tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48031143727008030702024-03-08T00:10:35.578-05:00Not Without RepresentationConfused about politics? Don't have time to follow what is going on but still want to be involved? This blog is for you; concise,accurate information about today's politics. Visit my website at:
www.NotWithoutRepresentation.comannmariespiciarichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234451148179070520noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803114372700803070.post-20512555354240930892011-01-09T10:21:00.002-05:002011-01-09T11:36:50.503-05:00Not Right Wing, Not Left Wing...Mentally Ill<div class="MsoNormal">To Congresswoman Giffords and the 17 others who were shot yesterday, I offer my prayers for you and your families. This was a horrible tragedy and one that will not be forgotten soon. The man alleged to have shot Rep. Giffords and so many others, Jared Lee Loughner, has already been identified by many as a right wing extremist. I hate to disappoint those that are more concerned about political scoring points than human beings who have been shot; it appears that Mr. Loughner was mentally ill, not politically impressed by Sarah Palin’s or Daily Kos founder Markos Moulitsas’ target lists of Gifford.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> Let’s consider what little we know about the alleged shooter, less than 24 hours after the tragedy. He posted several YouTube videos that are clearly rambling and disturbed. Some refer to the Constitution and gold/silver currency, lack of grammar, mind control, how the police are unconstitutional, while another refers to BCE and ADE, along with strings of numbers. A short read of these videos, most of which are text in nature, sounds like a paranoid person verging on, if not already in, the throes of schizophrenia.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">A New York Times’ morning article, however, was quick to point out what they thought were his political leanings. They make reference to his commentary about the Constitution and gold/silver currencies. The Times also list some of his favorite books, listing “Animal Farm” and “Brave New World”, among others. They conspicuously leave out “Mein Kampf” and the “Communist Manifesto”. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Also left out was a commentary about the You Tube video posted on his collection and listed as his favorite. In it, a lone figure that Mr. Loughner identifies as himself (“do you see the rare bird perched on my shoulder?”) is apparently dressed as the Grim Reaper. The heavy metal music in the background has a repeated refrain “when the bodies hit the floor”. After a minute or so of doing nothing but apparently gazing at the American flag planted in the ground, the figure lights the flag on fire. No mention is made of this video in the New York Times article. This pattern is repeated in many blog postings about the incident.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">So, from the little information gleaned thus far about the alleged shooter, we could make a very bad case that he leaned right: obsessed with the Constitution, gold/silver and currency, felt abortion was wrong, etc. Or leaned left: favorite books are “Mein Kampf and “Communist Manifesto", doesn’t believe in religion, burned the flag, etc. This could only be done by leaving out information that disagreed with the writer’s intended slant.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">We can, however, make a good case for someone who is mentally ill by looking in totality at his writings, his behavior and what little we know of his history thus far (suspended from college for a “disturbing video” and recommended by the college that he seek counseling, refusal of the Army to take him as a recruit). And sadly, the mentally ill sometimes get violent, especially if untreated. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">The lesson to be learned from this? Before hysterically shrieking political commentary, one could pause for a moment to think of the victims. Then, assess what information is actually available before making said commentary. Perhaps most revolutionary, put accurate and complete information in, not merely what agrees with the bias you want to convey to the reader.</div>annmariespiciarichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234451148179070520noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803114372700803070.post-84392420971056931172010-11-15T09:16:00.001-05:002010-11-15T09:18:42.878-05:00Quantitative Easing Explained<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PTUY16CkS-k?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PTUY16CkS-k?fs=1&hl=en_US" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>annmariespiciarichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234451148179070520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803114372700803070.post-69757013235766129982010-11-11T05:38:00.001-05:002010-11-11T05:52:04.653-05:00Our Veterans Get It<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I worked as a volunteer on the McCain Presidential campaign in the last four days before the election. We all gathered in a cramped, thrown together campaign office in Scranton, Pennsylvania, which looked nothing like the gleaming command centers usually portrayed on TV. Nope, this office consisted of folding tables fronted by folding chairs, bad coffee and doughnuts. Twelve hour days were the norm for the full time volunteers, with other volunteers coming in after the dinner hour.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We were nearing that dinner hour when one of the volunteers that I had worked with came up to me, quite agitated. It turns out that a very large American flag that had flown over a garrison had been donated to the campaign office. Trouble was, whoever delivered it had unceremoniously dumped it on the floor. Quite rightly, Ron the volunteer was highly offended but had no idea what to do with this very large flag. Knowing I was a police officer, he came to me for help (yes, we are supposed to know how to take care of everything). We ran back to the front of the office, curious eyes now following the minor hubbub taking place. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“What do we do?” he asked.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, first things first. We get it off the floor, then we fold it properly.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“How do we fold something this big?” he asked.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Go get those teenage boys in the back,” I said. “We’re gonna need a few hands for this one.” And while I gently gathered the flag from the floor, he ran to get assistance. The security guard, who had not said two words during his entire shift, came over to volunteer the information that he used to take down and fold the flag every night while in the Army.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Good,” I said. “You’re in charge in showing us how to fold this flag properly.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He stood a bit taller, said “Yes, ma’am” and helped me start straighten the flag out. It was enormous, and when fully stretched, took up most of the office. Ron came back with about eight confused teenage boys, who could not understand what the fuss was about. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It was just a flag, after all. They didn’t get it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We positioned the boys along the flag, intent on our task. The boys chattered, as boys do, while we began. They didn’t get it, after all. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The other volunteers, busy with the phones, began to look around at the fuss. They saw what we were doing and nodded their heads in approval. The Army man began the painstakingly slow process of folding the flag precisely, with me and Ron assisting. With each fold of the flag, the careful stretching and tucking of each corner and smoothing of the material, the boys’ chatter started to slow.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The boys became more interested in what we were doing. They began to take part in the deliberate folding, jumping in spontaneously to make sure the material was perfectly smooth and no wrinkles were present for the next turn. Their chatter eventually ceased and they became focused slowly on the flag, to the exclusion of everything else in the room. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">By the time the last fold was done, the last corner perfectly tucked in and the flag placed in its rightful spot of honor in the room, the boys were completely silent.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">They finally got it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">To all our veterans, past and present, thank you for all you do for our country, for all your sacrifices in protecting us and keeping us safe. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We know you have always gotten it. </span></div>annmariespiciarichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234451148179070520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803114372700803070.post-55170664563094265472010-10-20T07:48:00.002-04:002010-10-20T07:48:56.278-04:00Fox 5 News Interview with Jay Townsend<object data="http://www.myfoxny.com/video/videoplayer.swf?dppversion=5390" height="280" id="video" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="320"><param value="http://www.myfoxny.com/video/videoplayer.swf?dppversion=5390" name="movie"/><param value="&skin=MP1ExternalAll-MFL.swf&embed=true&adSizeArray=300x240&adSrc=http%3A%2F%2Fad%2Edoubleclick%2Enet%2Fadx%2Ftsg%2Ewnyw%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2Fdetail%3Bdcmt%3Dtext%2Fxml%3Bpos%3D%3Btile%3D2%3Bfname%3Djay%2Dtownsend%2Dcandidate%2Dfor%2Dus%2Dsenate%2D20101018%3Bloc%3Dsite%3Bsz%3D320x240%3Bord%3D114540615716677170%3Frand%3D0%2E7158974729896543&flv=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Emyfoxny%2Ecom%2Ffeeds%2FoutboundFeed%3FobfType%3DVIDEO%5FPLAYER%5FSMIL%5FFEED%26componentId%3D133527566&img=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia2%2Emyfoxny%2Ecom%2F%2Fphoto%2F2010%2F10%2F18%2F20101018townsendDPP%5Ftmb0002%5F20101018175651%5F640%5F480%2EJPG&story=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Emyfoxny%2Ecom%2Fdpp%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2Fjay%2Dtownsend%2Dcandidate%2Dfor%2Dus%2Dsenate%2D20101018&category=news&title=20101018townsend%2Emov&oacct=foximfoximwnyw,foximglobal&ovns=foxinteractivemedia" name="FlashVars"/><param value="all" name="allowNetworking"/><param value="always" name="allowScriptAccess"/></object>annmariespiciarichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234451148179070520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803114372700803070.post-33550158433146005562010-10-18T12:32:00.003-04:002010-10-18T12:33:30.450-04:00How Much Will Your Taxes Rise if Bush Tax Cuts Not Extended?Use this website to see how much your taxes will rise if the Bush tax cuts are not extended at the end of this year.<br />
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<a href="http://www.taxpolicycenter.org/">http://www.taxpolicycenter.org/</a>annmariespiciarichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234451148179070520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803114372700803070.post-67764958065847041672010-10-16T08:18:00.005-04:002010-10-16T08:28:48.019-04:00Chuck Schumer’s Arrogance Chuck Schumer is the bad stereotype of today's politician: smug in his superiority over the "little people" and anyone who dares to defy or question him, he had hoped to avoid even running a campaign this election cycle, counting on the fact that his relatively unknown opponent would be unable to match him in money and resources. Thanks to the new media and Jay Townsend's persistence and skill, Schumer has finally been forced into his one and only debate on October 23rd at Marist College in Poughkeepsie. <br />
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<a href="http://capitaltonight.com/2010/10/townsend-on-schumers-arrogance/?sms_ss=blogger&at_xt=4cb9980785be0c2c,0">Townsend On Schumer’s ‘Arrogance’</a>annmariespiciarichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234451148179070520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803114372700803070.post-25320225472834410072010-10-14T20:58:00.000-04:002010-10-14T20:58:30.138-04:00How to Take Back the Senate<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">The battle to take back the Senate from the Democrats is in full swing. Unfortunately for some of the candidates, the GOP has decided they are not worth the battle. We have a historic opportunity to return two Senate seats to the Republican aisle and to change the balance of power for the nation overall by assisting two campaigns in New York State. We have seen in the past the poor judgment of the GOP in their picks for who they feel will win. We the people <span> </span>need to start making some of the decisions for them.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The National and New York State GOP have decided not to assist these particular candidates: Joe DioGuardi<span> </span>and Jay Townsend, who are running against Gillibrand and Schumer, respectively. <span> </span>Schumer’s seat is of particular interest as the Senator has his eye on the Speaker of the House position.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">How can you help, even if you are not from New York State?<span> </span>Help can take many forms which all of us are capable of doing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">First and foremost, contribute what you can to their campaigns (websites listed below). Ten dollar donations multiplied by the hundreds add up fast, so please do not think that your “small” donation will not help. It does. These two men are running on empty and need your help. We have seen the difference out of state donations have made to other local races, such as Sharron Angle’s race.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Call/write/Twitter the National GOP (<a href="http://www.gop.com/">www.gop.com</a>)<span> </span>and the New York State GOP (<a href="http://www.nygop.org/">www.nygop.org</a>) and ask them why they are not supporting these two candidates. If you are a regular contributor to either of these organizations, make it clear to them you will be ceasing contributions unless there is some action forthcoming. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Call in to national or local radio shows, such as Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck and/or Mark Levin to ask to have both of these candidates vetted on their shows. The national exposure will make all the difference. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Educate your friends and family. Neither of these candidates have the money to blast the airwaves with commercials, so the education must be done by all of us, person by person. Make sure people who do not follow politics as closely as you do are aware of these candidates and the importance of putting them in the U.S. Senate. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The balance of power rests in all our hands, with all of us responsible for changing it. Be part of the tsunami this November 2<sup>nd</sup> by helping these candidates. The Tea Parties of New York have already worked miracles in helping these candidates. Together, we can move mountains.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.townsendfornewyork.com/">www.townsendfornewyork.com</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.dioguardiforussenate.com/">www.dioguardiforussenate.com</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Twitter: @RNC, @NewYorkGOP</div><div class="MsoNormal">Mark Levin: 877-381-3811</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sean Hannity: 800-941-7326</div><div class="MsoNormal">Glenn Beck: 800-727-BECK</div><div class="MsoNormal">Rush Limbaugh:800-282-2882</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">Annmarie Spiciarich is a retired police sergeant. She has a MA in Forensic Psychology, with a certificate in Terrorism from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. She currently works as a community mental health counselor at a suicide hotline. Check out her website and contact her at: </span></i><a href="http://www.notwithoutrepresentation.com/"><i><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">www.NotWithoutRepresentation.com</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"> or her blog at </span></i><a href="http://notwithoutrepresentation.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">http://NotWithoutRepresentation.blogspot.com</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
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</div>annmariespiciarichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234451148179070520noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803114372700803070.post-87081211350542655372010-10-01T08:35:00.000-04:002010-10-01T08:35:26.092-04:00How the Bush Tax Cuts Will Affect YouCongress had adjourned without voting on whether or not to extend the Bush tax cuts. It is unknown if they will take up the vote again after the mid term elections. If not, the tax cuts expire. How does this affect you? This article breaks it down for you in a practical manner.<br />
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<a href="http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2010/07/30/expect-bush-tax-cuts-expire/?cmpid=prn_baynote_fallback_What_to_Expect_if_Bush_Tax_Cuts_Expire">http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2010/07/30/expect-bush-tax-cuts-expire/?cmpid=prn_baynote_fallback_What_to_Expect_if_Bush_Tax_Cuts_Expire</a>annmariespiciarichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234451148179070520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803114372700803070.post-45244553077785673262010-08-10T15:04:00.000-04:002010-08-10T15:04:08.588-04:00"Content Neutral"...The Obliteration of Free SpeechRecently, a group of students visiting Washington, D.C. went to the Lincoln Memorial. In a moment of patriotism, they began to sing the national anthem, something most people would surely not object to, even if the students were not professional singers. They were shouted down by a uniformed security guard, who told them they had to stop singing. They thankfully resumed their singing and completed the national anthem. <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/08/09/students-lincoln-memorial-told-stop-singing-national-anthem/">(http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/08/09/students-lincoln-memorial-told-stop-singing-national-anthem</a>)<br />
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<div style="margin-left: 40px;"> <div style="font-size: 14px;">“The area they were standing in and singing is an area that is restricted for this type of activity,” said Sgt. David Schlosser. “The United States Park Police is absolutely content-neutral when it comes to any sort of demonstrations in these areas.” <br />
</div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: 14px;">Schlosser explained that <a class="kLink" href="http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/08/09/students-lincoln-memorial-told-stop-singing-national-anthem/#" id="KonaLink2" style="position: static; text-decoration: underline ! important;" target="undefined"><span style="color: blue ! important; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400; position: static;"><span class="kLink" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: 1px solid blue; color: blue ! important; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400; position: relative;">performances</span></span><span class="preLoadWrap" id="preLoadWrap2" style="position: relative;"><div id="preLoadLayer2" style="display: none; left: -18px; position: absolute; top: -32px; z-index: 2147482647;"><img class="preloadImg" src="http://kona.kontera.com/javascript/lib/imgs/grey_loader.gif" style="border: medium none; height: 22px; width: 22px;" /></div></span></a>, regardless of content, are banned to “maintain a contemplative and reverent area for the Lincoln Memorial, for the other guests and visitors.” <br />
</div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: 14px;">Schlosser, who commended the students on their musical ability, said the students were not cited and to his knowledge no report was filed. <br />
</div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: 14px;">“We need to make certain that all other visitors that don’t want to be a part of that or just choose to be tourists are able to do so in the same light that probably President Lincoln wanted – which is completely content neutral,” he said. <br />
</div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">"Content neutral"? Have we literally stepped into an Orwellian state of Newspeak? No speech is content neutral, otherwise it is not truly speech. Speech is meant to convey something; namely...content. The thought behind this particular phrase is more ludicrous than the phrase itself, if that were possible, a product of the PC Police. <br />
</div><div style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Political correctness has spread its tentacles into every part of our lives; people are afraid to speak to one another for fear of offending someone, bosses are afraid to discipline employees for fear of being called an "ist" of some sort, with a corresponding lawsuit, communications between different groups of people is so scrubbed of any possibly offensive comments for fear of being labeled an "ist" that it becomes meaningless, parents are afraid to discipline their children in a non-politically correct way for fear of being reported to Child Protective Services, teachers are afraid to communicate views for fear ot complaints against them and loss of their jobs....are we seeing a pattern here?</div><div style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Fear is now what drives our communications and interactions, or lack of them, with others. We have truly lost our freedom of speech, whether we like to think so or not. It is because we are afraid of the PC Police coming after us, our money, our jobs, our kids....because we do not speak Newspeak-content neutral speech that offends no one and means nothing. We are afraid to be Americans anymore, because apparently, to the PC Police (or Thought Police), that "disturbs" other people. Since when did the singing of the National Anthem become a "demonstration"? Apparently, when the PC Police decide it is one. </div><div style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">What is most chilling to me is this gradual creep against our freedom of speech. It is now reaching critical mass; soon, it will stifle any voice of dissent against the PC Police, who only support freedom of speech when it agrees with their views. From cries of "isms" to threats against jobs and future employment, the PC Police have turned us into tiptoeing creatures, always fearful of saying the wrong things. These kids were brave enough to continue their "demonstration". How many adults would do the same? We now voluntarily self censor out of fear; how long before we have no choice in the matter? If it is up to the PC Police, the time is now.<br />
</div><div style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Watch the Obama administration. Watch the lies and the doublespeak; telling you things that are outright falsehoods, even when they know you are aware it is a falsehood. Sure, that five day, half a million dollar trip to Spain at the expense of the taxpayers was an "official visit" by the First Lady. Sure, the economy is better and the stimulus bills created numerous jobs. Yes, the government needs more control over industry, the financial world, your health care decisions, your privacy, the Internet...sure it does. Read "1984" by George Orwell...one would think he had met the Obama administration already when writing it. <br />
</div><div style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Then start fighting against the PC Police...while you still can.</div>annmariespiciarichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234451148179070520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803114372700803070.post-52088867532396638592010-07-21T17:36:00.001-04:002010-07-21T17:55:29.199-04:00Why Eliminating the Death Tax Matters to YouMost of us think the death tax is a burden only for wealthy people who get left exorbitant amounts of money. The following article from the Heritage Foundation explains how it affects everyone, as wealthy people invest less (which means less businesses and jobs) and inherited businesses are often sold or closed, because the people inheriting it don't have the outright money to pay the death tax...it is all tied up in the business.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2010/07/the-economic-case-against-the-death-tax">http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2010/07/the-economic-case-against-the-death-tax</a>annmariespiciarichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234451148179070520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803114372700803070.post-19694363870243589982010-07-16T19:04:00.000-04:002010-07-16T19:04:55.852-04:00Dear Hypocrites of the NAACPOnce upon a time, you were a respected organization whose members risked everything, including their lives, to promote equality and the advancement of blacks. What happened to that organization? When did you not only lose your way, but your soul? For years, I and others who were not black contributed to the NAACP, but today, it will be a cold day in Al Gore’s globally warmed world before I give you another penny. I only give to worthy organizations that actually work for good, not pontificate nonsense. <br />
<br />
Political correctness has dominated relations between the races for the past few decades. It is my firm belief that it has done much more damage than good. People from different races and cultures are afraid to speak to one another for fear of saying something offensive. Groups like yours hid behind the guise of political correctness and used it as a sledgehammer; instead of knocking down walls between people, you pummeled the people themselves. People lost their careers, their livelihoods, and the respect of others as the label “racist” was used more frequently and ever more inaccurately, for saying and doing things that were not racist, but “deemed” so by groups like yours in ever-narrowing ways. Yet, you continued on, not worrying that real racism was not being addressed and using political correctness to get your way. You grew drunk with the power it gave you. As with most drunks, you got what you wanted in the short term….and ruined yourself with others in the long term. <br />
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In years past, to be accused of being a racist was a real insult; it made you seem less of a human being. Now, the word is tossed out so often and with such inaccuracy that people merely laugh. You jumped on the political correctness bandwagon and sprayed an entire organization with a false label of racism, not realizing you brought your once-fine organization down to its knees. You have become a laughingstock. Now, once revered leaders like Congressman Lewis have smeared themselves with their lies, all to advance an agenda. <br />
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I hate to tell you this…nah, no I don’t…but your agenda is dead. The final insult of releasing a statement against Tea Party members (and yes, we know you backpedaled on the original “racist” designation for the Party), while ignoring voter intimidation at its worst, has shown you to be the cads you have become. Your founding members fought and sometimes died not to be intimidated at the polls.<br />
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You should be ashamed.<br />
<br />
A Former Supporterannmariespiciarichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234451148179070520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803114372700803070.post-50107076955432914172010-07-10T11:59:00.001-04:002010-07-10T12:01:20.659-04:00Al Gore: Called on Global Warming Hypocrisy<a href="http://www.ihatethemedia.com/al-gore-montecito-journal-newspaper-ad">All we did was welcome Al Gore to his new home. Why are people so upset?</a>annmariespiciarichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234451148179070520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803114372700803070.post-34121503843899150632010-07-10T10:09:00.001-04:002010-07-10T10:10:46.989-04:00NY Candidates against Schumer, Hinchey and for GovernorTea Party meetings are a great way to meet your local candidates. They are faced with a smaller group, direct questions and a chance for people to see how they walk, talk and react to the people who are going to hire them. Below is a link to a synopsis of NY candidates (for the NY Assembly 22nd district), US Congress and NY Governor, taken from a recent meet and greet in the tiny town of Plattekill, NY. <br />
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<a href="http://tinyurl.com/29colz6">http://tinyurl.com/29colz6</a>annmariespiciarichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234451148179070520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803114372700803070.post-81176623265328540702010-07-07T20:26:00.000-04:002010-07-07T20:26:13.854-04:00Who is Obama's New Head of Medicare/Medicaid?President Obama’s latest end run around Congress was to appoint Dr. Donald Berwick, a non-practicing pediatrician and head of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, to the head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services by utilizing a recess appointment. Once again, someone who is not vetted by Congress slips through to a major post, in this case overseeing the 800 billion dollar budgets of Medicare and Medicaid. Not much is known about Dr. Berwick, although some reporters actually appear to be doing some investigative journalism and are questioning his numerous “positions” listed on his resume. <br />
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His full time job is listed as the head of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. Below are two paragraphs taken from the website (<a href="http://www.ihi.org/ihi/about">http://www.ihi.org/ihi/about</a>), describing the Institute:<br />
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<i>The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) is an independent not-for-profit organization helping to lead the improvement of health care throughout the world. Founded in 1991 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, IHI works to accelerate improvement by building the will for change, cultivating promising concepts for improving patient care, and helping health care systems put those ideas into action.<br />
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IHI has a staff of about 110 people. We also have partnerships with hundreds of faculty members from around the world who share what they know and learn from each other under a philosophy of “all teach, all learn.” Our programs and activities are designed to enable committed individuals and organizations to innovate together, share knowledge, and collaborate on the difficult, rewarding work of improving health care.</i><br />
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According to the Washington Times, Dr. Berwick “received a base salary of $509,600, a $88,200 bonus and $275,849 in deferred compensation through a contribution by the institute to a special supplemental executive retirement plan. IHI has approximately 130 employees, according to IRS filings.”<br />
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Now, taking aside the fact that President Obama did a complete run around Congress and placed a totally unvetted candidate in charge of an almost trillion dollar government program, one must ask the following questions:<br />
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Why is someone who is working for a non-profit agency that basically is doing research and teaching making almost $900,000 a year in salary and monetary benefits? Why is it that my former Chief of Police, who supervised an agency with more people than Dr. Berwick and with certainly more responsibility, including life and death decisions, got paid only around $90,000 per year, while Dr. Berwick was collecting about ten times more for much less work? Who is funding this “Institute” and paying this insane salary? What is this “Institute” really about? Reading through the website, it appears to be an Institute with a legitimate purpose, including ways to cut health care costs, but when one hears that obscene salary paid for very little responsibility, one begins to wonder about the program overall.<br />
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And now, he is in charge of an almost trillion dollar program. Why is he so highly qualified for this position and what was the purpose of placing him without vetting? What is it about Dr. Berwick and his background that President Obama did not want us to know?annmariespiciarichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234451148179070520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803114372700803070.post-44478432303839909932010-07-03T08:24:00.002-04:002010-07-03T08:24:59.540-04:00Al Gore's Profits from Cap and TradeThe following article breaks down the money trail. Gore's crusade against global warming apparently also coincides with some cash for him, interestingly enough.<br />
<br />
http://www.blnz.com/news/2008/05/13/Money_Connections_Behind_Gores_Carbon_8700.htmlannmariespiciarichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234451148179070520noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803114372700803070.post-28892784855794417362010-06-29T09:25:00.000-04:002010-06-29T09:25:08.610-04:00Mexican Flag Raised Over U.S, Post Office-You Tube<object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6uhua9tnZNo&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6uhua9tnZNo&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object>annmariespiciarichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234451148179070520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803114372700803070.post-16625826213804131752010-06-28T19:57:00.000-04:002010-06-28T19:57:30.379-04:00Kagan's Argument Before the Supreme Court<object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/rBqdKKKRrrg&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/rBqdKKKRrrg&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object>annmariespiciarichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234451148179070520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803114372700803070.post-9218359289133000332010-06-28T16:56:00.000-04:002010-06-28T16:56:03.636-04:00A Shrink Asks: What's Wrong with Obama?An article from the American Thinker:<br />
<br />
http://www.americanthinker.com/2010/06/a_shrink_asks_whats_wrong_with.html<br />
By Robin of Berkeley<br />
<br />
So what is the matter with Obama? Conservatives have been asking this question for some time. I've written a number of articles trying to solve the mystery. <br />
<br />
Even some liberals are starting to wonder. James Carville railed about Obama's blasé attitude after the catastrophic oil spill. The New York Times' Maureen Dowd revamped Obama's "Yes We Can" motto into "Will We Ever?"<br />
<br />
The liberal women of the TV show "The View" have expressed sympathy for Michelle Obama's living with a man so out of touch. Peggy Noonan, hardly a vehement Obama foe, recently pronounced him disconnected. <br />
<br />
Obama's odd mannerisms intrigue a psychotherapist like me. He also presents a serious diagnostic challenge. <br />
<br />
For one, Obama's teleprompter and the men behind the Blackberry keep him well-scripted. We know so little about the facts of his life.<br />
<br />
But it's more than just a lack of information. Obama himself is a strange bird. He doesn't fit easily into any diagnostic category.<br />
<br />
Many people attribute Obama's oddness to his narcissism. True, Obama has a gargantuan ego, and he is notoriously thin-skinned.<br />
<br />
Yet a personality disorder like narcissism does not explain Obama's strangeness: his giggling while being asked about the economy; his continuing a shout-out rather than announcing the Ft. Hood shootings; or his vacations, golfing, partying and fundraising during the calamitous oil spill.<br />
<br />
Take also Obama's declaring on the "Today Show" that he wants to know whose ass to kick. Consummate narcissists would never stoop to this vulgar display of adolescent machismo.<br />
<br />
Obama is flat when passion is needed; he's aggressive when savvy is required. What's most worrisome is that Obama doesn't even realize that his behavior is inappropriate.<br />
<br />
So if it's not just simple narcissism, what is wrong with Obama? Since I've never evaluated him, I can't say for sure. But I can hazard some educated guesses.<br />
<br />
If I saw a client as disconnected as him, the first thing I would wonder: Is something wrong with his brain? And I'd consider the following theoretical diagnostic possibilities.<br />
<br />
--Physical problems: There are a multitude of physiological conditions that can cause people to act strangely. For instance: head injuries, endocrine disturbances, epilepsy, and toxic chemical exposure.<br />
<br />
It makes me wonder: Did Obama ever have a head injury? His stepfather in Indonesia was purportedly an alcoholic abuser. Was Obama subject to any physical abuse?<br />
<br />
-- Drugs and alcohol: Damage to the brain from drugs and alcohol can also cause significant cognitive impairments. Obama once said that there were 57 states -- and didn't correct himself. Memory problems can be caused by both illicit and prescription drug use.<br />
<br />
Obama admits to a history of drug use in his youth. Did his usage cause some damage? Does Obama still use? <br />
<br />
--Asperger's Syndrome: Also known as high-functioning autism, Asperger's causes deficits in social skills. A person with Asperger's can't read social cues. Consequently, he can be insensitive and hurtful without even knowing it.<br />
<br />
Could Obama have Asperger's? He might have some mild traits, but certainly not the full-blown disorder. In contrast to Obama, those with Asperger's get fixated on some behavior, like programming computers. Obama lacks this kind of passion and zeal.<br />
<br />
--Mental Illness: Obama's family tree is replete with the unbalanced. His maternal great-grandmother committed suicide. His grandfather, Stanley Dunham, was particularly unhinged: He was expelled from high school for punching his principal; named his daughter Stanley because he wanted a boy; and exposed young Barry to not just drunken trash talk, but unrestricted visits with alleged pedophile Frank Marshall Davis (who might or might not be Obama's biological father). Barack Sr. was an abusive, alcoholic bigamist.<br />
Since mental illness runs in the family, does Obama have any signs? Yes and no. No, he is not a schizophrenic babbling about Martians. But there are red flags for some other conditions.<br />
<br />
While Obama doesn't appear to hallucinate, he seems to have delusions. His believing he has a Messiah-like special gift smacks of grandiose delusions. His externalizing all blame to conservatives, George W. Bush, or the "racist" bogeyman hints at persecutory delusions.<br />
<br />
Along with a delusional disorder, Obama may fit for a mild psychotic disorder called schizotypal disorder. It may explain some of Obama's oddness. <br />
<br />
People with schizotypal disorder hold bizarre beliefs, are suspicious and paranoid, and have inappropriate and constricted affect. They have few close friends and are socially awkward. A schizotypal is someone like your strange cousin Becky who is addicted to astrology, believes she is psychic, and is the oddball at social gatherings.<br />
<br />
Schizotypal Disorder does ring some bells vis-à-vis Obama. One way the diagnosis doesn't fit, however, is that schizotypals are generally harmless, odd ducks. Not so with Obama.<br />
<br />
--Trauma: My gut tells me that Obama was seriously traumatized in childhood. His mother disregarded his basic needs, dragged him all over the place, and ultimately abandoned him.<br />
<br />
But I think there may be something even more insidious in his family background. While I can't prove it, the degree of Obama's disconnect reminds me of my sexually abused clients.<br />
<br />
With serious sexual abuse, the brain chemistry may change. The child dissociates -- that is, disconnects from his being -- in order to cope. Many adult survivors still dissociate, from occasional trances to the most extreme cases of multiple personality disorder.<br />
<br />
Apparently, young Barry was left in the care of Communist Frank Marshall Davis, who admitted to molesting a 13-year-old girl. As a teenager, Obama wrote a disturbing poem, "Pop," that evoked images of sexual abuse -- for instance, describing dual amber stains on both his and "Pop's" shorts.<br />
<br />
Would trauma explain Obama's disconnect? In many ways, yes. A damaged and unattached child may develop a "false self." To compensate for the enormous deficits in identity and attachment, the child invents his own personality. For Obama, it may have been as a special, gifted person.<br />
<br />
Let's return now to my original question: What is wrong with Obama? My guess is a great deal. The answer is complex and likely includes some combination of the above.<br />
<br />
Along with the brain issues are personality disorders: narcissism, paranoia, passive-aggressiveness. There's even the possibility of the most destructive character defect of all, an antisocial personality. Untreated abuse can foster antisocial traits, especially among boys.<br />
<br />
If my assessment is accurate, what does this mean?<br />
<br />
It means that liberals need to wake up and spit out the Kool-Aid...and that conservatives should put aside differences, band together, and elect as many Republicans as possible.<br />
<br />
Because Obama will not change. He will not learn from his mistakes. He will not grow and mature from on-the-job experience. In fact, over time, Obama will likely become a more ferocious version of who he is today.<br />
<br />
Why? Because this is a damaged person. Obama's fate was sealed years ago growing up in his strange and poisonous family. Later on, his empty vessel was filled with the hateful bile of men like Rev. Wright and Bill Ayers.<br />
<br />
Obama will not evolve; he will not rise to the occasion; he will not become the man he was meant to be. This is for one reason and one reason alone:<br />
<br />
He is not capable of it.annmariespiciarichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234451148179070520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803114372700803070.post-83083128635153277002010-06-28T12:05:00.000-04:002010-06-28T12:05:45.672-04:00Obama’s Orwellian Control of the InternetCongress is currently working on passing the “Kill Switch” act, which allows the government to take control of the Internet. Members of Congress have stated this bill was necessary for times of war; indeed, comparing it to similar powers China has (!) and that these powers are needed for our government. They stress the powers cannot be abused by Obama, nor used to control the citizenry, as there is a strict 120 day limit on the time that he can “kill” the Internet.<br />
<br />
Really?<br />
<br />
Let’s examine this…first, has there ever been a power in the short time Obama has been in office that he did not like? And that he has relinquished? The Patriot Act has been extended, Guantanamo is still open and several industries have been effectively turned into government companies (witness banking, car companies, student loans and the massive health care bill). Does anyone really think that Obama will eventually turn these industries back to the private sector?<br />
<br />
And let’s look at the rationale…in times of war, it is argued, control of the Internet would be needed to counteract any cyber attacks. Now, granted, those could happen….but at anytime, not just in war time. Governments and private industry now spend billions to keep out cyber hackers and all have the ability to shut themselves down in times of crisis. Why an ultimate kill switch is needed makes no sense…unless you are interested in ultimate power and the ability to stifle dissent.<br />
<br />
Let’s examine this. In a time of war, the Internet would be the country’s greatest friend. The ability to disseminate information quickly over great distances would help the government distribute valuable emergency information, keep citizens informed and in the case of a foreign invasion, help us to fight against it through rapid dissemination of information about gatherings, protests and organizing the civilian population. <br />
<br />
The Internet is not your friend, however, if your aim is to take over your own citizenry.<br />
<br />
Sound far fetched? The “transparent” Obama administration is one of the most secretive. They make the Bush White House look like a gossiping sorority house. Obama is interested in expanding the power of the government and taking away personal decision making processes from you, the citizen. He does not like negative news about him or his administration and has tried to stifle any media dissent, either by intimidation or withholding of privileges for information. He has the mainstream media, who have whored themselves out to him in the name of ideology, sitting at his feet and waiting for the next command. They will not do their job. The Internet is THE Underground Railroad for news…and he does not like it or the power it then confers on ordinary citizenry. <br />
<br />
Now imagine 120 days without the Internet-would we know what we do now about the Gulf Oil Spill, the minutiae of the health care bill, the attempts to use Executive Orders to grant amnesty and citizenship to millions of illegals? Of course not, and that is why Obama wants it shut down-so you, the People, have no idea what goes on behind closed doors…until it is done and you are are helpless to fight it.<br />
<br />
And who really thinks it will last “only” 120 days? <br />
<br />
The time to fight the bill is now. It is still working its way through Congress. Write/call your representative immediately (see my website for links to do so at http://tinyurl.com/24jdtub ) Spread the word to everyone you know. Use the power of the Internet to do so now-before our own Congress and Obama do it for you.annmariespiciarichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234451148179070520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803114372700803070.post-37986160349195152052010-06-26T09:09:00.009-04:002010-06-26T09:26:53.443-04:00Presidential Amnesty for Illegal Immigrants?The article below is taken from NumbersUSA.com, a great website for information and resources to send free faxes to both the President and your representatives, as well as easily accessible phone numbers for them. It is definitely worth your while to take a look at the site.<br />
<br />
Only Public Shaming Can Stop Amnesty Through Executive Actions That By-Passes Congress<br />
<br />
By Roy Beck, Tuesday, June 22, 2010, 9:38 PM EDT - posted on NumbersUSA<br />
<br />
It seems like it would be against the law for the Administration to order a de facto amnesty for millions of illegal aliens while totally bypassing Congress. But 8 U.S. Senators believe that is what Obama officials are considering right now because most Members of Congress are scared to death to have to VOTE on an amnesty just a few months before elections.<br />
<br />
(Read the letter from the Senators to Pres. Obama below.)<br />
<br />
Your great success in keeping Congress from voting on a mass amnesty this year has stirred up a new threat.<br />
<br />
<br />
Seeing that most Members of Congress don't want to vote for an amnesty this year, Administration officials appear to be considering ways to do a de facto amnesty without involving Congress.<br />
<br />
<br />
We at NumbersUSA have been hearing about this behind the scenes for a few weeks but haven't had solid enough evidence to mount a national mobilization against. Now, the whispering has erupted with an open letter to the President from 8 U.S. Senators spelling out the details known thus far.<br />
<br />
<br />
In a nutshell, there is discussion going on within the Administration about stopping nearly all deportations, presumably until "comprehensive immigration reform" can be passed to give illegal aliens full work and residency rights permanently. The point here is to satisfy the open-border bloc of voters who have been threatening to boycott the elections this fall unless Pres. Obama makes an all-out effort to pass an amnesty this year.<br />
<br />
<br />
RELIGIOUS LEADERS HINTED AT THIS EXECUTIVE-BRANCH AMNESTY LAST WEEK <br />
<br />
<br />
I am guessing that this is what religious leaders were hinting at the Brookings conference I attended last week.<br />
<br />
<br />
They indicated that they had been talking with Administration officials about a way to help illegal aliens without having to deal with Congress. They then said they had better not say any more about it.<br />
<br />
<br />
Friends, U.S. Presidents have proven whether Republican or Democrat that they are capable of doing almost anything they please until they come up for re-election. Only an incredible outburst of outrage from the public can stop the Administration from doing a de facto amnesty all by itself.<br />
<br />
<br />
Make sure you have sent a free fax to the President and then to your 3 Members of Congress decrying any Executive-Order Amnesty. <br />
<br />
<br />
We need all 535 Members of Congress to know about the De Facto Amnesty Plot -- and to know that you know.<br />
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* We want Democrats in Congress to begin to tell their Leaders and the White House that even the hint that this amnesty could happen will hurt their chances of winning in the fall.<br />
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* We want Republicans to start threatening to use the Plot as a campaign issue.<br />
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* We want the White House to publicly promise that it will NOT unilaterally proclaim an amnesty.<br />
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* Short of that, we want to see the White House forced to deny over and over that such a plot is even underway.<br />
<br />
<br />
NumbersUSA promises to spread the word far and wide now that these 8 Senators have come forward with what they know of the amnesty plot.<br />
<br />
<br />
LETTER FROM 8 SENATORS<br />
<br />
<br />
Dear President Obama:<br />
<br />
<br />
We understand that there’s a push for your Administration to develop a plan to unilaterally extend either deferred action or parole to millions of illegal aliens in the United States. We understand that the Administration may include aliens who have willfully overstayed their visas or filed for benefits knowing that they will not be eligible for a status for years to come. We understand that deferred action and parole are discretionary actions reserved for individual cases that present unusual, emergent or humanitarian circumstances. Deferred action and parole were not intended to be used to confer a status or offer protection to large groups of illegal aliens, even if the agency claims that they look at each case on a “case-by-case” basis.<br />
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<br />
While we agree our immigration laws need to be fixed, we are deeply concerned about the potential expansion of deferred action or parole for a large illegal alien population. While deferred action and parole are Executive Branch authorities, they should not be used to circumvent Congress’ constitutional authority to legislate immigration policy, particularly as it relates to the illegal population in the United States.<br />
<br />
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The Administration would be wise to abandon any plans for deferred action or parole for the illegal population. Such a move would further erode the American public’s confidence in the federal government and its commitment to securing the borders and enforcing the laws already on the books.<br />
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We would appreciate receiving a commitment that the Administration has no plans to use either authority to change the current position of a large group of illegal aliens already in the United States, and ask that you respond to us about this matter as soon as possible.<br />
<br />
<br />
(signed by)<br />
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa)<br />
Sen. Hatch (R-Utah)<br />
Sen. David Vitter (R-La.)<br />
Sen. Jim Bunning (R-Ky.)<br />
Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.)<br />
Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.)<br />
Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.)<br />
Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.)<br />
<br />
<br />
Many news organizations are asking for the proof that these Senators have that the amnesty plot is really being discussed inside the Administration.<br />
<br />
<br />
We are sure that the 8 Senators have heard the same reports from inside the Administration that we have heard -- about studying what administrative tools they might modify to by-pass Congress. This doesn't mean the President has an actual plan yet. But we feel there is a real threat. And we are certain that the 8 Senators would not have gone public with their concerns if they did not have inside information of discussions about this de facto amnesty.<br />
<br />
<br />
The time to stop any chance of a plan is right now while it is still in discussion stage (or maybe in final discussion stage).<br />
<br />
<br />
ROY BECK is Founder & CEO of NumbersUSA<br />
<br />
<br />
NumbersUSA's blogs are copyrighted and may be republished or reposted only if they are copied in their entirety, including this paragraph, and provide proper credit to NumbersUSA. NumbersUSA bears no responsibility for where our blogs may be republished or reposted.Views and opinions expressed in blogs on this website are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect official policies of NumbersUSA.annmariespiciarichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234451148179070520noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803114372700803070.post-34781048397557856782010-06-24T09:46:00.001-04:002010-06-24T09:46:53.722-04:00Obama: Now After Your Retirement Accounts?This article was taken from http://politics.gather.com and presents a disturbing picture of what the administration is planning to do to your requirement accounts; basically, have your 401K fund the national borrowing that China, Japan and other nations are no longer willing to do.<br />
<br />
From politics.gather.com:<br />
40l(k)/IRA Nationalization Quietly Moves Forward<br />
<br />
The U.S. Treasury and Labor Departments will ask for public comment as soon as next week on ways to promote the conversion of 401(k) savings and Individual Retirement Accounts into annuities or other steady payment streams, according to Assistant Labor Secretary Phyllis C. Borzi and Deputy Assistant Treasury Secretary Mark Iwry, who are spearheading the effort.<br />
<br />
They want to "get people to invest their 401k's and IRA's into annuities, or likely into U.S. T-Bonds, which are in the biggest overvalued bubble the world has ever seen.<br />
<br />
They are doing this because they will have $2 Trillion Dollars in bonds to sell this year, and foreign buying is drying up. China doesn't want them.... Do you?<br />
<br />
Who's behind it? The White House and a powerful network of Congressional activists, and the highly-influential Ford and Rockefeller Foundations. They are engineering a new regulatory and tax-incentive. The purpose is to herd and ultimately force Americans to convert their 40l(k)s and IRAs into government-directed retirement accounts.<br />
<br />
The 40l(k)/IRA de-privatization plan is the brain-child of Teresa Ghilarducci of the Schwartz Center for Economic Policy Analysis " "SCEPA", who is funded by the Rockefeller Foundation.<br />
<br />
The extreme tactics used to ram Nationalized Health care down the country's throat are a blueprint for what could be the biggest asset grab in history. This is exactly what took place in Argentina. Yes, Argentina was once a powerful nation; the 3rd wealthiest nation until the 20th Century. Another reason as to why our government needs to nationalize retirement accounts...<br />
<br />
Is reported by the New York Times, "This year, the system will pay out more in benefits than it receives in payroll taxes, this important threshold was not expected to cross until at least 2016, according to the Congressional Budget Office." The trickle of red ink will soon become a flood under the pressure of 78 million retiring Baby Boomers....<br />
<br />
Less money going into the system! Who will you need to Trust in the Handling of your money?<br />
<br />
The March 9 edition of Business Week notes that new federal regulations designed to "promote the conversion of 401(k) savings and Individual Retirement Accounts into annuities or other steady payment streams" would help drive cash into government-controlled entities such as American International Group (AIG), which was bailed out to the tune of $182.3 billion.<br />
<br />
You Do Trust AIG.. right? The Real Question Is.. Is there a safe haven for retirement accounts?<br />
<br />
Restore The Republic<br />
3149 Dundee Rd #176<br />
Northbrook, Illinois 60062, USAannmariespiciarichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234451148179070520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803114372700803070.post-61540349540433559432010-06-23T06:34:00.000-04:002010-06-23T06:34:05.079-04:00It’s official: Deem and Pass Internet regulation is the “Third Way” : New Patriot Journal<a href="http://www.newpatriotjournal.com/Articles/Its_official_Deem_and_Pass_Internet_regulation_is_the_Third_Way">It’s official: Deem and Pass Internet regulation is the “Third Way” : New Patriot Journal</a>annmariespiciarichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234451148179070520noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803114372700803070.post-30640210320756724742010-06-22T22:41:00.000-04:002010-06-22T22:41:02.837-04:00General McChrystal-Insubordinate or Sending a Message?The recent Rolling Stone article that exposed General McChrystal’s dissatisfaction with the Obama administration has caused quite a ruckus. It still remains to be seen, at the time of this writing, whether the General will be fired or resign due to the indignation of his Commander in Chief. The general consensus appears to be that the General was reckless in his speech and lowered his guard while talking to the Rolling Stone reporter. It appeared to be a foolish move on his part. However, the General is no fool; he most certainly knew his comments would be insubordinate, but also knew they would be published internationally. The question has to be asked: were the comments foolishness or a calculated effort to get his message out to protect his troops in the only way possible?<br />
<br />
To understand why this has caused such a kerfuffle, you have to understand military structure. The President is a civilian (and in this particular case, a civilian who has never come near to having military experience), but he is also the Commander in Chief, the ultimate authority to the military. In the military world, the chain of command is everything. Insubordination is a cardinal sin and can wreck a military career quickly. So, General McChrystal had to know full well what his comments meant in the military world, yet he went ahead with them anyway. Why?<br />
<br />
Perhaps General McChrystal knew the only way to protect his troops was to get the word out on the incompetence of the Obama administration-and the only way to do so was publicly and perhaps at the cost of his military career and pension. For a man to make such a sacrifice must mean he felt deeply about his cause. Troops are dying in Afghanistan, sometimes because it is a war and deaths occur, and sometimes because of politically correct orders from above. Consider that Obama is worried more about global opinion than he is in waging a successful war, or in protecting the lives of his own countrymen. Witness the ridiculous order given to troops in Afghanistan to not patrol areas where they may encounter hostiles…excuse me, isn’t that what they’re there for? And the politically correct commands not to destroy property, instead forcing troops to risk life and limb to search booby –trapped buildings. These insane orders are killing our troops, and had to be horrifying for a general to put out to his own people.<br />
<br />
Perhaps General McChrystal, who actually served out in the field, unlike his Commander in Chief, was no longer willing to remain silent while soldiers died under ridiculous policies. Perhaps he spoke up the only way he could, trapped as he was by the military chain of command. If the White House allowed the Rolling Stone interview (and they had to for him to give it), perhaps he felt obligated to give Americans a good view of what is going on inside the Administration. After all, the only way to expose incompetence is to bring it into bright sunlight, which cannot be done while you are worried about insubordination charges. Perhaps the General took matters into his own hands and risked his job to help decrease the risk to his troops.<br />
<br />
This may result in us losing a good General, who by all accounts was doing an excellent job both with the Afghan government, population and his troops. Even NATO, the PC global army, does not wish him gone, recognizing how valuable he is to the effort. It remains to be seen whether the President will consider his wounded pride more valuable than the lives of his troops and the success of the war. It appears that General McChrystal has taken a high stakes gamble-and he is to be commended for putting the lives of his troop above his own personal career. Would that more of our politicians could find the courage to do the same.annmariespiciarichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234451148179070520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803114372700803070.post-75245796225805395262010-06-22T20:24:00.000-04:002010-06-22T20:24:21.855-04:00Obama Contemplating an Executive Order Giving Amnesty to IllegalsApparently, Congress has gotten wind of the possibility that President Obama is contemplating issuing an executive order granting amnesty to illegal immigrants. Please go to this link. You will see an article about the letter sent by Congress protesting this possible action, and also a link where you can send a free fax to President Obama, showing your opposition to this abomination.<br />
<a href="http://www.numbersusa.com/content/news/june-21-2010/senators-challenge-pres-obama-rumors-executive-order-amnesty.html">http://www.numbersusa.com/content/news/june-21-2010/senators-challenge-pres-obama-rumors-executive-order-amnesty.html</a>annmariespiciarichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234451148179070520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803114372700803070.post-61477081718999345882010-06-22T13:15:00.000-04:002010-06-22T13:15:06.095-04:00Obama Refusing to Help the Gulf<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QyyL50dFkMc&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QyyL50dFkMc&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>annmariespiciarichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234451148179070520noreply@blogger.com0