How Pure Is Your Congressman? Posted by brettbittner

Posted 12/02/09 Last updated 12/20/09

On this week's podcast, we discussed the resolution drawn up by members of the Republican National Committee to "re-establish the party's conservative bona fides." Believe it or not, there are some who think I do not pick on Republicans enough, so I thought I would channel my inner xenophobic, pro-war, and socially intolerant Republican and jokingly insert the subtext I infer from their statements.

My letter to my congressman asking for his support of H.R. 833 Posted by EJames

Posted 02/05/09

Congressman Gingrey,

I know that you are an advocate of free market capitalism and as such, I believe you will have no problem supporting:

H.R. 833: To abolish the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal reserve banks, to repeal the Federal Reserve Act, and for other purposes.

This bill is crucial if we are to put ourselves on the path to recovery in this economic maelstrom.  The Federal Reserve is the cause of the boom-bust cycle, it is the cause of the 93% depreciation in our dollar since 1913, and it is the cause of this crisis we currently find ourselves in.  The only way to sustain a healthy, consistent dollar, is to tie it to a REAL asset, like gold or silver.

So please, if you want our markets to recover, if you want to restore financial stability and free-market capitalism, this bill is the first and most important step in that process.

Thank you for your service,
Eric Celler

Notes from January Cobb County C4L discussion Posted by jimligon

Posted 01/17/09

Our January meeting was a great success. Thank you to everyone! Each one of us particapated in a great discussion about Economic matters, Liberty and Precious metals. It was very encouraging to feel the amount of interest in what we are undertaking.

It has been said that this is a battle of ideas. A re-education of sorts. Unfortunatley many of our brethren have not yet joined with us in our endeavour but we are growing. From what we found out, most people are willing to discuss ideas and can easily be led to a principled conclusion. Interestingly if a politician's names is left out of a conversation, we can have a very fruitful chat. Once a name has been utilized, the listener may get defensive and shut us out. By leaving out the names, regardless of party or elected position, seems to have some of the best responses from people. Think big picture.

A common thread amongst people is their apathy. It is not necessarily intentional but a product of having a lack of knowledge about a subject. They have a notion, maybe many very small ones, but they may not have formed a complete thought or opinion. Their lack of understanding makes it difficult for them to talk. One way to open the door is to encourage them to talk about it. Maybe they will be able to connect their own dots and form a complete thought. Once they have a preliminary opinion, they are much more willing to start discussing a topic more in depth and that is where we are able to shine. We can influence our even the person build a strong foundation. Is that how we "woke up?" It just takes a little prodding to get people to start connecting their own dots.

When trying to educate people, here are a few resources that have helped: 

Ludwig von Mises Institute            mises.org                audio/video/articles
Lew Rockwell                                  lewrockwell.com    audio/video/articles/podcasts
Gold Anti-Trust Action Committee gata.org
Downsize DC                                   downsizedc.com

Monetary Policy and how it relates to precious metals was probably the longest discussion that we had. There is a large amount of information that can be learned about purchasing PM's and varying approaches to doing it. People purchase from many sources, some are local dealers, others go to coin shows and still others purchase online. Each has its own pros and cons. The Gold is Money forum is a great resource to review if just getting started. Each month, many PM dealers come together for an Atlanta Coin Show for collectors and bullion seekers.

Gold is Money Forum                                 goldismoney.info
Atlanta Coin Show Jan 18                          atlcoin.com
American Precious Metals Exchange         APMEX.com

One of the major objectives of C4L is to get active. It all starts locally by attending party meetings, city/county meetings, etc. Since we are a non-partisan campaign, we need to make sure that we are not pressuring people to join a particular party. The important part is that we attend something. Our ideas stretch beyond GOP, LP, Democratic and any other party lines. We are talking liberty. We should support any group that may be lobbying for an issue that agrees with our principles and oppose when we disagree.

A few us will be attending the Democratic Party meeting next month to make some new friends and invite them to participate in our group as well. Our Libertarians are discussing C4L  in their meetings and obviously the GOP has many things happening in the upcoming months with which party members will be helping.

Continue to share your ideas with new people and we will be successful.

Jim

State of the County address replays on TV23 and Web Posted by jimligon

Posted 01/14/09

Commission Chairman Sam Olens recently delivered his annual "State of the County" address. Olens will also give the address to different civic and community associations throughout the next several months and the presentation is available online via the Video On Demand feature (26 min - Windows Media Player format)

The State of the County address will also replay on TV23:

• Jan. 12: 7 p.m.
• Jan. 13: 12:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
• Jan. 14: 10 p.m.
• Jan. 15: 8 a.m., 1 p.m., 7 p.m.
• Jan. 16: 8 a.m., noon
• Jan. 17: 1 p.m.
• Jan. 18: 1 p.m.
• Jan. 19: 8 a.m., noon, 7 p.m.

Response from Sen Isakson on Auto Bailout Posted by jimligon

Posted 01/10/09

Dear Mr. Ligon:

Thank you for contacting me regarding loans for the nation's Big Three automakers. I appreciate your thoughts and the opportunity to respond.

             As you may know, the chief executives of Detroit's Big Three automakers (Ford, General Motors and Chrysler) and the president of the United Automobile Workers union met with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid on November 6, 2008. The meeting focused on a request by the automakers for up to $25 billion in loans. This request was in addition to the $25 billion in federal loans that was previously authorized in 2007 to help cover the costs of producing more energy-efficient vehicles.  Congress was unconvinced that the automakers had a clear restructuring plan to return to profitability and asked the automakers to come back with more details on how they would use taxpayer funds to become viable.

The chief executives of Ford, General Motors and Chrysler along with the president of the United Automobile Workers union returned to Congress on December 2, 2008, with an updated turnaround plan. This new plan was a request for a taxpayer financed bridge loan and the cost had now increased to $34 billion.

            On December 11, 2008 the Senate held a cloture vote on H.R.7005, the Auto Industry Financing and Restructuring Act. The vote failed to reach the 60-vote cloture threshold needed to move forward in the Senate.  I did not vote for this proposal because it did not require the automakers, union and credits to do the restructuring necessary to ensure long-term viability of the auto companies.  A structured chapter 11 bankruptcy, similar to the 2005 Delta Airlines bankruptcy, is the best option for these companies.  They will emerge as more profitable and better positioned institutions.   

Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Reid have requested that Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson aid these ailing auto companies by tapping into the $700 billion economic stabilization plan to provide loans to the automakers.  I wholeheartedly oppose giving the auto industry or any other business funds from the economic stabilization plan. I believe it is vitally important that these funds continue to be used for their original intent of easing the credit markets.  Our country is struggling and the quickest way to provide relief is to unlock the credit markets and add capitalization to the banking system.  The American automotive industry has a long tradition in our nation and its long-term viability is important, but I cannot support using funds from the economic stabilization plan to bail them out. 

             Thank you again for contacting me.  Please visit my webpage at http://isakson.senate.gov/ for more information on the issues important to you and to sign up for my e-newsletter.

Response from Sen Chambliss on budget deficits Posted by jimligon

Posted 12/30/08

Dear Mr. Ligon :

  Thank you for contacting me regarding the budget of the federal government. It is good to hear from you.

             As a conservative, fiscal responsibility is one of my top priorities in the United States Senate. To ensure that future generations of Americans are given every opportunity to succeed, we must address issues today that will affect them tomorrow. This includes living within our means, finding lasting solutions that will address our current entitlement programs and instituting a tax code that is friendlier to the taxpayer.

  It is important for Congress to balance the budget without raising taxes.  I have consistently voted to curtail deficit spending, reduce the tax burden on hard-working Americans, and make government more accountable to taxpayers.  I have cosponsored legislation to cap non-defense, non-trust-fund, discretionary spending and to establish the Commission on the Accountability and Review of Federal Agencies which would seek to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government. Given my proven record, please be assured that I will continue to work toward greater transparency in government and to exercise fiscal restraint.

  If we do not get a handle on federal spending, including both discretionary and entitlement programs and make serious reforms now, we will pass this burden on to our children and grandchildren.  I believe that as the Administration and Congress evaluate these fiscal issues, we must achieve much-needed reform to our budget process, put an end to wasteful spending, and implement the fiscal responsibility that you and other taxpayers demand and deserve.

If you would like to receive timely email alerts regarding the latest congressional actions and my weekly e-newsletter, please sign up via my website at: www.chambliss.senate.gov .  Please let me know whenever I may be of assistance.

Response from Sen Chambliss on Auto Bailout Posted by jimligon

Posted 12/30/08

Dear Mr. Ligon:

Thank you for contacting me regarding a financial rescue of the automakers.  It is good to hear from you. 

  Recently, the Big Three automobile manufacturers, General Motors, Chrysler LLC, and Ford Motor Company approached Congress seeking taxpayer dollars to prevent the possibility of bankruptcy.  During the negotiation process, bondholders and other credit holders were required to accept reductions in debt owed up to two-thirds, while the United Auto Workers (UAW) were unwilling to make equitable concessions. 

On December 11, 2008, I voted against the motion to limit debate on H.R. 7005, "the Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008," which would have served as a shell for a potential auto bailout.  This procedural vote blocked the bill from being brought before the Senate for a final vote on passage. 

The business plans for the Big Three have been flawed and have led them down a road to disaster.  Now, it may well be necessary for them to enter Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings to ultimately, and appropriately, reorganize and restructure their respective companies.

I, along with six other senators, sent a letter to the White House stating our strong opposition to using funds from the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) to bailout auto makers. Our message was clear: "absent restructuring, we do not believe any amount of money will succeed in saving these companies."

In the meantime, my focus continues to be on what we can do to stimulate the economy and increase purchasing of vehicles from dealers which in the end will revive the industry.

If you would like to receive timely email alerts regarding the latest congressional actions and my weekly e-newsletter, please sign up via my web site at: www.chambliss.senate.gov. Please let me know whenever I may be of assistance.

CNN to Air Timely Documentary and Discussion About U.S. Economic Challenges Posted by jimligon

Posted 01/10/09

January 7, 2009 - In response to public demand for information about the scope of the country’s financial challenges, CNN/U.S. will air the television premiere of the acclaimed documentary I.O.U.S.A., together with an unscripted panel discussion with policy leaders about various economic solutions currently under consideration.

The two-hour program will feature an exclusive televised version of the nonpartisan film I.O.U.S.A., which examines the U.S. government’s fiscal landscape and the consequences for the national economy. Since its premiere at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival, the film has garnered rave reviews from critics; has been nominated for a Critics Choice Award; and is on the short list for an Oscar nomination for Best Documentary Feature.

This exclusive televised event will air on CNN/U.S. on Saturday, January 10 at 2:00 p.m. EST and on Sunday, January 11 at 3:00 p.m. EST, and will be hosted by Ali Velshi and Christine Romans, co-anchors of CNN’s Your $$$$$, the network’s weekend business roundtable program.

For complete article please visit http://www.iousathemovie.com/press/iousacnn/

Why Are We Here?.......END THE FED! Posted by tbrambo

Posted 11/28/08 Last updated 11/28/08

As we venture into the uncharted territories of the Campaign for Liberty we must be very careful. Most of us don't agree on everything. The motives for my being here are probably slightly, if not greatly, different from others around the country. The Ron Paul for President 2008 Campaign offered millions of different people, from all walks of life, the chance to stand side by side with one another, and fight for ONE, singular goal... getting Ron Paul in the White House.

Obviously this is no longer a reality, nor is it our motive for being here (maybe 2012?) but not as of right now. So why are we here? It is crucial that every one of us has at least one or two main issues that we agree on or else we will fracture into warring factions, fighting against one another on how to proceed and bickering about why we are here in the first place.

I've been to New Hampshire, DC, Florida, South Carolina, and Hawaii, working with Ron Paul supporters, and the one, and seemingly only, issue that every single person agrees on, is ending the Federal Reserve. So it makes sense to me that this be the first and primary issue of the Campaign for Liberty.

The "End The FED" rallies that were held around the country on November 22 are proof that this one issues, of ending the Federal Reserve, is THE unifying issue of this year, if not many years to come. There has been no cause, since the Ron Paul for President 2008 Campaign ended, that has gathered so many of us back together. Focus on this! END THE FED!

We must not let our minds wonder with the possibilities of what this organization will one day become, or get preoccupied with planning an intricate network of like minded supporters. These things are important, but I believe they are secondary to the immediate activism that we are called to. Just like with the Ron Paul for President Campaign, it is incumbent upon us to hit the streets. Now!

The American people are becoming psychosocially more level headed. The propaganda is weakening, and this is the time when we must strike. The Ron Paul Campaign was spontaneous, grassroots, but most importantly it was immediate! People heard about Dr. Paul and they immediately started campaigning. This sense of urgency is what spread throughout the country and quickly ignited so many of us to become activists.

It is only this quick-to-action, ready-for-anything attitude, which will propel the Campaign for Liberty, like the Ron Paul for President Campaign. If we start hitting the streets, spreading the word, bringing people to our cause of Ending The FED, the Campaign for Liberty will spread like the Ron Paul campaign did.

But the Campaign for Liberty will not take flight if we are all holed away in our rooms, bickering on the internet. If we are only researching our local GOP parties into the wee-hours of the night, we will not get anywhere. Preparation is vital and I realize that we are in a preparing phase right now. But we must not loose our fire either. We must not relax, or become apathetic again.

Let's join together, with one voice, all around the country and the world, and scream to the power elites, "END THE FED".......then the Campaign for Liberty will have really begun.