Wednesday, December 15, 2010

That My Sons May Have Liberty!



“I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy.

“My sons ought to study mathematics and philosophy, geography, natural history, naval architecture, navigation, commerce and agriculture in order to give their children a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, statuary, tapestry, and porcelain.”

~ John Adams

This quote came from a letter to his wife Abigail.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

No Amnesty, No DREAM Act

No Amnesty, No DREAM Act

The upcoming debate over the DREAM Act’s passage is beginning to look more like a con man’s shell game, of sorts. With two new versions of the original DREAM Act now on the table, it will be easier to perpetrate a great fraud on the American public. Players in the game -- the American people -- will be tantalized with accepting changes in the law via legislation, substituting amnesty applied to current law breakers for the legitimate and honest legal immigration process already in place.

The White House, unaccountable agency czars, and congressmen, some of whom compromised integrity for votes in the pre-mid-term election cycle, are creating confusion over the details with the political goal of passing it without much objection. Congressmen who never read bills, won’t know which version they are voting on. However, this is one measure where the devil is NOT in the details of the two bills, but in principle.

The truth of the DREAM Act's goals, S. 3827, were best exposed by Senator Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) in his “Ten Things You Need to Know About S. 3827, The DREAM Act." Here are a few of the low-lights he enumerated:

The DREAM Act Is NOT Limited to Children, And It Will Be Funded On the Backs Of Hard Working, Law-Abiding Americans.

The DREAM Act PROVIDES SAFE HARBOR FOR ANY ALIEN, Including Criminals, From Being Removed or Deported If They Simply Submit An Application.

Estimates Suggest That At Least 2.1 Million Illegal Aliens Will Be Eligible For the DREAM Act Amnesty.

Illegal Aliens Will Get In-State Tuition Benefits.

The DREAM Act Does Not Require That An Illegal Alien Finish Any Type of Degree.

The DREAM Act does not require that an illegal alien serve in the military as a condition for amnesty, and There is ALREADY A Legal Process In Place For Illegal Aliens to Obtain U.S. Citizenship Through Military Service.

Despite Their Current Illegal Status, DREAM Act Aliens Will Be Given All The Rights That Legal Immigrants Receive—Including The Legal Right To Sponsor Their Parents and Extended Family Members For Immigration.

Current Illegal Aliens Will Get Federal Student Loans, Federal Work Study Programs, and Other Forms of Federal Financial Aid.

Dreamy buyers need to beware, both versions are on the Senate calendar. From Congressional Quarterly comes the minute differences between the two versions:

One version (S 3962) keeps an eligibility age of younger than 35 for the program, but a second version (S 3963) lowers that age to younger than 30....
If no other eligibility criteria are changed, the potential number of people eligible would drop slightly, from roughly 2.1 million to slightly more than 2 million, according to an analysis by the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute.

Besides the usual Democrats who support the measure, Republicans Richard Lugar from Indiana and Robert Bennett of Utah are already vocalizing their support. Senator Orrin Hatch may be on board if the cut off point is lowered somewhat; after all he authored the original legislation, nine years ago. Senators Snowe, Collins, Murkowski, Brownback and McCain either have not yet made up their minds, or haven’t made public statements on how they will vote.

If your elected representatives are out of sync with you, your family, friends and neighbors on this issue, contact them immediately as time is of the essence in this lame duck session, and let them know you are not in favor of limited or conditional amnesty for illegals. Remind them that the front door of the United States, the one our forebears came through, is always open for those seeking application for a new life in a new land. True justice requires that a nation and those from outside respect the established laws of that nation. Breaking those laws and then rewriting them after the fact is no justice at all.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

LARGEST TAX HIKES IN HISTORY

LARGEST TAX HIKES IN HISTORY

On January 1, 2011, the largest tax hikes in the history of America will take effect.

They will hit families and small businesses in three great waves.

On January 1, 2011, here’s what happens... (Read it to the end, so you see all three waves)...


First Wave:

Expiration of 2001 and 2003 Tax Relief

In 2001 and 2003, the GOP Congress enacted several tax cuts for investors, small business owners, and families.

These will all expire on January 1, 2011.


Personal income tax rates will rise.

The top income tax rate will rise from 35 to 39.6 percent (this is also the rate at which two-thirds of small business profits are taxed).

The lowest rate will rise from 10 to 15 percent.

All the rates in between will also rise.


Itemized deductions and personal exemptions will again phase out, which has the same mathematical effect as higher marginal tax rates.


The full list of marginal rate hikes is below:
•The 10% bracket rises to an expanded 15%

•The 25% bracket rises to 28%

•The 28% bracket rises to 31%

•The 33% bracket rises to 36%

•The 35% bracket rises to 39.6%



Higher taxes on marriage and family.

The "marriage penalty" (narrower tax brackets for married couples) will return from the first dollar of income.

The child tax credit will be cut in half from $1000 to $500 per child.

The standard deduction will no longer be doubled for married couples relative to the single level.

The dependent care and adoption tax credits will be cut.


The return of the Death Tax.

This year only, there is no death tax. (It’s a quirk!) For those dying on or after January 1, 2011, there is a 55 percent top death tax rate on estates over $1 million. A person leaving behind two homes, a business, a retirement account, could easily pass along a death tax bill to their loved ones. Think of the farmers who don’t make much money, but their land, which they purchased years ago with after-tax dollars, is now worth a lot of money. Their children will have to sell the farm, which may be their livelihood, just to pay the estate tax if they don’t have the cash sitting around to pay the tax. Think about your own family’s assets. Maybe your family owns real estate, or a business that doesn’t make much money, but the building and equipment are worth $1 million. Upon their death, you can inherit the $1 million business tax free, but if they own a home, stock, cash worth $500K on top of the $1 million business, then you will owe the government $275,000 cash! That’s 55% of the value of the assets over $1 million! Do you have that kind of cash sitting around waiting to pay the estate tax?

Higher tax rates on savers and investors.

The capital gains tax will rise from 15 percent this year to 20 percent in 2011.

The dividends tax will rise from 15 percent this year to 39.6 percent in 2011.

These rates will rise another 3.8 percent in 2013.


Second Wave:

Obamacare

There are over twenty new or higher taxes in Obamacare. Several will first go into effect on January 1, 2011. They include:

The "Medicine Cabinet Tax"

Thanks to Obamacare, Americans will no longer be able to use Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), or Health Reimbursement (HRA) pre-tax dollars to purchase non-prescription, over-the-counter medicines (except insulin).

The "Special Needs Kids Tax"

This provision of Obamacare imposes a cap on Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) of $2500 (Currently, there is no federal government limit). There is one group of FSA owners for whom this new cap will be particularly cruel and onerous: parents of special needs children.
There a

re thousands of families with special needs children in the United States, and many of them use FSAs to pay for special needs education.

Tuition rates at one leading school that teaches special needs children in Washington , D.C. ( National Child Research Center ) can easily exceed $14,000 per year.

Under tax rules, FSA dollars can not be used to pay for this type of special needs education.

The HSA (Health Savings Account) Withdrawal Tax Hike.

This provision of Obamacare increases the additional tax on non-medical early withdrawals from an HSA from 10 to 20 percent, disadvantaging them relative to IRAs and other tax-advantaged accounts, which remain at 10 percent.

Third Wave:

The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) and Employer Tax Hikes

When Americans prepare to file their tax returns in January of 2011, they'll be in for a nasty surprise-the AMT won't be held harmless, and many tax relief provisions will have expired.

The major items include:

The AMT will ensnare over 28 million families, up from 4 million last year.

According to the left-leaning Tax Policy Center, Congress' failure to index the AMT will lead to an explosion of AMT taxpaying families-rising from 4 million last year to 28.5 million. These families will have to calculate their tax burdens twice, and pay taxes at the higher level. The AMT was created in 1969 to ensnare a handful of taxpayers.

Small business expensing will be slashed and 50% expensing will disappear.

Small businesses can normally expense (rather than slowly-deduct, or "depreciate") equipment purchases up to $250,000.
This

will be cut all the way down to $25,000. Larger businesses can currently expense half of their purchases of equipment.

In January of 2011, all of it will have to be "depreciated."

Taxes will be raised on all types of businesses.

There are literally scores of tax hikes on business that will take place. The biggest is the loss of the "research and experimentation tax credit," but there are many, many others. Combining high marginal tax rates with the loss of this tax relief will cost jobs.

Tax Benefits for Education and Teaching Reduced.

The deduction for tuition and fees will not be available.
Tax credits

for education will be limited.
Teachers will no longer be able to

deduct classroom expenses.
Coverdell Education Savings Accounts

will be cut.
Employer-provided educational assistance is

curtailed.
The student loan interest deduction will be disallowed

for hundreds of thousands of families.

Charitable Contributions from IRAs no longer allowed.

Under current law, a retired person with an IRA can contribute up to $100,000 per year directly to a charity from their IRA.
This

contribution also counts toward an annual "required minimum distribution." This ability will no longer be there.

And worst yet?

Now, your insurance will be INCOME on your W2's!

One of the surprises we'll find come next year, is what follows - - a little "surprise" that 99% of us had no idea was included in the "new and improved" healthcare legislation . . . those who backed this administration will be astonished!

Starting in 2011, (next year folks), your W-2 tax form sent by your employer will be increased to show the value of whatever health insurance you are given by the company. It does not matter if that's a private concern or governmental body of some sort.
If you're retired? So what? Your gross

will go up by the amount of insurance you get.

You will be required to pay taxes on a large sum of money that you have never seen. Take your tax form you just finished and see what $15,000 or $20,000 additional gross does to your tax debt. That's what you'll pay next year.
For

many, it also puts you into a new higher bracket so it's even worse.

This is how the government is going to buy insurance for the15% that don't have insurance and it's only part of the tax increases.

Not believing this??? Here is a research of the summaries.....

On page 25 of 29: TITLE IX REVENUE PROVISIONS- SUBTITLE A: REVENUE OFFSET PROVISIONS-(sec. 9001,
as modified by sec. 10901) Sec.9002 "requires employers to include in the W-2 form of each employee the aggregate cost of applicable employer sponsored group health coverage that is excludable from the employee’s gross income."
-

Joan Pryde is the senior tax editor for the Kiplinger letters.
- Go to Kiplingers and read about 13 tax changes that could affect you. Number 3 is what is above.

People have the right to know the truth because an election is coming in November.

If you would like to know more, just Google “largest tax hikes in history” and you will find a lot of websites covering this topic.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Contact Elected Officials

"No matter what the Constitution says, it won’t endure if the people don’t closely read it and demand that it be followed." - Oliver DeMille

Contact Information:

U.S. Senator, Mike Crapo
Click Here for Office Addresses and Phone Numbers
Click Here to E-mail Mike Crapo

U.S. Senator, James E. Risch
Click Here for Office Addresses and Phone Numbers
Click Here to E-mail James Risch

U.S. Congressman, Mike Simpson
Click Here to E-mail Mike Simpson
Office Addresses and Phone Numbers for Mike Simpson:

WASHINGTON, DC OFFICE
2312 Rayburn House Office Building,
Washington, D.C. 20515
T: 202-225-5531
F: 202-225-8216

IDAHO FALLS OFFICE
410 Memorial Drive, Suite 203,
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
T: 208-523-6701
F: 208-523-2384

"...until We the People seriously and permanently assume our role as jealous protectors of our unalienable rights and actively engage in fulfilling our unalienable duties, we have no reason to expect positive pro-liberty change." ~ Shanon Brooks.....Read More

Reject "New START"

Reject New START in the Lame Duck Session

Salvaging the New START, the arms reduction treaty with Russia, is of such import to the Obama administration that they are pulling out all the stops in order to get it ratified.

Key Republicans are publicly voicing rather weak concerns that the New START has some as yet unresolved issues with little time to debate and discuss those issues. High ranking Democrats are chorusing passage of New START as necessary for “national security,” while President Obama says passage will “reduce tensions.” So, Madame Secretary Hillary Clinton was sent to Capitol Hill to speak with those not on board to influence them toward a quick ratification.

Even the Russians are getting in on the act, threatening that if the United States doesn’t ratify the treaty, the whole thing just might have to be renegotiated. One Russian official said, “There are a lot of people here who say our natural partner should be China. The danger is that the failure of START could lead to a major strategic reversal.”

Senator Jon Kyl is still the focus of the White House’s efforts on the GOP side of the aisle. Kyl had stated that modernization costs for this country’s nuclear facilities and arsenal would cost far more than the White House predicted and allotted. He saw a serious need for an additional $10 billion and the White House responded with a series of new proposals on several aspects, including one for an additional $4 billion. If Kyl capitulates on the matter, he will bring many other Republicans with him. He doesn’t object in principle to the New START so his quote about appreciating “the recent effort by the administration to address some of the issues that we have raised,” shows his precarious stand.

A half-century ago, this whole series of disarmament treaties with the Soviet Union and its successor, Russia, began with President John F. Kennedy's proposal in a speech on September 25, 1961, at the United Nations "for general and complete disarmament under effective and international control." The United States Department of State followed up Kennedy's speech with its Publication 7277, September 1961, "Freedom From War: The United States Program for General and Complete Disarmament in a Peaceful World." A key provision of this disarmament program is:

"In Stage III progressive controlled disarmament and continuously developing principles and procedures of international law would proceed to a point where no state [nation] would have the military power to challenge the progressively strengthened U.N. Peace Force and all international disputes would be settled according to the agreed principles of international conduct."

If you are not in favor of continuing a half-century of congressional support for sovereignty-destroying disarmament agreements, particularly this one that perpetuates the shift of power over to the United Nations and NATO, contact your Senators TODAY in opposition to ratification. Let them know you are not in favor of appeasing the Russians, or having this country’s strategic defense system watered down, or submit any international grievances or aggression to the United Nations and its international tribunal system.

If our Senators are truly in favor of American sovereignty, rejecting the New START would be an honorable step toward preserving that sovereignty, and proving just whose side they are really on. And, remember this would be a treaty ratification vote in the Senate only, requiring a two-thirds vote, 67 senators, for ratification.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

November Issues Committee Report

In 1980 my dad had a bumper sticker on his car that read: NO TRILLION DOLLAR DEBT! This unfortunate mile marker was reached in 1982. Now in 2010 the national debt approaches $14 trillion. It took our country 195 years to reached a trillion dollar debt and only 28 years later we’re at $14 trillion.

On October 16 the Post Register’s front-page article reported the City of Idaho Falls was seeking a federal grant to restore air service from IF to BOI. The mayor, Senator Crapo and IF airport administrator Len Nelson were identified in the article. I first spoke with Len Nelson who confirmed with me that unconstitutional transfer of wealth was being used to benefit a particular free-market enterprise. I then called Mayor Fuhrman and asked him 2 questions. Number 1, where is the authority in the Constitution that authorizes federal money taken from the taxpayers used to subsidize a private sector of the airlines? 2, our country is $14 trillion in debt; our deficit is over $1.3 trillion for this year, where is the money coming from? Our country is broke and now more money is being taken from the taxpayer. The mayor could not answer either question. I called Senator Crapo’s office and posed the same question and I’m still waiting to hear from him. The grant was finally given although for service between Idaho Falls and SFO. I sincerely believe the criminal policies of Keynesian Economics are the consequence of our current financial situation. It is just as necessary to the health of a dynamic economy that dying industries be allowed to shrink or die as that growing industries be allowed to grow. The first process is essential to the second.

Next item. On November 9, the Post Register reported that Idaho Falls power customers were going to participate in Smart Grid demo at a cost of $350 million coming from stimulus money. Under the guise and propaganda of helping the environment and saving consumers money, this would allow the government to monitor and collect private information of the Idaho Falls citizens, effectively permitting the government to spy on us. Smart Grid will allow the government to collect information about us, our habits, and contents of our homes. All they need are a few sensors to know what is in your home; how long you spend in rooms or the use of particular appliances in our home or business. We are told the program is voluntary and temporary. I’m reminded of Milton Friedman who said there is nothing so permanent as a temporary government program. I don’t think Smart Grid Tech is good for our freedoms.

Next item. I attended the school district 91 community communication at Skyline H.S. on September 21 and believe another government bond is in the works. I called school board member David Lent and he invited me to a school board meeting. I spoke for about 10 minutes and said most of our problems in the schools are a predictable consequence to the unconstitutional federal government’s intervening in education. That, for example, No Child Left Behind ties the hands of teachers, superintendants and school boards as federal money means federal control. The more local control the better. I have realized that the fundamental problems with our public schools are not ill-trained teachers, lack of money, broken-down school buildings or overcrowded classrooms. These are only consequences and secondary effects of the root problem. I think the main reason our public schools fail and will continue to fail is because they are based on a compulsory, government run, near total education monopoly that suppresses a voluntary free market education system. David Lent would not say if another bond will be pushed for a May vote.

Next item. On Election Day I spoke with Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce president Rob Chiles and he told me they would have the necessary signatures to allow a vote on the Idaho Falls events center in May. The issues committee is continuing to educate and draft a resolution in opposition to raising taxes for a government subsidized for profit enterprise for entertaining people.

Next item. I was in SLC on October 3 and met republican Congressman Jason Chaffetz at a breakfast and spoke with him for a few minutes. He told me momentum is building to abolish the department of education. Ronald Reagan campaigned in twice will running for president to abolish the dept. of ed unfortunately the republicans have since doubled it’s size and the quality of public education continues to decline. I hope the issues committee will continue to make popular eliminating the dept. of education. On a side note, I caught the attention of rep. Congressman Chaffetz say while being interviewed on MSNBC’s Dylan Rattigan’s show quote “I have no hesitation whatsoever in probing and bringing charges against George W. Bush for torture.” Where, in his new memoir, Bush makes clear he approved use of water boarding.

Next item. I hope the BCRCC will bring the light that the Republican’s Pledge to America is strong on rhetoric but weak on substance. Where cutting spending, for example is concerned what the pledge actually promises is merely to scale back government spending to pre-stimulus, pre bailout levels to what it was 3 or 4 years ago. It says nothing, for example about abolishing the unconstitutional departments of education, energy, labor or health and welfare or Obamacare, it says nothing about abolishing the Patriot Act, nothing about bringing the troops home, stop policing the world and minding our own business, and ending these unconstitutional, immoral, and illegal wars, or says nothing about auditing or abolishing the federal reserve. The so-called welfare ‘mandatory spending’ programs consume more than half the mandatory spending programs. Social security (costing $544 billion) and Medicare ($325 billion) –these two gargantuan and completely unconstitutional federal programs require ¼ the federal budget. Yet the pledge to America for all its antigovernment and proconstitutional rhetoric has no intention of changing them. It reminds me of the 1994 Contract with America and its failures.

And finally, there is a growing disdain for the transportation security agency. Happily, a revolt is taking place all across America and it should. Some DA’s are suing the bullying, unaccountable TSA, passengers are bringing forth lawsuits and refusing to fly and some airports are eliminating TSA screening all together. In only the last few weeks, the tsa has come to reveal itself as having little to do with fighting terror but everything to do control and money of American citizens. Former department of homeland security head Michael Chertoff now works for the company that manufactures and sells these scanners. Companies are hiring former government chiefs and then all of a sudden they get huge contracts and very rich. The TSA has subjected American citizens with security measures that have amounted to sexual assaults and molestations, removing children from strollers, touching them in a disgusting ways. Watch the video of a 3 year old girl at the hands of TSA Agent cry and screaming ‘do not touch me, do not touch me, do not touch me.’ They are taking and saving pornographic images with naked body scanners with equipment that induces dangerous levels of radiation. It is a gross violation the individual’s right to privacy and secrecy. Ridiculously, pilots are screened when they have a missile at their controls and a gun in the cockpit. A total of zero bombs or even parts have been found after billions of wasted money on security and violated rights of citizens has taken place. Incredibly I’ve heard ‘when you buy a plane ticket you give up your rights.’ This is political heresy. It is not the purpose of government to keep us safe. It is not the purpose of government to protect us from harm or keep us from danger. The only purpose of government is to keep us free. The owners of private property and not the government should only protect private property. I hope everyone says ‘enough is enough!’

Friday, November 19, 2010

Idaho Republican Party ~ Bonneville County Hall Of Fame Award Nominations

It’s time again for the Idaho Republican Party Hall of Fame Awards. These awards are given to the Outstanding Precinct Committeeperson; Outstanding Republican Worker; Outstanding Region, County, or Legislative District Chairman; Outstanding Republican Legislator; Outstanding Republican Administrator; and Most Valuable Person. The following names are the Bonneville County Nominees.

OUTSTANDING PRECINCT COMMITTEEPERSON

Name: Sherree & Mark Schell
Years Served: 6 months
EST Hrs Worked: 150-200

Performance of Duties: Mark and Sherree Schell canvassed their own precinct as well as assisted with voter registration and absentee ballot requests in LD 33. They both were poll watchers for Precinct 6 in the November elections. They have faithfully attended Bonneville County Central Committee meetings.

Accomplishments within the Party: Mark and Sherree took responsibility for our Idaho Falls Independence Day float, performing repairs on props, fabricating the base on a trailer, storing, driving and tearing it down. They have also spent countless hours placing and removing Republican candidate signs, as well as helping with candidate literature.

Other Accomplishments: Mark and Sheree are successful small business owners, active community members and proud parents.

Past Winners Include: 2010 – Donna Montgomery, 2009 – Mary Lou Piazza, 2006 – Darrel Bolz, 2005 – Ruthie Johnson, 2002 – Willis Welker, 2000 – Diana Siddoway Richman, 2000 – Matt Beebe, 1999 – Dixie Richardson, 1998 – Melinda Smyser, 1997 – Pat Dammarell, 1996 – Al Showalter, 1996 – Paul Rechnitzer, 1995 – Julie Irby, 1995 – Linda Norris, 1995 – George Nourse, 1994 – Dennis Turner, 1994 – Verna Walker, 1993 - Sally Tanaguchi, 1992 – Betty Gregor, 1991 - Helen McKinney, 1988 – Mary Anderson, 1988 – Alice Lufkin, 1988 – Janet Hailey, 1987 – Rose Walker, 1986 - Cindy Moyle, 1985 – Elaine Martin, 1984- Dick D’Easum, 1983-Eleanor Loucks, 1983-Alden Judge, 1982 –Connie Thomas, 1981- Lyle Browning, 1980- Anna Mensinger, 1980- Sheila Olsen, 1979, Peggy Gossi, 1979 - Elaine Phillips, 1978 – Ruthie Johnson.



OUTSTANDING REPUBLICAN WORKER

Name: Gary Randleas
Years Served: 6 months
EST Hrs Worked: 175-225

Performance of Duties: Gary has been a strong supporter of the Bonneville County Central Committee, and serves as a precinct committeeman. He has canvassed his own precinct, as well as supported campaign activities in the county as a whole.

Accomplishments within the Party: Gary designed and launched our Bonneville County Republican website, http://www.bonnevillerepublicans.org, and now maintains and updates it. He placed our county party on Facebook, as well, constantly sending out educational messages and updates on important issues.

Other Accomplishments: Gary has recently participated in activating other conservatives in our community and put together classes and discussion groups focused on learning constitutional principles and effecting change for the better on the local level. He is also an involved father and husband.

Past Winners Include: 2010 – Angela Cross, 2009-Mary Jo Ambrosiani, 2006- Dawn Hatch, 2005- Anne Beebe, 2002-Mel Quale, 2000- Rebecca Lim, 1999-Larry Eastland, 1998- Mike Matthews, 1997-Kathy Garrett, 1997-Edith Sawyer, 1996-Trent Clark, 1995- Fred Cenarrusa, 1994- Sandy Patano, 1994- Nancy Baxter, 1994- Shirley Bell, 1994- Helen McKinney, 1993- Carolyn Durant, 1992-Betty Adler, 1991- Blake Hall, 1991- Lucy Yarbrough In Memorial, 1988- Richard Bauer, 1988- Rosie White, 1988- Robert Milovich, 1987- Thomas Summers, 1987- Dona Kunav, 1986- Coleen Erickson, 1985- Dennis Olsen, 1984- Jim Goller, 1983- Rich Hendricks, 1983- Ed Nettleton, 1983-William R. Chandler, 1982- Marilyn Stanger, 1982- Edith Sawyer, 1981- Ann Rydalch, 1980- Larry Craig, 1980- George Hansen, 1980- Steve Symms, 1980- James McClure, 1979- Dave Little, 1978- Orriette Sinclair.


OUTSTANDING REGIONAL, COUNTY OR LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT CHAIRMAN

Name: Willis Welker
Years Served: 3
EST Hrs Worked: Countless

Performance of Duties: Willis takes the organization of his LD 32 very seriously. Over the years he has taken his numerous responsibilities to heart and worked tirelessly to properly represent LD 32.

Accomplishments within the Party: Willis has served as the Vice Chairman of the Bonneville County Republican Central Committee, as well as Vice Chairman of Region 7 Republicans. In 2008, Willis managed and staffed the Republican Headquarters.
For many years Willis helped with the Lincoln Day Dinner, and the Republican BBQ, as well as helped design and build floats for the Independence Day Parades.

Other Accomplishments: Willis served his country in the National Guard and is a husband and father.

Past Winners Include: 2010 – Rich Jackson, 2010 – Melinda Smyser, 2010 – Marsha Bjornn, 2009- Brenda Maynard Walters, 2009- Stan Clark, 2009- Dale Ewersen, 2006- Julie Chadderdon, 2006- Gayann DeMordaunt, 2006- Steve Brown, 2005- Ken Burgess, 2002 Benjamin E. Doty, 2000- Paul Clark, 1999- Ed Bangle, 1998- Del & Carol Rust, 1997- Bob Nonini, 1996- Karen Crystal, 1995- Donna McKay, 1995- Jerry Ferrell, 1994- Bill Calhoun, 1993- Dave Munroe, 1992- Randy Smith, 1992- Kathy Sims, 1992- Rosie White, 1991- Lon Woodbury, 1991- Charles Wilson, 1988- Dwight Hoffman, 1987- Patti Ann Lodge, 1987- Shirley Greene, 1986- John Taylor, 1985- Carleen Lord, 1984- Elaine Phillips, 1983- Calvin Niswander, 1983- John Erickson, 1982- Mary Harvey, 1981- Janet Miller, 1980- John Scoresby, 1980- Denton Darrington, 1979- Lydia Edwards, 1979- James Anderson, 1978- Laird Noh


OUTSTANDING REPUBLICAN LEGISLATOR

Name: Tom Loertscher
Years Served: 24
EST Hrs Worked: Countless

Performance of Duties: Representative, Idaho State House, 1996-2002, 2004-present. Chairman of the State Affairs Committee, Member of the Health and Welfare Committee.
Commissioner, Bonneville County, 1978-1984.

Accomplishments within the Party: Tom has stayed true to himself and his party throughout the years, consistently championing smaller government, lower taxes and family values.

Other Accomplishments: Idaho House Assistant Majority Leader, East Central Idaho Planning and Development Association, East Central Idaho Private Industry Council, Idaho State Job Training Council.
Served 6 years in the United States Army Reserves. Tom is also a husband and father of eight children.

Past Winners Include: 2010 – Mike Moyle, 2010 – Patti Anne Lodge, 2009- Bart Davis, 2006- John McGee, 2005- Marge Chadderdon, 2002- Shawn Keough, 2001- Mel Richardson, 2000- Dolores Crow, 1999- Golden Linford, 1999- Jerry Twiggs, 1998- Frank Bruneel, 1997- Evan Frasure, 1997- John Sandy, 1996- Judi Danielson, 1996- John Tippets, 1995- Robert C. Geddes, 1995- David Kerrick, 1994- JoAnne Wood, 1994- Ruby Stone, 1994- Jerry Thorne, 1993- Steve Antone, 1993- Atwell Parry, 1992- Joyce McRoberts, 1992- Evan Frasure, 1991- Wayne Sutton In Memorial, 1991- Pam Ahrens, 1991- Mark Ricks, 1988- Rachel Gilbert, 1988- Bob Scates, 1987- Laird Noh, 1987- Frances Field, 1986- Tom Boyd, 1986- Denton Darrington, 1985- Mack Neibaur, 1985- David Little, 1984- John Sessions, 1984- Tom Stivers, 1984- James Risch, 1983- Jack Kennevick, 1983- John Barker, 1982- J. Wilson Steen, 1981- Walter Yarbrough, 1980- Ralph Olmstead, 1978- J. Vard Chatburn


OUTSTANDING REPUBLICAN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICIAL

Name: Tom Luna
Years Served: 4
EST Hrs Worked: Countless

Performance of Duties: As Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Luna has been a true advocate for education through school choice and successful education programs, including the math initiative, among other things. Tom has held the line on spending through wise fiscal leadership, in spite of outside pressures.

Accomplishments within the Party: Tom Luna has stayed true to Republican ideals and platforms throughout his time as Superintendent and has supported his party in numerous ways.

Other Accomplishments: Board Member/Chairman, Nampa School Board. Director, White House Initiative on Tribal Colleges and Universities, Member, Board of Directors, Council of Chief State School Officers, Member, ESEA Reauthorization Committee, Council of Chief State School Officers, Member, Next Generation Learners Committee, Council of Chief State School Officers, Idaho Achievement Standards Commission, Chair, Idaho Assessment and Accountability Commission. Tom is also a devoted husband and father of 6.

Past Winners Include: 2010—Lawrence Wasden, 2009- Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter, 2006- Jim Risch, 2005- Carl Bianchi, 2002- Dennis Hansen, 2000- Pat Takasugi, 1999-Roger Madsen, 1998- Pam Ahrens, 1997- Al Lance, 1996- Jeff Malmen, 1995- Phil Batt, 1994- Mike Simpson, 1994- Jerry Twiggs, 1993- Phil Reberger, 1992- Ben & Penny Ysursa, 1991- C.L. “Butch” Otter, 1988- James Siddoway, 1987- Lydia Justice Edwards, 1984- Jim Jones, 1983- David H. Leroy, 1982- Jerry L. Evans, 1981- Don Samuelson, 1980- Phil Batt, 1979- Robert Smylie, 1978- Pete T. Cenarussa


MOST VALUABLE PERSON

Name: Steve Hiett
Years Served: 6 months
EST Hrs Worked: 50+

Performance of Duties: As Assistant Precinct Committeeman, Steve has helped with the work in his own precinct as well as assisted in other precincts. He and his wife also hosted open house events for Republican candidates. Steve was a valuable member of the poll watch organization for the November 2010 election. He has faithfully attended Bonneville County Republican Central Committee meetings.

Accomplishments within the Party: Steve served as the Region 7 BBQ facilities organizer, putting together necessary infrastructure to accommodate the hundreds of participants at the dinner, and organizing the clean-up and take down as well.
Steve spent numerous hours on the float for the Fourth of July parade, and brought his Liberty Tree to serve as an integral decoration.
Steve was a valuable member of the poll watch organization for the November 2010 election.

Past Winners Include: 2010 – Marilyn Hempleman, 2009- Frank Vandersloot, 2005- Frank Dammarell, 2002- Nancy Baxter, 2002- Helen McKinney, 2000- Oriette Sinclair, 1998- David Little, 1997- Helen McKinney.

Lame-Duck Session: Original Intent and Reality

Certainly there is something very wrong about having those who have been voted out of office granted the opportunity to pass legislation the people vehemently oppose. Currently 39 individual states forbid lame-duck sessions. So, how did we get to the point where a federal lame-duck session, which could see bills of great magnitude passed, is allowed to take place?

Before 1933, lame-duck sessions did occur with some regularity, as the second session of Congress extended from December through March 4 with the inauguration of a new President and Congress taking place in March. These sessions were not well attended, due to distance concerns in an age when travel was much more difficult, and were not sessions that allowed for much serious debate and bill passing. Alarmed at what he considered even one contentious lame-duck session, Sen. George W. Norris, who was a Republican from Nebraska, put forth a resolution six times from 1922 to 1932, to end the lame-duck sessions by moving the starting date of Congress from March to January. This was finally accomplished by the ratification of the 20th Amendment that took effect in 1933. So, the intent of the 20th Amendment was to eliminate the long lame-duck sessions that existed at the time.

With the reconfiguration of the congressional calendar but no actual law to prevent a lame-duck session, 17 of these sessions have taken place since 1933. Again, the intent was that lame-duck sessions would be used sparingly and only for emergencies. But as with all things in government, the intent and practice has been abused, and has worsened over time.

Some of Congress’ most dastardly work, not significant in amounts but in issues, has occurred in lame-duck sessions in modern times. For example in 1994 the lame-duck session of the 103rd of Congress ushered in a permanent system of international control of our trade by passing the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), which established the World Trade Organization (WTO). And in 1980 the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (superfund) was pushed through so it could be signed by President Carter before President Reagan assumed office. The 2002 lame-duck session saw the Department of Homeland Security’s establishment, among other things.

Former Republican Representative Mickey Edwards had his to say recently about the ethicalness of a lame-duck session:

A lame-duck session is appropriate if (a) there is important and urgent additional work to be taken up, and (b) if the legislative majority has not changed hands.

In general, a lame-duck session is a breakdown of the representational system, particularly if the majority party loses congressional seats. The defeated and retired representatives no longer have any binding ties to the citizenry, and therefore the temptation for chicanery and treachery becomes great.

This year’s lame-duck session looks to be dangerous for those sacred freedoms and liberties protected by the Constitution. It is an abuse of the law-making process. Relying on a lame duck to finally pass appropriations bills to keep government running is a dereliction of duty and an insult to the voting public.

Contact your representative and senators and let them know that, even though the House rejected a measure in August to prohibit this year's lame-duck session unless a great emergency existed, you are vehemently opposed to lame-duck sessions in general.

Since there is a lame-duck session this year, several items should be addressed, such as extensions of the Bush-era tax cuts, patching the Alternative Minimum Tax to reflect increasing inflation, and ending estate taxes.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Special Post-Election Message from Chairman Semanko

Dear Fellow Idaho Republican:

What a great election for Idaho Republicans and the principles we stand for!

A short recap of the major goals from our State Victory Plan, all of which were met:

1. Retention of all 7 (100%) of the Constitutional Offices, with larger margins of victory than 2006 (the smallest margin of victory was 20 points!);

2. Regain the First Congressional District seat (Labrador won by 10 points!) and retain the U.S. Senate and Second Congressional District seats; and

3. Increase our majority in the State Legislature (result: increased from 80/105 to 85/105).

In short, these were the greatest election results in the history of the Idaho Republican Party. While a political wave swept across America, a tsunami hit here in Idaho!

I just wanted to take a moment to thank each of you -- and all of the hard working Republicans in your area -- for your dedication during this election; a big thank you to our hard working staff, as well.

Your leadership helped to deliver overwhelming victories for Governor Otter and the rest of our Constitutional Officers, several pickups in the State Legislature and county races, and regain the First Congressional District seat with Rep. Raul Labrador, while securing huge margins for Senator Crapo and Congressman Simpson -- and it didn't go unnoticed.

We have received numerous compliments for the work of the State Party during this election. The credit belongs to you, the rest of our State, County and Legislative District Central Committees, and to all Republicans and other conservatives at the grassroots level throughout Idaho: Republican Women, Young Republicans, College Republicans, Pachyderms, Tea Party patriots, etc., etc. I hope you will join me in thanking them personally, as well.

I look forward to continuing our work together to ensure that Idaho remains the reddest of red States.

But for now, let's all get some well-deserved rest. . .

Thanks again for a job well done and for being part of political history and helping to reclaim America.



Norm Semanko, Chairman

Idaho Republican Party

Monday, October 18, 2010

Tribute To Willis Welker

My Tribute To Willis
by Susan Welker

Good evening my fellow Republicans. I am honored to tell you a little bit about my husband, Willis Welker. Forty-six years ago this month, I met my Willis - tall, dark, handsome, and at the time with hair I might add, and ever the PATRIOT.

Willis is proud to be an American and has always loved this country of ours. He is proud of our American heritage and has endeavored to protect it and our freedoms. He first served his country in the National Guard, and has always fulfilled one of our most important civic responsibilities –VOTE.

Through the years of providing a living for our family he wanted to be more involved in making a difference but hadn’t found a way. In 1999, Willis took the step of getting involved in party politics. He first started by going to Central Committee Meetings that were open to the public. In 2000, Willis was elected to serve as the Republican Precinct Committeeman for Precinct 39 in Bonneville County. Willis has served as the Vice Chairman of the Bonneville County Republican Central Committee, as well as Vice Chairman of Region 7 Republicans. In 2008, Willis managed and staffed the Republican Headquarters. Currently, Willis is the chairman of Legislative District 32 Republicans, a position he has held for the past few years.

Willis has held many positions in the party and filled many roles, from Precinct Committeeman to candidate for public office to party leadership. He has been recognized locally, regionally, and has even been appointed to the Idaho Republican Hall of Fame. But his greatest political honor came in 2009, when he was appointed to serve one week as a substitute State Senator in Boise.

For many years Willis could be found helping with the Lincoln Day Dinner, designing and physically building the fourth of July floats or helping with the Republican BBQ. Even though he has worked many hours to further the cause of the Republican Party, and has experienced both success and disappointment – victory and defeat, Willis has never wavered in his loyalty to our country and to this day I – as his wife, as a Republican, and as a citizen of the United States of America – am very grateful to him for always being an example of a true PATRIOT.

Thank you.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Governor Otter’s 2008 Promise Saves Taxpayers Millions Now

Boise, Idaho – During Governor Otter’s 2008 State of the State address, he promised to clean up government and instituted a new zero-base budgeting system. The Governor’s team went department-by-department making sure that every resource is utilized to its maximum potential. To date, Governor Otter has eliminated redundancies, maximized efficiency, and found roughly $2.1 million in ways to save your tax dollars.

“It’s always been my goal to show you that we’re worthy of your trust, especially through promoting responsible government, said Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter. “During these tough times, I asked my team to dive deep and start asking ‘why’?”

Through consolidation, under Governor Otter’s leadership, Idaho is now saving nearly $1M in mail services and between $10 million -$30 million in IT work. During the discovery process, more than 80 e-mail systems were found across the state. So far, 40 state agencies have merged on to one e-mail system. State government is saving your money everyday by working smarter.

“Through collaboration with different agencies, new public-private partnerships, and technology, we’re cleaning up the old way of doing business,” said Governor Otter. “Price is no longer the only emphasis – now, we’re evaluating on a best value philosophy.”

We’re utilizing technology more than ever. It has helped generate new bids resulting in lower prices, higher competition, and greater long-term value for the services taxpayers depend on!

Thursday, September 23, 2010

The Anti-Federalists, Entrepreneurship, & the Future of Freedom

The Anti-Federalists warned us of what could happen to our Republic. Their warnings are becoming a reality today.

"The Anti-Federalists, Entrepreneurship, & the Future of Freedom" by Oliver DeMille

Part 1: Predictions
Part 2: Executive Branch & National Debt
Part 3: States & Courts
Part 4: Justice Lost
Part 5: Treaty Power
Part 6: Solutions

"No matter what the Constitution says, it won’t endure if the people don’t closely read it and demand that it be followed." ~ Oliver DeMille

Friday, September 17, 2010

The Overseers: The Fourth Branch of Government

“Posterity — you will never know how much it has cost my generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it.” ~ John Quincy Adams

The following is recommended reading to all those who have a true desire to maintain the freedoms we enjoy in America.

"How to Destroy the Constitution" By Oliver DeMille
Click the following links to read the article.
Part 1: Vital Foundations of Freedom
Part 2: The Power of the Fine Print
Part 3: The Overseers of Freedom

Excerpts from the article:
"We tend to let our freedoms slip away because they are tucked away in documents and policies that we don’t ever deal with directly....read more

"Each new generation is acclimatized to the level of government overreach that they find themselves in, and it rarely occurs to them to object....read more

"With a system like this, the people are the only true overseers of freedom. If we don’t do it, freedom will be lost....read more

Thursday, September 16, 2010

The Great Anchor Baby Citizenship Fiasco

George A. Reimann

Those believing that being born in the U.S.A. automatically confers U.S. citizenship often cite the U.S. v. Wong Kim Ark Supreme Court decision, 169 U.S. 649 (1898),[1] to justify this belief. This idea is a total falsehood perpetuated by the Congress and by the MSM. Hopefully readers will forgive my temerity in exposing the mendacity of a Supreme Court justice, often cited as a “legal historian,” in arriving at his opinion in the above-cited case.

At issue is the meaning of the citizenship clause in Section 1 of Amendment XIV, as follows:

All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof,
are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.

The question was whether the progeny of non-citizen Chinese immigrants became a U.S. citizen if born in the U.S.A. Justice Gray decided such a child “becomes at the time of his birth a citizen of the United States” regardless of the parents’ citizenship, based on English common law.

The opinion was rendered by Justice Horace Gray, who had the reputation of being a meticulous researcher. As evidence of his penchant for research he used nearly 20 pages to cite court decisions, mostly on English common law, for the past 3 centuries. As a legal historian Justice Gray seemed unaware that we fought the War for Independence to extricate ourselves from under the burden of English common law, based on arbitrary medieval English feudalism, as it was applied to the colonies. While the colonies suffered patiently under this burden they finally reached the point where it became necessary to “alter their former Systems of Government.” The Declaration of Independence listed a “History of repeated Injuries and Usurpations” to justify this action. Given a choice the Founders preferred natural law to common law. Further, any ambiguity regarding the applicability of English common law to birthright U.S. citizenship should have been removed by ratification of the 14th Amendment[2] some 30 years before Gray wrote his opinion, rendering his “meticulous research” unworthy of consideration.

When Justice Gray confronted the 14th Amendment directly in his opinion he cited the record of the 39th Congress in the Congressional Globe[3], to justify it but selected only parts of the discussions. Apparently he was so consumed by his attachment to medieval English common law he was unable to discern the intended meaning of “subject to the jurisdiction thereof,” even though he referred to this phrase repeatedly. Gray insisted that “Amend. art. 14. In this, as in other respects, it must be interpreted in the light of the common law, the principles and history of which were familiarly known to the framers of the constitution.” Gray cited numerous pre-1868 cases that became irrelevant when the 14th Amendment was ratified.

The dispute should have been easily resolved by referring to the debates in the 39th Congress as printed in The Congressional Globe (now The Congressional Record). Even a Congressperson could do it. Senator Jacob Howard (MI) wrote the 14th’s Citizenship Clause (note references to natural law, national law) and introduced it into the Senate, stating:[4]

[T]his amendment which I have offered is simply declaratory of what I regard as the law of the land already that every person born within the limits of the United States, and subject to their jurisdiction, is by virtue of natural law and national law a citizen of the United States. This will not, of course, include persons born in the United States who are foreigners, aliens, who belong to families of ambassadors or foreign ministers accredited to the Government of the United States, but will include every other class of persons.

In response to a question from Sen. Fessenden regarding coverage of the citizenship clause, Sen. Trumbull, Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, replied:[5] The provision is, that “all persons born in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof are citizens.” That means “subject to the complete jurisdiction thereof.” Sen. Trumbull continues: What do we mean by “subject to the jurisdiction of the United States?” Not owing allegiance to anybody else. That is what it means.

Sen. Trumbull’s description of the citizenship clause was so uncomplicatedly clear that the meaning should be immune to mischaracterization. That phrase Gray referred to repeatedly is defined, right there in plain sight. Therefore, one could easily conclude that Justice Gray, the “meticulous researcher,” was deliberately misleading.

The citizenship clause means that aliens, legal or otherwise, will be under only the jurisdiction of local ordinances and laws but they owe the United States no allegiance and are not subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. They cannot vote, be summoned for jury duty, be drafted into the military, etc. To become a naturalized citizen one must swear allegiance to the United States and after having done so full citizenship is obtained. Then the citizen’s progeny also become citizens.

The UK has no written constitution as a single controlling document but relies on tradition and precedent, various documents (some ancient), statutes, etc., for guidance. Together these comprise an “understanding” that is supposed to regulate the actions of the Parliament. However the Parliament, consisting of a combination of the Crown, the Lords, and the Commons is sovereign which means it can do almost anything it wants to do. It seems Blackstone favored this approach, while the Founders rejected it and embraced Vattel[6] instead. No judiciary is available to overturn an act of the sovereign Parliament that violates the “understanding” nor is there a chief executive that can veto it. It would seem that the “understanding” is elastic and can grow with the UK’s culture and its history. “Progressives” in the USA would rejoice if our Constitution could be replaced by such an understanding.

But I digress. Vice President Chester A. Arthur became President immediately after President Garfield died, primarily from an assassin’s bullet. Garfield died on September 19, 1881 and Arthur was sworn in, first at his home and again in D.C. On December 19 Arthur nominated Horace Gray to fill a Supreme Court vacancy. Gray was confirmed by the Senate the next day. Not much debate to confirm Gray.

Questions regarding Chester Arthur’s eligibility to be Vice President dogged Garfield’s campaign, but Arthur was able to persuade most doubters that he was born in Vermont in 1830, not in Ireland or Canada, and the matter was put to rest. As he neared death in 1886 Arthur had the servants burn all his personal papers, a most unusual act for a past-president.

An investigator uncovered information recently about Arthur in the Library of Congress that disclosed Arthur’s father was a British citizen who did not become naturalized until 1843, when Arthur was 14 years old.[7] Therefore, Arthur’s father was “subject to the jurisdiction” of England, English common law not withstanding. Arthur was not a “natural born citizen” and knew it. So questions about Arthur’s birthplace were a distraction and it occurred to no one at the time to investigate his father’s citizenship and that Arthur was born a British subject. So does it now appear that one US president was in fact a British subject? Did Justice Gray know this and develop the English common law issue only to legitimize Arthur’s presidency 12 years after his death?

If Chester Arthur was not eligible to be President then the appointment of Horace Gray was tainted, as was the finding in the Wong Kim Ark case. Would this negate the finding in this case, could it just be considered wrongly decided, or is this another judicial travesty to remain as “settled law?”

“Nor can it be doubted that it is the inherent right of every independent nation to determine for itself, and according to its own constitution and laws, what classes of persons shall be entitled to its citizenship.”[8] Well of course. That is exactly what the 14th Amendment is about. Another constitutional amendment to clarify what is already quite clear is not needed, but some supportive legislation by Congress would be helpful. A lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court is an honor and a matter of public trust. The appointees are obliged to rely upon the documented intentions of the Founders (and in this case those of the Framers of the 14th Amendment) and not have their decisions encumbered by the weltanschauung inculcated by the Ivy League.
___________________________
[1] U.S. v. Wong Kim Ark, 169 U.S. 649 (1898), http://tourolaw.edu/patch/Wong/Gray.asp
[2] Ratified July 9, 1868
[3] Congressional Globe, 39th Congress, 1st Session, (1866), pp. 2890-2893, http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/amlaw/lwcglink.html
[4] loc. cit., p.2890
[5] loc. cit., p. 2893
[6] Vattel’s Law of Nations (1758) Interesting discussion at this site: http://www.birthers.org/USC/Vattel.html
[7] Donofrio, Leo C., “Historical Breakthrough-Proof: Chester Arthur Concealed He Was A British Subject At Birth,” STARWISE, December 06, 2008, http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2144293/posts
[8] Quoted from J. Gray’s decision.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Linden Bateman Candidate for State Representative

Linden Bateman, Candidate for State Representative District 33, Seat B.

Linden Bateman’s past service in the Idaho legislature includes 4 years in leadership as caucus chairman where he presided over Republican meetings of the House of Representatives. He also served as vice chairman of the Local Government Committee and co-chairman of a joint legislative education reform committee. He holds a degree in government from BYU. During recent years he has supervised student interns for both ISU and BYU-I.

Describing his political philosophy to be one of creative conservatism, Bateman is alarmed by an ever-expanding federal interference into the affairs of state governments. He fully supports the lawsuit initiated by Idaho and 19 other states challenging the constitutionality of the Obama health care legislation.

Bateman believes that education improvement and funding will be among the top priorities scheduled for the next legislative session. He believes that schools can more effectively guide students into successful careers through the development of each child’s natural talents and productive interests.

Bateman is a life-long resident of Idaho Falls and grew up in the heart of legislative District 33. He and his wife, Deann, have 3 children and 8 grandchildren.

lindenbateman.blogspot.com


Tom Luna Superintendent of Public Instruction

As Idaho’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Luna is a state and national leader on education reform. Through a collaborative approach, Tom has spearheaded efforts to raise student achievement and create a system that focuses on the needs of the customer, not the bureaucracy, and his leadership has yielded results! Student achievement is on the rise and more resources are being focused to where they matter most: the classroom. Idaho’s increase in student achievement is being celebrated not only in Idaho, but being recognized nationally. Idaho has led the nation in the increase in the number of schools reaching the state’s high academic goals for two years in a row. In 2007, 26 percent of Idaho schools made the high academic goal, known as Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). In 2010, over 60 percent of Idaho schools reached this goal.
http://www.lunaforidaho.com/

Friday, September 10, 2010

Representative Jeff Thompson


State Representative Jeff Thompson District 33, Seat A.

Jeff enjoys living in Eastern Idaho and has served in various positions for the Bonneville County Republicans, including Precinct One Committeeman as well as Vice Chairman.

As a conservative, he has been a lifelong member of the Republican party. Jeff was elected to the Idaho Legislature in 2008, and has served on the Business Education, and Health and Welfare committees. He has sponsored and cosponsored several bills over the last two years, and he works hard to advocate for the people of Eastern Idaho.

Jeff looks forward to continuing his service to Eastern Idaho in the Legislature.

http://www.thompsonforidaho.com/

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Governor Butch Otter


Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter was born on May 3, 1942 in Caldwell, graduated from Boise’s St. Teresa’s Academy – now Bishop Kelly High School – attended what then was Boise Junior College and earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from the College of Idaho.

The former Idaho National Guardsmen spent the first 30 years of his career with the J.R. Simplot Company in various roles, working his way up to president of Simplot International.

He was elected Lieutenant Governor in 1986, retired from Simplot in 1993, was elected to represent the people of Idaho’s 1st District in Congress in 2000, and was elected Idaho’s 32nd Governor in 2006.

Governor Otter knows that limiting the size and scope of government in our lives enables individual Idahoans to pursue the unlimited opportunity that should be every American’s birthright.

For information on how Governor Otter is working to create more career opportunities and continue leading Idaho to an even brighter future, visit his Web site at http://www.otter4idaho.com/.


Governor Butch Otter on the Proper Role of Government

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Revolution? Reform? or Renaissance?

Every once in a while a truly great article comes along that has a profound message. "Why We Need a Renaissance" by Oliver DeMille is an article I highly recommend reading for all those who care about freedom and the future of their posterity. I would love to hear your comments.

The following are excerpts from the article. Click the "read more" links to read the entire article.

"But when the economy is struggling, jobs are difficult to get and keep, employers are laying off and reducing costs, and/or capital is scarce and minimizing risk, a different set of values dominate......read more

"We need a massive internal renaissance of the great explorer, frontier, pioneering, and entrepreneuring values which took Pilgrims to the Mayflower, 49'rs to the plains, and led generations of Americans to build the businesses, families, schools, churches, and communities that made our nation great......read more

Monday, August 30, 2010

1913 was a bad year for America!

By Tim Urling

1913 was a bad year for America! We got the Federal Reserve System, the IRS and the Income Tax with the 16th Amendment and direct election of senators by popular vote with the 17th Amendment. Erosion of state’s rights and federalism has taken place over a period of time but perhaps nothing has done so much harm as the 17th Amendment.

Few ask why the Framers in the first place wanted senators “chosen by the Legislature thereof” as part of the original Constitution. In their wisdom, the Founders created one body of Congress to be the voice of the people, the House of Representatives, and the other the voice of the states, the Senate. For more than 100 years the senators were beholden to each state’s legislatures to curb the power of the federal government. Fisher Ames of Massachusetts referred to the U.S. senators as “ambassadors of the states” to preserve state sovereignty. It was understood that each state legislature would instruct their senators to represent them in congress. Senators were largely free from being intimidated, bribed and bought-off from corrupt influences. Now senators get elected by expensive campaigns, holding fundraisers outside their states and collecting donations from all over the country. Senators hardly represent their constituents from their own states.

Alexander Hamilton is quoted as saying that the election of senators by state legislatures would be an "absolute safeguard" against federal tyranny. Thankfully, we may be heading toward the Founder’s original intent. The Idaho State Republican Party has adopted a resolution to repeal the 17th and Senate Joint Resolution 35 has been introduced into the U.S. Senate to require a return to the Constitution.

Our Constitution is meant to govern the federal government, not the states and not the people. For example, the Bill of Rights grants no rights to the people. It simply prevents the feds from violating certain rights which people are endowed from God. But, the Bill of Rights places no prohibitions on state governments as each state is a jealous guardian of their independence and sovereignty with regard to their internal affairs. If the states abuse the rights of their citizens they will lose productive citizens and competition among other states will force correction. However, when the central government becomes a dictatorship, people have nowhere to seek refuge from tyranny. Today with the assault on state’s rights, there is a multifaceted effort to make our state lines mean no more than our county lines mean within each state.

We will not keep our liberty if we don’t stop government growth and if we ever again hope to live in a free society, one of their first orders of business should be the repeal of the Seventeenth Amendment.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Opportunity Leaders!

By Gary Randleas

The leaders of America seem to focus on the problems not the opportunities. The news covers Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran and North Korea. Americans turn there attention to issues like terrorism, homeland security, health care and economic panics. meanwhile China, Brazil, South Africa, Kenya, India and Russia are on the rise economically and politically. These rising powers are focusing on free economics, less regulation, and lower taxes. This is an environment for prosperity. U.S. Entrepreneurs are increasingly regulated in the United States. The environment for prosperity in our country in disappearing. So we can increase taxes to protect jobs and so-called benefits, or we can free up the economy like these countries on the rise have done. What ever happened to promoting free enterprise? American is known as the protector of the world against the evils of jihadism and dictatorship. Lets stop trying to solve the worlds problems and look for opportunities to revive free enterprise and free markets. Stop the regulation that is choking the life out of our freedom and prosperity. Socialism has a mentality of scarcity, there is not enough so we have to regulate and redistribute. Free enterprise creates abundance for those who will go out and get it. Opportunity!

"True" Free Market Principles

By Gary Randleas

I have heard it said that we need government regulation in our economy. Without it, those "free market radicals" will destroy our economy. I dare say that government intrusion in the marketplace is more likely to be the cause of our problems rather than the solution. I don't believe we have seen true free market principles in our nation for a very long time.

The Constitution doesn't give the federal government the right to manipulate the free market. Government manipulation has only made things worse. They reward failure by bailing out reckless businesses. We need leaders that are willing to change their mindset and see things as the reality that they are.

“If you look up the word ‘mindset’ in the dictionary, here’s what you get: ‘a fixed mental attitude or disposition that predetermines a person’s responses to and interpretations of situations’ and ‘habits of mind formed by previous experience.’ Societies vanish because their mindsets preclude them from seeing reality as it is.” ~ Alan Webber

We need to elect members of Congress that have a true understanding of the Constitution and free market principles. Current members of Congress with the "Status Quo Mindset" need to be replaced. I encourage all to search for candidates that are good, honest and (most importantly) WISE.

According to Einstein, insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. I wonder what would happen to our economy if we had the opportunity to try TRUE free market principles.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Lessons of the Past

By Gary Randleas

Many Americans may not realize the history of the 17th Amendment and how it came to be. Although acclaimed as a triumph for the American people, it negates the Founders’ original intent which was to create checks and balances within the Federal Government.

The American Founders had extensive knowledge of governments throughout history. Of their strengths and weaknesses; their successes and failures. They saw patterns that, time and again, led to a society’s destruction. Because of this, the Founders went to great lengths to design a system that would eliminate the potential for similar failures. When they created the three branches of government, they were insistent that there be a complete balance of power. Not only did they devise checks and balances among the three branches, they also created them within each individual branch. The legislative branch was set up as a House of Representatives elected by the people and a Senate elected by the state legislatures. The Founders’ hope was that by allowing state legislatures to elect senators, the state would retain a large degree of sovereignty, thereby ensuring that their rights would be protected in a federal system. The Founders didn’t want senators to involve themselves with the popular issues of the day. It was their responsibility to concentrate on states’ rights. They were to focus on balancing the budget, keeping taxes as low as possible, and serving as the primary check over the ‘sometimes radical’ ideas of the House of Representatives.

There were those who argued that by not letting the people elect all branches of government, corruption would creep in and gradually form a tyrannical aristocracy. The Founders’ response was that in order for corruption to prevail, the Senate itself would have to become corrupt, then the state legislatures, the House of Representatives, and finally the corruption of the people. This was unlikely to happen because a succession of new representatives would take over after an election.

In 1911 corruption came into play and there were those who wanted to change what the founders had established. U.S. senators bought their seats with bribes paid to members of state legislatures. As a result of this corruption, the 17th Amendment of the Constitution was adopted on April 8, 1913. This has not solved the problem but has only made it worse. Now we have tens of thousands of illegal transactions between several thousand unknown funding sources and the state no longer has a voice at the federal level.

Whether or not the repeal of the 17th Amendment is ever realized, it is important to learn from history, as our Founders did, not to repeat the mistakes that have proven to be the undoing of nations.


Recommended reading:
Federalist Papers # 62
Federalist Papers # 63
Federalist Papers # 64
Federalist Papers # 65
Federalist Papers # 66

The Federalist Papers can be a hard read. But, as Sir Walter Scott has said "All men who have turned out worth anything have had the cheif hand in their own education."