30 Eylül 2012 Pazar

Diocese Fails To Get Summary Judgment In Suit To Hold It Responsible For Clergy Sexual Abuse

To contact us Click HERE
In Colomb v. Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington Vermont, Inc., (D VT, Sept. 28, 2012), a Vermont federal district court refused to grant summary judgment to a Catholic diocese in a suit that is seeking to hold it responsible for sexual abuse in the 1970's by Father Edward Paquette and other priests. First the court ruled that it is impossible to rule as a matter of law that the statute of limitations has run since it must be determined when plaintiff made the connection between his longstanding psychological issues and the sexual abuse he suffered as a child. It also refused to grant summary judgment based on various objections to the way in which damages are awarded and rejected the claim that the 1st Amendment precludes a suit against the diocese for negligent hiring or supervision.

Russian City Halts Ticket Sales For Musical To Consider Religious Offense Complaint

To contact us Click HERE
Russia's Duma is considering amendments to the country's criminal code to specifically outlaw causing of religious offense. As reported last week by RIA Novosti, the bill was drafted in the wake of the sentencing of 3 members of the punk rock group Pussy Riot for hooliganism after their performance in a Moscow cathedral. The proposed law would impose a sentence ranging from a fine to up to 5 years in prison for violation of its prohibitions. Apparently relying on the proposed legislation, 18 Orthodox Christian private citizens in the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don have complained to the city about the scheduled performance of the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar. They contend that it is an inaccurate portrayal of Jesus. RT reported yesterday that the city administration has ordered the theater to stop selling tickets for the performance while the city considers the complaint.

Why is William J Kelly's campaign for Comptroller so important?

To contact us Click HERE
In view of the fact that the Comptroller shows no record of Illinois tax dollars being given to ACORN, I would say that is one of the big reasons William J. Kelly's campaign is so important.

Despite what the left-wing media has claimed, the state of Illinois does have official relationships with scandal-plagued ACORN. A 2008 report from the Illinois Housing Development Authority showed that ACORN's housing subsidiary received a $100,000 grant from the agency to build its Predatory Lending Database Program. Somehow, this grant just happens to not appear in the Illinois Comptroller's database.

"Somehow"? And why isn't someone investigating this?

Friends of William J. Kelly

BREAKING NEWS: KELLY CONFRONTS GIANNOULIAS ON ACORN-TAINTED SEIU ENDORSEMENT

Kelly Responds to Miller’s Attack on Capitol Fax

Statement by William J. Kelly, Candidate for Illinois Comptroller

In response to the attacks by Rich Miller’s Capitol Fax blog, Illinois Comptroller candidate William J. Kelly writes:

“Since Tuesday, Rich Miller’s Capitol Fax blog has been attacking me and my campaign for Illinois Comptroller without the opportunity for counterpoint. We produced a video piece questioning U.S. Senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias on the appropriateness of his SEIU endorsement and its ties to ACORN. It is interesting that a well-known political writer like Miller would resort to ridicule to devalue and undermine free speech – mine or my supporters i.e. outsiders capable of real reform. Regardless, I see no reason to play by the rules, especially when the truth is not being told. That is supposed to be the media’s job. I will make no apologies for being aggressive on behalf of the truth.”

“Miller wonders why I focus my attention on Alexi Giannoulias when I am running for Illinois Comptroller? It’s simple. Substantively, all of Illinois’ problems can be traced to the deeply rooted culture of nepotism and political entitlement by the sons and daughters of senators, bank presidents, assorted elites and hacks. As treasurer, Giannoulias has messed up Illinois’ finances and now he wants a promotion to the U.S. Senate. But anybody that has had to live and work in the real world knows that when you lose $85 million, especially for Illinois families, you are in no position to ask for a promotion. Alexi’s deputy treasurer, Raja Krishnamoorthi is already an announced candidate for Illinois Comptroller. The circle of insiders has to end in order for Illinois to have real reform and that story is not being told.”

“The media will attack me as just a TV host trying to be a politician. However, I have been an anti-tax advocate and activist for years. I could be very happy to sit back and continue to grow my TV projects that I have worked very hard to create. Unlike many in the Chicago inner circle, nothing has been handed to me on a silver platter. But, as a lifelong resident of Chicago and truly love it and the state of Illinois, I cannot sit back and watch as the elites further destroy our state.”

“With every new political scandal in the state of Illinois, we have to redefine the definition of rock bottom. ACORN-SEIU connections, both Illinois and nationally, have the potential to go beyond anything we have seen thus far. As Comptroller, I promise to investigate why our state is bankrupt, where has the money gone, and what has been the role of these shady associations with ACORN, SEIU, and other special interests.”

“We have an excellent opportunity to turn this state around. None of this should be a partisan issue. If that sounds “strange” by Rich Miller’s standards, then, I’ll take it.”

William J. Kelly is exactly the kind of guy we need in office right now...and as soon as he can get in, we need him IN...I believe he will do exactly as he has promised - which, understandably, has the "status quo" in a state of outrage.

The Capitol Fax blog can be referenced at ….http://thecapitolfaxblog.com/2009/09/30/from-the-strange-campaign-files/

Go get 'em Bill!

Illinois Driver's License Fee To Go Up: Quinn's Idea of "Stimulus"

To contact us Click HERE
Well...they need to get the money they've already blown from somewhere.

Driver's license renewal fees to rise -WGN Chicago Breaking News

SPRINGFIELD -- For more than 25 years, it has cost Illinoisans 10 dollars to renew their driver's licenses. That is about to change.

On Oct. 11, the cost of renewing a standard Illinois driver's license jumps from the $10 in effect since 1983 to $30.

The hike in the renewal fee came as lawmakers and Gov. Pat Quinn raised a number of taxes and fees in order to pay for a $30 billion program to build roads, schools and bridges.

Quinn and lawmakers touted the construction plan for its potential to generate jobs during the recession. However, Secretary of State Jesse White says he doesn't want to be blamed for the fee increases as drivers pour into his offices.

White is seeking re-election to his post.

-- Associated Press

So this is Quinn's version of "stimulus" for the State of Illinois, I take it. Build the infrastructure with tax dollars ripped off from working people. Nobody wants to be "blamed" for these increases...yet the only people that bear the responsibility are the ones who are in office making these foolish decisions. Unless, of course, you want to blame Bush.

From the Cook County Blog

Hey William J. Kelly - WHY DON'T YOU SHUT UP?

To contact us Click HERE
Now Kelly is calling for "Chairman Brady" to "disavow" the "Dodge/Topinka smear campaign"....why Brady should disavow something that doesn't exist is beyond me...the "smear campaign" is something -like his popularity and fabricated polling numbers-that Kelly has manufactured...much like Axelrod's PK and Media manufactures news. Martin Janis is the Topinka equivalent of AKP&D Message and Media. How can you "smear someone with the truth? How can someone be smeared with information they themselves put out on the internet?

Here's a question for you - where do you suppose "Low Blow Joe" came from?

It came from Nancy Kimme...and there is your Topinka connection...it goes right back to Kelly. BINGO.

Bill can call and cry to whoever he wants at this point...the more he blabbers, the more he is revealing.

If Kelly does something stupid, I'm going to call attention to it. He wants people that criticize him to shut up...which is all the more reason to raise objections to the schtick.

Nice job, Bill, say hi to Nancy from the REAL conservatives that Judy hates!!!

29 Eylül 2012 Cumartesi

October 24/San Francisco: Pre-Child Custody Training

To contact us Click HERE

Child custody cases, whether in the context of a dissolution of marriage, a parentage action, or a request for post-judgment modification, represent a large portion of the cases where volunteer attorneys are needed. VLSP's Family Law Project, through this program, offers training on the issues presented in disputes over child custody. In addition to providing full-scope representation, the Family Law Project also provides opportunities for volunteer attorneys to take child custody and visitation matters on a limited-scope basis.
This training will be given by VLSP's Supervising Attorneys who will go over child custody and visitation procedures in the context of different types of family law litigation. This hour-long training will also cover substantive law in connection with child custody disputes. This program is intended for volunteer attorneys that are newer to family law and have already attended the Introduction to Family Law training.
For more information on how to view this webcast and attend our live training, please email VLSP .
Title:
Pre-Child Custody Training
Pre-registration is required to attend.
When/Where:
October 24, 2012: 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm BASF Conference Center
301 Battery Street
3rd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94111
Directions

By:
Bar Association of San Francisco
Credit:
MCLE Credits - 1 H
Questions about our seminars and the registration process?
More:
http://www.sfbar.org/calendar/eventdetail.aspx?id=VL%20121021/VL%20121021

October 9/Web: Commercial Building Inspections

To contact us Click HERE

The TASA Group, Inc.,presents a free, one-hour, interactive webinar, Commercial Building Inspections, for all legal professionals.

Registration is required to join this event. If you have not registered, please do so now.
Title:
Commercial Building Inspections
When/Where:
October 9, 2012
14:00 Eastern
Webinar
Speaker:
Construction and building code expert David Doddridg
By:
The TASA Group, Inc.
Credit:
The sponsor does not seem to have applied for credit for this event, but similar events have been granted credit in some jurisdictions upon application by attendees.
More Information And Registration

It Ain’t Easy Being Clean: The Compliance Challenges of FCPA and Dodd-Frank: On-Demand program

To contact us Click HERE

Misery loves companies. U.S. federal enforcement officials have declared this to be the “new era” of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), and most executives are worried about their risk exposure, i.e, their chances of being miserable. Those who aren’t concerned should be. To keep their spirits up, corporations and their boards and executive teams will have to pay close attention to how FCPA enforcement is playing out, especially in relation to the relatively new Dodd-Frank provisions.
The future of enforcement is being widely discussed. The combination of rising global anti-corruption regulatory activity, mushrooming third-party risk, more protections and incentives for whistleblowers, more cooperation and competition among international enforcement agencies, and higher expectations for compliance means one thing: it’s time to get ready.
LexisNexis Presents: Best Practices for Complying with Anti-Bribery and Corruption Regulations
Global companies and their employees need to understand how the Dodd-Frank Act and the FCPA intersect, as well as how larger international investigations will proceed. Explore the current state of play during a free pre-recorded webinar. Our panel of experts will discuss these developments and ways that businesses can address challenges through risk assessment, due diligence, and management oversight.
Topics:

Domestic and international laws and enforcement efforts today
The motivations behind legislative reform and the results of recent cases
Causes of increased enforcement risks
Particular risks to financial institutions and medical device manufacturers
Special considerations: government clients, third parties, and acquisitions
Best practices for minimizing risk: risk assessment, due diligence, and management oversight
Standards for auditing and testing your anti-corruption compliance program

Title:
It Ain’t Easy Being Clean: The Compliance Challenges of FCPA and Dodd-Frank
When/Where:
Anytime/Recorded Webinar
Speakers:

Gwendolyn Hassan, Esq., Manager of Corporate Compliance, Navistar, Inc.
Stephen Martin, Esq., Baker & McKenzie
Marc Litt, Esq., Baker & McKenzie.

By:
LexisNexis
Credit:
The sponsor does not appear to have applied for CLE credit, but the content and speakers appear to meet requirements of a number of jurisdictions
More Information

October 05/Columbus, GA: Child Support Guidelines Worksheet Training

To contact us Click HERE

Title:
Child Support Guidelines Worksheet Training
When/Where:
Friday October 05, 2012
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Columbus Public Library Auditorium
Columbus, GA
Speakers:

Alice Limehouse, Staff Attorney to the Child Support Commission/Manager of the Collaborative Child Support Project
Elaine Johnson, Child Support Guidelines Coordinator

By:

Georgia Supreme Court Commission on Justice for Children
Columbus Bar Association

Contact:
lmescon@gmail.com
404.375.1636
Cost:

FREE to Columbus Bar Association members willing to volunteer 2 hours time to the Legitimation Project (open from 10 am-12 noon on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Fridays of each month.)
$65 to non CBA lawyers and those unable to make a small pro bono commitment.

PREREGISTRATION: 404.375.1636 or lmescon@gmail.com. Walk ins are welcome.
More:
http://www.georgiaadvocates.org/calendar/event.444225-Child_Support_Guidelines_Worksheet_Training

October 12/Boulder, CO: 2012 Supreme Court Preview #MCLE

To contact us Click HERE

Title:
2012 Supreme Court Preview
When/Where:
Friday, October 12, 2012
11:45am - 1:00pm
Colorado Law School
2450 Kittredge Loop Road Wolf Law Building (Room 206)
Boulder, CO
By:

American Constitution Society
The Byron R. White Center for the Study of American Constitutional Law at Colorado Law

Speakers:

Alan Chen, Professor of Law, Associate Dean for Faculty Scholarship, Sturm College of Law, University of Denver
Melissa Hart, Associate Professor of Law, Director, The Byron White Center for the Study of American Constitutional Law, University of Colorado School of Law; Member, Board of Advisors, ACS Colorado Lawyer Chapter
Sam Kamin, Professor of Law, Director, Constitutional Rights & Remedies Program, Sturm College of Law, University of Denver

RSVP here
Credit:1.0 hours of CLE approved
More:
http://www.acslaw.org/BoulderSupremeCourtPreview

28 Eylül 2012 Cuma

FFRF Sues Another Pennsylvania School District Over 10 Commandments Monument

To contact us Click HERE
The Freedom From Religion Foundation has announced that it filed suit in federal court yesterday against the Connellsville, Pennsylvania school district challenging the constitutionality of a Ten Commandments monument that has stood near the auditorium entrance of a now-junior high school building for over 50 years. When the monument was presented to the school by the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the school was a high school. The complaint (full text) in Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. v. Connellsville Area School District, (WD PA, filed Sept. 27, 2012) alleges that originally school officials had agreed to move the monument to the grounds of a nearby church, but they changed their minds after community opposition to the decision. The monument is now covered with a wooden box. Earlier this month, FFRF filed a similar lawsuit against another Pennsylvania school district. (See prior posting.)

Suit Over Amish Building Code Compliance Settled

To contact us Click HERE
A settlement has been reached between the Swartzentruber Amish community and the Town of Morristown, New York over building code compliance. In 2009, eleven Amish families filed suit in federal court challenging enforcement the town's requirements that they submit architect-stamped construction plans, install battery-powered smoke detectors, use hurricane tie-downs and construct frost-proof foundations. The Amish said that these requirements violate their religious beliefs. (See prior posting.) The Watertown Daily Times reports that in a compromise the town has dropped building code violation charges. The town will accept Amish cellar construction as meeting code requirements, while the Amish will have smoke detectors installed in their homes during inspections and will use an approved method to secure their roofs. The parties agreed to dismiss the federal lawsuit and the court issued an order doing so on Sept. 21. [Thanks to Blog From the Capital for the lead.]

5th Circuit Reverses Denial of Preliminary Injunction In Church's RLUIPA Suit

To contact us Click HERE
In Opulent Life Church v. City of Holly Springs Mississippi, (5th Cir., Sept. 27, 2012), the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals vacated a Mississippi federal district court's denial of a preliminary injunction in a Christian church's RLUIPA zoning suit and remanded the case for further findings. The appeals court held that the Opulent Life Church had shown irreparable harm by being unable to use a building it had agreed to lease. On the eve of oral arguments in the 5th Circuit, the city repealed the zoning conditions that had created problems for the church and replaced them with a total ban on religious congregations in the Business Courthouse Square District where the church's building was located. Rejecting mootness and ripeness challenges to the lawsuit, the appeals court defined the 5th Circuit's approach to the "equal terms" clause of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act. The court must determine:

whether the religious assembly or institution is treated as well as every other nonreligious assembly or institution that is “similarly situated” with respect to the stated purpose [of the regulation].

The court remanded the case for the district court to decide:

(1) whether Opulent Life is likely to succeed on its claims challenging the validity of the newly adopted religious facilities ban; (2) whether the harm Opulent Life will suffer absent a preliminary injunction outweighs the harm an injunction will cause Holly Springs; (3) the amount of actual damages Opulent Life suffered ... and (4)... whether Opulent Life should be awarded reasonable attorneys fees....

Court Says Questions Remain On Accommodation of Hebrew Israelite Employee

To contact us Click HERE
In Batson v. Branch Banking and Trust Company, (D MD, Sept. 25, 2012), a Maryland federal district court denied defendant's motion for summary judgment, finding that substantial questions of fact remain as to whether a bank reasonably accommodated the religious needs of a Hebrew Israelite teller who was fired for not being willing to work on alternate Saturdays. [Thanks to CCH Employment Law Daily via Steven H. Sholk for the lead.]

Subsidy To Churches Raises Establishment Clause Issues For Publicly Owned Electric Company

To contact us Click HERE
Santiago-Ramos v. Autoridad De Energia Electrica, (D PR, Sept. 18, 2012), is a lawsuit by an economic development corporation and one of its members against the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority alleging broadly that the public electric power company is used by the political party in power to favor various interests at the expense of ordinary consumers of electricity. The complaint alleges a number of statutory and constitutional violations. Among the claims that the court refused to dismiss was the contention that the PREPA has promoted religion in violation of the Establishment Clause by giving $3,500,000 in subsidies to churches (and other non-profit organizations).

27 Eylül 2012 Perşembe

German Court Says State Will Not Regard Those Who Stop Paying Church Taxes As Church Members

To contact us Click HERE
In Germany, Leipzig's Federal Administrative Court ruled yesterday that a person will not be considered by the state to be a member of the Catholic Church if he opts out of paying Church taxes. However how the Church deals internally with a person who does not pay Church taxes is up to religious authorities. According to Deutsche Welle in an article and an op-ed, the ruling comes in a case filed in 2007 by a retired professor of church law who had insisted that he would no longer pay the church tax but would still remain a Catholic and continue praying and receiving Holy Communion. At that time there was some disagreement between the Vatican and the German bishops over the definition of Church membership. However, last week, the German Catholic bishops issued a ruling that had been approved in advance by the Vatican that said those who opt out of the Church tax cannot participate in most aspects of the Catholic Church. (See prior posting.)

Egypt Charges U.S. Embassy Protester Under Blasphemy Law

To contact us Click HERE
As previously reported, two weeks ago crowds demonstrated and attacked the U.S. embassy in Egypt to protest the video Innocence of Muslims. Now, according to AP, on Tuesday Egyptian prosecutors referred to trial on charges of insulting "heavenly" religions Ahmed Mohammed Abdullah who was filmed tearing up an English copy of the Bible during the embassy protest. Abdullah is well-known for having created a new TV channel operated mainly women veiled from head to toe with only their eyes showing. Egypt's blasphemy law covering heavenly religions is generally seen as applying to Islam, Christianity and Judaism, but in the past has been used mostly by critics of Islam. Abdullah claims he has not violated the blasphemy law because he targeted the book of a specific group of Christians who have offended Islam. Apparently Abdullah's son and a journalist who interviewed him were also charged under the blasphemy law.

Why is William J Kelly's campaign for Comptroller so important?

Despite what the left-wing media has claimed, the state of Illinois does have official relationships with scandal-plagued ACORN. A 2008 report from the Illinois Housing Development Authority showed that ACORN's housing subsidiary received a $100,000 grant from the agency to build its Predatory Lending Database Program. Somehow, this grant just happens to not appear in the Illinois Comptroller's database.

"Somehow"? And why isn't someone investigating this?

Friends of William J. Kelly

BREAKING NEWS: KELLY CONFRONTS GIANNOULIAS ON ACORN-TAINTED SEIU ENDORSEMENT

“Since Tuesday, Rich Miller’s Capitol Fax blog has been attacking me and my campaign for Illinois Comptroller without the opportunity for counterpoint. We produced a video piece questioning U.S. Senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias on the appropriateness of his SEIU endorsement and its ties to ACORN. It is interesting that a well-known political writer like Miller would resort to ridicule to devalue and undermine free speech – mine or my supporters i.e. outsiders capable of real reform. Regardless, I see no reason to play by the rules, especially when the truth is not being told. That is supposed to be the media’s job. I will make no apologies for being aggressive on behalf of the truth.”

“Miller wonders why I focus my attention on Alexi Giannoulias when I am running for Illinois Comptroller? It’s simple. Substantively, all of Illinois’ problems can be traced to the deeply rooted culture of nepotism and political entitlement by the sons and daughters of senators, bank presidents, assorted elites and hacks. As treasurer, Giannoulias has messed up Illinois’ finances and now he wants a promotion to the U.S. Senate. But anybody that has had to live and work in the real world knows that when you lose $85 million, especially for Illinois families, you are in no position to ask for a promotion. Alexi’s deputy treasurer, Raja Krishnamoorthi is already an announced candidate for Illinois Comptroller. The circle of insiders has to end in order for Illinois to have real reform and that story is not being told.”

“The media will attack me as just a TV host trying to be a politician. However, I have been an anti-tax advocate and activist for years. I could be very happy to sit back and continue to grow my TV projects that I have worked very hard to create. Unlike many in the Chicago inner circle, nothing has been handed to me on a silver platter. But, as a lifelong resident of Chicago and truly love it and the state of Illinois, I cannot sit back and watch as the elites further destroy our state.”

“With every new political scandal in the state of Illinois, we have to redefine the definition of rock bottom. ACORN-SEIU connections, both Illinois and nationally, have the potential to go beyond anything we have seen thus far. As Comptroller, I promise to investigate why our state is bankrupt, where has the money gone, and what has been the role of these shady associations with ACORN, SEIU, and other special interests.”

“We have an excellent opportunity to turn this state around. None of this should be a partisan issue. If that sounds “strange” by Rich Miller’s standards, then, I’ll take it.”

Go get 'em Bill!

Illinois Driver's License Fee To Go Up: Quinn's Idea of "Stimulus"

To contact us Click HERE
Well...they need to get the money they've already blown from somewhere.

Driver's license renewal fees to rise -WGN Chicago Breaking News

SPRINGFIELD -- For more than 25 years, it has cost Illinoisans 10 dollars to renew their driver's licenses. That is about to change.

On Oct. 11, the cost of renewing a standard Illinois driver's license jumps from the $10 in effect since 1983 to $30.

The hike in the renewal fee came as lawmakers and Gov. Pat Quinn raised a number of taxes and fees in order to pay for a $30 billion program to build roads, schools and bridges.

Quinn and lawmakers touted the construction plan for its potential to generate jobs during the recession. However, Secretary of State Jesse White says he doesn't want to be blamed for the fee increases as drivers pour into his offices.

White is seeking re-election to his post.

-- Associated Press

Hey William J. Kelly - WHY DON'T YOU SHUT UP?

26 Eylül 2012 Çarşamba

October 24/Stillwater, MN: Washington County District Court eCourt Orientation #MCLE

To contact us Click HERE
The Washington County Law Library (http://www.co.washington.mn.us/info_for_residents/law_library ) presents this program in coordination with the Washington County Bar Association (http://wcba-mn.org/ ), but membership in the Association is not required for attendance.

Title:Washington County District Court eCourt Orientation Date/Time/Place:October 24, 2012Noon-1pm Conference Room 21 (lower level) of the Washington County Government Center14949 62nd Street NorthStillwater, MN 55082-0006Credit:One standard CLE credit will be applied forBy:Washington County Court Administration
and Judge Mary E. Hannon Suggestions for programs are always welcome and should be directed to the County Law Librarian, who may be reached at 651-430-6330More:http://www.co.washington.mn.us/info_for_residents/law_library/continuing_legal_education

September 25/Bellingham, WA: Foreclosure Advocacy: Representing Homeowners Under the Foreclosure Fairness Act”

To contact us Click HERE

Skagit County Community Action, LAW Advocates, Opportunity Council, Whatcom Asset Building Coalition, and WSBA’s Home Foreclosure Legal Aid Project need volunteer attorneys and housing counselors to represent homeowners under the Foreclosure Fairness Act.
This free CLE will cover an introduction to the Foreclosure Fairness Act, how to refer a homeowner to mediation, and post-mediation considerations. Presenters will include attorneys from Northwest Justice Project’s Foreclosure Prevention Unit, an experienced mediator, a private practitioner, and a representative from the Attorney General’s office.
The training is offered at no cost and is open to anyone interested in referring homeowners to mediation or becoming a volunteer attorney or housing counselor.
Title:
Foreclosure Advocacy: Representing Homeowners Under the Foreclosure Fairness Act
When/Where:
Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2012
9 a.m. – 4 p.m
St. Luke’s Health Education Center
3333 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham
Credit:
Approved for 5.75 MCLE credits
Register online
More:
Contact Anjali Englund at 360-734-5121, ext.233, or anjali_englund@oppco.org

October 25/Cleveland: Improving the Quality of Health Care: Where Law, Accreditation, and Professionalism Collide

To contact us Click HERE

The demands on health care organizations to eliminate preventable complications and provide far safer environments for patients are increasing. The just-upheld Affordable Care Act will add more fuel to this fire. Dr. Chassin will discuss the role of law and regulation in this effort, their strengths and weaknesses, and how they often conflict with other approaches to quality improvement. He will assess the current state of healthcare quality and what it will take to achieve consistent excellence.
Title:
Improving the Quality of Health Care: Where Law, Accreditation, and Professionalism Collide
When/Where:
October 25, 2012
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Moot Courtroom (A59)
Case Western Reserve University School of Law
11075 East Blvd
Cleveland, Ohio 44106
Also Available As Webinar
By:
Oliver C. Schroeder, Jr. Scholar-in-Residence Lecture
Presented by the Law-Medicine Center
Case Western Reserve University School of Law
Credit:
1 hr. of CLE credit available, pending approval
Speaker:
Mark R. Chassin, MD, FACP, MPP, MPH, is president of The Joint Commission. Joint Commission accreditation and certification is recognized worldwide as a symbol of quality and commitment to quality improvement and meeting state-of-the-art performance standards. Dr. Chassin is also president of the Joint Commission Center for Transforming Healthcare. Established in 2009 under his leadership, the Center works with the nation’s leading hospitals and health systems to address health care’s most critical safety and quality problems. Previously, Dr. Chassin was the Edmond A. Guggenheim Professor of Health Policy and founding Chairman of the Department of Health Policy at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, and Executive Vice President for Excellence in Patient Care at The Mount Sinai Medical Center. At Mount Sinai, Dr. Chassin built a nationally recognized quality improvement program. In addition, he designed and deployed a number of effective community-based intervention trials that reduced racial and ethnic disparities in health and health care. Earlier, he was Commissioner of the New York State Department of Health. He is a board-certified internist and practiced emergency medicine for 12 years. Dr. Chassin received his undergraduate and medical degrees from Harvard University and a master’s degree in public policy from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. He also holds a master’s degree in public health from the University of California at Los Angeles.
More:
http://law.cwru.edu/Lectures.aspx?lec_id=313

Public Benefits: They're the Same Families: CalWORKs Child Care Subsidy Law and Advocacy Opportunities

To contact us Click HERE

Title:
Public Benefits: They're the Same Families: CalWORKs Child Care Subsidy Law and Advocacy Opportunities
Part of LAAC Armchair Trainings: Public Benefits Series
When/Where:
Anytime/Recording
Speaker:
xxx
Sponsor:
Legal Aid Association of California

Credit:

California: Approved for 1 Self-Study Credit
Other Jurisdictions: Check with your Credit-Granting Authority

A Message From LAAC's website:
"If you would like to support LAAC's videos and keep this service free for the community, please donate here: tiny.cc/Qwgg2b"
4freeCLE has no connection to that donation link; however, it seems only fair to support LAAC with however small a donation you can afford, both for its generous provision of training materials and to encourage it to do more of the same!
More Information, Including Hand-Outs:

October 26/Cleveland: Immigration Law Practice and Procedure: Mock Hearing

To contact us Click HERE

This continuing legal education program is free and focuses on “Practice and Procedure: Mock Hearing”
Participation in the Volunteer Lawyers Program provides a great opportunity to gain valuable legal experience. Legal Aid provides mentoring and malpractice insurance for cases referred through its programs.
Title:
CLE for Pro Bono Attorneys: Immigration Law
October 26, 2012
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Cost:
Free: reservation required
Carl B. Stokes Federal Courthouse
801 West Superior Avenue
Cleveland, OH, United States, 44113
Click here to register online!
By:
For this CLE event, Legal Aid is proud to partner with the C. Lyonel Jones Pro Bono Committee.
More:
http://lasclev.org/10262012cle/

25 Eylül 2012 Salı

October 25/Houston, TX: Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Training #MCLE

To contact us Click HERE

This is a nuts and bolts training and refresher regarding Chapter 7 consumer bankruptcy filings. The training is free to attorneys who agree to handle 2 pro bono cases through Lone Star Legal Aid.
Title:
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Training
When/Where:
Thursday October 25, 2012
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Central
Lone Star Legal Aid
1415 Fannin
Houston, TX.
Speaker:
The training will be provided by Board Certified Consumer Bankruptcy practitioner Adam G. Schachter of The Schachter Law Firm, P.C., Houston, Texas (www.shaklaw.com).
Contact:
Dana Bias
Lone Star Legal Aid
dbias@lonestarlegal.org
(800) 354-1889
www.lonestarlegal.org
By:
Lone Star Legal Aid
Credit:
4 hours of CLE pending
http://www.probono.net/calendar/event.429268-Chapter_7_Bankruptcy_Training

Cert. Petition Filed In Bald Knob Cross Challenge

To contact us Click HERE
A petition for certiorari to the United States Supreme Court (full text) was filed on Sept. 4 in Sherman v. State of Illinois. In the case, the U.S. 7th Circuit Court of Appeals held that activist and atheist Robert Sherman lacked taxpayer standing to challenge a $20,000 grant by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to Friends of the Cross for restoration of the Bald Knob Cross, an Illinois tourist attraction. Nor can he force Friends of the Cross to return the funds to the state. (See prior posting.) AP reported on the filing. [Thanks to Alliance Alert for the lead.]

AU Calls For IRS To Investigate Colorado Christian Organization

To contact us Click HERE
Americans United announced last week that it has filed a complaint (full text of letter) with the Internal Revenue Service asking it to investigate the Ridgway, Colorado based Ridgway Christian Center for violating tax code limitations on non-profit organizations. The letter points to a magazine distributed by Ridgway (a project of Praise Him Ministries) to Colorado residents:

Please note the cover of the publication. It is dated Fall 2012 and contains a photo of a series of American flags. The headline reads, “Honor God! Love your country! VOTE REPUBLICAN!”

Inside the publication, Victoria Hearst, founder and president of the ministry, writes a long article challenging the right of the Internal Revenue Service to prohibit tax exempt organizations from endorsing or opposing candidates for public office. The articles relies heavily on material produced the Alliance Defending Freedom (formerly the Alliance Defense Fund), an Arizona-based organization that every year sponsors an event called “Pulpit Freedom Sunday,” during which pastors are urged to openly violate the law by endorsing or opposing candidates from the pulpit.

2nd Circuit Rules In Favor Of Church In Land Use Dispute

To contact us Click HERE
In Fortress Bible Church v. Feiner, (2d Cir., Sept 23, 2011), the U.S. 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a New York federal district court's decision that the Town of Greenburgh, New York violated RLUIPA's "substantial burden" provisions, as well as the free exercise and equal protection provisions of the U.S. and New York constitutions, in denying an application by Fortress Bible Church to build a new facility to house the church and its school. (See prior posting.) The Court of Appeals first resolved the question of whether the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act applies to the town's decision, which was made in the context of the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act. The court said:

in no sense do we believe that ordinary environmental review considerations are subject to RLUIPA. However, when a statutorily mandated environmental quality review process serves as a vehicle to resolve zoning and land use issues, the decision issued constitutes the imposition of a land use regulation as that term is defined in RLUIPA.

The court went on to hold:

A denial of a religious institution's building application is likely not a substantial burden if it leaves open the possibility of modification and resubmission.... However, if the town's stated willingness to consider another proposal is disingenuous, a conditional denial may rise to the level of a substantial burden...

We need not resolve here whether zoning variance decisions challenged under the Free Exercise Clause are subject to strict scrutiny or rational basis review because we conclude that on the record before us there was no rational basis for the Town's actions...

Challenge To Utah's Anti-Bigamy Law Is Not Moot

To contact us Click HERE
In Brown v. Herbert, (D UT, Aug. 17, 2012), a Utah federal district court denied a motion made by the county attorney of Utah County, Utah, to dismiss as moot a challenge to the state's Anti-Bigamy statute brought by members of an openly polygamous family (subjects of the television show Sister Wives). (See prior related posting.) County Attorney Jeffrey Buhman argued that his office has recently adopted a policy of not prosecuting under the statute unless there has been some other criminal conduct as well. The court said however:

While it may be the case that Mr. Buhman believes that prosecution of Plaintiffs would be inappropriate in this circumstance, there is no reason to believe that such a determination is anything beyond an exercise of prosecutorial discretion that could be easily reversed in the future by a successor Utah County Attorney, or by Mr. Buhman himself, if he should change his mind. As a result, Mr. Buhman’s adoption of the non-prosecution policy at issue in this matter is not sufficient to establish that future prosecution of Plaintiffs is unlikely to recur.

23 Eylül 2012 Pazar

September 26/Minneapolis: Ballot Initiatives and Constitutional Change

There will be two proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot in Minnesota this November. Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie and Professor Justin Levitt of Loyola Law School in Los Angeles will discuss the history and recent developments in efforts to amend state constitutions around the country.
Title:
Ballot Initiatives and Constitutional Change
When/Where:
Wednesday, September 26, 2012 - 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Faegre Baker Daniels LLP
90 S. 7th Street 2200 Wells Fargo Center
Minneapolis, MN
RSVP:
http://www.acslaw.org/BallotIniativesConstitutionalChangeRSVP
Speakers:

Mark Ritchie, Minnesota Secretary of State
Justin Levitt, Associate Professor of Law, Loyola Law School Los Angeles; Author, "The New Wave of Election Regulation: Burden without Benefit"

By:
Chapter(s): William Mitchell College of Law, Minneapolis-St. Paul Lawyer Chapter, University of Minnesota Law School, University of St. Thomas School of Law
The Minneapolis-St. Paul Lawyer Chapter, University of St. Thomas School of Law, University of Minnesota Law School and William Mitchell College of Law Student Chapters of the American Constitution Society
Credit:
1.0 hours of Minnesota CLE credit pending
Lunch will be served
More:
http://www.acslaw.org/BallotIniativesConstitutionalChange

October 2/Sacramento: The Voting Wars - From Florida 2000 to the Next Election Meltdown - #MCLE

Richard L. Hasen

In 2000, just a few hundred votes out of millions cast in the state of Florida separated Republican presidential candidate Governor George W. Bush from his Democratic opponent, Vice President Al Gore. The outcome of the election rested on Florida's twenty-five electoral votes, and legal wrangling continued for thirty-six days. Then, abruptly, one of the most controversial Supreme Court decisions in history, Bush v. Gore, cut short the battle. Since the Florida debacle we have witnessed a partisan war over election rules. Election litigation has skyrocketed, and election time brings out inevitable accusations by political partisans of voter fraud and voter suppression. These allegations have shaken public confidence, as campaigns deploy “armies of lawyers” and the partisan press mobilizes when elections are expected to be close and the stakes are high.
Richard L. Hasen, a respected authority on election law, chronicles and analyzes the battles over election rules from 2000 to the present. From a nonpartisan standpoint he explores the rising number of election-related lawsuits and charges of voter fraud as well as the decline of public confidence in fair results. He explains why future election disputes will be worse than previous ones—more acrimonious, more distorted by unsubstantiated allegations, and amplified by social media.
Title:
The Voting Wars - From Florida 2000 to the Next Election Meltdown

When/Where:
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
12:00 p.m.
Nossamon LLP
621 Capitol Mall
25th Floor
Sacramento, CA
Preregistration:
http://www.acslaw.org/SacramentoTheVotingWarsBookEventRSVP
Speaker:
Richard L. Hasen, Chancellor's Professor of Law and Political Science, University of California, Irvine School of Law
By:
American Constitution Society
Credit:
This event has been approved for 1.0 hours of MCLE credit.
More:
http://www.acslaw.org/SacramentoTheVotingWarsBookEvent

Keys to Litigation Management Success - Part 2 - On-Demand #MCLE

Filmed at Trial.com's quarterly litigation conference, this program is comprised of the following presentations:

An Increasingly Popular Head Injury Claim: Disinhibition & Irresistible Impulses - With 1.7 million traumatic brain injuries ("TBI") annually in the U.S., plaintiffs are now blaming TBI for lack of restraint, disregard for social conventions, impulsivity and poor risk assessment. Trial lawyer Jerry Glas will describe the phenomenon and educate in-house counsel about what to look for, where to find it, and how to explain accountability.
Thinking Off The Page: When Traditional Approaches Must Yield To Innovative Resolution Methods - Trial lawyer David King brings new thinking to the old idea that lawsuits must follow a pre-set path. He presents methods that streamlined and successfully resolved scores of cases arising out of common facts, while eliminating duplicative legal presentations and witness testimony, minimizing legal fees and settlement costs, and managing attendant public relations fall-out.

Title:
Keys to Litigation Management Success - Part 2
When/Where:
On-Demand Recording
Speakers:

Jerry Glas is a partner of Deutsch, Kerrigan & Stiles and an Adjunct Professor at Loyola University Law School, teaching Trial Practice. Mr. Glas has tried more than seventy jury trials to verdict, and he has lectured locally and nationally on cross-examination and jury selection. He is the recipient of numerous honors and awards, and has developed an expertise in traumatic brain injury cases.
David King is a member of Bass Berry & Sims, where he leads the Products, Torts and Insurance Litigation Group. He has significant experience and success as a trial lawyer in federal and state court, and in arbitration and mediation proceedings. Over the course of his career, his practice has focused on healthcare, products liability and insurance litigation. In the wake of the financial crisis in recent years, David has expanded his practice to include broker-dealer and financial products litigation

By:
Lexvid
More:
http://www.lexvid.com/clevideos/view/62

October 11/Sunnyvale, CA: Human Trafficking #MCLE

SABA

Human trafficking is a complex, multi-faceted and global problem that manifests in many different ways and directly impacts thousands of individuals and companies here in Silicon Valley. The seminar will provide an overview of human trafficking related laws, compliance obligations and reporting requirements that impact high tech companies. In addition, the panel will address the federal statutes governing human trafficking crimes as well as the investigation and prosecution of federal human trafficking cases. The speakers will also provide tips on how to identify and assist trafficking survivors through the criminal process and the types of available immigration and civil legal remedies.
The Pro Bono Committees of the South Asian Bar Association of Northern California and the Santa Clara County Bar Association are pleased to co-sponsor a seminar that will offer insights on these thorny issues from diverse perspectives.
SCCBA and SABA thank NetApp for hosting this seminar.
Title:
Human Trafficking
When/Where:
October 11, 2012
6:00pm - 8:30pm
NetApp, Inc.
Sunnyvale, CA.
Speaker:

Cindy Liou is a staff attorney at Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach and coordinates the Human Trafficking Project at the agency. Cindy currently practices law in the areas of human trafficking, immigration law, family law, and domestic violence. Cindy has also co-counseled several civil litigation cases on behalf of human trafficking survivors. Before working at API Legal Outreach, Cindy practiced intellectual property law and handled a variety of pro bono cases at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, ranging from asylum to police misconduct cases.
Owen Martikan is an Assistant United States Attorney for the Northern District of California in San Francisco, where he has worked since February, 2004. He is the Human Trafficking Coordinator and Project Safe Childhood Coordinator for the District, and prosecutes criminal cases under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, as well as federal criminal laws addressing child exploitation. He has prosecuted cases involving child sex trafficking, forced labor, sex tourism, aggravated child sexual abuse, and the production and distribution of child pornography.
Jennifer Shepherd leads Canyon Snow’s corporate social responsibility and environmental affairs practices. She is a recognized authority on the business implications of CSR initiatives, and routinely consults and speaks on how to make these a living and profitable part of business strategy. Clients rely on her for strategic and technical guidance in designing and implementing effective programs that create customer and stakeholder value. Before co-founding Canyon Snow in 2005, Jennifer was responsible for corporate environmental affairs at Solectron, an $18 billion manufacturer, where she developed and implemented the company’s global environmental strategy, applied emerging legislative requirements to the business needs of customers, and led a $2 billion manufacturing plant to ISO14001 certification.

Credits:
1.5 General CLE Credits
Cost:
This seminar is free to pro bono volunteers who have volunteered to staff two clinics in 2012, or new volunteers who or sign up to staff two SABA legal clinics between October 1, 2012 and April 30, 2013.
Registration:
www.123signup.com/register?id=sntbj
Check the volunteer schedule on the SABA pro bono website, www.southasianbar.org/committees/pro-bono-committee, and contact probono@southasianbar.org to let them know which dates you wish to volunteer.
More:
https://m360.sccba.com/event.aspx?eventID=58953&instance=0
http://www.southasianbar.org/
http://www.alrp.org/events/mcle-training-human-trafficking

October 24/Saint Paul: Baseball and the Rule of Law #MCLE

Professor Paul Finkelman, currently visiting at Duke and a faculty member at Albany Law School, is a prominent legal historian, constitutional law professor, and scholar on the law of baseball, with 30 books and over 150 scholarly articles to his name.

More information about this CLE will be posted soon. Check back for details!

Title:
Baseball and the Rule of Law CLE
When/Where:
October 24, 2012
4:30:00 PM - 5:30:00 PM
Klas Center, Kay Fredericks Room
1536 Hewitt Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55104-1284
Sponsor:
Public Law Community
Contact:
Deb Lange at dlange@hamline.edu or 651-523-2122
More:
http://law.hamline.edu/Eventsdetail.aspx?id=4294979137

Hostility To Religious Practices Rises In Many Countries, Including U.S.

On Thursday, the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life released a third in a series of reports on the extent to which governments and societies around the world restrict religious practices. This latest report, titled Rising Tide of Restrictions on Religion, traces changes in religious restrictions from mid-2009 to mid-2010. As of mid-2010, eighteen countries had very high levels of governmental restrictions on religion, while 15 countries had high levels of non-governmental social hostility. Between 2009 and 2010, 66% of countries showed an overall increase in difficulties faced by religious groups, while 28% showed a decrease. For the year, the United States showed a significant increase in both governmental restrictions and social hostility. According to the report:

This included incidents in which individuals were prevented from wearing certain religious attire or symbols, including beards, in some judicial settings or in prisons, penitentiaries or other correctional facilities.... Some religious groups in the U.S. also faced difficulties in obtaining zoning permits to build or expand houses of worship, religious schools or other religious institutions.... [A]t least one state sought to restrict the application of Islamic or sharia law. And, for the first time, [it was] ... reported that some level of government in the U.S. had imposed limits on conversion... [A]t the Southport Correctional Facility, an ultra-maximum security prison near Elmira, N.Y.,... a prisoner was denied the right to change his religious designation to Muslim.

.... A key factor behind the increase in the U.S. score on the Social Hostilities Index was a spike in religion-related terrorist attacks in the United States.... Other forms of social hostilities ... also increased.... In Murfreesboro, Tenn. ... some county residents attempted to block the construction of a mosque ... by claiming ... that Islam is a “political ideology rather than a religion” and that “mosques are political rather than religious in nature..... The increase in social hostilities in the U.S. also reflects a rise in the number of reported religion-related workplace discrimination complaints....

[Thanks to First Things blog for the lead.]

Catholic Church In Australian State Reports To Parliament On Past Child Sex Abuse Data

In the Australian state of Victoria, the state Parliament's Family and Community Development Committee is conducting an inquiry on the handling of child abuse by religious and other organizations. The deadline for submissions of written statements and reports to the Committee was Friday. In a press release Friday, the Archbishop of Melbourne announced on that he would file a report titled Facing the Truth on behalf of the leaders of the Catholic Church in Victoria. While the full report has not been publicly released, the press release says that:

In the past 16 years, about 620 cases of criminal child abuse have been upheld by the Church in Victoria. Most claims relate to incidents from 30 and up to 80 years ago. The Church has received very few complaints of abuse that has taken place since 1990.

The press release also renews the Church's apology to victims and says the report details the changes that have been made in dealing with victims and offenders. The Australian reports on the largely critical reactions of victims and their advocates to the Church's report.

German Bishops Decree Consequences For Catholics Who Opt Out of Church Taxes

Germany's Conference of Catholic Bishops on Thursday issued a Decree and Pastoral letter providing that those who opt out of Germany's church tax will be ineligible to participate in a wide variety of Church sacraments and activities. (Press release and links to full text of documents in German.) Germans who register with the government as Catholics, Protestants or Jews are assessed an additional 8% to 9% of their income tax bill to support their religious organizations. However Germans can avoid this additional tax by filing a declaration with their local tax office stating that they are leaving their faith community. Growing numbers are filing this opt out. This threatens the 5 billion Euros ($6.5 billion US) realized by the Catholic Church from the tax. In their latest decree (which was approved in advance by the Vatican), the German bishops say that "one cannot partly leave the Church." According to Reuters, the decree provides that:

Catholics who leave can no longer receive sacraments, except for a special blessing before death, the decree states.

They cannot work in the church or its institutions, such as schools and hospitals, or be active in church-sponsored associations such as charity groups or choirs.

They cannot be godparents for Catholic children and must get a bishop's permission to marry a Catholic in a church ceremony. "If the person who left the Church shows no sign of repentance before death, a religious burial can be refused.

[Thanks to Scott Mange for the lead.]

Juvenile Court's Vaccination Order Did Not Violate Mother's Free Exercise Rights

In Schenker v. County of Tuscarawas, (ND OH, Sept. 14, 2012), an Ohio federal district court rejected a mother's claim that a state juvenile court infringed her free exercise rights by requiring her children to be vaccinated in violation of her religious beliefs. The state court's order came as part of proceedings finding the children neglected and dependent and placing them in the custody of child welfare authorities.

Illinois Appeals Court Issues Narrow Injunction Protecting Pharmacists' Conscience Rights

In Morr-Fitz, Inc. v. Quinn, (IL App., Sept. 20, 2012), an Illinois appellate court narrowed the scope of an injunction that had been issued by a trial court preventing enforcement of an Illinois State Pharmacy Board rule requiring pharmacies to dispense Plan B and other forms of emergency contraception. (See prior posting.) Avoiding the constitutional issues, the appellate court held that Illinois' Health Care Right of Conscience Act applies to pharmacists and pharmacies and protects plaintiffs' decisions not to dispense emergency contraceptives due to their conscience beliefs. However the trial court's injunction barring enforcement of the rule even against non-objecting pharmacies was held to be overly broad. The appellate court concluded: "We modify the injunction so it enjoins defendants from enforcing the Current Rule against these plaintiffs, who have conscience-based objections to the Current Rule." The Chicago Tribune reports on the decision.

Why is William J Kelly's campaign for Comptroller so important?

In view of the fact that the Comptroller shows no record of Illinois tax dollars being given to ACORN, I would say that is one of the big reasons William J. Kelly's campaign is so important.

Despite what the left-wing media has claimed, the state of Illinois does have official relationships with scandal-plagued ACORN. A 2008 report from the Illinois Housing Development Authority showed that ACORN's housing subsidiary received a $100,000 grant from the agency to build its Predatory Lending Database Program. Somehow, this grant just happens to not appear in the Illinois Comptroller's database.

"Somehow"? And why isn't someone investigating this?

Friends of William J. Kelly

BREAKING NEWS: KELLY CONFRONTS GIANNOULIAS ON ACORN-TAINTED SEIU ENDORSEMENT

“Since Tuesday, Rich Miller’s Capitol Fax blog has been attacking me and my campaign for Illinois Comptroller without the opportunity for counterpoint. We produced a video piece questioning U.S. Senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias on the appropriateness of his SEIU endorsement and its ties to ACORN. It is interesting that a well-known political writer like Miller would resort to ridicule to devalue and undermine free speech – mine or my supporters i.e. outsiders capable of real reform. Regardless, I see no reason to play by the rules, especially when the truth is not being told. That is supposed to be the media’s job. I will make no apologies for being aggressive on behalf of the truth.”

“Miller wonders why I focus my attention on Alexi Giannoulias when I am running for Illinois Comptroller? It’s simple. Substantively, all of Illinois’ problems can be traced to the deeply rooted culture of nepotism and political entitlement by the sons and daughters of senators, bank presidents, assorted elites and hacks. As treasurer, Giannoulias has messed up Illinois’ finances and now he wants a promotion to the U.S. Senate. But anybody that has had to live and work in the real world knows that when you lose $85 million, especially for Illinois families, you are in no position to ask for a promotion. Alexi’s deputy treasurer, Raja Krishnamoorthi is already an announced candidate for Illinois Comptroller. The circle of insiders has to end in order for Illinois to have real reform and that story is not being told.”

“The media will attack me as just a TV host trying to be a politician. However, I have been an anti-tax advocate and activist for years. I could be very happy to sit back and continue to grow my TV projects that I have worked very hard to create. Unlike many in the Chicago inner circle, nothing has been handed to me on a silver platter. But, as a lifelong resident of Chicago and truly love it and the state of Illinois, I cannot sit back and watch as the elites further destroy our state.”

“With every new political scandal in the state of Illinois, we have to redefine the definition of rock bottom. ACORN-SEIU connections, both Illinois and nationally, have the potential to go beyond anything we have seen thus far. As Comptroller, I promise to investigate why our state is bankrupt, where has the money gone, and what has been the role of these shady associations with ACORN, SEIU, and other special interests.”

“We have an excellent opportunity to turn this state around. None of this should be a partisan issue. If that sounds “strange” by Rich Miller’s standards, then, I’ll take it.”

Go get 'em Bill!

Illinois Driver's License Fee To Go Up: Quinn's Idea of "Stimulus"

Well...they need to get the money they've already blown from somewhere.

Driver's license renewal fees to rise -WGN Chicago Breaking News

SPRINGFIELD -- For more than 25 years, it has cost Illinoisans 10 dollars to renew their driver's licenses. That is about to change.

On Oct. 11, the cost of renewing a standard Illinois driver's license jumps from the $10 in effect since 1983 to $30.

The hike in the renewal fee came as lawmakers and Gov. Pat Quinn raised a number of taxes and fees in order to pay for a $30 billion program to build roads, schools and bridges.

Quinn and lawmakers touted the construction plan for its potential to generate jobs during the recession. However, Secretary of State Jesse White says he doesn't want to be blamed for the fee increases as drivers pour into his offices.

White is seeking re-election to his post.

-- Associated Press

Hey William J. Kelly - WHY DON'T YOU SHUT UP?

Now Kelly is calling for "Chairman Brady" to "disavow" the "Dodge/Topinka smear campaign"....why Brady should disavow something that doesn't exist is beyond me...the "smear campaign" is something -like his popularity and fabricated polling numbers-that Kelly has manufactured...much like Axelrod's PK and Media manufactures news. Martin Janis is the Topinka equivalent of AKP&D Message and Media. How can you "smear someone with the truth? How can someone be smeared with information they themselves put out on the internet?

Here's a question for you - where do you suppose "Low Blow Joe" came from?

It came from Nancy Kimme...and there is your Topinka connection...it goes right back to Kelly. BINGO.

Bill can call and cry to whoever he wants at this point...the more he blabbers, the more he is revealing.

If Kelly does something stupid, I'm going to call attention to it. He wants people that criticize him to shut up...which is all the more reason to raise objections to the schtick.

Nice job, Bill, say hi to Nancy from the REAL conservatives that Judy hates!!!

Obama's "birth certificate" - the devil's in the details

The “Certificate of Hawaiian Birth” is a portion of the Hawaiian “birth certificate” program that family members may have used to register a young Barack Obama as a US Citizen, during the era Hawaii was transitioning from being a US territory to statehood.

For the purposes of this article, it should be noted that there are several different types of "birth certificates" that Hawaii uses to show proof of birth:

- Certification of Live Birth
- Certificate of Live Birth
- Certificate of Delayed Birth
- Certificate of Hawaiian Birth

Another very important point to note is that a “Certification of Live Birth” is an abbreviated version of the birth record on file with the Hawaiian Department of Health. The root document(s), could be: a) a true “Certificate of Live Birth”; b) a “Late Birth Certificate” with or without modifications; or c) a “Certificate of Hawaiian Birth.”

To be distinct and precise in terminology, there is no official document called a “birth certificate” in Hawaii. The term is loosely used to describe a certificated proof of birth. (In fact, if you take a look at your “birth certificate” that you may have tucked away in a safe place, it probably says, “Certificate of Live Birth” at the very top of the form.)

The “Certificate of Live Birth,” sometimes called the “long form,” or “vault copy” birth certificate shows details such as the hospital, doctor or midwife’s names, witness signatures, etc. This, by the way, is what John McCain released earlier in the year to the general public:

Since this summer, Obama has shown the “Certification of Live Birth” on his website.

The computer-generated “Certification of Live Birth” is used by the state of Hawaii IN LIEU OF the “Certificate of Live Birth,” or if originally filed, a “Delayed Certificate of Birth,” or even a “Certificate of Hawaiian Birth.” For verification purposes, however, the “Certification of Live Birth” does not indicate which birth record “root document(s)” that the Certification is based upon.

Hawaiian “birth certificate” history

Few official birth certificates existed at the turn of the century, and the few that were filed may have listed only the person’s first name. Hawaiian law established the “Certificate of Hawaiian Birth” program in 1911. The program permitted a person born in Hawaii who was one year or older, and whose birth had not been previously registered in Hawaii, to be registered by a family or guardian. Hawaii had just been annexed in 1898 and was a US territory, so documenting residents made sense. With families moving between the islands, or having children without the aid of a hospital or doctor, the “Certificate of Hawaiian Birth” allowed the new territory to capture names for census, voting, property ownership and of course, taxation.

The “Certificate of Hawaiian Birth” application was a very basic form which was little more than a personal affidavit and might have little if any verifiable info of the birth. For example, Sun Yat-sen, Chinese revolutionary and political leader often referred to as the “Father of Modern China,” was able to file a “Certificate of Hawaiian Birth” application and immigrate to the US in 1904 using the form.

Once processed, Sun Yat-sen’s application became a true "Certificate of Hawaiian Birth":

As the decades passed, the “Certificate of Hawaiian Birth” Application and Certification process became more formalized. For example, this is the 1946 “Certificate of Hawaiian Birth” application from Masayoshi Mitose, credited for having brought Kenpo martial arts to the US in the 1930s:

As is evident on Mitose’s supplemental data seems to indicate, the more detailed the support documentation, the greater likelihood the certificate would be accepted by the Secretary of Hawaii, and later, the Department of Health.

When Hawaii became a state in 1959, there were many people residing there who may not have had a filed birth certificate, but did possess a “Certificate of Hawaiian Birth.” Any person to whom a “Certificate of Hawaiian Birth” had been issued could request to amendment, including a legal change of name, via a “Late Birth Certificate.”

By applying for a “Late Birth Certificate” issued in lieu of a “Certificate of Hawaiian Birth,” changes could be made to the official records of that person that were filed using the previously-submitted form. The “Late Birth Certificate” would be treated more like the more-legitimate “Certificate of Live Birth,” even though several years may have passed, memories faded and accounts changed regarding the events surrounding the birth.

To make changes to the “birth certificate” on file, an applicant would be required to submit documentary evidence of the birth facts, often in the form of a questionnaire and affidavits, to support the registration of the “Late Certificate of Birth.” On a small island, in a time devoid of computers and databases, verification was a little harder to come by than today. Also almost like a small town, people knew each other and were probably not highly suspicious of forgery or incomplete birth records.

Once approved, the “Late Birth Certificate” would be registered in the official birth records in place of the “Certificate of Hawaiian Birth.” Under existing policy, the “Certificate of Hawaiian Birth” and supplementary data would then be surrendered to the Department of Health, assumedly to be archived.

The “Certificate of Hawaiian Birth” Program was terminated in 1972 when, among other reasons, the law required the U.S. Social Security Administration to issue Social Security numbers and to obtain more stringent evidence of age and citizenship or alien status and identity. It is not publically known how many citizens possess the “Certificate of Hawaiian Birth,” or how many people used Hawaiian law to modify their birth records to reflect a “Certificate of Delayed Birth” on file in place of the previous form.

American citizenship has always been seen as being highly sought after for political freedom and economic opportunity. Laws similar the “Certificate of Hawaiian Birth” existed for Guam and other American territories.

By today’s standards, compared to the “Certificate of Hawaiian Birth” era of non-computerized record keeping of 1972 and before, it would seem relatively difficult to “slip in” using Hawaiian law to prove US Citizenship, especially if the child had not be born on Hawaii.

However, even today’s Hawaiian state law provides for the issuance of “birth certificates” if the child is born out of state, and potentially out of the US, as long as the legal parents can show Hawaii as their legal residence:

[§338-17.8] Certificates for children born out of State.
(a) Upon application of an adult or the legal parents of a minor child, the director of health shall issue a birth certificate for such adult or minor, provided that proof has been submitted to the director of health that the legal parents of such individual while living without the Territory or State of Hawaii had declared the Territory or State of Hawaii as their legal residence for at least one year immediately preceding the birth or adoption of such child. (emphasis added)

How this affects Barack Obama

Barack Obama, born in 1961, has shown the world his “short form birth certificate,” or “Certification of Live Birth”:

For comparison, here’s an example of the more-detailed “vault copy” of a “Certificate of Live Birth”:

A very important point to note is that a “Certification of Live Birth” is an abbreviated version of the birth record on file with the Hawaiian Department of Health. The root document(s), could be: a) a true “Certificate of Live Birth”; b) a “Late Birth Certificate” with or without modifications; or c) a “Certificate of Hawaiian Birth.”

A “Certification of Live Birth” may reflect data that had been changed over time, and does not provide corroborated testimony such as dates, locations, change in paternal identification, and witnesses. Any record that amendments had been submitted and information changed is not shown on the “Certification of Live Birth,” which is laser printed on special green stock paper, and lacks detailed information that would be expected from a true “Certificate of Hawaiian Birth,” or “Certificate of Delayed Birth.”

Recent Statements Regarding Obama's "Birth Certificate"

Knowing the intricacies of the Hawaiian “birth certificate” adds mystery instead of resolution with Obama birth record critics, especially when applied to statements provided by Hawaiian officials before the Presidential election.

On Oct. 31, after being inundated by requests for more details about Obama’s birth records, Department of Health Director Dr. Chiyome Fukino said she and registrar of vital statistics, Alvin Onaka, had personally verified that the Health Department possesses Obama's original birth certificate.

"Therefore, I as Director of Health for the State of Hawai‘i, along with the Registrar of Vital Statistics who has statutory authority to oversee and maintain these type of vital records, have personally seen and verified that the Hawai‘i State Department of Health has Sen. Obama’s original birth certificate on record in accordance with state policies and procedures," Fukino said.

The cryptic and carefully-worded statement offered no true details of the “birth certificate,” and leads to more questions than answers among critics. In July, when Barack Obama’s Certification of Live Birth” was first distributed publically on the internet, Hawaiian Department of Health spokeswoman Janice Okubo simply asserted to the St. Petersburg Times, “it’s a valid Hawaii state birth certificate.”

Although officials are on record that there is an original “birth certificate” held by the state, and that it is correctly filed according to Hawaii state directives. However, the specifics of the type of “birth certificate” records on file, with modifications, as well as the details and accounts of witnesses, is still unknown at this time.

Credibility of the " Certification of Live Birth"

The computer-generated “Certification of Live Birth” was first used in November 2001 to allow the State of Hawaii to pull up birth records quicker for people requesting a “birth certificate” in person. At the very bottom of the form are the words, “This copy serves as prima facia evidence of the fact of birth in any court proceeding.” [HRS 338-13(b), 338-19]."

However, despite this written notice on the form, some Hawaii state agencies do not accept the “Certification of Live Birth” as irrefutable verification of Hawaiian birth. There have been numerous cases when the Hawaii Family Court System required more detailed data for paternity suits. Additionally, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands provides the following guidelines to Hawaiian natives applying for Hawaiian Home Lands homestead:

The primary documents used to show you are of age and a qualified native Hawaiian are:
- A certified copy of Certificate of Birth;
- A certified copy of Certificate of Hawaiian Birth, including testimonies; or
- A certified copy of Certificate of Delayed Birth.

“In order to process your application, DHHL utilizes information that is found only on the original Certificate, which is either black or green. This is a more complete record of your birth than the Certification of Live Birth (a computer-generated printout). Submitting the original Certificate will save you time and money since the computer-generated Certification requires additional verification by DHHL.” (emphasis added)

Additionally, the “Certification of Live Birth” is not recognized by many Federal agencies. DoD 5220.22-M, the "National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual," provides baseline standards for the protection of classified information released or disclosed from the military, Department of Energy, and other agencies, to industry. Section 2-208states that acceptable certificates must show that the birth record was filed shortly after birth. If a “Delayed Birth Certificate” is on file, it must be supported by secondary evidence of birth, such as baptismal or circumcision certificates, hospital birth records, or affidavits of persons having personal knowledge about the facts of birth.

Even to work at the Navy Ship Yard in Pearl Harbor, the August 2008 version of the, “Unified Facilities Guide Specifications,” section 1.5.22.2 allows for a total of 18 different means to verify US citizenship, ranging from a military ID card to even a “Hawaii certificate of foreign birth.” The “Certification of Live Birth” is not on the list of approved documents acceptable for proof of Citizenship.

Persisting questions and Constitutional Problems

Although some vetting took place in summer 2008 after Barrack Obama’s “Certification of Live Birth,” most media outlets and online bloggers failed to explore the unique aspects and varieties of Hawaiian “birth certificates.” Unfortunately, the birth certificate issue may cause a Constitutional crisis if Obama is determined to be other than a “Natural Born Citizen,” as Article 2, Section 1, Clause 5 of the US Constitution requires.

One potential problem might involve a name change to “Barry Soetoro” when attending elementary school in Indonesia, which may have occurred if there was an amendment in Obama’s birth record. Some accounts of Obama’s youth indicate his name may have been changed to. A name change would also need to be legally registered in court.

Verbal accounts by some of Obama’s family reportedly indicate Obama’s birthplace was either Kapiolani or Queens Hospital in Hawaii on Aug. 8, 1961. However, no birthing records reportedly can be found in either of the two hospitals, and no records seem to exist that list Obama’s mother, Stanley Ann Dunham, as a patient at either hospital. Also, no medical staff has come forward to offer affidavits of Obama’s birth. A birth announcement appeared in the Aug. 13, 1963 edition of the Honolulu Advertiser, however, it’s not definitive if the announcement was placed by the Department of Vital Statistics or a family member. If the latter is true, it’s plausible that Obama and mother may not have been on the island at the time of birth.

Depending on the events and timing, the “birth certificate” issue could impact the outcome of the Presidential election if Obama’s records are incomplete and do not match the name on Certified ballots. State Secretary of State laws differ on this subject, but could have an effect on Electoral Collage delegates and how they might be allowed to vote on Dec. 15.

At this time, at least 17 lawsuits are pending in various state and federal courts. Additionally, it’s been rumored online that some Electoral College delegates may make requests to see details of Obama’s birth records. Some court cases are destined to be dismissed, while others may lead to a final show-down between Obama and his birth certificate critics.

According to a lawsuit by Philip Berg that is before the Supreme Court on appeal, Berg states that Obama’s mother was in Kenya during her pregnancy, and was prevented from flying back to Hawaii because of flight restrictions to prevent births in flight. Berg alleges Obama’s paternal grandmother, half-brother, and half-sister have stated that Obama was born in Kenya. Shortly after giving birth, Obama’s mother flew to Hawaii to register the birth. Justice Souter dismissed the case on Nov. 3. However, Supreme Court rules state that “any brief in opposition shall be filed within 30 days after the case is placed on the docket.” All parties, the Democratic National Committee, the Federal Elections Committee, Obama, and others are to respond to the court case dismissed by the Third Circuit by December 1.

Additional credibility issues arise depending on the details of Obama’s “vault copy” birth certificate and how it would hold up to a Constitutional challenge of Natural Born Citizenship. As former Ambassador and 2008 Presidential candidate Alan Keyes outlines in his pending lawsuit with the California Secretary of State: “a Certificate of Hawaiian Birth was the result of the uncorroborated testimony of one witness and was not generated by a hospital. Such a Certificate could be obtained up to one year from the date of the child’s birth. For that reason, its value as prima facie evidence is limited and could be overcome if any of the allegations of substantial evidence of birth outside Hawaii can be obtained.”

In a lesser-known case with potentially earth shattering consequences, the US Supreme Court is set to have a closed-door Conference to evaluate if they wish to further explore the Constitutional-status of Barack Obama, John McCain and Roger Calero as Natural Born Citizens. In contrast to Keyes case and more than a dozen cases pending on the Presidential election, Leo C. Donofrio uniquely alleges Obama’s dual citizenship status at birth with the US and Kenya is prohibited by the Framers of the Constitution because of their concern of “divided loyalties” and “foreign influence.” The case of Donofrio vs. the New Jersey Secretary of State, has the potential to put the final election results on hold, leading up to Electoral College voting on Dec. 15, and Inauguration Day on Jan. 20.

Immediately before Thanksgiving Day, another appeal was added to the US Supreme Court which directly challenges the “Certification of Live Birth” that appears on Obama's website. In the case, Cort Wrotnowski alleges Connecticut Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz should not have placed Obama’s name on the ballot without verifying the authenticity of Obama’s birth certificate. “It’s a fundamental point, which is this document has not been produced,” Wrotnowski said. “I’m not the first, not the last, just among a growing number of people across the country who’ve become distressed about the lack of disclosure.”

Conclusion

Given many the many rumors swirling about Barack Obama’s youth, his and his mother’s travels between Africa, Indonesia, Hawaii and Washington State, his father’s Kenyan citizenship, family eye-witness accounts that Barack was born in Kenya, and other inconsistencies, speculation on the known facts is rampant. Critics estimate Obama and his campaign has spent nearly $1 million dodging the issue of the details behind his “birth certificate.”

Critics should be asking the correct questions with their requests to see the "birth certificate." As this article has shown, the root document(s) may be something other than a true “Certificate of Live Birth.”

To have a FULL accounting, the "birth certificate" is NOT enough. The ENTIRE "birth record" on file with the Secretary of Health Vital Statistics Office, as well as any archived files with the former "Secretary of Hawaii" (as was the procedure under the Organic Act of 1900), should be examined to determine if a “Late Birth Certificate” with modifications, or a “Certificate of Hawaiian Birth” is present or has been archived away from the "vault copy." It's entirely possible there are older "versions" and different types of birth certifications stored in Archive, at different locations "below" the top, most current certificate being used today.

Even in the event of an adoption, which is a possibility, the entire records can still be unsealed with a court order so that officials who have the Constitutional requirement to verify a candidate's qualifications may review the document. This is not to conduct a "witch hunt" -- but should be done in the venue of "due diligence," to put this issue to rest.

To silence the questions of his birth records and citizenship, as well as lessen his legal jeopardy in regard to his eligibility to hold the office of President, perhaps Obama’s best course of action would seem that he reveals the details of his birth record. In doing so, he would be able to put to rest doubts that have hounded him for years. Leaving the questions unanswered may well taint the legitimacy of his Presidency for years to come.