http://www.bakotopia.com/home/RecentPostComments Recent Post Comments on Bakotopia en-us http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/11106 Yeah, that is much like a lot of things. Its an identity over a belief. Seems to me that if you truly believe, you wouldn't have a problem giving up everything the bible says to. If you truly believed, then you would "know" that something better was in story. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/11106 I agree. Sometimes we fall into the trap of worshiping or "believing in something" because our parents did. We were once having a discussion at work about Catholic beliefs and I told my coworker Catholics believe that Jesus is God. She said, "no we don't" I said, "I'm pretty sure you do". So she called her mom. An aunt answered, so she asked her, and the aunt said, "Yes, the trinity is all God, one person. One entity" My coworker was like, oh. ok. Let me talk to mom. Her mom said, "NO, Jesus is God's son, then there is God, and the Holy Spirit." She hung up,and said, "well I don't know WHAT we believe in, but I do know that I was born Catholic, therefore I AM Catholic." In her case, it wasn't a sense of community it was more a sense of familiarity. It was more of a statement of who she was. I am Mexican. I am German. I am short. I am tall. I am Catholic. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/11315 I know I always clean up after myself. And I often clean up after others as well. If everyone would pick up just a little bit it would make a huge difference. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/11106 I'm still trying to understand the human need for community. I understand that we do need it, but what intrigues me is the level of dedication one has to certain categories of their lives when it is majorly based off of familiarity. This does tie into my thoughts on religion, something I often accompany my observation of religion with. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/11315 It's horrible how a few dirty slobs can ruin it for the rest of us. We all like to picnic in a clean area yet not many of us will clean up after ourselves to ensure the person after us has the same experience. It's sick. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/11341 I got a phone call once from Bill Clinton. He wanted me to vote against somebody, I forget who. I was too excited hearing his voice to listen to what he was actually saying and to realize it was just a recording. It wasn't until I asked him where he wanted to meet to continue talking about this subject and he hung up on me that I realized.... doh! http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/11106 I USED TO think religion is a way to get people with the same goals together. Sometimes I still do. That goal being... wanting to learn about God and his greatness, and learning how to be good people, and gaining the support of your peers who are in fact working towards the same goal. Unfortunately, we are not perfect. Therefore, our greed, anger, hate, get the better of some of us. This is especially true of, but not limited to the people appointed to run the churches. This of course perverts the church, and it becomes a means to gain control and power over the masses. I think in a perfect world, religion is great. It's an organization that people need to help guide them in the right direction. Unfortunatly, it stopped being that a long time ago, due to imperfect people running it. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/11106 Religion is the opiate of the masses. The state has replaced the church, and watching TV has replaced prayer. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/11100 It placed their other tenants in danger? What tenants? The ones that are closed by the time Rockin Rodeo opens their doors? That's about a laugh and a half. I don't blame the owners of the building either though. Why didn't the owners of Rockin Rodeo front the cash for added security? Wouldn't it be their responsibility? The fact that the council members are pleased cracks me up. Maybe they own a lot of downtown bars and they welcome the added busines? LOL I can't say I'm sad they are closing down. I never did enjoy going there. I prefer the smaller more intimate places in Bakersfield. But that comment from the council members DOES crack me up. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/11108 30 SeCoNdS tO mArS! http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/11112 VA ESTAR DE PELOS EL DESMADRE EN FISHLIPS...THANKS FOR BRINGING MORE ROCKERO SHOWS TO OUR RANCHITO DE BASKERFIELD. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/11108 HA HA... maybe cuz I wasn't signed in! hee hee... I wanna go! I can't pick just one band I want to see! I just want to go and support the locals! They rock and always support me and Vinny's Bar! Love ya! Please send me and a guest to see our locals: seed, vanity avenue, faceless, splitminded, out of exile, thru the looking glass HELL YEAH!!! http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/11108 Hmmmm decisions, decisions......... Well I've heard Total Chaos is just that, so lets go with them. I'm playin with Divided Highway at Chuy's that same day for the Riders n Rods Charity show, but get done around 3, so if you guys are still rockin into the evening, then count me in. Dave Sanders http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/11108 Hey Bakotopians, our local band SEED is going to bring down the house. Send me to see SEED and others, please!!! JEN http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/11108 SEED, VANITY AVENUE, STATE OF INSOMNIA! KOMO CHINGAOS KE NO! ARRIBA EL ROCKANROL KABRONESSSSSSSS!!!!!!! http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/11108 bad brains!!!!!woo hoo!! http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/11108 oh man!!.....it's all about CKY!!! 96 Quite Better Things,Lost in a Contraption,Disengage the Simulator, etc...they all rock!! http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/11108 Total Chaos rocks! http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/11108 HR!!!! It's all about Bad Brains! I can't miss this show. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/11108 I wanna go please please, CKY RULES http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/11114 Thanks, I recall your note and thanks for making it a featured post. Just goes to show that the power of prayer really works. =) Take care. =) http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/11114 Wow! I remember your post when you lost him. It's still here on the website...cool ending. Congrats!! http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10205 FOUND!!! http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/11100 Evidently the owners aren't willing to pay out of their own pocket to put security in place to protect the patrons and the public. They just want to make a buck and keep their overhead down. If thats the case, then I am glad its gone. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/11069 If it's a full blown party, then somebody is likely to end up drinking and driving. However, if it's the "safe environment" idea, then if you buy your kids the drinkies, they will understand that they should keep it in moderation and not get out of control with noise and such so that the cops do have to come by. Think party vs. kickback I guess. All this means is that the RESPONSIBLE cool parents are going to have to be more toned down when allowing this to happen. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10731 Racism comes in all colors..its not just white folks. Racism can be overcome with a little effort and education. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10731 Racism is such a tough issue to talk about openly without the conversation getting heated. My only personal conclusion is that we are all racist in one way or another and the only way to change that is to be constantly aware of it. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/8771 Lol!! You're like a freakin' Shamrock Shake!! http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/11069 I don't think it is meant to get kids to rat out their parents friends. I think it is meant as deterant for the parents to not host the parties in the first. And then, if a child gets injured or killed, they can go after the parents. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/11069 The problem with those other type of cool parents is that while my kids might be put off by the thought of finding somewhere unsafe to "party" they might be more willing to break MY no drinking policy if they have a safe place to do it. So now, as a grown up who is NOT related to my child... what gives those cool parents the right to help MY child break MY no drinking rule.. just so that THEIR child can party safe? Having said that, those cool parents won't really be affected by this law because quite frankly, who's going to rat them out? The kids? I don't think so, then they won't have anywhere to drink. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/11022 The thing that gets me is this: If you're a woman, and you prey on your students.... you were needy and had low self esteem. If you're a man and you prey on your students, your a sick pervert. Explain THAT ONE to me? *scratches head in confusion http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/11035 I gotta agree. Matt is great. Mwah! http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/11035 Awwww shucks...I'm all ablush..I'm just doin' my thang. I can't make things happen without your support. I'm a fan of YOU! THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!! ;) If I see any of you out, say "Hi," and I'll buy ya' a beer and a shot. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/11031 I think most people have a story like this to tell. I read Black Dog's. A MUST READ!!! LOL!!! http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10978 I haven't read the DaVinci code, but I am reading the Templar Revalation. Basically, its the researched material that the DaVinci code author stole his idea from (which, from what I understand is currently being brought to court). Anyways, this isn't directly related to the movie itself, but if those people truly had the faith that they claim, wouldn't they believe that God will shine light on the "weak minded" christians. To me, those who are "deceived" by the movie, and end up following a different path altogether were never under Gods blessing in the first place, right? I could go on, and I could have elaborated a little bit better on what I was saying, but maybe this will spark some conversation that I can work off of. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10284 The Bakotopous glad female earthlings have some interesting attributes! Take me to your leader! http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10883 You are going to love it! And coming up shortly, and very special 2 part Puckcast, featuring a very rare "educational" video. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10878 Sorry for your loss. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10823 Thanks for the Review! Its great to know we are being heard. Keep a look out for more stuff. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10731 racist, no, I hate all stupid people equally. Intelligence carries no color. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10731 simply being of the caucasion persuasion makes you a racist in some people's eyes. I've attended several rallys, protests, etc. in what I felt was a supportive gesture only to be accused of being ignorant, opportunistic, and undermining the true spirit of the event, so this makes me the racist? http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10632 I love this. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10731 I don't know where you are intending to go with this. Did somebody call you a racist? Or are you claiming here and know that you are a racist? I think you are being sarcastic. I don't believe you are a racist and I don't think you see yourself as a racist. Well, whatever your intentions for such a comment, we'll soon see. I had recently took it upon myself to define racism. I will admit that after doing the preliminary research, I found that my initial thesis was all wrong. And, I used a very simple source that changed my views on who is a racist - the dictionary. I was called a racist after posting an entry on NL Belardes' site and I immediately jumped at the issue. That way I intially saw it was that racism needed that following ingredients: 1) The belief that your language, history, religion, culture, and government is superior to all others. 2) Manifest Destiny. I was attempting to explain that Mexicans can not be racist because we don't feel more superior to Canadians, Egyptians, Vietnamese, Italians, and you get my drift. And, we have never had a sense of Manifest Destiny as was the case with the U.S. many semesters ago. Being called a racist was therefore ridiculous. Mexicans could only be racist in the fact that some Mexicanos feel cultural superior to our own Mexican indigenous people. We have a long history of oppressing our own ancestors. That is all. But then I looked up the definition, of all elementary places, the dictionary. The dictionary describes racism as: 1) The belief that race accounts for differences in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to others. 2) Discrimination or prejudice based on race. It was this second definition that ended my thesis. If we follow the second definition, well, any race in the world can be racist, including Mexicans, Ethiopians, Vietnamese and any other third world country that has been oppressed by the Western World. Still I maintain, I am not a racist...an extremist, yes. What do you think? http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10283 We like to post lyrics do we.....then know this: " If it were'nt for Santa Anna, just to let you know, where your feet are planted would be Mexico!!!.....Corecto!" MOLOTOV http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10647 Crackalicious... http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10339 I thought you would like to read this. I had learned much more in Mexico. I told him I learned that the problem of illegal immigration stems mostly from the fact that Mexico has conveniently decided to use the U.S. as its dump for those Mexicans it rejects as -in the words of a cynical Mexican politician- “social refuse”, and then uses them not only to generate national revenue from remittances, but also to attempt to cause menacing disruptions in the American fabric. (Mexican president Vicente Fox has publicly boasted “…I am the President of 100 million Mexicans in Mexico and 20 millions Mexicans in the U.S.”. Then Mexico uses LULAC, La Raza, MEChA, the Mexica Movement and other racist and irredentist entities operating within the Chicano community to in effect control those of Mexican descent in the U.S.) There is an enormous number of Americans who have been harmed by the criminals who pass through the nation's open borders. For that reason, this section can only provide a symbolic tribute to the many unnamed victims who have been killed, raped, robbed, crippled and otherwise personally violated. It is particularly shocking that even in post-911 America, the government still refuses to protect the people in the most basic ways from the world's terrorists and criminals who enter at will to do as they please. The borders remain a sieve while the human carnage from crime perpetrated from illegal aliens continues to mount. This is long, but you need to read it. "You old white people. It is your duty to die." HISPANIC LEADERS SPEAK OUT! Augustin Cebada, Brown Berets; "Go back to Boston! Go back to Plymouth Rock, Pilgrims! Get out! We are the future. You are old and tired. Go on. We have beaten you. Leave like beaten rats. You old white people. It is your duty to die . . . Through love of having children, we are going to take over. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Richard Alatorre, Los Angeles City Council. "They're afraid we're going to take over the governmental institutions and other institutions. They're right. We will take them over . . . We are here to stay." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Excelsior, the national newspaper of Mexico, "The American Southwest seems to be slowly returning to the jurisdiction of Mexico without firing a single shot." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Professor Jose Angel Gutierrez, University of Texas; "We have an aging white America. They are not making babies. They are dying. The explosion is in our population . . . I love it. They are shitting in their pants with fear. I love it." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Art Torres, Chairman of the California Democratic Party, "Remember 187--proposition to deny taxpayer funds for services to non-citizens--was the last gasp of white America in California." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Gloria Molina, Los Angeles County Supervisor, "We are politicizing every single one of these new citizens that are becoming citizens of this country . . . I gotta tell you that a lot of people are saying, "I'm going to go out there and vote because I want to pay them back." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mario Obledo, California Coalition of Hispanic Organizations and California State Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare under Governor Jerry Brown, also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bill Clinton, "California is going to be a Hispanic state. Anyone who doesn't like it should leave." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jose Pescador Osuna, Mexican Consul General , "We are practicing 'La Reconquista' in California." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Professor Fernando Guerra, Loyola Marymount University; "We need to avoid a white backlash by using codes understood by Latinos . . . " ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Are these just the words of a few extremists? Consider that we could fill up many pages with such quotes. Also, consider that these are mainstream Mexican leaders. THE U.S. VS MEXICO: On February 15, 1998, the U.S. and Mexican soccer teams met at the Los Angeles Coliseum. The crowd was overwhelmingly pro-Mexican even though most lived in this country. They booed during the National Anthem and U.S. flags were held upside down. As the match progressed, supporters of the U.S. team were insulted, pelted with projectiles, punched and spat upon. Beer and trash were thrown at the U.S. players before and after the match. The coach of the U.S. team, Steve Sampson said, "This was the most painful experience I have ever had in this profession." Did you know that immigrants from Mexico and other non-European countries can come to this country and get preferences in jobs, education, and government contracts? It's called affirmative action or racial privilege. The Emperor of Japan or the President of Mexico could migrate here and immediately be eligible for special rights unavailable for Americans of European descent. Recently, a vote was taken in the U.S. Congress to end this practice. It was defeated. Every single Democratic senator except Ernest Hollings voted to maintain special privileges for Hispanic, Asian and African immigrants. They were joined by thirteen Republicans. Bill Clinton and Al Gore have repeatedly stated that they believe that massive immigration from countries like Mexico is good. They have also backed special privileges for these immigrants. Corporate A merica has signed on to the idea that minorities and third world immigrants should get special, privileged status. Some examples are Exxon, Texaco, Merrill Lynch, Boeing, Paine Weber, Starbucks and many more. DID YOU KNOW?: Did you know that Mexico regularly intercedes on the side of the defense in criminal cases involving Mexican nationals? Did you know that Mexico has NEVER extradited a Mexican national accused of murder in the U.S. in spite of agreements to do so? According to the L.A. Times, Orange County, California is home to 275 gangs with 17,000 members; 98% of which are Mexican and Asian. How's your county doing? According to a New York Times article dated May 19, 1994, 20 years after the great influx of legal immigrants from Southeast Asia, 30% are still on welfare compared to 8% of households nationwide. A Wall Street Journal editorial dated December 5, 1994 quotes law enforcement offici als as stating that Asian mobsters are the "greatest criminal challenge the country faces." Not bad for a group that is still under 5% of the population. Is education important to you? Here are the words of a teacher who spent over 20 years in the Los Angeles School system. "Imagine teachers in classes containing 30-40 students of widely varying attention spans and motivation, many of whom aren't fluent in English. Educators seek learning materials likely to reach the majority of students and that means fewer words and math problems and more pictures and multicultural references." WHEN I WAS YOUNG: When I was young, I remember hearing about the immigrants that came through Ellis Island. They wanted to learn English. They wanted to breath free. They wanted to become Americans. Now too many immigrants come here with demands. They demand to be taught in their own language . They demand special privileges--affirmative action. They demand ethnic studies that glorify their culture. HOW CAN YOU HELP?: Send copies of this letter to at least two other people, 100 would be even better. Help us get the word out. California Coalition for Immigration Reform 5942 Edinger, Suite 113-117 Huntington Beach, CA 92649 Phone 714 921 7142 Date: 4/5/2006 llegal Immigration Costs California $10.5 Billion Annually From Robert Longley, Your Guide to U.S. Gov Info / Resources. FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! State's "cheap labor" costs average household $1,183 a year Dateline: December, 2004 In hosting America's largest population of illegal immigrants, California bears a huge cost to provide basic human services for this fast growing, low-income segment of its population. A new study from the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) examines the costs of education, health care and incarceration of illegal aliens, and concludes that the costs to Californians is $10.5 billion per year. Among the key finding of the report are that the state's already struggling K-12 education system spends approximately $7.7 billion a year to school the children of illegal aliens who now constitute 15 percent of the student body. Another $1.4 billion of the taxpayers' money goes toward providing health care to illegal aliens and their families, the same amount that is spent incarcerating illegal aliens criminals. "California's addiction to 'cheap' illegal alien labor is bankrupting the state and posing enormous burdens on the state's shrinking middle class tax base," stated Dan Stein, President of FAIR. "Most Californians, who have seen their taxes increase while public services deteriorate, already know the impact that mass illegal immigration is having on their communities, but even they may be shocked when they learn just how much of a drain illegal immigration has become." The Costs of Illegal Immigration to Californians focuses on three specific program areas because those were the costs examined by researchers from the Urban Institute in 1994. Looking at the costs of education, health care and incarceration for illegal aliens in 1994, the Urban Institute estimated that California was subsidizing illegal immigrants to the tune of about $1.1 billion. The enormous rise in the costs of illegal immigrants over the intervening ten years is due to the rapid growth in illegal residents. It is reasonable to expect those costs to continue to soar if action is not taken to turn the tide. "Nineteen ninety-four was the same year that California voters rebelled and overwhelmingly passed Proposition 187, which sought to limit liability for mass illegal immigration. Since then, state and local governments have blatantly ignored the wishes of the voters and continued to shell out publicly financed benefits on illegal aliens," said Stein. "Predictably, the costs of illegal immigration have grown geometrically, while the state has spiraled into a fiscal crisis that has brought it near bankruptcy. "Nothing could more starkly illustrate the very high costs of ‘cheap labor' than California's current situation," continued Stein. "A small number of powerful interests in the state reap the benefits, while the average native-born family in California gets handed a nearly $1,200 a year bill." The Federation for American Immigration Reform is a nonprofit, public-interest, membership organization advocating immigration policy reforms that would tighten border security and prevent illegal immigration, while reducing legal immigration levels from about 1.1 million persons per year to 300,000 per year. 1994 - California This initiative measure is submitted to the people in accordance with the provisions of Article II, Section 8 of the Constitution. This initiative measure adds sections to various codes; therefore, new provisions proposed to be added are printed in {+ italic type +} to indicate that they are new. PROPOSED LAW SECTION 1. Findings and Declaration. The People of California find and declare as follows: That they have suffered and are suffering economic hardship caused by the presence of illegal aliens in this state. That they have suffered and are suffering personal injury and damage caused by the criminal conduct of illegal aliens in this state. That they have a right to the protection of their government from any person or persons entering this country unlawfully. One crooked judge whom was paid off by Mexico overturned what millions had voted for. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10283 First: to Mr. Mexican History buff, you sound like an arrogant ass, sure you can note that you've done the research in the field (no pun intended), but it sounds pompous the way you glorify yourself over it. Anyways, on to the issue. I pretty much throw this at every argument relating to this subject: Why are we either going "kick em out!" or "give them citizenship." Why are we not looking at compromise where it is deserved. SOME illegals are hardworking, SOME illegals make up almost 30% of the prison population, so why should all of them be granted amnesty? Why should none of them? If we have all these statistics available on them, why can we not sort through the good and the bad and grant selective amnesty. If we do a blanket amnesty, what will happen is what is happening, hoards of people are rushing the border to get here. None of them are pre-screened for disease and other dangerous elements. On the business side, think about it, if all the illegals are granted citizenship, they will quickly be out of those jobs that they are being underpaid for. Why? A new hoard of illegals will come in and undercut the same way their predecesors did. Americans will do those jobs provide they are paid better and they are taken better care of. Does this mean illegals are stealing the jobs? No, it means they are participating in the capitalist process. Those that should be taking the shrapnel for this are the businesses that employ them. I see the people who are all for amnesty and full rights as ignorant to the fact that there are SEVERAL underlying issues. I see it the same way from the other side of the battle field. Another big problem people have is seperating IMMIGRANTS from ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. Those are the same type of thinkers who shout "they took prayer out of school" when what they did was take mandatory teacher lead prayer out. Kids can pray if they wish, they never banned that. Sorry about the tangent, I've got a lot of frustration towards people of all companies right now. But yeah, rather than find a balance of true benefit, and rather than see what IS as opposed to what you WANT to, lets pretend everything we hear is true, lets believe all the things this generation has been socialized to believe. Dont look at the whole picture now, it might just blind you. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10662 Are you ok? You kinda look like a nut in this photo. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10647 my cracks bigger! http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10282 I don't know too much about "straight-edge punk", but are'nt they supposed to be Anarchists? I have a friend that does tattoos at MADDOGS, his name is George Quick, hella of a guy, smart as a motha and a great body artist. Maybe he can answer this question. Just curious, that is all. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10647 Uh oh, here it comes! http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10634 Youtube.com is great. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10320 Interesting website.Thanks for posting it. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10283 Here is an education lesson for supernova read and learn: The fact that illegal immigrants pay taxes at all will come as news to many Americans. A stunning two-thirds of illegal immigrants pay Medicare, Social Security and personal income taxes. Yet nativists like Congressman Tom Tancredo, R-Colo., have popularized the notion that illegal aliens are a colossal drain on the nation's hospitals, schools and welfare programs—consuming services that they don't pay for. In reality, the 1996 welfare reform bill disqualified illegal immigrants from nearly all means-tested government programs including food stamps, housing assistance, Medicaid and Medicare-funded hospitalization. The only services that illegals can still get are emergency medical care and K-12 education. And yet..illegals can not file for a tax refund..where does their money go? Its goes to support the citizens of this country that collect welfare,it builds our infrastructure and it is helping the victims of Katrina through the use of FEMA money which is in essence tax dollars. I am so tired of reading that illegals take more than they give.Its a fallacy that needs to die. If you have a hard-on against illegals you need to find another excuse. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10421 Yeah, see part of the problem with that is my boyfriend is 20 and cannot go to bars, other wise, that is where we would go here. Neither one of us is really into bike trails or colleges, so I guess I am pretty much stuck with going back to San Luis and partying with my friends. As far as the friends I have made here, we all work 4pm to midnight and really do not have time for bowling. Derned if I do and Derned if I don't. Thank you for your 2 cents though, they were a buck and half to me. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10421 Things to do in Bakersfield other then meth: forward; it's always nice to get to know a small group of people first, like being in any new place developing a core network of friends is always the toughest part. Having a small group of friends is always a good way to start. 1.movies 2.beer before movies 3.beer after movies 4.the red rooster on white ln 5.vinny's 6. fishlips 7.albertsons 8.sonic 9.bakopia 10.bakopia w/hangover from concert the night before 11.bowling (regardless if your into it or not, force yourself to go with friends and you will have a good time) 12.beer while bowling (helps my game) 13.billards 14.I think with all these dairys popping up cow tipping might be back in on the list of things to do well anyway you get the just of it, there are really a lot of things to do here it's just a matter of going out and doing them and getting your friends together to help follow through. There are a lot of great places to eat here, a ton of bars, some of the best music in the world ( local !!!! ), ummm parks... and movies... and a really really long bike path.... 2 colleges... lets not forget the okie bowl for those into racing!!!! and high hopes on the new track to be built (soon I hope). Camping with friends over at pismo is always fun, buenavista lake.... I'm sure that I can come up with more but look if you read through all that stuff and your still sitting there saying "this town sucks!" well ... sorry... I love it here and the only thing that sucks is those who don't have the energy to get up and do something about it. But that's my two cents : ) if you want some more ideas on things to do please feel free to holler at me. -Pluto http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10317 I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all....PS ..Have a great day. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10282 I pledge allegiance to the flag of the "United States of America" and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10339 I pledge allegiance to the flag of the "United States of America" and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God, indivisible, with "liberty and justice for all." Have a good day. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10634 I love YouTube. I have a couple vids from Bako on there. There's a lot of cool stuff like vintage Skatalites live videos and just plain crazy people. Word.. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10545 Condors rule!..Have a great day! http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10561 What happened to the Good Ol Days? Millions of reasons out there why, lack of parents kicking your ass for doing stupid $&*& is one that I see that is at the top of the list. I think that's where it starts, then that leads into a total lack of respect for authority ( in any form ). http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10421 That was kind of stupid...and immature. Meth isn't a joke and it sertainly isn't my kind of past time, not for 6 years anyways. As for being somebody, I just work way to friggen much. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10561 I know. I heard about that. Very scary indeed. Why can't we all just have fun and enjoy the music? http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10561 It is scarry out there! We had a band member have his skull beat in last Oct. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10421 Lol...oh shnizzle. NO METH!! There's a lot of things to do, but you gotta get up and be somebody to find them! http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10421 Methamphetamines http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10017 Thats a very good question Matt. Do you have some info on it? Or have you had any experiences of activity there? We have had reports at most of those buildings down there. But I do not recognize the building name. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10017 What about the Manley bldg. on 18th & F? http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/8951 STREETS OF HEAVEN, PUNK TRIBUTE TO BUCK OWENS.(By the Kookoonauts) The Lord saw fit to call upon a friend. I bit too soon for a life like that to end. I thought I saw your shadow on the wall. I thought I heard your G-i-tar down the Hall. Chorus: (Now he walks the streets of heaven, where the honky tonk angles sing Now he walks the streets of heaven, can’t you hear old Buck’s guitar ring?) Sometimes life don't seem to fair, -as I turned- I thought I saw you sittin in your chair . You left sometime just before the dawn, - we went out- we left some flowers on the lawn. Chorus http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10283 Listen young lady, we are not here to put everyone that does not agree with us down. This is an open forum for discussions. There are many educated people on both sides of the HR4437 bill. My only suggestion is to get more informed on the political agenda surrounding this bill and to "bone-up" on some history, that is all. You can read a very interesting discussion on NLBELARDES.com regarding the HR4437 bill. There are two very educated group of people who post thoughts on both sides of the issue (Dusty & NL vs. The Dobblers). Check it out. I'm sure youo will agree more with The Dobblers, but I am with Dusty and NL 100%. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10017 Thats Awesome! We have never heard that story before although we all know that most of that area including Front Porch has activity. Thanks for your comment GEPRS http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10282 Mis desculpas karnal (Matt)....this is becoming more of a hot button issue and people, including myself, are begining to get more passionate about our points of view. We need to proceed with caution and check any personal attacks & insults...Open forums are a place to discuss ideologies and engage in meaningful debates, not a place to promote hatred. Let's keep it educated! As an example, a very intriguing and productive dialogue was posted on N. Belardes' site from two oppossing parties on the immigration issue between NL & Dusty (Anti-HR4437) and Kenny & Ramona Dobbler (Pro-HR4437). It is very apparent that both groups are very educated and well-informed and they provide some very powerful insights on this issue. Check it out. It is very interesting. For my part, Nick and Dusty are ahead on points. Ya Basta! http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10283 By the way congrats on having a B.A. and all that crap. Sounds like that helped you become a better person....let me guess...did you fail me on spell check in my last comment? I bet it felt good huh. Mwa xxx http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10283 By the way, I do live in a filthy unattended neighborhood. MY house is the only house with a trash free yard that lacks broke down vehicles. Every where around me there is graffitti that is done by the hispanic children of the neighborhood. Don't think because you "see" someone who resembles a white person that I am racist and live in a million dollar home. In fact, I am mostly Native American Indian, live in a bad part of town and treat people with respect. I am educated beyone most people's comprehension. Matter of opinion does not mean I am educationally challenged. We all have our opinions,some of us like yourself and myself choose to express them. Suck in your pride a little bit and know that you are not the only one here with a voice, we all have cares, and concerns. Mine is that I have a problem with where my tax money goes, and that Americans have to be bilingual to get jobs in a English dominated society. That doesn't mean white either. Blacks, Hispanics, American Indians, Koreans, just to name a few, there are quite a mnay people here that speak English, and myabe their own language that are sick of having to bend over backwards for one society of people. If I became a citizen of France, guess what I would learn French. So, if you feel better knowing, I don't know what you wrote in Spanish at the bottom of your comment, and I really do not care to. It was probably more demeaning bull crap from a person who doesn't want to see all sides of the brick. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10283 First of all, when you talk about slaves, they were brought here against their own will. They fought for FREEDOM. My great, great grandmother was half black, so don't even try the racist bull sh*t. What I am saying is there is a reason they are called illegal. They don't want to go out of their way and learn English and get their papers done. I have a friend here right now, who could get her "green card" taken away if she doesn't keep a job for 5 years. That sounds difficult doesn't it <Sarcasm) Oh and by the way, she is German. So, the illegal immigrant thing isn't just for Mexicans you freak! Think about all the people who came here and "became" citizens "legally". There are a lot of people who worked their asses off to make this country what it is. Getting these jerks who are illegal and trying to prove a point is rediculous. Their point is, we are illegal, accept us. I don't accept them. And for your information, no I do not buy from illegal's. I buy from American stores, it is ashame that some of them support illegal immigrants. It is ashame that they do not get taxed on the labor they recieve which allows them to get richer. It is ashame that our tax money goes to things like Welfare for people who have never paid a dime of taxes in this country. I do not work to take care of illegals. If you do, then shame on you! Shame on the fact that you are part of the reason our country goes else where for cheaper labor because Americans like you who do not stand up for our country allow them to think they can. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10263 10 things we love about BAKO: 1. Close to LA, the beach, the mountains, and the desert. 2. Lots of nice clubs: Jerry's, Fish Lips, BUCK OWENS and so on. 3. Bike path and the new park at river lakes. 4. Chewys, Chilis, Red Lobster, Sams club food court and so on. 5.GEOLOGY OF KERN COUNTY:The geological diversity in Kern County is impressive. Encompassing the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley, southern Sierra Nevada Range, central western Coast Range, northern Transverse Range, southern Great Basin desert and eastern Mojave Desert, Kern County is one of the more extraordinary county's geologically in California. From ancient volcanoes in the desert to active earthquakes countywide to ever expanding alluvial deposits to rich oil deposits to continuing uplift in the mountains, the earth in Kern County tells many stories. The land with all its history and nooks and crannies is the reason for this region's amazing biological diversity. Kern County is California’s third-largest county in land area, and at 8,172 square miles, Kern County is larger than the land area of Massachusetts, New Jersey or Hawaii. It is also larger than the areas of Delaware, Rhode Island and Connecticut combined. Elevations are at a low of 206' above sea level along the northern border of the county to a high of 8824' just north of the summit of Mt. Pinos (the summit is in Ventura County).6. Heart walk, relay for live, and all those events. 7. Gold panning, fishing, hiking, arrowhead hunting, camping, hunting, bird watching, horse back riding and rafting and boating in KERN VALLEY. 8. House prices arn't too bad yet. 9.Condors Hocky and concerts at the RABO BANK -Bob Dlyan, No Doubt, Disney on ice, Ringling Brothers Circus and so on. 10. HERE'S TO SWIMM'N WITH BOW LEGGED WOMAN! Bakersfield has the best selection of women in the world, just look at that Beer festval posting: by Matt Munoz!!!! Gallen Young wants some of those! tHE BIGGER THE BETTER THE TIGHTER THE SWEATER... Oh and Bakotoipa!!!!!!!!!! http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10282 Hold it now, hold it...Gettin' kinda hot in here..Let's get some more points of view on the subject!! This is an open forum, but let's be cool. I just read in the paper that the "National Vanguard" has been distributing hate literature around Bako. The Prussian Blue twins and their momma strike again! Let's do this the right way and be cool...Thanks! http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10282 "AQUI ESTAMOS! NO NOS VAMOS! Y SI NOS ECHAN, NOS REGRESAMOS!" WE DIDN'T CROSS THE BORDER THE BORDER CROSSED US! WE WILL WIN THIS FIGHT! http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10282 "This movement to resist the attacks on those without legal documents deserves the support of all progressive, working and oppressed peoples. Big business and its bought and paid for politicians have created a situation where the undocumented are among the most oppressed and exploited. In this context, anti-immigrant bigots have tried to pose as defenders of the working class. Nothing could be further from reality or any sense of justice and fair play. Truth be told, equal rights for the undocumented - which include amnesty and legalization - will increase the capacity of the immigrants to resist those determined to hold them down. Every advance by those at the bottom improves the condition of working people as a whole." fightbacknews http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10017 The only Ghost stories I have had personal experience with are these: 1. At the Boiler room, at the Gate. Almost all photos at the Gate including the one on their web site, have ORBS. I have seen one photo from there that seemed to have a ghost- looked like a skelliton with a monkey face. 2. Cady Corner from the front Porch Music shop is a communication business, in the old Standard Oil building on 19th. The custodian says the place is haunted by a woman ghost, many have seen her on the West stair case many times. I heard a womans voice there once, no one was there???? http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/9297 NAKED LADIES ON CHESTER AVE RULE! CAN WE DO IT WEEKLY? http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10283 Forgot to mention: How exactly is Mexico stolen land? You are venturing into waters you don't have any knowledge of. It's like a waiter challenging Kobe Bryant to a one-on-one basketball game. Don't do it. You are going to humiliate yourself and advertise your ignorance. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10461 I'm stayin home!! :( http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10263 Bakersfield: Where the rent is cheap and the friends are deep. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10339 amen.....heyy why dont you do a story on the FACTS about the U.S. so called "just us" system...in "family law".the barratry, perjury, treason,kid napping and extortion practiced daily under the color of law. i got ALL the facts.would be very timely! 623 1617 "DAN" http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10283 I don't think it is that we're bent on expelling illegal immigrants. I like it that Kern County farmers are getting rich off of cheap labor and prices on food stay the same. Well, I guess it's all a moot point now. The protest was very symbolic, but had no impact on the economy. And nice Marx quote, but as passionate as your response was, it didn't answer the call of the young lady's question. This time try addressing the market ecomony rather than capitalism, since that's what America employs. You may need to do some actual research though rather than relying on trite stereotypes of capitalists. Marxists haven't exactly been all that respectful to peoples' rights either. And try not to forget, Mexico is stolen land too. On a more positive note, I do agree with you that Martin Luther King's cause was great. But then again, the Mexican immigration problem here doesn't even compare with the racism that the blacks experienced in American hostory. Mexicans are at least allowed to better themselves with education - free education. Yeah, we're so capitalist here. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10282 I like that picture of all those people holding the American flag, but unfortunately, so much of the recent immigration issues (or, as Chase puts it, illegal immigration issues) have focused on ethnic identity. I think people forget that, just because this country was founded on ideals routed in the Enlightenment, doesn’t mean an American is a white person, or “Anglo-American.” Americans are white, black, brown, red, yellow…. whatever. Americans listen to British rock, watch Japanese cartoons, drink Chinese tea, wear Italian apparel, and eat Mexican food. The Mexican people, on the other hand, have endured several different forms of government throughout their history, and unfortunately, every government and every leader succumbs to the same blatant corruption as its/his predecessor. And we’re not talking about Clinton-getting-a-hummer corruption. These are Mexican citizens starving while the police and government officials take advantage of the people. In Mexico, racism is rampant, and cultural diversity is a joke. It is no wonder to me that the number of Mexicans heading north outnumbers the number of Americans heading south. Now, I’m not excusing illegal immigration. A significant portion of our crime rate in this county (Kern) is due to the antagonistic attitudes toward America and American values of many illegals. People can tell me until they are blue in the face that these illegal immigrants are just “looking for a better life,” but these self-righteous proponents of [illegal] immigration are socially, and therefore politically, driven to neglect the fact that illegal Mexican immigrants are found dealing drugs, stealing cars, and vandalizing public and personal property all the time. Don’t get excited yet though. I know; this does not represent the majority. I’m not against Mexican immigration altogether and I certainly don’t think President Bush’s idea is the best possible solution to the immigration problem. But I think we need to hammer out some ideas that tend to cause tension between “conservatives” and “liberals.” ALL NEW IMMIGRANTS TO AMERICA, WHETHER LEGAL OR ILLEGAL, SHOULD BE WAVING THE AMERICAN FLAG, AND NO OTHER FLAG. Cultural diversity is the newest political fad. Fine, but we cannot embrace diversity to the point that we begin to embrace conflict. While the creation of the Mexican flag has well-known cultural roots, a flag is the symbol of a government, and the Mexican flag is the symbol of an oppressive government. Americans are not afraid of Mexicans. (In fact, many Americans WERE Mexicans at one time.) Americans are afraid that illegal Mexicans will try to turn America into Mexico. Anyone with half a brain knows that that is a bad thing. Will that happen? Probably not. But only because of whatever resistance to it there may be. Consider this: In the 1960’s, black Americans gave their freedom and sometimes, even their lives just to integrate the schools. Why in the hell are we segregating ourselves now? Why the hell are we flying the flags of different countries and underscoring our differences? People, our differences are pretty obvious. When a guy name Juan asks you for directions to who-knows-where in Spanish, it becomes a little ridiculous to decide to spread “diversity awareness.” But does that mean that we should expect cultural assimilation by new immigrants (legal or illegal)? Well, America really has no real cultural identity to speak of. We have countless dialects, accents, modes of thought, philosophies and ideas, and artistic tastes. The beauty in this country comes from such diversity uniting under one cause: liberty. The American flag is the symbol of that cause. So no, a Mexican doesn’t have to assimilate so that he forgets his favorite parts of being a Mexican. But if a guy likes it so much here that he insists on staying, fly the right flag. I come from British and German stock, but you don’t see me waving a British flag or German flag. My family immigrated to this country in 1635, and I wave the American flag proudly. I can still appreciate cultural elements from my ancestry that have lent a hand to the diversification of this country. You don’t have to stop eating Mexican food or singing Mexican songs. You can still enjoy a Diego Rivera and produce more Mexican-influenced art. But drop the Mexican flag altogether and start waving the American flag. Your cultural identity can still remain intact, and conservatives and liberals alike will carry you on their shoulders. Welcome to America. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/15960 I feel that you HAVE to "pick" me because I haven't been to a concert since the olden days. I lost my husband in 2003, to good old "valley fever", and since 1997, I have played the part of a "nurse maid" to his illness. I am in "desperate" need of a change of pace. Something exciting in my life, WOW, what a deal. I've paid my dues, now it's my turn. What do ya think??? http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10282 Mr. Chase, thanks for your thoughts! You speak as progressively as your music... http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10282 I passed by there on Monday and I still saw the same things that caught my attention on the first protest. A significant amount of the people who are fighting to be part of the American culture are acting the complete opposite way. I still saw more Mexican flags than American ones, and a few US flags I saw were being trudged through the dirt. Unfortunately, the "Day Without an Immigrant" failed on a more public level to take into account a few things. a.) It is about illegal immigration, which is different than immigration. Nobody is using the word illegal when they are approaching the issue. b.) Although there are business that closed in support, I did not hear of any hospitals or schools turning away illegal or children of illegal immigrants. There is an injustice happening at these levels. c.) "La Raca" is the equivilant of saying "White Power", only they are not white so it is ok. I have said this before and I will do so again right now. There is an issue with illegal immigration, however, both sides are not working toward a solution, they are working toward an absolute which will fail miserably. Amnesty is the worst thing we can do next to mass deportation. I have yet to hear anyone throw any ideas around such as "selective amnesty." Its all "we deserve rights as citizens" (coming from people who are supposed to be here, although I agree that we should not turn away everyone, we should not accept everyone as well. You see, nobody has the ability to look at the whole picture. Everyone just subjects themselves to the racial aspect of it and fail to include the idea of progress. We are stuck in a collective mentality of "we should all get everything regardless of what how it adversely affects the rest of the nation". My personal stance is not on either side of the fence, but I am not neutral. The problems we are having are lying in ignorance right now. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10283 That's right......we are back! Know this: Since you are bent on expelling illegal immigrants, do not shop or get services at stores, companies, hotels, restaurants, gas stations, clinics, hospitals, and other service areas that employ illegals? Should'nt this be on your agenda? If you go to any of these places were illegals are employed, don't buy or get services there. Only purchase produce that has been picked and packed by hard-working amercicans. Let's see how many options you are left with. Chances are you are going to settle for growing your own produce, be left with no place to sleep on road trips (hotels or motels), no place to buy clothes, gas, food, get health care, and live in an filthy unattended neighborhood because there will be no illegals to clean up and maintain your yards. And if you beleive illegals are taking jobs from descent americans, why are employers hiring illegals instead of well-qualified americans? Don't like the hard labor for little pay do you? Aren't you more qualified than an illegal to do the same jobs? Do they speak better English than you? Are they more educated than you? Are they more skilled then you? Hmmm! Maybe you should be targeting these greedy Capitalist businesess. I'd like to see a mass of americans flock to the fields to apply for employment picking and packing produce. Come on. Do it. You should be able to get hired, should'nt you? Summer is just around the corner There will be plenty jobs at the fields soon. Go get yourself a position. I hear they are always hiring. If you were an employer, who would you hire? Capitalism doesn't seem to be supporting your cause does it? Here is a Marxist quote for you to ponder on: "Catch a man a fish and you can sell it to him. Teach him to fish and you ruin a wonderful business opportunity." Not very Christian is it? "ILLEGALS HAVE CERTAIN INALIENABLE RIGHTS!" THEY CAME TO WORK! THIS IS STOLEN LAND! ARM THE POOR! La Voz Tambien Es Un Arma! http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10339 Right on!!! I'm linking this to all the coverage here, and I look forward to your CINCO poem! Represent...... http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10263 Can i share the 10 things I hate about Bakersfield! Just Kidding! The whole reason I signed up here is to find out what else is going on n Bakersfield. Cuz before hitting up this site I was n Lala land about the going ons n Bakerz, thought it was a bore. But you all have shared some thingz, like the beer festival! ;) that waz cool. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/15960 I've never been to a country concert. Time to explore some new music! http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10283 Young lady....and what exactly are your thoughts on the civil rights movements of the 60's? You probably think that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was probably wasting his time, right? And that Cesar Chavez was a "Communist" and would accomplish nothing with the boycotts. Or wait a minute, do you think slaves should have never resisted their degrading existance and just accepted their place as "lesser" humans than Whites? Or that the countless massess of working-class poor through out history should have accepted their caste and resist unprising against corrupt dictators and the greedy bourgousie. You have a lot of learning to do young lady. Your final thesis explains that the working-class should remain poor while rich get richer. Educa tu mente! No seas ingnorante! Arm The Poor! La Voz Tambien Es Un Arma! http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10283 Out of curiosity, does this also mean that the illegal immigrants will no longer be using our free services today as well? Welfare, medical services etc. What happens when Legal Americans go out of their way to prove their point by not going to work and school? There will be a lot of places shut down, and a lot of illegals would not be able to go to work. Why? Because we are legal, we own property, businesses, and do not have to worry about being arrested in protest. Now that would be a "hell" of a day now wouldn't it. http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/15960 Hi, My mom doesn't know i'm on her profile,but I wanted to enter her in this contest. I want to honor her for mothers day. She always goes the extra mile for me and I wanted to do something for her. I'd even withstand country music for her!!!!! That says alot when you are 18. haha Most of all I just plain love her!!! Thanks Ryan A. (momx4's son) http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/10263 Hmmmm....You got it right in so many ways. I just may have to think about it, so it doesn't sound the same! I shall return on this one!!!Thanks! http://www.bakotopia.com/home/ViewPost/15960 We just love Josh Turner!