Demand to allow clergy to speak at September 11, 2011 Memorial Ceremony
Dear Mayor Bloomberg: You have banned Christian and Jewish clergy from speaking and participating in prayer at the September 11, 2011 Memorial Ceremony on the tenth anniversary of this tragic event.
Importantly, this occurred only after you invited Imam Feisal Rauf of the Ground Zero Mosque, which you support, to speak at the event. Your invitation caused a huge controversy and you had to withdraw it. Your actions in excluding Christian and Jewish clergy, but inviting a Muslim Imam, and in particular Imam Feisal Rauf, amount to religious discrimination under color of state law, as well as an abridgement of the right to free speech, among other causes of action.
I represent a group of clergy who have spoken and participated each year at the annual commemoration of September 11, 2011, sponsored and paid for in large part by the City of New York.
If you do not reverse your ban and allow my clients to participate, as they have for the previous nine years, at the September 11, 2011 Memorial Ceremony, we will file suit. Please advise me by 3 p.m. today on your position. You may email the response to me.
Sincerely,
Freedom Watch, Larry Klayman
Chairman and General Counsel
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Government should “Do More”
Do you ever get tired of hearing about survey after survey asking people if they think government should “do more” to help the economy? These surveys must be concocted by idiots because they never seem to ask the question “Do what?” I am a libertarian by philosophy and I believe in a very small government but even I am inclined to answer the survey question with a “yes” because I want government to do a lot more: such as lower taxes, cut spending, reduce burdensome regulations, etc.
Of course, in my heart I realize that what the survey question REALLY means is asking me whether I want government to increase taxes (of course, only on the “wealthy”) and spend more (on stuff that I want) and increase regulations (to stop the greedy BIG businessmen and help my business). This fact is just a reflection of the liberal bias in the media and in public at large.
The same survey stupidity is revealed in the questions about the president’s “approval” rating. Approve of what?? Even we libertarians can find something that the president has done that we might approve of (albeit not much by this president).
Can’t we demand that survey companies and the media stop treating us like idiots or died-in-the wool big government liberals?
Obama not afraid – wants us to “March Together”
In a recent speech President Obama said he was not afraid of where the country was headed because we will all “march together” in this direction. Let me ask; how many of you marched together with the president when he took a week off recently in some very luxurious surroundings? And how many of you joined the president when he was carted around in two taxpayer funded buses that cost over a million dollars each? And how many of you marched together when the president decided that he should not actually have to ride very far in these buses; that he should fly in Air Force One and have the busses flown in an aircraft so he could get in the bus at the next destination and appear to be just a common person who likes to ride the bus?
And how many of you will march together with the president when he cashes his substantial paycheck and as he builds up a very secure retirement and as he lives a life style similar to that enjoyed by royalty in other countries?
Yes, isn’t it wonderful that we need not be afraid because we all march together?
Roy Miller | Phoenix
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Terror in Israel
Instead of choosing negotiation toward peace, the Palestinians are again choosing terror and violence. The recent attack in the resort city of Eilat was more like a cold blooded execution – each of the murdered people were shot in cold blood, executed by a bullet to the head.
As always, in the face of such horror, Israel's response has been measured, and carefully planned to avoid civilian casualties.
What a contrast. Israel searching only for peace with her neighbors. The Palestinians and Iran wanting only the complete destruction of the Jewish homeland.
It is time for Obama to stop waffling around and condemn the terror and demand that the Palestinians return to direct negotiations or face total isolation by the international community.
Enough is enough.
Sincerely,
Andrew Bera | Scottsdale
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Statement by Governor Jan Brewer
Arizona’s 2012 Presidential Primary
PHOENIX - September 12, 2011 – “Today I signed a proclamation establishing February 28 as the date of Arizona’s 2012 Presidential Preference Election. It has always been a priority of mine to ensure that Arizona and its voters play an influential role in the nomination process, and that Southwestern issues are addressed by the candidates in a meaningful fashion. I am confident both goals will be realized, given this primary date and the RNC’s preliminary selection of Arizona for a GOP presidential debate.
“Arizona will be a player in determining our nation’s next president. Over the next 14 months, the candidates would be wise to meet with our voters and become familiar with our issues. Many of these issues – whether illegal immigration, the housing crisis or Medicaid reform – have national implications.
“Arizona voters will be hearing from the presidential candidates in the months ahead. Now, it is the obligation of voters to make certain that they are educated on the issues when it comes time to make their voices heard.”
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Outrage as Obama names new voter initiative after ACORN
One of the guiding principles of the liberal-left concerns elections. The sentence, "If we don't win, we don't eat," sums it up. So many people in the Democrat party base live off the taxpayer in some way or other, that a lost election might mean personal economic loss as well. Add to this the conviction that America is a racist, sexist, homophobic, unfair, unequal society, plus the belief that all these evils can be cured via the political process, and you have a formula that leads to institutionalized vote fraud. John Fund has written frequently about vote fraud, and it's a very real problem. A recent article hints strongly that 2012 may produce a bumper crop of fraudulent voting from the American left.
There's an important aspect of vote fraud that our great, free and independent press won't discuss, and that's the fact that vote fraud violates civil rights. If I stand in front of a polling place with a baseball bat, and drive you away, I've denied you your democratic right to have your vote counted in the election. Everyone would agree that my action violated your civil rights. If I vote illegally, and thereby cancel your legal vote, I've accomplished the exact same result, in that I've denied you the right to have your vote count.
Alas, our civil rights establishment and its acolytes in the media, are allied with the very interest groups most likely to engage in vote fraud. (Refer to the writings of John Fund.) You won't be reading much about the civil rights aspect of vote fraud in the months ahead, but it's a damn important matter.
Bill Sumner | Scottsdale
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Is it worth it or not?
Believe it or not, on average, gays live a shorter life span than non gays. Granted, not all of that shortened life span is due directly to the increased incidence of AIDS, and hepatitis and other directly attributable maladies. But for schools to be touting the gay life style like a walk in the park is irresponsible. Perhaps this is the way big brother wants to reduce the student population and reduce Social Security costs? But 20 years is a hell of lot of years to lose by any standard. But then again people still smoke and chew tobacco and hope not to roll snake eyes. The next generation will be the first generation to live shorter lives than their parents!
Eat organic!
Joseph DuPont | Towanda, Pennsylvania
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Maricopa County Republican Party launches independent campaign website to support Senator Russell Pearce
PHOENIX – The Maricopa County Republican Party has formed an independent expenditure committee and a fundraising website to support Senator Russell Pearce in his upcoming recall election, scheduled Nov. 8. Online donations can be made at the http://electrussellpearce.com/
“Liberal groups from around the country are planning to bombard Senate President Russell Pearce with negative attacks,” said Maricopa County Republican Chairman Rob Haney. “Our independent committee will tell the truth about Russell Pearce’s extraordinary record in a way that Russell Pearce may be too modest to do himself.”
“I urge all Republicans and patriots to make a donation at http://electrussellpearce.com/
There are no contribution limits to our committee and corporate contributions are allowed. We can and must do more to help Russell,” said Haney.
“Senator Russell Pearce deserves great credit for leading Republicans to a two-thirds majority in both Houses of the Arizona Legislature in 2010,” said Chad Kirkpatrick, former cabinet member to Governor Jan Brewer and long-time Chairman of the Arizona chapter of Americans for Prosperity. “S.B. 1070 was a victory to those who care about our national security and the integrity of our nation’s laws,” Kirkpatrick said. “Now, Russell needs our help.”
“While the origins of the money that paid to put his recall on the ballot remain a mystery, the goals of the liberals who oppose Russell Pearce are not,” said Chairman Haney. “We must protect Arizona by telling the voters the truth about Russell Pearce and his record.”
The legal name of this independent expenditure committee is “Maricopa GOP to Elect Russell Pearce.” It is the independent expenditure committee of the Maricopa County Republican Party. Online donations can be made at the Maricopa GOP to Elect Russell Pearce website – http://electrussellpearce.com/
Contributions may also be mailed to:
Maricopa GOP to Elect Russell Pearce
21001 N. Tatum Blvd, Suite 1610-813
Phoenix, AZ 85050
The Legal ID# of Campaign Committee is 201200180.
Arizonans who support Russell Pearce are encouraged to donate today at the Maricopa GOP to Elect Russell Pearce website – http://electrussellpearce.com/.
Paid for by Maricopa GOP to Elect Russell Pearce
21001 N. Tatum Blvd. Suite 1610-813, Phoenix, AZ 85050
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee
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If you are tired of career politicians
If you think Congress is doing a good job, read no further. If you are tired of career politicians, or you believe money has corrupted Washington, or you are weary of the death grip the two parties have on our government, and are ready to return control of our government to the people, then GOOOH is a plan out of this.
Tim Cox, the founder of GOOOH, is a career problem solver and has a track record of engineering systems that change the way we do things. He has a non-partisan plan to remove the entrenched professional politician culture in Congress and return to the original intent of citizen statesmen serving short terms in the House and then returning to public life. Our opportunity is now. You can find more information at www.goooh.com. Let's not leave a legacy of financial hardship and corruption to our children.
C.C. Rice
Texas City, Texas
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Reflection on Obama's transparency
There are three million members in the U.S. Armed Forces: all obligated to provide valid documentation of birth did so, except one who, to this day, refuses to comply – The Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces ... Barack Obama! Think of it – the only one hiding his birth certificate is the Commander in Chief! Major Cook risked his career and freedom for Country and Constitution. Is Obama so terrified of disclosure that he would allow the Major and any other military personnel to suffer court-martial and possible imprisonment?
What is he revealing to the Military and the Nation by his conduct?
Irony, here is irony. Two men vow to uphold The Constitution. One, the Commander-in-Chief (CINC) violates his vow by concealing or falsifying evidence as to his eligibility yet secures a coveted job. The other, an Army Major, upholds his vow by challenging the "suspect" status of the CINC and for this loses his job. Who dares say that Truth was served? This travesty continues. A judge threw out Major Cook's lawsuit against Obama as "frivolous." "Frivolous?" Is Article 2 of The Constitution "frivolous?" Has The Constitution itself become "frivolous?" Maybe even The Supreme Court? Missing from that courtroom was Major Cook's most significant witness, his Commander-in Chief but he did send his lawyers. Unfortunately, they forgot to bring his "vault" birth certificate, indeed, any birth certificate with them. As the song goes "What are friends for?" I guess it depends on whose friends they are. Obama's supporters mock anyone questioning his eligibility but not one has shown the intestinal fortitude to recommend that he release his Hawaiian "vault" certificate to the American people. What do they fear? I believe we know.
For many months The Supreme Court has received many detailed legal documents which, in essence all said: "Have Obama produce his"vault" certificate. A simple request for a possible solution, yet, as of today, our Country, divided, still waits. More and more people are demanding that he prove himself or remove himself. If, in fact, he has fraudulently obtained the Presidency the American people want it returned!
We are nearing the day when a Government file clerk may ask "Where is President Obama's personnel file" and be told "It's the only empty file in the cabinet and is marked "CLASSIFIED." Stand firm, America, for truth and honesty. Few fall gracefully.
R. Quinn
Queens, New York
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The long road ahead to fiscal responsibility
Congress recently reached a bipartisan agreement with the president that will significantly reduce government spending, establish a streamlined process for Congress to identify additional savings, and avoid a default on our national debt.
It’s important to first note that most leaders in Washington understood that default on the government’s debt was not an option. A default would have harmed the fragile recovery of our economy and the economic well-being of millions of Americans, affecting everything from mortgage interest rates to the security of pensions and insurance (a default, of course, is much more severe than a downgrade in U.S. debt by one of the credit rating agencies, which has now occurred). President Reagan, when faced with a similar dilemma, argued that the United States “has a special responsibility to itself and the world to meet its [financial] obligations. It means we have a well-earned reputation for reliability and credibility – two things that set us apart from much of the world.”
At the same time, it’s important to understand that raising the nation’s debt ceiling did not authorize a single dime in new spending.
In fact, quite the opposite – it simply allowed the government to pay bills already incurred. It’s similar to an individual using his or her credit card to make a purchase, and then later having to pay the bill.
Indeed, for individuals and governments alike, fiscal sanity does not mean refusing to pay your bills – it means spending less so you don’t have to borrow to pay your bills.
In the case of our government, that means cutting spending now and adding accountability to keep the lid on in the future. The agreement helps us start to achieve both of these aims. In fact, it sets us on a course that, if we adhere to it, will eventually enable us to balance our budget, draw down our debt, put entitlement programs on a sustainable path, and create the conditions for strong economic growth.
The agreement does this by placing a cap on spending over the next 10 years, which will save $917 billion over that time period, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. It also establishes a bipartisan congressional committee to consider entitlement reforms and recommend an additional $1.5 trillion in deficit reduction over the next decade.
The agreement would also require both the House and Senate to vote on a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution by the end of this year.
Of course, with Republicans only in control of one half of one branch of the government, my party could not dictate the result or get everything we wanted. There are certainly parts of the deal that I find troubling. For instance, the White House – frustrated that it couldn’t raise taxes – insisted on massive cuts in defense spending and even deeper cuts if Congress fails to adopt the deficit recommendations from the select committee. Mind you, these cuts in defense were not the result of careful planning and analysis – they were just arbitrary percentages promoted by the White House, totally unconnected to national security requirements. The theory was, the consequences of Congressional inaction must be so severe that no responsible Member of Congress could dare allow the result – that we would be forced to accept the select committee recommendations on pain of seeing the U.S. military decimated.
As reckless as this President is to even contemplate, much less threaten, to incapacitate our military, I cannot imagine that the American people would countenance such action. So, as I evaluate the work of the committee, if anyone says to me, “well, remember the trigger is Armageddon for the U.S. military,” my response will be, “let’s take that debate to the American people and let them decide.”
Even though the agreement has its drawbacks, it represents a significant first step in changing Washington’s mindset from one of “how much can we tax and spend” to “how much we can save.” The bill that was ultimately signed into the law will not change everything wrong in Washington. It is, at best, a reversal of the tax-and-spend policies advanced by President Obama, with some movement down the road to fiscal responsibility.
Sen. Jon Kyl
Senate Finance and Judiciary committees
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