The Colorado Index

Make My Day Incident

I’ve been following the potential make my day shooting of Sean Kennedy here in Colorado Springs.  Sean Kennedy is the golfer who came “home” from a party too drunk to know where he was.  He made a commotion at the rear of the home in an effort to gain entry.  He was shot to death for his trouble.
 
Since the police never release all of the facts to the public, it is a bit early to comment except to remind folks that a few years ago a woman in her 70’s shot a man who was banging on her door in Colorado Springs.  At the time it was well known that there was a criminal running loose who was breaking into homes and raping old women. 

The Gazette opined later (no link available): 

Jean Zamarripa is the poster child for the law's supporters. On the night of Nov. 18, 2000, the then-72-year-old woman was alone when she heard someone breaking into her home. She armed herself and when Anthony Peralez forced his way through the back door, [ Jean ] Zamarripa shot him. He was arrested later that night and subsequently convicted of being the serial rapist who had been terrorizing elderly women in the area.

Anthony Peralez was sentenced to 868 years for three other rapes.  He will be eligible for parole sometime around 2300 AD, if he lives that long. No one tried to claim that Jean Zamarripa should have waited until she was raped before she opened fire.

It will be interesting to see what happens to the person who shot Sean Kennedy, given that precedent.

The Gazette has more this morning:

David Webster, a defense attorney who spent 10 years as a prosecutor, said that not enough information is available to know if the shooter has a case under the Make My Day law.

"It gets murky if the door is broken but not open," Webster said, adding that it might also depend on whether the resident shot through the door.

Other factors that investigators likely will consider: the age of the residents, their physical size, whether they warned Kennedy to get away and Kennedy's actions and demeanor while he was on the property.

The residents called 911 and reported a burglary in progress, but police have not said how much time elapsed between the call and the shooting.

"The time frame will be key," Webster said. "It sounds like they were trying to do the right thing and get law enforcement there." 

Back to Basics…And I Mean Basics Part 3

It is hard to simultaneously work to eliminate members of your party with whom you do not agree and then want their support (and more importantly their supporter’s support) a cycle or two later.

Politicians who can’t actively support other candidates from all factions of the party need to recognize that they disqualify themselves from future leadership positions and statewide races.

Bob Schaffer got only 80% of the Republican vote this year.  Care to bet that at least some of the 20% who didn’t vote for him were offended by his actions to purge three Republican legislators in the 2004 general election?

If it turns out that the El Paso County republicans sat on their hands in the Roupe election, it is hard to see how any of them should have a claim on legislative leadership positions or even positions in the legislature.

Edited to add:  I have several more of these back to basics essays.  I will publish them on slow news days, meaning that they will get strung out.  Part 1  Part 2

Another Colorado Springs Quote

What well known Colorado Springs Republican politician said:

“To continue to think that a college education is the only way to succeed in this country is just short of ridiculous,”

???

This just adds to the perception that we Republicans have become the anti-business anti-upward mobility party.  While there are exceptions, people who want to live well and to do well in life get themselves educated.  It has been that way since before I was born.

Of course that same politician and his colleagues in the legislature will be outraged at today's Denver Post report that one third of high school graduates don't meet basic requirements.  It will be another argument, they will think, for vouchers:

This year, about 30 percent of the state's high school graduates who attended college had to take at least one remedial class in reading, writing or math. Among first-time students at community colleges, that number is almost 60 percent.

The Republican Party has no consistent message that voters can believe in.  College is either important or it is not.  If it wants to be the education party, it must agressively promote higher education for all, not just a favored few.  Statements like the one above, in any context, damage the Republican brand. 

LPR December Newsletter

LPR Annual Retreat Save the dates: March 6-7, 2009 Register online.  LPR Board of Directors The Hon. Bob Schaffer, Chairman Wil Armstrong Alex Cranberg Mark Hillman Helen Krieble Ed McVaney The Hon. Jeannie Reeser Shari Williams, President Support LPR -- It's tax deductible! Contact Jenn Hamann at Jenn@leadershipprogram.org. WORD ON THE STREET: THE LPR COMMUNITY Congratulations to Janet Rowland (LPR '08), reelected as Mesa County Commissioner and Spencer Swalm (LPR '05) reelected to the Colorado House of Representatives. Stay Connected with LPR classmates and alumni: FACEBOOK and LinkedIn. LPR Class of '09 enjoy networking after class. Pictured from left to right: Teri Olson, Tammy Swanson, Jane Young, Karen Korins, Evelyn Spicer and Bill Banta. Opal Restaurant was packed with 140 grads and supporters for the LPR Holiday Party on December 11th. Pictured LPR Grads: Rich Sokal, Debbie Brown, Representative Spencer Swalm. TIMELESS PRINCIPLES featuring Jeff Bull, LPR Grad '05 Spurred to action, Jeff Bull decided to create an organization based on his principles.   GrowUp.org was founded to support the principles behind the American idea (rather grown up in nature and completely unique in the history of humanity): that all men are equal under God and that the purpose of government is therefore to protect the equal natural rights of its citizens. There is no natural principle of who rules and gets ruled (though there are despots aplenty who would argue otherwise). This was a huge shift from the prior status of strength/power/heredity as the basis for government. LEADERS IN ACTION featuring Representative Spencer Swalm, LPR Grad '05 Representative Spencer Swalm, earned media coverage for winning relection to the State House of Representatives and for his vigilence while campaigning. Doctors advised Rep. Swalm to get a hip replaced, but Swalm put off the surgery until after the election. He earns our "Leaders in Action" highlight because he personally knocked on 9000 doors in his legislative district -- mostly by using a Segway and old-fashioned determination.  If you have personal or career news to share with the LPR Community, an example of "Timeless Principles" or "Leaders in Action," send an email to Debbie Brown, Debbie@Leadershipprogram.org The views and positions expressed by our profiled LPR Leaders in Action and columnists do not necessarily reflect the position of the Leadership Program of the Rockies. 2009 LPR Class Schedule January 9, 2009 - Effective Communication February 13, 2009 - Principle to Policy I: Empowering the Individual March 6 -7, 2009 - Broadmoor Retreat April 10, 2009 - Principle to Policy II: Rule of Law and Private Property May 8, 2009 - Principle to Policy III: National Security and Foreign Policy June 12, 2009 - Leadership in Action and Graduation Interested in auditing a class? Please contact Jenn Hamann at jenn@leadershipprogram.org or 303-587-2609   CHAIRMAN'S Message by Bob Schaffer Finding fortitude In all our searching for virtuous leaders there is scarce mention anymore of the one foundational virtue upon which so many others stand:  Fortitude. Plato regarded it as a core element of perfect wisdom.  He characterized fortitude as “the principle of not flying danger, but meeting it.” Webster’s defines fortitude as “strength or firmness of mind that enables a person to encounter danger with coolness and courage or to bear pain or adversity without murmuring, depression, or despondency.”  Some say these uncertain times of global economic weakness present unique burdens for champions who see themselves as defenders of capitalism, economic freedom, rugged individualism, authentic liberty and human dignity.  Answered in the context of fortitude, such burdens are rather cheerfully embraced as valuable leadership opportunities. William Faulkner issued one of the best statements I’ve read about fortitude in remarks delivered in 1950 at a state dinner in Stockholm, Sweden where he received the Nobel Prize for literature.  Though he spoke of the duties of serious writers, his observations were no less directed toward anyone obliged to inspire whether by the pen, the podium or personal example.  One must, “teach himself that the basest of all things is to be afraid; and, teaching himself that, forget it forever,” Faulkner said. Faulkner called for focus on “the old verities and truths of the heart” which include “love and honor and pity and pride and compassion and sacrifice.”  Fortitude is a function of experience and entails subjecting oneself to ongoing personal tests of increased difficulty. Fortitude is proven by those who experience and survive depths of despair, who turn agony into hope and who overcome doubt by summoning courage.  Such leaders are in high demand today.  At LPR, we work to prepare men and women who possess the rare virtue of fortitude for the noble calling of civic leadership – to become foundational leaders upon which others stand. PRESIDENT'S COLUMN by Shari Willilams Now more than ever, we need the Leadership Program of the Rockies We’re living in turbulent times in America when capitalism is shunned as a failed experiment and personal responsibility is dismissed as old-fashioned. These dangerous attacks on our nation’s core principles are growing in intensity. However, there is an answer. Now more than ever, we need the Leadership Program of the Rockies. The Leadership Program of the Rockies has a proven track record of training emerging leaders with an ideological compass -- including individual rights, personal responsibility, free markets, limited government, low taxes, and a strong national defense. These principle-centered leaders, in turn, can positively impact their communities, states and our nation. Our successes are not possible without you. Will you consider supporting our program?  CLICK HERE for the details on sponsorship levels and benefits. A donation to the Leadership Program of the Rockies is tax-deductible, so you’re invited to become a supporter before the end of this fiscal year. Can I count on your support? Let’s make an impact together.   CLASS RECAP: THE ESSENCE OF INFLUENCE MAKING  Chairman Bob Schaffer kicked off the December LPR Class with a charge to "Live Like a Leader" employing vision, strategies, projects and tactics. Emphasizing examples taken from the headlines, Schaffer argued that how a person acts in their personal life is relevant to how they will lead.  The class revolved around the theme "I want to be your most valuable player in public policy." The initials I, M, V, P stand for Issues and Ideas, Money (Resources), Votes/Values and Press. All the speakers tied into the class theme. Bruce Haynes, a Public Affairs and Advertising Consultant, discussed values that affect public policy decision-making, trends in politics, and his analysis of the 2008 election cycle.  Loretta Cooper, award winning journalist and former ABC News Correspondent, spoke about press relations, press conferences, preparing for a story, and how to respond to the press in a crisis. Scott Gessler, Attorney with Hackstaff Gessler, LLC spoke on the topic, "Think before you speak-- there might be a lawyer looking over your shoulder!" Don Griffin, President of The Schuck Foundation, taught the basics of fundraising: top reasons to give money; 4 steps to fundraising; and operational take-aways.  Looking ahead... The next LPR Class will be on Friday, January 9th covering Effective Communication. If you are an LPR Graduate interested in auditing the class, contact Jenn at jenn@leadershipprogram.org. www.leadershipprogram.org

Printing Money

I started taking my social security and got my first check in November.  In December, I got a letter saying that my monthly payment would go up by 6%.  No doubt that number was driven by the high gas prices this Fall and won’t be adjusted downward as the price of gasoline falls.

My wife said not to worry, that the government would just print more money.

The people I feel most sorry for are the workers who voted themselves an automatic cost of living increase in the minimum wage.  Not many employers can both pay employees an extra 6% and stay in business.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Unlike the Federal government, most employers don’t have a way to print money.

The state can’t print money either. 

A few years ago the “smartest person in the (capitol) building,” Cary Kennedy, came up with a way to destroy TABOR, or so she thought.  Amendment 23 would ratchet up K-12 spending at inflation plus 1% for ten years and by inflation alone thereafter.

If I got an extra 6%, you can bet that K-12 will get an extra 7%. 

Making the problem even worse, the legislature felt wealthy last year and gave K-12 more than it needed to under amendment 23.  Now the Amendment 23 ratchet applies to that extra money as well.

TABOR isn’t dead and isn’t likely to die because it shouldn’t.  No one but the Feds can print money.

Cary Kennedy isn’t so smart after all.

Denver Post on Education Reform

The Denver Post has an excellent editorial on education reform for those of you who like education reform.

The Year in Colorado Blogging

What follows is my impression of the year in blogging.  It will doubtless not be the same as other blogger’s impressions:

The Good:

The best of the best was the maturation of Face the State.  It went from an intermittent site with very little original content in 2007 to a regular site with daily original content in 2008.  It went from a site whose major figure too often bashed blogs and bloggers as unpaid basement writers to be ignored to a site that regularly promotes blogs.  I can’t say enough about the turn around.

Civil Sense joined as a regular contributor to this blog and Betsy Red joined as a less regular contributor.  It is easy for me to admit that when Civil Sense has the time to write, he is often a better, more well rounded blogger than I am.

Jon Caldera and the Independence Institute were more supportive of blogs and bloggers in 2008 than in 2007. 

The recognition of the value of political blogging by major Republican operatives and candidates in 2008 will encourage more bloggers to pick up the load in 2010.

The Bad:

The demise of PolitickerCO wasn’t a surprise.  It was an idea about five years ahead of its time.  The demographics are too inverted to support it.  People over 50 don’t get their news from the internet but, at the same time, they are the age group most heavily involved in politics.  Hopefully Jeremy Pelzer will land on his feet.

The numbers also did in the large staff at Colorado Confidential / Colorado Independent.  Last summer I looked at their daily hit counter.  They were getting about 1000 readers a day who opened 2000 pages a day.  Even worse, two thirds of their readers were from out of state.  It was a very small bang for a very big buck, but I was sorry to see the staff cuts.

A long time Colorado based conservative blogger passed away after a long illness.  He didn’t write on state issues so I didn’t follow his blog.  Even so there are so few conservative bloggers that his voice will be missed by those who did follow his blog.

The Ugly:

I quit doing the sweep in March and discovered very quickly that my two hours a day of work for more than a year was largely unappreciated.  The only blogger who thanked me for my work was Mark Hillman, showing in one more way what a class act the guy is.

Senator-Elect Mark Udall refused to participate in a blog debate sponsored by schaffervudall and Liberal and Loving It.  He didn’t like it that schaffervudall had a “Udall as a Liar” category.  After the election, it came out that Mark Udall’s staff was being told to lie to the public.  It wasn’t that Mark Udall minded lying to the public—he only minded when it was pointed out that he was lying.

The half dozen or so conservative bloggers who signed up to write for the Colorado Union of Taxpayers blog before it was created and then couldn’t find the time to write a single essay.

As with many years, the good outweighed the bad.  There isn’t much one can do about the ugly.

A Trip to the Bookstore

I realized that I had failed to buy a stocking stuffer for my wife.  She loves coffee and books.  What better place to go than Barnes and Noble? 

I go to my local Barnes and Noble once or twice a month, so I have a good handle on their inventory.  It had been decimated in the last two weeks.  Furthermore, the line for the checkout was 20 people deep.

While the rest of the economy may be in the dumps, Barnes and Noble doesn’t seem to be.  It was a pleasant surprise. 

Added Christmas morning:  A total of 12 books and five magazines were under the tree for seven people.  It was a good year for books and magazines, at least.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas, everyone.  I hope all of you have a joyous and wonderful day.

by Civil Sense

A Christmas Prediction

I'm going out on a limb because by making this prediction, I allow others whose integrity is always in question to adjust their timing.

I predict that on Friday, the day after Christmas, the State Supreme Court will announce that it has found the property tax freeze constitutional.  It may happen today, but Friday is more likely.  If it happens on Friday, I will write about what made me make the prediction.