Tumgik
#it's overwhelming and violating for authors to deal with
Text
The Author
A meta caption story
Tumblr media
The cool air of the evening creeps in through the open window, gently rustling the curtains and sending a shiver down Ophelia's spine. She sighs, leaning back against the pillows as she stares at the ceiling, lost in thought. It's been a long day; a day filled with routine, frustration, and a whole lot of nothing in between. The silence of the house is almost deafening, save for the occasional creak from the old floorboards and the soft murmur of her husband's voice...
But it's not the sound of his voice that catches her attention. It's the rhythmic slapping noise coming from his home office, just a few steps away. At first, she's not quite sure what it is, but then it hits her: he's masturbating. The realization sends a wave of conflicting emotions crashing through her. Part of her feels violated, like an intruder has violated their sacred space; another part of her feels a pang of jealousy, wondering why he can't find release with her. Yet another part of her feels a strange sense of arousal, her body responding to the sounds even as her mind protests.
She creeps up to the office a little, not wanting to make too much noise, her heart pounding in her chest. Through the crack under the door, she sees her husband's naked form hunched over his desk, his hand moving furiously. He can’t take his eyes off his laptop as if hypnotized he increases his speed. “Ungh fuck! I want her.” He groans as his face contorts. “Who does he want?” Ophelia thinks to herself. She feels a mixture of anger and arousal course through her veins.
Ludwig grunts again “Ungh, it feels… so good!” He shakes violently as he orgasms. Ophelia watches him wipe down his computer and the stain he shot upon his desk. Ludwig coughed as he slid out the back door to his private bathroom. Ophelia could hear the quiet hum of his shower head turning on. Ophelia quickly rushed into the room to look at what kind of porn her husband was enjoying.
Ophelia was shocked to only find a few windows of blogs open as well as an email from “The Mistress”. Ophelia took note of the names of the blogs and the email address of the “The Mistress”. Ophelia ran back to her bed and started looking up these items on her cell phone. Ludwig had stopped having sex with her very early in the marriage. At first Ophelia did not mind as she wasn’t a very sexual person. However, when it became more obvious that Ludwig had sought after other avenues to feed his desires, her jealousy was sparked.
“What kind of stories are on these blogs that could make Ludwig feel pleasure like that?” She thought to herself as she read a story from one blog. The story was short and was about a flat chested woman who got plastic surgery and became a porn star. She checked on another blog and it had a similar story of nerdy girl drinking a serum and becoming a femme fatale. The story had a graphic sex scene as the girl fucked her former crush. Ophelia felt herself become wet at the tale. She went to another blog.
Ophelia felt a cold sweat as the story had a plain, mousy wife. She was not confident and was terrible in bed. She became afraid she would lose her husband and found a succubus that bestowed her with supernatural power and beauty as well. The story sounded eerily familiar especially as the wife’s name was… Ophelia. She kept reading stories on this blog as they had a familiar and predictable formula. Yet, the ending was so graphic and passionate that every word became addictive. Ophelia felt herself become wetter after every tale. It was then Ludwig creeped into their bed. “You’re still up sweetie?” Ludwig asked. “Couldn’t sleep.” Ophelia said softly.
She turned off her smart phone and went to sleep. Yet the stories haunted her dreams. She dreamed of drinking a serum, taking a steroid or making a deal and transforming. Her nerdy demeanor would vanish as her breasts would blossom and she would find Ludwig. They would fuck like animals as passion would overwhelm them.
Ophelia jolted up from bed as the alarm clock rang. Ludwig was already downstairs as she heard his footsteps making coffee and breakfast. She lifted her covers and gasped. She was soaked. She realized that the stories… awoken something in her.
She quickly cleaned up and went downstairs to talk to her husband. “Hey baby! Looking good today!” She said as she gave him a tight hug. Ludwig lifted an eyebrow and looked at her puzzled. “Ok! what appliance do I need to buy this time?” He joked. She smiled and giggled as she sat down at the table.
“Can’t I flirt with my husband? I rarely do it and maybe you need more of it.” Ophelia grabbed at her husband’s thigh rubbing it. “Maybe we can do something fun before you go to work today.” She leaned in closer. Ludwig felt a chill run down his spine as he looked into her eyes. Her pupils were dilated. He could see the lust in them. It was a side of her he hadn't seen in years.
Ludwig stood up unaffected by his wife’s advances. “Sorry, sweetie but I have an important meeting so I have to be early today. Maybe next time.” He gave her a kiss on the cheek and left for work.
During the day Ophelia couldn’t focus at work as she thought about Ludwig masturbating to emails from “The Mistress”. Later that night Ophelia once again made some obvious advances to Ludwig as he made excuses of having more emails to get to. Ophelia felt a rage in her build as she was rejected once again.
It was exacerbated as Ophelia heard her husband moan from his office again. Ophelia rushed and watched through the crack again as Ludwig grunted as he stroked his cock. “Yes my Mistress… I’m … I’m… worthy!” Ludwig erupted violently as his body shook as if every one of his muscles contracted. Ophelia felt herself become wet as her jealousy and arousal reached new heights.
“Why would he rather fuck his hand over blogs and emails than with his horny wife?” She thought to herself. Ludwig performed the same ritual of cleaning his mess and taking a shower. Ophelia ran into the office to read the personal email. The latest one said. “Ludwig your stories are exquisite. I think you may be worthy after all. Come meet me and I’ll make your dreams come true.”
Ophelia ran back to bed as she learned two things. The blog with her favorite stories were authored by her husband. Ludwig was aroused by the praise from this mysterious “Mistress” that he planned on meeting to probably be intimate with.
Ophelia felt the tears fall down her face. Ludwig entered the bed as she pretended to be asleep. It was in that moment she resolved to fight for what was hers. The mistress may be some amazing vixen with beauty that far surpasses her own but Ophelia was going to go down swinging.
The next morning she stayed in bed as her husband left for work. She then jumped out of bed and went to Ludwig’s office. She found the address of the mistress and drove there. The retail store was large and had a nail salon attached to it. “Welcome to the emporium” a gorgeous employee said to Ophelia as she entered. “If you need anything do not hesitate to ask.” Ophelia slowly walked up to the employee. “Umm yes….I’m here to talk to the Mistress.” The woman’s smile vanished as she had a serious look. The woman then looked down at Ophelia’s long brown skirt and brown flats. She then smiled at Ophelia. “Of course you are! This way please!”
The woman lead Ophelia past the store into the nail salon. The technicians and clients were all gorgeous with makeup upon their faces. All were wearing tight dresses with bright colorful high heels. Ophelia tried not to stare but could hear what sounded like moans from the clients as nails were put on their fingers. “Mmmm I’m a bad bitch yes!” One of them said as Ophelia looked back the employee brought her back to focus. “This Way Miss?”
The woman pushed a door open to reveal a lavishly decorated hallway. “Mrs! Ophelia Bloom.” Ophelia told the employee. On the wall was an intercom as the employee pressed it she said. “Mistress. A Mrs Ophelia Bloom is here to see you.” There was a pause before a mechanical feminine voice answered.
"Very well. Send her in." The employee pushed another door at the end of the hall revealing a large opulent office. Inside sat a beautiful blond-haired woman in her early thirties. She was wearing a tight black dress that hugged her curves in all the right places. Her makeup was flawless, and her hair was styled perfectly. She had a commanding presence that filled the room. Ophelia felt a mixture of intimidation and attraction as she walked towards her.
Tumblr media
“Ah Ophelia… I heard so much about you. Ludwig really does describe you well. So he sent you? For the package I prepared?” The Mistress smiled warmly as she motioned for Ophelia to take a seat on the plush couch. Ophelia sat down, feeling a mixture of nervousness and anger course through her veins.
Ophelia thought that Ludwig was planning to fuck this woman but it seemed she had something prepared for him. Something he wanted desperately. “Yes Mistress! He wanted me to get it for him. He didn’t want to wait and he is busy in meetings today.” Ophelia looked at the Mistress with a mixture of anger and determination. The Mistress smiled and stood up, walking over to a large desk and opening a drawer. She pulled out a small box and handed it to Ophelia.
“Now it can only be used once so make sure you’re both sure about this.” The mistress put her hands on her hips with a serious stare said. “ Absolutely no refunds and there are no reversals. Everything is permanent.” Ophelia opened the box and saw a vial with a cork stopper on top. “What is in this?” she asked.
The mistress raised an eyebrow and looked at Ophelia. “It is a potent mixture of “mauvaise femme” it has about a 5 minute delay though before taking hold. Ludwig asked for fast acting but this stronger batch…needs patience but it’s worth it. I’m sure you both will be happy with results. Now if you’ll excuse me Ophelia. I have quite a few scheduled appointments today. I just had to squeeze you in because I’m a big fan of your husband’s stories. I can’t wait to see them improve.” She smiled with a sly grin.
Ophelia rushed home. She left the box on the dining room table as she paced her home. She wondered why her husband wanted that gift from the Mistress. Ludwig’s stories played in her mind as she stayed deep in thought. “Is it real? Did Ludwig want her to transform into a bad bitch? To know how to dress sexy and be sexy?” Ophelia was still in disbelief but it all pointed to the same thing. Ludwig wanted her to transform. Ophelia felt that same excitement she felt reading her husband’s stories and she knew she could “make it a reality” for him.
It felt like an eternity but Ludwig finally came home. “Oh hey sweetie. I had a long day.” He said as he took off his suit jacket. Ophelia couldn't help but feel nervous. She was sitting at the dining table with the box in front of her. “We need to talk Ludwig…right now.” She said, her voice shaking slightly. Ludwig looked at her with a confused expression, not quite understanding what she meant. “Umm ok… what’s wrong?” He asked as he sat down.
“I met the Mistress today. I know all about your blog and your fantasies.” Ludwig’s face went completely white at his wife’s admission. “I mean it all makes sense now. You have a certain kink that you wanted to live out and now you can baby.” Ophelia put the box on the table. “I got it from the mistress today.” She paused, waiting for his reaction. Ludwig was frozen in disbelief. His heart raced as he tried to process what was happening.
Ludwig grabbed the box and opened it. “Where is it Ophelia! Where is the fucking serum???” He yelled, his eyes wild with desperation. Ophelia looked at him. “I drank it when you opened the door. I thought this is what you wanted.” Ludwig slammed his hand on the table. “You stupid bitch! The power! The beauty, it was mine! I earned it! It was my stories that got her attention. It was supposed to be mine. I was going to be free from this mundane life, living in luxury and you drank it? You have no passion… no imagination. Your frigid plain body must have killed the serum’s potency. It was supposed to be an instant transformation.”
“It has a 5 minute delay.” Ophelia whispered to Ludwig. Her heart was pounding in her chest as the serum pumped into her bloodstream. “Wait… what?Ludwig asked confused. “She said… it has a fff..five minute delay.” Ophelia felt strange as she placed both arms on the table. Ludwig looked in horror as Ophelia’s plain fingernails grew into red pointed nails. “No…” Ludwig nearly cried as he collapsed back into his chair.
“Mmm you’re right. I was a frigid plain girl.” The sounds of bones cracking and shifting filled the room as Ophelia’s body began to change. “Oooh but from now on I’m going to be a bad bitch.” The thin arms and legs of Ophelia gained muscle tone as she began to moan. Ludwig’s cock hardened in his pants as his stories were coming alive before his eyes.
“Ungh, I’m going to make you stroke to me daily as I fuck alpha males in front of you. I’m going to seduce company CEO’s and drain their bank accounts and their balls! How’s that for imagination!? I’m going to make you watch every fucking second as I have lunch dates with the Mistress. Ungh fuck !” The sounds of cracking stopped as Ophelia’s hair brightened turning from boring brown into golden blonde.
Ludwig hypnotized as the transformation progressed grabbed his cock. “You couldn’t help yourself huh? Mmm you see my hair change color? It’s just like one of your stories! I feel so fucking wet. My arms and legs. So strong and powerful!” Ophelia ripped her shirts sleeves off and tore open her long skirt.
Ludwig unzipped his pants as he panted like an animal. Ophelia’s breasts were next as they doubled in size. Ophelia’s skin become tan and flawless. “The fucking power, Ludwig! I feel it. I can get anything I want. Fuck anyone I want!” Her cheekbones raised up as her lips got fuller and covered in red lipstick. Ophelia stood up and turned around. “I can feel it my ass is growing!”
Her back muscles strengthened and filled out as her butt lifted up making a perfect peach. Her abdomen toned and became flat as her hips got wider and her waist slimmer.
Ludwig grunted as he came watching his plain, frigid wife become a truly powerful vixen.
“Hmmm you enjoyed that didn’t you? Didn’t you my pet?”
“Yes … I … never came so hard…ever.”
“Hmmm I guess you have a new story to write.”
Tumblr media
47 notes · View notes
acorpsecalledcorva · 2 months
Text
Lmfao, so for whatever reason I decided to look at the DID tags on twitter, probably as a form of digital SH and the first post I see on there annoys the fuck out of me
TW for discussion of self harm and self injury
Ok so first thing I see is this
And this is definitely a touchy subject subject for me, I get hyper critical when I see it discussed, especially since some early conversations with my therapist. Even before that discussion though I've always hated the way self harm is discussed even if I couldn't articulate those feelings.
And that's because abstinence as a moral imperative might be the most damaging ideology to ever worm it's way into society.
I mean, even the title of that article "First, Do No Harm, Not Even to Yourself" is soaked in moral judgement, "hurting other people is wrong and bad, right? So why would do a wrong and bad thing to yourself? You wouldn't download a razor blade" and it doesn't even make a proper argument on the moral philosophy of harm, she merely attempts to imply immorality by association. Hurting others is wrong because it violates their autonomy, your liberty to swing your arm ends just where my nose begins, right? It's about consent. In BDSM, a sadist may physically hurt a masochist because they have consented to it being done to them. Similarly, gender affirming care doesn't violate the Hippocratic Oath no matter how strongly a transphobe feels about it because informed consent is given to the treatment. Conversely, genial reconstruction surgeries performed on intersex babies or even infant circumsions should be considered a violation because consent has not and cannot be given.
But how does this apply to self-harm? It's your body, it's your autonomy, you aren't violating shit. Even being in a system no single alter has complete authority over the body, it's still possible to come to a consensus without unanimous agreement because guess what? Making decisions while having conflictual feelings or being in two minds is a perfectly normal human experience.
Am I saying you should self harm? No. Of course not. I'm simply saying that self harm is not an immoral act and I will remove the personhood of anyone that tries to weaponise shame in this way against people who almost certainly feel an incredibly painful and torturous amount of shame and guilt already.
The article is also vaccuously lacking in substance. The author seems to think this 'gotcha' is a sufficient argument but itself, checkmate traumatised liberals, but obviously needs to generate ad revenue through scrolling so offers 8 "new realities" to help reinforce a morally pure and healthy mindset.
1. Feelings are survivable and containable
Uhhh sure, they can be, if you have the right coping mechanisms to deal with them. You can't just tell someone to forgo the coping mechanisms they already have without successfully replacing them with something equally or more effective though. The whole point of dissociation from trauma is because certain feelings ARE deemed to be unsurvivable by the brain, you're not weak minded for thinking so.
2. We have art, reading, distractions, therapist, meds
Yeah no shit, that's not always enough though and you haven't failed if you try them and they don't work, the coping mechanisms have failed, not you.
3. We deserve to feel better
So true! Self harming makes me feel better when emotional distress is overwhelming me, I'm glad we agree
4. We don't need to guarantee pain
You know what guarantees pain? Shaming yourself out of using a coping mechanism without addressing it's root cause, but that's ok because feelings are "survivable" right?
5. We don't have to hurt via self-abuse
I actually don't know what that's supposed to mean, I can hurt myself without hurting myself? I don't have to self harm? I know I don't have to, but I can if it's better to do so than to not
6. Our trauma is over, why continue it?
First of all fuck you, retraumatisation is a very well noted trauma response, but so is shame and guilt so who's really continuing our trauma here?
7. We don't have to stand vigil over pain to honour abused parts
EXACTLY! That's what coping mechanisms are for, hey guess what coping mechanism can be really effective at temporarily relieving emotional pain? I'll give you a hint, it's not reading.
8. We will honour our abused parts with self compassion, understanding, acceptance, and encouragement
Once again so true! I will be compassionate to abused parts, understanding and accepting of the coping mechanisms they choose, while encouraging exploration of healthy alternatives without shaming them if they don't work.
Her website is littered with BuzzFeed style listicles of "25 ways to avoid self injury and prevent self harm" "25 more ways to avoid self injury and prevent self harm" "another 25 even more ways to avoid self injury and prevent self harm" and like, sure, they're all perfectly fine distraction techniques but what really pisses me off about the wording of these is that they're framed as ways to distract yourself from the urge to self harm, as though the urge itself is what's wrong, and not the pain and hurt that the urge is a response to.
Tumblr media
Just watch one more movie bro, trust me bro, this next one will be the one that makes the pain go away bro just trust me one more movie bro.
I have wasted so much fucking time hating myself and shaming myself and feeling like a failure for breaking my streak. Torturing myself during some of the most emotionally distraught moments of my life because "it doesn't matter how much pain I'm in I can't give into the urge, I can't do that, no matter what I mustn't ever do that" imagining how much worse I'll feel when I punish myself for being too weak.
Do you know what I do now? I take note of the feeling, give it space and allow it to be present and I make a bargain with myself. I will give myself 2 hours to distract and soothe from the emotional pain that I or another part is experiencing, and if that doesn't work then we'll self harm with no shame or judgement. And you'll never guess what, I haven't even come close to self harming, and that's great! And maybe sometime it won't be enough and that'll be fine too, it'll just mean I really needed to. The parts that want to self harm feel respected and listened to, my hurt and abused parts feel seen because I'm paying attention to them and not fighting with the self harm part and we all get to move through the experience with grace.
8. We will honour our abused parts with self compassion, understanding, acceptance, and encouragement
Fucking damn right I will, in every way I can.
So yeah, that was my first 5 seconds on DID twitter how was your day?
9 notes · View notes
isfjmel-phleg · 2 months
Text
Grant Emerson holds back a lot--until he can't anymore, and the results are dramatic. This goes for not only his powers, which build up and must be expended or else cause an explosion, but also his emotions, which affect his powers.
His outbursts, whenever they do happen, are most typically angry, fueled by his frustration with life and often resulting in destruction. Anger comes easily to him, but it takes a lot for him to break down and cry. It's a last resort, a sign of utter brokenness, something shameful that must be hidden or apologized for.
Or is it? Could it also be something that helps him?
After living through the worst forty-eight hours of his life--nonstop stress and trauma without rest or food--an overwhelmed Grant lashes out in anger, which unleashes his powers and causes him to accidentally explode a large chunk of downtown Atlanta. The sight of the destruction he has created is what finally causes him to break down. The tears are gone by the time the authorities show up to arrest him, but in this solitary moment he succumbs to the sorrow and guilt as he stands amid the wreckage.
Tumblr media
(Damage #0)
Grant's misadventures don't give him much time to slow down and process what he's been through. When Mandra, a classmate whom he had feelings for, is killed before he can prevent it, his immediate response is more shock and guilt than sadness. That emotion sinks in when his Titans teammate Kyle Rayner makes a point of bringing Grant to Mandra's funeral to give him some closure. Mandra's father does not react well to seeing Grant, who legally isn't supposed to be in Georgia, where the funeral is taking place, and Kyle has to hurry Grant away.
Grant wants to return to explain himself to Mandra's father and tries to fight Kyle when he won't let him. There's rain dripping off Grant's face in this scene, but an extreme closeup panel confirms that the rain is mingled with tears. All the emotion that he had no time to process earlier is coming to the surface.
Tumblr media
Kyle brings him back to the gravesite after the funeral is over to pay his respects in private and has a talk with him. This is a situation that Kyle can relate to; his girlfriend was murdered (infamously!). So he gives Grant the opportunity to talk about what he's dealing with. Having a supportive friend with him seems to help Grant allow himself to openly weep for Mandra and acknowledge the grief.
Tumblr media Tumblr media
(Damage #13)
Shortly afterward, with the grief from Mandra's death still fresh, Grant weeps in private in a hospital waiting room after he has accidentally hurt his Titans teammate Rose Wilson. This episode triggers a lot of feelings of guilt that have been piling up, and for him, the possibility of having killed Rose is like what happened with Mandra all over again.
Fortunately Rose comes out of it all right, and a much-relieved Grant gets to apologize to her. But while this hurt lasts, he goes through it alone. He doesn't try to address his guilt to anyone, and when Roy chooses to punish him for hurting Rose, Grant lashes out in particularly intense anger and leaves (this version of) the Titans for good.
Tumblr media
(Deathstroke 1991 #51)
...that is, until the original Titans re-form the group and Roy nominates Grant for membership because he regrets how he treated him before and wants to make up for it. At this point, Grant is on the run from the law (leaving the Titans the first time violated the terms of his sentence for destroying Atlanta), and the first glimpse we get of him in this series shows both the extent of his powers when angered and just how alone and overwhelmed he is. He's afraid of hurting someone again, to the point that he is begging through tears for them to "take me down."
And it's at this moment of vulnerability that Garth arrives with an invitation from the Titans, and with allies on his side (Garth in person, and Roy from afar managing to erase Grant's criminal record), Grant avoids exploding, avoids arrest, and now has somewhere to go.
This is an apt introduction for this series' arc for Grant--vulnerability with others is met with opportunities for the support he needs.
Tumblr media
(Titans Secret Files and Origins #1)
After testifying at his uncle's trial, Grant returns obviously upset and trying to isolate himself. His initial response when Roy questions him about it is to claim that it's nothing. He's used to handling emotions alone and bottling everything up. But Roy, concerned about him, insists on bringing him along on a camping trip, and that's where Grant confesses that his foster father physically abused him. By the time he adds an implication of sexual abuse also, he is in tears and trying to hide it from Roy. The strong emotion sets off his powers, and he goes into a panic, certain he's going to explode. Roy assures him it's okay to release the buildup.
Instead of an anger-fueled explosion, Grant's energy fizzles out as he breaks down sobbing. The release he needs is emotional rather than physical, and the contrast of how his powers react with sorrow as opposed to anger is striking.
Tumblr media
(Titans 1999 #17)
Grant's allowing himself to weep is significant enough to the story that that's how he's pictured on the cover of the following issue. Not a typical image for a hero.
Tumblr media
As the tears slow, all Grant can do is apologize over and over to Roy and Lian (he's apologizing. to a preschooler. for crying.) and berate himself for this display of emotion. "So stupid...no excuse...I'm such an idiot..." I would guess that's probably how he was spoken to as a child if he cried, and he came to internalize that response to displaying vulnerability. But Roy and Lian see nothing shameful in this; all they can see is a hurt boy who needs their sympathy and support.
Tumblr media
Tears are likened to a song, "sometimes like a gift, or a magical prayer." Grant's function as both of these things: a plea for help that gives him the opportunity to receive the support he needs. It's a means for him to express the hurt he's been carrying around his whole life.
The weeping returns as he moves to a stage of anger at the unjustness of how he was treated and his powers build up again.
Tumblr media
But Roy lets him express what he wishes he could have told his foster father and the energy releases safely. When that's over, Grant is left with tears of catharsis. It's good for him. He needs this.
Tumblr media
...and then we don't see much of him for a very long time. When he is finally reintroduced as a new member of the JSA, he is first seen fighting a villain who taunts him for crying when his face was destroyed.
(The panels of this attack from Infinite Crisis #1 are ambiguous as to whether or not this was the case, but...who wouldn't cry while being horrifically beaten? That's a normal human reaction to extreme pain.)
Unfortunately, Grant as a young adult has been through events that have left him cynical and angrier than ever. For whatever reason, he has no support system anymore. He can't afford to be vulnerable, and to be accused of such a thing enrages him.
Tumblr media
He proceeds to beat the guy up and throw the taunt back at him.
This incident serves as an illustration of where he currently is emotionally, in probably the worst state he's been in yet.
Tumblr media
(Justice Society of America 2007 #1)
But when a confrontation with the villain who destroyed his face goes wrong and Grant is about to be fatally attacked, we see again the boy who once begged to be taken down. He is tearfully resigned to his own impending death.
And that's where his teammate (and genetic sister) Jesse Chambers finds a way to reactivate her previously nonfunctioning superspeed and steps in to save his life. Vulnerability is not a liability! It's a means of survival, a call for vital help!
Tumblr media
(Justice Society of America 2007 #8)
The last time we see him cry is after a villain who restored his face takes back this gift. With no mask, Grant uses his hands to try to hide the scars and burns--and tears. It's a painful loss to have to go through a second time.
Tumblr media
This is where his teammate Sonia Sato, whom he's recently been expressing interest in, approaches him, takes a long, unflinching look at his disfigured face, and kisses the man who went out of his way to stick up for her when no one else would.
Tumblr media
(Justice Society of America 2007 #22)
Once again, vulnerability opens the door to build support.
6 notes · View notes
ausetkmt · 11 months
Text
Tumblr media
If gay-hating Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders thought it was going to be easy to impose a new law that threatens librarians with jail time for providing banned books (gay, in other words) to children, she’d better guess again.
She’s now being sued by a coalition of librarians, booksellers, authors, and readers who are challenging The Arkansas Act 372. The lawsuit was filed Friday by a group that includes the Arkansas Library Association, and the Central Arkansas Library System, Queerty reports.
The Arkansas Act, which Sanders signed into law in March, is incredibly draconian, threatening librarians with as much as a year in jail if they are caught giving kids banned books. The coalition accuses the legislation of violating the state’s 1st and 14th amendments.
“Library workers across Arkansas are rightly concerned that the overly broad edicts of Act 372 will prevent them from serving their patrons as they have always done, by providing a wide variety of materials to fill their information needs, and perhaps more importantly, materials that allow each child to see themselves in the books in their library,” wrote Carol Coffey, president of the Arkansas Library Association, in a statement.
Stay up-to-date with the latest news! Subscribe and start recieving our daily emails.
By subscribing, you agree to receive emails from PoliticalFlare.com, occasional offers from our partners and that you've read and agree to our privacy policy and legal statement.
Mind you, Arkansas is the fourth poorest state in the U.S. It is dealing with a growing affordable housing crisis, and overwhelming food insecurity. And according to a recent Scholaroo study found the state ranks 49th in the nation regarding quality of life, and 50th in the nation regarding health.
You’d think Huckabee Sanders would focus on this, but nope. She’s not. Since being elected in January, hating on the LGBTQ+ community has been her top priority. So much so, in fact, that she appointed Jacob Oliva, the dude who is responsible for implementing Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law, to head the Arkansas Department of Education and then signed a law prohibiting trans teachers and students from using school bathrooms and locker rooms that match their gender identities.
She even went as far as to sign an executive order that prevents “indoctrination” in classrooms. The order prohibits teachers from respecting a student’s pronouns. Teachers are also not allowed to talk about sexuality, gender, or race. Even the gender-neutral term “Latinx” is banned.
Then there’s the stupid line of transphobic beer koozies that she recently released.
Because in a state buried under the weight of poverty, mounting food insecurity, and exploding housing costs what people really need right now are beer koozies with her mug plastered on them. But is what she’s doing really called governing? She’s imposing her own will on people and doing nothing to solve the towering problems her state is faced with.
But Arkansans voted her in so I guess they get what they deserve. They’ll be safe from learning about the people living within their own community. No learning about Black history or LGBTQ+ history in the U.S. And this is a real tragedy.
Arkansans have now officially won the booby prize.
3 notes · View notes
bunnyjoyce-blog · 2 years
Text
How to Write Rust Repair (Rusty/Wrench)
So, I finally wrote it: a quick guide for writing Rust Repair (Rusty/Wrench).
1. Get an idea of their individual characterizations.
Even if you have to supplement their (relatively thin) canon personalities with a few extra things, it’s good that you, the author, have an idea of who each character is, what they do, what they want, and why. If you can’t answer basic questions about your fanfic version of the characters, they run the risk of appearing flat and without autonomy, only acting on the author’s whims rather than their own motivations.
Example:
After his victory, Rusty is overwhelmed with his life in the spotlight, with reporters watching his every move and violating his privacy. He begins to long for the simpler existence of being a switch engine (minus the disrespect from other trains).
Wrench is stuck in the yard after Electra stormed off, and she is trying to get home with the rest of her train. She makes a deal with Rusty to refurbish him in exchange for a cross-country ride. Since she understands the celebrity life from working for Electra, she offers Rusty advice on how to manage his popularity
2. On the road to becoming love interests, Wrench and Rusty must first see each other as a person, not the Other.
This was something I had to tackle when I first started down the Rust Repair track. From Rusty’s POV, Electra and his components are likely weird, inhuman machines who came from seemingly nowhere (plus Electra “steals” Pearl from Rusty, so that’s already a sore point). From Wrench’s POV, Rusty is an outdated steamer who “[needs] water and coal, and still wears a chimney. No style!”
From the beginning, the other love interest will likely be, well, the Other: something (not someone) to ignore or dismiss.
But that can change, my friends.
In Rusty’s case, he’s a nice guy who’s gone through hardship. Even if he thought Wrench was weird at first, he would still be polite to her and try to help her out if something went wrong, in a Good Samaritan way.
With Wrench, she may come across as alien as Electra, but she’s still a mechanic. She probably has a bedside manner and a sense of professional ethics, such as “do no harm.” She might have an intellectual interest in Rusty, in a “well, I’ve never seen a steamer up close before, and when will I get the chance to do so again?” kind of way. She might need to undergo (relatively) more character development in regards to seeing Rusty as a person and not an outdated machine (or science-fair project), but that can contribute to an interesting character arc, which brings me to the next point.
3. Include non-romantic goals.
The paradox of writing a good love story is that the story MUST be interesting even if you take the romance out. There are exceptions, of course, but generally speaking, stories where characters have NOTHING else going on than wanting to pair up with their intended love interests can end up forgettable at best and stalkerish at worst.
Individually, Rusty and Wrench have their own lives, even if the canon only gives us glimpses.
If you take the romance out of Rusty’s life (including his interest in Pearl), he has the day job of being an overworked switch engine among diesels, loved ones and friends to talk to (Poppa, the freight trucks, and the coaches), hobbies and interests (racing, training for races, wanting to travel), and a religious background which he questions when times get rough.
If you take the romance out of Wrench’s life (including any implied attraction to Electra), she’s a mechanic who probably understands computers, intelligent/skilled enough to be the private mechanic of a rich engine, a diesel-powered crane car from the ATSF Railroad (most productions), has an interest in racing (London shows), and left Electra to check out Greaseball briefly for “Pumping Iron.”
Even if the main goal of the story is something romantic like “Rusty wishes to propose to Wrench,” there are other things going on in their lives to show they are individuals with interests, skills, and flaws. (See Bernard in The Rescuers Down Under.) Maybe on the night Rusty wants to propose, Poppa ends up in the repair shop, or Wrench has to rush home to her parents, or a train derails that Wrench has to take care of, or Control assigns Rusty to a last-minute trip. Real-life couples are still made up of two individuals, so try thinking along those lines with Rusty and Wrench.
Take a moment now to write out some goals the characters might have in your story, even if it’s something as minor as “eat lunch.”
4. Focus on their friendship before focusing on the romance.
Piggybacking off the previous point, you NEED to have a healthy friendship to portray a healthy romance. This is likely why there has been a backlash against bickering couples over the past few years. In the 80s and 90s, bantering rivals who fall in love was considered more interesting than the “perfect couples” and “love at first sight” tropes of the past, but writers took the playful, sassy banter of two equals who respected each other and gradually progressed it into toxic bickering. “If they hate each other, they MUST be in love” might work for a comedy, but it’s not healthy when portrayed unironically.
Again, take the romance out for a moment and look at how you’re planning to portray your leads. Can your readers root for Rusty and Wrench to be good friends? Do the characters respect each other (or learn to within the story)? Do they have things to talk about besides how much they like each other? Are they reliable when the other needs help? If so, they have a greater chance at being a good couple. (And if you answered “No,” there is always room for character development if the plot of your story involves them becoming better people.)
How would Rusty and Wrench work as friends then?
5. Make lists of things they have in common and/or would talk about.
StEx characters are canonically simple and not entirely explored, but we can make educated guesses on the nuggets which are provided.
In the old version of “Call Me Rusty”, he mentions dreaming of pulling streamline coaches when his fire was first lit, but he currently works as a switch engine. He is likely overworked and badly maintained, but he keeps a chipper attitude in some versions. As a switcher, he would rarely leave the yard, but he wants to travel to far away places. (“Want you to take me away but bring me back before daylight, and in the time between take me to everywhere, but don’t abandon me there. Just want to say I’ve been.”) Rusty is close to Poppa, if not related to him (depending upon actor interpretation). He is friends with the Rockies (possibly related), Dustin, and the coaches. He might have been friends with Flat-Top and Red Caboose at some point, though they might not have been close.
At some point, he became corroded, but he can still go fast enough to be a threat to Greaseball and Electra. The rust would be especially deadly if it gets to his boiler. (Rusty go boom.) At some point, he decided to race (and got Control to agree), and he formed a partnership with Pearl, but she gave the caveat of saying she would leave him if she found someone new.
Going further, answer for yourself basic questions about his life. How does Rusty relate to the other switch engines in the yard? Does he get along with any of the switchers? How often does he work in the coach yard and freight yard? What sorts of chores does Control force him to do? How long has he been living in the yard? WHERE is Control’s yard, and how does the location affect his current life? What’s the farthest he’s been away from the yard? If he isn’t related to Poppa, how did they meet? How long have they known each other? How long has he known the freight trucks and coaches? If he’s not originally from Control’s yard, where did he live before? What anecdotes can he bring up in a conversation?
Meanwhile, Wrench is the train equivalent of a doctor, so it stands to reason that she went to the train equivalent of med school. Where did she go? What field of mechanics did she study? What was her GPA? Who was her favorite professor(s)? What was her favorite class(es)? Did she have a roommate? A study group? What funny or painful anecdotes could she mention to Rusty? Who was her first patient? How long did she work as a mechanic before she met Electra? Did she help build Electra?
In some productions, Wrench is a crane car from the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad. She would burn diesel, and she would have worked with diesel locomotives (no electrics!) She is possibly related to diesel engines. If she comes from a long line of crane cars, some of those cranes would have been steam powered. How did she start working for Electra, who would live in a different part of the country? Volta is also a Santa Fe vehicle who burns diesel. Are they related? What is Wrench’s relationship with all her coworkers?
Based on these lists, here are some possible scenarios a writer can explore:
_ While steamers aren’t her forte as a mechanic, Wrench has met a few surviving Santa Fe steamers in museums. Poppa raced against some of these locomotives, and so over a family dinner Wrench, Poppa and Rusty swap stories.
_ Wrench’s grandparents were steam-powered crane cars (or locomotives). She privately feels sympathy for Rusty, even though she hides it from Electra.
_ Rusty, still working as a switcher, deals with a difficult vehicle, and Wrench tells him a story about an ornery patient she met at her first repair shop.
_ Wrench is the first of the other trains to realize Rusty is a ticking time bomb. Although she wants Electra to win, she also understands that Rusty is racing because he doesn’t want to die.
_ Rusty offers to give Wrench a lift to an old Santa Fe yard, and he gets to meet her relatives. (Note: in 1995, the ATSF was merged with the Burlington Northern into the Burlington Northern Santa Fe aka BNSF.)
_ Rusty feels bothered when he sees Wrench talking with a Santa Fe engine she used to date, and this is the “green epiphany” which makes him realize he likes her.
These are just a handful of options. Take time to write out your observations about the characters and try to come up with how you can utilize what you know to give them a plausible friendship.
6. Pick which production you’re basing this on.
People might think I harp too much on productions, but certain details can be important to Rust Repair. For example, in “No Comeback”, Electra leaves the components behind. Thus, an easy way to get Rusty and Wrench interacting is for him to offer assistance to the abandoned trucks. Maybe he helps them find a place to live, or maybe he joins the search parties looking for Electra.
Similarly, in some productions, Wrench races in the same heat as Poppa and Dustin. What if she helped Poppa as soon as she saw him break down? What if she advised Electra not to be spiteful towards the steamers because that could be a PR nightmare for him? What if she’s secretly interested in seeing how Rusty will perform after seeing first hand how Poppa did?
In other productions, Wrench does not race at all, so there are a lot of opportunities to explore her offstage actions. What if Rusty and Wrench stumbled upon each other during the first heat? What if Wrench felt conflicted after “Wide Smile” and tried to warn Rusty about Caboose without Electra finding out? What if she offered to race with Rusty instead of Dustin?
In conclusion, the individual characterization of the leads is important; they must see each other as a person; non-romantic goals and a healthy friendship are essential to writing enjoyable romance; listing what they have in common or to talk about can lead to interesting interactions, and deciding on which production to use can further flesh out your fanfic.
Now, go and write.
8 notes · View notes
Text
[ad_1] As a renter, it may be extremely irritating and overwhelming when confronted with a hire improve. Whether or not you're residing in an condo, home, or another kind of rental property, a sudden improve in hire can have a major impression in your funds and life-style. Nevertheless, it is necessary to do not forget that there are rights and choices accessible to you when coping with a hire improve. This is a information on how you can deal with hire will increase and what you are able to do to guard your rights as a renter. Know your rights: Earlier than taking any motion, it is necessary to familiarize your self together with your rights as a renter. Most states and jurisdictions have legal guidelines governing hire will increase, together with the quantity of discover a landlord should give earlier than implementing a hire hike. Overview your lease settlement and native legal guidelines to grasp your rights and obligations as a tenant. Perceive the explanation for the rise: Landlords are normally inside their rights to extend hire so long as they supply correct discover and the rise is just not discriminatory or retaliatory in nature. It is necessary to grasp the explanation behind the hire improve and whether or not it's throughout the bounds of the legislation. When you suspect that the rise is unjustified or discriminatory, you might have grounds to dispute it. Negotiate together with your landlord: In case you are on good phrases together with your landlord, take into account having a dialog in regards to the hire improve. Categorical your issues and see if there's any room for negotiation. Maybe you possibly can provide to signal an extended lease in change for a smaller improve, or request enhancements to the property in change for the upper hire. Think about your choices: If negotiations together with your landlord are unsuccessful, it is necessary to contemplate your choices. Chances are you'll resolve to simply accept the rise and alter your funds accordingly, or you could possibly begin in search of a brand new rental property with extra inexpensive hire. Needless to say transferring may be costly and disruptive, so weigh the professionals and cons earlier than making a call. Search authorized recommendation: When you imagine that the hire improve is illegal or that your rights as a tenant are being violated, it might be in your greatest curiosity to hunt authorized recommendation. A tenant advocacy group or housing lawyer may help you perceive your rights, dispute the hire improve, or take authorized motion if mandatory. Doc every part: All through the method of dealing with a hire improve, it is necessary to maintain cautious data of all communication together with your landlord, in addition to any documentation associated to the rise. This info could also be precious if it's essential dispute the rise or take authorized motion sooner or later. Finally, coping with a hire improve could be a difficult and worrying expertise for renters. Nevertheless, understanding your rights and choices, in addition to in search of authorized recommendation if wanted, may help you navigate the state of affairs successfully. It is necessary to be told, proactive, and assertive in defending your rights as a tenant when confronted with a hire improve. [ad_2]
0 notes
catariningkimb18 · 3 months
Text
FIVE LITERARY THEORIES FROM PHILIPPINE AUTHORS
GROUP 2
1. WHAT MUST BE BELIEVED IN
by Jose F. Lacaba
SYMBOLISM
Ghouls, griffins, trolls, ogres: These mythical creatures serve as symbolic manifestations of fear, darkness, and stuffs we don't understand. They embody the protagonist's deep fears and anxieties brings from his childhood, creating a story that delves into the shadows of their past.
LITERARY THEORY
Cultural studies: Cultural studies is like looking at a story considering the culture it comes from. In the poem, it talks about how the grandmother's stories and traditions affect the protagonist, showing cultural beliefs and practices to protect themselves from supernatural beings. It's a way of saying that our family stories and customs can shape the way we see the world, especially when it comes to dealing with things we can't explain.
2. FORCE OF CIRCUMSTANCE
by Jose F. Lacaba
SYMBOLISM
Earthquake: The earthquake represents the mess and chaos caused by the actions of the gang. It shows the disruption and damage happening during the kidnapping.
Burning pubic hair: The act of burning Maritess' pubic hair serves as a disturbing symbol of the degradation and humiliation inflicted upon her by the gang. It signifies not only the violation of her bodily autonomy but also the profound loss of her dignity, highlighting the severity of the ordeal she endures. This means showing how difficult and tough the difficult situation Maritess is going through really is.
LITERARY THEORY
Feminist criticism: Talking about what Maritess goes through, losing control over her choices, and focusing on how she looks might indicate a feminist analysis of how society views gender roles and power imbalances. It could be saying something about how women are treated and seen
3. NIGHT OF CONSTRUCTION WORKER
by Lamberto E. Antonio
SYMBOLISM
Light bulb: The flickering light bulb is like a symbol for the short-lived times of hope and brightness during the protagonist's tough times. It shows how easily their dreams can be extinguished and emphasizes how delicate their aspirations are in the face of constant challenges.
LITERARY THEORY
Marxist theory looks at literature by considering class relations and social structures. In the poem, it reflects this theory by showing labor, exploitation, and the fight to survive. The line "For dreaming up more construction jobs to come, For prayers made musty by sweat and magic spell" backs this up. It points out the tough work, financial challenges, and how people depend on their labor to get by.
4. ON THE DEATH OF A NEWSPAPER DELIVERY BOY
by Lamberoto E. Antonio
SYMBOLISM
-Loose coin: The image of the newspaper delivery boy's head rolling off, like a loose coin, is a symbol of not just his death but also how society doesn't value human life enough. It paints the boy as someone who becomes a victim due to factors he can't control, emphasizing the harsh realities of a society that overlooks the preciousness of each individual life.
LITERARY THEORY
-Marxist theory: Marxist theory examines literature through the lens of class relations and social structures. Examining the newspaper delivery boy as a victim of a careless driver allows us to delve into the dynamics of the working class's exploitation and the unequal distribution of power and resources. This shows how things are not fair, especially for those with less power, and it reminds us that we need a fairer system.
5. MARENG MENSIYA
by Fanny A. Garcia
SYMBOLISM
- Cold treatment and forgiveness: The way the narrator treats Mareng Mensiya coldly shows feelings of resentment and jealousy toward Mely's seemingly joyful life. This mirrors the complicated nature of family relationships and the emotions that come up when taking care of someone becomes overwhelming. The idea of forgiveness becomes important when both Mely and the narrator feel sorry and ask for Mareng Mensiya's forgiveness after she passes away. This highlights the complexity of emotions within families and the healing power of forgiveness in challenging times. It also underscores the importance of understanding and resolving conflicts to foster healthier relationships within the family unit.
LITERARY THEORY
- The theory used in the story can be categorized as Marxist theory, which analyzes literature by considering class relations and socialist principles. In the narrative, Mareng Mensiya's life is portrayed as significantly influenced by her social and economic situation. Initially, she lives a comfortable life as the mistress of a Manila policeman, alongside her daughter Mely. However, after her husband's passing, she transitions into a laundrywoman, encountering hardships. This depiction of social class and the consequences of economic circumstances aligns with the core tenets of Marxist theory, emphasizing how the characters' lives are shaped by their societal and economic positions.
0 notes
oohnonotnick · 4 months
Text
Please visit
and
These two accounts have had the "Live" feature removed. The button just disappeared from the mobile app, and the PC site
just get redirected to
I have ANOTHER account with a domain that I paid for as well
All of which tend to cover subject matter regarding the integrity and quality of the platforms and devices diminishing over time. How the frequency of many series of events suggests discreet manipulation and interference from outside sources. Rabbit hole after rabbit hole, all signs point in one direction, but what does one do while withstanding a multifaceted attack? Both digitally and not.
In-person interventions, comments, and questions are not hidden behind a VPN or Contend Delivery Network which can disguise where cyber attackers are actually coming from. When interpersonal experiences, conversations or exchanges become subject matter of that I may be dealing with all on my own, unbeknownst to absolutely anyone, leaves me questioning how certain individuals become savvy of certain specific private, personal things. Things tend to get a bit overwhelming and completely unbelievable, the nature of the online and in person stalking, subtle harassment, and manipulation can seemingly become nefarious, even malicious. The best way that I can word it is that, things can get dark real quick.
There are people who like to do things in secrecy, guised as anything but it's actual identity, and will stop at no lengths to make sure the schemes, cohorts, and actions never become public knowledge. Unfortunately, it wouldn't matter if it did. That is because if given thought to the "allegations", my reporting, lead the rational mind to one of a few questions; "Why?; What did one do to deserve or attract this kind of attention." As things have seemingly calmed down for me, the act of creating this very post is putting myself in jeopardy. My employment, housing, and even safety can be taken from me, due to bringing light to nothing less that organized crime. The law may protect them due to the lack of ample, effective jurisdiction on the web/internet and tools like VPNs and device Unique Identifiers easily spoofed to anything at will.
Selective and community policing are a thing as well. When dealing with mass surveillance, perhaps someone(s) somewhere find my activities despicable, declaring me a deplorable. Made uncomfortable by societies in the community, both locally and at large, same goes for law enforcement and third even fourth parties. "Ran out of town", because I attempted to uncover their schemes and what their activities are, and how hypocritical "they" are. Perhaps that even the tables should be turned.
in other words:
These cyberattackers are not only operating online, but also offline. They have been stalking, harassing and manipulating me in person, using VPNs and CDNs to conceal their identities. They have somehow obtained access to my private and personal information, and have used it to intimidate and threaten me. They have made my life a nightmare, and I don’t know who to trust.
They are part of a secret network of people who are involved in organized crime. They don’t want the public to know about their schemes and activities, and they will stop at nothing to keep them hidden. They have the law on their side, because the internet is a lawless place where they can easily spoof their devices and locations. They also have the support of some communities and authorities who find my activities objectionable and want me gone.
I am risking everything by writing this post, but I feel that I have to warn you about the dangers of these cyberattackers. They are not only targeting me, but anyone who dares to expose them or challenge them. They are the enemy of the truth, and they must be stopped. The choice to believe me or not is yours, but remember: you have been warned.
0 notes
thenamesofthings · 9 months
Text
Tumblr media
The article identifies the scene as the Columbia campus takeover of '68, but doesn't mention that the speaker is a young Mark Rudd, violent revolutionary and infamous Weatherman
The Real Voice of America: Bring on the Counterrevolution
…Through the chaos and tumult of the cultural revolution, Nixon called to the “great majority of Americans, the forgotten Americans, the non-shouters, the non-demonstrators.” He defended this silent majority against attacks that have since become ubiquitous. “They’re not racists or sick; they’re not guilty of the crime that plagues the land; they are black, they are white; they’re native-born and foreign-born,” he told the convention audience in Miami Beach. “And this I say, this I say to you tonight, is the real voice of America.”
Given current circumstances, with the Left’s seemingly wholesale capture of major institutions—public education, the universities, private-sector leadership, culture, and, increasingly, even the sciences—the current battlefield can appear overwhelming. But today’s Left has an Achilles heel: its power is, to a significant degree, a creature of the state, subsidized by patronage, loan schemes, bureaucratic employment, and civil rights regulations. These structures often appear permanent, but they can be reformed, redirected, or abolished through the democratic process…
…As president, Nixon ruthlessly dismantled the radical organizations, such as the Black Panther Party, Black Liberation Army, Weather Underground, and Communist Party USA, that threatened violent revolution against the state. His FBI director, J. Edgar Hoover, launched a sophisticated campaign to infiltrate, disrupt, and disperse their networks, with devastatingly effective results. Of course, some of what Hoover’s FBI did ran the gamut from questionable to flatly illegal, and these practices not only violated the rights of numerous American citizens but also undermined the authority by which the U.S. government rightly engages in containment of lawless individuals or groups. Still, by the end of Nixon’s first term, most of the subversive organizations had imploded, and many of their leaders were on the run, in prison, or in the ground.
And the New Left’s intellectual leaders believed that Nixon’s drive against radical groups was succeeding. “The Nixon Administration has strengthened the counterrevolutionary organization of society in all directions,” wrote the neo-Marxist philosopher Herbert Marcuse in 1972. “The Black Panther party has been systematically chased down before it disintegrated in internal conflicts. A vast army of undercover agents is spread over the entire country and through all branches of society.” The revolution, he believed, was finished.
The third element of Nixon’s counterrevolution was the formation of a counter-elite. Nixon felt besieged by the post–New Deal liberal establishment and the New Left counterculture that had captured the sympathies of the press. The bureaucracy, he believed—whether in the Communist Soviet Union or capitalist United States—would inevitably be controlled by a ruling elite that, with the advent of mass communications and administration, could wield unprecedented powers. He feared that the new elites would undermine older middle-class values, and his notorious “enemies list” was a crude proxy for the kind of individuals who would make that happen.
“The leadership class is made up of highly educated and influential people in the arts, the media, the academic community, the government bureaucracies, and even business,” Nixon maintained. “They are characterized by intellectual arrogance, an obsession with style, fashion, and class, and a permissive attitude,” he wrote, a profile that has not changed much in the half-century since. Nixon was blunt: “The press is the enemy. The establishment is the enemy. The professors are the enemy,” he told advisor Henry Kissinger in the Oval Office.
In their place, Nixon hoped, his administration could help “create a new establishment” to counterbalance the elite universities and the media, which, Nixon estimated, was “90–10” against him. In meetings with his chief of staff, H. R. Haldeman, Nixon shared his desire to freeze out liberal reporters, to adopt a harder line against his foes, and to “go out into the heartland” to recruit a conservative counter-elite uncorrupted by the Ivy Leagues. He believed that a resounding reelection victory could establish the conditions for a deeper shift in the nation’s power structure. “What [liberal presidential candidate George] McGovern stands for, the eastern liberal media stands for, the eastern intellectuals stand for . . . must be crushed,” he told aides in October 1972. “It cannot come back and have an opportunity to have much influence in American life for a while.”
By the end of his first term, frustrated by the permanent administration in Washington, Nixon had conceived of his most important task as leading a counterrevolution against the state bureaucracy—or, as he put it in his 1971 State of the Union Address, a “New American Revolution,” in which the federal government would be put back into check and power returned to the common citizen. As Nixon aide Richard Nathan explained in his book The Plot That Failed: Nixon and the Administrative Presidency, the president increasingly saw himself as a champion of the “general interest,” caught at the center of a system arrayed against it.
In November 1972, Nixon got his resounding reelection, winning with the largest popular vote margin of any candidate in the postwar era, defeating McGovern in 49 out of 50 states, including McGovern’s home state of South Dakota. The press immediately noted the significance of Nixon’s ambitions. The New York Times published a postelection editorial titled “Nixon Counterrevolution,” warning that the reelected president wanted to “advance an ideological grand design” that would reverse the progression of the New Deal and the Great Society, abolishing federal programs that imposed elite-approved views on local communities and administered society from above. “Mr. Nixon seeks to accomplish a retrogressive counterrevolution in the guise of an administrative reorganization,” the editorial cautioned.
As his second term began, Nixon proceeded to abolish entire federal offices and programs that promoted left-wing social theories; suspend federal housing programs, pending review; and restrict the methods and ideological scope of federally funded social-services initiatives. He also proposed a truly ambitious system of “revenue sharing,” which would send billions in federal funding directly to states and municipalities, which, he believed, could administer social programs in greater alignment with local communities. The only way to avoid the slide into bureaucratic tyranny, Nixon believed, was to centralize control over the executive branch in the White House and to decentralize financing and administration of social programs, ensuring that they operated with minimal bureaucracy and as close to the people as possible.
To be sure, not all of Nixon’s domestic policy proposals were wise or successful. He enacted wage and price controls, expanded the reach of government through the creation of the EPA and other departments, and strengthened President Lyndon Johnson’s affirmative-action policy. His guaranteed income and block-grant proposals, if adopted, might have yielded unintended consequences, disincentivizing work and enabling ideological capture at the local level, respectively. But Nixon, whatever his flaws, thought seriously about how to reshape America’s institutions and had a vision for policy that was commensurate with the problem.
In the end, Nixon was subverted by the very forces he feared most. His enemies in the bureaucracy and the press were able to use the Watergate scandal to oust him and stop his plans for realignment. The tragedy of Nixon is that he accomplished his dream of winning a “new majority” but was unable to transform it into a “new establishment.” His closest aides described the experience as working in “the White House surrounded”—in a position of constitutional power, vitiated by the rise of the permanent bureaucracy…
—Chris Rufo
1 note · View note
networkbds · 9 months
Link
0 notes
snrlaw · 1 year
Text
7 Common Legal Mistakes Made by Small Business Owners in India
Starting a small business in India can be both thrilling and overwhelming. As excited as you may be to jump into the world of entrepreneurship, it’s important to understand the legalities involved so that your venture is successful.
Unfortunately, many small business owners make common legal mistakes that can have costly consequences. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at 7 of the most common legal mistakes made by small business owners in India and discuss some strategies for avoiding them.
Common Legal Mistakes
Not protecting intellectual property
If you have any intellectual property (IP) associated with your business — including logos, trademarks, copyrights, patents, or anything else that is unique to your company — you need to protect it from unauthorized use. Failing to do so can lead to costly litigation and a loss of revenue if someone else steals your IP and profits from it. To prevent this from happening, consider consulting with an experienced lawyer who specializes in IP law so they can help you register your IP and protect it legally.
Not registering a trademark
A trademark is a sign or symbol used to identify the origin of goods or services belonging to a particular person or organization. It’s important that your trademark is registered so that no one else can use it or profit from it without your permission. Without registering your trademark, you may not be able to take action against anyone who uses it without authorization. Make sure you consult with an experienced lawyer when registering a trademark for your business so that everything is done correctly and legally.
Failing to obtain necessary permits
Depending on what kind of business you are operating in India, there may be certain permits or licenses required for you to operate legally. Failure to obtain these permits could result in fines or even criminal charges if the government finds out about them after the fact. Do some research before launching your business to make sure all necessary permits are obtained beforehand, so you don’t run into any issues later on down the line.
Ignoring tax laws
Tax laws can be complicated and confusing for small business owners in India — especially if they are just starting out and don’t have much experience dealing with taxes yet. Be sure to consult with an accountant or tax attorney so they can guide you through filing taxes properly and ensure that everything is done according to Indian law.
Not understanding employee rights
Every country has different laws concerning employee rights, benefits, and wages. You need to make sure you understand these rights before hiring employees so that everyone knows what their rights are as well as what their responsibilities are while they are employed by your company. Failing to follow these laws could put you at risk of being sued by current or former employees who feel like their rights were violated.
Not having contracts in place
Having contracts between yourself and other parties involved in transactions related to running your business is vital for protecting yourself legally. Contracts should always include clauses outlining each party’s obligations as well as provisions outlining how disputes will be handled if any arise during the course of doing business together.
Neglecting insurance policies
No matter how careful you try to be when running a small business, things still happen — whether it’s an accident involving customers, a lawsuit due to negligence, or something else entirely. This is why having appropriate insurance coverage for all aspects of running your small businesses is essential, especially liability insurance which helps protect against lawsuits stemming from negligence.
Conclusion
Small businesses face many potential legal pitfalls when launching operations in India — but they don’t have to! By understanding the most common legal mistakes made by small business owners, having appropriate contracts, registering trademarks & copyright, obtaining necessary permits & licenses, understanding employee rights & tax laws, investing in insurance policies & protecting intellectual property –businesses can avoid costly legal headaches down the road!
By consulting with S&R Associates –a leading law firm specializing in corporate law –you will ensure all bases are covered & ensure success! Contact us today! We’re here ready & willing to assist!
0 notes
ausetkmt · 2 years
Text
The New York Times: Opinion | Betrayal and Blackouts in Puerto Rico
Tumblr media
SAN JUAN, P.R. — Hurricane Fiona made landfall on Sunday morning. By 1 p.m. the entire island had been plunged into darkness. Days later, roughly a million homes and businesses in Puerto Rico still lacked power and access to clean water, my own home included. As I sit in a cafe and write, I am overwhelmed by the feeling of déjà vu.
LUMA Energy began supplying power to Puerto Rico after the government privatized what had been a public service in June 2021. It was hired in part to help fix our fragile power grid. But LUMA has not done the job it was contracted to do, including investing in green energy. In the past year, blackouts, sometimes lasting for days, have become a part of our daily life. Even hospitals have been left to rely on generators. Yet, despite the poor service, our electric bills have more than doubled.
Puerto Rico was unraveling economically and politically long before LUMA and Hurricane Fiona. Austerity programs cut deeply into the public service budget, health care, pensions and education to pay off creditors. Newly elected officials reward party loyalists with government employment, creating a series of sycophants who use public office for their own gain. They award million-dollar contracts to companies that are sometimes owned by party members or relatives, in exchange for kickbacks, or, worse yet, create ghost companies to divert the funds into their own pockets.
As a result, our roads and highways are pockmarked with potholes. While the rest of us struggle to make ends meet, the Senate goes on shopping sprees, spending hundreds of thousands on furniture, laptops and other goods that don’t provide services to taxpayers. While austerity measures closed businesses and schools, Puerto Ricans paid over $15 million to cover the costs of legal representation and claims related to officials’ violation of civil rights.
I was born and raised in Old San Juan. Despite my being a young professional with a master’s degree and a full-time job, an ever-increasing electric bill comes as a shock each month, cutting into potential savings. The dream of owning a home in the city I grew up in, that I call home, feels out of reach because of the high cost of living.
It’s not what I imagined my life would be like.
In the 1950s, new highways supplanted dirt roads for horses and mules. Rows of wooden houses that lacked basic services in the island’s mountainous interior and coastal urban areas were replaced by sprawling concrete developments. Illiteracy declined, families sent their children to universities, and the poverty rate dropped. The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, or PREPA, created in 1941, had a hand in powering industrialization and prosperity into the 1970s.
But as industries and people displaced by natural disasters or in search of resources and better-paying jobs left the island en masse, PREPA faced both sharply decreasing revenue and an obligation to provide power for the remaining citizens. The monopoly began skimping on maintenance and borrowed billions of dollars just to stay afloat, accruing $9 billion in debt. In July 2017, PREPA filed for bankruptcy. The decades-long culture of neglect and corruption had left the power grid in shambles, then in September of that year, Hurricane Maria delivered the final blow.
In the wake of an island-wide blackout, PREPA approved a $300 million no-bid contract with Whitefish Energy, based in Montana, to help rebuild Puerto Rico’s electricity grid two months after Hurricane Maria hit. It made little difference that the company had minimal experience with disaster relief and few employees. The deal was later scuttled amid questions about how Whitefish got the job and allegations of price-gouging. In 2018, Gov. Ricardo Rosselló introduced a plan to sell off the power company.
LUMA, a consortium of the Canadian company ATCO and the Houston-based Quanta Services, was contracted to work with PREPA to manage the island’s power last June. It was supposed to cut costs and make desperately needed upgrades to the power grid. Yet despite chronic blackouts, this June I paid $242 for our electric bill, compared with $87 for that month last year. The thing is, the biggest part of LUMA’s fee for running the grid will be paid whether the job is done well or not. There is little accountability for the parties in the agreement.
But there is reason for hope. While Puerto Rico’s Department of Justice, which is responsible for the enforcement of the local law, allows impunity to go unchecked, Washington has begun to pay attention. A 2019 investigation by the United States Department of Justice found that after Hurricane Maria, PREPA employees accepted or demanded bribes to restore power to residences and businesses before serving critical locations like San Juan’s Rio Piedras Medical Center. The power authority also mismanaged a warehouse where materials were stored that should have been available to help restore power on the island. And over six years, more than $300 million in public funds was spent on consultants related to PREPA.
Last month the former governor Wanda Vázquez was arrested on corruption charges, and at least nine mayors have been accused of corruption. They include Eduardo Cintrón-Suárez, the former mayor of the Municipality of Guayama, who in July was sentenced to 30 months in prison for receiving cash payments in exchange for executing municipal contracts and approving invoice payments for an asphalt and paving company. Many more are believed to be under investigation.
Puerto Ricans shouldn’t have to rely on the U.S. government to deliver justice on a local level. Our own justice system must root out the corruption that threatens to suck the island dry. It can do that by investigating and prosecuting corruption to prove, in part, that the island itself can take the reins of justice. It should demand that the federal government carry out a fiscal restructuring that puts safeguards in place that curb corruption.
Hurricane Fiona was just a Category 1 storm, which is why the scale of destruction has taken so many of us by surprise. We knew things were bad, but we didn’t realize just how agonizingly bad. In the years since Hurricane Maria, our battered infrastructure has only gotten worse. As of Wednesday night, my water service and power were restored. With other storms churning in the Atlantic Ocean, it remains to be seen for how long. At least 20 hospitals are still running on generators.
What is most galling is that it is our own people who rob and abuse us. The betrayal is so insidious that I seethe with anger if I think about it too much. We’re tired of being displaced by wealthy foreigners, who flock to the island to bask on our beaches and get the tax breaks that are not available to us. We’re tired of politicians enriching themselves at our expense. We’re fed up with the blackouts.
After the hurricane passed, my neighbors and I checked on one another. I was moved to tears when my upstairs neighbor told me that our community spirit, the way we look out for one another, is what has helped us survive these past few years. No one is coming to save us. We’ve proved ourselves capable of ousting one governor from office, and we won’t stop until we have created a better, fairer Puerto Rico.Blackout
3 notes · View notes
blakeattorneys · 2 years
Text
Domestic Violence Archives Attorneys In Cape Town
LvA’s neighborhood engagement group additionally regularly networks with different native service providers to maintain up sturdy relationships between stakeholders. Using a holistic approach, LvA also works to empower primary caregivers with important skills on how they may help their youngsters who have skilled trauma. Many main caregivers specific feeling overwhelmed and have had difficulties in understanding the psychological impact of trauma on their kids. In response, LvA offers workshops for caregivers on a quarterly foundation. In these workshops, members explore the psychological impacts of trauma on a baby utilizing role-play and personification and utilise a persona doll to practice supporting their youngster. Contact our staff of domestic violence attorneys to assist you with the application for a safety order.
Neither partner is extra entitled to stay in the family residence than the opposite and generally, it is common for the primary caregiver to stay in the house with the children. If you propose to share parenting, then the closer the father or mother of alternate residence lives to the family, the better for the youngsters, as there is much less disruption of their faculty and social lives. In numerous circumstances, victims of domestic abuse have efficiently sued the Minister of Safety and Security for damages primarily based on the police’s failure to perform their legal responsibility to assist victims to protect themselves underneath the Act. A safety order is a court docket order that stops an individual, the offender within the scenario, from committing certain acts of domestic violence in a domestic relationship as outlined in the domestic violence act 116 of 1998. This entry was posted in #MeToo, Abusive Relationships, Gender-based violence, Protection Order and tagged in sixteen days of activism, Cape Town household lawyer, Cape Town Lawyer, Family attorneys, no violence in opposition to girls & youngsters.
If you aren't happy with the way in which a station commissioner is dealing with your criticism, you may personally report the matter to the ICD. We will send monthly stories on your criticism in opposition to police members to the SAPS Head Office. It is the stated dedication of the SAPS to treat victims of domestic violence with sensitivity and care.
The definition of a domestic relationship includesinter aliapeople who've shared or recently shared a residence, who are or were married, life companions, parents, relations and other people in an precise or perceived romantic relationship of any duration. A safety order is a authorized doc which stipulates sure circumstances that a perpetrator of domestic violence or abuse should adjust to. The stipulations of a safety order can range between instances and every complainant can element the particular acts that the respondent mustn't interact in.
Another vital change to the definition of domestic violence is the insertion of controlling behaviour and coercive behaviour. Furthermore, the Act now expressly recognises that exposing a toddler to domestic violence is an act of domestic violence. This means that if a perpetrator intentionally causes a child to see or hear domestic violence or experience the effects of domestic violence, then that child enjoys safety in terms of the Act. Economic abuse is defined as to incorporate the unreasonable deprivation of economic sources to which an individual is entitled underneath law or which the individual requires out of necessity.
The abuser could use a wide selection of intimidation tactics embrace smashing issues in entrance of the sufferer, destroying property, hurting the victim’s pets or showing off a weapon. Any conduct that abuses, humiliates, degrades or in any other case violates the sexual integrity of the sufferer, including but not limited to rape and marital rape. Obviously, the contents and nature of the cohabitation agreement will very a lot depend upon the parties’ particular circumstances and needs. We will help you to prepare this settlement, clearly setting out all the required provisions and making certain that it is fair to both parties. We view this work as an funding in our future relationship with you and your companion. Whatever path your divorce takes, our devoted staff of attorneys might be at your side to assist and information you through the method as painlessly as possible.
It could be absurd, however, to conclude that as a outcome of the events are, for example, siblings they share a domestic relationship as envisaged by the Act. They have to be sharing a common household, dwelling in a single home under one head. Victims even have the proper to bring a felony cost in opposition to their abusers along with obtaining a safety order if the act of domestic violence contained a component of violence, as a outcome of this can be a felony offence. Victims may get a court docket order to have the perpetrator’s gun eliminated, if relevant.
This article is provided for informational purposes solely and should not be substituted for authorized advice on any particular matter. Any opinions expressed herein are topic to the legislation as at the time of writing and can change in accordance with any change within the legislation. We suggest that you just contactHJW Attorneys for recommendation applicable to your particular matter.
Two years ago my son was issued with a summons by an attorney for deformation of character. On Tuesday of this week my son acquired a name from the sheriff advising him he was outdoors my residence. He said he had a court order to remove objects to offset the award made to the attorney. My son rushed home and advised the sheriff that the home and contents have been that of his mother and father and, as my kids have keys to my house, he provided the show the sheriff that it is not his house.
A copy of the domestic violence application type is connected so as to see what you should complete to get this carried out. Our web site additionally includes a video explaining the way to full the shape and what to do. This Act applies to domestic violence that takes place in a domestic relationship. Domestic violence and abuse can occur to anyone, but the issue is commonly ignored, excused, or denied. This is especially true when the abuse is psychological, somewhat than bodily. Noticing and acknowledging the signs of an abusive relationship is step one to ending it.
0 notes
sanjosenewshq · 2 years
Text
Gilroy Metropolis Council considers Arminarezs request to resign if raffle is listed on the poll
Gilroy Metropolis Council will quickly think about a movement by Councilman Rebecca Armendariz to resign if the impeachment bid in opposition to her qualifies for a vote. In the course of the council assembly on September 19, Mayor Mary Blankley requested that the merchandise be dropped at the council at an upcoming assembly. The Board agreed 5-2 to place it on the agenda for consideration, with Arminarez and Board member Zack Hilton rejecting it. The recall effort started in April, after an administrative investigation by Hanson-Bridget concluded that Arminaris violated a number of metropolis legal guidelines when she helped arrange a 2021 Halloween social gathering at her house wherein two folks have been shot useless and two others have been injured. She issued 10 administrative summons, amounting to a $1,200 high quality, which she appealed. Armendariz’s mom Augustina and son Domingo, together with Benjamin Calderon, additionally issued citations for his or her position within the social gathering. Nonetheless, the enchantment was withdrawn and the fines paid, town of Gilroy introduced on September 15. The household of Jesse Sanchez, one of many males who was shot on the social gathering and later died, filed a wrongful dying go well with within the Santa Clara County Superior Courtroom on August 22, which included Rebecca, Augustina and Domingo Armendarez, together with town of Gilroy, as defendants. “As members of the council, we have now heard many voices who’ve questions concerning the monetary penalties town has already skilled and criticism for remaining silent whereas recall efforts proceed and the monetary burdens on the general public proceed to develop,” Blankley mentioned. “The overwhelming cry that we’re doing one thing to guard town and the fixed insistence of members of the general public to do one thing is so onerous to deal with when solely the democratic strategy of elections can result in the impeachment or impeachment of a member of the council.” Blankley mentioned the request can be submitted if no-confidence advocates collected sufficient signatures to be included on the poll, however earlier than going forward with a expensive particular election. Blankley’s request was throughout the assembly interval the place members of the council may endeavor to place objects on a future agenda, however couldn’t touch upon the deserves of such proposals. Nonetheless, they may ask for clarification, and Arminarez requested Blankley if the request to resign was authorized. “We will not have the facility – we do not have the facility – however anybody can ask,” Blankley mentioned. Supporters have till October 12 to gather a minimum of 6,217 signatures, or 20% of the 31,082 registered voters throughout the Gilroy metropolis limits, hoping to place the initiative on a future poll. In a letter posted on town’s web site, Metropolis Clerk Thai Nam Pham wrote {that a} particular election may value town between $1,243,274 – $2,020,320, in accordance with figures from the Santa Clara County Voter Registrar. Arminarez’s legal professional, Daniel Mayfield, didn’t reply to a request for remark. Eric Shalhoub, editor of Gilroy Dispatch. Originally published at San Jose News HQ
0 notes
Text
[ad_1] As a renter, it may be extremely irritating and overwhelming when confronted with a hire improve. Whether or not you're residing in an condo, home, or another kind of rental property, a sudden improve in hire can have a major impression in your funds and life-style. Nevertheless, it is necessary to do not forget that there are rights and choices accessible to you when coping with a hire improve. This is a information on how you can deal with hire will increase and what you are able to do to guard your rights as a renter. Know your rights: Earlier than taking any motion, it is necessary to familiarize your self together with your rights as a renter. Most states and jurisdictions have legal guidelines governing hire will increase, together with the quantity of discover a landlord should give earlier than implementing a hire hike. Overview your lease settlement and native legal guidelines to grasp your rights and obligations as a tenant. Perceive the explanation for the rise: Landlords are normally inside their rights to extend hire so long as they supply correct discover and the rise is just not discriminatory or retaliatory in nature. It is necessary to grasp the explanation behind the hire improve and whether or not it's throughout the bounds of the legislation. When you suspect that the rise is unjustified or discriminatory, you might have grounds to dispute it. Negotiate together with your landlord: In case you are on good phrases together with your landlord, take into account having a dialog in regards to the hire improve. Categorical your issues and see if there's any room for negotiation. Maybe you possibly can provide to signal an extended lease in change for a smaller improve, or request enhancements to the property in change for the upper hire. Think about your choices: If negotiations together with your landlord are unsuccessful, it is necessary to contemplate your choices. Chances are you'll resolve to simply accept the rise and alter your funds accordingly, or you could possibly begin in search of a brand new rental property with extra inexpensive hire. Needless to say transferring may be costly and disruptive, so weigh the professionals and cons earlier than making a call. Search authorized recommendation: When you imagine that the hire improve is illegal or that your rights as a tenant are being violated, it might be in your greatest curiosity to hunt authorized recommendation. A tenant advocacy group or housing lawyer may help you perceive your rights, dispute the hire improve, or take authorized motion if mandatory. Doc every part: All through the method of dealing with a hire improve, it is necessary to maintain cautious data of all communication together with your landlord, in addition to any documentation associated to the rise. This info could also be precious if it's essential dispute the rise or take authorized motion sooner or later. Finally, coping with a hire improve could be a difficult and worrying expertise for renters. Nevertheless, understanding your rights and choices, in addition to in search of authorized recommendation if wanted, may help you navigate the state of affairs successfully. It is necessary to be told, proactive, and assertive in defending your rights as a tenant when confronted with a hire improve. [ad_2]
0 notes
pressleader · 3 years
Text
Judge describes Southern Utah man’s $850K fraud of elderly as ‘terrifying narrative’ during sentencing
ST. GEORGE — A Kane County man who solicited money from elderly individuals by promising he was on the verge of receiving hundreds of millions of dollars was sentenced for his crimes Thursday.
Kurt Jurgens Bauer, 57, appeared in U.S. District Court in St. George via video and was sentenced on five convictions, including three counts of wire fraud and two counts of false impersonation of a federal employee – charges to which he pled guilty in December.
Tumblr media
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Dent said the government had agreed to a prison term of between 48-78 months to be served in a federal correctional facility. He had been potentially facing 65 years in prison had the maximum sentence been rendered on all five counts, but a plea deal was reached after months of negotiations that continued through the better part of 2020.
Bauer was indicted following an investigation into a scheme that ran from 2011 through April 2020, during which he defrauded his elderly targets out of money and property by telling them he was on the verge of receiving hundreds of millions of dollars – and in some cases, billions of dollars – in funds that were frozen by the District Court in Nevada and required a bond to release.
Advertisement
The defendant began soliciting payments, often weekly, under the guise that the payments would be used to satisfy the bond. He promised his victims a large return after the frozen funds were released by the court “in the near future,” according to the indictment.
Bauer also admitted to using or causing other individuals to use interstate or foreign wire communications or facilities to carry out the scheme, and he admitted to assuming and pretending to be an employee of a federal court acting under the authority of the United States and that he knew those representations were false.
In all, the defendant received more than $850,000 from a number of individuals during the scheme, including $100,000 that came from two elderly individuals in their 80s.
Tumblr media
The prosecutor addressed the court during the hearing, saying the government investigation was a “complex one” and required the massive efforts of the FBI and other agencies that ultimately found “overwhelming evidence of fraud.”
“Fraud is a big problem in Utah — and elder fraud is a huge problem in Southern Utah,” Dent said.
The prosecutor acknowledged the many individuals who fell victim to the scheme as “salt of the earth, hardworking people.” Dent said they trusted Bauer, but in the end, they were left jaded, violated and in difficult situations – both financially and emotionally.
Bauer created fake identities to further the scheme and contact the individuals to pressure them into making payments, making them believe they were getting calls from multiple people. Bauer also impersonated a federal judge who is an actual sitting judge in Nevada.
Dent said the fact that Bauer targeted the elderly was a particularly troubling aspect of the case, including a couple in their 80s who Bauer met while he was serving time in a Nevada prison years before.
The couple provided religious counseling and services to the defendant while he was an inmate at the prison, and then Bauer tracked them down years after his release. The couple trusted the defendant, the prosecutor said, and thought of him as “a redemption story” of a parolee who was rehabilitated.
After Bauer found the couple, however, he stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from them in a scheme built entirely on lies, Dent said.
“There was never any money, never any court or any judge holding any funds – there was nothing.”
Defense Attorney Ryan Stout also addressed the court, saying this is the type of case where emotion can potentially influence a sentencing decision, and while he did not believe the court would do that, he wanted to bring it to the judge’s attention.
Stout argued there were several good reasons to consider a sentence that is at the lower end of the spectrum and asked that the court sentence his client to a 48-month prison sentence based on the fact that Bauer is 57-years-old with many health issues, including congestive heart failure, diabetes and other serious conditions.
With the medical issues in mind, in addition to the fact that many of Bauer’s family members died in their early 60s, a sentence that would exceed four years could mean a life sentence for the defendant, Stout said.
Moreover, Stout said the defendant was helping to take care of his 89-year-old mother prior to his arrest on the fraud case and he has a good relationship with her. While the defendant grew up in a fairly affluent family, Stout said, there was a high level of violence the defendant witnessed and was subjected to as a child. He asked that those mitigating factors to be considered by the court.
Bauer also gave an emotional statement during sentencing, saying he never meant to hurt the victims and said he had always planned on paying them back. He also referred to his “laundry list of health issues” that are “getting worse by the day,” asking the judge to consider those factors as well.
He had filed for bankruptcy following the scheme, but once he found out he would have to include those he scammed, he said he “canceled it immediately.”
District Judge David Nuffer addressed the parties, saying he went over the sentencing parameters as outlined in the agreement as well as victim impact statements submitted to the court prior to sentencing. He said the sentencing guidelines as set forth in the presentence report recommended 78-97 months of incarceration.
The judge commended the parties for reaching an agreement and avoiding the hardships such proceedings can create for the victims and for family members in what he agreed was “a challenging case.”
Nuffer described the presentence report as “a terrifying narrative” of a defendant who betrayed and defrauded innocent and trusting individuals — a breach of the most basic human relationships. Bauer also violated the public’s trust when he impersonated a judge and then represented the public official in such a negative manner.
In the end, Nuffer said the sentence should seek justice for the crime and also act as a deterrent to others, and while he had previously considered a longer prison sentence, after hearing oral arguments and taking several factors into consideration, he ordered that Bauer serve 78 months in federal prison, which he said was “an equitable sentence.”
The judge also ordered Bauer to be placed on 36-months probation and to pay $856,422 in restitution, starting with the money he earns or receives while in custody.
Upon release, Bauer is ordered to make $200 payments per month towards the restitution.
Nuffer said “the good people” the defendant defrauded needed to be paid back.
“I hope you do that,” he said, addressing Bauer.
The judge then recommended that Bauer serve his time at the Federal Detention Center in Sheridan, Oregon. If that facility is not available then he will be incarcerated at the Englewood Federal Correctional Institution in Littleton, Colorado. Bauer is currently being held in federal custody at the Iron County Jail.
1 note · View note