November 2, 2009, meeting

Here are the announced topics*:

1. An Iraq war veteran doesn't have enough to deal with fighting sleeplessness, sudden angry outbursts, aversion to emotional intimacy and other fallouts from his post-traumatic stress disorder. His wife is being deported because she was brought to the US illegally by her mother when she was 6 years old. The veteran says his 23 year old wife is "his everything". How do you feel about this situation?
2. As you are probably aware, the White house has singled out Fox News as not a news network but rather " a wing of the Republican Party." Do you feel it is appropriate for an administration to try and silence a news organization [sic] because "they were attacking members of the administration and they were organizing political opposition on their shows?"
3. Should the Federal Government govern salaries of the top executives and officials of companies "bailout monies" and the loan remains unpaid and outstanding? Does the fact that some of these executives and officials had valid salary and bonus contracts with the companies before the "bailout loans" were made affect your opinion?
4. There has been a controversy related the H1N1 swine flu shots. Do you feel the controversy has any merit?

Regarding item #2:

Newsweek: Weisberg, Meacham

plus

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
For Fox Sake!
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Health Care Crisis

For later update, see this: ‘Daily Show’ host, Fox News commentator engaged in entertaining feud

October 19, 2009 meeting

Regular meetings are held the 1st and 3rd Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m. at Montecito Clubhouse.

Here are the announced topics:

1. California is in dire need of raising revenue to cover the large deficit in the budget. Various proposals have been advanced. Some of the proposals which we can discuss are (a) off-shore drilling for oil, (b) modify proposition 13, and (c) replace some of the income tax rates with an expanded sales tax on food, medicine and various services which are presently exempt. Can you offer some other proposals which would be more effective or more fair?
2. A memorial to the veterans of WW 1 was erected in the 1930s in the Mojave National Preserve in the form of a large cross. It has been challenged in the Supreme Court on the constitutional grounds of separation of church and state. How should the Justices vote?
3. Should owners of property in high risk areas of fires and floods be charged a surcharge annually to offset the costs of dealing with these calamities? Should they be allowed to build or rebuild in these areas?

Regarding item #2:

SCOTUS 10/7/09: Oyez, AP, CSPAN, oral argument transcript, ACLU explanation

If you're a resident and would like to get meeting notices, please submit your email address at one of our meetings or join the group's mailing list at Google Group SCSHTD.

October 5, 2009 meeting

Meetings are currently set for 1st and 3rd Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m. at Montecito Clubhouse.

If you're a resident and would like to get meeting notices with discussion topics, please submit your email address at one of our meetings or join the group's mailing list at Google Group SCSHTD.