Digital Television Converter Boxes

To whom it may concern,

The switch to digital television will create a dramatic improvement in the clarity and quality of service for the millions of Americans. As a means of entertainment, information, and learning, the television has proven to be the most powerful tool to unify the American psyche in the last half century. It has also consolidated a national market for popular culture and consumerism. However, this switch to digital will leave behind thousands of television watchers. While this is a small fraction of the overall viewership, these forgotten few are generally the elderly, poor and rural residents. Without access to the vouchers due to proximity, mobility, or a technicality, many of these disenfranchised people will suffer an undue economic burden. In particular, the bill that extended the deadline for the conversion neglected to include those citizens living in Single Room Occupancy (SRO) housing units. And what would have cost these people $20 will now cost them a prohibitive $60. When will the government close this loop-hole and ensure access for all after the switch to digital television?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

Defense Spending

To whom it may concern,

Yes, the F-22 Raptor is the most awesome fighter jet ever. But not a single one of them has flown a mission in Iraq or Afghanistan. And the new MVRAPS are absolutely five years past due and increasingly irrelevant as the United States prepares to pull out of Iraq and leave its plethora of IEDs behind. Defense spending has certainly gone out of control since the War on Terror began. In fact, one could argue that it has been out of control since the end of World War II. On the final days of his administration, President Eisenhower infamously warned this nation about the military industrial complex. It is the influence and magnitude of this economic sector that requires a significant overhaul. And under the direction of President Obama, Secretary Robert Gates is conducting a comprehensive review of defense spending. While the cuts are minimal compared to the overall defense budget, the push back from Congress seems disproportional. If anything, the defense budget should be the place where meaningful cuts can occur in this current fiscal crisis. This review should focus on reigning in wasteful spending, eliminating unnecessary projects, and creating a military that maintains superiority across the world in terms of both conventional and unconventional warfare. So, why are these cuts not deeper and more comprehensive? And will this new defense budget represent the needs of the 21st Century American military?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

Electronic Billboards

To whom it may concern,

The Federal Highway Administration is currently conducting a study on the impacts of electronic billboards. Cities across the nation are starting to place restrictions and even moratoriums on these conversions in order to keep their regulations current with the technology. The change to electronic billboards has clear effects on the visual, aesthetic, and environmental quality of our local communities. However, this change in technology creates an opportunity to update our codes to protect and enhance civic beauty. The market has triggered public outcry, and this engagement has brought an issue up for debate. A comprehensive review of city sign ordinances can create a win-win solution cities across the nation. Advertisers will be able to collect more money from these new billboards. And for this, they can work with local jurisdictions to mitigate their impacts and produce public benefits. A review of billboards in a community is a matter of enforcement. This process could eliminate illegal signs, and bring others in compliance. Local governments could trade traditional sign space for new electronic billboards. They could then direct these new billboards in commercial and/or industrial areas, and protect residential communities. Codes should be encouraged to eliminate flashing, reduce glare, and even prohibit the change in content every 24 hours. In exchange for added revenues, sign companies could be required to comply with stricter building and efficiency standards. But the primary focus should be a community-wide process that focuses on the placement, location, and size of these structures. When the federal government' study is complete, how will it plan, regulate, and incentivize electronic billboards?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

Denmark and NATO

To whom it may concern,

Over its history, NATO has certainly outgrown its original intent and expanded its influence throughout the world. This is most apparent in Afghanistan, far from the borders of this alliance, and seemingly outside of its purview to protect member nations from more conventional warfare. In fact, while NATO is a symbol of cooperation in the Afghanistan conflict, its member nations are now potential targets for extremists. What was once a fight against the United States as the symbol of the West is now most of the western world fighting the Taliban, Al Qaeda, and other jihadists. And this tension between the West and the Islamic world can only swell with the nomination of the Danish Prime Minister as NATO's Secretary General. Unfortunately, Muslims still think about the cartoon of Mohammed when they hear Denmark. However, the NATO alliance has entered a new era with Danish Prime Minister Rasmussen at the helm. While Rasmussen is a uniquely conservative leader of an extremely liberal people, his nomination to the head of NATO will prove to be a period of extreme pragmatism. The Danes are an extremely thoughtful, prudent, and understanding people, and these sentiments will surely arise in future NATO missions. So, did the United States support this nomination because we wanted a change in overall NATO strategy or does Rasmussen reflect some alternative motive?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

Subway to the Sea

To whom it may concern,

In Los Angeles County, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority is currently conducting an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) on the extension of the Purple Line subway to the Pacific Ocean. This study is currently reviewing several route alternatives. What is woefully missing in this planning process is the leadership and evaluation of what should be. Wilshire Boulevard is the spine of the County, acting as a linear downtown with high density mixed-use development from downtown Los Angeles to Santa Monica. Wilshire is clearly the route where density has organically developed, where the future capacity is, and where density should occur. However, the focus remains on what exists today, and not enough emphasis on should exist in the future. How can the federal government influence a planning process that directs growth, development, and government resources in those areas that are most suitable for growth? With the recent stimulus package focusing on mass transit, how can the federal government ensure that public transportation is being sustainably implemented?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

Hemp Revolution

To whom it may concern,

As the world approaches peak oil, an inevitability, and as our country begins to promote a new green, sustainable future, it is absolutely necessary that we find a substitute to all petroleum based products. Fortunately, this product already exists and has been used by humans for centuries; hemp. Hemp can be used to make clothes, paper, building materials, food, ethanol, and medicine. In terms of tons per acre, it is one of the most productive crops in existence. It is hardy, resilient to insects, and most of the nutrients are in the roots, maximizing long-term soil fertility. When burned it produces nearly zero pollution. It is an incredibly strong fiber that could replace the wood industry completely, saving all of the nation's forests. It could replace the cotton industry and remove 50% of all pesticides used in the United States. The oil from hemp seeds is rich in amino acids. And enough hemp could be produced to provide all of America's ethanol needs. This extremely versatile plant, however, is illegal because of its connection to cannabis sativa. However, industrial quality hemp has virtually no THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. Thomas Jefferson touted hemp as a means to ensure America's independence and prosperity. George Washington had a massive hemp plantation. As late as World War II, hemp production was encouraged as a war effort. Kentucky was the world's leading hemp producer for nearly a century before it was made illegal, and petroleum based materials began their rapid and infectious ascent. While it may still be taboo to talk about marijuana, hemp has the potential to replace petroleum based products, fostering energy independence and the organic and sustainable production of virtually all things. It is a localized source of food, fiber, and fuel. When will hemp be recognized for its innumerable benefits and negligible side effects, and regain its position as a cash crop in America?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

Foregoing Justice

To whom it may concern,

This administration has consistently stressed that it is more concerned with moving forward then it is with dwelling in the past. While this has translated into positive actions to undo poor policies of the previous administration, it also means that all the crimes perpetrated in this time will effectively be swept under the rug. When the Justice Department withdrew its indictment of Senator Stevens, it denied the public the ability to hold its leaders accountable. With this dangerous precedent set, those responsible for crimes and negligence in the recent past, from the infamous to the minutiae, can now breathe easier. What was the real motivation to drop all the charges for a former Senator who was found guilty for abusing his power and influence?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP