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Unbelievable! The Center for Constitutional Rights has unfortunately decided to take action in support of ACORN. http://ccrjustice.org/acorn-v-usa The case alleges that the government's decision to terminate funding to ACORN amounts to a violation of the Constitution under Article I, Section 9, the "Bill of Attainder clause". I've been a past financial supporter of the CCR because they have taken up "unpopular" cases which the ACLU would not touch. I can't express how disappointed I am at their decision to pursue this case. The following is my letter to them:
Dear Sir or Madam, As a past financial supporter of the CCR and a strong believer in the U.S. Constitution and civil liberties, I am writing to express my outrage and disappointment at your decision to take up the case in defense of ACORN. I do not consider myself "Republican" or "Right Wing", and I am well aware of the U.S. Constitution's "Bill of Attainder" clause. However, I do not consider the termination of government funding to an organization as "punishment" in the Constitutional sense of the term. In this case, we have video evidence of multiple representatives of ACORN in multiple locations advising people on how to break the law . . . even to the extent that they were willing to aid and abet a child prostitution ring! This is simply outrageous. Can you imagine what would happen if a "Left Wing" activist obtained video evidence of NRA representatives providing advice on how to circumvent Federal and State firearms laws? I do not want my tax dollars going to people who would willingly facilitate prostitution or the child sex trade. Furthermore, I do not want my donations to an organization that presents itself as a champion of Constitutional Rights defending such people. I'm sorry that you chose such a course of action. I've planned a donation to the CCR as part of my employer's annual charitable contribution campaign. I will be doing all that I can to make sure that this donation is canceled. You may no longer count on my moral or financial support.
With all of the recent assaults on civil liberties, one would think that the CCR could be more selective in the battles it's trying to fight.
Categories: Civil Liberties, Law, Current Events Tags: acorn, CCR |
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All patriotic Americans must enjoy paying income taxes, especially to finance benign protective foreign invasions, impartial Wall Street bailouts, pre-eminent industrial cartels, philanthropic world hegemony, and brilliant public education. But seriously folks, perhaps, they are amused by the imbecilic grandeur of it all instead, else they would collectively refuse to pay. I do not mean that they would stop paying income taxes individually, a la Irwin Schiff, on the less than slim chance that the courts would enforce the Fourth and Fifth Amendments to the Constitution. Few of them would relish sharing a prison cell with the quixotic old warrior. On the contrary, if they were not so entertained by the stupendous show for which they dearly pay, they would have voted long ago to abolish the income tax. Taxpayers are far and away the largest voting block there is. By contrast, redistributees are a scattered hodgepodge of diverse interests from banksters to unwed mothers who buy politicians with bribes or votes. The largest interest group of all is the one that pays for all the rest. As such, it is strange they have not effectively hawked their votes on the congressional trading floor. It might be an amusing change of pace for the goats to nudge their masters as they stoop to fill the hog trough. What might happen if tax chumps demanded just enough to get their overlords' attention, say a one year income tax suspension? Wouldn't their employees in congress have to play along in most districts or loose their seats? As for whence the funding for such a tax vacation, need taxpayers be any more concerned than any of the tax consumers? It is not the fault of tax mules that tax guzzlers fell for the bogus sales pitch of the brokers of forced labor on the campaign trail. Wouldn't it be fun to see congress, the executive, and the courts squirm? How would they avoid defaulting on the national debt and mooning the dollar? Would they begin to abandon military occupations in the Middle East, Asia, and Europe? Would they sell government properties? Would they panic and even consider the Liberty Amendment? How would the economy fair if average workers could keep thousands more of their own earnings? What would happen if the public began to take financial command of the economy, social welfare, and national security away from the central government? The answers are worth the risk of disrupting income taxes, and for the voter, the risk of an IRS audit is low.
Categories: Education, Finance, Civil Liberties, Action Item, US Constitution, Ethics, Revolution, Voting, Economy Tags: |
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Fom the online Wall Street Journal: "Ludwig von Mises was snubbed by economists world-wide as he warned of a credit crisis in the 1920s. We ignore the great Austrian at our peril today." http://online.wsj.com/article/SB20001424052748704471504574443600711779692.html Luwig von Who??? I was both surprised and pleased to see someone in the mainstream press even MENTIONING Austrian economics, and in a generally POSITIVE light no less! When I see things like this, and the links posted here to many video clips and articles representing the viewpoints of liberty-minded people, it makes me believe that the effors of The Campaign for Liberty are having an impact. Keep up the good work everyone. Categories: History, Economy, Monetary Policy Tags: Von Mises, Austrian Economics |
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The Liberty Amendment has been introduced and reintroduced in congress several times since 1952 and 6 times by Ron Paul since 1998, but it has not developed enough exposure and popular appeal to pass a constitutional amendment. It is not long at less than half a page, and it is not hard to understand. It is fiscally sound in that it would fund the loss of revenue occasioned by its fourth section which would repeal the Sixteenth Amendment. Yet, it has been relatively impotent for nearly 30 years since Arizona, Indiana and Mississippi became the last of 9 states to adopt it. This reveals that it has not found a way to attract the average taxpayer. What it needs is a conveyance to introduce it to the public and to educate it. It has no teeth, because it is not a popular threat to the income tax. It would be an excellent companion for a serious popular threat to the income tax, but plainly from its history, it is not by itself a vigorous threat. A real challenge would involve a public appeal stronger than that of the special interests. Since taxpayers make up the largest of all special interests, go figure why they have not rallied behind the Liberty Amendment to protect themselves from from all the grasping interests. Have they lost patience with it? After all, it was introduced almost 60 years ago and has stalled for nearly 30. How about re-introducing it by way of a simpler, more direct first step? Mobilize taxpayers now to vote for new candidates for congress or incumbents who support a temporary income tax suspension, say for a year. Buying their votes with their own earnings is better than buying other people's votes with it. Since they are the largest special interest in every congressional district, they could have a tremendous effect on next year's elections. What better way to invigorate the Liberty Amendment and revive the momentum to pass it? Categories: Law, Action Item, Federal Legislation, Revolution, Economy, Congress Tags: |
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Is there a legal way not to pay income tax without triggering an IRS audit? Of course there is; vote for it. With effective promotion, taxpayers will vote for politicians to suspend income taxes, at least temporarily, say for one year. If people will vote for vote-brokers to nationalize health care, start wars, and subsidize financial and industrial cartels, taxpayers will certainly trade their votes to keep their earnings for at least a year. Suspending income taxes would allow those who earned the money to keep it versus transferring it to those who covet it by politicians buying votes or distributing favors. Who deserves the money more, those who work for it or those who vote to take it away for their own or others narrow interests? If voting to relocate income is fair, voting to keep ones own belongings must be at least as fair, and as such, is a morally more justifiable reason for voting. The threat of a popular income tax suspension can be a powerful counterweight to profligate spending for special interests. It does not matter how to pay for a tax suspension. What matters is that it is possible to convince majorities in most congressional districts to unseat the rogues in congress who represent limited interests at citizen expense. That is the pressure needed to get congress to recognize the folly of record deficit spending and to consider the real cost cutting, decolonizing, and selling needed to get the economy under control. Returning income taxes to the citizens for a year would stimulate the economy, as it would add to consumption, savings, bank deposits, investments, production, and jobs. It would certainly boost the economy better than bailing out over-exposed banks, unsound industries, and failed states. It might even get voters used to the idea and stimulate the public will to abolish the income tax and the IRS for keeps. This ultimate tax rebellion would overpower all narrower interests in favor of the largest interest group of all, the one that finances all the rest and pays the interest on the national debt. Talk about leverage! The group that pays holds all the cards, but inexplicably, it does not play them. The special interests play hardball with their neighbor's money when they trade their votes and bribes for favors. The people who pay the bills can sell their votes to politicians who know how to win fairly without plundering their neighbors. They need an anti-statist to sponsor an income tax suspension bill in congress. Then watch how exploited taxpayers flock to support it.
Categories: Law, Action Item, Federal Legislation, Revolution, Economy, Congress Tags: |
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If you are looking for horror stories this Halloween season, the scariest of all is The History of Money and Banking in the United States by Murray Rothbard, a free download at http://mises.org/books/historyofmoney.pdf. Learn all about how the founding banksters created the most frightening monster ever to roam the earth. Get right to the most terrifying part, The Origins of the Federal Reserve, pp 179 - 258. It will raise your hair, rattle your teeth, and curdle your blood, but you will learn the true nature of the beast, the better to slay it. Categories: Finance, History, Economy Tags: |
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It has been only a year and look how far we have come. On October 1, 2008, the Campaign for Liberty officially launched in Vermont with eight members and a little under 100 email only members. As of today, we now have 97 members and over 550 email only members. Back in October, 2008 we were only an on-line entity with little interaction with other, like minded organizations. Now we have a working relationship with several well established groups around Vermont and continue to support their efforts as our organization grows. In one year, we went from nothing to being an upcoming and important voice in Vermont Politics. Over the last 12 months so much has happened. We have had a State Convention with over 50 attendees and some really great speakers. We have had regular quarterly meetings of our Local Coordinators. We have help create tea parties on April 15 and July 4th. We sponsored a petition drive that brought all three of our Congressional Delegates to support the "Audit the Fed" effort. We had a hugely successful fair booth at the Rutland Fair this year. The Liberty Blog and the Vermont Campaign for Liberty site were launched. Finally, we have offered seminars to the public aimed at helping our fellow Vermonters become better citizens. Looking back we have accomplished a lot with such a small group in a very "liberal" state. But our progress does not end there. Come this January, we will be holding our second State Convention. In the Spring another round of Citizen Forums will be held throughout the State. We will be having information tables at New Hampshire's Freedom Fest and The Free State Projects' Porcupine Fest. Finally, plans are in the works to increase our presence in Vermont through media expansion and publication of our own material. All of this success has been as a result of our members contributing their time, wealth, and skills to further the Campaign. Make no mistake, this is your Campaign for Liberty and it can only grow and continue to succeed if you continue to help it. So, with the successes of the last twelve months in mind, let's work together to make the next twelve even more successful. We can do it, if we all contribute. Tags: |
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Recently a discussion has arisen concerning the effectiveness of 10th Amendment Resolutions as a way to address Washington's long history of over reaching its Constitutional Powers. As part of this discussion, a member noted that " Our hope is not in, nor should it ever be in the Constitution". After reading this entry, I felt compelled to write the following: "The discussion over the Constitution misses a vital point that the previous writer has hinted at. Even the best crafted document is meaningless unless those it seeks to guide honor it. Classic examples are the Constitutions of the Soviet Union or Weimar Germany. Both, on their faces, are incredible documents which maximizes individual liberties, popular government, and a well reasoned system of governance. The only problem was that they also were only documents. Both the Soviet Union's and Germany's leaders hardly paid attention to either while paying lip service to them. A nation of laws ruled by a government of men is a contradiction. If the rulers do not obey the law, then the law fundamentally is meaningless or at least unstable and subject to the whims of an elite, a mob, or personalities. While agreeing with the previous writer that our hope is not in the Constitution, I disagree with his contention that "we must be good and elect good people to write good laws." Read Madison's notes on the Convention. Throughout the painful, slow process of crafting the Constitution, there was one assumption that all present held and periodically expressed. That assumption was that the American People, jealous of their liberties, would serve as a check upon the actions of a rouge government. In effect, they assumed that the Citizens would be a Fourth Branch of government. And, they felt that this assumption was so self-evident that they did feel the need to write it down. For some reason we, as a people, have forgotten our traditional suspicion of government and our sense of ownership in our government. We, citizen's of the greatest republic known to man, failed to perform our office as citizens and let our vital role in that republic slip, leaving great power in the hands of those with great ambition, unchecked. The simple passage of a resolution or even a bill will not effect the necessary change we seek. The fight over this bill or that piece of legislation will not alter the fact that government is treated as a separate and unrelated entity in the lives of Americans. Most Americans treat politics as a specialized field or as a seasonal sport and not directly effecting their daily lives. For too long we have been trying to have good laws written, only to be bitterly disappointed by the works of our servants. For too long we have been trying to "elect good people", only to find that good people are few and far between despite the protestations of many claiming the role. If anything, history tells us that wanting and waiting for a white knight to come along is a sure recipe for dictatorship and disaster. For the Constitution to work, we must make it work. We must hold everyone accountable to its provisions, regardless of party, for both have long abused this document for too long. We must demand that the lawgivers honor and obey the law first. We must keep everyone of their actions under scrutiny constantly and call them to account when they fail their office. To do all of this requires something more than playing party politics or campaigning for this candidate or that one. It requires finding those few, precious few, citizens in a sea of people. Citizens who understand their role goes beyond Tax Day and Election Day. Citizen's who love their liberty and the fruits of it and are willing to work to maintain them. The reality is to effectuate change we don't need a majority, or a large minority. We only need an educated, motivated, and committed minority of people willing to work for the change we seek. To find that minority of citizens, true citizens, we need to look in our neighborhoods, churches, clubs, and workplaces. We must interact with the community and send out the liberty message and listen intently for a reply. We all want liberty minded candidates to win. But in order to give them a fighting chance we must prepare the ground. Create an atmosphere in the public forum where his message will not be shunted aside. To do this, the public must be made fully aware of the message and create a network of liberty minded citizens willing to rush to his aid and work for his success. Ultimately, it requires us to model good citizenship for our neighbors and provide them with an opportunity to become involved" Tags: |
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Dear Congressman Welch, The Federal government will soon be discussing the issue of "financial reform" in the wake of the current crisis. The most fundamental reform that I would like to see is for Congress, or one of the numerous Federal regulatory and law enforcement agencies to begin following the existing law and fulfilling their responsibilities. It is impossible to believe that we could have gotten into this mess without massive fraud on the part of the financial institutions and gross negligence on the part of the various regulators. This cannot and should not be ignored in favor of passing some new legislation. What possible good can come from a new set of laws when government fails to enforce the existing ones? Perhaps we need to start small, so I'll provide one example. In May 2009, a memorandum from Timothy Ward, Deputy Director of the OTS stated that a review of several thrifts, discovered: "...practices that may not be in accordance with supervisory guidance and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)." As you know fraudulent accounting practices are what destroyed Enron and Worldcom, and led to the enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley act. Among other things, this legislation requires that senior executives in publicly traded companies take personal responsibility for the accuracy of corporate financial statements. The aforementioned OTS report was filed in May. Therefore, any publicly traded companies should have filed one or more quarterly earnings reports and published their balance sheets since that time. If these statements were compiled using data based on false accounting methods, would it not be a clear violation of Sarbanes-Oxley? Furthermore, individual investors rely on these statements to evaluate the earnings potential and financial health of the companies. Deliberately providing false information which affects investment decisions is also a clear example of securities fraud. The conclusions in Mr. Ward's report are CLEARLY grounds for criminal investigation of these thrifts by both the SEC and the FBI. If those agencies refuse to act, it is within the power of Congress to conduct investigations and hold hearings on these matters. This financial crisis has affected millions upon millions of United States citizens and has placed huge financial burdens on this, and future generations of taxpayers. I therefore demand that the Federal government begin investigating and prosecuting the widespread fraud and regulatory failures that led to this crisis.
Categories: Finance, Law, Congress Tags: Fraud, OTS, financial crisis |
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Considering the core issues of the Campaign for Liberty, namely sound money, individual freedom, noninterventionist foreign policy, and free market capitalism, I'm left to wonder why our fellow citizens who consider themselves "liberal" or "left leaning" have such bitter opposition to Ron Paul and The Campaign for Liberty. Forgive the generalizations inherent in the whole "left" vs. "right" paradigm, but was it not the left who organized such vocal opposition to the war in Iraq? Aren't they opposed to our imperialistic and uneven foreign policy and the massive military budgets required for its maintenance? Didn't the left consistently decry the many abuses of civil liberties that occurred under the Bush administration? Apart from one economics professor that I met briefly, I don't personally know anyone of any political affiliation that was in favor of the banker bailouts. Nor is there much support for the blatant corruption and cronyism in Washington, and the policies and secrecy of The Fed. With so much common ground, what is at the heart of this bitter enmity and how do we overcome it? Has the mainstream media's slanderous treatment of Dr. Paul, especially during the presidential primaries, been so successful that he's simply dismissed as a "kook"? Do people instead dismiss him as just another "Libertarian" or "Republican" and refuse to hear the message? Are folks so caught up in the Democrat vs. Republican or Liberal vs. Conservative world view that they are focused on "sides" and blind to "issues"? Is the message of "free market capitalism" associated with the abuses of the industrial revolution, or seen as support for the crony capitalism, corporate welfare, and bailout policies of the current government? Is my experience isolated, or is this what others perceive or have experienced? Familiarizing people of all political persuasions with our message is certainly important. I also believe that it's necessary to actively distance ourselves from the neocon wing of the Republican Party. In the "two sides" mentality, opposition to current Democratic policies is misconstrued as support for the Republican platform, and that perception must be overcome. Dissociating ourselves with the so called "conservative" (but completely disingenuous) figureheads such as Michelle Malkin and Sean Hannity also seems important. Categories: Campaign For Liberty Tags: activism |
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I received an email from Senator Leahy (D - VT) this morning stating that he plans to co-sign S 604. The first time I ever called a Senator's office, I got almost immediate results, but I have a feeling it wasn't just me. If you haven't tried it yet, what are you waiting for? Categories: Action Item Tags: |
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On Tuesday's C4L day of action I dropped off 260 petitions at Senator Leahy's office. I had a nice conversation with his staffer, Allison, in which I told her how disappointed with the quality of the Senator's reply to my initial inquiry and failure to respond when I contacted the office again. She seemed genuinely disconcerted and sorry that I had the experience I did. I just received an email from the Senator:
We did it, Vemonters! Thank you all so much for your hard work and dedication!
Categories: Campaign For Liberty, Finance, Domestic Policy, Grassroots News, Action Item, Federal Legislation, Current Events, Economy, Monetary Policy Tags: |
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Healthcare is currently the major focus in Washington DC and around the nation, but the battle lines between the Federal government and the U.S. Citizens are already being drawn for the next major confrontation: so called "financial reform". Once again, The Federal Government will propose even MORE government and MORE regulation to solve a problem which government, government officials and the Federal Reserve created A decade of loose monetary policy by The Fed is a major cause of this crisis, yet the tentative proposals for "reform" suggest that the Fed should be given even more power as a "systemic risk regulator" to handle "too big to fail" institutions. Another major cause of this crisis is blatant and widespread FRAUD in the financial industry. Mortgage lenders making loans which they knew that the borrower could never afford, then deliberately packaging these loans into exotic financial instruments to sell to Wall St. Ratings agencies that consistently gave these garbage securities AAA ratings, masking the catastrophic risks involved. Financial firms and insurance companies knowingly entering into complex transactions that couldn't possibly be reconciled. These, and any number of other activities could rightfully be investigated as criminal fraud under existing regulations. However, the OTS, SEC and even the FBI watched and continue to watch with indifference. The big government "solutions" to these problems thus far? TARP, the bailouts of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and AIG, the Treasury Dept's PPIP program, the Fed's "alphabet soup" of lending facilities pumping money into the system, and the elimination of mark to market accounting (thus legalizing Enron-style accounting fraud). Measures that reward rather than punish the malfeasance and exacerbate rather than solve the underlying problem. This problem continues to fester under the surface of our economy and is being deliberately obscured and worsened by the Treasury Department, Federal Reserve, FDIC and the large Wall Street financial institutions. The underlying issue of bad debt is simply being papered over with bailouts, more loose monetary policy from the Fed, accounting gimmicks, willful regulatory negligence and flowery rhetoric talking about recovery and "green shoots". When Congress and the President take up the issue of "financial reform", the fact that the Federal Reserve and various government agencies are at the heart of the problems in the system will be conveniently ignored. Massive fraud, and regulatory negligence will also be omitted from the discussion. The implication will be that there was little if any malfeasance on Wall Street, no wrongdoing or negligence on the part of the Federal government, and that the Federal Reserve and chairman Bernanke did a marvelous job in taking bold action to address the financial crisis. Thus, if we only had the right regulations and reforms in place, none of this would have happened. The Federal government's actions thus far in dealing with this financial crisis clearly indicate that they have no intention of looking for a genuine solution. Their mission has been to serve a politically well connected elite and place the burden of their bad behavior on the backs of the U.S. taxpayer. This government has demonstrated a clear willingness to ignore the rule of law, and to take actions which facilitate and reward rather than prevent and prosecute wrongdoing. In this context, no amount of new regulation will solve the current problems or prevent future problems. New legislation masked in the guise of "financial reform" or "consumer protection" will be yet another excuse for yet another Federal power grab.
Categories: Finance, Domestic Policy, Federal Legislation, Current Events, Economy, Monetary Policy, Congress Tags: financial crisis, Federal Reserve, Big Government |
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Hounding Hound Dogs Categories: Grassroots News Tags: small business, zoning |
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On September 23rd, twenty three Republican US Senators are holding a $500 per plate fundraiser in Washington DC for Trey Grayson - Rand Paul's opponent. This deck stacking favoritism in a highly contested GOP primary is unacceptable! Read about the DC establishment's fundraiser for one of their own here. Our goal is to bring together 5,000 common people to donate $100 each creating a one day donation total of $500,000!
Categories: Republican Party, Grassroots News, Action Item, Current Events, Revolution, Voting, Congress Tags: |
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It seems like George Orwell was more of a prophet than a novelist. One of the areas where this is readily apparent is in the language of politics and big government. Just as the Orwellian "Ministry of Justice" was the agency responsible for the detention and torture of political dissidents, we have legislation such as the USA P.A.T.R.I.O.T. (Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism) Act. A law that is a direct assault on civil liberties and The U.S. Constitution, and which flies in the face of everything genuinely "patriotic" is nevertheless given this outrageous label. For anyone who has read and studied the "P.A.T.R.I.O.T. Act", the term should arouse feelings of disgust and disdain. To the casual observer, or uninformed citizen however, associating legislation with "Patriotism" naturally provides unjustified credibility and creates a false positive regard. The mere fact that our government deliberately applies such a misleading title to a piece of legislation should be a warning sign for the onset of tyranny. A more contemporary example would be the "Cap and Trade" bill. The title isn't an antithesis to the substance, but it still serves to obscure the fact that the bill is in fact a surreptitious method of taxation. Of course no politician or government agency would EVER introduce legislation which contained the word "tax" framed with a clear indication that taxes will be increasing. The language of big government penetrates much more deeply than spurious and misleading legislation title and public statements however. For example: "UF researchers receive $643,000 federal grant to study wood-quality gene for fuel production." (news.ifas.ufl.edu) "The study, called RAISE, is a contract funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Institutes of Health and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The government will fund $40 million over six years. . ." (bio-medicine.org) "$2.4 Billion in Federal Funding for Battery and EV Companies" (industry.bnet.com) The U.S. Federal government is not an originator of wealth. They have absolutely no money of their own. All of their wealth comes from taxation of one type or another on businesses and individuals. Of course they can use money borrowed from foreign countries, but these are still liabilities for which the taxpayer is responsible. They can use printed money, hot off the presses and borrowed from the Federal Reserve bank, but this too imposes a cost on the taxpayer, either through later repurchase of treasury securities bought by the Fed, or through the erosion of the value of the dollar (the pernicious "inflation tax"). Would it not then be more appropriate to change the basic language we use when discussing government expenditures? Talking about getting "federal grants" or receiving "federal funding" carries the implication that wealth was generated directly by the government, completely ignoring the true source of such funding. This terminology fosters the impression that big government is a generous benefactor of the citizens and a source of limitless "free" wealth, when in fact it should be viewed as a burden on society and at best a "necessary evil". Blindly accepting the language and terminology of big government grants them a degree of false credibility and unjustified stature. Researchers receive "TAXPAYER" grants. The "TAXPAYER" will fund a particular study, and an infrastructure project will receive so many dollars of "TAXPAYER" funding. Governments do not create wealth, they forcibly extract it from citizens and businesses of the nation through taxation. When the government then turns around and spends that wealth, acknowledgment should be given to the people who actually produced it, not to the middleman who simply serves as redistributor. Categories: Media, Miscellany Tags: terminology, Big Government |
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I completely support the Right of the People to keep and bear arms, and I would vigorously defend those who have recently appeared outside political events brandishing weapons against any and all attempts to infringe upong their freedom to do so. As a tactic that could be more widely employed by freedom loving political activists however, I see both pros and cons to this method, and am interested in hearing the thoughts of other C4L members, and the position (if any) of the organization's leadership. It's certainly a way to get national media attention! If you subscribe to the theory that there is no such thing as "bad publicity" then perhaps it's a good idea. The man carrying a firearm outside the Obama event in NH certainly got his "It's Time to Water the Tree of Liberty" message in front of a few millions eyes! However, it also provides an opportunity for the mainstream press to associate certain political ideas with intent to do violence. "My goodness! Why didn't the Secret Service arrest him!" "How can this possibly be legal?" etc. etc. Fromn a different angle, I believe we're seeing a systematic effort on the part of the Federal government to de-sensitize U.S. citizens to seeing Federal agents with non-descript black uniforms, carrying military style weapons, and using military style vehicles in domestic operations. Perhaps it's time to make the open carry of weapons by law abiding civilians a common sight as well? I'm definitely willing to follow this example, simply as a way of openly exercising my civil liberties. However, I wonder if this tactic makes sense in actually furthering the objectives of the movement to educate and motivate people to stand up for their individual liberties against an out-of-control government?
Categories: Campaign For Liberty, Civil Liberties, Current Events, Revolution Tags: firearms, open carry, activism |
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Take it right from the Fed's website . . . http://federalreserve.gov/newsevents/press/monetary/20090817a.htm "To promote the flow of credit to businesses and households and to facilitate the financing of commercial properties, the Federal Reserve and Treasury approved extending TALF loans against newly issued ABS and legacy CMBS . . ." Can you BELIEVE these guys? "ABS" (Asset Backed Securities) are basically a financial derivative instrument based on car loans, student loans and even CREDIT CARD DEBT! It's no secret that consumers are swimming in debt, and there is an extremely high probability of massive defaults on credit cards and auto loans, just as we're seeing record numbers of foreclosures and delinquencies in residential mortgages. Yet the Fed is going to print money to give to banks while accepting "newly issued" ABS as collateral? CMBS (Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities) are the ticking time-bomb of the real estate market, and with all of the empty commercial property, it doesn't take a financial genius to realize that this is a risky investment. Again however, the Fed is going to loan out money on our behalf while accepting this stuff as collateral? Also from an official Fed source: http://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/bst_riskmanagement.htm "Under the Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility (TALF), the FRBNY lends . . . to holders of certain newly originated AAA-rated asset-backed securities (ABS) backed by newly and recently originated consumer, business, and commercial mortgage loans." Which one of the ratings agencies is going to step up and give AAA/Aaa status to a portfolio of assets consisting of consumer loans, car loans, credit card debt, and commercial real estate loans? That rating is supposed to mean a credit risk of near ZERO. If any of the agencies actually provide such a rating to securities based on this collateral, it should prompt an immediate fraud investigation.
( I'm sending this to my Representatives and Senators as another excellent reason for the need to Audit the Fed.) Categories: Finance, Monetary Policy Tags: Federal Reserve, TALF |
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Last night President Obama challenged everyone to debate the real substance of the health care bill and not engage in hyperbole. I accept his challenge and in this light make the following observations regarding my opposition to the health care bill or bills currently being considered. 1) In order to focus the debate we need to focus on what it is we are debating. Are we debating available of health care, that is the actual amount of health care providers in this country or the cost of said health care? Clearly the problem is not whether we have a sufficient number of health care providers. It is a question of the cost of health care. So what are the cost drivers which make medical care unaffordable? Well the short answer is cost shifting. You see the existing government run health care plan, AKA Medicaid/Medicare, pays only a small fraction of the total bill. The remainder of the bill must be written off by the medical provider. Health Insurance Companies also pay only a fraction of the bill, but substantially more than the Government. Again, the provider must either write off the remaining balance or bill the insured person. Many times, this fractional payment is less than the cost of providing the service or allows very little profit making it hard for the provider to remain in business. So how do these health providers make a living? By doing two things, either jacking up the price for services so that the fractional shared that is paid comes closer to the real cost of providing or shifting the cost onto the third person in this equation, the uninsured individual. Since this shift falls on people with a very high likelihood of not paying their bill, the shift must be significant enough must allow for this eventually. Here is an example of what I mean: Hospital X provides a specific procedure costing $400 a treatment to 300 people in a given time frame. One hundred patients are on medicare. One hundred are on private health insurance. And one hundred are uninsured or self-paying. Hospital X had previously billed $500 for the procedure (cost plus profit) in the past and found that Medicare only pays $150 per treatment (a net loss of $250 in cost alone and $350 overall). Historically, insurance companies only paid $450 per treatment (an overall loss of $50). So the Hospital is faced with a challenge? How to remain in business while suffering thousands of dollars in losses due to Medicare and health insurance companies. The answer is clear, jack up your prices to get more out of both. So Hospital X starts charging $800 per treatment. Medicare now pays about $270 per treatment (thereby cutting in half their losses related to costs) Meanwhile the insurance companies pay around $720 of the $800 bill which makes up some of the lost profits. But for the poor uninsured individual, this means he faces a much larger bill. Health care has now become more unaffordable than before. As you can see, due to the massive cost shift brought on by the underpayment of a governmental health insurance program, medical costs have skyrocketed out of reach for the millions uninsured. Or in other words, governmental involvement in the health insurance business has been a major player in the present crisis we face. 2) Are we actually debating not the cost of health care, but the cost of health insurance? Well if it is the cost of insurance is the issue, a simply review of the state of the industry today shows that governmental mandates and regulations have lead to higher insurance premiums. Every state has a list of mandatory benefits which must be covered by persons seeking to provide health insurance. These benefits are blind in that whether you needed them or not, you have to purchase a policy that provides for these benefits and you have to pay for these benefits. So as it stands right now, your insurance policy provides every man with coverage for mamograms, ob/gyn appointments, and birthing/delivery services. You pay for them, even if you will never use them. Additionally, most states use "community rating" to set premiums. What this means is that a 22 year old active and fit college student without a family history of disease, a 42 year old, slightly overweight male with a family history of early onset Parkinson's disease, and a 60 year old man with a personal history of multiple medical problems generally pay similar amounts for their insurance premiums. Even though they make different demands on their health insurance and need differing levels of medical care, the health insurance companies in community rating states can not charge each of them substantially different insurance rates. Therefore, in order to provide for their own overhead and profits, the health insurance companies have to charge higher rates for the 22 year old and the 42 year old in order to cover the increased health care claims of the 60 year old. 3) If the debate is that health care coverage is not available and affordable, then is the answer really mandatory health insurance? Right now it appears that Washington is going in the direction of mandating that everyone be required to have health insurance. The idea is that if the young and health join the pool of the insured, it will drive down the premiums and make health care insurance more affordable. The problem with that logic is that Worker's Compensation Insurance and Automobile Insurance are both mandatory and historically neither of these types of insurance have gone down premium wise. If fact they tend to go upwards regardless of the insureds personal accident history. Yet, some how health care will be different? I think not. 4) If the new system involves governmental oversight of the health care system, then where in the Constitution does the government have that power? I heard one representative who tried to claim that he was empowered to do so under the "promote the general welfare..." sentence in the Preamble. Since the Preamble is just that a preamble and not a clause granting any power, that clearly is not the right answer. Others say that it is the Commerce Clause. But again, the Commerce Clause is about Commerce, not Health Care. 5) If the new system involves the idea of "Medicare for everyone" as some are talking about in Washington, I think the current state of Medicaid/Medicare should be a role model that warns against this idea, much less one that should be embraced. Medicare/Medicaid are broke, bankrupt and unsustainable. What else needs to be said? 6) My final point is that those who pay the piper gets to call the tune. Governmental involvement in your health care means that they will have a say in your health care. When money starts running short, which it will, how will the government try to meet the shortfall? It can raise premiums, but that would be a clear renunciation of their expressed reasons for having governmental health care. It can cut costs by reducing or denying benefits, but again that would go against their claims. It could start mandating certain "healthy" behaviors of their insureds and have the power of government to enforce its mandates. (you know fines, increased taxes, and yes even the courts.) It is not unimaginable for the government to tell us what to eat, when and how often to exercise, and how we spend our free time. All in the name of making people healthy so they can reduce costs. Ultimately, we have to ask ourselves this all important question: Has governmental involvement in the health care system been truly beneficial to date? Well looking back over the last 70 years, each time government inserts itself into the health care market with its programs, mandates, and regulations, health care costs have gone up and health care access has gone down. Why would this rushed through, unread, and poorly thought out Bill be any different? Steven J. Howard Categories: Health Freedom Tags: |
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How many times have we heard Federal Reserve officials stating (under oath even) that they will not "monetize" (i.e. print money to pay for) government debt? Well, thanks to some real journalists, we have evidence of blatant monetization activities. http://market-ticker.denninger.net/archives/1304-BLATANT-Monetization-Uncovered.html The Treasury is auctioning off absurd amounts of government debt, and the pool of buyers is literally drying up! Now, in order to prop up the weak treasury auctions, the Fed is enlisting the help of "Primary Dealers" (i.e. big financial institutions) to buy up treasury securities . . . which the Fed then purchases with printed money. The primary dealers of course take their cut in this corrupt back-door monetization scheme. This is NOT good news for our nation. Where will we get the $$$ to fund this insane amount of government spending? As described in the article, these two treasury auctions were basically FAILURES except for Fed intervention. With the projected deficits going forward, what happens next quarter when we have to sell another $400 Billion in Treasuries? Or the quarter after that . . . or in the middle of next year? Have our leaders finally driven our country into bankruptcy? Categories: Current Events, Monetary Policy Tags: Federal Reserve, Treasury, debt, deficit |
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Over the last few days I have been watching several videos on Youtube of the anti-obamacare protests taking place at town meeting across the country. One such video involved the protest of a town hall meeting held by Rep. Kathy Castor just recently. It was reported that Acorn and SEIU members were allowed into the meeting an hour before hand and a crowd of citizens were denied access as a result. During the course of this video, we observe union members, Acorn Members and the Police move the crowd outside the room back and away from the double doors leading into the room. Even as the crowd shouted "you work for us" and "hear our voice", the doors were shut in their faces and their voices were ignored. As I watched, I was reminded of an ancient tradition practice each year in England. At the opening of parliament each year, the Queen comes to Westminster Abby to deliver her speech to parliament. As she enters the House of Lords, she instructs a servant (called "Black Rod") to go to the House of Commons (the People's House) and summon them to attend her. Black Rod dutifully marches down the main hallway to the House of Commons to carry out his orders. As he steps to the door, they are slammed in his face. He is therefore forced to knock and request permission to enter the House to carry out his duties. This yearly exercise is a recreation of the events of the First English Civil War which lead to the fall of the absolute monarchy and the establishment of popular sovereignty. By slamming the doors of the people's house and forcing the Crown to beg permission to address them, all Englishmen are reminded that the true source of sovereignty is vested in the people of that great nation and their servants, the House of Commons. Our revolution of 1776 found its intellectual and political genesis in this very act. Each year, I make it a point to watch the opening of parliament especially for this moment. Such a tradition is sorely lacking in our country now. So, returning to the video, I saw the exact negative of the Opening of Parliament played before our eyes. The people begging to be heard. The servant, now sovereign slamming the doors on them and ignoring their cries. And I found myself wondering, is this the Republic they imagined all those years ago? Have we truly grown accustom to our servants treating us with contempt and distain.? How could the media, the talking heads and the other so-called representatives of the people's will all this to pass unnoticed and unchallenged? Still another video I found involved a public meeting of AARP members. The organization called the meeting to have a "listening session" with its members. However, as the meeting started, it was clear that AARP was for the bill and expected its members to step in line. Nevertheless, they didn't what they wanted. The response was clear and overwhelming, no to Obamacare and governmental involvement in medicine. After a while, and when it become obvious that the members would not act the role of placid and accepting sheeple, the AARP rep closed the meeting, yanked the microphone, and left the room with the other volunteers. But there was one problem, the people refused to leave. They stayed and talked out their concerns, beliefs, and ideas. Ultimately, they resolved to end their AARP membership and to fight against the effort to force this bill down their throats. I know that you have heard this many times and from a number of sources, but I have to say it. Now is the time to make a stand. To attend those town hall meetings. To speak out. To say no. To fight back. Like those people at the AARP meeting or the Town Hall, make your voices heard. Demand more. This fight is only the first step in a larger effort to expand government into your lives and homes. We must push back our we all will be pushed over the cliff and fall into the nightmare our founders were so afraid of and our uniformed heroes fought against in the last century. Tags: |
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Derby Categories: Congress Tags: Vermont, Peter Welch, |
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Campaign member Travis Simpson got his letter to the editor published in the Burlington Free Press. It is well worth the read.
Good job Travis. Tags: |
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Two months ago, Obamacare was giving me migranes. Now, it's giving me nightmares. Government it the root cause of most of the problems in our country, and healthcare is no different. Government regulation is what made the health care mess we're now in. Somehow, Obama thinks that adding another third party payer, with access to the money and printing press and the tax bearing public, would LOWER prices and foster competition. How is this even rational? I believe the American people are smarter than this. Obama is misguiding our compassion, and tragically wasting it. I challenge you to point out one instance in our history where government intervention has NOT resulted in higher prices, unfair practices, lack of competition, ineffeciency, and so on . Why do you believe health care would be any different? What people need to understand is that government is not the answer-- to anything, especially this. Health care is astonishingly expensive. It's easy for politicians to pay for everything they want by just taxing the rich-- largely because there aren't very many rich people, so they don't lose too many votes by doing it. Taxing the rich sounds good from politicians, but in reality it hurts everyone. Here's an example: Bob is a physician, and by increasing the corporate tax, reducing medicare reimbursement, and increasing Bob's personal taxes, Bob's wallet gets thinner . Fine, Bob make s good money, so we don't feel very sorry for him. However, Bob will not be giving any raises to his staff this year, will not be hiring any new staff (no job creation), he will be working the staff harder, will not be adding any new modern equipment (which hurts his patients), etc., etc. The government has taxed Bob, but hurt everybody. The problem with just "taxing the rich" is that most of the rich that you are taxing are not Bill Gates with limitless money where adding a few percent really makes little difference. That's just the top fraction of the top 1%. What we need to do is not increase taxes-- we need to reduce government. Our system is bloated, with no growth controls, and no cost controls. We need to reduce government. And besides, you don't actually have a right to healthcare. It's a nother nice thing for politicians to say, but to have a right to something is to have a right to take it no matter what anyone says, including the provider. If everyone has a right to healthcare, th e n doctors are slaves. Obama tries to sell us on the argument that healthcare is a "basic social need . " Who defines a "basic social need"? Does it ever change? I can think of a lot of things that could make the list. Housing, food, clothing, water, electricity, plumbing, healthcare, daycare, transportation. What about T.V. and internet? Some people would swear emphatically that they cannot live without them. Why not just subsidize everything? It's so easy to insist that "All must sacrifice for the good of the nation . " ...No. It is morally imperative that I look out for my fellow man, but that is not a basis for a just law. Legally mandated charity isn't charity at all. It's just plain theft. And to imply that I owe something just because we both live here, by extension implies that I was born oweing you, that I was born into bondage. Don't be fooled by Obama's health care initiative. It is an ill conceived, expensive socialist experiment, doomed to failure. Use your brain, and rise above this rhetoric. Also, vote for Ron Paul. Tags: |
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I believe that this aptly named article:
describes the most critical battle for freedom and The U.S. Constitution that this movement has yet faced. In brief, the ATF is asserting that the "Tennessee Firearms Freedom Act", (similar to the more publicized Montana law) is null and void. Since when does the ATF have the power to interpret and dismiss laws passed by any state legislature? Do agents of the executive branch now have the same powers as the judicial branch? Congress has already bowed to the executive and given up some of their rightful Constitutional powers. Is the Supreme Court now doing the same? This one is going to get VERY interesting. We need to go after this with the same vigor with which we're pursuing HR1207 and S604. Obviously a legal battle is brewing, but that will be a long, drawn out process. What can we do in the interim to support Tennessee and the 10th Amendment? Tags: |
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MORTGAGING THE FUTURE How often have you heard "Think of the Children" as a political mantra to justify some new government spending program or regulations? Against higher taxes? Think of the children? Don't want Internet being regulated . . . Think of the children. Seems like the only government policy where they DON'T want you to "Think of The Children" is when it comes to OUT OF CONTROL government spending! If someone really wants to "think of the children" in terms of what we should be doing to make it a better world for them, item number one would be to STOP this trans-generational THEFT that's saddling them with a gargantuan future debt burden! Our national debt now stands at over $11 trillion dollars. The Federal budget deficit . . . is going to be over one trillion dollars just this year. Trillion and billion are very tiny words that don't really convey the exact magnitude of their meaning. The government throws around these terms as if they were nothing, so one of my goals today is to put these numbers in perspective. Here we go, help me count off the seconds here 1. . . 2 . . . 3 . . . 4 . . . 5 Keep that up for 11 and a half days, and you will have reached . . . 1 million seconds. Keep it up for 31 and a half YEARS and you will have reached a BILLION seconds Very few of us are going to live 3 billion seconds in our lives . . . and a trillion . . . Remember, we're going to be borrowing that much just this year . . . the number of seconds in a trillion . . . 31,709 years! You can break down the numbers on government spending, borrowing and taxation in a lot of different ways, but the result always tends to be one of insanity or really obscenity. This year's deficit . . .about $3500 for every person in the United States Do our leaders in Washington D.C. have any sort of plan to get us out of this? Are they making the necessary decisions to get us back on a more sustainable course? After all, we hear them TALK about the importance of fiscal responsibility and keeping deficits under control. A pay as you go scheme has also gotten some lip service . . . but what's the real plan? The office of management and budget, is projecting that we will see deficits of at LEAST $500 Billion dollars per year through the year 2019. Therefore, the great master plan for fiscal responsibility in Washington D.C. is that in ten years time, we are only going to be going into debt HALF as fast as we currently are? Our government, and many of our fellow citizens are obviously NOT taking this seriously. The absolutely terrifying thing is that the national debt number in current dollar terms does not fully consider the future unfunded promises that the government has made. Think of your mortgage as an example. You take out a home loan, and sign a 30 year mortgage . . . It means that you've made a promise to pay so much per month, every single month for the next 30 years. Essentially your promise to make those payments over time equates to a certain value TODAY. Economists call this "present value". When one considers the present value of ALL of the promises of payments that The Federal Government has made minus the present value of the payments they will receive in tax revenues, plus the accumulated borrowing, our national debt is not that $11 trillion . . . It is more like $60 TRILLION dollars. Therefore, based on what the government has already taxed, borrowed and spent AND what they have promised to spend in the future . . . Your family of 4 is now on the hook for about $800,000 dollars. Are red sirens ringing in Washington D.C. ? Are our beloved leaders working overtime to address this troubling situation? No. It seems like fiscal policy gets brushed away like an insect . . . Some bothersome pest that warrants little attention. ================================================== Back here in Main Street USA, each and every one of US has to live within a budget . . . You and I look at what we're earning and make informed and necessary decisions about what we can and cannot spend. If you or someone in your household loses their job, or has their hours cut, or has to take a job with lower wages, it's immediately time to make hard choices about your finances. If you run your own business, and business isn't good . . . As we're seeing many examples of these days, you've got some tough choices to make. If getting a massive government bailout isn't an option for you, then you might need to cut back on production, idle equipment, cut back on your employee's work hours, reduce wages, salaries or benefits, or even lay off workers . . . Or maybe, in the worst case, close up your operations entirely. That's what I'm seeing. Everyone I talk to and everywhere I look I see decent hard working people struggling, making those hard decisions, looking for jobs, working extra jobs, making do with less and less . . . What about government? Times are tough, revenues are coming in lower than expected, debts are piling up. Is the Federal government announcing concrete plans to reduce expenditures? Are U.S. Government workers being asked to work fewer hours, or to take salary and benefit cuts. Are there massive Federal layoffs? None that I can see. Economic reality just doesn't seem to be able to penetrate the outer shell of this government. The evidence of government's fiscal irresponsibility is overwhelming, but we've also got to ask . . . where has all this government spending and borrowing gotten us? Politician after politician has promised us a vibrant economy, a thriving middle class, the finest education in the world, solid infrastructure, protection from our enemies, health care . . . Is that what we have? Are we living in this centrally planned Utopia brought to you by Washington D.C. ??? No. What we see is trillions of dollars spent in the pursuit of foreign military crusades, no bid contracts to big corporations. We see tax dollars being taken from hard working productive people to support people who don't work. We see untold trillions being used to pay off a bunch of irresponsible banks, insurance companies, Wall Street financial firms and other poorly managed, but politically well connected businesses. We see rampant unemployment, crumbling infrastructure, and a military that's stretched to its limits. Take an inventory of what politicians in Washington D.C. have been telling you for the past 20 years about what their policies are going to do, and how they're going to benefit YOU. Take a look at how much of our wealth we've sent to Washington D.C. In the form of taxes, and the tens of trillions of dollars that they've spent and that mountain of debt they've accumulated . . . Then look at the results. One of two things is blindingly obvious 1. The government is completely incompetent and is unable to deliver on the promises that it continues to make. OR 2. The government is hopelessly corrupt and politicians are deliberately misstating their intentions and the desired results of their policies. In EITHER case, whether you consider them incompetent, corrupt, or some mixture of BOTH, it's clear that big central government is a failed institution and is utterly incapable of managing such a substantial portion of our society's wealth! ============================================= As I mentioned earlier, the Federal government is going to be borrowing $1.1 TRILLION dollars this year, while they collect tax revenues of around $2.4 TRILLION dollars. Deficit = Spending - Revenue To make that number come out to ZERO . . . A balanced budget, we would need to increase Federal Revenue from ALL SOURCES by FORTY FIVE PERCENT!!!! Income taxes, gas taxes, cigarette taxes, capital gains taxes, etc. Etc. Imagine if some of our elected leaders in Washington D.C. Came out with all these great plans for new government programs and told you that "This will only require a 45% tax increase" The fact is that the citizens of the United States, most of whom are already struggling to make ends meet under a crushing tax burden would NOT and could NOT tolerate the tax increases required to pay for what this government is doing . . . right now this year, last year and next year. If we, as a society are NOT willing to pay for what the government is doing, the question is WHY ON EARTH will we tolerate the idea of passing off the responsibility for those payments onto future generations! Why aren't we thinking about the children while these politicians are so casually mortgaging their future? We elect leaders to LEAD, not to take the easy way out by borrowing money and foisting problems off onto future generations. It seems that they are unwilling to do that, so we need to force an ENTIRELY new approach. It's time that people of all political persuasions got together and made a VERY fundamental decision about how much of our collective income we want to spend through the Federal government! If we demanded fiscal responsibility for this government, a lot of other problems go away. If our leaders were forced to live with a strict spending constraint, our REAL spending priorities would emerge. Those priorities would NOT include spending trillions of dollars engaged in two illegal wars and putting our military personnel at risk guarding half the globe. We also wouldn't be spending trillions of dollars to bail out millionaire and billionaire Wall Street bankers. I look out there and I see people struggling, making those hard choices, working those extra jobs, cutting back on their expenses . . . And I wonder. Is that because taxes are too low and we don't have enough government regulations? At the turn of the century around 1900, government spending at ALL LEVELS was far less than 10% of our GDP . . . today it is over FORTY PERCENT. They're spending more than ever before, they're taxing us more than ever before, and they are borrowing more than ever before . . . And providing a lower return on investment than ever before. There's certainly a lot of room for discussion about the exact details of what the government should be spending ON. There should be very LITTLE debate about the idea that we should force the government to live within its means, and STOP them from mortgaging the future of our country! Wealth needs to be brought back to the individuals who are actually producing it. Tax revenues should be retained by the communities, and the states where wealth is being generated. Only THEN will the people who best understand the problems in our society and who are best equipped to find and create solutions have the resources to implement them.
Categories: Campaign For Liberty, Domestic Policy, Grassroots News Tags: spending, National Debt, deficit, fiscal policy |
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Today is a celebration of this nation's birthday. A day filled with parades, fireworks, cookouts, great sales events. It is with no doubt that the American people know how to celebrate, but what is equally clear, they little understand why they are celebrating. It is my hope and our hope to put meaning to this celebration. Like those who seek to put Christ back in Christmas, I hope that our celebration here today will put the Independence back into Independence Day. It is not a celebration of our wealth and power nor is today set aside to demonstrate America's ability to conspicuously consume. No. The meaning of today and the reason for the season is this, the Declaration of Independence. This document is the core of our national philosophy. It is the clearest expression of who we are and what we believe. Our Constitution and Bill of Rights are given meaning and context by this great landmark of our founding as a nation. As we have lost touch with the vital and empowering words of this document, so too have we lost our way as a nation founded upon the principles of liberty and personal responsibility. Today we are a nation sorely in need of a return to our intellectual roots. Our educational system has failed so many by not fully exploring this powerful document. "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal and that they are endowed with certain unalienable rights, among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness..." Usually, any reading by our elected leaders and self-appointed political wonks ends here. Most people believe that the document simply goes on without saying more. But the truth is that it does say something more, something important, something that makes the leaders of this nation just a little uncomfortable. Allow me to continue: "That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness." This is pretty radical stuff. When a government no longer serves is people, they have the absolute right to alter, amend or abolish said government and create one which will better serve them. They, the elected elite of this nation, would prefer you to remain quiet, complacent, and apathetic. They are happy with their positions and the power it gives them. Yet, they can only continue in power if we allow it. And that is the rub. The authority encompassed in that paragraph requires you, obliges you, holds you responsibility to oversee your servant, hold them accountable, and make them obey. As of recent, and the said truth is, we let slip the leash and now our government runs rampant. We have allowed them free rein even as they injure and impair our liberties at every turn. Slowly and over the course of decades, our Federalist system of government has slowly evolved into a highly centralized state. We have seen our liberties intruded upon and our local governments slowly losing whatever sovereignty they may have had. Washington has invaded areas of concern that they were never meant to be involved in. On my way here, I did what I normally do every 4th of July, I reread the Declaration and reaffirmed my commitment to its principles. While reading it in the car, I soon found that several passages remain highly relevant even to today's circumstances and I wanted to share with you those passages. " He has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither swarms of officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance."
Over the last eight decades we have seen the creation of one agency after another. I didn't believe in immortality until I was shown the true nature of governmental agencies. Even as of recent, our states and our lives have been assaulted by the creation of an ever greater government to the point where the State of Vermont is one of the largest employers in the State. And how do we pay for all of these employees? By taking the hard earned wealth of the private sector to prop-up and pay for the public sector. "For imposing taxes on us without our consent:" On April 15 of this year, Vermonter's came out to the Statehouse lawn to demand a reduction in governmental spending and no new taxation. Despite the crowd of over 500, our leaders in Montpelier ignored our voice, and with thinly veiled contempt passed higher taxes, greater spending, and set this state on a course toward fiscal ruin. "For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of trial by jury: For transporting us beyond seas to be tried for pretended offenses:" The Patriot Act and it's malignant progeny are especially offensive in light of these provision. Every American should be offended by any public official who asserts the right to arrest a citizen on the street, whisking them away to a foreign land and trying them for offenses without the benefit of our legal system and the rights this document stood for. This is America, not Nazi Germany nor the Soviet Union. Every citizen is innocent until proven guilty and have the right and the benefit of our ancient and time honored judicial system.
"For suspending our own legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever" Our leadership in Washington has continually invaded our homes, communities, and states, legislating in areas not of their concern using the questionable fig leaf excuse of the Commerce Clause or the Supremacy Clause. These naked intrusions upon the sovereignty of our States and ourselves would cause all of the 55 who signed this document to turn in their graves. So what are we to do? We can be like those around us, enjoying the parades, the fireworks, the games, remaining content in the face of this dangerous trend in American politics. We can simply wait for others to make the change or pray for a white knight on a horse to come rescue us from the danger. But neither tack has work nor will they work. We bear the responsibility. We must hold our leaders accountable. We must ask questions of those who are our servants. We must make their lives a living hell of questions and scrutiny. Call your representative. Ask questions of him. Educate yourself about what is happening in Montpelier and Washington. If you don't know what to ask, start with my favorite question "Did you read the bill you sponsored or voted for?" Or you could ask him how it will impact not only those the bill meant to serve, but also you, your finances, your community. Demand to know where the money will come from to pay for this bill. Or finally, ask him why the bill was necessary and what authority under the Constitutions of Vermont or the United States gave them the power to enact it. Talk with your family, friends and neighbors. Seek connections and educate them. Let them know that they are not alone in their feelings of misgivings and concern. If our government has gotten away from us, then it is our responsibility to rein them back in and return them to the vital tasks at hand. But what ever you do, do it with the full knowledge that you are carrying on the great mission set for us on that July day 1776. "And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor" Today, I ask you to join with me, with the Campaign for Liberty, and with all patriots by inscribing upon your own hearts your pledge of your fortunes, lives, and sacred honors to support this declaration and take its message to all Americans in the hope of returning our country to its most sacred roots and stopping the tide of socialism that seeks to overwhelm us and our nation. Tags: |
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I attended the Burlington Rally on the 4th and delivered the Keynote speech. Since I don't write my speeches I can only summarize in a later blog. Nevertheless, this rally was incredible! Music, sound clips, great speeches (Moe Kinney for one, Great job Moe!) and an excited crowd made this a smash. A rough count of 130 people was made, but an alternative count for the day of 200, so take your pick. The crowd was diverse and highly motivated. For two solid hours jammed packed with action they remained vocal and engaged. You couldn't have asked for a better crowd. The Campaign for Liberty table was on fire that day. With the help of Moe Kinney and Katie Smith (thanks Katie) we had a visit from just about everyone in attendance. We handed out 10th Amendment Resolutions, had people sign the Declaration of Independence, offered Campaign for Liberty materials and Constitutions. Over forty-five people signed up to attend future Campaign related events in Chittenden County. WCAX did a fair piece on the rally, and we came out of it looking rather good. Unfortunately, they left within the first hour, so missed out on some of the speakers. One incident I would like to share with all of you. Following my speech, I returned to the Campaign Table to help out with the crowd that rushed to the table. While there a wonderful, elderly lady approached me. She spoke with a Eastern European accent and was very emotional. She told me that she was so happy that we were here and saying the things we were. "I feel so alone. Over the last few years I had been thinking these thoughts, but thought no one else around here shared them." She told me. When I pointed out the crowd around her and the fact that many shared her views, she replied, "Now I know. But what can I do? I don't speak very well. I have no money. I have only a few friends. What can I do?" Her question is everyone's question. What can the average person do? How can they fight against the growing wave of socialism? That is our job. All of us in the Campaign. We have to work with these people. Empower them. Join forces with them. Give them a way to act. Not just protest. Not just feel angry. But to give them a vehicle in which to act. It is not just a question of making people aware of the danger that is upon us, but also arming our fellow citizens to fight against this danger. For her, the answer was to learn more about the Campaign and attend future events in hopes of working on the answer together. Hopefully we can all work together to find the answers and make a difference. Tags: |
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Happy Independence Day!
Earlier this year I read a modernized version of the Declaration Of Independence written by a man named Micah Nelson. It rang so true to me that I have to share it with you today-abridged, because like the original it is very long.
Usurpations and abuses of power are nothing new to humankind. From the rebellion of the barons in England which led to the creation of the Magna Carta to the Continental Congress which led to our own beloved Declaration of Independence, people have testified to and preserved in writing their status as free people. The patriots were NOT protesting taxes for government social programs. They would never conceive of the government fulfilling this type of role! No, they were protesting taxes and impositions in the name of empire, war, and mercantilism. Sound Familiar? The authors of the Magna Carta and the United States and Vermont Constitutions secured for posterity the right to petition for redress of grievances. Because our petitions have gone unheeded or met with repeated injury, we must take a page from our Founders. Later this year, elected delegates representing the people of each state will convene as a national assembly to debate our Constitutional Crisis and establish practical strategies the People can take to peacefully reclaim Liberty and restore Constitutional Order. These historical proceedings will be known as the Continental Congress 2009. Fliers are being circulated today with information about the We The People Foundation for Constitutional Education and the We The People Congress. It's time for us to wake up from our complacency and work together to impose the yoke of Law upon our servant federal government.
Are we going to stand up or down for our freedom? Will we protect the Constitution at all costs? Even if it makes you unpopular? So long as those of us who claim to care about freedom and liberty accept personality and politics as a substitute for real leadership and governance we will never be able to turn back the tidal wave we're facing. Vermonters have a duty to principle. The 18th Article of the Vermont Constitution bears this title: Regard to fundamental principles and virtues necessary to preserve liberty It doesn't get any plainer than this, folks:
It is UNCONSTITUTIONAL for you to vote for someone who is wishy-washy in regard to the law, decadent and self-indulgent. It is UNCONSTITUTIONAL for you to vote for someone who will reward idleness, wastefulness and partiality. It is YOUR DUTY to consider the fundamental principles of justice, moderation, temperance, industry and frugality when you vote! They are ABSOLUTELY necessary to preserve the blessings of liberty and keep government free! After the votes are counted our elected officials swear an oath or affirmation. This is what they say:
I know more than a few of you can think of more than a few instances where this oath has been flagrantly ignored and violated. It is YOUR DUTY "to exact a due and CONSTANT regard for them from your legislators and magistrates!" The Constitution will not defend itself. It is up to WE THE PEOPLE to protect it-for future generations.
We have a situation in our state in which a bill was passed- which contained an unconstitutional provision. -- (H442, commonly known as the supplemental budget)- The legislature was warned by the attorney general before they voted on it that the provision to require the administration to get permission from the legislature before eliminating any state employee positions was unconstitutional. Whether or not you agree with the idea behind the provision, it is still unconstitutional. Whether or not you liked other parts of the bill, it is still unconstitutional. The executive branch may not give some of its authority to the legislative branch. It violates the separation of powers. Every person who put their name on that bill violated their oath of office. This is wrong. I don't care who you are, what party you belong to, what other wonderful legislation you've been party to-this still violates the Constitution. I want to remind our legislators that their job is to craft responsible legislation, not to spend weeks on a single issue that wasn't even on the radar at the beginning of the session, or to pawn off legislative duties onto unelected committees because they lacked the proper time to do the jobs they were elected to do. I want to remind our legislators that this behavior during the worst recession since the great Depression was irresponsible and led to sloppy and unconstitutional legislation. Our infrastructure is falling apart, the unemployment fund is starting to make that sucking sound that comes when you drain a bathtub and private sector job growth in Vermont for the last decade--s at 0%! I've discussed this with legislators. To be honest I'm disappointed and disgusted with the explanations and excuses I've received. The Bible says, "Ye shall know them by their fruits." It's not about personalities and politics! It's about principle! I've been told that "this is why we have three branches of government... now it's up to the courts to decide." THIS from legislators who have taken an OATH OF OFFICE to "make no law injurious to the people or that will have a tendency to abridge their rights under the Constitution." Some might think, "Big deal, it's just a part of the governor's job." But it IS a big deal because the government belongs to the people. We have ceased to recognize this for far too long and this is part of the reason we find ourselves in the situation we are in today-being "ruled" by a group of elites who treat us as subjects rather than employers! So I ask you, WHERE is the principle? Why should we allow elected officials to abrogate the duties of a branch of government?
Why should we allow the Federal Government to abrogate the duties of our state? The Tenth Amendment states: The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people. That's it. If the Constitution doesn't directly specify powers to the Federal Government and if the Constitution doesn't forbid the states from them then the states alone are responsible for those powers. With this in mind, any federal attempt to legislate beyond the Constitutional limits of Congress' authority is a usurpation of state sovereignty and unconstitutional. Do you support Federalized health care? No Child Left Behind? Cap and Trade? Bailouts of private companies? Subsidizations of industries? The VT Campaign for Liberty has drafted a proposal for a State Sovereignty resolution. There are copies of our proposal available here today for you to read and consider. If you agree with the resolution I ask that you sign and send a copy to your state representatives and Senators. It is only by standing up and claiming your rights that the government will respect them. Do not sit down, do not be discouraged. There are many battles which must be fought if we are to win the war. Our objective-to retain our God-given rights as free people.
Categories: Campaign For Liberty, Foreign Policy, Civil Liberties, Law, Domestic Policy, Commodities, US Constitution, Ethics, Executive Power, Federal Legislation, Current Events, Miscellany, Social Issues, State Legislation, Voting, Economy, Trade, Congress Tags: |
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To The Editor: The subject of health care is once again at the forefront of debate in Washington D.C. There are obviously a multitude of viewpoints in this regard, but the whole debate about a Federal health care plan must be put into the proper context. The government that is currently making these proposals is the same government that has wasted trillions of taxpayer dollars involving our nation in two illegal wars which it continues to wage and escalate. It is also the government that has stolen trillions of tax dollars to fund bailouts of politically well-connected bankers, Wall Street financial firms and insurance companies. Furthermore, this same Federal government has enacted a long list of measures which directly undermine the U.S. Constitution and erode individual liberties. Given this recent track record of servitude to wealthy special interests at the expense of the average citizen and blatant disregard for The Constitution and the rule of law, it is obvious that the Federal government CANNOT and should not be be trusted to administer any sort of national health care plan. The idea of "health care for all" is a nice concept, but the idea of allowing the government in Washington D.C. to administer such a plan borders on insanity. If the tax dollars that the people of this state pay to Washington D.C., or even a substantial fraction thereof, were instead retained by our state and local governments, and the regulatory burden of unfunded Federal mandates were lifted, I am 100% convinced that Vermont's elected officials could develop a much better health plan for Vermont citizens than any subsidy laden piece of trash legislation spawned from Washington D.C. Though I often disagree with the legislation coming out of Montpelier, I think that the majority of our elected officials and our governor are working on policies which they BELIEVE will best serve the people of Vermont. By contrast, I believe that the vast majority of legislators in Washington D.C. enact policies which directly benefit a politically well-connected minority to the detriment of the average U.S. citizen. A Federal government health care plan will be no exception. As such, I am vehemently opposed to any new program that would increase the power and reach of the Federal government. Our legislators in Montpelier should be asserting the sovereignty of our state under the Tenth Amendment rather than begging Washington D.C. to take care of us. If we want genuine reform of health care, or any of the litany of issues plaguing our society, we should focus our efforts on shrinking this corrupt and irresponsible monster in Washington D.C. and moving government functions back to the states and communities where they rightly belong.
Categories: Domestic Policy, Federal Legislation, Social Issues, Congress Tags: health care, letters, |
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With the end of the 2009 session of the Vermont Legislature, many fiscal-responsibility advocates are scrambling to understand and explain what came out of the budget debate. Participants in this debate, on both sides, also are trying to explain what just happened and why. As usual, the post-debate debate saw the normal political positions assumed by the respective parties, with the GOP supporting the Governor's stance against runaway taxation and the Demo-progressives taunting their kinder, gentler form of governing. But the dirty little truth about the debate was that they were debating the wrong element of our fiscal crisis. Toward the end of the session, Governor Douglas and the Legislative Leadership traded barbs as well as budgets. While some of the exchanges were interesting, the actual budgets on both sides were depressing. The Legislature made it clear early on that the only way they were going to balance the budget was to make a few cosmetic cuts to some minor programs, raise taxes, and rely on Federal limited-time funding. The Governor in turn offered some other cuts, not very broad or substantial, and an accounting trick relative to the teacher's retirement account which would have reduced taxation for state government, but would have substantially increase local school budgets and corresponding taxes for the same. In the end, neither budget proposals were epitomes of fiscal restraint and long-term thinking. The truth is that Vermont's current system of entitlements and the size of its government are simply not sustainable now or in the foreseeable future. For a full explanation of why, check out the Vermonters for Economic Health's web page which provides a detail analysis of this sad but true fact. (www.vermontersforeconomichealth.org). In reality the debate should not have been about how to raise revenue or which department needs to reduce spending. It should have been, "what are the fundamental purposes of government? What agencies/boards/departments are essential to those purposes?" Right now Vermont has a "be all, do all" government. Montpelier involves itself in every aspect of its citizen's lives regardless of whether they are needed or wanted. Additionally, Montpelier tends to work at cross purposes with itself such as strict Act 250 requirements while also trying to promote business growth in the State. Finally, Montpelier over regulates and intrudes into areas not of their concern in a fruitless quest to legislate away bad results in people's lives. The effort results in an ever growing behemoth of State agencies with greater and greater control. This growth has remain constant regardless of the party in charge of the legislature or who sits in the governor's chair. Even in bad times, economically, Vermont's government just keeps on growing. So what is the answer to our continuing fiscal crisis? Perhaps Montpelier has to take a hard look at this monster it created and ask itself, "Can't we do without it?" By way of suggestion, consider the following three agencies/boards for the potential chopping block: 1) State Board of Education; 2) the Arts Council; and 3) the Film Commission. The State Board of Education serves no immediate purpose in the process of providing our children with an education. At most it is a supervisory body. I am confident that our schools would remain open and be able to deliver a sound education even if this Board did not exist. While a supporter of the arts and a lover of film, I don't believe that providing funding to either of the above are essential to the economic health of this state or a fundamental part of governance. They are at best a luxury paid out of the ever-shrinking pool of revenue. None of these organizations are necessary or essential to the running of State and yet no one in Montpelier thought to cut these board. Two years from now, the Obama stimulus money will run out and Vermont will again be faced with a massive budget deficit. Even if the economy were to turn around as quickly as that, the fact remains that our revenue sources are slowly drying up and we will be faced with this crisis sooner rather than later. Our Governor and our representatives have got to get down to the very necessary, if disagreeable, process of shrinking the size of government to a truly sustainable level. If they don't, we are faced with a fiscally bleak future. Tags: |
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Last night, I participated in the biweekly State Coordinator's conference, as usual. As part of the discussion, the question was raised as to the level of involvement in party politics (GOP specifically) as opposed to educational efforts aimed toward the public. The responses (which I will not share) raised the question in my own mind, is the C4L just a lobbying organization or a party political animal, or are we more? Those of you who know me and have heard me at previous meetings know where I stand on this issue. But for those who don't, allow me a moment of your time. The C4L (at least here in Vermont) has always been to me a institution motivated by an urge to inform and empower our fellow citizens while advocating in Montpelier and Washington for specific reforms and issues. This idea came from my experiences during the last election. I can't tell you the number of times I approached a voter and encourage them to vote for Ron Paul, and was met with something like the following: "Oh, it doesn't matter who I support, he can't win" "I like his ideas, but he can't change Washington" "I don't vote, because it doesn't matter." "He is just another politician. We can't control what they do once elected." "It doesn't matter who is elected, it won't effect me." Overall, I was met with apathy, a sense of powerlessness, and a poor understanding of the importance of citizenship. Additionally, my personal experience with our elected officials seemed to reinforce this sense. Regardless of political affiliation, most politicians acted as though they were in charge, they knew better than their consistuents, and they had little motivation to create change. They were the status quo and were quite happy to remain that way. In response, many believe the old saw that "its a good government (or party) with just bad people in charge." Under this belief system, all you need to do is change the leadership and everything will be hunky-dorry. Problem is that history tells us otherwise. Regardless of the leadership change, without a properly running political system (which at this time we have not) any change will be temporary and will ultimately succumb to the very evils those changes were meant to correct. Our founders invisioned a republic filled with checks and balances. The executive to check the legislature and vice versa. The courts to act as a check on both. A media to act as a watch dog and ultimately a citizendry jealous of their liberty and cynical of their leaders. All of these elements are now missing. The only way to correct the situation is to re-engerize our fellow citizens, by educating about their duties and giving them the tools to act. Also, we must lead by example, not by becoming part of the problem, but by offering the solutions. Of course, each member must participate in the political institutions as they see fit, but they must also reach out to the public regardless of party affiliation and let others know that this is their republic and it is within their power to enact change, not just by the ballot box, but by holding their elected officials accountable. So few of our fellow citizens understand their vital part in our republic and fewer still know how to effect the change they and we want in how we govern. The Campaign for Liberty must be that new kind of politics that so many crave, but don't know it. The Campaign for Liberty must be more than a "lobbyist" or a "political apparatchik". It must be the leading edge of a movement to restore sovereignty to our fellow citizens and thereby create a lasting political atmosphere which will allow liberty-minded candidates, like Dr. Paul, an opportunity and chance to get elected, affect the change and restore the republic. To believe that by using the same institutions, in the same way, toward the same ends that got us to this point, but expect a different result is foolishness and a tremendous waste of this valueable resource and an opportune moment. Tags: |
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Last night the rumors started on the message boards and later in the day, calls were made. I will let Jessica Bernier, our County Coordinator for Washington County and our leading edge in our efforts to get Rep. Welch to co-sponsor HR 1207, tell you what happened next: "Yesterday I confirmed with Peter Welch's office that he did indeed co-sponsor HR1207. He's not showing up on any official counts yet but I am absolutely thrilled with this news. VT C4L has worked so hard to get him on board, in the process educating hundreds, if not thousands, of people about the Federal Reserve. We called him, called radio shows, wrote letters, distributed petitions, sent out emails to many, many people, used our social networking tools, posted on blogs and finally Peter Welch has seen the light! Thank you, Peter Welch!" No, thank you Jessica and everyone else who put the time in to write, call, petition, and educate. Mr. Welch and his staff were very resistant to this bill, but all of your efforts brought him on board. Congratulations Vermont C4L! Steven J. Howard Interim State Coordinator Vermont Campaign for Liberty Tags: |
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People tend to have a really myopic perspective. Of everything. I'm just as guilty as the next guy. However, it's important that we begin to dig deeper to really try to see the truth below the surface. The right/left paradigm always seems to get in the way. Both the right and left are guilty of it. The right cries "Socialism" at every turn while the left dismisses any opposition with accusations of using "right-wing talking points." We all see problems, many times we agree on the preferred outcome but disagree on the path to get there.
The worst part about it is that the people are in denial, forced apart by the ridiculous left/right paradigm which encourages them to concentrate on the things on which they disagree so that they cannot figure out how to work together for truth and real justice. From Cook's article A Meditation on Our Monetary System: State of Permanent Siege
But of course we'll not see that happen. It's about control. The goal is global governance and domination. People deserve the opportunity to carve out a life based on how hard they work for it, not to be sucked dry by debt-slave masters, whether we accrue the debt ourselves or not. We were meant to be free.
Categories: Foreign Policy, Finance, Globalism, Civil Liberties, Domestic Policy, Republican Party, Democratic Party, Current Events, Miscellany, Socialism, World Affairs, Economy, Monetary Policy Tags: |
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I talked to Peter Welch's policy guy Monday and we had an interesting conversation. He said that Monday was the first time that he looked at the bill and he pointed out something that I hadn't seen and which he feels may be an issue. Quote:
US code totle 31 section 14 states: Quote:
The policy guy is concerned that the power of the Comptroller General to audit or carry out an onsite investigation of any other banking institution would be limited, if not nullified by the new wording.
As of this morning I haven't heard back from him. Categories: Campaign For Liberty, Finance, Domestic Policy, Grassroots News, Action Item, Federal Legislation, Current Events, Economy, Monetary Policy, Congress Tags: |
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Last Friday I called Peter Welch's office about HR1207. I told the aide that I planned to call every single day until Welch signed on to the bill or he explained why he would not. On Monday I called again, asking for a timely response. Later that afternoon I got one of these:
To which I replied:
On Tuesday I made a last minute decision to pack up my 2yo and head for Burlington with some petitions. I only had a little over an hour to gather signatures but out of the 41 people I spoke with 35 signed. I headed over to Welch's office and dropped them off. Yesterday I called Welch's office again and I was informed by a staffer that there are thousands of bills that the congress must look at and that Peter Welch didn't have the time to consider this one which is "stuck in committee". I explained to the young lady that the bill had gained over 30 co-sponsors in the last week and was gaining momentum. HR1207 now has 109 co-sponsors. I again pointed out his committee position should give him additional insight as to the importance of the legislation. I again mentioned that his colleague in the Senate, Bernie Sanders had sponsored similar legislation there. She politely informed me, again, that he was basically too busy to know about all the bills in Congress. So I asked her how Peter Welch justified co-sponsoring legislation that would honor the town of Pittsfield, MA for coining the term "baseball". Today when I called I asked if he had co-sponsored the bill yet. I was told he did not. So I made sure to ask her how co-sponsoring "legislation" to honor Arnold Palmer with a gold medal for exhibiting sportsmanship in the game of golf was more beneficial to the American people than co-sponsoring a bill that would provide transparency over the Federal Reserve. Please call Peter Welch's office and urge him to co-sponsor HR1207. Do it every day. Don't let him get away with this. (802)652-2450 in VT or (202)225-4115 in DC Help me keep an eye on this joker. Let's find all the stupid bills he's co-sponsored and in addition to calling him, let's call radio shows and write letters to the editor. Email everyone you know. Continue to download the petitions, get them signed and send them in.
Categories: Campaign For Liberty, Finance, Domestic Policy, Democratic Party, Action Item, Federal Legislation, Current Events, Economy, Monetary Policy, Congress Tags: |
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Is Obama getting away with war without protest? Can we do what we did for taxes for foriegn intervention? Ben
Categories: Foreign Policy, War/Military, World Affairs Tags: |
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This is just a little update about what where we're at as far as materials for the Tea Parties. On Tuesday I placed an order with the Campaign For Liberty store for 400 "Join the Revolution" brochures, 400 Economic Freedom Slim Jims, 400 Individual Liberty Slim Jims and 50 Real Change bumper stickers. In addition, Jason has offered to print 300 Audit the Fed Slim Jims, 600 We the People and Audit the Fed brouchures and 300 Fed Fact sheets. Also, one of my friends from www.ronpaulforums.com, the very congenial moderator MsDoodahs, has most generously sent a 7' x 4' Campaign For Liberty banner for us to use at the Tea Party! I have it, it's absolutely beautiful and I am really excited! I was also interviewed by a Vermont Press Bureau reporter yesterday. The article should be in the paper no later than Monday. Categories: Campaign For Liberty, Education, Finance, Domestic Policy, Grassroots News, Action Item, US Constitution, Federal Legislation, Current Events, Revolution, Miscellany, Socialism, State Legislation, Economy, Monetary Policy Tags: |
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Following up on Jessica's post. The Rutland Tea Party is full steam ahead. It starts at 4:00 pm with a sign wave. So bring your signs and your voices to let people know that this can't go on. There will also be a special display which will drive home the astromonical size of our national debt to everyone driving by. It will be hard to miss. At 6 pm the rally will start. A couple of speakers will address the crowd and there will be an open mike for people to take a minute or two to express their outrage. The Campaign for Liberty will have a table at the Rally. Volunteers will be needed to man the table. Campaign literature, flyers, and the Audit the Fed Petition will be available. Finally, we will have some music and it will be a great opportunity to show Rutland County, Vermont, and the World that not everyone in Vermont is happy with this road to Socialism. So come out and let your presence be felt. Now for logistics: 1) location: Main Street (Gazebo) Park on the corner of Route 4 and Route 7. 2) Parking: street side parking on the south and west side of the park and on Center Street (just south of the park) 3) Signs: Any sign you wish to bring which is not profane. Please focus on the issues of the debt, taxation, and unresponsive government. Ideas can be found at the Vermont Tea Party page (www.vermontteaparty.com) 4) Admission: Please bring one non-perishable food item to donate to the local food bank. 5) Flyers: Bring 5 - 10 copies of the "invoice" flyer (which will be sent to you on April 13th for printing) along with the "Audit the Fed" material available under the materials tab on the home page. Hope to see you all there. Steven J. Howard Tags: |
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The buzz is getting louder! Thanks to everyone who has been passing along these emails and helping to spread the word! As many of you may know the VSEA held a rally to protest job cuts. The Times Argus is reporting that there were 300 people in attendance. Let's dwarf this protest with our own message of reducing spending and taxes. We're Taxed Enough Already! PS. Please rsvp on the Washington County calendar page. There is more information about the tea party there, too.
Categories: Campaign For Liberty, Education, Finance, Domestic Policy, Grassroots News, US Constitution, Federal Legislation, Just For Fun, Current Events, Philosophy, Revolution, Miscellany, Socialism, State Legislation, Economy, Monetary Policy Tags: |
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In my last post, Rome is Burning, I accused the leadership in Montpelier of a failure to focus on the economy and allowing the Gay Marriage Bill to distract the legislature from the more important task of balancing the budget. Boy was I wrong! In fact, it turns out that many fiscal-responsibility advocates were the one's distracted, including me. While the TV cameras and media pundits focused with laser-like precision on the gay marriage debate, while all eyes were turned to the crowded Senate Chamber, the leadership in the House made their move. In a comparatively lightly attended committee hearing, a House Committee took testimony as to what should be done with Vermont's growing budget deficit. Of course, a majority of those in attendance demanded that their particular program must survive and only a few voices spoke of the dangers ahead if government continues this unsustainable course. However, when all was said and done, the House Committee determined that the best way to balance the budget in this trying time of lost jobs and reduced economic activity was to increase taxation (0.5 percent increase on middle class incomes, at least for now) on those still working and little to no cuts in the budget. To understand what an incredibly bad decision this is, just consider the fact that as a result of a shrinking jobs market and closing businesses, Vermont will have its first Billion Dollar revenue shortfall in its history. What this means is that fewer people and business are paying taxes while budget items continue to demand the same amount or more from the taxpayer. The legislative answer to this fact is to demand more from the few (and getting fewer) who are still working and producing. Of course one must wonder how the House Leadership intends to change this current economic trend by handicapping the already stressed working men and women of this State. Under normal circumstances, even considering a tax increase when working people are hurting would have resulted in a firestorm of protests and angry messages to our legislators. Yet, with all of our attention grabbed by the wedge issue of gay marriage, not a significant peep was heard. When people finally woke up to the House's maneuver, it was all but too late. Is there still time to stop this? Probably, but we must focus our energies to stop it. We must let them know that we have not been distracted and we know what they are up to. The cameras may still be focused on the Senate, but Vermont's citizens must be focused on their tax dollar and state budget. Otherwise, in the not too distant future, we may find ourselves in an economic situation where it doesn't matter who married whom, as much as how we will survive. Steven J. Howard Interim State Coordinator Tags: |
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To: Brandon.middleton@mshp.dps.mo.gov, greg.hug@mshp.dps.mo.gov Subject: MIAC report on the "Militia Movement" ================================ Dear Sir, I'm writing to express my grave concern about the recent report compiled by the "Missouri Information Analysis Center" (http://www.miacx.org) titled "The Modern Militia Movement". My most serious concern about this report is that it describes "Militia Activity" in terms of a series of violent criminal acts, and/or planned criminal acts, and then goes on to state: "Militia members most commonly associate with 3rd party political groups. It is not uncommon for militia members to display Constitutional Party, Campaign for Liberty or Libertarian material. These members are usually supporters of former Presidential candidate : Ron Paul, Chuck Baldwin, and Bob Barr." The clear implication is that these political parties (Constitution and Libertarian), and a lobbying group (Campaign for Liberty) are somehow violent or extremist. This absurd mis-characterization of groups engaged in peaceful and legitimate political activity can only be seen as an attempt to undermine political dissent and Free Speech. It instructs the law enforcement official to take an adversarial approach to these organizations, and to interpret political material associated with them as a red flag for terrorist activity, essentially providing a blueprint for "political profiling". I am a member of the Campaign for Liberty. I also support my local food bank and homeless shelter. I donate funds to public broadcasting, The Green Mountain Audobon Society, Nature Conservancy, Disabled American Veterans, Vermont Sheriffs Association and to many other worthy charities and non-profit groups. I am a hard working, honest citizen, and strive to be a generous and positive member of my community. The fact that I believe in civil liberties, limited government and a sound monetary policy based on the principles of the U.S. Constitution, does NOT make me a "terrorist". I resent the fact that this report is attempting to paint people like ME as a "threat" to my fellow citizens and and "the enemy" of people in the law enforcement community. This report needs to be withdrawn and condemned, and the people at the MIAC should be forced to issue a public apology to the good people they have slandered in their ridiculous and misleading report. Categories: Action Item Tags: miac |
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Capital Comment March 2009 Town Meeting. It was wonderful to see so many of you as I traveled to Marshfield, then to Plainfield and finally to Calais Town Meetings. It is one of the great privileges I have to spend time at each of these meetings and I appreciate the warm welcome I always receive. What I heard at each meeting and in hallway conversations was sober recognition of the difficult times we're in, balanced by a sustained generosity for the things we care about the most and for those who need our help. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. As I mentioned at the meetings, for anyone interested in knowing more about the money coming to Vermont and how it will be used and how it can be accessed, there are a couple of helpful websites. The Joint Fiscal Office website is http://www.leg.state.vt.us/jfo/ARRA%202009.htm. The Agency of Administration website is http://recovery.vermont.gov/. The legislature and the administration will be sharing information as we continue to analyze and understand this massive piece of legislation. There are 280 separate funding streams in ARRA. That means roughly 280 separate sets of rules, eligibility criteria, and methods of allocation. It is very important that citizens have access to as much information as possible and that we are held accountable for our use of these funds. Speaker Shap Smith has asked me to represent the House on an Oversight Panel responsible for ensuring both transparency and accountability. Public Hearings. This past Wednesday the Washington County delegation had a public hearing focused on the Central Vermont economy, particularly on the potential impact of losing hundreds of state government jobs. The hearing was well attended and provided us with much good information. Of special concern is the closing of the Lab in Waterbury which appears will cost us money, lose jobs and make it more difficult to analyze water and soil samples. On Tuesday March 17, the Ways and Means Committee will be holding a hearing on the revenue situation. There will be two sessions: 2:45-4:30 and 6:30-8:00, in Room 11 at the State House. The Ways and Means Committee has been asked to come up with a revenue package of approximately $24 million. This could come from a variety of sources, including broad based taxes such as the income tax and the sales tax. The purpose of the hearing is to get your suggestions and guidance on how to address our revenue needs. If you can't attend, please feel free to send your ideas to me at this email address or to rdaniels@leg.state.vt.us. Please keep in touch. You can email me at this address or call at 223-5350. If you want to leave a message while we're in session, you can also call 828-2228. We will be dealing with many difficult and challenging issues and your perspective and concerns are important to me.
Categories: State Legislation Tags: Vermont |
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While Rome Burned. Like a firestorm sucking all of the oxygen out of the air and consuming all before it, the Gay Marriage Bill has descended upon Vermont consuming all media and legislative attention while sucking the air out of any other political discussion. Like the Bennett Bill before it, our legislature has focused a majority of its resources on a single bill while spending precious little energy on the coming fiscal and budgetary disaster looming on the horizon. The choices made by the legislative leadership during this session calls into question their ability to prioritize their efforts in a manner that is consistent with Vermont's long term welfare and recognize the really important issues facing this state. No matter where you stand on the issue of sex crime legislation or marriage, the truth is that no matter how these bills come out, neither will do anything to prevent the fiscal collapse that only a month or so ago we had been warned about. The recently unspoken truth is Vermont's governmental and educational spending is unsustainable. Montpelier has promised too much to certain segments of our society and expects others to pay too much to fulfill those promises. The problems that Vermont faces are almost too numerous to mention. Shoddy roads, falling bridges, crumbling schools, sub-par student performance, growing business loses, mounting unemployment, rising taxes, inflating budget shortfalls, and the list goes on and on. Yet, instead of addressing this problems, instead of focusing all of their energy and time to correct these problems and make the hard choices that circumstances dictate, we are presented with a contentious bill that divides us when we need to come together. A bill that is not an urgency. A bill that does nothing to correct the crisis, but only obstructs any effort to address it. I know that there are those in Montpelier and in the media who deny there is any problem. "Look," they say, "President Obama and Congress are handing us billions of dollars to fix the gap in taxes, fill the hole in the budget, build the bridges, pay the unemployed, repair the roads, and help the businesses. See no problem." However, as the money worms its way into state coffers, we are only learning now that the so-called "free money" given by the good people of Washington comes with some heavy-duty strings attached. Strings that could only aggravate Montpelier's budgetary woes two years from now. Strings that could be costly to Vermonters, not only as federal tax payers, but also state tax payers. Reason would dictate that before you sign on to anything that looks too good to be true, you read the fine print, because if it is too good to be true, then it usually isn't. Our leadership in Montpelier should be working overtime on reviewing the federal stimulus bill and the potential pitfalls contained therein. They should be cautious to involve themselves in anything that would further impinge upon our state's sovereignty. But the present debate and its fall out just won't allow it. What should happen? The Legislature and the Governor need to table this bill for another day. They should role up their sleeves and begin the heavy lifting that is needed to get this government back on the path of sustainability. They should take a hard look at the proper role of government and cut those agencies, departments, programs, and funds that do not fit within that role. They must stop trying to be all things to everybody (and failing miserably at that), and start being the responsible, fiscally- sound servants of the people as was originally intended by the founders of this state. As the state fiddles over the marriage debate, our fiscal problems are growing worse and failing to act is not an option. Gentlemen and Ladies of Montpelier, Rome is on fire. It is time to put down your violins and start putting out the flames. Steven J. Howard Interim State Coordinator Categories: Philosophy, Social Issues, State Legislation, Economy Tags: |
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Hello Vermonters who have expressed concern about our state economy. We ask that you consider speaking your thoughts about state tax policy at the event presented below and we thank you in advance for considering this opportunity to speak up and make a difference. As always, more information on upcoming events can be found on our website at www.vteh.org The Vermont House Committee on Ways and Means is holding a public hearing on Tuesday, March 17th from 2:45-4:30 pm and from 6:30-8 pm in Room 11 of the Vermont State House. The purpose of the public hearing is to receive testimony from Vermonters concerning the revenue situation facing the state of Vermont. Vermont's projected budget exceeds the projected revenue. Even with the federal stimulus dollars, we are looking at a deficit in the FY 10 budget and a projected $200 million plus deficit in the 2011 budget. We need your creative and honest help as we address this challenge. This need can be met through reductions, efficiencies, or revenues or a combination of the three. Setting aside the first two (they are not the purview of the House Committee on Ways and Means), the questions are: Are added revenues appropriate? If so, what might they be? In framing your thoughts, please think about what level of governmental services Vermonters need? If that costs more than our current revenue system raises, what should be done about it? Please keep your comments focused on the purview of the Committee on Ways & Means as this committee is responsible for the revenues of the state, not spending decisions made in the budget. The Vermont Constitution Article 9 partially reads "...previous to any law being made to raise a tax, the purpose for which it is to be raised ought to appear evident to the Legislature to be of more service to community than the money would be if not collected." If you are unable to attend, please feel free to send your comments to Roz Daniels, Committee on Ways & Means, c/o Legislative Council, 115 State Street, Montpelier, VT, 05633 or RDaniels@leg.state.vt.us by March 19th at noon.
Categories: Grassroots News, Action Item, Current Events, State Legislation, Economy Tags: |
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Legislative Update. As promised in a previous post, here is the latest update on bills being considered in Montpelier. H02 and H59 dealt with outdoor wood boiler furnaces. The first, according to a co-sponsor, sought to create an exemption from EPA standards for such furnaces by placing them under VT oversight. However, the bill was threadbare as to what direction the Agency of Natural Resources should take and so it's a dead letter. H59 created a specific exemption for environmental approval by the ANR if the Furnace was at least 1,000 from an abutting property owner. Again, this bill has made it to committee, but it is not a priority. H60 seeks to eliminate the automatic Cost of Living Increase (COLA) for Legislators for 2009. As you may recall, the original bill was passed by the legislature as a way to avoid the almost annual anger from their constituents that a yearly pay increase bill caused. In fact, for the 10 year period immediately prior to passage of the COLA bill the legislature was unable to vote itself a raise due to the public outrage over the bill. Now, here we are with a massive budget debt and governmental job cuts on the horizon. Someone in Montpelier finally admitted that such a COLA would be unfair (at least for this year). However, it doesn't appear that this bill will go far and will probably die in the Government Operations Committee. Especially now that Washington has decided to bail out the states. H70 is a great liberty bill, but like any legislation that treats adults like adults, its almost DOA. Even my Republican Legislator dislikes the bill because it would allow people to act irresponsibly. Regardless of the fact that adults can do a multiple of things that have lasting impact on their lives (like choosing to marry/divorce, have children/abort, join the military, vote, etc), clearly the attitude in Montpelier is we can't trust our citizens to make reasoned choices regarding seatbelts and helmets. H82 is probably the best bill so far this legislative session and the least likely to make it out of committee. The bill provides for the right of a property owner to defend his land against intruders with a level of force appropriate to the level of aggression used by the intruder. After a long train of governmental invasions into the rights of property owners to be left alone, this bill would be the first positive step I have seen in a long time. Yet, I am told that the Judiciary Committee of the House is unlikely to even give it a hearing, much less vote it out of committee. If you were to lobby for any bill this year, I would recommend this bill be your focus. So, you may ask what bills will be making it through this legislative season. Well the Bennett Bill is sailing through the Chambers despite the fact that so little of the 62 pages of this bill actually addresses enhanced enforcement of existing law. A quick perusal of the bill that I made yesterday shows the creation of at least three new governmental committees, at least two new mandatory trainings/courses to add to the school budgets of Vermont's Schools, and one new legislative study (which experience has taught me are expensive and ultimately ignored by the legislature). Yep. S13 looks like a Christmas Tree with numerous personal legislative ornaments hung on it. The other bill that moving unusually fast is H6. It has already passed through committee and is back on the floor today for a second reading with amendments. So what is so urgent that the House has moved with all deliberate speed to move the bill through committee and back on the floor? Anti-freeze and Coolants sold in Vermont. That's right. Evidently there is a major need to put a bitter taste in these items to keep animals and children from consuming them. While I agree that it is a good thing to keep children from poisoning themselves, is it a priority? Aren't their better bills out there for consideration that will have a positive effect on Vermonter's civil liberties? Well, as the above shows, yes there is, but they are not a priority or even worthy of consideration. Tags: |
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Audrey Pietrucha composed the following for publication in her local papers. Great job, Audrey. To the editor: Just a few days after America celebrated the inauguration of a new president a small but dedicated group of Vermonters met to discuss the direction in which our state and nation are heading. What these people, members of the Vermont Campaign for Liberty, heard January 24 at the newly-formed organization's first statewide convention, was sobering. To put it bluntly, Vermont is on an economic crash course. According to Dave Rogerson of Vermonters for Economic Health, the average combined state and local tax burden in Vermont is 10.3%, making it eighth highest in the nation. From 2002-07 spending and taxes in our state outpaced per capita income growth by more than two to one. During this same time period, there has been no private sector job growth - in fact, we have lost more than 10,000 manufacturing jobs since 2000. Most job growth has been in the low-paying service industry and overall Vermont sustained has a net job loss of 100 between April of 2001 and 2008. Public sector jobs during that same period, however, increased by almost ten percent. These jobs, of course, are non-revenue producing. At the same time the state is replacing business entities with government and other non-taxpaying entities, we are losing young workers at an alarming rate. Our share of people aged 25-29 is the lowest in the nation while our share of 50-54-year-olds is the highest. By 2030 the portion of our population that is retired will be 30 percent while the workforce will equal only 42 percent. Our current economic course is unsustainable. As the state continues to increase the financial burden on the private business sector and residential property owners, those groups continue to shrink. Which brings me to the important message of opening speaker Geoffrey Norman, publisher of vermonttiger.com and another advocate for reform in Montpelier - economic freedom is freedom. Under current conditions, Vermont taxpayers are rapidly losing the freedom to enjoy the fruits of their labors. This is a form of slavery and the chains will only become tighter and heavier if Montpelier continues on its current course. Audrey Pietrucha Bennington Categories: Campaign For Liberty, Media, Current Events, State Legislation, Economy Tags: |
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Last Saturday, January 24, 2009, fifty concerned, liberty-minded citizens from around Vermont gathered in the State House, the People’s House, for the first State-wide meeting of the Campaign for Liberty. Members of the campaign were encouraged to bring a friend along for the event and most did. The crowd showed the diversity of the liberty movement, young and old, well-off and poor students, Progressives, Democrats, Republicans, Constitution Party members, 2nd Republicans, and Libertarians sat side by side united in a common wish to return this Republic and our State to its founding principles. The day started with the singing of the national anthem by Ms. Nikita Howard, the fifteen-years old daughter of the Interim State Coordinator followed by an invocation composed and read by Jessica Bernier, the Washington County Chair. Stewart Skrill, Precinct Leader from Randolph, Vermont, made a short presentation regarding his beliefs and support of the Pledge of Allegiance, then led the assembly in the Pledge. Jim Hogue, a member of the 2nd Vermont Republic, then read the Declaration of Independence. With these preliminaries energizing the attendees, the mood was set. Geoffrey Norman, of the website Vermont Tigers, delivered a speech entitled “Economic Freedom is Freedom”. The focus of Mr. Norman’s speech was the intrusive and destructive nature of government involvement in people’s use of the land and people’s economic activities. He noted that while this country glorifies great politicians like Roosevelt and Johnson, it gives little regard for those who have actually produced or built something. Mr. Norman was followed to the podium by Tom Licata and David Rodgers from Vermont for Economic Health. Tom and David provided an eye-opening and somewhat scary presentation regarding the present state of the Vermont economy and the projected train wreck that this State faces in the near term. Their power point presentation clearly outlined the massive expansion of State government both in size and in expenditures while the private sector languished. As one of the most talked about presentations of the day, Tom and David sent shock waves through the audience. During the “bring your own lunch” break, the conversations started on the floor of the Vermont House Chambers moved into full swing. Members and people interested in the Campaign engaged each other with stories and thoughts about Vermont Political landscape. Few actually finished eating as more time was spent talking than chewing. At one o’clock, the meeting reconvened to hearing Campaign Members Jessica Bernier, Ben Mayer (Chittenden County Chair) and Matt Cropp respectively deliver speeches on the meaning of the Campaign in Vermont, Ballot Access, and Community Organizing. All three speeches were heartening, informative, and well delivered. At the end of Matt’s speech, the assembly was divided into four geographic regions. Each region met alone to discuss what they could do to organize their area, identify local issues of concern, and bring the Campaign’s message to their fellow citizens. Each breakout group was moderated by the County Chairs and Precinct Leaders in that area. During the next forty-five minutes the ideas and solutions flowed. Contact information were exchanged and plans for future meetings were started. Finally, came the closing speech from the Interim State Coordinator, Steven J. Howard. Mr. Howard gave a report on the progress of the Campaign nationwide and in Vermont. He talked about the problems faced by the movement in Vermont, from inside and outside of the Campaign. He noted that the very diversity and inclusiveness of the gathering was considered by many to be a weakness, it was in fact its strength. Mr. Howard tied in Vermont’s rich history of independence and commitment to liberty with the hopes and goals of the Vermont Campaign for Liberty. As he concluded his speech, Mr. Howard quoted Vermont’s native son, Calvin Coolidge: “If the spirit of liberty should vanish in other parts of the union and support of our institutions should languish, it could all be replenished from the generous store held by the people of this brave little state of Vermont.” Then as a final charge to those assembled, he read Chapter One, Article 18 of the Vermont Constitution, which holds as follows: “That frequent recurrence to fundamental principles, and a firm adherence to justice, moderation, temperance, industry, and frugality, are absolutely necessary to preserve the blessings of liberty, and keep government free; the people ought, therefore to pay particular attention to these points, in the choice of officers and representatives, and have a right, in a legal way, to exact a due and constant regard to them, from their legislators and magistrates, in making and executing such laws as are necessary for the good government of the State.”
The meeting concluded at 4:00 pm, but like other previous meetings few wished to leave. As the sun set over the green mountains of this little state, the fires of liberty burned just a bit brighter in her valleys. Categories: Campaign For Liberty, Education, Current Events, Philosophy, Revolution, Miscellany, Economy Tags: |
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Thought you might want to have a copy of the essay I delivered at the, Campaign for Liberty Convention, held at the State House on the 24th of January 2009. Stewart Skrill JANUARY 24, 200 It was either 1902 or 1903, when my grandfather, Henry Spen, immigrated to America. He was about thirteen years old when he left the Ukraine/Russia. Had he not left when he did, I probably would not be here to tell this story. A local villager, asked my grandfather to deliver a letter to the local village commissar, for a few kopeks. Young Henry had no idea he was delivering a poison pen letter. A friend told him that it would be best if he left the village right away. If caught, he would more than likely be tortured by the Cossack’s, as they would want to find the person who gave him the letter. He might even be killed by the man who gave him the letter. These were trying times. The Cossacks were ruthless and would tear through villages on their horses, killing anyone in the length of their sabers. They would use their long reins as whips causing the people to fall and be trampled. Gramps immediately left and headed West. Occasionally he was able to hitch rides on wagons with farmers, but most of his trip was by foot ,approximately 5197miles. That’s like walking from N.Y.C. to Los Angele, Calif. He eventually made it to Holland and caught a ship to AMERICA. He told me that he stowed away and ate the horse meat hanging below decks, as he crossed the Atlantic. I believe he was accepted as an immigrant seeking political asylum, when the ship landed at Ellis Island. He soon found work as an apprentice blacksmith in New York City, which is another story unto itself. To become an American Citizen was tops on his list. Not only did he become an America citizen he also became active in the Democrat Party. I can remember when I was a young boy gramps introduced me to New York State Senator Meade, who showed me how to play pool at their local Democrat Club. One day in the 40‘s, grandpa brought me downstairs to the cellar in his small Brooklyn home. He took a bottle, sheathed in a straw protective shipping sleeve, off a shelf. He slid the straw sleeve off and showed it to me, and said, “son, take a good look at this bottle of French Champaign, you might never see one again, as the Nazi’s are marching into France.” It was a long time before gramps had another bottle of French Champaign on his shelf, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and Our Congress declared War, Dec 8,1941, on Japan and Germany. Gramps had twin sons whom he was very proud of. One son, Seymour enlisted in the Army Air Corp in 1939 because he wanted to be pilot, and the other, Monroe, was later drafted into the Air Corp. Every day he would place his America Flag in front of his home, to honor his sons and all those serving our country in the war. He taught me to love our flag and that my uncles were fighting for it and what it stood for, “Liberty and Justice for All”. He said, that some day I too might have to serve our country and I should be willing to die for our flag, the symbol of our Nation. I learned a lot of the protocol and respect to be given our nation’s flag when I was a Boy Scout. We would salute it and pledge our allegiance at our weekly meetings. I was drafted into military service and while there was privileged to be part of the color guard for our flag. Yes, guarding a flag. It was an honor, and part of my duty was to participate in military funerals. The ceremony included folding the American Flag that lay upon the coffin of a fallen brother. It would be lifted and folded with great care and reverence, and presented with honor to the bereaved. Not so long ago, my grandson, Christopher Eckman, a member of the California National Guard, returned home safely from combat in Iraq. He wasn’t there by choice but because his country called. Chris had joined the Vermont National Guard in order to pay for his college education, like so many other men and women. When asked how he felt about serving in Iraq, fighting an unconstitutional war. His response was, “The government gave me the money for my education and I appreciate it, now it‘s payback time. My personal mission was to bring my men back intact“. Chris did that and was awarded The Bronze Star for meritorious service to our country. This Christmas, Chris gave me his flag which was carried into battle in Iraq. I in turn sent him a flag that flew over our Nation’s Capital along with a congratulatory letter to him from Ron Paul. This past summer I was at the Gettysburg, Pa., battlefields. As I walked amongst the graves of some of the gallant young Vermont Soldiers buried there, I was moved to stand at attention and gave them a salute in honor of their supreme sacrifice. I thought how many a soldier died attempting to keep their flag from falling to the ground, and of Francis Scott Key’s joy in seeing our flag still flying at the dawns early light. I am proud of our flag, and our country for which it stands. I pledge my allegiance to my country, my affirmation to being an American. Our Flag, the symbol of our Country, represents Liberty and Justice for all. Please join me in our Pledge of Allegiance. Categories: Campaign For Liberty, Education, Current Events, Philosophy, Revolution, Miscellany, Economy Tags: |
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Thank you so much to everyone who made the trip to the Capitol yesterday for the first Vermont Campaign For Liberty convention. I plan to write more about the convention itself and where we go from here in the next couple of days. I was asked by a number of people for copies of my speech from yesterday's VT Campaign For Liberty convention so here it is.
The Campaign For Liberty: A Personal Perspective by Jessica Bernier The Campaign For Liberty mission is simple: "to highlight the neglected but common-sense principles we champion and reinsert them into the American political conversation." What are these common sense principles? The superiority of the free market in economic endeavors and with it the dissolution of the Federal Reserve System (which has been stealing our wealth through inflation and manipulating our currency, lending our own money to us at interest); a non-interventionist foreign policy which will guarantee that when we fight it is for our freedom and for no other reason; that respect for individual liberty is paramount to our identity as Americans; and finally that local self government is the means by which communities should deal with issues of importance to its citizens. This last principle, the importance of local self government is primarily what I am concerned with right now. Things on the national level will be moving rather rapidly and as we know from issues ranging from the Patriot Act to the War to the bailouts we have not been listened to. Unfortunately I do not believe that this will change very much with the new administration. I feel that it is of great importance for us to continually remind our state legislators about the 10th amendment. The 10th amendment gives sovereignty to the states. The federal government has become all too pervasive and as citizens we have sat waiting-as the legislature is right now-with paw outstretched, drooling after that stimulus biscuit. Money isn't free. We all know that these stimulus packages are saddling our children and grandchildren with debt and destroying the sovereignty of our nation. We need to encourage our state leaders to stop sniffing around after federal funds which come with strings attached and begin to live within our means. The concept of debt as an economic driver is unsustainable. How realistic is concrete application of the 10th amendment? This past year in Oklahoma the Legislature passed House Joint Resolution 1089 which states in part:
"THAT the State of Oklahoma hereby claims sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States over all powers not otherwise enumerated and granted to the federal government by the Constitution of the United States. THAT this serves as Notice and Demand to the federal government, as our agent, to cease and desist, effective immediately, mandates that are beyond the scope of these constitutionally delegated powers."
Why a state has to take this drastic a measure to remind the federal government what the Constitution says is beyond me but it is a step in the right direction. I think as time goes on we will see a shift in certain areas of the federal budget, programs that have been passed and managed by the feds-- certain homeland security measures, for instance-are costly and difficult to manage on the scale they are now. Oklahoma took a step in protecting itself from unfunded mandates and potential cost shifts. It's an idea that I believe we in Vermont should be taking a hard look at. Speaking of Vermont, it is extremely important to support the governor in his efforts to reform Acts 60, 68 and 250. He faces a difficult challenge here but this is a prime example of what we as a group can be doing in Vermont right now. We must take our state back from the spendthrifts that keep being reelected to the legislature. We need to call our representatives and let them know that cuts are necessary and we support them. Public education has become too bureaucratic to be sustainable and taxpayers are not a neverending source of revenue. Cumbersome environmental regulations and labyrinth-like permitting processes do not make a cleaner, more beautiful state. They make it very difficult for small businesses and farms to succeed. They make alternative energy development nearly impossible. And a system of quasi-judicial boards does not make the system transparent. Yes, some regulation is acceptable, environmental standards are important and should be upheld, but not at the expense of families, farmers, entrepreneurs and employers. It's nice to be thought of as an idyllic winter playground or snowbird's summer home, but there are people who are trying to raise their families here. The governor is right. We need to balance environmental impact with economic potential. We cannot fall into the trap of thinking, "Well, my representative is a DemoPublicRessive and she's just going to do what he wants anyway. What's the point?" The point is that if you don't open your mouth and tell your representative what you think she will assume you don't think and do what SHE thinks is best. We have to hold these people accountable. We need to be here in this House. So how do we accomplish these goals? How do we mobilize? We start at the precinct level. We start with you, and me and him and her. We become actively engaged in our communities. We get to know our neighbors, we pay attention to the chatter at the mini-mart. We attend local school board meetings. We join whatever party appeals to us and we attend those meetings as well. We get to know our local representatives. We make it a habit to pay attention to what is going on in the world around us and talk about it. Maybe you host a breakfast meeting for concerned citizens; maybe you become active in a list-serve-type email group. You frequent the state House when the Legislature is in session. You urge your family, friends and neighbors to make phone calls to legislators at all levels when they approve or vehemently disapprove of pending legislation. This is how we get to know our community. This is how we take it back. People are busy, people are tired, over worked, underpaid, struggling to find a job, making ends meet for now, uncertain about the future... But we can not afford to be complacent any more. WE are we the people. It is our duty to pay attention to what is happening around us and initiate discussion, education and action. Haile Selassie said, "Throughout history, it has been the inaction of those who could have acted, the indifference of those who should have known better, the silence of the voice of justice when it mattered most; that has made it possible for evil to triumph." I hope that you will take these words to heart as I have. We must not be afraid or too busy to speak and act. We are all here because we share a common goal-to revive the Constitution in political discussion and policy making. One of the challenges we face is the left-right paradigm that has been constructed for us. It matters not whether we come from the left or the right when we focus on the Constitution. The beautiful thing about our defining document is that there is plenty of room for both to peacefully coexist. It is our intention for the VT C4L to be a totally nonpartisan organization, bringing the Constitutions of the Vermont and the United States with us wherever we go. (Which is why everyone was given a copy of each today.) The more I talk to people the more I see that what we desire is not so different. We want to live our lives as we see fit, harming no one. This is what this country was founded upon-Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. And this is why I see the Campaign For Liberty being such a force in this state. Let's take for example wind power and property rights. The two are directly related and could draw the left and right together in ways that we are not seeing as of yet. Why is that? Because the conversation hasn't gotten past the stereotypical left vs. right rhetoric and as of yet there is no one with the political courage to take an issue like this and show people where they agree. This is where we come in. We facilitate discussion locally, we ask people questions-not pundits, not experts, but PEOPLE-- and we draw conclusions. We push through the catchphrases and the talking points and we have an actual conversation. This is where precinct leaders become extremely crucial to our organization. You cannot have conversations with people if you don't know who they are. The national C4L will be providing dues-paying precinct leaders with comprehensive voter data. People want to have a say. Let's give it to them. We come to them from a non-partisan citizen action group looking for what they really think and see. The Vermont Campaign For Liberty, being made up of members, precinct leaders, county coordinators and a state coordinator have a unique format to bring local issues and candidates to the state spotlight. If, say, a property rights issue comes to a head in Putney, we have a network in place to inform all of our statewide members. A statewide action alert can be issued and we can all call our representatives, write letters to the editors, call radio shows, etc. We are a small state but there is a world of difference between the NEK, Bennington and Chittenden counties. An organized, educated, united front is one of the best weapons we have against tyranny. In addition to having the ability to have an impact on issues, we are of building an apparatus through which we can support candidates who embody the principles we stand for. One of the most difficult aspects of running for office is having boots on the ground, reaching out to voters. Sign planting, palm cards and radio advertising only get you so far. It is the reaching out, person to person, that really makes an effective campaign. The comprehensive voter database becomes a tool of invaluable proportions for us to support liberty-minded candidates on the state, county and local levels. Again-Selassie's quote, "it has been the inaction of those who could have acted, the indifference of those who should have known better, the silence of the voice of justice when it mattered most; that has made it possible for evil to triumph." Many people have no idea where to turn or think their voices don't matter. Others only become involved when there is a major crisis or tragedy. We need to inspire others, as we are inspired, to become involved in the discussion or indeed evil will triumph. We must provide our neighbors with ways to become involved-even if it is just the names and phone numbers of their representatives. And in the process we show them that we care-not just about politics, but about each other, our families, Vermont and the nation.
Categories: Campaign For Liberty, Foreign Policy, Education, Civil Liberties, Domestic Policy, Grassroots News, US Constitution, Federal Legislation, State Legislation, Economy Tags: |
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While researching another issue in preparation for an upcoming presentation I came across a rather interesting book at my local library. It was the third edition of a book entitled "The Value of Money 1860 through 2004". In it the authors (I apologize but I don't have their names right on hand at this moment) discussed the prices of common everyday items from the 1860 through 2004. From the mundane to the luxurious, the going price of each item was list by year from the Civil War to the War on Terror. It was a fascinating read. One particular page so stood out to me that I copied it and keep the copy on my nightstand. That page contained a chart showing the purchasing power of the US dollar indexed to the 1860 US Dollar in circulation at that time. What is remarkable about this chart is the course our dollar has taken over the years. From 1860 through 1913, the dollar indexed no more than 2.00 twice during that period and it never rose above an index of 3. In other words, if you wanted to buy an 1860 dollar in 1890, let's say, it would almost never cost more than 2 1890 dollars or it would take approximately 2 1890 dollar to buy the same amount of goods as 1 1860 dollar. Not bad retention of value for the US dollar so far. However, after 1913 something changes. By the 1960's dollar indexes in the high single digits. After the 1970's it creeps into the teens and by the 2000's, the index value of a 2004 dollar is 22. Which means that the purchasing power of a modern dollar in 2004 is worth less than 5 cents of a 1860 dollar. In fact the value of the modern dollar is a fraction of its 1970's value. What makes this fact more horrifying is the 2004 dollar was evaluated before the massive expansion in government started by the Bush Administration and the recent near meltdown of the printing presses at the Federal Reserve. One can only imagine what a 2009 dollar is worth on this chart. Looking at this chart, one can clearly see that during 1913 and the early 1970's had a telling effect on the value of a dollar. Is it then a coincidence that the founding of the Federal Reserve occured in 1913 and that fiat money was adopted by the US during the Nixon Administration (1968 - 1974). The importances of this information is that the value of our labor is stored in the dollar. When that place of storage is weakened and lessened in value, so is our labor. When the work we do is worth less in real terms through no fault of ours, we all suffer. Each time they turn on the presses, we all suffer a pay cut in real terms. Historically, the working men and women of this country have had their wages cut again and again to satisfy the needs of the Federal Reserve and a spendthrift government. The proof of this is in the facts of history. Despite the horse and pony show put on by Washington, Ben and Company, and their lap dog media, it is clear as day and can not be denied. Facts are a funny thing... Categories: Finance, History, Economy, Monetary Policy Tags: |
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So ends today the reign of error that was George W. Bush's eight years in Washington. Honestly, I am not sad to see him and his neo-con cronies go. Yet, I find myself not feeling any better about the new occupant of the imperial throne, oh... I mean Oval Office. Mr. Obama ran on the theme of change. Yet, even before he took the oath of office at noon, his choices and decisions paint an entirely different picture. His cabinet is filled with Clinton Era hacks and persons intimately involved in the current financial crisis. His attitude toward the on-going disaster commonly known as the "bailout bill" is more of the same. His announced fiscal policies are the same as the Bush policies. The only meaningful difference between the Bush Stimulous Plan and the Obama Stimulous Plan is the size of the deficiet we will have when the smoke clears and no progress is made. In his inaugaration speech this afternoon, Mr. Obama stated that the fight was over between those who sought smaller government and those who thought bigger was better. Bigger won, he stated, and now it was time to make that bigger, better government work for you. What was strange about this comment was: 1) besides Dr. Paul and the C4L, no one in the last election cycle seriously advocated for limited constitutional government. Both democratic and republican candidates wanted a huge government, they just differed as to the extent and nature of their intrusions on your economic and personal liberty. 2) I find it hard to believe that an educated individual with experience in government (albeit limited experience) would fall into the intellectual fallacy that if something doesn't work in its present size, making the organization bigger and more complex will magically correct the problem. If anything we have learned since the age of the Great Society (the 1960's for those who were born in the age of computers) government ability to do something well is in adverse proportion to its size. The more it grows, the worse it is at getting things done. So today is the first day of what many excitedly like to term the second New Deal. But I would caution all to be resistent to the hype that dominates the media these days and wait. Over the next six months to a year, the true nature of the Obama Administration will make itself manifest and we will finally have a clear picture of the "change president". If the last month or so is any indication, I have a strong feeling that many who worship him now will find that change was not what they expected.
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I called Bernie Sanders this morning and urged him not to allow Obama to appoint Geithner as Treasury Secretary. He is another banking insider and he is flippant about not paying his taxes.I will be calling Leahy for the same reason shortly. While I had Bernie's aide on the phone I mentioned the American Freedom Agenda Act which was introduced by Ron paul and co-sponsored by Dennis Kucinich and (here's a shocker) Peter Welch. Over the last week or so Obama has made some statements concerning adherence to the Geneva Conventions and closing Guantanamo:
* Repeal the "Military Commissions Act of 2006" and thereby restore the ancient right of habeas corpus and end legally sanctioned torture by U.S. government agents This legislation clearly reinforces Obama's statements and is right on target with what Bernie has been saying over the last 7 years. Apparently the bill was referred to a subcommittee in the fall of 2007 where it has sat ever since. It is not an appropriations bill therefore the Bernie could introduce it into the Senate. Please call his office and urge him to act on this legislation now. While you're at it give Welch a call and ask him what's going on with the bill. Bernie in DC: 202-224-5141
Categories: Foreign Policy, Civil Liberties, Domestic Policy, Federal Legislation, War/Military, World Affairs Tags: |
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With a heavy heart I am chagrined to announce that the Vermont Legislature comes back into session this week and already bills have been introduced by Democrats and Republicans alike which causes me to question their motives toward personal and economic liberty. Even before the first gavel falls, several bills have already made it to the legislative registry for consideration. Of note are the following: S 0005 which would exempt Law Enforcement and Emergency Personal from reporting accidents that they cause as long as they were not Criminally Negligent in causing the accident. S.0007 would make all private places of work, smoke free. Regardless of the right of private contract between employer and employee or the property rights of the owner, or even the rights of smokers to smoke without being exiled to do so, the Senate thinks that they must step in to protect someone. Who they are trying to protect and why they feel that the employer is unable to protect them, I am unsure of. S.0008 would reduce the numerous supervisory unions down to sixteen. I have a problem with this bill in two ways. First, real local control of budget items without unfunded mandates and mandatory State testing and bureacracy requirements is not resolved by consolidating the Districts. In fact it lessens local control. Second, we don't need fewer Supervisory Districts, we need none. A smaller layer of bureaucracy is still another layer of bureaucracy. S.0009 is a companion bill that would require standardized common, integrated financial management systems among the school districts. Besides streamlining the State's ability to monitor spending at the local level, I don't see much use in this one-size fits all system. (or for that matter which system will be adopted for all districts and who will choose.) H.0002 is a puzzling bill. It seems to want to make an exception for outdoor wood boilers when setting environmental emisssion standards. Yet this short bill would amend Title 10 Section 558 to require that emission controls set by the Agency be explicitly related to private owners of wood boilers. Absent an explanation of the intent of this bill, I read it as creating a separate State Standard exclusive and particular to property owners who are seeking alternative means of heating their homes and residential water outside of the electric/gas companies control. Whether these bills go any further is up to the legislature and you. To learn more, look up these bills at http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/service2.cfm , then call your representative and senator and let them know how you feel about these issues. VTGADFLY Categories: State Legislation Tags: |
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Whew! What a busy 3 months we've had in 2008. It's encouraging to see so many coordinators come on board and to see so many precinct leaders step up to take back their neighborhoods! Before we know it, we'll blanket the country (and a few of our non-U.S. countries, too) with precinct leaders armed with the knowledge and tools they'll need to make a huge difference in the outcome of our future. We've received a lot of great suggestions from our members this year. Thank you for helping us help YOU be successful! We have some great things in store for you in 2009, but first here are highlights from 2008: There are 1,349 Precinct Leaders in place and working for freedom! If you haven't done so yet, sign up and protect your neighborhood. Our Precinct Leaders will be the best-prepared, most well-trained, most knowledgeable folks around. Membership dues help pay for the very best, most up-to-date voter data on the market. Two or more Precinct Leaders in each neighborhood will ensure success! Early on, State Coordinators agreed that a goal of 10,000 Precinct Leaders in the U.S. by September 2009 was achievable. Each state's goal was calculated based on number of precincts and percent of total population. Successes: The states of Iowa and Vermont are the ones to watch - Iowa increased their number of Precinct Leaders by a full 45% in just 3 months and Vermont increased their number by 43% in less than 2 months! What's the secret? Ask the state coordinators - I'm sure they'll be happy to share! There are 7 states that have already met over 30% of goal in just 3 months: Iowa - 54% (goal: 100 precinct leaders) Vermont - 52.17% (goal: 23 precinct leaders) Montana - 44.12% (goal: 34 precinct leaders) Washington - 40.65% (goal: 214 precinct leaders) Idaho - 39.22% (goal: 51 precinct leaders) North Dakota - 37.50% (goal: 24 precinct leaders) Minnesota - 30.81% (goal: 172 precint leaders) In addition, the following states have reached 20% or more of goal: Alaska, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri and Nebraska. A HUGE congratulations go to all of you! At this rate, you're sure to exceed your goals. Thirty-six Interim State Coordinators have been appointed, and they've appointed interim Coordinators in 144 congressional districts and 161 counties! This is nothing short of amazing. Successes: Several state, district and county planning meetings have been held and have seen great attendance and success. As an example, one district had 27 attendees at their first meeting last week (during the holidays and with freezing temperatures). The message of liberty is alive and well! Over the past few months, I've occasionally received a message asking "What is the point of the Campaign for Liberty?" Here is my response: The point of the Campaign for Liberty is to get our activists in one place where we can work together on strategies that will truly make an impact. Precinct Leaders our are most precious members. They are the key for making an impact in every neighborhood across the U.S. The Precinct Leader attends local and political meetings, they wake up their neighbors (or let them sleep if they don't "get it"), watch their local government activities, call out their infractions, rally their neighbors and literally protect their own backyard. When each Precinct Leader takes responsibility for their neighborhood, pretty soon we'll be able to look across our country and celebrate many small wins, and as we develop cross-state strategies, we'll witness big wins as well. We'll be able to more easily elect liberty-minded candidates to work together on freedom issues that affect us all. In 2009, we'll offer many more tools to all of our members - from regional conferences to focused strategies and issues, from Special Events days to an exclusive forum for our Precinct Leaders. Watch for upcoming announcements regarding these tools and more, and keep an eye out for some great surprises, too! Once again, thank you for allowing us to serve you in 2008. We look forward to a much brighter liberty-minded 2009. HAPPY NEW YEAR! Categories: Campaign For Liberty, Education, Grassroots News, Current Events, Revolution Tags: year end, 2008, success |
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