May 14, 2009

comment to 'A Case for Political Fusion' by Ken Blackwell

In the article below Mr. Blackwell has made great summations.  To one point I wish to speak:
"Some economic leaders look upon social conservatives with disdain. Some social leaders have taken troubling stances on various economic issues, often because they do not understand the complex long-term consequences of such policies. ", Ken Blackwell
 
You have got this wrong Ken.  Social Conservatives have embraced the truth of our current fiscal policies to which you call complex.  They are not complex, they are destructive. 
 
We are watching GMC move their production overseas.  Why?  The current tax structure is supported by both the GOP and the left.  It is this that we Social Conservatives earn our vanguard to the word conservative in our label.  "A heavy or progressive or graduated income tax is necessary for the proper development of Communism." - Karl Marx
 
Any conservative who has heard the truth of what the FairTax plan offers, beyond the needed Respect of the Constitution, is the freedom of our American enterprise by eliminating the excise tax the IRS has on our domestic production, the production tax called the IRS code.
 
Mr. Backwell, I agree with the premise we need unity to save this Nation, but it has to be a vertical plan, not more of the same.  WE need to rally around the Constitution and around the Fair Tax Plan.  At the rate inflation is coming, the FairTax plan is made to order.  What better time to let the American worker keep their gross pay.  It is more then left or right it is Democrats and Republicans 'Doing the Right Thing'.
 
FairTax please!
Constitution PLEASE!!!
 
Please share this with everyone.
 
R. George Dunn
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2009 5:27 PM
Subject: MUST READ: A Case for Political Fusion by Ken Blackwell


 
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Ken Blackwell : Townhall.com Columnist
A Case for Political Fusion
by Ken Blackwell

"We must, indeed, all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately."
- Benjamin Franklin, In the Continental Congress before signing the Declaration of Independence

The conservative movement in America must unite. The movement is often spoken of as having three parts: economic, social and national security. All three parts of the conservative movement are gravely threatened by the alliance of President Barack Obama, Congressional Democrats led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Harry Reid, activist judges, and the president's loyal supporters in the mainstream media. Conservatives must realize their common interests and unite around a shared agenda to preserve the core conservative principles of limited government, individual opportunity, personal responsibility and strong families. The conservative vision of faith, family and freedom hangs in the balance.

There are those who say compromise with the Far Left is the only way forward. They say the Republican Party must divorce itself from conservatives and embrace a new era of politics, or that conservatives must adapt to the times and buy into the leftist rhetoric of entitlements, accommodation and collective responsibility. Some of these voices are from Democratic leaders or media pundits. But the most dangerous voices are from those who claim to be part of the conservative movement but prove by their actions and their positions they are wolves in sheep's clothing.

What conservatives need are not new principles. What's needed are new policies that embody the old principles. Conservatives must disavow and oppose those who claim to be conservatives but embrace the policies or priorities of the liberal left. And all conservatives must understand the threats the country faces in order to propose aggressive, positive solutions for America's challenges.

Some threats and challenges are obvious. The most obvious are the growing ascendancy of the state and judicial activism.

On the economic front, the federal government is exploding in size and scope. This expansion entails a staggering increase in federal spending; creating trillion-dollar deficits for years to come that will bury our children and even our grandchildren under an entire mountain range of debt. The government is indebting people who have not even been born by spending wealth that not even been created.

Government is decimating the private sector. It is directly taking over the financial sector, not only with massive regulation but now also claiming ownership rights over those firms that took bailout funds. It is promulgating an enormous "cap and trade" system for carbon emissions that could cripple companies, putting them at the mercy of the government. And President Obama seeks to commandeer the entire American healthcare system.

On the social front, liberals are pursuing same-sex marriage, funding overseas abortion, repealing protections of conscience, and seeking legislation to abolish even modest restrictions on abortion. All this while seeking to completely secularize society, especially in the public square and public schools.

On the national security front, the government is publicizing sensitive details on fighting terrorism that must be kept secret, extending habeas corpus rights to terrorists, and ending programs that intelligence officials who served under both parties declare saved American lives. All this, while rogue regimes continue to pursue nuclear weapons.

But as serious as all these matters are, conservatives need to grasp their common ground.

The foundation of this common ground is the fundamental difference between conservatives and liberals regarding the role of the individual vis-à-vis the government. For conservatives, our fundamental human rights come from God. For liberals, rights are granted by government. In their secular worldview, this actually elevates government to stand in the place of God as the final arbiter of right and wrong. Government becomes the ultimate source of liberty and rights. Conservatives believe in the primacy of the individual and the centrality of God in the life of the nation.

This common philosophy in turn points to many issues where conservatives are naturally united, and must stand together.

All conservatives should be concerned about the federal courts, especially the U.S. Supreme Court. Although framed as a social conservative cause, the courts are now involved in economic and national security matters. Last year, the Court extended the writ of habeas corpus to terrorists detained at Guantanamo Bay, and struck down the military commissions created by Congress and the president, marking the most egregious intrusion ever of the judiciary into wartime national security measures. And the year before that, the Court invaded economic policy by holding that states had standing to challenge the federal government's decision not to incur the trillion-plus dollar cost of regulating carbon emissions, committing the federal government to investigate the matter. Activist judges assault every aspect of American life and endanger all of our liberties, and so every conservative should join hands to seek judges that will confine themselves to their proper role and adhere to the original meaning of the Constitution.

All conservatives should also oppose the culture of debt. For some time, America has been moving from a culture of free markets, limited government and entrepreneurship to a culture of debt and redistribution. This culture is what led to the ongoing financial and housing crisis, and is an indictment of our society of instant gratification.

People should always strive to live without debt. Not long ago, living in debt was considered undesirable. Parents taught their children that such profligate living was perilous, impressing the lesson that a wise person lives within his means and plans for the future.

So the ideal situation is to only buy what you can afford, with money you already have. If someone cannot afford something, they must save and invest until they can buy it outright, not obtain it with debt involving interest that over time doubles the total price. And for massive purchases like a house, for which debt is often necessary unless the purchaser is wealthy, people need to not buy more house than they can afford.

But the culture of debt removes the stigma of running up massive credit card balances and buying the biggest house they can finance, putting people out on a limb that breaks during economic downturns. When that culture is manifest not only in personal and household finances but also in corporate decision-making and bank lending practices, these reckless habits inevitably lead to a financial crisis such as the one America currently faces. And then voters also allow such appalling behavior from their elected officials, leading to the titanic debt and deficits now being incurred by the government.

This is a national security issue, not just economic. China holds almost a trillion dollars in U.S. debt, and could seriously weaken our nation by flooding the market with treasury securities. The mounting interest on this debt also deprives us of resources needed for military priorities, border security and intelligence gathering.

It is also a social issue. In Proverbs, the Bible teaches us that "The borrower is a slave to the lender." Biblical instruction includes faithful financial stewardship that focuses on responsible living rather than covetous pursuit of every shiny new toy. Strong families are essential to strong economies, and sound financial management is a family value.

Strong families have never been more important. They provide good learning and nurturing environments for the next generation of American workers, and patriotic citizens that either join the national defense or support and honor those who do.

Here too, all conservatives must unite. A recent Obama Administration reports shows that the government now considers pro-life, pro-gun and pro-family Americans to be potential terrorists. The government also outrageously warns that U.S. military veterans should be monitored as potential terror threats. All this, while Barack Obama kowtows to foreign leaders and tries to build friendly relationships with anti-American tyrants. The current government is diverting attention from terrorists to those fighting terrorists, and conservatives must fight this shift.

Unfortunately, one final reason that some conservatives do not work together is because some of their leaders simply do not like each other. Some economic leaders look upon social conservatives with disdain. Some social leaders have taken troubling stances on various economic issues, often because they do not understand the complex long-term consequences of such policies. These social leaders are also appalled by the actions and lifestyle choices of some of their conservative counterparts, and do not want to appear to condone such behaviors.

These divisions are real, making it difficult for the few leaders that genuinely belong to all three camps to build bridges between them. But these bridges must be built.

Ronald Reagan spoke of America as a shining city upon a hill. Those words were first uttered by Puritan John Winthrop in 1630, in what was then the colony of Massachusetts. Three and a half centuries later, one of this nation's greatest presidents declared that America was indeed that shining city.

All three types of conservatives in the Reagan Coalition are found in that image. The city is shining, alight with commerce and prosperity. It is secure, sitting atop a hill in a defensible position, protected and able to send aid to others. And it holds to the deep and eternal truths that form the foundation of our faith and values, as reflected in the biblical language from which Reverend Winthrop himself drew in speaking of this city. In that city all conservatives, economic, national security and social, stand united to declare a philosophy for safety, prosperity and happiness for all Americans.

During the American Revolution, Benjamin Franklin said, "We must, indeed, all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately." All of the current dangers of government control over our lives and economy, undermining family values and secularizing society, and abandoning the war against terrorist threats to start implying that conservatives are the true threat, constitute a massive power grab by the Far Left to forever remake America in their image. The most liberal president in history is working with the most liberal Congress in history to enact this ultra-liberal agenda, and to pack America's courts with liberal judges who will do by judicial fiat whatever the president and Congress cannot do through legislation or regulation. Only by standing together can conservatives hope to thwart this radical remaking of America.

We must all stand united in this struggle. The future of our children and grandchildren depend on our success. 



 
 
"Do not let any one claim to be a true American if they ever attempt to remove religion from politics." George Washington (The source for this quote has yet to be found, but as you will see, it is perfectly consistent with the one below. Editor)
Read President Washington's Last words as President, His Farewell Address, Sept 17, 1796 here:
 

UPDATE on MI Hate Crime Bill -- KALAMAZOO GAZETTE -- Rep. Robert Jones seeks broader,tougher hate-crime law

 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2009 2:47 PM
Subject: UPDATE -- KALAMAZOO GAZETTE -- Rep. Robert Jones seeks broader,tougher hate-crime law

UPDATE: I just spoke to Rep. Tom McMillin, a long-time pro-family activist and AFA-Michigan supporter.  Rep. McMillin today submitted an amendment to the so-called "hate crime" bill declaring that the term "sexual orientation" could never be interpreted to provide special "protected class" status to child molesters.  Tom's amendment threw into disarray the House Democratic leadership, who a few minutes ago removed the bill from today's House schedule.  Salute and thanks to Rep. McMillin.  Action on the bill now will not occur until at least next Tuesday.  Please contact your state representative between now and them, perhaps at home over the weekend.
 
---------------------------------------------------

This bill is scheduled for a possible vote this afternoon (Thurs., May 14).
 
If you haven't already, please contact your state representative
right now and urge a NO vote on House Bill 4836.
 
__________________________________
 
 
"The (so-called 'hate crime') measure is drawing fire from the American Family Association of Michigan for including gays, lesbians and transgender individuals as a proposed protected class.  ...The measure also would impose tougher sentences for people convicted of bias-motivated crime. ...'The notion that some victims are worthy of greater protection than others, especially if it's based on their choice of sexual behavior, is simply outrageous,' said Gary Glenn, AFAM president.
 
AFAM officials also contend the bill could be used to prosecute as accessories 'pastors and others who speak out against the homosexual agenda... any time a violent crime is committed against an individual who's involved in homosexual behavior or cross-dressing.'  ...(The bill's sponsor) said e-mail on the bill is already coming in to legislative offices from supporters and opponents. Most of it is based on the AFAM's objections, he said."
 
--------------------------------------------
 
KALAMAZOO GAZETTE
Kalamazoo, Michigan
May 14, 2009


Rep. Robert Jones seeks broader, tougher hate-crime law
by Kathy Jessup | Kalamazoo Gazette

LANSING -- A Kalamazoo lawmaker is looking to expand Michigan's hate-crime legislation and impose steeper penalties when crimes target a victim's race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or military status.

A bill authored by state Rep. Robert Jones, D-Kalamazoo, to give "law enforcement and prosecutors more tools to deal with hate crimes" was reported out of the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.
A similar bill was approved by the Democrat-controlled House in the last legislative session, but it failed to pass the Senate, which is majority Republican. Jones and then-state Rep. Lorence Wenke, R-Comstock Township, were co-sponsors for that bill.
The measure is drawing fire from the American Family Association of Michigan for including gays, lesbians and transgender individuals as a proposed protected class.
The AFAM has issued an e-mail alert to its members this week opposing the measure, saying it would give unwarranted protected-class status to homosexuals.
House Bill 4836 would make it a hate crime to specifically target victims based on gender or gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, race, color, ethnicity, religion or status as a military veteran.
Michigan's penal code was amended in 1989 to add the current hate-crime category known as "ethnic intimidation."
Under Jones' bill, a defendant could be charged with "bias-motivated" crime if prosecutors believe the victim was targeted based "in whole or in part" on any of the protected classes listed in the bill.
The measure also would impose tougher sentences for people convicted of bias-motivated crime. For example, 50 percent more prison time would be added to the current mandatory sentencing range for felony convictions.
The AFAM -- which is also challenging a movement to pass a gay-rights ordinance in Kalamazoo -- sent an alert to its members Monday, urging them to contact lawmakers to oppose the bill.
The AFAM said the measure would "create special 'protected class' status for individuals who engage in homosexual behavior or cross-dressing."
"The notion that some victims are worthy of greater protection than others, especially if it's based on their choice of sexual behavior, is simply outrageous," said Gary Glenn, AFAM president.
The alert made no mention of other proposed protected classes listed in the bill, however.
AFAM officials also contend the bill could be used to prosecute as accessories "pastors and others who speak out against the homosexual agenda ... any time a violent crime is committed against an individual who's involved in homosexual behavior or cross-dressing."
Jones called that charge untrue.
"What family doesn't have someone with a disability or an ancestry of different national origins, ethnicity, race or religions, members with different veteran's status or sexual orientation?" Jones said. "All hate crime is wrong, and if we cannot say that or we want to exclude someone, I'm not for that."
Locally, the Kalamazoo Alliance for Equality says studies show that 40 percent of transgender people report experiencing physical abuse or violence, 80 percent say they have been verbally abused or harassed, and nearly half claim they regularly feel unsafe.
Jones said e-mail on the bill is already coming in to legislative offices from supporters and opponents. Most of it is based on the AFAM's objections, he said.



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ANN ARBOR NEWS -- E. Michigan Univ. sued after student dismissed overreligious beliefs on homosexuality

 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2009 7:12 PM
Subject: ANN ARBOR NEWS -- E. Michigan Univ. sued after student dismissed overreligious beliefs on homosexuality

Click on "Transcript from EMU hearing" below to read how state tax-funded university officials arrogantly mocked, belittled, and pressured a 3.91 GPA student to abandon her Christian faith before expelling her for refusing to do so.
 
Click here to protest this abuse of your tax dollars:
 
______________________________________________
 
 
"(A federal lawsuit) alleges that Eastern Michigan University violated the civil rights of Julea Ward, a graduate student in school counseling, by dismissing her from the program because she would not affirm homosexual behavior in the context of counseling... The lawsuit says that Ward is 'a Christian who derives her beliefs and moral values from the Bible.'  'Based on her sincerely held religious beliefs, Ms. Ward believes that homosexual behavior is immoral sexual conduct, and cannot affirm or validate that behavior or otherwise use her counseling skills and abilities to facilitate homosexual behavior, without violating her sincere religious beliefs,' the suit states.

...Ward underwent an informal review during which she was asked to undergo a remediation program to change her beliefs relating to counseling about homosexuality, the suit states. When Ward refused, she went through a formal review process with counseling professors.  ...According to the transcript, ...Ward said she refused to compromise her religious beliefs.  'In essence, what the university wants her to do is affirm homosexual behavior within the context of a counseling relationship in order to get a degree there,' (her attorney) said.  'That's something she's unwilling to do.'"

-----------------------------

ANN ARBOR NEWS
Ann Arbor, Michigan
April 6, 2009
 
Eastern Michigan University sued after graduate student
allegedly dismissed over religious beliefs on homosexuality
 
by Amanda Hamon | The Ann Arbor News
 

 
Court documents
 
 

A national public interest group has filed a lawsuit against Eastern Michigan University on behalf of a graduate student who allegedly was dismissed from counseling studies for her religious beliefs regarding homosexuality.

The suit was filed Thursday with the U.S. District Court in Detroit by the Alliance Defense Fund Center for Academic Freedom, a conservative public interest group focusing on religious freedom.

 
It alleges that EMU violated the civil rights of Julea Ward, a graduate student in school counseling, by dismissing her from the program because she would not affirm homosexual behavior in the context of counseling, as specified in university policy.

EMU's handbook for students in the counseling program sets out that they adhere to American Counseling Association standards, which require counselors to not engage in discrimination based on, among other things, sexual orientation.

When Ward was asked to counsel a client wishing to discuss a homosexual relationship, Ward objected and followed her supervisor's instructions by referring the client to another counselor, said Jeremy Tedesco, an Arizona-based attorney working on the case.

Although she had been instructed to refer clients when faced with an ethical dilemma, Ward was still brought up on disciplinary charges, Tedesco said. Dismissal proceedings began in January, and in March she was dismissed from the counseling program. She lost an appeal to the dean of the school of education.

Pam Young, an EMU spokeswoman, released a statement that said the university doesn't comment about pending litigation, but that EMU is "a diverse campus with a strong commitment not to discriminate on the basis of gender, race, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression."

Ward is a Belleville resident and a full-time high school teacher, according to the lawsuit. The suit does not say where Ward teaches, but Southfield High School's Web site lists Julea Ward as an English teacher.

Ward could not be reached for comment.

A local attorney working on her case, Steven Jentzen of Ypsilanti, referred questions about the case to the national office of ADF, which is headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., with six other offices around the country. Tedesco said the organization generally asks clients not to speak with the media.

The lawsuit says that Ward is "a Christian who derives her beliefs and moral values from the Bible."

"Based on her sincerely held religious beliefs, Ms. Ward believes that homosexual behavior is immoral sexual conduct, and cannot affirm or validate that behavior or otherwise use her counseling skills and abilities to facilitate homosexual behavior, without violating her sincere religious beliefs," the suit states.

Tedesco said Ward's dismissal stemmed from an incident in a practicum course, in which students counsel clients under the supervision of EMU faculty. Faced with counseling a client involved in a homosexual relationship, Ward approached her faculty supervisor prior to meeting to ask for advice.

The supervisor, identified as professor Yvonne Callaway, advised Ward to refer the client to another counselor, according to the lawsuit. Shortly after, Callaway initiated disciplinary proceedings against Ward.

Ward then underwent an informal review during which she was asked to undergo a remediation program to change her beliefs relating to counseling about homosexuality, the suit states. When Ward refused, she went through a formal review process with counseling professors. A transcript of the review, filed with the complaint, quotes Callaway as saying the client's referral was a violation of ethical codes.

According to the transcript, Callaway said Ward questioned the ACA's authority to regulate her behavior and that Ward said she refused to compromise her religious beliefs.

Ward received a letter March 12 informing her of her dismissal from the program. The letter, written by professor and review committee chair Irene Mass Ametrano, says Ward violated the ACA code of conduct bylaws that prohibit counselors from imposing values inconsistent with counseling goals and from discriminating based on sexual orientation.

"Additionally, by your own testimony, you declared that you are unwilling to change this behavior," says the letter filed as part of the lawsuit.

On March 29, College of Education Dean Vernon C. Polite upheld the dismissal.

"In essence, what the university wants (Ward) to do is affirm homosexual behavior within the context of a counseling relationship in order to get a degree there," Tedesco said. "That's something she's unwilling to do."

The lawsuit is seeking Ward's reinstatement into the counseling program and includes a claim for compensatory damages as determined in court. Tedesco said Ward's attorneys will file a preliminary injunction seeking her reinstatement shortly.

Ward was four requirements away from graduating with a master's degree and has a 3.91 GPA, the suit says.

http://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2009/04/update_eastern_michigan_univer.html



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MICHIGAN MESSENGER -- Clash over bias-crime protections for sexualorientation, gender identity continue

 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2009 3:03 PM
Subject: MICHIGAN MESSENGER -- Clash over bias-crime protections for sexualorientation, gender identity continue

"'The notion that some victims are worthy of greater protection based on their choice of sexual behavior or a man choosing to wear a dress to work is something we do not think would be appropriate or would be supported by the people of Michigan,' Gary Glenn, president of the American Family Association of Michigan, told the (Michigan House Judiciary) committee during a hearing on Wednesday.  Glenn and his group contend that the legislation would send a perpetrator of a crime against a gay person based on that person's sexual orientation to prison for longer than a crime perpetrated against an elderly resident, pregnant woman or a child "at random."
 
...Glenn also attacked the legislation alleging it would send religious people to prison for speaking out against homosexuality or marriage equality.  'You are being asked to make potentially prosecutable as accessories people who speak out in favor of marriage the same way the overwhelming majority of the voters in this state did in 2004,' Glenn said."
 
-------------------------------------
 
MICHIGAN MESSENGER
Lansing, Michigan
May 14, 2009
 
Clash over bias-crime protections for sexual orientation,
gender identity continue as bills clear committee
Glenn's accusations that the legislation would open the door for the prosecution of clergy and other critics of homosexuality and marriage equality called inaccurate.
by Todd A. Heywood
 
LANSING — After nearly an hour and half of testimony, the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday voted along party lines to send a two-bill package on bias crimes to the House floor for further action, expected Thursday afternoon. The bills, introduced last month, would expand the state's ethnic intimidation act to include crimes against persons because of race, religion, disability, gender, gender identity or expression of gender, national origin or ancestry, sexual orientation or status as a veteran.

But it's been the provisions to include protections from crimes based on sexual orientation or gender identity that has outraged social conservatives.

"The notion that some victims are worthy of greater protection based on their choice of sexual behavior or a man choosing to wear a dress to work is something we do not think would be appropriate or would be supported by the people of Michigan," Gary Glenn, president of the American Family Association of Michigan, told the committee during a hearing on Wednesday.

Glenn and his group contend that the legislation would send a perpetrator of a crime against a gay person based on that person's sexual orientation to prison for longer than a crime perpetrated against an elderly resident, pregnant woman or a child "at random."

In an exchange with Judiciary Chairman Mark Meadows, an East Lansing Democrat, Glenn said he was not opposed to the addition of other protected categories to the law, except for sexual orientation and gender identity, which he referred to as "homosexual behavior and cross dressing," throughout his testimony. He opposed those two categories because they were not "morally, socially or legally equal to race."

Glenn also attacked the legislation alleging it would send religious people to prison for speaking out against homosexuality or marriage equality.

"You are being asked to make potentially prosecutable as accessories people who speak out in favor of marriage the same way the overwhelming majority of the voters in this state did in 2004," Glenn said.
 
But one of the bill's sponsors, Rep. Robert Jones, a Kalamazoo Democrat, said that was not accurate.
 
"In fact this legislation protects free speech," Jones said. "The free speech rights of all citizens including particularly those who speak out of religious conviction or those who may speak using unpopular ideas by requiring that the prosecutor must prove that the defendant committed one of the specified named assault or property crimes before alleging that the defendant's motive of the crime was bias. This legislation would ensure that no person can ever be prosecuted for expressing their opinion whether it is expressed in a sermon, on a street corner or anywhere else."

In an interview with Michigan Messenger earlier in the week, Jones characterized the concerns that the legislation would harm religious freedom and free speech as "lies."

Testifying on behalf of the Michigan Prosecutors Association, Brian Mackie, prosecutor for Washtenaw County, said he supported the legislation.
 
"Our system works pretty good for us, and it will work better if we have another tool to help make us safe," he told the committee. Mackie also said a preacher or other person speaking out against sexual orientation would not be prosecuted under the law.

As reported by Michigan Messenger on Wednesday, Rep. Rick Jones, a Grand Ledge Republican, said that as is, the legislation would have difficulty passing the Republican-controlled Senate. The former Eaton County sheriff offered up an amendment, which he said he believes will pass the House with bipartisan support and win Senate support. The amendment reads as follows:

"A person is guilty of intimidation if that person maliciously, and with specific intent to intimidate or harass any class or group of persons with a common characteristic, or any individual within a class or group of persons with a common characteristic, by doing any of the following to one or more members of that class or group, or to any other individual because of their association with a class or group of individuals with a common characteristic:"

The amendment would then pick up with a list of crimes which could have a bias motive to them. Among those crimes are arson, assault, murder and other property crimes, such as malicious destruction.
 
Meadows said the amendment was "interesting." But said he had some concerns about the amendment open to judicial interpretation.

"The problem is we try to leave as little as possible for the courts to interpret," he said. "Leaving it to the courts makes me nervous."

The full House is expected to take up the measure Thursday afternoon. During that time, it is expected that the amendment from Rep. Rick Jones will be offered, as well as an additional piece of legislation which will address only cross burnings and noose hangings.



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Pentagon burns our soldiers' Bibles

 
 
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2009 6:01 PM
Subject: Pentagon burns our soldiers' Bibles

A special message from Chaplain Gordon James Klingenschmitt:



URGENT NEW PETITION for our troops and chaplains. Please click, sign, WE WILL FAX your petition automatically to 435 members of Congress (saving you hours of labor!)

BREAKING NEWS: Pentagon Burns Soldiers Bibles - Military Chaplains Attacked

The Pentagon under the Obama Administration has just acknowledged seizing and burning the privately owned Bibles of American soldiers serving in Afghanistan.  The Bibles had been printed in the local Pashto and Dari languages, and sent by private donors to American Christian soldiers and chaplains, for distribution to American troops on overseas military bases during optionally-attended Christian worship services. Had the Bibles not been seized and destroyed, they could have legally been given as gifts during off-duty time to Afghani citizens who welcome our troops in their homes, as an expression of American gratitude for Afghani hospitality, promoting the democratic ideals of freedom of religion and freedom of the press.

But the Muslim controlled Al Jazeera television network obtained video footage of the Bibles, held by American soldiers while listening to a chaplain on the Bagram Air Base (inside the base chapel) whose sermon encouraged outreach and personal evangelism. The American values of freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, and freedom of Christian speech offended some extremist Muslim groups,  and angered a small group of American atheists, who demanded the chaplain be punished for "proselytizing" because he simply repeated Jesus' words to "Go and make disciples of all nations" in church.

PLEASE SELECT HERE TO SIGN, AND WE'LL AUTOMATICALLY FAX YOUR PERSONALIZED PETITION TO ALL 435 U.S. CONGRESSMEN, DEFENDING OUR CHAPLAINS AND SOLDIERS RELIGIOUS FREEDOMS.

IT'S NOT PROSELYTIZING, IT'S EVANGELISM:

The video proves the chaplain properly explained U.S. Central Command's General Order Number One, which prohibits "proselytizing" (forcing religious conversions using military weapons) but fully permits soldiers of any religion to engage in non-threatening "evangelism" (voluntary conversations about their faith) and legally allows giving private gifts, including books, to  Afghani citizens during off-duty hours in their unofficial capacity. The Al Jazeera film-maker Brian Hughes also admitted the Bibles could have been useful in helping soldiers learn the Pashto and Dari languages of the Afghan people. 


Instead, the privately owned Bibles were confiscated and destroyed.  Caving in to pressure from the Muslims and Atheist groups, the U.S. military spokesman Maj. Jennifer Willis told Reuters reporters, "I can now confirm that the Bibles shown on Al Jazeera's clip were, in fact, collected by the chaplains and later destroyed. They were never distributed."  When questioned about the authenticity of the Al Jazeera video, U.S. Army Colonel Greg Julian admitted the Al Jazeera reporting was biased against the American Christians: "Most of this is taken out of context ... this is irresponsible and inappropriate journalism."

GENERAL DOUGLAS MACARTHUR ENCOURAGED EVANGELISM

After World War II, in order to carry out the democratization of Japan, Five-Star General Of The Army Douglas MacArthur brought Christian leaders to the country to meet with Emperor Hirohito and encouraged mass distribution of Bibles to the population.  MacArthur later stated to a visiting American churchman, "We must have ten thousand Christian missionaries and a million Bibles to complete the occupation of this land."  
(Source: Rodger R. Venzke, Confidence In Battle - Inspiration In Peace, 1977, p.24-25.)

But today, instead of confronting Muslim and Atheist enemies of religious liberty, President Obama's Four-Star Admiral Chairman Of The Joint Chiefs Mike Mullen now appears to defend the destruction of the soldiers' privately owned Bibles, stating during a Pentagon briefing that the military's position is that it will never "push any specific religion."  He did not address the possibility that by seizing and burning privately owned Bibles, the Obama Administration is now enforcing state atheism upon our troops.

PLEASE SELECT HERE TO SIGN, AND WE'LL AUTOMATICALLY FAX YOUR PERSONALIZED PETITION TO ALL 435 U.S. CONGRESSMEN, DEFENDING OUR CHAPLAINS AND SOLDIERS RELIGIOUS FREEDOMS.

(After you sign the petition, please donate generously to help us defend religious liberty for our military. Part of your donation will go toward shipping Pashto Bibles to Afghanistan.)

ATHEISTS JOIN MUSLIM EXTEMISTS AGAINST LIBERTY

Aggressive anti-Christian secularist Mikey Weinstein immediately demanded the chaplain in the video be court-martialed for encouraging voluntary evangelism in church, despite the Pentagon's claim that same chaplain somehow assisted in confiscating the Bibles.  I can personally attest, as the former Navy Chaplain who endured court-martial in 2006 for praying "in Jesus name" in uniform outside of Sunday chapel, (but was later vindicated by Congress),  that anti-Christian forces are powerfully at work in some parts of the U.S. military. 

But together, we fought back and won!  Over 300,000 Americans, 85% of polled citizens, and 75 Congressmen agreed with me, so the entire Congress rescinded the same anti-Jesus policy the Navy enforced during my court-martial, restoring liberty to other chaplains who pray publicly "in Jesus name."  (That victory on Capitol Hill cost my 16-year career and pension, and was not grandfathered back to my case.)   Angered by our victory, the enemies of religious liberty won't be satisfied until every Christian is silenced, and every chaplain booted from the military like I was, for the "crime" of worshiping in public. 

COURT-MARTIAL THE ARMY CHIEF OF CHAPLAINS?

The favorite new ploy of Mikey Weinstein's anti-Christian group (Military Religious Freedom Foundation) is to frighten troops into silence by "demanding the court-martial" of any soldier or chaplain who talks publicly about his or her faith.  For example, incredibly, Weinstein recently demanded the Army court-martial their Chief of Chaplains Major General Douglas Carver, because Chaplain Carver issued a proclamation calling for a day of prayer and fasting for our troops.

The Chief of Chaplains' proclamation called for voluntary prayer by chaplains of all diverse faiths to act "in keeping with your religious traditions," and support our troops who face difficult traumas, pressures and temptations toward suicide.  Carver consulted with two senior Jewish chaplains before issuing the proclamation. 

But Mikey Weinstein claims that no chaplain can encourage prayer or Bible reading without violating what he pretends is a Constitutional mandate separating church from state.   "These inciteful actions are grossly offensive to not only Muslims in Afghanistan and across the world, but to all those who hold faith in the U.S. Constitution," said Weinstein of the troops' Bibles. 

Ironically Weinstein's own web-site contains pictures of atheist soldiers, soliciting donations for Weinstein while wearing their full dress uniform, without any legal disclaimer that their anti-Christian views do not represent the views of the U.S. military. 

PLEASE SELECT HERE TO SIGN, AND WE'LL AUTOMATICALLY FAX YOUR PERSONALIZED PETITION TO ALL 435 U.S. CONGRESSMEN, DEFENDING OUR CHAPLAINS AND SOLDIERS RELIGIOUS FREEDOMS.

WILL CONGRESS PROTECT CHAPLAINS RIGHTS? 

We can report without bias that in June 2009, the U.S. Congress will again consider a bi-partisan bill supporting military chaplains rights, co-sponsored by two North Carolina Congressmen, Mike McIntyre (D-NC) and Walter Jones (R-NC), in the House Armed Services Committee.  The pro-chaplain bill, H.R. 268, would simply guarantee military chaplains of all diverse faiths the right to pray publicly according to the dictates of their conscience.  You can read the details in my article about that bill, which was published by the Washington Times on 7 May 09, here.  

To pass that bill into law, the two North Carolina Congressmen will first need several more co-sponsors, and the blessing of the House Armed Services Committee.  Then they'll need some bi-partisan Senators to initiate a Senate version.  Will your own Congressman or Senator co-sponsor religious freedom for chaplains?  Perhaps you might call your own Congressman at 202-225-3121, to voice your opinion about H.R. 268.  

But remember, 100 emails = 10 phone calls = 1 fax in political capital, since the Congressional staffers must handle each paper and usually write a reply. So please join our automated fax-petition campaign first, and we will fax all 435 Congressmen on your behalf. 

Then please forward this email to your own pastor, and to all your military friends, and download here a church flyer that pastors can copy and distribute. 
But first, take action right now! I pray you will not hesitate, but sign the petition and WE WILL FAX your petition right away, automatically to all 435 Congressmen. 

PLEASE SELECT HERE TO SIGN, AND WE'LL AUTOMATICALLY FAX YOUR PERSONALIZED PETITION TO ALL 435 U.S. CONGRESSMEN, DEFENDING OUR CHAPLAINS AND SOLDIERS RELIGIOUS FREEDOMS.

(After you sign the petition, please donate generously to help us defend religious liberty for our military. Part of your donation will go toward shipping Pashto Bibles to Afghanistan.)

God Bless you, in Jesus' name,

Chaplain Gordon James Klingenschmitt

 

P.S. Time is urgent! The House Armed Services Committee could consider chaplains rights as early as this coming week.   Please don't wait another minute.  Religious liberty, and our troops are too valuable to be silenced by anti-Christian extremists. 

DONATIONS supporting public religious education CAN ALSO BE MAILED TO:
Chaplain Klingenschmitt, PO Box 77077, Colorado Springs, CO  80970

Disclaimer: The views of Chaplain Klingenschmitt, who was honorably but involuntarily discharged from the Navy in 2007 after facing court-martial for praying "in Jesus name" in uniform, (but was later vindicated by Congress), are his own personal views.



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Picture worth a 1,000 FairTax words~Giving Grace for the USA

This video is of one of the finest examples of 'We the People'.  Let us unite under the second of four principles of conservatism of the young man Jonathan Krohn and give freedom to being an entrepreneur, prosper this Nation by setting free the Spirit of Paul Wizikowski in whom this video may be the Saving Grace to the USA and all the other individuals called Americans.  FairTax and respecting the Constitution will save this Nation, TODAY!!!
 
In the speaking to supporting the consumption tax, Paul has also described the value of protecting the individualism He describes.  The Young fourteen year old has four points of what it takes to be considered a conservative.  The first is respecting the Constitution, literally. (Two to you and a link if you would )
 
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2009 9:41 AM
Subject: Picture worth a 1,000 FairTax words
 
Visit FairTax.org!
 Update My Preferences  |  Tell-A-Friend  |  Visit FairTax.org  
Dear FairTax supporter,

Need a quick reminder of what the FairTax fight is all about?

Take a moment to watch the winning entry from our FairTax Video Challenge. It's a short work by Paul Wizikowski, an Oklahoma-based FairTax grassroots activist, who brilliantly answered our challenge question, "What would the FairTax would mean to you?" It's powerful, compelling, and a stark reminder of what we're fighting for.

Watch the winning FairTax Video Challenge entry now »
Watch the video now »

There are so many ways to advance the FairTax cause, including the creation of online videos like these. Stay tuned, we'll be talking to you soon about the next steps you can can take to help make the FairTax a reality.

Sincerely,


Ken Hoagland
National Director


p.s. In the meantime, help grow the FairTax on Facebook. Become a fan now at www.fairtax.org/facebook.


Contributions to Americans For Fair Taxation are not tax deductible because we lobby for you in Washington, D.C.




the Spirit of Paul Wizikowski in whom this video may be the Saving Grace to the USA and all the other individuals called Americans.  FairTax and respecting the Constitution will save this Nation, TODAY!!!

Traverse City - Town Hall Tea Party! with Joe the Plumber- Sat, 5:00p

 
 

Michigan FairTax Association
 
Truth in Taxation
 
Atten: FairTax Members - Traverse City, and surrounds
( Leaders state-wide are also receiving a copy of this notification )
 
 
May 14, 2009
Dear R George  
 
 
Join "Joe the Plumber" in Traverse City !
 
Invite friends and family, particularly those who have not yet heard the Michigan FairTax message, and join us in beautiful Traverse City!
 
Event details:  
 
Saturday, May 16th, 2009  ( 5:00 pm ) 
 
1213 W Civic Center Dr, Traverse City, MI 49686 
 
Joe the Plumber FairTax Advocate! 
 
Samuel Joseph "Joe the Plumber" Wurzelbacher has become an ardent supporter of the national FairTax because he understands that, when enacted, the national FairTax will end nearly $1/2 Trillion, annually, in tax compliance and avoidance costs that cause companies to seek tax-friendlier countries. 
 
Michigan FairTaxers are concerned about how Lansing tax and spend policies compound the detrimental economic effects in our state where loss of jobs is so severe that we're losing the equivalent of a family every 12 minutes!
 
I'll be present, on behalf of the Michigan FairTax Association, to address and educate many Michiganders attending who have yet to hear of the MI FairTax solution
 
VOLUNTEERS HAVE MORE FUN!
 
Are you able to Volunteer at our display table? Hold up a sign? Take clipboard dictation to sign up new members from the audience? Please reply to this email with "TC Volunteer" in your subject line, or simply give me a call!
 
Come on out! Let's support each other and be a part of the festivities! Let's make our voices heard loudly in Lansing . . . by our numbers!
 
 
Let us know that you'll be there, please RSVP to: 
    
Roger Buchholtz (586) 530-3298  (cell) roger.buchholtz@mifairtax.org  
 
 
We look forward to seeing you there!
 
 
Yours in the cause,
 
Roger Buchholtz, State Director
Michigan FairTax Association

(586) 530-3298 (Cell)
 
 
 
MFTA seeks to educate the public about the non-partisan
Michigan FairTax plan (pdf) and the benefits of taxing consumption instead of income.  The progressive Michigan FairTax will untax all family spending to the poverty level, then increase - as an effective rate - as retail spending increases thereabove.  When enacted, it will remove business taxes and compliance costs from retail prices, and will make Michigan THE growth destination in America for business, jobs, and families. 
 
Safe Unsubscribe
This email was sent to rgdunn@veionline.com by roger.buchholtz@mifairtax.org.
Michigan FairTax Association | PO Box 703 | Sterling heights | MI | 48311



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