If ye love wealth greater than liberty, the tranquility of servitude
greater than the animating contest for freedom, go home from us
in peace. We seek not your counsel, nor your arms. Crouch down
and lick the hand that feeds you; May your chains set lightly upon
you, and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen.
I remember once hearing an alcoholic giving a talk about what life was like before he got sober
He said,
"People used to accuse me of drinking too much,
But in my eyes, I never drank enough,
Because when I had finished all the liquor that was there,
I needed MORE."
It sometimes seems to me that politicians are a lot like drunks
People accuse them of Taxing too Much.
But in their eyes they do not Tax Enough
Because when the have spent all the Tax Revenue that there is.
They need MORE!
There are of course some differences.
With drunks and addicts the solution is total abstinence, but we do need Government to fulfill some basic functions so moderation, rather than abstinence is required
They DO need help with that it seems.
Left to their own devices, they are powerless against the elusive sense of ease that comes with a Tax Increase and they persist in making our lives unmanageable.
But they are not junkies, they are uncontrolled gluttons.
In "What's the Matter with Kansas" the author seems puzzled and deeply troubled by the tendency of Conservatives to vote against what he sees as their economic self interests and instead in support of what they see as their Principles
In his eyes he this is a result of manipulation,
Some may, however see it as representative of the actions of responsible citizens.
Indeed the Original Tea Party was not about individual economic self interest.
The Taxed Tea would have been less expensive than Smuggled Tea,
It was instead about Principles,.
Taxation without Representation and an assertion of the Rights and Liberties of Englishmen enshrined in the 1679 Act Declaring the Rights and Liberties of the Subject and Settling the Succession of the Crown. often called the English Bill of Rights.
Which the Crown (Government) had ripped from them
If one reads again the Declaration of Independence, one is left with the haunting impression that History's Wheel has come full circle.
He has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither swarms of officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance.
As their forefathers the Present Tea Party, stands more on Principle than individual economic self interest.
Among these Principles are the concepts of Fiscal Responsibility, Limited Government and Less Taxation.
In recent times there has been enacted Local Option Sales Taxes called for brevity LOST
They were presented and voted down and represented until they passed.
One justification given to encourage Marion to pass this a while back was a claim that Marion would receive more revenue back from the State than they collected in Taxes.
Now it is desired to extend this 5 year levy to 20 years.
And a justification given for voters in the Unincorporated portions of Linn County to Vote for it is a claim that they would collect 10% of the Tax and receive 17% of the revenue.
For those who believe in Fiscal Resposibilty . Limited Government and Lower Taxation
there is a Question hidden in thiese claims
It is bluntly this
What do they need to offer to Buy your Vote and encourage you to Abandon your Principles?
The Price for MY vote is
Fiscal Resposibilty, Limited Government , Lower Taxation and Less Intrusion of the Government in my Life
In a bizare example of governmetal excess the Police Cheif of Marion Iowa has taken it on himself to encourage local businesses to post stickers informing the general public that they are totally defenseless against criminals
In what is surely an egregious waste of taxpayer money, the Police Chief of Marion, Iowa has taken it upon himself to send a letter, complete with two stickers, to the businesses in his city, encouraging them to post their businesses as “weapons-free zones” (WFZ) - or more appropriately, safety-free zones.
2 Liberal U of I professors V. 1 Tea Party Member in Televised Debate
Tuesday Oct 5, the Cedar Rapids Tea Party participated in the recording of "Ethical Prospective on the News", on the subject 'ethics' of redistribution of wealth, through taxation. We sent Jim Conklin to represent our side, and he was up against 2 liberal professors from the University of Iowa.
The debate was extremely interesting to watch, and very hard for me as a member to restrain myself at times. There is some surprising statements made by both professors during the 30 minute debate. One professor states during the discussion "... that withhold money is not really yours..." plus many more jaw dropping statements.
If Tuesday night you happened to have been at the September Linn County Republican Central Committee Meeting that Wasn't
You may have witnessed the Chair and I did not have a meeting of minds on the definition of certain terms.
This stemmed from my query as to under what authority our Meeting location had been changed
I was informed by the Chair, that it was under his Authority
I had assumed as much, but am of the opinion that, that Authority was not valid
I arrive at my position by these items from the Constitution of the Linn County Republican Party and it's By-Laws
The general management of the affairs of the party in Linn County is vested in the LinnCounty Central Committee, subject to direction from time to time by the County convention of the party.
The Executive Committee shall consist of the Chair, Co-Chair, Secretary and Treasurer of the Linn County Central Committee. The Executive Committee shall transact the routine business of the Linn County Central Committee during the interim of the meetings of the Linn County Central Committee.meeting
.
The Executive Committee is subject to the orders of the Linn County Central Committee, and none of its acts shall conflict with actions of the Linn County Central Committee.
The Chair shall be the Executive Officer and conduct all meetings of the Central Committee and assist in the formulation of policies for the conduct of the affairs of the Republican Party and such other matters as may be assigned.
Now I do not wish you to take my word for the above. I am happy to report that these documents can now be found on the County Party website and it would be better for you to go there pull them up and ascertain that I have not, been guilty of selective quotation, nor taken them out of context
Now of course I do not contend that there are no circumstances under which the Executive Committee might change the meeting place, Should some unforseen incident preclude us from meeting in our regular location it would be their duty to find and alternate location
When we do not have a regular location as in the recent past ,it was their duty to obtain a meeting location.
But after the Meeting Location Search Subcommittee reported it's findings, which were debated and voted on by the Central Committee, matters were different
Then, the location became to quote the text above, "actions of the Linn County Central Committee." .
I feel that when the Central Committee Voted to have it's meetings at the Long Branch on the third Tuesday of the Month
It was NOT the feeling of the Body to have the meetings at the Long Branch on the third Tuesday of the Month if the Executive Committee felt like doing so, or did not have anything else they wished us to do
I think it was the feeling of the Body to have the meetings at the Long Branch on the third Tuesday of the Month PERIOD.
And that, baring some clear and pressing reason we could not meet there, it was exceeding the Authority by the Executive Board to alter that arrangement.
Not to mention, that it is my understanding that the Long Branch was informed of this decision via a voice mail message received by one of the managers about 2 or 3 O'clock on the afternoon of the scheduled meeting and yes I specifically asked them about this.
Now I do not disparage the REASON for the change. We all know how important these next two elections are and phone banking is important
But the Rules of Procedure, the County Constitution and By-Laws are equally important and IMO are not to be set aside lightly
I think the present mood of the Nation indicates I am not unique in this attitude.
What we have here is a difference of opinion on the meaning of some words Subject to the orders of , General Management, None of it;s Acts shall Conflict with
If it were the case that the Central Committee is subject to the orders of the Executive Committee, the County Constitution would be so worded, but it is not.
Words have meanings, I do not think they vary from one person to another
Kim Simac - She brings a message of respect for those who serve and a reminder of what is at stake.
Author of
American Soldier Proud and Free
Kim has been traveling the country spreading her vision for the future and what she believes is desperately needed to save patriotism in the hearts of American children. A Wisconsin mother who raised 9 children, Kim wrote this story to bring honor and praise to our brave military personnel. When publishers rejected the notion of a "Post 9/11" subject and told Kim people were not interested in that subject, Kim and her husband funded the whole project themselves. So very alarming is the fact that the Pledge of Allegiance is disappearing from our schools and God, marriage and family are being torn to shreds at an ever increasing rate. Kim works to awaken Americans to the greatest danger ahead, a new generation raised without love or respect for God or country.
American Soldier Proud and Free has been featured on Fox Across America, Dr. Laura Schlessinger Show, American Family Journal and RFD-TV.
A keynote speaker at Viet Nam Moving Wall in 2008, Wisconsin Veterans Museum, Illinois American Legion Spring Conference on Americanism, Rotary Meetings, Veterans Meetings and book signings at many events such as the RNC Convention, Americans For Prosperiety Wisconsin Summit, USA Hockey Expo, Mrs. Simac's message is inspiration
al and her patriotic message is vital and crucial at this point in time. With so much at stake Kim asks you"Who is going to teach our children to love this great country, if we don't?
When not working on her books, Kim spends her days training future Equestrian stars at her Eagle River training facility.
Kim also devotes her time to her family and her growing amount of grandchildren that she feels very blessed to have.
Family, Faith and Country...at the end of the day,that's all I believe matters.Kim Simac
Meet Kim as she shares her extraordinary vision on Sat., Aug. 28th at 1 PM at the Marion Homeschool building, 440 S. 15th St. Marion.This event is free to the public; refreshments and children’s activities will follow. Please call Kathryn Farrand at 319-329-9295 or e-mail her at farrandfamily@yahoo.com with any questions.
If you have a Facebook Account, you may find more information, comment and RSVP HERE
I realize this is rather late notice, however you may wish to look through the links and avail yourself of other opportunities for educational events.
An Informed Public is the Foundation of Democracy
Good morning All, Please send this CALL TO REGISTER FOR CONSTITUTIONAL TRAINING out to your list(s), if you feel so inclined.
Michael Badnarik -- former Libertarian Presidential Candidate, author, and President of the Continental Congress 2009 will be in Iowa for nearly a week at the end of June... He's doing his famous Constitution class (8 hours of entertaining & riveting training on the Constitution, $100, includes autographed book by Michael, "Good to Be King", with a Forward by Congressman Ron Paul) in Des Moines on June 26th, in Fairfield, IA on June 27th and in Davenport over two evenings Wed June 30th and Thur July 1st.
Details and links to register are below.
We have a phenomenal opportunity to really educate ourselves, family and friends. We have less than 10 signed up now. We really need to get 20 plus to make this work. If you are committed enough to the cause of Liberty and want to attend but cannot afford the $100 at this time, please contact todd.mcgreevy@gmail.com to receive a $50 discount (thanks to a generous donor) for up to 10 more students.
Here's a taste of what Michael Badnarik will be bringing to Davenport this Wed and Thurs:
Please join us and be a part of an historic event Tuesday, June 29, from 5 - 7 p.m. at our new office located at 1183 Grand Avenue in Marion just off East Post Road for the
Grand Opening of the Iowa Center for Conservative Leadership Development
Mr. Leon Mosley will be our Keynote Speaker
Update: 9:09PM June 28, 2010 I just received notice that Mr Mosley will not be able to attend. That is a dissapointment. I will add further updates as to what other local conservatives will be at the event as they are relayed to me.
Well maybe we can talk Mr Mosley into giving a lecture at some future date, listening to the youtube video below I for one would make a special effort to take off work to hear him.
Everyone have a GOOD time at the opening of this venture.
IOWA CONSERVATIVE UNION
The Iowa Conservative Union's purpose is education and advocacy of conservative principles through...
·Facilitating cooperative endeavors for conservative organizations throughout Eastern Iowa and offering an opportunity for networking.
·Promoting and propagating the ideals of limited government as well as individual freedom, personal responsibility, free enterprise, and innovative thinking in the development of fiscal and social policy
·Advocating for the implementation of all that is prescribed in the United States Constitution
·Spreading awareness of Judicial Activism and its effect on the balance of powers in our government
·Supporting diversity in educational opportunities
·Preparing a solid foundation for the growth of new conservative leadership and supporting those already shouldering leadership's burdens
·Providing community educational programs
For further information please contact Harold Barnes at (319) 373-8824
Board of Supervisor Black Hawk County Courthouse 316 East 5th Street Waterloo, Iowa 50703
Residence: 319-236-1031 County Office: 319-833-3077 Cellular: 319-269-1857
PERSONAL: Born March 1, 1946 in Amory, Mississippi. Wife, Katherine Cross Mosley.
EDUCATION: Graduated 1964 from Columbus High School - Waterloo, IA Attended University of Northern Iowa Retired from John Deere - 36 years
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: Board of Supervisors of Black Hawk County - 1991 to present Former Waterloo Water Works, Vice-Chairman Republican Party of Iowa (State Board) - Co-chair 1st Judicial District Department of Corrections - Chairman 1st Judicial District Advisory Board Boy Scouts of America Executive Board Former American Institute of Commerce - Scholarship Board Big Brothers and Big Sisters Mentoring Children Masonic Organizations - 33° member International Optimist Club Cedar Falls Gun Club John Deere Trap League Farm Bureau - member NRA - Urban Affairs Board Member Exchange Club - Member Gates Park Basketball League - Vice-chairman SASS (Single Action Shooting Society) - Member
BUSINESSES AND OTHER INTERESTS: Mosley’s Neighborhood Action Team - Founder and C.E.O. Gates Park Neighborhood Association - Vice President
It is Human Nature to perceive the Universe as revolving around a central point, ourselves.
I am determined
You are stubborn.
They are obstinate.
This issue comes to the front quite often in politics.
An attempt to define political purity oft assumes our own perceptions are the the touchstone with which all others are weighed.
Sometime ago I realized that a Political Party composed of Me, My Shadow and My Reflection in a Mirror would not lead to many victorious elections.
I was forced since so many of you seem to be determined to want to think for yourselves to find what common ground I might have with others.
There are some who seem to have a difficulty with this mode of thought.
They continuously focus on differences rather than similarities.
Thus we are often lectured on exactly what, is and what is not, True Conservatism or Real Republicans.
Not that long ago that was illustrated in a comment on this website.
Comment:
A brief review of past and present Iowa GOP and National Platforms would show that Iowa Republicans and the Party as a whole are solid supporters of LIFE and MARRIAGE. Why should we support those who differ from this position simply because they want to wear a "Republican" label? They are not in the "mainstream" of the party and if they were truly honest, might find themselves "happier" with those folks on the other side of the aisle.
On the surface that would appear to be true, leaving out the term "whole".
We also have Conservatives who are solid supporters of Fiscal Responsibility, the Constitution, Free Trade and are dead set against Socialism.
They may or may not agree on the issues of Life and Marriage to the extent this gentleman may require.
I also recall at the last County Convention an individual who was as vehement as the gentleman above on the subjects of Life and Marriage,
BUT he seemed to think that BIG GOVERNMENT was the solution to all our problems even to the extent of allowing the State to determine a Fair and Equitable distribution of Air Time on Issues.
So the question is which one is a REAL Republican?
Either? Neither?
Does one have to stand firm on EVERY issue?
Because if we are going to Cherry Pick out of our common ideologies it is obvious that either of the two could find grounds to exclude the other.
Which brings us to the subject of excluding others.
Iowa Christian Alliance President and Republican National Committee member Steve Scheffler is among 10 co-sponsors of a resolution being circulated that aims to impose a conservative litmus test on potential GOP candidates.
The resolution, dubbed a “purity test” by the media, became public Monday. It lists 10 positions Republican candidates should support to demonstrate that they “espouse conservative principles and public policies” that are in opposition to “Obama’s socialist agenda.”
Any Republican candidate who breaks with the guidelines of the resolution on three or more of these issues would be penalized by being denied party funds or the party endorsement.
See, that is where I diverge from Mr Scheffler. I may not agree with the results of an election, but I will fully support the right of voters to choose those who represent them.
NO Party official should have the right to withhold Party Funds from the winner of a Primary. The Voters determine who their nominee should be.
Recently the same dubious "Not A Real Republican" charge was levied against Halley Barbor of Mississippi. A man respected by many who obviously are also not considered REAL Republicans,
The Results?
In Des Moines County a motion to ask for his resignation. If failed with only two votes in favor.
But in Linn County, the motion passed
Be it resolved that for his intimidation of Republicans considering and/or seeking political office, we call on Iowa's Republican National Committeeman, Steve Sheffler, to resign his position.
passed at the Linn County Republican Central Committee by a vote of 20 to 11.
Resolution introduced by William Dahlsten, Pct. 41
For some reason when I insist that no one has the right to decide if another is a REAL Republican there as some who take affront, as if I were declaring that THEY are not REAL Republicans
They are not listening.
I don't think they have that right, I don't claim that right for myself and I reject the right of anyone else to make that decision for either of us.
I don't dispute the validity of Mr Schefflers ideals, I agree with most of them.
What I dispute is whether it is right and fitting for him to impose those on others and use his office in the RPI to punish those who do not agree with him
And it would appear by a ration of about 2:1 those who attended the Linn County Central Committee last night agree with me.
I myself did not vote.
I am an Associate Committee person, according to our By-Laws I may be heard from the floor and that I was, I did speak in favor of the motion.
But I have no vote, except in the absence of one of the two elected Committee Persons.
While one from my Precinct was absent there was another Associate Committee Person who has been attending Meetings far longer than I.
I looked them up and informed them that they should be voting.
They voted against the motion,
One gentleman who spoke against the Motion mentioned the dangers of a House divided,
That is so true, and we cannot afford to drive out of our Party Good Conservatives who do not agree with us on EVERY issue.
That is not my desire, I do not wish to drive anyone out, nor do I wish to stand by silent, while others do.
Choose a different wrong Hill and you may win the Battle and lose the War.
It helps if you figure out when and where the War began.
Those who were around at the time, may remember the Mantra of the Sixties.
Raise the consciousness of the masses and get them involved in the political process was the clarion call.
They succeeded, but a strange thing happened on the Way to the Revolution.
You see there was an unspoken assumption.
The masses were to be awakened, involved in the political process, but they were supposed to do what their betters told them to do.
And so the Radiant Future fell to pieces on the rocks of people who stubbornly decided to think for themselves.
They were later to be called things like the Religious Right, the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy, and other less pleasant epithets.
That is where the real Battle Lines are drawn.
Between those who wish to think for themselves and those who wish to think for everyone else followed by the sheep who want someone else to think for them.
There are many Hills and many Issues that is the one IMO that we MUST take or we lose all else.
Personal Responsibility is another phrase for Self Determination.
The Conservative Wing of American Political Thought has many Tents.
Social Conservatives, Fiscal Conservatives, National Security Conservatives and Constitutional Conservatives.
We all spend time in some, most, if not all of those tents.
They ALL important, but I think the main lesson of the elections in recent times, NY 23, New Jersey, Kentucky, etc is that people are tired of the Political Class NOT LISTENING!
Often it is not that they think a particular issue is not important
But that they think others are not only MORE important they are VITAL.
The Liberal Left is NOT listening,
We on the Conservative side had better figure out what they REALLY want us to hear or they will reject us with the same disgust they are presently rejecting the Left.
Actually Social Issues have for some time been doing well.
The majority of the public has taken up the ideals that are most important to Social Conservatives.
That is not the issue.
Americans also want something done about Health Care.
They don't want the Liberal Plan and they DO NOT want to be continuously told how ignorant and ungrateful they are for not wanting what the Liberals are trying to cram down their throats.
But they have spoken clearly.
What they WANT is the Government to work on the Economy, REAL Job Creation, in the Private Sector, not just pouring money we don't have into Public Service Black Holes and they REALLY don't want Socialism or Government intrusion into every aspect of they lives.
They want the Constitution upheld and our Borders Secured,
Now if ANYONE goes out and campaigns on anything else?
It won't matter which side they are on, Left or Right, they will be lucky if it falls on deaf ears, but it will probably be responded to with the equivalent of rotten eggs and tomatoes.
But still we have those in our camp who can only see One Hill, and they insist that we all charge up that one or they will go home and let us fight the Battle alone.
That has been they Battle Plan In Iowa over the last generation and how has it worked out?
Well the two main political figures in this Election are Brans tad and Grassely.
Isn't that EXACTLY where the Iowa Republican Party was a GENERATION ago?
Where are all the New Republican Leaders who one would have thought should have sprung up in the last generation?
They all died trying to take the SAME Hill.
These folks also seem to want to decide what we should do and think, rather than waiting for us to tell THEM via our Primary and Votes what THEY as Party Leaders should be doing.
I don't like the phrase Party Leaders I think they should be the SERVANTS of the Party,
We are the Party they are chosen by us to implement OUR wishes.
The consciousness of the masses is awakening once again, it sprung up overnight in something called Tea Partys.
I have been to some of those events, many are young families, I recalled one young woman saying that she used to think those who went out and demonstrated were strange and now she was out demonstrating.
Politics are we have known it is over.
People are no longer willing to let the Party Leadership decide for THEM what THEY should think and who THEY should choose to represent THEM.
What they are saying IS.
Machine Politics is OVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Even in Des Moines County there has been rumbling of discontent with the direction of the RPI
The Des Moines County Republican Party Central Committee witnessed an uprising last night. Morris, I ain't no attorney no more, Hurd took the floor.
Iowa "Christian" Alliance Board member Morris Hurd started railing against Burlington Derailed. "Lies," all lies against the Iowa "Christian" Alliance President, Republican National Committeeman from Iowa, Iowa Faith and Freedom leader and business partner with Jack Abramoff's old partner, Ralph Reed. It was all just personal attacks against Steve Sheffler.
A few people finally stood up to the cultist bullies. It was pointed out the Derailed stories contained news organization links to Mr. Sheffler's nefarious actions. Local Republican leaders were asked if they ever read the Des Moines Register, or the Cedar Rapids Gazette. There is more to be learned than simply what is found in the Ad Vertiser.
One long time and well respected local Republican put it bluntly. Mr. Sheffler was representing his personal beliefs and prejudices, not the Republican Party of Iowa.
All Republicans should be given an equal opportunity to plead their case for public office. If they are homosexual, black, whatever, it should make no difference. The party as a whole should decide who is worthy on the ticket, not Steve Sheffler.
Reverend Hurd denied the political operations he and Sheffler run are Political Action Committees. Who does Morris think he is fooling?
A 2nd District wide movement calling for Sheffler's resignation from the Iowa Republican Party Central Committee and thereby the National Republican Committee was mentioned.
A resolution was introduced calling for Mr. Sheffler to resign.
The assembled Des Moines County Central Committee members resoundingly voted down the resolution calling for Sheffler's resignation. Afterward, questions were being asked. Those caught unaware are learning what has been kept from them.
Have you noticed that for some people, statements that begin with
"It's none of my business,"
Seem to end with
"Let me jump right into your private affairs, wallow around in them and disclose to the world at large your deepest secrets." ???
Remarkably like those who preface " I don't mean to hurt you" just prior to cutting out your heart and tossing it on the side of the road for the crows to peck at,
Our Iowa National Committeeman seems to have developed a fondness for two phrases
"I traditionally stay out of presidential contested races,"
and
"He's toast in Iowa."
Now some might agree with Mr Scheffler as far as concerns
"Fred Karger, a longtime civil rights advocate in California who is gay and has announced he is running for president."
We are confronted with the ultimate result of Party Officials who take it upon themselves to decide who should represent us, rather than leaving that decision to us and the ballot box.
Of course this is not just limited to our National Committee Man but also our National Committee Woman
“My concern is Haley Barbour,” Lehman told Hotline OnCall in a phone interview today. “This is, in my opinion, poor leadership.”
Some of you may recall Ms Lehman and her complicity in negative campaign information directed at the 2cd District Republican Nominee in the 2008 GENERAL ELECTION.
Yes IMO partisan activity during a Primary is bad enough but to continue to attack the Nominee during the General Election?
Why do we still have in the RPI someone who helps elect DEMOCRATS??
If we continue to allow such activity in our State Party structure the only outcome will be as far as electing Republicans?
We will ALL be Toast.
I have some light reading for Mr Scheffler and Ms Lehman
They sorely need a primer and to quote someone they illustrate
