southern colorado

Mission/VisionThis is about Freedom and Voice. We Stand for the People. We stand for our Local Economies that

have Prospered and Will Prosper Again. We Believe in the Farmer, We Believe in the Soldier, We Believe in the Future of our Country and in the Republic for Which We Stand.

Taking Our Country Back!

AmericAn Grown & Finished cAttle, locAl owners & operAtors oF cAttlemen’s choice BeeF herd cAttle in Fremont county

PROSPERPeople and Businesses that are Prospering and Creating Wealth for Themselves and their Communities.- Small Business Strategy Success- Editorials, Local Business-Owners- Business & Organization Openings

THINK/LIVEIndependent Thinking about Important Topics Affecting the Lives of Our Citizens and Community- Sustainable Living- This is Your Constitution- Honored Veterans- Community Happenings & Meetings

FOODFeeding the People. Dirt, Water, Seeds & Sun - From the Farm to the Fork - Your National & Local Food Systems- National Food/Agricultural Topics- Restaurant Reviews- Farmer Highlights- How-To Series of Articles

GREEN POWEROur Power is in Our Resources. How Green is Green - Sustainability means saving and making green (and gold) for our pocketbooks!- National Sustainability Organizations- Local Sustainability Organizations- Energy, Water, Land, & Air Quality

ARTS/CULTURE/TRAVELThe Arts & Culture tell us the History and Future of a Community & Nation- Road Trips to Local Towns’ Art and Cultural Get-Aways- Artist News & Profiles- How the Arts Affect an Economy

ACTWe Control the Future of Our Communities & Our Economies - So Act!- National Events & Organizations- Local Events & Ways to Get Involved- Featured Local Activist- TEA PARTY - Southern Colorado Patriots Club, November 11th in Westcliffe, CO (See 3 for Details)

NEXTOur Kids and Our Students - The Next Generation & How They Are Making a Positive Difference For All of Us- Local School Highlights- Featured Student Projects- Featured Kids Making a Difference

CONTENTSCONTENTS

Liberty is the most valuable premise for our country’s founding. There are many tenets from which the Founders drew to create our governing document, The Constitution, boldly and eloquently put forth 222 years ago on September 17, 1787.

Since then, each succeeding generation has dealt with many seemingly grave issues of their time, yet when viewed through the prism of history these issues pale in perspective. This publication is not focused on topical issues and emo-tions which drive us apart, but rather this periodical will highlight and cheer the many amazing, positive, productive, and sustainable activities thriving in our country and our communities.

We believe that our country is not only built upon the effective foundation of checks and balances, but that we also still hold the power, as citizens and as consumers, to create the positive changes necessary to see the American Dream thrive.

Small businesses can and will PROSPER - they generate half of the gross domestic product in the private-sector. They are an integral part of local economic devel-opment and a thread for communities to keep their “dollars”

circulating amongst those upon whom they depend.

We must actively THINK and LIVE ac-cording to our roles as citizens – we have to hold our elected officials accountable and praise those in our communities that are standing up for our freedoms.

Sustainable FOOD systems are critical to our economic viability, and we stand for farmers, ranchers, and producers who provide us with the agricultural means necessary to live. We understand the cru-cial nature of a sustainable food supply, one that can be achieved by local produc-ers using value-chains that enhance the economic development of the people and cities in which they operate.

Our RESOURCES as a nation are critical to our new energy economy and to the health and wellness of our children and grandchildren. Our energy, land, air, and water hold economic promise for us, however we must also be cognizant of these resources’ means, and effectively plan for many generations to come.

We understand that the ARTS and CUL-TURE of our communities give students and people the creative outlets necessary to express themselves in an intellectually stimulating environment.

We must ACT - we must actively partici-pate in our communities and engage both our system of governance as well as the economic ecosystem in which we live. We act by spending our money, by writ-ing our representatives, and by voting.

And we must focus much time and at-tention on our NEXT generation, those that will be our future industry leaders, scientists, farmers, and soldiers. Our youth and our students are crucial to our future and we must be willing to support them and help pave the road to prosper-ity. Honoring our elders sets an example for the next generation—we show all generations have value to contribute ensuring a legacy of wisdom and grace will safeguard our civil and productive society.

The Good American Post is about Freedom, and our content, as you will see to your right, is just about that. We are coming to a community near you, to serve you with Local and National content focused on Freedom, on Sustain-ability, and on all of the good news that we have at our finger-tips to take each and every ounce of our energy and move in a positive direction of change – change that WE make – change that comes from us, as Americans.

- Tisha T. Casida, Publisher

What This Is AboutCOURTESY PHOTO/CHERYl ZORTman

24/7 Media Information & Coverage at: http://goodamericanpost.wordpress.comSee Our Blogroll! Follow us on Twitter!

Positive & Sustainable Information about People & Communities around Pueblo, El Paso, Las Animas, Fremont, Huerfano, and Otero Counties

Fall Edition 2009

Southern Colorado

Prospering in the New Economy, Pages 2 & 3Honored Veterans, Page 4Real Food, Page 7Contact Your Representatives, Page 16

Features Inside:FREE

SATURDAy mORNING began with an easy drive to the nearby village of Cimarron, New mexico. We left Colorado Springs around 9am on Interstate 25 South. About two hours later we stopped in Trinidad, Colorado. We had a light lunch and some coffee at the Café in the Danielson Dry Goods Building on main Street. The atmosphere and food were an unexpected pleasure and wonderful experience. Afterwards we walked two blocks north to the Trinidad History museum, owned and operated by Historic Colorado. We had heard about the Baca-Bloom Heritage Gardens, so Saturday was the best time to visit since the museum is closed Sundays. Every year the Gardens pay tribute to the ethnic heritage of the peoples of Colorado’s past and present. The 2009 Ethnic Gardens feature Italians of Colorado. We took the one-hour tour of this amazing historic site. The Baca House which has color-ful furnishings in this unique adobe home evoke the lifestyle of community leaders, Dolores and Felipe Baca and their children. Heirloom herbs and vegetables thrive in the garden. The Bloom mansion was the Victorian home of banker and cattle baron, Frank Bloom and is surrounded by century-old trees and beautiful gardens. We enjoyed this behind-the-scene tour while Historic Colorado restores the ornate home to its original glory. The Santa Fe Trail museum is a historic adobe building housing family heirlooms, commercial goods, and photographs telling the stories of the people and events of Trinidad’s past. The bookstore offers a wide selection of books and unique gifts. This was a worthy stop and must see!

WE CONTINUED south on I-25 and over the mighty Raton Pass past the Wooten Ranch where travelers of the Santa Fe Trail had to pay a toll to pass. We passed an Amtrak passenger train that runs along the interstate over the pass, originally built by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway in 1878. There was a magical feeling of the ‘real west” and sense of history crossing from Colorado to New mexico along this section of the Santa Fe Trail. Descending down into New mexico from the top of the pass was inspiring. The vast horizon and shadows of clouds were breathtaking. We forgot to purchase gas in Trinidad, so we stopped at Raton’s 3rd exit where there are numerous fast food chains and gas stations. We continued south on I-25 four more miles to Highway 64, the exit to Cimarron and Taos. Heading west for 40 miles to Cimarron, it’s common to see large herds of antelope and buffalo. On Highway 64 you will first see the National Rifle Association’s Whittington Center on the north side which houses a visitor center and gift shop open to everyone. The NRA facility is impressive and a world-class shooting range with visitors from around the world. Continuing on Highway 64 West, you will see buffalo herds on the Vermejo Park Ranch. Vermejo is a 450,000-acre ranch owned by media mogul, Ted Turner. Vermejo Park Ranch is Turner’s largest landholding. On the south side of Highway 64 you will also see herds of antelope and cattle on the vast CS Ranch and Express Ranches. The buttermilk-colored grass range with big sky clouds and the distant mountain range gives you a sense of isolation and peace. Because of these large ranches and fine stewardship, little has changed and a lot of what you see is how travelers saw it 100 years ago. About 30 miles from Raton on Highway 64 you will see Cold Beer, New mexico, a lone tavern and eatery just up the hill from the ruins of the town of Colfax and the Dawson turn off. Colfax and Dawson are significant Ghost Towns and historic sites and well published in books avail-able in Cimarron. Stop at Cold Beer to experience an unusual atmosphere of western hospital-ity not often found these days. The tavern hosts large dances and entertainment throughout the year and is also known for its ‘Pasture Golf Tournament’ in may of each year.

IT IS ten miles to Cimarron from Cold Beer. Driving into town you’ll see the typical scat-ter of buildings, old and new. As you approach the Visitor Center on the north side, turn right one block to 9th Street. Ninth Street is the official downtown with a

handful of old buildings and unique shops. We recommend three shops to visit. Blue moon Eclectics is known for pottery, Indian jewelry, fetishes, soaps, candles and specifically New mexico products from salsa to books. Next door is the Cimarron Art Gallery and Soda Foun-tain. Have some coffee and/or ice cream! Enjoy a very large selection of jewelry, gifts and art with fine, friendly service. The Cimarron Art Gallery has been featured in Sunset and New mexico magazines several times over the years as a must visit. The next shop is Cimarron Blue Fine Art. This unique gallery features well known artists and some very high-end collectable art---mostly original art ranging from a few hundred dollars to tens-of-thousands of dollars. Cimarron Blue rivals any gallery in Taos or Santa Fe. In fact, many of the artists represented are also in many galleries throughout the United States and in museum, private and corporate collections. If you are into art, this is a must stop. you should also stop into visit with Artist martin Paveltich at his studio/gallery just one block away also on Ninth Street.

LATER IN the afternoon, we checked in at the St. James Hotel only a half-mile from the center of town. Call in advance to reserve a room, because they’re always booked! This hotel is a big part of southwestern history. It was recently purchased by the Express Ranches, and it’s remodel is almost complete. Some of the historic rooms will be left alone with a bit of finishing work still left on the rooms. The lobby, bar and restaurant have undergone a huge transition offering fine food, drinks and flat panel televisions in the bar areas. The hotel lobby and restaurant atmosphere rivals any establishment in Santa Fe which is known for its world-class restaurants. If you think the St. James sounds like a hotel you have heard about before, it’s been featured many times on televi-sion shows that feature haunted hotels. There are still spirits wandering about the hotel. If you’re lucky, you might experience what hundreds of guests have felt over the years. Ask the hotel staff about the Ghosts! The history of this hotel is amazing! The hotel was built in the 1880s in the middle of Cimarron’s violent period. This hotel had gunfights in the saloon or in the streets outside. Bat masterson, Wyatt Earp, William Bonney, Clay Allison, Tom Boggs, mace Bowman, Pancho Griego all seemed to attract the wrong kind of crowd. Women back then living in the hotel generally only worked at night. Today, the St. James retains its historic status while offering modern amenities. It’s a place where you can eat along side billionaires and real working cowboys and cowgirls. ya’ just can’t say that about too many places on planet earth.

AFTER A night’s rest we rose early to a spectacular breakfast at the St. James. We packed up and drove down the road to the Philmont Scout Ranch just four miles south of the hotel. Philmont is known worldwide for its high adventure programs and historic significance. The prominent ‘Tooth of Time’ natural landmark guided travelers along the Santa Fe Trail and nearby Rayado, now a living history museum operated by Philmont during the summer months. This is where Kit Carson resided before he spent his final years in Taos. There’s also the Philmont museum and Gift Shop open year round. Admission is free and worth the stop. The museum also houses the Ernest Thompson-Seton Library, one of the first naturalists in America and a controversial character. The history of Philmont is also an amazing story. We took the tour of the Villa Philmonte, a spectacular summer home of businessman, oil man,

and philanthropist, Waite Phillips. Phillips donated the ranch to the Boy Scout of America in 1938.

CImARRON COUNTRy’S a wonderful distraction from the everyday life of us city dwellers. It’s a place where you can relax without worry. Surprisingly close by, it’s a great weekend trip, and along the way places like Trinidad also provide diversions worth the stop. Driving home to Colorado Springs from Cimarron only took three hours. We will revisit this nearby, magical and enchanting part of New mexico and you should too.

DeTAIl Info and other recommended stops:

In TrInIDAD –TRINIDAD HISTORy museum – www.coloradohistory.org 312 East main Street, Trinidad, CO 81082 P-719-846-7217THE CAFé at Danielson’s – 135 East main Street, Trinidad, CO 81082 P-719-846-7119 FREE WiFi mONTELEONE’S DELI and Nana & Nanos Pasta House – Authentic Italian Pasta, 418 East main Street, Trinidad, CO 81082 P-719-846-2696 RINO’S ITALIAN Restaurant & Steak House – Dinner - Featur-ing their famous singing waiters. 400 East main Street, Trinidad, CO 81082 P-719-845-0949CURIOSITIES – Unique Blend of jewelry, local art and cloth-ing. Treasures from Trinidad to Timbuktu – 305 W main Street, Trinidad, CO 81082 P-719-846-0802WHAT’A GRIND Espresso, Tea & Eatery – 341 North Com-mercial Street, Trinidad, CO 81082 P-719-846-0505 FREE WiFi

In CImArron –ST JAmES Hotel – HWy 21, Cimarron, New mexico 87714 P-575-376-2664 BLUE mOON Eclectics – 333 East 9th Street, Cimarron, Nm 87714 P-575-376-9040CImARRON ART Gallery - http://www.cimarronartgallery.com/ 337 9th Street, Cimarron, Nm 87714 P-800-253-1470CImARRON BLUE Fine Art – 341 East 9th Street, Cimarron, Nm 87714 P-575-376-2223L. mARTIN Pavletich Studio & Gallery – Fine Art http://www.lmartinpavletich.com/index.html 428 East 9th Street, Cimarron, Nm 87714 P-575-376-2871OLD mILL museum – The old gristmill that was once the Cimar-ron Indian Agency and now is a museum. It has three floors of western artifacts and memorabilia from the history of Cimarron country. PHILmONT SCOUT Ranch - http://www.scouting.org/scout-source/HighAdventure/Philmont.aspx

express UU BAr rAnChExpress UU Bar Ranch • 1115 Highway 21 • Cimarron, Nm 87714 • 575-376-2035http://www.expressuubar.com/index.html

The UU Bar functions year round as a cattle operation, and also affords sportsmen of all kinds a wealth of recreational opportu-nities. Big Game hunts, Upland Bird and fishing adventures are available on 160,000 acres with various types of terrain ranging from 6,000-10,000 feet in eleva-tion. The Lodge provides accom-modations for you and your guests for family reunions, weddings, relaxing getaways, and corpo-rate retreats. UU Bar Chef Ralph Knighton serves three meals a day, satisfying even the hungriest of appetites. Agua Fria and Ojo Cabins are two rustic cabins that are situated on their own private lakes in the high country. Each are fully furnished. Agua Fria sleeps up to fourteen, and Ojo up to eight. Contact UU Bar for a most unique and satisfying getaway.

Wild & Untamed – A Trip to Cimarron, new mexicodr. Joseph pritchett

ABOVE: The Historic Express St James Hotel, Cimarron, New Mexico – Newly renovated Restaurant and Bar. The entire hotel is renovated and historic rooms are also still available. Owned and operated by the Express UU Bar Ranch.

The Good American post, southeastern Colorado - Fall 2009

Vacationing just down the road in beautiful New MexicoPROSPER2 BlA BlA BlA Exero 01, 5555

seAn mccArthy

there is a truism in governance which states if you want to limit a particular behavior or activity then regulate it—if you want to severely limit it then tax it. Consider the current “health care” debate this country is having. Then reflect on the various “social engineer-ing” initiatives this country has supported based on moral grounds: Prohibition—alcohol; regulation and prohibition of various pharmaceuticals aka “drugs”; regulation of tobacco, and ever increasing taxing of its use; legalization and government funding of abor-tion; funding and support for various sex education programs for youth; government funding of planned parenthood, and single parent support initiatives.

the list above is but a few random selections. Based on the examples I provided above, when the government both regulated and taxed an activity (tobacco use) the result was a dramatic reduction in the use of the offending product. Those unable to break their habit pay a heavy tax to continue satisfy-ing their urge. Some may say this is an unjust taxation as typically smokers are from the lower strata of the socioeconomic status—we are penalizing the poor to fill government coffers. What can I say? What gov-ernment tax or regulatory regime is fair? When does it not take from one group and give to another group? at least the behavior is legal and smok-ers are free to choose whether to pay the price or not, whereas many other tax schemes do not afford one a choice. note the failings of the other initiatives listed above—what do they have in common? They are projects whose stated objectives are fail-ing miserably. It seems the more money we put into education, or child pregnancy prevention the worse the results. There is no adverse tax, or regulation associ-ated with those behaviors. We don’t regulate or tax the activ-ity—in fact we subsidize it and thereby encourage the behavior.

so, drAwinG empirically from the anecdotes above, one could surmise if you wish to limit a behavior, then you should regulate and tax it. If you wish to encourage a behavior, then limit the regulation, tax, and cost associated with the activity. (Hmmm, a paradoxical conundrum may exist; we publicly deplore an activity, yet through our govern-mental action we are literally increasing the numbers of participants in said “bad” behavior.)

ApplyinG this postulate to health care will allow an effective perspective to develop. let’s start by stating the goals for which we can all agree:

1. universAl transportable coverage. 2. reAsonABle/AFFordABle costs for both

services and insurance. 3. the Best heAlth services and medication

available in the world.

we don’t want to see costs continue their rapid escalation; we don’t want to see rationing, or long waits for care; and we don’t want to see any degrada-tion in the quality of care in our country as it exists today. It is becoming readily apparent the various proposals being weighed in the Congress will not achieve the basic tenets we desire, nor will they guar-antee no degradation of the current system we have.

the vArious options all discuss increased regu-latory oversight of all aspects of our system; they include various increases in the tax burden for both small business and the currently insured. Remember, taxing and regulating limit a behavior; I think we want to encourage citizens and business to be respon-

sible and pay for their own insurance and health care. So, if the solution is to reduce regulatory burden and the tax burden to incentivize a desired behavior, what would it look like? John mackey’s “The Whole Foods alternative to Obamacare” (WSJ, august 12, 2009) provides a CEO’s (Whole Foods, national grocer) perspective with several private sector solutions:

-encourAGe hsAs (Health Savings accounts). Similar to IRas, individuals can deposit money directly tax free, as well as accepting depos-its from their employer into this same account tax free. The monies roll forward year to year tax free which encourages savings to cover deductibles or health care costs directly. This is a limit on taxes which encourages a good behavior.

-ensure All health insurance plans are tax deductible. Whether paid for directly by the individual or by an employer, we should encour-age this. making the premiums tax deductible will definitely encourage everyone to buy an insurance plan.

-reduce reGulAtions regarding man-datory coverage. Oftentimes many like to blame

a failing of the market place when results are not desirable. In this case years of mandated coverage by our well meaning government have increased the cost of coverage for all concerned. let’s allow the consumer/citizen to choose what coverage they need—not special interest groups and their lobbyists. This is the practice in all other forms of insurance markets (i.e., auto, life, property, etc.)

-tort reForm. no surprise here. If my costs to insure my practice increase, I simply pass the cost to the consumer. If I cannot recover the cost, then I cannot stay in business which limits the number of practitioners, increasing demand on the remaining service providers which fur-ther increases costs. Some argue tort reform is a canard. They say liability claims represent only 1% of the total monies spent in health care. What they don’t discuss are the various extra tests, and costs associated with ensuring a practitioner is not vulnerable to a future claim of negligence. Oftentimes a past law suit judgment against a doctor causes all others in the medical field to require additional procedures to ensure they are safe from potential nuisance suits.

-trAnspArent And timely costs. Call a doctor or hospital and ask for their rate sheet on various procedures and they won’t be able to provide one. Why? Well, it depends on the method of payment, the insurance company, and several other medically irrelevant factors. Why is this not the case with a dentist? How about a

PROSPERNational

positive, pro-Active, and prosperous solutions to health-care

PROSPER: People and Businesses that are Prospering and Creating Wealth for Themselves and their Communities.www.GoodAmericanPost.com Blog: http://goodamericanpost.wordpress.com Twitter: @thegoodpost


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Veterinarian? If you get a cavity filled, or your dog has its regular check up, you know the cost and you pay it right then and there. let’s make routine treatment the same for our personal medical needs. If you have to pay it, you will likely be more cost conscious. If your doctor does not have to wait 60 to 90 days while fighting your insurance company for payment, then costs will be reduced.

you cAn see these are simple suggestions, but they are based on eliminating needless regulation and tax. We should own our coverage and be responsible for the costs associated with our health care. as with other areas of our life, when we have to pay the freight directly, we are more diligent in ensuring costs are low and quality is high. What about pre-existing conditions? If you owned your health care plan, and it was not tied to your employment, then this issue would be mollified tremendously. With few exceptions we could all get inexpensive health coverage plans when we are young. Similar to term life insurance, you would lock in an annual premium for life. Regardless of sickness in the years ahead, your premium would remain the same. If you lose your job, you don’t lose the coverage—analogous to life, property, and auto insurance. Your employer can, and as your value to the firm dictates, should contribute towards your individual health insurance plan. again, this would be tax deductible and increase the savings for the individual

plan holder.

individuAl responsiBility, limiting government involvement, and allowing the power of personal economics to govern one’s choice of coverage is the key. Whatever difficult issue faces our country, it is, it will be, and it always has been better to solve difficult issues in our country by support-ing individual choice, as opposed to arcane legislation.

Sean McCarthy is a US ARMY Veteran who proudly served as a Cavalry Officer and Airborne Ranger. After his military service, McCarthy worked as an executive in the transportation industry providing transporta-tion solutions for large manufacturing facilities. Intrigued by manufacturing McCarthy was hired by the Trane Company in Pueblo as a produc-tion manager in 1995, learning their innovative world class manufacturing processes. This allowed him to run his own facility in Colorado

Springs for a small door and window manufacturer. Commuting, and working long hours for the benefit of ab-sentee owners motivated McCarthy to start his own enterprise. His affinity for “numbers” drew him to the mortgage indus-try. On July 4th, 1997 he started his venture which he has run continuously either solely or with partners since. He purposely started on that date to commemorate his own “independence” day. McCarthy still owns and operates Castle Investment & Loan, an independent mortgage brokerage and private place-ment lender. McCarthy serves on numerous community boards in Pueb-lo; currently he is President of both the PCC Foundation Board of Directors. He proudly advocates for Pueblo businesses, the downtown district (member Board of Directors Pueblo Down-town Assoc.), taxpayers, and the “Traditional Liberal” perspec-tive of free enterprise, limited government, and fiscal prudence.

Mccarthycanbecontactedat:[email protected]

“Government “help” to business is just as disastrous as government persecution...

the only way a government can be of service to national prosperity is by keeping its hands off.”

- Ayn rand

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The Good American PostpuBlisher: TISHa T. CaSIdacontriButinG Authors: alICIa aRCHIBaldlanCE BEnnIngHOFFdaVId BROWdERJOnI CaVESUSan InnISTamRaH JO ORTIZSEan mCCaRTHYdR. JOSEPH PRITCHETTSTEVE THOmPSOndaVE Van manEnJOSEPH mEdInagOOd amERICan POST STaFF REPORTSTHaT’S naTURal! TEam REPORTSYOU - WE HaVE REPORTS FROm OUR COmmUnITY!

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spC francesco Boccia,a Combat medic with C Co 1-185th Armor Battalion Cali-fornia Army National Guard, is the 22 year old son of local resident, Debbie Boccia. Frank joined the National Guard 3 years ago and did his basic training at Ft. Benning, Georgia. He did his medical training at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas and works as a civilian firefighter/EmT in Los Angeles County, California. Frank deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in August of 2008. Debbie says he plans on staying in the medical field, whether in the service or in the private sector. Valorie, Frank’s sister, and Debbie have much to be proud of in this fine young man. Thank you, SPC Francesco Boccia, for serving those around you, us and our country! you are one of our heroes.

honoring our soldiers

lCpl Travis p mcConnell, USmCField artillery, Cannoneer, Quebec Battery 5-14, Aurora, COBasic training at mCRD, San Diego, CACombat training at Camp Pendleton, CAField artillery schooling at Fort Sill, Laughton, OKTravis has been in the Corp for three years and is a graduate of LaVeta High School, 2003. Travis and his wife, Nickeya, have two children, Skyla and Sean. He is currently on the LaVeta fire department and a correctional officer at Huerfano County Correctional Facility. Travis is due to deploy to Afghanistan in 2010. Thank you, LCPL mcConnell, for serving us and our country. you are one of our Huerfano Hometown Heroes!

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BookClubSuggested Reading Material from

The Good American Post Staff

Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand

Natural Capitalism by Paul Hawken, Amory Lovins, and L. Hunter Lovins

End the Fed by Ron Paul

Culture of Corrpution by Michelle Malkin

The Libertarian Reader by David Boaz

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“In the case of freedom, the concensus of the people must be that self-reliance, free markets,private property, sound money, and enforceable contracts are indespensible to prosperity, peace, and happiness.”

- Ron Paul in End the Fed

spC John V Bailey, United States Army, completed basic training July 2007 at Ft. Knox, Ky and is currently stationed out of Ft. Hood, TX, deployed to Iraq. He is a 1st Cavalry Scout, with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team. John has earned several awards includ-ing Cavalry gold spurs. John is a certified flight instructor and taught at Steel City Aviation before enlisting in the service. John’s parents, Gary and Juanita, and sister, Kendra, live in La Veta. Thank you, John Bailey for serving us and our country. you are one of our Huer-fano Hometown Heroes! Please see our website for information on how you can support our individual heroes: www.HuerfanoHometownHeroes.org Together we can make a difference for them!

THINK/LIVE The Good American post, southeastern Colorado - Fall 2009

tamJo Goes loco for……taxes!

tAmrAh Jo ortiz

In conversations with smokers since July, I think you need to be prepared for the fact that many are getting tired of shouldering the tax burden for so many. In 2007, State taxes collected on tobacco products came to $15,262,111,000 (an additional $5.1 billion came from alcohol taxes). The 2009 tax hike is hoped to increase tobacco tax revenue by an additional 178.5 million.

Since alcohol and especially tobacco taxes were put into place to “achieve health public policy goals” as well as “increasing state revenue”, I thought I would be proactive and come up with a list of new taxes to replace the lost income once all the drinkers and smokers get tired of carrying the tax load they have in the past and decide to grow their own tobacco in the garden and brew their own ginger beer in the garage (definitely a healthy alternative to much of what is available on the market – ever tried to find the ingredients list on your favorite beer? do you know what all, exactly, is added to tobacco before it goes into the cigarette? I am not, of course referring to those ethical and noble manufacturers of organic, no-additive, no preservative tobacco products or those who produce natural fermented beverages!)Increase Revenue and achieve Public Health Policy goals Tax Ideas:

additional $1.28 tax on any item containing aspartame

aspartame has been tied to the root causes of over 92 modern chronic conditions – the short list is Birth defects, Brain Cancer, Epilepsy/Seizures, diabetes, Emotional disorders, lupus, multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, suicidal tendencies, Epstein-Barr, lymphoma, attention deficit disorder, marked weight gain, severe PmS, anxiety, aggression, and phobias.

We will really recoup the loss on this one – may not even need any other taxes at all, as thousands of items contain aspartame – here’s the short list: any product labeled “Reduced Calorie” is likely to have aspartame in it – including Breath mints, Carbonated Soft drinks, Cereals, Chewing gum, Flavored Syrups for Coffee, Flavored Water Products, Frozen Ice, Frozen Ice Cream novelties, Fruit Spreads, Sugar Free gelatin, Hard Candies, meal Replacements, non-Carbonated diet Soft drinks, nutritional Bars, Protein nutritional drinks, Fat Free Yogurt, Vegetable drinks, Table Top Sweeteners, Ice cream Toppings, meal Replacements, etc., etc.

additional $.78 tax on any pasteurized milk products

Pasteurized milk is hard to digest, nearly devoid of any of the vitamins and minerals that naturally occur in raw milk from healthy, pasture-fed dairy animals, completely devoid of the lactic-acid-producing bacteria that

protects raw milk from contaminants and in the past years has been the ‘safe-house’ for a strain of salmonella that was found to be genetically resistant to both penicillin and tetracycline. Consumption of pasteurized milk has been found to contribute to the following problems: higher risk of bone fractures, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, anemia, mS, diabetes and heart disease, prostate cancer, and ovarian cancer.

get your milk share from your local small dairy farmer who keeps his animals out in the fresh air and sunshine, grazing on native perennial grasses and bedding down on something other than crowded, dirty, concrete stalls and avoid this tax.

and last but not least, a new yearly Permit for grumpy and mean People

The research showing the connection between our mental/emotional health and our physical well-being can no longer be ignored. Chronic stress, anger and depression have been shown to be determining factors in the following:

• lowered immune system, which increases our risks of contracting everything from the common cold to Swine Flu to cancer; auto-immune based diseases such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, lupus, Fibromyalgia, allergies; • Road Rage, Suicide; need for anti-depression medicine such as Prozac, Zoloft; • High Blood Pressure, Thyroid imbalances – just to name a few.

Therefore, if you’re going to be a mean and grumpy person that stresses other folks out, causing them to be either angry or depressed, then you should shoulder your share of the health care costs. a yearly permit at the cost of $240 (hey, that’s just $20 per month!) can be purchased and you are free to keep being a jerk. However, if you are caught treating your fellow man in an uncivilized manner and you don’t have a permit, instant $10,000 fine, payable by cash or credit card.

Well, I think we just solved the state revenue problems……..glad we got that taken care of.

The Town HallgOOd amERICan POST STaFF REPORTS

FinAlly we are seeing the participation from our communities in economic and political processes that are of extreme importance to our Freedoms & Choice. We are very excited to launch our own way of open and instant communication with the communities in which we serve.

our BloG at HttP://gooDAMeRicAnPost.woRDPRess.coM is where we will be posting featured stories and asking for YOUR comments and input.

And oF course, you are always welcome to submit your stories to: [email protected]. Be sure to

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Nearly 236 years ago, on December 16, 1773 – three ship-loads of tea were thrown into the Boston Harbor by colo-nists who refused to pay taxes on that tea that was sent and taxed by Britain. There had been mounting resistance from colonists to the Tea Act, which had been passed by the British Parlia-ment that same year.

Continued acts of protest against other legislation passed by Parliament – the Coercive Acts (which closed down Boston’s commerce until the destroyed tea was paid for), led to the First Con-tinental Congress. The resistance continued, the crisis escalated, and in 1775 the American Revolutionary War began, near where The Boston Tea Party had kicked off events.

The term Tea Party, is now being used across the Country to de-scribe people, organizations, and events that stand for principals based on lim-ited taxation. The letters – ‘T’, ‘E’, ‘A’, are sometimes used to stand for “Taxed Enough Already”. As events like the 9-12 march on (at) Washington D.C. gain media attention, we will see that we can easily become divided and factional with these various groups, ideals, and opinions. This is a plea to everyone to remember that, as Benjamin Franklin said at the signing of the Declaration of Independence, “We must all hang together, or, assuredly, we shall all hang separately”.

Now is not a time to take the princi-pals that our ancestors and forefathers fought for and become divided because of titles, race, or political affiliation. This is not about right or left, blue or red, black or white, rich or poor. All of the revolutionary behavior is because we believe in liberty. It is no more complex than that.

The main stream media (mSm as you will sometimes see it referred to), can and will take stories like the 9-12 march and use them to their economic and political gain. CNN, Fox News,

ABC News, CBS News, etc., are owned and operated by powerful indi-viduals who have ratings and revenues on their mind. That is okay – we all have opinion and are all biased towards certain agendas; it is human nature. I am not pleading for Utopia, I am asking that we all look at these Tea Parties and think about what we are all standing for.

We may not agree on specific legisla-tion for health care reform. We may not agree on funding choices of Uncle Sam. We may not agree on politicians and whether or not they are truly repre-senting their constituents and holding true to what they say they are going to do.

I think what we can agree on, is that there are some fundamental problems

with our govern-ment as it stands now, that those problems have been caused by corrup-tion, and that our domestic fiscal policy has run amuck. I believe that we can agree that taxing our labor is illegal and jeopardizes our financial viability as individuals. I

believe that we can agree that re-dis-tributing the wealth that we create as individuals must have limitations to be fair to those who are making an hon-est living. I believe that we can agree that government has gotten too big. We need government, but we do not need the bureaucratic leviathan that it has turned into. Power to the people – that is liberty. We can agree on that.

So as we go through these very exciting and slightly tumultuous times, let us re-member that we must work together for the underlying meanings and goals that we have as Americans. And it doesn’t matter if you are liberal or conserva-tive, an extremist or fairly complacent, we are all in this together and we must find that common ground that we are willing to step out on. We may walk together, march together, run together, or fight together, but whatever it is that we are doing, we are all Americans and we must all remember that Spirit when it comes to making an effective differ-ence. We must all hang together. And to that, I raise this cup of tea.

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Thebeefanddairyindustryhasbeenfingeredasamaincontributortoglobalwarming,buthowtrueisthat?ResearchhasfoundthatcorrectlymanagingpasturethroughIntensiveRotationalGrazing(asystemthatmimicsthenaturalgrazinghabitsofwildgrazers)resultsinperennialgrassesthatarehigherinnutrition,resultinginburpscontaining45%lessmethaneascom-paredtograin-fedorconventionalpasturefedanimals.DecayingCowPiesthatarenotpulledintothesoiltobere-usedandlockedin(feedlotmountains)alsocontrib-utetothecarbonfootprint.

ArecentMotherEarthNewsarticlestatedthereissomeevidencethat“perennialgrasslandsare,undercertainconditions,evenbetteratsequesteringcarbonthanforests”.(TheAmazingBenefitsofGrass-FedBeef,byRichardManning)

Ardentopposerstoareturntonatural/organicfarmingandranchingpracticesargueit’snot‘practicalorcost-effective.’AccordingtoToddChurchill,whoruns

ThousandHillsCattleCom.inCannonFalls,Minnesota,foundthatonproperlyrecoveredland(permanentpasture)hecanfinishtwosteersperacre.Thisisalmostthesameamountofacreageittakestogrowthegraintofinishthosesamesteersinthefeedlot.(Source:TheAmazingBenefitsofGrass-FedBeef,byRichardManning)

Andlast,butnotleast,ifyouwereafour-legged,whichwouldyourather–munchingonsweetsmelling,sweettastinggrasswiththesunshiningonyourbackandthelightbreezewaftingthescentofwildflowerstoyournostrilsorstandingontopofadungheapwaitingforyournextmealofdiscardedjunkfooddeemednotfitforhumanconsumption?

Poultry (SearchKeywords:PasturedChickens,Free-RangeChickens) Ah….cagefree,out inthesunshine,pasturegrassesandtastybugs–whatalifeforachicken.Thatlifestylebenefitsustoo- MotherEarthNews’ latestroundofpasturedeggnutrienttestsfoundthefollowing:

“Eggsfromchickensraisedonpasture–ascom-paredtotheofficialUSDAdataforfactory-farmeggs–contain:

• 1/3lesscholesterol• ¼lesssaturatedfat• 2/3morevitaminA• Twotimesmoreomega-3fattyacids• ThreetimesmorevitaminE• Seventimesmorebetacarotene• ThreetoSixtimesasmuchVitaminDas typicalsupermarketeggs”

Dairy(SearchKeywords:RawMilk,RealMilk) ThecrusadeforareturntoRawMilkisgainingmomentumandIhopesoonColoradowill followsuitandonceagainmakeitpossibletopurchaseRawMilkdirectly,ratherthantheroundaboutwaywehavenow,by

purchasingcoworgoatsharesandtakingourdivi-dendintheformofmilk. Rawmilkreferstomilkthathasnotbeenpasteurized.Scarythoughtforfolksthatmaynotknowthefollowing:• PasteurizationpracticeswereinstitutedtocombatillnessessuchasTB,infantdiarrhea,undu-lantfeverandotherdiseasescausedbypooranimalnutritionanddirtyproductionandstoragepractices.• Pasteurizationdestroysenzymesthatactu-allyassistourbodyindigestingandreceivingnutri-entsfromthemilk,aswellasdiminishingvitamincontent,destroyingvitaminsC,B12andB6,justtonameafew. Inaddition,theamountofcalciumleft inpasteurizedmilkisnotonlyminimal,butourbodiesaren’tevenabletoassimilateitduetothemissingenzymes(killedbypasteurization)weneedtodigestandabsorbthecalcium.• The missing enzymes that would haveallowedustoeasilydigestthemilkarereplacedasbesttheycanbebyourpancreas,creatingstressandstrainonitandsomestudiesindicateconsumption

ofpasteurizedmilkcanleadtodiabetes.• “Alloutbreaksofsalmonellafromcontami-natedmilkintherecentdecadeshaveoccurredinpasteurizedmilk.In1985,anoutbreakinIllinoisstruckover14,000peoplecausingat leastonedeath.”(Source,NourishingTraditionsbySallyFallon)• Healthycowsgivenutritiousmilkthatisfulloflactic-acid-producingbacteriathatprotectitagainstpathogens. Pasteurizationkillsthose,leavingmilkdevoidofanyprotectionshoulditcomeintocontactwithcontaminants. Inmyusualexcitedfashion,IeagerlysharedallIhadlearnedwithfriendswhenIfirstdiscoveredthebenefitsofrawmilk.Onefriendaskedherdoctoraboutit.Hisresponse?“Rawmilkhasbloodandpusinit,thatwhyyouhavetopasteurizeit.”Iwasamazed.Asamother,whonursedbothofherchildren,andasagirlwhowasraisedwithmilkgoats,Icantellyounoresponsibledairyman,rancherorfarmer(andcertainlynofamilydoctor!)isgoingtoviewbloodandpusin

milkasasignofmilkneeding‘pasteurization’–it’sanindicationtheanimal(ormother) is inseriousneedofmedicalcare! Thenutritionanddigestibilityweloseinpasteurizeddairyproductsismuch,muchmorethanthefewI’velistedhereandtheharmtoourbodyinconsumingthemmuchmore. Ifyouneedtochoosebetweenpasteurizedmilkornomilk,chooseNoMilk!Tofindadairyfarmnearyouprovidingrawmilkviamilkshares,visithttp://www.realmilk.com/where1.html,courtesyoftheWestonA.PriceFoundation. Ifyouchoosenottopurchasesharesforrawmilk,don’tworryaboutyourcalciumintake……NextissueI’llcoverthebenefitsofandhowtomakeyourowndeepbonebrothsandvegetablebroths.Thesenutrientandmineralrichstockswillquicklybecomeafavorite inyourhouse,basesforsoups,sauces,gravies,casserolesandtheirnutrient-densecompositionwillrepayyouahundredfoldforthesmalleffortyouputintomakingthem!HappyEating!

Tamrah Jo Ortiz founded Create A Community to share her experiences and knowledge with others who wish for greater quality of life. The Create A Community Business Direc-tory, created to support and advocate local resiliency for both business owners and customers, will launch July 2009. She is currently working on her book, Inheritances - The Gifts we Gain from Loss, due out in January 2010. She lives in Woodland Park, Colorado with her husband and son. Her favorite answer for why she started her website, seminars and book? “So much of the information we’ve been bombarded with is wrong. And the information that is right, we often don’t know how to integrate into and sustain in our daily lives. I’ve found ways to do both and hope to help others in their quest for Quality of Life. Often, I don’t tell anyone anything they don’t already know; I just offer them options of how to put that knowledge to good use in their daily lives.”

Transitioning to Real Food...Meat, Poultry & Dairystep by step - we can change to real Food

tAmrAh Jo ortizII–Meat,PoultryandDairy Lastissuewediscussedhowsimplychangingourbuyinghabitsandthefatsweusecanmakehugedifferencesintheamountofnutritionwearesupplyingourbodieswith.Thismonth,let’slookatotherbuyingchoicesthatnotonlybenefitourbodies,butalsopositive-lyimpactthelivesoftheanimalswhichcontributetoourwellbeing,and,wouldyoubelieveit….theenvironment? Unlessyou’vebeenlivingthehermit’slife,youknowthedan-gersofingestingproductsfromanimalsgivengrowthhormones,pre-ventativeanti-biotictreatments(unnecessarywhenanimalsareraisedinclean,openhabitats,ratherthandirty,crowdedcondi-tionswithoutaccesstocleanair,cleanwaterandsunshine)andthoseanimalsthathavebeenbredgivefourtosixtimestheamountofconsumablesinashortlife-span,ratherthanprovidingreasonableamountsoveranaturallifetime.SoIwon’trepeatthedetailshere.Iwill,however,sharesomeofthelessknownfactorsregardingtheanimalproductsyouconsume–andwhyyourshoppingchoicesmakeadiffer-encenotonlyinyourhealth,butalsoyourworld.(Iencourageyoutoreadthewealthofinformationregard-ingthisinformationforyourself.Therearemorestudies,researchandlivingexperimentsgoingonthanIcanfitinthespacehere,butundereachheading,I’lllistthephraseyoucanenterintoanySearchEngineandyou’llhaveplentyofbedtimereadingforweeks!)

Pasture-Fed Beef (SearchKeywords:Pasture-FedBeef,IntensiveRotationalGrazing)

Beforewestepintothemagnificentbenefitstoourenvironmentandeco-systems,let’slookatthetop10rea-sonsgrass-fedbeefisbetterforhumanhealththangrain-fed.(AnalysisperformedbyresearchersatClemsonUniversityinSouthCarolinaandtheUSDA,Source:www.eatwild.com/news)

1. Lowerintotalfat2. Higherinbeta-carotene3. HigherinvitaminE(alpha-tocopherol)4. HigherintheB-vitaminsthiaminandriboflavin5. Higherinthemineralscalcium,magnesiumandpotassium6. Higherintotalomega-3’s7. Ahealthierratioofomega-6toomega-3fattyacids (1.65vs.4.84)8. HigherinCLA(cis-9trans-11),apotentialcancerfighter9. Higherinvaccenicacid(whichcanbetransformedintoCLA)10. Lowerinthesaturatedfatslinkedwithheartdisease

Beefcattlearethelatestevolutionofgrazinganimalsthatformillenniamigratedthroughgrasslandsandprairies,contentedlygraz-ing,leavingtheir‘offerings’tofertilizeandnourishthenextwaveofgrowthfortheveryperennialstheyconsumed.

Meanwhile,thoseperennials,inself-defenseofbeingshornshort,respondbysloughingofftheirnowinadequaterootsystemandbuildbackadeeperrootsystemastheabove-groundportionre-grows.Whatdoesthistranslateinto? Grasslandsthatprovideanabundanceofmineralsfromdeeplayersofearth(asopposedtoshallowrootedcropsthathavegrownyearlyonanarrowbandoftopsoil,which,ifnotreplenishedthroughrotationcropmanagement,compostingand/orotherorganicfarm-ingmethods,aregreatlydepletedofminerals,includingmagnesiumandcalcium).Thesloughedoffrootsdecayinthesoil,providingextranutrientsforthesoilandplants/micro-organismslivingthere,aswellaslockingthecarbonfromsuchdecayintheearth,ratherthanreleasingintotheatmosphere. Evenmoreinteresting-plowedfieldscan,atmost,absorbapproximately1½inchesofrainperhour–permanentpasturecanabsorbasmuchas7inchesofrainperhour–adifferencethatcandeterminewhetherfloodingoccursornot.

The (Burp) Methane Problem and (Cow Patty) Carbon Issue

FOOD National

FOOD: Feeding the People. Dirt, Water, Seeds & Sun - From the Farm to the Fork - Your National & Local Food Systemswww.GoodAmericanPost.com Blog: http://goodamericanpost.wordpress.com Twitter: @thegoodpost



ARTS/CULTURE National

DES mOINES—In September 2009, the Des moines Art Center opened a new 4.4 acre sculp-ture park in the heart of downtown Des moines. The John and mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park will be built directly within a major crossroads of the urban grid, making it unlike any other sculpture garden in the United States, and will contribute to the ongoing revitalization of the surrounding neighborhood. It will feature 24 works donated to the museum by the Pappa-johns, including eight new promised gifts from the couple’s renowned collection of contempo-rary sculpture and a new commission by artist Deborah Butterfield.

The Pappajohns’ initial contribution of 16 works for the park—the most significant dona-tion of artwork ever made in a single gift to the museum—included sculpture by Louise Bour-geois, Richard Serra, martin Puryear, Ellsworth Kelly, Willem de Kooning, and Anthony Caro, among others, and was valued at more than $25 million. This collection will be united with a second gift of eight works by Sol LeWitt, Tony Smith, Gary Hume, Ugo Rondinone, and Deborah Butterfield in a permanent installation in the city’s Western Gateway Park, which of-fers a pedestrian entranceway to downtown Des moines.

“The John and mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park will change the cultural landscape of the city in a dramatic way unseen since the opening of the Des moines Art Center in 1948,” said Des moines Art Center director Jeff Fleming. “The impact of the Pappajohns’ gift on the museum and the city cannot be over emphasized. It will contribute to the dynamism of the city and add a new dimension to the museum experience.”

The sculpture park will strengthen Des moines’ progressive public art program, which enhances the city’s physical environment by install-ing works of art by venerated artists at public buildings and lands. Works currently on display include pieces by Andrew Goldsworthy, mary miss, Bruce Nauman, Claes Oldenburg, and Richard Serra.

New york-based project architects Diana Agrest and mario Gandelsonas, who developed a master plan for the city of Des moines in the early 1990’s, have created a design for the new park featuring a rolling landscape and crescent-shaped open cutaways that will frame the sculp-tures. Backdrop walls eight feet high have been carved out of mounds running through the gar-den. The landscaping constructs a narrative of suspense, as all of the works will not be visible at the same time. Two large-scale works, mark di Suvero’s untitled geometric piece and Jaume Plensa’s Nomade, will anchor the southern side of the park, where they will provide dramatic views for commuters driving east on Locust Street. Pedestrians moving more slowly through the park will see the rest of the works emerge by themselves or in small groups. A master plan for the installation of the sculpture was devel-oped by an advisory committee comprised of the Pappajohns and representatives from the museum and the city.

The park is situated 32 blocks east of the muse-um’s original facility. Installation of the works began in late spring 2009 and is complete. The Art Center hopes to develop digital technology to help visitors to the park interpret the works and understand their relationship to the art on view at the museum.

The total value of the works that will be on view in the sculpture park is estimated at $40 million. The artists to be represented include:• Louise Bourgeois• Scott Burton• Deborah Butterfield• Anthony Caro• Tony Cragg• Willem de Kooning• mark di Suvero• Barry Flanagan• Gary Hume • Ellsworth Kelly• Sol Lewitt• Jaume Plensa• martin Puryear• Ugo Rondinone • Richard Serra• Joel Shapiro• Judith Shea • Tony Smith• William Tucker

The park is a collaboration between the city of Des moines and the Des moines Art Center. The museum has successfully completed a $6.1 million campaign to fund the park with the support of individuals, corporations, and foun-dations. The city of Des moines will oversee the park’s maintenance and operations, and the museum will maintain the artworks.

John and mary Pappajohnmary and John Pappajohn of Des moines embody the American dream. Emigrating from Greece as a child, John later worked his way through the University of Iowa. He has achieved extraordinary business successes—starting his own businesses and investing in others. Today, John is one of the state’s most

Des moines Art Center - Iowanew sculpture park opens Downtown

ARTS/CULTURE: The Arts & Culture tell us the History and Future of a Community & Nationwww.GoodAmericanPost.com Blog: http://goodamericanpost.wordpress.com Twitter: @thegoodpost

Art & trAvel - WhAt is hAppening Around the Country - shoWCAse: des Moines, ioWA



Jaume Plensa (Spanish, born 1955) Nomade, 2007Painted stainless steel 27 x 17 feet Courtesy of the Des moines Art Center

ARTS/CULTUREsuccessful entrepreneurs and venture capitalists. His wife mary has been his partner in philanthropic endeavors that have provided nearly $50 mil-lion for scholarships, educa-tional initiatives, and commu-nity development. John’s civic endeavors are broad, including serving as a trustee at the Des moines Art Center, as a mem-ber of the National Committee of the Performing Arts and the Collectors Committee for the National Gallery of Art. From 1997–2006, he and his wife mary were recognized as one of the top 200 art collectors in the world by ARTnews magazine. The Des moines Art CenterThe Des moines Art Center, located in the heart of the mid-west, is recognized nationally and internationally for its col-lection of modern and contem-porary art. Since its founding in 1948, the art museum has built a collection which represents the major artists from the nineteenth century to the present, each with a seminal work. Holdings range from Edward Hopper’s Automat to Jasper Johns’ Ten-nyson, Henri matisse’s Woman in White, Georgia O’Keeffe’s From the Lake No. 1, and Francis Bacon’s Study after Velásquez’s Portrait of Pope In-nocent X.

The museum’s physical com-plex reflects the institution’s mission to celebrate and col-lect contemporary art, creating

a fully integrated experience. The collection is housed in three buildings, each designed by a world–renowned architect—Eliel Saarinen, I. m. Pei, and Richard meier. With the excep-tion of special events, admission to the museum is free. Hours are Tuesday–Friday 11 am–4 pm; Satur-day 10 am–4 pm; every Thursday 11 am–9 pm; Sunday Noon–4 pm; closed monday.

media Contacts:

Des moines Art Center Resnicow Schroeder Associ-atesChristine Doolittle / Edwina Brandon Chris D’Aleo / Alison [email protected] / [email protected] [email protected] / [email protected] 515-271-0318 212-671-5178 212-671-5165


National


GREEN POWER Local

susAn innis

Have you thought about buying carbon off-sets but weren’t sure how?

do you know your carbon footprint? Would you like to know how energy-efficiency

measures can reduce carbon dioxide emissions? Would you like to support new clean energy

projects here in Colorado?

The Colorado Carbon Fund is helping individu-als and businesses reduce their carbon footprint by supporting new clean energy projects in our state. You can participate in a three-step process to help stop global warming, at the Fund’s Web site, www.ColoradoCarbonFund.org.

First, you can measure your own personal impacts. When you use energy in your home, or when you drive or fly, you create carbon dioxide emissions. Estimating your carbon footprint is a great way to learn how your daily choices can impact the environment.

Second, you will learn how to reduce your emissions through energy efficiency and renew-able energy. There are many simple steps you can take that will add up to significant savings - both in your wallet and for our climate.

Third, you can offset unavoidable emissions through the Colorado Carbon Fund. Your tax-deductible donation will go to new, local clean energy projects that reduce emissions. By taking these three steps, you will help Colorado meet our state’s Climate action Plan goal to reduce emissions 20 percent by 2020.

many people wonder whether carbon offsets really have any environmental benefits. The Colorado Carbon Fund is unique because it sup-ports new, verifiable greenhouse gas reduction projects that are developed right here in Colo-rado. In this way, consumers can see firsthand

the benefits of new clean energy projects in their communities.

The types of projects that could be supported include:

• generating energy from renewable sources, like biomass or solar water heating.

• Capturing methane from animal waste and using it to generate energy at farms.

Before the Colorado Carbon Fund accepts a project, it makes sure the project is reducing emissions. First, the project receives a rigorous, third-party review to validate its current per-formance and the expected results. Once the project is part of the fund, it is monitored, usually each year, to verify that it is achieving its perfor-mance objectives and that offsets are delivered.

Quality control is an important issue for carbon offsets. to be sure it is benefitting the environment, every offset project must:

• Provide new or additional benefits. a high-quality offset project would not have hap-pened without the specific funding provided by the purchase of offsets.

• Be rigorously measured and verified. The benefits of the offset project must be mea-sured and verified by an independent third party over the entire length of the project.

• Have lasting benefits. The effects of the offset project must be long-lasting, not tempo-rary.

Susan Innis is the Colorado Carbon Fund Program Manager for the Governor’s Energy

Office. For more information, visit www.ColoradoCarbonFund.org

Colorado Carbon Fund Provides New Way to Support Clean Energy

The Art of RecyclingAliciA ArchiBAld

COlORadO SPRIngS, COlORadO - City em-ployees have been recycling paper for years. at the same time, many employees have cared enough to take recycling a step further by col-lecting and sorting the recyclables generated in their office areas for recycling at home. now that all of the community’s waste providers of-fer single-stream recycling, the City is embrac-ing this new way to recycle—with a creative twist. Single-stream recycling and recycling bins can come with a cost. So, the City has launched an employee volunteer-driven effort to make the change, despite current budget constraints.

These recycling bins are created out of ship-ping containers from a company in longmont. SBm Site Services, llC, issued a notice in the Colorado association for Recycling list-serve, stating that a company in the Broomfield area that is generating a large amount of Fiber Barrels on a regular basis. SBm was interested in finding a reuse opportunity for these fiber barrels, rather than just recycling them into cardboard and metal. local recycling leader alicia archibald, of BETTR Recycling, suggested creating a “new beginning” for the bins – deco-rating the bins in order to create a common theme for recycling in the City’s facilities. In

essence, highlighting the “art of Recycling” as a way to generate enthusiasm and support for doing the right thing.

This strategy included an art contest to jump-start the program. Bins were decorated by City employees, professional artists and a local community youth group. While functional, the bins don’t start out all that attractive—in fact, they resemble an artists “blank canvas”. The City of Colorado Springs green Team, a group of passionate volunteers, worked with the Cot-tonwood Center for the arts to find profession-al artists willing to volunteer their services and decorate a bin. City employees also took these bins home to decorate, encourage team build-ing and put employee creativity on display.

The winners of the art contest were revealed on Thursday, July 16, 2009. The City’s Stormwa-ter Enterprise shared first place with the youth of Hillside Community Center. BETTR Recycling paid for the bin delivery and information decals. nearly 100 employees agreed to “adopt” a recycling bin, meaning that they’ll decorate the bin and take their area’s recyclables to one of a few single-stream roll-off bins located strategically throughout the City. not only are the containers made from recycled materials, but once they serve their second life as a recycle bin, they can also be recycled.

GREEN POWER: Our Power is in Our Resources. How Green is Green - Sustainability means saving and making green (and gold) for our pocketbooks!www.GoodAmericanPost.com Blog: http://goodamericanpost.wordpress.com Twitter: @thegoodpost


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GREEN POWER NationalThe Growing movement Towards making the Choice Between natural Gas and petroleum for Vehicles

you’ve seen him on television in interviews and commer-cials. He’s been speaking to Congress, State Governors and President Barack Obama. Oilman, T. Boone Pickens has a lot to say about freeing the United States from dependence on foreign oil with clean, plentiful natural gas.

We have been watching Clean Energy for years now, mov-ing forward in changing minds about how to power Amer-ica. Clean Energy founded by T. Boone Pickens in 1997, now publicly traded on the NASDAQ under the symbol CLNE has grown into the largest supplier of natural gas as a transportation fuel in North America. They produce Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) for use in heavy duty vehicles. Clean Energy Oper-ates approximately 180 fueling stations in North America, fueling over 250 fleet customers and 15,000 vehicles daily.

This is the first of a series of articles about natural gas and the company Clean Energy. The more you know, the more you will be interested in the movement towards (NGV) Natural Gas Vehicles. This subject is no longer a theory or test, it’s real and happening now everywhere in America and around the world. It is the future of America.

Natural gas (NG) is the cleanest available fuel on the market today. Natural gas is made up primarily of methane gas, CH4, and has the lowest carbon content of any vehicle fuel on the market today. Utilizing NG in vehicles reduces smog forming pollutants, particulate matter and greenhouse gas emissions by 20-30%

Ninety-eight percent of the United States’ supply is being sourced locally from North America. The United States sits on the largest supplies of NG on the planet, and the US has over 120 years of proven domestic reserves.

NG is renewable in the form of biogases which are pro-duced from landfills, dairy farms and wastewater treatment plants. Clean Energy operates a renewable NG produc-tion facility at the mcCommas Bluff Landfill in Dallas, TX. This facility produces over 30,000 gallons of vehicle grade fuel each day. NG is very affordable, with most fleets seeing fuels savings ranging from 20-60% below gasoline and diesel fuel. In Colorado the typical retail price is $.50 below regular unleaded gasoline. Sold in a Gasoline Gal-lon Equivalent (GGE) or Diesel Gallon Equivalent (DGE), GGE and DGE have an identical amount of energy as their

petroleum counterparts, and therefore, users typically see similar fuel economy.

What’s happening Nationally?

· NAT GAS act currently under consideration in Congress · Stimulus: The U.S. Department of Energy received 300m in Stimulus funds to be awarded to 30 projects na-tionally.· Funds are aimed at reducing dependence on foreign petroleum, deploying alternative fuel vehicles and stations and creating jobs.· Anticipate awards in Fall of 2009.· Carbon markets: Carbon taxes or carbon cap and trade systems will be advantageous to the NGV industry, these programs would make it more profitable to run NGVs – users would be able to sell credits for the cleaner vehicles to others who need them.· Transit Buses: over 12,000 NG transit buses on US roads, 20% of all new orders are powered by NG.· UPS has over 600 CNG vehicles now in operation.· AT&T has committed to converting 8,000 of their field service vans to CNG.· Trucks: One of the highest fuel use applications on the road today is over the road 18-wheelers.

While the fuel is certainly cheaper, the largest hurdle is typically fueling stations. CNG and LNG fleet fueling sta-tions range from 800K – 2m in cost depending on size and capacity. Clean Energy’s business model involves using its own capital to build the fueling stations, so fleets have no out-of-pocket up from expense. They do this in return for a long term fueling contract to use the station.

Watch for more info and updates in upcoming issues of The Good American Post!

Want more info? Visit Clean Energy’s web-site: www.cleanenergyfuels.com

Or contact: James Orsulak, Business Development manager - mountain Region: [email protected]

Cleaning the environment and increasing domestic energy security.

STEVE THOmPSOn


Local

Metech Recyclingmetech Recycling (www.metechrecy-cling.com) is based in Denver, CO and is a leading elec-tronics waste recycler. During 2009 metech Recycling was formed by merging Guaranteed Recycling Xperts (GRX) with metech International. metech Recycling now operates eight facilities nationwide including the Southern Colorado Division in Colorado Springs. metech Recycling is a BAN Qualified e-Steward and nearly all materials collected are fully recycled for remanufacture. No recycled materials are incinerated, land-filled, or shipped abroad to be dumped. metech Recy-cling just opened a new CRT processing center in North Caro-lina that will enable it to securely process 10 million pounds of CRT glass per year. CRT glass contains lead and is one of the most challenging electronic components to safely re-cycle. metech provides complete data security processing and documentation of data device destruction at all its facilities. In 2008, metech Recycling diverted over 10 million pounds of e-waste from landfills. With the new merged organization and eight locations, the company is now capable of recycling 50,000 tons of e-waste per year.

metech Recycling Southern Colorado Division opened in 2006 and employs 3 metech Recycling employees and 7 Community Intersections Enclave employees. The division recycles nearly a million pounds of electronics annually. The Southern Colorado metech division leads the company in developing community partnerships with over 40 collection program partners, and 30 community collection events in the first half of 2009 which collected over 100,000 pounds of e-waste and generated over $5,000 for nonprofit event part-ners. It has established 6 full-time collection depots through-out Southern Colorado for consumers to responsibly recycle electronics while supporting these local organizations. metech Recycling also directly serves over 300 business and govern-ment customers throughout Southern Colorado, accounting for over half a million pounds of e-waste annually.

Community IntersectionsCommunity Intersections (www.commonworks.net) is a Colorado Springs nonprofit established in 1995. It is part of the Commonworks family of nonprofit agencies that maintains programs in Colorado Springs, Denver, and Grand Junction. Community Intersections assists over 200 individuals with disabilities in gaining independence and self-fulfillment. It supports a number of programs for disabled adults including a residential program, transportation services, access to commu-nity resources and employment programs. Through partner-ships with metech Recycling, Colorado Springs Utilities, the Fairfield Inn, Colorado Springs Sky Sox, and other businesses, Community Intersections has developed jobs for 50 to 70 in-dividuals from a segment of the population that is facing 75% unemployment.

Community Intersections operates a Collection Depot & Work Skills Program at 601 Wahsatch in Colorado Springs. The collection depot serves consumers who wish to responsibly re-cycle electronic materials and recycling fees paid by consum-ers directly support CI’s work training programs. Community Intersections utilizes the collection depot and center to teach basic work skills to individuals with disabilities which pre-pares them to transition from dependence to paid employment.

sustainable community partnership

In 2008, metech Recycling and Community Intersections formed a partnership that serves the triple bottom line of sus-tainability – People, Planet, and Profit. Their partnership adds jobs to the community of Colorado Springs, provides revenue that supports job training and other programs for disabled adults, keeps toxic e-waste out of landfills, and processes electronics so component material can be reused in manufac-turing. The Community Intersections Collection Depot at 601 Wahsatch provides a convenient location for consumers to responsibly recycle electronics and enables metech Recycling to focus on business and government customers.

Results of the metech Recycling / Community Intersections Partnership: • 10 people currently enrolled in work skills program• 6 participants have been transitioned to paid employ-ment to date• Currently collecting 12,000 to 15,000 lbs. per month• Collected over 100,000 lbs. in 2008• On pace to collect 200,000 lbs. in 2009 this is About environmental stewardship

Not only does this partnership serve the economy and people of Colorado Springs but responsible electronics recycling serves the environment. Research estimates that electronic waste accounts for 70 percent of American’s toxic garbage. E-waste recycling is a relatively new industry and many busi-nesses and consumers are not aware that electronics disposal is regulated by the EPA as hazardous waste or that electronics contain toxic materials however no standards exists in other countries. Unethical recyclers transport toxic waste to devel-oping countries which leads to defamation of e-waste recy-cling processes and its importance to the environment. Basel Action Network (BAN) is working to establish international standards for responsible electronics recycling and is begin-ning a certification program. metech Recycling is a BAN Qualified e-Steward.

more information can be found at www.ban.org.

Contacts:Bill morrismetech [email protected]

Andy O’Riley Community Intersections719.574.6101 ext 24andy.o’[email protected]

Got Your BackAuthor Unknown

I am a small and precious child,My daddy has been sent to fight,The only place I will see his face,Is in my dreams at night.

He will be gone so many days,

I know I will loose track.I may be sad, but I am proud,My Daddy’s got your back.

I am a caring mother.My son has gone to war,My mind is filled with wor-ries,That I have never known before.

Everyday I try to keep,

My thoughts from turning black,I may be scared, but I am proud,My Son has got your back.

I am a strong and loving wife,with a Husband soon to go.There are times I am terri-fied,in a way most never know.

I bite my lip and force a smile,As I watch my husband pack.My heart may break, but I am proudMy Husband’s got your back.

I am a United States Marine (Soldier),Serving proudly, standing tall.I fight for freedom, yours and

mine,By answering this call.

I do my job, while knowing,The thanks it sometimes lacks,Say a prayer that I’ll come home,It’s me that’s got your back.


GREEN POWER

GREEN POWER: Our Power is in Our Resources. How Green is Green - Sustainability means saving and making green (and gold) for our pocketbooks!www.GoodAmericanPost.com Blog: http://goodamericanpost.wordpress.com Twitter: @thegoodpost

recycling Facilities & programs in southern colorado


We had the chance to talk to members from the newly-formed Southern Colorado Patriots Club about their mission and vision as an organization. Here is what we found out.

TGAP: Tell us more about your organization.SCPC: The Southern Colorado Patriots Club (SCPC) is Headquartered in Westcliffe, CO, and is now open for general membership. The club is necessary as there is an all out assault on our liberties and free-doms and the Constitution of the United States.

TGAP: What is your focus and mission with the SCPC?SCPC: The club’s purpose is to promote the ideas and provisions in the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution with particular emphasis on the 1st, 2nd, 9th, 10th, and 17th Amendments. Amer-icans’ rights to free speech, assembly and individual gun ownership are being undermined daily.

TGAP: How will you do this for our communities?SCPC: The SCPC will promote and support those organizations, politicians, and candidates that have similar genuine concerns. It is important to note that this organization is committed to lawful, non-violent political action. members will participate in civic events and other forums to firmly express our dissatisfaction regarding over taxation, excessive government spending and government interference in citizens’ private lives, liberties and pursuits of hap-piness. These inalienable rights were to be protected by the government handed to all Americans by the Founders.

TGAP: What made you interested in starting this club?SCPC: We have numerous concerns about our country’s current state of affairs and direction that it is moving towards a complete “Nanny State”. This violates both the word and the spirit of the United States Constitution.

TGAP: Could you outline for our readership your main goals as an organization?The SCPC: SCPC has established the following

goals:Less Federal and State Taxes/FeesLess Federal and State SpendingSmaller, less intrusive Federal and State GovernmentsLess Federal and State Regulations and RestrictionsLess Federal and State ProgramsElimination of Wealth Redistributionmore Freedom and Liberties

more Respect for the ConstitutionA Commitment to the Security of US BordersOpportunities to Succeed or Fail Free of Government InterferenceOpportunities for Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of HappinessA Respect for Personal Property and the Individual Right to Bear ArmsFewer Arrogant, Powerful, Wealthy, and Tenured Representatives in Congress

TGAP: Could you summarize for our readership your plan of action?SCPC: The club will tirelessly pursue these goals, among many others, by speaking with a strong and united voice. The irrational efforts by the current administration and Congress to establish a “Nanny State” must be curtailed. The Socialization and Bankrupting of our country is the goal of many cur-rently in power. Through the efforts of the SCPC all citizens will have the opportunity to learn about the US Constitution and identify and elect representatives who understand and will respect America’s founding

principles. Help us restore the concept of We The People!!

TGAP: Who are you looking for, and how do people contact you?SCPC: The People we are looking for want to:• Unite• Become Active• Keep the Patriotic Spirit Alive• Demand our Liberties, Freedoms & Wealth be Restored• Take Personal Responsibility• Elect the right Candidates to Represent Us• Seek God’s favor on this Country

We are looking for like-minded Americans. Join us; encourage your family and friends to do likewise. This is an urgent call for all Citizen-Patriots 17 years and older to help protect their country and seek its greatness. We all must make some time to fight for our Rights and Representation.

If interested please make your name and contact info available to [email protected] or our website-

www.scpatriotsclub.com

“All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent.”

Thomas Jefferson

The Next TEA Party meeting will be on November 11, 2009

inside the Westcliffe School “West: Gym at 6:00 pm.

Please Get Involved!

Join Us!

If Not Now - When?

If Not Me - Who?

gOOd amERICan POST STaFF REPORTS


ACTThe Good American post, southeastern Colorado - Fall 2009

Local

ACT: We Control the Future of Our Communities & Our Economies - So Act!www.GoodAmericanPost.com Blog: http://goodamericanpost.wordpress.com Twitter: @thegoodpost

Local Grassroots Club to Unite Southern Colorado

“When the people fear the government, that’s tyranny.

When the government fears the people, that’s liberty.”

- Thomas Paine

The next City manager, The next farmer, The next promoter, The next Journalist. searching for the nexT leaders for our Country

LANCE BENNINGHOFF, The NEXT City Manager

LA JUNTA - Local government is my passion. This became apparent when I began work-ing on my undergraduate studies in Political Science at the University of Colorado Denver. Originally, my plans were to get my bachelors degree in Political Science and then go onto law school. I was currently a paralegal at the time and, naturally, law school seemed to be the next step. However, everything changed when I took the Denver Politics class and I discovered my love of local government and urban politics.

Throughout my undergraduate studies, I in-terned for the Colorado Department of Local Affairs in the Office of Smart Growth. There, I became familiar with the Conservation Easement program and Land Trusts. The next semester, I interned with Councilman michael Hancock who at the time, was the President of the Denver City Council. Councilman Hancock’s District is perhaps the most diverse district in the City and County of Denver, containing Denver International Airport, the

Stapleton Redevelopment Neighborhood that is a model of New Urbanism Development and some of the poorer neighborhoods in Denver. There, I worked on a proposed Busi-ness Improvement District (BID) in Council-man Hancock’s District and I sat in on every city council meeting and learned about every facet of city government. The highlight of the internship was taking a tour of Denver International Airport.

I graduated magna cum laude from the Uni-versity of Colorado at Denver after complet-ing my honors thesis focusing on Denver’s BluePrint Denver land use plan. Upon graduation, I worked at the State Capitol where I covered legislative hearings and gave live updates concerning the status of bills as they went through committees. my employer realized my passion for local government and they scheduled me to cover committees that mostly dealt with local government issues.

In the spring of 2008, I enrolled in “The Cen-ter for New Directions in Politics and Public Policy” graduate program at the University of Colorado Denver. As part of the graduate pro-gram, I am part of the Colorado Department

of Local Affair’s “Best and Brightest Intern-ship Program” where we are paid a stipend to intern with small communities and rural coun-ties for two years. I am currently interning in Otero County and learning how to become a city/county administrator/manager.

Some of the projects I’ve been working on is the codification of the County ordinances and resolutions, helping with the new land use code, developing the emergency management plan, developing the new County website and learning how to prepare the County budget.

In addition to my numerous projects, I am developing an economic development policy for Otero County for my master’s Thesis. A large part of the policy is centered on sustain-ability issues.

my philosophy on governing is that successful communities are those that are self sufficient and can remove themselves from the grid as much as possible. This is true in government finances as well as the local economy. One of the best books I can recommend is Bill mcKibbon’s “Deep Economy” that discusses how local communities can become more self

sufficient.

Another plus to interning for Otero County, is being involved with several proposed alterna-tive energy projects in the Arkansas valley. The greatest strength of the Arkansas Valley is its abundance of Agriculture and renewable energy resources. my biggest goal as a future city/county manager is too educate the public on the feasibility and advantages of becoming a sustainable community no matter the loca-tion. I believe recent increases in energy costs and the economic crises have demonstrated that communities can’t afford not to. I can be contacted at: [email protected].

JOSEPH MEDINA, The NEXT Farmer

OLNEy SPRINGS - my name is Joseph Joaquin medina. I was born to manuel and Linda medina on march 14, 1977 in Rocky Ford, Colorado. I am the owner and grower of medina Farms, a hydroponic growing facility located in Olney Springs, Colorado. I specialize in lettuce and herb produc-tion (mainly basil). I am the fourth generation of farmers in my family in Southeastern Colorado.

I grew up on a farm - my father used to grow sugar beets in Boone, Colorado. I can recall being a child riding on the tractor with my father as he farmed. Drought hit Southern Colorado in the late seventies and early eighties and it caused my father to quit that operation. my grandfather, manuel Pinon medina, farmed in Southeastern Colorado since the fifties. Sugar beets and onions were the cash-crops at that time. There was a large sugar beet

factory in Sugar City, Colorado which my family farmed for. Crowley County was a very profitable region for this sugar-beets during this period of time.

We also harvested corn and milo. As I grew into my high school years, we primarily grew corn for grain and alfalfa or hay. We have also ventured into ranching, which I am looking forward to taking part in by rais-ing Buffalo. you can grow feed for Buffalo through hydroponics. This will be another means to supply the

community with a fine and healthy product.

I believe in sustainability and that hydroponics will be the future of farming, especially with the water issues that we face. I am very thrilled to be part of this growing movement and am looking forward to spreading the awareness of sustainable farm-ing operations. I can be contacted at: 719-469-7053.

JONI CAVE,The NEXT Journalist

TRINIDAD - I am appalled at the blatant misguided information from main-Stream-media (mSm) to the American Republic. Real news that affects our people and our Country is over-looked, while endless stories of “entertainment stars” or political propa-ganda is spouted off 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

I believe in watch-dog journalism, non-bi-ased and non-partisan information, and news that affects the constituency of the United States of America.

While the dollar’s value is plummeting, and while 2 million people are marching peace-fully at Washington, the big media networks tend to ignore this information in light of much more “important” stories, like recent entertainers’ deaths, cheerleaders that have killed alligators, or the latest sex-scandal.

I, personally, find that more pertinent infor-mation for our Country at this time would include topics like: Bills/legislation in the House and Senate that affect our constitu-tional rights; information on soldiers and veterans who are sacrificing their life for our Country; how to achieve energy security and independence on local and national scales; and what our economies are doing in our own communities and nationally, and how

WE CAN HEDGE OURSELVES to be able to survive an economic collapse, or at least re-build our economies so that they are more sustainable (and profitable).I am the new journalist. And there are thousands, if not millions, of young people like myself, that are starting to make an impact with our small-scale (incredibly effective) journalist endeavors. Just look at the Acorn case, and who broke that story – not CNN, ABC, or FOX News – it was a couple of young watch-dog journalists doing what Americans do best – fighting for the TRUTH and TRANSPARENCy.

This publication, The Good American Post, is New media. We are in a New market, and I am the Next Journalist.

Catch my work in The Good American Post and online at The Good American Post Blog!

We have been able to meet some of the finest people on the planet, who are making a difference in our communities and economies. The NEXT section of our paper, is dedicated to those folks. We will have students, young leaders, and young entrepreneurs from Southern Colorado. In this issue we have our New Farmer, New City Manager, and New Promoter. Next issue we will have several students from CSU-Pueblo, as well as classrooms from the Pueblo School for Arts & Sciences. If you know of someone to be featured, email us at: [email protected]

DAVID BROWDERThe NEXT Promoter

PUEBLO - Growing up in Pueblo, Colorado I never thought there was much to do in this town and was very bored. Always thought this was such a small and uneventful town. I moved away to a major metropolitan city of a million plus and was inundated with music, art and every other type of culture one could find. When it was time for me to return back home, I was not going to allow myself to get sucked back into the boring lifestyle I fought so hard to get out of. So upon

my return to Pueblo, I began to seek out culture and you know what, I found it. To my pleasant surprise there is a huge and talented art scene here in Pueblo; but it took me going out and looking for it. With great encouragement from a multitude of people I decided I wasn’t going to let more people suffer like I did and in turn created middle of Nowhere Event and Sound.

Now you may ask why I picked middle of Nowhere as a title for Pueblo, but this is the feeling of many many people that are raised here in Pueblo that we are in fact in the middle of nowhere. The world seems

so far and the biggest shows never makes its way to our neck of the woods. But I’m using this as an opportunity to show the world what culture we have in a place that so many have forgotten.

With this attitude of enlightening the culture of Pueblo major names in indie rock and singer-song writer genres have come through our fair city in the past year. David Dondero, It’s True, Larry and His Flask, The Grates and The Thermals to mention a few.

my background includes mixing live music for the past 8 years on a variety of

boards, stages and buildings. Have been recording music for the past two years and working in a studio with Blow your mind Productions. I organized a month long grand opening celebration for Galileo’s Restaurant back in may of ‘09 and the Spring Fling Film Festival; as well as provided sound for such major events as the Nail Driving Competition at The Home and Garden Show, Loco for Local’s Farmer’s market, and The Pueblo’s Critic Choice Awards and the 2nd P.U.L.P. 24 hour Film Festival.

If interested in my services, please see my ad on page 5.


NEXTThe New Economy

NEXT: Our Kids and Our Students - The Next Generation & How They Are Making a Positive Difference For All of Uswww.GoodAmericanPost.com Blog: http://goodamericanpost.wordpress.com Twitter: @thegoodpost



and the many other logistics were in place, and Earth Studies was born.

Earth Studies provides students six full days of outdoor-based programming, spread throughout the school year. They start out study-ing ecosystems and park history in September, and end in may with basic botany and stream ecology. In the months between, several miles of trails are hiked (and snowshoed, weather per-mitting) while exploring a wide range of academ-ics, including soil studies and basic geology, basic mammalian biology, animal tracking, and an

intro to birding and orni-thology. although built on science, many other subjects are integrated into the curriculum, including math, lots of language arts, and a strong emphasis on health and physical education.

We think it’s a terrific program, and we’re not alone. In 2003, the Colorado alliance for Environmental Education awarded Earth Studies its “Best new Pro-gram” award. Word was out in the district, as demand for the program throughout Pueblo City Schools had grown and grown. But limits of physical resources (transportation and building capacity), time (as in number of days in the school year) and limited revenue allowed us to reach only about 25% of the district’s fifth graders in any given year (the rest participated in the single-day nature: The natural High). It never felt fair to me that, although many students received a great multi-day outdoor education experience (about 320 in the 2007/2008 school year), so many didn’t.

Well, not anymore! The newly renovated Horseshoe lodge has provided mPEC with all the room we need to accommodate

Environmental Education at Mountain Park Environmental Center

dAve vAn mAnen

They said, “That will never happen. You’ll never get district 60 students to come to Beulah for a full day. It’s just not going to happen.” With these words echoing in my ears, I simply ignored them and proceeded to put the pieces in place to open the non-profit mountain Park Environmental Center (mPEC). It was 1998 and 1999 when all this took place. By February 2000, mPEC officially opened its doors in Pueblo mountain Park.

an awful lot has happened since those early days. mPEC has been recognized far and wide for creating award-winning environmental education programs. We have brought many thousands of people

of all ages to the park to connect with and learn about nature. We have moved from a humble 1500-square-foot building that we squeezed a little environmental education center into to the 14,000-square-foot Horse-shoe lodge. We have raised over $1 mil-lion to renovate and transform the historic lodge into our new center (and are poised to become a “residen-tial” education facil-ity this fall). We took over full management of Pueblo mountain Park. and, I am happy to say, we have proven “them” quite wrong. Thousands of district 60 (now Pueblo City Schools) students have spent so many full days in the park’s ideal outdoor class-room.

Bringing Pueblo City

Schools students to Pueblo mountain Park began in autumn 2000 with nature: The natu-ral High, an outdoor-based program for fifth graders that com-bined environmental education with pre-

« They said that “will never happen.”vention education in collaboration with the daRE program. most fifth grade students participated that first year, spending one

full day learning about ecosys-tems, writing about nature, and, for most, taking their first hike and first trip to the mountains (we learned that 60% of these 10- and 11-year-olds had never been on a hike, and, amazingly, 80% had never been to the mountains). Sometime in early 2002, a teacher from minnequa Elementary commented to me that it sure would be nice if her students could come up to the park several times throughout the school year. She was so right,

and it was just the push I needed to see what I could do. By the following fall (2002), the curriculum, the funding (thanks to the Sierra Club and the Packard Foundation),

many more students. although Earth Studies is an outdoor-based program, we still need adequate indoor space to retreat to when the weather requires

it. We expanded our transporta-tion capacity by acquiring a 7 2 - p a s s e n -ger school bus (added to our two other buses), secured the additional financial sup-port needed ( i n c l u d i n g greatly appre-ciated grants from the Tony g r a m p s a s Youth Services program, the mcauley min-istry Fund, and several individ-

ual donors, plus fees paid by the dis-trict and each of the schools) to reach every fifth grade student in Pueblo City Schools, and last September, with hun-dreds of details in place, we launched the expanded Earth Studies program. By may 2009, 1200 students spent 6 full days immersed in nature education.

This coming school year, we are look-ing to expand Earth Studies to all stu-dents at the Beulah School, and we have interest from several private schools in the area. I am so glad I didn’t listen to “them” when they told me my idea of bringing students to Pueblo mountain Park would never work. I bet all of the students who have come to mPEC pro-grams are too!

dave Van manen is the Founder and director of the mountain Park Environ-mental Center. He can be reached at 719-485-4444 or mpec@hikeandlearn.

NEXT Local


THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICAPresident Barack Obama

The White House1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20500Comments: 202-456-1111/Switchboard: 202-456-1414

STATE OF COLORADOMichael F. Bennet, Colorado Senator, 702 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510202-224-5852 http://bennet.senate.gov

Mark Udall, Colorado Senator, 317 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510202-224-5941 http://markudall.senate.gov

Representative Diana DeGette (D - 01) Phone: 202-225-4431United States House of Representatives2335 Rayburn House Office BuildingWashington, D.C. 20515-0601 http://degette.house.gov

Representative Jared Polis (D - 02) Phone: 202-225-2161 United States House of Representatives501 Cannon House Office BuildingWashington, D.C. 20515-0602 http://polis.house.gov

Representative John Salazar (D - 03) Phone: 202-225-4761United States House of Representatives326 Cannon House Office BuildingWashington, D.C. 20515-0603 http://www.house.gov/salazar

Representative Betsy Markey (D - 04) Phone: 202-225-4676 United States House of Representatives1229 Longworth House Office BuildingWashington, D.C. 20515-0604 http://betsymarkey.house.gov

Representative Doug Lamborn (R - 05) Phone; 202-225-4422 United States House of Representatives437 Cannon House Office BuildingWashington, D.C. 20515-0605 http://lamborn.house.gov

Representative Mike Coffman (R - 06) Phone: 202-225-7882 United States House of Representatives1508 Longworth House Office BuildingWashington, D.C. 20515-0606 http://coffman.house.gov

Representative Ed Perlmutter (D - 07) Phone: 202-225-2645 United States House of Representatives415 Cannon House Office BuildingWashington, D.C. 20515-0607 http://perlmutter.house.gov

Our Representatives & Our Country

CONTACT INFORMATION:

The Good American PostPO Box 27740 Las Vegas, NV 89126

Sales - Colorado & New Mexico: (515) 707-1490Publishing Information: (719) 369-0623

“Any people that would give up liberty for a little temporary safety deserves neither liberty nor safety.”

- Benjamin Franklin

“We must all hang together, or,

assuredly, we shall all

hang separately.”

- Benjamin Franklin at the signing of the

Declaration of Independence,

July 4, 1776

“Educate and inform the whole mass of the people... They are the only sure reliance for

the preservation of our liberty.”

Thomas Jefferson

Government 101federal Government (2 roles)1. Constitution2. Taxation

THREE BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT:

1. Legislature = LAW-MAKING- Congress*House**Speaker**Party Leaders**Congressional Districts* Senate** President pro tempore**Party Leaders

2. Presidency= ENFORCEMENT/ADMINISTRATION OF LAWS- President- Vice President - Cabinet- Federal Agencies

3. Judiciary = INTERPRETATION OF LAWS- Federal Courts* Supreme Court* Circuit Courts of Appeal* District Courts



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