Stories from the Nanny State: The Return of the lokos

If you haven't heard or don't remember, Four Lokos was banned in a number of states because of an alcohol-related fiasco at Central Washington University (Four Loko Ban). Last week in a press release, the makers of Four Lokos announced they have a new recipe approved by the government and will be selling the beverage in stores next year.

From the press release issued by Phusion Project, the makers of Four Lokos:

"Our reformulated products (without caffeine, guarana and taurine) were approved by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, and we've received similar approvals from nearly all of the states in which we do business. We've begun shipping into the states in which we've received approvals for reformulated Four Loko."-(Phusion Projects)

So before you know it, we will have the sweet nectar of Four Lokos back in our lives—caffeine-free this time.. (Lets just hope people don't realize that you can simply buy a Red Bull and combine it with Four Lokos to get almost the exact same product as before.) The state ban on Four Lokos—like a number of actions by the government lately—really amounts to nothing more than political posturing.  As soon as word got out about the ban, the sale of the product skyrocketed. A number of stores couldn’t keep the product on the shelves. In college towns, stores would only sell Four Lokos in packs of 24 or more.

The ban became an amazing marketing ploy for Four Lokos. Not only did sales increase dramatically, but the brand name is now forever enshrined in the hearts and minds of college students and alcoholics alike everywhere.

Four Loko's ONE - Nanny State - ZERO  

The Cost of Success: Tuition Increases

Currently the Student Freedom Project is undergoing an in depth research and report of where your tuition money and students fee's are spent.  As our governor said after the last election she has no idea how to fix the budget problem we have in our state. One place the law makers normally turn is higher education. The goal of the report is to give students a clear view of where their money is going and what their money really gets them in higher education.

"Desperation in the mother of all invention" and with our economy in the shape it is, it will fall upon our generation to find some of the solutions. We are focusing on the UW and WSU in our research to see what our biggest institutions are doing with the tax payers money and the students. Look for more up to date information on the research on our new higher education tab. If we want to lower our tuition costs it will follow upon the students, to find a creative solution to our states problem. 

The Nanny State: Healthcare "Reform"

 

Today a federal judge in Virgina ruled that the government can not tax inaction. The offical text from the judges decision follows.

"While this case raises a host of complex constitutional issues, all seem to distill to the single question of whether or not Congress has the power to regulate and tax a citizen's decision not to participate in interstate commerce. Neither the U.S. Supreme Court nor any circuit court of appeals has squarely addressed this issue. No reported case from any federal appellate court has extended the Commerce Clause or Tax Clause to include the regulation of a person's decision not to purchase a product, notwithstanding its effect on interstate commerce."- (Source)   

The next step on the legal challenge of the health care reform bill will go before the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals or go straight to the Supreme Court. Currently there are 20 states sighed on to the bill, Washington State being one of those states. The individual mandate of the bill has been one of the most controversial sections of the bill. The individual mandate forces you to buy health care or get a massive fine. 

The big controversy is whether the government should be allowed to regulate inaction, or simply put forcing to you act, or in this case buy something. The lawyers in support for the mandate state that this ability is justified under the interstate commerce clause, but then again so is everything under the sun... This key issue being debated is should the government be aloud to force people to purchase a good? If so they could force us to buy G.M.C. cars, or even force us to buy less or more of good. This situation is what many people call a slippy slope as in; once something like this becomes law it makes a foot hold for more radical reform. For once the federal government acquires a power it rarely (actually...never) gives it up.

The Smartest Generation

According to a recent study our generation is the most "educated" generation in American history. We have the highest amount of college graduates and high school graduates compared to all other times in our history. With all the brains and knowledge our generation has complied will we be able to discover the path to saving our nation for economic recession, and bridging the political gap? So far we are not off to a good start. with only one in four voting and even less actually involved in the political process.  Along with the being the "smartest generation" we are also the most unemployed and most in debit generation. 

There is nothing more explosive (politically and socially) then highly educated people without work. Throughout history all great discoveries and inventions good or bad come out of desperate times. The historic revolutions of our world, culturally or military  have been are championed by those who are educated and unemployed, and our nation is full of both. As our current system shows the doors of colleges are opening up a lot fast then that of the working world. It will be interesting to see what our generation creates for itself. In time what will our revolution be for?

My Way or The High Way: New Tax Package

As the new tax package moves foreword from the house to the senate, it has oddly been met with great hostility. Some of the Democratic leadership feels that a collaborated bill facilitated by the president is to "right wing" for them. Politically speaking the Democratic are trying to stop this bill to show there "true conviction" to taxing the rich, even if the bill would benefit the majority in the Americans.

"Rank-and-file Democrats passed a nonbinding resolution by voice vote that said the tax package should not come to the House floor for  consideration." (Washington Post)

I seems within politics today compromise is a dirty word, which is never a good sign. The President is getting on board to try to find the middle ground to help move our nation out of a recession. I hope that the political parties can get on board. If not its going to be a long lame duck session in congress. In a political climate like this who ever wins we lose.

The Nanny State: The Art of Unemployment

Obama lately helped moderate a tax cut/spending deal between Republicans and Democrat. The package included tax cuts for the rich and the middle income and extended unemployment benefits an additional 13months. Obama has been getting a lot of flack from the left for the tax cuts. The right however have been viewing this deal as a win.

One question i would like to be address is why are we allowing people to be on unemployment benefits longer then lets say a month or two? Before the additional 13 months you could be on unemployment for 99 week. So you could be on unemployment for 46 months before you have to get a job...that's a little extensive i would think. It is sad to think you could on unemployment longer then you have been employed. Programs like as good in the short fun, they help with people that were injured at work, or help others in the time between jobs. But having the benefits last this long create a leave dependency on the system and in fact motivates people to stay on the system.

In Washington State you have to work at least 20hour as week on average to qualify for unemployment, if you work to many hours however you lose your benefits. So why try to get a better job or work harder?  I know people that have worked at stores like Fred Meyer or Target and have told me some of there co-workers talk about this very topic. Then don't want to work more shifts because they could lose there unemployment....sound like the system needs work. 

A Diet Christmas

With Christmas around the corner sales are everywhere and stores are trying everything they can to get you to take advantage of the holiday deals. With the economy the way it is and with the government already cutting back on services, how will this effect the shopping season and more so the economy for the year to come? With the holidays making your wallet lighter and you belts tighter people have been saving more then spending this holiday season. With people worried about the future the number of gifts under the tree are diminishing. Being a college student and knowing that another student tuition hike is coming next year, I'm cutting back on the holidays and definitely spending less.


On the national level the federal government voted against extending unemployment benefits and voted for extending the tax cuts. So those with unemployment will also be looking to cut back on there spending this season. For there will not be government money coming there way anytime soon. Laws were passed in regard to debit and toxic loans so people will not be as able to pay for Christmas on credit as easily this year.

This Christmas season will allude to our economy in the years to come. Will people being forced to live with in their means start developing a more sustainable life style? Will the government be able to cut back on government programs and other stimulus programs?  One thing is for sure there will be some sweet sales closer to Christmas.  

Battle in Seattle Film Festival

The first annual Battle in Seattle Documentary is coming to the UW on December 1st.

The film included are:

Indoctrinate U- Indoctrinate U is a revolutionary new film about the repressive climate on our nation’s campuses. To make the film, director and star Evan Coyne Maloney traveled to campuses across the country, interviewing students, professors, and administrators to find out what life on campus is really like. The film reveals a national campus culture in which speech codes rule the day; in which free inquiry has been replaced with prescribed, politically correct values; and in which students are not taught how to think, but what to think

Do As I Say - a film that will forever change how we see America and its leaders, filmmakers Nicholas Tucker and Lucas Abel take us on an unforgettable journey through a political landscape filled with hypocrites and humbugs. Along the way, they reveal a disturbing national truth: that the two-faced mantra "do as I say, not as I do" has become the unwritten golden rule of modern liberalism.

Flunked- Complaining about the problem is easy, but it produces few productive results — especially when many schools nationwide are truly “getting it right.” Flunked is the story of these schools—their founders, leaders, and students—who are breaking the mediocre mold by attaining great results in terms of college preparation, high test scores, and graduating competent workers for tomorrow’s economy. Discovering that one size truly does not fit all, they are finding different ways to make it work in their area, with their students.

2081- A stunning adaptation of Kurt Vonnegut's short story “Harrison Bergeron,” 2081 is set in a dystopian future where everyone is “equal every which way,” a world in which a Handicapper General goes to enormous lengths to prevent competition and to eliminate innate human differences.

Each film will be followed by a period of short discussion about the film with a film maker and other students groups. Food will be provided for those that attend. 

Stories From The Nanny State: Black Markets and Loko Smugglers

Today the Four Loko ban came into effect. You can no longer buy Four lokos in Washington State. But for those that live in eastern Washington you can buy them in Idaho and for now Oregon. 

This ban will hopefully serve as a lesson in free market economics.
Besides this ban being a great marketing tool for Four Lokos what else has it accomplished?  Before the ban took effect a large number of people stocked up on Four lokos for resale and others for person consumption. What was worth under three dollars could now be sold for five dollars or more under the table. (Better Return then buying Government Bonds...). This ban also created incentives for people to go on Loko runs to Idaho or Oregon to supply college students with the sweet chemical fruity taste of Four Loko. Just with prohibition, this ban has created a underground market for the drinks.

A lesson in history: Not to long ago Idaho's drink age was 18 which meant people could cross the boarder from Washington state and get a frosty brew three years before they could in Washington State. This meant law enforcement officers  had to be spend a large part of there time enforcing underage drinking laws and not stopping more dangerous crimes. This intern drained a great deal of their local budgets. In the end federal government withheld highway grants and funds from the state unless they changed there laws. Which they later did.

The ban on Four Loko will not stop people from abusing alcohol nor acquiring alcoholic energy drinks. This ban in fact created  incentives to deal the drink illegally and tax free. Will law enforcement go on Loko busts? Will the government be able to stop the transportation of Lokos across state boarders? The obvious answer is no.  They will have about as much luck in apprehending the trade of Four Lokos as they do at stopping underage drinking.  I just hope this is a wake up call for the legislature to see how useless this bans really is. 

Thank you Washington State Liquor Board you created a new market for Four Lokos, popularized the consumption of Four Lokos with underage drinkers and hardcore party animals. And forever proved you inability to understand human nature. By turning Four Lokos into the "forbidden fruit" you just drastically increased the value and sale of for Lokos. 

It's Not You It's Me: Obamas Political Revelations

With the new elected officials settling into their new positions in congress, the media and political circles are waiting to see what the dynamic of federal government will be for the next two years. With their be bipartisanship? Will the Republicans and the Democrats work together for the betterment of American?

With drastic loses in congress Obama has been trying to draw attention away from the democratic failures and instead focus the blame on himself. The goal of this approach would seem to be an attempt my the President to glaze over the losses and thus more foreword with his agenda. If he can get the general public not to focus on why they lost, but on were his party is planing on going they might be able to regain the momentum they had before this election.

So far this is working with the Democrats but not Republicans. Lately at a number of the press conferences, the president has been attacking the republicans for there inability to "compromise" and has been losing any support from the right. Obama has attempted to make some friends by "trying" to put a end to earmarks, which the Republicans are avidly against. But will Obama be able to win some of the republicans over? So far its not looking good. Look at bills like the START arms treaty with Russia, Obama is having trouble building steam and forging allies on the right. (To learn more about the START arms treaty go to: Washington Post)

The question arises will Obama be able to regain the trust of congress and of the people. Will he be able to moderate the tough choices that will soon come to congress? Or will it be same story as usual.

Stories From the Nanny State: Red Light Cameras

In the name of safety the local city council in Bellingham is deciding to put up red light cameras to increase "safety". Sadly red light cameras have nothing to do with safety, in fact they create more problems then solve them. In cities where red light cameras have been added to intersections, the amount of car accidents in those areas actually increase. Why you might ask? On average where ever red light cameras are located the state has a habit of reducing the length of the yellow light in order to get more tickets thus increasing state revenue. Studies show that if you increase the length of the time of the yellow lights you actual have less collisions. So adding red light cameras actually causes more accidents. So why are some counties putting up cameras across the state? Its quite simple, they want more of your money.

In Bellingham, WA a local college group the Young Americans for Liberty, are fighting to have the community have a say in whether or not they add red light cameras to certain parts of there community. The group is lobbying to have a public hearing about the cameras they want to put in their city.    


On Monday, November 22nd, the Bellingham City Council will decide whether to contract with American Traffic Solutions and install red light cameras in six intersections in Bellingham. Young Americans for Liberty have been working on this issue since September when the issue was first presented. On September 27th the Council voted unanimously to hold Public Hearing. Bellingham government send an email to concerned citizen November 10th denying Public Hearing.  

On November 2, Tim Eyman's Anti-Camera Proposition passed with 70 percent of the vote. Mukilteo voters overwhelmingly passed a measure that would require a public vote for any red light or speed zone camera in the city. After the election Bellingham City Council member Mike Lilliquist  was quoted "I am willing to make that decision without going to the voters"

There should be a large turnout at the City Council Meeting on the Monday 22nd. "We would like the city council to respect the wishes of the people," states Johny Weaver, President of the Young Americans for Liberty Chapter at Whatcom Community College.
 
To learn more go to the links below


http://www.yaliberty.org/posts/seattles-king-5-news-interviews-yal-at-wcc-president

http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics/archives/227021.asp

Four lokos: Facts Behind the Ban

After doing some research on the subject, I discovered there is a process to fight the ban on Four Loko, the infamous alcohol-and-caffeine energy drink that’s been all over the news lately. I am not, however, supporting Four Loko or its parent company.
I do feel the situation involving their products at Central Washington University was mishandled. Sadly, the abuse of alcohol is not a new craze to hit college campuses. People have been making alcoholic energy drinks from vodka and Red Bull and other like products before Four Loko, and they will do so after.
The real problem that needs to be addressed is underage drinking, including educating minors on the subject. We should be focusing on education, not on government intervention. If the public views this ban as successful, that could open the door for other such bans in the name of public safety. It’s also worth noting a ban on alcoholic energy drinks has twice failed in the Legislature.

Having conducted some research on the topic, I have broken down the legal process to fight the ban and the overall impact of the band as well. See the links below for information—pro and con:
Governor’s press release on the subject
Gov. Gregoire joins Liquor Control Board chair to announce ban on alcoholic energy drinks
 Liquor board "facts" sheet regarding the ban
WSLCB Q & A
Press release from Phusion Projects (Four Loko’s parent company)
Press Release
Phusion Projects response to the proposed ban
Phusion Statement in Response to Washington State Ban on Caffeinated Alcoholic Beverages
If you’re interested in fighting the ban, here are a few things you can do. Create and submit a petition. Contact your legislator. Write letters to the editor of your local newspaper to get your concern out to the general public.

As it stands now, this ban will go into effect in nine days. This ban, however, is not permanent and a law will have to follow to make the ban permanent. To learn more about how to fight the ban, click on the link below.

Petition for adoption, amendment, repeal — Agency action — Appeal.

 

 

Projected time line for the regular rule making

• Nov. 10: Board approves filing the pre-proposal statement of inquiry (CR 101)
• Dec. 1: Code Reviser publishes notice; WSLCB sends notice to rules distribution lis
• Jan. 3: End of written comment period 
• Jan. 12: Board is asked to approve filing the proposed rules (CR 102 filing)
• Feb. 2: Code Reviser publishes notice; WSLCB sends notice to rules distribution list
• Feb. 23: Public hearing held 
• Feb. 23: End of written comment period
• March 2: Board asked to adopt rules

Stories From the Nanny State: Banning Four Lokos

If you haven't heard, the Washington State Liquor Control Board decided to ban Four Loko. After the events at Central Washington University, some people think Four Loko is too dangerous to have in stores. The stories of “blackout in a can” are all over the media.

Basic summary: Nine helpless CWU students were sickened after drinking too much of the lime and fruit punch flavored Four Loko after a rigorous Friday night of studying.

The whole Four Loko ban in and of itself is useless. So the state banned an energy drinks that contain alcohol...what’s going to stop people from buying energy drinks AND alcohol? Also, there are other alcoholic energy drinks on the market such as Sparks and Joose. Even Starbucks sells a coffee liquor to put in your super-powered lattes. So what’s the point of banning it? Underage drinking will still go on. People will still get “cocaine in a can,” as ABC News put it, but under different names, so what has the nanny state really accomplished?

The lesson to be taken away from this is the individuals in question should have known better. We should focus on educating people on the dangers of these drinks, not banning them. As previously stated, you can still make these drinks by combining energy drinks and alcoholic beverages, or simply buy other energy-alcohol drinks. The only way to stop or limit underage drinking is education in the home and enforcement of the laws on the streets. The best way to summarize this issue is a comment someone posted on The Seattle Times website in regards to this issue:

“Dear Washington State liquor Board.... I'm sorry to inform you that your application to be my mother has been denied.” – Unknown

FWI: You can still buy Four Loko in Idaho and Canada.

Dr. Drew on Health Care

Short, sweet and to the point.

Thank You for Smoking

This just in FDA health panel discovers smoking can kill you. In order to drive this issue home the FDA has crafted new labels to include on cigarettes. Lucky the cost of printing  billions of additional color labels will own help stimulated the economy. Thus helping smokers everywhere quit smoking and employ people in the printing business. (That last parts is a lie).

Honesty the FDA must be running out of idea for how to convince people and had to turned to Hollywood for inspiration. This idea was the underlining plot for the 2005 film Thank you for smoking. In the film after a comical and emotional debate between the lobbyist and the panel of senator. The idea is shot down after they discuss the including of  warning signs on air plans and on fast food. But this whole idea of having to include the pictures on the cigarettes containers to further inform the public about the problem, is just an over extension of government influence. Like they said in the film, "if you can label cigarettes what would stop you from labeling anything and everything from cheddar cheese to air planes"?

This example of the nanny state, further shows the over zealous nature of the governments control. Instead of educating people and giving them the means to decide for themselves. They go after the companies and not the motivations or the rationals behind the actions of the people.

"The most oppressive leaders are those that believe that only through them will salvation be found. For they're not after the money of the people but there hearts and minds and will not be content until he controls both."--Martin Luther          

Where the Axe falls: Reducing the deficit

With the new officials in office real change is coming to Washington. The biggest issue on the minds of Americans and congress is the deficit. With the economy propped up by borrowed money, cuts and reductions will have to be made. But to whom will the axe fall? What programs will our legislatures cut?

Much of the hard choices that will have to made in the next two years, will be influence by us. As voters we have a say in what happens in the future of our nation. Which is why more then ever, we will have to be willing to write too and contact our senators and representatives to help them decide on what government programs to cut back on.


Reports of cuts to higher education funding is a very likely possibility. Along with reduction in number of staff for government agencies. But deciding which group will be hit the hardest relies realistically  not on who needs it more, but to whom the congressmen value the most. So if your worried about losing you benefits or college funding, contact your legislature. Voting is only a part of getting our nation headed in the right direction. Only by being involved will your voice be heard.   

A War of Attrition : Finding the Middle Ground

Everyone in office can agree we need to compromise, but which side will have to comprimise? The sad fact of life is which ever side does find the middle ground will feel the pain come election season. So will anyone risk reelection for compromise? Not likely. In an article today, The Washington Post did an story about the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy, and how it could split the republicans. Those who are not going for reelection might vote for it to support GOPround ( the gay rights organization with in the republican party). With compromise being the dirt crime of our decade, will there be any change possible in our future without one party completely taking over?


Very big problems are coming to America in 2011 and we will have to deal with them. With the republicans now controlling more of the legislature, they will have to work with Democratics to tackle the main issues below.


1. High unemployment
2. Reducing the deficit
3. Increase the pace of economic recovery
4. Cutting back in government services

Will the Democratics and Republicans be able to work together in time to fight the decline of our great nation? Or will inaction be the death stroke that sends American in a downwards spiral to our eventual demise as a world power?

Obama's Revelations

"Yesterdays vote confirms what i have heard from across America. People are frustrated, deeply frustrated, with the pace of recovery and the opportunity for there children and grand children"- Obama

We Cant all be Winners : Election recap

 

With a six pack siting next to me and a bowl of chips in hand, yesterday's election felt more like the Superbowl then an election. My family and I had out our laptops while watching the news, eagerly awaiting the results of this years elections. Whenever our candidate pulled ahead a cheer would erupt. When they fell behind another swig if my Samuel Adams Winter Ale was sure to follow. By the end of the night, most of the result were in, and just like on the Superbowl the post game began. For those that haven't heard the results here is what happened.

Income tax failed  (1-1098)

Initiative 1100 concerns liquor (beer, wine and spirits) 

is 2 points behind so it could change

Imitative1105 failed ( The Costco version for the beer, wine and spirits) 

2010 US election results

Democrat

|

Republican

US House

185 seats

239 seats

US Senate

51 seats*

46 seats

WA US Senate

(62% reporting)

50% Murray

50% Rossi

For more information go to Washington State Election Result Page 

The final results for some of the measures are still coming in and with Dinno and Murry most likely going to a recount. Nationally the Republicans retook the house, but not the senate. Overall there is a pretty balance spread of Republicans and Democrats nationally. Which will either bring about a fair and balance government (not likely) or a deeply divided government (realistic outcome).

When the night came to an end, the result gave me comfort that the our nation is headed in a better direction. It wasn't the radical change i had hoped for but it was progress. I cant wait for overtime! Lets get ready for a Washington State favorite past time, the recount....    

Check my blog later today for a more in depth look at were our nation is going

The Northwest Alternative

A few Washington State University Students and University of Idaho students have come together on their campuses to combat the one sided ideology they face daily on their campuses. They created a new student paper called the Northwest Alternative. This paper is the new  libertarian and conservative voice on campus.

"THE NORTHWEST ALTERNATIVE is the brainchild of a University of Idaho engineering major and a Washington State University political science major; who met through common interest in conservatism and the new right. We believe that conservative thought is the true youth revolution of today; not the failed and boring politics of Baby Boomers and ex-hippies."-A.R., Editor in Chief

The paper is written for students by students with writers from across the state. Check out their blog:  The Northwest Alternative, read it and get involved in the discussion. As they're still getting started they can always use more writers. If interested send all submissions to: northwest.alternative@gmail.com

The Student Freedom Project

The Student Freedom Project is the newest project from the Evergreen Freedom Foundation.  The project was created to give tools and educational services to college student and young voters. In order to have their voices heard in the local and national government.  More often then not the youth are used and manipulated by the political parties for the “betterment of the whole” at the expense of the youth. The national debt is one such example when those in power are mortgaging our futures for the betterment of society.

The Student Freedom Projects aims to free college students from the over powering political parties and give students the ability to have their voices heard. The official mission is as follows.

The Student Freedom Project’s mission is to advance limited and accountable government, individual liberty, and free market enterprise by equipping and informing students on college campuses. Our goal is to enable college students to take an active role in shaping the future they will graduate into.

The Student Freedom Project will be traveling across the state of Washington to bring this mission to college students. Go to our event calendar  to see when we will be in a town near you.
As the famous quote goes; “we must be the change we want in the world”  That change  will only come from the actions of free men and women.

“Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery: none but ourselves can free our minds.” -Bob Marley