The launch of the YDA Faith and Values Initiative represents the start of a national conversation about which party better represents the most fundamental convictions of our generation. Faith has played a strong role in public life since our nation’s founding and continues to do so today. At the same time, it is apparent that young Americans have a more complex understanding of how faith impacts our political involvement than the previous generation. For too long the conversation around faith and politics in this country has been limited to fearful rhetoric and culture wars rather than an honest dialogue about which candidates and party platforms best represent our values. The YDA Faith and Values Initiative aims to change this conversation and make clear to the Millennial Generation that people of faith have a home in the Democratic Party. As a person of deep faith, I am eager for the launch of this initiative and look forward beginning a conversation with young Americans about how our values define our national character. As we look back in history at the work of those who came before us, it is these faith-based values which inspired so many to strive for the abolition of slavery, women’s rights, civil rights, and many other worthwhile causes focused on creating a more just society. It is a proud tradition that we hope to build upon. The truth is that Republicans do not have a monopoly on faith. In fact, their candidates increasingly are out of step with the values of …

If you need a peaceful neighborhood, don’t move to Sugar Land. It might be a mistake. It was in my case. Ten years of misery from a neighbor who doesn’t care at all about the noise his dog makes, and no help from the City Of Sugar Land. High taxes and no help. If I decide to sell and move, I’ll probably have to disclose the dog problems next door and behind me, thus lowering my home value. However, the noise has definitely lowered my quality of life. Thank you Sugar Land. ***** By the way, governments tend to be nervous about the internet. Sure, governments use the internet themselves, but they fear it’s power. Why? Because people might say something bad about the government (big or small government). Many countries in the world actually censor the internet and control it’s content (for this very reason). If you are getting bad service from your governments (you pay lots and lots of taxes) then just say so. Surely we can do that. Yes, I believe we can.

Created on July 9, 2010 using FlipShare. In a residential area, up to 3 semi diesels operate on one small property (one semi tractor operated by a local official) for as long as 8 hours at a time, while thick diesel clouds flood homes nearby. In June, the Wisconsin legislature killed a bill which restricted diesel idling, and then, days later, revealed a “Clean Air Act” which restricts tobacco smoke in businesses. As quality of life is destroyed in Wisconsin, and state and local governments snooze, property taxes are among the highest in the US. If you like diesel noise and fumes, please buy my property at thousands below the assessed value. The land is exquisite, with fruit trees and gardens, and a sweet view of the Mississippi River. To me, it’s completely ruined by diesel noise and fumes.

An unhappy neighbor comments on how noisy recently installed telecommunication equipment is. I wonder if planned cell towers going in the middle of our residential neighborhoods are going to be THIS loud. The plans for the one near our home has an AIR CONDITIONED underground vault with two 30″ tall ventilation housings in addition to a tall electrical strongbox. Good grief. This is what we could be looking forward to if the FCC lets the CTIA have broader powers over cities and counties with regard to cell tower installations in purely residential neighborhoods this September 30, 2008. Yes, you too can have this installed in front of your house whether you want it or not. But, no worry – just erect a wall so you won’t have to deal with the visual blight and noise. Hmm, but now how do I address the now “enhanced” property value?… Want to NOT have this happen to you? Because after September 30, 2008, you, your city, your county can do NOTHING to stop this. Here’s what you can do right now: The deadline to be heard has been extended to September 29th. If you think they cant put cell antennas right in front of your million dollar home, well its happening! PLEASE vote in opposition of the Cellular Telephone Industries Associations request that the FCC reduce the time frames in which local zoning authorities must act on approving cell sites. If this request is approved by the FCC, local government and the people will have even less control over where cell equipment is placed …

I wonder if planned cell towers going in the middle of our residential neighborhoods are going to be THIS loud. The plans for the one near our home has an AIR CONDITIONED underground vault with two 30″ tall ventilation housings in addition to a tall electrical strongbox. Good grief. This is what we could be looking forward to if the FCC lets the CTIA have broader powers over cities and counties with regard to cell tower installations in purely residential neighborhoods this September 30, 2008. Check out the noise at 0:48 which can be heard in excess of 100 feet. All day and night. See my other videos, including what a neighbor says about the noise. Yes, you too can have this installed in front of your house whether you want it or not. But, no worry – just erect a wall so you won’t have to deal with the visual blight and noise. Hmm, but now how do I address the now “enhanced” property value?… Want to NOT have this happen to you? Because after September 30, 2008, you, your city, your county can do NOTHING to stop this. Here’s what you can do right now: The deadline to be heard has been extended to September 29th. If you think they cant put cell antennas right in front of your million dollar home, well its happening! PLEASE vote in opposition of the Cellular Telephone Industries Associations request that the FCC reduce the time frames in which local zoning authorities must act on approving cell sites. If this request is approved by the FCC, local government and the people …

Is your Homeowner’s Associations helping or hurting your neighborhood? A lot of people don’t think about about their HOA till they are trying to sell their home and have to consider this neighborhood government and how it affects their resale value. Suddenly, you look at the foreclosures around you and then come to find out how many liens from the HOA are on these properties and when they were placed. How does your HOA spend your money….could it be on frivolous lawsuits? Please place your comments and your own experiences so that it may help others…

The Urban Land Reform Initiative of Genesee County, Michigan, is a self-sustaining economic model which connects tax foreclosure with management and disposition of vacant and abandoned property to stabilize neighborhoods and improve the value of urban land. The program is a the 2007 recipient of the Fannie Mae Foundation Innovations Award in Affordable Housing.