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Laguna
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The Laguna Journal welcomes your e-mails/Letters to the Editor.
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E-mail us at
Dear Editor:
THANKS TO THE JOURNAL THIS VERY
TROUBLING STORY IS GETTING OUT. THIS IS WHAT IS COMING INTO
THE COUNTRY BRINGING PROSTITUTION AND MAKING INCREDIBLE
AMOUNTS OF MONEY THROUGH PEOPLE SMUGGLING AND DRUG
SMUGGLING. THIS MONEY IS USED TO BY UP AMERICAN LAND AND
BUSINESSES AND TO PUT IN AND LOBBY FOR CANDIDATES OF THEIR
OWN MEXICAN ETHNICITY TO HELP IN THE RECONQUISTA AND THE
DESTRUCTION OF OUR NATION:
THIS IS A MUST SEE VIDEO:
LISTEN TO HIS WORDS: "BEHEADING A LITTLE GIRL FOR RESISTING
RAPE AND LEAVING HER BEHEADED BODY WITH THE OTHER GIRLS."
THIS IS WHAT IS COMING FROM MEXICO; THIS IS WHY YOU CANNOT
DETACH HOMELAND SECURITY FROM OUR UNSECURED BORDER.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRGC4KCt2s0
THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN ALL OVER THE MEDIA! WHY ISN'T IT? WHY
ARE THEY HIDING THIS?
I HOPE ALL THE JOURNAL'S READERS WILL SEND THIS OUT TO ALL
YOUR CONGRESSMEN AND ELECTED OFFICIALS. THIS MUST STOP. WE
MUST CLOSE OUR BORDER IF NECESSARY WITH MEXICO AND PUT OUR
MILITARY ON IT NOW!
Dear Editor:
Mr. Webster,
In reading your article about the horrors encountered by
Americans in Mexico, I have changed my mind about the fence.
I think perhaps cages would be more appropriate. It is
unconscionable that this is happening to citizens of this
country and that the corruption is spilling over into our
nation. What is more unthinkable is that our President, rather
than even mentioning what is going on, smiles and throws a Cinco
de Mayo fiesta at the White House. I often think we live in a
parallel universe
from this administration. It was not the first to close its eyes
to the creeping destruction of this country, but after 9/11, it
should have been the last. Our borders should have been sealed
and a moratorium declared on all immigration. Illegal aliens
should be deported. The United States WILL survive. But if it is
to survive as our forefathers wanted, we must put into office
those
who have our interests at heart. I am constantly amazed at those
who seek to bring us down to the level of those who
disregard our laws as their first crime. Then, by presenting
false documents, names, IDs and Social Security numbers, they
become felons.
Yet, our politicians rush to award them our most precious
birthright - citizenship.
I've lived a long time, but surely there are those in Washington
who must recall the bracero program. They were temporary workers
who did seasonal jobs then went home. Period. Now, the bleeding
hearts and open borders fanatics can't be satisfied with this,
They insist we hand out the whole enchilada, and not only to the
lawbreakers, but to their large extended families.
My 4th great-grandfather, who fought with the South Carolina
Militia in the Revolutionary War, would not be very happy that
I just saw in my local market products that are entirely in
Spanish. I am saddened that this is what I am leaving to my
grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and I hope they know I
fought for them.
Thank you for keeping us informed.
June Venable
bjven52@verizon.net
Dear Editor:
In recent weeks articles have appeared in the Media that the State of California is twenty billion in debt. The word from Sacramento that taxes have to be raised or tax items that have never before been taxed, such as personal services.
The people of California certainly don’t need any new taxes with the economy in such bad shape, however something has to be done.
Assemblyman Lloyd Levine introduced to the Assembly AB2026 Ca-intra-state online poker study. (would offer online poker site for those who reside in California.
The Governmental Organiza-tion Committee unanimously sent the bill forward to Assembly Appropriations Committee. If a online poker site bill is passed by the State legislators the revenue would be in the millions.
The State of California already has a Gaming Commission in place. The state has more poker players than any other.
Although the above will
not solve the deficit, it certainly would
help. Keep in mind when the
Federal issues concerning online poker
are settle, and they will be. The
California Internet Poker Site could
offer services to other states and
the world, bringing in billions.
The first state to a online poker site will have a great advantage.
I urge all to contact their Assembly and Senators and ask for their Support of AB2026.
Sincerely,
William W. Grey w.grey@sbcglobal.net
Dear Editor:
Good morning sir!
This is Petty Officer Brahm with the US Coast Guard. I just
wanted to let you know that Nick McConnell from Laguna Beach
helped save lives from the fishing vessel Alaska Ranger.
The Coast Guard Cutter Munro is currently in port in Dutch
Harbor. I have multiple numbers for the ship.
When you get through just ask for Mr. Schrader (shray-der). He
can get you in touch with whoever you need and hopefully they
can get you a photo as well.
Here are the phone numbers to the Coast Guard Cutter Munro in
Dutch Harbor.
907-581-9898/5634/5448/5370
If you want to contact me for any reason feel free too.
907-487-5700
Dear Editor:
Answer to The Maryhunter...our
government is not going to do anything about it under the
current regime Bush and company! The governors in each state
have a lot to do with helping to stop this genocide of our
people. It is up to us to stop what is occurring to our nation.
First, we must vote
intelligently for our next leader and not base our vote on
religion, race, gender, or politics. The only one I have
researched to help us, the citizens (patriots) in this
devastation is Senator Barack Obama.
If he does not win the Presidential election we will have to fight this One World Order plan by ourselves...thus the forthcoming 21st Century Revolution to bring down our current government.
Dear Editor:
I guess now mainstream American will know that in addition to al-Qaeda terrorists crossing into Texas by the dozens, we now have commando-style heavily-armed foreign soldiers regularly violating our border and attacking our citizens. When will our government say enough is enough? How many American deaths will it take? Our sovereignty is violated on a regular basis. It is appalling and beyond negligent - I’d call it a severe dereliction of duty - for President Bush to ignore our border crisis.
I'd like to tell you about the travesty of justice that I experience with the California justice system and the sham I believe the bar is. I'll start at the beginning. I met a man, a property invester who I will refer to as BA, I did some work for BA and we became friends and over the course of fifteen years we flew airplanes, traveled and bought properties together among other things. We traveled to Thailand alot and BA built some condos there of which I bought one from him. In the year 2000 a property came up that I liked. It was a small strip mall with about 150 storage units and a small managers house. So I sold my house got together all the money I had and invested in the property. BA and I signed a short one page agreement saying I would manage the property and BA would basicly do the legal end. This was good since BA was a law professor from Canada and also owned ten other facilities and is worth 15 million dollars.
Meanwhile I had invented a hook to use on Bungee cords. If you ever used a bungee cord you know that they never fit anywhere you want them to fit. With this hook that I call Bungee Adjuster the bungee cords fit anywhere. Everyone liked the Bungee Adjuster. So I called some manufacturer's to get a price to manufacture the Bungee Adjuster. The price was forbiding by the time it hit the retail market the price would be so high no one would buy the Bungee Adjuster. So I thought I would see how much it would cost to manufacture in Thailand. To my surprise the manufacture and shipping was about 10% of the U.S. price to manufacture. I now knew why all the big business's were going overseas.
So its Christmas eve night 2004. I'm at BA's home. I'm tired and wanting to go to bed. On my mind is about going to Thailand the next day to work out a deal to manufacture the Bungee Adjuster. Not thinking I had any reason to distrust BA a friend of fifteen years I signed a paper that I didn't read. After I was lead to believe it was and insurance application. BA slipped it by me real quick like when I'm on my way out ready to go to bed next door. Signing this agreement happened so quick I didn't even remember signing it. I later found out it was a one sided agreement saying that I owned 25% of the business, BA owned 74% of the business and a Texas corporation owned 1% of the business. The agreement said that if any two partners got together they could expel the other partner for no reason at a cheap buyout price. Well I'm one partner, BA is another partner and, who is this Texas corp. that owns 1%? It just happens to be BA's corp. owned by BA with his daughter as president. Now BA can get together with BA and throw me out when ever. Then BA gives me a notice saying essentialy nice doing business with you and we are buying you out at about one fourth of your worth. I had no idea what BA was talking about. I didn't work the place five years to be bought out when BA felt like it. I didn't pay him any attention and I went back to work. About three weeks later I'm served an eviction notice. Get out of the managers house where I lived and worked for five years. BA then serves a restraining order on me saying to stay out of the office. The restraining order signed under penalty of perjury said I harrassed the office manager, I was running off the good help, irrated everyone, and did untold damages to the business. I had all my money invested in this business and was not about to jeopardize it. While I managed the business it more than tripled in value. And BA said that I didn't work there. I just hung out. Never mind I got paid every year. Plus BA gave me 5% more of the business for a job well done.
BA then filed a civil suit for breach of contract. BA then files another suit for some money I owe him on my condo. So I hired a lawyer and we file a counter suit for fraud and breach of fudicary duty to be honest.
We then take depositions. The office manager says I did all the outside work and did a good job. As far as harrasment went her husband had a heart attack and I, doing her job, called her at the hospital three times and it bothered her. Another employee who collected the cash from the laundry and carwash, who BA said was giving me my share of the cash every week, said she never gave me a nickle and gave it all to BA or his daughter to put in a reserve account. Which means alot of money is missing. She also said I did all the outside work and did a great job. BA's daughter tried to act like she and BA ran the business while I just hung out living in the manager's house for free. But nobody could ever remember seeing her on the property in all of five years. BA tried to say he and I went over this agreement twice before. I would like to meet the person that would read this agreement three times and then sign it. Each person's deposition, including BA's, made a lier out of BA and his lawyer being there for every deposition knew it. And by the way nobody was found that I irrated. And all the good help quit within three months after I left. They all said they had no problem working for me.
All of the depositions took about an hour. My deposition took over six hours. Starting with what did I do when I was in the U.S. Army in Viet Nam 40 years ago and onward. I didn't realize it at the time. But BA's lawyer was trying to wear me down so I would make a mistake. Then he could motion for a summary judgement ( a summary judgement basicly means I have no case so why waste the courts time and just give BA the judgement). I'm ready to go to court and I asked for a trial by jury. BA's lawyer then motions for a summary judgement on Rosenthal, some people, Rosenthal's, walked into a bank bought some securities and never read the small print was tricked and sued. What does this have to do with business partners for fifteen years and slipping a contract by me for a signature?. The judge denied the summary judgement and we are ready to go to court in a couple of weeks. This is about nine months from the start of this issue. BA then drops the restraining order and dismiss's the case. My lawyer petitions the court to put this case together with the case BA filed for the money I owe on the condo and resolve everything at once. BA then dismiss's that case. My lawyer say's I have to sue BA now to get what belongs to me. But before this happens BA and his lawyer run to a different county and filed the same case there. Knowing if I filed the case the summary denial would still be valid and BA would have to go to court. This BA would not like. In legal jargon this is called "Forum Shopping".
We now have a new Judge in a different county. Apparently the new judge didn't care about the forum shopping or the summary denial in the other county. I sometimes wonder if it was because we were in BA's lawyer's territory since we were now in the town he practices law in and somebody maybe owed a favor.
BA signed a fictious name statement registered in the courthouse saying the business was a general partnership. We had a bank we had to sue. BA's lawyer did the case in my name and BA's name. Nothing was said about a limited partnership or a Texas corp. BA's lawyer knew our business was a general partnership because he did all BA's legal work. But he didn't draft the document I signed Christmas eve. It would make him part of this case and he couldn't represent BA when he tried to enforce the document. Therefore BA would have to hire an honest lawyer that playes by the rules. So BA went to another lawyer to draft the document.
Now BA shows up with a document that says our partnership was a limited partnership. The document I signed on Christmas eve night was an amendment to that document. BA said I signed this document. BA said he had the document but couldn't find it for a year and a half. But then he found it in a bank vault somewhere. It had my name on it but you can see it was not my signature. So now BA and his lawyer change tactics. My lawyer said BA had a fiduciary duty to be honest and not slip something by me for my signature. BA's lawyer now say's as a limited partner BA had no duty to be honest so why should he. So the new judge accepts that the business is a limited partnership and rejects some of my issues. This rendered my case hopeless.
My lawyer said to go to court now would be like going to a dog and pony show. So we gave BA the judgement on a stipulation that we can go directly to appeals court. A year later we go to appeals court. BA's lawyer wrote a brief saying essentially that BA as a limited partner had no duty to be honest so why should he. I denied the whole time that the business was a limited partnership and that no Texas corp owned 1% that I knew of. The evidence pointed to a general partnership. All BA had was a document with a bogus signature that took him a year and a half to find saying the business was a limited partnership. These judges that called themselfs justicies bought into this limited partnership bunk to our dismay and denied my whole appeal. It was apparent these justices never looked over the case properly. In my honest opinion if the judges take the place of a jury they should go over the case thoroughly before rendering their judgement.
Meanwhile I''m trying to get the bar to do something about BJ's lawyer using the court system to help BA cheat me. I looked on their webpage and it stated The State Bar’s discipline system is designed to protect the public, the courts and the profession from attorneys who violate ethical rules covering their professional conduct. Consumers with complaints about an attorney may call the bar’s toll-free number (1-800-843-9053). The Office of the Chief Trial Counsel, which is responsible for reviewing charges of lawyer misconduct, then investigates and prosecutes these complaints." So I called the bar, then I had to write them about this case that any fool could see BJ's attorney was using the court system to try and cheat me and was violating the rules of professional conduct in doing so. Rule 1.16 A lawyer shall not represent a client . (B), (1) the client persists in a course of action involving the lawyer's services that the lawyer reasonably believes is criminal or fraudulent (2) the client has used the lawyer's services to perpetrate a crime or fraud. Rule 8.44 Misconduct : (C) To engage in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation (D) to engage in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice. The bar wrote back to me saying it's out of their jurisdiction and wouldn't look at the case and to hire a lawyer and sue him. What would I sue him for but violating the rules of professional conduct? Which is the bars job to make sure no lawyer does this, so their webpage say's. Or maybe I read the webpage wrong and should of had a lawyer read it to me. So I wrote to the president of the board of govenors, he can't do anything he's not the president anymore. So I wrote to one of the govenors. It's not his job and sent me to another govenor who I never heard from.
I then read further on their web page it said "How is the State Bar funded? The bar’s programs are financed primarily by fees paid by attorneys and applicants to practice law." I then believed I was dealing with a sham. And I knew that these people had no intention of chastizing the persons paying their saleries. I began to wonder how many people got ramed because dishonest lawyer's knew the bar would do nothing. Who are the lawyers that they can watch over themselfs? Since everyone else in this country has some government agency watching over them, why not the lawyers?
So I wrote to governor Schwarzenegger explaining why I thought the bar is a sham and something should be done about it, he likes to hear from his constituents but it's out of his jurisdiction and I should write to the Attorney General. So I wrote to the Attorney General, the Honorable Edmond G Brown Jr., he can't do anything it's out of his jurisdiction and I should write to the bar association. Since the bar has exclusive authority to investigate and prosecute allegations of attorney misconduct. But I wasn't complaining about an attorney's misconduct. I was complaining about the Bar's misconduct. If Edmond G. Brown Jr. can't understand a simple one page letter then why is he the Attorney General?
After three years of this and what I got in return, I'm beginning to think the whole justice system is a sham.
If I had the money I'd sue the bar. But then again where would I find a lawyer that would help me sue the people protecting him? And besides that, you can't practice law if you are not a member of the bar, they might disbar anyone who tried.Three years of my life has been wasted, I'm out an untold amount of money. My Bungee Aduster project has been stalled till now. I believe if the bar would have done what their webpage says they are to do,their job. This wouldn't have happened.
I guess it's true when they say " there is no justice exept for the rich." When I was in Viet Nam I was told we were fighting for for liberty and justice for all " I don't think so". This could happen to anybody!
Yours Truely Arlen Bauer arlenb@peoplepc.com
Dear Editor:
Great piece the
merida
initiative.
see this:
Subject: AP: US Parents Seek Answers in Mexico Death
To:
US Parents Seek Answers in Mexico Death
By JESSICA BERNSTEIN-WAX –
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jTV-2mvkPnu1I9MvqkQbk88C71uQD8V30F6O0
Jessica: Not only am I interested in
Bradley Roland
Will, a 36-year-old journalist-activist from New York, who was
killed in October 2006 while filming unrest in Oaxaca state,
where protesters had been fighting for months to oust Gov.
Ulises Ruiz for alleged electoral fraud.
But am running your piece on the front page of the Laguna
Journal. His family have my heart felt condolences and my
concern and if I can help in any other way please let me know.
M.W.
Dear Editor:
Sarah:
I agree with you. I suspect and have all along that the
reasons the war on drugs have totally failed is because
people in high places are involved. I think the CIA,
Contra, high level officials in America and around the
world many benefit. How ever to prove it or to be able
to have enough reliable sources is difficult at best. I
direct you to
www.lagunajournal.com
(war on drugs) where you can read more of my writings on
the subject. Also very important to me is if you have
any details or know anyone who does, I would be very
interested so keep me in mind as I'm always looking for
connections that will help me do a better job for my
readers. I thank you for your interest. I Remain.
M.W.
PS: By the way I really like England my daughter
attended Oxford and she and her Mother and I who visited
with her on more then one occasion all fall in love with
England, Oxford, London and the country side.
Dear Editor:
Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki announced last week that Al-Qaeda in Baghdad had been defeated thanks to a security plan launched a year ago. Although there continues to be violent spots in Baghdad, deaths are decreasing dramatically in Baghdad just as they have in the AnBar province. The offensive by Iraqi troops and coalition forces in Mosul a few weeks ago against insurgents is encouraging that the Iraqi security forces are trying to rid the country of terrorists.
Recent news reports have noted the success of liberating Fallujah and Ramadi, both cities previously controlled by terrorists. I have personally listened to stories of the liberation of these cities from Marines who have fought there over the last three years. Iraq is changing for the better and there is hope for the Iraqi people to become independent. Change takes time. Considering the oppression the Iraqi people have lived under for so many years, recent stories are evidence that they are making strides in controlling their own destiny. As a mother of a Marine deployed to Iraq, I would love to see the troops come home tomorrow. But I know that is not the best decision for Iraq, the security of the American people, and the legacy of the almost 4,000 men and women of our armed forces who lost their lives fighting the war on terror in Iraq.
I hope that the American people will continue to believe that coalition forces, led by the United States, are doing a good job leading Iraq towards self government. Our troops are training Iraqi forces to defend themselves against insurgents. The Middle East is a complicated region with many tribal, religious, and political factions that must be encouraged to cooperate for a peaceful existence. This effort will take generations to evolve into a cohesive democratic existence.
But be encouraged that it is working, especially since the surge last year in Baghdad by the U. S. Army and the incredible victories in the AnBar province by the Marines. As a personal testimony of the attitude of the Iraqi people, let me share a letter from my son (with his permission) who is serving in Iraq as a Weapons Platoon Commander:
"I can thank only
God for the safety of every Marine in our battalion. Thus
far, our greatest challenge has been fighting complacency
and boredom. If there were any other way to spell "victory"
it would be "Al Anbar". In nearly one year's time, I have
watched attacks, improvised explosive devices (IED) and
direct action attacks go from frequent to rare. Daily, we
patrol through the streets of Al Anbar, finding no
resistance. Most of our days are spent with local civilians
pointing out where the insurgents used to live before they
were killed or fled. They lead us to weapons caches,
hideouts, and people who used to help insurgents. Our job
has regressed from fighting in a war to peacekeeping.
I have no way of describing the appreciation and heartfelt
thanks the Iraqi people show us as we patrol through their
towns. For the first time in their life, they have no fear
for their family's life. They no longer fear going to the
market to buy food or fuel. They are building the
foundations of democracy at the highest levels and we are
watching it trickle down to the provincial and civic
levels. The young men are joining the Army and Police in
larger and larger numbers. People are participating and
believing in their government.
I will close with a story of how I spent my unforgettable
Christmas. My company was tasked with performing a ten day
clearing operation into an area along the Syrian border. We
would have ten days of riding in HMMWV’s looking for
smugglers, foreign fighters, and insurgent safehavens. The
average temperature at night was in the teens with the
windchill. The operation started on the 21 December, so no
talking to families on Christmas. Morale was not exactly at
an all time high.
On Christmas eve, during one fo our searches of a Beduoin camp, the father of the family asked if we would stay for dinner. Arabs being amazingly hospitable people, constantly insist on the best treatment for their guests. If was getting dark and the Marines were exhausted, so we decided to join them. The father ordered a fine meal (fresh lamb) be prepared. While eating this amazingly prepared meal (it being our first hot meal in days), our interpreter told the man that it was Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Christ. The man declared that the meal was in honor of Jesus Christ.
There are so many things, good and bad, that I will remember about this war. I am glad that some of the memories will be like this one. Every day I am here, makes me appreciate that much more the country we live in. I am convinced, we live in the greatest country in the world."
Be encouraged, fellow Americans, that we are being protected by our military who are willing to sacrifice themselves for our freedom so that the radical terrorist groups may be defeated in other countries and not allowed to attack the U.S. again.
Sincerely yours,
Susan McConnell
Proud mother of a Marine (deployed)
SUSAN B. MCCONNELL
4452 Airport Blvd., Mobile, AL 36608-2209
251-342-3554
Susanbmcconnell.com, aub76@aol.com
Dear Editor:
Your Article About ... Adult Stem Cells delivered in speech at UCLA
Dear Editor:
|
I am writing this letter at the request
of the Alliance Defense Fund to ask your
help on a huge project that, if
successful, will impact every church in
America for the better.
As you know, churches in America are automatically exempt from federal taxation under section 501 (c) (3) of the IRS code. However, in 1954 Congress passed the so-called "Johnson amendment" conditioning tax exempt status on a requirement that churches effectively remove themselves from certain aspects of the "political" arena. The 1954 law redefined the traditional role of American churches, limiting them in their historical role as the conscience of the nation-leading the fight to end slavery, leading the fight to protect young children working in the coal mines and factories, and leading the fight for women's rights including the right to vote. Because of the threat of IRS sanctions or loss of tax exemption, most pastors today are fearful of speaking out-even in the pulpit-on the great moral and social issues of the day. We believe that the federal government is required to give tax
exempt status to churches because of
protections that exist in the United
States Constitution. And most
significantly, we believe that the IRS
cannot threaten revocation of tax exempt
status even if churches speak out on
political and social issues relevant to
voters. ADF is looking for churches that will
work with them in launching a lawsuit
challenging the IRS's ability to
restrict churches from preaching on
scripture based-"political" issues
relevant to the body of Christ in the
next federal election cycle. Please let
ADF know if you have an interest in
working with their constitutional
lawyers active in the courts to return
the church to its rightful place as the
voice of the body of Christ on the great
political and moral issues of the day. If you are interested in
participating in this project, please
contact ADF Chief Counsel Ben
Bull at 480-388-8035, fax 480-444-0028
or email him for more information.
Sincerely,
Donald E. Wildmon, Founder and Chairman |
Dear Editor:
Thanks for taking the time to write back.
What do you think about Michael Ruppert’s findings about the CIA’s involvement in using cocaine sales to finance the Iran-Contra affair?
What about allegations coming out of Russia today that the United States is involved in drug traffic from Afghanistan? Obviously taking it with a grain of salt given the source, yet at the same time being open minded about how drug money can be used to finance covert operations.
David
Iran-Contra
secret war was covered at the time by our investigative reporter
Michael Webster, well it was happening during the Reagan
admenistration. If you are aware of any new developments we
would be interested in hearing them. As far as the allegations
coming out of Russia today that the United States is involved in
drug trafficking from Afghanistan we are very interested and
please tell us more and lead us to where we can found out more
of the details and facts. So the Journal can share it with our
readers. James Fine editor: Laguna Journal
Did the church ever need to seek permission from the government to be exempt from taxes? Were churches prior to 1954 taxable? No, churches have never been taxable. To be taxable a church would first need to be under the jurisdiction, and therefore under the taxing authority, of the government. The First Amendment clearly places the church outside the jurisdiction of the civil government: "Congress shall make NO LAW respecting an establishment of religion, nor prohibiting the free exercise thereof."
Religion cannot be free if you have to pay the government, through taxation, to exercise it. Since churches aren't taxable in the first place, why do so many of them go to the IRS and seek permission to be tax-exempt? It occurs out of:
Ignorance ("We didn't know any better")
Bandwagon logic ("Everyone else is doing it")
Professional advice (many attorneys and CPAs
recommend it)
Does the law require, or even encourage, a church to
organize as a 501c3? To answer that question let's
turn to what the IRS itself has to say.
Churches Need Not Apply
In order to be considered for tax-exempt status by
the IRS an organization must fill out and submit IRS
Form 1023 and 1024. However, note what the IRS says
regarding churches and church ministries, in
Publication 557:
Some organizations are not required to file Form
1023. These include:
Churches, interchurch organizations of local units
of a church, conventions or associations of
churches, or integrated auxiliaries of a church,
such as a men's or women's organization, religious
school, mission society, or youth group. These
organizations are exempt automatically if they meet
the requirements of section 501(c)(3).
Churches Are "Automatically Tax-Exempt"
According to IRS Code § 508(c)(1)(A):
Special rules with respect to section 501(c)(3)
organizations.
(a) New organizations must notify secretary that
they are applying for recognition of section
501(c)(3) status.
(c) Exceptions.
(1) Mandatory exceptions. Subsections (a) and (b)
shall not apply to—
(A) churches, their integrated auxiliaries, and
conventions or associations of churches.
This is referred to as the "mandatory exception"
rule. Thus, we see from the IRS' own publications,
and the tax code, that it is completely unnecessary
for any church to apply for tax-exempt status. In
the IRS' own words a church "is automatically
tax-exempt."
Churches Are "Automatically Tax-Deductible"
And what about tax-deductibility? Doesn't a church
still need to become a 501c3 so that contributions
to it can be taken as a tax deduction? The answer is
no! According to IRS Publication 526:
Organizations That Qualify To Receive Deductible
Contributions
You can deduct your contributions only if you make
them to a qualified organization. To become a
qualified organization, most organizations other
than churches and governments, as described below,
must apply to the IRS.
In the IRS' own words a church "is automatically
tax-deductible."
Churches Have a Mandatory Exception To Filing Tax
Returns
Not only is it completely unnecessary for any church
to seek 501c3 status, to do so becomes a grant of
jurisdiction to the IRS by any church that obtains
that State favor. In the words of Steve Nestor, IRS
Sr. Revenue Officer (ret.):
"I am not the only IRS employee who's wondered
why churches go to the government and seek
permission to be exempted from a tax they didn't owe
to begin with, and to seek a tax deductible status
that they've always had anyway. Many of us have
marveled at how church leaders want to be regulated
and controlled by an agency of government that most
Americans have prayed would just get out of their
lives. Churches are in an amazingly unique position,
but they don't seem to know or appreciate the
implications of what it would mean to be free of
government control."
from the Forward of In Caesar's Grip, by Peter
Kershaw
www.hushmoney.org
Dear Editor:
Please keep up the good work your doing on the Carona case. When I want to know the latest I go to the Journal. Carona, Hunt, Anderson, Jaramillo, Haidl and Calvallo all have similarities. They were all cozy together and kissed the brass ring of Carona and the OCGOP. One by one they all fell out of grace with Carona (except Anderson). They all had serious ethics lapses. Now the Board of Supes need to do the right thing. Hold a special election for Sheriff instead of catering to the wants and lusts of the Lincoln Club and OCGOP. The new sheriff appointee Anderson is a high up in the republican party. Orange county needs new blood from outside of the county.
Linda Laguna Beach www.lindah@aol.com
Dear Editor:
|
Praying The Psalter Today 2008. Pastor Wiley Drake Calls for Imprecatory
Prayer against So-Called Religious Liberty Watchdog
Groups
Contact: Wiley Drake, 714-865-8132
In light of the recent attack from the enemies of God I ask the children of God to go into action with Imprecatory Prayer. Especially against Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and the ACLU as well as others who attack God's people. I made an attempt to go to them via Matt 18:15 but they refused to talk to me. Specifically target Joe Conn or Jeremy Learing and their leader Rev. Barry Lynn. They are those who lead the attack. (You can see their press release attack at www.au.org ) Imprecatory prayer, is now our duty Now that all efforts have been exhausted, we must begin our Imprecatory Prayer, at the key points of the parliamentary role in the earth where we live. John Calvin gave the church its marching orders from Scripture. The righteous have dominion, but only through imprecatory prayer against the ungodly. David as our Old Testament shepherd gives us many Imprecatory prayers, and can be found to be in best focus in Psalm 109. Also chapters 55, 58, 68, 69, and 83 Pray these back to God and He will answer. Jesus in Matthew 23: 13, 15, 16, 23, 24, 27, and 29 gave us our New Testament marching orders as well. Let us join Paul and declare anathema upon anyone" who loves not the Lord Jesus." I Cor 16:22 Church father Martin Luther, led us by saying…"If any of the enemies of God's people belong to God's election, the church's prayer against them giveth way to their conversion, and seeketh no more than that the judgment should follow them, only until they acknowledge their sin, turn, and seek God."
How to pray
Everyday telephonic prayer meeting (for those who want to pray)
Call- 1-605-772-3900 Put in access code # 399430 (Come on the telephone line for a few minutes or all of the time, but let us all pray.)
Discussion on this event can be heard daily Monday through Thursday at 9:00 am PST "The Wiley Drake Show" on www.crusaderadio.com Let us pray and see what our God will do. |
Dear Editor:
We want to thank the Laguna Journal and investigative reporter Michael Webster for alerting the public through many articles he has written in the past about our former Sheriff Michael Carona and for breaking the news of the indictment of Carona on federal corruption charges stemming from a lengthy investigation into allegations that he had misused his office for financial gain.
We again want to thank Mr. Webster for reporting and keeping the Journal’s readership up to date and not giving up on Carona’s misdeeds and for years gave much more detail then the main stream news media provided. According to the Journal and others Carona also appears to be well known by Vegas notorieties who have homes in Laguna Beach and Newport Beach, including Rick Rizzolo owner of Crazy Horse too strip club and contributor to Sheriff Carona and now a resident of a Federal penitentiary. The list includes past Las Vegas Mayor Jan Jones, current Mayor Oscar Goodman, MGM CEO Terry Lanni, Stations Casino owner Frank Fertitta, Jr. just to name a few that we have read about in the Journal. Keep up the good work informing your readers.
Professor James Femia Ph.D 949 494-7456
Long time Laguna Beach teacher and resident.
Dear Editor:
I enjoyed your article THE PATRIOT ACT AND YOU. Regarding the Monetary Instrument Log (MIL), if I go into a bank and cash (not deposit) 4 cashier's checks or money orders made payable to me, and the total of the 4 checks together is over $3,000 but under $10,000, is the bank required to report the transaction to the MIL? Thank you. Lynne lynnesiclari@hotmail.com
Lynn. Thank you for your kind words about my article " The Patriot Act and You". I'm not an attorney and you should seek a professionals advice. My opinion is it does not! However a bank can report any transactions they want to. Amounts of over $5,000 total are often reported. Thx M.W. For other articles on similar and other related subjects visit; www.lagunajournal.com Scroll down lift and click on "Michael Webster's other writings"
Dear Editor:
The California Coastal Commission meeting Wed, Feb 6 starts
at 9 a.m., but the meeting location has been changed to the
Del Mar Fairgrounds’ Wyland Hall, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd.,
in the city of Del Mar (just off I-5 in Del Mar at Via de la
Valle exit). It holds 3,000 people so we all can attend and
get a seat. Arrive well before 9 and get labels and signs
from Sierra Club table.
Should a six lane toll roll go through the fifth most
popular
According to the Los Angeles Times January 17, 2008
“In September, the [California Coastal] commission’s staff
recommended against approval, saying that building a
six-lane toll road through San Onofre [State Park] would
cause widespread violations of state environmental laws by
threatening endangered species, marring natural resources
and compromising recreational opportunities.”
It ought to be a slam-dunk decision, but it is really
crucial that we pack the hearing room and let the
Commissioners know our concerns.
Volunteer to drive your car to
An alternative is to go on buses that the Sierra Club is
organizing that will leave from the entrance to
Please join me in
Gene Felder, Vice-President
Dear Editor:
To anyone who has
followed the “Save Trestles” campaign: This Wednesday is the
Big Showdown. If you want to make a difference on
whether a six-lane toll road is allowed to plow directly
through San Onofre State Park and ruin the famed Trestles
surf break and destroy a popular campground and surrounding
wilderness, you need to attend the California Coastal
Commission meeting in Del Mar this coming Wednesday.
We know people care
deeply about this issue, and have expressed loads of
support. However, this time we need bodies; it’s that
simple. A former CCC chairperson said the current commission
is much more likely to deny permission to the toll road
developers (the TCA) if there are a lot of people at this
meeting, as in hundreds, possibly thousands. She said in
past high profile CCC cases around the state, the vote went
with the environmentalists when there were throngs of
supporters in the audience. Otherwise, she said, the
commissioners think no one really cares, and are more likely
to vote with the slick lobbyists who have been wining and
dining them.
This vote also could
impact all state parks and protected open spaces we believed
were set aside forever (including our own greenbelt!).
Apparently, it is open season on these public lands, and we
need to draw a line in the sand now, or watch it all blow
away. Especially with the current budget crunch, the heat is
on. Even our “green” governor has caved into the pressure
from special interests and sacrificed our state park and
beach for a billion-dollar toll road to nowhere.
Who is left to defend
these last remaining fields and meadows, streams and
wetlands, beaches and waves? Us! Me. You.
So if you care about
protecting one of the most popular California State Parks,
and Trestles, please plan to head south on Wednesday and
show your support in person. If you are a surfer who loves
Trestles and clean water and access to public waves, don’t
hang back and think other people will be there. We need you
to show up! (Someone said surfer’s flu is going around.)
If you really care, be
there! We might not get another opportunity to save this
park and beach!
For details and
carpool and bus info, go to
www.savetrestles.com
or
http://taskforce.sierraclub.org/friendsofthefoothills/
or contact
Robin Everett at
robin.everett@sierraclub.org .
Janine Robinson
Laguna Beach
Dear Editor:
Let's be serious
here.. Are any of you truly surprised? The Good Ole Boys
have been dropping like flies since early 2007..Thanks to
the Journal. Finally these money hungry, bustards
despicable, hypocrites are being found out and they go hide
behind what money they have in their lawyers basement. I
know a guy who used to brag about being tight with Mike and
deep down inside I was thinking how idiotic this guy was to
think he was so connected by being friends with this
criminal in uniform. They are no different than any of the
illegal's or any other degenerate that we chastise for their
felonious behaviors. The only difference is of course the
all time evil "money"...I am so happy to see the entire
Republican Party fall flat on their well educated and
connected face as it serves these pompous parrots perfect..
Rest well you plastic jerks, I hope the judge actually
throws the book away when it comes to dealing out your
punishment. These idiots need not go to some plush facility
where they can pay 130 per day and rent movies and have
outdoor time, Like the sheriff's criminal buddy
Rick Rizzolo owner of Crazy Horse too strip
club of
Las Vegas fame, they need to be humiliated in the publics
eye so they can really feel the wrath. Let's not allow them
to hide in a country club lock up, they need to perform
thousands of hours of freeway cleanup or perhaps chopping
trees and shrubs off Ortega hwy..
Let's see them punished the way us TAXPAYERS would be
punished had we been found guilty and or in the same
predicament...Folks if you haven't noticed, we are in
serious trouble when you can't trust your appointed or
elected officials.. Don't forget to vote for Huckebee to
implement the all important Fairtax.
James Wood, Laguna Beach www.jamesw.@hotmail.com
Dear Editor: