Monday, September 7, 2015

The Truth About The Arrest of Kim Davis

THE FACTS ABOUT KIM DAVIS ARREST

With everyone making the arrest of Kentucky Clerk Kim Davis political, let's break it down. Davis is in jail for one reason only, not complying with a Federal Judges order. Thus putting her in contempt of court.

To be clear (because opinions out there are providing false information) the Judge is a Republican Conservative Catholic Appointed Judge. He stated in short he does not even agree with SCOTUS decision on Marriage Equality. But people can NOT pick and choose what laws or court orders they choose to follow.

In 2006 SCOTUS stated that indeed government officials 1st amendment rights are indeed knowingly restricted and that is clear upon taking your oath of office.

Keep in mind Davis oath swore to God she would preform her oath of office despite her personal objection to anything . She makes $80,000

To make a FAIR comparison for Christians who object, if a Muslim County Clerk refused to issue marriage licenses due to their religious  objections in issuing a license to someone who believes in a different God. How would you react? 

If a Mormon DMV Clerk refused to register a vehicle because it is against their beliefs?

If a police officer or fire fighter refused to render aid or respond properly to a call because of their religious beliefs ect.... Where should it end???

This is why the 2006 SCOTUS decision was made for those who hold govt jobs.....in fact the jailing of Kim Davis will protect religious freedom as it asserts the above possibilities won't occur...

Where did this all come from? False information given to society that if you site religious objections, you can discriminate without penalty... This is not at all true... AT BEST it means it's a POSSIBLE defense , in Davis case the judge stated in her case it is not a viable legal defense for her to violate her oath of office and not preform her duties in which she swore she would and in which she gets paid to do so.

Jordan Letschert

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Kentucky Clerk Davis Jailed


BREAKING: As expected, Davis refused to go back to the Courthouse. She communicated through her lawyers and told Judge Bunning that she would not allow her Deputy Clerks to issue marriage licenses.
Davis will remain in jail. Judge Bunning has told the Deputy Clerks to begin issuing licenses tomorrow, otherwise they will be held in contempt. 5 of the 6 agree, the hold out was Davis's son.
Davis makes $80,000 dollars paid in part by those she denied their right as defined by SCOTUS under the 13th Amendment.... 

Here is the oath of office that all Kentucky clerks and deputies including Davis takes before assuming their duties:
"I, -----, do swear that I will well and truly discharge the duties of the office of ----- County Circuit Court clerk, according to the best of my skill and judgment, making the due entries and records of all orders, judgments, decrees, opinions and proceedings of the court, and carefully filing and preserving in my office all books and papers which come to my possession by virtue of my office; and that I will not knowingly or willingly commit any malfeasance of office, and will faithfully execute the duties of my office without favor, affection or partiality, so help me God."
All hearings have ended.



Justice Kennedy noted that the Supreme Court has made it clear in previous rulings "that public employees do not surrender all their First Amendment rights by reason of their employment." On the other hand, he wrote, "When a citizen enters government service, the citizen by necessity must accept certain limitations on his or her freedom."

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Marriage is the Law of the Land

Great Facebook post on Legal Vs religious argument

"I say this with sincere love to my many friends who are passionate fundamentalist Christians who believe that the SCOTUS’s decision yesterday on marriage equality is an abomination to themselves and to God: As a lawyer, I need to attempt to set the record straight. 

Our country was created by our founding fathers very deliberately to prevent the establishment of a national religion from our governance. The Church - Catholic or Anglican - was central to almost every other country in the world historically, especially England from which our founding fathers separated. It was critical to our founding fathers that one central religion NOT be declared and NOT be incorporated into our Constitution or governance. They understood that an establishment of a national religion would ultimately abridge the very rights they believed were fundamental and were meant to be recognized and protected by the Bill of Rights and ultimately the Constitution. 

Religion-based loss of basic rights had been their experience in England and they wanted to prevent that here.

The fact is that this decision yesterday was a LEGAL decision about the scope of our Constitutional rights as humans and US citizens. It was not about religion, religious beliefs or religious freedom. It is about equal rights, just as the decision in this country to give women the vote and the decision to abolish slavery were about equal rights. Any decision regarding the scope of a constitutional right (whether passed by Congress or interpreted by the SCOTUS) is a legal decision, not one based in religion or morality.

Rights are not and should not be up for a popular vote or up to the states to determine. Rights are absolute and cannot be dependent upon anything other than the fact that the person is a human being and is a citizen of the US. If those two conditions are met, YOUR belief system about what is MORALLY or spiritually right or wrong does not matter and should not. You should be glad that is the case, because it would be just as easy for another religion to take over and curtail your rights as a Christian (something that has happened throughout history).

In fact, one religious party believing they know the truth for all humans is how terrible oppression starts - that is how Naziism started, the Crusades, the Inquisition, the Salem Witch Trials, the Klu Klux Klan, Al-Qaeda and now ISIS - the most destructive, hateful, murderous periods of human history have arisen directly out of one religious group (ironically, most of these examples were lead by Christians) believing their religion and religious beliefs were THE truth, and therefore they had the right to take away the rights (and lives) of those who lived or believed differently than them. 

Our founding fathers wanted to prevent that outcome. So does our current Supreme Court. THAT is the law of the land and I could not be more grateful to be an American than when human rights are protected. I don’t have to agree with you to believe with all my heart and soul that YOUR rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness should be protected against oppression or prejudice. LGBT US citizens deserve exactly the same treatment. God Bless America.

p.s. Those railing against the decision of marriage equality as a basic constitutional right are confusing the idea of constitutional (i.e human) rights with certain types of behavior (the stuff they call "sin"). But human rights are inherent in all human beings and US citizens - not doled out based on who is behaving "well" and who isn't. All US citizens should have the equal right to pursue life, liberty and happiness, regardless of the "sins" they commit. The only behavior that should curtail your constitutional rights is if you commit a crime (a felony) and are convicted. But even then, criminals can still marry, have kids, own property, work and live in our communities. The only things they can't do is vote and carry firearms. If committing a sin was a barrier to receiving basic constitutional rights in this country, we would all be in big trouble, not just the LGBT community."

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Supreme Court Just Showed Their Hand

This was posted by a friend :

After reading Kerry v. Din, it appears the Supreme Court tipped their hand today on where they will fall on same-sex marriage. 

The opinions in the cases had an obvious undertone regarding the scope of constitutional due process rights to marriage. While the majority opinion was comprised of all the Conservative justices, Justice Kennedy and Justice Alito refused to join the opinion in whole and focused only on the judgment writing "...rather than deciding, as the plurality does, whether Din has a protected liberty interest, my view is that, even assuming she does, the notice she received regarding her husband's visa denial satisfied due process." 

This rationale offered by Kennedy, having originated in Court precedent (Kliendienst), was not contested by the four liberal Justices, rather they merely disagreed that the Consular Officer's statement was not adequate for denying the visa application.

My official marriage equality prediction now sitting at a 6-3 opinion. 

Oh how far America has come...

Thursday, May 28, 2015

2016 Election

A friend posted this on Facebook and is an interesting perspective 

"Presidential dreams are becoming increasingly dreary for Republican hopefuls. Currently, the primary field is so wide open (with 16 contenders) that, even with the GOP identity crisis aside, the establishment candidates are polling at record lows. Given the identity crisis of who the Republican party is and needs to be, this election is becoming more and more of an election for Hillary to lose, rather than the GOP's to win.

When November 8, 2016 rolls around, Hillary will start... yes, START... with a minimum of 247 of the 270 electoral votes she needs to win. This is due to the "Democratic Blue Wall" (Google It). As many political strategists will say, Hillary is almost guaranteed Colorado because of the rapidly growing Hispanic population. Gaining Colorado gives Hillary 9 more electoral votes, bringing her to 256. Hillary is also likely to take Virginia because of the influx of Northerners (the D.C. crowd) who lean very left. If she pulled this off she would be at 269. 

This would leave Hillary needing one vote. Yes, one electoral vote. Given that Republicans start every election with 191 electoral votes, the necessity to win the big toss up states (Florida and Ohio) leave the smaller states, of which Hillary needs one, untapped.

If Clinton doesn't need Ohio or Florida, though she would likely win at least one, she would just need Iowa, Nevada or New Hampshire to put her over the edge. And with a boatload of money and no real primary challenger, she'll have plenty of time and resources to lock up at least one of those states.

Let this sink in... 16 years of a Democratic President and 4 (I REPEAT 4) Supreme Court Nominations."


Regards


Jordan Letschert 

Saturday, May 2, 2015

SUPREME COURT

Supreme Court Justice Didn’t Know Marriage Can’t Legally Involve Churches or Religion

With the first day of hearings taking place before the United States Supreme Court, an awkward happening occurred when Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts found out that both religion and religious establishments have nothing to do with the legality of same-sex marriage.

The uncomfortable exchange began when Chief Justice Roberts asked famed gay rights lawyer Mary Bonauto why she believed that we should “force churches and religious leaders to preside over a homosexual wedding that, when taken as a whole, would offend their moral conscience.”

Although she seemed taken aback, Bonauto replied with little to no hesitation.

“Well, I’d cite the U.S. Constitution, previous Supreme Court decisions, and the Treaty of Tripoli.”

Chief Justice Roberts then asked Bonauto to elaborate on her answer.

Bonauto replied, “Thomas Jefferson clearly stated that the intent and function of the 1st Amendment was that the country could never establish any laws based on, or supporting, a specific religious view. He stated that ‘the government of the United States of America is not in any sense founded on the Christian Religion.'”

She then continued by stating that, “This court has ruled in this manner time after time, and even the Treaty of Tripoli, which was unanimously approved by the U.S. Senate way back in 1797, clearly stated that our government was not established on any specific religious tradition. Not to mention, priests and churches will not be forced to marry anyone.”

Bonauto concluded by accurately saying, “Indeed, it is a fact that all you need to get married would be another person, a trip to a courthouse, a witness, and a signed document. When people get married in a church, it isn’t recognized by the government without the legal documentation.”

It was at this point that those in the court witnessed Chief Justice Roberts begin to whisper to fellow conservative Justices Scalia and Alito. Justice Roberts then became visibly red in the face at this point and some reports even state that you could audibly hear Roberts say, “Really!?”


From www.youreadygrandma


Regards 

Jordan Letschert 

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Florida HB 7111

Despite Florida being a highly Republican state in our House and Senate, lawmakers who pride themselves on smaller govt, literally make up problems to pass legislation so their names can be put on a bill.
Case and point HB 7111 which OVERWHELMINGLY PASSED in the Fl House . This broadly worded bill would allow adoption agencies who receive TAX PAYER FUNDS to turn around and arbitrarily discriminate against QUALIFIED parents. 
Rather than an up or down approval to adopt a child in need of a loving home, this bill would allow the tax funded agency to say no based on sexual orientation, marital status, ect... Thus bringing up the constitutionality of the bill.
Despite Republicans in the Fl house stating it is NOT discriminatory to the LGBT community, they rejected nearly 29 amendments to the bill which would specifically carve out the ability to discriminate solely for being gay.... 
One main supporter for the bill actually tried to reinstate a 1977 law that BANNED gay tax paying citizens the right to adopt children in need of a safe, loving home. This 1977 law was ruled unconstitutional in 2010

Sadly the Fl House passed this bill, but the Fl Senate has held it up in the Rules comittee which consists of 8 Republicans and 0 Democrats refusing to vote as even they feel it may be overturned by the courts as unconstitutional
Additionally , the Senate was hoping to entice Foster parents of 160 children to permanently adopt with a tax incentive of $5,000-10,000 thus, this House Bill put that at risk as 33% of the Foster homes could be affected by HB7111

Now let's stop for a second and ask why our legislatures in the House not only voted on this discriminate bill but even created it... After all these agencies gladly accept tax payer money and operate under a govt issued business license... How many of the adopted kids complained? Perhaps that was the driving force... NOPE NOT ONE... In fact when the sponsor of the bill was asked he could not even answer basic facts about agencies, complaints ECT... He had no clue as to the facts....

As facts would have it at MOST 2 religious organizations were concerned about this... That's it 2.. When was the last time 2 cases of complaints got our legislatures to do something.

Rep. Ray Pilon who represents Sarasota Fl.. Stated he had to vote his "conscious and church" ... What happened to voting the will of those you represent... He also stated gay people could still go to a public agency... I compare that to separate but equal.. Like when we use to tell black citizens which water fountain to use or which bathroom to use.... It is SHAMEFUL.... He declined to respond to my request for a meeting...but will most likely not be re elected in 2016 as he votes for himself and his church not for Sarasota. 

Hopefully this bill will never be passed, if so, it will cost Fl tax payers $1 million a year to house 160 foster children who could be adopted..

Regards

Jordan Letschert 

Friday, April 3, 2015

IF YOU LIVE IN SARASOTA

Speak up and let Rep. Pilon he should vote NO on HB7111 that would legalize discrimination in adoption agencies. Rather than placing needy children in loving homes this bill would sanction discrimination.... Worst of all... These agencies benefit from tax dollars from the very citizens they seek to discriminate...
How is this possible in 2015 

https://www.change.org/p/ray-pilon-florida-vote-against-the-bill-that-would-allow-tax-funded-adoption-agencies-to-discriminate-against-gay-citizens-who-wish-to-adopt?recruiter=23724757&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=share_page&utm_term=des-sm-share_petition-custom_msg&fb_ref=Default

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Religious Rights

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/18/us/presbyterians-give-final-approval-for-same-sex-marriage.html?_r=0

In other words.. NOT marrying ppl now violates their religious freedom 

Sunday, March 15, 2015

Sir Elton John

Furious Elton John Calls for Boycott of Dolce and Gabbana Over IVF Comments

Sir Elton John on Sunday called for a boycott of the swank fashion house Dolce & Gabbana after the founders declared their opposition to same-sex marriage and gay adoptions in an interview with an Italian fashion magazine.

D&G, which has clothed some of the celebrity world's top stars, was founded 30 years ago by Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbano. Their designs have been worn by Angelina Jolie, Scarlett Johansson, Christian Bale and many other movie stars.

But the founders, who were once a couple, told the magazine Panorama they supported "traditional marriage."

John, who married his longtime partner David Furnish last December, issued a furious retort on his Instagram account, saying he would never wear Dolce and Gabbana again and calling on others to join a boycott of the company.

The British singer-songwriter, who has two children born via a surrogate, was especially annoyed at Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbano for their comments about the children of gay couples. They told the publication that kids who aren't born into traditional families are "children of chemistry."

John responded: "How dare you refer to my beautiful children as "synthetic." And shame on you for wagging your judgmental little fingers at IVF — a miracle that has allowed legions of loving people, both straight and gay, to fulfill their dream of having children."

The boycott was quickly supported by other celebs, including tennis star Martina Navratilova and musician Courtney Love, who said they were dumping their D&G clothes.

Article from NBC


Regards

Jordan Letschert 

Monday, February 23, 2015

DEHART

SOOOOO... At 2:45am we wake up to our fire alarms going off... Half awake we stumble into our kitchen to find it on FIRE...
We put it out, expecting FD to arrive as our house is monitored by #DEHART... But NOOOO.. So WE call our own monitoring company to tell them we have a fire... Do they offer to dispatch FD? Ask if we are ok? NOPE... The rep says "oh we don't monitor your fire"
WELL THATS NEWS TO US AT $60.00 a month... So we, understandably so are angry , and the #dehart rep HANGS UP ON US....

He DOES NOT ask if we are ok, does not offer to dispatch ANY help ... We call back and demand to hear from a supervisor within 1 hour... That was 5 hours ago..

If you have #dehartsystems in your home YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE NOT SAFE!


BTW ITS NOW BEEN NEARLY 24 hours!


Jordan Letschert 

Sunday, February 15, 2015

Alabama same sex battle

Legally the battle is over. But the Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court does not agree.

This judge historically has been an advocate for states rights and contends a federal judge can not overrule a state constitution. He is factually incorrect as even the conservative FOX NEWS has stated. 

You see there is a thing called the "supremacy clause" in short it means Federal Law trumps state law... We all know this...

This particular judge however has had a history of opposing change in Alabama, so much in fact he was once previously removed from the bench...

The federal judge who deemed the ban on same sex marriage in Alabama flat out, out ranks the state judge, the appeals court that denied the stay out ranks the state judge. Lastly the Supreme Court of America who voted 7-2 NOT to even take up the Alabama argument undeniably out ranks this state judge...

This State judge threatened arrest of probate judges if they issued marriages to same sex couples. So both the Alabama Governer AND the Federal Judge came out stating no one would be arrested and ALL counties must issue licenses to same sex couples or face possible law suits for civil rights violations..

To date 50 of Alabamas 67 counties are now issuing same sex licenses... Look for sanctions to come down hard on this state judge soon

And before anyone makes the claim " This liberal judge is changing the law" this judge was appointed by BUSH...

Regards

Jordan Letschert 

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Police Picture

Between making arrests, I even managed to pose w my SGT. We now are on a trailer lol.... #missioncomplete # bucketlist 


Jordan Letschert

Sunday, January 25, 2015

Crunch Fitness

Watch us grow, Tampa Palms here we come... Pre Sales are under way... Next stop South Tampa! 


Regards
Jordan Letschert

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Blue Force Tracker

Our partner and editor of www.blueforcetracker.com Nolan Peterson was on many Fox News shows this past week talking about the attacks in Paris. 

Stay up to date and follow us at www.blueforcetracker.com

Twitter @blueforcetrack

And facebook . Facebook.com/blueforcetracker 

Regards

Jordan Letschert 

Thursday, January 1, 2015

SARASOTA COUNTY SHERIFF OFFICE

Did you know that the Deputies assigned to patrol in Sarasota County #sarasotacounty STILL DO NOT HAVE DASH CAMS in their vehicles.
I priced this out (ball park) thru the Police Department I worked for and it is roughly $6,000 per vehicle to equip with the latest cameras and belt microphones.

That means 300 patrol cars in sarasota have no record of your stop. We ALL know cameras keep both officers safe and professional and citizens safe and honest.

If you look closely you will see new 2015 Tahoes on the street for Sarasota County but no cameras....

I've asked many officers and due to recent events, they are using their own I phones as dash cams to protect themselves

We all also know citizens who have had unprofessional interactions with our county deputies... So with over 300,000 sarasota county residents it's about $3 bucks to equipt the cars... Per resident but the SHERIFF OFFICE has exclusive authority on how to spend their budget and can not be forced to implement cameras by our county commissioners, only by state legislatures 

So ask yourself why has this not occurred? 


Regards
Jordan Letschert