Behave Does Not Mean Get Out Of Town, Mr. City Attorney!

There are times in heart and mind, when something desperately needs  to be said, yet we realize that only we know what that is, how to say it, or if we should, knowing if we don't, nobody else will.

The result is that others will continue to suffer needlessly, because no one challenges the devil’s advocate, or his absurd, false accusations; whose use of Prohibited Camping Ordinance 4.815, violates the equal protection clause of the constitutions of the State of Oregon and the United States.

When fewlegal options exist, campers are forced to choose the lesser evil as willful violators, and they are damned well justified in defending their freedom of travel, personal privacy, and right to sleep!  Choice of Evils was already used to defend a camper in court; the City did in fact dismiss charges, and set a precedent against its self.

Attorney Glenn Klein, citizens of Eugene–those stripped of citizenship rights, who are at risk of being stripped of all personal belongings–deserve to know in exact detail, how they are expected tobehave.

Before your homies make fools of themselves, and hurt more innocent homeless homies, as willful violators having no compelling state interest, the unconstitutional portion(s) of the ordinance should be severed–not standing in court–because to the best of my knowledge, the amendment was illegally inserted in violation of law, which requires a 10-day public comment period that the citizens of Eugene were denied.  Now, who is the willful violator?

Danielle R. Smith

Happy Maritn Luther King Day!

Monday January 18, 2010

A Tribute to Dr. Jack Kevorkian

A TRIBUTE TO DR. JACK KEVORKIAN, FOR HIS ART PAINTINGS
By Danielle Smith
September

Doctor Jack Kevorkian is now a free man after serving prison time for assisting in the suicide of terminally ill patients, that earned him the nick name “doctor death”.

It was with pity, rather than scorn, that I remembered him ever since I first saw his painting “war” in local newspaper, for I recognized instantly it was a masterpiece of art!

Jack Kevorkian to Show Paintings At Watertown Museum:
images.google.com/imgres

In Memory of Senator Edward Kennedy

In Memory of Senator Edward Kennedy
by Danielle Smith

He exposed the poor-hating Republicans for the corrupt, selfish, greedy, anti-American, working-man resentful capitalist pigs they are, while feeding at the government trough; and how they forever scapegoat, deny, and disable the working class and poor, right down, down the economic ladder, to unemployment, uselessness, and finally, some to their homeless graves!

As for the stupid sheeple, who believe all the Republican and corporate whores’ lies about President Obama’s health care plan, and that the government will pull the plug on grandma, and conduct death panels–well, your insurance companies already are, rationing health care, causing death for many, and have been making those decisions over who lives or dies for the most profit to corporations themselves.!

Unemployed and homeless mothers, grandmothers, fathers, sons–I have seen them all on our streets–those who have almost no hope, those ready to give up; they have not had health care for years!

They are the forgotten ones for whom Senator Kennedy fought for–that none might be lost to the rising sea of rabid conservatism, and the plundering of our nation’s job manufacturing by the pied pipers calling the greedy in search of cheap labor, where ever in the world they can find it.

Now!  Right now, we must stand and decree that the Republicans and Blue Dog Democrats will rue the day that this Kennedy died, and if they would not pass health care, because he was not there to speak out against the greed.

Who–and how many in our congress and senate will now stand up and be lions for the natural citizens of the United States of America from these out of control transnational conspirators?

Senator Kennedys Notable Speeches:
www.ibtimes.com/articles/20090826/selection-senator-edward-kennedys-notable-speeches-video-text.htm

Edward Kennedy Quotes
home.att.net/~midnightflyer/teddyk.html

RI Bishop Asked Kennedy In 2007 To Avoid Communion
www.boston.com/news/local/rhode_island/articles/2009/11/22/report_kennedy_barred_from_communion_by_bishop/

In Honor of Nicola Tesla’s Birthday

In Honor of Nicola Tesla

A Happy Birthday, a place in my blog for this beloved, electrical genius!

By Danielle Smith, former electronics tech, serving the Colorado National Guard.

I once lived where Nicola Tesla came to study the potential of electricity within lightning in his laboratory, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

The two time-exposure photos of Tesla coils below were taken by me at a Tesla Society Convention at Red Lion Inn motel; one taken in parking lot, the other inside a room. Taken about 1986-7.

Live lightning over Colorado Springs is also truly awesome!  I can see why Mr. Tesla chose this place to tap its potential in his lab.

Check This Website Out:
tesladownunder.com/tesla_coil_sparks.htm

 

In Memory of Michael Jackson

In Memory of Michael Jackson
Aug 29, 1958-June 25, 2009
by Danielle * ***** I love you Michael, goodbye, sweetheart!
(Work in progress)
Written begining July 18, 2009

Michael Jackson Google Search:
www.google.com/search

I was just not able to do this sooner, I guess because it makes me cry to think of Michael’s death.  More to come…

My very favorite video is where you look so good, and you are singing:  ”All I really wanna say is, they don’t really care about us!”  But that’s not all..

Look(!) at these beautiful commemorative Michael Jackson stamps from:
world-stamps-pictures.blogspot.com/2009/07/michael-jackson-commemorative-postage.html

Look(!) at all the Michael Jackson Images here:
www.bing.com/images/search.

Petitions I Have Signed to Members of Comgress, Senate, House etc., 2009

Petitions I Have Signed to Members of Congress, Senate, House, etc. 2009.
(Work in progress)

Reclassify Marijuana to Schedule Three”
July 19, 2009
www.change.org/actions/view/reclassify_marijuana_to_schedule_three

“Urge Federal Agencies to let Scientists Speak Out!”
July 19, 2009

www.change.org/actions/invite_to_action

Dear danielle smith,

Thank you for signing our “Support Single Payer Health Care” petition at:

http://www.democrats.com/single-payer-petition

As the 59658th person to sign this petition, you are helping us reach our
goal of 100000 signatures.

You can help make this petition a success by sharing this petition with your
friends and family. Petitions will succeed only by word of mouth, and every
signature makes a difference! Forward our sample email below, or simply send
your friends this link:

http://www.democrats.com/single-payer-petition?source=msdrswriter%40yahoo.com

Thank you again for making a difference!

Bob Fertik
Democrats.com

=======Please forward to friends==============

Dear Danielle Smith,

Thank you for showing your support for a public health insurance
option and reform for America’s health care system.

Now, please urge your friends and family to sign the petition as
well by giving them this link or forwarding them the message
below:

http://ga3.org/campaign/healthpetition?source=hc_ty

Thank you for supporting this important effort.

Sincerely,

Dick Durbin
Patrick Leahy
Chuck Schumer

Flag this message
In response to your email about FERA
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 9:37 AM
From:
“Senator_Merkley@Merkley.senate.gov” <Senator_Merkley@Merkley.senate.gov>
View contact details
To:
msdrswriter@yahoo.com

Dear Ms. Smith,

Thank you for contacting me to express your support for the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act, S. 386 (FERA). It is an honor to serve as your Senator, and I appreciate hearing from you.

I strongly supported FERA when it was being considered in the Senate and I am pleased that this act was signed into law on May 20th. As you know, FERA protects homeowners by giving federal authorities the necessary tools to prosecute fraudulent practices and broadening the definition of “financial institution” to include all mortgage lenders. It also establishes the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission to investigate the roots of the financial crisis and prevent it from happening again.

In addition to supporting FERA, I introduced two bills aimed at preventing fraud and promoting sound lending practices. The first, The Transparency for Homeowners Act, would ban steering payments, which are kickbacks paid by lenders by lenders to brokers to place unsuspecting homeowners into high-cost and destructive loans. The second, The Promoting Mortgage Responsibility Act, would prohibit the use of prepayment penalties – a practice that can lock homeowners into exploitive high-interest loans. I have been asked by Senator Chris Dodd, head of the Senate Banking Committee, to chair a hearing on these predatory practices later this year and am hopeful these reforms will be included in legislation considered by the Senate in the near future.

Thank you, again, for sharing your thoughts with me. I hope you will continue to keep me informed about the issues that matter most to you

All my best,

Jeff Merkley
United States Senate

Go to Next
message | Back to Messages

Flag this message
Signed: No Amnesty for Torturers
Saturday, April 18, 2009 10:25 PM
From:
“activist@democrats.com” <activist@democrats.com>
Add sender to Contacts
To:
msdrswriter@yahoo.com
Dear danielle smith,

Thank you for signing our “No Amnesty for Torturers” petition at:

http://www.democrats.com/no-amnesty-for-torturers

As the 16518th person to sign this petition, you are helping us reach our
goal of 10000 signatures.

You can help make this petition a success by sharing this petition with your
friends and family. Petitions will succeed only by word of mouth, and every
signature makes a difference! Forward our sample email below, or simply send
your friends this link:

http://www.democrats.com/no-amnesty-for-torturers?source=msdrswriter%40yahoo.com

Thank you again for making a difference!

Bob Fertik
Democrats.com

=======Please forward to friends==============

Flag this message
Responding to your comments about the Sebelius Nomination
Thursday, May 7, 2009 7:39 AM
From:
“Senator_Merkley@Merkley.senate.gov” <Senator_Merkley@Merkley.senate.gov>
View contact details
To:
msdrswriter@yahoo.com

Dear Ms. Smith:

Thank you for contacting me to share your views about Kathleen Sebelius’ nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HSS). It is an honor to serve as your Senator, and I appreciate hearing from you.

After weighing many perspectives, I decided to support President Obama’s decision to nominate Kathleen Sebelius for Secretary of Health and Human Services. Kathleen Sebelius’ past positions in Kansas as a member of the State House of Representatives, State Insurance Commissioner, and Governor provide her with extensive legislative and executive experience addressing health care issues, which I believe qualified her to assume the HHS Secretary position.

While serving the people of Kansas as Governor, Kathleen Sebelius took strides to lay down the foundation for health care reform. As State Insurance Commissioner she curtailed the power of the health insurance industry and protected Kansans from higher premiums by blocking a merger between Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas with an out of state company. Governor Sebelius helped to expand health services for lower income children. These are examples of the steps that we need to take on the national stage to achieve health care reform, and Kathleen Sebelius has a proven, non-partisan track record of executing these steps.

I believe Kathleen Sebelius is the right person to direct our nation’s research, disease control, and health care services efforts. Improving our health care system is essential for our citizens’ quality of life and for strengthening our economy. I am pleased that President Obama has made health care reform a national priority. I look forward to working with the President and Secretary Sebelius to improve health care in Oregon and across the nation.

Thank you, again, for sharing your thoughts with me. I hope you will continue to keep me informed about the issues that matter most to you.
All my best,

Jeff Merkley
United States Senate

I Recomend Progressive Radio!

I Recomend Progressive Radio! 
I Recomend The Ed Schultz Show! 

by Danielle * *****

If you have grown sick and tired of Rush Limbaugh, and other right-wing radio talk show hosts, try “Big Ed” 
www.bigeddieradio.com/

I also listen to:
airamerica.com/listen

Thom Hartman

Randi Rhodes

Mike Maloy

Maslow Was Right About The Homeless!

Maslow Was Right About The Homeless:

By Danielle * *****
September 2002, Rev. Oct. 2003

Most everyone is familiar with the USDA Food Guide Pyramid printed on food packaging.  At its base are the bread, cereal, and rice & pasta; next, fruit and vegetables; then milk, cheese, meat and nuts; and at the very peak, fats, oils, and sweets.

Following this recommended diet, as everyone knows, is necessary to maintain proper nutritional balance.  Notice again the base of the pyramid.  It emphasizes that the most servings must be those “staff of life” foods as foundational to ones’ diet.

There is another pyramid guide that is not as well known except by those who have studied psychology and human relations.   Its’ widely accepted, and researched theory relates directly to human behavior and survival.  As anyone who has ever been homeless could tell you, the theory accurately identifies the natural ascending order of human needs for each and every one of us, irregardless of poverty or wealth.

It is referred to as Maslow’s “Hierarachy of Human Needs”.  Abraham Maslow studied people as they behaved to satisfy their needs first at the base of the pyramid.  Once those lower needs were at least relatively, met, other needs towards the top were then possible to achieve.

If basic human physiological needs such as food, water, oxygen; and psychological needs such as safety, security, shelter, social acceptance…”place”; and interaction, are for whatever reason withheld or not satisfied, then persistence until they are met…at least to survive from day to day…will be all one is able to actualize.

Just as in the example of the food pyramid, Maslow observed a hierarchy of priorities which every human must have…staff of life necessities.  Every human must, by natural instinct, act upon first to obtain; before the higher levels of the pyramid…respect, prestige, and sense of accomplishment, and finally, achieving one’s full potential as the capstone, can be the goal.

Something like Maslow’s “ Hierarchy of Needs” relating to homelessness should be re-introduced to everyone who works in Health and Human Resources, Social Security, social service providers, legislators, city council, the police, municipal court judges, and especially the city attorney here in Eugene.

This attorney drafted…using clever legalese…a local ordinance against those for whom the base of the pyramid was all one could see and to live for.  It was defended upon the basis of undesirable behaviors and was meant to remedy a perception of public nuisance whenever illegal camping was observed and reported.

Passed in 1983 the ordinance, called by some a Draconian law, and by many other legal experts, an unconstitutional violation of several articles, the local homeless were forced to endure life under the constant scrutiny of public visibility and swift, authoritarian enforcement and removal.  It has been a living hell in a “survival-of-the-fittest” battle to exist anywhere within the boundaries of city limits.

Ever since then, criminalization of homeless campers became the lawful remedy to the dark fears, the perceived threat of disheveled strangers, and their offensively necessary public behaviors; and it has allowed city officials to discriminate against them, and criminalize them in the name of, “quality of life”, “livability”, and “public safety”, and witness protection…We had a complaint about you…”

Outlawed, was every homeless citizen’s instinctual activity to survive day to day in order to attempt to become employed, seek morale support, to stay at least somewhere on American soil, to get a good nights sleep, and then
to awaken refreshed, and ready continue progress each day towards the top of their pyramid of self-achievement.

Maslow himself observed the limitations of what the homeless could accomplish, in the absence of shelter and “home”, social acceptance, and a choice of options for motivation; and perhaps it was those who had to struggle with little or nothing which first inspired him to develop his “Hierarchy of Needs” theory.

The City of Eugene’ s anti-camping ordinance 4.815, despite two or three close and unsuccessful court challenges, continues to persist as one of local homeless citizens’ most frequent civil rights violations.  Because only indigent and poor populations would ever be caught in violation of a no-camping ordinance, it has become a license for malicious enforcement
by city government, business, and neighborhood interests.

Another anti-camping restraint passed by the 1995 State Legislature, H.B. 2482, is a very outdated, and initially flawed state statute allowing the city of Eugene, as well as other cities in Oregon, to use the state mandate to use malicious compliance against homeless people.
in return, as an anti-homeless deterrent in order to satisfy and appease anti-homeless bigotry orchestrated by outcries from local businesses, media, police, and unfortunately, by negative behaviors of some of the homeless themselves.

In other words, it is technically not illegal to be homeless; but it is illegal to behave like you are homeless.  While possession of camping equipment such as cooking utensils, sleeping bags, tents, RV’s, etc., as are necessary, commonly donated items by the very same community’s charities, are the evidence seized upon and withheld for ransom.

The illegal camping ordinance is in fact, a Darwinian disaster.  It demands that a homeless person must, while living somewhere along a public thoroughfare, a park, under a bridge, or along the river, or in their vehicle, comply and conform to a completely un-natural, up side down pyramid of re-prioritized expectations and demands.  It is an inverted pyramid standing upon its point, wherein all thwarted efforts become a decent towards frustration and hopelessness; a cruel hoax against the homeless, a poor man’s hazing party…welcome to poverty, homelessness, and the death of your spirit!

One is expected under penalty of law, to covertly perform all biological needs, to forgo higher, more long term human needs indefinitely; and to obey the law at all times where you are standing…find a home and disappear immediately after the officer hands you the ticket.  Yet, no matter what you do or where you go, when discovered, the process starts all over again.  It is a poor persons nightmare, a legal conundrum that is obviously impossible!  Every twenty-four hours (supposedly) all the homeless are supposed play musical campsites within a limited amount of space.

To criminalize the homeless for their own plight of economic depression is a disgraceful, non-recognition of the true and real socio-economic factors such as:  rising unemployment, housing, urban growth, zoning and land use issues, which are some known extenuating circumstances behind homelessness.  It is a shameful failure of an indifferent government and community leaders towards the multiple obstacles and stereotypes that must be overcome by the homeless.

It is neither fair nor humane for homeless citizens to be abated as nuisances, and profiled as transients, illegal campers, panhandlers, or homeless bums.  Furthermore, each of these pejorative, socially offensive terms always returns to them an angry backlash, an even more harmful, negative ripple effect against them.  It is certainly a recipe for stagnation, disempowerment, and disaffiliation, individual failure, further loss of respect for the community and its property, and the certain future unrest of a never-ending supply of new homeless.

City Ordinance 4.815, as it is applied to homeless people exclusively, is used instead, as a disincentive; to disenable self-effort of the individual involved; an excuse not to provide for the welfare and well being of its least advantaged, non-home-owning, or renting citizens.  What ever happens to people during or after being prosecuted for homelessness is completely a non-issue in this community, because after all, it’s illegal to camp!

Of course, city officials always act as if they’re better evolved and informed to put an end to the problem of illegal camping complaints.  They insist that by prioritizing such “violations” to justify a rapid response, police harassment, intimidation, warnings, and citations can be used as a form of “tough love”

It is a convenient excuse to scapegoat homeless citizens; that they do not move along, that they do not want to sleep at the local mission, or that they do not stop asking for spare change and jobs.  By not enabling them to live with a moment’s peace of mind, by keeping them in their condition of homelessness, criminalization allows the complaint system of public safety
Department to be used by the comfortably housed PavloviIan Class to wield full municipal authority at the push of a button for the arrest and removal the homeless anywhere within city limits and beyond.

Such repeated displacement and disposal, “sweeps” insure total devastation for all such unlucky individuals who find themselves with nothing, in court to be prosecuted again and again; having to pay fine after fine for being in violation at any time day or night; every day and every night.

“The law, in its majestic equality, forbids the rich as well as the poor to sleep under bridges, to beg in the streets, and to steal bread.” Anatole France (from The Red Lily, 1894)