Eric Kirk's Op-Ed today is a voice of reason. His considerate tone is a hallmark of his popular blog
I guess my primary comment would be that if more reporters had asked the difficult questions of Paul Gallegos, we wouldn't be where we are today.
He is the product of highly successful spin masters, and the trouble with spin is that it wears the truth as a disguise. It is carefully constructed to incorporate a few elements of the truth, but is designed to obscure it.
Eric is preping for his eventual run for political office. DA ? Board of Supervisors ? I would say the later. Or maybe Eric is really a republican deep down inside ?
ReplyDeleteEric is the Man. He is a Father, coach, lawyer, talk show host (even if it is just once a week on KMUD), he comments on just about every local blog, and now he's figuring out how to save all of Humboldt County by keeping the Big Box monsters out. Yup, he's the man.
Hello Richard! You're back. Roy
ReplyDeletenah, he's skipped town,
ReplyDeleteRoy's a bit dim, isn't he Rose?
ReplyDeleteI guess Richard is back!
ReplyDeleteHe can't stay away.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry, Roy and every one else will learn to spot your particular vitriolic talking points.
ReplyDeleteSadly, politics in Humboldt County is more about personal vendettas, and less about real issues that matter. There is so much foaming- at-the-mouth blood lust to take down the other side, that us reasonable people have to dodge in order to work on our own volunteering for local important issues. It is exhausting.
ReplyDeletePersonal vendetta's ? Yes, to a degree. But I think the real issue is personal agenda's. The real issues for "us reasonable people" have gone by the way side. Reasonable working people don't have the time to get involved in politics.
ReplyDeleteIn this mornings papers I learned that Neely and La Valle both paid "Kerrigan and Associates" for consulting. LaValle also paid Salzman for "consulting". I am assuming that Kerrigan and Associates is Councilman Chris Kerrigan. I guess they have given some sort of legitimate employment to Kerrigan, although it seems a little slipery if not slimey.
Is this true Eric ?
ReplyDeleteI'm curious Eric. Is this true ? Inquiring minds want to know ?
ReplyDeleteNo. That's just Nick Bravo popping in. Eric was not the one who was to interview Paul. It was Estelle.
ReplyDeleteWhy are you talking about me? I am not shults watch, course I would promote a Groves watch.
ReplyDeleteNick! I've seen you make some cogent observations and comments. Why all the bizarre dramatics?
ReplyDeleteThanx for the nice post Rose!
ReplyDeleteEric is preping for his eventual run for political office. DA ? Board of Supervisors ? I would say the later. Or maybe Eric is really a republican deep down inside ?
No, absolutely not. Believe it or not I enjoy a quiet family lifestyle. I'm happy with my wife and kids, my dog and 4 cats, my books, my computer, and an occasional trip to some other place in the world. Oh, and maybe an occasional Friday night juicy cheesburger with a tall stiff beer. I'm not really a public person. I just enjoy the drama, and I have strong feelings about certain things.
Definitely would never run for DA, nor supervisor. I have in the past toyed with the idea of running for judge, but I would be giving up a great deal of freedom and I'm not certain I'd enjoy the job. Plus, I don't like the idea of having to run for office. And I've got all sorts of skeletons in my closet, not to mention a whole blog and a whole bunch of radio shows that could make up hours of questions and plenty of material to offend pretty much everybody.
I wrote that letter because I thought "my side" (so to speak) was being obnoxious in attacking the messenger.
Estelle eventually interviewed Paul sometime last week. I haven't interviewed him since 2003.
Yes. Estelle did eventually interview Paul. I missed the 6:00 evening interview, but did catch the 8:am replay.
ReplyDeleteEstelle led into it with about a 4 minute condemnation of Dikeman, going into her highly opinionated version which might as well be titled "Dikeman is a racist." Then a 20 second mention of the Bowman controversy. This set her stage for allowing Paul to say that this was all just the Eureka Reporter out to get him.
No fair and balanced "reporting" there.
Humboldt County has been corrupted by the marijuana money/growers.
ReplyDeleteKMUD fair and balanced! Now that is worth a good laugh!
That bad Worth Dikeman! How dare he run against Ken & Dick's puppet and publicy point out his short comings?
Wasn't it pointed out by Mr. Kirk that KMUD and the Mateel Center were largely funded by the marijuana undergroud ? This was 6-8 weeks ago ? Of course it was common Speculation anyway. Just a thought.
Rose, There have been some good questions posed. We know whom is behind the local regressive movements, but how many other factions are we dealing with? And is there a common thread, binding these folks together? Besides socialism and ultimate control of how we live our lives and how we spend our money, is there something we are overlooking? Roy
ReplyDeleteDear Roy,
ReplyDelete"Is God Green?"
I know truly in my heart He is, and that is where I begin from in my activism.
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/moyersonamerica/green/index.html
It's not about the mortal personalities that you all are so focused on; it's about doing actual real work as a steward--very quietly in His name.
Frankly, 7:34, if that were the case, there would be a moral obligation to operate honestly. Those "mortal personalities" you reference wear the cloak, but are not what they pretend to be.
ReplyDeleteGod is God. God is not green.
ReplyDeleteWasn't it pointed out by Mr. Kirk that KMUD and the Mateel Center were largely funded by the marijuana undergroud ? This was 6-8 weeks ago ? Of course it was common Speculation anyway. Just a thought.
ReplyDeleteWell, the primary funding right now is Reggae on the River. But the initial seed money was probably from local donations, which would have been of mostly marijuana origin. I wasn't around, but that's what I've heard and that's what makes sense.
When Katherine Manspeaker (now Katherine Lobato) headed up the Mateel she managed to get about 60 grand a year in grants. I don't know how many of those grants have been maintained.
"Marijuana money" has also benefitted just about every other charity in the county. Extensively. Whatever else you want to say about the "hippie" wing of the growers (who may no longer represent the majority), they are quite generous.
I guess then because the "hippie wing" of growers donate to other charities in the county that makes everything just AOK? The occaisional murder (dozens over the last 30 years) and assault is OK since they do donate to local charity! Do you ever take time to consider that these "hippie" growers have extra money to donate because they don't pay income tax on their illegal profits. And they sure don't pay for medical plans for their empployees.
ReplyDeleteIn Columbia Pablo Escobar ( the big time cocaine king) was popular with some of the people because he gave to charity, a Robin Hood of sorts. He also corrupted and killed police, judges, children, anyone that got in his way.
And Eric, how do you KNOW that they are "quite generous" ? I mean how do you really know? Do they tell you? Are you present when these donations are made? How do you really know?
And in a way the growers are just bribing the community. A car dealer / salesman is not going to question or hesitate if some guy, wothout a job, comes in and buys a $45,000.00 diesel truck. The dealer or salesman is going to arrange financing (it's a crime to list false information on a credit application) and charge top dollar. It's easy to justify it cause it's only weed. It's harmless. When Joe/Joan Q citizen goes to buy a new car/truck they do research on the internet and shop around for the best deal, which means less money for the dealer or salesperson. What do you think it means when a 25 year old with no credit history, no verifiable employment, can walk in a purchase a $45K + truck, with $7000.00 in cash (mostly 20's) for a down payment, and pays 18 to 19 % interest and nobody asks a question? But all that's OK in your book Eric?
Are these "hippie" growers "quite generous" with their cash, and non cash donations to their favorite politician or cauee?
I have lots more but I need to go for a run and then do some work. I have to pay my bills out of my checking account. I don't have the cash filled PVC pipe buried on my property.
way to go 10:30 -
ReplyDeleteEric - he gottcha. That is the point precisely in the SoHum subculture of MJ. You simply don't want to admit the obvious because it doesn't suit you or your friends.
Like the Rat Twins...that is what is spawned by that mentality.
I guess then because the "hippie wing" of growers donate to other charities in the county that makes everything just AOK?
ReplyDeleteDid I say that?
The occaisional murder (dozens over the last 30 years) and assault is OK since they do donate to local charity!
Only one of those murders involved hippies, and the evidence suggests that it was not a hippie who committed the act.
Do you ever take time to consider that these "hippie" growers have extra money to donate because they don't pay income tax on their illegal profits.
right here
In Columbia Pablo Escobar ( the big time cocaine king) was popular with some of the people because he gave to charity, a Robin Hood of sorts. He also corrupted and killed police, judges, children, anyone that got in his way.
Does he listen to the Grateful Dead, or wear pachoolie? If not, I'm missing the point here.
And in a way the growers are just bribing the community. A car dealer / salesman is not going to question or hesitate if some guy, wothout a job, comes in and buys a $45,000.00 diesel truck. The dealer or salesman is going to arrange financing (it's a crime to list false information on a credit application) and charge top dollar. It's easy to justify it cause it's only weed. It's harmless. When Joe/Joan Q citizen goes to buy a new car/truck they do research on the internet and shop around for the best deal, which means less money for the dealer or salesperson. What do you think it means when a 25 year old with no credit history, no verifiable employment, can walk in a purchase a $45K + truck, with $7000.00 in cash (mostly 20's) for a down payment, and pays 18 to 19 % interest and nobody asks a question? But all that's OK in your book Eric?
Actually, I agree, and I also think it's artificially driving up property values. I believe I wrote about that as well.
Are these "hippie" growers "quite generous" with their cash, and non cash donations to their favorite politician or cauee?
I assume so. I know that John Pinches benefitted considerably this last election.
Like the Rat Twins...that is what is spawned by that mentality.
The Rat Twins aren't hippies. Not by any stretch of the imagination.
The Rat Twins are a product, or at least a by product of the so called "hippie" dope grower movement in SoHum. The reason we have the other than hippie grower is the SAME, MONEY MONEY MONEY. The growers,and those that eat the fruit of their tree, don't give a shit about anything but themselves. The "homesteaders" in the hills ........ dope growers, criminals, major pollutors.
ReplyDeleteAnd you're right Eric, property values are inflated because of it. But who cares, your buddies, friends, and neighbors are making money so it's just AOfuckingK
Eric, you back it up because you're part of it, you benefit from it. Remember the saying " if you're not part of the solution you're part of the problem". Enjoy your community with the Rat Twins and those like them.
The rat twins are much more a product of meth culture, which is a completely different context. As to whether I "back it up" and "benifit from it," well, so do you. If you live here you benefit. There is no out.
ReplyDeleteLaw enforcement knows this, or certain people would have been busted a long time ago.
Of course, the solution is simple - legalize it. The money would be gone, as well as the hard-cores drawn in by the money.
Eric
ReplyDelete"Law enforcemnt knows this, or certain people would have been bustd a long time ago"
What do you mean? Knows what?
As for legalizing marijuana. OK, let's look at that for a second or two ........... it would only work if it were legalized EVERYWHERE in the US (and Canada) at the same time. If it were legalized in California and say Oregon, then the drugies would grow like crazy and ship it to Nebraska, Ohio, Virginia, Kansas and so on.
What do you mean? Knows what?
ReplyDeleteKnows that the marijuana industry is an integral component of the local economy, and the tax base.
And I'm fine with ending prohibition everywhere. I haven't touched the stuff in over 20 years btw, and have no interest.
More like knows that the DA won't do a goddam thing, so what's the point.
ReplyDeleteAll the millions from the marijuana corruption of Humboldt County does little for the average citzen. Eric, you have mentioned that porperty values are inflated because of it. A few business's make a killing of the marijuana; sellers of trucks, quadrunners, diesel generators, diesel, realtors, big ticket items (jewelry & guns). But let's keep the big bad "box" stores out so joe average can't get a break on some home improvement supplies.
ReplyDeleteWhy don't the Green's or the Eco terroist freaks bitch about all the diesel use and spillage? Because the marijuana money helps them too. They don't want me driving an SUV but it's just Jimfuckingdandy for dozens, hundreds, and maybe thousands of diesel generators to run non stop.
And 11:14 PM is right, the DA won't do anything about it. He will turn a blind eye saying he's going after methamphetamine but they're not doing much of that either. By turning a blind eye he pleases all his buddies in the industry, which keeps their support and their money rolling in.
What Eric, no comment? Cat got your fingers?
ReplyDeleteThe only reason the big boxes are considering Humboldt County is the fact that retail consumption is much higher than indicated by paper income. In other words, Home Depot wants to come here precisely because of the marijuana industry. Other stores as well.
ReplyDeleteAnd some of the environmentalists do harp on the polluters of the industry. Others don't. I agree that the latter are hypocritical. But then so are all the local interests who don't want the police to crack down too hard on marijuana, just as the agribusinesses in the valley don't want crackdowns on illegal immigration. The environmentalists have a term for it - the "mill town syndrome."
You've lived "down south" too long, Eric. Pot isn't everything. And alot of the people who are fixing up their houses aren't using pot money.
ReplyDeleteMany are using proceeds from sales of homes elsewhere, to buy and fix up homes here. Other people really do work for a living, Eric.
And the baby-boomers cocooning trend is nationwide. Every home improvement outlet from Home Depot to your local nursery is riding that wave. The reason bigger stores are willing to come here has to do with population base.
I didn't say all the money comes from marijuana. But the interest in Humboldt County's consumer base is based in significant part to the unusually high retail consumption as compared to paper income. And this isn't a SoHum thing. You'd be very surprised where I got that from, and it's from more than one source.
ReplyDeleteso reveal your "sources" big man.
ReplyDeleteor are we back to the usual un-named sources ?
I'm sure all of your sources are just reliable as can be and neutral on all subjects.
They aren't neutral. They're on your side of most of the issues.
ReplyDeleteEric, you should stick to facts ! Remeber those.
ReplyDeleteOkay, fact is, retail sales in Humboldt County are well above what can be accounted for by paper income, and the business folk all know that.
ReplyDeleteAmong the several who have confirmed this is Brian Morrissey. He's not sanguine about it. But in presenting to me his argument for the Home Depot proposal, he argued that Pieson's and other Eureka businesses will suffer more if the money from Southern Humboldt is cut off by a Lowes in Fortuna - that money being a major incentive in all of the development proposals. He believes that a quickly initiated Home Depot project in Eureka may actually deter a Lowes in Fortuna because even with the marijuana the retail capacity is limited. At that point, Mr. Gans suggested, Lowes might try to buy out Piersons. The implication I came away with was that progressives may be played, not just by Pierson's but by Lowes - an argument I find interesting.
That's one of several conversations I've had with businessmen about the economic importance of the local marijuana industry. Enforcement is selective and limited. Back when I started practice in Garberville, a client would leave the office who was prominant in local business and my secretaries would say "oh, he's a grower." So I started wondering why common knowledge never translated into busts. I've learned.
Of course, much of the industry is no longer in SoHum.
And I'm not happy about it, believe me. I'd just as soon see it legalized and taxed, to remove some of the incentive. But it's good money, and every time a mill or other business closes down, it grows.
There are other factors that account for more spending than "income" - if you had a town of one and that person was John Kerry for example, he would have millions if not billions to spend that far exceeded his salary.
ReplyDeleteOn a more realistic note, you have to account for people who re-fi their houses, thus having "extra" money to spend, people who use credit cards, spending money they have not yet earned, often more than they will earn. people on retirement with no current incomes, in some cases people retire with 90% of the pay they made when they were working...
Sure, pot's a factor, and decriminalizing it would not only cause the price to plummet, most likely, but the tax revenues probably would help the county.
Again, it is definitely more of a factor in you end of the County, far less so up here.
What have you learned Eric ?
ReplyDelete