Making Comments On BlogSunnyside

January 21, 2009 by 5 Comments

Please read this post from another blog in reference to Comment Etiquette.  Then finish reading my post here.

It has been my intention from the start of this blog to have comments be a part of the process.  I do not believe in making anonymous statements, so people need to provide email identification in order to make comments here.  Other than that, I have had very little interest in trying to moderate everything that is said.  People making the comments are responsible for what they say, just as I am responsible for what I say.  However, some moderation does take place.

Spam comments are deleted.  I have literally deleted hundreds of spam comments.  Anything that comes across as racist, criminal, or threatening to others will not be tolerated either.  I haven’t really had any issues with the latter, but just thought I would throw it out there.

Dissenting opinions are welcome and encouraged.  My friends include independents, Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, Constitutionalists, Greens, Lefties, Righties, Liberals, Conservatives, Atheists, humanists, Christians, Hindus, Jews, Muslims, farmers, computer geeks, radio show hosts, business owners, high school kids, college professors, politicians, citizens, retirees, people with a first time job, and many more.  I will not delete comments because you disagree with me, or anyone else.  I welcome all meaningful discussion!

However, for the benefit of everyone, please keep debate civil and respectful.  Yes we can get emotional, but we are all Americans first.  John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were huge political enemies, but in retirement became great friends.  The letters they shared after holding office are some our nation’s greatest treasures.

Generally, I will not nuke your comment if it is on a different topic from my post, but I do prefer that it relate back to the topic of the post, and add something of value to the discussion.  Comments are one of my main sources of feedback, please give consideration to the effort that has gone into writing a post when making comments on it.  It is my intent to become a better blogger, meaningful comments (positive and negative) will help with that.

If you have a personal disagreement with another person making a comment, please keep it out of the comments section.  Outside disagreements will generally not be solved by bashing someone in your comments on a post.  After giving thought to writing on a topic, it is a little insulting to me, when I see the comments section being used to flame people for no good reason.

I am not perfect, feel free to criticize me when I am wrong.  I am man enough to take it.  Please keep it civil, this is meant to be a family friendly atmosphere.

Thanks for reading and participating.

Jason Raines

Blog Editor

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Car Lands In Ditch Yesterday Morning

January 21, 2009 by 1 Comment

Full news

Photo By Rod Smith, Daily Sun News

I live near the scene of this accident.  The Washington State Patrol was out investigating this accident for many hours after the car was pulled from the scene.  While I don’t know much more than what the Daily Sun News has printed, it is worth noting that East Edison is a long straight road, which people (especially younger drivers) traverse at high rates of speed.  While I don’t know the details of this particular accident,  I have seen reckless behaviors that are not that uncommon on East Edison.  

At various times, and especially at night, cars can be seen racing side by side heading out of town.  This is a two lane road with a drain ditch on one side.  We can see what happens when a car ends up in the ditch.  It is very rare to see the Sunnyside Police patrol this area.  It is near the City Limits, on the opposite side of town from the police headquarters, so it is a bit out of the way for them, I suppose.

Sometimes a lone vehicle will be gunning it from the intersection with Highway 241, apparently trying to set new land speed records.  It is a wonder we don’t see more cars in the drain ditch, or wrapped around telephone poles. 

A friend of mine from my high school days lost his life seeing how fast his vehicle would go one night.  I understand the desire to go on a thrill ride.  However, city streets are not the place to do it.

An alternative would be to get involved with some of the local race tracks we have in Yakima County.  It is a safer, more controlled environment, where young drivers can satisfy the need for speed.  The Yakima Speedway has youth divisions, and there is also dirt track racing near the fairgrounds which hosts racing for youths.

Locally, we could hold races which could channel some of this youth energy into something productive.  We could convert the Sunnyside Airport into a drag strip for a racing weekend, for example.  I don’t know much about airport regulations to know if this is practical, but the runway is long, straight, and has room to the sides if a car lost control.  There is very little activity there, so it could be a way to raise money and visibility.  I don’t know that the City is doing anything else to promote the airport, and we need to do more to offer positive alternatives for our youth.  It could be a fun event.

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The Bush-Obama Congress Approved Plan To Share The Pain

January 20, 2009 by 2 Comments

Here is a synopsis of the Bush-Obama  Share The Pain Plan.  A willing Congress supports the plan for both Presidents.  From Mish’s Global Economic  Trend Analysis.  See the complete article here.

Sharing The Pain Plan

Ordinary Taxpayers 100%
Banks 0%
Congress 0%
State Legislatures 0%
Bernanke 0%
Fed Governors 0%
Fannie Mae Bondholders 0%
Freddie Mac Bondholders 0%
FDIC executives 0%
SEC 0%

Filed under Economy Tagged with , , ,

Reagan Responds To Obama And His Supporters

January 20, 2009 by 10 Comments

With the media trumpeting the “historic” nature of the inauguration, and endless talk of “hope” and “change”, I switched gears by getting into the way-back machine.  I thought about what it was like growing up under the Gipper, and the history I learned as a youth.  This little video says alot.  It seems like Reagan is responding to Obama and his supporters.

Filed under 2008 Election, Uncategorized Tagged with , , ,

Sunnyside City Council: Mmm…Government Pork Tastes Good!

January 19, 2009 by 2 Comments

At the last meeting of the Sunnyside City Council, Eric Swansen reported that the City had submitted a “wish list” of projects that could be paid for out of pork in the new “stimulus” package being proposed in D.C.  The wish list totals $14 million.  According to U.S. Census Bureau estimates, the 2007 population of Sunnyside is 14,890.  This works out to a request of over $940 per resident of Sunnyside.  

While I agree that the projects would be nice to have, I don’t think we need to help contribute to the Federal budget deficit by taking money for such projects.

Rebuilding the intersection of Yakima Valley Highway and East Edison should not be a Federal project.  Think about the role of the Federal government.  Is it even Constitutional for the Federal government to do this?  The interstate highway system was built using Department of Defense funds, under the auspices that it would help the military move men and equipment during wartime.  How can you justify Federal funds for our City’s intersections?  What part of the Constitution are these “stimulus” programs covered under?

Unfortunately, our Council never questions what the proper course of action is.  Instead, they focus on “what’s in it for me”.

Council Member Bill Gant expressed a sentiment that the entire Council seemed to agree with when he said: “Whenever we are offered money like this, we should take it.”

Mr. Gant is drawing social security retirement that we are helping to pay for through payroll taxes, and yet he does not seemed concerned about the burden his wasteful attitude will leave on future generations of Americans.  Sure, Mr. Gant is being used as a whipping post on this issue, but the entire Council is guilty of sharing the same outlook.

Our forefathers going back to George Washington and Thomas Jefferson believed in leaving a legacy to future generations.  Throughout our nation’s history each generation has sought to improve things for their children.  We now find ourselves in a situation where Americans want whatever government will provide now, no matter what the cost, and never bothering to consider what impact it will have on future generations who will have to pay for it.

We don’t know if the City will get money from the proposed “stimulus” yet.  However, the Council did consider it a positive for the City to accept $600,000 of bailout funds to buy foreclosed properties.  They envision partnering with other groups like the Yakima Valley Conference of Governments, the Housing Authority, or some other groups to spend it.  Yippee!  “Free” money our future taxpayers will have to pay for!  Get the pork while it lasts!

When combined with other cities’ requests, nationwide city infrastructure requests are at least $73.2 Billion according to CNN.

Maybe we can request a “bridge to nowhere” in Sunnyside.  If the Federal government offers us the money, our City Council would take it.

Filed under Economy, Sunnyside Council, Uncategorized Tagged with , , , ,

Peter Schiff To Run For Senate In 2010?

January 18, 2009 by 5 Comments

Peter Schiff

Update 1/19/09: Peter Schiff did not appear on the Glenn Beck TV program on Fox News today.  I don’t know what happened to keep the appearance from occurring, but I would expect him to be on Fox News again before too long.

Peter Schiff, stock broker, author, investment adviser, economist, and economic adviser to Ron Paul’s 2008 Presidential Campaign, will run for US Senate (as a Republican?) from the state of Connecticut in 2010 if supporters can successfully draft him into running.  He currently is president of brokerage firm Euro Pacific Capital, Inc. 

The Senate seat in question is currently held by Christopher J. Dodd, head of the Senate Banking Committee, and supporter of the monetary policies resulting in the economic crisis we now find ourselves in.

Supporters of Schiff for Senate point out that Dodd’s approval ratings in Connecticut are now at his lowest level ever (reportedly below 50%), primarily because of the bad news on the economy, and Dodd’s central role in economic policy.  Schiff’s economic expertise would make him a formidable opponent to the venerable Democrat incumbent.

Although Schiff himself is not personally involved, a grassroots organized exploratory committee has been set up on his behalf.  The website is: www.schiff2010.com

Schiff is said to be watching the gathering enthusiasm and seriously considering running.  We know that Schiff’s economic policies are consistent with Austrian School economics, but we are less familiar with his stance on other issues.  His positions on limited government, a stable currency, and free market capitalism are also well known. An opportunity exists to find out about other issue positions soon.  Glenn Beck has booked Peter Schiff to be on his first Fox News TV broadcast which airs Monday 5PM ET, January 19, 2009.

Peter Schiff is a rising media star, being sought out for appearances on CNBC, CNN, Fox News, CNN International, Bloomberg TV, and Fox Business.  In my opinion, he would make a great candidate to voice Conservative opposition to Dodd’s liberal economic views.

Filed under 2010 Election, Campaign for Liberty, Ron Paul, Uncategorized Tagged with , , , ,

Glenn Beck TV Show Starts Monday On Fox News – Sarah Palin First Guest

January 17, 2009 by 4 Comments

Glenn Beck will start his TV show on Fox News Monday at 5PM Eastern Time.  That’s 2PM in Sunnyside.  I haven’t checked to see when repeat broadcasts will be aired.  Among the first guests he will have on the air is Sarah Palin.  The new show format will be different from what was on Headline News.  I am looking forward to seeing what’s changed after moving to a new network.

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Jury Returns Guilty Verdict In 15th St Shooting Death

January 16, 2009 by 1 Comment

Jimmy Allen was charged with 1st degree burglary, theft of a firearm, and reckless endangerment following the events on the day Juan Ramos was killed.  Both men are from Sunnyside, WA.

A Yakima County Superior Court jury returned a guilty verdict on all charges.  A sentencing date has not been set.

A Prosser reserve police officer’s gun was stolen from his home (he lives in Sunnyside, near the mother of Jimmy Allen), and it is believed this gun was the weapon used in this crime.  The gun has never been recovered.

In related events, Juan Garcia accepted a plea bargain agreement for his involvement in the events surrounding this shooting incident.

After all that has happened, this is the best result we can expect from our justice system.  People have been arrested, found guilty, and will serve some time in prison.  There is nothing more that the government can do.  However, as a community we can do a great deal more to prevent these types of incidents from happening in the first place.

Having an effective and staffed police department is important.  We should make public safety a priority and shield the police department from further cuts in the number of officers available to work our streets.  This is ultimately a responsibility of the City Council.

What can have a larger and more effective impact, is the power of individuals.  Just about everyone in prison has family.  Parents, brothers, sisters, spouses, even boyfriends/girlfriends that they are attached to.  Family members are in a position of influence, and should not knuckle under and accept the gangster lifestyle some guys (and even girls) are attracted to.  Neighbors should not accept or tolerate gang activity in their neighborhoods.

Churches can magnify and focus the energy of individuals to help combat this problem.  Although I don’t know much about them, Transformation Sunnyside is one such faith based group that is active on a local level.  We need more than we have now.

Confronting the gang problem is a simple, but not easy solution.  How much are we willing to sacrifice?  In a new movie, Grand Torino, Clint Eastwood’s character is willing to sacrifice everything to stop the gangs in his neighborhood.  This reminds me of a question a former teacher of mine posed: “Does art imitate life, or does life imitate art?”

Are we willing to follow the example of a character in a Hollywood movie in order to confront gangs?  Some of these guys are violent and may threaten us, or our family and friends.  That is why it is not easy. 

Add to that, many in the community do not trust law enforcement.  Sometimes this has nothing to do with the way that our police behave.  I know a white farmer who tries not to leave his house unless he absolutely has to, because there is “nothing but gangsters and uniforms on the street”.  This man has a bunker mentality, and even though I disagree with his approach, I can understand why he feels overwhelmed.

Persons of other ethnic backgrounds may not cooperate with police because of their family background.  Perhaps family members and friends are not in the country legally.  I understand that one of the men found guilty in the 15th St shooting will be deported after serving his prison sentence.  Loyalty to family and friends can cause potential witnesses not to testify.

Lack of cooperative witnesses is a big reason prosecutors have difficulty tackling gang crime.  Even if the cost is great, we need people to testify.  Again, this may not be easy, but we need to confront the problem if we want it to get better.

If everyone confronted the gang problem in their personal sphere of influence, it would cease to be a problem.  How much are we prepared to do in this regard?

For reference, see the Yakima Herald article: Sunnyside man guilty in burglary-shooting incident

Filed under Sunnyside Crime Issues Tagged with , ,

Are You A Republican National Committee Sustaining Member?

January 15, 2009 by 2 Comments

This will give you an idea of what the plastic card looks like that I received from the Republican National Committee.  Has jealousy gotten you to turn green yet?  You can click on the picture to unload some of your green on the Party!  Evidently, Chairman Duncan has not been reading my blog, since he sent me an email asking me to send in my donation.  I am holding off on doing this until the Party has a new Chairman.  I do not have such an inflated ego that I would expect Mr. Duncan to read my little blog, or notice how my little middle class lifestyle is being put into jeopardy by deficit spending, however readers of this blog will know some of the issues I have with the way Republicans have been acting in recent years, especially in regards to reckless federal spending.  At the end of this month, a new Chairman will be voted on by members of the Republican National Committe (I am told 168 people get to vote, and no I am not one of them.)  Chairman Duncan is unbelievably running for re-election to the post.  I am hoping that Saul Anuzis or Ken Blackwell get the job, but any of the other candidates would make me happy enough to send in my paltry donation.  It is time for Mr. Duncan to vacate this office, like George W. Bush is leaving his.  After all, Mr. Duncan was appointed to the job by President Bush, so it would seem fitting wouldn’t it?

Filed under Republican Party, Uncategorized Tagged with , ,

Court: Teachers Can Have Sex With 18-year-old Students

January 14, 2009 by 1 Comment

What?!…What?!…What?!  Teachers can have sex with students?  Is this for real?  A court in the State of Washington has said it’s o.k. if the student is 18.  Well, doesn’t that just beat all?

Maybe Larry the Cable Guy was right.  He once said:

“No Child Left Behind…Maybe they should change it to No Child’s Behind Left Alone!”

This is simply shocking.  But this trend to break down sexual taboos is not limited to adults or alternative lifestyles.  There are groups out there that want to make it legal for men to have sex with boys.  Others want polygamy legalized.  Arranged marriages for minors are accepted in other parts of the world, and some want that to be o.k. here too.  I am sure if I did some research I could find other, more deviant sexual proclivities people want legalized.  The point is, our society is losing its moral foundation.

Rolling Stone magazine ran an article in their January 22, 2009 issue about the epidemic of student-teacher hook-ups: Sex, Lies, and Phys Ed

This trend has been noted by commentators on radio and TV for quite some time.  Who can forget the case of former school teacher Deborah Lafave, who’s attorney argued she was too pretty to go to prison?  She received probation for her offenses.

In a society dominated by a media culture that relentlessly attacks the traditional family, why should it come as a surprise when traditional boundaries of morality come crashing down in our schools?  Once we start down the road of breaking down the traditional concept of family and marriage, there is no telling where we will end up.  Societal rules and boundaries need to be reinforced to prevent further erosion of these boundaries, and the damage that inevitably will result.

We now find ourselves in the situation where a school teacher is prohibited by courts from leading a prayer with students, but these same courts are saying it’s o.k. for the teacher to have sex with them.  Ah, the irony.


Filed under Traditional Values, Uncategorized Tagged with , ,

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