Posted by BrockSouthwick on 10/21/09

21 October 2009

Mr. Senator,

I am writing in reference to proposed legislation in two proposals before the Senate. 

The first of the two bills is The Federal Reserve Sunshine Act - S. 604.  I have written you in the past for your support of this proposed legislation which was first introduced in March of this year.  Currently over 30 of your fellow Senators in cosponsoring this much needed legislation to provide transparency of the Federal Reserve System. 

The second bill before the senate is without a number as of this morning.  This proposal is titled the Federal Reserve Accountability Act, and was introduced yesterday by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Bob Corker (R-TN).  This proposal ultimately constitutes an unacceptable compromise to S.604.  The Federal Reserve Accountability Act falls entirely short of the full transparency of monetary policy that would be offered under S.604.  The Fed has made decisions in the past which have in many ways led to the current economic crisis, as well as the continued deterioration of our dollar. 

I ask for your support for the bill which would provide the highest level of accountability for those who have been assigned such an enormous responsibility within our American economy.  The only bill which provides this level of accountability is S. 604.  Thank you for your time.

Truly,

Brock T. Southwick

Posted by BrockSouthwick on 10/20/09

Mr. Congressman,

I oppose any attempt by the Federal government to seize additional regulation, create subsidies, promote invasion of privacy, or further disrupt the healthcare market.  Mistakes and mismanagement by government in the past cannot be mended by more of the same.  Real reform of the healthcare system must include backing down by the government from their current levels of involvement and regulation to restore some semblance of a free-market system. 

The areas of the medical industry that have been least touched by government, inherently have the most competitive pricing and best service.  These services include corrective eye surgery and cosmetic procedures. 

The Founders ratified our Constitution with no intent of government involvement in the area of healthcare, however, doctors and hospitals were a reality and in fact very useful even in 1789.   Nowhere in the Enumerated Powers given to Congress, is regulation of healthcare mentioned.

Thank you for your time.

Truly,

Brock T. Southwick

Posted 10/20/09 Vigilante Carmel, IN

Funnily enough, the American Medical Association, before their formation were just drug pushers, killed George Washington. Nothing like guzzling down some mercury when you're sick with Pneumonia. After people favored homeopathic, herb and vitamin supplement pushing doctors, the AMA was formed to shun that practice; to make them outcasts. In the end we are still fighting their regulation causing higher prices, less doctors, and lower quality care.

Posted by BrockSouthwick on 08/04/09

The voices of the American people in opposition to a government takeover of healthcare are seen as unimportant by the White House.  The story covered in the Wall Street Journal shows the tone that the Obama administration has taken toward grass-roots organizations.

Posted by BrockSouthwick on 06/27/09
Last updated 06/27/09

Urgent action is needed!

New carbon taxing Cap-and Trade legislation H.R. 2454 narrowly passed through the House this week.  There is no doubt that if this bill is passed through the Senate and signed by the Executive Branch, it will be one of the largest federal taxes on the American public since the 16th amendment (Federal Income Tax) to the constitution.  This is a time not unlike the time of ratification of the 16th amendment, when large spending legislation was proposed and enacted. By way of the Federal Income Tax, a source of new revenue had now become legally accessible to fund future unconstitutional federal spending programs including new U.S. debt to be held by the Federal Reserve. 

In our current situation, legislation for unprecedented federal stimulus packages and industrial bailouts of automotive, banking, and other corporate interests, has been sold to us as the only way out of the current economic crisis.  When questioned about funding for these and other proposed programs such as government health care, there have been few answers.  Our answer, in my view, is hidden in this outrageous proposal.
Any regulation that will impose additional taxes and fees based on an energy production's emission of a compound nearly all plant life on Earth requires to survive seems to be, in my view, a bit impractical.  Forecasts of skyrocketing energy costs have not only been predicted by the Republican right, but by President Obama himself! 

It is time to act.  It is time to inform anyone and everyone you can of the duty we have to stop this proposal while we still can.  Call and e-mail your senators as often as you can to express your distaste for this proposal until the final votes are cast in the Senate.  They snuck a 300 page amendment and a vote in the House on Friday this week to pass the 1400+ page cap-and-trade bill, so be ready for misdirection.

Posted by BrockSouthwick on 06/22/09
Last updated 06/22/09

Now is the time to keep pushing! 

The following letter was sent today to Mr. Udall and Mr. Bennet seperately to garner support for S. 604 as well as question the President's proposal for additional powers of oversight for the Fed:

June 21, 2009

Dear Mr. (Udall / Bennet),

I am writing in reference to S 604 which was introduced on March 16, 2009.  This Senate companion to H.R. 1207 would provide much needed transparency in the Federal Reserve system in regard to monetary policy, negotiations with foreign governments, among other vital information which is currently inaccessible by current law.  The House version of the proposed legislation currently has over 230 cosponsors with strong bi-partisan support.  I am seeking your current position and support for this legislation.

In addition to this much needed legislation, I would like to express my great concern regarding President Obama's proposal to give the Fed additional oversight powers in the financial system.  It can be argued that the Fed failed the U.S. economy in the very recent past by keeping interest rates artificially low during a time of reckless lending procedures.  The Fed was created under the belief that it would be the last line of defense against drastic market fluctuations by regulating interest and monetary policy.  The details can be debated, but it is clear that the Fed is an entity that contributed in at least some degree to the current economic crisis.  Because of this fact, the Fed should be as open and transparent as any government agency, and should be held accountable for its current responsibilities before additional powers are granted. 

Thank you for your time.

-Brock T. Southwick

Posted 06/22/09 markp23 Tucson, AZ

Great letter! I'm going to send a copy to my Senators now.