Sex offenders, cell phones, and local revitalization

Sex offenders...
I second today's Advocate editorial regarding the mistakes of the new sex-offender regulations. They just don't make sense, and particularly so when compared to the ways in which other types of convicted evil-doers - drug dealers and killers, for instance - are set free after serving their time.

Good job, Advocate. Read it here.

Cell phones ...

Consumer Union is making it really easy for citizens to speak out for regulation of the cell phone industry. I used the form they e-mailed me to encourage meaningful federal legislation.

CU sent a follow-up e-mail, encouraging me to spread the word. Here's what the e-mail said:

"Pass the Cell Phone Consumer Empowerment Act of 2007
"The cell phone industry doesn't like real competition--so it produces phones we can only use with a particular company, contracts that lock us in with early termination fees, and more. I just took a moment to help turn it around. After FCC investigations last fall and pro-consumer standards passed in some leading states, Congress is finally stepping in to improve the market for all of us.

"I just took two minutes to tell my lawmakers the most important changes I want to see, and I hope you will too. It will take support from tens of thousands of regular people like us to offset the power of a well funded corporate lobby, but Consumers Union -- the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports and a cell phone reform proponent -- has a great track record getting things done. Click here to join me in action."

18th Congressional renewal plan ...

Zack Space is launching "Renew Ohio 18," a long-term game plan to revitalize Southeaster Ohio's economy. Read it here.