Thursday, May 31, 2007

Yay Goddess of Java!!

She scooped me on this but it's right on point. Everyone needs to get their ducks in a row.

People who intentionally live outside of the default legal structure have an added responsibility to deal with their lives. I call it "Life Planning," and it consists of taking control of the direction of your life, even when that direction isn't nice to think about.

Death is certain, and if you think that society is brutal when you are living outside the box, think hard about what could happen if you die outside of it. Think of your parters and loved ones, your kids, those cool causes that you might want to support.

Did you know that in most states, if you die without a will, anyone can apply to administer your estate? In Washington, potential heirs and estate creditors get priority as personal representatives, that means if you are "single" your parents or the bank that you owe money to might have priority over your life-partner in distributing the assets you hold. Is that what you intend? If you have a minor child from a previous marriage, your child likely gets a big chunk of your estate, which would effectively be controlled by your X. Sound good to you?

My point is this, get over not wanting to plan. Live your own life and control your assets. Get some basic protection in place. See a lawyer or do some research and find out what you can do. Stop putting it off and just do it before the big, bad gummint does it for you.

Thursday, May 24, 2007

A Real Blog!

I was told by a friend that "it's only a real blog if you post like once a week." Here goes then.

I'm tired this week, finished up some cases and have a hearing tomorrow to prepare for. I'm trying to think how I can market better too. I need to reach out and (horror) get to know more people. I'm fairly new to Seattle and any suggestions would be welcome!

My friend Sierra Faye the Massage Freek sponsors a happy hour through Biznik and I missed it last Monday. I was in Vancouver BC and didn't get back into town until nearly midnight. I hate missing the event because it's specifically tailored to alternative and kink-friendly businesses.

Friday, May 18, 2007

Abortion banned in my lifetime ...?

I was born when abortion was illegal, and was a toddler when Roe v. Wade changed the national landscape for reproductive freedom. These freedoms, which many take for granted, have been under continuous assault in the United States, and the current President is closer than many people realize to eliminating availability of safe, legal abortion in this country.

NARAL has been a watchdog for reproductive freedom and they get my time and money to support their efforts. Their comment on the recent Supreme Court decision follows:

On April 18, 2007, the Supreme Court handed down its decision to uphold the Federal Abortion Ban in Gonzales v. Carhart and Gonzales v. Planned Parenthood. This decision shows Bush's appointees have moved the Court in a direction that could further undermine Roe v. Wade and protections for women's health. The door is now open for politicians like George W. Bush to interfere even more in our personal, private medical decisions. The Court has given anti-choice state lawmakers the green light to open the flood gates and launch additional attacks on safe, legal abortion, without any regard for women's health. Click here to learn more.
Fifteen states currently have laws on the books restricting abortion. Fortunately none of these laws are enforceable because of Roe v. Wade.

State legislatures across the country continue to introduce new total bans to challenge Roe in the courts, and the majority of state legislatures and Congress have passed unconstitutional laws that would ban safe and medically appropriate abortion care as early as the 12th week in pregnancy.

In 2006, 14 states, including South Dakota, Louisiana, and Ohio, considered statewide abortion bans.

Think hard before you assume this can't happen in the U.S.A. It is happening and will happen unless we take steps to guard ourselves and our daughters' rights. Call NARAL or Planned Parenthood today. Donate time and money. It's time to fight now.