To my knowlege Tony Alamos Christian Ministry is not active in this area. However, since a previous video-post on this subject raised some contention and questions, I have done a little more research on the matter...
["FOX Interview With Tony Alamo"; as submitted by factnetmember on September 25, 2008; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzarTSs_OO8]
["Evangelist Tony Alamo Agrees to Return to Ark."; as submitted to You Tube by AssociatedPress on
September 27, 2008; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKV3ABhXWuw]
["KARK - More Alamo Properties Raided Tuesday; 20 Children Removed"; as submitted to You Tube by factnetmember on November 22, 2008; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEZpBIYqpEw]
["KTAL - Alamo To Appear In Texarkanas Federal Court Friday"; as submitted to You Tube by factnetmember
on November 22, 2008; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VP_H9HvlMr4]
["KTAL - Alamo in Court Today"; as submitted by factnetmember on November 24, 2008; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtnwLQARexk]
["MY MISSING CHILDREN(MORE DETAILED)"; as submitted to You Tube by pixypixy1987 on March 08, 2009; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Uk7lB98KZc]
For more information, please copy and past the following into the address bar:
1. "Tony Alamo - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia": http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Alamo
2. "Tony Alamo": http://www.rickross.com/groups/alamo.html
And if anyone has access to any updated information on the case or cases - please do let me / us know!
Thank You,
NS
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Friday, April 3, 2009
Passing on a Beautiful Music Video and Some Spring Gardening Tips from MSN.com Lifestyle and Martha Stewart.com
Posted on You Tube with the following video:
"The Celtic tune 'She Bheag She Mor' on hammered dulcimer accompanies this video of spring flowers in the North Carolina mountains...
["Spring Flowers: Music by Donna Germano"; as submitted to You Tube by dmgermano1 on April 05, 2007; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5NDb5-SzUY]
From "MSN Lifestyle with Martha Stewart.com":
"Spring Gardening Tips... Follow the 10 tips outlined below for a welcoming garden that's filled with color and fragrance -- and song...
Survey the Yard...
Make note of tree limbs that should be removed or cabled, especially those that overhang structures. Hire an arborist to maintain large trees. Cut down last year's perennial foliage, and toss it into the compost pile. Rake mulch from beds planted with bulbs before foliage appears, and refresh mulch in other planting areas after soil warms. Check fences, steps, and pathways for disrepair caused by freezing and thawing.
Order Tools and Plants...
Tune up tools so everything is ready when things start growing. Make note of what is missing, and order tools for the new growing season. Choose new plants for the garden. Order perennials, trees, and shrubs for spring planting.
Get Ready to Mow...
Send the mower and leaf blower for servicing, or if you have the right tools, sharpen the mower blades yourself. Refill your mower with oil, install fresh spark plugs, and lubricate moving parts if necessary. Clear the lawn of winter debris, and look for areas that need reseeding before mowing.
Prune Trees and Shrubs...
Remove dead, damaged, and diseased branches from woody plants. Thin and trim summer-blooming shrubs such as butterfly bush, hydrangea, and most roses, except for old-fashioned once bloomers. Prune cold-damaged wood after plants resume spring growth. Prune spring-blooming shrubs and trees after flowering.
Take a Soil Test...
Check soil pH with a home soil- test kit, taking several samples from different planting areas for an accurate reading. Enrich soil as necessary: Add dolomitic lime to raise the pH or elemental sulfur to lower the pH.
Prepare New Beds...
Clear the planting area as soon as soil can be worked, removing sod or weeds and debris. Spread a 4-inch layer of compost or well-rotted manure and any amendments over soil, and cultivate it to a depth of 10 to 12 inches with a spading fork.
Plant...
Plant bare-root trees, shrubs, and perennials such as hostas and daylilies by early spring. Choose a cool, cloudy day if possible. Transplant container-grown plants anytime during the growing season except midsummer; be sure to water them thoroughly. Sow seeds of cool-season flowers like sweet peas, poppies, and calendula, and vegetables such as lettuce, parsley, and spinach.
Fertilize...
Apply balanced fertilizer (6-6-6 or 8-8-8), fish emulsion, or other soil amendments recommended by soil-test results around trees and shrubs when new growth appears. Spread high-acid fertilizer and pine-needle mulch around acid-loving shrubs like azaleas and camellias. Begin fertilizing perennials when active growth resumes.
Start a Compost Pile...
Start a compost pile, or use a compost bin, if you don't have one already. Begin by collecting plant debris and leaves raked up from the garden. Chop these up first to speed decomposition. Add equal amounts "brown" (carbon-rich) materials like dried leaves and straw and "green" (nitrogen-rich) materials like grass clippings and weeds in even layers with water and a compost bioactivator. Turn regularly. Continue adding to the pile throughout the season for rich, homemade compost next spring.
Clean Bird Feeders and Baths...
Disinfect the feeders by scrubbing with weak bleach solution (1/4 cup bleach: 2 gallons warm water). Rinse and dry the feeders thoroughly before refilling them.Scrub birdbaths with bleach solution, then rinse them thoroughly and refill, changing water weekly. Clean birdbaths and feeders regularly throughout the season.
http://lifestyle.msn.com/your-home/martha-stewart/article.aspx?cp-documentid=18460415>1=32001#atoolb
Options made available on site: "Print... E-mail... Blog... Digg... Facebook... Newsvine"
"The Celtic tune 'She Bheag She Mor' on hammered dulcimer accompanies this video of spring flowers in the North Carolina mountains...
["Spring Flowers: Music by Donna Germano"; as submitted to You Tube by dmgermano1 on April 05, 2007; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5NDb5-SzUY]
From "MSN Lifestyle with Martha Stewart.com":
"Spring Gardening Tips... Follow the 10 tips outlined below for a welcoming garden that's filled with color and fragrance -- and song...
Survey the Yard...
Make note of tree limbs that should be removed or cabled, especially those that overhang structures. Hire an arborist to maintain large trees. Cut down last year's perennial foliage, and toss it into the compost pile. Rake mulch from beds planted with bulbs before foliage appears, and refresh mulch in other planting areas after soil warms. Check fences, steps, and pathways for disrepair caused by freezing and thawing.
Order Tools and Plants...
Tune up tools so everything is ready when things start growing. Make note of what is missing, and order tools for the new growing season. Choose new plants for the garden. Order perennials, trees, and shrubs for spring planting.
Get Ready to Mow...
Send the mower and leaf blower for servicing, or if you have the right tools, sharpen the mower blades yourself. Refill your mower with oil, install fresh spark plugs, and lubricate moving parts if necessary. Clear the lawn of winter debris, and look for areas that need reseeding before mowing.
Prune Trees and Shrubs...
Remove dead, damaged, and diseased branches from woody plants. Thin and trim summer-blooming shrubs such as butterfly bush, hydrangea, and most roses, except for old-fashioned once bloomers. Prune cold-damaged wood after plants resume spring growth. Prune spring-blooming shrubs and trees after flowering.
Take a Soil Test...
Check soil pH with a home soil- test kit, taking several samples from different planting areas for an accurate reading. Enrich soil as necessary: Add dolomitic lime to raise the pH or elemental sulfur to lower the pH.
Prepare New Beds...
Clear the planting area as soon as soil can be worked, removing sod or weeds and debris. Spread a 4-inch layer of compost or well-rotted manure and any amendments over soil, and cultivate it to a depth of 10 to 12 inches with a spading fork.
Plant...
Plant bare-root trees, shrubs, and perennials such as hostas and daylilies by early spring. Choose a cool, cloudy day if possible. Transplant container-grown plants anytime during the growing season except midsummer; be sure to water them thoroughly. Sow seeds of cool-season flowers like sweet peas, poppies, and calendula, and vegetables such as lettuce, parsley, and spinach.
Fertilize...
Apply balanced fertilizer (6-6-6 or 8-8-8), fish emulsion, or other soil amendments recommended by soil-test results around trees and shrubs when new growth appears. Spread high-acid fertilizer and pine-needle mulch around acid-loving shrubs like azaleas and camellias. Begin fertilizing perennials when active growth resumes.
Start a Compost Pile...
Start a compost pile, or use a compost bin, if you don't have one already. Begin by collecting plant debris and leaves raked up from the garden. Chop these up first to speed decomposition. Add equal amounts "brown" (carbon-rich) materials like dried leaves and straw and "green" (nitrogen-rich) materials like grass clippings and weeds in even layers with water and a compost bioactivator. Turn regularly. Continue adding to the pile throughout the season for rich, homemade compost next spring.
Clean Bird Feeders and Baths...
Disinfect the feeders by scrubbing with weak bleach solution (1/4 cup bleach: 2 gallons warm water). Rinse and dry the feeders thoroughly before refilling them.Scrub birdbaths with bleach solution, then rinse them thoroughly and refill, changing water weekly. Clean birdbaths and feeders regularly throughout the season.
http://lifestyle.msn.com/your-home/martha-stewart/article.aspx?cp-documentid=18460415>1=32001#atoolb
Options made available on site: "Print... E-mail... Blog... Digg... Facebook... Newsvine"
Raising Awareness... Alamo Ministries... Recent New York News Reports... Connecting the Dots... PROTECT OUR CHILDREN...
"Tony Alamo's HQ Raided in Child Porn Case"
"As stated by You Tube Video Contributor: "Federal authorities conducting a child-porn investigation raided the headquarters Saturday of a ministry run by a convicted tax evader once labeled by prosecutors as a polygamist who preys on girls..."
["Tony Alamo's HQ Raided in Child Porn Case"; as contributed to You Tube by factnetmember on 9/21/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMUrNdVsc7M]
Two New York State Stories (in TWO Days) That Caught My Eye:
1) "Marist prof guilty of child porn"
"POUGHKEEPSIE — A Marist College professor was found guilty Tuesday of more than 130 felonies relating to his possession of child pornography on his office computer.
James Kent, a Kingston resident, was convicted of two counts of felony promoting a sexual performance by a child and 134 counts of felony possessing a sexual performance by a child. Rockland County Court Judge Victor Alfieri announced his verdict following a 2... week non-jury trial in Dutchess County Court, Dutchess County Senior Assistant District Attorney Marjorie Smith said Wednesday. She said Kent is scheduled to be sentenced May 26 and faces 2 1/3 to seven years in state prison on the felony promoting charges and 1 1/3 to four years in prison on the felony possession charges.
Smith said Kent was acquitted of seven counts of felony possession of a sexual performance by a child.
On April 5, 2007, Kent asked information technology staff at the college to check his computer because it kept constantly rebooting, Smith said. She said the staff discovered the computer kept getting “hung up” on some pictures, which were discovered to be of semi-clad children in suggestive poses. Smith said the staff then took the computer’s hard drive and did an internal review, which ultimately led to the Poughkeepsie town police being called.
A police investigation of the computer led to the discovery of thousands of images of child pornography, Smith said. She said most of the images depicted young girls, though there were some images of young boys engaged in bestiality.
Smith said the images were of “extraordinarily graphic depictions of children being abused” by adults and other children. She added that police also seized three floppy disks of images from Kent’s home, though those images were disturbing but not pornographic in nature. Smith said some of the children in the images on the disks were the same as shown on the office computer.
Kent, a professor of public administration at Marist, was arrested in September 2007. He had been on leave since that time.
Published: Thursday, April 2, 2009
http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2009/04/02/news/doc49d42ce8f35f7439330942.txt
Options on site include "print... email to a friend... share this..."
Bold emphasis MINE.
--------------------------------------------------------
2. "Field hockey coach gets 40 years for child porn"
"A former upstate New York field hockey coach will spend 40 years in federal prison for producing child pornography involving the young girls he coached.
Todd Broxmeyer of Lisle (LYE'-uhl) was found guilty in September on two counts of producing child pornography and one count each of attempted child pornography production, possession of child pornography, and transporting a minor across state lines to engage in a sexual act.
He still faces sex charges in state court.
Authorities said the 38-year-old Broxmeyer had sexual contact with three female victims, all younger than 17, between November and December 2007.
He coached girls in field hockey in private leagues and clinics in Broome County, Pennsylvania and New Jersey."
"Times Leader" / "Associated Press": Friday, April 3, 2009 6:42 am
http://www.timesleader.com/news/ap?articleID=1943312
Site Options include: "Save This Story... E-mail This Story... Print This Story.."
Information from: "The Binghamton Press" and the "Sun-Bulletin" --- http://www.pressconnects.com
Bold Emphasis MINE
----------------------------------------------------------
I once stated (although not with these words or this particular emphasis) that possession of child pornography is POSSESSION OF EVIDENCE OF A SERIOUS SERIOUS CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY.
And I would certainly think that folks in possession of such materials MUST either PRODUCE these materials and/or be ASSOCIATED (whether through direct links or a series of linkages...) to the folks that DO PRODUCE (oversee and/or participate in the sexual abuse, rape, and other forms of horrendous - sadistic - abuse of children!) these MATERIALS.
Thus, if cases such as this are not currently being investigated and prosecuted TO THE MAX - in terms of what the possible linkages / other folks potentially involved are - they CERTAINLY SHOULD BE!!!!!
Don't Ya' Think?
Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice...
PROTECT OUR CHILDREN!
N.S.
"As stated by You Tube Video Contributor: "Federal authorities conducting a child-porn investigation raided the headquarters Saturday of a ministry run by a convicted tax evader once labeled by prosecutors as a polygamist who preys on girls..."
["Tony Alamo's HQ Raided in Child Porn Case"; as contributed to You Tube by factnetmember on 9/21/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMUrNdVsc7M]
Two New York State Stories (in TWO Days) That Caught My Eye:
1) "Marist prof guilty of child porn"
"POUGHKEEPSIE — A Marist College professor was found guilty Tuesday of more than 130 felonies relating to his possession of child pornography on his office computer.
James Kent, a Kingston resident, was convicted of two counts of felony promoting a sexual performance by a child and 134 counts of felony possessing a sexual performance by a child. Rockland County Court Judge Victor Alfieri announced his verdict following a 2... week non-jury trial in Dutchess County Court, Dutchess County Senior Assistant District Attorney Marjorie Smith said Wednesday. She said Kent is scheduled to be sentenced May 26 and faces 2 1/3 to seven years in state prison on the felony promoting charges and 1 1/3 to four years in prison on the felony possession charges.
Smith said Kent was acquitted of seven counts of felony possession of a sexual performance by a child.
On April 5, 2007, Kent asked information technology staff at the college to check his computer because it kept constantly rebooting, Smith said. She said the staff discovered the computer kept getting “hung up” on some pictures, which were discovered to be of semi-clad children in suggestive poses. Smith said the staff then took the computer’s hard drive and did an internal review, which ultimately led to the Poughkeepsie town police being called.
A police investigation of the computer led to the discovery of thousands of images of child pornography, Smith said. She said most of the images depicted young girls, though there were some images of young boys engaged in bestiality.
Smith said the images were of “extraordinarily graphic depictions of children being abused” by adults and other children. She added that police also seized three floppy disks of images from Kent’s home, though those images were disturbing but not pornographic in nature. Smith said some of the children in the images on the disks were the same as shown on the office computer.
Kent, a professor of public administration at Marist, was arrested in September 2007. He had been on leave since that time.
Published: Thursday, April 2, 2009
http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2009/04/02/news/doc49d42ce8f35f7439330942.txt
Options on site include "print... email to a friend... share this..."
Bold emphasis MINE.
--------------------------------------------------------
2. "Field hockey coach gets 40 years for child porn"
"A former upstate New York field hockey coach will spend 40 years in federal prison for producing child pornography involving the young girls he coached.
Todd Broxmeyer of Lisle (LYE'-uhl) was found guilty in September on two counts of producing child pornography and one count each of attempted child pornography production, possession of child pornography, and transporting a minor across state lines to engage in a sexual act.
He still faces sex charges in state court.
Authorities said the 38-year-old Broxmeyer had sexual contact with three female victims, all younger than 17, between November and December 2007.
He coached girls in field hockey in private leagues and clinics in Broome County, Pennsylvania and New Jersey."
"Times Leader" / "Associated Press": Friday, April 3, 2009 6:42 am
http://www.timesleader.com/news/ap?articleID=1943312
Site Options include: "Save This Story... E-mail This Story... Print This Story.."
Information from: "The Binghamton Press" and the "Sun-Bulletin" --- http://www.pressconnects.com
Bold Emphasis MINE
----------------------------------------------------------
I once stated (although not with these words or this particular emphasis) that possession of child pornography is POSSESSION OF EVIDENCE OF A SERIOUS SERIOUS CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY.
And I would certainly think that folks in possession of such materials MUST either PRODUCE these materials and/or be ASSOCIATED (whether through direct links or a series of linkages...) to the folks that DO PRODUCE (oversee and/or participate in the sexual abuse, rape, and other forms of horrendous - sadistic - abuse of children!) these MATERIALS.
Thus, if cases such as this are not currently being investigated and prosecuted TO THE MAX - in terms of what the possible linkages / other folks potentially involved are - they CERTAINLY SHOULD BE!!!!!
Don't Ya' Think?
Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice...
PROTECT OUR CHILDREN!
N.S.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Cigarettes... Booze... Marijuana... Other Drugs... Taxation.... Regulation... You Tube Video Blitz... Facts and Stats... Your Thoughts...
HAS THE WORLD GONE MAD?
According to the following recently released documents from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - (1) "State Smoke-Free Indoor Air Fact Sheet";
(2) "State Comparison Report Cigarette Use (Adults) - BRFSS"; (3) "State System - Trend Report Cessation (Adults) - BRFSS"; and/or (4) "State System - Tobacco Control Highlights Report":
1. AS of 12/31/08 - based upon a household survey (one aspect of the "2008 National Health Interview Survey"):
California and Connecticut were listed as being among the states that had NO "smoke free" indoor laws - AND as being amongst the states that had cigarette rates that were (comparitively, relatively low): 14.3% and 15.5%, respectively. [I can't explain the discrepancy regarding California - or any other state - in the videos represented below - unless the laws (These videos were submitted at different times) have been fluctuating (They certainly have, in many cases) and/or changed.]
Wheras Colorado and New York State were listed as being among the states that had FOUR "smoke free" laws (restaurants, "government worksites", "private worksites" and bars) - AND as being amongst the states that had cigarette rates that were (comparitively, relatively high): 18.7% and 18.9%, respectively.
Utah (which was listed as having three "smoke free" laws during the noted time span) had the lowest rate (11.7%) noted - but these results were quite likely (in my opinion) confounded by the high number (relatively speaking) of "Mormons" (who also, if tales be true, strongly discourage the consumption of coffee and alcohol...) in the state of Utah.
A sampling of some other states that are listed (during the noted time span) as having FOUR "smoke free" laws in effect - are listed - with their respective (comparitively speaking, relatively high to very high) rates - below:
Arizona: 19.8%
Delaware: 19.0%
Illinois: 20.2%
Iowa: 19.8%
New Mexico: 20.8%
Ohio: 23.1% [Think about it!]
Not to mention the fact that:
According to Figure 8.1 ("Prevalence of Current Smoking" - Adults 18+ - U.S. - 1997-Sept. 2008):
Smoking (cigarettes) trends - after dancing around (with the various laws, taxes and mandates?) - actually INCREASED from Jan. 2007 to September of 2008 - to approximately the same levels present in 2004, 2005 and 2006.
The highest rates (adult population, age 18+) of tobacco usuage, according to one or more of the above sources, is amongst the Alaskan Natives and American Indians (35.3%) and those (adults, aged 20 plus) with less than 12 years of formal education (30.6%)
To which one could add the fact that although cigarette taxes have generally gone up, up, up... primarily affecting those that can LEAST AFFORD IT - there was - according to one or more of these same sources (during this same time frame) - NO LEGISLATION aimed towards the cigarette advertising industry.
And although the "gross revenue" from cigarette taxes (2007) was listed as being $936,456,574...
The National and Federal "investment in tobacco control" efforts (2007) was listed (making this investment appear rather insincere...) at a mere $3,422,465.
-------------------------------------------------------------
That said (remember all of these laws and stats are in flux...) - please view and read the following - and give some thought (Feedback is welcomed!) to all of the facts, stats and ideas that are presented here:
["Just Can't Quit: How Far Will Smoking Bans Go?"; as submitted to ReasonTV on 11/12/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=136FNtfOgRY]
[""Smoking" Banned In Your Own Home-California Adopts Hitlers Policy"; as submitted to You Tube by Ahmenra2012 on 1/29/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1M9ENyWXIA]
["Jump In Tobacco Tax To Shock Smokers"; as submitted by kmbctv on 3/25/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg4IvRrttEc]
-------------------------------------------------------------
"House set to vote on tobacco regulation bill"; Published - Apr 01 2009 06:24PM EST;
By ERICA WERNER, Associated Press; http://www.rr.com/news/politics/article/9008/7320109/House_set_to_vote_on_tobacco_regulation_bill/100/
"The House is poised to thrust tobacco companies under government control after years of attempts in legislatures and the courts to tame one of the country's signature industries.
'We cannot and we must not wait a moment longer to protect our children from this killer,' Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., said as lawmakers began debate Wednesday evening on landmark legislation giving the Food and Drug Administration authority for the first time to regulate cigarettes and other tobacco products.
Passage of the bill was expected Thursday morning.
Opponents contended that the legislation would hurt the economy and that the FDA wasn't up to the job.
'The last thing we should be doing is force the FDA to regulate an inherently dangerous product,' said Rep. Steve Buyer, R-Ind.
Senate action would still be required, as well as President Barack Obama's signature, but supporters said both those pieces were in place. They pointed to strong backing from the White House _ where Obama has spoken of his own struggles to kick the cigarette habit _ and an increased Democratic majority in a Senate that's already shown itself inclined to support the bill.
The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act would amount to the biggest change ever in the government's approach toward tobacco, which has remained largely hands-off even as the health hazards have become increasingly clear.
Although the FDA wouldn't be allowed to ban nicotine or tobacco, the agency would be able to regulate the contents of tobacco products, make public their ingredients, prohibit flavoring, require much larger warning labels and control marketing campaigns, especially those geared toward children.
'This would be the most significant tobacco bill the Congress of the United States has ever enacted,' said Matthew Myers, president of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. 'It would bring about fundamental change.'
The FDA has come under criticism after fumbling a series of health scares, and opponents of said the agency was already overburdened and couldn't handle the job of regulating another big industry. U.S. tobacco production was valued at $1.3 billion in 2007.
Opponents also argued that the bill by Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., was unrealistically aimed at ending smoking altogether and wouldn't allow nicotine addicts to learn of alternatives like smokeless tobacco. Supporters of the bill disputed that claim.
Adult tobacco users who have not quit 'should be encouraged to move from tobacco products with higher risks to those with lower risks,' said Maura Payne, spokeswoman for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.
Buyer was offering an alternate bill that would encourage development of less-harmful tobacco products and leave the FDA out of the process.
The country's largest tobacco company, Marlboro-maker Philip Morris USA, is supporting Waxman's bill. Some analysts say the legislation could lock in Philip Morris' market share while stunting the ability of other companies to compete.
Under President George W. Bush, who issued a veto threat after the House passed a nearly identical version of Waxman's bill last year, the FDA said it didn't want the job of regulating tobacco. The Obama administration is welcoming the task.
The White House issued a statement Wednesday saying it 'strongly supported' the bill.
The issue has a long history laced with lawsuits and politics. President Bill Clinton's FDA chief, David Kessler, pushed hard for tobacco regulations. In 1994, Waxman summoned the heads of big tobacco to the famous hearing in which they testified that nicotine wasn't addictive.
Subsequent lawsuits against tobacco companies resulted in big payouts to states, some of which funded smoking-reduction campaigns that have contributed to a decrease in smoking rates. About one in five adults in the U.S. now smokes cigarettes. But a 2000 Supreme Court ruling that FDA didn't have the authority to regulate tobacco makes congressional action necessary."
-------------------------------------------------
Questions that come to mind:
HAS THE WORLD GONE MAD?
Who is the April "fool" - Smokers? [Big bucks for a cig in NY State!) - or the US (in this instance) government [If "they" really want smokers to quit "for their own good" (ahem) - shouldn't they shut down the cigarette manufacturers? If all smokers were to quit, wouldn't that mean a whole lot less business (and that oh so precious revenue...) for a whole LOT of folks? Don't you think there might be better ways [Lots of taxes are going up in NY State folks!] to finance children's health [How about raising the taxes (these are at least directly relative...) on CANDY and SODA POP?]
Could this issue (non-smoking rules / higher taxation on cigarettes...) be yet another reason why a whole lot of small to medium size businesses (mom and pop shops, chain retail markets, restaurants, bars, hotels, motels, etc.) are (Look around folks! I don't think Americans take well to being sold something and then shamed and punished for buying and using it...) failing?
Whilst, ironically - according to some other sources (to be provided upon request) - up to 95% of the American people want to see (at the same time that smoking is virtually being made into a "crime") marijuana legalized - which would theoretically set up this whole chain reaction [legalize it = big money for the "market" > tax it > shame it and condemn those that use it > re-criminalize it > etc...]
Whilst the boozers [I'm personally in favor of legal cigarettes, marijuana and booze - as long as all are utilized RESPONSIBLY by adults ONLY - AND these items are TAXED WITHIN REASON) go on their "happy" (It looks like folks might be able to buy wine in their supermarkets soon...) way...
Crazy stuff?
I'd say.
But I'm more interested in the thoughts of others, right this moment, than my own! So please DO [Thank you.] add YOUR comments!
[If any errors are noted in my write-up, please let me know and they will be (after checking back with the noted sources) corrected. There is much more information available on these topics via the CDC and other links mentioned and/or provided.]
NS
According to the following recently released documents from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - (1) "State Smoke-Free Indoor Air Fact Sheet";
(2) "State Comparison Report Cigarette Use (Adults) - BRFSS"; (3) "State System - Trend Report Cessation (Adults) - BRFSS"; and/or (4) "State System - Tobacco Control Highlights Report":
1. AS of 12/31/08 - based upon a household survey (one aspect of the "2008 National Health Interview Survey"):
California and Connecticut were listed as being among the states that had NO "smoke free" indoor laws - AND as being amongst the states that had cigarette rates that were (comparitively, relatively low): 14.3% and 15.5%, respectively. [I can't explain the discrepancy regarding California - or any other state - in the videos represented below - unless the laws (These videos were submitted at different times) have been fluctuating (They certainly have, in many cases) and/or changed.]
Wheras Colorado and New York State were listed as being among the states that had FOUR "smoke free" laws (restaurants, "government worksites", "private worksites" and bars) - AND as being amongst the states that had cigarette rates that were (comparitively, relatively high): 18.7% and 18.9%, respectively.
Utah (which was listed as having three "smoke free" laws during the noted time span) had the lowest rate (11.7%) noted - but these results were quite likely (in my opinion) confounded by the high number (relatively speaking) of "Mormons" (who also, if tales be true, strongly discourage the consumption of coffee and alcohol...) in the state of Utah.
A sampling of some other states that are listed (during the noted time span) as having FOUR "smoke free" laws in effect - are listed - with their respective (comparitively speaking, relatively high to very high) rates - below:
Arizona: 19.8%
Delaware: 19.0%
Illinois: 20.2%
Iowa: 19.8%
New Mexico: 20.8%
Ohio: 23.1% [Think about it!]
Not to mention the fact that:
According to Figure 8.1 ("Prevalence of Current Smoking" - Adults 18+ - U.S. - 1997-Sept. 2008):
Smoking (cigarettes) trends - after dancing around (with the various laws, taxes and mandates?) - actually INCREASED from Jan. 2007 to September of 2008 - to approximately the same levels present in 2004, 2005 and 2006.
The highest rates (adult population, age 18+) of tobacco usuage, according to one or more of the above sources, is amongst the Alaskan Natives and American Indians (35.3%) and those (adults, aged 20 plus) with less than 12 years of formal education (30.6%)
To which one could add the fact that although cigarette taxes have generally gone up, up, up... primarily affecting those that can LEAST AFFORD IT - there was - according to one or more of these same sources (during this same time frame) - NO LEGISLATION aimed towards the cigarette advertising industry.
And although the "gross revenue" from cigarette taxes (2007) was listed as being $936,456,574...
The National and Federal "investment in tobacco control" efforts (2007) was listed (making this investment appear rather insincere...) at a mere $3,422,465.
-------------------------------------------------------------
That said (remember all of these laws and stats are in flux...) - please view and read the following - and give some thought (Feedback is welcomed!) to all of the facts, stats and ideas that are presented here:
["Just Can't Quit: How Far Will Smoking Bans Go?"; as submitted to ReasonTV on 11/12/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=136FNtfOgRY]
[""Smoking" Banned In Your Own Home-California Adopts Hitlers Policy"; as submitted to You Tube by Ahmenra2012 on 1/29/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1M9ENyWXIA]
["Jump In Tobacco Tax To Shock Smokers"; as submitted by kmbctv on 3/25/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg4IvRrttEc]
-------------------------------------------------------------
"House set to vote on tobacco regulation bill"; Published - Apr 01 2009 06:24PM EST;
By ERICA WERNER, Associated Press; http://www.rr.com/news/politics/article/9008/7320109/House_set_to_vote_on_tobacco_regulation_bill/100/
"The House is poised to thrust tobacco companies under government control after years of attempts in legislatures and the courts to tame one of the country's signature industries.
'We cannot and we must not wait a moment longer to protect our children from this killer,' Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., said as lawmakers began debate Wednesday evening on landmark legislation giving the Food and Drug Administration authority for the first time to regulate cigarettes and other tobacco products.
Passage of the bill was expected Thursday morning.
Opponents contended that the legislation would hurt the economy and that the FDA wasn't up to the job.
'The last thing we should be doing is force the FDA to regulate an inherently dangerous product,' said Rep. Steve Buyer, R-Ind.
Senate action would still be required, as well as President Barack Obama's signature, but supporters said both those pieces were in place. They pointed to strong backing from the White House _ where Obama has spoken of his own struggles to kick the cigarette habit _ and an increased Democratic majority in a Senate that's already shown itself inclined to support the bill.
The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act would amount to the biggest change ever in the government's approach toward tobacco, which has remained largely hands-off even as the health hazards have become increasingly clear.
Although the FDA wouldn't be allowed to ban nicotine or tobacco, the agency would be able to regulate the contents of tobacco products, make public their ingredients, prohibit flavoring, require much larger warning labels and control marketing campaigns, especially those geared toward children.
'This would be the most significant tobacco bill the Congress of the United States has ever enacted,' said Matthew Myers, president of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. 'It would bring about fundamental change.'
The FDA has come under criticism after fumbling a series of health scares, and opponents of said the agency was already overburdened and couldn't handle the job of regulating another big industry. U.S. tobacco production was valued at $1.3 billion in 2007.
Opponents also argued that the bill by Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., was unrealistically aimed at ending smoking altogether and wouldn't allow nicotine addicts to learn of alternatives like smokeless tobacco. Supporters of the bill disputed that claim.
Adult tobacco users who have not quit 'should be encouraged to move from tobacco products with higher risks to those with lower risks,' said Maura Payne, spokeswoman for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.
Buyer was offering an alternate bill that would encourage development of less-harmful tobacco products and leave the FDA out of the process.
The country's largest tobacco company, Marlboro-maker Philip Morris USA, is supporting Waxman's bill. Some analysts say the legislation could lock in Philip Morris' market share while stunting the ability of other companies to compete.
Under President George W. Bush, who issued a veto threat after the House passed a nearly identical version of Waxman's bill last year, the FDA said it didn't want the job of regulating tobacco. The Obama administration is welcoming the task.
The White House issued a statement Wednesday saying it 'strongly supported' the bill.
The issue has a long history laced with lawsuits and politics. President Bill Clinton's FDA chief, David Kessler, pushed hard for tobacco regulations. In 1994, Waxman summoned the heads of big tobacco to the famous hearing in which they testified that nicotine wasn't addictive.
Subsequent lawsuits against tobacco companies resulted in big payouts to states, some of which funded smoking-reduction campaigns that have contributed to a decrease in smoking rates. About one in five adults in the U.S. now smokes cigarettes. But a 2000 Supreme Court ruling that FDA didn't have the authority to regulate tobacco makes congressional action necessary."
-------------------------------------------------
Questions that come to mind:
HAS THE WORLD GONE MAD?
Who is the April "fool" - Smokers? [Big bucks for a cig in NY State!) - or the US (in this instance) government [If "they" really want smokers to quit "for their own good" (ahem) - shouldn't they shut down the cigarette manufacturers? If all smokers were to quit, wouldn't that mean a whole lot less business (and that oh so precious revenue...) for a whole LOT of folks? Don't you think there might be better ways [Lots of taxes are going up in NY State folks!] to finance children's health [How about raising the taxes (these are at least directly relative...) on CANDY and SODA POP?]
Could this issue (non-smoking rules / higher taxation on cigarettes...) be yet another reason why a whole lot of small to medium size businesses (mom and pop shops, chain retail markets, restaurants, bars, hotels, motels, etc.) are (Look around folks! I don't think Americans take well to being sold something and then shamed and punished for buying and using it...) failing?
Whilst, ironically - according to some other sources (to be provided upon request) - up to 95% of the American people want to see (at the same time that smoking is virtually being made into a "crime") marijuana legalized - which would theoretically set up this whole chain reaction [legalize it = big money for the "market" > tax it > shame it and condemn those that use it > re-criminalize it > etc...]
Whilst the boozers [I'm personally in favor of legal cigarettes, marijuana and booze - as long as all are utilized RESPONSIBLY by adults ONLY - AND these items are TAXED WITHIN REASON) go on their "happy" (It looks like folks might be able to buy wine in their supermarkets soon...) way...
Crazy stuff?
I'd say.
But I'm more interested in the thoughts of others, right this moment, than my own! So please DO [Thank you.] add YOUR comments!
[If any errors are noted in my write-up, please let me know and they will be (after checking back with the noted sources) corrected. There is much more information available on these topics via the CDC and other links mentioned and/or provided.]
NS
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Mighty Love Music Video... You Tube
["Mighty Love SPINNERS"; as submitted to You Tube by namikaze1028 on March 01, 2008; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXnslL-_Xww]
Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,
NS
Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,
NS
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Health Care Views and News.... Flat Fee Service... You Tube Video... DHHS News Release March 27 2009... New York... Health Care for the Uninsured...
Health Care Views and News...
1. "State Tells Doctor He Can Not Offer a Flat Fee Service to Uninsured Patients"
["State Tells Doctor He Can Not Offer a Flat Fee Service to Uninsured Patients"; as submitted to You Tube by sallee5 on March 15, 2009; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7ygbNS6dl8]
Thoughts?
------------------------------------------------------
2. "...FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... Friday, March 27, 2009... Contact: HHS Press Office... (202) 690-6343...
HHS Releases $338 Million to Expand Community Health Centers, Serve More Patients
Grants Will Support Centers That Care for the Uninsured, Support Up to 6,400 Jobs [Bold print mine]
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced the release of $338 million to expand services offered at the nation’s community health centers. The money was made available by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and comes as more Americans join the ranks of the uninsured.
'More Americans are losing their health insurance and turning to health centers for care,' said Health Resources and Services Administrator (HRSA) Mary Wakefield, Ph.D., R.N. 'These grants will aid centers in their efforts to provide care to an increasing number of patients during the economic downturn.'
The grants -- titled Increased Demand for Services (IDS) grants -- will be distributed to 1,128 federally qualified health center grantees. Health centers will use the funds over the next two years to create or retain approximately 6,400 health center jobs.
Grantees submitted plans explaining how the IDS funds would be used. Strategies to expand services may include, but are not limited to, adding new providers, expanding hours of operations or expanding services. The funds will provide care to an additional 2.1 million patients over the next two years, including approximately 1 million uninsured people.
Health centers deliver preventive and primary care services to patients regardless of their ability to pay; charges for services are set according to income. Health centers served more than 16 million patients in 2007, about 40 percent of whom had no health insurance.
The IDS awards are the second set of health center grants provided through the Recovery Act. On March 2, President Obama announced grants worth $155 million to establish 126 new health centers. Those grants will provide access to health center care for 750,000 people in 39 states and two territories.
To see a list of grantees by state, go to http://www.hhs.gov/recovery/programs/hrsa/idsgawards.html. To find a health center near you or to learn more about health centers, visit http://bphc.hrsa.gov/
The activities described in this release are being funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). To track the progress of HHS activities funded through the ARRA, visit www.hhs.gov/recovery. To track all federal funds provided through the ARRA, visit www.recovery.gov.
The Health Resources and Services Administration is part of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. HRSA is the primary federal agency responsible for improving access to health care services for people who are uninsured, isolated, or medically vulnerable. For more information about HRSA and its programs, visit www.hrsa.gov
... All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news... Last revised: March 27, 2009... United States Department of Health and Human Services; HHS.gov ...
http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2009pres/03/20090327a.html "
-------------------------------------------
3. From the US Department of Health and Human Services *American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009" [3/27/09 - Modified for this format / See original document at http://www.hhs.gov/recovery/programs/hrsa/idsgawards.html for more extensive (including information regarding other states) information...]:
New York State:
Projected # of Grants: "51"
Projected "Amount": "$19,439,038"
"Projected New/Retained Jobs": "323"
"Estimated New Patients": "89,524"
"Estimated New Uninsured Patients": "31,137"
---------------------------------------------------------
Innovative Ideas and Some GOOD News :) for a Lot of Folks!
Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,
NS
1. "State Tells Doctor He Can Not Offer a Flat Fee Service to Uninsured Patients"
["State Tells Doctor He Can Not Offer a Flat Fee Service to Uninsured Patients"; as submitted to You Tube by sallee5 on March 15, 2009; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7ygbNS6dl8]
Thoughts?
------------------------------------------------------
2. "...FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... Friday, March 27, 2009... Contact: HHS Press Office... (202) 690-6343...
HHS Releases $338 Million to Expand Community Health Centers, Serve More Patients
Grants Will Support Centers That Care for the Uninsured, Support Up to 6,400 Jobs [Bold print mine]
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced the release of $338 million to expand services offered at the nation’s community health centers. The money was made available by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and comes as more Americans join the ranks of the uninsured.
'More Americans are losing their health insurance and turning to health centers for care,' said Health Resources and Services Administrator (HRSA) Mary Wakefield, Ph.D., R.N. 'These grants will aid centers in their efforts to provide care to an increasing number of patients during the economic downturn.'
The grants -- titled Increased Demand for Services (IDS) grants -- will be distributed to 1,128 federally qualified health center grantees. Health centers will use the funds over the next two years to create or retain approximately 6,400 health center jobs.
Grantees submitted plans explaining how the IDS funds would be used. Strategies to expand services may include, but are not limited to, adding new providers, expanding hours of operations or expanding services. The funds will provide care to an additional 2.1 million patients over the next two years, including approximately 1 million uninsured people.
Health centers deliver preventive and primary care services to patients regardless of their ability to pay; charges for services are set according to income. Health centers served more than 16 million patients in 2007, about 40 percent of whom had no health insurance.
The IDS awards are the second set of health center grants provided through the Recovery Act. On March 2, President Obama announced grants worth $155 million to establish 126 new health centers. Those grants will provide access to health center care for 750,000 people in 39 states and two territories.
To see a list of grantees by state, go to http://www.hhs.gov/recovery/programs/hrsa/idsgawards.html. To find a health center near you or to learn more about health centers, visit http://bphc.hrsa.gov/
The activities described in this release are being funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). To track the progress of HHS activities funded through the ARRA, visit www.hhs.gov/recovery. To track all federal funds provided through the ARRA, visit www.recovery.gov.
The Health Resources and Services Administration is part of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. HRSA is the primary federal agency responsible for improving access to health care services for people who are uninsured, isolated, or medically vulnerable. For more information about HRSA and its programs, visit www.hrsa.gov
... All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news... Last revised: March 27, 2009... United States Department of Health and Human Services; HHS.gov ...
http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2009pres/03/20090327a.html "
-------------------------------------------
3. From the US Department of Health and Human Services *American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009" [3/27/09 - Modified for this format / See original document at http://www.hhs.gov/recovery/programs/hrsa/idsgawards.html for more extensive (including information regarding other states) information...]:
New York State:
Projected # of Grants: "51"
Projected "Amount": "$19,439,038"
"Projected New/Retained Jobs": "323"
"Estimated New Patients": "89,524"
"Estimated New Uninsured Patients": "31,137"
---------------------------------------------------------
Innovative Ideas and Some GOOD News :) for a Lot of Folks!
Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,
NS
Mexican Border... Hillary Clinton... One Courageous Woman... Incredible Music Video Tribute to Marvin Gaye... Peace... Change... You Tube...
[Photo by NS]---------------------------------------------------------
Mexican Border Issues...
One Courageous [Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (Thank YOU!)] Woman!
["Hillary Clinton In Mexico"; as contributed to You Tube by CBS on 3/26/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWQmbqoxu5E]
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As posted on You Tube:
"A tribute to Marvin Gaye. Here's to peace and change for 2009..."
["Marvin Gaye Tribute - What's Going On"; contributed to You Tube by janisbuckley on 1/13/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PS3onWcGg_k]
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