Comments

TO ALL wrote on Jul 20, 2009 9:21 PM:

" Of course all Inmates want to work, Pending what GANG you get in, Let me also break this down to you all. When an Inmate goes to a fire, The inmate receives $3.00 an hour along with, for every 8 hours on fire line he receives 1 day of his sentence. Now the CDC bills either BLM CDF or NSF, 20 something an hour along with the OFFICERS time with HAZARD pay. Why pay the inmate, He broke the law, He's making time off his sentence with time alredy being taken off for GOOD time "




to Brad wrote on Jul 18, 2009 8:21 AM:

" Hey, inmates would LIKE to work! You think they like sitting around? Why do you think there are so many fights, etc...because they are always in each others face. The guards don't want them to work becasue that means THEY would have to work, too, instead of sitting on their lazy a***es. The DOC is a big business that needs to be revamped. "




Constitutionalist wrote on Jul 16, 2009 10:36 PM:

" Brad,
I missed your facts. Are you saying that the American vehicles made in Mexican and Canadian plants and then imported to the USA equal the imports from Japan, or are you saying they equal the Japanese cars made in the USA? What are your import numbers?
And If the UAW gets 78 dollars an hour instead of the 58 reported during the recent bankrupt proceedings, it is way too much to bolt a door on a car. $38.00 per hour is good pay, and Toyota alone has CREATED 300,000 jobs in the USA. "




Brad wrote on Jul 15, 2009 9:33 PM:

" Constitutionlist,

Your versing KID and adult, CDC pays for TV,Radio,Movie's.

Our corection department should make all Inmates work,BRING THE CHAIN GANG BACK) And they are paid with food water and shelter.(our prisons are way better than any other 3rd world country) Today it is a GANG NANNY syestem. PAY TAXES ON THE ITEMS THEY GET TO BUY, CRV ON THE SODAS THEY GET TO BUY. THE TOBACCO THEY PURCHASE, all the above items are not taxed. ALSO I WOULDN'T BREAK THE LAW TO BE LOCKED UP, You play you pay...Its your choice. "




Brad wrote on Jul 15, 2009 9:19 PM:

" I wont sit here and argue with you...BUT HAS, THERE BEEN VEC. FOR VEC. IMPORTED. IF YOU DONT KNOW WHAT I MEAN.

I will put it in slow mans terms. Has there been a american car imported for every toyota or honda or nissan impoted.

The answer is NO. American unions pay approx $78.00 vs $38.00 cheaper import union. Before you write this for that. Study. You look foolish trying to compare american vs import. Toyota honda nissan etc. would be so almighty if their was import for import "




Constitutionalist wrote on Jul 14, 2009 8:59 PM:

" Locking people up 23 hours a day costs a lot more than training them to do something. Case in point: Camp Owen has about a 67% revistisim rate, and the CYA (California Youth Authority-which leaves kids in cells for 14 plus hours a day) has a 93% revistisim rate.
New York emptied about 1000 of the 6300 Ellis Island beds by training the lessor criminals to do jobs.
Give some facts to support your position. Do you have any? "




taxes wrote on Jul 14, 2009 8:16 AM:

" Brad, you want inmates to pay taxes? ON WHAT INCOME? They make pennies an hour IF they are lucky enough to have a job. Ever been locked up? You'd change your attitude in seconds! "




to Brad wrote on Jul 14, 2009 8:13 AM:

" How about we lock you up in a closet for 23 hours a day? These are people, not animals! They already do without most things and are treated very poorly. Our corrections system should be about rehabilitation not about shoving them in a box until they rot. Besides, if the 3 strikes law had been enforced as it was inended, our prisons would not be overcrowded. "




Constitutionalist wrote on Jul 12, 2009 10:10 PM:

" Part 2 The unions were only Detroit's problem. The other half were the executives that insisted on making cars that were not as good as Toyota and Honda over a 30 year period. (And not needed-SUV's and inefficient pickups)
Toyota has created 300,000 job in America, and uses more American parts in the cars made here than GM did in the last few years. GM lost 400,000 jobs. So which is the American car company? "




Weekender wrote on Jul 11, 2009 6:41 PM:

" It seems like 3 of us agree in general. Enforce the laws and many other issues will resolve - there won't be jobs for illegals, so they won't come; illegals that we find will be deported; and welfare fraud will result in total denial of welfare for life. But I still don't know if we need to reduce welfare benefits. "




part 2 wrote on Jul 11, 2009 5:15 PM:

" Corections is Calif. #1 expense, reform the system, If the corrections officers union doesnt like it and wants to call a strike, let them strike and Do like what REAGAN did with the air traffic controllors, FIRE THEM ALL and bring in the national gaurd. Yhen reform the system within a budget. Remember UNIONS hurt all, The car industry is a proven fact, the unions didnt conceed, so auto makers claimed BANKRUPTCY.... "




Brad wrote on Jul 11, 2009 5:09 PM:

" If STATE and COUNTY would take all their employees, Cut them back to 6 hours aday, 30 hour work weeks, this would elimanate the UNIONS ( which unions hurt ALL OF US TAX PAYERS) This would cut the benifits, perks, create jobs. Also, start locking all inmates up for 23 hours aday, No yard freedom, make it TOTALLY unbearable for them, so they wont return. Inmates pay NO TAXES on items they buy at the store in prison, thats totally wrong, (see part 2) "




Brad wrote on Jul 11, 2009 4:22 PM:

" Why doesnt calif. do what UTAH does. You want to collect welfare, you most show up at a state/county agency, due an 8 hour shift by either cleaning the highway being a flagger cleaning the park etc. Dont work you dont get you card stamp you dont collect welfare, REMEMBER, CALIFORNIA IS THE LARGEST NANNY/babysitting STATE IN THE UNION.
I say cut it reform the system and start over. "




program doesnt work wrote on Jul 11, 2009 3:44 PM:

" As an employer, I can tell you that we are required to complete a W9 form which is a verification of legal status. The employee has to show a valid drivers license or proof of citizenship. We get fined if the form is not in our employment package BUT never have I had one single gov't agency audit those files! It's just another program that falls through the cracks...anyway, it's easy to get phony ID. "




Constitutionalist wrote on Jul 10, 2009 9:44 PM:

" Why are there a lot of illegals here? (and in the rest of America) Because rich employers hire them illegally. The problem is with the huge farms, hotel chains etc.
Suggested solution: make it a $250,000 fine per illegal person hired. Pay $50,000 to anyone ratting out an employer who hires an illegal.
Give foreigners work cards good for six to nine months, to be wiped through INS face recognition scanners like my passport now is when I return to the USA.
Try asking your oil and ag funded Representive Kevin McCarthy to do this. "




Ann to Weekender wrote on Jul 10, 2009 7:08 PM:

" Amen, sir, you struck a sensitive chord with your comment and I cannot totally disagree. When I was younger, back in the early 70's, specifically, I knew a gal who collected welfare while living with a guy who made a good living. She always had a better home, furniture and yard (not to mention pure bred LARGE dog) than did I while struggling with a full-time job to support my son. The Illegals are a problem with me and I will not sanction them residing here and reaping the benefits that other more worthy need. "




Weekender wrote on Jul 10, 2009 5:19 PM:

" It's not clear to me if CA has more welfare recipients or too high of payments or both. What is clear, is that if we make the state less attractive for welfare cases, then they will leave. Also, if we enforce the rules and deport illegal aliens, we'll have fewer to serve. If they want to take their US born kids, fine. If not, we can adopt them out. "




Ann wrote on Jul 10, 2009 8:47 AM:

" Weekender, I agree that there are far too many people collecting assistance who do so out of laziness and to "beat the system." However, does not the problem lie in not weeding out the undeserving so the aid is provided only to the truly needy? Should not assistance be available to those unfortunates who need a helping hand and to the elderly and disabled, who have (hopefully) worked hard and now need help? Again, I'm not referring to the druggies and irresponsibles who are unwilling to improve themselves. "




Weekender wrote on Jul 9, 2009 10:30 PM:

" I'm SICK AND TIRED of the whining about "you don't pay enough taxes to support me". California has 30% of all US welfare payments, even though we're 12% of the country. That's 250% more than we should be paying. STOP WELFARE NOW! "




to Tabittha wrote on Jul 9, 2009 1:04 PM:

" MediCal is an ASSISTANCE program, not health, dental and vision insurance. There are other programs who will also ASSIST you....do some research. "




Ann wrote on Jul 8, 2009 3:05 PM:

" To Constitutionalist -- I am personally pleased with your reference to Prop 13. If you scroll down to read my original post here, Prop 13 hurt me and my situation. I argued with my parents on numerous occasions that this was a vehicle to only benefit the homeowners who wanted a tax benefit... would ultimately (and very quickly, in my case) hurt the general public and the State's budget. I am always quick to state that my education on politics is not up there with others. I do, however, speak from my heart and experience. "




Constitutionalist wrote on Jul 8, 2009 6:14 AM:

" To Tabbitha, myself and others: Perhaps it isn't the fault of the Gov, or the 17 republican senators that jamm the budget each year, but rather, us. The "US" that refused to pay the same property taxes that folks in 49 other states pay for 30 years or so.
When prop 13 passed, economists said we would be broke in 25 years.
So "we the people" recalled a gov who wanted to tax our cars 8 billion to balance the budget, and voted in a man who took out a 16 billion bond we can't pay! "




Tabbitha wrote on Jul 7, 2009 1:40 PM:

" I'm very upset about what the Governator has done to poorest people! I was born and raised in CA, worked, and paid into the system for years. I didn't ask to become disabled. Yet, I am disabled. I did my taxes this year so my son could get tuition assistance for private school. I made just about $6,000 last year. Now my Medi-Cal has been cut. I can't see a dentist or get glasses. I have Medi-Care but they only cover a dentist if you're having a kidney transplant! Ugh! "




Mac wrote on Jul 6, 2009 8:46 PM:

" To "The Truth" - email addresses aren't necessary at all, so don't let that suggestion freak you out. The editor has always been able to see IP addresses, so if someone is posting under different names, they know about it anyway. "




Ann wrote on Jul 6, 2009 8:11 PM:

" Peg, no offense taken, thank you.
Ms. Truth, please don't say goodby here for the reason(s) you stated... I have tried to submit several comments that did not make it.

Unfortunately, there are wealthy folks who find tax loopholes to avoid paying their share of taxex. Then, folks on Welfare who milk the system, and the truly unfortunate who need a "helping hand" to get back on their feet. A possible solution to these problems may reside in investigating these scenarios and taking remedial action. What else? "




Peg wrote on Jul 6, 2009 8:25 AM:

" Sorry if offended you, Ann. I speak my mind and have a low tolerance for people who make decision based on limited facts....and I WAS being kind! Truth says s/he is gone but guarantee you will return under a different name. People like that are afraid to use their real name because then we'll all know! "




The Truth wrote on Jul 5, 2009 11:41 PM:

" Since the editor has permitted "monitors" to be appointed, suggestions made to check out email addresses before posting; drawing from the sick and really sick, I am resigning from this blog. Then there will just be the 4 or 6 of who have been appointed to post. Goodbye. "




Weekender wrote on Jul 5, 2009 11:38 AM:

" California's very limited oil production is NOT shipped out of the state. It's used here to make gasoline. So if you tax oil in CA, all you are doing is raising the price of gasoline, since unless you are truly naive, you know that ALL taxes are paid for by consumers.

What a tax on CA oil will do is reduce the extraction of CA oil and increase imports to the state.

There is no magic tax. All taxes are on PEOPLE, people pay corporations' taxes. "




Ann wrote on Jul 4, 2009 10:46 PM:

" Ya know, all this bickering is not helping this community at all. Ms Truth, please try to speak your TRUTH in a way that does not annoy the other people here, please be kind. And, Peg, you too. I myself have a problem with illegal immigrants and the problem is made worse by legislation that validates their illegalness. But, the problems confronting us now are more complex. Please, let's join together in respectful dialog and try to resolve these issues. Solution is best served this way. Wouldn't ya agree? Fireworks were great! "




The Truth wrote on Jul 4, 2009 10:21 PM:

" Peg: You are more of an embarrasment to me; illegal immigrants now get free medical care, they get housing assistance, their children get free medical care and they get free food stamps. The only thing I said about Mexico (Latinos-you said) is that the children have free childcare/schooling. I never said anything about ethnic groups, you always put your own foot in your own mouth, because you want to fault me for being right. I know for a fact that illegal immigrants right now are applying for social security and receiving it. Ask Kevin Mc Carthy! "




Peg wrote on Jul 4, 2009 8:55 AM:

" Ah, Truth...there you go again. Whine and tell all of these good people inaccurate information. ILLEGAL immigrants don't get Social Security and the Latino people who do pay into the system. Why do you hate them so? I agree that ILLEGAL immigrants, of all nationalities, should be dealt with but just because you see a Latino laborer doesnt mean s/he isn't legal. As for the children, it's not their fault..they shouldn't get medical care? Gee I wish you spend more time learning this stuff so you don't embarrass yourself all the time. "




The Truth wrote on Jul 3, 2009 9:14 AM:

" To Re-Wrongo--it is a liberal issue that immigrants are using up our resources including our Social Security. They have not legally registered or learned English nor pay taxes on what they earn. They are still getting free medical and child care and schooling. In Mexico you have to pay to go to school! Now, if the Editor will print my comments as fast as Celia Madison and Celia Juni and Ann's and Peg's, we may have an intelligent conversation! "




Re-Wrongo wrote on Jul 2, 2009 10:39 PM:

" I've had this arguement with my father-in-law. He believes that immigrants both legal and illegal are sucking up all of our resources and jobs. The reality is immigrants frequently do the work that others won't for pay that officially sets them at poverty level. Without them your grocery bill would triple, maybe, even quadriple for the same amount of food. BTW this issue is not a party line issue, so stop blaming liberals. "




Hey wrongo wrote on Jul 2, 2009 5:26 PM:

" Good name for you because you're wrong! "all made by pro-immigration liberals" is just your opinion and not based on fact, obviously. I sure wish some of you people would do some research before you blurb out stats that are inaccurate! "




Wrongo wrote on Jul 1, 2009 10:41 PM:

" No, we want our TAXES reduced rather than having more money sucked from us to be given away. Illegals suck up $10B according to the states own estimates, all made by pro-immigration liberals. No more taxes! "




Ann to the anonymous poster wrote on Jul 1, 2009 9:26 PM:

" I like what you said and hold that in my heart to be true. One more example of the concept of community coming together as one and trying to help our own. I am trying to do so, anonymously, and will continue to do so, if even to provide support in tolerant posts to get others, also, to think about this community and put their differences aside. "




Bob Walker wrote on Jul 1, 2009 8:27 PM:

" The republicans want to get rid of 90% and the democrats 10% of in home care for old folks. Again, it costs about $100.00 to keep those blind, etc. folks in their homes. Or $4800.00 per year. So now they would put them in a state home which costs about $20,000 a year.
Please talk to this fact and the 51 other budget issues. Why not stop the tax break of property, corporations and citizens get only in this state and balance our budget.
The alternatives offered are all failures.
Please respond with ideas and specifics. "




re-AreaRepublican Cont. wrote on Jul 1, 2009 5:23 PM:

" What is so clearly wrong to you, is all they have ever known. It is their normal. This is not a new problem. Nobody wakes up one day and says I want to have five children and live in a single wide two bedroom trailer, with the power turned off every other month, praying foodstamps will last the month. They are not blameless but most probably are clueless. AREA, take your frustration and put it to work. "




Re-AreaRepublican wrote on Jul 1, 2009 5:07 PM:

" I never use my name here, because I don't want to be labeled. You can never hear Peg because you've labeled her liberal. I moved here in summer of 1986, and know that drugs and poverty are not new concepts to this valley. That’s just a misconception you've developed so you can place blame. The reality is that these things a cyclic. Children raised in drug abusive homes, frequently, become drug addicted parents. It's not a liberal or conservative problem, its a humanitarian problem. Reach out to a child from these homes and you can make a difference. "




Re-all wrote on Jul 1, 2009 4:42 PM:

" Our debt is a combination of many decisions on both sides of the fence. Stop pointing fingers at each other and accept some of responsibility. Yes, we are going to have to raise taxes but we need to balance that by cutting cost. Look at California like a huge business that is operating in the red. You can't keep spending money thats not there but you also can't cut programs vital to Californians. The only solution is going to require sacrafice; higher taxes, lower spending. We have to learn to compromise, sacrafice, and start listening to each other. "




to Area Rep wrote on Jul 1, 2009 3:32 PM:

" I have lived in this valley for 16 years and have also seen the problems you have. We live in a low income community where the cost of living is considerably less than most other places in California. That is why we have more than our share of drug users and unemployed citizens. What is hard to figure out is why you think all these people are liberals. Doctors, lawyers, dentists and other professionals are liberals too. I own my own business and live a "clean life" AND am a liberal. "




Peg to Area Rep wrote on Jun 30, 2009 9:44 AM:

" I too have led a "clean life" and have integrity and pride...does the fact that I needed some assistance negate that? I understand that there are those who abuse the system but that has always been and will always be....unfortunate but reality. I think that the ones who accept the 'temporary' assistance to improve their lives far outweigh those who abuse it tho. As for moving here with no prospects....well, where else can you rent a roof over your head for $500 a month? Casualty of where we choose to live. "




Area Republican wrote on Jun 30, 2009 12:12 AM:

" I also was not born with a silver spoon in my mouth, however, I choose to live a "clean life." That is the way I was raised, and that became my standard also. No matter how much money people have or lack of, it is important to have integrity.
The reason I post here is I am frustrated with the "change" in this valley; a lot of children here have 2 parents who use and deal drugs; a lot of young people knew there was no employment for them when they moved here. "




Peg wrote on Jun 29, 2009 9:21 AM:

" Well Area Rep, I already know what you think of me but we've never met (or have we?) and you know little about me so, how is that a "good judge of character"? I hit some hard times in 1994 and had to apply for AFDC for a short time and without it I would have been homeless with small children. In 2000 I was making 6 figures so.....what does that do to your theory? Sometimes people need a leg up.....and there's no reason why we shouldn't help those who do. Deos that make them bad? "




Ann wrote on Jun 28, 2009 6:17 PM:

" god... here I am again, on a self-propelled roll. Unfortunately, not all Americans are born to privilege and many cannot afford the luxury of being "Area Republicans" though in our heart or hearts we may like to be. We are a diverse Nation and Community... deal with THAT. We are all here on this God-given Earth to do the best we can with sometimes limited resources. Wealthiness is bestowed upon many, but not all. We are all just trying to make our way through this world. Let's strive to be kind. "




Ann wrote on Jun 28, 2009 4:46 PM:

" In an effort to get back on topic... to our credit, whether or not agreed to by the ultra-conservatives, America has thrived by standing behind its worthy, needy citizens. Yes, it has gotten out of hand. But, many of our needy have supported this country in times of war... have given their limited resources to make our country (and this community) a better place to live. Yes, let's weed out the undeserving, as many will abuse and try to benefit from Social Services, but stand behind those who truly need help and are deserving of such. "




Ann wrote on Jun 28, 2009 2:22 PM:

" I have been a person of Christian Faith since childhood. I am not now, nor ever have been, a drug user or abuser. Even while a single parent, I worked hard to support my family and paid my share of taxes. Please show me the respect of not pre-judging me simply because you may find my viewpoints not aligned with yours. My husband of 29 years and I have retired here as homeowners, and we do not plan to leave. However, we would like to see some semblence of tolerance of differing ideas and beliefs. "




Area Republican wrote on Jun 28, 2009 11:39 AM:

" I have been here since 1968, I consider myself a good judge of character as I have always worked (since age 14) paid taxes (a lot!) am a person of faith (from birth) and have always given to charity (donated my time also). In the recent years here in the valley we have had an influx of young people who either use drugs or don't have steady income to support their familys, they have in turn used some source of grant or subsidy to live off of. A lot of them come here to post. "




Ann wrote on Jun 28, 2009 7:56 AM:

" Some comments do not deserve the dignity of a response. Being from a broken marriage with a child does not make one a liberal... just someone unfortunate enough to not have chosen a life-long partner. Happens to Conservatives and Christians. I think the ultra-conservative christians in any community pose a greater threat to the community's harmony than others, liberal or not. "




Editor wrote on Jun 27, 2009 10:35 AM:

" I'm sure Ann isn't the only person who's tired of the divisive 'Us vs. Them' rhetoric, i.e. liberal vs. conservative, Democrat vs. Republican, Christian vs. non-Christian, gay vs. straight. Area Republican: when you say, '...this community was peaceful, in harmony, progressive before all you liberals came here 6 years ago,' to what are you referring? I've lived here 23 years and don't remember 'The invasion of the liberals' in 2003, or any other year for that matter. Accepting our differences and working together to improve life in KRV is much more constructive than, 'Get used to it or leave!' "




Area Republican wrote on Jun 27, 2009 12:13 AM:

" To Ann: It is hard for me to believe passing Prop 13 back in the '70's or 80's helped you, a single mother. What it did for familys is this: it helped people put their money into other projects for their family instead of paying for the welfare programs in California. All other states pay enormous property taxes as they did not have a Prop 13...now, this community was peaceful, in harmony, progressive before all you liberals came here 6 years ago, that is why we conservatives fight so hard! Get used to it or leave! "




Ann wrote on Jun 25, 2009 12:33 PM:

" I was a struggling single mother at the time Prop 13 was passed. Prop 13 was detrimental to my situation(at that time) and favored the (wealthy) homeowners... folks like me got the short-end of the stick. BTW, I am tired of all the banter in this community RE Liberals vs. Conservatives, Democrats vs. Republicans, Christians vs. Non-Christians, and so forth. Can't we stand united for the betterment of our Community and Country, recognizing our differences and move forward to improve both? Is that a difficult concept to buy into? "




Constitutionalist wrote on Jun 21, 2009 7:53 PM:

" Re John Perry's comments. When the conservatives passed Prop 13, anyone with any fiscal sense knew we would be bankrupt in 25-30 years. Here we are. The Democrats had nothing to do with it.
Reagan, and two Bushes have raised our national debt 40% in 20 years. Clinton 3% in eight. What about that Republican shafting of all of us don't you get?
Or don't you know they did it by selling T-bills to the COMMUNIST Chinese?
Your ignorance is inexcusable. Please educate yourself before you blither.
We need to save our state and country. "




sick to the stomach wrote on Jun 20, 2009 2:11 PM:

" OH for goodness sake!! EVERYTHING wrong in this state and this country is NOT the fault of democrats! I'm sick of that chatter....watch something besides Rush and maybe you'll learn something! "




John Perry wrote on Jun 19, 2009 3:10 PM:

" Democrats spend without fiscal responsibility. The answer to overspending is to raise taxes which costs jobs.
California now has the highest Corporate and personal income taxes in the Country.
Educated tax payers are leaving California at an alarming rate. Corporations and the JOBS they create are leaving for states with less regulation,lower taxes and a better educated workforce.
If we ran our household budget like the democrat controlled legislature does we would be in jail.
Our state is run by unions, environmentalist and their toadies in the liberal democrat party much to the detriment of the average taxpayer. "