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.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
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.
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
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.
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!’
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.
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.
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
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
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