Noted historian Dr. Phil Roberts keynote speaker at Wyoming Democrats' Nellie Tayloe Ross dinner

For those of you not attending the performance of Detroit poet M.L. Liebler and L.A. musician Peter Lewis at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 26, at the Historic Atlas Theatre in downtown Cheyenne --

This is from Chuck Herz, chairman of the Wyoming Democratic Party:

It is my pleasure to announce that the keynote speaker for the 2011 Nellie Tayloe Ross Banquet will be Dr. Phil Roberts, one of the leading experts in the political history of Wyoming. The main focus of our Party's Central Committee meeting earlier in the day will be strategy - how Wyoming Democrats go about rising up from the electoral hole we've been in for too long to become once again a powerful force in Wyoming politics. In that connection, Dr. Roberts, a University of Wyoming professor, will offer a striking perspective on the state of Wyoming politics today in light of similar eras in the past. You may remember that Dr. Roberts was a Democratic candidate for Wyoming governor in 1998, so he knows politics from the inside as well. We are honored to have such an outstanding speaker highlight the Wyoming Democratic Party's largest annual gathering as the Legislature's general session heads into its final week.

The banquet is set for 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, at the Cheyenne Holiday Inn. Tickets are $75 per person. Events kick off at 6 p.m. with a VIP Cocktail Hour with Democratic legislators and other featured guests. Tickets for the VIP Cocktail are $100. No-host cocktails for other guests begin at the hotel at 6 p.m. Buy your tickets now to either or both of these events by clicking here or by calling our headquarters at 800-729-3367.

We have a block of rooms available at the Holiday Inn for only $69, but the deadline to get that rate is Friday, Feb. 11, so please make your reservation now. Call the Holiday Inn at 307-638-4466 and ask for the Wyoming Democratic Party rate (group code WDP), OR reserve your rooms by clicking here.

Please join us if you can for this annual Celebration of Diversity in Politics and Government

Schedule of events leading up to Greg Mortenson's March 29 talk in Cheyenne

In January, I reported that Greg Mortenson, author and activist, will be speaking in Cheyenne on March 29.

There will be an entire slate of events in Cheyenne leading up to Mortenson's talk. Here they are (cross-posted from wyomingarts blog):

Tuesday, March 22.       

·       MOVIE: 12:00-2:00 in the student lounge. Charlie Wilson’s War  (popcorn and snacks will be provided).

·   PUBLIC DISCUSSION: 6:30-8:00pm in CCI 129/130 (The Centennial Room). Prints of Central Asia: Peggy Kelsey’s Afghan Women’s Project.

o      An exhibit of Ms. Kelsey’s prints will go up in the Ludden Library in early February.

o     A reception in the library will follow Ms. Kelsey’s talk on March 22

Wednesday, March 23.

·       ETHNIC LUNCH: 12:00-1:00 pm in CCI 1219/130 (The Centennial Room).

·       ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION: 1:00-3:00 pm in CCI 1219/130 (The Centennial Room).  Dr. Marianne Kamp, Dr. Mohammed Salih and Arshi Nisley will discuss Women and Islam: Confronting Misconceptions.

Thursday, March 24.

·       MOVIE: 12:00-2:00 in the student lounge. The Kite Runner (popcorn and snacks will be provided)

Friday, March 25:

·       BOOK DISCUSSION: 12:30-1:30pm. Discussion of Greg Mortenson’s book  Three Cups of Tea and/or Stones into Schools.  Students interested in participating should contact Jennifer McVay for information and to make arrangements.

LCCC students will be visiting local schools to discuss Mortenson’s Three Cups of Tea. Where appropriate they will also be discussing the children’s edition Listen to the Wind.

Instructors at LCCC have integrated readings from Mr. Mortenson’s books into course curriculum.

The LCCC Ludden Library will be creating displays that look at life in Central Asia.

Finally, we hope to have LCCC students prepare poster presentations that examine different aspects of life in Central Asia.

FMI: David Marcum, LCCC Instructor of Political Science and Director of Government Studies and International Studies, 307.778.1220.

Questions that relate to Greg Mortenson’s actual visit on March 29 should be directed to the LCCC Foundation at http://www.lccc.cc.wy.us/

Letter to Rep. Bob Nicholas: Stop SJ 005

Here's a letter I wrote to my state representative, Bob Nicholas, about SJ 005, the constitutional amendment against same-sex marriage and civil unions. He's one of the members of the House Judiciary Committee who will be voting to send the bill out of committee. There are five members. E-mail them ASAP. Here are their names and contact info:

Rep.Kermit Brown / Laramie - kermitbrown@wyoming.com
Rep. Matt Greene / Laramie - mgreene@wyoming.com
Rep. Bob Nicholas / Cheyenne - bnicholas@wyoming.com
Rep. Sam Krone / Cody - skrone@wyoming.com
Rep.Richard Cannady / Glenrock - rcannady@wyoming.com

Find out more about these issues via Wyoming GLBT News on Facebook. Or contact Pamela RW Kandt at the Wyoming GLBT News at WyomingGLBTnews@gmail.com

Dear Rep. Bob Nicholas:

I've been a Wyoming resident since 1991. During that time, I've had the privilege to be friends with all kinds of people. They are conservative and liberal, creative and practical, gay and straight. During all that time, I've been impressed with the fact that Wyomingites are a tolerant lot. They don't seem to care so much about lifestyle choices as they do about the strength of your character. Can you be trusted and can you be counted on to get the job done?

We seem to be losing that sense of tolerance. Some of the bills that have found their way onto the legislative agenda are not only anti-gay and anti-immigrant, but anti-human. I know gay and lesbian couples who are stalwart members of our community and, frankly, the vitriol I've seen coming from the Legislature disturbs me. Gay and lesbian people are my neighbors and friends. They are artists and entrepreneurs and fire fighters and, yes, they teach our kids -- and do a darn fine job of it, too.

As a new member of the House Judiciary Committee, you have the power to halt SJ 005, the constitutional amendment against same-sex marriage and civil unions. Don't let it get out of committee. It will hurt our fellow citizens and hurt the State of Wyoming.

By the way, I'm straight and have been married to the same wonderful woman for 29 years. We have two grown kids -- our daughter was born and raised in Wyoming. My wife and I have never felt threatened by the fact that gay and lesbian couples can get married. We've been to a number of ceremonies where LGBT couples pledge themselves to one another. We're long-time friends with a lesbian couple who now live in Florida. They've been together almost as long as we have and they're raising two wonderful kids, one of whom they traveled to Russia to adopt. I think of them as the Legislature considers these bills that attempt to turn people such as our friends into second-class citizens.

Live and let live. That's the Wyoming I know. Let's keep the equality in "The Equality State."

Sincerely,
Michael Shay

A river of depression runs through it

During today's Super Bowl, I'm going to think a bit about depression. I know how debilitating depression can be. But rarely do I give any thought to professional athletes struggling with the very same malady. Brendan McLean wrote a fine post for the NAMI blog, "Football: A Mind Game." In it, he tells the tales of two NFL players: Terry Bradshaw and Ricky Williams. The jocular Bradshaw doesn't show it on air, but he experienced bouts of depression throughout his career. He treated it himself with alcohol. As we know from novelist William Styron ("Darkness Visible") and TV news commentator Mike Wallace, there comes a time when alcohol no longer works and you have to face the beast. Here's how Wallace described it:

At first I couldn't sleep, then I couldn't eat. I felt hopeless and I just couldn't cope and then I just lost all perspective on things. You know, you become crazy. I had done a story for 60 Minutes on depression but I had no idea that I was now experiencing it. Finally, I collapsed and just went to bed.

Brendan quotes these stats: men are four times more likely than women to commit suicide and half as likely to seek help. So, when the breakdown comes, it can have a Hemingway end or something better. Bradshaw found help in therapy and antidepressants. The taciturn Ricky Williams smoked pot and got busted out of the NFL. He finally found some relief in yoga and meditation. The Denver Broncos' Kenny McKinley committed suicide before the 2010 season.

So, spend a few minutes thinking about the mental health of the athletes out on the field. Forget about pity. Empathy is what's called for. Just think, "It can happen to anybody..."  

Read Brendan's column at http://blog.nami.org/2011/02/football-mind-game.html

Arts and design and kookiness for a good cause: Wabisabi Intergalactic Fashion Show in Moab

For those trekking to Moab this month... This looks like a barrel of fun -- and its all for a good cause:

Each year artists and designers create outrageous theme based-fashion lines that are auctioned off as a fundraiser for Moab’s nonprofit organizations. Fashion designers whose intricate outfits are crafted by hand and only from recycled materials have sold for more than $600. Outfits from previous shows have included gladiators costumed in a kaleidoscope armor made from aluminum cans, dresses glittering with patterns made from smashed mirrors, and a "fur coat" made entirely from kids' stuffed animals. This year’s fashion show theme is "Intergalactic" with each designer creating out of this world wearable art. FMI: http://www.wabisabimoab.org

Wintry mix in Cheyenne for Farmers' Market

Trekked over to the Cheyenne Winter Farmers' Market this morning. It was getting toward lunch and I was hungry for something -- but what?

Chocolate-covered bacon. Please, I'm not Elvis. But I tried some from the guy at Cheyenne's Pioneer Barbecue. It was damn good. I was hungry, so maybe that was the difference. I bought a packet for five bucks. Let's see how it goes with tomorrow's Super Bowl and some New Belgium Ranger IPA.

Cholesterol bombs aside, my goal for today's sojourn were some grass-fed steaks and mushrooms and whatever else might be good for my wife's birthday dinner on Sunday. This is a pre-birthday bash, as her actual date is on Feb. 8. But we're tying it in with the Super Bowl. On her birthday, we'll go to McDonald's. Chris, if you're reading this, I'm just kidding. Really.

I ran into Jeff Tish, a staffer at the Historic Depot who is hard at work on stagecraft for an upcoming play at the WYO Theatre in Sheridan. He also designed the stage for an upcoming show at the Bas Bleu Theatre in Fort Collins. Jeff also co-owns a custom furniture biz in Cheyenne.

I sampled some baked goods at Suzanne's Kitchen and picked up a few mega Bavarian pretzels at the Frank's Famous Kitchen booth. I bought some ribeyes at Meadow Maid in Yoder and cadged some mushrooms from the mushroom guy who lives in a  cave outside Fort Collins. Note to self: recharge my propane tank in the a.m.

I don't always have the dough to shop at the farmers' market. But I think it's important to support local food growers and bakers and artists. I'm learning something, too. Yes, chocolate-covered bacon is not exactly the food you want as poster child for the local food movement. Local broccoli grown in a high tunnel out on the windswept prairie is probably a better choice. But there is artistry involved in making food. I didn't ask the purveyor if the cattle was local and grass-fed. But he came up with the idea and made the darn thing. He's the artist in this equation.

These are fun events. That's what it comes down to. Food and fun.

Next Cheyenne Winter Farmers' Market is on Saturday, March 5. That day, you can get good food and then go over to the Laramie County Public Library for its used book sale. If we're in luck, it might be a good day to read and picnic outside.

In "Easy to Love but Hard to Raise," parents tell their stories

I'm pleased to have my work included in Easy to Love but Hard to Raise, a book from DRT Press set for an October release. Editors are Adrienne Bashista of Pittsboro, N.C., and Kay Marner of Ames, Iowa. Both are accomplished writers and editors who have experienced struggles in raising their own children. I have been impressed by their thoroughness and kindness. It's evident in their own essays and in their dealings with writers. My snarky self had a hard time with it, at first. One thing I learned early on as a parent with a son diagnosed with ADHD and a daughter with PBD and ADD -- wear your armor when you venture out into the world. My armor is my sharp tongue and, when that fails, scathing wit, to dull the cold hard stares and even colder and harder words of people who don't understand.

It's been a pleasure to work with Kay and Adrienne. Looking forward to the book. Here's some info the editors just posted on the brand new Easy to Love but Hard to Raise blog:

This blog got its start with the book: Easy to Love but Hard to Raise: Real Parents, Challenging Kids, True Stories (DRT Press, October, 2011). Contributors to this blog are connected to the book in some way: they sent in essays, offered their expert advice, or lent helpful thoughts and useful advice.

But our hope for this blog goes further than simply giving our book a presence on the Internet : we’d like our space to be a safe, kind, and understanding resource for anyone raising a child who is easy to love, but difficult to raise. We are here to support, share stories, commiserate, give tips, and provide safe haven for anyone parenting children impacted by ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder), PBD (Pediatric Bipolar Disorder), OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, PDD (Pervasive Developmental Disorder) or any other situation the takes the already difficult job of parenting and adds to challenge.

Blowing in the Wyoming Wind: This year, read the Holy Book...ours AND theirs!

Pleased to see that Rodger McDaniel, voice of spirituality and tolerance in Cheyenne, has a new blog, Blowing in the Wyoming Wind. Today he blogs about a series of study sessions, "Major Themes of the Quran," which will be conducted each Saturday through March 19, 10:30 a.m.-noon, at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 3005 Thomes Ave. This is a partnership between the UU Church and the Southeast Wyoming Islamic Center. Also a partnership against ignorance. Go to:

Blowing in the Wyoming Wind: This year, read the Holy Book...ours AND theirs!: "“Say: We believe In God, and in what Has been revealed to us And what was revealed To Abraham, Ishmael; Isaac, Jacob, and the tribes, And in..."

Democrats hold Legislative Reception Feb. 25 at Deselms Fine Art in Cheyenne

The Wyoming Democratic Party and the Laramie County Democrats will hold a Legislative Reception on Friday, February 25, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Deselms Fine Art and Custom Framing on 17th Street in Cheyenne (the old Whipple House).

Meet your Democratic legislators and celebrate political diversity in The Equality State. View some fine art, too, at Harvey's spacious new place..

For more information, please contact Linda Stowers at 307-634-0768.

Guest blogger: I am not "an abomination." I am Wyoming.

This "Letter to the Community" was written by Cheyenne's Troy Rumpf and posted on Facebook. It appeared in this morning's Wyoming Tribune-Eagle under the headline "Legislative actions against gays are 'simple bigotry.' " It's poignant and angry and exceedingly well-written. That's no surprise. Troy is a multi-talented actor, director, writer and PIO. He is also a great human being. I asked -- and he gave permission -- for me to reprint his letter. So here's Troy's guest blog:

I am not “dry rot.” I am not “incapable of making policy decisions.” I am not “an abomination.”

Who I am is a tax-paying professional, a guy who grew up in Wyoming, a man who has spent years volunteering for social agencies and serving on boards to help improve our community and our state, someone who has been in a monogamous relationship for 15 years, a person who happens to be born gay.

Let me begin by saying how grateful I am to the many in our Legislature who continue to take the time – regardless of party – to consider issues thoughtfully and vote against discrimination and hate.

The absolute vitriol from many other legislators and the horrific lies told by some of their supporters are shocking in their ignorance, and simultaneously not terribly unexpected. I question whether many of these people took the time to research the issues with legitimate sources, to talk with people in the gay community, to get a real feel for the impact of these decisions outside the confines of their own comfort zone.

It seems so hypocritical to hear regular usage of the phrases “this is the Equality State” or “Republicans are in favor of less government.” These words are empty and meaningless to those that are anti-gay, unless they want to use them for their own self interests.

This isn’t about homophobia – it’s not as if these people are afraid of those who are gay. Let’s call it what it is: it’s discrimination; it’s about hating a group of people in the community; it’s simple bigotry.

Believe it or not, there are gay people in all walks of life in Wyoming, impacting you in numerous positive ways. They are legislators, chefs, executives, nurses, politicians, librarians, truck drivers, doctors, teachers, construction workers, lawyers, administrators, and more. Many of them you probably don’t even know are gay, and you would never think of trying to hurt them when you know them directly. It seems that people only find their hatred when they deal with “gay people” as an abstract idea.

Gay people are not a stereotype, and it’s the stereotype that scares the bigots. We need to change this way of thinking, and you can see that younger generations are even more willing to understand the folly of discrimination. We can and must work together – straight and gay alike – to find true equality for the citizens of our great state.

We are individuals. We are people with much to contribute to society. We are Wyoming.

Whopper storm as seen from outer space

Big storm as seen from GOES-13 via NOAA: I'm down there somewhere, off to the left (as usual).

Next Cheyenne Winter Farmers' Market Feb. 5

The next Cheyenne Winter Farmers’ Market will be held this Saturday, Feb. 5, inside at the Historic Downtown Train Depot, Cheyenne. Times are 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Featuring local foods grown, raised or created within 150 miles.

Here are some of the offerings:
Local Honey
Jams & Jellies
Fruit Butters
Winter Squash
Pumpkins
Chili
Cupcakes
Sauces
Bar-B-Que to-go
Beef
Bison
Chicken
Lamb
Turkeys
Tamales
Tortillas
Salsa
Empanadas
Winter Garden Produce
Farm Fresh Eggs
Gourmet Mushrooms
Wyoming-made Baked Goods
Cakes and Pies
Soups and Chowders
Roasted Coffee
Gourmet Pasta
Smoked Turkey
Handspun Yarns
Hand Knitted Garments
Natural Skin Care
Glass Gift Items
Handmade Jewelry
Tole painted items
And More...

Sponsors: Wyoming Business Council, Cheyenne Depot Museum, Wyoming Farmers Marketing Association, Wyoming Community Network and Individuals who support the local food movement.

FMI: 307.649.2430

Thank China's Cnooc for bringing some better-paying jobs to Wyoming

So, some of that money that we paid for Chinese-made gewgaws at Wal-Mart is finding its way back to Wyoming and Colorado. And the jobs that this overseas investment spawns are a cut above the pay scale of most Wyoming jobs, including those in state government. Here's a story from today's Denver Post:

Cnooc, China's largest offshore energy producer, has agreed to pay $570 million in cash for a one-third stake in Chesapeake Energy's Niobrara shale project in Colorado and Wyoming.

The deal is expected to accelerate drilling and job growth in the region, potentially adding as many as 1,600 direct jobs and a larger number of support jobs.

Cnooc also agreed to pay as much as $697 million, up to two-thirds of Chesapeake's costs to drill and complete wells in the area, the companies said Sunday.

--Snip--

The average pay for a rig employee, Dill said analysis has shown, is about $79,300. Jobs indirectly related to the rigs, such as pipe handlers and suppliers, pay about $64,000. Community-level support jobs on average pay about $36,400.

Those "community-level support jobs" no doubt include some of the better positions at Wal-Mart.

Median pay for various Wyoming jobs, according to payscale.com:

Project Manager, Construction, $61,865
Executive Director, Non-Profit Organization, $52,029
General / Operations Manager, $55,500
Retail Store Manager, $38, 194
Registered Nurse, $52,846
General Manager, Hotel, $46,500
Operations Manager, $50,000

Now if we can only figure out ways to ship more coal to China through Washington State we'll be set for life (although the planet will be worse off).

Read more at http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_17254746#ixzz1CljTRAzF

M.L. Liebler and Peter Lewis bring music the art of the spoken word to Cheyenne Feb. 26-28

Detroit author and performance poet M.L. Liebler and L.A. musician Peter Lewis, one of the founding members of Moby Grape, will perform at the Historic Atlas Theatre in downtown Cheyenne on Saturday, Feb. 26. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $5, $3 for students, military and seniors. It is understood that some of you "seniors" may still have Moby Grape's "Grape Jam" in the original vinyl. If so, bring it out to be signed.

On Sunday, Feb. 27, Peter and M.L. will conduct a free public workshop at the Laramie County Public Library from 2-4 p.m.

On Monday, Feb. 28, M.L. will serve as one of three judges for the 2011 Wyoming Poetry Out Loud competition. The competition begins at 7 p.m. at the Atlas Theatre. Peter will perform a short performance during intermission. This event is free and open to the public.

These events are all sponsored by the Wyoming Arts Council, the Poetry Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Here is some bio info on M.L. and Peter:

One of our judges for the Poetry Out Loud event will be M.L. Liebler, a mover and shaker in the Detroit poetry scene. He has written several books of poetry including the 2001 Finalist for The Paterson Poetry Prize and was winner of The 2001 Wayne State University Board of Governors’ Award. He has read and worked with Ed Sanders, Diane di Prima, Michael McClure, Allen Ginsberg, Ken Kesey, Timothy Leary & William Burroughs.

In addition, Liebler has recorded his poetry with such musical legends as Al Kooper, Country Joe McDonald, Jorma Kaukonen, Mike Watt, The Magic Poetry Band and many others. Liebler also edited the recently released anthology, Working Words: Punching the Clock and Kicking Out the Jams (Coffee House Press).

M.L. has worked with the Wyoming Arts Council before – as one of the judges for the FY 2002 creative writing fellowships and as a presenter at one of the last ARTSPEAK conferences, held in Jackson in the fall of 2001. As director of the Detroit YMCA Writer's Voice, he came to Cheyenne in 2002-2003 at the request of the YMCA to conduct poetry and music presentations and workshops with Woodstock legend Country Joe MacDonald.

Peter Lewis is a founding member of the 1960s band Moby Grape. Their debut album was released in 1967, and it is still to this day one of the most revered rock albums of all times according to Rolling Stone magazine and other cultural critics. The band's energetic and hyper-exciting combination of folk, blues, and country was a unique sound to rock & roll. It was a new kind of American roots music but the band's career never took off the way it should have, due to personal tragedies. It took Peter Lewis a long time to shake off the troubled legacy of his band and begin to make his mark again with a stellar singer/songwriting recording career. Don’t miss out on the chance to see this living legend perform.

When M.L. and Peter perform together, they take their audience on a historical, cultural & literary journey from poetry to blues, folk and rock up to original contemporary compositions of both poetry and music. Together they blend words & music with beautiful harmonies, memories and the art of spoken word.

Shop and eat locally on "Second Thursdays" sponsored by Art Design & Dine

Attention all you local art and local food lovers: Art Design & Dine in Cheyenne has a new look! Each poster will list the dates for the next three months of art tours. The flyers will list the featured restaurants on the back. Each quarter there will be new restaurants added to the flyer to give you more options and a longer time to use the coupon.

Wyoming: Guns 'R' Us

This e-mail update comes from Brianna Jones of the Wyoming Democratic Party. I'd just share a link but the info isn't up on the web site. So here it is in full:

The past week has seen both ups and downs for Democratic interests. Thank you so much to each of you that has responded to our action alerts over the past week and contacted legislators. It is so important that you are taking the time, even if the outcome is not always the one you would hope.

Your input is critical. Please continue watching for our action alerts and contacting your representatives on some of these important pieces of legislation. You can find email addresses for all legislators here: http://legisweb.state.wy.us.

The following is legislation that saw action this week:

Co-employee immunity (SF 61): As sponsored by Sen. Eli Bebout (R-Riverton) and Rep. Tim Stubson (R-Casper) the bill would raise the bar for suing a co-employee (usually a supervisor) for injuries in the workplace. Currently the standard is "willful and wanton" and the standard this would put in place is "with the intent." The AFL-CIO and Wyoming Trial Lawyers Association, and the Wyoming Building and Construction Council all spoke out strongly against this legislation. It failed the Senate on first reading by a vote of 13-17.


Very rare and uncommon area designations (HB 152): This legislation as sponsored by Rep. Semlek (R-Moorcroft) would abolish the rare and uncommon designation and would "retain the authority" to remove protections. Adobe Town is currently designated as rare and uncommon. The Wyoming Conservation Voters and Wyoming Outdoor Council are opposing this legislation.

Health Care Choice and Protection Act (HB 35): Legislation sponsored by Rep. Bob Brechtel (R-Casper) passed first reading in the House today with 35 members voting in favor. This bill would make it a crime to implement the affordable care act in Wyoming. Please write your representatives and ask them to oppose this legislation.


Defense of Marriage Act (SJ 5): This legislation which was defeated in 2009, would put a constitutional amendment on the ballot to only recognize marriages that are between one man and one woman. The proposal narrowly passed the Senate on a vote of 20-10, with 11 needed to defeat the measure.

DUI-elimination of right to refuse test (HB 29): Legislation sponsored by Rep. Gingery (R-Jackson) would remove the right to refuse a BAC test when there is reasonable suspicion of driving under the influence. It passed the house 35-23.

Civil Unions (HB 150): Rep. Cathy Connolly (D-Laramie) introduced legislation, which would create a system for civil unions in the state of Wyoming. The bill was heard by the House Judiciary Committee on Friday morning and narrowly failed on a vote of 4-5. Reps. Throne (D-Cheyenne), Barburto (D-Rock Springs), Greene (R-Laramie), and Brown (R-Laramie) voted in favor. Reps. Cannady (R-Glenrock), Peasley (R-Douglas), Nicholas (R-Laramie), Krone (R-Cody), and Brechtel (R-Casper) voted against.


Illegal Immigration (HB 94): This is a proposal mimicking Arizona-style SB1070 legislation targeting illegal immigrants. It was brought by Rep. Pete Illoway (R-Cheyenne) and heard in the house minerals committee. There was no motion to move the bill and it died in committee.

Marital Counseling (HB 65): Legislation as introduced by Rep. Bob Brechtel (R-Casper) was heard in the House Labor Committee. It would require three hours of counseling before a marriage or a divorce. The committee significantly amended the bill, but it ultimately died in committee.

Health Care Freedom (SJ 02): This legislation proposes a constitutional amendment guaranteeing so-called "health freedom." It was written in direct response to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). It was amended significantly on the Senate floor during first reading and passed. The sponsor of the bill, Sen. Leslie Nutting (R-Cheyenne), voted against the bill following amendments.

Abortion - available information for decision (HB 118): This bill sponsored by Rep. Bob Brechtel (R-Casper) would require women who are considering abortion to be given government-scripted information and then wait 24 hours before having the procedure. It failed on general file on a vote of 23-32. 


Concealed Weapons (SF 47): This proposal, sponsored by Sen. Kit Jennings (R-Casper), was defeated last session, would all residents to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. It passed the Senate and will now go to the House.

Sen. Chris Rothfuss will talk about the concealed weapons bill at Monday's meeting of the Laramie County Democrats (see previous post). This is another in a long line of ridiculous bills considered by this legislature. Most handgun violence in Wyoming comes in the form of domestic dust-ups, drunken brawls, and in suicide, either attempted or successful. It's entirely possible that Wyoming's preponderance of guns keeps the violent crime rate down. I'm willing to give that notion some credence. But carjackings and armed robberies and drive-by shootings are still relatively rare in the state. So why does everyone need to carry around a concealed weapon? Is this another N.R.A. inspired and written one-size-fits-all legislation? Or another Tea Party-inspired be-afraid-be-very-afraid bills?

Ask Kit Jennings. Since 2008, Sen. Jennings has been a member of Don't Touch Us, the Domestic Violence Protection Group. This group was formed in Casper after a rash of 2007 domestic incidents ended in shootings. One involved a woman who shot to death her male partner. Will concealed weapons be handy prevention tools for battered women living under the thumbs of violent and well-armed men?

Here's info from a Dec. 22, 2010, press release from the Violence Policy Center, which addresses gun violence as a "public health issue:"

Since May 2007, concealed handgun permit holders have killed at least 282 individuals--including nine law enforcement officers--in 193 incidents in 28 states. In more than two-thirds of the incidents (134) the concealed handgun permit holder has already been convicted, committed suicide, or was killed in the incident. Of the 59 cases still pending, the vast majority (47) of concealed handgun permit holders have been charged with criminal homicide, two were deemed incompetent to stand trial, two incidents were unintentional shootings, and eight incidents are still under investigation. Of the 193 incidents, 17 were mass shootings where concealed handgun permit holders claimed the lives of 73 victims.

Here's another one from Sept. 30, 2010:

Concealed handgun permit holders have killed at least 202 individuals since May 2007 with 34 percent of the killings involving family violence according to the September update of Concealed Carry Killers, a Violence Policy Center (VPC) on-line resource that tallies news reports of killings by concealed handgun permit holders. The update comes one day before the beginning of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.

Forty-two of the 122 incidents involved family violence. Of these, 29 involved intimate partner violence. Fifteen of the 42 family violence incidents ended in murder-suicide, accounting for 65 percent (15 of 23) of all the murder-suicides committed by concealed handgun permit holders tallied by the VPC to date.

Violence Policy Center Legislative Director Kristen Rand states, “A permit to carry a concealed handgun has become one more weapon in the arsenal of domestic abusers who ultimately kill their intimate partner or other family member. Contrary to the false assurances of concealed carry proponents, too many of those with valid permits kill in anger, not self-defense.”

And these are permitted gun owners. What happens when anybody can carry a concealed weapon? People such as the mentally ill Tucson shooter? Makes you think...

Concealed weapons law hot topic at Jan. 31 meeting of Laramie County Democrats

The Laramie County Democratic Party and Grassroots Coalition will have a joint meeting on Monday, Jan. 31, 7 p.m. at the IBEW Union Hall, 810 Fremont Street, Cheyenne.  The topic for the meeting will be the current concealed weapon law going through the Legislature.  Sen. Chris Rothfuss, Dem from Albany County, will be a guest speaker.  So many topics to be discussed. Sen. Rothfuss had some success this  week adding amendments to the Republicans' idiotic bill that would end  job protections for teachers.  FMI: www.laramiecountydemocrats.org  FMI: http://legisweb.state.wy.us/lsoweb/session/sessionhome.aspx

Can it happen here? It's already started...

UPLIFT plans Valentine's Day fund-raiser in Casper

Come on out to this event, put together by UPLIFT staff as a fund-raiser. UPLIFT is the Wyoming affiliate of the Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health. UPLIFT has faced some budget-cutting the past six months due to reduction in government funding. Hundreds of Wyoming families (mine included) have benefited from the organization's services.

"Food freedom" bill back on the table

Haven't found much to cheer about during this year's legislative session. One bonehead bill after another. However, in a bit of good news, a revised "food freedom" bill is back on the kitchen table:

A week after its apparent death, the Wyoming Food Freedom Act is back in the Legislature.

Rep. John Eklund, R- Cheyenne, has introduced a revised version of the bill, which would ease regulations on certain home-based food producers.

The original bill, which died in committee, would have exempted all homemade foods from state licensing and inspection rules, provided they were sold directly to consumers. The new legislation is similar, but does not exempt milk and meat products from government oversight.

Read more at http://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/article_27c79269-416a-5548-a659-56f1437a8964.html

FMI: wyomingfoodfreedom.org