Sierrabear

Soulsbyville, Ca -- There’s that sign again, “Driving 25? Or teaching kids to speed?” It’s hard to miss when driving on Soulsbyville road. The admonishment comes as a surprise almost every time as I speed by the dilapidated building that serves as a backdrop for the bluntly worded signage. Who’s responsible for this?

Tuolumne County, Ca --  Accident statistics show that people in Tuolumne County are 3 times more likely to die in a car crash than Californians living elsewhere. Back in my day, it wasn't like this. People showed respect for the speed limit and basic etiquette. The following links go back in time a ways and are a simple reminder that maybe it's time to think about slowing down. Speeding is Selfish.

Sonora, Ca -- Recently the Union Democrat reported on a Groveland pot bust story  in which Sgt. Craig Davis was quoted, “TNT [Tuolumne County Narcotics Team] is on a never-ending crusade to rid narcotics offenders from the neighborhoods and community of Tuolumne County.”

A "never ending crusade" may be an accurate description of drug policy in the United States. This year marks 40th anniversary of the "War on Drugs", which, since Nixon coined the phrase, has incarcerated millions of Americans. Why are the drugs still here? Do we need 40 more years? What will it take for TNT to win this war?

Editors note: Dominic Torchia is one of Tuolumne County's most vociferous citizens - agree with him or not - free speech is alive an well in the foothills. Mr. Torchia writes:

Dear Folks-

For the fourth time in the past 12 months, the Union Democrat has censored my
letters to the editor. I feel that the information in those letters was
critical, considering the media in our area rarely gives the people the
"other side" of any story.

Let's talk about the economy. This is data and FACTS which you will not hear nor read in local media. In truth, there are some signs of economic recovery, contradicting the neo-RepubliCON propaganda machine.  I am just trying to achieve the balance they refuse to provide. (I did send this to "them" in case you are wondering.)

I just wanted to share a quote from a newsletter I receive. "The American people will never knowingly adopt socialism. But, under the name of 'liberalism,' they will adopt every fragment of the socialist program, until one day America will be a socialist nation, without knowing how it happened... I no longer need to run as a Presidential Candidate for the Socialist Party. The Democratic Party has adopted our platform." Norman Mattoon Thomas (November 20, 1884 - December 19, 1968), was a leading American socialist, pacifist, and six -time presidential candidate for the Socialist Party of America.