Thank U.

I feel pride and enthusiasm when I write that the Juan Diego apartment building not only got the majority vote at the council meeting last night, but a unanimous vote. Though it filled me with anxiety (ok, and at times some anger) (just ask Chaplin & Jon & my coworkers) in the days leading up to it, I was thrilled to have participated in last night’s hearing. The evening was a tremendous opportunity for us to articulate why this project is so important, and why we need to make sure that people living with AIDS do not experience homelessness as an additional barrier in their lives. When the ever-wonderful Alex Sanchez asked for those in support of Juan Diego to stand, the large and overwhelming crowd who stood up for our clients was absolutely heartwarming. I had chills. And get chills again thinking about how powerful the evening was.

For those of us working in the HIV/AIDS field, it sometimes seems as though our group of allies in the fight for fair treatment is shrinking, that the level of compassion and understanding is dwindling. Last night proved that our supporters are great in numbers, our unity remains strong, and in the end our community’s willingness to take a stand for our clients will be met with victory.

I was humbled by what I learned last night. I learned much about the political process and why sometimes our elected officials don't always see my (ok, I'm selfish) side of an issue. It's because they need to listen to all sides before establishing an opinion. I have always believed that we should be able to look up to our elected officials, to count on them to show us the right way through the tough issues. Our city council exceeded my expectations last night-- they listened, they learned, and they made the best choice for our city. And for that, I say Thank U.

Who Can It Be Now?

Two years until the inauguration of out next president. And we already have a long list of possible firsts.

I don't know about you, but I love this part of the political process, you know, the part where just about any US-born person over 35 can state their intention to run for president. On Meet The Press this morning, the latest poll amongst Democrats is:

Hillary Clinton: 41% (could be first female nominee)
Barack Obama: 17% (could be first black nominee)
John Edwards: 11%
Al Gore: 10% (check out the very grassroots www.algore.org)

And let's not forget Gov Bill Richardson of New Mexico (8%) who could be first Hispanic nominee (how very West Wing) and former Iowa Gov Tom Vilsack (9%). Not to mention John Kerry (10%). I’m curious, who are these ten-percent? Oh, yeah, they must be from Massachusetts.

I don't know about you, but the two scoring highest in this poll sure do photograph well together. That's gotta count for something.

100 Hours.

Our newly-in-the-majority Democrats have been busy these past few 100 hours or so. Funny what having the confidence of the American voters behind you will do. Just this month, six powerful bills have been pushed through:

- Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission enacted, including the requirement of scanning for explosives all air and ship cargo entering the US and distributing antiterrorism grants based on risk. Good to see someone finally listened to the 9/11 Commission. I've read the entire 9/11 Commission Report twice now, and still think it's better than any spy thriller.

- National minimum wage raised to $7.25. A step in the right direction, but takes three years to get to $7.15. Based on a 40-hour workweek, this is $1144 a month before taxes and insurance. The working poor of America remains an issue that keeps me up at night.

- Our Dear Mr. President’s restrictions on stem-cell research overturned. The sole veto in Dear Mr. President's six years in office was about stem cell research. This bill allows the government to finance research "only on stem cell colonies created before Aug. 9, 2001, from embryos left over from in vitro fertility treatments." This one is critical to our future- I just can't say it any other way. This might be the one time Nancy Reagan and I agree.

- HHS required to negotiate Medicare prescription costs with drug companies. This one is a great concept, but good luck getting it past the President due to the impact it has on his base. This bill would require the secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to negotiate with drug manufacturers on behalf of Medicare. Under current law, insurers and their agents negotiate the prices. We need this very much, I just don't think this is the way it will happen.

- Federal student loan interest rates cut in half, from 6.8 percent to 3.4 percent, over the next five years. A step in the right direction, but a band-aid when you consider how many high school students are not prepared to even think about college. Oh, but wait, "No Child Left Behind" will fix that and get kids to read more often and engage in their community.

- $14 billion in tax breaks to oil drillers rolled back. The money would go to a “reserve” to offset the cost of separate legislation aimed at promoting other sources of energy and efficiency. While our Dear Mr. President is supposed to mention global warming in his State of the Union this week, this is just a beginning. As David Letterman said this week, "No polar ice cap left behind."

Pretty impressive and more than we've seen from Washington in a long time. And I say keep it coming! Meanwhile, what did the Republicans in Congress want to get done? Then they passed a resolution of their own-- wishing Mohammed Ali a happy 65th birthday. How nice that the Republicans did something for a black guy.

And this just in...If our Dear Mr President persists with his planned troop surge, he will do so against public opinion, so says today's latest Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll. Democratics, with support from (yes) some Republicans, are pressing for votes on nonbinding resolutions that signal opposition to Dear Mr President's "policy." If Congress approves this resolution, 65% of Americans say Dear Mr President shouldn't move ahead with his plan. And 30% say go ahead.

The State of the Union Address on Tuesday will be filled with decisions from the decider. Be sure to tune in.

Shame.

I recevied an email from Councilperson At-Large Carol Biogon today. Yep, that's her in the photo to the left. I had emailed her, along with all of her city council peers, a few weeks back with my concerns about her position on our Juan Diego development. In case you were wondering, here is how Councilperson At-Large Boigon describes her role on her website:


As one of the two Denver City Council At-large members, I have a dual role: to focus my attention on the specific issues impacting neighborhoods and communities across the entire City of Denver and to consider how these issues and all others impact and relate to the City of Denver as one whole community. I can tell you that this is a challenging and exciting task and I am committed to it. I have two staff members to assist me..... I hope that you will contact us if you have any questions about City issues or if you have any thoughts or suggestions that you would like to pass along. We can be reached at (720) 865-8100.

Cool, huh? considering how issues impact and relate to the City as one whole community. Funny, I don't get that at all from her email reply to me, and hundreds of others who wrote her about this issue. Check this out:

Thank you very much for writing about the project at 2447 W. Dunkeld Place. The Juan Diego project has the zoning it requires and meets needs identified in the City’s plan for removing homeless from the streets. In addition, my office received a letter yesterday from the State Historical Preservation Officer and president of the Colorado Historical Society stating that the project as currently planned creates no adverse effect on the Highland Park National Register Historical District.

My concerns have focused on the nearby recreation center, two DPS elementary schools and North High School and its playing fields. This is an area where many children play outside and walk from place to place without adult supervision. My son lived on Caithness; I know the area well.

Therefore, I am not opposed to sick people or poor people making their home in the area. But I am very opposed to an apartment building for many people with criminal histories being placed in the area. As we review this matter, these are the concerns that will guide my decision-making.

Although this particular issue does not require a public hearing prior to a City Council vote, I wanted to let you know that a one-hour, courtesy public hearing has been set for Monday, January 22. Although there are seven public hearings set for this particular City Council meeting, the public hearing to discuss the Juan Diego project is currently planned to be the first public hearing of the evening.

The City Council meeting will be held in the council chambers directly across the hall from the elevators on the 4th floor of the City and County Building, 1437 Bannock Street. The meeting starts at 5:30 pm. It is customary that other agenda items are handled before the sign-up period for the public hearings. The time needed to address these other agenda items varies, but in order to speak, people are encouraged to come right at 5:30 pm to ensure they do not miss the sign-up period.

Thank you again for taking the time to write to me.

Sincerely,

Carol Boigon

Are you kiding me? The paragraphs that shock me are the ones beginning with "My concerns..." and "Therefore..." Go back and read them again. Please. Does it make you sad? Mad? What does this do to you? For me, it is a rally cry for truth. The fact is that all residents of this facility will have a complete Colorado Bureau of Investigations background check. Those applicants with felonies, sexual offender convictions, drug charges, etc will not be permited to live in the Juan Diego building. They will have an extensive check far more than any of your other neighbors. Or any of the people who just happen to walk past a school or a ballfield.

Our elected officials have a duty to not let personal prejudice get in the way of the rights of our citizens. We as a city will never grow and prosper until all of us have a chance to grow and prosper. Using fear and completly inaccurate information is wrong. In a democracy, everyone is entitled to their opinion. They are not entitled, however, to make stuff up. Making up facts to support their own personal prejudice.

Please join us at the City Council meeting on Monday, January 22 at 5:30pm. Join us as we continue to help our neighbors have a place to live and stay healthy. Join us to give a voice to being fair. Join us to make a difference.

Edited.

Most of my letter to the editor of The Denver Post made it into today's paper. I wrote in response to the article from last Thursday regarding the Juan Diego apartment building project. You can check out the original column below in my post from Thursday.


Housing for Denver's homeless with AIDS

Re: "NIMBY! But why not in yours?" Jan. 11 David Harsanyi column.

David Harsanyi wrote a column about the proposed Juan Diego housing facility in Denver's Highland neighborhood, but he failed to mention one key point: This is a joint venture between Del Norte, the City of Denver, and Colorado AIDS Project (CAP), designed to give homes to people living with HIV/AIDS.

This is not, as Harsanyi puts it, randomly placing 20 people together who have no stake in the community as a social experiment. Juan Diego will provide vital housing to people living with a devastating disease, so they and their families can get back on their feet.

The average monthly medical cost for a person living with HIV is $2,100. Could you afford $2,100 out of your monthly budget, on top of countless doctor visits, while trying to keep your job and fighting a disease that has already claimed 30 million lives?

The simple truth is: housing is health care.

I encourage you to learn the truth about Juan Diego by visiting www.supportjuandiego.org.

Bob Nogueira
Chair, Colorado AIDS Project Board of Directors
Denver

The one paragraph of my original letter that the editor left out was:

"Colorado AIDS Project has a proven track record of providing housing assistance to people who have lost everything but their life to this disease and seeing them flourish. Currently, CAP operates a number of housing facilities and programs throughout the city, some next to million dollar homes, all with resounding success."

Blue.

It’s been an extra great week to be blue. Bill Ritter was sworn in as Colorado’s new Governor. His inaugural address was humble and exciting. And then, it was announced that Denver was selected as the host city for the 2008 Democratic National Convention. And then, I had the honor of attending Governor Bill Ritter’s Inaugural Gala at the Colorado Convention Center’s Four Seasons Ballroom. While it’s always been cool to be a Democrat, suddenly it was once again chic.

The amazing thing about Governor Ritter’s gala was how many people were stuffed in one place. I heard there were 2500 at the Convention Center and then another 1000 across the street at the Grand Hyatt. All to celebrate our new Governor. As I walked around the gala, I noted to myself how we Dems really do invite everyone to the table. A rainbow, if you will. It was among the most diverse rooms I’ve been in for a long time. And one of the most comfortable. Not just blue but every color. I was thrilled to be there.

And thrilled, as always, to shake the hand of our new Governor and of our Speaker of the House Andrew Romanoff. I had the chance to meet new Congressman Ed Purlmeter, and meet almost-senator Tom Strickland. Mayor Hickenlooper was also there; he kicked off the festivities of the evening. It’s always great to talk with the mayor. He actually was defending his snow removal philosophy with the union folks at my table. I did not mention to him that High Street between 14th and 13th still required an all-terrain vehicle.

And to think there will be 35,000 more of us here in August 2008. I can’t wait.



Here is (left to right) my pal and future state representative Mark, his handsome husband and agent Greg, and I at the Gala.










On the way home, the MINI reminded me that it was four degrees. When did we move to Buffalo?

Waiting For Your Letter.

The rules changed today. The Denver Post published the column below. It is filled with half-truths and missing lots of facts. Such as that the main reason people don't want this apartment building in their neighborhood is due to their fear of people living with AIDS. I encourage you to write a letter to the editor. I just did.



NIMBY! But why not in yours?
By David Harsanyi
Denver Post Staff Columnist


About a decade ago, Amy and Jason Broken Leg (Jason is Native American) hatched their very own plan to end homelessness.

The couple worked hard, saved money, bought a place in the then-marginal neighborhood of Highland. Along with scores of other residents, they revitalized the area, paid their mortgages and made it a safer place to raise children.

They think Mayor Hickenlooper's plan to end homelessness could put a dent in the neighborhood they helped build.

The Denver City Council is about to vote on a plan that would drop a housing facility called Juan Diego in the middle of Highland, providing free homes for about 20 chronically homeless people.

One of the problems, as many residents see it, is that the facility is right across the street from Ashland Recreation Center and within a few blocks of three Denver public schools.

"We are not afraid of homeless people. We support the mayor's initiative. ... We need to deal with that issue. But at what cost?" asks Amy Broken Leg. "... And the City Council doesn't want to deal with the fact that it's placing a high-risk population among our children."

The majority of the council has been rudely dismissive about the neighborhood complaints. The mayor has refused to meet with them. But according to his spokesperson, Highland has become "increasingly unaffordable" ... so, well, stop being so argumentative.

Let's talk "unaffordable." All told, the project will cost more than $4 million - about $250,000 per unit of free housing. The structure will be equipped with a secured underground parking facility that will cost another $300,000 or so.

Which is strange, considering advocates for the project claim that the residents won't have cars.

You know, with that kind of cash, why not buy the homeless spacious duplexes in the suburbs? Throw in a Hyundai and a gym membership and everyone can sleep better tonight.

What's even more curious is that the city is lending almost $5 million to an organization called Del Norte Neighborhood Development Corp. Councilman Charlie Brown recently said that the not-for-profit was under a "financial dark cloud."

Oh, and Deborah Ortega is both the executive director of the Mayor's Commission to End Homelessness and the president of Del Norte's board.

How convenient for everyone.

When you pull up the records of Del Norte, you see words like "deferred" and "forgiven" and "defaulted." Yet, the City Council keeps "lending" them money.

Granted, wasting other people's money is fun. Just ask Councilwoman Marcia Johnson, who at a recent meeting to discuss another deferment for Del Norte explained: "I personally love spending other people's money ...," without a hint of a smile or irony in her voice.

At least she's honest.

And really good at it.

"No thought is being given to the fact that Highland has been a favorite neighborhood for years for placement by the city of affordable housing and care facilities," adds Broken Leg, who points out that there are six such projects nearby. "The neighborhood is simply seeking to regain some balance, and they want to rebuke us for that."

According to Broken Leg, proponents of the project claim it's safe. And it might be. That's why I look forward to similar housing projects in Park Hill (something near the library on East Montview Boulevard would be a primo spot), Congress Park, Washington Park and Cherry Creek. The closer to a council person's house, the better.

As some residents see it, randomly placing 20 people who have no stake in the neighborhood or their own homes is a social experiment, nothing more.

"This is a lesson for other neighborhoods," Broken Leg says. "The city just shows up and does this. Then they ignore our complaints. We don't want to be a sacrificial lamb."

There's nothing wrong with Denver trying to end homelessness. But there is something gravely wrong when a city values the homeless more than its productive and law-abiding citizens.

David Harsanyi's column appears Monday and Thursday.
He can be reached at 303-954-1255 or dharsanyi@denverpost.com.

How To Save A Life.

Artist rendition of the Juan Diego building.









The following post appears in next week's issue of Out-Front Colorado.


No one believes it will happen to them. HIV won’t happen to them. Unemployment won’t happen to them. Substance abuse or mental illness won’t happen to them. For most of us, living with just one of these conditions would throw quite a curve. Now, imagine that in addition to living with one or more of these conditions, you are also homeless.

The combination of holidays and the cold, snowy weather have me thinking a lot about the homeless crisis we face in Denver and across our country. And let’s face it. Given the wrong circumstances– a job loss, an ended relationship, large medical bills, a physically or mentally debilitating illness –almost any of us could end up looking for a place to stay.

Homelessness is an often-misunderstood fact of life for nearly 5,000 Denver residents every night. Many of our homeless neighbors are also struggling with mental illness, substance abuse, under-employment or unemployment, HIV/AIDS or other severe medical issues. It makes me proud of the great work being done by Denver’s Commission to End Homelessness, a partnership between the City and Mile High United Way, focused on eliminating homelessness in Denver by 2015. If you had a chance to make life a bit better for our homeless neighbors, would you do it?

Colorado AIDS Project (CAP) is partnering with a not-for-profit real estate development corporation, Del Norte, to develop a new 17-unit housing facility in Denver’s Highlands neighborhood at 2449 W. Dunkeld Ave, which will house formally homeless men, women and children living with AIDS. A small group of Highlands residents are fighting against this project, citing several reasons. One of their biggest concerns is having formerly homeless people living with AIDS nearby, the impact they believe it will have on their quality of life, and the threat they believe it poses to neighborhood children. I believe this is a perfect of example of FEAR being an acronym for False Expectations Appearing Real.

CAP is to improve lives affected by HIV. Housing is a critical component to effective HIV/AIDS treatment and improved health, and the lack of affordable and stable housing for people living with AIDS is of great concern to the CAP staff and board. CAP's Housing Services staff has provided specialized services to homeless persons with HIV/AIDS since 1995. In CAP's permanent housing arrangements, the average stay is two years and residents pay rent based on income. CAP case mangers extend on-site support to all residents. CAP also acts as the fiscal agent for local, state, and federal housing programs and administers a rental assistance program for people living with AIDS in metro Denver. Even with this great work, 1 in 5 of CAP's clients report they are homeless. clients report being homeless.

Recognizing that affordable housing is very limited, and the waiting lists are long, Del Norte has been developing affordable rental and for-sale housing, including housing for special needs populations, for 27 years. Their office is located in Highlands because many of their housing developments are there, and they have established an excellent record and working relationship with the City of Denver.

The development of affordable housing is relatively complex. Denver, following models used all over the country, works closely with corporations like Del Norte so that the city itself does not become an owner of housing. There are very intricate loan arrangements that are often funded from a variety of sources, including U.S. Government agencies like Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In fact, HUD granted $500,000 to the City of Denver for the specific purpose of building affordable housing for chronically homeless people living with AIDS. The final step in the process is for city council to approve the use of these dollars to go to the Juan Diego project.

In this final and routine process, the project was challenged and approval of the use of the $500,000 HUD grant put on hold. Del Norte, the City of Denver and CAP have worked with neighborhood representatives as well as their Councilwoman, Judy Montero, to address and resolve their concerns. Though each concern has been addressed, Councilwoman Montero continues to challenge the project, putting it at risk. In my view, putting the Juan Diego development in danger is just plain wrong. It feels to me that we are treating people differently because of their HIV status. That feels wrong.

Here is a summary of issues that the neighborhood has raised and the outcomes:

TRAFFIC, DENSITY AND ZONING. Neighbors claimed that Juan Diego is not compatible with the current zoning. Current R-3 zoning in the neighborhood permits development of a building of up to 34 units. Del Norte reduced the size of Juan Diego to 17 individual apartments, in response to neighborhood concerns on size. Juan Diego will include a community room and underground-secured parking, and its mass, size and density are compatible with the surrounding buildings, which include a recreation center, a school, and a tri-plex. Finally, the Juan Diego development is not a residential care facility so it does not increase the number of these facilities in the neighborhood.

HISTORIC DISTRICT. The Colorado Historic Society conducted a review of the project and determined that the development would have no adverse impact on the historic district of Highlands. Based on input from the review, Del Norte made changes to building material choices and set back the second story of the building so that it is barely visible to a pedestrian walking the street.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING. The neighbors expressed concerns that there is already a concentration of affordable housing development in Highlands. Housing trend data shows that the neighborhood is becoming increasingly unaffordable. A review of the most recent and projected development in the Highlands neighborhood shows that of the 445 residential units coming on-line through the permit process that only the 17 units that Juan Diego will provide are affordable rental units. The remaining units are mostly for-sale units starting at more than $200,000 and exceeding over $600,000.

SAFETY. First off, there is no empirical research to link people living with HIV to increased crime. That said, CAP offers extensive screening of all potential tenants, including a full Colorado Bureau of Investigation report, which will ensure that no individuals will be accepted as tenants if they have been convicted of a sexual offense, violent felony, or other similar criminal activity. Del Norte also agreed to incorporate security cameras into the design of the building and to establish a neighborhood advisory group that would have input on criteria and parameters for tenant selection and community building between neighbors and Juan Diego tenants. The neighbors continue to vocalize this concern, including questions about HIV transmission through the garbage and the local swimming pool. It seems this project is not just an opportunity for advocacy, but one for HIV education as well.

Here’s where you get to help save a life. There are three steps:

Step #1: Visit www.SupportJuanDiego.org to learn more about the project and to send an email to City Council indicating your personal feelings and support of this housing development. In particular, if you live in Councilwoman Montero’s district, please let her know that there is strong support for Juan Diego, and that those opposed are a vocal minority.

Step #2: Join us at the public hearing scheduled for Monday, January 22 at 5:30pm in room 450 of the City & County Building. We need to be present in huge numbers at this city council meeting on January 22, to advocate for our clients and help the neighbors understand the need for compassion.

Step #3: Please tell everyone you know about this project and about the Web site and city council meeting above.

This is a landmark project for Denver and one that any city would be proud of. But more importantly, it is a way for us to help those in need and to make a clear statement that we won’t allow for discrimination. How could you NOT what for that to be in yolur backyard?

Watch This Space.

Yep. I'm giddy. Let's check out these faces in 25 years or so. Will they be elected to office someday, somewhere? Let's hope so. Until then, there's Nancy and the new Democratic majority.

Leap of Faith.

I am both inspired and humbled by the actions of this week's hero, Wesley Autry.

Wesley Autrey, the construction worker and Navy veteran, faced a big decision in a flashing instant this week. Do I jump onto the tracks infront of a speeding NYC subway train to save the life of another human being? He got his answers almost as quickly.

Mr. Autrey was waiting for a subway in Manhattan as he was taking his two daughters, Syshe, 4, and Shuqui, 6, home before work. Nearby, a man collapsed, his body convulsing. Mr. Autrey and two women ran to help. This man, Cameron Hollopeter, a college student, managed to get up, but then stumbled to the platform edge and fell to the tracks, between the two rails. Yikes.

As the headlights of the train appeared, Mr Autrey made a split decision. And leapt. Mr. Autrey lay on top of Mr. Hollopeter, his heart pounding, pressing him down in a space roughly a foot deep. Who knew this space even existed? The train’s brakes screeched, but it could not stop in time.Five subway cars rolled over the top of them, as they lay in this trough, before the train stopped. The cars passing inches from his head, smudging his cap with grease.

Mr. Autrey heard onlookers’ screams. “We’re O.K. down here,” he yelled, “but I’ve got two daughters up there. Let them know their father’s O.K.” He heard cries of wonder, and applause.

Now, that's a story.

At the gym this morning as I watched Mr Autrey at a press conference with Mr. Hollopeter's father, I was nearly in tears. Mr. Hollopeter's dad was so very touched and thankful. Then they both started crying. Mr. Autrey stated that all he did what he thought was right.

Letterman, and Ellen, and the Donald all know he did the right thing and are showering Mr. Autrey with money and talk show invitations. I am thrilled to know that Mr. Autrey gets his 15 minutes of fame. Hopefully he gets even 30 minutes. And a boatload of good karma.

We all know that saving a life is the right thing, right? But in the heat of the moment, what would you do? I am haunted by how I would respond. I would want to help, but could I do it? Could you? Let me know. Until then, I'm thinking about how to be such a hero.

Wicked.

On a gay note, the The League of American Theaters and Producers in New York recently posted official Broadway figures and said that the final tally for the holiday week 2006 exceeded the record figure of $25 million. That's a lot of...theatregoers...





Fifteen shows, all musicals, posted grosses of more than $1 million. "Wicked" - the hugely popular show about the Wicked Witch of the West - led the pack, grossing more than $2 million on an eight-performance week. That's the highest weekly take for any show in the history of Broadway. Any show. Ever.

Jon and I had the honor of seeing Wicked at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC on New Years Eve 2005. This musical is a work of art. I was vaklempt. And much to Chaplin's chagrin, I'm still singing the music.

"Wicked" is also breaking records around the world. The London production just took in nearly $2 million, the Chicago production grossed $1.7 million and the Toronto version earned $1.8 million. And it's coming to Denver in May. Get your tickets now. Before they land a house on you, too. I promise you will not be sorry.

Just Can't Get Enough.

And here are the stories that I just couldn't seem to get enough of in 2006. While they might not be as sexy as Mel or Nicole or JonBenet or OJ they are more interesting and nearly as urgent:


National Security. Far less than ten-percent of the cargo containers that enter our country are checked for weapons or other items that are dangerous. Would you spend an extra dollar on that iPod to make sure it’s not an explosive? I would. Not a single recommendation from the 9/11 Commission has been implemented. Let's hope Nancy Pelosi and company play catch up. And fast.


Columbine Copycats. I’m not fit enough to adopt a child in most states, but good grief kids will do anything to get grown-ups to listen to them.

Retired Generals & The War & The Casualties. OK, I’m not fit to serve in the military but when this many several-star generals get together and have something to say, I think we should listen. And when so many people are dying and even more are coming home without limbs, I think we need to spend more time thinking about the war and talking about solutions.



New Orleans. You remember Katrina? This man-made disaster is still making life hard in the big easy. But then again, once the President did that news conference, he showed everyone that life was back to normal. Well, except for the trash, the trailers, the lack of utilities, and the fact that less than half of the population has returned. I’m proud of John Edwards to announce his presidential campaign from this fine city—just to make sure we don’t forget about what we let happen.



One word: Darfur.


















The Dishonesty of W. I have a colleague that uses the saying “making stuff up” or simply MSU’ing. W lives by MSU’ing. Terror alerts and blue ribbon advisory committees he does not listen to. And even though his approval ratings are lower than minimum wage, people just don’t seem outraged. And how is it that people can drive around with those damn “W” bumper stickers?










HIV & Meth. People are having lots and lots of unprotected sex. Young people. Not-so-young people. What is the big deal about talking about condoms? It is a fact of nature that kids will have sex- why not be sure they are educated? And more and more of them are high on meth. What happened to the war on drugs? Instead of buying terrorism preparation supplies on the mid-west we should be prepping law enforcement and local ERs for the rising epidemic of Meth.


Minimum Wage, Homelessness, & Starvation. Again, if it’s not happening to us, why is it that we don’t worry about it? Read “The Working Poor” to get an entirely new perspective on the people who greet you at the store and sell you services over the phone.

Health care. Everyday in the US more than 50 million people wake up without health care. And we are doing nothing about this crisis. Social Security is a building crisis- health care is a right now crisis. It’s like the old saying: when your neighbor gets a pick slip, it’s a recession—when you get a pick slip it’s a depression. We’re getting to that point with health care.



Global Warming. Al Gore is my hero. Thanks to the republican controlled media, the amazing film “An Inconvenient Truth” did not get even one-quarter of the coverage of that fictional work “The Passion of the Christ” by that guy who does not like Jews. Everyone needs to buy some CFLs. And follow Jan and Melanie’s lead to switch to solar power.


What are the stories you can't forget about? How can we make a difference in 2007?

Too Much.

There are certain news stories that in my humble opinion need to be put away. For good. These are the stories receiving too much coverage in 2006:


Celebrity Bigotry: Mel Gibson, Michael Richards, Marilyn Musgrave, etc. Can we please focus on the heros instead?

Celebrity Fashion: I really don't need to know what Nicole Richie eats or doesn't eat or that Brittany does not wear underwear, etc.

Celebrity Marriage: Showoffs who can marry likeTom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, etc.








Celebrity Confessions: “If I Did It” by that former football player he probably did kill his wife and her waiter/friend and that crazy guy who said he killed JonBenet Ramsey. Speaking of whom, with the number of kids abducted and abused in the US everyday, why is it that we still focus on this Ramsey girl.




Floyd Landis. It's not if you win or lose, it's how good your drugs can be masked. Or how often you change your story. If lying is a must, make up one story and stay with it. Millions of kids are watching your example.




Gay Marriage & Ted Haggard & Mike Jones & Mark Foley & James McGreevy: I hope someday it becomes not such a big deal to come out of the closet. Oh, and until you're out of the closet, it's best to stay outta the chat rooms. The gay community celebrates these folks too much. Again, there are better heroes. Like maybe the first lesbian speaker of the NYC city council.


“The First” Woman (news anchor, speaker of the house, presidential candidate, NYC city council speaker): Just like the gay thing, I hope we soon see the day when a woman's name is not followed by "the first woman to...." Maybe if we spent more time thinking about the news instead of the news anchor... Oh, wait, I'm starting to sound like Holly Hunter.

One word: Borat.



Political Advertising. Why do the candidates use negative ads? Because we talk about them way too much, they get sensational free coverage, and, well, they work. I can't wait until the presidential campaign commercials start. Probably sometime this month.



National Security. The fear machine strikes again. And again.