Judge Jeff Almquist

Santa Cruz County Judge Jeff Almquist frequently demonstrates the judicial fortitude one can expect from liberal judges elected or appointed to the bench.   

Steven Jay Sande, 61, of Santa Cruz, pleaded guilty April 14th to 12 felony sex abuse charges involving one of his former students at Aptos Junior High, the District Attorney's Office announced today.  Steven Sande pleaded guilty to repeatedly having sex with a 13 year old student and taking pictures of the naked girl.  However, Judge Almquist decided that Steven Sande, the statutory rapist, should remain free until his sentencing hearing on July 22!  Almquist denied the prosecutors request to have Sande jailed immediately. Why? Judge Almquist said Sande could remain free because he, "Has strong ties to the community and has not violated the law since that arrest."

Thank you, Judge Almquist, for letting us know what a pillar of society Steven Sande is.  I guess such wisdom is why you wear the robe and get paid the big bucks.  I've always had a different opinion of child molesters, child pornographers, and rapists.

To read Sentinel article, use link:  http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/ci_17857385?IADID

Red Versus Blue Equals Green

I never really liked Obama, but I was pretty sure GW Bush didn't set the presidential bar too high for him.  I mean, those aren't very big shoes (or boots) to fill.  But Obama's administration hasn't delivered on anything.  At least not anything good.  From a political leadership perspective, the U.S. is 0-for-the-2000's.

The "success" of politicians is now measured by how much they can make you hate their political opponents.  There is a ton of money in that! 
I am registered as an independent voter, so I get requests for contributions from both Republicans and Democrats.  They generally read:

 "I need your help!  I need your financial support!  If the other side wins, your quality of life will be reduced immeasurably.  Without your generous support, you and your family will suffer horribly.  But fortunately for you, dear donor, I can save you all.  But not without your help.  Help me reach my 1st (2nd, 3rd) quarter grassroots donation goal.  Send a message loud and clear to those who would ruin our country that you will fight with me!!!  Please click on the link below to conveniently and safely make your commitment online now."

What a bunch of bullshit!  I have much more respect for transients sitting on a median strip with a tattered cardboard sign than I have for political money-grubbers.  At least the transients don't pretend that by giving them money I am saving myself. 

Sadly, people send self-serving politicians millions and millions of dollars!  They've divided the United States into Reds States and Blue States.  Red vs. Blue.  Just like Norteno and Sureno gangs, and Blood and Crip gangs.  Dishonest, unproductive, self-serving individuals joining forces to compete for available resources.

The people who write checks to politicians are the real problem.  A lot of enablers are drinking the Kool-Aid and writing checks.  I guess that means the current system of governing is working for the politicians, if no one else. 

Did you know that if you close your eyes and hold you nose, cherry Kool-aid and grape Kool-aid taste pretty much the same?  They only make them different colors so you'll think they are different.  In reality, they are virtually the same thing, and neither one is good for you.