There follows an excerpt from a paper prepared by Larry P. Arnn, President of Hillsdale College. His work is thought-provoking. To read the entire paper click Hillsdale College
“A Work of Recovery”
“Should we build our political institutions upon the elimination of greed? A caution stirs the mind immediately at the thought of it.
James Madison writes in The Federalist Papers about faction, about our making combinations to serve our interests, even when those interests do not correspond to the public interest. One will read in vain to find the chief author of the Constitution suggesting that faction, much less greed, could ever be eliminated. Rather, he writes that "Ambition must be made to counteract ambition. The interest of the man must be connected with the constitutional rights of the place." In other words, we must build our political institutions to operate around the problem of human vice, to mitigate that problem by discouraging vice, but also to place our interests in alignment with the public interest. "Liberty," writes Madison "is to faction what air is to fire." To eliminate the effects of self-interest would be to eliminate freedom itself.”
“Reprinted by permission from Imprimis, a publication of Hillsdale College.”
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
Who was hurt by election calls?
My letter to the editor concerning yesterday's editorial was published in the Aiken Standard today. Thanks to Jeff Wallace for his timely action.
"Who was hurt by election calls?"
"With reference to the editorial concerning election law violations I agree completely that "it is time that laws dealing with election mischief are dealt with as felonies." However, I most emphatically disagree with your statement that the "intended result of the election-eve deception was not realized." Except for Ginny Allen and her-up- till-now undisclosed co-conspirators none of us can know for sure what the intended result was. It should be quite clear to the objective observer that the only person hurt by this reprehensible ploy was Scott Singer. Certainly there was no chance it would in any way affect the outcome of the Whinghter-Ryberg race since the polls showed Ryberg with more than 70 percent of the voters backing him. Ginny Allen, as an astute political operative, certainly knew that a last-minute attempt to hurt Senator Ryberg would be a waste of time and money.
The facts are that Senator Ryberg, upon learning about the fraudulent calls, immediately issued an angry statement denying any responsibility for them and denied supporting any candidate. Senator Ryberg also requested SLED to investigate. As a consequence of this angry statement many voters may have assumed that Scott Singer had sponsored the calls. To correct this misapprehension Senator Ryberg issued another statement on June 12, wherein he "declared his belief that the other candidate for office mentioned in the illegal call, County Councilman Scott Singer, was not involved in the phone call." For some reason this statement was never published in the Aiken Standard. Meanwhile critics used this spurious charge to cut into Singer's well deserved good reputation and high favorability ratings.
I for one am glad SLED has investigated and is continuing to investigate this matter. Let us wait until all the facts are in before we rush to judgment as to the effectiveness of the calls."
"Who was hurt by election calls?"
"With reference to the editorial concerning election law violations I agree completely that "it is time that laws dealing with election mischief are dealt with as felonies." However, I most emphatically disagree with your statement that the "intended result of the election-eve deception was not realized." Except for Ginny Allen and her-up- till-now undisclosed co-conspirators none of us can know for sure what the intended result was. It should be quite clear to the objective observer that the only person hurt by this reprehensible ploy was Scott Singer. Certainly there was no chance it would in any way affect the outcome of the Whinghter-Ryberg race since the polls showed Ryberg with more than 70 percent of the voters backing him. Ginny Allen, as an astute political operative, certainly knew that a last-minute attempt to hurt Senator Ryberg would be a waste of time and money.
The facts are that Senator Ryberg, upon learning about the fraudulent calls, immediately issued an angry statement denying any responsibility for them and denied supporting any candidate. Senator Ryberg also requested SLED to investigate. As a consequence of this angry statement many voters may have assumed that Scott Singer had sponsored the calls. To correct this misapprehension Senator Ryberg issued another statement on June 12, wherein he "declared his belief that the other candidate for office mentioned in the illegal call, County Councilman Scott Singer, was not involved in the phone call." For some reason this statement was never published in the Aiken Standard. Meanwhile critics used this spurious charge to cut into Singer's well deserved good reputation and high favorability ratings.
I for one am glad SLED has investigated and is continuing to investigate this matter. Let us wait until all the facts are in before we rush to judgment as to the effectiveness of the calls."
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Beautiful Downtown Aiken
The following was a special enclosure in the Aiken Standard a few weeks ago and I thought it was very well done. I know that not everyone subscribes to the Aiken Standard and those who don't would not have seen this so I am posting it here.Just click on the link if you want to view it in full size.
Downtown Paper
Downtown Paper
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Aiken Political Operative Arrested
The following is another painful example of how far politicos will go to help their preferred candidate win an election.
In addition to the Aiken Standard article I suggest that readers check out the press release on the SLED website. December 16- Aiken County Woman charged----
The following story has been updated and can be read at:.http://www.aikenstandard.com/Local/1217GinnyAllenArrested
Check out the on line comments. It appears that law observance is unimportant to many of Ginnies supporters. Four comments sound familiar and were presumably made by the same cast of characters that produced the now defunct Easy Whiskey and the comatose Kaolin Kronicle aka as the Kremlin Kronicle.
BREAKING NEWS
FROM THE AIKEN STANDARD ONLINE
"Charges brought in robocall case"
12/16/2008 3:05 PM
By KAREN DAILY
Staff writer
State Law Enforcement Division agents have arrested Aiken County GOP treasurer Virginia Austin Allen, 47, for her alleged role in orchestrating a number of automated phone calls earlier this summer that endorsed S.C. Sen. Greg Ryberg and then S.C. House District 81 seat candidate Scott Singer.
The calls showed Ryberg’s business office number as the origin of the calls, but Ryberg said he did not pay for, place or authorize them, denying any connection to the “robo calls.”
Singer also denies any connection to the calls.
Allen is charged with six counts of unlawful use of a telephone.
She was booked at the Aiken County detention center and released on her own personal recognizance.
State agents will be releasing arrest warrants today, according to officials.
Contact Karen Daily at kdaily@aikenstandard.com
In addition to the Aiken Standard article I suggest that readers check out the press release on the SLED website. December 16- Aiken County Woman charged----
The following story has been updated and can be read at:.http://www.aikenstandard.com/Local/1217GinnyAllenArrested
Check out the on line comments. It appears that law observance is unimportant to many of Ginnies supporters. Four comments sound familiar and were presumably made by the same cast of characters that produced the now defunct Easy Whiskey and the comatose Kaolin Kronicle aka as the Kremlin Kronicle.
BREAKING NEWS
FROM THE AIKEN STANDARD ONLINE
"Charges brought in robocall case"
12/16/2008 3:05 PM
By KAREN DAILY
Staff writer
State Law Enforcement Division agents have arrested Aiken County GOP treasurer Virginia Austin Allen, 47, for her alleged role in orchestrating a number of automated phone calls earlier this summer that endorsed S.C. Sen. Greg Ryberg and then S.C. House District 81 seat candidate Scott Singer.
The calls showed Ryberg’s business office number as the origin of the calls, but Ryberg said he did not pay for, place or authorize them, denying any connection to the “robo calls.”
Singer also denies any connection to the calls.
Allen is charged with six counts of unlawful use of a telephone.
She was booked at the Aiken County detention center and released on her own personal recognizance.
State agents will be releasing arrest warrants today, according to officials.
Contact Karen Daily at kdaily@aikenstandard.com
House votes need to be recorded
The following letter from Jane Vaughters appeared in the Aiken Standard today.
"House votes need to be recorded"
"I was glad to see your editorial supporting recording votes in the state legislature so for the first time taxpayers could know how their representatives vote. Speaker of the House Bobby Harrell has once again kept this from happening.
What puzzled me was that you did not take the next obvious step and poll our delegation to see where they stand. Again, their positions were not recorded. I noticed that one House member has been appointed to a committee chairmanship by Speaker Harrell so we have a clue there. How about a survey of each member of the delegation with these specific quetions 1)Do you support Speaker Harrell's policies which hide votes from the people?
2) What are you actually doing to allow votes to be recorded for all taxpayers to see?
The press will need to be of help and ask some hard questions before this system which caters to special interests will change.
Jane Vaughters
Aiken"
"House votes need to be recorded"
"I was glad to see your editorial supporting recording votes in the state legislature so for the first time taxpayers could know how their representatives vote. Speaker of the House Bobby Harrell has once again kept this from happening.
What puzzled me was that you did not take the next obvious step and poll our delegation to see where they stand. Again, their positions were not recorded. I noticed that one House member has been appointed to a committee chairmanship by Speaker Harrell so we have a clue there. How about a survey of each member of the delegation with these specific quetions 1)Do you support Speaker Harrell's policies which hide votes from the people?
2) What are you actually doing to allow votes to be recorded for all taxpayers to see?
The press will need to be of help and ask some hard questions before this system which caters to special interests will change.
Jane Vaughters
Aiken"
Friday, December 12, 2008
Senate Leader Files Roll Call Bill
Senate leader files roll call bill
By SEANNA ADCOX Associated Press
COLUMBIA -- A continued push to increase the accountability of South Carolina lawmakers and cap government spending were among 180 proposals senators filed Wednesday for the upcoming legislative session.Republicans who control the Senate said the two issues will be a priority next year.
Senate Majority Leader Harvey Peeler filed a bill calling for more roll call votes in the Senate, mirroring one filed a day earlier in the House. Both chambers are allowing members to introduce bills ahead of the Jan. 13 start of the two-year session. Roll call votes record every lawmaker's decision on a proposal. That's in contrast to voice votes. Peeler says he's lined up 20 Senate co-sponsors and expects to get four more votes needed to get the bill out of the Senate and included in the chamber's rules."Transparency is clearly needed in South Carolina," the Gaffney Republican said.But he faces resistance within his own party.
Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell said he'll fight the bill "with every bit of energy I've got," calling it a waste of time and money. The Charleston Republican, who heads the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee, said he will push instead for a change to Senate rules, requiring roll call voting for budgetary and contested measures. The specifics are still being worked out.
The House adopted rules last week that have come under question because they record every lawmaker as voting yes. Those who shout "nay" or those absent at the time must head to the clerk's desk to be properly recorded. Critics say it creates an inaccurate picture of support for legislation. Peeler said the Senate won't adopt anything like that. McConnell said that while Peeler's plan plays well publicly, roll call voting on every bill, including those without disagreement, would create gridlock in the Senate. He also called Peeler's proposal a "lawyer employability act," saying it would lead to lawsuits in which people claim procedure wasn't followed on laws they don't like.
Peeler said it may be time to consider electronic voting. In the Senate, roll call votes are handled by voice, with each of the 46 names called and those present answering. In the House, 124 members push a button and vote electronically."That's the main pushback I've received," Peeler said. "This thing is really going to take up time." But McConnell countered that made no sense."In a recession, with all of state government suffering, is not the time to be buying a voting machine for the Senate," he said.
McConnell refiled a proposed constitutional amendment that would curb state spending in surplus years and sock away extra money for lean times. Under the legislation, state spending could grow by no more than the 10-year average of the growth in population and personal income. Earlier this year, the amendment fell short of the two-thirds majority needed in the Senate by one vote."The beauty of it is in good times, it does not allow you to go on a spending binge," McConnell said. "In down years, the money is flowing back into coffers to pay the bills, rather than us hiring one year and firing the next."Other bills refiled by McConnell include one requiring state and local governments to print documents only in English, a proposal that won approval in the Senate earlier this year but died in the House.Democratic Sens. Darrell Jackson, of Hopkins, and Joel Lourie, of Columbia, proposed separate bills allowing residents to vote early in person, without needing an excuse. Jackson also wants to bar students from dropping out of school before they turn 18, instead of before age 17. But it was Sen. Robert Ford, D-Charleston, who prefiled the most proposals, with 65 -- accounting for more than one-third of measures filed so far. Those include bills that would bar smoking in bars and restaurants -- an idea that died last session, prohibit restaurants from selling food containing trans fats, allow same-sex couples to enter into civil unions, and make it illegal for people to wear pants that sag more than 3 inches below their hips.
By SEANNA ADCOX Associated Press
COLUMBIA -- A continued push to increase the accountability of South Carolina lawmakers and cap government spending were among 180 proposals senators filed Wednesday for the upcoming legislative session.Republicans who control the Senate said the two issues will be a priority next year.
Senate Majority Leader Harvey Peeler filed a bill calling for more roll call votes in the Senate, mirroring one filed a day earlier in the House. Both chambers are allowing members to introduce bills ahead of the Jan. 13 start of the two-year session. Roll call votes record every lawmaker's decision on a proposal. That's in contrast to voice votes. Peeler says he's lined up 20 Senate co-sponsors and expects to get four more votes needed to get the bill out of the Senate and included in the chamber's rules."Transparency is clearly needed in South Carolina," the Gaffney Republican said.But he faces resistance within his own party.
Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell said he'll fight the bill "with every bit of energy I've got," calling it a waste of time and money. The Charleston Republican, who heads the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee, said he will push instead for a change to Senate rules, requiring roll call voting for budgetary and contested measures. The specifics are still being worked out.
The House adopted rules last week that have come under question because they record every lawmaker as voting yes. Those who shout "nay" or those absent at the time must head to the clerk's desk to be properly recorded. Critics say it creates an inaccurate picture of support for legislation. Peeler said the Senate won't adopt anything like that. McConnell said that while Peeler's plan plays well publicly, roll call voting on every bill, including those without disagreement, would create gridlock in the Senate. He also called Peeler's proposal a "lawyer employability act," saying it would lead to lawsuits in which people claim procedure wasn't followed on laws they don't like.
Peeler said it may be time to consider electronic voting. In the Senate, roll call votes are handled by voice, with each of the 46 names called and those present answering. In the House, 124 members push a button and vote electronically."That's the main pushback I've received," Peeler said. "This thing is really going to take up time." But McConnell countered that made no sense."In a recession, with all of state government suffering, is not the time to be buying a voting machine for the Senate," he said.
McConnell refiled a proposed constitutional amendment that would curb state spending in surplus years and sock away extra money for lean times. Under the legislation, state spending could grow by no more than the 10-year average of the growth in population and personal income. Earlier this year, the amendment fell short of the two-thirds majority needed in the Senate by one vote."The beauty of it is in good times, it does not allow you to go on a spending binge," McConnell said. "In down years, the money is flowing back into coffers to pay the bills, rather than us hiring one year and firing the next."Other bills refiled by McConnell include one requiring state and local governments to print documents only in English, a proposal that won approval in the Senate earlier this year but died in the House.Democratic Sens. Darrell Jackson, of Hopkins, and Joel Lourie, of Columbia, proposed separate bills allowing residents to vote early in person, without needing an excuse. Jackson also wants to bar students from dropping out of school before they turn 18, instead of before age 17. But it was Sen. Robert Ford, D-Charleston, who prefiled the most proposals, with 65 -- accounting for more than one-third of measures filed so far. Those include bills that would bar smoking in bars and restaurants -- an idea that died last session, prohibit restaurants from selling food containing trans fats, allow same-sex couples to enter into civil unions, and make it illegal for people to wear pants that sag more than 3 inches below their hips.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Bobby Harrell - No Friend of SC Voters
This kind of action is an embarassment to the State of South Carolina. Why is Bobby Harrell opposed to letting South Carolina voters know how Representatives vote on important issues? Where do our local State Representatives stand? Did they vote to give Harrell this extraordinary power?
SC gov says House speaker's action 'cowardly'
By JIM DAVENPORTAssociated Press Writer
Posted: Tuesday, Dec. 09, 2008
COLUMBIA, S.C. South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford said Tuesday House Speaker Bobby Harrell made a cowardly move in how he reassigned a roll call voting reformer from a key committee last week and questioned whether punishments reflect a "Soviet model."
"It was done in a way intended to not only reprimand but also to publicly humiliate," Sanford said in a telephone interview. Meanwhile, sending a lawyer to exercise the reassignments instead of doing it in person was the wrong approach, Sanford said.
"It was just in that regard cowardly," he said.
Harrell, R-Charleston, said last week he was not punishing state Rep. Nikki Haley, R-Lexington. His spokesman said Tuesday Harrell would not respond to Sanford's criticism and would let his comments from last week stand.
During the House's organizational session last week, a fight over House rules regarding roll call votes erupted months after state Haley began pushing for more on-the-record voting. She was a vocal critic of legislators passing a retirement pay increase for themselves on a voice vote last spring.
Harrell, R-Charleston, had panned Haley and Republican Sanford's efforts on that front as pandering to voters. But Harrell pushed through his own version of on the record voting at the start of the two-day session despite protests from Haley and others who said it would create useless and misleading records of voice votes.
The next day, Harrell handed out committee assignments and kept Haley on the House Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee. For months, Haley had campaigned to be the committee's chair, but dropped out of the race.
On Wednesday, she went to the committee's first meeting and returned to her office and found Harrell's lawyer waiting with a letter that moved her to the House Education and Public Works Committee.
"The indirect message sent was: 'Look, if you really make your voice heard on something you believe in and it's against the will at the top, you're going to be punished,'" Sanford said. "In a democratic process, that's the worst of all messages that can be sent."
Harrell said last week he moved Haley from the committee because she had vied for the chairmanship. But Harrell took no similar action in the other two open House committee chairman races.
Harrell also said he always communicates committee assignments in writing.
Debate on issues shouldn't bring repercussions, Sanford said. "To do so is a whole lot closer to the Soviet model than it is to the American model," he said.
SC gov says House speaker's action 'cowardly'
By JIM DAVENPORTAssociated Press Writer
Posted: Tuesday, Dec. 09, 2008
COLUMBIA, S.C. South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford said Tuesday House Speaker Bobby Harrell made a cowardly move in how he reassigned a roll call voting reformer from a key committee last week and questioned whether punishments reflect a "Soviet model."
"It was done in a way intended to not only reprimand but also to publicly humiliate," Sanford said in a telephone interview. Meanwhile, sending a lawyer to exercise the reassignments instead of doing it in person was the wrong approach, Sanford said.
"It was just in that regard cowardly," he said.
Harrell, R-Charleston, said last week he was not punishing state Rep. Nikki Haley, R-Lexington. His spokesman said Tuesday Harrell would not respond to Sanford's criticism and would let his comments from last week stand.
During the House's organizational session last week, a fight over House rules regarding roll call votes erupted months after state Haley began pushing for more on-the-record voting. She was a vocal critic of legislators passing a retirement pay increase for themselves on a voice vote last spring.
Harrell, R-Charleston, had panned Haley and Republican Sanford's efforts on that front as pandering to voters. But Harrell pushed through his own version of on the record voting at the start of the two-day session despite protests from Haley and others who said it would create useless and misleading records of voice votes.
The next day, Harrell handed out committee assignments and kept Haley on the House Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee. For months, Haley had campaigned to be the committee's chair, but dropped out of the race.
On Wednesday, she went to the committee's first meeting and returned to her office and found Harrell's lawyer waiting with a letter that moved her to the House Education and Public Works Committee.
"The indirect message sent was: 'Look, if you really make your voice heard on something you believe in and it's against the will at the top, you're going to be punished,'" Sanford said. "In a democratic process, that's the worst of all messages that can be sent."
Harrell said last week he moved Haley from the committee because she had vied for the chairmanship. But Harrell took no similar action in the other two open House committee chairman races.
Harrell also said he always communicates committee assignments in writing.
Debate on issues shouldn't bring repercussions, Sanford said. "To do so is a whole lot closer to the Soviet model than it is to the American model," he said.
Whitewashing Fannie Mae
Congressional Democrats in still another disgusting CYA display. The Wall Street Journal writes about it today. WSJ Editorial Page. The opening lines are quoted below:
"Henry Waxman's House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform met Tuesday to examine "The Role of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in the Financial Crisis." Alas, Mr. Waxman didn't come to bury Fan and Fred, but to bury the truth."
"Henry Waxman's House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform met Tuesday to examine "The Role of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in the Financial Crisis." Alas, Mr. Waxman didn't come to bury Fan and Fred, but to bury the truth."
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Give the Gift of Life
IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM:
Linda Taylor
SC Community Relations Coordinator
353 Fabian Drive (near SteinMart)
Aiken, Sc 29803
ltaylor@shepeardblood,org
803.617.0007 office
706.339.5345 mobile
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Local People Save Lives, Receive Gifts
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Linda Petersen – GA Community Relations, (706) 339-5543, lpetersen@shepeardblood.org
Linda Taylor – SC Community Relations, (803) 643-7996, ltaylor@shepeardblood.org
Augusta, GA – Critically ill patients at our local hospitals may not know your name but they will never forget your gift of life.
In this season of giving, imagine giving the unforgettable gift of good health and winning an unforgettable gift for you! That is what is happening at Shepeard Community Blood Center blood drives and centers this December. One winner each week will choose from the following Unforgettable Gifts:
$1,000 Pre-paid Visa Gift Card
Plasma TV
MacBook Laptop
Our first Unforgettable Gift winner is Tom Paquette. Mr. Paquette is a faithful volunteer platelet donor at Shepeard West, Shepeard’s Platelet and Plasma Center, at 112 Davis Road in Martinez. Tom chose the $1,000 Pre-paid Visa Gift Card for his Unforgettable Gift. What gift will you choose?
Congratulations to the following people who won $500 Visa Gift Cards in our November drawings:
· Tammyria Jennings of Augusta who visited the Richmond County Board of Education Blood Drive
Stacey Timmerman of North Augusta who visited the blood drive at Savannah River Site, Lower B Area
· Virginia Fox of Martinez who donated at Shepeard’s Center at 460 North Belair Road in Evans
· Russell Carter, Jr. of Warrenton, GA who presented to donate at Kimberly Clark
Platelets are the clotting part of blood. Platelets are used for cancer, transplants, and other critical injuries and illnesses. To learn more about donating platelets like Tom Paquette, our first Unforgettable Gift Winner, contact Vanessa Childs, Special Donations Coordinator: (706) 737-4551 or vchilds@shepeardblood.org
To find a place to donate with Shepeard this holiday season:
http://www.shepeardblood.org/ GA: (706) 737-4551 SC: (803) 643-7996
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Obama Derangement Syndrome
Randall Hoven addresses the Obama citizenship question and tells us why the certification of birth that has been verified and the statement made by a Hawaii official does not eliminate the doubts about his citizenship. Michelle Malkin, David Horowitz and Ron Kessler, all good conservatives, have written that it is time to for the doubters to give it up. Marianne was right in her earlier posts and the Supreme Court will discuss another case in conference on Friday.Until this issue is put to rest the doubts will continue to haunt the Obama presidency and the Nation. These doubts can easily be removed by releasing the official record of live birth which gives more information. A part of the American Thinker piece is quoted below. To read it all follow this link The American Thinker
"All they did was verify that Obama's original birth certificate is on record. But that doesn't tell us what we need to know. What we need to know is where he was born.
Surprisingly, Hawaii happens to issue birth certificates for babies born outside Hawaii. The Hawaiian law on that states:
"Certificates for children born out of State. (a) Upon application of an adult or the legal parents of a minor child, the director of health shall issue a birth certificate for such adult or minor, provided that proof has been submitted to the director of health that the legal parents of such individual while living without the Territory or State of Hawaii had declared the Territory or State of Hawaii as their legal residence for at least one year immediately preceding the birth or adoption of such child."
The state of Hawaii did not say what was on the certificate and it won't release a copy out of privacy considerations. The state of Hawaii simply verified that Obama has a birth certificate on record; it did not verify that he was born in Hawaii.
The released birth certificate. It is often claimed that Obama has already released his birth certificate. What we have is an online copy via the web site FightTheSmears.com. There are several significant questions about this certificate.
Did this really come from Obama? Is FightTheSmears an official conduit of information from Obama?
How genuine is the document? Is it a photo-shopped or Microsoft Word fake, ala Dan Rather's memo? (I am not a forensic documentarian, so I will remain silent here. Snopes says it isn't a forgery.)
The document itself says, "Any alterations invalidate this certificate" and it has been altered by, at least, a redacted certificate number.
Most importantly, rendering the previous points moot, this is not Obama's original birth certificate (the "long form") and thus does not tell us what we need to know. Even if totally genuine, it is not the document necessary to prove he was born in Hawaii.
As Joe the Farmer reported in the American Thinker ,
"Even the Hawaii Department of Home Lands does not accept a certified copy of a birth certificate as conclusive evidence for its homestead program. From its web site: ‘In order to process your application, DHHL utilizes information that is found only on the original Certificate of Live Birth, which is either black or green. This is a more complete record of your birth than the Certification of Live Birth (a computer-generated printout). Submitting the original Certificate of Live Birth will save you time and money since the computer-generated Certification requires additional verification by DHHL.'"
The essence of the complaint is that the "Certification of Live Birth" that is used by FightTheSmears, the Annenberg Political FactCheck and others does not have the same information as an original birth certificate, including location of birth.
Conclusion. The irony is that this would not take a protracted trial with tons of evidence and counter-evidence, examination and cross-examination, expert testimony from forensic anthropologists, or satellite imagery. All it should take is for Obama to authorize the release his original birth certificate, the "long form", the one the state of Hawaii says it has on record.
That's it; release the real certificate. If the "long form" birth certificate says Obama was born in the US, I think we are done.
Hurray!
But even if it doesn't, we are not in Constitutional crisis or civil war just yet. Real lawyers could review the law and determine that Obama's birth circumstances still meet the "natural born" criteria. Let's get this issue out of the newspapers and the blogs and into a courtroom. A courtroom, you know, where facts and the law are dealt with in this country.
But if that doesn't end it, we are still not in a crisis. Legislators could come up with some kind of retro-active legislation. I hear it's been done before. Again, I'm not a lawyer, but it doesn't seem hopeless.
Only if all of the above fail prior to January 20, 2009, would we be required to follow the Constitutional remedy of installing President Biden.
I think this series of actions is what lawyers call due process and due diligence. That, in my mind, is what we should be doing rather ignoring the entire matter because it is so unpleasant. We should also not be rope-a-doping the legal situation just to push the issue past January 20, 2009. Simply address the issue in a straightforward legal and Constitutional manner. That's all I ask.
But please, do not tell us to deny the facts, ignore the Constitution and "shut up." George Orwell reminded us that
"Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two makes four. If that is granted, all else follows."
Two plus two makes four. And the US President must be natural born."
"All they did was verify that Obama's original birth certificate is on record. But that doesn't tell us what we need to know. What we need to know is where he was born.
Surprisingly, Hawaii happens to issue birth certificates for babies born outside Hawaii. The Hawaiian law on that states:
"Certificates for children born out of State. (a) Upon application of an adult or the legal parents of a minor child, the director of health shall issue a birth certificate for such adult or minor, provided that proof has been submitted to the director of health that the legal parents of such individual while living without the Territory or State of Hawaii had declared the Territory or State of Hawaii as their legal residence for at least one year immediately preceding the birth or adoption of such child."
The state of Hawaii did not say what was on the certificate and it won't release a copy out of privacy considerations. The state of Hawaii simply verified that Obama has a birth certificate on record; it did not verify that he was born in Hawaii.
The released birth certificate. It is often claimed that Obama has already released his birth certificate. What we have is an online copy via the web site FightTheSmears.com. There are several significant questions about this certificate.
Did this really come from Obama? Is FightTheSmears an official conduit of information from Obama?
How genuine is the document? Is it a photo-shopped or Microsoft Word fake, ala Dan Rather's memo? (I am not a forensic documentarian, so I will remain silent here. Snopes says it isn't a forgery.)
The document itself says, "Any alterations invalidate this certificate" and it has been altered by, at least, a redacted certificate number.
Most importantly, rendering the previous points moot, this is not Obama's original birth certificate (the "long form") and thus does not tell us what we need to know. Even if totally genuine, it is not the document necessary to prove he was born in Hawaii.
As Joe the Farmer reported in the American Thinker ,
"Even the Hawaii Department of Home Lands does not accept a certified copy of a birth certificate as conclusive evidence for its homestead program. From its web site: ‘In order to process your application, DHHL utilizes information that is found only on the original Certificate of Live Birth, which is either black or green. This is a more complete record of your birth than the Certification of Live Birth (a computer-generated printout). Submitting the original Certificate of Live Birth will save you time and money since the computer-generated Certification requires additional verification by DHHL.'"
The essence of the complaint is that the "Certification of Live Birth" that is used by FightTheSmears, the Annenberg Political FactCheck and others does not have the same information as an original birth certificate, including location of birth.
Conclusion. The irony is that this would not take a protracted trial with tons of evidence and counter-evidence, examination and cross-examination, expert testimony from forensic anthropologists, or satellite imagery. All it should take is for Obama to authorize the release his original birth certificate, the "long form", the one the state of Hawaii says it has on record.
That's it; release the real certificate. If the "long form" birth certificate says Obama was born in the US, I think we are done.
Hurray!
But even if it doesn't, we are not in Constitutional crisis or civil war just yet. Real lawyers could review the law and determine that Obama's birth circumstances still meet the "natural born" criteria. Let's get this issue out of the newspapers and the blogs and into a courtroom. A courtroom, you know, where facts and the law are dealt with in this country.
But if that doesn't end it, we are still not in a crisis. Legislators could come up with some kind of retro-active legislation. I hear it's been done before. Again, I'm not a lawyer, but it doesn't seem hopeless.
Only if all of the above fail prior to January 20, 2009, would we be required to follow the Constitutional remedy of installing President Biden.
I think this series of actions is what lawyers call due process and due diligence. That, in my mind, is what we should be doing rather ignoring the entire matter because it is so unpleasant. We should also not be rope-a-doping the legal situation just to push the issue past January 20, 2009. Simply address the issue in a straightforward legal and Constitutional manner. That's all I ask.
But please, do not tell us to deny the facts, ignore the Constitution and "shut up." George Orwell reminded us that
"Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two makes four. If that is granted, all else follows."
Two plus two makes four. And the US President must be natural born."
Monday, December 8, 2008
Supreme Court Refuses Donofrio Case on Obama
This morning, the Supreme Court announced that it has denied bringing before a full hearing the Donofrio v. Wells case, one of the several cases challenging Barack Obama’s eligibility as a “natural born citizen” to serve as president.
The Donofrio case claims Obama does not meet the Constitution's Article 2, Section 1 "natural-born citizen" requirement for president because of his dual citizenship at birth. Donofrio also contends that two other candidates, Republican John McCain and Socialist Workers candidate Roger Calero, also are not natural-born citizens and thus ineligible to be president.
The case was dismissed without comment and without a dissenting opinion. At least one other appeal over Obama's citizenship remains at the Supreme Court. Philip J. Berg of Lafayette Hill, Pa., argues that Obama was born in Kenya, not Hawaii as Obama says. Berg says Obama also may be a citizen of Indonesia, where he lived as a boy. In addition, at least fifteen other suits have been brought at the state level in various states.
Much of the controversy behind these suits stems from the fact that Obama has not, or may not have offered for public record a complete, credible birth certificate. Our country has been divided over the past eight years over the question of whether George W. Bush was legitimately elected president. Unfortunately, we face the same kind of division during an Obama presidency if questions concerning his citizenship are not put to rest.
The Donofrio case claims Obama does not meet the Constitution's Article 2, Section 1 "natural-born citizen" requirement for president because of his dual citizenship at birth. Donofrio also contends that two other candidates, Republican John McCain and Socialist Workers candidate Roger Calero, also are not natural-born citizens and thus ineligible to be president.
The case was dismissed without comment and without a dissenting opinion. At least one other appeal over Obama's citizenship remains at the Supreme Court. Philip J. Berg of Lafayette Hill, Pa., argues that Obama was born in Kenya, not Hawaii as Obama says. Berg says Obama also may be a citizen of Indonesia, where he lived as a boy. In addition, at least fifteen other suits have been brought at the state level in various states.
Much of the controversy behind these suits stems from the fact that Obama has not, or may not have offered for public record a complete, credible birth certificate. Our country has been divided over the past eight years over the question of whether George W. Bush was legitimately elected president. Unfortunately, we face the same kind of division during an Obama presidency if questions concerning his citizenship are not put to rest.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
City Update from Dick Dewar
HOUNDSLAKE GOLF COURSE - While this is my first post in a while, it does not mean that little of importance has been happening in Aiken. Most of you know about the turmoil and stress imposed on the residents of Houndslake North regarding the proposed closure of the Laurel golf course. I spent many hours helping other members of the Steering Committee to communicate options available to residents involved. We concluded with a very successful community meeting held at Odell Weeks.
While residents recently received a confirmation letter regarding the closure on December 31, I have been advised that there is a possibility of a delay in the closure while repairs are being made to the Azalea and Dogwood courses. Please keep in mind that this is a very fluid situation and plans change rapidly.
ZONING ORDINANCE CHANGE – At our last Council Meeting on November 17, we were asked to approve an ordinance dealing with Accessory Buildings in the Horse District. Currently an accessory building cannot be larger than 50% of the heated floor area of the principal building. Some feel that this has caused problems in the horse district since accessory buildings are used for horses, carriages, feed supplies, etc. While the Planning Commission recommended approval, I asked for input from the horse community since it was most affected. Accordingly, this matter has been delayed until we hear from the Equine Committee.
LANDSCAPING BY SCE&G – We received input from residents of Highland Park concerning problems caused by SCE&G tree trimming. While everyone understands that SCE&G must trim trees to prevent power disruptions, there is genuine concern about their process. In the Highland Park area, there was significant damage to the area. While SCE&G v-cuts the trees, they do not share the concern of residents who want minimum visual disruption. The City has made arrangements with SCE&G with regard to South Boundary Road to preserve a treasured city asset. The City will not permit the utility cut trees in this area; instead the City performs that task. The City Manager is working with SCE&G to determine if similar arrangements can be made elsewhere within the City to trim trees at SCE&G cost to eliminate this kind of problem. I will continue to monitor this issue.
B&W SALVAGE YARD – Much of the last Council meeting was consumed by the issue of the junk yard on Highway One. Many residents are dismayed that one of the main entrances to the City passes by this unsightly location. This issue had been long standing and dates to 1985. Nothing so far has been successful in removing this eyesore to one of the main entrances to the City. County Councilman Scott Singer has worked with County Council and South Carolina Department of Transportation with help from Senator Greg Ryberg in an effort to more effectively resolve this issue. Their recommendation is to build a fence to screen the property from public view. If the owner parks vehicles on the highway side of the fence, SCOT will enforce existing law by imposing daily fines until the law is followed. Funding for the fence would be a joint effort by both the County Council and City Council and approximate $50,000 each. While everyone wants this issue resolved, there was little consensus by the Council on action. Concern was raised about the cost of the fence, the ability and willingness of authorities to enforce the law, and public support of our efforts. At Monday’s City Council meeting we will consider a resolution supporting the County’s efforts to deal with this issue.
FISCAL YEAR 2007-2008 AUDIT OF CITY FINANCES – The firm of ElliottDavis was selected by bid process to perform an audit of city finances for the past fiscal year. We briefly reviewed their report at last Council meeting and will give final approval at Monday night’s meeting. The firm concluded that the City of Aiken is properly managing funds collected and spent. They identified no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies relating to the audit of the financial statement and no instances of noncompliance material to the financial statements. While audit reports can be dry reading, they do reveal significant findings. For example, the City has a 98.07% collection percentage for real and personal property taxes. The City has no outstanding general obligation debt. Our revenue sources are:
Charges for Services 47.74%
Property Taxes 18.08%
Business Taxes 11.61%
Capital Project Sales Taxes 9.87%
Unrestricted Investment Earnings 6.67%
Operating Grants 3.04%
Capital Grants 2.41%
Intergovernmental 1.69%
Accommodations Taxes 1.43%
Miscellaneous 0.46%
Our Government-Wide Expenses include:
Water & Sewer 29.77%
Public Safety 26.12%
General Government 12.00%
Recreation & Parks 10.56%
Public Works 9.16%
Sanitation 7.98%
Economic Development 3.14%
Storm Water 1.09%
Debt Service Interest 0.18%
Most of the City revenue from the previous year is from growth in property taxes from new resident and from business licenses. Major expenditures include over $300,000 in planning and traffic studies and over $5,000,000 in benefits and insurance. Despite a 5% increase in water and sewer rates last year, only one city in South Carolina has lower rates than Aiken. We exceeded expenditures over budget in the Aiken Community Playhouse Fund ($5,099). Community Development Block Grant Fund ($57,008) and Local Accommodations Tax Fund ($59,671). In every other case, our budgeted amounts exceeded what we spent. The Aiken Corporation owes the city $2,670,035 for several loans in past years. Some of this money will be collected when property is sold and the Aiken Corporation has been making satisfactory progress in repaying loans. Overall, the City is handling your money well and in accordance with acceptable accounting standards. The City Manager recognized our current economic climate and will act accordingly in controlling expenses during the year.
CLOSURE OF UNOPENED PORTION OF COKER SPRINGS ROAD – The Hitchcock Woods Foundation in a friendly suit sued the City to close a portion of Coker Springs Road between Newberry Street and Laurens Street. Adjacent property owners have been notified.Since this section of roadway has never been opened in the past as a public roadway the ordinance is expected to pass first reading on Monday.
Posted by Dick Dewar
While residents recently received a confirmation letter regarding the closure on December 31, I have been advised that there is a possibility of a delay in the closure while repairs are being made to the Azalea and Dogwood courses. Please keep in mind that this is a very fluid situation and plans change rapidly.
ZONING ORDINANCE CHANGE – At our last Council Meeting on November 17, we were asked to approve an ordinance dealing with Accessory Buildings in the Horse District. Currently an accessory building cannot be larger than 50% of the heated floor area of the principal building. Some feel that this has caused problems in the horse district since accessory buildings are used for horses, carriages, feed supplies, etc. While the Planning Commission recommended approval, I asked for input from the horse community since it was most affected. Accordingly, this matter has been delayed until we hear from the Equine Committee.
LANDSCAPING BY SCE&G – We received input from residents of Highland Park concerning problems caused by SCE&G tree trimming. While everyone understands that SCE&G must trim trees to prevent power disruptions, there is genuine concern about their process. In the Highland Park area, there was significant damage to the area. While SCE&G v-cuts the trees, they do not share the concern of residents who want minimum visual disruption. The City has made arrangements with SCE&G with regard to South Boundary Road to preserve a treasured city asset. The City will not permit the utility cut trees in this area; instead the City performs that task. The City Manager is working with SCE&G to determine if similar arrangements can be made elsewhere within the City to trim trees at SCE&G cost to eliminate this kind of problem. I will continue to monitor this issue.
B&W SALVAGE YARD – Much of the last Council meeting was consumed by the issue of the junk yard on Highway One. Many residents are dismayed that one of the main entrances to the City passes by this unsightly location. This issue had been long standing and dates to 1985. Nothing so far has been successful in removing this eyesore to one of the main entrances to the City. County Councilman Scott Singer has worked with County Council and South Carolina Department of Transportation with help from Senator Greg Ryberg in an effort to more effectively resolve this issue. Their recommendation is to build a fence to screen the property from public view. If the owner parks vehicles on the highway side of the fence, SCOT will enforce existing law by imposing daily fines until the law is followed. Funding for the fence would be a joint effort by both the County Council and City Council and approximate $50,000 each. While everyone wants this issue resolved, there was little consensus by the Council on action. Concern was raised about the cost of the fence, the ability and willingness of authorities to enforce the law, and public support of our efforts. At Monday’s City Council meeting we will consider a resolution supporting the County’s efforts to deal with this issue.
FISCAL YEAR 2007-2008 AUDIT OF CITY FINANCES – The firm of ElliottDavis was selected by bid process to perform an audit of city finances for the past fiscal year. We briefly reviewed their report at last Council meeting and will give final approval at Monday night’s meeting. The firm concluded that the City of Aiken is properly managing funds collected and spent. They identified no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies relating to the audit of the financial statement and no instances of noncompliance material to the financial statements. While audit reports can be dry reading, they do reveal significant findings. For example, the City has a 98.07% collection percentage for real and personal property taxes. The City has no outstanding general obligation debt. Our revenue sources are:
Charges for Services 47.74%
Property Taxes 18.08%
Business Taxes 11.61%
Capital Project Sales Taxes 9.87%
Unrestricted Investment Earnings 6.67%
Operating Grants 3.04%
Capital Grants 2.41%
Intergovernmental 1.69%
Accommodations Taxes 1.43%
Miscellaneous 0.46%
Our Government-Wide Expenses include:
Water & Sewer 29.77%
Public Safety 26.12%
General Government 12.00%
Recreation & Parks 10.56%
Public Works 9.16%
Sanitation 7.98%
Economic Development 3.14%
Storm Water 1.09%
Debt Service Interest 0.18%
Most of the City revenue from the previous year is from growth in property taxes from new resident and from business licenses. Major expenditures include over $300,000 in planning and traffic studies and over $5,000,000 in benefits and insurance. Despite a 5% increase in water and sewer rates last year, only one city in South Carolina has lower rates than Aiken. We exceeded expenditures over budget in the Aiken Community Playhouse Fund ($5,099). Community Development Block Grant Fund ($57,008) and Local Accommodations Tax Fund ($59,671). In every other case, our budgeted amounts exceeded what we spent. The Aiken Corporation owes the city $2,670,035 for several loans in past years. Some of this money will be collected when property is sold and the Aiken Corporation has been making satisfactory progress in repaying loans. Overall, the City is handling your money well and in accordance with acceptable accounting standards. The City Manager recognized our current economic climate and will act accordingly in controlling expenses during the year.
CLOSURE OF UNOPENED PORTION OF COKER SPRINGS ROAD – The Hitchcock Woods Foundation in a friendly suit sued the City to close a portion of Coker Springs Road between Newberry Street and Laurens Street. Adjacent property owners have been notified.Since this section of roadway has never been opened in the past as a public roadway the ordinance is expected to pass first reading on Monday.
Posted by Dick Dewar
Update on SCOTUS Obama Citizenship Case
We understood that the case brought by Leo Donofrio against the N.J. Secretary of State to prove the eligibility of Barack Obama to be on the N.J. Electoral College slate was to be conferred on by the Supreme Court on Friday. However, as far as I can tell from reading the internet and Donofrio's own blog, it was not but may be Monday at 10:00. Donofrio's website can be found at http://naturalborncitizen.wordpress.com/. For anyone interested, he has researched the citizenship of all our past presidents, and reports on controversies about: James Buchanan, Andrew Johnson, Woodrow Wilson, Herbert Hoover and Chester Arthur. According to Donofrio, all but Arthur are proven to be "natural born citizens" and Chester Arthur was probably not.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
The Washington Post seeks that elusive final victory
An excellent piece from Power Line
"The Washington Post seeks that elusive final victory
Posted: 03 Dec 2008 07:55 PM CST
As George W. Bush completes the last weeks of his presidency, the phrase "bloodied but unbowed" comes to mind. The MSM is delighted about the first part, of course, having done all it could to inflict that condition. But it still seems to rankle that Bush has not confessed to large-scale error. With the exception of a trip to "re-education camp," nothing Bush could do would delight his liberal detractors more than such a confession.
In the meantime, Dan Eggen of the Washington Post pretends the MSM has its confession in this piece obnoxiously titled "Reflecting on His Tenure, Bush Shows New Candor." Eggen contrasts the president's "new condor" with the old Bush who "once was unable to provide an example of a mistake he had made in office." (emphasis added). (I believe that Eggen is referring to a statement Bush made during a debate with John Kerry; which presidents have enumerated their mistakes in a presidential debate?). Eggen clearly wants to create the impression that Bush finally is confessing to mistakes he made in office.
But Eggen doesn't deliver the goods. He cites Bush's statement that when he ran for office in 2000, he didn't expect anticipate war, and was not prepared to be a war time president when he took office. But which politicians in 2000 were expecting a war, and who among the viable presidential candidates had experience in leading during war time? Here, in effect, Bush is regretting not being FDR, Harry Truman, Lyndon Johnson or Richard Nixon.
As to Bush's war time leadership, the best Eggen can offer is Bush's statement in an interview with ABC that he wishes "the intelligence had been different" on Iraq. Bush added that this intelligence failure is his "biggest regret." But Bush didn't collect the intelligence; he simply relied on the intelligence collected and analyzed by others. The fact that he wishes the intelligence community had served up better intel is not much of a mea culpa. I regret that the restaurant where I had lunch today didn't serve up a better meal, but I mostly blame the restaurant.
Finally, Eggen cites Bush's statement that he regrets not enacting comprehensive immigration reform and that the "tone in Washington" got worse not better during his administration. But regret that something happened (the tone got worse) or didn't happen (Congress wouldn't pass legislation) is not the same thing as regretting a mistake. I doubt Bush thinks there is anything he should have done but failed to do that would have enabled his vision of immigration reform to become law or that would have made Washington a harmonious city during the past eight years. I certainly don't think there is.
But though Eggen comes up empty, I have heard the president admit to mistakes in office. He has said (I don't recall where) that some of his tough talk ("bring it on") was a mistake. And he has said that although, he didn't have it put up, he shouldn't have stood near that "Mission Accomplished" banner.
Perhaps Dan Eggen regrets writing a bogus story when there was a genuine one that would have served him almost as well.
The left's obsession with extracting mea culpas from Republican presidents is longstanding. David Frost's interview with Richard Nixon is still considered a hot topic in some circles. The same obsession naturally does not apply to Democrats. Has the Washington Post ever fretted about whether Jimmy Carter was sufficiently contrite (or candid) about his failed policies towards Iran? Or whether Bill Clinton regrets giving al Qaeda a virtually free pass while disgracing himself and his office by having sex with an intern and then lying about it?
The bottom line on Bush is that he has cited a few mistakes, could no doubt cite a few more if he were so inclined, but has no obligation or good reason to do so.
"The Washington Post seeks that elusive final victory
Posted: 03 Dec 2008 07:55 PM CST
As George W. Bush completes the last weeks of his presidency, the phrase "bloodied but unbowed" comes to mind. The MSM is delighted about the first part, of course, having done all it could to inflict that condition. But it still seems to rankle that Bush has not confessed to large-scale error. With the exception of a trip to "re-education camp," nothing Bush could do would delight his liberal detractors more than such a confession.
In the meantime, Dan Eggen of the Washington Post pretends the MSM has its confession in this piece obnoxiously titled "Reflecting on His Tenure, Bush Shows New Candor." Eggen contrasts the president's "new condor" with the old Bush who "once was unable to provide an example of a mistake he had made in office." (emphasis added). (I believe that Eggen is referring to a statement Bush made during a debate with John Kerry; which presidents have enumerated their mistakes in a presidential debate?). Eggen clearly wants to create the impression that Bush finally is confessing to mistakes he made in office.
But Eggen doesn't deliver the goods. He cites Bush's statement that when he ran for office in 2000, he didn't expect anticipate war, and was not prepared to be a war time president when he took office. But which politicians in 2000 were expecting a war, and who among the viable presidential candidates had experience in leading during war time? Here, in effect, Bush is regretting not being FDR, Harry Truman, Lyndon Johnson or Richard Nixon.
As to Bush's war time leadership, the best Eggen can offer is Bush's statement in an interview with ABC that he wishes "the intelligence had been different" on Iraq. Bush added that this intelligence failure is his "biggest regret." But Bush didn't collect the intelligence; he simply relied on the intelligence collected and analyzed by others. The fact that he wishes the intelligence community had served up better intel is not much of a mea culpa. I regret that the restaurant where I had lunch today didn't serve up a better meal, but I mostly blame the restaurant.
Finally, Eggen cites Bush's statement that he regrets not enacting comprehensive immigration reform and that the "tone in Washington" got worse not better during his administration. But regret that something happened (the tone got worse) or didn't happen (Congress wouldn't pass legislation) is not the same thing as regretting a mistake. I doubt Bush thinks there is anything he should have done but failed to do that would have enabled his vision of immigration reform to become law or that would have made Washington a harmonious city during the past eight years. I certainly don't think there is.
But though Eggen comes up empty, I have heard the president admit to mistakes in office. He has said (I don't recall where) that some of his tough talk ("bring it on") was a mistake. And he has said that although, he didn't have it put up, he shouldn't have stood near that "Mission Accomplished" banner.
Perhaps Dan Eggen regrets writing a bogus story when there was a genuine one that would have served him almost as well.
The left's obsession with extracting mea culpas from Republican presidents is longstanding. David Frost's interview with Richard Nixon is still considered a hot topic in some circles. The same obsession naturally does not apply to Democrats. Has the Washington Post ever fretted about whether Jimmy Carter was sufficiently contrite (or candid) about his failed policies towards Iran? Or whether Bill Clinton regrets giving al Qaeda a virtually free pass while disgracing himself and his office by having sex with an intern and then lying about it?
The bottom line on Bush is that he has cited a few mistakes, could no doubt cite a few more if he were so inclined, but has no obligation or good reason to do so.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Fred Thompson on Economics
The following arrived in my email this morning and is well worth your time.
"Republicans have been struggling to find their political bearings. The Democrats are about to embark on a Keynesian spending spree the likes of which we have never seen. How to respond? How can Republicans possibly oppose the political juggernaut coming their way? They could do much worse than to send this short film by Fred Thompson to every voter in America. As political theater, it is brilliant. As economic education, it is indispensable.
The film demonstrates that Thompson is head and shoulders above the current crop of party functionaries in the essential task of communicating and educating voters about our current predicament and the course which the Democrats are pursuing. As they contemplate their political predicament, the Republicans might think about finding Thompson some permanent role as Party Explainer"
"Republicans have been struggling to find their political bearings. The Democrats are about to embark on a Keynesian spending spree the likes of which we have never seen. How to respond? How can Republicans possibly oppose the political juggernaut coming their way? They could do much worse than to send this short film by Fred Thompson to every voter in America. As political theater, it is brilliant. As economic education, it is indispensable.
The film demonstrates that Thompson is head and shoulders above the current crop of party functionaries in the essential task of communicating and educating voters about our current predicament and the course which the Democrats are pursuing. As they contemplate their political predicament, the Republicans might think about finding Thompson some permanent role as Party Explainer"
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Victory in Georgia!
Saxby Chambliss wins! Thank goodness.
U.S. Senate Election Results Candidate Votes
Saxby Chambliss - R Incumbent 1,191,235 58%
Jim Martin - D 876,397 42%
Updated Dec-02-2008 11:02 PM 96% reporting (3190 of 3303 precincts)
Monday, December 1, 2008
Supreme Court to Review Obama Citizenship
While the mainstream media has been silent, the internet is on fire with news that this Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court will review whether Barack Obama is indeed constitutionally eligible to become the next president.
The justices will hold a conference on the question and consider the case for formal review. If four of the nine justices vote to hear the case, oral argument may be scheduled.
The case is brought by Leo C. Donofrio against the New Jersey secretary of state, and questions whether Obama is a "natural-born citizen" as required by the Constitution. In addition, there are multiple other suits working their way through the courts, in particular one by Philip Berg, a Pennsylvania attorney, and one by Alan Keyes who was a candidate for President in California.
It is important to note that the Electors of the states vote on December 15. At that time, if Barack Obama receives the majority of the electoral votes, he becomes the president elect. The schedule below is taken directly from the Supreme Court website.
No. 08A407
Title:
Leo C. Donofrio, Applicant
v.
Nina Mitchell Wells, New Jersey Secretary of State
Docketed:
Lower Ct:
Supreme Court of New Jersey
Case Nos.:
(AM-0153-08T2 at the New Jersey Appellate Division without a docket number)
~~~Date~~~
~~~~~~~Proceedings and Orders~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nov 3 2008
Application (08A407) for stay pending the filing and disposition of a petition for a writ of certiorari, submitted to Justice Souter.
Nov 6 2008
Application (08A407) denied by Justice Souter.
Nov 14 2008
Application (08A407) refiled and submitted to Justice Thomas.
Nov 19 2008
DISTRIBUTED for Conference of December 5, 2008.
Nov 19 2008
Application (08A407) referred to the Court by Justice Thomas.
~~Name~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~Address~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~Phone~~~
Attorneys for Petitioner:
Leo C. Donofrio
P.O. Box 93
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Party name: Leo C. Donofrio
The justices will hold a conference on the question and consider the case for formal review. If four of the nine justices vote to hear the case, oral argument may be scheduled.
The case is brought by Leo C. Donofrio against the New Jersey secretary of state, and questions whether Obama is a "natural-born citizen" as required by the Constitution. In addition, there are multiple other suits working their way through the courts, in particular one by Philip Berg, a Pennsylvania attorney, and one by Alan Keyes who was a candidate for President in California.
It is important to note that the Electors of the states vote on December 15. At that time, if Barack Obama receives the majority of the electoral votes, he becomes the president elect. The schedule below is taken directly from the Supreme Court website.
No. 08A407
Title:
Leo C. Donofrio, Applicant
v.
Nina Mitchell Wells, New Jersey Secretary of State
Docketed:
Lower Ct:
Supreme Court of New Jersey
Case Nos.:
(AM-0153-08T2 at the New Jersey Appellate Division without a docket number)
~~~Date~~~
~~~~~~~Proceedings and Orders~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nov 3 2008
Application (08A407) for stay pending the filing and disposition of a petition for a writ of certiorari, submitted to Justice Souter.
Nov 6 2008
Application (08A407) denied by Justice Souter.
Nov 14 2008
Application (08A407) refiled and submitted to Justice Thomas.
Nov 19 2008
DISTRIBUTED for Conference of December 5, 2008.
Nov 19 2008
Application (08A407) referred to the Court by Justice Thomas.
~~Name~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~Address~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~Phone~~~
Attorneys for Petitioner:
Leo C. Donofrio
P.O. Box 93
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Party name: Leo C. Donofrio
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