► U.S. Judge Alex Kozinski authorizes $1 million vacation for comrades Print

U.S. Judge Alex Kozinski authorizes $1 million vacation for comrades

 
It was recently revealed by Greta Van Sustern that the 9th Circuit Judicial Conference has scheduled a paid vacation for western based judges that will cost the taxpayers more than $1 million. Of course the $1 million doesn’t include the four (4) days of undeserved wages taxpayers will be forced to pay these arrogant losers.
 
The all-paid vacation is scheduled to take place in Maui, Hawaii from Aug 12 to the 16th. Chief Circuit Judge Alex Kozinski would have us believe that this conference is like really important stuff, when in fact it’s a taxpayer funded vacation. The schedule includes (a) sports fishing, (b) golf tournament, (c) Yoga classes, (d) Surfing lessons, (e) Stand-up Paddle Board lessons, (e) Zumba workout classes, (f) Tennis Tournament and (g) Snorkeling Trip, etc. To view the entire manner in which these so-called public servants are wasting their time and our tax dollars, see the Schedule at the end of this article.
 
At this time (ca. May 22, 2012) it is not known how many of our esteemed Judges and other court employees will be taking advantage of this taxpayer funded vacation. The 9th Circuit encompasses District Courts in Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Guam, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Northern Mariana Islands and Washington. There are 43 judges on the 9th Circuit Appeals Court, and 176 District Court Judges. Add in Magistrates and Bankruptcy Court judges and the total is about 270. The number of other federal employees attending is obviously unknown, but the total of judges, etc. taking advantage of this vacation could easily 300.
 
The daily costs to the taxpayers for each judge is:
  1. $397 = Alternative Per Diem per day for each judge x 7 = $2,779
  2. $760 = Daily wages for Appeal Judges x 4 = $3,040
  3. $722 = Daily wages for District Court Judges x 4 = $2,888
  4. $661 = Daily wages for Bankruptcy Judges & Magistrates x 4 = $2,644
The above does not include airfare and taxi costs from the airport which is about $100 one way, expenses that the taxpayers will also be paying.
 
These kind of taxpayer funds vacations take place just about every week and involve federal, state and local government employees. The favorite venues for these vacations are (a) Vail, Colorado, (b) San Francisco, (c) Boca Raton, (d) San Juan, Puerto Rico, (e) Hawaii, and (f) Pebble Beach. Ever wonder why these folks never hold conferences in Stockton, California or Bowling Green, Kentucky?
 
In this age of the Internet and video-conferencing, there is absolutely no valid reason for these arrogant ingrates to continue to hose the public for their vacations. Congress needs to immediately pass legislation denying the Courts any funding for any future conferences that are nothing more than taxpayer-funded vacations in disguise.
 
I would strongly urge everyone to contact his/her Congressional Representative and Senator and let them know in no uncertain terms that you want this wasteful policy to come to an immediate end.
 
Schedule for Taxpayer Funded Vacation
Sunday Aug 12
Sports Fishing – for die hard fisher-men and women to experience deep sea fishing off Maui unlike any experience they’ve ever had
Golf Tournament – at the Royal Ka’anapali Golf Course – one of Maui’s most beautiful settings
Monday August 13
Yoga classes – physical and psychological benefits to reduce stress and a sense of well-being
Surfing lessons – geared towards beginners, 1.5 hours lessons, spend time in the ocean catching waves with your surf coach
Stand-up Paddle Board Lessons – find out why this is the latest trend in the islands, extra time spent in the ocean paddling and catching waves
Welcome Luncheon & Book Review – review and discussion about “Just Americans: How Japanese Americans Won a War at Home and Abroad,” by Robert Asahina
Zumba – Ditch the workout and join the party! Zumba is an exhilarating, effective, easy-to-follow, Latin-inspired calorie burning dance fitness program
No-host Cocktail Reception – join friends and other guests for a welcome reception to mix, mingle and get into the Conference spirit!
Tuesday August 14
Yoga classes – physical and psychological benefits to reduce stress and a sense of well-being
Surfing lessons – geared towards beginners, 1.5 hours lessons, spend time in the ocean catching waves with your surf coach
Stand-up Paddle Board Lessons – find out why this is the latest trend in the islands, extra time spent in the ocean paddling and catching waves
Tennis Tournament – Join the fun at the 9th Circuit Judicial Conference Tennis Tournament. Players at all levels are encouraged. Rank is according to the USTA designations.
Floral Design Workshop – learn how to create dramatic arrangements using various types of tropical flowers and plants. (flowers & supplied included)
Wednesday August 15
Yoga classes – physical and psychological benefits to reduce stress and a sense of well-being
Surfing lessons – geared towards beginners, 1.5 hours lessons, spend time in the ocean catching waves with your surf coach
Stand-up Paddle Board Lessons – find out why this is the latest trend in the islands, extra time spent in the ocean paddling and catching waves
Day Trip and Tour of Upcountry Maui – see the fertile slopes, home to ranches, botanical gardens and farms with soaring view. This is a great area to learn more about the island’s bounty.
Gemini Catamaran Snorkel Trip – sail to the Marine Preserve in Honolulu Bay, renowned for being one of the most superb snorkeling destinations on Maui. After snorkeling, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch as you relax on your way back to Ka’anapali Beach.
The Aloha Experience – stroll along the oceanfront and enjoy a variety of palate pleasing foods and participate in activities designed to teach you more about the Aloha state. When the sun sets, enjoy live Hawaiian music and hula and get a temporary Hawaii-inspired tattoo.
A special treat! – Ice Cream Social
Thursday August 16
Yoga classes – physical and psychological benefits to reduce stress and a sense of well-being
Surfing lessons – geared towards beginners, 1.5 hours lessons, spend time in the ocean catching waves with your surf coach