Posted by annarlutz on 05/25/10

Credibility?
Will Folks has nothing, NOTHING to lose. In fact, his blog has everything to gain. He gets lots of attention, he gets to inflate his ego, and I'm sure the hits on his blog have gone way, way up. He has lobbed this political grenade into the arena and now is refusing to back it up with anything.

As far as the media having proof, my experience with the crooked, entrenched Republican leadership in SC (I am a resident of the state and have been closely involved with the Republican party) is that they will stop at NOTHING to eliminate a political rival who they deem too strong-willed to go along with whatever they say. Mrs. Haley fits that bill perfectly. She's done a lot for the people of South Carolina in the past several years, by going against the Republican party leadership and calling their ridiculousness in public. They feel she is a threat. They'd much rather have the political leper, McMaster; the mealy-mouthed, mama's boy, Bauer; or the smooth-talking shiester, Barrett.

This is the new M.O of the SCGOP, destroy anyone who dares challenge convention and actually represent the best interests of South Carolinians.

Posted by annarlutz on 03/23/10

Obamacare takes federal intrusions on our Constitutional rights to new levels.

I was considering all the ways this new legislation tramples our rights and misinterprets the very straightforward language of the Constitution, yesterday. As I was listing each and every violation, I was suddenly reminded of another list of intrusions and violations: The Declaration of Independence. I realized that while my wording was modern and the specific circumstances different, the many of the basic violations listed were the same.

In fact, as I considered the similarities I recalled other incidences in history where the government has attempted to trample our rights and inflate its power illegally and unconstitutionally. Another situation that bears close resemblance in my mind are the events leading to the Civil War. After years of legislation that favored some states over others, the violated states acted within their rights and dissolved their union.

Among the most greivous problems with Obamacare is that it creates distinct disadvantages for certain states. In additional, there are many groups and at least one state exempted from paying into Obamacare, but they could still obtain the benefits from it. It is this type of unbalanced legislation and favoritism that create the pressures leading to the original secession of many southern states.

When looking at the language of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, it becomes clear where those southern states got the idea of secession in the first place. The opening of the Declaration of Independence states: "...it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another..." It also says, "...whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government..." In fact, without statements like these and a firm belief in the right of secession and/or dissolution, the Revolutionary War could have never happened at all.

Since before the Civil War, the right of secession has been continuously eroded by the actions of the federal government. Despite this, our founding documents show us that our founding fathers believed firmly in our right to secession and had to use it in order to form the United States in the first place.

Because Obamacare so clearly and greivously violates our rights, many States are now arranging to sue the federal government in an attempt to restore the balance of power and preserve our Constitutional rights. If their attempt is unsuccessful, will our states then have the grounds to peacefully dissolve our political association with the United States of America? According to the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, our states' right to secede remains intact. The trouble is, if any state is brave enough to cross the line drawn by the Civil War, what will be the result? As Abraham Lincoln did in 1861, will Barack Obama declare war on a state well within its rights? Or will the right to secede be reestablished and reinstituted, along with all of our other long-abused Constitutional rights?

Posted 03/24/10 Carl Wicklander Nashville, IL

The southern states making up the Confederacy actually had a better case than the founding fathers before them. What was the American Revolution if it was not a war to secede from the British Empire? We put up with so much more interference from the federal government than the southern states did at the time of their secession. It's shameful that we for the most part just sit back and take it. We are a nation of more than 300 million. Does it make the slightest bit of sense for all of us to have to live under the same laws regarding health care and abortion? Do we think that it requires anything other than a dictatorial tyrant to govern a nation this vast? I think not. Peaceful secession is the only solution I can see for this huge mess.

Posted 03/27/10 uttles Charleston, SC

It's long past time to secede. However, this time I don't think we should form a CSA. We should remain the free and independent nation of South Carolina and we can form treaties and alliances with our neighbors without forming a new overarching powerful federal government. A good website for this is www.dumpdc.com Secession is our best path to liberty.

Posted by annarlutz on 01/27/10

As you may have heard, an organized gang of radicalized Ron Paul separatists from outside Lexington County plan to storm and hijack the Lexington GOP meeting on Monday. Intercepted emails indicate their intent is to drive in from all corners of our state, disrupt the proceedings, and intimidate members by "collecting names" and targeting committee members for harassment.

Despite all this, if you are a duly elected member of the Lexington County Republican Party Executive Committee, please be at this meeting where a motion will made to rescind a resolution passed at last month after a dubious ruling at a sparsely attended meeting. The resolution was a censure of US Senator Lindsey Graham for, essentially, making use of the legislative tactic of forwarding our conservative agenda through well-timed strategic alliances - a technique favored and employed effectively by Ronald Reagan, Bob Dole, Strom Thurmond and just about every great leader in our nation's history - particularly when you are in the minority.

Whether you approve of this time-tested legislative practice or not, surely most of us agree our Party should not issue censure resolutions except in the rare circumstances of immoral or criminal behavior that bring shame and discredit to our state and nation. Agreeing to discuss options and work toward solutions with both Democrats and Republicans is surely not so grievous a sin as that. In fact, it is the fulfillment of a campaign promise just about every politician for just about any office makes in just about every election year. A promise that is, sadly, rarely kept.

The meeting is at the regular place and time: Lexington County Council Chambers; 212 South Lake Drive; Monday, February 1 @ 7:00PM.

Thank you,

Shell Suber
Chairman, Richland County Republican Party (1998-2005)
Political Director, SC Republican Party Victory Campaign (2008)
Vice President, The Felkel Group (present)

My Reply:

No one who supports the Lindsey Graham censure, including Talbert Black Jr, wants to harass committee members. Anyone who has dealt directly with Talbert Black and company or who was at the meeting where the censure was passed, understands that Mr. Black and company were and are respectful, gracious, and mindful of the rules of conduct. As far as "collecting names," that is nothing more than accountability, which is the same thing as requesting a roll call vote. The purpose of Mr. Black's email was to gather supporters of his cause, which is the exact same purpose of your email.

I question neither your disagreement with the censure, nor your email asking for support. I do, however, have a problem with your insinuation that Mr. Black and company are anything but the gracious, law-abiding conservatives that they are. There was no violent threat implied in the email Talbert sent, although many people have tried to make that irrational assumption. They have followed the rules, have demonstrated they are willing to listen, and most importantly have actively and passionately participated in YOUR party.

Let's act like the courteous, cold-headed Republicans we are and limit our disagreements to the issues themselves instead of resorting to name calling and non-substantive personal attacks. Talbert Black and others ARE conservatives. They support a strict interpretation of the Constitution, fiscal responsibility, and the 2nd Amendment. Last time I checked, the Republican party said that it supports these things also. If that is still the case, it would be in our best interest to try and work with these passionate, motivated folks and integrate them in your "Big Tent" party.

Sincerely,
Anna Lutz

Posted 01/29/10 Carl Wicklander Nashville, IL

I hope you sent that reply to a wide audience, like a letter to the editor as well or something. People need to hear how the party thinks of us. I haven't been following these Lindsey Graham censures too closely - only that I know he is being censured by certain counties throughout South Carolina, but this is pure thuggery. I'm also tired of all this talk about the "big tent" for the GOP because it's a lie. At the 2008 convention, the tent was big enough for moderates and liberals like Giuliani and Lieberman to speak but not big enough for principled constitutionalists like Dr. Paul.

Posted 01/29/10 annarlutz Groton, CT

Thanks for that suggestion Carl! I submitted a much shortened version of this to our state newspaper. I'm probably going to make a few people in the Lexington Co. GOP angry if it's printed, but I guess that just means I have good aim!

Posted 01/30/10 Elysiumboy Billericay, United Kingdom

I love the "intercepted emails" quote. More like they are monitoring it all and waiting for any wording they can twist around to mean something unlawful. So intercepting and reading other people's emails is above board and righteous as well. An excellent letter, Annalutz. Written in a calm and fluent tongue. Somebody ought to knock up a slander suit to see if they can prove their accusations of seperatism, domestic terrorism, racism and just about anythingism they can cook up. Thank goodness we have politicians. Boy, are they needed for us dumb-dumbs.

Posted 02/03/10 1787MAN Lexington, SC

Great one, Anna! Look for an interview this Thursday (hopefully) in the Lexington Chronicle with Talbert. I think the fellow who interviewed Talbert ought to interview you as well.

Posted by annarlutz on 01/05/10
Last updated 01/05/10

On January 4th, the Lexington County Republican Party Executive Committee voted to censure U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham. The debate was fairly heated as the more entrenched members of the Republican party presented a spirited opposition. Several of the members tried to use procedural methods to bury the resolution but the majority was in favor of the resolution and it passed!

I believe this is proof positive that we can make changes in the status quo. I think preparation was the key to this resolution. Knowledge of parliamentary procedure was important in this case, as well as having members favorable to the resolution present and aware. It is so nice to finally be able to thwart the efforts of some to use parliamentary procedure to bury resolutions.

It is interesting to note that at least a few of the opposition seemed to oppose only due to party loyalty. I, personally, feel that this is the worst sort of allegiance to posers like Lindsey Graham. Party loyalty just for the sake of party loyalty is one of the top things that needs to be purged if the Republican party is to regain momentum. The Republican party needs favorable actions to prove that it supports the values it touts in its creed and platform. Censure of RINO's like Lindsey Graham is just the thing.

We discovered, to our surprise and gratification, at least one unexpected ally and we have Lindsey Graham's unadulterated arrogance to thank for that!

I'm hoping that instead of polarizing the party, that this resolution has a galvanizing effect. Hopefully this resolution will cause members to realize just how and to what degree the Republican party needs to change its image. Most importantly, I hope that Lindsey Graham does not receive the resolution with his typical arrogance, but with humility and contrition. The Senator does not have to be voted out of office in shame, if he changes his actions significantly to reflect the wishes and desires of his constituency.

The following is the final text of the resolution passed:

Whereas, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham debased the longstanding Republican belief in economic competition and a free market by voting in favor of TARP and more government intervention; and

Whereas, TARP adds trillions to the national debt, contrary to the goal of fiscal health and sustainability put forth in the Republican party platform; and

Whereas, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham has shown a willingness to debase our national sovereignty, shown disrespect for the rule of law and threatened our borders through his proposal of amnesty for illegal immigrants; and

Whereas, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham through his support of a cap and trade bill, reiterates his support for government intervention in the private sector in direct contradiction of the Republican principle of free markets, as stated by the Republican party platform; and

Whereas, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham has repeatedly demonstrated contempt and belligerence towards those members of the Republican party who support freedom, a Constitutional government and the Republican party platform; and

Therefore, let it be resolved that the Lexington County Republican Party Executive Committee must regretfully censure U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham and is grieved to respectfully request that the South Carolina Republican Party rescind the 2009 resolution commending U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, for his positions do not reflect a complete belief in the South Carolina Republican party platform and do not serve the interests of South Carolinians.

RESOLVED this 4th day of January, 2010 at the regularly scheduled meeting of the Lexington County, South Carolina Republican Party Executive Committee meeting.

Note: In my original draft of this resolution there was a paragraph condemning Lindsey Graham's approval Sonia Sotomayor. Due to a typing error on my part, that paragraph was regretably omitted in the version presented at the committee meeting. My apologies, I would have liked to have that on record.

Posted 01/05/10 Caleb Kinley Hot Springs, AR

This is the second censure of the RHINO Graham. Senator Lindsey Graham is THE perfect example of a genuine RHINO (republican in name only), and his neoconservative fascists, self interest seeking political clique, who are each a huge part in the ills of our country. Along with the anti-Americans Pelosi/Reid, are both perfect examples of super leftists progressives who don't really give a dang about our country or Americans, and the proof is easily found in their un-American, law breaking voting records and bills they push. It's time to take out the trash in 2010, 2012, and 2014.

Posted 01/08/10 brmccarty Cayce, SC

Actually it is the third. He was censured in Greenville some time ago then in Charleston and now in Lexington.

Posted by annarlutz on 10/01/09

As the bearer of about 16k worth of student loans, I know first hand the underhanded tactics used to get students to take on debt before they have the means to pay it. I am of the opinion that student loans actually contribute signifcantly to rising college costs and they also contribute to the declining value of the education many people receive.

As with so many things these days, our government as created a program that goes against the natural order and creates more problems than it solves. I found this flow chart that illustrates this point, thought I share.

Posted 10/01/09 justinb Oklahoma City, OK

Yup, student loans are totally killing me right now. Definitely glad I don't owe anywhere near the #'s above tho. "Otherwise you could be drinking PBR well past your Ph.D" -That's not necessarily a bad thing :)

Posted 10/01/09 CV NL Doetinchem, Netherlands

Where I live... Every student gets a card for unlimited public transport use (either during weeks or during weekends), get's 96 euro's each month for four years long or more when your the parents have a low income. It will be a gift when you get your degree within 10 years, otherwise you have to pay it all back plus interest. And you pay €1620 each year to your university (if <30 years old) Anyway: looking at the US I think I've to agree with that guy that came up with the veterans care in Canada: it just looks like public services suck only this much in the US. But still: education would be a lot cheaper if they only included the useful stuff and would work efficiently. Unfortunately there is no incentive to work efficiently when government is paying education.