Category: Politics

Elizabeth Warren

I usually stay out of the political arena on this blog, but goddess bless her, Elizabeth Warren is one of the straightest talkers in the Senate I have seen in my adult life. If she would just introduce the budgetary considerations Warren Buffet has raised, I would again have faith in my country.

Here’s what Elizabeth Warren had to say:

“Congress passed the Affordable Care Act to solve a real, honest-to-God problem.

Our health care system was broken. 48 million people in this country had no health insurance. Women couldn’t get access to cancer screenings. People with diabetes were denied health insurance because of pre-existing conditions. People with cancer hit the caps on their health insurance spending. And health spending in this country was growing far too fast.

So we worked hard, we compromised, and we came up with a solution. A solution that will substantially improve the lives of millions of Americans – because that’s the way a democracy works.

It’s time to end the debate about whether the Affordable Care Act should exist and whether it should be funded.

Congress voted for this law. President Obama signed this law. The Supreme Court upheld this law. The President ran for reelection on this law. His opponent said he would repeal it – and his opponent lost by five million votes.

Right now, Republicans are taking the government and the economy hostage, threatening serious damage to both unless the President agrees to gut the Affordable Care Act. For days, they even tried to change the law so that employers can deny women access to birth control coverage.

I am the mother of a daughter and the grandmother of granddaughters. I will never vote to let a group of backward-looking ideologues cut women’s access to birth control. We have lived in that world, and we are not going back. Not ever.

I see things like this and I wonder what alternate reality some of my colleagues are living in.

So let me be very clear about what is happening in the real world: The Affordable Care Act is the law of the land. Millions of people are counting on it – people who need health care coverage, people who need insurance policies that don’t disappear just when they are sickest.

The law is here to stay, and it will stay.

Now the government is shut down. We haven’t fixed the sequester because of all the obstruction. We haven’t finished a budget because of all the obstruction. We haven’t even passed a single appropriations bill because of all the obstruction.

The least we can do – the bare minimum we can do – would be to pass a “continuing resolution” to open the doors back up and turn the lights back on. We could ensure that over a million federal workers aren’t staying home for no reason. We could end the government shutdown.

But the Republicans have refused to do even that. They have shuttered the government unless the President agreed to de-fund the Affordable Care Act.

The threats may continue, but they are not working and they never will. In a democracy, hostage tactics are the last resort for those who can’t win their fights through elections, can’t win their fights in Congress, can’t win their fights for the Presidency, and can’t win their fights in Courts.

For this right-wing minority, hostage-taking is all they have left – a last gasp of those who cannot cope with the realities of our democracy.

The time has come for those legislators who cannot cope with the reality of our democracy to get out of the way – so that those of us in BOTH parties can get back to working on solving the real problems faced by the American people.

We have real work to do.”

Elizabeth

1982 Big Sur Land Use Plan, revisited

The Big Sur Land Use Plan was passed in 1982, and is still the controlling document until a new one is developed and passed by the California Coastal Commission.

Here are some relevant Big Sur Land Use plan sections regarding housing, which are currently controlling, that we might want to review as we look at possibly changing direction. This plan currently controls what we do and what we hope to do. If you want to see it changed, come to the LUAC meetings each Monday.

I have only pulled out a few relevant portions. I have a hard copy I have read many times … Somewhere. This copy is digital and now lives on my iPad. I can copy and paste. I LOVE technological advances!

This is where we were 31 years ago. Where are we now? Where do we want to be?

“The major features of the Plan are to:
o Guide all future planning decisions for County and State agencies, and set direction for the U. S. Forest Service in its planning.
o Show the kinds, locations, and intensities of land uses allowed, therefore, serving as a basis of zoning and other implementing actions.
o Present policies concerning land development and environmental protection and management.
o Call for management of Highway 1 and all other governmental activities on the Coast.
o Set forth detailed review procedures for all applications based on a permit review process.
o Set forth a system for coordinating the actions of all involved government agencies.
o Provide an environmental resource management data base to support the plan and future planning decisions and provide for the periodic updating of this information.
o Identify the urgent need for financial assistance to the County in preserving Big Sur’s natural resources and cultural heritage. Funds are specifically needed to protect scenic views and to provide public access.”

“2.1 PHILOSOPHY AND GOALS

The Big Sur Coast Citizens Advisory Committee in providing guidance to the County established the basic philosophy and goals upon which this plan is based. In its report to the County entitled, Philosophy and Goals for Planning, the Committee stated:

The scenic beauty of the Big Sur Coast, and the opportunity to escape urban patterns, are prime attractions for residents and visitors alike. Man-made improvements detract from the near-wilderness attributes of the area if not individually, then collectively.

Quality should have precedence over quantity of any permitted uses, whether residential, recreational, or commercial. Any new development should remain within the small-scale, traditional and rural values of the area, rather than to introduce new or conflicting uses.

Land use planning and management policies should be directed towards maintenance and restoration of Big Sur’s remaining rural and wilderness character. Without compromising its character or depleting its resources, the area should be accessible to as many as can be accommodated.

The special cultural characteristics of the Big Sur Coast should also be recognized as a primary resource. Man’s presence along this coast continues to reflect a pioneering attitude of independence and resourcefulness; the environment has been a special nurturing ground for individual and creative fulfillment. The community itself and its traditional way of life that can help to protect the environment and enhance the visitor experience.”

“There are approximately 1100 parcels in private ownership on the Big Sur coast, ranging in size from less than an acre to several thousands of acres. Approximately 700 parcels are vacant, and 370 parcels are occupied. Many have more than one unit on them, either residential or commercial. Small parcels of 2.5 acres or less are generally located near the highway or in one of several areas subdivided in the past for residential purposes. Palo Colorado Canyon, Garrapatos Redwoods, Rocky Point, the Big Sur Valley, Coastlands, and Partington Ridge are among the areas having the greatest number of developed parcels.

Approximately half of the Big Sur coastal zone is in public ownership by the U. S. Forest Service, the State Department of Parks and Recreation, the U. S. Navy, the U. S. Coast Guard, and the University of California. If public acquisitions now contemplated or in progress are completed, approximately 60% of the coast will be publicly owned. Some of the private lands have scenic easements or deed restrictions which limit the level of development.

5.1.1 Residential Land Use

The 1976 mid-decade census recorded approximately 800 housing units, of which about 600 were permanent single family dwellings. A large proportion of these home are located in the several residential areas listed. These areas have generally been developed to a level where the natural environment is perceived to have been significantly altered, and where residential use is very apparent on the land. The size and density of these residential areas varies, but in all cases, they are more densely developed than surrounding lands. They contain a significant number of subdivided and residentially zoned lots in close proximity, yet do not contain resources or land use activities which generate significant employment services for the public. While there are historic expectations that buildout of these areas would proceed, a number of areas are not suitable for full development of all existing parcels because of conflicts with the broad objective of this plan – particularly the protection of water and scenic resources or limited capacity of local roads.
Restoration projects, discussed under the implementation (section of the plan will be needed in several of the areas to reduce developmental potential or to provide improved water supplies.
The significance of the residential areas for planning purposes is that they have the capacity, to some extent, to accommodate additional residential demand. Unlike the larger properties or commercial centers, they are not well suited for commercial agriculture, commercial, or visitor uses; use of these areas, to the extent consistent with resource protection, should continue to be for residential purposes.

Residential areas include: Otter Cove, Garrapata Ridge/Rocky Point, Garrapata and Palo Colorado Canyon, Bixby Canyon, Pfeiffer Ridge, Sycamore Canyon, Coastlands, Partington Ridge, and Buck Creek to Lime Creek. The Big Sur Valley, Lucia and Gorda also have significant residential use, although the primary function of these areas are community service and visitor-serving commercial facilities.

The mid-decade census provided considerable information concerning the need for low and moderate income housing on the coast. Of the housing units in the area, 17% were vacant due to being second homes. Only 1.3% were vacant and available, at that time, for sale or for rent. The census revealed that less than half of the occupied units were owner-occupied and that of all the units, 91% were single families. The census also estimated a median household income of $9,785. A transportation study inventory revealed 423 persons employed in the area, one third in eating, drinking, and lodging places, and one third in government (military, Forest Service, etc.). Building Inspections Department records show the average cost-of construction for a single family unit on the Big Sur coast, the unincorporated Peninsula area, and the Carmel Valley, was $36,000 in 1970 and rose to $107,000 in 1979. This factor alone precludes low and moderate income persons and median income households from homeownership. The 1970 housing inventory identified 215 “Substandard” units and 109 units as “Conservation Feasible” in the Big Sur area. These figures indicate that some households may need assistance to meet the national and state goal of “a safe, decent, and sanitary house.”

A serious housing shortage exists for employees in Big Sur, particularly in the visitor industry. Because there is little housing available, employees have at times been forced to camp-out, live in cars, or move in with friends. The shortage of affordable housing has also made recruitment of skilled employees difficult. Several factors affect solutions to the housing problems: the costs of land and housing precludes the use of traditional housing assistance programs; and year-round employment is not at a high enough level to support traditional single and multiple family housing projects. Employee housing provided by an employer must be a primary source of affordable housing in the area. Caretaker housing, which has traditionally provided shelter for many long-time residents and employees, will also continue to be an important element of the affordable housing supply.

American philosopher George Santayana (1863-1952) actually said: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it” (from “Life of Reason I”).

Tomorrow, I would like to request position papers from all sides. Each side can write it together and submit it as a group, or individuals can submit to me at kwnovoa@mac.com, and I will choose the clearest, most concise position paper from each side to publish. I would ask that each one be limited to 250 words. I would suggest you work together and submit one essay that most clearly presents the majority opinion for your position. One way to expand upon this position paper is to have a link to a site that provides additional solutions to the issue and ways to resolve without involving County intervention.

Short term rental meeting

It was 14 years ago when we last visited this issue. I was not involved, I was transistioning in my own life, and wasn’t focused outward as much as I am at this moment.

After the BSMAAC meeting on Friday, May 17th, reported here, we had a working group meeting on Wednesday the 22nd in Salinas. The issue is short term rentals and events, although events is not getting much “air time” at the moment.

There were a lot of good comments on all sides about this issue. However, I was a bit saddened to see the acrimonious behavior of several community members at this meeting. Very disappointed if we allow this conversation to devolve into emotional attacks on one another. Both sides allowed that to happen. I don’t think one person is responsible. How we react is just as important as how we act.

Hopefully each Big Sur resident can assist in keeping this issue organic and not divisive. Lets all try to see the concerns of one another. There are more than just two sides – there are as many “sides” as there are residents of Big Sur.

One thing we all need to look at is the long-term effects of any decision we make today. That is what I have seen time and time again with various laws we have enacted. We haven’t seen beyond the immediate personal desires to the ultimate consequences of our actions. I used as an example what I know – criminal law. We react to a situation, enact laws that don’t take into account the ultimate consequences – such as the three strikes law, which imprisoned people for life when the third strike was a $25 petty theft of DVDs. Eventually, we woke up to the fact that we didn’t want to support these people for life, provide them with their basic needs and better medical care than some of us can afford, because once we, as a society, take over responsibility for these individuals, we must, legally and morally, take care of them humanely. So, once we realized what we had done, and the consequences of our actions, we woke up and changed the law. I have dozens and dozens of example where we were governed by principles of short-sightedness. Let that not rule us here. We need to look first at the larger picture … Our vision of and with Big Sur, THEN take a look at the specific problems and potential solutions.

Let us not start from a place of sleep, but of wakefulness. Rentals in Big Sur, whether long-term or short term, will affect our community. The questions become … How do we want them to affect this beautiful place we call home? What is our vision for this place? Lets start with the big questions, the overall goals we share. Big Sur WILL change. It has changed, it will continue to change. Can we, as a community direct this change? Can we work together, or will we let personal fears and concerns dictate our actions and reactions.

Most of us, after 9/11 were more than happy to give up freedom for personal security. I thought it was an error then, and I watch us, as a nation, proceed further down this path. We let our government dictate what is best for us. That has never been Big Sur.

I have only lived here for just under 30 years. I wasn’t born here, I was born in SF. I wasn’t raised here, I was raised in So Cal. I’ve watched my home state change a lot in my 64 years. I’ve watched Big Sur change a lot in 30 years. One thing about us as a community that I have always loved and respected is our independence and non-reliance on government entities to solve our problems. We solve them ourselves. We fight it out, work together, find solutions and compromise. That has always been who we are. Now we are bringing in government entities, in the form of County Planning, County Health Department, County Law Enforcement, and County Counsel to solve an issue which is ours. Lets find ways to solve this ourselves.

I do not have a pony in this show, I have very dear friends that I deeply care about on all sides of this issue. My main concerns are that we keep this process fair, representative, balanced, and respectful. If living here in Big Sur has taught us anything, She has taught us the need for this. Big Sur is the epitome of Mother Nature. She teaches fairness, balance, and respect, or, as we all know, she spits us out.

I find it absolutely ironic that I am writing this blog post while I am watching the news of follow-up reports on the devastation in the OK tornadoes where 1300 homes were lost, not even considering the children and lives lost. Do you see the irony?

Tomorrow, I will post a potion of the 1982 Big Sur Land Use Plan that details residences and where we were then. We then can see where we are now, and where we want to go in the next 30 years. Please be a part of the conversation, no matter where you stand. Just remember who we are and what we stand for – Big Sur – respect, balance, and beauty.

Rocky Creek Update Meeting this Friday

Caltrans AND Supervisor Dave Potter
Invite you to ATTEND a
PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING

For The

Rocky Creek Viaduct

DATE/TIME: FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2013 AT 10:00 AM

LOCATION: PFEIFFER CONFERENCE ROOM AT THE BIG SUR LODGE

MEETING AGENDA
I. Welcome and Introductions
II. Project Status Update
III. Schedule
a. Compare Actual to Anticipated Progress
b. Discuss Schedule Moving Forward
i. Anticipated Completion Date for Stage 1 Construction
1. Anticipated Start Date for Stage 2 Construction
ii. Anticipated Project Completion Date
IV. Public Comments/Questions

CONTACTS:
Ken Dostalek Jayne Mohammadi
Caltrans, District 5 Aide to Supervisor Potter
Division of Project Management County of Monterey, Board of Supervisors
Ph: (805) 549-3133 Ph: (831) 647-7708
E-mail: ken.dostalek@dot.ca.gov E-mail: MohammadiJF@co.monterey.ca.us

Trail Committee Meeting Summary

Great Summary by CPOA President, Butch Kronlund. BTW, as the season of “doings” and events in Big Sur approaches, I am getting more and more requests to post information on upcoming events, which I am happy to do. In order to cover all that my readers are interested in, it will soon be time to move these event notices to the announcement page, as I have had to do in the past.

“Many of you have requested to be kept informed of the progress of developments on the California Coastal Trail planning process. Here’s a re-cap of the most recent meeting. As this process moves forward, CPOA will issue further updates.

On Saturday March 16th, State Senator Bill Monning, in partnership with the Big Sur, Coast Property Owners Association, conducted a public meeting at the Pfeiffer Big Sur Lodge Conference Center. The purpose of the meeting was to gauge local support for a process that allows for, and relies heavily on, Big Sur residents and property owners, in conjunction with Agency land owners, the responsibility of creating the alignment of the Big Sur segment of the mandated California Coastal Trail. Included in the process document are conditions affecting the creation of the trail such as establishing who maintains it, polices it and monitors it for environmental degradation from over use. The scoping area that the plan covers runs from the Carmel River to the north, down to San Carpoforo Creek to the south and east to the prominent ridges that define the Big Sur planning area.

67 residents and and property owners ranging from the South Coast of Big Sur through to the Carmel Highlands engaged in a spirited question and answer session throughout an informative power point presentation. The presentation outlined the legislative history of the California Coastal Trail enactment as well as highlights of the process document which will serve as a template for community involvement in the trail’s creation. Near the conclusion of the meeting, a show of hands was solicited and the response was 90% of those attending were in support of the community based process, 0% were against and 10% felt they needed more time to digest what they had learned or to dig further into the issue. To download the completed process document with accompanying maps and organizational chart, click on the following link or type tinyurl.com/c2sqn75 into the address bar of your web browser and hit enter.

Several long time locals spoke from the heart regarding the need for our community to stay engaged and when given the choice, strive to shape the outcomes that challenge us as stewards of our lands. Alan Purlmutter said it best when he provided the bottom line to the CCT issue. And I paraphrase, “The state legislature has passed a law that there will be a coastal trail running the length of California, going through Big Sur. The question before us is not whether there will be a segment of the trail going through Big Sur. The question is whether we want a contractor with no ties to Big Sur designing the trail or if we want to do the job ourselves”.

The last words on this subject came from Marty Hartman, a 60 year resident of Big Sur who eloquently spoke of her love of this place and our joint responsibility in protecting and nurturing this precious resource.

Thanks go to the CCT working group for devoting so much time and energy to creating a process for local involvement and to our elected representative State Senator Bill Monning for his unflagging support in seeing a local planning effort get traction.

Not to be forgotten, thank you Alan and Marty for breaking this issue down to what is really important which is Big Sur people exerting their right to self-determination, knowing it is our responsibility to protect and nurture this place we are so lucky to call home.

Butch Kronlund
CPOA”

Well done, all!

Coastal Trail Meeting

IMPORTANT MEETING – SAVE THE DATE – MARCH 16TH

California Coastal Trail meeting for those who reside and/or own land near the coast, from the Carmel River in Monterey County to San Carpóforo Creek in San Luis Obispo County.

WILL BIG SUR HAVE A VOICE IN DETERMINING THE TRAIL CREATION PROCESS?

A diverse group of coastal residents have worked since 2007 to develop a local, community-based process as a way to enable our community to participate in the planning of the Big Sur segment of the government mandated California Coastal Trail. It is this process that community members would like to share for consideration as the preferred planning process. Download and read the process document here – Coastal Trail Process

CPOA will host a discussion on this Community-based Trail Planning Process with State Senator Bill Monning, participants of the working group and all our neighbors.

Saturday, March 16th, 10 AM to noon
Big Sur Lodge Conference Room in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.

This meeting marks the beginning of our community approval process. Come and share your thoughts on March 16th.

If you would like to receive updates by email – send a request to info@CPOABigSur.org

Bigsurkate and other updates

I got back home just before sunset last night, to find my solar power system unresponsive. I relied on the gennie last night, and tried to get the solar online. No luck. Someone had turned the PV switch off, and my gennie was not charging it today. Tomorrow, I have to run to town to replace groceries eaten by my dog sitter, propane for my appliances, restock on critter food, and all the usual, so I won’t get a chance to figure out what is wrong with the solar … Means I better get gas for the gennie back-up, as well, until I can read the manual, call my power guy, or otherwise become brilliant in solar power. I know, but it MIGHT happen!

My dogs sitter may have messed up my solar (or someone else?) but he had a fire laid out for me to Light last night, all four dogs were good, as were two cats, he hauled in firewood for a few days, and with all else, I have been warm, thanks to him.

Blaze got the contract for the Partington Rd clean-up. I understand there was a meeting between Blaze, Cal-Trans, and the Partington Ridge Road Association this morning. Will keep you posted as I can.

Friday the BSMAAC meeting is to be held at the State Park Conference Center, starting at 10 am. I will be attending. Kathleen Lee promised an agenda by end of business today, but so far, it has yet to find my inbox.

We have one more month of overnight closures at Rocky Creek, and then life will get a little easier for all of Big Sur. NOTE – I did not say “normal” – ain’t no such thing in Big Sur.

Glad to be home, and back doin’ what I do.

Photo Contest winners & other miscellany

I apologize for taking so long to get this up, and for missing a couple announcements. bigsurkate could easily be a full-time job, but the problem is, I already have a full-time job – and 4 dogs (one of whom has been to the vet three times in two weeks) and a home in the wilderness, which is always challenging. Thanks for your patience.

So, here are the winners:

First place goes to Daniel Van Gerpen, of Salinas, CA for his Garrapata Pano shot. He actually submitted this one last contest and it was inadvertently lost, misfiled, or otherwise left out. You can find his work at danvans.com Dan, send me your address (at kwnovoa@mac.com) so I can send you the $50 Nepenthe Gift Certificate.

Garrapata Pano by Daniel Van Gerpen

In second place, Big Sur Mountain Tops by Daniela de Sola of Big Sur.

Big Sur Mountains by Daniela de Sola of Big Sur

And in third place a mystical image by Brett Paul.

Palo Sunset by Brett Paul

I also would like to apologize to Lee-Ann and the organizers of the Occupy Wall Street protest at 13 stones for not being able to get the word out about yesterday’s gathering. I hear it was great, as was the one in Monterey. The Occupy demonstrations have spread through out the world, now. I want a bumper sticker that says – “I’m part of an endangered species – the middle class!” Let’s keep the conversation going!

Fracking Update in So. County

By Steve Craig re upcoming LUAC meeting for Wednesday, 9/21, this update:

“This is not a surprise, the Chevron pipeline into Bakersfield proposal. They have been truck shipping and perhaps train shipping for years; now, with steam injection and fracking, it may become economic to pipeline.

This step will facilitate the construction of the Exxon plant similar to the Chevron one, and will connect any fracking drilling from Venoco, as well as transport the Chevron field’s outputs. On the positive side, it will prevent heavy truck transport and reduce the present level of transport for the Chevron plant.

This is a further step of creating a new and expanded south County oil field without ever going through a decision process about whether this is something acceptable to the people here or managing fracking processes. The question of the legal applicability of the citizen vote ordinance will be primary, as will the scientific question about field connectivity to the OCS and state tidelands.

This will be an important meeting.

Venoco is testing the capacity of the well along the river presently which was fracked (or at least had four separate rig operations) four times. Still no impoundment and no CDFG or Corps action on this site. Apparently Venoco pumping oil from what I can see of the pipeline size and type; on the positive, it does not look as if their fracking produced enough gas as there is no flare off system during the testing. This is a hopeful sign, unconfirmed, for the long run.

Have not heard the outcome of the date for a rescheduled appeal, whether that is going forward or not.”

For additional information, contact Steve Craig at:
Steve Craig
Restoration Landscape
PO Box 369
Lockwood, California 93932

office: (805) 472-2266
mobile: (818) 419-8229

Tim DeChristopher

I hadn’t heard of Tim DeChristopher’s case until today, the day of his sentence to 2 years in federal prison for disrupting a BLM auction of gas/oil leases after his trial on the charges. Here is just one of the many great quotes, included in the text of his speech – “The reality is not that I lack respect for the law; it’s that I have greater respect for justice.” (Tim DeChristopher at his sentencing on 7/26/11.)

Mr. DeChristopher is articulate, informed, and involved. He stands as a pillar of nobility amidst a system wrought with corruption. He is the essence of civil disobedience, in my eyes, and is a voice I would love to give audience to, and so, I write about him here. I am not the only one. The LA Times article was releasee about an hour ago. I don’t have staff, so it will take me a little longer.

What does he have to do with Big Sur? I have been writing about the fracking BLM project out by Bradley/San Ardo. Also reporting on the actions of the local activist email campaign out of Lockwood, also home to Steve Craig, local activist, and HOLD-ON. Mr. DeChristopher’s speech is applicable to what I have written before and the concerns I have expressed over the fraking gas leases the BLM has over in Southern Monterey County. It is concerns like these, which Mr. DeChristopher expressed not just in words, but in actions – peaceful actions of telling truth to power. Now, he will be spending the next 2 years in federal prison.

In 2008, Mr. DeChristopher went to a public auction of BLM leases for oil/gas. He filled out the form that he was a bona fide bidder. The leases generally went for $12 an acre – except for the ones DeChristopher bid on. Those fetched $125 an acre. He was charged with disrupting this meeting.

Mr. DeChristopher is a climate activist on the board of peacefuluprising.org

His entire speech can be found there, on commondreams.org, as well as on americanswhotellthetruth.org I urge you to read it, and to show you why, here are just a FEW of my favorite quotes from today’s speech:

” … disagreement with the law should not be confused with disrespect for the law.”

“When a corrupted government is no longer willing to uphold the rule of law, I advocate that citizens step up to that responsibility.”

“The rule of law is dependent upon a government that is willing to abide by the law. Disrespect for the rule of law begins when the government believes itself and its corporate sponsors to be above the law.”

” My future, and the future of everyone I care about, is being traded for short term profits. I take that very personally. Until our leaders take seriously their responsibility to pass on a healthy and just world to the next generation, I will continue this fight.”

“But the speech [he gave on the day of his conviction, and which was only quoted to the extent of 1/2 of one sentence] was about empowerment. It was about recognizing our interconnectedness rather than viewing ourselves as isolated individuals. The message of the speech was that when people stand together, they no longer have to be exploited by powerful corporations. Alienation is perhaps the most effective tool of control in America, and every reminder of our real connectedness weakens that tool.”

“At this point of unimaginable threats on the horizon, this is what hope looks like. In these times of a morally bankrupt government that has sold out its principles, this is what patriotism looks like. With countless lives on the line, this is what love looks like, and it will only grow. The choice you are making today is what side are you on.”

Whew! I wish I could write like that, and I could go on for pages just pulling a few of my favorite quotes. I hope I chose the “right” quotes to get you interested in reading this speech given today.

Spread the word. Make sure his words are quoted wherever you have a voice.

The full and complete version can be found many places, three of which are: peacefuluprising.org, americanswhotellthetruth.org, or commondreams.org

I happened to find it here: Tim DeChristopher speech

Formulate your own opinion. Read the entire speech. I dare you!