Why it is important to have a free and open discussion of the pros and cons...

From the comments: "I remember watching this episode of 60 Minutes when it first aired. That was when the 1934 Communications Act was still in effect. That was also when we had a REAL 4th estate If Mike Wallace were doing investigative journalism in today's media environment, he and this 60 Minutes episode would be banned across all TV channels and major social media platforms, plus he would have all of his social media accounts deleted." ◼ brighteon.com It is on YouTube, not banned yet.

#Prop10 would make California’s housing shortage worse. #NoOn10

#Prop10 does nothing to address California's housing shortage. It will create a patchwork of rent laws around the state and lead to landlords converting rentals to Airbnb's. #NoOn10 https://t.co/54FR1vCmqj

— HJTA.org (@HJTA) July 18, 2018

#Prop10 would make California’s housing shortage worse. #NoOn10 https://t.co/gVU0QuNPi6

— HJTA.org (@HJTA) July 14, 2018

WORSE THAN PROP 47: Stealth bill sneaks in radical changes to California’s criminal justice system. “The most irresponsible legislation our state has ever seen”.

Stealth bill sneaks in radical changes to California’s criminal justice system https://t.co/ARwiRINxLd

— Legal Insurrection (@LegInsurrection) July 7, 2018

The Association of Deputy District Attorneys is sounding the alarm over a measure that was signed into law in California after being hidden in an omnibus health spending bill.

In a startling abuse of the legislative process, a budget clean-up bill has just been used to sneak in radical and never-debated changes in the criminal justice system. It allows a defendant suffering from a mental disorder to be granted pre-trial diversion and the charges later dismissed for any crime if a judge finds the disorder played a significant role in the crime and if a defendant has “substantially complied” with mental health treatment during the diversion period. In short, this new law allows diversion and the dismissal of charges for any crime, including those where a victim was killed or seriously injured.

This massive change in law was slipped into AB 1810, the “Omnibus Health Trailer Budget Bill” for 2018. The purpose of trailer bills is supposed to be to implement provisions in the budget bill, not to write substantive new policy. However, as columnist George Skelton explainedlast year, these trailer bills are “created in the dark without much legislative or public scrutiny” and “mostly used now by Democrats for slipping through touchy new policy.”

Under AB 1810, a defendant charged with any crime can get those charges dismissed if they convince a judge the mental disorder they suffer from played a “major” role in the charged crime; if a mental health expert says the symptoms motivating the criminal behavior would respond to treatment; and if the defendant undergoes “treatment” during a diversion period with no minimum time period and a maximum of two years. Incredibly, only the defense gets to submit a psychiatric report; the prosecution has no opportunity to rebut that report with their own report or have their own expert examine the defendant. Finally, the mental health treatment shall be deemed “satisfactory” and dismissal granted should a defendant “substantially comply” with the diversion conditions and commit no “significant” new crimes while in diversion, although what constitutes “substantial completion” or a “significant” crime is not defined in the bill.

Prosecutors throughout California are sounding the alarm about a provision snuck into the state budget that amounts to get-out-of-jail-free card for ALL CRIMES if a defendant convinces a judge to place them in a temporary mental health treatment program. https://t.co/jnXafhpIEm

— Judge Steven Bailey (Ret.) (@BaileyForAG) July 8, 2018

Why do California lawmakers insist on treating criminals better than law-abiding citizens? #AB1810 #Prop47#Prop57 #SB10 #AB931 https://t.co/qtwcA6lOSB

— Judge Steven Bailey (Ret.) (@BaileyForAG) July 8, 2018

Washington’s Minimum Wage Increase Causes Spike in Childcare Costs

Washington’s Minimum Wage Increase Causes Spike in Childcare Costs https://t.co/SW6OXFgrF3

— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) November 16, 2016

(Democrats making crime legal.) California ballot measure blamed for shoplifting jump

(Democrats making crime legal.) California ballot measure blamed for shoplifting jump | Fox News | https://t.co/OqUzmTBdA0

— Warner Todd Huston (@warnerthuston) May 15, 2016

Perry Lutz says his struggle to survive as a small businessman became a lot harder after California voters reduced theft penalties 1½ years ago.

About a half-dozen times this year, shoplifters have stolen expensive drones or another of the remote-controlled toys he sells in HobbyTown USA, a small shop in Rocklin, northeast of Sacramento. "It's just pretty much open season," Lutz said. "They'll pick the $800 unit and just grab it and run out the door."

Anything below $950 keeps the crime a misdemeanor — and likely means the thieves face no pursuit and no punishment, say retailers and law enforcement officials. Large retailers including Safeway, Target, Rite Aid and CVS pharmacies say shoplifting increased at least 15 percent, and in some cases, doubled since voters approved Proposition 47 and ended the possibility of charging shoplifting as a felony with the potential for a prison sentence.

Shoplifting reports to the Los Angeles Police Department jumped by a quarter in the first year, according to statistics the department compiled for The Associated Press. The ballot measure also lowered penalties for forgery, fraud, petty theft and drug possession.

Public Policy Institute of California researcher Magnus Lofstrom noted a troubling increase in property crime inCalifornia's largest cities in the first half-year after Proposition 47 took effect. Preliminary FBI crime reports show a 12 percent jump in larceny-theft, which includes shoplifting, but he said it is too early to determine what, if any, increase is due to the ballot measure.

The fallout from Mizzou’s campus cry bullies continues: Mizzou closes two dorms due to lack of students

Mizzou closes two dorms due to lack of students applying for housing https://t.co/IDkrfZFTik

— FOX 4 News (@fox4kc) April 11, 2016

The fallout from Mizzou’s campus crybullies continues: https://t.co/97MyRqeK71

— Ashe Schow (@AsheSchow) April 11, 2016

Whining campus protesters are costing their schools millions, and hurting other students in process —> https://t.co/97MyRqeK71

— Ashe Schow (@AsheSchow) April 12, 2016

Damien Schiff on what happens when land is labeled ‘#wetlands’

Damien Schiff on what happens when land is labeled ‘#wetlands’ https://t.co/5J0nUuoobc #Scotus pic.twitter.com/0rWybH2DOl

— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) March 31, 2016

...a landmark case about Clean Water Act regulation, and whether Americans have a right to their day in court if their land is labeled as “wetlands” subject to federal jurisdiction.

The hearing in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers v. Hawkes Co. would be important in any case, but it carries special significance in the wake of the passing of Supreme CourtJustice Antonin Scalia. The outcome could test how durable Justice Scalia’s legacy will prove on some key issues that held special interest for him: the boundaries of federal environmental power, and the degree to which regulators are accountable to the courts.

Indeed, in one sense, the Hawkes case is fundamentally about regulatory accountability and the rule of law. From another standpoint, it is about property owners’ rights. These two perspectives merge into a single compelling question: Should landowners have the right of judicial appeal over regulatory decisions that affect their lives and livelihoods, or are unelected environmental bureaucrats their own judges and juries?

The issue is brought before the court by three related, family-owned businesses — Hawkes Co., providing peat for golf courses and other sports turf applications; and Pierce Investment and LPF Properties, which own some peat land. They are prevented from using property in Marshall County, Minnesota, because it has been designated as federally controlled “wetlands.” The designation is factually and legally questionable, so the businesses want the courts to review it. But the Obama administration argues that such wetlands “jurisdictional determinations” cannot be challenged until the property owner has navigated a long and expensive permit process — and received a denial.....

Andrew Langer on th phantom risks and real costs of radical #environmentalism https://t.co/NOlCN94Vqq pic.twitter.com/YO9vdidk4I

— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) March 31, 2016

"I have raised a sweet, thoughtful, environmentally conscious monster—and soon I will be free."

Yes, this woman created a monster. http://t.co/poWcJfhNFq The problem is, us normal people have to deal with him, too. (Via @instapundit)

— Moe Lane (@moelane) September 13, 2015

My son, Cory, will leave our Northern California home to start college back East in the fall, prompting other mothers to offer condolences about my soon-to-be-empty nest. Though they expect me to break into tears, my overriding emotion when my youngest departs will be relief. I will finally be freed from the constant scrutiny of the ever-vigilant eco-warrior I raised.

I can do nothing right in my teenage son’s eyes. He grills me about the distance traveled of each piece of fruit and every vegetable I purchase. He interrogates me about the provenance of all the meat, poultry, and fish I serve. He questions my every move—from how I choose a car (why not electric?) and a couch (why synthetic fill?) to how I tend the garden (why waste water on flowers?)—an unremitting interrogation of my impact on our desecrated environment. While other parents hide alcohol and pharmaceuticals from their teens, I hide plastic containers and paper towels....

It’s no surprise Cory feels the weight of the planet’s future on his shoulders. He answered the call from Raffi, the Lorax, and his grandmother. Now he is calling on me and my generation—Baby Boomers who thought we could fix the mess we helped create by doing little more than buying a Prius‚ to seriously examine the way we live....

I mean, dear God. Eventually that kid is going to want to get a job. He's amazingly unsuited for anything that would pay actual money.

— Moe Lane (@moelane) September 13, 2015

Man died after Berkeley "Ferguson" protests delayed help

◼ Due to protests in Berkeley, a city staffer noted "no one could go in safely." - SF Chronicle

Several city staffers — who asked for anonymity because they are not authorized to speak with the media — said paramedics were delayed in their response to help the man who collapsed, and that he later died at the hospital.

Three-time Looted Dellwood Market Owner: I may call it quits (#Ferguson)

◼ You blame him? - Le-gal In-sur-rec-tion

Here’s one of the times, on August 17:

NO ON MEASURE R: Fair Wage Folks” have fooled a lot of people, Measure R was never about a living wage

Measure R has never been about a “Living Wage” or improving the local economy. Measure R has always been about the Occupy movement’s disdain for Walmart. An honest byline would have read “Get Walmart”. If their true intentions are in doubt, look at the early content of their social media pages and consider these questions: Why does this stop at the city limits? Why is it only companies with over 25 employees? Why is there an exemption for unions? Does a union employee not also deserve a “Living Wage”? Does a worker in a small cafe not deserve a “Living Wage”? Does an employee who works in Myrtletown not deserve a “Living Wage”? The Unions and local Occupy Movement have their crosshairs on Walmart, but a lot of good, locally owned Eureka businesses, and many organizations serving the elderly and poor are being caught in the crossfire.

People are struggling, and I’m sympathetic. Early on, I lived in the back room of a body shop in Mckinleyville until I found my footing working multiple jobs. The last four businesses I worked for all closed down when they succumbed to financial pressures. I still have my last paycheck from one of them. It never cleared the bank.

Now I work for a good company. 20 years ago I started with City Ambulance, who operates Humboldt Dial-A-Ride and City Cab, earning $3.35 per hour as a part-time EMT. After paramedic school, nursing school, a bachelor’s degree, and a lot of hard work, I make significantly more. I’ve always had an opportunity to succeed on my efforts, but I see that opportunity disappearing for my kids who are just entering the workforce. I see how companies are responding to the increasing pressures from minimum wage hikes, health insurance, increases workman’s compensation insurance increases, and regulatory changes.

City Ambulance gives a portion of profits to the employees at the end of each year.

5 years ago, we paid over $100,000.00 in performance bonuses. Perfect attendance- $200.00; Accident free- $300.00; No customer complaints $200.00; and the list goes on. Many good employees received a full month’s check or more in the form of a bonus, and we gave away a cruise each year at our company picnic. Last year, that number was down to $25,000.00. The bonus may not even exist this year. So who lost out in favor of wage pressure and excessive regulation? The employee who showed up for work on time with a good attitude and took care of our customers.

In 2007, we had over 100 employees and used local work assistance programs to help the unemployed and disabled re-enter the workforce. We discontinued the program in 2008, after an 18.5% increase in the minimum wage over just two years, and we’ve since cut our staff down to about 90 employees.

Benefits? You can’t find five taxicab companies in all of California like ours that have health insurance, retirement and vacation for their taxicab drivers. All of that is in jeopardy as we look for ways to survive. We could add a surcharge of $1.50 on Eureka taxicab fares, but fares have already doubled over the last five years. How much will the market bear? The fact is we will find some creative way to restructure. There won’t be any winners.

Those benefits that atrophy in favor of wages are all pretax, so we ALL feel the sting when they are reduced. Just 5 years ago, we paid for a very generous health insurance plan for employees. Today, that’s been scaled back to a minimum plan and employees must contribute 5-9% of their wages. Unlike this proposal, the City of Seattle had the good sense to recognize that benefits should be factored into the minimum wage.

Our Dial-A-Ride services? Well, if Measure R passes, the City of Eureka will have a choice. Pay significantly more for service or cut back on transportation for the elderly and disabled. Which do you think will happen? We are not alone in this plight. Senior nutrition programs, childcare services, afterschool programs, parks and recreation, and other transportation programs are caught in the crossfire and many are preparing for cuts to service.

City Ambulance will adapt in a way that will sadly upset some lives. Not because my boss is a greedy corporate fat cat, but because this family business that has supported our little league teams, community non-profits, our employees, and has given back to the community in immeasurable ways for over five decades, is caught in the crossfire. Measure R is what happens when the desire to punish Walmart trumps concern for the community. I trust that voters will see the forest for the trees and vote “NO” on Measure R. One more thing. If you think our taxicab drivers deserve more, I agree. Don’t wait for the inevitable fare increases forced by regulation. Give it to them directly with an extra $1.50 in your tip. I always do.

Jaison Chand, Eureka
__________________
◼ Measure R Vote NO
__________________
◼ Local nonprofits ponder impact of Eureka's Measure R - Clay McGlaughlin/Times-Standard

◼ Times-Standard Editorial: Fair Wage Act unfair to city — vote no on R - Times-Standard EDITORIAL

The Real Effects of Measure R. (Eureka's Minimum Wage Hike Proposal)

The Real Effects of Measure R. Vote No on Measure R and PROTECT: • Senior Meal and Nutrition Programs • Youth Recreation Services • After School Programs • Childcare Services • Low Income Transportation Programs • Home Health Care

MARIJUANA COOKIE MONSTERS

◼ Drug legalization in one state reconsidered. - Peter Hannaford/American Spectator - 9/29/14

It was all high fives on New Year’s Day in Denver’s marijuana shops. That was the day sales began under Colorado’s voter-approved measure to make legal “recreational” use of marijuana.

More than a few state bureaucrats, on the lookout for new revenue sources, must have looked on with warm smiles. After all, proponents had said often that legalization would give a boost in tax receipts to the state’s treasury.

Not to be left behind, the Colorado Symphony announced it would play a series of “cannabis-friendly” concerts to be called “Classically Cannabis: The High Note Series.” With dwindling audiences and a deficit, the orchestra’s CEO, Jerome Kern, told the Associated Press, “The cannabis industry obviously opens the door to a younger, more diverse audience.”

Pot-happy visitors flocked to the state. Some took a supply home. The head of the federal Drug Enforcement Administration testified before a Senate committee in April that Kansas officials reported a 60 percent increase in marijuana seizures traced to Colorado. The police chief of Colby, Kansas, which is on an Interstate highway leading to Colorado, reported his department had made 20 marijuana-related charges through late May, more than three times the number two years earlier.

Many pot enthusiasts bought their favorite drug in edible form--candy and cookies--from now-legal retail stores. Some had fatal results.

In March, Levy Thomba Pongi, a Wyoming college student, and three fellow students drove to Denver to sample the wares. Mr. Pongi ate some marijuana cookies (some reports said six, but the label cautioned buyers to eat only one). He began acting wildly and jumped from a hotel balcony to his death. The Medical Examiner’s office said that marijuana intoxication was a “significant” contribution to his death.

In April, Richard Kirk purchased a pre-rolled marijuana cigarette and Karma Kandy at a shop in Denver. Having consumed his purchases, he began acting crazily, so his wife called 911. Minutes later he shot her. She died.

Children’s Hospital of Colorado reported that through May it had nine children admitted after consuming marijuana. Six were critically ill. In the entire previous year, the hospital had only eight cases.

After these incidences, state regulators set out to write new rules governing packaging and labeling edible marijuana. The danger of such stuff lying around where children could find it should have been obvious before legalization took place. Instead, deaths and hospital cases had to occur before the authorities took action.

In August a report titled “The Legalization of Marijuana in Colorado: The Impact” was released by the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. Using data from 2006 through mid-2013, it examined traffic fatalities, youth usage, adult usage, emergency room admissions, marijuana-related exposure cases and “diversion” (i.e. seizure) of Colorado marijuana. The picture it paints is not a pretty one. The data compiled are all from pre-legalization years. That is, before this January 1.

• Driving fatalities for 2006-2011 decreased by 16 percent, but those involving drivers testing positive for marijuana increased by 114 percent.

• Youth use: The national average of 12-to-17-year-old “current’ users in 2011 was 7.64 percent. In Colorado it was 10.72 percent.

• Adult use: The national average of young adults (18-25) who were “current’ users was 18.7 percent. The Colorado average was 27.26 percent.

• Emergency room: In the four years 2005-2008, the annual average of emergency room visits for marijuana-related incidents was 741. In the three years 2009-2011 it increased to an 800-a-year average.

• Marijuana-related exposure cases: From 2005-2008, the annual average exposures for children from under one to five years of age was only four. Between 2009 and 2011 it had grown to a yearly average of 12.

• Diversion (seizure) of Colorado marijuana: The annual average in 2009-2011 quadrupled from 52 to 242. During the same time spans the amount of pounds of marijuana seized increased by 77 percent, from an average of 2,200 to 3,957 pounds. And, in 2012, authorities seized 7,008 pounds.

• The mails weren’t immune. In 2010, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service seized 15 packages of Colorado marijuana addressed to people in other states. In 2012 the number was 158 parcels.

Did Colorado voters know all of this when they voted in 2012 to legalize marijuana sales? If they didn’t, they should have been informed.

While comparable data for 2014 won’t be available until next year, there is no evidence yet that the legalization program is producing benefits to outweigh the dangers.

Marijuana promoters routinely say that legalization of the sale of “recreational” marijuana will put an end to illicit activities. Don’t bet on it. And, especially, don’t bet on adult users being careful to put tempting pot cookies and candies well out of the reach of children.
__________________
Peter Hannaford was closely associated with the late President Reagan for a number of years. His latest book is ◼ “Presidential Retreats.”

Mr. Hannaford writes from California, the first of 22 states to legalize the sale of medical-use marijuana.

BREAK THE RULES

◼ SENATE DEMOCRATS DETONATE “NUCLEAR OPTION” BARRING NOMINEE FILIBUSTER - John Hayward/Human Events @Doc_o

Today, the odious Harry Reid didn’t have much to say about the Founding Fathers and their vision of checks, balances, and extended debate. He very much wants one person, the increasingly dictatorial Barack Obama, and his Party to have total control. He also very much wants everyone to stop talking about the ObamaCare disaster. Democrats desperately needed a distraction, a political win, and enough power to set the table before they risk becoming a Senate minority in the next election. They changed the rule on a party-line vote, 52-48, actually losing three of their number – Carl Levin of Michigan, Joe Manchin of West Virginia, and Mark Pryor of Arkansas – who sided with the Republican opposition.

◼ Reid, Democrats trigger ‘nuclear’ option; eliminate most filibusters on nominees - Paul Kane/Washington Post
The rule change means federal judge nominees and executive-office appointments can be confirmed by a simple majority of senators, rather than the 60-vote super majority that has been required for more than two centuries.

The change does not apply to Supreme Court nominations. But the vote, mostly along party lines, reverses nearly 225 years of precedent and dramatically alters the landscape for both Democratic and Republican presidents, especially if their own political party holds a majority of, but fewer than 60, Senate seats.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) accused Democrats of a power grab and suggested that they will regret their decision if Republicans regain control of the chamber.

“We’re not interested in having a gun put to our head any longer,” McConnell said. “Some of us have been around here long enough to know that the shoe is sometimes on the other foot.” McConnell then addressed Democrats directly, saying: “You may regret this a lot sooner than you think,” he said.

.@SenLandrieu why were you for nominee filibusters during the Bush admin but you just voted to overturn Senate rules?

— Matt Dawson (@SaintRPh) November 21, 2013

Nuclear: Reid, Democrats Destroy Filibuster, 52-48: The Senate voted Thursday, 52-48, to end the filibuster ru... http://t.co/dbpN0xJYk2

— Breitbart News (@BreitbartNews) November 21, 2013

So when Republicans take the Senate in 2014 theycan overturn Obamacare with 51 votes?... Thank you, Democrats. http://t.co/8TzFSeGjYB

— Jim Hoft (@gatewaypundit) November 21, 2013

"This is a power grab," says Sen Alexander. He calls it a "partisan, political maneuver" to let the Dem majority "do whatever it wants."

— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) November 21, 2013

◼ Democrats Have Amnesia About Using the Nuclear Option Ending Filibusters - caffeinatedthoughts

This was a mistake, and it’s amazing how Democrats have forgotten the arguments they employed when Republicans wrongly considered and rightly rejected such a move under President George W. Bush.

In 2005 then Senator Barack Obama called for his colleagues considering the nuclear option to consider “free and democratic debate.” : “Mr. President, I rise today to urge my colleagues to think about the implications of what has been called the nuclear option and what effect that might have on this Chamber and on this country. I urge all of us to think not just about winning every debate but about protecting free and democratic debate.” (Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL), Floor Remarks, Washington, DC, 4/13/05)

Obama: “The American people want less partisanship in this town, but everyone in this chamber knows that if the majority chooses to end the filibuster, if they choose to change the rules and put an end to democratic debate, then the fighting, the bitterness, and the gridlock will only get worse.” (Sen. Barack Obama, Floor Remarks, Washington, D.C., 4/13/05)



◼ FLASHBACK: Obama: No on Nuclear Option, Must Protect ‘Free and Democratic Debate - Washington Free Beacon
◼ OBAMA, 2005: NUCLEAR OPTION WILL MAKE 'BITTERNESS AND GRIDLOCK' WORSE - Breitbart



◼ FLASHBACK: Biden on Nuclear Option: ‘It’s a Fundamental Power Grab’ - Washington Free Beacon

◼ FLASHBACK: Reid in 2008: Nuclear Option 'Will Ruin Our Country' - JOHN MCCORMACK/WEEKLY STANDARD

This afternoon, Senate majority leader Harry Reid deployed the so-called "nuclear option," changing the Senate rules to get rid of the 60-vote requirement to end a filibuster on judicial nominees or cabinet nominees. The Washington Free Beacon reports that in 2008, Reid denounced Republican consideration of the "nuclear option" and vowed that he would never use it:

“As long as I am the Leader, the answer’s no,” he said. “I think we should just forget that. That is a black chapter in the history of the Senate. I hope we never, ever get to that again because I really do believe it will ruin our country.

◼ Harry Reid's 'nuclear option,' then and now - Washington Examiner



◼ GOP Leader McConnell: Nuclear Option Doesn’t ‘Distract from Obamacare,’ It ‘Reminds’ Voters of It (Video) - Gateway Pundit

Nuclear option fits Team Obama strategy of winner-take-all government where EVERY branch is used to attack enemies -- IRS, NSA, etc.

— Dan Gainor (@dangainor) November 22, 2013

◼ Ted Cruz on Nuclear Option: Harry Reid broke his promise just like Obama - The Right Scoop

◼ As President Obama said, They Got Away With It - Heritage

CNBC’s Maria Bartiromo: ObamaCare Forcing Businesses To Shift To Part-Time Workers (Video)

◼ Obamacare will kill off at least two percent of the US full-time workforce. - Gateway Pundit

Report: Obamacare To Trigger Health Insurance Cancellation Notices As Early As This Fall…

◼ No, you can’t keep your plan if you like it. - WeaselZippers



◼ New health insurance rules under ObamaCare could lead to a host of personal insurance plans being canceled as early as this fall, a scenario expected to cause consumer confusion. - FOX

New health insurance rules under ObamaCare could lead to a host of personal insurance plans being canceled as early as this fall, a scenario expected to cause consumer confusion.

It was a mandate from the Environmental Protection Agency

DC Breaking Local News Weather Sports FOX 5 WTTG

◼ DC ambulance breaks down while transporting shooting victim to hospital - FOX DC

The D.C. fire department is trying to determine why one of its newer diesel ambulances broke down as crews were transporting a patient in cardiac arrest.

It happened on I-295 Wednesday afternoon as Ambulance 19 was taking a shooting victim to the hospital. Then it took several minutes for a second ambulance to arrive.

The driver of Ambulance 19 is telling investigators the indicator lights on the emission control system suddenly and unexpectedly jumped from a warning to shut down in a matter of seconds, and as the engine died, she was able to pull the rig to the side of the road.

The question now is why? And can these newer rigs be trusted to be there in an emergency?

When the D.C. fire department began buying these diesel engine ambulances a few years ago, officials knew they would have to manage them with a new emission control system that would automatically shut the engine down if it wasn't allowed to what's called "regenerate.”

It was a mandate from the Environmental Protection Agency.

...A medic continued to administer CPR while the crew waited for a second ambulance but McRae was pronounced dead at Howard University Hospital.

Projected Shortage of 45,000 Doctors by 2020

◼ ...with the health care deadline looming, a new push has been launched in about a dozen states to allow nurses with a master’s degree or higher to order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications and administer treatments without physician oversight, the Washington Post reports. - AARP

◼ WALGREEN clinics to begin treating chronic illnesses - AP

Obamacare Gets Juicy: Obama hipsters learn health care law comes at a heavy cost

◼ While employees seem shocked that their ranks are thinning from 128 full-time employees to 19, they really shouldn’t be outraged at their employer, as opposed to angry with themselves for supporting such an inanely-written law. - Red State

Yesterday, some person (or group) tweeted to me a link to a campaign (allegedly) by and for the current and former employees of Juicy Couture to demand “just hours.”
You see, according to the campaign, the hip and trendy Juicy is doing what other companies are doing in an effort to cope with the burdensome regulations and costs of the “Affordable Health Care Act” (aka ObamaCare)–the company is downsizing its full-time payroll to (mostly) part-time workers.

Since it is probably a safe bet that many of Juicy Couture’s (former) employees voted for Barack Obama, it appears that they are (or should be) learning three things simultaneously:

1. The law of unintended consequences;
2. Elections do matter; and
3. There’s no free lunch.

In their case, as with so many other Obama supporters, one might add: Be careful what you wish for because you might just get it.

Just wait until the other shoe drops.