Posted by DefmuseH on 05/12/09

Below is the letter I received from Fred Upton on May 11th, 2009.  I have been contacting the office of Mr. Upton and have been sending emails to him as well.  On the last call I spoke with an assistant to Congressmen Upton about H.R 1207, he said they never heard of the legislation and he read it over the phone.  He quickly jumped on board and said its a great idea and will pass it along to Fred ASAP and I will receive a letter.  That was back in April and a couple of weeks later Mr. Upton signed on!  It goes to show that your voice can be heard, if you just speak up!

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Dear Matthew,

Thank you for taking the time to contact me in support of H.R. 1207, the Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2009.  You will be please to know that I am a cosponsor of this legislation, because, like you, I recognize that there is an ever-increasing need for greater transparency and accountability in our federal government.

 Congress created the Federal Reserve System in 1913 to serve as the central bank for the United States.  The Federal Reserve formulates the nation's monetary policy, supervises and regulates banks, and provides a variety of financial services to depository financial institutions and the federal government.  By law and practice, the Federal Reserve is accountable to Congress, but with barriers in place to protect it from excessive political and private pressures.

While I recognize the rationale behind ensuring the Federal Reserve with some level of autonomous authority-free from political demand of the White House and Congress-a greater balance needs to be achieved to make the agency accountable for its actions.  No other government agency operates with both such power and limited oversight.

 H.R. 1207 would work to address this situation by directing the Comptroller General to complete an audit of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and of the Federal Reserve banks by the end of 2010, followed by a detailed report to Congress.  Additionally, it repeals the authority of the Comptroller General to carry out an onsite examination of an open insured bank or bank holding company only if the appropriate federal regulatory agency has consented in writing.

 This widely bipartisan legislation was introduced on February 26, 2009, and has since been referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.  Although I do not serve on the committee of jurisdiction, I will continue to closely monitor the progress of this legislation and am hopeful that the Democratic Leadership will bring it before the full House.

 Thank you again for contacting me.  As we continue to tackle the challenges facing our nation, congress has a responsibility to put partisan politics aside and come together on behalf of American working families.  The issues we face at home and abroad are simply too great for any one person or political party, which is why I will continue to work closely with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to bring about meaningful change.

 To move our economy back in the right direction, we must focus on the creation of good playing jobs that will carry us through the twenty-first century.  This transition will not only require us to reinvest in our nation's infrastructure, but also make significant reforms in areas such as health care and education as well as aggressively pursue the development of green, energy-efficient technologies.  I firmly believe that southwest Michigan can lead the way in these industries as we have done so often in the past.

 As always, I appreciate hearing form you and look forward to your input as Congress works towards solutions to the many issues facing our country.

Very truly yours,

Fred Upton

Member of Congress

 PS:  If you are interested in more information on current issues and my efforts in Washington, DC and southwest Michigan, please e-mail your name and address to tellupton@mail.house.gov or visit my website at www.house.gov/upton to sign up for my e-newsletter and receive periodic updates.

 FSU:nc

Posted 05/12/09 Jumperno64 Kalamazoo, MI

Excellent! Lets get our Senators on board as well with S604 the sister bill in the senate!

Posted 05/12/09 DefmuseH Kalamazoo, MI

I think there is only two representatives from Michigan cosponsoring H.R 1207, so I think I may start calling the others that have not cosponsored yet. I am going to start contacting our senators in the meantime too, but I think its going to take more work getting them on board. I want to start getting petitions ready!

Posted by DefmuseH on 03/24/09

 Great commentary from CNN; read and pass on to family and friends!

 http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/03/24/miron.legalization.drugs/index.html

Posted 05/12/09 Jumperno64 Kalamazoo, MI

Excellent! Lets get our Senators on board as well with S604 the sister bill in the senate!

Posted by DefmuseH on 05/14/09

I am in the process of sending this letter out but I wanted all of your thoughts and opions before i send it out.  Let me know what you think!

Thanks!

Matt

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Representative Marcia Fudge,

 I am not in your district; however I am a concerned citizen.  I just recently read your response to a fellow citizen who wanted you to show your support for H.R. 1207 the Federal Reserve Transparency Act by cosponsoring this important piece of legislation.

As you are aware, President Obama campaigned for transparency and accountability in the government.  This bill would shed light on the Fed by allowing an audit to be complete by 2010.

In your response you clearly state that "I remain vigilant and committed to the proper oversight and accountability of federal government agencies".  Yet you never state if you are for this bill.

The Fed was granted the unconstitutional power to control our currency back in 1913 and since then Dollar has lost about 95% of its value.

We are not asking you to support abolishing the fed; we would just like this 4th branch of government to have some light shed on it. 

Right now, Ben Bernanke has the power and right to say no to congress and others who inquire about what they have been doing behind closed doors.

Also, I highly recommend you look in to Australian Economics.  There is a lot of literature you can read regarding Central Banks and how our current policies we are following will prolong the hurt our county is feeling!  Its time to open minds to real change and we can do that by educating and being open to new ideas!

 Please go to campainforliberty.com and http://mises.org/ to learn more about liberty!

 "Educate and inform the whole mass of the people... They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty."

 -Thomas Jefferson

Posted 05/14/09 Gabe McGranahan Mogadore, OH

I believe you mean "Austrian" as opposed to "Australian". Other than that.... looks good enough to me!

Posted 05/14/09 DefmuseH Kalamazoo, MI

whoops...good catch Gabe!Thanks for the idea outsider4L!

Posted 05/15/09 amyers68 JAMESTOWN, OH

Keep up the pressure...Mike Turner R-3 got onboard so anything's possible

Posted by DefmuseH on 05/12/09

I really have a passion for liberty and I really want to run for office either state or congress, I have no idea where to start...can any one please lead me in the right direction!  Even if i dont win, i want to start trying, I care so much about where are country is heading and I need to do more!  I just have no idea where to start!

Posted 05/13/09 Doug.Bach Wheaton, IL

I would start by becoming a local coordinator here at the Campaign for Liberty (if you're not already). They offer great tools for you to get to know the local government, which is essential knowledge for anyone wanting to run for office. In the process, you should also begin networking with people in your area that are also members of C4L. Start by organizing your base, set up some meetings, learn what the local issues are...then as elections approach, you will be in a much better position to start thinking about running. Shoot me a note if you're interested in talking in more detail.

Posted 05/13/09 Son Of Liberty Erie, PA

Become a dues paying member of the C4L then sign up as a Local Coordinator. Complete the training and then become a County or Regional Coordinator. I'd also start volunteering in your community and talking to your neighbors. Get your name out there as a good person. Try to get articles published in local or college papers as well.

Posted by DefmuseH on 03/30/09
Last updated 03/30/09

I posted this on sunday but didnt seem to get much response, thought I would reposted it again! I really want some comments on how to come over this objection.

On Friday I went to a restaurant where I use to work and got into a discussion about the current events (economy and government) with a former co worker, now current friend. 

I summed up pretty much what I have read on campaignforliberty.com, and other literature that Dr. Paul and other freedom loving individuals have recommended.  This stranger at the bar, sitting a couple chairs down, got up, pat me on the back and said,  "Right on man, you know your stuff."  He came back and we got into a great talk about our country, war, fiat money, and the constitution.  He's a republican; we both use to be democrats back when we where younger.   I told him I don't have a party anymore; I follow the constitution and will vote for any politician that will uphold their oath to follow and protect the constitution.

I explained a point of view that if we followed our constitution and the rule of law it would make everyone better.  I feel that some politicians are scared to let the free market rule and liberty decide; but what they don't know, is that every one would be better off, even the top elite!

His replay; "the constitution is outdated!  Its a 200+ year old document and times have changed."

I didn't know how to object to that, I was speechless.  I replayed "there are ways to amend the constitution if we feel it needs to be changed our updated."

So, I was wondering if my fellow liberty lovers of Campaign For Liberty could answer to that remark?  I would love to have some good ideas to help explain why the constitution is not outdated.

Posted 03/30/09 Fozz Cockeysville, MD

If the Constitution is outdated, then what will keep America a free country? Ask him if the freedom of speech and religion are outdated. Ask him if the right to a fair trial is outdated. Ask him if the limits of government power that were put in place are outdated. Ask him if voting for the president or representatives is outdated. Because all of those things are in the Constitution.

Posted 03/30/09 DefmuseH Kalamazoo, MI

thats why i couldnt think of anything to say, i was like uhhh...ok, i was just dumbfound! Thanks for comment.

Posted 03/30/09 LogisticEarth Conshohocken, PA

People who say "The Consitution is outdated" usually aren't familiar with it's text. Because, with a few very slight exceptions, the Constitution as constructed is timeless. First and foremost, ask them what parts, specifically, are outdated. Usually you'll get a blank stare. They just think "oh it's old, they didn't face the same challanges, etc." It's really important to understand the theory behind the Constitution in this case. This is where reading the Federalist/Anti-Federalist papers comes into play. So much of what we've been "taught" about the Constitution is gross oversimplification or outright lies. The problem you ran into, I think, is that over the years many Republican/Conservative commentators have discarded the Constitution when it's inconvienent for them, and declared it outmoded. We need to work at counteracting that. Conservatives need to understand that the essence of being "American" isn't owning a gun, driving a pickup, or "supporting your President". It's about liberty, and all the pitfalls and triumphs that come along with it.

Posted 03/30/09 lmtdgov San Diego, CA

I really liked what LogisticEarth said. I would also ask him if the consistition is a relative(living constition or outdate) document or an abosolute one. If it's not absolute one then by what laws/rules is our federal government subject to?

Posted 03/30/09 NowIGetIt Chicago, IL

While I think it is always important to know your audience in any debate so you can hit their "hot buttons," a simple response in this case may also be to put that person on the spot. They say "the Constitution is a 200+ year old document and it's outdated." You respond, "Oh, really? Which part?" and wait silently for a response. Literally do not say a word untilt hey say something back. Now a true ignoramus would break that silence by replying "All of it" or "The whole thing." But then you can hit them with the points made in earlier responses here. By silently waiting for a response (maintaining eye contact if possible) you will make them hesitate and realize that they may not know what they are talking about - and the first step towards wisdom is to admit that you know nothing! (It's also kinda fun to watch people squirm when they don't have an intelligent answer!) Mind you, this technique is not intended to make them uncomfortable, because that will only drive a wedge between you two. You just want to get them into that space where they realize that they haven't read the Consitution and are speaking from a position of ignorance.

Posted 03/30/09 Fu Manchu Belleville, MI

I agree with Fozze and LogisticEarth. Our rights will NEVER be outdated, that's just ignorant for someone to even think. Next time someone says the Constitution is outdated, quiz them. You could even make it a simple quiz. Ask them what the first 10 Amendments are. They don't need to recite it word for word, but if they don't even know that much, it's time for them to shut up and study up.

Posted 03/30/09 tb54701 Eau Claire, WI

Great comments and suggestions, all. Also read Larry Sabato's "A More Perfect Constitution" good, thought provoking ideas,,, but ALL suggested in the proper amendment system. Might help with some that have ligit ideas, that you can agree with,,, but still comes down to amend or obey!

Posted 03/30/09 Elysiumboy Billericay, United Kingdom

I don't have to even read this blog; my answer is simple; if the constitution is outdated then we need to go back a hundred years. Lord knows how many countries have gone mad with rules and regulations; The constitution was a very intelligent piece of thinking that read way into the future because they knew the ugly animals politics could produce.

Posted 03/31/09 Tony DeMott Ypsilanti, MI

Answering these types of questions is very difficult if you don't know the theory behind the constitution and the arguments for and against it at the time. The constitution goes hand in hand with natural law and natural rights. That statement cannot be answered in it's general sense. I completely agree with the approach that has already been presented here many times which is to put the ball back in their court and ask how it is outdated. The person probably cannot give an answer to that or would give an answer that is easily shot down. Your best defense is a good offense. Expanding your study of the constitution to the writings and documents surrounding it is highly recommended.