The Colorado Index

Catholic Citizens Committee Press Release

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The objective of the Catholic Citizens Committee is to provide you with current critical information that will allow you to exercise your voting privilege consistent with the Doctrines of our Faith.  I’ve heard from so many Catholics that they struggle to find accurate information about the candidates and the truth about where they stand on issues critical to them and the Catholic Church.  CCC was founded for that purpose.

In coming weeks the Catholic Citizens Committee will launch a new website to assist you in having the information you need to vote consistent with Catholic Doctrine including the important  five non-negotiables of abortion, euthanasia, human-cloning, embryonic stem-cell research, and homosexual marriage. Ultimately, of course, your vote is your decision. At CCC we just want to make sure you have accurate information to use to make that critical decision.

We also want to respect your time and your privacy. Therefore, we will consolidate our email messages to you with current critical information. We also invite and encourage you to share this material with your Catholic friends and anyone who shares our values. 

Finally, we invite you to participate in the process. Send this message on to friends and be an important part of assuring that Catholic values are part of our state’s and nation’s public policy. 

God bless you,
Bob Beauprez, President
Catholic Citizens Committee

The Catholic Citizens Committee Weekly Reading List:

CNN video report: Obama’s opposition to Born Alive Infant Protection Act

Bishops: Democratic VP Nominee Should Refrain from Communion
"On Monday morning in Denver, where the Democratic National Convention is underway, Archbishop Charles Chaput told the Associated Press that because of support for abortion, Biden should refrain from taking Communion."

Top Vatican Official: Pro-Abortion Catholic Politicians Shouldn't Get Communion
“Receiving the Body and Blood of Christ unworthily is a sacrilege. If it is done deliberately in mortal sin it is a sacrilege.”

Pope to World Youth Day: "The Womb - Has Become A Place of Unutterable Violence"

Latino leaders holding rally in support of marriage and the family ahead of DNC

"Catholic" Speaker Pelosi Denies that Catholicism Condemns Abortion Pelosi" 
"I would say that as an ardent, practicing Catholic, this is an issue [when life begins] that I have studied for a long time.  And what I know is, over the centuries, the doctors of the church have not been able to make that definition…The point is, is that it shouldn't have an impact on the woman's right to choose.”

House GOP Catholics Reprimand Speaker Pelosi for Falsely Stating Church’s Position on “When Life Begins.”

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Power in Misspelling a Name

There is power in misspelling a name.  I'm probably notorious for misspelling names, but I do try to keep it down to a minimum.

Yesterday, I wrote a short entry that I would have written no matter who John McCain picked.  The pattern of the media is too often repeated to be un-obvious if one is old enough to have seen more than a few elections.  They always try to denigrate the Republican vice presidential pick as somehow unqualified for the office.  If the VP candidate is particularly well qualified, they then go after the Presidential nominee, but usually their target is the vice president.

The only combination that I remember them not attacking in that way was Dole-Kemp.

So, yesterday, I misspelled Sarah Pal*n's name.  I did take the precaution of using Google to double check the spelling.  Unfortunately, enough people were misspelling it that Palen seemed correct. 

There is a lighter side to that error.  My entry managed to make the first page of that Google spelling.  My blog has racked up a lot of hits that it wouldn't have gotten if I had spelled the name correctly and been on Google page 35.  Even better, the sentence that Google picked to highlight reads:

Sarah Pal*n is unqualified to be the vice presidential candidate...

Of course, that was completely out of context with what I wrote.  A whole bunch of folks, likely leftys who couldn't spell Palin either got sucked in.

It is funny when you think about it.

Sarah Palen: Go Figure!

It was predictable.  In fact, I am quite sure I predicted it but I am too tired or too lazy to go back and look for it.  The history of the liberal media is that they attack the Republican Vice Presidential candidates as unqualified and, like clockwork, it happened in the Denver Post today.  Go Figure.

Dan Quayle had 12 years in the Senate and he was "unqualified" to be vice president.  Obama has three years in the Senate, most of that out on the campaign trail.  Somehow he is fully qualified to be president.  Go Figure.

Sarah Palen is unqualified to be the vice presidential candidate because Alaska has so few voters, but Biden is fully qualified because he has won so many elections in Delaware.  Go Figure.

Barack, who has never been in charge of anything in his life, is somehow more qualified to be the chief executive of the US than Palen who has been chief executive of a state.  Go Figure.

Sarah Palen is completely unqualified to be vice president because Ken Salazar had never heard of her before Friday morning.  Go Figure.

While much is made of Barack's use of the internet to get the nomination, it doesn't even compare to what happened to Sarah Palen.  She had a Colorado Springs political science blogger as her cheerleader.  His blog and his campaign had hit the news more than once, but Ken Salazar never noticed.  Go Figure.

More Motorcycle Gang Follies

For those who are just catching on,  I am running a campaign against the mismanagement of resources in the Colorado Springs Police Department.  The mismanagement is so bad that the 1/2 percent sales tax granted to the city by the voters for public safety should be rescinded and given to the county.

The city government has so twisted the police department priorities that the police no longer try to investigate or deter crime, they just write traffic tickets.

Need proof?  Check out today's Gazette.  It seems that a motorcycle cop was so intent on writing a ticket that he ignored a woman's report that she had been the victim of a rape:

Police in Colorado Springs are investigating a woman's complaint that she was ignored by a motorcycle officer when she told him she was speeding to get help after being bound, beaten and raped by an acquaintance.

According to the 28-year-old, she was crying, bleeding from her swollen lip and clad in a T-shirt and underwear when she described the ordeal to officer Jon Gustafson during a July 8 traffic stop at Platte and Nevada avenues.

She said she told Gustafson that she was on her way to Pikes Peak Mental Health Center to seek help.

Without asking questions or requesting medical assistance, the woman said, Gustafson ticketed her for going 45 mph in a 25 mph zone and for failing to wear a seat belt.

She said that he told her: "The bad news is you have to go to court. Good luck."

After he let her go, she did go to a clinic.  Her condition as reported in the medical records:

In a series of signed evaluations, clinicians noted obvious injuries, including a swollen face, a "half-closed eye" and blood on her wrists and legs.

One documented that she was pulled over on the way to the clinic, and another mentioned that she was wearing "what appeared to be pajamas."

"(The client) was crying, and her lips and face were visibly swollen," her therapist, Darla Slicton, wrote in her report, adding that the woman said that she would not identify her rapist because he threatened to kill her.

And now the county wants more money.  Let them get it from the city.

Joshua Sharf Press Release

If you are having trouble reading this email, please click here. Dear Supporters and Friends, The primary is behind us, the DNC is closing up their tent, and it's time to focus on the November election. Even though the campaign has been working hard for the general election for weeks now, we pause this weekend for Labor Day, the traditional beginning of the political season. We pause as well to honor the role that working men and women have had a hand in building this country, and in securing for themselves the highest standard of living the world has ever seen. Surprisingly to some, perhaps, I'd like to pay particular tribute to one of the early labor leaders, a personal hero of mine, Samuel Gompers. Gompers was the leader of the A.F.L. for forty years. He understood that the primary goals of the labor movement were economic, not political, and that they were best won at the bargaining table, not through government. (And any labor leader who earned the lasting enmity of Emma Goldman by refusing to throw in with the Wobblies and their world socialism is deserving of honor.) Let us hope that the current union leadership revisits Gompers's wisdom, and sees fit to return their organizations to his model of activism. We've been extremely busy planning and executing our general election strategy. We're out walking the precincts again, meeting those voters who couldn't vote in our primary. And we're making the case for our philosophy of free markets and free people. If you're in the district, please consider putting up a yard sign. And even if you're not, please consider making a donation. We have winning message, but we need to make it heard. District 6 is a key district in our battle to retake control of the state House of Representatives, and to once again move Colorado towards respect for her citizens' freedom and liberties. Here's what's happening on the local campaign trail: On August 24th, I spoke at a rally supporting the troops and their mission. The rally was held in Pioneer Monument Park, sponsored by Vets for Freedom and Families United. I discussed the character of America, the special power of the democratic armies it produces, and the unique responsibilities of its leaders to always support and promote victory in wartime. Video is here. Transcript of the speech is here. I'll be speaking at the Windsor Gardens Republican Club on Tuesday, September 2nd at 7:00pm. Stay tuned for the Sharf Campaign on the Air! We'll be hosting a weekly Blog Talk Radio show, an online, call-in, Townhall style program. Our kickoff show will be during the RNC, on Wednesday, September 3, from 9:00-9:30pm (and weekly on Thursdays after that). Here's a chance for HD-6 voters to speak directly with me about the issues affecting them. There will be a few surprises, too. You can find us at www.blogtalkradio.com/Sharf-for-Colorado, where you can listen online, call in (914.338.1932), or if you missed us, catch the show on podcast. Enjoy your Labor Day weekend. Keep the faith and let's continue riding the train to victory. Sincerely, The Only Choice for House District 6

Doug Lamborn Labor Day Press Release

August 29, 2008 Unsubscribe Update My Profile Congressman Doug Lamborn, 5th Congressional District of Colorado Website | Biography | Issues | 5th District | News | Constituent Services | Contact Doug August 29, 2008 Contact: Catherine Mortensen FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Office: 202.225.4422; Cell : 202.841.2653 Catherine.Mortensen@mail.house.gov Lamborn’s Labor Day Observance Statement Congressman Lamborn pauses to observe the importance of the federal holiday Washington, D.C. - Congressman Lamborn made the following statement regarding the upcoming observation of Labor Day on September 1, 2008: “Labor Day is a United States Federal Holiday observed every year on the first Monday in September. Creating 'a day off for the working man,' Labor Day originated in 1882 and was initiated by the Central Labor Union of New York City .  Congress officially recognized and made Labor Day a federal holiday 114 years ago, in 1894. Labor Day has since been observed by Colorado and the 49 other states every year.  “While many laborers around the nation will enjoy a well-deserved day off, it is imperative that we pay the respect and recognition due to our troops fighting overseas. These men and women who are fighting courageously for our freedom will not have the luxury of taking Labor Day off.  As a district with many military installations, veterans and active duty soldiers, we are fortunate to be surrounded with tangible reminders of the value our freedom holds.  I am proud to represent the Fifth Congressional District of Colorado and hope all Coloradans enjoy a pleasant Labor Day.” - Congressman Doug Lamborn (C0-05) ### Contact Congressman Doug Lamborn WASHINGTON OFFICE 437 Cannon HOB Washington, DC  20515 Phone: (202) 225-4422 Fax: (202) 226-2638 DISTRICT OFFICE 3730 Sinton Road, Suite 150 Colorado Springs, CO  80907 Phone: (719) 520-0055 Fax: (719) 520-0840 DISTRICT OFFICE 415 Main Street Buena Vista, CO  81211 Phone: (719) 520-0055 Fax: (719) 520-0840 To e-mail Representative Lamborn, Click Here. Update My Profile - Unsubscribe - Privacy Policy

Just another 1% Tax

The Gazette informs us today that El Paso County wants another 1% tax for health and safety issues.

I'll be voting against it.  I might have voted for it, but I have had an experience with the Colorado Springs Police department that suggests that more money doesn't really solve problems if the police leadership has its head in the wrong place (this being a family blog, I won't mention where I think it was).

A few years ago, I did vote for a 1/2% sales tax for the city safety agencies.  What did we get for that money?  We got some very nice new police buildings.  We got an evidence building that wasn't being used for evidence-it was a garage until the cops threw out evidence relating to a murder.  Unsurprisingly, the mayor and the city council didn't know what was going on.

We got a BUNCH of new motorcycles.  Speeding is a money maker.  Somehow, we can assign 18 officers to ride around on cool motorcycles, but we have a police department that gripes about having to respond to burglar alarms.

I had an interesting experience with the Colorado Springs Police Department a few years ago when I reported a burglary. That experience suggests that we would be much better off revoking the city 1/2% sales tax and assigning it to the county.  That is something I would be for.

I'll be writing about that experience after the Republican convention.

Mile High Spectacle

Today, people lined up in lines over a mile long to see my favorite current band at Invesco Field at Mile High: Yonder Mountain String Band.

"Adam (Aljala), our guitar player, and I had tickets to see the Red Sox and Yankees at Yankee Stadium," [ bass player Ben Kaufmann ] said. "Honestly, I think this is probably the only thing I could think of doing to make me give those tickets up. And they were right behind home plate. This is better.”

How did they get there?

"We heard rumors a few weeks ago," Kaufmann said. "They wanted a Colorado band and we’ve been doing really well. The last thing I heard was, 'You're in the hat but there are 100 bands. They’ll have to all agree on it, from the governor to Barack [ Obama ].'"

Congratulations to Yonder Mountain String Band for headlining Invesco Field.  However, the concert promoters scheduled the headliner band at the funny hour of 3 p.m.  Apparently, security was a bear as well, since the vast majority of the spectators were still waiting in line while Yonder Mountain String Band played.

Of course, later in the evening, Democrat Presidential Nominee Barack Obama gave his acceptance speech.  The speech contained typical platitudes, various attacks on President Bush and Republicans, and the apparent belief that government can solve every problem in America.  While I will dissect Barack Obama's speech in the future, tonight, I will follow John McCain's example and just congratulate Senator Obama on his historic nomination.

by Civil Sense

Mark Udall...On The Wrong Side of History

The title says it all:

For ten years, one of the most ardent opponents of drilling for gas or oil was Mark Udall.  Now, he claims to be for it in a very limited way.  Why?  Because polls say that it is bad politics to be against drilling when the price of gas is at $4.

I won't belabor the co-sponsorship of the Department of Peace.  It would have taken money directly from the defense department, which really means from the soldiers.  He never served.  He was too busy selling pot (you don't get your car seized for small time possession).  Now, he claims that Bob Schaffer hates soldiers while he is trying to get one of their favorite broadcasters, Rush Limbaugh, thrown off the airwaves.  What gall.

I don't think that he has abandoned his no roads policies, but those policies have lead directly to the 1.5 million acres of beetle killed forest here in Colorado.  We have a giant bonfire...err forest fire just waiting to happen.  What does Mark Udall do?  He guesses that he will allow the dead trees to be cut down that are within one half mile of mountain towns.

Now comes the latest poll on Iran.  It seems that 60% of Americans would like to see limited bombing if diplomacy doesn't work.  That doesn't sit all that well with Mark Udall's legislation to ensure that the pentagon does nothing to disturb the Iranians.  I guess it won't be long before he quietly kills that legislation.

It is hard to find a legislator who has had the polls turn on his life's work as thoroughly as they have turned on Mark Udall.

Doug Lamborn Press Release

August 27, 2008 Unsubscribe Update My Profile Congressman Doug Lamborn, 5th Congressional District of Colorado Website | Biography | Issues | 5th District | News | Constituent Services | Contact Doug August 27, 2008 Contact: Catherine Mortensen FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Office: 202.225.4422; Cell : 202.841.2653 Catherine.Mortensen@mail.house.gov LAMBORN WELCOMES NEW ICE OFFICE FEDS CHOOSE SITE IN DOWNTOWN COLORADO SPRINGS Washington, D.C. -- Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) today welcomed the selection of a downtown Colorado Springs site for a new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office. The General Service Administration (GSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced they have chosen to locate Colorado’s newest ICE office at the Pueblo Bank & Trust Building at 415 E. Pikes Peak Avenue. DHS anticipates this new office will be operational by early 2009. Congressman Lamborn today expressed his appreciation to DHS for fighting illegal immigration. “I thank Assistant Secretary Julie Myers and her staff for their hard work in bringing a much-needed ICE office to Colorado Springs. I look forward to the role ICE agents will play in our community. The financial burdens associated with illegal immigrants in our state are enormous. I am confident the new ICE office will help us get on top of this growing social and economic problem. “I thank Senator Wayne Allard for his help in bringing this office to Colorado Springs. He has been a key player throughout this process. I also thank El Paso County Commissioner Jim Bensberg and many others in the community for their tremendous work in bringing us this new ICE office. ”—Congressman Doug Lamborn ICE, the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is responsible for eliminating vulnerabilities in the nation's border, and with economic, transportation and infrastructure security. The ICE organization is composed of five law enforcement divisions, including the Office of Investigations. The new ICE office will be an investigations office. ICE also investigates drug smuggling, human trafficking, financial crimes, human smuggling, illegal arms exports, document fraud, immigration fraud, child pornography/exploitation, and money laundering. This new office is expected to alleviate some of the burden on local law enforcement and help Colorado Springs officials in addressing the numerous problems associated with illegal immigration. Colorado currently has 8 ICE offices. They are located in Denver, Pueblo, Durango, Alamosa, Grand Junction, Glenwood Springs, Craig and Brush. The awardee for the Colorado Springs office is Fletes First, LLC. The total square footage for the office is 9,958. In addition to the Colorado Springs office, DHS is planning a new ICE office in Greeley.  Additional press contact: Carl Rusnok, 214-905-5292 ICE Public Affairs in Dallas-Fort Worth ### Contact Congressman Doug Lamborn WASHINGTON OFFICE 437 Cannon HOB Washington, DC  20515 Phone: (202) 225-4422 Fax: (202) 226-2638 DISTRICT OFFICE 3730 Sinton Road, Suite 150 Colorado Springs, CO  80907 Phone: (719) 520-0055 Fax: (719) 520-0840 DISTRICT OFFICE 415 Main Street Buena Vista, CO  81211 Phone: (719) 520-0055 Fax: (719) 520-0840