McGrath State Beach is one of the best bird-watching areas in California, with the lush riverbanks of the Santa Clara River and sand dunes along the shore. A nature trail leads to the Santa Clara Estuary Natural Preserve. Two miles of beach provide surfing and fishing opportunities, however, swimmers are urged to use caution because of strong currents and riptides. The park offers campsites by the beach.
Meanwhile in Southern California, State Park bulldozed for 215 toll road.
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Private Profits Public Debt.
The Foothill-South Toll Road was one of 18 Orange County projects that were included in a $275 Billion transportation bill approved in the House Transportation Committee on Wednesday. The bill must still be passed by the House of Representatives and reconciled with a Senate version. The TCA received $10 Million toward the construction of the Foothill-South extension. $10 Million is only a fraction of the amount the TCA was originally seeking ($100 million in last year?s bill, and $40 million this year). However, the toll roads were supposed to be paid for by investors, not by taxpayers. Why would fiscal conservatives like Republican Congressman Ken Calvert be willing to give this much money to a road that is supposed to be paid for by private investors and to an agency that doesn't need the money? On top of that, the Foothill-South Toll Road isn't even approved as a project. Our tax dollars would be spent on a road that will ruin San Onofre and a significant portion of Orange Countys last remaining open space. Local Congressman Calvert has helped the TCA to take this money.
Wonder what his cut is.
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Today on the Supremes
The "under God" portion of the Pledge of Allegiance was not part of the original content, but rather was added by an Act of Congress in 1954, during the cold war period. The intent was clearly and explicitly religious.
In 1789, the first of ten amendments were written to the Federal Constitution; they have since been known as the Bill of Rights. The First Amendment reads:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."
This was ratified by the States in 1791.
The first phrase "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion..." is called the establishment clause.
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Bush is my shepherd, I shall surely want.
He layeth me beside still factories,
He restoreth my doubt in the Republican Party.
He guideth me to the path of unemployment for the Party's sake.
I do fear evil, for He supporteth outsourcing.
He annointeth my wages with freezes and recommends bonuses for management.
Surely poverty and hard living shall follow the Republican party and I shall live in a rented house forever.
corollary :
Five thousand years ago Moses said "Park your camel, pick up your shovel, mount your ass, and I shall lead you to the Promised Land.
Five thousand years later F.D.R. said "Lay down your shovel, sit on your ass, light up a Camel, this is the Promised land.
Today, Bush will tax your shovel, sell your camel, outsource your ass, and tell your here and now is the Promised Land !
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No-smoking forces taking new territory: the beach
In San Clemente, the issue was more contentious. "I don't smoke and I don't like the smell, but I have never in 20 years of living on the beach heard anyone complain about second-hand smoke or cigarette butts," says Wayne Eggleston, one of two city council members who voted against the measure. He says more cigarette butts wash up from storm drains or are flicked by passing drivers than are left by smokers in the sand.
And, he says, if officials wanted to get serious about litter, they would prohibit soda cans and candy wrappers, which he says present far more of a problem. "I was really quite astounded by this vote," says Mr. Eggleston. "I just think there is a limit to what government should dictate to its citizens."
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Dear Dr. Laura,
Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and I try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind him that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate.
I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some of the specific laws and how to best follow them.
a) When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord (Lev 1:9). The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?
b) I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
c) I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness (Lev 15:19-24). The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.
d) Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?
e) I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?
f) A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an Abomination (Lev 11:10), it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this?
g) Lev 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?
h) Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev 19:27. How should they die?
i) I know from Lev 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?
j) My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? (Lev 24:10-16) Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)
I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can help.
Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.
Your devoted disciple and adoring fan.
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