Code Neon Blue!

I think technically I was on vacation today. I mostly spent it getting ready to go up to Denver tomorrow to attend the Jefferson/Jackson Dinner with other Prowers Countians. I’m now at the stage between knowing I should be in bed, and wanting to stay up pondering the age-old question, “What will I forget to pack that I need?”

Follow-up on yesterday’s post: I Googled for news today, and found a story saying they HAVE started pumping a little water from one of the flooded Leadville mine shafts with the best one they had on hand. This water is clean (they say) and can go right into the river. The idea is that getting at least some of the water out of the shafts will take presuure off.

A big heavy duty pump is being rush-ordered and should be in place in two weeks. It will be used to pump the contaminated water to the treatment plant.

BTW, did you notice the Leadville story was in today’s New York Times? (Free log-in required.)

This is the Arkansas River.

You can’t see my house from here, but it’s about two miles upstream and half a mile to the left.

I do not like the idea of a billion gallons of water contaminated with lead, cadmium and Lord alone knows what else whooshing by down here, bringing all the birds and fish it killed upstream as it goes.

I’m weird like that.

The ongoing screw-ups and circular finger-pointings surrounding the situation up in the Leadville mines that makes this toxic overflow a potential threat have been going on since AT LEAST 1995, and maybe longer than that, from what I’ve read. And you can pretty much put what’s actually been DONE about it so far in your eye and never blink.

So a guy named Tom Weins, State Senator for the area, gets the idea to use this new-fangled web thingie to whip up some public outrage and attention, partly by starting a web site: http://www.savethearkansasriver.org/

The plan worked, because the affected government agencies, who seem to have more lead in their butts than Leadville ever THOUGHT of producing, have been shamed into action…maybe. In time? Maybe. We can hope.

But what is bothering me now are the folks I think of as being on MY side of the political spectrum, in favor of saving the Earth and all that, who are all PO’d about Weins’ website. Why? Because…he might be getting some political gain out of it.

I’m not 100% sure HOW he’s going to gain, since the mayor and some of the Leadville citizens are furious over the fallout from the revelation of the problem. Costing the town and the people there money can’t possibly be good for getting future votes, and getting a reputation as a guy who will kicks up a huge fuss instead of working quietly behind the scenes with The System won’t make him more liked by the Powers That Be. But maybe that’s one of the many things I don’t understand about Politics.

Yeah. The guy’s a Republican. Some of them HAVE to be right about things SOME of the time, right? Law of averages and all that?

As I said in my comments on Colorado Confidential,
I bet if that Weins guy was a Dem, we’d be pinning a medal on him and treating him to a ticker tape parade for being such a super-duper friend of the environment.

But that’s just my opinion. Why not go to the site and read the links and comments (especially the comments!) for yourself?

Maybe even leave one? Help save my favorite backyard river?

No, not actually. It’s just that this past week was much fuller than usual, and I didn’t do a very good job of working my daily routine around all the extra activity.

I have several batches of notes and info here, about Lamar stuff, mostly. I attended a joint meeting of the City Council and County Commissioners last Tuesday, which was interesting for me. Something a little new and different anyway. I need to finish my background reading and think about it a little more before writing about it, though.

I’m trying to work on my personal efficiency, because of my growing suspicion that I am slacking off a lot more than I realize. This week might not have been the best one to start something new, though, as it will be a short one. On Friday I’m going up with some of our local Dem group to attend the Jefferson/Jackson Dinner.

Anyway, at least this post is proof I’m still alive and well!

As we were planning for our assembly here in Prowers County, we kicked around ideas for possible speakers. One of the names that came up was Mark Udall. In the end, we couldn’t get him for our March event, but his staff worked it out for him to come down to southeast Colorado for a combo IdeaRaiser/Town Hall. As a bonus, people in Baca County got to meet with him too, in a session on renewable energy. (But I didn’t go to that one so I can’t report any details.)

Mark started out by quoting his grandfather as saying anyone can love the mountains, but it takes SOUL to love the High Plains. That got him off to a good start with us prairie populists. He also mentioned that his great-grandfather was one of the state’s first water engineers back at the turn of the 19th century, something I hadn’t known.

The idea of these meetings, besides exposing Udall to people he hopes will vote for him for Senator, is for him to collect comments from regular folks about their concerns and hopes. One of the things that impressed me was that, rather like a talented comedy improv type, he could take up any topic thrown out to him and riff on it credibly with what sounded to me like substantiative thoughts.

Before opening the floor to questions, he made brief statements on a couple of topics. First, the war. He pointed out he voted against starting it, and said he would work to end it by “leaving responsibly", drawing out troops and expecting the Iraqi military to step up in their place. He also sees the current condition of the military as a serious problem and wants to emphasize rebuilding it.

Health care is another priority. He likened it to mountain climbing, saying we are all on the rope together, and we can’t leave anyone behind.

He emphasized his record of working with others, even those divergent from his own beliefs when necessary (my words, by the way, not his) such as Tancredo, then referenced an old quote about academic politics being extremely vicious because so little is at stake. “I think people have forgotten how MUCH is at stake,” he said. He feels if other elected representatives can be reminded of that, there will be much more co-operation between the parties.

I tried to note down all the issues brought up by those in attendance at least by topic. Here they are.

Veteran’s Health: We need to either re-expand the veteran health facilities, or issue some kind of special card allowing them to get care from any medical provider they choose. It’s very hard for those in rural areas to try to get to the Springs, Denver or even Pueblo for treatment.

Mental Health/Criminal Justice: Too many people with mental health problems can’t get help, end up committing crimes and/or going on drugs, then go to prison where they STILL don’t get help.

Water issues: As with most water issues, this is a rather complex problem made even more so by attempts to fix it with new regulations. Fortunately, John Stulp, who is not only the State Sec. of Agriculture but an area rancher, was there to explain how the most recent troublesome problem is being addressed. Which I didn’t totally get, but seemed to satisfy the people who asked about it. For now.

Trains and light rail: I’ve already covered this in another post. Basically they are Good Things.

Renewable energy: Also A Very Good Thing.

US data security: Someone pointed out that among the many things being outsourced to other countries is a huge amount of data from government agencies, including Homeland Security. She didn’t think this was a very good secure plan. Udall said he would look into it.

The Constitution: Someone stated that Roosevelt had set the Constitution aside in 1933 and it had never been reinstated. He wanted to see that happen. That was a new one on me, and I think on Udall as well, but he segued off on restoring habeas corpus, which he is for. I think he rather soft-pedaled why it NEEDS to be restored, but he’s working that ‘pulling together’ angle, so I suppose that’s why. I’m willing to wait to see what he actually does about it when he gets the chance, so no snarkiness from me on that topic for now.

In Mark’s concluding remarks, he talked about how America got started by over-throwing the rule of a king and instituting the rule of law instead. Given his stated intention of wanting to be able to work together with Those Other Guys, his firm declaration that we have to restore the balance of power between the three branches of government was pretty darn close to a declaration of challenge. Or so it seemed to me.

And there you have it, my take on our Udall meeting. Overall impression: he’s pretty good. We could certainly do a whole lot worse.

Lamar was privileged to host Mark Udall for an IdeaRaiser/Town Hall yesterday. I just wrote a serious-news style piece for the Local Buzz, so before I move on to my blog-analysis post, I’m going to kick back with one that’s just for self-indulgent fun.

Ladies and gentlemen, Mike and Mark!

My son Mike got an early start in being exposed to politicians when he attended the kick-off of Gail Schoettler’s horseback ride across Colorado to promote her running for Governor. We used to have a picture of Gail posing with Mike and his Bert doll, but it got ruined in a water-heater flood.

Mike started taking an actual interest in politics about the same time I got interested again, because of all my praise for the guy he thought was named Power Dean. Even though he is sometimes shy about talking to strangers, and gets a little bored if an event drags on too long, he likes to attend political meetings.

I had explained the purpose of Saturday’s meeting to him by saying Congressman Udall wanted to hear about things that had people worried, like needing more money for schools, and more chances to be able to go to the doctor when they were sick.

Then I asked him what he thought was a problem that needed attention. I should have guessed — we need more trains. But he didn’t say it JUST because he’s a major railfan. We’ve talked about how trucks are used more than trains to move goods because trucks are cheaper to operate. Fuel is getting more and more expensive, though, so he thinks maybe trains will go back to being the best deal. Also, we should have light rail going between all the towns in the United States.

I told him he could say all that at the meeting if he wanted to, but if he didn’t feel like it, that was okay too. He made me promise to help him. Sure enough, the hope of getting more future train action helped him overcome his usual bashfulness and he spoke right out when it was his turn.

Later on, several other people brought the topic of trains or light rail back up when they talked, and he was delighted. “They like my ideas!” he whispered to me with a big grin.

You can’t buy good feelings like that with any amount of money.

We had a great meeting with Mark Udall here today! I haven’t had time to write it up yet, though, so here’s a post of procrastination!

This about made me fall out of my chair laughing!

The town of Wray is in NORTHeast Colorado, and this blog is supposed to be about the SOUTHeast corner. But I just love stories about little towns who know how to pull together and get things done.

If you like ‘em too, hop over here to the Denver Post online to read a great story.

Wind power bolsters town’s school finances

“When finances hit the skids, when all the fat had been sliced off the budget and the next thing to go would have been the bone itself, inspired thinkers in the Wray School District decided to follow that age-old advice: Play to your strengths.

In the case of Wray, that would be wind.

(…)

What started as an agriculture teacher’s idea to save on electric bills is now a gleaming, 250-foot- tall monument to the possibilities that unfold when a scrappy little town’s generous spirit marries a global economy interested in greening.

The result isn’t just going to save a few dollars. Over the 20-some years of its life, the turbine is expected to cover the district’s power bill, which can top $80,000 a year, with enough left over for kids’ education — all the while supplying 20 percent of the town’s power.”

If Wray can do it, ANY of our towns out here on the high plains can do it, right?

I wonder if our county commissioners read the Denver Post?

On ColoradoPols the other day, DavidThi808 was talking about the super-delegates and wondering about their powers.

Which led me to go find this:

I don’t know if it’s because I am a Libra or a Liberal, but I often find myself, well, seeing a little of both sides on controversial issues.

SuperDelegates to the DNC are those lucky folks who get a critical vote of their very own to cast for who they want to see as the nominee. On the one hand, it does seem like those who are Supers because they got elected to office by The People ought to consider what those People are saying as they decide whether to rally behind Obama or Clinton.

On the other hand, the Supers get this special personal vote because they DO something for the Party. Yeah, it seems like a sweet deal to hold a glamorous office with an important title and then rake in the perks as well. But having done my tiny little job in the most minor office of a very low-populated county…it is my well-considered opinion that I wouldn’t run for office EVER. Even if I won the Lotto and could afford it! It’s way too much hassle for a little fleeting fame and minuscule reward.

So maybe it’s fair for Supers to have their special votes.

Now that I’ve thought about it by writing about it, I guess my opinion is…still in the middle. (Oh, like you’re surprised.)

It’s kind of like what we expect from those we elect. We want them to fully study the issues they’re going to be voting on, not just hang back to see which lobbyists or pollsters shout loudest before making up their minds. So it would be reasonable for the Supers to consider both their own opinions, AND how their districts voted.

What I DON’T think is okay is any hint of collusion or deal-brokering behind the scenes.

So if the Supers will be transparent in presenting their reasoning, and follow the rules as established…then I say let the votes fall as they may!

(PS, I’ll give a Genuine Replica No-Prize to whoever can give the real identity of the character in the pic.)

Good old Mike W got back to me about my inability to bend the VAN database to my will. The Force…I wasn’t using enough.

Also I now suspect I messed up when compiling the addressed to be printed, and asked for voting addresses instead of mailing addresses. Which could explain why we got so many returned to us.

Still, that’s Stage 1 of the updating of the Prowers County registered Dems list done.

In other news, my mom called me tonight, wondering if we were having our voting day tomorrow too. (She lives in Virginia.) (Also, she does not read this blog THAT I KNOW OF, which is for the good, really, as she is an R tending person.)

I’m not sure, but she might have been angling for a hint from me to help her decide who to vote for. She recently took one of those ubiquitous quizzes to see what candidate she had most in common with. Her first choice would have been Romney, but of course he’s history, and her second is the Huckster. Something about him just turns her off, though, she said. (I guess he might be a fundamentalist pastor, but he’s not HER fundamentalist pastor!)

What had her unsettled, and me too, later, was that her third place match was…HILLARY.

There go those dang tremors in the Force again….

And it’s not even due to drinking to excess. It’s just…whoosh…gone.

Part of it was because our battery back-up unit went wonky (if you’ll excuse the technical jargon). I had to unplug it to reset it, which meant moving huge stacks of this and that here in my work area. So today I tried to re-organize a little as I put things back.

No wonder the weekend’s gone!

On my plate for this coming week is figuring out how to deal with over 100 returned postcards where a former registered Dem no longer lives. I tried to remove them from the VAN database, but it would not let me. Maybe I am doing something wrong. I await guidance from on high in this matter.

Sigh.

I broke down and bought a new camera not too long ago, because my faithful old Canon PowerShot A80 was losing its touch. (Being dropping on one’s head a few times could hurt anyone’s reliability.)

The new kid is another Canon PowerShot, the S5 IS. It has a much superior lens, and double the pixel capacity. However, being ALMOST but NOT QUITE the same in its controls means I have a high learning curve to get over.

I thought I had it set right on caucus night. I was wrong. Instead of getting a nice big pic I could trim down to something good, I ended up with a small and vague overview.

Oh, well, still lots of time to practice before the next event!

I do it partly because I find treasures like this!

Unfortunately I can’t get it to “embed", so you’ll just have to click directly. Trust me, it’s worth it!

Click here!

Just saving this for posterity. Squarestate.net had an open threat for caucus reporting, which I used shamelessly. I’m saving it here just for fun.

Lamar High School cafeteria, 5:38pm

We have our eleven tables for eleven precincts set up. The county chair and her mom are sorting out the packets while I sit here typing, trying to look busy. Pretty soon I will help set out the cookies, though. (Is there a party rule that you MUST have snacks for any gathering of Dems over some key number?)

We just had our first two non-regulars come in! Yay, we’re starting!

Ooh, they are flocking in now! (6:51)

There are at least 100 people here! We’ve used the physical map and Boulder County’s widget to get people to their precinct tables. We have a dozen or so future Dems too!

I think this is a great turnout!

Oh dear (7:01)

People keep expecting me to know stuff.

All in and all done! (8:06)

Prowers was one of the first five counties to get their totals in!

Uncommitted: 3
Clinton: 59
Obama: 40

Raise your hand if you dreamed about tonight’s caucuses.

In my dream, we were suddenly having ours at some hotel attached to an outdoor activities park. I was trying to help make packets for the candidates and precinct leaders, but I didn’t have enough of ANYTHING to go around, and some stuff was just NOT THERE.

Anxiety much?

The thing is, outside of the sudden snowstorm blowing around out there, we’re WAY ready. We’ve had a practice meeting and training for our precinct people at the high school. Our county chair’s son is a teacher there, so if we need more space than the lunchroom, he can get us access to some classrooms.

I’ve been fielding phoned-in questions, both serious and goofy, and looking up people’s precincts for them online. My hair even has a fresh coat of blue!

So I guess we’re ready.

*quivers*

I had no idea about Blogroll Amnesty Day, which people turned from its negative origins to a freewheeling bash of international online goodwill. I used up a lot of the weekend looking at dozens and dozens of new (to me) blogs!

The idea is for bloggers to share links with each other, giving us new bees and the less famed old timers some love and attention.

Which made me start to feel kind of backwards and inept. I like a lot of things about the format of this blog, supplied by b2evo. BUT I have never really liked how the sidebars look. The links come out really weird, which is why I have them in their own blog section. (I don’t like the gray text very much either.)

So now I am thinking maybe I should try again to either change the template or get a whole different one. AFTER the caucuses on Tuesday, of course.

In the meantime, for content, HERE is a totally hilarious “translation” of the most recent Hillary/Obama debate. Set down all glasses of liquid before reading.

Whew! This has been a crazy week! Our county party decided to send out a mailing to all the registered Democrats, and it turned out to be more of a time and energy sink than anyone expected. It’s all done now, though – well, except for getting the returned cards from expired addresses and updating the VAN database and all that.

We have also had a practice/training meeting of our Central Committee and Precinct chairs, so we won’t be starting absolutely flat-footed next Tuesday. Turns out the high school has wireless access, so we should be able to report the results of our county’s presidential candidate preference poll right away, as requested by state party headquarters.

We’ve practiced that as well, actually, and it was so easy I am now a little scared!

Consider my hand self-smacked for missing so many days posting. I will, as always, strive to do better in the future.