Real change in America

Obama's platform to get elected to the presidency was all about needing change in America. One place I believe needs the most revamping is the American prison system. Recently in the news California announced an early release of prisoners due to not enough money to keep them in jail. I was disgusted by the fact that letting them out to commit more crimes was the only solution the Govenator could come up with so I have made a list of alternatives that could save governments a fortune.

First we'll start by reducing the three square meals a day down to two meals and a sensible snack. It seems to work for all the dieters in the world, and some of these prisoners could use to lose a few pounds. The prisons would also be responsible for growing their own food supply to eliminate the cost tax payers are paying to feed wrong doers. You want to eat, you have to earn it through hard labor out in the bean fields and orchards.

Further savings can be found by eliminating luxury items like cable television and expensive weight bench equipment. TV time will now be replaced by reading and creative arts to expand the mind instead of bulking up all that braun. Aerobics and yoga will be used to stay healthy and relaxation techniques will help reduce the levels of anger in our prisons.

The final steps to reduce cost may be a bit hard for some to swallow, but hear me out before you decide. The biggest problem we have is overcrowded facilities and this could be resolved if we would stop housing death row inmates for years on end. With the advances in science and DNA proven cases, there should be very little doubt of a persons guilt, therefore a death sentence equals automatic death penalty. No more years of appeals cases, no more lawyers pulling strings. After sentencing you get one year to prove your innocence and if nothing is found after that time, then get in the chair because your ride is over. This policy should also apply to receivers of multiple life sentences and life without parolers. If you are never going to see the light of day again for the crimes you have commited than that's it for you. Capital crimes should result in the loss of the right to be a part of society. Act like a dangerous animal and get put down like a dangerous animal, quick and painless.

Kansas City Jobs - Kansas City Unemployment Rate

Kansas City jobs are out there - but there are also lions, tigers and bears waiting in the woods waiting to pounce on unsuspecting (and inexperienced) kc job hunters.

Two websites to stay away from are www.monster.com and www.careerbuilder.com


Both of these websites are filled with scam artists trying to get you to sign up for a "3 week training program" before you can start working when in actuality that's how the entire company makes money - by charging you to take their 3 week training program. Ever see those commercials on "how to make money from home" - I'm probably telling you something that you already know but SELLING THOSE VIDEO TAPES AND BOOKS ARE HOW THOSE COMPANIES MAKE THEIR MONEY. If the system that they're selling you worked so well, why in the hell would they want to share it? It's the same with the "career building" companies on Monster.com and Careerbuilder.com - they make money by selling you training programs.

On the brighter side of things, here are some real resources for finding jobs in Kansas City and lowering the kc unemployment rate:

KMBC JOB FAIRS - this site about Kansas City job fairs lists several job fairs and employment opportunities in the kc area daily.

The Kansas City Star - Job Finder - this site lets you enter search information based upon the kind of Kansas City job you are looking for.

Also, if you feel the need to be "trendy" about your unemployment, you can follow in the footsteps of a local William Jewell (band camp college) student who invented cute little wrist bands (like we needed another one of those) that simply state "hire me". To order one of these desperate cries for help email jobclub@wjc-sife.org

What Are You Doing To Impove Yourself Today?

Consider Total Cost When Considering the Kansas City Light Rail

I was perusing some news articles this morning when I read that Kansas City's finest will be hosting some sobriety checkpoints over the weekend. While they obviously will not release the location, they did say that they are to be held in areas known to have rates of DUI-related accidents and arrests. It got me to thinking. I wonder how much it costs to have enough police officers, cars, and equipment on site from 10:00 P.M. to the wee hours of the morning in order to catch drunk drivers. My guess, is it is quite a bit. I wonder how many DUI's could be avoided if Kansas City provided sufficient public transportation.

I don't believe a vast majority of those that have been arrested for DUI wanted to be driving under the influence. I just don't think many of them have much of a choice. Yeah. I know. They could call a cab. The problem is that Kansas City is very spread out as metropolitan areas go. It can cost up to $60.00 or more to take a cab a mere 10 miles in this city. That is, of course, assuming you can find one that will say they will come to get you and then actually show up within 2 hours.

So what is the alternative to the cost of taxi cabs, DUI checkpoints, lawyer's fees, jailing costs, and most importantly, fatalities that could easily be avoided. It's easy. The Light Rail. In 2008, the ever educated voters in the Kansas City metro defeated a proposal to fund the inaugural link of the Light Rail in Kansas City. For most, I believe they didn't want their taxes raised. Others don't like the idea of public transit. Yet others probably don't care about helping out the drunks.

Let's set the record straight. If you have ever visited a real large city, you would know that most every major metropolitan area has some sort of Light Rail. They generally serve many purposes. Obviously, the reason that is near and dear to my heart is keeping drunk drivers off the road. This is easily accomplished in city's with the light rail. You go out and have a good time. You pay a few buck to get on the light rail. You get off the light rail at your desired station. Their is generally a cab or group of cabs to run you home for under $10.00. No DUI, no fatalities, no lawyer fees, and low and behold, the cops in Kansas City could actually focus on crime instead of hunting down drunk drivers.
Don't like that argument? What about the green movement? Check out some facts from the Kansas City Transit Vision.

• Kansas City's labor force loses approximately $570 million in productivity while waiting in traffic.
• 12% of Kansas City area adults do not own a car.
• Rush hour congestion has more than tripled between 1983 and 2003.
• The current transit service meets only half of the demand for people with disabilities.

Just think about the money and emissions that could be saved by the number of people that could enjoy the light rail. Instead of idling in rush hour traffic, you could ride the light rail and continue to be productive, while reducing global warming.

Overall, I think people have been short-sided when considering the proposition of the light rail system in Kansas City. The next time this comes up on the ballot, I would like Kansas City voters to look at the total cost, or savings, of the light rail. Look at the cost savings, the environmental savings, and most important, the savings of lives needlessly taken from us every year. I think if you look at it, the cost is relatively small.

KU Product Aqib Talib adds Name To List of NFL Losers With Arrest

University of Kansas standout Cornerback, Aqib Talib , was arrested early this morning on charges of resisting arrest and simple battery. Talib was the 20th overall draft pick for the Tampa Bay Buchaneers. Police say Talib, 23, had an altercation with a cab driver then refused to exit the vehicle upon police request. He is accused of punching the cab driver in the ear and neck. When officers appeared on the scene, he peacefully refused to exit the vehicle. Somewhat appropriate since his first name, Aqib, means "last to come."


Indeed, Talib is the last (or at least most recent) in a long line of NFL players to be arrested over the last few years. It is easy to cite such events as of late. Michael Vick was arrested for dog fighting. Plaxico Burress had a concealed handgun discharge in a New York night club while out partying. Donte Stallworth was arrested for killing a jaywalker while under the influence. To be honest, I still don't know how in the world Adam "Pacman" Jones is still on the streets after killing a man, among many other quite serious incidents. Of course, we all know the trouble Larry Johnson has gotten into in Kansas City.

I have many questions on the Talib issue. The last time I checked, NFL teams are currently holding training camps as they prepare for the regular season. What in the world was he doing out at that time of night. I think we can all guess. That said, I guess I am glad he was at least smart enough to grab a taxi. Then again, what in the world was he doing repeatedly punching a cab driver and then not cooperating with the police? It is ridiculous and no, chalking this up to immaturity is not an excuse with his history of breaking the law and altercations with teammates. I would say someone is in need of anger management training.

Let it be known that I am an avid Chiefs fan and a fan of the NFL. I am a season ticket holder of the Kansas City Chiefs. In addition, I am a big fan of Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner, and his actions and disciplinary reactions to NFL players breaking the law. That said, this makes me sick. Like most everyone else, I work hard for a living. I spend a good amount of my income on season tickets. However, I am sick and tired of hearing of NFL players breaking the law. Like having a drivers licence is a privilege, so is making millions and millions of dollars to play a kids game.

The NFL, I believe, is full of mostly really good guys who work hard and obey the law. However, the NFL also continues to take men into the league who have come from really bad backgrounds, pay them millions and millions of dollars, and expect them to act morally. This is obviously not working with many players. I am even fair enough to say that people deserve a second chance if they learn from their mistakes. I cannot accept the fact that there are grown men who continue to break the law and act immorally and have second, third, and fourth chances to make even more money and feel as though they are above the law. It is a disgrace and something needs to be done about it.