A favor to ask...

I am asking friends and neighbors and whom ever, if they could help me fund a friend for a few extra bucks, because he really needs it. Anyway, it's not easy trying to make it on limited funds, and it's not like the economy is all that great, but we all like to help each other, right? So, while it may seem like it's not a whole lot, if everyone chips in a little bit, it can make enough of a difference to help, even if just temporary. Sometimes it's that little bit to crawl out of that small hole that can make the biggest difference in the world. So would you consider donating, whether it's 50 cents or $5.00, every little bit helps. It's for a dear friend, and this is the best way I can help.

Don't put in what you can't afford, just what ever is able to spare. Thank you, I appreciate it!

To Protect or Not to Protect. These Are Our Children. Another disgusted rant.

Okay, this is a bit odd, weird, and a mixed message to me. We are all aware of the Casey Anthony case, where she was found "Not Guilty" over the death of her daughter, Caylee.

There is a petition out there to sign "Caylee's Law", which, in a nutshell is to make it a felony for a parent NOT to report a child missing within 24 hours, and a child dead - accidental or otherwise - within an hour of finding out.

I signed it, because as a child advocate, I do this sort of thing, but, as a parent, I have to question WHY we need a law like this, when to NOT report is already gross neglect on the parent's part of the bargain. But, in the case of certain mothers, like Casey, obviously it's needed because some mothers just plain have no sense about protecting their own children, whether it's lack of it, or just don't care...

Anyway, after signing the petition, to which Senator Van Wanggaard got this letter on my behalf -

To: Sen.Wanggaard

Subject: Create Caylee's Law, Not Reporting Child's Disappearance Should Be a
Felony

Sen. Van Wanggaard

State Capitol, Room 319 South

2 East Main Street

Madison
WI 53702

Greetings,

On July 5, 2011, at 1:15 pm CST, Casey Anthony was found not guilty of
first degree murder in the death of her daughter Caylee Anthony. The only
charges she now faces are four counts of falsifying police reports, each of
which only carries a 1 year prison term. Since she has been in jail since
August 2008, she will be out of jail ENTIRELY too soon.

I'm writing to propose that a new law be put into effect making it a
felony for a parent, legal guardian, or caretaker to not notify law enforcement
of the disappearance of a child within 24 hours, so proper steps can be taken
to find that child before it's too late.

This way there will be no more cases like Casey Anthony's in the
courts, and no more innocent children will have to go without justice.

The case of Caylee Anthony was tragic, and there is no reason for
another case like this one to hit the courts. Let's do what is necessary to
prevent another case like this from happening.

Note: this email was sent as part of a petition started on Change.org,
viewable at www.change.org/petitions/create-caylees-law.

To respond, email responses@change.org and include a link to this
petition.

Lika Saliscente

Here is the response.

Dear Lika,

Thank you for sharing your opinion that Wisconsin should enact Caylee’s Law,
stiffening penalties for failure to report a missing child or the death of a
child. I value your opinion, and I appreciate that you took the time to share
your opinion with me.

Several of my colleagues
have expressed interest in drafting a version of Caylee’s Law, and
Representative Samantha Kerkman (R-Powers
Lake) is leading the way
in the Assembly. Any child abuse case is a tragedy, and we must protect our
children.

It is important to note
that Wisconsin law already provides safeguards
against incidents similar to the Casey Anthony case. Wisconsin Statute 948.21
states that, “Any person who
is responsible for a child's welfare who, through his or her actions or failure
to take action, intentionally contributes to the neglect of the child is guilty
of…a Class D felony if death is a consequence.” There are
additional state statutes that address hiding a corpse (Class F felony) and
providing false information in the case of kidnapped or missing persons (Class
H felony).

Again, thank you for
contacting me on this issue. Should any legislation come before me in the Senate,
I will keep your concerns in mind. Please feel free to contact me if you have
questions or concerns on this, or any other, issue.

Regards,

Van Wanggaard

Wisconsin
State Senator

21st Senate District—Serving
Racine County

Okay, so. Very good. He supports this, and knows the state laws that are already in existence concerning this issue, and is interested in our children's safe keeping.

So he says, "Any child abuse case is a tragedy, and we must protect our children". Yet this very same person told me ON THE PHONE while talking to him about April's Law that he "disagrees with Cory Mason's draft" because it didn't include a high school sweethearts clause...

Well, HELLO! When do high school sweethearts kidnap each other for the purposes of rape, sexually molest and possibly kill? Since when do high school sweethearts now construe a situation of an adult preying on a child, when most often there are, on average only 3 years between the two people at hand?

I am a little bit disgusted here, is because here a national case gets such high exposure, and a stand alone signature w/o comment gets this type of support for Caylee's Law (which I expect parents to follow even without this in place), yet, as a constituent who spent 3 years working on April's Law to protect our children from sex predators on and offline, with phone calls, emails, etc, and he won't support it because of a high school sweetheart clause?

I am really having a hard time digesting this, because, parents are supposed to be responsible for our children, and this should be a given to begin with, and he supports it... Yet with all my research that I've sent him of cases, right here in Racine of adults preying on children, teachers abusing students, etc... and he won't support that. So, what, it's okay to sexually abuse our children, but, if we cross the line and kill them, that's when it's wrong?

I'm just absolutely disgusted... I apologize for the lettering, but, I couldn't expand the email exchange. Please don't mind while my gaskets are blowing.

American Flag Dealers Cited @ 4th of July Parade.

Okay, I don't know what these two were up to, but, how dare they have the gall, in this free market society, to actually sell American flags to the public, a totally legal item, to a willing public, and then of course not only that, but to sell American flags on a patriotic American holiday such as the 4th of July! What are they thinking?

Okay, so, I guess there is some kind of crazy rule about not handing stuff out on the parade route... Thing is, some people make their money doing this, and as long as they're not doing anything illegal, I really don't see a problem.

But you see here, this is a 65 year old father with his 37 year old daughter... Thing is, this could be any parent child duo, who are trying to eke a living and well, okay, I realize there are rules, and you need to buy permits for that, licenses for this, what ever... But, I never thought that selling American flags and other merchandise was so terrible that an altercation happened... Please view this LINK, and scroll to the bottom...

Thing is, here we have people in the previous three reports that one house was burglarized for game consoles, another was broken into for a game console and paddle, and at a party, over 2 Grand worth of family jewels were stolen. The gold &; gem kind... you pervs... But you see the point. Here we have people trying to make money selling legit items to a legit public at a legit event, and they get cited... Maybe they should get into the black market of stealing video game systems and selling them on the black market. It may save them from a fine that would have paid for a current license to sell real items.

But then again, maybe I'm just a silly libtard that can't tell fact from fiction...

This REALLY bugs me!

I am posting a link here, about a vet who has served multiple posts, and is facing a possibility of 10 years due to a clerical error... Just because at a previous date, he'd started to fill out the app for a passport, but did not finish it to submit, he checked the "NO" box when he went to fill it out the next time, for the question asking if he'd ever applied before... Please click HERE for a fuller story.

Please contact Florida Senator Bill Nelson to give your thoughts on the matter to let this decorated Military Hero go on with his duties, with a clean record.

If you ask me, Mr. Dawkins should be hailed as a hero, not arrested as a criminal. Real criminals have been treated better for much worse, and criminals used to be able to substitute military duty in place of their jail time. Lets speak up on behalf of this officer.

Maybe a talk to the Florida Governor Rick Scott will help, also.

Political Uncommon Sense, another rant by a mad woman.

You know, it just seems crazy. It's pure insanity, really. Here we are, with all of these issues on our plate, and it seems as if the two extremes want to put it right down to being right conservatives and wrong liberals, or correct lefties and heartless conservatives...

Here is MY take on the whole thing. Personal rights is accompanied by personal responsibility. People seem to want to forget the responsible part. Even with the free speech.


Lets take the situation between the judges here in Wisconsin. So they were arguing a couple years ago. Judge A flipped off Judge P. She was wrong, even if he was badgering her, and no matter who is right or wrong on the topic, she should NOT have flipped him off. She is a Wisconsin Supreme Judge for cripes sake! Then to top it off, Judge P decides to retaliate by calling her the B word. HELLO!!!!! Was that really necessary? He too, is a Wisconsin Supreme Judge, and knows that two wrongs don't make a right. I am a bit disgusted, because I would expect this during 5th grade recess, NOT during a Judge's meeting.


Even with our current economic system, I'm getting disgusted with some of the extreme pushes that are going on... Okay, on the far left, we're forgiving illegal aliens for being here. Why? Because, according to a very liberal pastor, "We NEED them". Why? because they take jobs that Americans won't take, but are necessary, such as at our various farms doing migratory work, cleaning out toilets, etc... Well, with as many Americans that are in dire need of work, I am positive that the single people w/o children would be willing to serve as migratory supervisors, and there would be some jobs that would be taken because of the fact that our children need to eat, and we don't have enough jobs to go around... So while maybe SOME are needed, it's not like our economy is going to crash because we don't have illegal grunts who will work for $2/hr...


What is sad, is, that until 2007, when the law was passed to stop illegal aliens from getting benefits, it appears that they MAY have been eligible to get it... Here is the LINK. Anyway, even if some do slip through the system to get it, I feel it's wrong, because they're already here illegally, and they are working. So they are lucky to be here, but, to the ultra conservatives, until there is probable cause to arrest them, they are presumed innocent of illegal status...


The solution to make sure the situation is under control? Maybe give farmers more incentive to hire Americans, rather than migrant workers. Make sure that if the welfare sign in verifies that this person is here legally, and/or a citizen. Because while sure, just because one speaks perfect English doesn't automatically mean you're a citizen, but, it sure looks funny that someone who speaks NO English is legal? Unless that person/family is a sponsored refugee, I'm guessing they may be illegal. But, if they are here legally, via sponsorship, there is always a contact person who can prove legal status. My church has gone through this already, so, while I'm no expert, at least I can rest assured that there IS paperwork available for those who are here as refugees or for political asylum.


So yes, I think it's wrong, just because the American or state government is working with a check book a lot bigger than the average household's, doesn't mean that we should spend those hard earned tax dollars on illegal immigrants to get food stamps, or any other rescue benefit. It's wrong. But, as long as they are behaving, I don't think we should just kick them out, especially if a family is here, and may get split up. Keep families together, because, then we become our brother's keepers... Of course anyone in need of emergency services ought to get it, because it's a life or death situation.


On education, boy, is there a HUGE mess here with RUSD. Okay, don't get me wrong, I am a supporter of public schools. I don't think all schools should be privatized. But the public schools as they stand now are NOT up to par as what they ought to be, and I have mixed feelings about the budget cuts to the schools. Really. Okay, on some levels, yes, the schools are not spending money properly. We have what are called "bilingual" classes, which are NOT the same as ESL = English as a Second Language. With ESL, the kids go to regular classes, and get pulled out for short, small sessions to learn English. One of my friends from 8th grade went through this, and became successful in the pharmaceutical field. But she was fully immersed into the regular classes, and it was a learn or fail situation. We forged a good friendship, to where we are still friends to this day, almost 30 years later... But I really think the ESL classes are good, because they not only teach necessary words to learn, but, has the students mixed in with the rest of their classmates, to learn the conversational part of the language. Bilingual classes consist of Spanish speaking students. Most of them are new to the country. Fine, but, did you know that the main teacher not only has a teaching degree but also bilingual IN Spanish? Then, there is a Spanish speaking teaching assistant who is bilingual in English. Much of the class is taught in Spanish, so then the kids don't really get motivated to learn as they should... One example is that way back when, a 15 year old was pregnant, and was afraid, so she somehow got into California, and had a daughter. That daughter never learned English, and when she was 15, got pregnant, had a son, got here to Racine, and the boy, who was in 3rd grade at the time, was in the Bilingual class, because he couldn't speak fluent English. HELLO! His grandma was in this country for 23 years, and her daughter is 23 and was born here, and at age 8, this child, also born here can't speak English either? OUR hard earned tax money is paying for this. These are NOT special needs children, so, I think if we are going to have a bilingual class, have a teacher, who ought to know at least SOME Spanish, and the kids should be making plans to learn to speak English... That would save money right there. Cut these back.


On the other hand, when I used to sub, I saw some of these history and social studies books, much of the information was about 20 years old. The copyright dates were sometimes newer, but, the research was somewhere between 20-40 years old, and they're teaching that as being current. Now, shouldn't the kids have updated books to learn from, if they're going to teach it as current info? The liberal in me thinks they should spend money to make sure the kids are learning. In the mean time, if competition is the issue, I still want to tout virtual schools. They DO take special needs, provided they can do SOME of their own work, such as log into the computer and follow simple directions. Having a good learning coach would at home is a must. Right now there are Wisconsin Virtual Learning (WVL) out of Northern Ozaukee County, Wisconsin Virtual Academy (WIVA) out of McFarland, and Wisconsin Connections Academy (WCA) out of Appleton. They are all considered public schools, and have the supports needed from a learning advocate, to online teacher, to technicians, to special education teachers, and more... My son started with WIVA, when they were in Ozaukee, but when they moved, and WVL stepped in, we just stayed with Ozaukee. We are pleased with it, because not only does it teach technology from being online, but, all of the text books are current, and there is NO hiding from me. I find out everything, and that's good, because we keep connected that way.


Parents need to be involved with their kids. That means that parents should know what their kids are doing in school. It takes 5 minutes to go through their back packs, and, if you can't stay connected, maybe you need to call in help. Usually grandparents, God-parents, aunts & uncles, etc... Someone is usually available to help you, if you need to check in with your kids.


As for the welfare issue again, well, no, I don't think people should make a career out of being a welfare dependent. What happened to people taking pride in doing for themselves, the good feeling of a job well done? Should this even be a partisan issue? NO!! There are wealthy people all the way down to poor people. Healthy people and sick people. Young, old, in the middle, business class, working class... We have all kinds. Accept it. We are all here. Some of us climbed the corporate ladder, and are sitting comfortable as a Veep of an important company working for someone else. Others are lower on the totem pole, cleaning the bathrooms of the place. We need them both. Some of us own our own businesses, and especially if it's a restaurant, we need cooks and waitstaff, as well as some others... Not all of us were meant to own a business, and the owner isn't meant to be the low person on that totem pole. But we are lucky to have all of these people, because good restaurants need all of them, from the owner to the chef to the good wait staff, and the host. So, if you're busting butt as a waitress, and are having a hard time making ends meet, and you want to go to college to make a better life, go ahead, get the help, get out of poverty, and make a go of life. The help is there so you can get a hand up. Or, say if your calling is to be a mechanic, and your pay at the "mom & pop garage" isn't paying quite enough to support your family, go ahead, sign up for the extra help. You're busting butt to ensure you're doing everything you can do to support the family. You pay in, get a little back. The kids will learn the good work ethic. Really.



On the other hand? Like the guy who wants his landlord to pay his water bill? Take in a roomy to help pay your own bills, or, go to a place more affordable. Some landlords put in the contract, especially if multiple tenants live in the same building, that they will pay the bill. In that case, it's in the contract, don't worry about it, and be thankful that the landlord is generous. But jeez. If the water bill, which is usually relatively inexpensive in comparison to your rent or WE Energies bill is too much to pay, ever think you need to try to save on water?


About abuse issues... I don't think anybody should abuse anybody. Ever. It's wrong. This is NOT about liberal vs. conservative politics. It's the difference between right and wrong. I've pushed for April's Law Wisconsin, to help stiffen up laws against child sex predators on and offline. It is now AB-136, and is in committee. I thank Cory Mason for getting it this far. I wish I could say the same for others, but, I seem to be getting ignored.


There IS the federal petition that is still open for April's Law, and I hope you'll sign that one also. That goes even further with the websites, because some are actually considered legal pedophile websites, covered under the First Amendment for Free Speech. This will be an amendment to the Adam Walsh Child Protection & Safety Act.


And, of course there is my petition for our unacknowledged survivors of abuse, our men, and in memory of baby Sean, who died at the hands of his mother, I'm sponsoring the Sean's Voice Petition to ensure that abused men will have access to emergency shelter, support and necessary services needed to become thrivers in our society, not abused further by being ignored. This will be an attached amendment to the Violence Against Women Act of 1993 to ensure that the disparity will shrink when it expands to help protect abused men also.


What gets me is, yes, I lean left, sometimes more left than others. But, I do truly believe that people who NEED help OUGHT to get it. We wouldn't think of cutting off our senior citizens and disabled people off of what ever aid they need, would we? I think liberals and conservatives alike agree, that those who are born with a disability should be able to live with dignity, and if in need of help, because their parents could only do so much, that they shouldn't be denied the extra help where family can't do it any more, because our parents eventually die, and leave their adult disabled kids behind... Anyone who would disagree with that is inhuman, in my mind.


Those who want to blame the entire economical problem on the other party, is a bit nuts, imho. If you blame it all on illegals, you're naive as all get out, because, it's both extremes that are trying to "cure" what won't be cured. Really, if we choke up our borders with militia, there's more money spent there, and free reign costs too much too.


Like I always say, the answer is usually somewhere in the middle, but, don't take my word for it, because to some people, I'm just labeled with the rest of "them", like the lame blanket statements.


Those irritate me, really, because to say that "All liberals have no morals and are Godless" is just as crazy as saying that "All conservatives are religious wingnuts who hate poor people and want them to die". Neither are true. Both are equally wrong. And it's freaking irritating.


Comment at will. I can't guaranty that I'm done ranting, so I may not necessarily reply, or, beware of another rant in response...

4 Ways To Kick Prosser Out of Office

I think that this is kind of absurd, that republicans think Prosser is such an upstanding justice, when he refers to a female colleague by the *B* word, and then strangles another in her chambers. Please click HERE to read the article. I just don't understand why a man who threatens to destroy a colleague would be hailed as an upstanding person of their profession. That is unprofessional, to say the least, and one with that kind of prestige ought to be ashamed of himself for displaying that sort of temper tantrum. He ought to have enough in stature to get his message across without being violent. After all, how can he hand out justice to all, if he can't control his own actions? This behavior is abusive, and is criminal on it's own.

Off to the Criminal Justice & Corrections Committee!

Hi All! It's been a long road, and I want to thank you all for bearing with me, and even if we don't agree on the personal level, that you've been supportive of the cause. I've got great news about April's Law!

All of our hard work has finally paid off. After getting the details of the budget bill ironed out, a new bill will be introduced to the Assembly. April's Law is now AB 136, under review of the Criminal Justice & Corrections Committee. After this has gone through the committee and the Assembly irons out the budget bill, it will go to the floor to be voted on.

I want to send Rep. Cory Mason a HUGE thank you for supporting, drafting and sponsoring AB-136, which is the new April's Law Wisconsin. I encourage everyone else to do so as well.

Madison Office Room 6 North
State Capitol
P.O. Box 8953
Madison, WI 53708

Telephone (608) 266-0634 Or
(888) 534-0062
Fax (608) 282-3662
Email Rep.Mason@legis.wisconsin.gov

And for all of your help & support, thank you too. Just because it's been a victory so far, I'd like to invite everyone to Wilson's Coffee & Tea in West Racine, on Saturday, June 18 at around 3pm. It's okay if you can't be there, I'll be there with a book, just in case.

This may not have happened if it weren't for my readers supporting the cause. For being you, patient, vigilant, and everything good, I sincerely thank everyone for their loyal support on getting April's Law Wisconsin pushed to being AB-136. I'm looking forward to it becoming a real law on the books. I will keep you posted.

Until next time, peace out.