The Road to Pueblo, Photos of the first Trip

Here is a slide show of all the photos I took, good and or bad, on the initial trip to Pueblo.

Created with flickr slideshow.

Getting ready to Occupy the Road

As a light rain falls on the windows of this Camper Van, I feel very comfortable as I type this update on the preparations I ma making for my new adventure in Pueblo with Occupy the Roads.  As my departure was delayed until Monday, I will have two stories actually waiting for me upon arrival.  In the mean time I have been working on  my “Road Ready” gear, methods (media and accommodations).   While covering theOccupy Movement, I learned fast how important it is to have your work  flow, and the minimal equipment needed to be able to publish stories, as well as produce (video) from the field.  I often get comments on how I carry an extra monitor with me on the road (if physically possible).  This is a major asset when working with multiple programs at once.  It is imperative that I can view the changes in a given program as I make changes.  Regardless of video, photography, or creating a page like this, having two screens is a big advantage.  As a blogger, I am rarely not multitasking.  Even in sparse, “in the field” conditions, having the right tools will definitely expedite ones ability to create and publish content when time is a definite factor.   
Time will be a factor beginning this week, as I research and publish simultaneously.   Hopefully the preparations I make now will pay off later, although I know from years of experience of working in the field, military or media, one is really never fully prepared, so the more I do now, and  the rougher it is, the better I will be prepared once I get on the road and start to work.
Time will tell if I have chosen the right gear, and developed an efficient enough work flow to keep up and do the work that I feel is very important.  The story needs to be told, and if corporate media won’t or is not allowed to cover it, then it is up to the citizen journalists and free lancers like us to do the job.  As a veteran, I also feel a strong sense of duty to let the people know what is occurring out there.   Wish me luck. 
I also need to mention, if not by name, all of my friends , and special friends (you know who you are) that have been helping and assisting me in a variety of ways.  Thank you. 

Does Colorado’s Legal Cannabis Relate to it’s drop in Violent Crime?

Every advancement in a modern developed society begins as an experiment. It will often face tooth and nail opposition from those unwilling to learn, be educated or understand the science, and social reality.  For the rest of us, we move on.

Play faster … FASTER! 
Now that it is generally accepted here in Colorado that the use of Cannabis does not cause humans to turn into murderous, ravenous zombies with a relentless craving for 32nd notes, those in the business of caring have noticed a few other interesting statistics.  One of those statistics is that in most metropolitan areas such as the greater Denver area, , and throughout the state as a whole, violent crimes a re down.  Way down.  But how, or even does does it, correlate to the legal status on Cannabis, or Marijuana, in the State of Colorado.

Cause and Effect
It would be hard to prove that these numbers are related in any scientific way, but many of the folks I know in these parts would attribute it to the fact that many Coloradoan's just  don’t want to fight, cause … like … we .. were just  about …to ..like ..  pack another one man! 
I don’t mean to make that much of a joke of it.  It’s like .. well, like that.

The Science
Among those who study such things .. there may be a consensus to disagree.  With little hard science out, especially studies that bring the relationship of Legal Cannabis and crime, one can can still look at simple numbers of each in comparison with previous years. 
According to Joseph Chisarick, of the Guardian Liberty Voice,  “Compared to the January-April period from 2013, 2014 has seen an overall reduction in both violent and property crimes since legalizing marijuana.  Read more at http://guardianlv.com/2014/05/colorado-marijuana-sales-up-crime-down/. As Matt Ferner put it in his article for the Huffington Post, “Denver is home to the vast majority of the state's operational recreational marijuana dispensaries, which have generated tremendous sales revenue since sales began on New Year's Day -- $14 million in just the first month of sales alone. The city's crime data echoes similar data from a recent report in the peer-reviewed publication PLOS ONE, which found that the legalizing of medical marijuana causes no increase in crime, and may even reduce some violent crime, including homicide”.

Personal Experiences
Most of my experience so far has been in the greater Metropolitan Denver Area.  Other than one incident that could directly be attributed to a truly dangerous and illicit substance, I haven’t witnessed any truly hostile behavior in any normal situations.   As I travel throughout the state, it will be interesting to take note of any variations in local policy as well as general attitudes.  The laws from county to county can very greatly here in Colorado.  I have noticed a general easy going attitude among the people where ever I have gone in my time here in Denver.  Unlike many of the places I have been, a sense of contentment. 
A sense, of relief that the society we live in is catching up to the people who live in it.

Occupy the Roads, a Background of Social and Economic Justice

For years now the group Occupy the Roads has toured the United States (4 times) educating Americans about the social and economic injustices which oppress people or destroy resources of the earth for profit.  With over 170 cities visited, the group is known to encounter the same issues where ever they go.  The problems that oppress the 99% are common throughout the entire Nation. 
Their mission is to educate Americans, through the use of their 31 ft RV, now a billboard for Occupy Movement, WikiLeaks and Bradley/Chelsey  Manning.
The group travels the US to talk and educate about the social and economic injustices which oppress people or destroy resources of the earth for profit and help to make change for the betterment of society.
With their media specialist on leave, I have been invited to fill in, and cover their progress as they establish a new base of operations in Pueblo, Colorado.  I will do so here, on their webpage, and try to establish a blog page for continuous updates to that, twitter, and of course their Occupy the Roads Facebook page.
Look forward to more on Occupy the Roads more here. 

Mission to Pueblo, Occupy the Roads & the “Crestone Project”

 When there is a story, you usually have to go to it.  See it, experience it, and be part of it.   This is the case for this story.  Every endeavor requires a base of operations if it is to be successful.  In this first case, that endeavor is a group called “Occupy the Roads”. 

Mission One
Now headquartered in Pueblo, CO., the group was started during the heyday of the Occupy Movement inspired by the original Occupy Wall Street campaign. 
I have agreed to join the group, help build the structures they are currently working on at their new base of operations in Pueblo County, and cover their progress in this blog.  I should have my first report on this out on the night of Monday, September 22. 

Mission Two, “The Crazy Calf Ranch”
Then, in late November or early December, the “Crestone Project” will begin.  This will consist of literally moving to Crestone,CO, and beginning the construction of a medium sized guest  ranch.  It will eventually consist of a small lodge and cabins for guests.  It is a private endeavor being started by a friend. 
It will, eventually,  raise a small herd of beef cattle, have chickens, a few hogs, and of course, horses.  But starting out, we will arrive with a tiny camper, at a baron piece of land, at the beginning of the winter season, in a desolate wild.  I will have a friend with me, a fellow Army Veteran, who has excellent construction skills, and has extensive cattle experience.   He will help with the initial construction of the buildings, out-buildings, and fencing until March, when he will be moving to another Ranch in the same part of the state.
Now the story goes, even though it hasn’t happened yet, that our first calf, T-Bone, was a little off.  He had issues.  He would roll on his back like a dog and run face first at full gallop straight into a post. 
Thus the name, “The Crazy Calf Ranch”.

Internet time out
Now due to the fact that my internet access will be limited, and I will be “pre-composing” most of my email and Facebook posts, as well as these postings, this blog will be the current prime source of information on the near term progress of the “Occupy the Roads” group, and   Crestone Project, I.E., the construction of the Crazy Calf Ranch, as well as any points of interest I may encounter in South West Colorado. 
This project should be the source of events of character, and make for a series of interesting blog reports.  I am looking forward to the adventure.