Political Pitstop

Tea Party Express Issues Election Day Statement on Delaware U.S. Senate Race

2010-09-14T21:46:00.000-04:00

The Tea Party Express issued the following statement today regarding the U.S. Senate race in Delaware:

"As voters head to the polls in Delaware today, the news media and many in the political establishment have sought to cast tonight's election returns as a lose-lose proposition for the tea party movement.

"If Conservative Republican Christine O'Donnell wins, the news media and political elite insist that this will be a loss for the Tea Party movement, as it will surely mean a win for the Democrats in November, and increase their chances for retaining a majority in the U.S. Senate.

"But wait, if Liberal RINO Mike Castle wins, the news media and political elite similarly insist that this will be a loss for the Tea Party movement, as it will mean the establishment has defeated the Tea Party-backed candidate.

"So under the logic of those in the media and the political establishment, the Tea Party movement loses either way. Nice try, but we at the Tea Party Express aren't buying this narrative.

"The Tea Party Express, Gov. Sarah Palin, the Independence Hall Tea Party PAC, and Diamond State Tea Party all endorsed Christine O'Donnell because she best represented the principles important to the Tea Party movement: limited government and a return to the constitutional principles this country was founded on, but which our political leaders have increasingly strayed from.

"It used to be the accepted notion that primaries were about allowing voters in a political party to support the best candidate who represented the members of that party. Now, however, we're told voters are stupid if they don't instead play the role of political strategist and support candidates based on a political chess game, regardless of their principles.

"We here at the Tea Party Express trust the voters to follow their hearts and to stick to their principles and beliefs. When Ronald Reagan waged his campaign for president in the 1980 election cycle, the same political elitists and journalists who are deriding Christine O'Donnell as 'unelectable' similarly sneered that an 'extremist' like Reagan could never be elected. As a result, John Anderson from Illinois was egged on to offer a more 'reasonable' choice in the general election campaign. Reagan won, Anderson and Jimmy Carter lost, and the political elite and journalists had egg on their faces.

"Supporting the most liberal Republican Member of Congress, Mike Castle, is not a viable option for constitutional conservatives. Those who have urged support for Castle do so from the most crass and soulless political calculation where principles are irrelevant, as it is a zero sum gain.

"We've tried this route of electing Republicans to government who didn't believe in their own party's platform, when we had a Republican Congress and a Republican in the White House. What we got was massive spending, higher deficits, bailouts, and a significant increase in the size, scope, and power of the government.

"We here in Tea Party movement are trying to change the nature of our leaders in Washington, and that means dumping failed and corrupt politicians like Mike Castle who trade their votes based on the campaign contributions of well-heeled lobbyists or the arm twisting of political party leaders. This is the very reason Mike Castle has attempted to hold at least four positions on ObamaCare - because at each time his primary concern was not what was good for this nation, but what was good for Mike Castle's political ambitions.

"When term-limited Governor Castle wanted to prolong his career feeding off the public trough, and remaining a member of the ruling class, he orchestrated 'The Switch' with Democrat Congressman Tom Carper that would allow both of them to retain their political power. It was all about their egos and their power, and the same motivation for Mike Castle continues to this day.

"Mike Castle and his political henchmen continue this crass and shameless behavior to this day. This year, the Delaware GOP establishment - led by Mike Castle's closest allies and advocates - deliberately chose to not field a Republican candidate for Attorney General in the state of Delaware. Why? Because the Democrat Attorney General is a man named Beau Biden, who happens to be the son of Democrat Vice President, Joe Biden.

"But don't worry say Castle's Republican supporters. If he wins the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate in Delaware we're supposed to expect him to suddenly become some kind of Republican loyalist, helping to advance a conservative revolution in Congress.

"We here at the Tea Party Express don't buy that for one minute. Whether it means switching political parties, or voting with the Democrats on more bailouts, Cap & Trade, or for liberal judicial activists for the U.S. Supreme Court, Mike Castle will play to the same political puppet masters he always has, and that's not to Republicans, conservatives, or his constituents.

"The Tea Party Express has won nearly every election it has played an active role in. Today, the voters of Delaware will decide whether to support the Tea Party Express-backed candidate, Christine O'Donnell. If they do, that will be a victory for the Tea Party movement, no matter how many pundits or journalists try and argue otherwise.

"The next step is to fight on behalf of these Tea Party candidates in November, and ensure that they once again defy the wishes and predictions of the political establishment, by propelling these constitutional conservatives to victory over their liberal Democrat, big-government opponents.
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Recovery Summer: A Casino, Aquarium, Zoo, Golf Course and Swimming Pool?

2010-09-04T09:21:00.002-04:00

With unemployment rising to 9.6%, questions are mounting regarding the effectiveness of the stimulus bill and how stimulus dollars are being spent. Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA), the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, has sent a letter to the Chairman of the Recovery Act Transparency and Accountability Board, Earl Devaney, regarding stimulus funding being steered for projects that “appear to violate the explicit prohibitions of the Recovery Act.”

Section 1604 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (AARA) specifically prohibits funds from flowing to certain entertainment and recreation projects:

“Limit on Funds – None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available in this Act may be used by any State or local government, or any private entity, for any casino or other gambling establishment, aquarium, zoo, golf course, or swimming pool.”

Furthermore, a Memorandum from the President to the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies issued on March 20, 2009 stated:

(a) Funds under the Recovery Act shall not be committed, obligated, or expended by any executive department or agency, and shall not be used by any State or local government or private grantee or awardee, to support projects of the type described in section 1604 of Division A of the Recovery Act…”

“Despite the clear language of the Recovery Act and the subsequent effort by the White House to stress the importance of avoiding the use of stimulus funds for prohibited projects, taxpayer dollars were directed to entities legally barred from receiving them,” Issa wrote to Devaney. “In fact, stimulus money appears to have flowed to each and every type of project prohibited by Section 1604 of the AARA.”

· Casino: In February 2009, AARA funds were provided to students “at Fortune Bay Resort & Casino to get hands on experience in various departments within the resort and casino at our Career Expo Day.”

· Aquarium: In July 2009, AARA funds were awarded to Northwestern University for scientific research on fish. Part of the funding was used for “novel outreach projects (that) will expose the broader public to the results of research, including an art installation concerning the electric fields emitted by these fish and proposed enhancements to the electric fish displays of the Shedd Aquarium.”

· Zoo: In September of 2009, $25 million in ARRA funds were awarded to the Smithsonian for projects including the “completion of various projects at the National Zoo.”

· Golf Course: AARA funds were awarded to the Forest Hills Golf Course through a U.S. Department of Education grant to the Oregon Department of Education. The award funds a program that allows students in Oregon’s Forest Grove school district to use Forest Hills to learn to golf as part of the physical education curriculum.

· Swimming Pool: In July 2009, AARA funds were awarded to Northwestern University to provide “salary an wage compensation for individuals directly involved in AARA-funded projects” including “Pool Lifeguard.”

“In addition to the projects that appear to violate the explicit prohibitions of the Recovery Act, there appear to be additional projects where stimulus funds have been spent on projects that violate the President’s prohibition of the funding of ‘impudent’ projects,” Issa wrote to Devaney. “These include stimulus funds spent on a waterpark, a bowling alley, a keg, beer and cigarette mart, a pet hotel, and a fraternity and sorority event.”

Hill Exclusive: House ethics office asks lobbyists for info on lawmakers

2010-06-14T18:05:00.002-04:00

A House ethics office is demanding fundraising information from lobbyists about five Republicans and three Democrats, according to a document obtained by The Hill. 

Read more: http://www.thehill.com/homenews/house/103037-exclusive-house-ethics-office-asks-lobbyists-for-information-on-eight-lawmakers-

Federal Court Must Decide: Is the Treasury Department's Support of AIG's Shariah-Promoting Subsidiaries Constitutional?

2010-06-09T08:18:00.000-04:00

/PRNewswire/ -- The Law Offices of David Yerushalmi, P.C., together with the Thomas More Law Center, filed a motion for summary judgment on Monday, June 7, 2010, on behalf of Kevin Murray against the Treasury Department and the FED in the federal lawsuit pending in the Eastern District of Michigan. The lawsuit, captioned Murray v. Geithner et al. was brought by attorneys David Yerushalmi and Robert Muise, representing the plaintiff, Kevin Murray, a taxpayer and former combat Marine who served in Iraq. The federal lawsuit alleges that the U.S. government's takeover and financial bailout of AIG was in violation of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

Specifically, at the time of the government bailout (beginning in September 2008 and continuing to the present), AIG was (and still is) the world leader in promoting Shariah-compliant insurance products. Shariah is Islamic law, and it is the identical legal doctrine that demands capital punishment for apostasy and blasphemy and provides the legal and political mandates for global jihad followed religiously by the world's Muslim terrorists. By propping up AIG with tax payer funds, the U.S. government is directly and indirectly promoting Islam and, more troubling, Shariah.

In May 2009, Judge Lawrence Zatkoff rejected the government's motion to dismiss the complaint and later rebuffed the defendants' efforts to stay the proceeding so the government lawyers could take an extraordinary appeal to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. The court then set the ground rules for discovery and granted the parties until May 2010 to conduct discovery.

After a year of document requests, depositions of current and former government witnesses, and three separate subpoenas issued to AIG and the New York Federal Reserve Board, Messrs. Yerushalmi and Muise filed Plaintiff's motion for summary judgment this past Monday, arguing that the undisputed facts demonstrate that the government, through its absolute control and 2 ownership of AIG, and with tens of billions of tax payer dollars, have directly and indirectly promoted and supported Shariah as a religious legal doctrine. What makes this case all the more egregious is that this doctrine--Shariah--also happens to be the underlying legal and military doctrine animating jihad against the West by Muslims from the Middle East, Asia, Russia, Africa, and even right here at home. Each and every one of the domestic and foreign jihad terrorists have proclaimed their allegiance to Shariah and its call for "jihad against apostates and infidels." Two experts on Shariah, Shariah-compliant finance, and jihad testified at length through affidavits in support of plaintiff's case. The government could not--and did not-- oppose this expert testimony with any contrary evidence.

A year's worth of discovery uncovered the following facts in addition to what was known from the public record:

-- AIG has five wholly-owned subsidiaries which promote and practice
Shariah in Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Bahrain, and the U.S.
-- These Shariah-compliant companies employ or otherwise retain the
services of Shariah authorities to tell them how to conduct their
business according to Shariah, including the Shariah-compliant
charities to which these AIG subsidiaries must contribute.
-- The government places absolutely no controls on how its billions are
used by the Shariah-compliant companies or to whom they support with
their "zakat" ('charitable') dollars. Moreover, these companies all
accept Shariah's mandate to support jihad with zakat insofar as they
abide by the authoritative rulings of the world's leading Shariah
authorities.
-- Over one billion taxpayer dollars have flowed through AIG's
headquarters into supporting AIG's Shariah businesses worldwide.
-- The government has actively promoted Shariah and Shariah-compliant
finance in many ways and venues:
-- The Treasury Department has published, edited, and updated
articles about Shariah-compliant finance, which essentially
promote Islamic law uncritically.
-- The Treasury Department has created and staffed a position called
the Islamic Finance Scholar-in Residence. No other religious law
is so honored.
-- Published presentations by senior Treasury Department officials
lauding Shariah-compliant finance and stating explicitly that the
U.S. government "places significant importance on promoting...
Islamic finance" and has "recently deepened our engagement in
Islamic finance in a number of ways," including a "call[] for
harmonization of Shari'a standards at the national and
international levels."
-- After the AIG bailout, the Treasury Department co-sponsored a
half-day conference called "Islamic Finance 101" for government
policy makers which was in effect a cheerleading program to
promote Shariah and Shariah-compliant finance.

Mr. Yerushalmi remarked: "It is one thing that our government felt compelled to bail out AIG after its fortunes were destroyed due to the company's own recklessness and bad acts. It is quite another thing to use U.S. taxpayer dollars to promote and support AIG's Shariah businesses--all of which don't just sell Shariah products to the Muslim world, but actively promote Shariah as the best, most ethical way of life. Indeed, the Shariah authorities relied upon by AIG's Shariah Supervisory Committees actively promote jihad--and by jihad we mean kinetic war against the infidel West."

Mr. Muise, senior trial attorney for the Thomas More Law Center and co-lead counsel in this case, made the additional point that "We have not only traced taxpayer money to support Shariah, we have found explicit public statements by senior Treasury officials actually telling the world that it is U.S. government policy to support Shariah in the form of Islamic finance and even 'call[ing] for harmonization of Shari'ah's standards.' Since when is it our government's position to involve itself in the internal theological debates surrounding religious laws?"

The government defendants also filed a motion for summary judgment arguing that whatever aid was provided to AIG's Shariah businesses, it was both unintended and de minimus.

Richard Thompson, head of the Thomas More Law Center, added, "It's outrageous that the federal government is the owner of a corporation engaged in a business with interests adverse to the United States. We filed this lawsuit not only to defend constitutional principles, but also to defend our national security. It's clear we can't leave the job of protecting America to the Washington politicians."

The parties will now continue to brief the issue with cross-opposition and reply briefs and then the court will decide. Any decision is likely to end up on appeal at the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. If the government loses, it is quite possible the case could be heard by the Supreme Court.

U.S. Supreme Court Blocks Release of Campaign Matching Funds

2010-06-08T16:21:00.002-04:00

In a major victory for free speech, the U.S. Supreme Court this morning blocked the use of taxpayer money as campaign "matching funds." The Court will decide whether to review a ruling from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

"This ruling vindicates the right of traditionally funded candidates to run their campaigns without the heavy hand of government helping their opponents," said Nick Dranias, the Goldwater Institute's lead attorney in the case known as McComish v. Bennett.

Under the Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Act, candidates who run with public campaign subsidies receive an almost dollar-for-dollar match each time a privately funded opponent raises money above a certain amount, and additional matches when independent expenditures are made against the subsidized candidate.

Today, the Supreme Court restored an injunction against the use of matching funds ordered earlier this year by U.S. District Judge Roslyn O. Silver.

"In a time of soaring budget deficits, the last thing taxpayers should be paying for are politicians' campaigns," said Darcy Olsen, president and CEO of the Goldwater Institute.

The Goldwater Institute Scharf-Norton Center for Constitutional Litigation represents John McComish, Nancy McClain and Tony Bouie, candidates for the Arizona Legislature whose campaigns are funded by private donations. All three are running against taxpayer-funded candidates who will receive a dollar-for-dollar match from the government for every dollar they privately raise.

In January 2010, Judge Silver ruled that matching funds discourage traditionally funded candidates from raising or spending their donations so they can avoid triggering more taxpayer-funded campaign money for their opponents. Judge Silver determined matching funds are an unconstitutional burden on the election speech of privately funded candidates.

A three-judge panel for the Ninth Circuit disagreed in May, and issued an opinion stating the damage to free speech is minimal.

The Goldwater Institute requested that the Supreme Court intervene before the state started to hand out this year's first round of matching funds on June 22, 2010. In a filing before the Court on Monday, June 7, the Goldwater Institute emphasized that publicly subsidized candidates were first warned by Judge Silver more than 18 months ago that matching funds were unconstitutional. Judge Silver issued her final ruling in late January, but delayed her order so the state could appeal. The Supreme Court's action today ended that delay and put Judge Silver's order into effect immediately.

Read more about this and other Goldwater lawsuits to protect individual rights and keep government within its constitutional limits at www.goldwaterinstitute.org/litigation. The Goldwater Institute is an independent government watchdog supported by people who are committed to expanding free enterprise and liberty.

Pro-Life Democrats Who Switched Vote for Health Bill Request Billions in Earmarks

2010-03-31T12:55:00.002-04:00

The 11 House Democrats led by Rep. Bart Stupak who dropped their opposition to health care reform legislation mere hours before the final vote have requested $3.4 billion in earmarks -- and one watchdog group wants to know whether the money represents business as usual or political payoffs.

The Sunlight Foundation says it plans to track the earmark requests, which were put in one day after health care reform cleared Congress, to see whether they're approved and whether it appears lawmakers are being rewarded for their vote.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/03/29/pro-life-democrats-switched-vote-health-request-billions-earmarks/

Camp Statement on Preliminary CBO Cost Estimates of the Democrats' Health Care Bill

2010-03-18T13:52:00.002-04:00

Ways and Means Ranking Member Dave Camp (R-MI) today made the following statement on the preliminary cost estimate from the Congressional Budget Office on the Democrats' government takeover of health care:

“Democrats have failed to listen to the American people and are plowing forward with a bill that still spends $1 trillion, raises roughly one-half trillion dollars in new taxes, cuts Medicare by more than one-half trillion dollars and increases Americans’ health insurance premiums. The American people have rejected this bill precisely because it taxes too much, spends too much and increases premiums too much.”

Watch a Special Report from the Front Lines of the Health Care Debate

2010-03-11T21:05:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday, March 16th, at 8:30 p.m. EDT, FRC Action will host a live video webcast entitled, "National Townhall on Health Care: Stop the Government Takeover." We've invited Members of Congress, policy experts, and grassroots leaders to join us live at our Washington, D.C. headquarters to help us assess the pending health care overhaul as a vote in Congress looms. Confirmed participants include:

Host: Tony Perkins, President, FRC Action
Congressman Mike Pence (R-Ind.)
Congressman Tom Price, M.D. (R-Ga.)
Bryan Fischer, Director of Issue Analysis, American Family Association
Kristan Hawkins, Executive Director, Students for Life
Marjorie Dannenfelser, President, Susan B. Anthony List
Douglas Johnson, Legislative Director, National Right to Life
Tom McClusky, Senior Vice President, FRC Action
More to be announced.

In addition to briefing us on the significance of this legislation, our guests will also answer viewer questions sent by you via SMS text or email. If allowed to pass, a health care overhaul like the one proposed by President Obama would be devastating to the health, economic well-being, and liberty of American families. Join us this Tuesday evening to find out what you can do to stop a government takeover on health care.

Register now to watch the live webcast on Tuesday, March 16 at 8:30 p.m. EDT

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Westmoreland fight against earmarks gaining steam

2010-03-11T13:29:00.001-05:00

Today, the entire House Republican Conference voted to place a moratorium on requesting earmarks, taking a big step toward spending reforms long advocated by U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland.

“The earmark system in Congress is broken, and we needed to take dramatic action like we did today to show the American people we’re serious about doing a better job using their taxpayers wisely and efficiently,” Westmoreland said. “Along with several other conservative legislators, I took this stand against earmarks on my own several years ago, and I have refused to place projects in appropriations bills.

“The way earmarks are done in the House rewards seniority and power of members. It funds projects outside of the competitive process with little means of measuring success or cost-benefit analysis. Tax dollars should go first and foremost to national priorities, they should be distributed fairly and equitably, and when projects fall short of expectations, the funding should end.

“Americans, rightly, have lost faith in Washington’s ability to be responsible with their money. We’ve taken a positive step today. The Democrats’ vow to end all earmarks to for-profit businesses is just more smoke-and-mirrors; it leaves most earmarks safely in place and does nothing to correct the impression that members of Congress are using the federal treasury as a political piggy bank.”

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Republicans must teach the American Dream

2010-02-25T08:30:00.000-05:00

Cal Thomas, Examiner Columnist
"America doesn't need restructuring. It needs revival; revival of the principles that made us strong and great; revival of the moral foundation that proved to be our real strength and allowed us to conquer our demons and become independent, not dependent on government."

Republicans must teach the American Dream

Isakson, Chambliss: Improving Immigration Laws Will Help Unemployment

2010-02-05T08:21:00.001-05:00

Yesterday U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., joined six of their Senate Republican colleagues in signing a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., asking him to take steps to improve immigration laws in order to help reduce U.S. unemployment.

Isakson and Chambliss believe the millions of workers who are in the United States illegally are only exacerbating the unfair competition American workers currently face as they struggle to find jobs.

The text of the letter is below:

Dear Majority Leader Reid,

We understand that you are currently drafting major jobs legislation to help ease unemployment in the United States during these difficult times. We certainly share your goal of getting Americans back to work and wish to share our ideas with you in the hope that they too may be included in this jobs package.

The statistics are sobering. Currently 15.3 million Americans are officially unemployed. If one adds the number of Americans who are underemployed, what the Department of Labor calls the U-6 unemployment rate, that number jumps to 26.5 million. Meanwhile, there are between 7 and 8 million illegal aliens in the U.S. labor market, many of whom have only recently entered the country.

Despite these numbers, the U.S. government in 2009 failed to enforce our immigration laws. Between fiscal years 2008 and 2009, administrative arrests of illegal aliens dropped 68 percent; criminal arrests of illegal aliens dropped 60 percent; indictments of illegal aliens dropped 58 percent; and convictions of illegal aliens dropped 63 percent.

By taking certain steps to improve our immigration laws, we believe that Congress can help the American worker at little to no cost to the American taxpayer. These steps include:

§ Setting clear enforcement policies that reverse dramatic declines in actions;
§ Permanently reauthorizing E-Verify;
§ Allowing employers to use E-Verify to verify the work authorization of current employees;
§ Reinstating the No-Match Rule, which directs employers to take specific actions upon learning that their employees’ names and social security numbers do not match;
§ Increasing penalties for employers who knowingly hire illegal aliens; and
§ Prohibiting employers from deducting wages paid to illegal alien workers.

While there may be many other good ideas to help reduce unemployment, these commonsense measures would go a long way to putting U.S. workers first and end the unfair competition that arises from the abuse of our immigration system. It is imperative that these provisions be included in any jobs legislation and we are fully committed to working with you towards that end.
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Hoyer: House can pass healthcare reform bill without public option

2009-12-15T14:37:00.000-05:00

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

2009-11-28T20:16:00.000-05:00

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!

2009-11-28T20:15:00.000-05:00

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

2009-11-18T08:50:00.000-05:00

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

2009-11-06T13:15:00.001-05:00

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"

2009-10-30T09:22:00.000-04:00

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!

2009-10-24T16:51:00.001-04:00

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@teaparty movie.com.

FreedomWorks,

Dick Armey
Chairman
FreedomWorks.org

Boehner Statement on Rahall Anti-Energy Bill

2009-09-17T10:09:00.000-04:00

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

2009-06-22T10:59:00.002-04:00

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

2009-06-10T08:35:00.002-04:00

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

2009-06-07T11:08:00.002-04:00

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

2009-06-01T11:29:00.002-04:00

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!

2009-05-21T09:10:00.001-04:00

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

2009-04-28T23:37:00.001-04:00

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

2009-04-28T23:32:00.000-04:00

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

2009-04-24T12:15:00.002-04:00

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”

2009-04-23T12:41:00.001-04:00

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

2009-04-20T22:43:00.000-04:00

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

2009-04-16T07:35:00.001-04:00

/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

2009-04-08T09:32:00.003-04:00

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

2009-04-08T08:15:00.002-04:00

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

2009-04-03T09:51:00.002-04:00

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

2009-04-01T19:23:00.003-04:00

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

2009-03-29T09:11:00.003-04:00

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?

2009-03-23T12:38:00.006-04:00

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’

2009-03-10T16:37:00.001-04:00

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

2009-03-09T10:01:00.003-04:00

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

HT to Twitter Lagwolf and AmericanIssues for the early find.

Concentration Camps, American Style

2009-03-03T12:53:00.004-05:00

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

2009-02-26T19:19:00.001-05:00

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’

2009-02-24T20:22:00.000-05:00

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

2009-02-24T19:56:00.002-05:00

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

2009-02-24T19:10:00.004-05:00

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

2009-02-20T08:44:00.003-05:00

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?

2009-02-19T09:42:00.003-05:00

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

2009-02-18T11:22:00.005-05:00

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

2009-02-18T09:58:00.003-05:00

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?

2009-02-07T16:45:00.003-05:00

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

2009-02-06T15:14:00.001-05:00

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

2009-02-04T17:59:00.004-05:00

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

2009-02-04T13:25:00.002-05:00

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

2009-02-04T12:57:00.003-05:00

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

2009-01-29T15:40:00.002-05:00

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

2009-01-29T15:27:00.002-05:00

....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

2009-01-26T14:29:00.004-05:00

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

2009-01-23T11:46:00.002-05:00

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

2009-01-19T12:36:00.001-05:00

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

2009-01-14T15:42:00.003-05:00

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

2009-01-13T09:47:00.003-05:00

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?

2009-01-12T11:32:00.003-05:00

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

2009-01-12T09:22:00.002-05:00

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

2009-01-09T11:17:00.002-05:00

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

2009-01-08T08:53:00.002-05:00

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

2009-01-07T14:22:00.002-05:00

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

2009-01-07T14:14:00.002-05:00

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

2009-01-07T09:26:00.004-05:00

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

2009-01-06T09:19:00.003-05:00

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

2009-01-06T08:59:00.003-05:00

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

2009-01-06T08:46:00.004-05:00

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...

2009-01-05T22:09:00.003-05:00

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

Ros-Lehtinen Calls on U.S. and Allies to Fight Isolation of Israel, Not Participate in Durban II

2008-12-31T18:14:00.001-05:00

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today commented on the release of a revised "outcome document" for the United Nations Durban Review Conference on Racism (Durban II), to be held in April of 2009. The document reaffirms the entire original Declaration and Program of Action of the first Durban Conference, which was an anti-Semitic hate-filled event. This proposed text singles out Israel for criticism while ignoring those who propagate racism and intolerance, while also aiming to restrict freedom of expression in the name of preventing "Islamophobia." Ros-Lehtinen has urged the U.S. to refrain from attending from Durban II, proposed legislation to prevent U.S. funds from being used in any way to support that conference, and held a meeting in June with foreign diplomats, State Department officials, Members of Congress, human rights groups and other non-governmental organizations to discuss an alternative forum to combat discrimination and intolerance. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:

"Even as Israel fights for its life against violent Palestinian extremists in Gaza, enemies of freedom continue to single out the Jewish state for castigation. Iran, Libya, Cuba, and their fellow repressive regimes at the UN continue to deny the Jewish state's right to exist, and they aim, through Durban II and other UN efforts, to prevent Israel from defending itself.

The closer it gets to Durban II's start date, the more clearly we see that the fix is in, and that Durban II has nothing to do with anti-racism and everything to do with attacking Israel and the Jewish people.

Free nations should unite against violent radical Islamists and prevent the further manipulation of the UN to legitimize their extremist agenda. The U.S. and other responsible nations must stand up to the dictatorships that have hijacked much of the UN in general and Durban II in particular. We should, like Canada and Israel, refuse to fund or participate in that hate-fest, and we must lend our legitimacy only to those efforts that truly advance the cause of tolerance and non-discrimination."

All Political Parties Side with Israel in Israeli/Palestinian Conflict after Viewing Video

2008-12-30T16:07:00.004-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- A new national study conducted among 309 self-reported Democrats, Republicans and Independents revealed that after watching a video news clip, all political parties significantly increased their support for Israel while holding Palestine responsible for the on-going attacks.

The study was conducted by HCD Research on December 29 to obtain Americans' perceptions of a video news clip which contained the Israeli/Palestinian perspectives on the situation and their justifications for the attacks. To view believability curves and detailed results go to: www.mediacurves.com.

Prior to viewing the video clip, respondents, and in particular, Democrats were split on who is most responsible for the recent attacks in Israel and Palestine. Before watching the video, 12% blamed Israel and 33% blamed Palestine. After watching the video, 11% blamed Israel, over half (53%) blamed Palestine; an increase of 20% of those siding with Israel.

When asked if the U.S. should intervene in this situation, the majority (64%) reported no, compared to 13% indicated yes, and 24% who reported they weren't sure.

Among the findings:

"Who do you think is mostly responsible for the Israeli/Palestinian attacks that started this past week?"

BEFORE watching the video

Total Democrats Republicans Independents
Israel 12% 19% 7% 11%
Palestine 33% 20% 49% 31%
Both 51% 59% 40% 54%
Neither 4% 3% 4% 4%

AFTER watching the video

Total Democrats Republicans Independents
Israel 11% 20% 5% 10%
Palestine 53% 46% 63% 50%
Both 34% 33% 30% 39%
Neither 2% 1% 2% 2%

"Do you think that the US should intervene in this situation?"

BEFORE watching the video

Total Democrats Republicans Independents
Yes 12% 19% 10% 7%
No 63% 55% 57% 79%
Not sure 25% 26% 34% 15%

AFTER watching the video

Total Democrats Republicans Independents
Yes 13% 19% 13% 7%
No 64% 62% 56% 74%
Not sure 24% 20% 32% 19%

While viewing the video clip, participants indicated their levels of believability by moving their mouse from left to right on a continuum. The responses were recorded in quarter-second intervals and reported in the form of curves. The participants were also post-viewing questions.

The Media Curves web site provides the media and general public with a venue to view Americans' perceptions of popular and controversial media events and advertisements.

Blagojevich Statement Less Believable Than Michael Vick...More Believable Than Drew Peterson

2008-12-23T14:35:00.001-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- A new national study conducted among 313 self-reported Democrats, Republicans and Independents revealed that Governor Rod Blagojevich's speech on December 19 was slightly effective in gaining support from all parties, yet viewers were still uncertain of his believability.

Prior to viewing the speech, 66% of respondents reported that Blagojevich was guilty of the allegations regarding his office. The percentage dropped slightly (55%) after viewing Blagojevich's denial speech. In addition, prior to viewing the speech, 70% of respondents indicated that Blagojevich should step down from office, compared to 54% after viewing the speech.

Although viewers slightly increased their support for Blagojevich, when asked to rate him on scales of likeability, believability and sincerity, his believability scored significantly lower than the other categories.

The study was conducted by HCD Research on December 22 to obtain Americans' perceptions of a speech by Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, on December 19, in which he denies guilt and vows to fight charges regarding his alleged scheme to sell President-elect Barack Obama's Senate seat. To view believability curves and detailed results go to: www.mediacurves.com.

While viewing the video clip, participants indicated their levels of believability by moving their mouse from left to right on a continuum. The responses were recorded in quarter-second intervals and reported in the form of curves. The participants were also asked pre and post-viewing questions.

The believability curves that were generated for Blagojevich's denial speech were compared to believability curves from previous studies conducted by HCD Research, which focused on statements from prominent figures in the media who were accused of or connected to alleged criminal activity. Below is a comparison of how Blagojevich ranks among other subjects of past studies (the higher the number, the more believable they were):

Believability Scores

Andy Petitte 61.6
Gov Spitzer 51.2
Michael Vick 47.8
Senator Craig 47.7
Gov Blagojevich 44.3
Drew Peterson 42.6
Paris Hilton 39.2

Governor Blagojevich, with a believability score of 44.3, was considered more believable than Drew Peterson and Paris Hilton and less believable than Andy Petitte, Governor Elliot Spitzer, Michael Vick and Senator Larry Craig.

Among the findings:

"Do you think Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich is guilty of the crimes he is being accused of?"

BEFORE Watching Speech

Total Democrats Republicans Independents
Yes 66% 67% 63% 68%
No 3% 1% 4% 3%
Not sure 32% 32% 34% 29%

AFTER Watching Speech

Total Democrats Republicans Independents
Yes 55% 53% 54% 58%
No 5% 5% 6% 5%
Not sure 40% 42% 40% 37%

"Do you think Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich should step down from office?"

BEFORE Watching Speech

Total Democrats Republicans Independents
Yes 70% 69% 71% 69%
No 7% 7% 6% 8%
Not sure 24% 25% 23% 23%

AFTER Watching Speech

Total Democrats Republicans Independents
Yes 54% 53% 54% 56%
No 16% 19% 15% 14%
Not sure 30% 28% 31% 30%

"Do you think the public should withhold judgment of Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich until he is proven guilty or innocent of these crimes?"

BEFORE Watching Speech

Total Democrats Republicans Independents
Yes 52% 55% 56% 47%
No 27% 24% 26% 32%
Not sure 20% 22% 18% 21%

AFTER Watching Speech

Total Democrats Republicans Independents
Yes 61% 68% 61% 54%
No 23% 18% 22% 29%
Not sure 16% 14% 17% 17%

Statement by the Press Secretary on Irresponsible Reporting by New York Times

2008-12-23T08:46:00.001-05:00

Most people can accept that a news story recounting recent events will be reliant on '20-20 hindsight'. Today's (December 21) front-page New York Times story relies on hindsight with blinders on and one eye closed.

The Times' 'reporting' in this story amounted to finding selected quotes to support a story the reporters fully intended to write from the onset, while disregarding anything that didn't fit their point of view. To prove the point, when they filed their story, NYT reporters were completely unfamiliar with the President's prime time address to the nation where he laid out in detail all of the causes of the housing and financial crises. For example, the President highlighted a factor that economists agree on: that the most significant factor leading to the housing crisis was cheap money flowing into the U.S. from the rest of the world, so that there was no natural restraint on flush lenders to push loans on Americans in risky ways. This flow of funds into the U.S. was unprecedented. And because it was unprecedented, the conditions it created presented unprecedented questions for policymakers.

In his address the President also explained in detail the failure of financial institutions to perform normal and necessary due diligence in creating, buying and selling new financial products -- a problem that almost no one saw as it was happening.

That the NYT ignored such an important economic speech to the American people and the complex causes of the crises is gross negligence.

The Times story frequently repeats a charge by the Administration's critics: a 'laissez faire' attitude toward regulation. We make no apology for understanding the concept of regulatory balance. That is, regulation should be stringent enough to protect the greater public good and safety but not overly strong so that it unnecessarily inhibits innovation, creativity and productivity gains that are the sole source of increasing Americans' standards of living. But while repeating this charge, the reporters gave glancing attention to the fact that it was this Administration that pushed for strengthened regulation and oversight, greater transparency, and housing reform.

The story also gives kid glove treatment to Congress. While the Administration was pushing for more transparent lending rules and strengthening oversight and supervision of Fannie and Freddie, Congress for years blocked attempts at stronger regulation and blocked reform of the Federal Housing Administration. Democratic leaders brazenly encouraged Fannie and Freddie to loosen lending standards and instead encouraged the housing GSEs to play a larger and larger role in the housing market -- even while explicitly acknowledging the rising risks. And while the story notes the political contributions of some banks to Republicans, it neglects that political contributions from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac overwhelmingly supported Democratic officials -- in particular the chairmen of the banking committees. In fact, even in the midst of what by then was a housing crisis, it took Congress nearly a full year to pass specific legislation called for by the President in the summer of 2007, especially legislation to reform oversight of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

There are many more reporting failures in this story -- failure to consider the impact of monetary policy; ignoring the regional nature of housing markets; and ignoring the Bush Administration's historic proposal to overhaul the nation's regulatory system, for example. But then a review of these issues would wave complicated the reporters' myopic point of view that only Bush Administration policies could possibly be responsible for the housing and finance crises.

American Small Business League: Obama to Create Loopholes for Venture Capitalists

2008-12-23T08:26:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following was released today by the American Small Business League:

President-elect Barack Obama is preparing to create significant changes in federal contracting law that will allow some of the nation's wealthiest investors to receive federal contracts earmarked for small businesses. Under the banner of "increasing access to capital" for small businesses, the policies will allow firms controlled by individual venture capitalist and even large venture capital firms to participate in federal small business contracting programs.

The Obama Administration's new pro-venture capital policy could virtually repeal the Small Business Act for legitimate American small businesses by modifying the longstanding federal definition of a small business as "independently owned."

Under the proposed Obama Administration policy, "independently owned" will be changed to include firms that are not independently owned, but are actually controlled by wealthy investors and possibly some of the nation's largest venture capital firms.

Opponents of the new policy say it appears to be designed more to increase wealthy venture capitalist access to billions of dollars in federal small business contracts as opposed to "increasing access to capital" for legitimate small businesses.

If the policy is successfully implemented it could force the average American small business to compete head-to-head with firms controlled by wealthy investors for even the smallest government orders for goods and services. Thousands of middle class jobs could be lost as billions of dollars in federal small business contracts are diverted to a small number of venture capitalist controlled firms.

The plan will likely include a provision that would exempt the venture capitalist owned firms from capital gains taxes. The Obama-Biden Transition Team website, www.change.gov mentions such a proposal.

The appointment of multi-millionaire venture capitalist Karen Mills to head the Small Business Administration (SBA) is the latest indication that President-elect Obama is moving forward with his plans to divert government small business contracts to venture capital controlled firms.

The National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) and its members have been lobbying for the new loophole in federal contracting law for more than two years. The NVCA and its members have contributed millions of dollars to Obama and key Democratic leaders in Congress such as Nancy Pelosi, John Kerry, Joe Lieberman and Hillary Clinton. (http://www.maplight.org/map/us/interest/F2500)

"The easiest and quickest way to stimulate our nation's failing economy is for the government to spend infrastructure funds with America's 27 million small businesses that create all the new jobs and employ most Americans," American Small Business League President Lloyd Chapman said. "This new Obama policy will do just the opposite and will push our economy closer to a depression by diverting billions of dollars in federal funds away from middle class America and into the hands of small number of wealthy investors that backed Obama."

Exclusive interview with Condoleezza Rice

2008-12-22T23:20:00.000-05:00

AFP's exclusive interview with outgoing Secretary of State for the Bush administration, Condoleezza Rice. She announced an upcoming trip to China. Rice also discussed the situation in the Middle East and her own plans for the future.

Libertarians Accuse Obama of "Hawkish" Foreign Policy

2008-12-22T16:51:00.001-05:00

America's largest third-party is accusing Barack Obama of pursuing the same "hawkish" foreign policy of his predecessor George Bush. "What we hoped to see with the incoming Obama administration were plans for a total withdrawal from Afghanistan and Iraq," says William Redpath, national chairman of the Libertarian Party. "Instead, we're seeing the same missteps of the Bush administration that have kept our troops in the Middle East since 2001."

This past September, the Libertarian National Committee passed a resolution calling for the withdraw of U.S. troops from Afghanistan "without undue delay." However, current Pentagon plans call for potentially doubling the size of the U.S. presence in Afghanistan to 60,000 troops.

"Shifting troops from one front to another is not 'bringing them home,' as Democrats promised to do in 2006," says Redpath. "Obama is pursuing a hawkish foreign policy that should worry any advocates of non-intervention. He'll keep us in that region for his entire presidency."

"The United States should both abandon its attempts to act as policeman for the world and avoid entangling alliances," reads the Libertarian Party's platform. "American foreign policy should seek an America at peace with the world and its defense against attack from abroad. We would end the current U.S. government policy of foreign intervention, including military and economic aid."

Jury's Out on Regulators' New Proposal to Address Abusive Overdraft Loans

2008-12-22T15:20:00.001-05:00

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Federal banking regulators yesterday withdrew proposed rules that would have largely failed to protect consumers from astronomically high-cost, unsolicited overdraft loans. The Fed then immediately issued a new proposal containing two alternative approaches. The impact the new proposal will have on abusive fees depends primarily on which approach the Fed ultimately chooses.

Consumers pay $17.5 billion per year in overdraft fees that banks charge after routinely allowing consumers to overdraw their accounts by checks, ACH transactions, ATM withdrawals and debit card purchases. This exceeds the $15.8 billion banks extend in the overdraft loans themselves. Banks automatically enroll consumers in their most expensive overdraft programs, but surveys have found that accountholders overwhelmingly want a choice about whether or not to participate.

Representatives from the Consumer Federation of America, Center for Responsible Lending, Consumers Union, U.S. PIRG, and the National Consumer Law Center are pleased that the weak rule issued by the Federal Reserve, the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS), and the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) wasn't made final as originally proposed. That proposal failed to require banks to obtain consumers' affirmative "opt-in" before enrolling account holders in their overdraft programs.

In its new proposal, the Fed focuses only on ATM and certain debit transactions. The good news is that the Fed has acknowledged that overdraft fees on these transactions are especially abusive because consumers don't expect to be able to overdraw their accounts at an ATM or debit terminal. Overdraft loans from debit and ATM transactions are astronomically expensive -- a CRL study (http://responsiblelending.org/) found that the typical overdraft loan triggered by a debit card, incurring a $34 fee, is only $17.

"Debit card overdrafts are costing consumers billions of dollars a year," said Eric Halperin, D.C. director of the Center for Responsible Lending. "Consumers should have the right to decide whether they want to pay a $35 fee to buy a $5 hamburger."

The Fed's proposal asks for comments on two different approaches. The first maintains the status quo by requiring banks only to permit consumers to opt out of these extremely expensive loans, allowing continued abuses. The second approach would require banks to get consumers' permission before covering their ATM and most debit transactions for a fee. We urge the Fed to adopt this second, significantly stronger approach, known as opt-in. Consumers who believe the Fed should adopt the stronger approach should let the Fed know during its open comment period.

"We applaud the Fed for proposing that consumers be given the right to opt-in to use overdraft loans, but are dismayed that the Fed did not go further in protecting consumers from what are essentially payday loans," said Jean Ann Fox, director of financial services for CFA.

For instance, the proposed rule does not require that consumers be provided with federal truth-in-lending disclosures about the APR of overdraft loans. A recent FDIC study noted that charging a $27 overdraft fee for a $20 debit card transaction would be the equivalent of a 3,520% APR if the overdraft is repaid in two weeks.

Gail Hillebrand, Consumers Union Financial Services Campaign Manager, added, "Requiring banks to get the opt-in permission of consumers for overdraft fees on debits is a good step forward, but the new proposal seeks comment on whether to impose this common-sense requirement."

Even if it adopts the second approach, the Fed's rule should have gone further still. While the Fed proposed to prohibit most overdrafts caused solely by debit card "holds" -- when a hold by a merchant exceeds the actual amount charged -- it did not address check holds, when banks intentionally delay the availability of deposits, or banks' ability to manipulate the order in which transactions are cleared in order to maximize overdrafts.

A recent FDIC study confirmed years of previous research on overdraft practices: Banks automatically enroll consumers in the most expensive overdraft option; debit card transactions are the most common trigger of overdraft fees; and lower-income account holders are more likely to pay overdraft fees, stripping what little money they have from their accounts and driving them further into the red.

"Overdraft fees disproportionately affect the most vulnerable consumers, including low-income and young consumers," said Chi Chi Wu, National Consumer Law Center. "Addressing overdraft fees related to ATM and debit transactions is a move in the right direction toward protecting them and all consumers. But we need to do more. Much more."

The FDIC study also found that consumers pay the most overdraft fees when their banks allow overdrafts for ATM and debit transactions and clear transactions in order from highest to lowest to maximize fees.

"Consumers find themselves financially squeezed like never before," said Edmund Mierzwinski, Consumer Program Director for USPIRG. "While the Fed could have done more, the opt-in proposal, if adopted, would provide some measure of relief for consumers who are essentially being forced to take out payday loans."

Corruption Watchdog Blasts Obama Labor Secretary Nominee; Hilda Solis Supports Coercive Card Check and Says Illegal Aliens are Americans

2008-12-20T06:56:00.001-05:00

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Dr. Carl Horowitz, director of the Organized Labor Accountability Project of the National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC), today reacted to Barack Obama's nomination of Rep. Hilda Solis (D-CA) for Labor Secretary. He said:

This is a terrible nomination. Solis is a total flack for the union bosses. I predict an explosion of union corruption, especially with infrastructure stimulus funds flowing to unions like the Laborers and Teamsters, which still have not freed themselves from the influence of organized crime.

Solis is a co-sponsor of the misnamed Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), the unions' top legislative priority. EFCA would force private-sector employers to recognize a particular union as the sole bargaining agent if its organizers can get at least 50 percent of affected workers to sign a card indicating their desire to join, ending secret elections.

This "card check" is inherently coercive. There have been many documented instances of union organizers giving reluctant employees a choice between signing a card and facing potential retaliation should the union become the collective bargaining agent. I guess that's what the unions mean by 'free choice.'

Solis also has made controversial statements about citizenship. In 1996, while serving as a California state senator, she said, 'We are all Americans whether you are legalized or not.' As Labor Secretary, Solis would be in charge of issuing labor certifications.

Solis recently introduced legislation to explore the possibility of naming a national park after United Farm Workers founder Cesar Chavez.

Caroline Kennedy Goes Public

2008-12-19T11:15:00.000-05:00

Senate hopeful Caroline Kennedy made her case in upstate N.Y. as the media intensely followed her every move, reports Meg Oliver (CBS News). (Dec. 18)

The Debt We Owe Laura Bush

2008-12-19T06:29:00.001-05:00

By Matt Towery of TownHall.com

With so many newspapers columns about bailouts and debt, I thought I might just change the pace by paying tribute to a woman to whom we as Americans are indebted -- First Lady Laura Bush.

I know President Bush doesn't read columns, but with all due respect, he needs to read this one. So, I'm writing it to him.

Dear Mr. President,

This message has nothing to do with you or your presidency. I'll leave that to others. But, then again, it has everything to do with you and your presidency.

Being an ex-elected official and candidate for statewide office -- now permanently "reformed" by not participating anymore -- I know what the wives of political leaders go through. Not that I can ever know how tough it gets when one reaches the level of the presidency. But I can imagine.

For this and other reasons, I want to thank you personally and on behalf of a great number of Americans for the service your wife, Laura, has given to America.

Like plenty of us political men, you married "over your head," which I'm sure you know. Many of us are lucky to have bright, devoted and strong wives who not only help hold our families together during our years in political office, but who could themselves tackle many of the issues we do, often with superior skill to our own.

In the case of your own Laura, she helped raise two bright and beautiful young women. Sure they had a few teenage incidents. Whose kids don't? But they have brought honor to your family and have been a great reflection on their parents.

Then there is the side of your wife for which we as a nation owe a huge debt.

I know that most Americans know that Mrs. Bush was a librarian when you met her. But I'm not sure everyone knows that she earned not only her bachelor's degree from Southern Methodist University but also a master's degree from the University of Texas. This woman is no wallflower.
And, as you know Mr. President, she has in her always friendly, warm and articulate manner, put her keen mind to work for America.

While she has been best known for her tireless efforts to promote global literacy, Laura Bush has been just as active on a range of issues -- from her "Women's Health and Wellness Initiative," to her fight to end oppression against women in nations such as Afghanistan, where she actually took the place of her husband in presenting the weekly presidential radio address in 2001.
But you know all of that, Mr. President.

But I want others to recognize how active she has been on behalf of people who need help and often can't fight for themselves. And we all recognize that while this is a kind and caring woman, she can be passionate and, in her own way, fight effectively for others. In fact, she is still fighting for the women of Afghanistan.

I can only imagine how proud you were of her performance on "Meet the Press" recently, where she deftly handled a range of issues in a way that seemed to me to be as competent and articulate as say, Sen. Hillary Clinton or Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. In fact, I was blown away by her ability to take anything Tom Brokaw asked of her and ace it.

What makes this all the more interesting is to see her just a week or so later, live in the White House showing the Christmas decorations to a national audience. I loved the part when the dog ran right past her, and she cracked a joke and never missed a beat.

So whether it's the Christmas tree or denouncing the disfigurement of young girls in a nation so very far away, Laura Bush is able to handle the task with grace and ease.

I guess it is a bit presumptuous to write a sitting president in a national column. But we all know this will never reach George W. Bush. But it just would not be fair, particularly given the tough years this nation and her husband have endured, not to at least recognize one of the greatest first ladies in American history.

Sources:
http://townhall.com/Common/PrintPage.aspx?g=2f0e41dc-5cf5-430a-8d4f-804ef4b95f7b&t=c

Matt Towery

Caroline Kennedy Goes Public

2008-12-18T23:06:00.001-05:00

All American Blogger: Obama’s Energy Sec. Wants Gasoline Price Increase Of 300%

2008-12-18T16:33:00.004-05:00

Found this article on the All American Blogger and thought you'd want to be in the know as Obama and his team begin to bring great change to Americans. Should this be accurate, we Americans will have no change in our pockets.

....To the green mafia, the price of gasoline should be so high that people can’t drive to work and have to rely on public transportation. And if the market won’t keep the price high, government will......

Click here to read.

World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder: 'UN Anti-Racism Conference Must Not Become Another Platform for Spreading Anti-Semitism'

2008-12-17T12:39:00.002-05:00

PP Note: Guess the real question is what stance Barack Obama will take? Will this conference be a repeat of the last one where the U.S. walked out? Or will Hillary be happy to sit there with a smile on her face courtesy of her new boss?

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The president of the World Jewish Congress (WJC), Ronald S. Lauder, has praised the minister of foreign affairs of the Netherlands, Maxime Verhagen, for making a clear statement regarding an upcoming United Nations conference on combating racism.

In an interview with Dutch radio, Verhagen had said that his government might boycott a United Nations anti-racism conference in Geneva in April 2009 unless anti-Israel statements are removed from official draft documents. "It seems like the sole intention is to criticize Israel and condemn the West for slavery and its colonial history," Minister Verhagen had said, warning of a repeat of the first UN anti-racism conference in Durban, South Africa, in 2001, which degenerated into an anti-Semitic and anti-Israel debacle.

WJC President Ronald S. Lauder said: "We appreciate the Dutch government's principled stance, and we hope that other democratic countries will take this as an example and make their voice heard as well. The United Nations anti-racism conference must not become yet another platform for spreading anti-Semitism and unfairly singling out Israel for criticism. Sixty years after the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it is high time that the UN live up to its own founding principles!"

Lauder pointed out that any imbalanced conclusion of the UN conference would render the final declaration meaningless and reflect badly on the UN's ability to fulfill the purpose of the Geneva forum. "Avoiding a repeat of Durban I is a crucial litmus test for the UN and its member states," the WJC president said, adding that the World Jewish Congress would continue to lobby governments on this issue.

Jesse Jackson Jr. on Video with Blagojevich in August 2008

2008-12-12T22:54:00.001-05:00

Jesse Jackson Jr. “I haven’t Met With Rod Blagojevich in 4 years”… Problem is, this video shows otherwise…
Posted: 11 Dec 2008 02:30 PM CST
The cookie continues to crumble… Barack Obama has chosen to surround himself with crooks and liars.

It was just yesterday that Jesse Jackson Jr. soberly exclaimed that he had not met Rod Blagojevich in 4 years…

I mean, that sounds odd considering the fact that Jesse is a member of the Illiniois delegation to the House of Reps, and Rod is the State governor and both come from the same party…

Anyway, here’s a video taken in Denver (thanks Ace) during the Democratic National Convention in August which shows the two men not only being in the same vicinity, but also embracing each other…

Incidentally, it wasn’t just a random hug, but a hug fest which Jesse orchestrated:
An emotional U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. called on warring Democrats to unite Wednesday at their national convention and said he wouldn’t be satisfied unless Gov. Rod Blagojevich and House Speaker Michael Madigan hugged....

Colin Powell Gives Advice to the Republican Party...

2008-12-12T14:57:00.003-05:00

Yep, Colin Powell, who endorsed the Democratic candidate for President (Barack Obama in case you've forgotten his name) is giving us advice. He thinks Sarah Palin polarized the Party, doesn't like Rush Limbaugh either.

Gee. I am SHOCKED. Just SHOCKED.

After we get through twisting the Republican Party around like Powell would have us do, let's go check with the Huffington Post and MoveOn.org to see what else we should do.

The only people listening to Colin Powell these days are his liberal friends. At least Liberman is "technically" an Independent... although I gotta say I can't imagine why he stuck with the Democratic Party after they stabbed him in the back, but hey, what do I know, I'm just a stalwart Republican carrying the conservative banner.

Powell Blasts Palin for Polarizing, Endangering Republican Party (Video)
Sarah Palin helped push the Republican Party farther to the right this election – a polarization which could lead to the downfall of the party, insists Colin Powell.
Oh, and he also says Republicans should stop listening to conservative talk-show host Rush Limbaugh and we need to rethink the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.
http://www.wowowow.com/post/powell-palin-helped-polarize-republican-party-video-155358

It's time for campaiging!

2008-08-30T20:38:00.001-04:00

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2008-08-30T20:37:00.001-04:00

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More on the PUMA Party

2008-08-24T23:21:00.003-04:00

Seems there's not just one website, there are blogs, there are websites and there is discontent in Obama-land. I was amazed at the number of sites and blogs for PUMA and other groups. It seems they've been banding together. I wonder how much the media is going to allow us to hear about these groups and their actions at the Dem Convention? I see that some of the major news media outlets have done bits on PUMA and others, so maybe we will hear if they do something interesting at the convention. Whatcha think?

There are way too many sites to list here. I'd suggest you go do a search on PUMA putting in some of the words (Party, Unity, etc.:. Here's a couple of sites and a video to get your started if you don't want to do a search.:

http://www.puma08.com/
http://blog.pumapac.org/about/

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Party Down with the PUMA Party...

2008-08-24T23:14:00.003-04:00

The PUMA Party you may ask? What would that be? Sleek animal support group? Are you digging around in the depths of your mind trying to figure out what the initials could stand for? It's the "Party Unity My Ass" Party.

From what I've heard and read, it's comprised of Democrats who are not happy that Hillary Clinton is not getting her due.

They're making national news and it seems there may be some fireworks at the Democratic National Convention. Stay tuned for more info, but in the meantime you may want to check out their website:

http://pumaparty.com/

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Old White Guys

2008-08-23T08:00:00.003-04:00

Hey cool, Obama has chosen an old white guy as his running mate (Joe Biden). Now maybe they'll have to stop calling McCain the old white guy. If McCain can pick a younger person from another ethnic group then we'll have mirror image candidates and can just take race and age off the table and start looking at the real issues.

Secretary Handel Reminds Citizens to Register to Vote for July 15 General Primary

2008-06-12T12:44:00.000-04:00

Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel today reminded voters that the deadline to register to vote to be eligible to cast a ballot in the July 15, 2008 General Primary is Monday, June 16, 2008.

To register to vote in Georgia, you must be a citizen of the United States, a legal resident of Georgia and of the county in which you plan to vote, and at least 18 years old by Election Day. You may not register to vote if you are currently serving any sentence imposed by the conviction of a felony or judicially determined to be mentally incompetent.

Citizens who are not registered to vote in the county in which they reside must submit a voter registration application by the deadline in order to vote in the General Primary. Citizens that are registered to vote at a former address within the county where they reside are encouraged to submit a change of address card to their county registrar. Voters who are currently registered at the correct address do not need to submit a new voter registration application.

You can download and complete a voter registration application by visiting the 2008 Elections Center on the Secretary of State’s website: http://www.sos.ga.gov/elections/ElectionCenter08.htm.

You can also contact your local county registrars' office, public library, public assistance office, recruitment office, schools and other government offices for a mail-in registration form. Voter registration is offered when renewing or applying for a driver's license at any Georgia Department of Driver Services office. College students can obtain Georgia voter registration forms from their school registrar's office or from the office of the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Secretary Handel also reminds voters that Georgia law requires registered voters to show photo identification when voting in person. This photo identification requirement applies in the July 15 General Primary and all future elections. When voting absentee by mail, photo identification is not required.

Voters casting ballots in person, either through advance voting or on Election Day, will be required to show one of the following forms of acceptable photo ID when they vote:

· A Georgia driver’s license, even if expired;

· Any valid state or federal government issued photo ID, including a free Voter ID Card issued by your county registrar or Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS);

· Valid U.S. passport;

· Valid employee photo ID from any branch, department, agency, or entity of the U.S. Government, Georgia, or any county, municipality, board, authority, or other entity of this state;

· Valid U.S. military photo ID; or

· Valid tribal photo ID.

Voters who do not have a form of identification listed above are eligible to receive a free Georgia Voter ID from their county elections office. Voters who have questions are encouraged to call the Georgia Secretary of State’s Voter ID Hotline at (877) 725-9797 or visit our website at www.GaPhotoID.com.

Democrat qualifies for GOP primary in HD-73

2008-05-08T21:46:00.000-04:00

From the Peach Pundit site:
http://www.peachpundit.com/2008/05/05/democrat-qualifies-for-gop-primary-in-hd-73/#comments
May 5th, 2008 by Jason Pye · 17 Comments
Rick Williams has qualified to run in the Republican primary against State Rep. John Yates in State House District 73. He believes that Yates, who is 86 years young, is too old to keep his seat in the Georgia General Assembly. Fine. If that is his belief, then he is entitled to it.

Film by America

2008-04-27T22:18:00.002-04:00

I haven't looked at the website, have no idea who's behind this, what their political affiliation might be, I know nuttin' 'bout it. However, the concept seemed interesting... both the way they're attempting to fund this and the subject. I'll have to say that it crossed my mind that this could be some big hoax but I'll leave it up to you, if you're interested, to check it out for legitimacy... sounds legit but these days people just get more and more creative so who knows. I would make one suggestion to the PR folks who sent this out: drop the "masses" verbiage, it evokes images of statements of old on the wrong side of the political spectrum. But hey, maybe you have to be a certain age to connect bad karma with comments about the masses.

Political documentary calls on the masses for funding

A new documentary is looking to the public not only for content but also for financial support. Red, White & Blue: A Tale of Two Americas, which dissects how and why people choose political parties and candidates, is trying to secure funding solely through individual contributions.

“Everything about Red, White & Blue comes straight out of the heart and soul of America,” comments Eric Anderson, producer and co-director. “We want every citizen to be able to play a role in this film, so it doesn’t make sense for us to rely on corporate funding.”

To achieve its goals, Red, White & Blue is working with IndieMaverick, a website dedicated to using the masses to make movies. Relying on a concept known as “crowdfunding,” IndieMaverick collects small amounts of money from a large number of people. This collective approach gives everyone a chance to participate in the filmmaking process.

And participate is just what Eric Anderson and his wife, co-director Amelia Dellos, are hoping people will do. Their documentary looks deep into the American mindset to determine the “why” behind people’s political decisions. Red, White & Blue questions what makes Americans act, believe and vote as they do. It tries to understand where people’s convictions come from and get them to think about and examine their beliefs.

“Now more than ever, I think it’s essential that we look at what makes people choose certain candidates over others,” states Anderson. “This current election has brought out unprecedented levels of passion and animosity. As a people, we owe it to ourselves to examine our choices and opinions and ensure that we’re getting the most out of our system of government.”

"Ultimately, we started this film for our two-year-old daughter, Alena" says Dellos. "We want to show her that if you want to make the world a better place, then go out and do it. You can't wait for someone to do it for you."

To learn more about Red, White & Blue: A Tale of Two Americas, visit the documentary’s website at www.redwhiteandbluemovie.com.

To support the film or learn more about crowdfunding, visit IndieMaverick at www.indiemaverick.net. Registration is free. With donations starting at $25, individuals can not only help Red, White & Blue get off the ground but also secure themselves a copy of the film once it is complete.

Takin' Care of Terrorism vs Taking Care of Illegals

2008-03-03T07:40:00.000-05:00

I've only popped onto a few of the links to verify they exist. I found one that wasn't working (went to a page that no longer existed on CNN) but the others I checked worked. Also, I have no idea whether the numbers are true or not. However, I KNOW there is a huge cost associated with illegal aliens. Our healthcare, schools, additional costs associated with printing in different languages... and one I hadn't thought of as a cost but as an irritant --- how much does it cost businesses to add translations on their phones when you call? There is a cost for the time if nothing else. And what about re-designing packages to include multiple language directions? I suppose you can get nit-picky and take the side costs down to absurd levels, but it all does add up.

Here's the bottom line for me re: cost of war vs. cost of illegal aliens. Aw, do I even have to type it? Ain't it obvious? Let's tighten up the borders and start really working to take care of the problem with illegals.

Here's the email I received:

It's time we wake up. Listening to the Partisan 'politicals,' we have been hammered with the propaganda that it is the Iraq war and the war on terror that is bankrupting us. I hope the following 14 reasons are evidence enough that this is not the case. I have included the URL's for verification of all the following facts:

1. $11 Billion to $22 billion is spent on welfare to illegal aliens each year.http://tinyurl.com/zob77

2. $2.2 Billion dollars a year is spent on food assistance programs such as food stamps, WIC, and free school lunches for illegal aliens.http://www.cis.org/articles/2004/fiscalexec.html

3. $2.5 Billion dollars a year is spent on Medicaid for illegal aliens.http://www.cis.org/articles/2004/fiscalexec.html

4. $12 Billion dollars a year is spent on primary and secondary school education for children here illegally and they cannot speak a word of English!http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.0.html

5. $17 Billion dollars a year is spent for education for the American-born children of illegal aliens, known as anchor babies.http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.01.html

6. $3 Million Dollars a DAY is spent to incarcerate illegal aliens.http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.01.html

7. 30% percent of all Federal Prison inmates are illegal aliens.http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.01.html

8. $90 Billion Dollars a year is spent on illegal aliens for Welfare & social services by the American taxpayers.http://premium.cnn.com/TRANSCIPTS/0610/29/ldt.01.html

9. $200 Billion Dollars a year in suppressed American wages are caused by the illegal aliens.http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.01.html

10. The illegal aliens in the United States have a crime rate that's two and a half times that of white non-illegal aliens. In particular, their children, are going to make a huge additional crime problem in the US.
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0606/12/ldt.01.html>

11. During the year of 2005 there were 4 to 10 MILLION illegal aliens that crossed our Southern Border also, as many as 19,500 illegal aliens from Terrorist Countries. Millions of pounds of drugs, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroine and marijuana, crossed into the U. S from the Southern border. Homeland Security Report:
http://tinyurl.com/t9sht

12. The National Policy Institute, 'estimated that the total cost of mass deportation would be between $206 and $230 billion or an average cost of between $41 and $46 billion annually over a five year period.http://www.nationalpolicyinstitute.org/pdf/deportation.pdf

13. In 2006 illegal aliens sent home $45 BILLION in remittances back to their countries of origin.http://www.rense.com/general75/niht.htm

14. 'The Dark Side of Illegal Immigration: Nearly One Million Sex Crimes Committed by Illegal Immigrants In The United States '.http://www.drdsk.com/articleshtml

The total cost is a whopping $338.3 BILLION DOLLARS A YEAR

Maybe this is information that needs to be passed on until everyone has an opportunity to understand the facts of this matter.