Posted by mapetranek on 10/11/09

Issue 6 in Cuyahoga County is being billed as the end the corruption issue. It will also be the end of you voting for your sheriff among many other offices. This issue will no more end corruption than a bottle of seltzer water can end a magnesium fire. In fact, it will contribute to even more corruption in the future by putting the power to appoint offices, including the sheriff, in the hands of just a few individuals.

6

Shall a county charter be adopted

providing for an elected county

executive, an elected county prosecutor,

eleven county council members elected

by district, and all other county officers

appointed by the county executive whose

appointments are subject to the

confirmation by council and who shall

serve at the pleasure of the county

executive?

Need I say more?

Maryanne Petranek

Posted 10/13/09 Grant McCallum South Euclid, OH

This needs to be defeated! Whom will these appointed officials represent? Their boss (i.e. the county executive) or the people? Once again, we are at a cross-roads? Do we continue to give up more of our liberties...or do we make a stand and fight!?! -Grant

Posted by mapetranek on 07/03/09

As we embark on the fourth of July holiday, we need to ask ourselves, what is freedom for? If we look at this politically, freedom is guaranteed to Americans under the Constitution and if we look at this spiritually, freedom is divine and given to us by our creator.

But, what is freedom for?

Advocates of individual freedom, such as Campaign for Liberty and a host of other groups, often repeat the words, freedom or individual liberty or life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

But, what is freedom for?

Our Founding Fathers hinted at what it is for as they industriously worked on a document to create a new country. They created a new country. They created a country that this world had never seen before. The Founding Fathers created something out of nothing. Surely they had fled tyranny and the abuse of power and the domination of men by men but they created a country of individuals to use their freedom individually.

Freedom groups, those who advocate individual freedom, are only a launching pad. The group is not what freedom is all about. Freedom was never about the government. Government is only supposed to guarantee each individual the freedom to do, say and create whatever the individual wants to create. Freedom is about the individual. 

By the way, this is not anarchy. Every individual, although he has ultimate control over his own creative powers, has the responsibility not to infringe on any other individual's right to create. Creativity is not a mass movement. It is individual.

Sadly, there are many in this country who think freedom is to sell something others will buy. These people spend their entire life trying to market and network and sell whatever it is someone else will buy. It seems a bit perverse to spend your entire life trying to figure that out. This is what some believe it means to live in a free society.

Most of us are skating on the surface of life, seeing in very limited terms. There are few who dare to dive to the bottom of the water but for those who dare, their rewards are far greater than those who skate. Those who dare will feel the freedom of individuality--not defined by any institution:  not political ones, not religious ones, not any institutions.

Others, including the Founding Fathers, believed in the freedom of the individual to create--just as they had done when they wrote the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

Take a moment this weekend and give yourself the permission to be the individual you are. Sketch a picture, write a poem ( or for that matter, write anything that comes from inside you), sit outside and look at nature. For it is in nature that we all are everything we are, complete already, with no limitations.

Posted by mapetranek on 07/01/09

Accelerating Our Teaching with Technology

An amazing thing has been happening in America since the last general election. I do not speak of the seemingly unending proposals which tear at the very foundations of our republic and which are designed to move this country hard to the left. This has been going on for decades. Even though there were a few warning voices, most Americans were not that concerned and apparently thought that this is the way things have to be in our modern age. But with the acceleration of these socialistic efforts, we are seeing our fellow Americans, even some of those who haven't been too concerned in the past, finally becoming very afraid at what is occurring. Apparently the speed at which this is all happening is revealing the true motives of those who want to permanently change America 's formula for freedom, prosperity, and peace. It is literally scaring more people than ever. What I am referring to are the thousands of sincere, freedom-loving people who are waking up to what is happening and have decided to do something about it. All this brings to mind the stirring words of Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence when he described how people will take abuses only so far and for so long. Said he:

"... all experience has shown, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.

"But, when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security."

If there is a silver lining to all that is happening, it must be that more and more people are waking up to the stark reality of the real possibility of losing our freedom and liberty. Perhaps that is why one woman who called recently said, "I have been a mere observer for too long. I have been silent for too long. I must get off the fence and do something!"
The Need for Universal Education

Scores of thousands of Americans are now reading The 5000 Year Leap . Among the principles of liberty, which the Founders said was essential to freedom, was education. Concerning education, the Founders felt that, "A free society cannot survive as a republic without a broad program of general education." (Principle 23) The English colonists in America undertook something which no nation had ever attempted before -- educating the whole people. The colonists had a sense of "manifest destiny" which led them to believe that they must prepare themselves for a most unique and important role in the unfolding of modern world history. Universal education was therefore considered an indispensable ingredient in this preparation.
De Tocqueville Comments on American Education in 1831

Gradually, the zeal for universal education spread from New England to all of the other colonies. By 1831, when Alexis de Tocqueville of France visited the United States , he was amazed by the fruits of this effort. He wrote:

"In New England every citizen receives the elementary notions of human knowledge; he is taught, moreover, the doctrines and the evidences of his religion, the history of his country, and the leading features of its Constitution. In the states of Connecticut and Massachusetts , it is extremely rare to find a man imperfectly acquainted with all these things, and a person wholly ignorant of them is a sort of phenomenon."

Education Includes Morality and Politics

He then went on to comment concerning the close relationship between the program of universal education and the preservation of freedom:

"It cannot be doubted that in the United States the instruction of the people powerfully contributes to the support of the democratic republic; and such must always be the case, I believe, where the instruction which enlightens the understanding is not separated from the moral education.... An American should never be led to speak of Europe , for he will then probably display much presumption and very foolish pride.... But if you question him respecting his own country, the cloud that dimmed his intelligence will immediately disperse; his language will become as clear and precise as his thoughts. He will inform you what his rights are and by what means he exercises them; he will be able to point out the customs which obtain in the political world. You will find that he is well acquainted with the rules of the administration, and that he is familiar with the mechanism of the laws.... The American learns to know the laws by participating in the act of legislation; and he takes a lesson in the forms of government from governing. The great work of society is ever going on before his eyes and, as it were, under his hands.

"In the United States , politics are the end and aim of education...." (See The 5000 Year Leap , p 252-254)

NCCS Inundated with Teaching Requests

A wise leader once advised that the best way to organize and lead people to do good is to teach them correct principles and let them govern themselves. The National Center for Constitutional Studies is an organization that teaches principles, so that no matter what the issue is people can apply a principle to it and have a solution. Perhaps that is why NCCS seminars have become so popular with people who are looking for answers.

Our seminars as presently scheduled may be found on our website at www.nccs.net . As you can see we have seminars scheduled all over the country and every available Saturday throughout the year. In many cases we are teaching seminars in several places at the same time. But still the requests keep coming in nearly every day. Some of them come from urban areas and some come from areas that are difficult to get to in a few hours. We will continue to schedule as many live seminars as possible, but we have many requests that we have not been able to schedule. We appreciate you patience. Some have volunteered to learn the material well enough so that they can teach it to groups in their own area. We will work with anyone who wants to do this. There is no magic to learning to teach the Founders message. One must study and then teach it. We at NCCS believe that there are no "experts" when it comes to the Founders message. It is simple enough to be understood and taught by most people. We believe we should get in the habit of thinking that Americans should be teaching one another the doctrines of freedom and liberty. So we encourage any and all to do so.

One thing that is sometimes on the mind of would-be-teachers is the remuneration available for doing so. We believe, as is emphasized in the third principle of liberty, that this is a cause, not a job. No one gets paid for teaching the Founders' message. We have separate means of support and do this work because we, like you, love America , and wish to see it strengthened and preserved. We do, however, hope to recover our expenses as we go around the nation teaching these seminars.
Announcing "The Making of America Webinar" Series

As can be seen in the current happenings in Iran where the regular channels of media have been silenced, the use of technology is both powerful and effective in combating the growth of tyrannical rule both at home and abroad.

In addition to our live seminars, we are announcing the beginning of seminars over the internet called "webinars." They will begin on the first Tuesday in July and continue each Tuesday for the first four Tuesdays of each month. We will teach our regular Making of America seminar but divide it up into four parts, presenting one part each Tuesday evening for four Tuesdays and then repeat the four parts again each month. It will also give an opportunity for participants to ask questions and have them answered during or after the formal presentation.

As with our Saturday seminars, we will make available to our participants the fill-in-the-blank study guides for that evening. Each participant may go to our NCCS website and download the applicable pages to the next Tuesday's webinar. In that way, each participant will have the material he or she needs for the meeting without having to wait for an order to be delivered. There is no cost for these webinars.

Here is a summary of the subjects covered in each of the four parts:
The Making of America , Part I (first Tuesdays)

Few Americans today know the real story of how America was made. The struggle of the Founders through 180 years to discover the ideas of freedom will give you a deep appreciation for these people. As each American today experiences this amazing story, he will want to become an advocate and a teacher of America 's formula for freedom.
The Making of America , Part II (second Tuesdays)

In this session we will learn why the Founders called the study of politics a "divine science." This concept surprises most Americans, but those who hear the story of where the Founders got their great ideas gain a great new hope for America today. One man said, "This is what I always felt inside, but I just have never heard it put in words before." Also, we will discover why most people in history seem to have to go through a very rough period in order to have the perspective to really appreciate freedom.
The Making of America , Part III (third Tuesdays)

In Parts I and II we learned the development of good constitutional ideas in the minds of the Founders. Now in Part III we undertake the study some of the more profound provisions of the magnificent document we call the Constitution of the United States . We will point out original intent and it will be very apparent how far we have strayed by the examples we give. This is the point that participants begin to ask themselves how we could have gotten so far off base!
The Making of America , Part IV (fourth Tuesdays)

We continue our study of the greatest freedom document ever written by man. Participants come away with the definite impression that the Founders really did have answers to nearly every problem we have in America today. This document is simple, yet profound. It is beautiful and its principles are universal and everlasting. This concluding session contains ideas and suggestions of what citizens can do now that they know somewhat about the freedom document that made the first free people in modern times.

Are you ready to learn from the Founders in the comfort of your own home? What could be easier than forwarding an email invite to your friends? Make sure NCCS has your email address so we can send you the real invite in a few days. (Go to www.nccs.net/seminars/ for more information and to sign up.)

Here is a sample invite you will receive by email a few days before the first webinar. When you receive the actual invitation, you will want to forward it to everyone on your own email lists. Time listed is Mountain Standard Time or Arizona time (which never changes):
The Making of America , Part 1 of 4
Join us for a Webinar on July 7

Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
(Your actual invitation will include the internet address to register)

(Description of Part I)
*Participants should download Study Guide for Part I at www.nccs.net prior to the webinar.
**This webinar will be recorded and archived at www.nccs.net
***There is no cost for this webinar

Title: The Making of America , Part 1 of 4
Date: Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM MST
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

System Requirements
PC-based attendees required: Windows® 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server, Vista
Macintosh®-based attendees required: Mac OS® X 10.4 (Tiger®) or newer

We look forward to participating with you on the webinar beginning on July 7th.

Sincerely,

Earl Taylor, Jr.

Posted by mapetranek on 06/10/09

It's been awhile since I checked in with my blog so I am writing to give everyone an update as to the status of my campaign.

I am currently out with my petition gathering signatures to have my name placed on the ballot for the September 8 primary in Cleveland. I am running for Cleveland City Council in the newly formed Ward 18 ( the old Ward 20). The requirements are 200 valid signatures and a $45.00 filing fee.

It's been awhile since I took to the streets with a petition and really talked to my neighbors and this time the experience has been more eye-opening than any other time. I introduce myself with my name first , quickly followed with I am your neighbor at, followed by my address. I then say I am running for city council in this ward and if you are a registered voter at this address, your signature will enable me to be placed on the ballot for the September 8 primary.

Overall, the response rate has been good but I have had a few surprises. Neighbors that I have been on a first name basis with for a few years have told me they can't sign my petition. When I inquire why, several of them have said they are "friends" with the incumbent city councilman and couldn't possibly sign my petition. I explain they are under no obligation to vote for me but it would put my name on the ballot. They have all told me their underlying reasons why.

For instance, one neighbor told me the councilman had two full size trees taken out of her backyard at NO COST to her. Another neighbor told me he didn't have to pay for permits for work he was doing on his house or his rental property. Both of these people told me they hoped I didn't get on the ballot.

On the other hand, a neighbor who wants to buy a small tract of land from the city to expand his property has been blocked by the councilman who says a house could be built there. This tract is less than 30 feet wide and no one reasonable would want to live in a house that close to two other neighbors. This person said he was very happy I was running and would do everything he could to help me. Another neighbor who is a policeman was happy to hear my position on the residency requirement for police and firefighters. The police and fire fighters have to live within city limits but absolutely no other city worker has to. The media has frightened people into thinking all the police and fire fighters will move out of the city leaving Cleveland much worse off than if they are forced to continue living within city limits.

All in all, very interesting conversations. The incumbent councilman's campaign finance report from the last 5 years has been very interesting also. Just about anything can be claimed as an expenditure for campaigns, even when you aren't campaigning!! That has been an eye opener also. 

On a side note here, it is hard not to be out there with petitions for H.R. 1207. With 210 co-sponsors now and Dennis Kucinich as the congressman, you have no idea how much I want to take hundreds of signatures to Mr. Kucinich so he can honor his duty as a public servant with his constituents. I simply can't carry my petition and the petition for H.R. 1207 currently.

I am asking all of you to help with that. Just get 50 copies of the petition, go door to door in your area and explain it to your neighbors. I have gotten into a couple of conversations with my neighbors about the bill and they are in agreement that Mr. Kucinich should be a co-sponsor. Knock on the door, introduce yourself and read the petition to the person. Then ask them if an audit of the federal reserve should take place. After all, never having an audit since 1913 isn't much to ask, is it? After trillions of dollars of bailout money has materialized from them with the bill being put to the American people?

There is still time to take out a petition and run for office in Cleveland. The deadline for signatures and petitions is June 24. Last Saturday I was able to get 70 signatures with many people at home and willing to sign. Lest you think I live in a highly republican area, republicans in my ward are outnumbered 6:1. Democrats are signing my petition and the few republicans that I have found are happy to hear I am a republican running for office in Cleveland. The election is non-partisan but I still get a small percentage of people who want to know what party I represent. So far, only one person hasn't signed after finding out I am a republican.

That's it for now, I will update again when I have the signatures and know I will be on the ballot.

Posted 06/11/09 Grant McCallum South Euclid, OH

Thanks for the update Maryanne! I hope members will see the value of becoming a local coordinator. You really get the opportunity to (1) meet your neighbors and evaluate their political thinking and beliefs (2) from this you gain the knowledge on how best to present the Liberty message by focusing in on their hot-buttons. It's amazing how easy it is...just pose a simple question and then listen to their response. People are getting more angry and concerned and are looking for answers. We can either let the "idiot box" educate them, or we can. Best of luck getting the signatures needed for ballot access! The more liberty-minded people that get into office the greater chance we have in restoring Liberty. Period! -Grant

Posted 06/11/09 Gabe McGranahan Mogadore, OH

huzzah! Go get 'em Maryanne!

Posted 07/22/09 joshkungfu4 Cleveland, OH

Hello, I looked up the wards that you discussed (18 and 20). so you are running against either Sweeney (the council president) or Jay Westbrook (Who is probably more popular than the mayor). Good luck to you, but I certainly can understand why people like council persons who personally help them. Learn from their example and run for office in one of the corrupt wards :o)

Posted by mapetranek on 04/27/09

This is Monday, April 27 at 8:15 PM. I just called Congressman Kucinich's Lakewood Office and surprisingly, someone answered the phone!!

He is en route to Washington tomorrow and will discuss this with Congressman Kucinich. I had a nice chat with the person who answered the phone and just registered MY SURPRISE that Congressman Kucinich had not yet become a co-sponsor. After all, I stated, the congressman is the voice of the people and the people deserve to see what the Federal Reserve has been doing with all this money!!!!

In closing, I once again stated I was surprised he hadn't signed on yet. Simple. Easy. Nice. Polite. Mission Accomplished.

Pick up your phone on Tuesday and call Dennis Kucinich's Washington office. Keep it simple. Keep it polite. BUT MAKE THE CALL. If you can't use long distance, call one of the local offices.

Lakewood Office

14400 Detroit Avenue
Lakewood, Ohio 44107

Phone (216)228-8850
Fax (216)228-6465

Parma Office

Parmatown Mall
7904 Day Drive
Parma, Ohio 44129

Phone (440)845-2707
Fax (440)845-2743

Washington Office

2445 Rayburn HOB
Washington, DC 20515

Phone (202)225-5871
Fax (202)225-5745

Cheers!!

Maryanne

Posted 04/28/09 Pete Bura Westlake, OH

There will be contingents of us, however small, at Kucinich's Lakewood and Parma offices today at 4:00 PM. This is a slam dunk, folks, easily the most popular measure us so-called right-wing nutters have brought to the table in recent memory. My Democrat neighbors are signing it as readily as the Republicans. If you can't join us today, then download the petition at http://files.meetup.com/514165/HR1207_Petition.pdf and get ready for our NEXT visit to DK's office. Thanks!