These are the amendments to S. 649 - Safe Communities, Safe Schools Act of 2013

• I have an errand to run, but, I'll start reading the amendments when I return. I planned to do this anyway. The Sandy Hook Promise is working very hard to pass these legislative initiatives and we have to continue to back them by advocating where ever we can and by writing to Senators and Congressmen and Congresswomen.

  
  
  Our children's futures depend on our success today. 
  
  
  Additionally, the international community could help by putting their own pressure on these Congresspersons, too. If the USA can't control violence in their own society, it has no place in criticizing any other violence. That is not where allies belong. The moral statements of non-violence, peace and non-proliferation have to be met with respect and reputation. So far there is a huge gap in the reputation of the USA as recently demonstrated as yesterday in Boston.

  S.Amdt.715   — 113th Congress (2013-2014)

  Description:	To protect Second Amendment rights, ensure that all individuals who should be prohibited from buying a firearm are listed in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, and provide a responsible and consistent background check process.
  Sponsor:	Sen. Manchin, Joe, III [D-WV] (Submitted 04/11/2013) (Proposed 04/11/2013)
  Cosponsors:	3
  Latest Action:	04/11/13 Amendment SA 715 proposed by Senator Manchin. (consideration: CR S2584)

• S.Amdt.714   — 113th Congress (2013-2014)

  Description:	None
  Sponsor:	Sen. Lautenberg, Frank R. [D-NJ] (Submitted 04/11/2013)
  Cosponsors:	21

• S.Amdt.713   — 113th Congress (2013-2014)

  Description:	None
  Sponsor:	Sen. Leahy, Patrick J. [D-VT] (Submitted 04/11/2013)
  Cosponsors:	2

• S.Amdt.712   — 113th Congress (2013-2014)

  Description:	None
  Sponsor:	Sen. Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA] (Submitted 04/11/2013)
  Cosponsors:	3
  Latest Action:	04/11/13 (text of measure as introduced: CR S2592)

• S.Amdt.711   — 113th Congress (2013-2014)

  Description:	None
  Sponsor:	Sen. Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA] (Submitted 04/11/2013)
  Cosponsors:	22

This is what the community is dealing with. There are self righteous egotists NOT supported by the USA Constitution.

One of America's Most Notorious Militias (click here for You Tube)

This was posted to You Tube about two months ago in support of the NRA and  in opposition to the gun legislation.

They don't have rights to carry on like this, except, for the 'allowance' of the USA and State Government. Even Palin removed funding for the Alaska Militia at one point. 

After September 11, 2001 there were government raids on the compounds within the USA. They removed high level munitions including a few missiles. Their prowess has been very watered down since then, but, they can still cook up bombs. They are survivalists. They are a criminal element in the USA. Allowing their presence is allowing criminality to exist.

They hate journalists because it is there belief that journalists expose their existence. Ya think? They hate journalists right up to the point where a journalist will serve their purpose as in this video. The two star performers in the video were members of the Michigan militia, but, felt more secure in Alaska. McVeigh was once a Michigan Militia member. The Michigan Militia is where these groups have their roots in one manner or another.

They aren't legal at all. There is no Paul Revere there. Okay? They exist because of political pressure. It is the only reason they exist.

NPR had an a segment yesterday where one of the elite runners stated he wasn't sure he was going to Germany for the next great race. The explosion at Boston has changed things in every state of the USA and every country in the world. There are problems with this level of trauma with a very benign event. Country leaders need to find a way to reassure the community involved in these events and demonstrate the strength of governments to protect the events, participants and spectators. 

I'll tell you right now, the race courses have to be shut down no later than 24 hours in advance. Businesses closed for the day along the route, exclusive right to being along the route involved tickets/certifications, credentialed journalists with background checks are the only media along the route, no cell phone towers in operation after the Bomb Dogs have gone through or during and for a time after the event. Participants don't carry phones or communication devices. 

The runs have to be exclusive events with support to protect THE EVENT. The ripple from the Boston Event has been felt internationally.

The participants of these events are FIRST runners. They don't necessarily run to compete. They will find other ways to express their expertise and status than these events if there is no demonstration of profound security for the events.

Oh, no packages, no deliveries, no back packs along the route for at least 24 hours and before the Bomb Dogs go through.

The events will continue and if the elite runners drop out to protect their endorsements, etc., there will be other runners that will become the top placers, the times will be slower and the events will lose their status. It is important all events of any PEACEFUL nature that celebrate the human potential have to secure.

These are peaceful people, they are not martyrs like the idiots that seek to kill rather than honor the higher values of a society.

If these events aren't completely secure, they will lose their meaning.

I am moving on.

Justices Refuse Case on Gun Law in New York (click here)

By ADAM LIPTAK

Published: April 15, 2013

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court said Monday that it would not weigh in on a major Second Amendment question that has divided the lower courts: May states bar or strictly limit the carrying of guns in public for self-defense?
The justices turned down a case concerning a New York State law that requires people seeking permits for carrying guns in public to demonstrate that they have a special need for self-protection. In urging the justices to hear the case, the National Rifle Association called the law “a de facto ban on carrying a handgun outside the home.”...

This nation needs to end the Violence of Culture and gun laws are a part of that.

...“We are aware of the problem of handgun violence in this country,” Justice Antonin Scalia wrote for the majority in the decision, District of Columbia v. Heller. “But the enshrinement of constitutional rights necessarily takes certain policy choices off the table,” he added....

The Heller decision stated clearly citizens are allowed to own and carry guns. They can use them for sport, but, Heller does not even guarantee that. Heller basically states people can have a gun for self protection in their homes, but, there is no guarantee a concealed carry is s necessity.

The free use of guns in the USA in the manner it has become dangerous is NOT guaranteed by The Second Amendment.

The tragedy in Boston yesterday is an extremist event. I still believe it was Americans belonging to a militia. Any militia member in the USA passed through the Michigan Militia at one time or another. It is ridiculous this extremism exists. There is no reason for it in this country. Paul Revere did a hell of a job, but, this isn't 1776 anymore.

This picture is from the Miami Herald. This isn't Boston, this is Baghdad.

Two bombs exploded (click here) in the packed streets near the finish line of the Boston Marathon on Monday, killing three people and injuring more than 100 in a terrifying scene of shattered glass, bloodstained pavement and severed limbs, authorities said.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/#storylink=cpy

I mean no disrespect, but, do they who the dead are?

There is no chance the adult dead are the bombers?

By By Colleene Curry and Alyssa Newcomb

April 15, 2013

The death toll in the Boston Marathon bombings (click here) has increased to three people, according to the Boston Police commissioner.Among the dead was an 8-year-old boy, law enforcement sources told ABC News."This cowardly act will not be taken within stride," Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis told reporters this evening. "We will turn every rock over to find the people who are responsible for this."At least 133 people were injured, including several children with severe trauma, when bombs exploded almost simultaneously near the marathon finish line. Some of the injuries have been described as amputations and severe burns.The FBI said it has taken charge of the investigation and has no suspect in custody....

Live blog: Explosions in Copley Square (click here)

People are looking for each other.

Google Person Finder (click here)

Boston Police Twitter Feed (click here)

Boston Globe Twitter Feed (click here)

Media services need to submit their photos, recordings and video tape to the Boston Detectives. There was a large grey SUV on a MSNBC video. It was parked at the corner just down from the explosion. It could have been a Hummer. It fits the profile.

If this is an American, as I believe it is, no one will take credit for it,especially, if they are planning more.

If the devices didn't have timers on them, 20 - 30 seconds would have been enough time to change handheld devices to explode the second device. 20 - 30 seconds is a long time to carry out the two explosions. If the other two devices were found nearby then they were defective. If there were timers then they failed to complete an electric ignition. Wireless detonations are more sophisticated than timers.

The devices were placed two blocks apart. It was for maximum effect. People were running and along the entire street. What good are bombs placed in the same location? The first one would kill and maim and the second one would do what? Kill the people already dead. What good is that. They were separated by two blocks for maximum effect. 

What are the killer(s) thinking right now while looking at their handiwork?

First the damage done, how well did it work, did it explode the way it was expected, why didn't the other two devices explode, then admiration to the disruption, the death, the lives altered and where does it go from here. It will depend on whether the killer(s) are found or 'detected.' If they believe they have successfully pulled off an anti-American act to prove how determined they are to their purpose, then they are already planning the next one.

If they are suspicious about being 'detected' then they'll lay low and still plan their next attack. They might run, but, I don't think so. I think these are Americans. I think they are willing to seek to overthrow the government if they can. I think they believe the USA is being taken over by people they feel threatened by. These folks have been around a long time and this isn't the first time they have sought to intimidate and threaten the American way of life. I think this is related to gun legislation in the US Senate. 

That is pure speculation. I have no knowledge to this event or to those responsible. The FBI, Boston's Best and Massachusetts SBI probably have better suspicions by now than I could hope to have. 

Sorry to hear there is a sad day in Boston.

From what the video tapes have shown, the color of the smoke was similar to the color of the building where the explosion occurred.

That may mean something or it may mean nothing, but, I think the building was effected along with the lives in the areas.

It is difficult to say, electrical explosions can cause an explosion that size, too.

The location alone would dictate a plan. But, I think we need an official report. The Boston police are among the finest in the country. They'll come forward as soon as they know something.

This occurred after the leaders crossed the finish line. That doesn't sound like a plan, so much as a mistake. I am wondering if this could even be a personal vendetta with someone crossing the finish line. I suppose it could be for maximum number of casualties, but, I am still skeptical. Why now, why not the beginning when there were more people in one spot?

If this was within the venue where officials were gathered, it would have required cooperation to place a box of some kind assuming the officiating location was cordoned off. I hope people are going to be alright. Concrete be replaced.

By Associated Press in Boston
8:20 PM BST 
15 April 2013

Bloody spectators were being carried to the medical tent that had been set up to care for fatigued runners. Police wove through competitors as they ran back toward the course.

"There are a lot of people down," said one man, whose bib No. 17528 identified him as Frank Deruyter. He was not injured, but marathon workers were carrying one woman, who did not appear to be a runner, to the medical area as blood gushed from her leg. A Boston police officer was wheeled from the course with a leg injury that was bleeding.

About three hours after the winners crossed the line, there was a loud explosion on the north side of Boylston Street, just before the photo bridge that marks the finish line. Another explosion could be heard a few seconds later....

It is probably domestic terrorism. I think it would be prudent to have the National Guard standing by. Governor Patrick needs to call them up for now.

BOSTON —The JFK Library and Museum in Boston (click here) has a new exhibit that tells the story of the Cuban missile crisis through once-secret White House recordings and documents....'

It appears organized to me to make a statement, especially with the fire at the library. I don't believe in coincidence.

My final thought about the explosion and timing of the explosions at the finish line is to pay attention to those crossing the finish line at that time. It was an attack to send a message. I can't but wonder who was at the finish line at that time.

I hope I am wrong. I sincerely hope I am wrong, but, I don't think so.

If the explosive devices were in boxes and set next to US Post Boxes on the street it would be a perfect deception. Boxes sitting next to a US Postal Drop Box; most people would assume they were there for pick-up and didn't fit into the drop box itself.

If the dogs didn't find anything in the morning then they were placed later in the day. Wow. I still keep coming back to who was crossing the finish line.

If the fire is unrelated then the potential at the finish line might be a mistake, too. It might be a very tragic accident.

It was domestic terrorism with two undetonated devices found. The devices were detonated remotely by someone in the area of the finish line. It is a nice neighborhood. I used to live near there. It is wide street. Oh, well.

Sympathies to the friends and families of those that died.

The bomb would probably be placed after the sweep this morning by police and their dogs. Someone thought well enough ahead to realize they could not place them in the morning. Whoever it is knew they would have to avoid the bomb sniffing dogs. Four devices is probably not one person, that would be suspicious enough. Someone would have to carry four devices in boxes? A van in the area? But, that would have been difficult with the race on. They were carried in after the dogs went through. Cooperation, possibly. I doubt the cameras in the area will pick anything up. If they / he / she were aware of the dogs to avoid them, it would mean they are aware of cameras. They scoped it out before they carried it out. Old tapes maybe. Any old recordings, too.

Someone would have seen this person(s). Whether or not they recognized an odd activity is another question. But, if this occurred before the crowds were gathering for the finish it would have stood out more and there is a chance someone on the street may have seen the placement of the boxes. The public could be asked to report any unusual activity that might be related to the explosions.

NO CELL PHONES. Cell / Mobile phones need to be banned from these races. There are officials all along the way and journalists can wear credentials to facilitate cover of the events. But, those devices can be used to detonate. It is something that everyone can help enforce. When people are aware of the prohibition of the phones there will be either compliance or alarm if someone pulls one out. 

The JFK Library had a display about the Cuban missile crisis. Skin heads. Xenophobes. Possibly right wing militia members. Militia members act on what they call conscience based on a perceived threat. Who knows what they call a threat anymore. It is probably related to the gun debate. My best guess. Today was the first day of the gun bill in the Senate. It seems to me it was to intimidate.

Here goes Sessions, the Middle Class's best friend. Jobs, jobs, jobs is more important.

HOW JEFF SESSIONS VOTED(click here)

1. Voted against the The American Jobs Act

   Would create over 2 million jobs through direct assistance and targeted tax breaks.
2. Voted against the Teachers and First Responders Back to Work Act

   Prevents layoffs of hundreds of thousands of teachers, cops and firefighters.
3. Voted for the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21)

   Provides states and communities with two years of steady funding for roads, bridges, and mass transit systems.
4. Voted against the Stop the Student Loan Interest Rate Hike Act

   Keeps college accessible and affordable for over 7 million college students.
5. Voted against the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act(SNAP Benefits Amendment)

   S. 3240 prevents a $4.5 billion cut from food assistance for needy families.
6. Voted against the DISCLOSE Act

   Toughens disclosure requirements for election-related spending by corporations.
7. Voted against the Bring Jobs Home Act

   S. 3364 ends practice of giving tax breaks to U.S. companies moving jobs overseas.
8. Voted against the Middle Class Tax Cut Act

   Would end Bush tax cuts for wealthy Americans while maintaining those for the middle class.
9. Voted for the Budget Resolution for Fiscal Year 2013 (Ryan Budget)

   Would slash domestic spending including converting Medicare into a voucher program,
10. Voted for the South Korea Trade Agreement

    H.R. 3080 lowers tariffs on U.S. auto exports to Korea while maintaining incentives for outsourcing of U.S. jobs.
    
    I tell you what, at least leave the USA Treasury tax base intact and let the immigrants work instead of South Koreans. Brilliant man, absolutely a brilliant man. I don't mind the tariff stuff, but, outsourcing while stating there are not enough jobs in the USA. Who is he kidding?
    SOUTH KOREA UNEMPLOYMENT RATE (click here)
    
    Unemployment Rate in South Korea decreased to 3.20 percent in March of 2013 from 3.50 percent in February of 2013...
    
    There is a healthy economy in South Korea that does not need a stimulus from Senator Sessions to purchase well made American cars. The South Koreans might find that USA cars are a better automobile than anything Toyota can offer them. There is no reason to outsource any jobs to South Korea.
    
    Why would a USA Senator do this? Why, indeed. One would think he had a few stocks that would benefit from cheap labor rather than paying American labor the wages they deserve.
    
    The current South Korean minimum wage is 4,860 South Korean won per hour. 4,860 Wons are worth $4.34 US. That is correct, South Korean labor earns $4.34 per hour. Now, does the USA Middle Class have a friend in Senator Sessions. NO!!!!! 
    
    And neither do the immigrants we welcome as citizens into the USA. They already have lives here. What is there to understand? It is not their fault the USA economy looked better to them than the deprivation they had in Mexico. The ONLY way to end immigration from Mexico across our southern border is to help Mexico achieve a better economy. When living in Mexico is somewhat better and safer than being in the USA 'the crossing' won't be appealing anymore. It doesn't have to exceed the economy of the USA, it has to be a reasonable standard of living without drug cartels enlisting the sons and daughters of decent Mexican citizens.
    
    If we can't help Mexico solve their problems, then what kind of a neighbor are we. By doing so we also begin to solve the violence in our inner cities supported by a drug economy and gangs.
    
    Gun control also plays a part of this dynamic. We know for a fact, guns produced and sold in the USA end up in the hands of drug cartels. Unless it ends, this violence won't either.

This confrontation with a police officer could have ended with the use of a Taser.

It was point blank range. Never once does the Professor at Homeroom bring that up and advocate for proper use of a Taser. The Professor is a former police officer. He knows better.

The guy is a piece of work. Dig the T-shirt.

This video promotes urban warfare. It is stated at the beginning of the video. Does anyone believe this is NOT part of the 'Culture of Violence' in the media? These folks believe they are providing a valuable service and immune from being considered a source of violence. NOT. Urban Warfare training videos? Really?

This is as much the Culture of Violence in the USA as the military training video games and unregulated gun shows.

The NRA has quite a record now; they are running al Qaeda, North Korea, Iran and Syria. There is nothing like walking a mile with Assad. Guns good, government bad. They are coming for your guns man. I am telling you, they are coming for your guns. I know Osama bin Laden isn't really dead and he'll be at your front  door with his Kalashnikov / AR-47. I can feel it in my bones, man, I know it is coming.

What did Hillary say recently? Something about paid leave? That didn't take long to make the media.

Proposal to mandate paid sick days gaining momentum (click here)

Bay State bill gains backers; employers wary

By Megan Woolhouse

Globe Staff /  April 14, 2013

A nearly decade-long effort to require Massachusetts employers to offer paid sick days is gaining momentum as lawmakers pass similar proposals across the country....

...Jon Hurst, president of the Retailers Association of Massachusetts, said the success of sick-pay proposals is a growing concern for his members, particularly as they deal with potentially costly state and federal health insurance requirements.

“We’re still struggling with issues related to being the first state to pass mandated health insurance,” he said. “We need to be wary of broad-brush new mandates.”

In Massachusetts, more than 900,00 private sector employees, or about one in three such workers, do not have paid sick leave, according to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, a Washington think tank. These workers, primarily low-income, can lose pay — and sometimes their jobs — if they stay home because they or a family member are sick.

Elizabeth Grow of Amherst, a seasonal cafeteria worker, said that last year, when she needed to stay home with her sick daughter Estella, she was told she would lose her $10.50-an-hour job if she did not come work. Grow had to plead with her day-care provider, who only reluctantly agreed to take the ill 4-year-old that day.

“Most people don’t want to watch a child if they’re sick,” said Grow, adding that she went to work sick many times out of fear she would be fired. “There was no sick day policy, other than ‘Don’t miss any days.’ ”...

The Boston Marathon is today. It not void of incredible stories.

By John Powers
GLOBE STAFF
APRIL 15, 2013


She was supposed to make her marathon debut (click here) here three years ago, but life threw in a detour. What Serena Burla thought was a cranky hamstring turned out to be synovial sarcoma, a malignant soft-tissue growth as big as an egg. Had the cancer been lurking elsewhere it might have gone undetected longer. “But because it was in my leg, running saved my life,” she said....

What was that you said? Not here ya don't.

...In recent years, (click here) many intellectuals, writers and artists have been prosecuted for statements about Islam and Turkish identity, both of which the pro-Islamic government seeks to shield from criticism. Social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter, however, have rarely figured in previous trials, although Turks are active users of the sites.

The messages cited in the indictment were Mr. Say’s personal remarks referring to a poem by a famous 11th century Persian poet, Omar Khayyam, which poked fun at an Islamic vision of the afterlife.

The poem was sent to Mr. Say from another user before he forwarded it.

In another personal Twitter post, he joked about the rapid call to prayer at a nearby mosque, questioning whether the muezzin who makes the call was running late for a drink.

Mr. Say, who denied the charges, is known for his critical stance against government’s social and cultural policies. He has said publicly that he is an atheist — a rare statement in a country where the bulk of the 84 million-population identify themselves as Muslims. “Would it be for the government to decide whether a person believes in God or not?” Mr. Say said on CNN Turk, a private television news channel, in a recent interview. “It is hard for them to put me in jail.”...

"You are the problem and I am a religiously moral pure person and I don't have to put up with you. Why not just go die."

Abortion, in many cases, is about poverty. Ms. Blackburn is completely wrong about the circumstances surrounding the Gosnell Clinic. They received no funding from anywhere. He performed later term abortions because it sometimes to time to raise the money for abortion for the women who came to his clinic.

These horrible circumstances only prove further how desperate women become when they are faced with an unwanted pregnancy. It proves how women need to have options in their lives.

The Gosnell Clinic is about poverty in the USA and women with very few choices or opportunity in their lives.

Marsha Blackburn is self-righteous and cares little about poverty, what causes impoverishment or the outrageous welfare Wall Street receives everyday from the federal government. I've had enough of her self-righteous religious dogma when it causes these tragedies. Gosnell's clinic is a prime example of why Roe v. Wade exists. It also stands in testament to the legacy of The Hyde Amendment.

...All these factors (click here) helped explain why women came to Gosnell’s clinic, in spite of its location in Philadelphia, a city with several reputable abortion facilities. Among the saddest things I have read in the wake of this disaster is the account of a Philadelphia social worker, pointing out that the community health center which serves the same low-income neighborhood in which the Gosnell clinic was located is considered to be one of the city’s best facilities. But as a recipient of federal funding, of course this center could not offer abortion care.

So why did Gosnell’s patients not go to a better, i.e. safer, abortion clinic, for example, the Planned Parenthood in downtown Philadelphia, no more than a few miles from Women’s Medical Society? One very poignant answer to this comes from a statement that one of Gosnell’s patients made to the Associated Press. The woman had initially gone to this Planned Parenthood for a scheduled abortion, but “the picketers out there, they scared me half to death.” 

Another reason women came to Gosnell’s clinic is that he undercut everyone else’s prices. As numerous abortion clinic managers have told me over the years, for very poor women—who are way over-represented among abortion patients—differences of even five or ten dollars can be the deciding factor of where to go. The price list at Women’s Medical Society, listed in the Grand jury report, shows that in 2005, a first trimester procedure was $330.00, while the average price nationally then was about one hundred dollars higher. For a 23-24 week procedure, Gosnell charged $1625.00, while the relatively few other facilities in the Northeast offering such abortions would have charged at least one thousand more.

Still another reason drawing women to this clinic was that it became widely known that Gosnell was willing to flout the law and perform post-viability (i.e. post-24 week) abortions even in cases where women did not meet the very strict legal guidelines of a life-threatening or serious illness or were carrying a fetus with a lethal anomaly. In a horribly unfair vicious cycle, the poorest women often take time to raise the funds for an abortion, and then find themselves past the cutoff for procedures available early on—and facing a higher cost for an abortion. When women in these situations realize that they neither have the funds to pay for a later procedure, and/or can’t find a reputable provider that will perform their procedures after 24 weeks, they end up at places like Women’s Medical Society....

There isn't anything else to say about these circumstances. This clinic existed as a legacy to The Hyde Amendment. Just that simple. Poor women are trapped should their contraception fail or could not afford contraception in the first place.

President Obama would have paid more than 18.1 percent had the Bush Tax Cuts been rolled back to everyone earning more than $250,000 per year.

He would have paid the higher tax rate only for the amounts more than $250,000.

But, that didn't happen now did it?

Speaking about men with too much money:

Bob Perry, a behind-the-scenes titan (click here) in the Texas political world, has died at the age of 80....During that time, Perry spent even more, $38 million, outside of Texas, including about $4 million on the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth campaign, which opposed John Kerry's presidential bid in 2004. More recently, he contributed heavily to Mitt Romney and Republican Super PACs like American Crossroads and Restore Our Future....

"They don't get anything..." That is the most honest statement Senator Rubio made.

The bill is designed to be obstructionist. He is terrible.

To begin if a Republican Senator cannot move past the racism of the Right Wing then it is a sad day indeed. 

The ten year period is ridiculous. To begin, it will cost significant monies to secure the southern USA border by 100%. It is not possible, but, Senator Rubio insists it has to be done. Go ahead, stop the boat lifts, stop the drug cartels, do it all in ten years or less. It is nearly an impossible task while still insisting gun legislation and assault weapon bans are unnecessary. It will never happen.

The ten year window can be cut down to five by removing Homeland Security from the picture entirely. Homeland Security will become pressured to secure the border with "The Sequestration" on going and the nation's security will be compromised. It is not possible for Homeland Security to take this on any more than it has already.

The Border Security Commission needs to be the only focus to this task and it needs funding to achieve that goal. The Border Security Commission needs to be placed WITHIN the Homeland Security agency, but, needs autonomy and autonomous funding. Securing them under Homeland Security will provide continuity in policy between all parties acting for national security. 

This is a national security issue and the commission should include members with State Department credentials so there is ability to speak with Mexico and Canada, here again for policy continuity. Also, aren't Visas housed in the State Department, too?

The E Verify system is an excellent idea, but, it needs to be housed in the Treasury Department because that is where passports and IDs are issued for frequent travelers across our borders. So, the Treasury Department needs to be represented on the Border Security Commission as well.

Probationary Residency Status is a huge burden for fifteen years or more. Senator Rubio wants to have all these folks reviewed for work status on a regular basis. If the Probationary Status reveals the immigrant is out of work or laid off or on unemployment they can be deported. FOR FIFTEEN YEARS, this is going to hang over their heads? This is ridiculous. Do you know the cost to find these folks, track their progress or lack of it in the system and then expect law enforcement to deport them is enormously expensive. ICE has been things to do than chance grandmas and grandpas to find out if they are working.

While I am on the subject of ICE, one of the Right Wing Media's favorite bellyachers; I point to the gun control legislation now before the Senate. Section 107 specifically took the complaints of ICE seriously to provide responsibility for making decisions about gun walking. The chronic complaining is due to lack of a clear chain of command and accountability for these decisions. Now, there is a clear path of accountability, so long as the bill passes both houses and is voted into law. These decisions about dangerous policing can finally have authority or not from Cabinet Level positions.

But, back to Senator Rubio's proposals. He needs to go back to the drawing board and ask for bipartisan participation in developing the bill. I think the background check is vital, but, then there is gun legislation reflecting that as well. How can Senator Rubio ask for background checks for immigrants but not those purchasing a gun? That is ridiculous. Aliens in the USA, legal or not, do have hurdles to meet, this is all part of Immigration Reform, too.

The monies he is asking for is unreasonable. The immigrant is mostly poverty level or lower Middle Class and has to pay for background checks, fines, registration fees, renewals of what frequency he does not state and to top off all the punishment for 'Coming to America' they can no longer receive food stamps or Medicaid or any other aspect of citizen's rights. So, now we are starving people and keeping them a public health hazard. What joy. Then after all that with ten years of emotional and financial abuse, they have to still apply for a Green Card and all the expenses that go along with that. Lawyers are going to be rolling in dough and our court systems will backed up for decades. All that while these people work and ATTEMPT to stay in the USA. Amazing.

I have not read the legislation. I don't know the number of the bill. I am sure when Senator Rubio speaks again he'll finally state how badly he misstated his understandings. He should have had a water bottle during the interview.

He is not seasoned enough to write this legislation. He just isn't. If he has his way this will cost us the USA Treasury all over again.

Until tomorrow. 

Congratulations.

She looks just like her mother. 

Children are a sincere blessing, aren't they?

By 

LINDSEY BOERMA / 

CBS NEWS/ April 14, 2013, 5:15 PM

Meet the newest (click here) member of the Bush dynasty: Margaret Laura "Mila" Hager, born Saturday night to former first daughter Jenna Bush Hager and her husband Henry Hager.

Former President George W. Bush on Sunday released a statement announcing the news that he and his wife Laura are grandparents: "Laura and I are thrilled to announce the birth of our grandchild," he said. "Mila" was born at 8:43 p.m. in New York City....

I congratulate CNN on this investigative journalism. It was all too easy.

Legislators don't believe there is a problem? For real. Criminality is a good economy for the USA I suppose, because, that is exactly what any legislators are stating when they don't act to end it.

S. 649

[Congressional Bills 113th Congress]

[From the U.S. Government Printing Office]

[S. 649 Placed on Calendar Senate (PCS)]

Calendar No. 32113th CONGRESS

1st SessionS. 649

To ensure that all individuals who should be prohibited from buying a firearm are listed in the national instant criminal background check system and require a background check for every firearm sale, and for other purposes.

This part always makes me laugh. No different than the silent filibuster. The first and second reading of the bill is only the title. It is never the entire legislation. This is established practice across the country in most states, too.

Think about it. Would there be huge political shifts in our congress if it wasn't this easy to pass law?

If the bills actually had to be read and a Senate roll call vote taken at the readings we won't have to worry about three quarters of this mess. They would get the job done and not want to go back to revisit it any time in the near future.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

March 21, 2013

Mr. Reid introduced the following bill; which was read the first time

March 22, 2013

Read the second time and placed on the calendar

These are the stated purposes of this bill. It is all housekeeping. It is about establishing better outcomes to these established laws. There is not that much new here and why the bill is reasonable in length. The amendments are where there is probably new law. 

Maybe a better way to look at this bill is to strengthen it with better language.

Sec. 101. Short title.

Subtitle A--Ensuring That All Individuals Who Should Be Prohibited From Buying a Gun Are Listed in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System

Sec. 111. Reauthorization of NICS Act Record Improvement Program grants

Sec. 112. Penalties for States that do not make data electronically available to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. 

Sec. 113. Clarification that Federal court information is to be made available to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.

There is nothing earth shaking with this bill. It authorizes the Attorney General to require compliance with existing laws and to set up funding in the way of grants to facilitate electronic records that will provide national access. The DATA bank is simply a matter of existing public records that are currently inaccessible electronically and composed to criminal infraction. There is no registration of anything here. There is no reason to oppose this measure.

Compliance of the states is based on 'percentage reported.'

Remember the federal date base already contains some violent offenders if they also committed federal crimes. So, the federal government, in this case US Justice Department, already has a general idea of what to minimally expect from every state.

This is the standard used for states to report. The AG can't simply make it up as he goes. There is a standard prescribed in the law.

National Instant Criminal Background Check System (referred to in this section as `NICS') including court disposition and corrections records.

I do want to mention something here about the funding. 

``(1) In general.--There are to be authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.

This is not all that much money. It would be to any individual, but, what this breaks down to is APPROXIMATELY $2 million per state. Now there are US provinces and territories, so that is not accurate as well as tribal lands, but, this not an expensive grant program. Add to that grants already in use by states in regard to HHS and electronic medical records and this aspect becomes less expensive.

HOWEVER. Under no circumstances do these monies enter into any type of sequestration or budget cuts. I think that should be clear in this bill as well. This is too important and given the level of demands by the NRA of preferred Congressmen and women it is important these monies are never toyed with.

Also, the distribution of these funds are based on the reporting compliance of the states and the discretion of the AG. The monies assist the entire nation to build an accurate data base of those not eligible to buy guns. It is important.

SEC. 112. PENALTIES FOR STATES THAT DO NOT MAKE DATA ELECTRONICALLY AVAILABLE TO THE NATIONAL INSTANT CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK SYSTEM.

``(A) During the 2-year period...the Attorney General may withhold not more than 3 percent of the amount...if the State provides less than 50 percent of the records required to be provided under sections 102 and 103.

``(B) During the 3-year period after the expiration of the period described in subparagraph (A), the Attorney General may withhold 4 percent of the amount...if the State provides less than 70 percent of the records required to be provided under sections 102 and 103.

It could be argued this should be stronger. Basically, the 3 and 4 percent is a FINE / PENALTY for noncompliance. It is built directly into the bill. There should also be a penalty for NON-PARTICIPATION. If a state, like Texas, decides invoking this bill will insult political dogma it might refuse the monies all together. There should be a fine applied to other monies Texas or Louisiana or Arkansas receives from the federal government. To make it as painless as possible, but, still effective.

But, the percentage could be easily argued to 5% and 10% at the very least. These grant monies are important. Additionally, any private contractors invoked by the states have to BID on the contracts with MARKET VALUE contractual funds in the bid.

``(2) Mandatory reduction.--After the expiration of the period referred to in paragraph (1)(B), the Attorney General shall withhold 5 percent of the amount....if the State provides less than 90 percent of the records required to be provided under sections 102 and 103.''.

Make that 25% at least. The states have to prove by the end of the funding they have mastered their capacity for electronic records in this date base.

(b)...the Attorney General shall publish, and make available on a publicly accessible website, a report that ranks the States by the ratio of number of records submitted by each State.
This provides the opportunity for NGOs to police the states with least compliance and actively pursue better legislators and / or legislation within that state. It is also the beginning of solid information about the way guns are handled in the USA.

SEC. 121. PURPOSE.

The purpose of this subtitle is to extend the Brady Law background check procedures to all sales and transfers of firearms.

I already read this and registered my concerns on previous entries. The wording is exactly the same as previously noted.

TITLE II--STOP ILLEGAL TRAFFICKING IN FIREARMS ACT

SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE.

This title may be cited as the ``Stop Illegal Trafficking in Firearms Act of 2013''.

SEC. 202. HADIYA PENDLETON AND NYASIA PRYEAR-YARD ANTI-STRAW PURCHASING AND FIREARMS TRAFFICKING AMENDMENTS.

These are the trafficking law updates. It demands citizenship for purchase, but, if there is any intent to use the weapons in a crime there are penalties. This section reaffirms the importance of "LICENSED" gun anything in regard to sales. The government is trusting those licensed entities to follow the law and provide good serve to the public while insuring their safety. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this updated section of the bill.

If anything, this section of the bill insures the 'gun economy' in the USA. It assigns responsibility and economic permanence to the USA economy. It provides that services provided will be lasting and lawful while realizing fees for service.

...the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (21 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.), the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act (21 U.S.C. 951 et seq.)...

I didn't mention these three laws in the list above. The wording in this section is all the same as previously stated in other entries. But, I don't believe I made something clear about Section 7.

SEC. 207. LIMITATION ON OPERATIONS BY THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE.

The Department of Justice, and any of its law enforcement coordinate agencies, shall not conduct any operation where a Federal firearms licensee is directed, instructed, enticed, or otherwise encouraged by the Department of Justice to sell a firearm to an individual if the Department of Justice, or a coordinate agency, knows or has reasonable cause to believe that such an individual is purchasing on behalf of another for an illegal purpose unless the Attorney General, the Deputy Attorney General, or the Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division personally reviews and approves the operation, in writing, and determines that the agency has prepared an operational plan that includes sufficient safeguards to prevent firearms from being transferred to third parties without law enforcement taking reasonable steps to lawfully interdict those firearms.

This removes authority from ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms) to carry out gun walking trials WITHOUT first approval of US Justice Department. It assigns responsibility for these decisions. Accountability and no more he said, she said. Sec. 207 has implication beyond the USA, so at some point the State Department needs to be written into the law. It is a communication issue, possibly even Homeland Security needs to be included in that level of concern. I am thinking after Justice approves, there is a submission process to Homeland Security and / or the State Department depending on where the approval will impact and before implementation.

TITLE III--SCHOOL AND CAMPUS SAFETY ENHANCEMENTS ACT
SEC. 301. SHORT TITLE.This title may be cited as the ``School and Campus Safety Enhancements Act of 2013''.

This is a really great aspect of this bill. It provides a community based intervention for schools. It is important.

SEC. 304. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. Section 2705 of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3797e) is amended--

(1) by striking ``$30,000,000'' and inserting ``$40,000,000''; and

(2) by striking ``2001 through 2009'' and inserting ``2014 through 2023''.

This is a long program, too. That is a good thing. It provides time to build competency. It is a tough problem to overcome. They need time and funding.

This funding should also be independent of any funding the state receives. Let's say Louisiana wants to refuse the state funding, but, New Orleans wants to improve their school systems in the way these monies emphasis, it should be able to do that. I think The American Jobs Act was allowing that option, even though it didn't pass. But, I don't see why cities (sometimes with substantial gun problems) should be eliminated from these funds just because the state isn't interested.

I am fairly certain I didn't mention this before.

``(A) indicating whether--``(i) all audits issued by the Office of the Inspector General under paragraph (1) have been completed and reviewed by the appropriate Assistant Attorney General or Director;

The audits that determine funding will be conducted by the Office of Inspector General and then reviewed by Justice to determine grants.

This is important, too.

(1) in section 501 (42 U.S.C. 3751)--

(A) in subsection (a)(1)--

(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting ``or purposes'' after ``one or more of the following programs''; and 

(ii) by adding at the end the following:``

(H) Making subawards to institutions of higher education and other nonprofit organizations to assist the National Center for Campus Public Safety in carrying out the functions of the Center required under section 509(c).''; and

Institutions of Higher Education and other nonprofit organizations can also apply for these funds to contribute to the NCCPS (National Center for Campus Public Safety). That is interesting. I suppose of educational institutions have contracts with non-profits and/or their own police force, this would have to be a part of it.

This section does communicate with Homeland Security so there is already involvement that would justify a greater roll with the Justice Department. There should be no cracks in the infrastructure.

There were no wording changes to this section either.

That is the bill. I'll get to the amendments later.