Michael Bryan By Michael Bryan I think I can safely speak for the entire staff and readership of BlogForArizona when I say "Thank you!" to David Safier for his last 6 years of hard work, and the fun and satisfaction we have all derived from David's efforts. We are all looking forward to his continuing contributions to … Read more
By Tom Prezelski
Re-Posted from Rum, Romanism and Rebellion
NB: Some folks may be wondering why I have not been posting here of late. This is largely due to the fact that my name is being circulated for a possible legislative appointment, and I was reluctant to write anything which would stink of shameless politicking. However, there are some stupidities so offensive as to demand comment.
A throwaway comment by Steven Seagal that he thinks it might be fun to run for Governor of Arizona has inspired much gnashing of teeth and rending of garments among your Facebook friends. Even ostensibly serious journalists like Jim Nintzel have been chasing the story, giving the bloated action movie hack more ink than any of the actual candidates have received.
It was not until yesterday that a reporter, apparently embarrassed by a Facebook post from one of her former colleagues, made the ten minutes or so of phone calls and internet surfing necessary to find that Seagal does not meet the residency requirements for the office and is not even registered to vote in Arizona. The fact that Seagal is ineligible to run was not addressed in the pages of The Arizona Republic, but on the reporter's Twitter feed. Keep in mind that the non-story had already been running for a few days at this point.
By Michael Bryan To the critics of the ACA here in Arizona, I present this story, published yesterday, from the NYT: Kathy Hornbach of Tucson is not wasting any time before using her new health insurance coverage, which took effect on New Year’s Day. Ms. Hornbach, 57, has an appointment with a cardiologist on Thursday for a … Read more
By Tom Prezelski
Re-posted from Rum Romanism and Rebellion
Voting in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Online Fan Poll lasts only a few more days.
For Tucsonans, two choices are obvious. First, we are going to vote for Linda Ronstadt. Second, we are going to vote for guitar demigod and one-time Tucsonan Link Wray. Wray had a special place in his heart for the Old Pueblo and played here frequently, often sharing the stage with local great Al Perry. I am not sure if there is any truth to the persistent rumor that Wray's "Tucson, Arizona" was written in the Tap Room at the Hotel Congress, but it is a good story nonetheless.
As for me, my third vote goes to Yes. I loved Yes in high school, then drifted away for them as I discovered punk rock and what came to be called "alternative." By my college years, I was embarrassed to admit that I had all their albums on now-obsolete vinyl. This story is pretty common, actually, but in more recent years, their profound impact has been acknowledged, with artists as diverse as Michael Jackson, Pearl Jam, ?uestlove and The Red Hot Chili Peppers admitting to their influence.
Yes' nomination to the Hall has gotten some unusual attention, in large part because there is an unprecedented campaign being waged on their behalf, which started with a chance meeting of political consultants at a Yes show. I assume that this happened in the men's room between sets. One dark secret of politics is how much business gets done standing at urinals, something which should change as more women achieve prominence.
By Tom Prezelski
Re-blogged from Rum, Romanism and Rebellion
Most folks here have already heard that former State Representative Daniel Patterson (D-Tucson) has filed a suit against the City of Tucson and The Pima County Sheriff, alleging that they violated his legislative immunity back in 2012.
It needs to be pointed out that legislative immunity, which is spelled out in the State Constitution, is hardly unique to Arizona. There is similar language in many, if not most, constitutions. In fact, it was such a matter of course that the article was the subject of little or no discussion at the 1910 Constitutional Convention.
Everybody who has worked with or in the legislature has at least one story about someone embarrassing themselves with regard to legislative immunity, usually these have something to do with some arrogant boob being obnoxious to a cop. There are also a number of urban legends about what immunity is and how it works, but the fact is that it has never been tested in court and most law enforcement agencies have no clear policy to deal with it.