorado Judicial Department instead. A. Colorado Legal Services does not handle corruption cases, nor do they have investigative authority. B. The Colorado Judicial Department is the State Court Administrator. The State Court Administrator does not have investigative authority.
4. A Citizen Advocate, also does not have authority to demand an investigation, only you do.
Governor Ritter, do not dismiss my worth of your time, nor dismiss my grievances as insignificant. The corruption is real, and our offices of public trust have been turned into a network of organized crime for the super wealthy and connected. The information I sent you on May 22, 2008 evidences that I am not a disgruntled litigant, but rather a victim of the lawless corruption within our Judiciary and legal system.
On June 20, 2008, Judge David R. Lass announced his retirement. He will be allowed to leave public office unaccounted, and allowed to resurface somewhere else. Isn’t this the same as the pedophile priests were allowed to do? Once there were complaints, they were moved and allowed to continue the abuse. By not holding Judge Lass to account for his criminal conduct, he also is a threat to the unsuspecting public everywhere. The criminal conduct will continue, because if he allowed such criminal behavior at work, he’s allowing the same in private life. He has shown his true character, and just as any other criminal, must be brought to justice. It will also be found that Judge Lass did not act alone. There are many more elected officials involved in this criminal network.
Just as Judge Lass has shown his true character, so too have all the other corrupt public officials who today are allowed to interact with the unsuspecting public. How many more victims will there be? In my case, my mortgage company is also being defrauded. How much longer will you allow the corruption to go on? Eventually, all will be brought to light. When it is exposed, what will you tell the people when they find out you knew about the corruption and criminal conduct within our Colorado Government, and did nothing to stop it? What will you tell God? Our Laws are rooted in the Ten Commandments, so this corruption is not only against man, it is also against God. Is He not worth your time either?
On its face, the amount of the corruption is eighty million dollars, crosses State lines, has cost the taxpayers millions, and is being allowed to continue. Imagine what an investigation will uncover. Governor Ritter, I will be expecting that you will use your authority to call for an investigation into the corruption and abuse of power. If there is more information you need, please do not hesitate to contact me at the above address and phone number. Thank you for your time, and I will be expecting to hear from you soon.
Respectfully, Halena Lewis
Note: This letter and all future replies will be shared with the public.
The Democratic National Convention Committee and Barak Obama campaign leaders yesterday (July 8) presented the "final walk-through" at the Denver Pepsi Center. The agreement with the press was that nothing said by the officials could be used in a story, which I honor, but no embargo was placed upon sharing my personal impressions of the event and the responses of my fellow journalists.
Most of the questions dealt with the previous day's announcement that the August 25-28 convention would relocate on the final Thursday night from the 25,000-seat Pepsi Center indoor arena to the 75,000-seat Mile Hi Invesco Field outdoor stadium, where Obama will deliver his nomination acceptance speech to both party delegates and lucky ticket-holders from the general public.
The press peppered DNC officials with logistical questions: Will press credentials from the Pepsi Center still be good at Invesco Field? Will credentialed bloggers and print journalists have dedicated sections with broadband Internet access at Invesco Field, as they'll have at the Pepsi Center? How will the radio broadcasters be accommodated at the new location? How will the major television networks move their massive production trucks from one location to the other within less than 24 hours? Will the audio and video pool feed subscriptions still apply? Will all the careful wireless and RF frequency coordination at the Pepsi Center have to be repeated at Invesco Field to avoid signal interference? Will all the print and electronic journalists still have access to the Pepsi Center after the convention relocates on Thursday?
Answers to these questions were few. Press credentials will apply to the convention regardless of the venue. The press work areas at the Pepsi Center will remain open through Friday morning. As for the rest, the logistics of the move are not yet known. The best answer I could get from a high DNC official was to ask again in a few days.
Among the reporters and news producers I met during the buffet lunch after the tour, the reactions ranged from calm confidence in the convention planners to wild speculations about a major disaster.
One reporter from a national broadcast TV network summed up the prevailing attitude, "They must really believe they can pull off this move across the river on the final night," she said. "Why else would they risk screwing up the most-watched moment of the entire convention? When Obama finally appears to give the most important speech of his life, every camera and every microphone needs to be working perfectly. We'll do our part, but a lot will depend on the convention committee."
A more cautious opinion came from a midwestern public radio newscaster. "I see the publicity value of big public event like he's staged during the primary campaign. He's spoken to crowds this large before. But unless his speech in Bronco stadium on prime-time TV scores a touchdown, like he did at the 2004 convention, he might get sacked by the voters. Frankly, I would not bet either way on his chances."
As for the subject of Barak Obama himself, I'm still a bit ambivalent.
On the one hand, I love how Obama has evoked a bright wave of hope and idealism in the country after eight years of dark and cynical disregard for the Constitution by the Bush administration. I believe Obama will take strong actions to address global climate change, defend worker rights, redress rampant poverty, expand access to medical care, and deal with other vital social justice issue.
On the other hand, I note that Obama just voted today in favor of revising the FISA Act, grantingimmunity to the telecommunications companies for going along with Bush's warrantless wiretapping program. I'm aware this his vote today gave the president wider surveillance powers over private citizens than ever before, and that means voting to give himself more surveillance powers if he's elected. This bothers me.
So, I'm looking forward to covering the Democratic National Convention here in Denver, my home town. More to the point, I'm looking forward to seeing whether the convention planners can change their bag of tricks at this late date and still manage to pull of a rabbit from the hat. Abracadabra?
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Judah Freed is a Denver-based international media and politics journalist. He's the author of the award-winning book, GLOBAL SENSE, inspired by Thomas Paine's Common Sense, foreword by Air America Radio host and author Thom Hartmann. (MakeGlobalSense.com) Judah also is the the Denver co-chair for the Network of Spiritual Progressives, which is presenting a conference featuring Rabbi Michael Lerner on August 24-15, at the start of the Democratic National Convention. For more information: "Denver NSP Meetup
Current mood: inspired
Category: Life
Have we not come to such an impasse in the modern world that we must love our enemies - or else? The chain reaction of evil - hate begetting hate, wars producing more wars - must be broken, or else we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
(WAR = EVIL)
THIS IS MY FAVORITE ONE......
An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
NO I LIED....these next two are my favorite ones...... I so would go to jail if I had too!!!!
An individual who breaks a law that his conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for the law.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual doom.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
It is not enough to say we must not wage war. It is necessary to love peace and sacrifice for it.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Our scientific power has outrun our spiritual power. We have guided missiles and misguided men.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
A man can't ride your back unless it's bent.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
A man who won't die for something is not fit to live.
After the May 22, 2008 Notice was sent;
1. May 28, 2008. Attorney Alison (Sunny) Maynard, filed among other Responses and Requests, a Motion To Continue And For Limited Stay. She states that she is still answering and defending grievances filed against her with the Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel (OARC), by attorney Victor Boog and some "unnamed person."
Gee, I was told by the Attorney Regulation Counsel that they DO NOT ACCEPT ANONYMOUS COMPLAINTS.
She goes on to say: "The point is that it is Boog who chose to move the dispute from this court to a new forum (disciplinary proceedings). I am being forced to litigate my client's issues there-to show the evidence and legal authority I have-to defend against the disciplinary charges. OARC's entertaining these charges while this litigation is pending obviously creates a conflict for me."
Gee again. The OARC, specifically Louise Culberson-Smith, told me that they can not investigate complaints while the case is still in litigation. She also told me that no one can "litigate" their case with the OARC, and that by my asking them to investigate the violations of law and code of conduct, I was asking them to litigate my case. Can you explain yourself Ms. Smith? Why were my complaints considered to be "litigation," and their's is not?
Ms. Maynard also states: "I certainly believe that what I (and, obviously, my clients) are fighting is a criminal racket, involving not only Victor Boog and his clients, but Glenn Porzak and his clients, and at least three judges."
NO KIDDING!!!! Why is it a "criminal racket" Ms. Maynard? Is it because you know that Judge Lass never had jurisdiction to act then, and still does not today? Is it because you know that it was illegal for Judge Lass and the new Association to force me into contracts, and that everyone including you, are still unlawfully upholding the invalid contracts? Is it because you know that Judge Lass gave Glenn Porzak's clients title to Homeowners water rights without a trial? Is it because you know that Judge Lass established for Victor Boog and his clients, an Association foreign to all founding documents of Spring Creek Ranch, and which violates members rights?
This should show everyone how defendants' (plaintiff's in this case), lose their case and their rights, and how the truth is buried. Ms. Maynard, as did all the attorneys I hired, purposely put out true statements but without backing them up with the facts. The statements are then ruled as frivolous or unsupported claims, and Victor Boog and his clients win another one. Had Ms. Maynard really been defending her clients, she would have submitted a Motion to Cease and Desist, not a Continuance.
2. June 6, 2008, Judge Lass ruled on a Summary Judgement Ms. Maynard submitted on October 17, 2007.
3. June 6, 2008, Ms. Maynard files a Motion For Contingent Extension Of Time
4. June 6, 2008, I sent a 2nd NOTICE to all mentioned in my public account at
www.coloradoopencourt.blogspot.com. Because the Colorado Supreme Court and Chief Justice Mary Mullarkey, are vested with the supervisory and disciplinary powers and duties over all Colorado judges and attorneys, and because they ignored the 1st Notice, I sent the 2nd Notice via certified mail no. 7003 2260 0003 7134 9401. Now anyone can confirm that the Colorado Supreme Court knows about the corruption and criminal activity within our court and legal system, and is doing nothing to stop it.
5. June 10, 2008, Judge Lass issues a Preliminary Order Regarding (Maynard's) Requested Continuance Of Trial. Because no response had been filed yet, Judge Lass doesn't rule for or against the continuance, but he does encourage everyone to keep going ahead with all plans for the trial set for July 25 - 30, 2008. He wrote: ". . the Court also notifies the parties that they should carry on with their very best efforts to timely and diligently prepare for all upcoming trial events, including mediation.
6. June 12, 2008, attorney Victor Boog responds to the Motion for Continuance.
Why are they able to ignore me, the truth and the Law? Because they know that no one will hold them accountable. Indeed, even though I sent the 2nd Notice via certified mail, I still have not been contacted by anyone from the Colorado Supreme Court, and it only confirms that the corruption comes from the top down. It confirms their arrogance and their contempt for our Laws. It also confirms their true character, and that they should never have been trusted to be Judges and Justices in our Courts, as well as that the named attorneys should never have been allowed into the legal profession just because they are able to pass a test.
This is not my test, it's yours.
Other critics claim they don't know what all this change and hope business is about. I suggest a listen to any of his stump speeches to find out but in a nutshell, he wants to change Washington. He wants to move towards less corporate influence. He also wants to change political discourse and he has proven he can. He understands that we are currently divided and we need to come together to solve the problems we face. He also gets that it's a bottom up process not top down. In other words if elected, he expects we the people to actually get engaged and help bring about the changes we need to. He is asking us to lift ourselves and our country up. As voter turn out and excitement surrounding his campaign illustrate, he can motivate people. Right now this country needs motivation.
All this being said, obviously there are other facets of being President than motivational skills and the ability to communicate effectively. He has exhibited better judgement in the past on foreign policy issues than John Mc Cain. He was against invading Iraq when it was unpopular to do so. He understands that the mission in Iraq has been accomplished and it's time to begin withdrawing our troops. He wants to focus on routing the resurgent al Qaeda forces. Even if that means stepping on the toes of our ally Pakistan. The list of military commanders who support him are long; both in the tooth and in numbers. John Mc Cain however has flipped. He was adamantly opposed to torture. But eventually abandoned his own principles to support President Bush's use, or "redefinition" of it. He can't keep straight Sunni or Shia sects or who is killing our soldiers. He overstates Iran's influence in Iraq and goes on photo ops that include dozens of soldiers, several helicopters and sporting a flak jacket on the streets of Baghdad and tells us things are just great there. He, sadly, has become nothing more than a cheer leader for Bush's failed policies in Iraq. Last week he was praising safety gains in Iraq cities as 3 more suicide bombing occurred. Critics from within his own party question his ability to keep it together. He's actually struck fellow Senators before. His temper is legendary. John Mc Cain doesn't seem to grasp what he used to tout only 8 years ago. He simply isn't the same "maverick" or "straight talker."
A President must also understand their oath of office. It's to uphold and protect the Constitution of the United States of America. Many Constitutional scholars and US. historians (http://hnn.us/articles/48916.html) agree the current President has seriously breached the limits of the executive laid out in that radical document, that blueprint for democracy. Wiretapping illegally, ignoring provisions of treaties like the Geneva Conventions, signing statements, propaganda etc. (Liberal congressman Dennis Kucinich outlined 35 separate reasons as he entered articles of impeachment into the Congressional record this week) And it's safe to say, based on his own statements that a Mc Cain Presidency will most likely continue the abuses of this administration. Barack Obama however was a professor of Constitutional Law at the University of Chicago (they have an amazing web site called "The Founder's Constitution" that includes letters and speeches of our founding fathers, check it out) and has vowed upon entering office, reviewing executive orders and signing statements of the Bush Administration as well as law to scale back those powers to the way our founders intended.
Most Americans are dissatisfied with the direction the Republican's have taken us, some are just as disappointed at a do-little Democratically controlled congress. The country wants to change course. John Mc Cain does not offer any change of course however. He wants to make the Bush tax cuts permanent. He has no intention of looking at NAFTA and has changed his mind on illegal immigration which leads me to believe he won't do anything about it. In other words he offers little in the way of any real change or hope. If he assumes the powers Bush assumed of the presidency, at best, we will be stuck in neutral while our standard of living declines. At worst we will be further down a path that most Americans would prefer to turn away from. Barack Obama at least gives us a hope for the kind of change we need. A return to the Constitution as more than law or limits on government, which should be limited of course, but a way of life for all Americans. Obama gets it. Say what you want about motives, his lack of experience, or his idealism, he gets it. We and only we the people are going to the right the ship. He can provide us an opportunity and offer encouragement like few can.
The America of the future needs to return to it's status as the "city on the hill." It is not enough to be feared or clever, we need to be respected as well. We should be leading the world in industry, in education and freedom. If we need to enact tariffs, pass laws, raise taxes or better yet spend the revenue wiser, then so be it. The current path of de-regulaiton of industry and putting corporate interests and share holders interests ahead of actual people as a matter of political policy is shown to be a failure. Political discourse must be embraced and divisive drivel masquerading as such needs to cease. Our military needs to heal and re-commit. Our veterans need care, our cities need bailing out after natural disasters. The focus of government must change and Barack Obama is the best candidate to facilitate that. John Mc Cain won't come close.
We have all been horrified by the scenes of devastation in China from the 7.9 Richter scale quake. What we are seeing is a massive effort by the Chinese government to come to the rescue of its citizens during this time of national emergency. With 100,000 troops and police being sent to aid in the rescue efforts in the province of Sichuan there has been extensive coverage by Chinese media.
I am wondering at what will Sichuan province look like in a few years?
The worst natural disaster to hit an American region was Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The city of New Orleans is being rebuilt to a very different standard than what pre-Katrina NOLA was in both population demographics and urban planning to meet that demographic.
Why cannot New Orleans' Lower Ninth Ward be restored and why cannot undamaged public housing be simply cleaned up and made livable for those who are now refugees? There is no need to destroy those thousands of units of housing that had sustained minimal damage. What is the plan except to raze them for housing that will have no tax burden to the City of New Orleans but will generate income for the city? Even now there is the underground of protest against the destruction of the city that is called the soul of America.
Will the province of Sichuan go the way of NOLA? How will the Chinese deal with this great disaster? Will the cities of Sichuan still be in a state of rubble and inattention like the Lower Ninth Ward of NOLA in three years? (Because the residents of the Lower Ninth Ward are seeking the right of return to their homes still.) Will the Chinese government see this as an opportunity to remove "undesirables" like the communities of New Orleans have done?
China should not imitate the dishonor and shame that is now the hallmark of the recovery of our American City of New Orleans.
Who do these drivers think is supposed to pick up their trash? What gives them the right to spoil my neighborhood's appearance? And this goes on all over the country. We live in a renewable garbage dump. I'm grateful for street crews who come past now and then to sweep up this stuff. But I know the supply of fresh trash is endless. I can only shake my head at such behavior. Does it bother anyone else, or can others tune it out?
that just said "April Fool".
It was censored and deleted. This is not the first time the PNA staff has deleted postings which made comments about Udall that they did not like.
Is PNA's staff losing it's sense of humor or is only their version of progressive speech allowable on this website?
Is this organization really progressive if they censor opposing views?
What do you think?
To the world, America is not just another country - it is an Idea. That Idea embodies all the words that we throw around in our political discourse - opportunity, justice, democracy, inclusion, tolerance. So this election is about the Idea of America. (Don't get me wrong. I have met no one so naïve as to think the reality always measures up to the ideal. People understand all about bigotry, abuse of power, kleptocracy, corruption and injustice. But these facts on the ground do not overcome the Idea.)
One of the many tragedies of the Bush-Cheney years is that this Idea of America is on the verge of being extinguished in the eyes of the world. America is increasingly seen as guided by self-righteous self-interest. Big, dangerous, disrespectful, selfish, threatening and bullying. Bush and Cheney have turned America into just another country.
So the issue here is not Hillary Clinton's question of which candidate crosses the threshold to be Commander-in-Chief. The issue is which candidate crosses the threshold to shift America from the pursuit of self-righteous self-interest back to the Idea of America. Which candidate most recognizes that our national self-interest is best furthered by embracing the Idea that America represents, that leadership means having a willing following, not one cajoled into obedient ranks by threats and bribery; one that recognizes our mutual global interdependence, not beggar-my-neigbor and go it alone.
The world is following our election very closely. People may not understand our political process very well, with primaries and caucuses and all that. But they understand that democracy is in action. We are in a process that is being watched by cab drivers, waitresses, street vendors and panhandlers from Abuja to Yerevan and from Nassau to Addis Ababa.
If we show the world that Americans can use democracy to restore the Idea of America, all God's children will be dancing in the streets.
January
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March
April