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Censured 

1/29/2014

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"Now," says the duke, "after to-night we can run 
in the daytime if we want to. Whenever we see any-body coming we can tie Jim hand and foot with a rope, and lay him in the wigwam and show this handbill and 
say we captured him up the river, and were too poor 
to travel on a steamboat, so we got this little raft on
credit from our friends and are going down to get the 
reward." (Twain)

John McCain received the red stamp of disapproval from a group of Arizona Republicans.  They feel he has voted too closely with liberals on major issues like immigration and healthcare.  The senator, who has yet to announce his plans to run for re-election in 2016, says this censorship is enough to make him want to run for another term in the year he turns 80.  The term “maverick” should have clued the GOP in that Senator McCain is the type of man to stand apart from his party when the situation calls for it.  John McCain has had a seat on the senate for 27 years, with that in mind the state republican committee also voted to abolish an amendment to the U.S. constitution, which allows the public to directly elect senators. (Schwartz, 2014)       

The Grand Old Party’s meeting took place in a church in Tempe, AZ, on Saturday, January 25.  Their vote of censorship brings about no holds barred, yet was meant to embarrass the AZ senator. (Sanchez, 2014)  At the very least they may have got him to run for another term.  At this same annual meeting, the committeemen elected party leaders to represent them.  Rather than being the chosen GOP representative in 2016, McCain may have to once again run as “maverick”. 

While the Arizona GOP would like to abolish the public’s ability to elect their senator, Republican John McCain doesn’t take lightly to sidestepping the constitution.  The man who is called too “liberal” by his own state’s party has some words for Obama after the State of the Union address.  His words implied see you in court, if the president chooses executive orders without congressional consent.  On a national level his republican peers share his view. (Chumley, 2014) 

It just depends which side of the fence you’re on with Senator McCain.  This is where John McCain and his Arizona counterparts clash.  In 2003, the AZ senator was accused of supporting “amnesty” for illegal immigrants.  However, in a 2004 campaign ad, Senator McCain said with authority, “Complete the danged fence.”  Then in 2005, John McCain partnered with Ted Kennedy in presenting a program, “a path to citizenship” for illegal immigrants whom were already residing within US borders. (John McCain on Immigration, 2013) 

Much like Twain’s, duke and the dauphin performed Shakespearean plays to swindle folks out of their money, John McCain played the part of a politician against illegal immigration, while working another angle behind the scenes.  And that folks, is why the Arizona Republican Party would like to send him down the river.      

Works Cited 
Chumley, C. K. (2014, 01 29). GOP turns to courts to rein in Obama’s executive power. Retrieved 01 29, 2014, from The Washington Times: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/jan/29/gop-turns-courts-rein-obamas-executive-overreach/?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS
John McCain on Immigration. (2013, 10 09). Retrieved 01 29, 2104, from On The Issues: http://www.ontheissues.org/Celeb/John_McCain_Immigration.htm
Sanchez, Y. W. (2014, 01 26). Arizona GOP censures McCain for 'disastrous' record. Retrieved 01 29, 2014, from USA Today: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2014/01/26/mccain-gop-arizona-censure/4909683/
Schwartz, D. (2014, 01 26). Arizona Republicans censure Senator McCain as too 'liberal'. Retrieved 01 29, 2014, from Reuters: http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/01/26/us-usa-mccain-censure-idUSBREA0P03920140126
Twain, M. (n.d.). Huckleberry Finn. Retrieved 01 29, 2014, from The Literature Network: http://www.online-literature.com/twain/huckleberry_finn/20/

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Bull Arena

1/15/2014

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Like a matador, it is common for the news media to test the bull and entertain the crowd.  Matadors’ who misjudge the bull’s movements may find themselves getting tossed by the bull as opposed to bringing about the bull’s end.  Chris Christie is currently a leading GOP candidate for the 2016 presidential race.  Through a cape of various scandals, the bull is tested and must overcome to avoid having his chances as a presidential candidate killed.

Governor Christie takes his stance, kicking up dirt in his State of the State address.  He acknowledges wrongdoing, without acknowledging that he played a part in the bridge traffic event by stating, “Mistakes were clearly made.” (Full text of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s 2014 State of the State speech, 2014)  It’s easy to laugh at the idea of a governor’s staff creating a traffic jam as an act of political retribution against the NJ mayor, as long as you weren’t one the folks stuck in the jam. 

On September 9, 2013, David Wildstein, port authority official, and high school friend of Governor Christie, ordered lane closures on one of the world’s busiest bridges.  When the mayor of Fort Lee, NJ, failed to endorse Governor Christie for re-election, Bridgette Anne Kelly, the governor’s deputy chief of staff, sent an email to Mr. Wildstein reading, “Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee.” (‘Very Sad’ Chris Christie Extends Apology in Bridge Scandal, 2014)  Multiple lane closures added hours onto the commute of thousands who travelled the bridge.  Had they still been in high school, it may have been considered one of the greatest senior pranks.  Instead, it has become a huge embarrassment for the Christie administration.    

In response to the bridge traffic scandal, Governor Christie lowered his head and fired his staff.  Along with Ms. Kelly and Mr. Wildstein, others fired for the incident include Mr. Bill Stepien, Governor Christie’s two time campaign manager, and Mr. Bill Baroni, friend and high ranking member at the port authority.  (‘Very Sad’ Chris Christie Extends Apology in Bridge Scandal, 2014)  “Ole.” Governor Christie passes the matador, but returns to face them again on the scandal of misappropriation of funds.

Another scandal surrounding the Christie administration is a federal investigation regarding the misuse of funds from hurricane Sandy.  Approximately $2 million in Sandy relief funds were said to be used for an ad during Governor Christie’s run for reelection. (Embattled N.J. Governor Christie faces probe over Sandy funds, 2014) Mr. Christie may have won by a landslide, but then again what’s more important, the spotlight amidst a campaign or homeowners affected by the storm?  The idea “stronger than the storm” was meant to promote tourism, just because Christie had a bit in it doesn’t mean he was using it for re-election purposes.  Sand castles built on the Jersey shore are just as resilient as the houses that could have been raised from the Sandy relief funds.

At times the bull may disregard the cape and go after the matador.   Governor Christie did just this against reporter, Manish Mehta, who criticized a decision by Jet’s coach, Rex Ryan, early last fall.  The reporter may have been caught off guard when the governor took the radio waves last August to defend his friend.  “Idiot.  The guy’s a complete idiot.” Governor Christie continued with, “We shouldn’t be giving this dope, you know, the amount of airtime we’ve given him already.”  (Gov. Chris Christie calls Daily News reporter Manish Mehta 'idiot' on radio show)  The non-stop news on various Christie Administration scandals may leave many folks to say the same about him. 

The best move for the bull at this time is to push his agenda, and put the scandals behind him.  Two main points that were covered in the state of the state address were improving education and controlling costs.  (Full text of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s 2014 State of the State speech, 2014)  To improve upon education, Governor Christie would like to extend the hours per day students spend in school as well as the school year.  If his agenda brings an improvement to the educational system, and makes for a better quality of life in the state of New Jersey, he may again pass the matador and move forward as a frontrunner for the GOP in 2016.   

Works Cited 
Chadbourn, B. G. (2014, 01 13). Embattled N.J. Governor Christie faces probe over Sandy funds. Retrieved 01 15, 2014, from Reuters: http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/01/13/us-usa-politics-christie-ad-idUSBREA0C0XB20140113
Full text of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s 2014 State of the State speech. (2014, 01 14). Retrieved 01 15, 2014, from The Washington Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/full-text-of-new-jersey-gov-chris-christies-2014-state-of-the-state-speech/2014/01/14/8fd12f08-7d55-11e3-9556-4a4bf7bcbd84_story.html?wprss=rss_national
Kate Zernike, a. M. (2014, 01 09). ‘Very Sad’ Chris Christie Extends Apology in Bridge Scandal. Retrieved 01 15, 2014, from New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/10/nyregion/christie-controversy-bridge-lane-closings.html?_r=0
Walder, S. (2013, 08 26). Gov. Chris Christie calls Daily News reporter Manish Mehta 'idiot' on radio show Retrieved 01 15, 2014, from NY Daily News: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/christie-calls-news-reporter-idiot-radio-show-article-1.1437865

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Rocky Mountain High

1/1/2014

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Today is January 1, 2014, and it’s a historical day in the state of Colorado.  It is the opening day for marijuana retailers who were able to obtain a license to sell pot.  The 3D Cannabis Center in Denver kicked off the festivities with canopies, heaters, and food trucks as they’ve had folks lined up overnight to experience the thrill of purchasing marijuana legally. (Vekshin, 2013)  There are 136 retailers throughout Colorado that are licensed to sell, 34 of which are in Denver. (Garrison, 2013) However, not all of them are ready today.

These pot dispensaries are allowed to sell an ounce to Colorado residents 21 and over, and a quarter ounce to out of state buyers that are of legal age.  The price of marijuana will be regulated, but buyers can expect an average price of $196.00 an ounce for mid-grade quality. (Vekshin, 2013)

The three little letters, THC, have been stirring up controversy for sometime.  Those in favor of the green plant tend to remind us of its many benefits.  There’s the argument that legalization of it suggests it is not a harmful substance.  When you have to be of age for it to be legal, this just means that you’re making the decision to accept the effects of it on your body, the same as you would alcohol on your liver.   

Cannabis would have never become available for retail, had it not first been legalized for medical purposes.  California was the first to legalize marijuana for medical use back in 1996.  Since then, 19 other states have voted for medical marijuana.  Different laws apply to those who sell or use medical marijuana, and these will remain separate from the laws applied to recreational marijuana.  Colorado and Washington were the first to legalize recreational use of the plant.  Other states may change their tune depending on what develops from the experimental stages of these two states.

Nancy Reagan’s “Just say no” campaign is decades behind us.  With a democrat in office, realization sunk in that legal sales of the drug can be taxed.  While it’s been legal for recreational use in Colorado since 2012, today is the first day the government is allowed to reap what it sows. 

Recreational marijuana sales will be taxed at a much higher rate than medical marijuana.  There is a 25% state tax, plus an additional 2.9% sales tax.  The extra revenue brought in from this tax is expected to be around $67 million, in which $27.5 million of it would be applied to building schools. (Martinez, 2013) Much like the lottery, be responsible and your habit can help make the state a better place. 

When you try to sell an ounce to an undercover officer, and he want’s to see your license, he’s not looking for your driver’s license.  You won’t get far with, “Nah man, it’s a valid license.  I got it at the DMV.”  So if you find yourself in this scenario, it’s perfectly legal to share, just make sure that officer is of legal age and enjoy.      

Works Cited 
Garrison, R. (2013, 12 31). What you need to know to navigate pot sales in Colorado. Retrieved 01 01, 2014, from USA Today:  http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/12/31/colorado-recreational-marijuana/4261981/
Martinez, M. (2013, 12 31). 10 things to know about nation's first recreational marijuana shops in Colorado. Retrieved 01 01, 2014, from CNN :  http://www.cnn.com/2013/12/28/us/10-things-colorado-recreational-marijuana/index.html?sr=sharebar_twitter
Vekshin, A. (2013, 12 30). Pot Shops in Denver Open Door to $578 Million in Sales. Retrieved 01 01, 2014, from Bloomberg:  http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-12-31/pot-shops-in-denver-open-door-to-578-million-in-sales.html

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    Author

    My banter was on current affairs and ran from 2011 - 2016. I currently enjoy writing satire and horror shorts.

    I chose themes to run against each current event to bring some entertainment to my Banters. I began writing the banter in February 2011, and wrote my last in February 2016.

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