The verdict of the Casey Anthony trial took many by surprise. I, for one, even began to follow the events more closely as a verdict drew near (I squarely blame MRW for that one), and honestly felt Anthony was guilty as sin. Though the anger many are expressing is understandable, we must stop for a [...]
Archive for the ‘Crime’ Category
Bills to Watch: SB 124 – Leaving a Child Unattended in a Motor Vehicle, B. McAdams
It is hard to believe that a person would knowingly and purposefully leave a child in a car under conditions that could cause harm or death to that child. Sadly, we hear stories all too often of an event where a child is knowingly left in a car (and in harms way) because the guardian [...]
Bills to Watch: HB 59 – Arrest and Requirements – With or Without Warrants, S. Handy
One of the issues I am continually worried about is the usage of undue police force. Although many cops are fine and upstanding, only having the best interest of the public in mind, the thought of giving them too much power is a very concerning one, if only because of the position of power they [...]
Bills to Watch: HB 205 – Domestic Violence and Dating Violence Amendments, P. Ray
Representative Paul Ray (R-Clearfield-District 13) has surprised me again with his progressive bill HB 205 – Domestic Violence and Dating Amendments. I mean, I just don’t know what has come over him. This bill is progressive in that it enhances rights to a traditionally marginalized section of society, specifically those who are in a dating relationship, but not married. You [...]
Bills to Watch: SB 100 – Securities Whistleblower Program Act, B. McAdams
All too often, employees are privy to private information designed to help a company grow and expand. Often times secrets are necessary and, indeed needed to ensure that a company maintains a competitive edge. But in many industries, such as the financial industry, there is a fine line between keeping information private and being aware of knowledge that is [...]
Bills to Watch: HB 202 – Death Penalty Procedures Amendments, K. McIff
When I was seven months old, Ronnie Lee Gardner killed Melvyn John Otterstrom during a robbery. While being transported to a court hearing for the crime, Gardner shot Michael Burdell as he tried to escape conviction. For the first charge he would eventually be convinced to life, the second earned him the death penalty. Some 26 years [...]
Bills to Watch: HB 23 – Controlled Substance Modifications, G. Froerer
One of the biggest annoyances I have had this year is the debate surrounding “spice” – a synthetic version of cannabis that mimics the drugs effects without showing a positive result when tested for. Please do not confuse this with me saying that I support drug use or attempts to work around the system by [...]
Bills to Watch: HB 31 – Restoration of the Right to Vote and Hold Elective Office, C. Frank
One of the reasons I write the “Bills to Watch” series is that I want to draw attention towards bills that have a lower profile during the session, but still would have a large impact on Utahns. Well, HB 31: Restoration of the Right to Vote and Hold Elective Office is one of those bills. Representative Craig [...]
Bills to Watch: HB 11 – Inmate Health Insurance Amendments, P. Ray
Representative Paul Ray (R-Clearfield-District 13) is not exactly known for his progressive policies and willingness to stick it to big business, that is why I find it a little surprising and refreshing that he is proposing HB 11 – Inmate Health Insurance Amendments. This bill is actually a carbon copy of Ray’s amended bill in the 2010 session. It [...]
Bills to Watch: HB 432 – Hate Crime Amendments, S. Sandstrom
I wish I could sit down with legislators from time to time and explain to them the concept of federalism – I honestly don’t think that Representatives such as Stephen Sandstrom (R – Orem – District 58) understand the concept of local, state, and federal laws. You see, Sandstrom is proposing HB 432 – Hate [...]