I have to disagree with the idea the ethanol will produce more energy than gasoline. Alcohol has a btu output of only about 70% of gasoline. This means that alcohol can not produce more energy than gasoline. What can happen is that alcohol can leave less fuel unburnt as compared to gasoline thus providing more energy from the part that is burnt. Even taking this into effect, this has not helped very well. In Brazil the vehicles still do not compete well with gasoline as they barely beat the gas mileage effect that adjusts for the difference in btus. Nor does this happen in the US. In other words the real world is not producing ethanol vehicles that are significantly more efficient than gasoline.

In America we have about 5,000,000 E85 vehicles. The mileage per gallon on those vehicles using 85% ethanol vs gasoline is about 70%. For instance my small size pickup gets 28 mpg on gasoline but only 20% using E85 ethanol. This means that one has to buy about 40% more fuel to go the same distance. Thus the effective cost of ethanol has to be adjusted by a factor of 1.4. Ethanol in general has cost more than gasoline. Looking at what has happened this is not likely to change in spite of the propaganda. In the end ethanol costs about $5.00/gallon when gasoline costs $3.00/gallon. The public in general isn't interested in that sort of sticker shock once it realizes how much more it costs dollarwise rather than gallonwise. Realize that ethanol has to sell below $2.00/gal at those prices to be competitive. Notice that for non-flex-fuel vehicles the cost the 10% part is more like $6.00 per gallon because the engines are even not as efficient. This is not noticed so much because it is only a small part of the whole tab for filling up.

In California there are only 4 E85 stations. There are a huge number of flex-fuel vehicles (E85) in the state. This indicates that the environmentally conscious Californians are not willing to pay these very high prices. If they were willing, there would be a lot more stations. There is not one in LA or within 100 miles. That should greatly concern the public. It tells what is really going on. Ethanol is just not working.

The argument that it will prevent reliance on foreign oil is probably not true. It may actually increase the reliance on that oil and may increase greenhouse effects as well. No question that the vehicles are better although not overwhelming so. To process corn to create ethanol takes about as much fuel as would eventually be used in the automobile. That means that we will pollute using the refineries (actually distillaries). Then we burn the alcohol (ethanol) and that then creates more pollution. In addition, we will help reduce the cost of gasoline worldwide so that China and other countries can increase their use of the fuels. China has been exempted from the requirement of reducing greenhouse effects and is looking aggressively for fuel. They will increase their usage and do a better job of destroying the atmosphere.

What is needed is probably a reduction in vehicle usage and R&D into a new source of fuel along with a new engine that allows for lower pollution. Batteries, fuel cells, hydrogen, and other alternatives may work but so far they have not shown sufficient promise.

The following message was sent to 30somethingdems@mail.house.gov on December 7, 2005.

IMMIGRATION JUDGES ESCAPE FEDERAL PROSECUTION OR BRINGING CONTRABAND AS DEFINED BY 28 CFR 511.11(c) INTO A FACILITY THAT HOUSES FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS INMATES AND DEPT. OF HOMELAND SECURITY DETAINEES.

IS THIS PRESIDENT BUSH'S IDEA OF FIGHTING TERRORISM BY BRINGING BOOZE INTO A FACILITY THAT HOUSES SUSPECTED TERRORISTS, WHERE IS THE CONCERN FOR SECURITY?

This is to notify you that the Executive Office for Immigration Review (Director Kevin Rooney in particular) turned a blind eye to Immigration Judges smuggling booze into a facility that houses both Federal Bureau of Prisons inmates and Dept. of Homeland Security detainees.

28 CFR 511.12(a) states, "...it is a Federal crime to bring upon the institution grounds any...intoxicants...."

However, the court of appeals for the federal circuit, even though provided with a copy of the Dept. of Justice Schedule of Disciplinary Offenses which lists possession of intoxicants as an offense decided the MSPB judge did not error in determining that I could not have reasonably believed that things listed as offenses are actually offenses (Schoenrogge v. Justice, 05-3135) which is one of the reasons I am in the process of filing before the Supreme Court.

Immigration Judges Sean H. Keenan, Thomas M. O'Leary and John Davis violated federal law and brought booze into a facility, located in Eloy, Arizona that houses both BOP inmates and DHS detainees.

They were not disciplined in anyway.

The whistleblower however had his signature forged on a promise to appear that was used as grounds for his removal (MSPB Docket no. DE-0752-03-0465-I-1 statement of facts and issues exhibits D to G). Check that signature against the hundreds of certificates of service I signed while working for the Immigration Court, it is a clear forgery.

The same whistleblower had his calls to agency counsels Brooke Grandle and Charles Smith in which he reported acts of reprisal, falsification of computer records, wrongdoing and witness intimidation termed as inappropriate conduct and used as one of the basis for his removal.

The allegation of witness intimidation involved my being called to testify on behalf of Elizabeth Sanchez in the discrimination matter she had filed against the agency (Dept. of Justice docket no. B-00-2377) and the Supervisory Legal Assistant's (Shirley Coolbaugh) attempts to influence my testimony in that matter.

A review of the transcripts of calls will reveal that the acts of Ms. Coolbaugh and the failure of the counsel representing the agency (Charles Smith) to stop the acts of witness intimidation resulted in my contacting Mr. Smith and volunteering to submit evidence against the person who had called me as a witness (Ms. Sanchez). In my filing with the Supreme Court I will be alleging that this violated the due process rights of Ms. Sanchez.

It gets even better. Chief Immigration Judge Creppy in his decision to remove me from federal service invented a prior finding of guilty to misconduct involving alcohol. I have never been charged with any alcohol related offenses and Mr. Creppy knows this based on a document he signed (statement of facts and issues exhibit N).

The alleged prior misconduct in question was my off duty contacting of medical personnel that Assistant Chief Immigration Judge Robert Owens termed as disruptive in an attempt to fire me in December 1997 because I had filed complaints against him and others. Judge Creppy (based on the brief and exhibits in that matter prepared on my behalf by Immigration Judge Jack Staton (statement of facts and issues exhibits A1-A133)) signed a document (exhibit N) stating no decision would be made and that the matter was moot.

Mr. Creppy it would appear is less than honest. Since he knowingly made false statements in court documents one could say he comitted perjury. Of course it is begining to appear that dishonesty is a requirement to become an Immigration Judge. Which is sad, because there are good and decent Judges out there that I have worked with.

As screwed up as the Executive Office for Immigration Review has become under Director Rooney do you think any action will ever be taken against these Judges for bringing booze into a federal prison in violation of federal law, or against Mr. Creppy for knowingly making false statements?

I do not know if this is worth your time to look into this matter, I hope you will.

Todd Schoenrogge

As a party in Schoenrogge v Justice (fedcir 05-3135) pending petition before the Supreme Court (Sup.Ct. 05-8582) I have personal experience that the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit is a rubber stamp for the MSPB and not interested in fair review.

My case has been reported on Fedsmith and in the Sept. 26, 2005 issue of Federal Employees News Digest.

What all the reports fail to mention is that both the MSPB and Federal Circuit held that I did not have a reasonable belief that Judges bringing booze into a federal prison in violation of 28 CFR 511.11(c) and 28 CFR 511.12(a) was a crime. Both those bodies also ignored that possession of intoxicants is listed as an offense at item 20 of the US Dept. of Justice Schedule of offenses.

The court of appeals and MSPB also found that even though 56 FLRA No. 97 (Sept. 1, 2000) held that Immigration Judges are not in the chain of command for legal assistants, that my refusal to falisify computer entries at the request of an immigration judge was disrespectful. Both those bodies ignored that falisification of official records is a violation of federal law 18 USC 2071(b) and is listed at item 22 of the Dept. of Justice Schedule of offenses.

The MSPB and court of appeals also ignored the fact that I never alleged reprisal for filing discrimination complaints.

Even though the record before the MSPB contains 18 references to my allegations of reprisal for testifying against the proposing and deciding officials on behalf of a co-working in the discrimination matter she filed (Dept. of Justice docket no. B-00-2377) both the MSPB and court of appeals held that I alleged reprisal for filing discrimination complaints.

The Court of appeals did not even review the record.

Concerning the allegation that I entered a plea of guilty to disorderly conduct. There was never a charge of disorderly conduct. Therefore there was never a plea to or a finding of guilty of disorderly conduct, or attempting to provoke a physical altercation.

Regarding the phone calls that the agency stated were made for the purpose of harassment. I was denied as witnesses the recipients of those calls. I could not ask those persons if my phone calls were made to harass or if my phone calls were made for the purpose of disclosing violations of federal laws.

The recipients of those calls had a legal obligation under 28 USC 535(b) to investigate those disclosures of criminal activity. Instead, it was alleged that I made those calls to harass.

Nothing like having whistleblower disclosures termed as harassment.

Perhaps instead of trumping up charges against a whistleblower the agency should have removed immigration judges for bringing booze into a prison and ordering staff to falsify computer records.

Perhaps the agency should have also prosecuted those management personnel that attempted to influence my testimony against the proposing and deciding offiicials in the above referenced DoJ docket number.

Thank you for the time you have devoted to reading this.

all action happens locally. each show focuses on one grass roots group initiating social change where they live. if you've got a story, send it, we'll run it.

YOU'RE INVITED!
Saturday, February 18th, 6-10 PM, Potluck
To Jodie Evan's Venice Home
757 Palms Ave., Venice (west of Linocln on north side of street)
Join the Signature-Gathering Party For ...

36th District Soon-to-be-Announced Congressional Candidate
Marcy Winograd, President of Progressive Democrats of Los Angeles
Tell Pro-War Congresswoman Jane Harman She Does Not Represent US!

Help Put Marcy on the Ballot -- Invite Your Friends Who Live in the 36th
(Mar Vista, West LA, Venice, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Playa Del Rey, Inglewood, West Carson, Wilmington, Lomita & San Pedro)

&
Invite Others to Endorse Marcy (winogradcoach@aol.com) (and come to the party, too)
Initial Endorsements at End of this Email

If you live in the 36th District and endorse Marcy, mention that in your email. Also include your name, phone number, address, email address, and title or affiliation (if relevant and appropriate). Thanks!

--------------------
Marcy Winograd, President of Progressive Democrats of Los Angeles, thinks it's time a real Democrat challenged 36th District Congresswoman Jane Harman, a supporter of the Iraq war, the Patriot Act, new nuclear weapons development, secret detentions and the suspension of due process, and illegal government wiretapping of private American citizens. Harman, the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, remained silent for over a year after being briefed on the Bush administration's violation of federal wiretapping law (FISA) and recently told "Meet the Press" that she deplores the New York Times for informing the American people that the Bush Administration ignored the law.

As a long-time opponent of the Iraq war and occupation, Winograd was instrumental in getting an anti-war resolution passed at last year's California Democratic Convention and worked with Assemblyman Paul Koretz to draft a resolution calling for a moratorium on depleted uranium weapons systems. Playing a leadership role to protect our vote, Winograd helped establish the California Election Protection network, a grassroots organization that successfully lobbied for State Senator Debra Bowen's bill requiring a paper trail for electronic voting recounts. In her position as Media Reform Chair of the Progressive Caucus of the California Democratic Party, Winograd hosts "They Say/We Say" -- a public access televsion show which highlights the plight of returning veterans and underscores the importance of citizen activism.

As a National Board Certified teacher and literacy expert, Winograd has coached teachers at Wilmington Middle School, Flemining Middle School, Marina Del Rey Middle school and other schools in Inglewood and elsewhere in the 36th Congressional District. Working with non-profits commited to closing the achievement gap, Winograd trained teachers, principals, and school superintendents in standards-based education and team leadership skills, always stressing the importance of holding high expectations for all students. During the last few years, Winograd has worked as an education consultant and professional developer for the state of California, as well as the federally-funded GEAR UP program, which gears up struggling middle schoolers for college. Travelling with a People-To-People teacher delegation to China during the spy-plane stare-down, Winograd worked to promote dialogue between teachers in China and educators in th e United States and was a featured speaker at a US-Chinese education conference in Beijing.

As a congresswoman, Marcy would immediately join the "Out of Iraq" caucus in Congress, vote to defund the war, and lobby to spend the war billions on social programs for education, health care, housing and the environment. "The best intelligence, the most effective defense against terrorism," says Winograd, " is to craft a sound foreign policy and build strong social networks that unite, rather than divide, the world community. Pre-emptive wars that kill and main thousands of innocent Americans and Iraqis will only create more terrorists and undermine our security. It is time for a new vision and a new leader in the 36th Congressional District."

Coming soon ... winforcongress.com and winogradforcongress.com and marcyforcongress.com
Oh, and let's not forget -- dumpharman.com

----------------------------
"I proudly and enthusiastically endorse your challenge of Rep. Jane Harman for the 36th Congressional district! The time has come for brave new leaders who are not afraid to speak the truth and say what must be said. Thank you for your great courage, commitment and love for your country. With admiration and respect always,
Ron Kovic, Vietnam Veteran, author, "Born on The Fourth of July."

"Our country has strayed from the morals and values upon which it was founded. In the absence of leaders who are willing to stand up and take charge, others must take their place. Marcy Winograd will represent the majority of Americans who want peace and an end to the US occupation of Iraq."

Tim Goodrich, Co-Founder, Iraq Vets Against the War

"Run, Marcy, Run!"
Tim Carpenter, Executive Director of Progressive Democrats of America (pdamerica.org)

"Marcy, I'm so excited you're running."
Mimi Kennedy, National Chair, Progressive Democrats of America

"Marcy Winograd is a true progressive. Jane Harman supports the Iraq war and the toxic Patriot Act, which threatens our democracy. Jane Harman must go. "
Lila Garrett,
Executive Board Member, Progressive Democrats of Los Angeles
KPFK Host "Connect the Dots"

"Of course, I will support you."
Former California Assemblyman & Peace Diplomat Tom Hayden

"I'm sure you remember Marcy for her work at the Democratic/Kerry Headquarters 2004 in Santa Monica and her Peace Movement activities. Please give her your support."

Bill Nuttle
36th District Democratic Party Activist

"You would be a great candidate."
Lilian Laskin
36th District Democratic Party Activist

"I'd be delighted to collect signatures for you."
Sarah Rath, 36th District Election Protection Activist

"Just tell me how I can help........."
Brad Parker, VP, Progressive Democrats of Los Angeles

"Bless, Marcy"
Shawn Casey O'Brien, Candidate 41st Assembly District

"Of course I will endorse you."
Helen Caldicott

"I was astounded watching Jane Harman on television. She sits on the House Intelligence Committee and doesn't know the FISA law. Unbelievable and frightening."
Ira Gottlieb

"When do I send the check?"
Joe Halper

"Marcy, I'm 100% behind you. Jane Harman is not a real Democrat, is she?"
Teddi Winograd, President, Progessive Democrats of Beverly Hills

"Marcy, I've been telling you to run for years."
Alice Lynn

"Cheers!"
Keith Martin

"What a bold move. We need people with real courage."
Gina Gardner

"This is a chance to defeat a pro-war "Democrat" and get one of our own into congress."
Dorothy Reik, President, Progressive Democrats of the Santa Monica Mountains

In Response to the following freepress.org
article, here is a possible solution to low voter turnout and the lack of paper trails for voting in most voting precincts:
Powerful Government Accounting Office report confirms key 2004 stolen election findings
by Bob Fitrakis & Harvey Wasserman
October 26, 2005
Would you, your company, organization, or group like to be a founding sponsor for a get-out-the-vote campaign that could be the biggest step Americans have taken towards true democracy in decades? We could synchronize the efforts of Vote or Die and other groups and at the same time put constant pressure on all states to provide paper trails for all votes.
I would like to see this type of Press Release ASAP as we move to get more citizens to register and vote and to provide paper trails for all votes cast next year.
"Citizen Change, a non-profit, non-partisan organization started in July, 2004, by entertainment mogul Sean “P. Diddy” Combs in order to encourage young people to participate in the 2004 presidential election process, launched its new and improved model for 2005. The Vote or Die campaign successfully helped register millions of new voters. Being the latest recipient of an “Extreme Makeover,” it will morph into a turbo-charged phase two entitled: “Vote2Win.” This could be the sequel with no equal. The first of several new public service announcements (PSA) will show Vote or die shirts and clothing being removed to reveal tattoos and/or undershirts displaying the new Vote2Win logo. (Combs and/or others) stated that with help of MTV, Air America Radio, the Nation Magazine, Rainbow-Push, and yes even AARP and the Fox Network, this movement could be one small step for Americans and one giant leap for America. This could be the biggest step this nation has taken toward universal true democracy since 1776. The change from a somewhat negative self-defeating logo to a more positive proactive approach will help to emphasize the fact that “all” Americans will win if we all register and vote. We are not just proud to be an American, we are proud to “act” like an American. "
The goal of Vote2win is to get corporations, organizations, and celebrities to donate prizes to be given away after the 2005 general election. The items could have limited costs to the donors but could greatly improve their public image. Who would not want to participate in a campaign to get all citizens to vote? What voter would not want to win dinner with Steve Martin, or an autographed book from Steven King, a cameo appearance on the Daily Show or perhaps on the West Wing or SNL, or how about playing a criminal or a victim on CSI? Citizens who vote in the next election would use the control number from their election machine receipt to register by mail or on a Web site after they vote and be entered in a fun, inspiring Vote2Win sweepstakes. Besides encouraging all Americans to register and vote, the campaign would put ongoing pressure on all localities to adopt voting systems with paper trails. It does not make any sense that ATM and lottery systems have processed trillions of transactions worldwide for decades and been accurate to the penny and Americans still do not have a voting process is just as accurate and open to audits. Having a more reliable election system would encourage even more people to vote and accept the outcome. We plan to replace the Red and Blue map of America with an Orange and Green map. Orange will be used to identify those counties that do not have paper trails on at least 90% of their voting machines and Green will be used for those counties that have met the 90% goal.
The campaign hopes to grow into a cross-generational, gross-gender, and cross-political movement by reaching out to such divergent groups as AARP, Churches, Native Americans, etc. Future initiatives for Vote2Win include:
PSA’s like:
Steve Martin dancing around voting booths set up at patriotic locations singing. “Act like an American.”
“We are the World”-like music video based on patriotic songs and speeches and with a chorus based on President Lincoln’s words, “a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.” An appearance in next year’s music video could be one of the prizes for the sweepstakes.
Serious PSA: Our friends, neighbors and relatives are dying in a war right now to protect our freedom to vote and express our opinions. What can we say to the wounded soldiers or the family members of those killed on the battlefield in an attempt to explain why we did not make the minimal effort to register to vote. We must not let our loved ones die in vain. Only 55% of eligible voters actually voted. What if only 55% of our soldiers showed up to defend our freedom? What if our soldiers showed up for battle and were only 55% ready? This could be accomplished by an American walking from left to right across the screen with an ever changing or morphing backdrop of small town or city. He walks right by the local election board that has a banner across the building stating that today is the last day people can register and vote. The background morphs to the front of a Veteran’s hospital with several disabled veterans sitting out front in wheelchairs and bandages. The final morph shows the American walking past a Veteran’s cemetery with a family in the background laying flowers on a grave.
“Participate or Vegetate” by the Veggie Tales. (Patterned after the “no Smoking” campaign that encouraged children to ask their parent to stop smoking.) Daddy, did you vote this year? Mommy, did you register to vote this year? Coordinated with PSA by Schoolhouse Rock, if possible, patterned after “How a bill becomes a law. How a democracy becomes truly free.
Pictures of people in lines at ATMs and Lottery machines in heavily populated areas, juxtaposed against scenes of voting booths in with no humans around in desolate landscapes like deserts, etc.
(With their permission) Animation of the PIXAR logo with the word Whiner spelled with the “h” formed by the PIXAR lamp with the bulb turned off. The electrical cord is connected to a voting booth. We hear the footsteps of an American voter as he/she walks up to the booth and pulls the lever, which turns the lamp on. Then lamp hops around and lands next to the “n” and forms another “n” to form the word “winner.” Voice-over says, “We all must let our light shine. Register. Vote. Win.
The buck stops here – show a picture of the White House. And the buck starts here – show a picture of a voting booth.
Shots of voters at voting booths at various locations across the country saying as they pull the lever, "Can you hear me now."
Put Vote2Win messages at the beginning of DVD's and video games about registering to vote and giving an 800# and web site in the style of the anti-drug messages posted by the FBI.
The Daily Show with John Stewart could begin their "Election 2005 1/2" segments to monitor the progress in solving the voting problems.
Encourage toys of democracy instead of toys of war, voting or election board games and RPG software and perhaps, the "Voting" Barbie.
Paper receipt for voting, don’t leave the booth without it – like American Express Ad.
Song: Paper trails to you until we vote again.
Possible sweepstake prizes:
Getting to say: “Live from New York, It’s Saturday night” on SNL.

Thanks and Happy Holidays,
Tim Albright
Americanscare@hotmail.com