We know that we are in debt... Iraq, Katrina, etc., has immeasurably damaged our country financially in addition to the personal damage to our citizens. I recognize that sacrifices will need to be made in order to get America back into financial shape and stability.
But, as we enter another political season, with some repeat offenders representing us in Boise as well as in Washington DC, we need to remember that some politicians believe that selling off our public lands the answer to their problems.
Is this really in Idaho's best interest? And will we REALLY know what the money will be used for? National debt? Katrina? Iraq?
Simpson's plan seems to be in limbo now, but has it really gone away? Or will new deals be made? Can we trust Otter and Kempthorne to stand up and protect our lands? Simpson tried to sell his project by promising that the money is to be earmarked for "rural schools" --which appeals to many Idahoans considering our concerns about education. But we need to remember that the federal government has already failed to make the originally agreed-upon payments for prior land agreements! They've shown they can't be trusted to pay Idaho's children what they've promised... and we want them to sell our children's heritage? Is this worth it?
For those of us in the Magic Valley, did you know that one of the proposed sections for sale was "the 10,701-acre L-shaped tract [that] runs east from the Little Camas Reservoir and north to Anderson Ranch Reservoir, and then east again to Salix Creek 20 miles west of Fairfield." I can't find a current reference to this parcel, but it was listed at one time. Please don't support any project like this if you don't know which lands are being sold! Or you will end up mapping your future hunting/camping/fishing/etc. trips around private (second) homes and "No Trespassing" signs...
Here are some articles to read... become informed and speak up!
Winston-Salem Journal
Idaho Press-Tribune
Idaho Mountain Express
Western Democrat
New West
Stand Up and Oppose CIEDRA Wilderness Bill
More articles and postings...
Contact your representatives and tell them that Idaho is not for sale!
Write letters to the editor as well. Educate Idahoans about what our government has planned for our recreational lands!
We can't afford to take our eyes off the ball in this game, folks...
Showing posts with label Dirk Kempthorne. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dirk Kempthorne. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Republican Family Values
Republican Family Values
The family values epitomized by far right polititians and pundits including:
(a) phone sex with subordinates,
(b) prescription drug abuse,
(c) republiporn such as Scooter Libby's novel about prepubescent girls being raped by bears or Lynne Cheney's novel about lesbian sex in the old west,
(d) public uses of expletives and
(e) underage drinking and drug use by sons and daughters.
Now that Tom was in the top 1% tax bracket, he could openly display his Republican family values by sharing his cocaine with his kid's babysitter.
In reference to Dirk Kempthorne:
"I guess having an illegitimate child is honoring 'family values', and having a mistress enhances the 'sanctity of marriage'."by Bubba Barney
For more displays of Republican Family Values, check out:
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Don't give up! Speak up!
Don't let Bush continue to rape and pillage America!
The land, water, and air at risk belongs to OUR future...
NOT THE REPUBLICANS' BANK ACCOUNTS!
Don't let them sell, mine, destroy, waste, or pollute our resources!
Demand responsiblity and conservation!
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Stop Kempthorne's nomination
As I've mentioned at previous posts (Whispers of Kempthorne, Why Not Shouting? and What Is A Westerner"?), I question whether Kempthorne is the right person for the job as Interior Secretary. Is he truly the right person for the job, or was he selected for his schmoozing talents?
Others seem to have concerns also. If you wish to contact your senator and express your concerns, visit Wilderness Home.
I have absolutely no hope that Idaho's senators would pay any attention, but if you are an Idahoan, at least go through the motions. Otherwise, just pass this on to your friends in other states... maybe THEIR senators would listen to them!
I would also like to remind folks to:
Others seem to have concerns also. If you wish to contact your senator and express your concerns, visit Wilderness Home.
I have absolutely no hope that Idaho's senators would pay any attention, but if you are an Idahoan, at least go through the motions. Otherwise, just pass this on to your friends in other states... maybe THEIR senators would listen to them!
I would also like to remind folks to:
"Go to www.freemarketduck.com
and order their recent book, "BOISE'S WATERGATE: University Place and All the Governor's Men". It details (in lurid detail) the true high crimes & misdeameanors of the Kempthorne Administration."
Thursday, March 23, 2006
What is a "Westerner"?
There has been a lot of discussion regarding Kempthorne’s qualifications (or lack of) for the job of Interior Secretary under Bush. Those who support this nomination claim that Kempthorne’s classification as a “Westerner” meets the criteria for the job.
This shows me that Kempthorne’s supporters are able to read a compass but have no other understanding of being a “Westerner”. When one thinks of a “Westerner”, the image is more complex than just living on the west side of the continent.
A true “Westerner” should be able to relate to the needs of our rural region. “Westerners” rely on our natural resources (air, water, land) for our quality of life. “Westerners” understand the specific needs of rural communities and the challenges unique to those communities. The recreational activities experienced by true “Westerners” are quite different from urban residents. (Going for a ride a mountain bike through Tamarack and watching satellite TV in your RV isn’t a true “Westerner’s” typical recreational experience.) Rural agribusiness, economy, and survival depends on sensible urban development, responsible resource management, and awareness of the impact of large corporations on small businesses (Walmart vs. mom and pop shops, corporate agribusiness vs. family farms, megadairies/CAFOs impact on our air and water, etc.), and a balance between the needs of a growing population and its effect on our rural citizens.
Do the residents of San Diego (Kempthorne’s place of birth) understand the needs of residents in Brentwood, California? Can the people living in Spokane (where Kempthorne grew up) relate to the economic challenges faced by the citizens of Palouse, Washington? Can residents of Boise with their own urban needs and challenges truly comprehend the struggles faced by their fellow Idahoans in Magic Valley?
Perhaps supporters of this nomination consider Kempthorne’s work experience as proper training for the Interior Secretary. Kempthorne has spent twenty years in politics, three years as “executive vice-president” for Idaho Home Builders Association, and three more years as “state public affairs manager” for FMC Corp. (which is rarely identified in Kempthorne’s bios as a chemical manufacturing company headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania). Kempthorne worked as the “executive assistant to the director” for the Idaho Department of Lands for only TWO years.
Does it not raise questions that Kempthorne has spent most of his life in politics, property development, or chemical manufacturing? Does anybody wonder what his qualifications were for executive vice-president/assistant to the director or public affairs manager except for more political maneuvering and promotion rather than actual knowledge of the industry? What do we know about his education other than he graduated from the University of Idaho in 1976? Even his activities as a politician promote serious examination as to Kempthorne’s understanding to our rural way of life and commitment to natural resources.
Before accepting the description of “Westerner” as a qualification for the job of Secretary of Interior, Americans need to identify the difference between a true “Westerner” and an “urban cowboy”.
Just as going to church doesn’t make one a Christian anymore than going to a garage makes one an automobile, living on the west side of the Mississippi does not make one a “Westerner”.
This shows me that Kempthorne’s supporters are able to read a compass but have no other understanding of being a “Westerner”. When one thinks of a “Westerner”, the image is more complex than just living on the west side of the continent.
A true “Westerner” should be able to relate to the needs of our rural region. “Westerners” rely on our natural resources (air, water, land) for our quality of life. “Westerners” understand the specific needs of rural communities and the challenges unique to those communities. The recreational activities experienced by true “Westerners” are quite different from urban residents. (Going for a ride a mountain bike through Tamarack and watching satellite TV in your RV isn’t a true “Westerner’s” typical recreational experience.) Rural agribusiness, economy, and survival depends on sensible urban development, responsible resource management, and awareness of the impact of large corporations on small businesses (Walmart vs. mom and pop shops, corporate agribusiness vs. family farms, megadairies/CAFOs impact on our air and water, etc.), and a balance between the needs of a growing population and its effect on our rural citizens.
Do the residents of San Diego (Kempthorne’s place of birth) understand the needs of residents in Brentwood, California? Can the people living in Spokane (where Kempthorne grew up) relate to the economic challenges faced by the citizens of Palouse, Washington? Can residents of Boise with their own urban needs and challenges truly comprehend the struggles faced by their fellow Idahoans in Magic Valley?
Perhaps supporters of this nomination consider Kempthorne’s work experience as proper training for the Interior Secretary. Kempthorne has spent twenty years in politics, three years as “executive vice-president” for Idaho Home Builders Association, and three more years as “state public affairs manager” for FMC Corp. (which is rarely identified in Kempthorne’s bios as a chemical manufacturing company headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania). Kempthorne worked as the “executive assistant to the director” for the Idaho Department of Lands for only TWO years.
Does it not raise questions that Kempthorne has spent most of his life in politics, property development, or chemical manufacturing? Does anybody wonder what his qualifications were for executive vice-president/assistant to the director or public affairs manager except for more political maneuvering and promotion rather than actual knowledge of the industry? What do we know about his education other than he graduated from the University of Idaho in 1976? Even his activities as a politician promote serious examination as to Kempthorne’s understanding to our rural way of life and commitment to natural resources.
Before accepting the description of “Westerner” as a qualification for the job of Secretary of Interior, Americans need to identify the difference between a true “Westerner” and an “urban cowboy”.
Just as going to church doesn’t make one a Christian anymore than going to a garage makes one an automobile, living on the west side of the Mississippi does not make one a “Westerner”.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Whispers of Kempthorne... why not shouting?
Face it, nobody really pays attention to Idaho. Heck, many Americans aren't even sure where the state is located! When they think of Idaho, they think of potatoes and Aryan nations. The GOP takes us for granted, and the Democrats tend to not waste time or money on us.
So it is quite feasible to think that Kempthorne will slide into his DC position, like a knife through butter. How much damage can Kempthorne do in three years? Do we really want to find out? Remember the concern when it was a possibility that Kempthorne was considered to be the head of the EPA? Remember, "after Kempthorne became governor of Idaho, the state increased toxic emissions by 2 percent—this during a period when the national average declined by 9 percent".
There are some soft concerned whispers out in blogland, but there should be SHOUTS, as there were about Harriet Meyers. But again, does anybody know who Kempthorne is and what he stands for?
Check out these blogs/articles and help get the word out across America and warn them about what the consequences could be if Kempthorne is confirmed.
Left In The West: "Kempthorne's Song and Dance"
Ridenbaugh Press: "Kempthorne's New Gig"
Spokesman Review
On a side note, it seems that Kempthorne will be running around unsupervised while in DC...
So it is quite feasible to think that Kempthorne will slide into his DC position, like a knife through butter. How much damage can Kempthorne do in three years? Do we really want to find out? Remember the concern when it was a possibility that Kempthorne was considered to be the head of the EPA? Remember, "after Kempthorne became governor of Idaho, the state increased toxic emissions by 2 percent—this during a period when the national average declined by 9 percent".
There are some soft concerned whispers out in blogland, but there should be SHOUTS, as there were about Harriet Meyers. But again, does anybody know who Kempthorne is and what he stands for?
Check out these blogs/articles and help get the word out across America and warn them about what the consequences could be if Kempthorne is confirmed.
Left In The West: "Kempthorne's Song and Dance"
This nomination follows in a long Bush tradition of spearheading government agencies with their sharpest critics and encouraging the haters to do their worst.NY Times
"He represents a continuation of five years of an administration policy of exploiting public lands for oil and gas development and other resource extraction," said Philip E. Clapp, president of the National Environmental Trust.Boise Weekly: "Down in the Dirk"
Ridenbaugh Press: "Kempthorne's New Gig"
If you don’t like the Bush Administration’s approach generally on environmental matters, you won’t like Kempthorne’s.Sierra Club: Kempthorne Nomination Raises Serious Concerns
Given the administration's and Kempthorne's own track record on the environment, unfortunately we have little hope that as Interior Secretary he would provide the leadership necessary to protect our national parks, wildlife and other special places.New West
Just this week Andrus told reporters he hoped Kempthorne would take a position against the proposed sale of public lands, a proposition that is immensely unpopular in Idaho. Until then he should not expect support from Andrus.New West: "Please, not Kempthorne"
"...our new Interior Secretary really needs to reflect the prevailing sentiment of the people he or she serves, not special interests viewing our public lands as reserves of unmined natural resources."Grist
Kempthorne has also been a longtime proponent of exploiting natural resources on federal lands -- drilling in the Arctic Refuge and on the outer continental shelf, and logging in roadless areas of national forests.The Missoulisan
Spokesman Review
"He's been a faithful mouthpiece of the polluting industries of Idaho ever since he worked for FMC."The Idaho Statesman: Kempthorne a shoo-in
Environmentalists point to Kempthorne's aggressive jousting with the Environmental Protection Agency over cleaning up the Silver Valley in North Idaho after a century of heavy metal mining contamination as a sign of his values. In his 2002 State of the State address, Kempthorne said about the EPA: "I am so frustrated with them that I am on the verge of inviting them to leave the state."National Environmental Trust
"As a senator and a governor, Dirk Kempthorne has been an unabashed champion of the resource extraction and development interests that profit most from public lands. He has led the fight to open the last untouched 30% of the national forests to logging, mining and oil and gas drilling. He granted the only permit to mine Idaho's state forests. He led the fight to weaken the Endangered Species Act, long opposed by real estate interests. Last but not least, he fought efforts to regulate arsenic in drinking water from both the Senate and the Idaho State House.FACT SHEET: Idaho's Environment Under Kempthorne
- Budget: Kempthorne cut Idaho's environmental services budget three times in two years.
- Toxics: Though 35 states and the nation as a whole reduced the amount of toxins released into the environment from 1998 to 2000, Idaho increased emissions by 2 percent. National emissions decreased by 9 percent in the same period. Idaho emitted 59 pounds of toxins per resident on average in 2000, versus the national average of 25 pounds per perso. In 2000, Idaho — population 1.3 million — had more total toxic emissions than California, population 33.9 million.
- Polluter Enforcement: Idaho polluters avoided inspections at a rate significantly higher than the rest of the country. 63 percent of "significant violators" haven't been inspected in the year analyzed, versus a national average of 48 percent. From 1999 to 2001, inspections for air pollution violators dropped 38 percent and "warning letters" to air polluters decreased 68 percent." (Source: "Bush's choice for EPA job oversaw worsening pollution in Idaho," Knight-Ridder, June 23, 2003)
"During his career in Congress, Governor Kempthorne earned a paltry 1% lifetime LCV score. Enough said."(Ouch! Craig, Simpson, Crapo, and Otter aren't much better. I can only imagine what Otter would do to Idaho if he's elected Governor.)
On a side note, it seems that Kempthorne will be running around unsupervised while in DC...
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Kissin' a** achieves more than a brown nose...
This is not just an Idaho issue... Americans who are concerned about how this administration nominates "qualified" (?) individuals to cabinet/Supreme Court/etc. posts and comes up with questionable programs for solving our health care, economy, education, environment, and homeland security issues should pay CLOSE attention to the current nomination of Idaho's own "Governor Rogaine" (loved that name!) to the position of Interior Secretary.
Keep in mind that this is the same administration who accomplished the following (thank you to Make Them Accountable):
Inexperienced 28-Year-Old Bush Staffer Appointed to Critical Homeland Security Post
The Bush administration has appointed 28-year-old former White House staffer Doug Hoelscher as the executive director of the Homeland Security Advisory Committees.
In his new position, Hoelscher will gather expert advice “on behalf of the president and the Homeland Security secretary” from 20 other advisory boards covering “key areas of homeland security, including threats to infrastructure and preventing terrorist attacks that use weapons of mass destruction.” His experience?
But back to Kempthorne...
Idaho bloggers and others are expressing their concerns and opinions... I won't pretend to know enough about the issues to write more here--that would be redundant and foolish! However, I do encourage all Americans to pay attention to this nomination... become informed and share your opinions with others--including YOUR representatives and senators! I would like to also pass on this reading recommendation:
More discussion is happening at:
Red State Rebels
43rd State Blues
DailyKos #1
DailyKos #2
Political Game
NOTE:
Not that this has anything to do with protecting our interior, but I did find it quite interesting that aRepublican (you know, the political party with the direct line to God, unlike us pagan liberals) would be rumored to have a mistress who has borne a child by him! I'm SO disappointed! (And surprised also! Gosh! So much for Idaho and "family values"!)
Keep in mind that this is the same administration who accomplished the following (thank you to Make Them Accountable):
Inexperienced 28-Year-Old Bush Staffer Appointed to Critical Homeland Security Post
The Bush administration has appointed 28-year-old former White House staffer Doug Hoelscher as the executive director of the Homeland Security Advisory Committees.
In his new position, Hoelscher will gather expert advice “on behalf of the president and the Homeland Security secretary” from 20 other advisory boards covering “key areas of homeland security, including threats to infrastructure and preventing terrorist attacks that use weapons of mass destruction.” His experience?
Hoelscher has no management experience, a review of his professional credentials shows. He came to government in 2001 as a low-level White House staffer, arranging presidential travel, according to news reports. He earned $30,000 a year, salary documents show…
But back to Kempthorne...
Idaho bloggers and others are expressing their concerns and opinions... I won't pretend to know enough about the issues to write more here--that would be redundant and foolish! However, I do encourage all Americans to pay attention to this nomination... become informed and share your opinions with others--including YOUR representatives and senators! I would like to also pass on this reading recommendation:
"Go to www.freemarketduck.com and order their recent book, "BOISE'S WATERGATE: University Place and All the Governor's Men". It details (in lurid detail) the true high crimes & misdameanors of the Kempthorne Administration."
More discussion is happening at:
Red State Rebels
43rd State Blues
DailyKos #1
DailyKos #2
Political Game
NOTE:
Not that this has anything to do with protecting our interior, but I did find it quite interesting that a
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