Hoyer: House can pass healthcare reform bill without public option

Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said Tuesday the House can pass a healthcare bill without a public option. Read more: http://www.thehill.com/homenews/house/72325-hoyer-house-can-pass-healthcare-without-public-option

Afghanistan action could test alliance between Obama, Pelosi

If President Barack Obama announces next week he's sending more than 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan, as he's expected to do, most members of Congress will have plenty to say about it. Most of it will be critical. Read more: http://thehill.com/homenews/house/69631-afghanistan-action-could-test-alliance-between-obama-pelosi

Stop Corruption in US Government!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009
7:00pm - 9:00pm
GA International Convention Center

JOIN TOGETHER FOR ONE VOICE AMERICA!

Stop Corruption in US Government....Jerome Corsi, book author speaking on his research found on corruption in government.

Tickets are $5.00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M68_E2PN5Qw

Pro-Troop Group Blasts Senate Democrats

Putting Party over Country

Move America Forward, the nation’s largest grassroots pro-troop organization , said members of the U.S. Senate are putting politics over their country by changing positions to support President Obama’s desire to close Guantanamo Bay and bring terrorists onto U.S. soil.

“This is exactly what sickens the American people with politics. Members of the Senate have been making it clear they opposed funding the transfer of terrorist detainees from Guantanamo Bay to the United States. But, now at the drop of a hat from the Obama Administration, they cave in and expose their true feelings – diametrically opposed by American citizens,” said Shawn Callahan, Executive Director of Move America Forward.

As the Obama Administration has been reviewing possible locations to relocate GITMO here to America, Congress has refused to give funding or authorization to enact such a move. Now, the Senate has given the authority and the funding to bring terrorists to the United States.

“Bringing GITMO terrorists to the U.S. is dangerous. Not only will it give the terrorists a platform to recruit more terrorists from around the world, but the constitutional protections that will not be afforded to these enemy combatants will allow them to expose some of America’s intelligence secrets through trial discovery,” asserted Callahan.

The Senate previously voted 90 to 6 with 3 abstaining against allowing Obama to bring terrorist from Guantanamo Bay into the United States. At that time even Senator Harry Reid said, “This is neither the time nor the bill to deal with this. Democrats under no circumstances will move forward without a comprehensive, responsible plan from the president.” Yet in today’s vote, all but one Democrat who previously had voted against GITMO in the U.S. changed positions.

“The Democrats in the U.S. Senate had the right idea in the first place and they knew that it was absolutely irresponsible to give President Obama the freedom to move GITMO detainees to the U.S. without a rational and detailed plan as to how it could be done while guaranteeing the safety of the American people.

“We have not seen that plan, most likely because there is no way to do it without putting innocent Americans in danger. These Democrats have gone back on their word by voting to allow President Obama to have this power without a plan for how to implement it. Obviously these Senators care more about the politics of appeasing the left-wing than protecting Americans from terror and being responsible with our homeland security,” concluded Callahan.
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Congressman Westmoreland: Democrats’ economic plans failing

The Obama administration announced this morning that the nation lost another 190,000 jobs last month, pushing the unemployment rate to 10.2 percent – the highest level since 1983.

“The Obama administration’s economic policies aren’t working, perhaps because the Democratic power structure has kept its focus on job-killing legislation such as cap-and-trade and a government takeover of health care,” U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland said Friday. “Businesses are facing a brutal economic climate, for sure, but they aren’t going to take risks or hire new workers with the possibility of all these new taxes and mandates hanging over their heads.”

Since the administration passed its stimulus package in February, the United States has lost 3 million more jobs. Georgia alone has lost more than 130,000 jobs.

“On Saturday, the Democratic House is scheduled to make the problem even worse,” Westmoreland continued. “According to a methodology set up by the president’s own senior economic advisers, this health care plan will lead to the loss of 5.5 million more American jobs over the next 10 years.

“Health care coverage is of vital interest to the American people, and we have some serious work to do on that topic, but Washington should focus on job creation first in this economic climate. I think that’s what this week’s elections show: Voters are highly concerned about the state of the economy, and members of Congress need to understand that or they are going to face a very angry electorate next year.”

The Atlanta Tea Party presents: "One Year to Judgment Day"

November 2, 2009 from 6-9 PM at The State Capitol, Atlanta. Hosted by Larry Wachs of The Regular Guys. Sponsored by: Georgia Tea Party Patriots, The Atlanta Tea Party, FreedomWorks, Americans for Prosperity & Smart Girl Politics. Featuring WSB Radio Show Host and Fox News Contributor Herman Cain with Radio Host and News Contributor Martha Zoller and Award Winning Country Music Artist - John Berry. Click for more information.

Help FreedomWorks Promote Tea Party The Movie!

We need your help to spread the word about the definitive tea party movie: TEA PARTY: The Documentary Film releases direct to DVD and via download from the Apple Appstore this Thanksgiving Day at www.TeaPartyMovie.com.

The film follows the struggles of five grassroots individuals and their transformation from home town rally goers and rally organizers to national activists taking part in the 912 Taxpayer March on Washington. In the process, they reveal what is at the heart of this nationwide surge of civic engagement - a call for a return to constitutionally limited government, personal responsibility, and fiscal restraint at the Federal level.

Can't wait until Thanksgiving to see it? Then host a cinematic tea party with a “Tea Time Sneak Peek”: To help spread the word for the TEA PARTY film we are asking activists to host a sneak peek of a portion of the movie between Nov 2nd and Nov 26th. These “Tea Time Sneak Peeks” will raise significant awareness for the film amongst the media and throughout grassroots America. You can host a sneak peek at a private home, church, school, club or other venue.

For more information on hosting a cinematic tea party click here and find out about how you can take part in special weekly strategy conference calls on Tuesdays at 7PM, or contact Joel Aaron Foster at 678-910-3101 or info@teapartymovie.com.

FreedomWorks,

Dick Armey
Chairman
FreedomWorks.org

Boehner Statement on Rahall Anti-Energy Bill

GOP Leader: “Democrats continue to push job-killing legislation that would hamstring American energy production and undermine job creation”

9/16/09 House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) today criticized a flawed energy bill (H.R. 3534) sponsored by House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Nick Rahall (D-WV), which Interior Secretary Ken Salazar will testify about today. Boehner issued the following statement:

“Middle-class families and small businesses are struggling and our economy is shedding jobs, yet Democrats continue to push job-killing legislation that would hamstring environmentally-safe energy production and undermine job creation. Instead of pursuing an ‘all-of-the-above’ strategy to promote more American energy production, Chairman Rahall’s bill would increase taxes, raises fees, expand government bureaucracy, and postpone production of wind, solar, oil and natural gas. The end result is fewer American jobs and greater dependence on foreign oil.

“The Democrats’ push for this bill is particularly troubling because it comes just weeks after they rammed through Speaker Pelosi’s ‘cap-and-trade’ national energy tax – legislation that will increase electricity bills, raise prices at the pump, and ship more American jobs overseas to places like China and India. Republicans believe there is a better way. Our American Energy Act is the fastest route to a cleaner, more reliable and secure energy future. By increasing environmentally-safe energy production, using proven 21st century technologies, promoting alternatives like nuclear and clean-coal technologies, and encouraging increased efficiency, our bill will create more jobs, lower energy costs, and clean up our air and water.”

NOTE: The House GOP's American Energy Act would increase environmentally-safe energy production on remote lands and far off our shores; promote the use of alternative fuels that will reduce carbon emissions, such as nuclear, clean-coal, and renewable energy technologies; and encourage conservation to preserve and protect our natural resources. It would also establish a renewable energy trust fund that would use revenues generated through increased American energy production to support innovation in renewable and alternative energy sources, like wind and solar technologies.

Gwinnett July 4th Tea Party Canecelled

July 4th Tea Party canceled
by JASON PYE on JUNE 22, 2009
From the tipline:

The Atlanta Tea Party was forced to cancel it’s Independence Day celebration in Gwinnett, after losing it’s location due to the objection of Gwinnett Place Mall (a Simon company.) The Tea Party had been scheduled to take place in the parking lot of the old Macy’s building at Gwinnett Place since March.

“It is unfortunate the event had to be canceled,” said Julianne Thompson, event co-organizer. She continued, “The old Macy’s building is on private property, and not owned by Simon Malls, however the mall manager asked the property owner and I to come in the office on Thursday of this week, and told us Simon does not want political events on it’s property......http://www.peachpundit.com/2009/06/22/july-4th-tea-party-canceled/

HT to Peach Pundit!

Opinion: Pritchett's You Scare Me Letter

An Open Letter to President Obama
By Lou Pritchett

Dear President Obama:

You are the thirteenth President under whom I have lived and unlike any of the others, you truly scare me.

You scare me because after months of exposure, I know nothing about you.

You scare me because I do not know how you paid for your expensive Ivy League education and your upscale lifestyle and housing with no visible signs of support.

You scare me because you did not spend the formative years of youth growing up in America and culturally you are not an American.

You scare me because you have never run a company or met a payroll.

You scare me because you have never had military experience, thus don't understand it at its core.

You scare me because you lack humility and 'class', always blaming others.

You scare me because for over half your life you have aligned yourself with radical extremists who hate America and you refuse to publicly denounce these radicals who wish to see America fail.

You scare me because you are a cheerleader for the 'blame America' crowd and deliver this message abroad.

You scare me because you want to change America to a European style country where the government sector dominates instead of the private sector.

You scare me because you want to replace our health care system with a government controlled one.

You scare me because you prefer 'wind mills' to responsibly capitalizing on our own vast oil, coal and shale reserves.

You scare me because you want to kill the American capitalist goose that lays the golden egg which provides the highest standard of living in the world.

You scare me because you have begun to use 'extortion' tactics against certain banks and corporations.

You scare me because your own political party shrinks from challenging you on your wild and irresponsible spending proposals.

You scare me because you will not openly listen to or even consider opposing points of view from intelligent people.

You scare me because you falsely believe that you are both omnipotent and omniscient.

You scare me because the media gives you a free pass on everything you do.

You scare me because you demonize and want to silence the Limbaughs, Hannitys, O'Relllys and Becks who offer opposing, conservative points of view.

You scare me because you prefer controlling over governing.

Finally, you scare me because if you serve a second term I will probably not feel safe in writing a similar letter in 8 years.

Lou Pritchett


Note: Lou Pritchett is a former vice president of Procter & Gamble whose career at that company spanned 36 years before his retirement in 1989, and he is the author of the 1995 business book, Stop Paddling & Start Rocking the Boat.

Mr. Pritchett confirmed that he was indeed the author of the much-circulated "open letter." “I did write the 'you scare me' letter. I sent it to the NY Times but they never acknowledged or published it. However, it hit the internet and according to the ‘experts’ has had over 500,000 hits.

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Emergency Filing: Chrysler Creditors Take Obama to Supreme Court

Emergency Filing: Chrysler Creditors Take Obama to Supreme Court
by: Bill Dupray

This is nothing short of Americans asking the Judiciary Branch to step in and exercise its check and balance powers to stop an out-of-control Executive Branch. Our Republic is held together by such power, and in this instance, the Supreme Court is the last bulwark against an authoritarian president nationalizing a private company and extinguishing Constitutionally protected contract and property rights to reach his goal of giving the company to his political allies.

From WSJ.

A group of Indiana pension funds opposed to Chrysler LLC's sale to Fiat SpA filed an emergency appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court to stay the sale while they continue their attempts to block it. . . .http://patriotroom.com/article/emergency-filing-chrysler-creditors-take-obama-to-supreme-court

Opinion: The 'Unseen' Deserve Empathy, Too

While announcing Sonia Sotomayor as his nominee to the Supreme Court, President Barack Obama praised her as a judge who combined a mastery of the law with "a common touch, a sense of compassion, and an understanding of how the world works and how ordinary people live." This is in keeping with his earlier statement that he wanted to appoint a justice who possessed the "quality of empathy, of understanding and identifying with people's hopes and struggles."

Without casting aspersions on Judge Sotomayor, we may ask whether these are really the characteristics we want in a judge.

Clearly, a good judge must have "an understanding of how the world works and how ordinary people live." Judicial decision-making involves the application of abstract rules to concrete facts; it is impossible to render a proper judicial decision without understanding its practical effect on both the litigants and the wider community.

But what about compassion and empathy? Compassion is defined as a feeling of deep sympathy for those stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering; empathy is the ability to share in another's emotions, thoughts and feelings. Hence, a compassionate judge would tend to base his or her decisions on sympathy for the unfortunate; an empathetic judge on how the people directly affected by the decision would think and feel. What could be wrong with that?

Frederic Bastiat answered that question in his famous 1850 essay, "What is Seen and What is Not Seen." There the economist and member of the French parliament pointed out that law "produces not only one effect, but a series of effects. Of these effects, the first alone is immediate; it appears simultaneously with its cause; it is seen. The other effects emerge only subsequently; they are not seen; we are fortunate if we foresee them." Bastiat further noted that "[t]here is only one difference between a bad economist and a good one: The bad economist confines himself to the visible effect; the good economist takes into account both the effect that can be seen and those effects that must be foreseen."

This observation is just as true for judges as it is for economists. As important as compassion and empathy are, one can have these feelings only for people that exist and that one knows about -- that is, for those who are "seen."

One can have compassion for workers who lose their jobs when a plant closes. They can be seen. One cannot have compassion for unknown persons in other industries who do not receive job offers when a compassionate government subsidizes an unprofitable plant. The potential employees not hired are unseen.

One can empathize with innocent children born with birth defects. Such children and the adversity they face can be seen. One cannot empathize with as-yet-unborn children in rural communities who may not have access to pediatricians if a judicial decision based on compassion raises the cost of medical malpractice insurance. These children are unseen.

One can feel for unfortunate homeowners about to lose their homes through foreclosure. One cannot feel for unknown individuals who may not be able to afford a home in the future if the compassionate and empathetic protection of current homeowners increases the cost of a mortgage.

In general, one can feel compassion for and empathize with individual plaintiffs in a lawsuit who are facing hardship. They are visible. One cannot feel compassion for or empathize with impersonal corporate defendants, who, should they incur liability, will pass the costs on to consumers, reduce their output, or cut employment. Those who must pay more for products, or are unable to obtain needed goods or services, or cannot find a job are invisible.

The law consists of abstract rules because we know that, as human beings, judges are unable to foresee all of the long-term consequences of their decisions and may be unduly influenced by the immediate, visible effects of these decisions. The rules of law are designed in part to strike the proper balance between the interests of those who are seen and those who are not seen. The purpose of the rules is to enable judges to resist the emotionally engaging temptation to relieve the plight of those they can see and empathize with, even when doing so would be unfair to those they cannot see.

Calling on judges to be compassionate or empathetic is in effect to ask them to undo this balance and favor the seen over the unseen. Paraphrasing Bastiat, if the difference between the bad judge and the good judge is that the bad judge focuses on the visible effects of his or her decisions while the good judge takes into account both the effects that can be seen and those that are unseen, then the compassionate, empathetic judge is very likely to be a bad judge. For this reason, let us hope that Judge Sotomayor proves to be a disappointment to her sponsor.

By John Hasnas
John Hasnas is a visiting professor at Duke University School of Law.

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It's A Tax!

Hello Intelligent Thinker.

The "cap-and-trade" legislation (HR2454) that is being pushed through congress by Chairman Henry Waxman (CA- D) is just another tax on the American people. Even President Obama has admitted that it is going to be an additional cost on every household and business in this country. It will cost the average American family anywhere from $700 to $3,000 a year depending on whose analysis you believe. I believe the $3000 estimate determined by a study conducted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

It's a tax! "Cap-and-trade" is just another tax and a huge expansion of government bureaucracy. Bill: (HR2454) American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009

Summary of Bill: Cap and Tax Overview

Democrats have this legislation on a fast track hoping that the American people will not notice.

Please contact your Representative and both Senators with the following message:

Please vote NO on the upcoming 'cap-and-trade' legislation. We do not need another tax on the people of this country nor another government bureaucracy. Please respond immediately! Congress has this bill on a fast track.

Herman Cain - Head Coach
Intelligent Thinkers Movement

TAKE ACTION!
Issues and Actions
Contact Your Elected Officials

Herman has given us permission to share his writings... brilliant man, great spokesperson and just a good guy.
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Chambliss Opposes Sebelius Nomination

U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., today made the following statement regarding Kathleen Sebelius’ nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services.

“By recently vetoing a bill on late-term abortion, Gov. Sebelius ignored the will of Kansans. By not paying the taxes she owed until just before her confirmation hearing, she ignored the laws of the United States.

“I also believe it is inappropriate to place someone with her record of disregard for human life into a national health leadership role. For those reasons, I oppose Gov. Sebelius’ nomination.”

Sebelius Nomination: Not the End of the Fight But the Beginning

Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement after the U.S. Senate approved Gov. Kathleen Sebelius's nomination as Secretary of Health and Human Services by a vote, 65 to 31.

"We urged senators to vote no on a nominee who has abandoned women and children in her state and aligned herself with notorious late-term abortionist George Tiller. Despite how liberals portray her, Kathleen Sebelius is not your garden variety 'pro-choicer.' Her record, including support for gruesome third-trimester abortions, veers well left of even Senators Harry Reid (D-Nev.), Pat Leahy (D-Vt.), and former Majority Leader Tom Daschle.

"Considering the country's revulsion for late-term abortions, it should be toxic for anyone to associate with a man like George Tiller. It is even more reprehensible that our President would elevate such a person to a leadership post at the largest government agency.

"Some Republicans have apparently been swayed by the argument that as bad as this appointment is, President Obama would simply come back with someone equally objectionable if her confirmation was denied. Certainly he has done so with other sensitive appointments, like his choices for Ambassador to the Vatican- several of whom have been rejected because of their extreme abortion views-with no end in sight.

"Our supporters contacted the U.S. Senate by the tens of thousands. However, her confirmation does not bring this fight to an end. The public outcry against this nomination has been strong and growing and it will continue to build. We will work to ensure that health care 'reform' is not infected with Sebelius's pro-abortion views. The American people will not accept public funding of abortion as 'health care' or the crushing of conscience rights, which will drive medical personnel from their fields."
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Cap and Trade, Trade and Vote, Americans Still Pay the Price

Trading favors for votes? Say it ain't so. Oh, wait, I forget. This is business as usual in Washington.

Another interesting story on cap and trade and the behind the scenes scramble to protect some states and not others has been published. It doesn't seem fair that some states would have to shoulder more of the national energy tax than others. Actually, the cap and trade really doesn't make any sense at all for future economic growth. In fact, the proposed new energy tax that Americans won't be able to deduct will dearly cost us all.


To get votes, Waxman offers cap-and-trade breaks
By: SUSAN FERRECHIO

n exchange for votes to pass a controversial global warming package, Democratic leaders are offering some lawmakers generous emission “allowances” to protect their districts from the economic pain of pollution restrictions......http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/politics/To-get-votes-Waxman-offers-cap-and-trade-breaks_04_24-43592342.html

Georgia Libertarian Receives Sam Adams Alliance “Tea Party Award”

The Libertarian Party of Georgia is happy to announce that LPGa’s Communications Director James Bell, 49, has won the “Tea Party Award” presented in Chicago on April 18 at the Sam Adams Alliance 2nd Annual Sammies Awards (www.samadamsalliance.org).

Bell, who is celebrating his 20th year as a citizen activist, was recognized for his efforts in helping to defeat two Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) referenda in Douglas County, Georgia. Bell’s work with the Douglas County Taxpayers Coalition (DCTC) saved taxpayers more than $200 million.

“I am proud to be recognized for my efforts in leading a fight against higher taxation,” Bell proclaimed. “My efforts have been made possible with the support of many others who have selflessly stepped forward to offer their time and talents to a worthy cause.”

The Tea Party Award recognizes organizers of grassroots events that make a strong political point, initiate a public discussion, or earns media attention on an important state or local issue. Something like the Boston Tea Party: $5,000 cash prize!

The Sam Adams Alliance honored and presented a total of $40,000 in cash prizes to the winners at a red carpet ceremony the evening of April 18, 2009 at the Marriott Renaissance North Shore in Northbrook, Illinois. Winners were flown to Chicago from all over the country, so they could receive their recognition in an appropriate manner.

“The Sam Adams Alliance believes the winners should receive their awards from distinguished individuals whose own work merits presenting such high honors,” said Paul Miller, Communications Director of the Sam Adams Alliance. “We are proud to have so many champions of individual liberty and economic freedom presenting Golden Sammies to the winners.”

Guest presenters included best-selling author Michelle Malkin, Stephen Moore and John Fund of the Wall Street Journal, and Mary Katharine Ham. Fox News contributor Jonathan Hoenig presented Bell with his Tea Party Award.

Learn more about the Douglas County Taxpayers Coalition (DCTC) by visiting their website at www.DouglasTaxes.com
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Just Released - An Independent Call by Katherine J. Morrison

An Independent Call, is the amusing story of a New Hampshire Independent and McCain supporter in the 2008 election. Along with a lighter take on the presidential election, An Independent Call gives an insightful look at the political parties, and the media during this two-year long process.

An Independent Call is a fun and original take on the presidential election through the eyes of a New Hampshire Independent and McCain volunteer. It recounts the journey of a skeptical observer as she was converted into a die-hard McCain supporter. From meeting candidates from both sides of the aisle, to becoming a blogger for McCain, to being chewed out on campaign phone calls, to receiving press credentials for the Republican National Convention, this account relates the experience of being a participant at the lowest level politics from an outsider's perspective.. An Independent Call is a mix of good humor and political opinion from the middle.

An Independent Call is published by Broad Side of the Barn Publishing, and is available for purchase on their website – BroadSideoftheBarn.com . The author Katherine Morrison is a New Hampshire resident and blogger. She is the creator/author of PurplePeopleVote.com, and has a background in web development.

Rockingham NH County Commissioner, Maureen Barrows, recommends An Independent Call stating that it is…

"A must read for anyone interested in the day to day life of a volunteer in a political campaign...attention to detail is brilliant."
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Open Letter to President Obama on Assisting Young Men of Color Make a Better Life

/PRNewswire / -- The following is a letter written by Dr. Henrie M. Treadwell, director of Morehouse School of Medicine's Community Voices:

I applaud your recent creation of the White House Council on Women and Girls to help ensure we are treated equally in public policies, by employers and in every other aspect of American society. I must also urge, however, that you place a similar emphasis on men and boys, particularly young men of color, who face some of the steepest hurdles in American society.

The reasons cited in forming the new council are just -- throughout our nation's history women have often been treated as second-class citizens when it comes to earning a livelihood, climbing the corporate ladder and even exercising the delayed right to vote. Let us not forget that the Equal Rights Amendment was first drafted in 1923 -- and has yet to be ratified.

To be sure, the new council will focus attention on continuing the progress that has been made through the decades as women have crashed through the glass ceiling.

But I would argue that young men of color face even more daunting circumstances. Young men of color face challenges ranging from a justice system that disproportionately incarcerates them to media and entertainment industries quick to portray them as worthless, violent and criminal. Even before the recession, our young men of color faced a bleak job market where discrimination, globalization and structural change made it difficult for them to find good jobs and succeed in life. With the nation's economy in a tailspin, the unemployment of young men of color has been spiraling out of control.

Consider this sampling of data:

-- High school graduation rates for males of color -- African Americans
(42.8 percent), Native American/Alaska Natives (47 percent) and
Hispanics (48 percent) -- are far lower than for whites (70.8
percent).
-- Minority youths are disproportionately in the juvenile justice system:
African Americans (1,004 per 100,000), American Indians (632 per
100,000) and Latinos (485 per 100,000) compared with whites (212 per
100,000).
-- More than 29 percent of African-American boys who are 15-years-old
today are likely to go to prison at some point in their lives,
compared with 4.4 percent of white boys the same age.
-- The mortality rate from homicide for African-American boys ages 15-17
is 34.4 per 100,000, compared with 2.4 per 100,000 for non-Hispanic
white boys.


Let's face the reality. It can be a gritty and dangerous world on the streets of urban America, on the impoverished Native American reservations and in the camps of migrant workers. In many cases, government and much of our society turn their back to these conditions and ignore their existence--rather than seek to allocate resources and develop policies to redress the conditions that threaten the survival of young men of color.

An array of public policies enforced by the schools, police and courts has helped put young men of color at such a disadvantage. These policies range from mandatory-minimum sentences to zero tolerance of behavioral offenses in schools to minimum wages that do not afford a young adult an opportunity to support himself, let alone a family. These public policies have often been popular with the public, but collectively have built many of the barriers to young men of color leading productive lives.

Moreover, the media and entertainment industries have also contributed greatly to raising these hurdles.

Clearly, a disproportionate number of young men of color have dropped out of school, been arrested and been left jobless. Still, there are countless others who go to college, succeed in their jobs, are good fathers and make outstanding accomplishments in their lives. Unfortunately, however, very little information is shared about their achievements or successes. Rarely are young men of color projected or viewed as positive role models.

While there has been a growing angst over the misdeeds of some, there has been little attention paid to what public policies or social determinants have contributed to the plight of young men of color.

Certainly, some of the responsibility lies with the child or teenager who made wrong decisions, as well as with family members who failed to help youngsters overcome critical obstacles and to guide them to a more productive course. But we cannot underestimate the powerful negative impact of the stereotypical portrayals, the glorification of criminal and violent behavior in movies and television, and the lack of good news stories about young men of color on the airwaves.

Mr. President, what you can do is create a council that looks into how public policies can be amended and how portrayals of this demographic can be changed. As others have stated, the women and girls that you want to help prosper need male counterparts to build strong families.

You can take a huge step by creating a council that helps men, particularly young men of color, be successful in American society. Right now, they often face insurmountable challenges.

Men need your help, too.

Sincerely,

Dr. Henrie M. Treadwell

Director of Community Voices of Morehouse School of Medicine

US Moves on Iran Nuclear Trade; Biden Warns Israel Not to Strike Iran

Hat Tip to @Flap on Twitter for sharing an article from China Confidential. We've added a few others of related interest:

US moves on Iran nuclear trade
By Joanna Chung in New York and Daniel Dombey in Washington
Published: April 7 2009 19:17 Last updated: April 7 2009 19:17
New York prosecutors joined with the Obama administration on Tuesday to shut down a China-based network that allegedly supplied Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes with the unwitting aid of some of Wall Street’s biggest banks.
The action is likely to prove a test of the administration’s relationship with Beijing, which to date has been unenthusiastic about sanctions on Tehran. The move came as US Vice-President Joe Biden warned Israel not to strike Iran and as Washington sought to win time for possible negotiations with the Islamic Republic by slowing down Tehran’s progress towards nuclear weapons capability.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/bd57f0ca-239f-11de-996a-00144feabdc0.html?nclick_check=1

Biden told Israel to accept nuclear Iran
Israeli experts warn that it is only the real threat of force that stands a ... tensions on who(Israel/US) is going to strike Iran grows also. ...

Biden warns Israel off any attack on Iran
Vice President Joe Biden tells CNN that the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would be 'ill advised' to try to strike Iranian nuclear facilities. Vice President Joe Biden issued a high-level admonishment to Israel's new government Tuesday that it would be "ill advised" to launch a military strike against Iran.

Biden warns Israel not to attack Iran
WASHINGTON Amid growing concern that Israel might attack Iran, Vice President Joe Biden warned Tuesday that Israel's new government would be "ill advised" to launch such a strike. Biden also said in a CNN interview that he does not believe Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would take such a step.

Atlanta Tax Day Tea Party Protest

Letter from organizers:

Dear Fellow Patriot:

On Wednesday, April 15th, from 7 - 10:15 pm, taxpayers, voters, small business owners, parents, and even children are expected to gather at the State Capitol for a modern day "tea party." We will be sending a message that we want to be free from big government intervention in our lives. Our lawmakers are considering policies that will raise taxes on families and businesses and put more control in the hands of government. There is no better time to make a statement that we've had enough of pork, taxes and big government spending!!! Our message is very clear. Either repeal the pork or we will retire you from office!

We will have voter registration forms at the Tea Party to register new voters. We plan to continue our protests until real fiscal conservatives are back in control in Washington D.C. We are asking for your help in three key areas:

1) Most importantly, please make plans to attend the Tea Party on Wednesday, April 15th from 7 - 10:15 pm at the State Capitol. Bring signs, flags, and lots of energy to demonstrate your frustration with our elected officials. Bring as many of your friends, family members, and coworkers as you can! Remember wooden stakes/sticks are not allowed; not even on flags.

2) Please help make the Tea Party a success through your tax-deductible gift of $50, $100, or even $200. We need money to have a stage built, audio-visual equipment, supplies and many other items. We plan to have big screen TV's so everyone will have good view of the event no matter where they are standing. Sean Hannity will be broadcasting his show live . America will be watching the Atlanta Tea Party and we want to have a big impact. We have many speakers lined up, including Former House Majority Leader Dick Armey, John Rich, of the country act " Big and Rich", and many others. "Joe The Plumber" might even stop by. Our focus is on the grassroots movement so we don't have big name sponsors. We depend on you, the grassroots. Our estimated costs just for the stage and audio-visual equipment is $ 25,000.

3) If you are a business owner, please consider a $500 (or more) sponsorship of the Tea Party. Sponsors of $ 500.00 or more will be recognized at the event . You may contact me for more information. Donations may be made using the FreedomWorks Foundation web site listed below. Please email Brendan Steinhauser and let him know that you just made an online donation and want it to go to the Atlanta Tea Party. Please copy me in on the email as well.

Donate Here
Brendan Steinhauser BSteinhauser@freedomworks.org
Debbie Dooley debbie0040@yahoo.com

We know from our proud history that when American citizens come together to fight against unjust taxes, we can bring about change. Now is the time to send a message to our lawmakers. Please help us in making the Atlanta Tea Party a huge success. We look forward to seeing you there!

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Opiniion: Government's GM Plan Requires Political Will

The United States government is essentially taking on the role of bankruptcy court as General Motors works to salvage and restructure the venerable – and now very vulnerable – American business, says Ray Hill, a former investment banker and assistant professor in the practice of finance at Emory University's Goizueta Business School who teaches managerial economics and finance.

"The government has the chance to do it right and help GM avoid bankruptcy, but the question is will they have the political will to do so – for example, can they push the UAW hard enough to bring labor costs into line with the global industry? In addition, can they avoid too much interference with business decisions?" Hill says. "The problem is when political considerations get in the way of good business decisions. For example, you don't want the government telling car companies to make little cars that no one wants."

The government may end up concluding that bankruptcy is the only way to achieve the drastic changes that are required, Hill says.

Winners and losers under the government plan include bondholders, who will lose regardless, but could come out better under the government's plan. If the plan fails, the United Auto Workers have the most to lose under standard bankruptcy laws since they will be in line with other creditors, Hill says.

ALIPAC: Mexico's Fox touts EU-like integration for the Americas

Just another thing for us to worry about. It seems that these days a sane person can't turn on the tv, boot up the computer or listen to the radio without hearing something that could potentially destroy America as it was intended to be.

Mexico's Fox Calls on Obama To Proceed With North American Union
http://www.alipac.us/article-4088-thread-1-0.html
Source Link
http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/Mexicos_Fox_touts_EU-like_integration_for_the_Americas.html

Former Mexican President Vicente Fox was in San Antonio Friday, delivering a wide-ranging address about U.S.-Mexico relations that touched on trade, the drug war, comprehensive immigration reform and the United States' "mammoth" financial crisis that has spread worldwide.

Fox also delivered a message of hope - hope that someday Canada, the United States and Mexico, indeed the rest of Latin America, would function like the European Union.

"It's an extremely successful model," said Fox, whose wife, Marta Sahagún, accompanied him. "My vision is to speed up the process of further integration."

Fox was in town to address the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute's Future Leaders Conference, held at the UTSA Main Campus. He received four rousing standing ovations from the crowd, many of them student business majors.

The event was hosted by the University of Texas at San Antonio's College of Business.

Fox acknowledged the difficulty of establishing a European Union-like structure in the Americas, given those who'd oppose it. But Fox said, "Hope is back again," referring to the new U.S. president and the United States' "capacity to fight for ideals."

"The border between Mexico and the United States is not as fluid, stable or open as the border with Canada," Fox said. "This certainly is because there is a huge difference in the levels of development."

Fox hailed the success of the North American Free Trade Alliance even as a student in the audience questioned its societal impact and inability to create jobs for Mexican citizens.

"It has happened," Fox said of Mexico's job creation. Before NAFTA, annual "per capita income was $3,500. Today it is $8,500, three-fold growth."

Fox also spoke of Mexico's war against drug cartels and its impact on "perhaps the most dynamic border in the world." He reiterated comments made by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton this week, in which she said "insatiable" U.S. drug consumption drives the war.

Indeed, Fox conceded that more of his own citizens are engaging in drug use as cartels look for new markets.

And while he lamented how the terror attacks of 9-11 quashed potential plans for comprehensive immigration reform, supported by then-President George W. Bush, Fox expressed hope that President Barrack Obama would take up the charge.

Obama gets list of top Muslim Americans

PP Note: Now, ain't this just a kick in the ole pants. Now, doesn't this make the alleged statement by Obama that he would always stand by his Muslim brothers first more real? Unbelievable.

Obama gets list of top Muslim Americans

In a bid to get more Muslim Americans working in the Obama administration, a book with resumes of 45 of the nation’s most qualified — Ivy League grads, Fortune 500 executives and public servants, all carefully vetted — has been submitted to the White House......http://www.stevesimon.us/blog/?p=902

HT to all the folks who are reporting on this issue. This particular HT goes to Steve Simon.

Forced Volunteer Service?

Mandatory three month basic training for all youth? Civilian group trained for military style control of Americans? Cadre for National Civilian Community Core? Lose the right for peaceful assembly? Unable to lead in worship? Camps, er, campuses, for brainwashing, er, training? What?

There are tons of blogs and videos on the subject. The viewpoints of the authors pretty much say it all. Take some time and educate yourself-- not only on HR 1338 but also on the Constitution of the United States.

http://en.wordpress.com/tag/hr-1388/

Democrat to Introduce Freedom of Choice Act ‘Sooner Rather Than Later’

Democrat to Introduce Freedom of Choice Act ‘Sooner Rather Than Later’
(CNSNews.com) – A spokesman for Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) said that while re-introducing the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) during the 111th Congress isn’t on his “immediate agenda,” the congressman does plan to do so “sooner rather than later.”

Card Check? Buffet Says No

Warren Buffet says it all-- and in one short sentence.




HT to Twitter Lagwolf and AmericanIssues for the early find.

Concentration Camps, American Style

HR 645-- You best be watching and letting your views known to your representatives. Included in this bill of National Emergency Centers to be built on six military installations inside the United States is the approval for the Secretary of Homeland Security to gather and detain American citizens at his whim.

Is the administration expecting some serious uprising by American citizens? Is this part of the administration's newly stated Global New Deal?

Hat tip to Simon Sez http://www.stevesimon.us/blog/?p=801

Makes one wonder if those who oppose will be segregated "for your own good."

ALG Urges Congress to Stop the $2.8 Trillion Bank Bailout

Americans for Limited Government today in a letter urged Congress to stop the $2.8 trillion bank bailout that is “only burdening us, our children—and our children's children—with a mountain of debt that can never possibly be paid back.”

“Enough is enough,” said Wilson in a statement. “Congress has completely abdicated the power of the purse to keep afloat a financial system that doesn't work for the American taxpayer or the American people.”

“We are hopelessly descending into bankruptcy, and Congress does not appear to have the political will to stop it,” Wilson added.

Three days ago, ALG launched StopBailouts.net, an online petition in response to President Barack Obama's $2.8 trillion financial plan to urge Congress to halt what ALG President Bill Wilson termed the “greatest theft in human history.”

According to the letter, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner's financial plan is unconstitutional, which includes up over $2 trillion to be committed by the Treasury and Federal Reserve without a vote.

Wilson urged Congress to follow the law, “on behalf of our hundreds of thousands of members nationwide hereby call upon you to fulfill your mandated duty as enunciated under Article 1, Section 9, Clause 7 of the U.S. Constitution: 'No money shall be drawn from the treasury, but in consequence of appropriations made by law…'”

The letter also called upon Congress to reject H.R. 1106, the mortgage-bankruptcy cram-down legislation that “give bankruptcy judges the arbitrary authority to reduce mortgage principals, lower rates, and otherwise modify the terms of loans.”

Wilson believes, according to the letter, that the bill would add “more uncertainty as to which mortgages may ultimately be modified.”

Wilson believes that the government interventions have prevent mortgage-backed securities from finding their market value, “which is perpetuating the crisis needlessly.”

According to the letter, “The reason the securities cannot be valued is because it is continually unclear, based on shifting government plans, which ones will be worthless at the end of the day.”

Wilson believes that Congress is the only body that has the power to “stop the bailouts once and for all.”

“We are urging Congressmen and women, and Senators, to take back the power of the purse before it is too late. The nation is going bankrupt—we're $11 trillion in debt with a $1.2 trillion budget deficit this year, and we're begging the Chinese to lend us more money that even they might not have,” Wilson added.

“And if Congress does not stop it, no one will,” Wilson concluded.
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Tonight, Westmoreland awaits ‘Hope’

Anticipating President Obama’s first official address to Congress tonight, U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland said he’d like to hear ideas for jump-starting our economy that Republicans can support.

“Americans are hurting,” Westmoreland said. “I heard it at my town hall last week. I get mail and phone calls from constituents who have lost their jobs or can no longer make ends meet. I know small businesses in Georgia are laying off workers and closing every day.

“I want to hear some hope,” Westmoreland continued. “We’ve had change – we’ve had over a trillion dollars worth of change; we need some hope. We’ve had nothing but bad news and grim assessments of our economy. Tonight, the president needs to rise above that and lift up the American people.”

Westmoreland would like to see the president support a Republican plan to freeze federal spending as we face a $1.4 trillion deficit this fiscal year.

“Tonight, I want to hear the president talk about getting about our fiscal house in order by tightening our belts and making tough decisions just like American families have to do every day,” Westmoreland said. “We’ve heard some talk about raising taxes on the ‘wealthy.’ That’s a job-killer. Of the taxpayers who report more than $250,000 in income, 64 percent are small business owners. That’s taxing the job-creator that we need humming right now more than ever.

“Congress two weeks ago spent $787 billion on a ‘stimulus’ plan that’s probably not going to create too many jobs. Now we’re going to spend another $400 billion on an omnibus spending bill this week. The president, to his credit, keeps talking about fiscal responsibility but his fellow Democrats in Congress are having none of it. They’re spending sums too big for the human mind to even imagine. We’ve racked up more debt this year alone than the nation accumulated all together in its first 200 years of existence – and that includes the Civil War and WWII. We run the risk, I fear, of doing permanent damage to our economy and standard of living if this doesn’t stop. The president spoke this week about cutting the deficit in half in five years. That doesn’t impress me when the Democratic Congress has doubled the deficit in four weeks.”
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ALG Hails Supreme Court for Upholding Idaho Law Prohibiting Union Payroll Deductions from Being Used for Political Purposes

This highlights one of the reasons it is so important that we ensure the right people sit on our Supreme Court. The foundation of our country is being chipped away bit by bit. We need to ensure our Supreme Court stays neutral politically.

Americans for Limited Government Bill Wilson today hailed the Supreme Court's 7-2 decision in Ysursa v. Pocatello Education Association. “We at ALG are extremely gratified that the Supreme Court agreed with us,” said Wilson.

"This a victory for taxpayers who do not wish to be forced to fund union politics," he added.
The decision determined that a state government may prohibit its counties, cities, and towns from subsidizing union political activities via its government payroll systems.

“This is a great win. The First Amendment does not require government to devote taxpayer resources to facilitating the speech of its workers, their preferred political organizations, or anyone else,” said Wilson.

“This sets the table for states across the nation to set up similar prohibitions,” Wilson added.

Americans for Limited Government on June 6th had filed an amicus curiae brief in the case.
Ysursa v. Pocatello Education Association was heard this fall by the nation's highest court, which granted certiorari to the state of Idaho's appeal on March 31st. The case had involved an Idaho law banning the state's counties, cities, and towns from allowing union payroll deductions to be used for the subsidization of political activities.

That law was overturned by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on October 5th, 2007 in a decision stating that the state could not constitutionally under the First Amendment prohibit its political subdivisions from making union payroll deductions because the state did not fund and directly administer those payroll systems.

It was a decision that Wilson had written in his daily column set up a “patently absurd—not to mention unobtainable—standard.”

According to ALG's amicus curiae brief, drawn up by attorney Kevin Hall, the Ninth Circuit had erred in its “use of the First Amendment as a wedge between a state government and its political subdivisions [because it] has no basis in [the Supreme] Court's jurisprudence.”

The Supreme Court agreed, stating in its opinion, “The First Amendment prohibits government from 'abridging the freedom of speech'; it does not confer an affirmative right to use government payroll mechanisms for the purpose of obtaining funds for expression. Idaho's law does not restrict political speech, but rather declines to promote that speech by allowing public employee checkoffs for political activities.

Also, ALG had argued that “The supremacy of state government control over the property of political subdivisions holds especially true in states like Idaho that structure their government according to 'Dillon's Rule.' This model of government reserves lawmaking primacy to the state legislature and prohibits local governments from exercising any power not expressly or impliedly granted to them by the state constitution or state statute…”

The Supreme Court agreed again, “[Our] decision is reasonable in light of the State's interest in avoiding the appearance that carrying out the public's business is tainted by partisan political activity. That interest extends to government at the local as well as state level, and nothing in the First Amendment prevents a State from determining that its political subdivisions may not provide payroll deductions for political activities.”

According to Wilson, the decision is a big win both for taxpayers and the First Amendment.
“The Ninth Circuit had tried to read into the First Amendment a right for political subdivisions to decide on their own whether or not to follow state law that explicitly banned them from using payroll deductions for political purposes,” said Wilson.

“The Supreme Court's ruling has corrected this mistake, and has protected taxpayers from having their money stolen by Big Labor,” Wilson concluded.

Hilda Solis Confirmed as Labor Secretary

Rep. Hilda Solis has been confirmed as the Secretary of Labor. Among her admirers sending their congratulations were her good friend Nancy Pelosi, teamster Jim Hoffa who represents 1.4 million union workers and the Latino Elected and Appointed Officials Group.

She begins her new job on February 25th.

Her many admirers are sure she'll bring fairness to the workplace. Hmmmmmm.

Cut the Middle Man, Just Report to Me

Have you noticed the recent trend of the Obama Administration? First, it was the census that the President wants to control. Now, he has created new positions to report directly to him for urban affairs. What's the ultimate agenda?

One would think with all the middle men he appears to want to cut out that the size of the DC government work force should be decreasing. Bet it just gets bigger along with the addition of all these new middle managers. Where's the efficiency? Is this just another way to increase wasteful spending of taxpayer money?

President Barack Obama Announces Key White House Posts

Today (February 19), President Barack Obama announced the following White House posts: Adolfo Carrion, White House Director of Urban Affairs and Derek Douglas, Special Assistant to the President for Urban Affairs.

President Barack Obama said, "I look forward to working with these talented leaders to bring long overdue attention to the urban areas where 80 percent of the American people live and work. Vibrant cities spawn innovation, economic growth, and cultural enrichment; the Urban Affairs office will focus on wise investments and development in our urban areas that will create employment and housing opportunities and make our country more competitive, prosperous, and strong."

President Obama and Vice President Biden created the White House Office of Urban Affairs to develop a strategy for metropolitan America and to ensure that all federal dollars targeted to urban areas are effectively spent on the highest-impact programs. The Director of Urban Affairs will report directly to the president and coordinate all federal urban programs.

The following announcements were made today (February 19):

Adolfo Carrion, White House Director of Urban Affairs- Carrion has served two terms as Bronx Borough President and one term as the President of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO). As Bronx Borough President, Carrion oversaw the creation of 40,000 new units of housing in seven years, 50 new schools, $7 billion in capital and infrastructure expenditures, and over $400 million in new parks and parkland renovation. Prior to his service as Bronx Borough President, Carrion represented the 14th City Council District on the New York City Council and also served as an urban planner at the NYC Department of City Planning and a teacher in the New York City Public Schools. Carrion received his bachelors in World Religions and Philosophy from King’s College in 1985 and his Masters in Urban Planning from Hunter College in 1990.

Derek Douglas, Special Assistant to the President for Urban Affairs Douglas has served as Washington Counsel to New York Governor David A. Paterson and Director of Governor Paterson's Washington, D.C. Office. In this capacity, Douglas served as the Governor’s chief architect for federal policy and oversaw federal policy development and advocacy on domestic, economic, and urban policy issues for the State of New York. Prior to his appointment in 2007, Douglas served as Associate Director of Economic Policy at the Center for American Progress where he founded and served as Director of the Economic Mobility Program. Prior to joining the Center, Douglas was a Counsel at O’Melveny & Myers LLP and an Assistant Counsel at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educa tional Fund, Inc (LDF). Douglas graduated from the University of Michigan with Highest Honors in Economics and from the Yale Law School.

Rove: Is the Administration Winging It?

Karl Rove, former senior advisor to President George W. Bush, provides his opinion on the early leadership shown by President Barack Obama. His words appear to echo so much of what is being said out and about in local communities.

Is the Administration Winging It?
Karl Rove
Wall Street Journal Editorial
February 18, 2009

Team Obama demonstrated remarkable discipline during the presidential campaign. From raising an unprecedented amount of money to milking every advantage from the Internet to grabbing lots of delegates from inexpensive caucus states, they left nothing to chance.

And now the administration has scored a major legislative victory in an extraordinarily short period of time. Less than 700 hours after taking the oath of office, President Barack Obama signed the largest spending bill in American history.

Nevertheless, this fast start can't overcome a growing sense the administration is winging it on issues large and small.....
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123500260310017735.html?mod=djemEditorialPage

North Korea Plans Launch within a Few Weeks, according to Fox News

So, exactly what did Secretary of State Clinton say yesterday that has convinced North Korea to get ready for the launch?

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/02/18/official-north-korea-test-nuke-reach/

Video: Salute to Canadian Healthcare

What a great video on socialistic healthcare. Grab a Coke, sit back and enjoy.

http://hotair.com/archives/2009/02/16/video-a-salute-to-canadian-health-care/

The videographer is correct. Does global healthcare really need for America not to spend all the money on researching new treatments or drugs for diseases?

Obama Picks Who Can Work?

Another stunning development you most likely won't hear on the news.

President Obama's executive order will drive up the cost of government at a time when we should be doing everything possible to save taxpayer dollars. Federal contracts should go to the businesses that can offer taxpayers the best value - not just the unions who supported the Democrats' campaigns last year. Quietly signing executive orders to payback campaign backers undermines Obama promise to change Washington. It is a disappointment for Americans hoping for more transparency and less politics as usual in Washington."...
http://statenationalpolitics.blogspot.com/2009/02/rnc-statement-on-obamas-pro-union.html

Presidential Thoughts

The government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.
-Ronald Reagan

Obama's Choice for Justice Doesn't Stand Up for Family Values

Just another example of our leader stating one thing during his campaign and offering another 180 in office. Was he just crossing his fingers behind him? Does he stand for family or not? Will the Senate stand for family and not let Ogden's views on pornography be the new and improved version of moral values?
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Morality in Media: President Obama's Choice for Deputy Attorney General Would Likely Weaken Justice Department Efforts to Curb Sexual Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation of Children and Calls Into Question Whether the New President Will in Fact 'Stand Up for Policies That Value Families'

The Senate Judiciary Committee has scheduled hearings tomorrow to examine the nomination of David Ogden, President Obama's choice for Deputy Attorney General. Mr. Ogden has a long history of making "ACLU-minded" arguments in court cases involving obscene materials, harmful-to-minors materials, and child pornography. During the 2008 Presidential campaign, then candidate Obama said (Saddleback Presidential Forum, 08/16/08) that curbing human trafficking must be "a top priority" and also said ("The Candidates on Faith," Time, 08/07/08) that there are a "range of moral-values issues that must be addressed in our families, our communities...But we can't just talk about 'family values.' We actually have to stand up for policies that value families." As a U.S. Senator, he also co-sponsored the "Combating Child Exploitation Act of 2007.".....
http://statenationalpolitics.blogspot.com/2009/02/obamas-pick-for-deputy-attorney-general.html

More Americans Now Oppose Stimulus Package According to a New Poll

Perhaps the Senate should slow down a little before they try to get the Economic Stimulus Plan passed. Remember the old adage "Haste Makes Waste."

Support for Stimulus Package Falls to 37%

Support for the economic recovery plan working its way through Congress has fallen again this week. For the first time, a plurality of voters nationwide oppose the $800-billion-plus plan.
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that 37% favor the legislation, 43% are opposed, and 20% are not sure.....
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/business/economic_stimulus_package/support_for_stimulus_package_falls_to_37


Hat tip to the folks on Top Conservatives on Twitter for the link.

So Make it Transparent for the Public

All this nonstop chatter from the Obama Administration has just got to stop. If the differences in his plan are really so minor as he keeps insisting on the main stream media interviews, then why doesn't he compromise? Or is it because it's not his package, but rather that of Pelosi and company?

Here's a thought. Make any federal money going out really transparent and allow the public to track it.

New National Poll Finds Strong, Bipartisan Demand for Transparency in Economic Recovery Package

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- An overwhelming majority of voters want full and open reporting on how Recovery Act funds are spent at federal and state levels, according to a nationwide survey conducted last week on behalf of the Coalition for an Accountable Recovery. Further, roughly eight in ten voters say that making the U.S. government more accountable and more open to average citizens should be a high priority for the new administration; four out of ten said it is "one of the most important priorities.".....
http://statenationalpolitics.blogspot.com/2009/02/new-national-poll-finds-strong.html

Education Bandaid, Not Reform

Interesting that not everyone agrees with Nancy Pelosi's statement today about the wonderful steps forward for women and children.

Stimulus Bill Misses the Mark for Education

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- While a broad base of national educators, leaders and policymakers have agreed that the nation's education system requires fundamental operational changes, the federal government is poised to subsidize the systems that have failed American students, allowed them to fall behind their international counterparts and left a yawning achievement gap that sees barely 50 percent of African-American males graduating from high school.......
http://potluckpolitics.blogspot.com/2009/01/stimulus-bill-misses-mark-for-education.html

Pelosi Will Get Her Contraceptives Back into Legislation

....And as far as the contraception is concerned, we will have to have that in some legislation. It saves $700 million. But it was a distraction. It was a distraction, and therefore, we want to say, "Look, our economy is experiencing great difficulties. The American people, therefore, are, too. We need to act, and we need to act now."...... Nancy Pelosi

Gee, if it wasn't going to save money this week, how can it next week or next month?

No Tolerance for Their Own

Guess you can't expect tolerance from your own political party these days. Who knew?

Reaction to Gillebrand Proves Democrats Still Party of Gun Control, Says CCRKBA

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The hysteria-laden reaction from members of her own party to last week's appointment of New York Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand to fill the United States Senate seat vacated by Hillary Clinton proves that Democrats are still the party of gun control, the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms said today.

http://potluckpolitics.blogspot.com/2009/01/reaction-to-gillebrand-proves-democrats.html

Obama Friends Not Neccessarily Welcome in Canada

Seems like being so very friendly with the President over the last few decades doesn't matter to Canada. They treat 'em like they see 'em. This is a few days old, but it is interesting.

Ayers Turned Away From Canada By Immigration Officials

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/01/19/ayers-turned-away-canada-immigration-officials/

Sea of Obama Love and Voice of Patriotic Resistance

Just in case you are interested:

In a Sea of Obama Love, There's a Voice of Patriotic Resistance

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With the $150 million inauguration only days away, Grassfire.org is announcing that a record 350,000 grassroots conservatives have pledged a patriotic, resilient and determined resistance-against an Obama ideology that could have devastating consequences on our nation.......
http://potluckpolitics.blogspot.com/2009/01/in-sea-of-obama-love-theres-voice-of.html

Save the Constitution

H J Res 5, introduced last week to those in power, would change the Constitution.

The proposed resolution removes terms of limits for the President.

The resolution is currently being studied. Watch for updates.

Let Congress know your views on this subject.

Congress Gets Raise, Seniors Get Zippo

The members of Congress are getting a fatter wallet, thanks to their ever vigilant voting for themselves. While seniors get.....

Seniors to Receive $0.00 Increase in Social Security Next Year

The 37 million Americans aged 65 and over who receive a Social Security check each month are forecast to receive no increase in their Social Security checks next year, according to the Congressional Budget Office's (CBO) 2009 Budget Report......
http://potluckpolitics.blogspot.com/2009/01/seniors-to-receive-000-increase-in.html

Shrink the Economy, Mr. Obama?

According to a story in the Washington Times today, Obama's pick for climate czar has been part of the leadership of a socialist group who calls for shrinking our economy. Wouldn't that be in direct conflict to stimulating the American economy?

Obama climate czar has socialist ties
By Stephen Dinan

Until last week, Carol M. Browner, President-elect Barack Obama's pick as global warming czar, was listed as one of 14 leaders of a socialist group's Commission for a Sustainable World Society, which calls for "global governance" and says rich countries must shrink their economies to address climate change. ......
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jan/12/obama-climate-czar-has-socialist-ties/

Pelosi Supports Venture Capitalists Over Small Business for Economy

This article is just out and says it all. Pelosi appears to want her wealthy friends from her neighborhood to have federal money which is supposed to go to small business. What a way to jumpstart the economy.

Pelosi-Backed Loophole for Venture Capitalists Will Damage Middle Class Economy

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D - CA) is leading congressional support for a new loophole in federal contracting law that will allow some of the wealthiest venture capitalists in America to receive federal contracts set-aside for small businesses......
http://potluckpolitics.blogspot.com/2009/01/pelosi-backed-loophole-for-venture.html

Pelosi Comments on Support for Israel's Rights to Defend Itself

Glad to see Congress Supports Israel in its Rights to Defend Itself. Wonder what Obama will do?

Pelosi Statement on House Resolution on Gaza

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi spoke on the House floor this morning in support of H.Res 34, which recognizes Israel's right to defend itself against attacks from Gaza, reaffirms the United States' strong support for Israel, and supports the Israeli-Palestinian peace process......

http://threatreport.blogspot.com/2009/01/pelosi-statement-on-house-resolution-on.html

Obama Knows Best, Ignores Economic Experts

Obama and the Democratic Congress appear to have closed minds on listening to the experts who could really provide sound advice in stimulating the economy. Small business is the backbone of this country and any stimulus plan should focus on helping small business owners.

Will Obama listen? Will Congress?

Obama Ignores Economic Experts on Stimulus Plan

President-elect Barack Obama and the new 111th Congress will soon be rolling-out an economic stimulus plan. The stimulus package will no doubt cost taxpayers hundreds of billions of dollars, and there is no guarantee it will achieve its goal of rescuing most Americans from the failing economy.....
http://statenationalpolitics.blogspot.com/2009/01/obama-ignores-economic-experts-on.html

Bipartisan Legislation Intoduced for Small Business Tax Relief

New legislation for small business tax relief was introduced today in the hopes it can help stimulate the economy.

Snowe, Kerry, Landrieu Tout Bipartisan Bill to Provide Immediate Tax Relief for American Small Businesses

Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine), the Ranking Member of the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.), the outgoing Chairman of the Committee, and Senator Mary Landrieu (D-La.), the incoming Chair, today introduced the Small Business Act of 2009. This bipartisan legislation provides immediate tax relief for small businesses making vital investments in new equipment to further weather the current economic storm.... http://statenationalpolitics.blogspot.com/2009/01/snowe-kerry-landrieu-tout-bipartisan.html

Braodcaster Freedom Act

The Broadcaster Freedom Act was introduced into Congress today as an effort to protect free speech.

Today, Congressman Mike Pence (R-IN), Congressman Greg Walden (R-OR) and Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC), introduced the Broadcaster Freedom Act. The bill strips the FCC of its authority to reinstitute the so-called "Fairness Doctrine," effectively codifying the status quo and protecting free speech.... http://statenationalpolitics.blogspot.com/2009/01/frc-urges-support-for-broadcaster.html

Illicit Financial Woes

An interesting study on illegal cash flowing out of developing regions like the Middle East and Northern Africa has been released. Crime, corruption and tax evasion seem to rule the day.

Obama plans to tackle global poverty. Will he begin by stopping crime and corruption in the Middle East? Or will he stop the crime and corruption in Washington? But wait, he's never been known as a fighter of crime. Just look at his American home state and his record there.

....."Illicit financial flows siphon revenue out of poor countries, robbing them of much-needed assets and forestalling economic development," said GFI director Raymond Baker. "These new figures reveal that illicit financial flows outpace ODA by a ratio of nearly 10 to 1. This is critical to understanding global poverty and developing effective poverty alleviation and economic development strategies," Baker said......

Click to read the story.

Bailout for Defaulted Homeowners? Not so Fast, says Survey

Americans are weighing in with opinions on bailouts and mortgages. Will Congress and the Obama Administration listen?

Here is the story:

Majority Opposes Using Bailout Funds to Help Defaulting Homeowners

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As a new Congress and the incoming Obama Administration prepare to tackle record numbers of foreclosures that have depressed real estate values, a new national survey released today by the Reecon Advisory Report found that a majority of Americans, 51 percent, opposes using Federal bailout funds to help pay the mortgages of homeowners who are in default. Forty-three percent of those surveyed favor helping homeowners in trouble.

The survey found that opposition to using bailout money to help defaulters is greatest among men (58.3 percent), elderly (56.2 percent) and those living in the Northeast (56.1 percent). Support for helping defaulting homeowners is greatest among young people age 18 to 24 (69.1 percent) and those earning less than $20,000 a year (60.1 percent).

"These findings indicate that there are significant political barriers to proposals now being drafted in Congress to use some of the remaining $700 billion of bailout funds to help stem foreclosures by helping defaulting homeowners with their mortgages," said David Lereah, president of Reecon Advisors Inc., an independent real estate economics and information company.

"As a new Federal foreclosure policy unfolds in the months to come, public opinion will certainly play a central role. It's clear that people have strong opinions and a candid and vigorous debate will improve the chances for a successful outcome. The outcome could shape the real estate markets for many years to come," added Lereah.

The survey also found that consumer confidence in real estate is significantly higher than the stock market, despite the depression in property values. By a margin of 53.7 percent to 30.8 percent, those surveyed think real estate is a better long-term investment than the stock market, considering the current economic situation. Confidence in real estate is highest in the South (58.6 percent) and West (58.4 percent), and among young people 18 to 24 (63.8 percent). The stock market ranks highest with those age 35-49 (34.7 percent).

However, public opinion on whether the stock market or real estate will recover first is much more evenly split and falls within the survey's margin of error. Forty-six percent predict the stock market will recover first; 43.2 percent believe real estate will be first. Real estate ranked highest with young people 18 to 24 (57.3 percent) and Southerners (50.6 percent).

The telephone survey, by GFK Custom Research North America, was conducted December 19-21, 2008. A total of 1,004 interviews were completed, 524 with female adults and 480 with male adults. The margin of error on weighted data is +3 percentage points for the full sample. All completed interviews are weighted to ensure accurate and reliable representation of the total population, 18 years and older.

The poll is the first in a series of opinion surveys on issues critical to real estate markets to be conducted by Reecon Advisors, Inc. for the Reecon Advisory Report, a weekly newsletter being launched today, to provide insight, analysis and intelligence on residential real estate.

American Corporations and Immigration Study

A new study shows many corporations want cheap labor with immigrants while pink slipping Americans and asking for bailout money.

Here is the story.

Who's Lobbying on Immigration and Why? New Report Details Extensive Corporate Lobbying for Increased Immigration

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new report from the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) finds that over the past three years dozens of well-known American corporations, representing virtually every sector of the economy, have committed extensive resources lobbying for increased immigration, more foreign guest-workers, and amnesty for illegal aliens. Many of these same corporations that have pressured Congress to provide them a cheap labor supply have recently been pink-slipping their existing workers and seeking federal taxpayer bailouts. The report, Immigration Lobbying: A Window into the World of Special Interests, is the first and only study of lobbying on immigration policy and reveals a scope of influence previously unknown.

FAIR's Immigration Lobbying report uncovers how in the past three years, 521 corporations, trade associations, business groups, labor organizations, government entities, educational institutions, and non-profit groups attempted to influence key congressional immigration-related legislation. Only about 2 percent of these organizations supported reductions in immigration and enhanced enforcement of U.S. immigration laws. The rest -- 98 percent -- fought for increased immigration, amnesty and more foreign guest workers.

In addition, FAIR's report shows that over 58 percent of the lobbying on immigration between 2006 and 2008 was carried out by American corporations and business and trade associations ranging from high tech to agriculture.

Their primary goals included:
-- Amnesty for the estimated 13 million illegal aliens residing in the
U.S.
-- Dramatic increases in both low-skill and high-skill foreign guest
workers.
-- Increased admission of foreign students to U.S. universities, and
subsequent entry to the U.S. labor market.


"This new report demonstrates conclusively that the hallmark of corporate concern about immigration policy has been to increase their own access to cheap foreign labor," stated Dan Stein, president of FAIR. "Equally evident from this lobbying investigation is that the public interest has been almost entirely absent from efforts to influence the direction of U.S. immigration policy.

"In the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, many of these companies are simultaneously asking for more cheap foreign labor while laying off existing U.S. workers. It's contradictory behavior and shows an appalling lack of community and corporate responsibility," observed Stein. "With the exception of a small number of public interest advocacy organizations like FAIR, nearly every lobbying dollar spent on influencing immigration policy has been focused on bringing cheaper labor to this country, rewarding illegal immigration, and building ethnic political constituencies.

"Given the damage that these interests have already inflicted on hard-working American families, we hope that the incoming Obama administration will restore some modicum of public interest to this important policy debate," said Stein.

What a Surprise- Obama's Team Wants to Investigate Bush

It's another one of those rainy mornings and, according to Obama's website, one of the top issues for his administration could be to investigate the Bush Administration for crimes. I find this interesting as it has already been reported Obama's website selects the questions and actively practices censorship. In addition, with Obama and his staff's recent Blago encounters, along with allegations of Emanuel's shortcomings in following laws, this proposed investigation of Bush is a smokescreen. The question is for what.

Here is the story:

Bush Special Prosecutor is Top Question on Obama's Change.gov, Notes After Downing Street

/PRNewswire/ -- For the second time now, President-elect Obama has asked his new constituents, the whole of the American people, to come to his web site at Change.gov to ask and vote for questions, to help set the priorities for his administration.

After five days of citizen voting more than 60,000 questions have been submitted this time in eight categories ... and the current top vote-getter across all topic categories is this one, under the topic "Additional Issues":

"Will you appoint a Special Prosecutor - ideally Patrick Fitzgerald - to independently investigate the gravest crimes of the Bush Administration, including torture and warrantless wiretapping?"

-- Bob Fertik, New York City

As noted by Ari Melber, of The Nation magazine, the same question also ranked high in the first round of voting at the Obama site. But Melber writes, "Now that Vice President Cheney confessed his support for waterboarding on national television, flouting the rule of law, the issue is even more urgent."

http://tinyurl.com/7ylmmn

According to Bob Fertik of Democrats.com, "Besides Vice President Cheney's admissions of torture, President Bush himself has admitted to illegal spying. If these actions are not prosecuted we will be sanctioning open criminality. Moreover, the Geneva Conventions require the United States to prosecute war crimes. We can stand for the rule of law or against it; the choice cannot be avoided and the question must not be."

President-Elect Obama has promised to answer the top questions on his site. In this case it would be the first time since the Pennsylvania primary, and only the second time ever, he has had to address the issue of prosecuting the crimes of the Bush-Cheney administration. On April 14 he said, "if I found out that there were high officials who knowingly, consciously broke existing laws, engaged in cover-ups of those crimes with knowledge forefront, then I think a basic principle of our Constitution is nobody above the law."

At the same time, there has been increasing speculation that President Bush, who has been relatively stingy about granting other pardons, will pardon not only Vice President Cheney, but perhaps even himself in the final minutes of his term. "If George Bush pardons Dick Cheney and himself for their crimes, the American people will be outraged," Fertik said. "Under our Constitution, Presidents swear to uphold the Constitution, not to subvert it. If a President can deliberately authorize crimes and then abuse his pardon power to protect those who commit them, we live in a dictatorship - not a democracy."

Melber believes citizen engagement is key. "With so few journalists directly asking the President-Elect about these issues, however, it is up to the rest of us to put accountability and the rule of law on the agenda."

Looks like Franken has stolen the election...

I've been loosely keeping up with what most of us felt was a travesty waiting for an already-known conclusion. It's finally happened and Franken has stolen the election. We can only hope that in the next election the failed clown is booted by the electorate.

Anatomy of Franken's Election Theft
Franken Certified, But Not Declared 'Winner'
Republican Lawyers Detail Franken Vote Fraud
Pawlenty Raps Supreme Court over Recount