Renewing the Patriot Act While America Sleeps

By John W. Whitehead 1/24/2011 “Of course, there is no doubt that if we lived in a police state, it would be easier to catch terrorists. If we lived in a country that allowed the police to search your home at any time for any reason; if we lived in a country that allowed the government to open your mail, eavesdrop on your phone conversations, or intercept your email communications; if we lived in a country that allowed the government to hold people in jail ... Full Story

Longmont Humane Society saves dogs after heartbreaking

Two Chicago dogs, one abused and one the pet of a deceased Iraq War Vet get new start in Colorado Tuesday, December 28th, 2010: From a puppy Porgy endured nearly 2 years of abuse at the hands of his person. He was impounded at Chicago Animal Care & Control in May 2009 while police investigated his former owner for cruelty. During that time Chicago Court Case Dog Program tried to work with Porgy but the stress was too much. He began injuring himself by pushing against the bars ... Full Story

Berthoud economics by Trustee Skiles

Berthoud Trustee Dave Skiles maintains a blog in which he speaks his mind on various issues. His latest offering is about Berthoud's economic priorities. You may visit his blog by selecting the link below. Berthoud 2011 Economic Priorities By Dave Skiles In focus are needs for positive population changes, economic development, social equity, housing development, transportation, education, health, and environment. To set these objectives into motion, Berthoud will ... Full Story

Senate votes to repeal “Don’t Ask,

Udall Successfully Helps Lead U.S. Senate on Final Bipartisan Vote to Repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Senate Passes Bill Allowing Department of Defense to Responsibly Implement New Policy Today the U.S. Senate passed a landmark bill, cosponsored by Mark Udall, that will repeal the law known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and will task the U.S. Department of Defense with implementing the new policy in a way that protects our national security.  Earlier in the day, the Senate ... Full Story

Help find these missing children

What’s All the Fuss About Top Tax Rates Going Up 4.6

By Kenneth Lewis The national conversation on our fiscal health for the past few months has been about whether to extend the Bush-era tax cuts for households with incomes over $250,000, or to allow them to expire on December 31st. To my amazement, lost in all this controversy and discussion has been any mention of what this would really mean for high-income people in the context of historical tax rates. During the 1950s this country was flourishing economically and adding ... Full Story

Is It Illegal to Celebrate Christmas in the Schools?

By John W. Whitehead December 6, 2010 "I think there's something wrong with me. I just don't understand Christmas. I like getting presents, sending cards, decorating trees and all that. But instead of feeling happy, I feel sort of let down."--Charlie Brown, A Charlie Brown Christmas, 1965 When I was a child in the 1950s, my parents didn't have much money to spend at Christmastime. I remember one Christmas when I wanted a cowboy gun and holster from Santa Claus. I got the toy pistol, but ... Full Story

To Smartphone, or not to Smartphone?

Practical Money Matters By Jason Alderman My wife decided to upgrade her dinosaur cell phone to a "smartphone" and enlisted my help. Initially, we ran into the brick wall of decisions smartphone shoppers frequently face: How to choose among hundreds of available phones, pick the right service provider and predict which calling and data plan and other options would best fit her needs without breaking the bank? Here are a few things we learned: What's a smartphone? These ... Full Story

The ongoing split between GOP and military leaders

By Steve Benen The Washington Monthly, Political Animal, 11/21/2010 It wasn’t too long ago that there were certain expectations about political and military policy. If, in the midst of two wars, the Pentagon asked Congress for some help, lawmakers were likely to oblige. This was especially true of Republicans, who took pride in characterizing themselves as the “pro-military” party. This week, we received yet another reminder that these partisan assumptions are in need of ... Full Story

AFSCME Calls on GOP Members of Congress to Reject

  Call Comes on Heels of New Polling Showing Voters Agree Washington, DC — Today, the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) called on Republican Members of the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives to abstain from enrolling in the Federal Employees’ Health Benefits Plan (FEHBP). “These Republicans want to repeal health reform, putting the insurance companies back in charge and putting affordable coverage out of reach of millions ... Full Story