scrosnoe
07-20-2009, 07:04 AM
Faster than a locomotive!
Faster than a speeding bullet!
It's a bird, it's a train...
No, it's....
CONGRESS!
Congress is moving through bills and hearings at the speed of light. Focusing on one issue alone is a luxury we simply cannot afford.
Things are moving too fast, bills are too long, too many traditions and even rules are not being followed, and too many diversions are being created to either expect accurate projections can be made or statements relied upon as to when any particular bill will actually come up for a vote.
Following the wisdom of "those who fail to study history are doomed to repeat it", we must learn that we should act as if these issues are imminent.
If you followed events closely leading up to the House of Representatives' vote on HR 2454 aka Cap & Trade, you likely noticed:
The prevailing wisdom of pundits, think tanks, and many on Capitol Hill was "Cap & Trade is in trouble"
Most people following issues in the Federal government and politics in general were focused on the outrageous actions of ABC News in regards to President Obama's Health Care Town Hall when the announcement was made that Cap & Trade would be up for a vote on the House floor.
The House voted on HR 2454 late on a Friday afternoon, the slowest news day of the week.
The media opted to cover the death of pop star Michael Jackson rather than the passage of the Cap & Trade bill in the House.
Over 300 pages were added in the middle of the night and no complete copy was available at the time of the vote.
There are several issues that require our attention NOW and going forward until they are DEFEATED (or passed).
ACTIONS WE ALL NEED TO TAKE:
Maintain pressure on US Senate and House representatives (contact them)
On particular issues, contact your Governor, State legislators, county, and city representatives.
Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper.
Forward this message to everyone in your contacts list.
Tips to be most effective
CONTACTING CONGRESS:
Call the office for your Senator or House reps. where your representatives are currently, right now that is D.C., but verify it on the phone call
Ask to speak directly with your Senator or Congressman
Be sure to give your zip code so they know you are a constituent
Be polite, but firm
The next best method to a phone call is a fax, the least, email
WHY CONTACT YOUR STATE & LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES?
Several bills currently moving through Congress, if passed, seriously encroach on states' rights, and in turn will put a lot of pressure on county and city governments. It is essential that our state governments assert their sovereign rights
Although State legislatures are not currently in session this is the period during which legislators have the time to consider issues that need attention, or bills they will sponsor.
__________________________________________________ ________
THE ISSUES & BILLS:
S. 909 Matthew Shepherd Hate Crimes Bill
Purpose: Increases penalties for certain crimes committed against certain people, particularly based on sexual orientation
Position: OPPOSE
Reasons:
Should not be snuck into a Defense spending bill
Endangers freedom of speech and religion
Presents problems with double jeapordy
Violates the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment by singling out certain groups of citizens to the exclusion of others
Status:
Included as an amendment to a Defense Spending Bill late last week
Links:
Text of the original bill on THOMAS <http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:S.909:>
Politico.com Story Regarding the Bill Nearing passage <http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0709/25133.html>
Washington Times: F-22 Votes Stalls in Hate Crime Redux <http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jul/16/f-22-vote-stalls-in-hate-crime-redux/>
__________________________________________________ _____
Nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to the United States Supreme Court
Position: Senate member should oppose her nomination, vocally.
Reasons:
Sotomayor has made public statements and issued rulings that indicate:
Lack of respect for the right to bear arms
Racial and gender bias
Lack of respect for property rights
Has indicated "empathy" is a higher priority than following the law
Further:
Made a statement that appellate court judges make law
Her testimony last week has troubling contradictions in contrast to her writings and the facts of her life.
During hear testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, she showed a surprising lack of technical legal knowledge during some questioning, particularly in an interchange with Senator Hatch.
Has had a high rate of judicial error - 40%+ (her rulings were overturned)
Supports abortion through her statement that Roe v. Wade is settled law
Principles:
We should oppose those who are not clearly strict constructionists
Supporters of the Constitution in the Senate need to start showing themselves
Members of the Senate need to put the President on notice regarding this and future nominees to the Court
Status:
Conclusion of the hearings process, no clear date available regarding full Senate floor vote
Links:
Gun Owners of America <http://gunowners.org/> has been closely watching and researching this nominee, providing very good general information (beyond the Second Amendment) on their site.
GOA's Executive Director Larry Pratt, was a guest on a special episode of the Blog Talk Radio show The Constitutional Liberty Coalition Gets Grizzly on Thursday, July 16 to discuss the Sotomayor nomination. Larry gave a good deal of detailed information about Sotomayor and why her nomination should be opposed. You can listen by clicking here <http://www.blogtalkradio.com/GrizzlyGroundswell/2009/07/16/CLC> .
Former Supreme Court Nominee Robert Bork made statements regarding Sotomayor and recent history on the confirmation process on Newsmaxx <http://www.newsmax.com/headlines/bork_sotomayor/2009/07/14/235469.html> , Tuesday.
Wall Street Journal article <http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124765763843744783.html?mod=rss_com_mostcommenta rt> on how little information was gleaned from Sotomayor's testimony.
__________________________________________________ _
"Health Care Reform" / Socialized Medicine
Several versions exist Was H.R. 676 now, H.R. 3200 (see summary article, linked)
Stated Purpose: To make affordable health care available to all
Position: OPPOSE
Reasons:
Puts government in charge of health care decisions
Will implement rationing, meaning government will ultimately decide who suffers or not, who lives or dies
Will kill private health insurance
Will drive talent and innovation out of the health care industry, leading to a reduced quality of care
Will kill small businesses, particularly if certain versions pass
Anyone who states this will not lead to a single payer only (government!) is outright lying. There is ample evidence that supporters want government to be totally in charge of health care.
Status:
Unclear at this time. There are mixed messages from the White House and Congress. The President seemed to be continuing to push Congress to pass as quickly as possible despite the recent CBO report. Again, since there has been much "ducking and weaving" that has occurred, we must not let up on our opposition.
Links:
Text of H.R. 3200 on THOMAS <http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.3200:>
Forbes: A Bad Day for Obamacare? <http://www.forbes.com/2009/07/17/obama-health-care-reform-business-health-care-prexy.html>
Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Report on cost of HR 3200 <http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/104xx/doc10464/hr3200.pdf>
Forbes: Obamacare: The Cost Cutting Delusion <http://www.forbes.com/2009/07/17/healthcare-obama-employer-business-healthcare-obamacare.html>
Wal-Mart supports socialized medicine <http://www.examiner.com/x-8131-Sunset-District-Libertarian-Examiner%7Ey2009m7d19-WalMarts-healthcare-statism>
White House Less Firm on Date for Health Care Bill <http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/20/us/politics/20talkshows.html>
Many Governors Oppose Health Care Bill: Label As Unfunded Mandate <http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/07/19/governors-health-care-label-unfunded-mandate/>
__________________________________________________ ___
The PASS Act H.R. 1291
Stated Purpose: To better protect the security, confidentiality, and integrity of personally identifiable information collected by States when issuing driver’s licenses and identification documents, and for other purposes.
Position: OPPOSE
Reasons:
This is yet another stealth bill, being "sold" as an improvement to "Real ID", which has been very controversial
Passage of this bill means a NATIONAL Identity Card
Contains Biometric data like facial recognition technology
Real ID has always been sold as a way to "make us safer"
Many states have outright refused to comply, that is the reason for this latest maneuver, "to improve privacy"
Status: Currently in committee in the Senate; the next opportunity for revisions is July 29.
Links:
Text of HR 1291 <http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:S.1261:>
Stop Real ID Coalition <http://stoprealidcoalition.com/> has a great deal of detailed information on this issue and provides frequent status reports.
OpEd News Article on HR 1291 <http://www.opednews.com/articles/Washington-seeks-PASS-Act-by-Sheila-Dean-090717-452.html>
__________________________________________________ __
HR 2454 (2998) American Clean Energy and Security Act - Cap & Trade
Stated purpose: Reduce carbon emissions, achieve energy independence
Position: Oppose
Reasons:
Basic premise is entirely flawed, based on faulty / controversial science
Is about control, not "protecting the environment"
Violates the Tenth and Fourth Amendments in many respects through encroachment on states' rights and required inspections
Will devastate America's economy through regulations and taxes imposed on businesses, causing increased costs for energy
Will touch most aspects of our daily lives from the cars we drive to the appliances in our homes
Status:
Passed by the House of Representatives on June 26, 2009
Currently in the Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works (EPW); Committee Chair Barb Boxer (D-CA) released a statement last week that this bill will not come up for a vote until after Congress' August Recess
*Despite Sen. Boxer's statement, it is important to stay on this issue!*
List of cut and paste links:
S. 909 Hate Crimes Bills on Thomas
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:S.909:
Washington Times Story Hate Crimes Bill
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jul/16/f-22-vote-stalls-in-hate-crime-redux/
Gun Owners of America
http://gunowners.org
Wall Street Journal Article Sotomayor Hearings
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124765763843744783.html?mod=rss_com_mostcommenta rt
CLC Gets Grizzly Radio Interview with Gun Owner's of America Larry Pratt
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/GrizzlyGroundswell/2009/07/16/CLC
Robert Bork on the Sotomayor Nomination
http://www.newsmax.com/headlines/bork_sotomayor/2009/07/14/235469.html
Text of HR 3200
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.3200:
Boston.com Summary of three Health Care Bill Versions
http://www.boston.com/news/health/articles/2009/07/17/comparing_the_bills/
Many Governors Oppose Health Care Bill; Call It Unfunded Mandate
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/07/19/governors-health-care-label-unfunded-mandate/
Examiner article on Wal-Mart's support of Socialized Medicine
http://www.examiner.com/x-8131-Sunset-District-Libertarian-Examiner~y2009m7d19-WalMarts-healthcare-statism
Forbes Article: A Bad Day for Obamacare?
http://www.forbes.com/2009/07/17/obama-health-care-reform-business-health-care-prexy.html
Forbes Article: Obamacare The Cost Cutting Delusion
http://www.forbes.com/2009/07/17/healthcare-obama-employer-business-healthcare-obamacare.html
OpEd News Article on the PASS Act HR 1291
http://www.opednews.com/articles/Washington-seeks-PASS-Act-by-Sheila-Dean-090717-452.html
Stop Real ID Coalition
http://www.stoprealidcoalition.com/
_____________________________________
Web Sites for Additional Information:
Facts Are Stubborn Things Blog
http://stubbornfacts1776.com
Constitutional Liberty Coalition
http://clibertyc.wordpress.com
Teaparty Grassroots (to find/list events)
http://teapartygrassroots.com
R3publicans
http://r3publican.wordpress.com
Axiomamuse
http://axiomamuse.wordpress.com
OK-Safe
http://ok-safe.com
________________________________
To subscribe/unsubscribe
http://rpnewsletter.dreamhosters.com/allstates
Permission to share and replicate granted/encouraged!:)
Faster than a speeding bullet!
It's a bird, it's a train...
No, it's....
CONGRESS!
Congress is moving through bills and hearings at the speed of light. Focusing on one issue alone is a luxury we simply cannot afford.
Things are moving too fast, bills are too long, too many traditions and even rules are not being followed, and too many diversions are being created to either expect accurate projections can be made or statements relied upon as to when any particular bill will actually come up for a vote.
Following the wisdom of "those who fail to study history are doomed to repeat it", we must learn that we should act as if these issues are imminent.
If you followed events closely leading up to the House of Representatives' vote on HR 2454 aka Cap & Trade, you likely noticed:
The prevailing wisdom of pundits, think tanks, and many on Capitol Hill was "Cap & Trade is in trouble"
Most people following issues in the Federal government and politics in general were focused on the outrageous actions of ABC News in regards to President Obama's Health Care Town Hall when the announcement was made that Cap & Trade would be up for a vote on the House floor.
The House voted on HR 2454 late on a Friday afternoon, the slowest news day of the week.
The media opted to cover the death of pop star Michael Jackson rather than the passage of the Cap & Trade bill in the House.
Over 300 pages were added in the middle of the night and no complete copy was available at the time of the vote.
There are several issues that require our attention NOW and going forward until they are DEFEATED (or passed).
ACTIONS WE ALL NEED TO TAKE:
Maintain pressure on US Senate and House representatives (contact them)
On particular issues, contact your Governor, State legislators, county, and city representatives.
Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper.
Forward this message to everyone in your contacts list.
Tips to be most effective
CONTACTING CONGRESS:
Call the office for your Senator or House reps. where your representatives are currently, right now that is D.C., but verify it on the phone call
Ask to speak directly with your Senator or Congressman
Be sure to give your zip code so they know you are a constituent
Be polite, but firm
The next best method to a phone call is a fax, the least, email
WHY CONTACT YOUR STATE & LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES?
Several bills currently moving through Congress, if passed, seriously encroach on states' rights, and in turn will put a lot of pressure on county and city governments. It is essential that our state governments assert their sovereign rights
Although State legislatures are not currently in session this is the period during which legislators have the time to consider issues that need attention, or bills they will sponsor.
__________________________________________________ ________
THE ISSUES & BILLS:
S. 909 Matthew Shepherd Hate Crimes Bill
Purpose: Increases penalties for certain crimes committed against certain people, particularly based on sexual orientation
Position: OPPOSE
Reasons:
Should not be snuck into a Defense spending bill
Endangers freedom of speech and religion
Presents problems with double jeapordy
Violates the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment by singling out certain groups of citizens to the exclusion of others
Status:
Included as an amendment to a Defense Spending Bill late last week
Links:
Text of the original bill on THOMAS <http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:S.909:>
Politico.com Story Regarding the Bill Nearing passage <http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0709/25133.html>
Washington Times: F-22 Votes Stalls in Hate Crime Redux <http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jul/16/f-22-vote-stalls-in-hate-crime-redux/>
__________________________________________________ _____
Nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to the United States Supreme Court
Position: Senate member should oppose her nomination, vocally.
Reasons:
Sotomayor has made public statements and issued rulings that indicate:
Lack of respect for the right to bear arms
Racial and gender bias
Lack of respect for property rights
Has indicated "empathy" is a higher priority than following the law
Further:
Made a statement that appellate court judges make law
Her testimony last week has troubling contradictions in contrast to her writings and the facts of her life.
During hear testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, she showed a surprising lack of technical legal knowledge during some questioning, particularly in an interchange with Senator Hatch.
Has had a high rate of judicial error - 40%+ (her rulings were overturned)
Supports abortion through her statement that Roe v. Wade is settled law
Principles:
We should oppose those who are not clearly strict constructionists
Supporters of the Constitution in the Senate need to start showing themselves
Members of the Senate need to put the President on notice regarding this and future nominees to the Court
Status:
Conclusion of the hearings process, no clear date available regarding full Senate floor vote
Links:
Gun Owners of America <http://gunowners.org/> has been closely watching and researching this nominee, providing very good general information (beyond the Second Amendment) on their site.
GOA's Executive Director Larry Pratt, was a guest on a special episode of the Blog Talk Radio show The Constitutional Liberty Coalition Gets Grizzly on Thursday, July 16 to discuss the Sotomayor nomination. Larry gave a good deal of detailed information about Sotomayor and why her nomination should be opposed. You can listen by clicking here <http://www.blogtalkradio.com/GrizzlyGroundswell/2009/07/16/CLC> .
Former Supreme Court Nominee Robert Bork made statements regarding Sotomayor and recent history on the confirmation process on Newsmaxx <http://www.newsmax.com/headlines/bork_sotomayor/2009/07/14/235469.html> , Tuesday.
Wall Street Journal article <http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124765763843744783.html?mod=rss_com_mostcommenta rt> on how little information was gleaned from Sotomayor's testimony.
__________________________________________________ _
"Health Care Reform" / Socialized Medicine
Several versions exist Was H.R. 676 now, H.R. 3200 (see summary article, linked)
Stated Purpose: To make affordable health care available to all
Position: OPPOSE
Reasons:
Puts government in charge of health care decisions
Will implement rationing, meaning government will ultimately decide who suffers or not, who lives or dies
Will kill private health insurance
Will drive talent and innovation out of the health care industry, leading to a reduced quality of care
Will kill small businesses, particularly if certain versions pass
Anyone who states this will not lead to a single payer only (government!) is outright lying. There is ample evidence that supporters want government to be totally in charge of health care.
Status:
Unclear at this time. There are mixed messages from the White House and Congress. The President seemed to be continuing to push Congress to pass as quickly as possible despite the recent CBO report. Again, since there has been much "ducking and weaving" that has occurred, we must not let up on our opposition.
Links:
Text of H.R. 3200 on THOMAS <http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.3200:>
Forbes: A Bad Day for Obamacare? <http://www.forbes.com/2009/07/17/obama-health-care-reform-business-health-care-prexy.html>
Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Report on cost of HR 3200 <http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/104xx/doc10464/hr3200.pdf>
Forbes: Obamacare: The Cost Cutting Delusion <http://www.forbes.com/2009/07/17/healthcare-obama-employer-business-healthcare-obamacare.html>
Wal-Mart supports socialized medicine <http://www.examiner.com/x-8131-Sunset-District-Libertarian-Examiner%7Ey2009m7d19-WalMarts-healthcare-statism>
White House Less Firm on Date for Health Care Bill <http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/20/us/politics/20talkshows.html>
Many Governors Oppose Health Care Bill: Label As Unfunded Mandate <http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/07/19/governors-health-care-label-unfunded-mandate/>
__________________________________________________ ___
The PASS Act H.R. 1291
Stated Purpose: To better protect the security, confidentiality, and integrity of personally identifiable information collected by States when issuing driver’s licenses and identification documents, and for other purposes.
Position: OPPOSE
Reasons:
This is yet another stealth bill, being "sold" as an improvement to "Real ID", which has been very controversial
Passage of this bill means a NATIONAL Identity Card
Contains Biometric data like facial recognition technology
Real ID has always been sold as a way to "make us safer"
Many states have outright refused to comply, that is the reason for this latest maneuver, "to improve privacy"
Status: Currently in committee in the Senate; the next opportunity for revisions is July 29.
Links:
Text of HR 1291 <http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:S.1261:>
Stop Real ID Coalition <http://stoprealidcoalition.com/> has a great deal of detailed information on this issue and provides frequent status reports.
OpEd News Article on HR 1291 <http://www.opednews.com/articles/Washington-seeks-PASS-Act-by-Sheila-Dean-090717-452.html>
__________________________________________________ __
HR 2454 (2998) American Clean Energy and Security Act - Cap & Trade
Stated purpose: Reduce carbon emissions, achieve energy independence
Position: Oppose
Reasons:
Basic premise is entirely flawed, based on faulty / controversial science
Is about control, not "protecting the environment"
Violates the Tenth and Fourth Amendments in many respects through encroachment on states' rights and required inspections
Will devastate America's economy through regulations and taxes imposed on businesses, causing increased costs for energy
Will touch most aspects of our daily lives from the cars we drive to the appliances in our homes
Status:
Passed by the House of Representatives on June 26, 2009
Currently in the Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works (EPW); Committee Chair Barb Boxer (D-CA) released a statement last week that this bill will not come up for a vote until after Congress' August Recess
*Despite Sen. Boxer's statement, it is important to stay on this issue!*
List of cut and paste links:
S. 909 Hate Crimes Bills on Thomas
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:S.909:
Washington Times Story Hate Crimes Bill
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jul/16/f-22-vote-stalls-in-hate-crime-redux/
Gun Owners of America
http://gunowners.org
Wall Street Journal Article Sotomayor Hearings
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124765763843744783.html?mod=rss_com_mostcommenta rt
CLC Gets Grizzly Radio Interview with Gun Owner's of America Larry Pratt
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/GrizzlyGroundswell/2009/07/16/CLC
Robert Bork on the Sotomayor Nomination
http://www.newsmax.com/headlines/bork_sotomayor/2009/07/14/235469.html
Text of HR 3200
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.3200:
Boston.com Summary of three Health Care Bill Versions
http://www.boston.com/news/health/articles/2009/07/17/comparing_the_bills/
Many Governors Oppose Health Care Bill; Call It Unfunded Mandate
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/07/19/governors-health-care-label-unfunded-mandate/
Examiner article on Wal-Mart's support of Socialized Medicine
http://www.examiner.com/x-8131-Sunset-District-Libertarian-Examiner~y2009m7d19-WalMarts-healthcare-statism
Forbes Article: A Bad Day for Obamacare?
http://www.forbes.com/2009/07/17/obama-health-care-reform-business-health-care-prexy.html
Forbes Article: Obamacare The Cost Cutting Delusion
http://www.forbes.com/2009/07/17/healthcare-obama-employer-business-healthcare-obamacare.html
OpEd News Article on the PASS Act HR 1291
http://www.opednews.com/articles/Washington-seeks-PASS-Act-by-Sheila-Dean-090717-452.html
Stop Real ID Coalition
http://www.stoprealidcoalition.com/
_____________________________________
Web Sites for Additional Information:
Facts Are Stubborn Things Blog
http://stubbornfacts1776.com
Constitutional Liberty Coalition
http://clibertyc.wordpress.com
Teaparty Grassroots (to find/list events)
http://teapartygrassroots.com
R3publicans
http://r3publican.wordpress.com
Axiomamuse
http://axiomamuse.wordpress.com
OK-Safe
http://ok-safe.com
________________________________
To subscribe/unsubscribe
http://rpnewsletter.dreamhosters.com/allstates
Permission to share and replicate granted/encouraged!:)