Homeless shelter for veterans in Springfield

I find it quite amazing that parents are up in arms about this shelter because they fear that a sexual predator might be allowed into this shelter, never mind that it would be a violation of Jessica's LAW if this happened.

Yet they will send their young children to government schools and they haven't the slightest clue if a sexual predator might be teaching little Sara or little Johnny. Do a goggle search on teachers having sex with children students and you'll get 1,760,000 hits on the subject. Not to mention the lackluster education they receive on the founding of this nation and the importance of the Constitution and this Republic.

Somehow a homeless shelter for veterans is supposed to contain mentally deranged patients that could somehow be a child molester but our government school system is FREE from this dilemma ? I DON'T THINK SO !!!!

YES Mr. Rice has a history of ignoring Springfield zoning laws, the one I recall the best happened a few years ago during an extremely cold week in '02 which Mr. Rice opened up his facility so as to allow homeless people to come in from the cold instead of freezing to death. The imperial government structure in Springfield booted the people out in single digit temperatures because the business they were housed in temporarily didn't have the proper zoning requirements for this action.

Resolution opposes homeless vets center

Incidents at other New Life facilities worry school board.

Cory de Vera
News-Leader


The Springfield school board unanimously approved a resolution Tuesday calling on federal officials to prohibit the New Life Evangelistic Center from operating a homeless veterans facility near Central High School.

The Rev. Larry Rice was able to obtain the facility, the former Social Security building at 806 N. Jefferson Ave., because a federal law in the McKinney Vento Act calls for surplus federal property to go to programs that help the homeless.

The resolution says New Life has "a history of noncompliance with Springfield building and fire codes, as well as a documented history of violent crime at several of its locations throughout the state of Missouri."

Having the facility so near the high school, says the resolution, "poses a direct threat to the safety and well being of the students at Central High School."

Several people from the Central High Site Council stood when Springfield board president asked for those in support of the resolution to stand. One person spoke out against the resolution.

The resolution which will be sent to Missouri's senators, congressman Roy Blunt, local state representatives and the governor, among others.

Board President Kris Callen said the resolution is not anti-veteran or anti-homeless. Instead, she said, it speaks to someone who may be very well-intended who runs facilities that have suffered negative consequences — including a recent murder — perhaps because of lack of oversight.

"This is prudent," said Callen. "We are trying to be as proactive as we can."

BOND ANNOUNCES FEDERAL FUNDS TO FIGHT METH

It appears that the senior senator from MO is at odds with the Bush Administration on an additional 9 million in funding for MOSMART. My question would have to be since when is it the federal governments responsibility to fight meth production in Missouri. This is the same thinking which has given us a 9 trillion dollar debt

BOND ANNOUNCES FEDERAL FUNDS TO FIGHT METH

Senator Highlights MOSMART & Meets with Local Law Enforcement

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February 1, 2008

HANNIBAL, MO – U.S. Senator Kit Bond today joined the Northeast Missouri Narcotics Task force to meet with local law enforcement and announce new federal funds to help in the fight against the state’s methamphetamine epidemic.

“MOSMART is key to getting rid of meth in Missouri,” said Bond. “If MOSMART goes away, that’s an invitation to drug dealers that says that Missouri is open for business. We must fully fund programs like MOSMART so that we can continue to put drug dealers and drug manufacturers out of business.”

Bond emphasized that the NEMO Task Force and law enforcement across the state are on the front lines in Missouri’s fight against meth. In recent years Missouri has developed the distinction of being called the “meth capital” of the United States. Bond secured funds to start Missouri Sheriff’s Methamphetamine Relief Team (MOSMART) in 2000 to help law enforcement combat meth in Missouri.

Bond recently secured $1.175 million in federal funds for MOSMART in the fiscal year 2008 omnibus spending bill. Since it was started, MOSMART has successfully coordinated efforts with regional drug task forces and sheriff departments throughout the state. From 2001 to 2007, MOSMART has seized 12,429 meth labs, and arrested 27,941 suspects for attempted manufacturing, distribution or possession of meth.

Despite MOSMART’s success, the state’s meth problem is not solved, stressed Bond. According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, there were still 1,200 meth lab incidents in Missouri in 2007. Despite the need for federal dollars, funding for drug task forces is under assault. Last year, against Bond’s objections, the Administration proposed eliminating the federal Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program, which funds programs like MOSMART. More than 80 Missouri county and city grant recipients faced a loss of nearly $9 million in local law enforcement assistance for anti-drug, anti-gang and anti-violent offender programs. While the Senate tried to fight this cut, the funding in the Congressional omnibus spending bill reduced the program funding by two-thirds or nearly $500 million.

Bond praised Governor Blunt for leading the effort at the state-level to provide $1.9 million in state funds for MOSMART. While funding at the state-level is important, Congress needs to do more, said Bond. Earlier this week, Bond joined a bipartisan group of Senators to lead the effort to restore nearly $500 million to the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program. Bond told law enforcement that he will push Congress to work through the budget and appropriations process to restore funding for these programs.

“Crime and drugs are problems that are national in scope,” said Bond. “This is a deep-rooted problem in our state and it will take all of us working together to rid Missouri of this menace.”

Daytona 500

While watching the Daytona 500 I just couldn't believe the strides Toyota has made to become a competitor in the NASCAR series. I'm still not a huge fan of the COT, but it did make for some good racing and it also allowed for breakaways in the field which the older bodied cars couldn't do because of the restrictor plate.
These cars also have a restrictor plate but because the cars are much bulkier NASCAR has allowed for a larger hole opening in the plate which allows for more horsepower. Kyle Busch looked like the car to beat except with a late race blocking strategy by Jeff Burton it cost young Kyle the race. As a former driver and a former owner of a race car I hate the blocking aspect of this sport and have always believed if the person behind you is faster then race them straight up, don't block them from passing.
To Ryan Newman congrads on breaking your winless streak. Kudos to Dodge for having what it takes at the proper time to pull out this victory. Kurt Busch you clearly have matured quite a bit, with an occasional temper tantrum. Reed Sorenson looks to be a front runner all season long, he will be battling the regulars as this season progresses.

Jeff Gordon won't be down long, neither will Jimmie Johnson, tough break for Casey Mears but he waited just a split second too long before jumping up in front of Tony Stewart, only to be put into the wall and then have his night come to an end.

It would have been nice to see Kenny Wallace get some television time, more so then pulling into the garage when his day was over.
What happened to Michael Waltrip Racings three entries, they weren't even competitive after lap 2. Next up is California where Ford seems to have the magic.