A Lesson in Fractured Politics (and 10 Common Sense Solutions)

We've often discussed how America is no longer a Constitutional or democratic Republic over the years. America, as you know, is an Corporatocracy , run by an Oligarchy comprised small clique of very rich individuals who are pulling the political strings of this country.  As various academic studies have shown, the average taxpayer in this country has a statistically probably of zero percent of having any real influence on Congress. 

Compare this with corporations, who spend millions on lobbyists and millions more on financing campaigns and underwriting politicians, who have a near 100% likelihood of success in getting what they want from Congress (not to mention the fact that the same corporate lobbyists actually write the legislation they want passed). 

In 2020, 55 corporations alone spent $450 million dollars over three campaign cycles and sent 526 lobbyists to Washington to make sure they got what they wanted..and paid for..  So, is it any wonder that the majority of these same companies not only pay nothing in taxes, but often get back millions of taxpayer dollars?

Just so you don't think that only one party is to blame, remember that these lobbyists cater to both sides of aisle. The top two House and Senate Democrat committees received $1.45 million dollars while the same committees on the Republican side were given $1.3 million. In exchange for enabling them to avoid federal taxes, these same 55 corporations got back $3.5 billion dollars in paid taxes and avoided another $8.5 billion in potential taxes.

Who are these companies?  While you could just go down the list of major Wall Street companies, a few stand out. One is Archer Daniels Midland, the giant food conglomerate. They made $438 million dollars in pre-tax profit. Not only did they avoid paying any federal taxes, they actually got a tax rebate of $164  million dollars. Athletic apparel maker, Nike, made $2.9 billion dollars and paid nothing in federal taxes. Instead, they got a rebate of $109 million dollars.

FedEx earned a profit of $1.2 billion dollars and received a rebate of $230 million dollars. Of course, there are many more, and these don't even include companies like Exxon, Facebook, Apple, Netflix, Chevron, General Motors  and others like them who either paid no federal taxes, or next to nothing.

Of course, each one will tell you that they paid what taxes they were obligated to paid. But what they won't tell you is how their lobbyists, either directly or through trade and professional associations, were able to lobby members of Congress into sponsoring bills they (the lobbyists) wrote or helped write and shepherded through the various committees and onto the House and/or Senate floor for a final vote.

I'll Take Two Congressmen and Hold the Mayo

According to OpenSecrets, in 2020, lobbyists paid out $14,869,908 to Democrats and $14,175,224 to Republicans (the average "donation" was about $30,000). Another $129,095 went to other individuals such as senior staffers. Of the money given, almost all of it went to incumbents. Now, do you want to know who was the beneficiaries in 2020? Well, I'll tell you.

In 2020, the top beneficiary of Corporate America's largess was none other than Joe Biden who received $776,590.  David Purdue (R-GA) got $712,710. Kelly Loeffler (R-GA) took in $593,330. Next was Thom Tillis (R-NC) who was gifted $558,702. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) saw $537,229 in donations from lobbyists. Among other notables, Donald Trump (R) received only $269,112. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) got $153,936. Dick Durbin (D-IL) picked up $145,600 while Liz Cheney (R-WY) saw $123,170.  Chuck Schumer (D-NY) got $116,463.

Now, while this might not seem like a lot, remember this was just one election cycle and doesn't include any in-kind contributions, nor does it include any monies donated by corporate lobbyists to various partisan committees (such as the National Republican Senatorial Committee which received $2,771,454  or Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee which took in $1,111,816).

Often these committees redirect money to certain campaigns, "Leadership Committees", or political action committees (aka PACs) which are set up to avoid donation caps and, in many cases, are designed to give the false impression of widespread popular support for some issue or candidate.

I would be remiss not to point out that most members of Congress put in an average 10 -12 hour day, of which over half is typically used not on "the People's business" as Nancy Pelosi likes to say, but on fundraising either for themselves, the party, a committee or PAC. As for writing bills, that's all subbed out to corporate lobbyists.

There should be no question in your minds that are Republic is gone. We have no one in Washington, or our state capitols, or even City Hall writing legislation for us. We the People can't even remotely hope to raise the kind of money that Corporate America does. Even unions can't compete. The best they can do is raising one dollar for every five dollars Wall Street gives. Such was the folly of Citizens United and unbelievable ignorance and political naiveté of the Chief Justices.

With gerrymandering practically guaranteeing a particular candidate's reelection and unlimited terms for most seats, who in their right mind can call this a democracy; a government of, by, and for the People?  To make matters worse, the same corporations which own government also own the media.

 That means they control and dictate content, and unless you have access to other sources of media outside the mainstream, you're not going to know what's really going on (as an aside, even your entertainment, be it music, movies, television, video game, or sports is controlled by the same folks. How does that make you feel---warm and fuzzy?). 

The House Always Wins

We're living in a dystopian society better constructed than the best SciFi author. Not even the great Ray Bradbury, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Frank Herbert, Isaac Asimov, or George Orwell could have come up with this, although they came close! The question (indeed, the only real question which matters) is what, if anything, we can do about it?

I think that at some deep level, we already have a sense of what needs to be done. We know the system is broke beyond repair. "Reform" at this point would be like trying to duck tape the Titanic. I don't think even Flex Seal will work! First, we need to stop thinking like partisans. We're Americans first, last, and foremost. Second, we have to accept the fact that the Founding Fathers were right when it came to political parties---they're wrong for society. They serve an interest which isn't the American People.

Third, we need to register to vote and encourage others to vote. In fact, voter registration should be automatic when you turn 18. As an aside, yes, we need photo IDs to vote. It doesn't discriminate against anyone except those trying to rig elections. A picture ID is the only way to ensure the right people shows up to vote. We need to go back to paper ballots. They weren't always perfect, and they took a bit longer, but they were harder to manipulate.

Elections need to be held either on the weekend or it should be a federal holiday. Fourth, we need voter initiatives and referendums. It's our right as citizens to place issues on the ballot, which is why career politicians fear them. Fifth, we need term limits to end career politicians and the accompanying cronyism.

Next, we need to end gerrymandering. Politicians shouldn't be allowed to pick their voters. Seventh, we need Rank Choice Voting to ensure we get the best choices available. Eighth, we must have a level political field. That means that the same rules apply for Independent and third party candidates as it does for partisan ones.

If a Democrat or Republican need just three signatures to get on the ballot, then why should a Independent or third party candidate need a hundred or a thousand (or more, depending on the office)? It's discrimination and it's illegal. Additionally, the public deserves to hear all points of view. Therefore, all candidates on the ballot should be included in all debates.

 Ninth, no political office should be partisan. When you're elected, you are elected to serve everyone, not just those of your party. As it is now, if someone outside your party is elected for your district, you aren't represented for the length of that term.  You also get the privilege of still having to pay taxes despite not being represented. Let that sink in!  All incoming office holders should resign from their political party in order to represent everyone in their district and community or state as a whole.

Finally, we absolutely must get corporate money out of politics. Citizens United was wrong. It effectively removed the ordinary citizen from having any influence in politics. It made Congress a de facto Millionaire's Club. We need to create other ways of financing elections, including public financing, free (but limited) TV and air time for candidates, and restricting the length of "campaign season" as a number of other countries do (many limit it to 60 or 90 days).

As an aside, speaking of campaign finance reform and the "Millionaire's Club" Congress, I thought you'd find this interesting. Remember those financial beneficiaries of lobbyists I mentioned above? Did you know that Kelly Loeffler's net worth is $500 million? David Perdue's is $15.9 million. Dick Durbin's $3 million. Mitch McConnell's is over $22.5 million. Nancy Pelosi's net worth is $120 million, while Thom Tillis' is about $10.5 million. Finally, Joe Biden's net worth is over $9 million. Don't sound like "common folk" to me. Do they to you? Oh, and there some whose net worth is far greater.

None of this isn't about scare mongering. This is reality. You can research it yourself just as I've done over many years. It's a lot of work, but there's a lot of us too. Pick one or two from the list above and get busy, or maybe come up with one of your own. But know that we can do it. We've overcome greater obstacles in our nation's past. We have to do this if we want our country and our Republic back. The alternative is to prepare for the long dark night that is surely to come. if you want to know more, check out the links below. They're a great way to start.

 

Corporations That Paid Zero Federal Income Tax Spent $400million in Lobbying

55 Corporations Paid $0 in Federal Taxes on 2020 Profits

60 Top Corporations Paid $0 Federal Tax Dollars Under TrumpTax Law

OpenSecrets: Lobbyists

OpenSecrets: Top Recipients of Contributions from Lobbyists2020

Not A Single Person in Congress Actually Writes Legislation or Laws. It's All Subbed Out to K Street

When Lobbyists Literally Write the Bill

Exposing More Political Dirty Tricks in Kentucky and Elsewhere

Apparently many of you have expressed interest in some of the more seemly ordinary everyday type of corruption which goes on at the campaign level. While I'm not sure why, perhaps because it's proximity and happens all around you, or if it's because of just how brazen it often it. Nevertheless, I will oblige your curiosity with some other examples that I'm aware of.

We've thus far discussed simple things like stealing yard signs, either outright or having the opposing camps (perhaps their supporters) place "bounties" on the signs. We've also talked about phony baloney newspaper and other types of endorsements, the use of "ringers" to draw votes away from the other side. We've also briefly ventured the area of vote buying, be it with cold cash or by willing voters a chicken dinner (which is oh so Kentucky). Of course, as in the old days, vote buying also consists of giving the voting accomplice liquor in exchange for their vote (or more accurately, votes) or hard cash.

As everyone knows, certain establishments are closed while the voting polls are open; establishments like liquor stores, bars, strip clubs, and so forth. One technique that used to be popular, and I'm sure remains so, is to go down to the local skid row and find a few willing volunteers who are willing to go vote in exchange for a pint of liquor (or these days, perhaps some other substance if it can be easily obtained). This technique works well where voter ID isn't used since the party hack has easy access to voter rolls and can tell by looking at the voter frequency just how often someone votes (often call "fidelity voting").

Since people's gender and age are also given, it's a simple matter of matching up your volunteer with, say three or four profiles, and take them around to the appropriate polling place. All the individual really needs to do is remember the name and address. After accomplishing their mission, it's just a matter of dropping them off and paying up. Sounds simple doesn't it? The volunteer isn't going to say anything. They got their booze. They're happy, and besides, vote buying is illegal. Vote buying is considered to be technically a "bribe", and can carry a fine of $10,000 and/or up to five years in jail. Obviously the reward doesn't justify the risk, but some will still try it.

One of the biggest curtailments to vote buying these days is voter ID. While some groups poo-poo the notion of showing a photo ID, claiming it causes some "undo" hardship on the voter, especially if they're a minority, the fact is that it doesn't. Nearly everyone has some form of photo ID these days, and if they don't (such people with no driver's license), a photo ID can still be easily obtained . In Kentucky, all you need is a social security card, a copy of your birth certificate, and a piece of postmarked mail with your address on it along with $12.00. The cards can be obtained at any of the County Clerks' Offices. Doesn't sound real difficult does it?

A similar, and perhaps more common form of voter fraud is as easy as taking a walk to the local cemetery. Seriously. While long considered to be something of a urban legend, the dead often find themselves remaining on voter rolls long after their death, while someone else shows up to vote in their name. Again, this is most common in places where a voter ID isn't required and where voter registries aren't regularly purged so that someone recently deceased, even five or eight years ago, remains on the voter registry. One of the most infamous cases of the dead voting is Lyndon Johnson's first senate race in 1948 in which approximately 202 dead Mexican-Americans voted at the last minute in Jim Wells County Texas. Oh, and they voted in alphabetical order! As an aside, it does seems that the dead tend to prefer Democrat candidates. Don't know why.

Another neat feature about requiring voter ID is that it cuts down on non-citizens from illegally voting, which is becoming a serious problem in a number of states which have large numbers of illegal immigrants. However, despite federal laws to the contrary, only 24 states are actually compliant with voting laws. Nevertheless, another disturbing trend is that some states and cities have started to allow illegal immigrants to vote in certain elections as part of their so-called "sanctuary" status. Personally, I think any state or locale which allows allow illegals to vote or for that matter, claims a "sanctuary" status and all that entails should forfeit any federal monies it receives.

Another "dirty trick" which is gaining in popularity is the good ole computer virus. Today every candidate has a web page. It's a common as having a palm card to pass out. However, websites can be easily disrupted several ways. First is the computer virus. One candidate I know had a very successful web page which was generating a lot of hits. So, a computer virus was sent to their website, hidden in a email as they usually are. Fortunately, this individual was able to detect it before opening and allowing the web page, which can cost several hundred dollars to create, to be destroyed. The candidate filed a complaint with the local party chairperson, but since this was a primary, the chairperson refused to get involved (except for the pleas not to release the incident to the local media in exchange for a promise to "investigate", which of course never happened). Apparently anything goes in primaries as Bernie Sanders recently discovered.

A similar trick is to try and overload the website with fake messages. Since every candidate wants to answer their email, a new trick is to get 10 or 15 individuals to send worthless emails demanding that the candidate personally respond. These individuals use different email addresses to make it look like there's more people than there really is. By keeping the candidate busy answering emails, it keeps them off the campaign trail. It can also create a situation where something the candidate writes can be used out of context, which often happens with speeches as we've all seen from TV commercials. Along the same lines, is trying to overload a candidates phone system in the same way.

However, if the opponent gets out on the campaign trail and starts out walking and knocking you, there is another common little trick which gets used a lot called "Pigeon-holding" (not "pigeonholing"). As a rule, a candidate has about 10 seconds from the time a prospective voter answers the door to make their pitch. After that, the average person tunes the candidate off and shuts the door. However, with pigeon-holding, the prospective voter is usually a friend or supporter of the opponent. Instead of letting the candidate make their 10 second spiel, they will keep asking questions. Of course, after usually getting a lot of doors slammed in their face, the candidate is delighted to have someone's full attention, except that it's a ruse.

Candidates deal in volume work. The more doors they knock on, the better the chances of getting votes. However, when they're pigeon-holed, they are kept in one spot for as long as possible, thus cutting down on the voters they meet. That usually helps their opponents who get the opportunity to knock on more door while their opponent is tied up. A variation on this trick is to also request signs, which candidates love to do since it shows support...and then "lose" the sign. They then contact the candidate or their headquarters and request another sign or two which of course also gets "misplaced", "stolen", or "destroyed" (usually they go out with the trash or are hidden behind the house or in the garage).

This will go on until the candidate or their staff gets wise to the ploy, but meanwhile they've cost the candidate money (remember, signs cost money) and time in delivering the signs (if you factor in the cost of assembling the signs---usually delivered in lots of 500 to 2000---as well as the costs of gas, the average yard sign cost about $5.00 each, and upward to $20 for the larger signs). As I previously mentioned, a certain candidate I know discovered that their signs---regular yard signs and the larger 3x5 signs were being stolen on a regular basis. They later learned that a public employee associated with the school system was paying students to steal the signs; $1.00 for the small signs and $5.00 for the bigger ones, plus $1.00 for each of the metal posts used to hold the 3x5 signs. That just breaks all sort of laws doesn't it? Then too, what moralistic lesson does that teach the students? By the way, most of the students involved were supposedly in Junior High School.

I have no doubt that these sorts of juvenile games are commonplace in just about every state, county, and burgh in the US. However do they really work? Actually, no. It's true that signs are a visible symbol of support and seeing a lot of signs for one particular candidate can be impressive, the fact is that signs don't vote nor do they necessarily persuade others to vote for that person. If someone has agreed to support you, stealing or defacing a yard sign won't change their mind. It will, however, tick them off and they will tell their neighbors and friends. Perhaps the most overlooked component to any campaign is word of mouth. People naturally tend to believe and trust what family and friends...and neighbors say about candidates, especially when one is believed to be trying to cheat or be underhanded. However, what yard signs do is reinforce name recognition which is important since that's all lesser informed many people seem to remember about the candidates.

Lastly (for this issue) is the ever popular rumor mill. Everyone who went through grade school knows the damage rumors can cause to someone's reputation. In fact, rumors tend to continue through school and sometimes even into one's place of employment (where it's given a thin veneer of respectability by being called the "gossip mill" or "grapevine"). Regardless, it largely the same. In politics, especially during elections it still happens except that it's often more subtle but every bit as vicious. Political rumors can be started in a infinite variety of ways, from "insider" leaks to the news media to little innuendos while talking to voters at the door or in a group. Sometimes they're in the form of a mailer or a radio or television spot (or even on the Internet).

Rumors are often hard to respond to since by the time you hear about them, they've been out there awhile. Therefore, some candidates strike first by putting out disclaimers up front and apologizing on behalf of their opponent for the lies that will likely be spread about them. Another example is a candidate who knew that their opponent had been lying about their record, took the unusual step of doing a side by side comparison of backgrounds---education, political or community, military and professional experience, and using both their opponent's own literature and public records. It caused quite a loud outcry from the opponent's camps. Not because it was untrue, but because the comparison made their candidate look bad!

However, while that's a positive example of dealing with rumors, most aren't so positive. Many rumors, founded or not, were floated around in Kentucky regarding an individual's alleged sexual orientation, despite being married with children (it was a "cover" so the rumor went). In fact, this happened to a few candidates who subsequently either lost or decided not to run. In New York this is what happened in a race between Ed Koch and Mario Cuomo in 1977 ("Cuomo not the homo"). Koch won by the way. Women often face far worse. From everything about their sexual orientation to being poor mothers or wives, to making sexual deals for campaign endorsements or contributions. However, it's been my experience that women can be far tougher than men when it comes to these sort of things. Perhaps it's because women have had a far more difficult time in the workplace than men and have had to endure more and work harder for the same respect (and money) given to men.

One way to help stave off some of these rumors is to be pro-active. By that I mean requesting a police background check and even requesting the FBI do the same thing. This provides added, and impartial, information to refute most claims. An employer reference, as well as references from respected community leaders (especially those who don't have anything to gain or lose with your election) are great. Another suggestion is having a generic rebuttal letter, radio, or television spot ready to go in an instant. Also, have a generic press release ready to go as well. That allows the candidate to get out in front of the issue before it gets out of hand, and buys time to prepare a more specific response.

Well, there you go. A few more examples of the corruption of the political system at its most basic level---the campaign. However, unfortunately corruption in politics has literally become institutionalized at the highest levels. When corporations are freely able to spend what they want to get the legislation they desire or to hire lobbyists to help write specific legislation, then you know it's gone too far. When there was more turn over in the old Soviet Politburo during the height of the USSR than in the present day US Congress, you know it has gone too far. When Congress has become a millionaires club and the average citizen is unable to afford to run for office, then you know it's gone too far. When the revolving door between government and the corporate world spins at such as dizzying speed that you can't tell the two apart, then you know it has gone too far. It's up to us to stop it.


Vote Buying Law and Legal Definition

Noncitizens, Voting Violations, and Elections

The DNC In Federal Court Admits It Rigged Its Primary For Hillary

New Laws Set To Take Effect in 2018: From The Serious To The Absurd

The last addition of Another Opinion was one of our usual retrospectives; A look back at some of the issues that we covered over the past year, which I hope you all enjoyed. Now, I would like to take a look at some of the laws which were passed in 2017 and go into effect this year (some already have taken effect as of January 1, 2018). Some of these new laws are practical and actually make sense while several are just downright bizarre. Overall, the trend seems to be more authoritarian; more power to the state and less from you and me, which I find deeply disturbing.

Then again, I guess that's to be expected since we are no longer the democratic or constitutional republic that our forefathers intended us to be. While we were busy with our "smart phones", video games, and so-called "reality" television shows, and worried about how to pay for the rising utility bills, making sense of the fake news, the artificial divisions manufactured for us by our corporate overlords, or keeping our jobs, we became a de facto Oligarchy; a plutocracy with a ever expanding police/surveillance state. Nevertheless, let's take a look at some of the new laws which legislatures around the country claim are designed to make our lives better.

In the Sunshine State of Florida, minimum wage will go up by 15 cents (it will increase in 17 other states too). Which is good in the short term since, as most people know, employers will offset the increase by raising prices which ultimately will put minimum wage earners back in the same boats. Also, some employers may be forced to lay off employees, which will then shift their work onto the remaining employees. So, like most things, it's a double edge sword. Under Florida House Bill 437, the Office of Financial Regulation is prohibited from releasing personal information of customers and shareholders (which is almost always a good thing in my opinion). However, this applies only to new entities known as "international trusts" or "qualified limited service affiliates" (something about this sounds like it's for people with deep pockets and not ordinary individuals).

In the Bluegrass State of Kentucky, the legislature has been quite busy. House Bill 195, which is a modification of the requirements for a GED, allows for the creation of college and/or career "readiness" tracks. While I think that great, the emphasis here should be on trade schools. The reason is multifold. Not everyone is "college material". While a two year associate degree will typically get you an entry level job, those seeking a four year bachelor degree can expect coming out with a substantial debt that may take decades to pay off, and still may not do better than a slightly better entry level job. However, most of the trades are facing shortages (in some cases, critical shortages) so there's nearly a guaranteed job waiting at the end of the line. The pay (and usually the benefits) are much better, the "school-to-job" turnaround is much shorter with a lot less debt (in some cases, little or none), plus it's a skill that applies anywhere.

Kentucky Senate Bill 129 allows for the designation of "lay caretakers" for the purpose of any post-hospital care for any designated individual 18 or older. However, this applies to only to any non-medical care and not to specific medical care such as certain injections, changing IV bags, or other treatment which may require a trained professional. On a related matter, House Bill 74 permits ordinary vehicles to have only "white" headlights (other than certain halogen lights which produces a slight bluish light). The reason is to help people distinguish between emergency vehicles and regular cars and trucks. I didn't know this was problem! You would expect people would know the difference between a truck or car and a ambulance, fire truck, or police car. Perhaps those people shouldn't be driving. What do you think?

Kentucky HB 277 allows individuals to serve on local school boards if they have a close relative such as aunt, uncle, a brother or sister-in-law, etc working for the same local school system. I guess that's a good bill. Apparently there has been a shortage in finding people to run for the school board (certainly qualified and competent individuals have been in short supply). On the other hand, Kentucky has a very powerful teacher's union which these same relatives likely belong. So, do you think there would be any chance of familial collusion or pressure on certain issues? Nah...this is Kentucky after all!

Speaking of schools and teaching, SB 117 will now allow all veterans with a four year or better degree to teach our every polite and respectful students in elementary and secondary school provided that their academic major is in the area they are applying to teach in. Personally, I think this is a great idea. I taught at the undergraduate and graduate level for several years and thoroughly enjoyed it (of course, I had some really inquisitive students). It was hard work, the hours long, and while the pay sucked, it was intellectually and emotionally rewarding.

However, I just don't have the patience or temperament to deal with undisciplined or smart mouthed kids or the little ones in grade school. But I can see where military trained and disciplined men and women can have a huge impact. There is also a severe shortage of teachers (especially good teachers). While the benefits are great, the pay has always been pretty bad---too much going to the infrastructure--and the hoops teachers have to jump through border on the insane. Nevertheless, hiring former military personnel is good thing for all concerned in the long run (personally, I think former Marines should get a preference in hiring. Semper Fi and Hooyah!).

Nevada joined several other states in creating a anti-opioid abuse program. Under the law, painkillers can't be prescribed for than 14 days even for acute and/or long term pain. Patients will have to return to either their doctor or hospital for additional medication. The bill also monitors who issues the pain medication and how often it's filled (this is similar to Kentucky HB 333 which also goes into effect in 2018). I understand the need to monitor and control the use and abuse of pain medication, however, legislators need to understand that not everyone who takes painkillers are wild eyed junkies. Most are people who suffer from chronic pain for one reason or another. This is not by their choice. By the time these individuals reach this point, they've gone through all the other alternative. This isn't the option of first or even second or third choice.

What bills like this do is make it more difficult for people who have a legitimate need for the medication to control or at least manage the pain which can, for some, be almost unbearable. What these legislators will ultimately succeed in doing is driving people to drink and/or do hard drugs. The fault, and the consequences, will be theirs and theirs alone. If they insist on punishing the good with the bad, then they have a civic and moral obligation to provide a realistic alternative such as legalizing marijuana, which has been shown to alleviate pain (even chronic pain). Anything less is simply morally criminal.

Another new law in Nevada is one that gives all non-violent offenders an opportunity to apply for local and state government jobs (of course, they need to be careful of corrupting influences. I also presume the new law also exempts these individuals from associating with known criminals). Another new law requires insurance companies to provide women with access to contraceptives without having a co-pay. Insurance company now must cover up to one year's worth of birth control. The new laws requires insurance companies to cover mammograms and HPV vaccinations. Employers will be required to provided workers up to 160 hours leave to any employee or immediate family member who has been the victim of domestic abuse.

Lastly, under the category of "WTH?", a new Nevada laws prohibits forced "conversions" of individuals who are gay or lesbian by mental health officials. According to the law, these so-called "professionals" could attempt to change the sexual orientation of anyone who identifies as other than heterosexual-- I'm not sure I want to know how. I do wonder though, if these same individuals claim to be bi-sexual, did these mental health professionals charge half price?

In Pennsylvania, residents will now be allowed to purchase "consumer" grade fireworks. No more C4 or dynamite for them! Apparently "consumer" grade fireworks includes handheld sparklers, caps, and display type fireworks, which I presume include Roman candles, Starbursts, etc. residents will also have to pay a hefty 12% sales tax too. Now that should cause a fireworks all its own! The law also says that the fireworks can only be used on private property with permission of the owner. It goes on to prohibit fireworks being shot in or from a vehicle, shot at a car or individual (seriously? They shouldn't even be allowed to play with matches or lighters).

In California, individuals now only be allowed to purchase ammunition from a licensed vendor. No more purchases of 9mm, .45, .38, .22 caliber or 12 gauge ammo from your friendly neighborhood drug dealer on the corner. So much for entrepreneurism! On the plus, school officials will now to get to decide whether or not school staff may be armed while on school grounds. No word about the students. Those convicted of "hate crimes" (which includes calling someone by the wrong gender pronoun), includes loss of 2nd Amendment rights for up to ten years (Assembly Bill 725). Another new law set to take effect will make legal to sell pot, up to one ounce, to anyone 21 years old and older. No more doctor's prescription! Also, residents will no longer have make a gender decision on any ID type documentation, which I'm sure comes as big relief for some.

A new law in Colorado requires "authorities" to report any teen texting of students exchanging sexually explicit photos, even if they're doing so consensually (presumably this includes photos sent to or from teachers as well). There's a pretty big fine for doing so, which I imagine that only the students could afford to pay. In Washington DC and Rhode Island, employers will be require to provide paid sick leave to employees. New Yorkers will now be eligible for paid family leave; eventually receiving up to 12 weeks of paid family leave.

Iowa and West Virginia join a growing number of states in requiring a photo ID in order to vote ( after all, you have to show a photo ID for just about everything else right? But don't worry, microchipping is on its way and so soon you and your pet can have matching chips). After having a similar law tossed out in 2014, Texas has modified their law to require anyone wanting to vote without an ID to swear under oath that they were unable to obtain a photo ID in time (and we know that no one ever lies under oath right?). In South Carolina it's now illegal to own a exotic pet (unless you are a zoo; working in one doesn't count), so kiss that boa constrictor for your mother-in-law goodbye. Those who already own an exotic pet with be grandfathered in...with additional restrictions.

That brings us to Illinois, which has made Barack Obama's birthday, August 4th, a state holiday. Officials weren't able to determine if the gunfire following the announcement was in celebration or another gang fight. As an aside, the holiday is "commemorative" only, so unlike Obama, no one is getting off. Finally, the Volunteer State, Tennessee, has now made it legal for barbers (and presumably other stylists) to make house calls. I honestly did not realize this was a serious issue in Tennessee. I have to wonder if Dolly Parton or those Elvis impersonators in Memphis lobbied for this?



New Florida Laws To Take Effect in 2018


New Laws Go Into Effect Thursday in Kentucky


New laws take effect in Nevada in 2018


New Laws set to take effect in 2018? Here's A Brief Tour of State Laws Now In Effect


What's New In 2018