Beekeepers sue EPA over failing to stop harmful pesticides

"The US government is being sued by a coalition of beekeepers, conservation and food campaigners over pesticides linked to serious harm in bees. The lawsuit accuses the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of failing to protect the insects – which pollinate three-quarters of all food crops – from nerve agents that it says should be suspended from use. Neonicotinoids, the world’s most widely used insecticides, are also facing the prospect of suspension in the European Union, after the health commissioner pledged to press on with the proposed ban despite opposition from the UK and Germany." Continue reading

Continue ReadingBeekeepers sue EPA over failing to stop harmful pesticides

U.S. criticizes ‘unnecessary’ EU rules on genetically modified crops

"The United States on Monday criticized 'unnecessary' European Union rules against genetically modified US crop imports as it prepares to enter free-trade talks with the EU. EU restrictions notably have resulted in delays in the approval of new GM traits 'despite positive assessments by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA),' the US Trade Representative’s office said in a report on reducing trade sanitary barriers. The USTR also criticized the EU for imposing 'commercially infeasible requirements' on GE content in food products under EU Traceability and Labeling regulations." Continue reading

Continue ReadingU.S. criticizes ‘unnecessary’ EU rules on genetically modified crops

Fusion center director: We don’t spy on Americans, just anti-government Americans

"Law enforcement intelligence-processing fusion centers have long come under attack for spying on Americans. The Arkansas director wanted to clarify the truth: centers only spies on some Americans – those who appear to be a threat to the government. In trying to clear up the ‘misconceptions’ about the conduct of fusion centers, Arkansas State Fusion Center Director Richard Davis simply confirmed Americans’ fears: the center does in fact spy on Americans – but only on those who are suspected to be ‘anti-government’." Continue reading

Continue ReadingFusion center director: We don’t spy on Americans, just anti-government Americans

Colorado to grant Secret Service vast new powers

"The bill grants members of the Secret Service arrest powers by considering them to be a peace officer, putting them on a par with state law-enforcement officials. The legislation does not only apply to agents guarding the president or other government officials but also to special agents, uniformed division officers, physical security technicians, physical security specialists and special officers of the United States Secret Service. The idea actually aligns with an Obama agenda to create vast new restrictions and regulations on guns. Hundreds of sheriffs nationwide have said they cannot enforce federal restrictions that would violate the Second Amendment." Continue reading

Continue ReadingColorado to grant Secret Service vast new powers

Former heart surgeon sues Jackson County, sheriff over false arrest, land seizure

"A former Pascagoula heart surgeon, whose 2009 charges of growing marijuana at his farm were dismissed, has filed a federal lawsuit against Jackson County Sheriff Mike Byrd, the Jackson County Board of Supervisors and the Narcotics Task Force of Jackson County alleging civil, constitutional and human rights violations. Filed in U.S. District Court in Gulfport, the lawsuit says David Bruce Allen was the victim of false arrest, false imprisonment for more than a year, slander and libel, assault and battery, emotional distress and irreparable loss of his property and reputation." Continue reading

Continue ReadingFormer heart surgeon sues Jackson County, sheriff over false arrest, land seizure

An Idaho “Gun Violence” Story for the Huffington Post

"The Sheriff staged a SWAT-style raid in which the supposed victim was assaulted by a Deputy (Detective Rich Perecz, who has a previous violent offense in his criminal record), Bear was handcuffed, and an illegal search of the home was made in the hope of finding narcotics evidence that could be used as an excuse to forfeit (that is, steal) the property. Why were Bear and Marcella singled out for such abusive treatment? According to recorded radio traffic among the deputies, the paramilitary raid was carried out because Bear had been politically profiled as a 'Constitutionalist' – which meant that in the interests of 'officer safety,' SWAT tactics would be employed." Continue reading

Continue ReadingAn Idaho “Gun Violence” Story for the Huffington Post

State seizes couple’s four babies due to father’s juvenile sex offense

"All of their children, from several months old to age five, have been put up for adoption. The last three children were seized shortly after birth at hospital. 'It’s a heartbreaking experience,' the father told the Citizen. 'They come in and take your baby. It’s like they are stripping your life away.' The father said it was wrong for a court to punish him for future crimes a judge said he was likely to commit. He pleaded guilty for sex crimes against children when he was 12. 'I was a kid. I didn’t know what I was doing, so I pleaded guilty. But there was no sex, it was experimenting as a 12-year-old boy.'" Continue reading

Continue ReadingState seizes couple’s four babies due to father’s juvenile sex offense

Pipelines and Legislators: Partners in Plunder

While the crony capitalism prevalent in Texas made national news headlines during the 2012 presidential campaign, the practice has not been curtailed.  One need only look to the ongoing saga between private property owners and pipelines in Texas to see that the politically influential continue to script law that grants them special privilege. The ability of legislators to convince the public of their commitment to the rule of law, private property rights and free markets … Continue reading

Continue ReadingPipelines and Legislators: Partners in Plunder

After ‘Tan Mom,’ New Jersey bans children from tanning beds, spray tans

"Under the new law, youth age 17 and older must have a parent or guardian present for an initial consultation with a tanning salon. It also bans children under 14 from getting spray tans in tanning salons. Governor Chris Christie said that while he does not favor government regulation of small business, the new law was important for protecting the safety of minors. Patricia Krentcil, who became known in tabloid stories as the "Tan Mom," denied exposing her daughter to a tanning session, and a grand jury opted not to indict her on charges of endangering the welfare of a child." Continue reading

Continue ReadingAfter ‘Tan Mom,’ New Jersey bans children from tanning beds, spray tans