CCUSD caught with its hand in the public cookie jar
Sonoran News caught CCUSD 93 with its hand in the public cookie jar trying to misappropriate funds for uses never approved by voters. Following a judge's preliminary injunction against spending bond funds, rather than admit their obvious malfeasance and asking voters to approve the $13 million at issue, the governing board tried to save face and contested its indefensible action through a lawsuit that dragged on for six months before the district lost a lopsided decision without a single word supporting CCUSD's position. Board members who approved their atrocious action should resign immediately to preclude their recall from office. Currently 3,278 signatures are required for an election, hardly a prohibitive number.
Jim Peirce | Carefree
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Government should “Do More”
Surprise, surprise! The Arizona Republic actually printed my letter to the editor in the Scottsdale section today. I was thoroughly po’d when the paper ran an idiotic letter denouncing Congressman Dave Schweikert for not listening to his constituents at a public meeting. My letter was written to object to what the author of this totally untrue letter had said.
The Democrats had bussed in a bunch of the usual suspects to a “listening session” where Schweikert answered questions from the public. These well organized, and thoroughly coached zombies objected to his voting record in the House. When he didn’t say what they wanted to hear, they accused him of ignoring the voice of the people.
Bill Sumner | Scottsdale
Letter to Editor, Scottsdale Republic
Congressman David Schweikert went to Washington, and proceeded to vote exactly the way he said he would in his election campaign. Perhaps, the sight of a politician keeping his word to voters has shocked some people.
Jeff Jameson’s letter, “Schweikert Not Listening” (Scottsdale Republic, September 8, 2011) complains that Mr. Schweikert wasn’t listening to what constituents had to say at a community listening session held in Fountain Hills. That’s just plain wrong. It was very clear that Congressman Schweikert heard what everyone had to say. However, he didn’t always agree with what some person said, and he was forthright in saying so.
There’s a big difference between not listening, and not agreeing. Mr. Schweikert has walked his district, held town hall meetings, organized listening sessions and met informally with voters. Sometimes, he disagreed with what various individuals said, which showed he’d heard their opinions. Constituents know where he stands on public policy, and can see that his votes in Congress match his words.
William O. Sumner
30600 N. Pima Rd # 27
Scottsdale, AZ 85266
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The most important presidential debate questions
Once again there was a presidential debate. Once again viewers were left to guess what the candidates’ core political philosophy and principles were. And once again, Americans will elect someone and then be surprised later by the president’s true ideology.
Some might say that at least viewers got an idea of the candidates’ leadership abilities. But the notion that a leader is needed should scare the begeezus out of you. It suggests that Americans don’t know where they want to go and need someone to tell them and then to lead them there. How pitiful. Maybe they should elect a sheepherder.
What would good debate questions look like? Well, they would begin with philosophy and principles and end with specific policy issues. For example:
1. What is the role of government? Include in your answer how you would interpret the commerce clause and the general welfare clause of the Constitution.
2. When should the government use force against its own citizens and other countries? Address in your answer whether the government should force citizens through tax and welfare policies to feed the poor and heal the sick, or should those biblical injunctions be left to personal morals, voluntary action, and the kindness of the American people?
3. Do you consider such civil liberties as free speech, free association, and religious freedom to be of greater or equal importance to:
a) property rights; that is, the right to keep your money and other assets out of the hands of the government?
b) the right of self-defense; that is, the right to own guns?
4. On a ten-point scale, with zero being individualism and 10 being statism, where would you place your political philosophy? Give examples from your history to support your number.
5. What are the policy implications of your answers to the above on such issues as welfare, Social Security and Medicare, public education, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, abortion, prayer in school, immigration, taxes, social justice, and fairness?
Of course, this is all a fantasy. That’s because the lamebrain media is in cahoots with both political parties to hide the fact that where it really matters, they’re all the same. Whether they are on the right or on the left, or in the media or politics, they all rank about No. 8 on the statism scale. The only difference between them is what special interests and constituencies they want to favor with a big, centralized, coercive, bureaucratic government--not whether such a government should exist in a supposed free country that supposedly values individual rights.
Mencken’s Ghost | [email protected]
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Perhaps there is still hope for our once great nation
The upset victory of Republican Bob Turner over Assemblyman David I. Weprin for Rep. Anthony D. Weiner's vacated seat is something all Americans should be proud of. No longer can President Obama put Israel and American industry in jeopardy without some political fallout.
Hopefully all politicians will no longer take any voter block for granted!
At $235,000 a job, Obama must be losing his grip!
Do the math. 1.9 million new jobs for 447 billion dollars. I get about $235,000 per job. To do that Obama wants to take money out of the economy and force our energy companies to raise the cost of gasoline, heating oil and electricity to the "LITTLE PEOPLE"! How about having Obama's henchmen stop fining and shutting down businesses for nickel and dime crap and shrinking the size of our repressive government? You see if left alone our businesses might just be able to compete with China! With 45 percent of households paying no federal income tax and the average income at about $30,000, just how long will it take to break even, President Obama?
Sincerely,
Joseph DuPont | Towanda, Pennsylvania
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Palestine
Very simple; the Saudis or Iranians or any other Muslim country can easily allow these people to immigrate into their country. Any “Palestinian” can apply for Israeli citizenship and, if successful, live there now. They will be allowed to keep their religion; something the Muslim countries will not allow a Jewish or Christian person to do. Once through immigration they will be a full citizen with voting and property rights, again rights not available to infidels in a Muslim country. They would live in the only self formed democracy in the entire region; not under Sharia law that dictates every step of their life.
The sooner the world acknowledges that this “right of return” is a scam set up by the enemies of Israel and puts an end to it the sooner these people will have a home. Sadly, I fear this will never happen. We must stand by our only true ally Israel.
Sincerely,
Patrick Lee McClellan | Chandler
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Terrorist attack against Israel
The recent terror attacks in Israel were totally unprovoked and targeted civilians.
Israel's response has been measured. Israel gave the terrorists a chance to calm the situation; instead the terrorists continued firing scores of rockets at Israeli civilians.
Israel has the right to defend itself. Its people should not have to live in constant fear of terror and rocket attacks.
The United States and the international community should condemn these attacks unreservedly.
The international community should cut off ties with Hamas, a terrorist organization that receives money and weapons from Iran and is committed to destroying Israel.
The international community should oppose the Palestinian unilateral bid for statehood backed by the United Nations and urge the Palestinians to return to unconditional peace talks with Israel.
In Christ,
Carl and Julie Fichtner | Mesa
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Attacks on Israel
The recent attacks on Israel were unprovoked. Their response was natural and the thing to do. Unfortunately two Egyptians were killed. Israel said it was sorry for this-what else to do when you are in a war zone. Please be supportive of Israel.
Sincerely,
Bill Lawrence | Phoenix
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Constitutional Balanced Budget Amendment
In earlier years, state, county, and municipal governments maintained insurance to protect their respective locales. Additionally, these same governments held an adequate sum in reserves to cover unexpected emergencies. Times have changed as members in the U.S. Senate and Congress have practiced "on call" upon any wish for a telephone call from local leaders for many various "grants on request." It was presented as if the "Grants" came from all others; not you and me. These legislators were seeking political funds for their re-election. These same Capitol Hill legislators never mentioned that other Capitol Hill legislators were doing likewise, running up the National debt, at "(y)our expense."
For the USA to remain solvent, the time for a Constitutional Amendment has arrived as an absolute essential. Over the last many years, members of the US Senate and US Congress on Capitol Hill have tried to provide "all the money" to become "all the solutions" for "all the people" "all the time;" without any regard of cost at taxpayers' expense. Now, the "mounting debt," at taxpayers' expense, is due. President Obama and most Capitol Hill Democrats still demand more out-of-control spending. When will it end?
Our USA "financial crisis" has arrived. Americans are aware, are awakening, and now understand the economic uncertainties. America is desperate for a "Balanced Budget" Constitutional Amendment. The GOP in the US House is now on the "right" quest to stop the out-of-control spending for restoring America's fiscal responsibility.
Oscar Y. Harward | Monroe, North Carolina
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