Wednesday, May 6, 2015


News Clips For The Day


http://www.cbsnews.com/news/california-adopts-unprecedented-water-use-curbs/

California adopts unprecedented water use curbs
CBS/AP
May 6, 2015

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- California water regulators adopted sweeping, unprecedented restrictions on how people, governments and businesses can use water amid the state's ongoing drought, hoping to push reluctant residents to deeper conservation.

The State Water Resources Control Board approved rules Tuesday that force cities to limit watering on public property, encourage homeowners to let their lawns die and impose mandatory water-savings targets for the hundreds of local agencies and cities that supply water to California customers.

Gov. Jerry Brown sought the more stringent regulations, arguing that voluntary conservation efforts have so far not yielded the water savings needed amid a four-year drought. He ordered water agencies to cut urban water use by 25 percent from levels in 2013, the year before he declared a drought emergency.

"It is better to prepare now than face much more painful cuts should it not rain in the fall," board Chairwoman Felicia Marcus said Tuesday as the panel voted 5-0 to approve the new rules.

Although the rules are called mandatory, it's still unclear what punishment the state water board and local agencies will impose for those that don't meet the targets. Board officials said they expect dramatic water savings as soon as June and are willing to add restrictions and penalties for agencies that lag.

But the board lacks staff to oversee each of the hundreds of water agencies, which range dramatically in size and scope. Some local agencies that are tasked with achieving savings do not have the resources to issue tickets to those who waste water, and many others have chosen not to do so.

Despite the dire warnings, it's also still not clear that Californians have grasped the seriousness of the drought or the need for conservation. Data released by the board Tuesday showed that Californians conserved little water in March, and local officials were not aggressive in cracking down on waste.

A survey of local water departments showed water use fell less than 4 percent in March compared with the same month in 2013. Overall savings have been only about 9 percent since last summer.

Under the new rules, each city is ordered to cut water use by as much as 36 percent compared with 2013. Some local water departments have called the proposal unrealistic and unfair, arguing that achieving steep cuts could cause higher water bills and declining property values, and dissuade projects to develop drought-proof water technology such as desalination and sewage recycling.

The board had already adopted other water restrictions: Californians cannot water lawns two days after rainfall, wash cars with hoses that don't shut off or hose down pavement, hotels must offer guests a chance to reuse sheets and towels and restaurants can only serve water upon request.

Representatives of San Diego-area water agencies have been especially critical of the water targets, noting that the region has slashed consumption and agencies have spent $3.5 billion to prepare for dry periods after facing severe cuts in earlier droughts.

"San Diego has lived the horror of what the state is going through right now," Mark Weston, the board chairman of the San Diego County Water Authority, told state regulators Tuesday.

After a 10-hour hearing that included more than 5 hours of public testimony, the water board again on Tuesday rejected calls to create easier targets for communities in drier areas or for cities that have been conserving since before the drought.

An economic analysis of the water board's proposal commissioned by the board estimated that private water utilities and local water departments would lose a total of about $1 billion in revenue through lost water sales if they meet the board's targets, meaning they are likely to raise prices to make up the difference.

Residents and businesses use less than a fifth of the water withdrawn from the state's surface and groundwater supplies. Farms in the state's agricultural heartland have had deliveries from government reservoir systems slashed and some have been ordered to stop diverting water that is normally available to them from streams and rivers.

Brown said last week he would push for legislation boosting authorizing fines of up to $10,000 for extreme wasters of water, but he needs legislative approval to do so, and no bill has been introduced. Another tool - tiered pricing, in which the price rises as water use goes up - is in question after a court struck down water rates designed to encourage conservation in San Juan Capistrano in Orange County.




“California water regulators adopted sweeping, unprecedented restrictions on how people, governments and businesses can use water amid the state's ongoing drought, hoping to push reluctant residents to deeper conservation. The State Water Resources Control Board approved rules Tuesday that force cities to limit watering on public property, encourage homeowners to let their lawns die and impose mandatory water-savings targets for the hundreds of local agencies and cities that supply water to California customers. …. He ordered water agencies to cut urban water use by 25 percent from levels in 2013, the year before he declared a drought emergency. "It is better to prepare now than face much more painful cuts should it not rain in the fall," board Chairwoman Felicia Marcus said Tuesday as the panel voted 5-0 to approve the new rules. …. Under the new rules, each city is ordered to cut water use by as much as 36 percent compared with 2013. Some local water departments have called the proposal unrealistic and unfair, arguing that achieving steep cuts could cause higher water bills and declining property values, and dissuade projects to develop drought-proof water technology such as desalination and sewage recycling. …. Residents and businesses use less than a fifth of the water withdrawn from the state's surface and groundwater supplies. Farms in the state's agricultural heartland have had deliveries from government reservoir systems slashed and some have been ordered to stop diverting water that is normally available to them from streams and rivers.”

Who is fighting these water saving measures, Democrats or Republicans? Citizens, whose water bills are going up, or farmers who have had unlimited supplies until now? And why is anybody fighting the development of more desalination and recycling facilities? Those things are useful now, totally harmless, and will certainly be needed in the long term, assuming that this drought is caused by global warming, of course. Many people are so resistant to change in the face of evidence that they give every appearance of having a low IQ, clinging to old viewpoints to the death.






http://www.cbsnews.com/news/senate-republicans-ok-budget-targeting-obamacare/

Senate Republicans OK budget targeting Obamacare
CBS NEWS
May 6, 2015

WASHINGTON -- The Senate on Tuesday adopted a GOP budget that paves the way for an assault on President Obama's health care law this summer and a partisan showdown over spending bills this fall.

The Senate passed the nonbinding measure by a nearly party-line 51-48 vote. The House adopted it last week.

The measure sets a potential path for a balanced budget within a decade. It promises to cut domestic agencies and safety net programs like Medicaid and food stamps, carve up transportation spending and student aid, and curb tax breaks for the poor.

Republicans don't plan to adhere to most of its cuts in follow-up legislation, however.

And in the near term the GOP plan promises a $38 billion, 7 percent increase for the Pentagon that is possible only by padding war accounts.

Republicans and many economists say balancing the budget helps the economy in the long run and say it's better to tackle the long-term financial problems of programs like Medicare and Medicaid sooner rather than later. They also promise to relieve the burden of debt that's being passed on to future generations.

"That's really unconscionable, to keep spending money and then send the bill to our kids and grandkids and say: `You pay it. We had a good time. Good luck,'" said Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas.

The budget plan does not go to Obama, who has promised to veto follow-up spending bills that he says will shortchange domestic programs like student aid, highway construction and scientific research.

Obama to propose ending sequestration cuts
GOP cuts Medicare, food stamps in new budget blueprint

White House spokesman Josh Earnest disparaged the budget plan for increasing money for defense but not for non-defense domestic programs.

In the wake of racial tensions involving police and low-income communities, Earnest specifically argued the Republican plan would jeopardize programs that provide criminal justice assistance to state and local governments.

"Republicans have started talking the talk about issues like inequality and criminal justice reform, but their budget shows they are not walking the walk," Earnest said.

The measure pleases the GOP faithful by setting up a debate this summer that would permit Republicans to finally pass legislation to repeal Obama's health care law. That's because Senate Democrats would be unable to filibuster the repeal bill under fast-track budget rules, though Obama is certain to veto it.

But Republicans have no plans to follow up the budget document's call for other spending cuts with binding legislation that would, for instance, curb Medicare payments to providers, tighten eligibility rules for food stamps, or dump poor and disabled people off the traditional Medicaid program.

Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Rand Paul of Kentucky, both presidential contenders, were the only Republicans who voted against the blueprint. GOP Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, also seeking the White House, voted in its favor, as did Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a potential presidential candidate. All Democrats voted in opposition.

Democrats blasted the measure for getting the bulk of its savings from cuts to programs that help the poor and middle class while leaving tax breaks for corporations and the wealthy, including a proposal to eliminate taxes on multimillion-dollar inheritances.

"This is an absolute disaster for the working families of this country," said liberal Independent Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who's running for the Democratic presidential nomination. "In fact, one of the problems that I have had in describing the Republican budget is that it is so bad ... that people don't even really believe you when you talk about what is in this budget."

The budget sets up a battle later this year over the 12 annual spending bills setting agency operating budgets. Republicans have skirted budget rules and are trying to award the Pentagon a 7 percent budget hike while keeping domestic programs frozen at current levels.

Obama and his Democratic allies in the Senate say they will block those budget moves and are calling for a negotiation that would replace immediate and automatic budget cuts known as sequestration with longer-term substitute cuts and revenues from closing tax loopholes. Republican leaders like House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio say tax increases are out of the question.

Under Washington's arcane budget process, lawmakers first adopt a budget that's essentially a visionary document that sets goals that politicians are often unwilling to pursue. The GOP document also lacks specifics about which programs would be cut, insulating the Senate's large crop of vulnerable incumbents from taking a more politically dangerous vote.

The measure manages to chart a path toward balance without new taxes, though it assumes Republicans will find about $1 trillion over 10 years to replace "Obamacare" taxes like the 3.8 percent surcharge on investment income paid by upper-bracket earners. It also retains large Obamacare cuts to health care providers such as Medicare Advantage plans even though Republicans criticized the cuts in past campaigns.

Senate Republicans prevailed in a debate over a Medicare plan championed by House Republicans that would give people joining the system after 2024 a subsidy to purchase health insurance on the open market rather than a guaranteed package of services. That plan has failed to resonate in the Senate, particularly among incumbents up for re-election next year in states carried by Obama.




“The Senate passed the nonbinding measure by a nearly party-line 51-48 vote. The House adopted it last week. The measure sets a potential path for a balanced budget within a decade. It promises to cut domestic agencies and safety net programs like Medicaid and food stamps, carve up transportation spending and student aid, and curb tax breaks for the poor. Republicans don't plan to adhere to most of its cuts in follow-up legislation, however. And in the near term the GOP plan promises a $38 billion, 7 percent increase for the Pentagon that is possible only by padding war accounts. …. The budget plan does not go to Obama, who has promised to veto follow-up spending bills that he says will shortchange domestic programs like student aid, highway construction and scientific research. …. "Republicans have started talking the talk about issues like inequality and criminal justice reform, but their budget shows they are not walking the walk," Earnest said. The measure pleases the GOP faithful by setting up a debate this summer that would permit Republicans to finally pass legislation to repeal Obama's health care law. That's because Senate Democrats would be unable to filibuster the repeal bill under fast-track budget rules, though Obama is certain to veto it. …. Democrats blasted the measure for getting the bulk of its savings from cuts to programs that help the poor and middle class while leaving tax breaks for corporations and the wealthy, including a proposal to eliminate taxes on multimillion-dollar inheritances. "This is an absolute disaster for the working families of this country," said liberal Independent Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who's running for the Democratic presidential nomination. "In fact, one of the problems that I have had in describing the Republican budget is that it is so bad ... that people don't even really believe you when you talk about what is in this budget." …. would give people joining the system after 2024 a subsidy to purchase health insurance on the open market rather than a guaranteed package of services.”

“Under Washington's arcane budget process, lawmakers first adopt a budget that's essentially a visionary document that sets goals that politicians are often unwilling to pursue.” In other words, it's just for show – “smoke and mirrors.” I see they are also trying to divert money from the Medicare plan to private insurers again. Bernie Sanders is recommending a one payer system instead. I'm sure that would be fought tooth and nail.



Single-payer health care
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Single-payer health care is a system in which the government, rather than private insurers, pays for all health carecosts.[1] Single-payer systems may contract for healthcare services from private organizations (as is the case inCanada) or may own and employ healthcare resources and personnel (as is the case in the United Kingdom). The term "single-payer" thus only describes the funding mechanism—referring to health care financed by a single public body from a single fund—and does not specify the type of delivery, or for whom doctors work. The actual funding of a "single payer" system comes from all or a portion of the covered population. Although the fund holder is usually the state, some forms of single-payer use a mixed public-private system.

Single-payer health insurance collects all medical fees, then pays for all services, through a "single" government (or government-related) source.[2] In wealthy nations, this kind of publicly managed insurance is typically extended to all citizens and legal residents. Examples include the United Kingdom's National Health Service, Australia's Medicare, Canada's Medicare, and Taiwan's National Health Insurance.

The standard usage of the term "single-payer health care" refers to health insurance, as opposed to healthcare delivery, operating as a public service and offered to citizens and legal residents towards providing near-universal oruniversal health care. The fund can be managed by the government directly or as a publicly owned and regulated agency.[2] Some writers describe publicly administered health care systems as "single-payer plans". Some writers have described any system of health care which intends to cover the entire population, such as voucher plans, as "single-payer plans",[3] although this is uncommon usage.

Many nations worldwide have single-payer health insurance programs. These programs generally provide some form of universal health care, which are implemented in a variety of ways. In some cases doctors may be employed, and hospitals run by, the government such as in the United Kingdom[4] or Spain.[5] Alternatively the government may purchase healthcare services from outside organizations, such as the approach taken in Canada.




http://www.cbsnews.com/news/cia-insider-isis-shows-sign-of-weakness-in-recent-claim/

CIA insider: ISIS shows "sign of weakness" in recent claim
CBS NEWS
May 5, 2015

Photograph – Michael Morell, the former deputy director of the CIA
 CBS NEWS

NEW YORK -- Michael Morell, the former deputy director of the CIA, doubts ISIS was behind Sunday's attack on a Muhammad art contest in Garland, Texas. ISIS claimed responsibility for the actions of the two gunmen: Elton Simpson and Nadir Soofi, who were both shot and killed at the scene.

"There is no evidence that ISIS directed the attack, no evidence that they were in communication with these two individuals," said Morell.


Morell says it's more likely that Simpson and Soofi were self-radicalized.

"Whether that was by ISIS or whether that was by al Qaeda is an open question," said Morell.

Morell sees ISIS' dubious claim of responsibility as a stretch - a sign that the terror group is beginning to wane.

"This was not a successful attack. There was no open devotion by these individuals to ISIS," said Morell. "I actually think this might be a sign of weakness, a reflection that they see that their momentum has slowed a bit."

Watch the video above to hear more of Morell's analysis, including his answer to questions about the FBI's prior knowledge of Simpson and Soofi.




“Michael Morell, the former deputy director of the CIA, doubts ISIS was behind Sunday's attack on a Muhammad art contest in Garland, Texas. ISIS claimed responsibility for the actions of the two gunmen: Elton Simpson and Nadir Soofi, who were both shot and killed at the scene. "There is no evidence that ISIS directed the attack, no evidence that they were in communication with these two individuals," said Morell. orell says it's more likely that Simpson and Soofi were self-radicalized. "Whether that was by ISIS or whether that was by al Qaeda is an open question," said Morell. Morell sees ISIS' dubious claim of responsibility as a stretch - a sign that the terror group is beginning to wane. …. "I actually think this might be a sign of weakness, a reflection that they see that their momentum has slowed a bit." Watch the video above to hear more of Morell's analysis, including his answer to questions about the FBI's prior knowledge of Simpson and Soofi.”

Well, I certainly hope that the influence, wealth, power base etc. of ISIS is waning. The fact is, though, that though they may not have planned this abortive attack, their Internet presence probably inspired these two killers. The ideology of Islamic fundamentalism remains a threat, and this article won't make those Americans who are involved in attacking American Mosques or waging a verbal war of hatred against these new “outsiders,” any less active. We still have problems.





http://www.cbsnews.com/news/baltimore-asks-department-of-justice-review-police-force/

Baltimore asks the DOJ to review its police force
CBS/AP
May 6, 2015

Photograph – A demonstrator faces off with a line of Baltimore Police officers at the corner of Pennsylvania and North Avenues during violent protests following the funeral of Freddie Gray April 27, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland.  CHIP SOMODEVILLA/GETTY IMAGES

Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake announced Wednesday she has requested that the Department of Justice open a civil rights patterns and practices investigation into the city's police department. The probe will look into whether police discriminate and use excessive force on a broad scale.

In a statement, a Justice Department spokesperson said they are "actively considering that option."

The news comes in the wake of violent protests that were sparked by the death of Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old who suffered a fatal spinal injury in police custody. Protesters have said the Baltimore PD engages in widespread abusive and discriminatory practices.

Rawlings-Blake said Wednesday that the community has a "fractured" relationship with police.

At her news conference, the mayor also said officers would have body cameras by the end of the year.

The Justice Department has since October been conducting a civil rights investigation into Gray's death and a review of the city's police force, which has paid nearly $6 million since 2011 to settle claims of police brutality, according to a Baltimore Sun investigation.

CBS News' Paula Reid reports other cities have requested "pattern and practice" investigations. For example, local governments in Albuquerque and Clevelandasked the DOJ to come in to review the police force and implement changes, whereas Ferguson did not "request" its investigation -- the DOJ just came in and did it.

The review will look potential violations of the Constitution's Fourth Amendment, which bars unreasonable searches and seizures, Rawlings-Blake said. Such wide-ranging investigations look for patterns of discrimination within a police department. They can examine how officers use force and search and arrest suspects.

"We cannot be timid in addressing this problem, and I am a mayor that does not shy away from our city's big challenges,"she said.

The announcement of the request comes one day after new Attorney General Loretta Lynch visited the city since the violent protests.

Her visit came just days after Baltimore's top prosecutor announced criminal charges against all six officers involved in the arrest and ensuing situation that led to Gray's death.

But Lynch's words Tuesday were friendly, thanking the police for allowing peaceful protests and helping people to rebuild and clean up.

"You really have become the face of law enforcement. Now you may say that's for good or ill, I know, but we don't always choose moments. Sometimes they choose us. And how we live with that and how we go through with that, determines what kind of officers we are," she said.

Lynch also met privately with Gray's family at the University of Baltimore, and participated in a meeting with faith and community leaders as well as a few members of Maryland's congressional delegation.

"When the city is in turmoil and literally in pain as you have described, to watch people come together and be as determined as the city of Baltimore has been, to reclaim the city, to rebuild the city, and to make it again the great city that it has always been, has been inspiring for me," she said at the meeting. "We're here to hold your hands and provide support."

In a meeting with Rawlings-Blake, Lynch said the people of Baltimore are "willing partners in the effort to improve this beautiful city."




“Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake announced Wednesday she has requested that the Department of Justice open a civil rights patterns and practices investigation into the city's police department. The probe will look into whether police discriminate and use excessive force on a broad scale. In a statement, a Justice Department spokesperson said they are "actively considering that option." …. Rawlings-Blake said Wednesday that the community has a "fractured" relationship with police. At her news conference, the mayor also said officers would have body cameras by the end of the year. The Justice Department has since October been conducting a civil rights investigation into Gray's death and a review of the city's police force, which has paid nearly $6 million since 2011 to settle claims of police brutality, according to a Baltimore Sun investigation. …. For example, local governments in Albuquerque and Clevelandasked the DOJ to come in to review the police force and implement changes, whereas Ferguson did not "request" its investigation -- the DOJ just came in and did it. The review will look potential violations of the Constitution's Fourth Amendment, which bars unreasonable searches and seizures, Rawlings-Blake said. Such wide-ranging investigations look for patterns of discrimination within a police department. They can examine how officers use force and search and arrest suspects. …. "You really have become the face of law enforcement. Now you may say that's for good or ill, I know, but we don't always choose moments. Sometimes they choose us. And how we live with that and how we go through with that, determines what kind of officers we are," she said.”

“In a meeting with Rawlings-Blake, Lynch said the people of Baltimore are 'willing partners in the effort to improve this beautiful city.'" I am delighted and relieved to see Baltimore jumping on the bandwagon in this important issue. That's what all our towns and cities need to do, because the image of Cop as Tough Guy is very widespread in this country. The friendly English bobby without a sidearm or the endearing Sheriff Taylor are not the fact in this country. England's statistics on police killings was in one of the news articles I read over the last few months, and they have very few of those killings. We need to look at what they are doing over there and move over to their position. Policing doesn't have to be so violent. The concept that a broken window leads to a rape is simply not valid. For a very good article on Broken Windows Policing, go to Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broken_windows_theory.

Congratulations to Albuquerque and Cleveland also for willingly participating in a DOJ review. It is my belief that such things as “Broken Windows Policing” – which I call bullying pure and simple – and active racism are rampant in this country, and need to be stopped. What began as a philosophy has become police corruption. I am referring to such things as the racist and very ugly anti-Obama emails that were found on the computers of officers in Ferguson, MO, and which undoubtedly exist elsewhere. The need is to “weed out those bad apples,” in other words fire them and if the abuse is illegal, charge them with crimes as appropriate. There also need to be some new enforceable rules on how police are to do their job. A traffic stop over a broken tail light or a jaywalking ticket should simply never end up in the death of that citizen. Those things aren't even crimes, but mere annoyances, and beating people to death or shooting them is murder.





http://www.cbsnews.com/news/arizona-bus-driver-traps-school-children-inside/

Arizona bus driver traps school children inside
CBS NEWS
May 6, 2015

An Arizona school bus driver is under investigation for allegedly locking rowdy kids on board.

The driver claims he locked the children inside because they were being too loud and misbehaving, but parents who were at the bus stop waiting for their kids say it was an unjust punishment, reports CBS News correspondent Vladimir Duthiers.

Surveillance video shows the chaotic scene of kids crying and frantically pleading to get off the bus. Children pushed to the front trying to exit, but the driver wouldn't unlock the door.

"See, your parents are getting upset. You break that door; you're going to be buying a new one! Your kid will get off the bus when I am done with 'em," the driver said.

Nearly 40 children were inside.

Some parents tried to pry open the doors; others called 911.

"He won't let any of our kids out," one parent said. "The kids are crying. He's screaming at us."

Then the driver took off.

"He's actually driving away with all our kids," the parent said. "He's got all our kids on the bus."

The driver took the kids back to Dysart Elementary School where they were released from the bus. No injuries were reported.

"I don't know if he went crazy, was going to crash into something because the way he took off he was speeding," parent Adam Kautman said.

The school district launched an investigation and put the driver on administrative leave, but some parents said it's not enough.

"They're responsible for the lives of all those children on the bus to get home safely, and he did the exact opposite of that," Kautman said.

The superintendent of the school said this was not the bus driver's scheduled route, but that all drivers are responsible for children's safety. The driver has since resigned from his position.




“The driver claims he locked the children inside because they were being too loud and misbehaving, but parents who were at the bus stop waiting for their kids say it was an unjust punishment, reports CBS News correspondent Vladimir Duthiers. Surveillance video shows the chaotic scene of kids crying and frantically pleading to get off the bus. Children pushed to the front trying to exit, but the driver wouldn't unlock the door. "See, your parents are getting upset. You break that door; you're going to be buying a new one! Your kid will get off the bus when I am done with 'em," the driver said. …. Some parents tried to pry open the doors; others called 911. "He won't let any of our kids out," one parent said. "The kids are crying. He's screaming at us." Then the driver took off. "He's actually driving away with all our kids," the parent said. "He's got all our kids on the bus." The driver took the kids back to Dysart Elementary School where they were released from the bus. No injuries were reported. …. The superintendent of the school said this was not the bus driver's scheduled route, but that all drivers are responsible for children's safety. The driver has since resigned from his position.”

Some of these stories are absolutely wacko, and to me this is one of those. I know school bus drivers probably don't get a very large salary, but a certain level of competence is required. I'm so glad to see that he resigned. Kids are noisy and can be annoying, but adults in responsible positions have to be patient and well-controlled. I wonder what in the world he was thinking.





http://www.cbsnews.com/news/construction-worker-saves-michigan-boy-from-4-dog-attack/

Construction worker saves Michigan boy from 4-dog attack
CBS/AP
May 6, 2015

Photograph – Ethan Nokes with his mother, Doris Gifford  WWTV

SEVILLE TOWNSHIP, Mich. - Four Rottweilers attacked an 8-year-old boy in central Michigan, and his mother said they would have killed her son if not for a construction worker who came to the rescue.

The dogs attacked Ethan Nokes, of Riverdale, on Monday in the fenced yard of a relative in Gratiot County's Seville Township, state police said. The boy was familiar with the dogs and was in the yard with a brother, police said.

"They were out to kill him, no question," Ethan's mother, Doris Gifford, told CBS affiliate WWTV in Cadillac.

Kenneth Hansen, who owns a construction business and was working nearby, heard Ethan's screams, ran over and jumped the fence into the yard.

"I could see the dogs and I could see a boy with all his clothes off and he was half red with blood and I knew he was in trouble," said Hansen told WWTV.

"They were pulling on him in every direction. In another 30 seconds they would have torn him up," Hansen told The Daily News of Greenville.

Police said Hansen carried Ethan into the house as the dogs were trying to pull the boy from his grasp. The dogs followed them inside.

"I tried to keep my body between the dogs and him ... and they were yanking on him trying to get him away from me," Hansen said.

Ethan, who had 22 bite wounds, was treated at a hospital and released, police said. Hansen wasn't injured during the rescue.

Animal control was holding the dogs, which might be euthanized. The Gratiot County prosecutor's office is expected to review the case for possible charges against the dogs' owner.

"I think that God put him there for a reason I have absolute faith in that," Gifford said. "I don't know. I don't have any other explanation other than it's God's timing and that's how things work."

Hansen said he was grateful to be in a position to help.

"The dogs could have ate me, I didn't care. I couldn't watch -- the kid needed help," Ken said.




“Four Rottweilers attacked an 8-year-old boy in central Michigan, and his mother said they would have killed her son if not for a construction worker who came to the rescue. The dogs attacked Ethan Nokes, of Riverdale, on Monday in the fenced yard of a relative in Gratiot County's Seville Township, state police said. The boy was familiar with the dogs and was in the yard with a brother, police said. …. Kenneth Hansen, who owns a construction business and was working nearby, heard Ethan's screams, ran over and jumped the fence into the yard. "I could see the dogs and I could see a boy with all his clothes off and he was half red with blood and I knew he was in trouble," said Hansen told WWTV. "They were pulling on him in every direction. In another 30 seconds they would have torn him up," Hansen told The Daily News of Greenville. Police said Hansen carried Ethan into the house as the dogs were trying to pull the boy from his grasp. The dogs followed them inside. …. Ethan, who had 22 bite wounds, was treated at a hospital and released, police said. Hansen wasn't injured during the rescue. Animal control was holding the dogs, which might be euthanized. The Gratiot County prosecutor's office is expected to review the case for possible charges against the dogs' owner.”

"The dogs could have ate me, I didn't care. I couldn't watch -- the kid needed help," Ken said.” I lived in a house with a couple who had a rottweiler. He was a big lover, not an attacker, but he did weigh in the range of 150 to 175 pounds. Four dogs that live together will relate to each other as members of a pack, and wild dogs in some places run around killing livestock and attacking people just like wolves. When I was about ten years old a pack like that was roaming through the county where I lived, and the people in the neighborhood were frightened of them. Also, of course, a pack of wild dogs are not vaccinated for rabies. That is another possible issue in this particular situation, but whether or not the dogs were vaccinated they should never, never be unsupervised with a child. Children unfortunately sometimes scream, act erratically or otherwise cause dogs to attack. Little boys are especially likely to do that. I think every parent should teach their kids how to act around a dog. That doesn't excuse the owners. Rottweilers are one of the top breeds for attacking other dogs and humans, along with German Shepherds, Pit Bulls, Doberman Pinschers, Chows, etc. Dogs like collies will bite if protecting property or if attacked, but they aren't going to try to kill anyone as these did.

This pleasantly humble construction owner is a hero. Four rottweilers in the middle of an attack are very dangerous. Anyone who has ever tried to break up a dog fight knows that. If you ever have to do that, I've heard you should spray them with a water hose if you have one handy, which will break their attention and hopefully cause them to retreat.




JUST FOR FUN – TWO ARTICLES


http://www.cbsnews.com/news/serial-stowaway-marilyn-hartman-arrested-again/

"Serial stowaway" Marilyn Hartman arrested again
CBS NEWS
May 6, 2015

Photograph – Marilyn Hartman  CBS LOS ANGELES

CHICAGO -- Serial stowaway Marilyn Hartman was arrested at Chicago's O'Hare airport Tuesday, reports CBS San Francisco station KPIX-TV.

Police picked her up for alleged loitering in a restricted area. Hartman has made numerous attempts to get on planes at Bay Area airports without a ticket.

She did manage to stow herself away on a flight from San Jose to Los Angeles, and has been ordered to stay away from airports by federal authorities.

Hartman has said she is homeless and feels safer in airports than on the streets.

She has been arrested several times this year for trying to stow away on flights out of San Francisco International Airport.




“Police picked her up for alleged loitering in a restricted area. Hartman has made numerous attempts to get on planes at Bay Area airports without a ticket. She did manage to stow herself away on a flight from San Jose to Los Angeles, and has been ordered to stay away from airports by federal authorities. Hartman has said she is homeless and feels safer in airports than on the streets.”

This woman's photograph shows an elderly but once handsome woman who seems “bemused” or not quite “with it,” but who also seems to be mischievous. She said in this article that she feels safer in airports, which is probably true, but her efforts to board planes seems to me to be simply fun for her. She likes to have people trying to stop her – Wile Coyote and the Road Runner. She needs some mental health meds and a home, preferably an assisted living home. Medicaid would probably pay for that for her, I think, but she would have to get herself enrolled. Someone should help her with that, her court appointed lawyer, perhaps.





http://www.cbsnews.com/news/thinking-its-a-joke-man-hangs-up-on-pope-francis/

Thinking it's a joke, man hangs up on Pope Francis
AP May 1, 2015

26 Photos – Pope Francis

VATICAN CITY -- Hang up on Pope Francis and you might get a hug.

Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano says earlier this week, Francis dialed an ailing Italian man to comfort him. Francis has a habit of calling people who he has heard are suffering and telling them "Hello, I'm Pope Francis" when they answer their phone.

The newspaper said the man, Franco Rabuffi, hung up twice, thinking it was a prankster.

On the third call, he realized it truly was Francis and was speechless. The paper says Francis told Rabuffi he was amused. Rabuffi and his wife were invited to the pope's public audience Wednesday in St. Peter's Square, where Francis hugged them and assured them he really did dial the man's phone.

The paper didn't specify the man's illness or age.




“On the third call, he realized it truly was Francis and was speechless. The paper says Francis told Rabuffi he was amused. Rabuffi and his wife were invited to the pope's public audience Wednesday in St. Peter's Square, where Francis hugged them and assured them he really did dial the man's phone.” I do like Pope Francis. He likes people in general, not just wealthy or well-educated people, and he has a sense of humor.