House Democrats on Friday finally unveiled their long-awaited 852-page health care “reform” legislation (pdf) that engineers a government takeover of medicine.
The bill is a staggeringly expensive bureaucratic nightmare that Democrats will try to defend in a series of hearings beginning this week.
As details of this leviathan bill begin to emerge, what is becoming increasingly clear is this plan, if passed, will cost American jobs. Democrats would use the cost of a business’ annual payroll to define whether or not a small business is subject to a new eight percent federal tax. Only those with less than 10 employees on average would be spared the onerous new tax.
Subjecting these small businesses who employ 47.3 million people and provide $1.7 trillion in wages annually to the Democrats’ new tax will place these jobs and wages at risk.
Additional employer mandates that will require some small businesses to offer employee coverage would cost another 4.7 million jobs according to a model from the President’s own economic advisors.
The House Democrats’ plan also places mandates on every individual American citizen to buy health insurance or pay a hefty penalty to Washington equal to almost two percent of their annual income.
Of course, if you can’t afford to pay for the coverage, you would be forced into the government-run system that will make health care more expensive and ration care based on age, cost and survivability rates.
Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, has admitted that their health care plan would be financed by raising taxes.
There have been reports of a whole slew of new taxes on individuals being considered, from a national sales tax to additional taxes on cigarettes, new taxes on sodas, and raising taxes on everyone making more than $200,000 a year.
According to news reports, even the White House has admitted that statements made by the President promising you can keep your current health care coverage if you like it shouldn’t be taken literally.
Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio), the House Republican leader, talked Friday about the Democrat plan. “This plan is nothing less than a government takeover of health care, and families and small businesses who are already footing the bill for Washington’s reckless spending binge will not support it,” Boehner said.
“Raising taxes, rationing care, and empowering government bureaucrats -- not patients and doctors -- to make key medical decisions is not ‘reform.’
This plan will make health care more expensive, reduce the quality of care for millions of families and small businesses, cost American jobs, and force untold millions of Americans off their current plans and into a government-run nightmare operated by federal bureaucrats.”
- Connie Hair
Monday, June 22, 2009
Patient/Taxpayer Friendly Health Care Plan Indtoduced
Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas), the man who brought you the Tax Holiday stimulus plan, has a fresh, innovative health care plan that centers on health savings accounts that give individuals control over health care spending.
(Gohmert’s “tax holiday” alternative to Obama’s stimulus plan would have simply excused Americans from paying taxes for most of the year. It would have worked -- at far greater speed and lower cost -- than Obama’s failed stimulus package.)
Every American citizen would maintain a personal, family, household or employer-provided Health Savings Account (HSA), all contributions from pre-tax dollars.
Rather than filtering money through “premiums, profits and taxes first,” patients would spend the money directly from their own HSA.
There is no limit on how much pre-tax money could be put into this health savings account. This would work in conjunction with a catastrophic insurance policy that is adjustable as the savings account grows over years and even generations.
These HSAs would roll over each year and would also be an asset that would be passed on to your family or designee.
Any amount over $3,000 could also be invested in a manner that would “include stable, inflation-protected federal treasury bonds so that your investment can have added growth.
A separate type of federal Treasury bond may be created in other legislation specifically for such investment. That way, as long as there is a United States, your healthcare savings will be there for you when you need it.”
Each person would be issued a debit card to access the funding. These cards would be coded and could only be used for health care purchases. No hassles or paperwork.
“We are rolling out a new health care plan because the plans we’ve seen so far have involved too much government and too much insurance company involvement, which has been a big part of our problem,” Gohmert said at the announcement.
“If you liked my Tax Holiday Plan, you’re going to love this one. This plan will give every American the treatment that they need, when they need it, with the doctor of their choosing and at a price that is affordable.”
You can read the plan online here.
- Connie Hair
(Gohmert’s “tax holiday” alternative to Obama’s stimulus plan would have simply excused Americans from paying taxes for most of the year. It would have worked -- at far greater speed and lower cost -- than Obama’s failed stimulus package.)
Every American citizen would maintain a personal, family, household or employer-provided Health Savings Account (HSA), all contributions from pre-tax dollars.
Rather than filtering money through “premiums, profits and taxes first,” patients would spend the money directly from their own HSA.
There is no limit on how much pre-tax money could be put into this health savings account. This would work in conjunction with a catastrophic insurance policy that is adjustable as the savings account grows over years and even generations.
These HSAs would roll over each year and would also be an asset that would be passed on to your family or designee.
Any amount over $3,000 could also be invested in a manner that would “include stable, inflation-protected federal treasury bonds so that your investment can have added growth.
A separate type of federal Treasury bond may be created in other legislation specifically for such investment. That way, as long as there is a United States, your healthcare savings will be there for you when you need it.”
Each person would be issued a debit card to access the funding. These cards would be coded and could only be used for health care purchases. No hassles or paperwork.
“We are rolling out a new health care plan because the plans we’ve seen so far have involved too much government and too much insurance company involvement, which has been a big part of our problem,” Gohmert said at the announcement.
“If you liked my Tax Holiday Plan, you’re going to love this one. This plan will give every American the treatment that they need, when they need it, with the doctor of their choosing and at a price that is affordable.”
You can read the plan online here.
- Connie Hair
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Falling.....
President Barack Obama's job approval rating fell to 58% in Gallup Poll Daily tracking from June 16-18 -- a new low for Obama in Gallup tracking,
Census Abuse
Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann says she's so worried that information from next year's national census will be abused that she will refuse to fill out anything more than the number of people in her household.
In an interview Wednesday morning with The Washington Times "America's Morning News," Mrs. Bachmann, Minnesota Republican, said the questions have become "very intricate, very personal" and she also fears ACORN, the community organizing group that came under fire for its voter registration efforts last year, will be part of the Census Bureau's door-to-door information collection efforts.
"I know for my family the only question we will be answering is how many people are in our home," she said. "We won't be answering any information beyond that, because the Constitution doesn't require any information beyond that."
Shelly Lowe, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Census Bureau, said Mrs. Bachmann is "misreading" the law.
She sent a portion of the U.S. legal code that says anyone over 18 years of age who refuses to answer "any of the questions" on the census can be fined up to $5,000.
The Constitution requires a census be taken every 10 years. Questions range from number of persons in the household and racial information to employment status and whether anyone receives social services such as food stamps.
Mrs. Bachmann said she's worried about the involvement of ACORN, the Association of Community Organizers for Reform Now, in next year's census.
- The Washington Times
In an interview Wednesday morning with The Washington Times "America's Morning News," Mrs. Bachmann, Minnesota Republican, said the questions have become "very intricate, very personal" and she also fears ACORN, the community organizing group that came under fire for its voter registration efforts last year, will be part of the Census Bureau's door-to-door information collection efforts.
"I know for my family the only question we will be answering is how many people are in our home," she said. "We won't be answering any information beyond that, because the Constitution doesn't require any information beyond that."
Shelly Lowe, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Census Bureau, said Mrs. Bachmann is "misreading" the law.
She sent a portion of the U.S. legal code that says anyone over 18 years of age who refuses to answer "any of the questions" on the census can be fined up to $5,000.
The Constitution requires a census be taken every 10 years. Questions range from number of persons in the household and racial information to employment status and whether anyone receives social services such as food stamps.
Mrs. Bachmann said she's worried about the involvement of ACORN, the Association of Community Organizers for Reform Now, in next year's census.
- The Washington Times
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Contact Information
I have received several requests for contact information for Senator Franklin so here it is:
Legislative Office (360) 786-7656
E-mail: franklin.rosa@leg.wa.gov
Rick Manugian, Senate Democrats Communications Specialist(360) 786-7569
E-mail: manugian.rick@leg.wa.gov
Legislative Office (360) 786-7656
E-mail: franklin.rosa@leg.wa.gov
Rick Manugian, Senate Democrats Communications Specialist(360) 786-7569
E-mail: manugian.rick@leg.wa.gov
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
An Open Letter to Senator Franklin
Despite the fact that Washington voters have rejected a state income tax proposal eight times, legislators continue to use every occasion to promote this devious tax schemes to the public.
Senator Rosa Franklin has once again lent her voice to this madness going so far as to call it "inevitable" and merely a "structural change in the way we generate revenue". Right!
I am responding with this open letter to her:
Dear Senator Franklin,
I am done with it! I am done with legislators spending my money and continually plotting how to take even more from my family.
A state income tax? It's not going to happen.
While my reality is a reduction in monthly income in an economy that already takes more of what we work so hard for, incredibly you continue to scheme how to take even more of what you haven’t even earned. That’s just wrong and you know it. You may not like it, but you know it.
Like a stubborn, rebellious child you whine for more money when there simply isn’t any more in my pocket.
You’re working on the wrong end of the problem but refuse to go there.
Spending is the problem - your spending! I think I’m going to stop calling you “legislators” and start calling you what you are – “spenders”. You take too much and you spend too much!
There is a deep discontent brewing among the taxpayer of our state, and there is an amazing disconnect with you spenders. The injustice of your “tax and spend” mindset is catching up with you.
The relentless quest to take more will be met with an equally relentless quest to stop the taking. It’s now literally a matter of survival in this economy.
Read my lips – NO STATE INCOME TAX! Now buck up and deal with it.
Cindy Honcoop
Senator Rosa Franklin has once again lent her voice to this madness going so far as to call it "inevitable" and merely a "structural change in the way we generate revenue". Right!
I am responding with this open letter to her:
Dear Senator Franklin,
I am done with it! I am done with legislators spending my money and continually plotting how to take even more from my family.
A state income tax? It's not going to happen.
While my reality is a reduction in monthly income in an economy that already takes more of what we work so hard for, incredibly you continue to scheme how to take even more of what you haven’t even earned. That’s just wrong and you know it. You may not like it, but you know it.
Like a stubborn, rebellious child you whine for more money when there simply isn’t any more in my pocket.
You’re working on the wrong end of the problem but refuse to go there.
Spending is the problem - your spending! I think I’m going to stop calling you “legislators” and start calling you what you are – “spenders”. You take too much and you spend too much!
There is a deep discontent brewing among the taxpayer of our state, and there is an amazing disconnect with you spenders. The injustice of your “tax and spend” mindset is catching up with you.
The relentless quest to take more will be met with an equally relentless quest to stop the taking. It’s now literally a matter of survival in this economy.
Read my lips – NO STATE INCOME TAX! Now buck up and deal with it.
Cindy Honcoop
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Reality Bites the Liberal Myth
A recent Gallup poll should put to rest the myth that America has been won by liberal thought and non-values.
Quite the contrary, 40% of Americans interviewed nationally describe their political views as conservative, 35% as moderate, and 21% as liberal. This represents a slight increase for conservatism in the U.S. since 2008, returning it to a level last seen in 2004.
This means “Conservatives” are the single-largest ideological group. Who would have thought?
There is another important distinction to note in the respective ideological compositions of the Republican and Democratic Parties. While a solid majority of Republicans are on the same page - 73% call themselves conservative – Democrats clearly have a split personality. The major division among Democrats is between self-defined moderates (40%) and liberals (38%).
However, an additional 22% of Democrats consider themselves conservative, much higher than the 3% of Republicans identifying as liberal.
And while 45% of Independents describe their political views as "moderate", the majority tilt heavily to the right: 34% conservative, with only 20% identifying as liberal.
These numbers clearly portray a reality cloaked by government media. When only one in five identify themselves as liberal it is obvious the myth of liberal America is just that – a deliberately crafted and perpetuated myth that Americans apparently resist conforming to.
Reality bites!
Quite the contrary, 40% of Americans interviewed nationally describe their political views as conservative, 35% as moderate, and 21% as liberal. This represents a slight increase for conservatism in the U.S. since 2008, returning it to a level last seen in 2004.
This means “Conservatives” are the single-largest ideological group. Who would have thought?
There is another important distinction to note in the respective ideological compositions of the Republican and Democratic Parties. While a solid majority of Republicans are on the same page - 73% call themselves conservative – Democrats clearly have a split personality. The major division among Democrats is between self-defined moderates (40%) and liberals (38%).
However, an additional 22% of Democrats consider themselves conservative, much higher than the 3% of Republicans identifying as liberal.
And while 45% of Independents describe their political views as "moderate", the majority tilt heavily to the right: 34% conservative, with only 20% identifying as liberal.
These numbers clearly portray a reality cloaked by government media. When only one in five identify themselves as liberal it is obvious the myth of liberal America is just that – a deliberately crafted and perpetuated myth that Americans apparently resist conforming to.
Reality bites!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Discord Grows Over Government Run Health Care
The mood was upbeat in early March when scores of powerful lawmakers and lobbyists joined President Obama in the East Room of the White House to talk about fixing the nation's health care system.
Three months later, disagreement has turned to discord over a key element of Obama's health care prescription: his insistence on a "public plan" to compete with private insurers.
America's Health Insurance Plans, an industry trade group, is joined by the American Medical Association, U.S. Chamber of Commerce and others that have expressed misgivings about greater government involvement.
"We're not sure that the government is very good at running a health plan," said Nancy Nielsen, president of the AMA, which heard Obama defend his plan Monday.
America's Health Insurance Plans, an industry trade group, is joined by the American Medical Association, U.S. Chamber of Commerce and others that have expressed misgivings about greater government involvement.
"We're not sure that the government is very good at running a health plan," said Nancy Nielsen, president of the AMA, which heard Obama defend his plan Monday.
~ USA Today
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Spend Today...Spend More Tomorrow
"Of course, the easiest way to save taxpayer money is to not spend it in the first place.
Unfortunately, Washington uses budgets and baselines that assume that whatever we spend today we will spend that much and more next year.
For example in the President’s budget submission, non-defense discretionary grows from $486 billion this year to $522 billion next year and $608 billion in five years.
While many Republicans favor an immediate cut or freeze in non-defense discretionary spending, given the current deficit, both parties ought to be able to agree at a minimum to impose discretionary spending limits that provide that non-defense discretionary spending will grow at a level not exceeding inflation.
Such a limit would produce considerable savings compared to the Administration’s budget. In fact, such a change would save $317 billion over the next five years compared to the budget submitted by the Administration."
From the Republican Report "Proposals to Reduce the Deficit and Achieve Savings for American Taxpayers" submitted to the President of the United States by Republican Leader John Boehner & Republican Whip Eric Cantor on June 4, 2009
Unfortunately, Washington uses budgets and baselines that assume that whatever we spend today we will spend that much and more next year.
For example in the President’s budget submission, non-defense discretionary grows from $486 billion this year to $522 billion next year and $608 billion in five years.
While many Republicans favor an immediate cut or freeze in non-defense discretionary spending, given the current deficit, both parties ought to be able to agree at a minimum to impose discretionary spending limits that provide that non-defense discretionary spending will grow at a level not exceeding inflation.
Such a limit would produce considerable savings compared to the Administration’s budget. In fact, such a change would save $317 billion over the next five years compared to the budget submitted by the Administration."
From the Republican Report "Proposals to Reduce the Deficit and Achieve Savings for American Taxpayers" submitted to the President of the United States by Republican Leader John Boehner & Republican Whip Eric Cantor on June 4, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
First Assisted Suicide in Washington State
Washington has now seen the first person die under state's the second-in-the-nation law legalizing the practice of assisted suicide. A 66-year-old woman from Sequim named Linda Fleming died Thursday night after taking a lethal cocktail prescribed to her by a physician under the law.
The pro-euthanasia group Compassion & Choices announced Fleming's death Friday morning.
The group, which spearheaded the fight for the law, claims Fleming had stage 4 pancreatic cancer which promoted her to kill herself with her doctor's help.
"The pain became unbearable, and it was only going to get worse," the organization quoted Fleming as saying in a statement.
Given that she just received the diagnoses last month, and given the "waiting period" between the required two requests, one has to wonder; was she even treated for the inevitable onset of fear and depression?
It will undoubtedly be spun by Compassion and Choices that she was in unbearable pain. If that was the case, she wasn't being provided all the options for pain management.
No one who opposes assisted suicide is in favor of unbearable pain. But unbearable pain does not have to be a part of the dying process given today's medical advances.
WA Human Life
The pro-euthanasia group Compassion & Choices announced Fleming's death Friday morning.
The group, which spearheaded the fight for the law, claims Fleming had stage 4 pancreatic cancer which promoted her to kill herself with her doctor's help.
"The pain became unbearable, and it was only going to get worse," the organization quoted Fleming as saying in a statement.
Given that she just received the diagnoses last month, and given the "waiting period" between the required two requests, one has to wonder; was she even treated for the inevitable onset of fear and depression?
It will undoubtedly be spun by Compassion and Choices that she was in unbearable pain. If that was the case, she wasn't being provided all the options for pain management.
No one who opposes assisted suicide is in favor of unbearable pain. But unbearable pain does not have to be a part of the dying process given today's medical advances.
WA Human Life
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
The Witness of Life Interrupts Obama on Abortion
The cry of an innocent baby interrupted President Obama as he justified his abortion position at Notre Dame.
The distinct sound of a baby crying broke out in the arena where the Notre Dame commencement exercise was being held on Sunday when President Obama--who was giving the commencement address--began talking about abortion.
The precious sound of life broke out clearly and could be heard on national television broadcasts.
CNS News
The distinct sound of a baby crying broke out in the arena where the Notre Dame commencement exercise was being held on Sunday when President Obama--who was giving the commencement address--began talking about abortion.
The precious sound of life broke out clearly and could be heard on national television broadcasts.
CNS News
The Right to Kill or the Right to Live
When the President called for Americans to agree that, while differing on abortion, "we can still agree that this heart-wrenching decision for any woman is not made casually," he failed to make clear why this is so.If the unborn baby is not a person who possesses an intrinsic right to life, why is the decision to abort so "heart-wrenching?" If the fetus is just a collection of cells, why the angst?
Furthermore, does the fact that a decision is "heart-wrenching" make it right or rational?
When the President acknowledged that, in the end, the two positions on abortion are irreconcilable, he was on more solid ground. Both sides frame the issue as a question of rights -- specifically a woman's "right" to control her reproductive destiny by any means, including abortion vs. the unborn child's right to live.
The weakness of the pro-abortion (or "pro-choice") position becomes evident at this point. The claimed right of control over reproduction is not commensurate with another person's right to live, and not to be killed in the womb.
If President Obama had actually spoken of abortion itself, rather than addressing abortion only as an issue of controversy, he would have found himself defending the indefensible, which explains why he avoids this discussion at all costs.
Dr. Albert Mohler
Monday, May 11, 2009
The Governor to Watch
Governor Mark Sanford, best known as a critic of excessive government spending, is leaving office in 2010 due to term limits, and there is plenty of speculation that the two-term Governor and former three-term Congressman will run for the presidency in 2012.Like all potential candidates, he’s been coy about the speculation. For now, he has his hands full governing; all eyes are on a budget battle that will come to a head with a vote in the legislature next week on his plan to use federal stimulus funds to pay down state debt.
The Squander and Reality of Olympia's Herd of Sacred Cows
Sacred cows aren't herded easily -- especially toward the political slaughterhouse.
Gov. Chris Gregoire learned that truth during this year's legislative session, where her proposal to eliminate more than 100 state boards and commissions resulted in just two dozen being chopped.
Alas, the state will have to get by without the Acupuncture Ad Hoc Committee and the Special License Plate Review Board.
Thank heavens it still has an Oversight Committee on Moral Guidance.
Excerpted from an Everett Herald editorial
Gov. Chris Gregoire learned that truth during this year's legislative session, where her proposal to eliminate more than 100 state boards and commissions resulted in just two dozen being chopped.
Alas, the state will have to get by without the Acupuncture Ad Hoc Committee and the Special License Plate Review Board.
Thank heavens it still has an Oversight Committee on Moral Guidance.
Excerpted from an Everett Herald editorial
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Will You Join Me?
Today is the 58th annual National Day of Prayer. All across America citizens will join in times of personal repentance and corporate prayer for our nation..While there will be many types of events and venues, there is but one purpose - to intercede with our Father for America and for those in authority.
Yesterday, on the NDP web site, I counted nearly 70 events taking place here in Washington State. I hope you plan to participate. Here is the NDP link where you can locate an event near you.
This year's event theme is so appropriate: "Prayer... America's Hope" from Psalm 33:22
"May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord,
even as we put our hope in you."
even as we put our hope in you."
I would encourage you to watch the LIVE Webcast of the National Observance in Washington D.C. (9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon EST)
Though our White House will not participate in this event we must.
I believe that genuine repentance brings hope and healing. I also believe that national repentance must begin with personal repentance.
I believe that genuine repentance brings hope and healing. I also believe that national repentance must begin with personal repentance.
Will you join me?
FOX - Domination in the Obama Nation
How's this for cable news domination - Fox News beat CNN and MSNBC combined in every hour from 6AM to 12PM in both total viewers and the 25-54 age demographic for April 2009.FOX had the top 11 cable news programs in total viewers and 12 of the top 15 in the demo. FOX News is the #2 network in Total Viewers on all of cable. From 9 AM on, every program grew by more than 60% in the demo:
- The 5PM hour, now occupied by Glenn Beck, is up 212% in the demo and up 128% in total viewers.
- Your World with Neil Cavuto is up 102% in the demo and up 60% in total viewers.
- On the Record with Greta Van Susteren is up 75% in demo and up 55% in total viewers.
- FOX Report is up 75%
- Special Report 70%
- The O'Reilly Factor 74%
- Hannity 64%.
- Fox & Friends has now been #1 for 90 consecutive months
- Studio B with Shepard Smith for 80 consecutive months
[as reported on Media Bistro]
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Obama: No White House Observance of National Day of Prayer
The Obama administration has announced there will not be a White House observance for the National Day of Prayer this year."We are disappointed in the lack of participation by the Obama administration," said Mrs. Shirley Dobson, chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force. "At this time in our country's history, we would hope our president would recognize more fully the importance of prayer."
The White House has indicated it will release a proclamation recognizing the National Day of Prayer on Thursday.
The National Observance will take place from 9 a.m. to noon EDT, as Dr. and Mrs. Dobson, Beth Moore and others gather in Washington, D.C., to pray for America.
Whose Side Are We On?
by Rep. Michele Bachmann
Last week the House Financial Services Committee unanimously accepted my amendment to keep tax dollars from flowing to organizations indicted for voter fraud during consideration of the Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act.
Chairman Barney Frank later revoked his support for my amendment.
My amendment would keep organizations that are under indictment for voter fraud or other criminal activities, or that employ people indicted for such crimes, from accessing billions of your tax dollars. Groups such as ACORN are repeatedly charged with violating the law and the public trust, yet they continue to access taxpayer funds.
The threshold for gaining taxpayer funding should not be so low. Interestingly, the Associated Press reported Monday that Nevada authorities filed criminal charges against ACORN and two former employees for voter registration fraud.
Last week I asked: Whose side are we on: The taxpayer's or ACORN's?
Chairman Frank still has the opportunity to side with taxpayers by upholding the decision of the Financial Services Committee to implement the highest standard and withhold taxpayer dollars from funding organizations when they're under the cloud of suspicion of a public criminal indictment.
Last week the House Financial Services Committee unanimously accepted my amendment to keep tax dollars from flowing to organizations indicted for voter fraud during consideration of the Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act.
Chairman Barney Frank later revoked his support for my amendment.
My amendment would keep organizations that are under indictment for voter fraud or other criminal activities, or that employ people indicted for such crimes, from accessing billions of your tax dollars. Groups such as ACORN are repeatedly charged with violating the law and the public trust, yet they continue to access taxpayer funds.
The threshold for gaining taxpayer funding should not be so low. Interestingly, the Associated Press reported Monday that Nevada authorities filed criminal charges against ACORN and two former employees for voter registration fraud.
Last week I asked: Whose side are we on: The taxpayer's or ACORN's?
Chairman Frank still has the opportunity to side with taxpayers by upholding the decision of the Financial Services Committee to implement the highest standard and withhold taxpayer dollars from funding organizations when they're under the cloud of suspicion of a public criminal indictment.
Friday, May 1, 2009
How Olympia "Doesn't" Raise Taxes
This is but another example of the pathetic way power-tripping legislators manipulate the law and taxpayers to fund their insatiable spending appetite.
by Brett Davis, EFF
Thankfully, legislators did not end up passing a general tax increase as part of the 2009-11 state budget.
Unfortunately, they did what they often do when the public appetite for tax increases is lacking: raise targeted fees.
We still don’t know how much the final budget will cost affected fee payers, since legislators passed it before the state’s Office of Financial Management (OFM) could tally up the costs.
In this case it isn’t really OFM’s fault. The legislature didn’t even wait 24 hours between the final budget’s introduction and a vote.
While many politicians tend to regard fees as more palatable than taxes, in most cases the line between a fee and a tax is very thin.
For example, this year the legislature voted to double the tax on wrestling, martial arts and boxing events (SB 6126), only they changed the account that the money is deposited into from the general fund to a dedicated account, which converted the “tax” into a “fee.”
This enabled the legislature to avoid the two-thirds vote threshold required by I-960 for tax increases. Fee increases only require a simple majority.
by Brett Davis, EFF
Thankfully, legislators did not end up passing a general tax increase as part of the 2009-11 state budget.
Unfortunately, they did what they often do when the public appetite for tax increases is lacking: raise targeted fees.
We still don’t know how much the final budget will cost affected fee payers, since legislators passed it before the state’s Office of Financial Management (OFM) could tally up the costs.
In this case it isn’t really OFM’s fault. The legislature didn’t even wait 24 hours between the final budget’s introduction and a vote.
While many politicians tend to regard fees as more palatable than taxes, in most cases the line between a fee and a tax is very thin.
For example, this year the legislature voted to double the tax on wrestling, martial arts and boxing events (SB 6126), only they changed the account that the money is deposited into from the general fund to a dedicated account, which converted the “tax” into a “fee.”
This enabled the legislature to avoid the two-thirds vote threshold required by I-960 for tax increases. Fee increases only require a simple majority.
The Republican Problem
Republican leaders should take note of information gleaned from the most recent Rasmussen survey.
According to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey sixty-nine percent (69%) of GOP voters say congressional Republicans have lost touch with GOP values and their base of voters throughout the nation.
These numbers should give pause to every Republican leader from DC on down to every state leader.
“To be relevant in politics, you need either formal power or a lot of people willing to follow your lead. The governing Republicans in the nation’s capital have lost both on their continuing path to irrelevance,” stated Scott Rasmussen in his survey analysis.
What is important to authentic Republicans?
Seventy-two percent (72%) say it is more important for the GOP to stand for what it believes in than for the party to work with President Obama .
While party officials, leadership and political pundits debate what direction Republicans should take following Obama’s election and sizable Democratic gains in both houses of Congress, it appears that the party faithful prefer principled policy.
Pundits continually pummel the Party to move in the direction of the Democrats on issues imagining the GOP has been hurt by abandoning its core economic and social positions.
Yet recent polls prove that even among all voter 56% say the Republican Party should return to the views and values of Reagan to be successful, and eighty-five percent (85%) of Republican voters agreed.
What can Republicans learn from this? The road to relevancy is paved with principled policy championed by fearless leadership.
Hello. Is anyone listening?
According to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey sixty-nine percent (69%) of GOP voters say congressional Republicans have lost touch with GOP values and their base of voters throughout the nation.
These numbers should give pause to every Republican leader from DC on down to every state leader.
“To be relevant in politics, you need either formal power or a lot of people willing to follow your lead. The governing Republicans in the nation’s capital have lost both on their continuing path to irrelevance,” stated Scott Rasmussen in his survey analysis.
What is important to authentic Republicans?
Seventy-two percent (72%) say it is more important for the GOP to stand for what it believes in than for the party to work with President Obama .
While party officials, leadership and political pundits debate what direction Republicans should take following Obama’s election and sizable Democratic gains in both houses of Congress, it appears that the party faithful prefer principled policy.
Pundits continually pummel the Party to move in the direction of the Democrats on issues imagining the GOP has been hurt by abandoning its core economic and social positions.
Yet recent polls prove that even among all voter 56% say the Republican Party should return to the views and values of Reagan to be successful, and eighty-five percent (85%) of Republican voters agreed.
What can Republicans learn from this? The road to relevancy is paved with principled policy championed by fearless leadership.
Hello. Is anyone listening?
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Democrat Corruption In Olympia!
**Express your outrage! 1.800.562.6000**
By Bob Clark
04/25/09
Dan Kristiansen from Snohomish County’s 39th Legislative District and Republican Leader in the Washington State House was stunned by one of the worst examples of corruption in the history of the State of Washington.
House Chair Seattle’s Frank Chopp was behind this latest example of “bipartisanship” from the corrupt and completely brain-dead Democratic Leadership.
Here is his wife Janis’ first report of a continuing deterioration of democracy in Washington State.
YOU SHOULD BE WORRIED ABOUT THIS, VERY WORRIED:
Corrupt Democrat Leadership in WA State
By Janis Kristiansen
Since NO ONE in the press is going to report this, I will. I just got off the phone with my husband, State Rep. Dan Kristiansen.
In summary, this is what he said.
At the beginning of session this year, the Democrats in control in the House changed the rules and eliminated the 24 hour rule from when the budget is introduced to when it can be voted upon. In the past, the budgets were rolled out for review, and no vote on any budget could happen until at LEAST 24 hours had passed, giving time for the minority party (read Republicans) to review the budget, and make an intelligent vote on it.
This morning, April 24, three days before the end of session, the Democrats announced that NO amendments to the capitol budget could be introduced after 3 pm today (most amendments are offered by the opposing party).
Guess when the Democrats released the capitol budget today, for the Republicans to get a first review of it? At 3:25pm, 25 minutes after cut-off for any amendments to be offered.
So, for the Republicans, NO amendments can be offered because the Democrats released the operating budget for the Republicans to see 25 minutes after the deadline for amendments to be accepted. This is CORRUPT.
The story is not over. The operating budget, separate from the capitol budget, was emailed to the Republicans this morning at 1:30 AM, early in the morning. It is several hundred pages.
The Democrats then said NO amendments were going to be allowed to the capitol budget after 12 noon today. So, in the middle of the night the Democrats release the capitol budget, and then announce no amendments are allowed after 12 noon, AND they are voting on this budget this afternoon.
This is the corrupt nature of the Democrats in control. How are Republicans supposed to vote yes or no on these budgets, hundreds of pages long, that spend approximately $34 billion dollars each biennium, when they are given no time to review it, or offer even hurried amendments to it?
The Democrats realize they have almost a super majority; so in essence, it’s OK to ignore the Republicans during the budget process.
According to Rep. Kristiansen this Operating Budget sets our state up for an approximate $10 billion shortfall in the 2011 biennium. This is outrageous!
Where is self-restraint? Where is responsibility? Where is the good stewardship of tax payer dollars?
04/25/09
Dan Kristiansen from Snohomish County’s 39th Legislative District and Republican Leader in the Washington State House was stunned by one of the worst examples of corruption in the history of the State of Washington.
House Chair Seattle’s Frank Chopp was behind this latest example of “bipartisanship” from the corrupt and completely brain-dead Democratic Leadership.
Here is his wife Janis’ first report of a continuing deterioration of democracy in Washington State.
YOU SHOULD BE WORRIED ABOUT THIS, VERY WORRIED:
Corrupt Democrat Leadership in WA State
By Janis Kristiansen
Since NO ONE in the press is going to report this, I will. I just got off the phone with my husband, State Rep. Dan Kristiansen.
In summary, this is what he said.
At the beginning of session this year, the Democrats in control in the House changed the rules and eliminated the 24 hour rule from when the budget is introduced to when it can be voted upon. In the past, the budgets were rolled out for review, and no vote on any budget could happen until at LEAST 24 hours had passed, giving time for the minority party (read Republicans) to review the budget, and make an intelligent vote on it.
This morning, April 24, three days before the end of session, the Democrats announced that NO amendments to the capitol budget could be introduced after 3 pm today (most amendments are offered by the opposing party).
Guess when the Democrats released the capitol budget today, for the Republicans to get a first review of it? At 3:25pm, 25 minutes after cut-off for any amendments to be offered.
So, for the Republicans, NO amendments can be offered because the Democrats released the operating budget for the Republicans to see 25 minutes after the deadline for amendments to be accepted. This is CORRUPT.
The story is not over. The operating budget, separate from the capitol budget, was emailed to the Republicans this morning at 1:30 AM, early in the morning. It is several hundred pages.
The Democrats then said NO amendments were going to be allowed to the capitol budget after 12 noon today. So, in the middle of the night the Democrats release the capitol budget, and then announce no amendments are allowed after 12 noon, AND they are voting on this budget this afternoon.
This is the corrupt nature of the Democrats in control. How are Republicans supposed to vote yes or no on these budgets, hundreds of pages long, that spend approximately $34 billion dollars each biennium, when they are given no time to review it, or offer even hurried amendments to it?
The Democrats realize they have almost a super majority; so in essence, it’s OK to ignore the Republicans during the budget process.
According to Rep. Kristiansen this Operating Budget sets our state up for an approximate $10 billion shortfall in the 2011 biennium. This is outrageous!
Where is self-restraint? Where is responsibility? Where is the good stewardship of tax payer dollars?
Obviously not in Democrat hands.
In Washington State Suicide Begins
According to the Seattle Times Washington State health officials have reported two prescriptions have been filled for life-ending drugs under the new suicide law.
Health Department spokesman Tim Church said Thursday he could not provide any details about the people considering suicide, only that the department has received two forms from pharmacists saying they have dispensed the drugs.
The department has not received any forms certifying that a person has committed suicide under the state law that took effect in early March.
People who fill prescriptions for life-ending medication have as long as they want to take the medication or to change their minds and never take it.
Health Department spokesman Tim Church said Thursday he could not provide any details about the people considering suicide, only that the department has received two forms from pharmacists saying they have dispensed the drugs.
The department has not received any forms certifying that a person has committed suicide under the state law that took effect in early March.
People who fill prescriptions for life-ending medication have as long as they want to take the medication or to change their minds and never take it.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
How Many Gallons of Fuel Did It Take To Get The President To His Earth Day Speech?
Approximately 9,116.
In flying to and from Iowa on Earth Day for his save-the-planet speech President Obama took two flights on Air Force One and four flights on Marine One.
According to Boeing a 747 burns about 5 gallons of fuel per mile.
Let's see, it's approximately 895 miles from Washington to DesMoines, so a round trip would bring the fuel consumption for the President to 8,950 gallons.
Then add in time on Marine One for round-trips from the White House to airports and the actual speech venue which took about an hour of flight time and consumes another 1,200 pounds of fuel per hour.
That would calculate out to about 166 more gallons of fuel consumed by our planet-friendly President.
None of these calculations includes the many ground vehicles it took to move him to and from the actual event site.
And to think President Obama could have saved 9,116 gallons of fuel by just giving his speech at the White House.
In flying to and from Iowa on Earth Day for his save-the-planet speech President Obama took two flights on Air Force One and four flights on Marine One.
According to Boeing a 747 burns about 5 gallons of fuel per mile.
Let's see, it's approximately 895 miles from Washington to DesMoines, so a round trip would bring the fuel consumption for the President to 8,950 gallons.
Then add in time on Marine One for round-trips from the White House to airports and the actual speech venue which took about an hour of flight time and consumes another 1,200 pounds of fuel per hour.
That would calculate out to about 166 more gallons of fuel consumed by our planet-friendly President.
None of these calculations includes the many ground vehicles it took to move him to and from the actual event site.
And to think President Obama could have saved 9,116 gallons of fuel by just giving his speech at the White House.
Standing in a Bucket
"For a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle." ~ Winston Churchill
While thousands of Washington State citizens sent a loud message to their elected leaders last week protesting taxes at Tea Parties held across the state Democrats spent Tax Day introducing new bills to increase your taxes.
Here's a list of the Democrats' new proposals from Rep Matt Shea:
• House Bill 2377 -- Would increase the state sales tax from 6.5 percent to 6.8 percent for three years. It's expected this will extract an additional $1 billion from taxpayers. It also redistributes some of the tax money collected to low-income families under a state "working family tax credit" program approved last year.
• House Bill 2354 -- Would create a new tax on "intangible" property, such as stocks and bonds, interests in corporations, gold or other precious metals, mutual funds, money market funds and other personal investments. The tax would be levied as $1 for every $100 dollars of intangible property for every resident in Washington.
• House Bill 2378 -- Would increase the maximum school levy percentages to retroactively collect money above the current levy lids previously approved by voters.
Thus we find Democrats in Olympia standing in a bucket trying to lift themselves up by the handle.
While thousands of Washington State citizens sent a loud message to their elected leaders last week protesting taxes at Tea Parties held across the state Democrats spent Tax Day introducing new bills to increase your taxes.
Here's a list of the Democrats' new proposals from Rep Matt Shea:
• House Bill 2377 -- Would increase the state sales tax from 6.5 percent to 6.8 percent for three years. It's expected this will extract an additional $1 billion from taxpayers. It also redistributes some of the tax money collected to low-income families under a state "working family tax credit" program approved last year.
• House Bill 2354 -- Would create a new tax on "intangible" property, such as stocks and bonds, interests in corporations, gold or other precious metals, mutual funds, money market funds and other personal investments. The tax would be levied as $1 for every $100 dollars of intangible property for every resident in Washington.
• House Bill 2378 -- Would increase the maximum school levy percentages to retroactively collect money above the current levy lids previously approved by voters.
Thus we find Democrats in Olympia standing in a bucket trying to lift themselves up by the handle.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Ah Yes, Earth Day
Meghan Cox Gurdon surveys eco-fear-mongering in children’s literature:
If you have somehow missed the fact that April 22 is Earth Day, it’s probably because you are grown up.
Were you a child, there’s not a chance you’d be allowed to miss the urgent chthonic nature of the day — nor the need to recycle, to use water sparingly, to protect endangered creatures and generally to be agitated about a planet in peril.
Contemporary children are so drenched with eco-propaganda that it’s almost a waste of resources. Like acid rain, but more persistent and corrosive, it dribbles down on them all day long.
They get it at school, where recycling now competes with tolerance as man’s highest virtue.
They get it in peppy “go green” messages online, on television and in magazines.
And increasingly, the eco-message is seeping into the pages of novels that don’t, on their face, necessarily seem to be about environmentalism at all.
Thus children who might like to escape into a good book are now likely to find themselves pursued into that imaginative realm by didactic adults fixated on passing along endless tellurian warnings.
Susceptible children are left in no doubt that we’re all headed for a despoiled, immiserated future unless they start planting pansies in their old shoes, using dryer lint as mulch, and practicing periodic vegetarianism.
Not surprisingly, many young people are anxious. The more impressionable among them are coming to believe that their smallest decisions could have catastrophic effects on the globe.
This, of course, is nonsense, unless their smallest decision involves tipping vats of mercury into forest streams.
But they’re children, for goodness’ sake: They tend to believe what adults tell them — minus the nuance.
If you have somehow missed the fact that April 22 is Earth Day, it’s probably because you are grown up.
Were you a child, there’s not a chance you’d be allowed to miss the urgent chthonic nature of the day — nor the need to recycle, to use water sparingly, to protect endangered creatures and generally to be agitated about a planet in peril.
Contemporary children are so drenched with eco-propaganda that it’s almost a waste of resources. Like acid rain, but more persistent and corrosive, it dribbles down on them all day long.
They get it at school, where recycling now competes with tolerance as man’s highest virtue.
They get it in peppy “go green” messages online, on television and in magazines.
And increasingly, the eco-message is seeping into the pages of novels that don’t, on their face, necessarily seem to be about environmentalism at all.
Thus children who might like to escape into a good book are now likely to find themselves pursued into that imaginative realm by didactic adults fixated on passing along endless tellurian warnings.
Susceptible children are left in no doubt that we’re all headed for a despoiled, immiserated future unless they start planting pansies in their old shoes, using dryer lint as mulch, and practicing periodic vegetarianism.
Not surprisingly, many young people are anxious. The more impressionable among them are coming to believe that their smallest decisions could have catastrophic effects on the globe.
This, of course, is nonsense, unless their smallest decision involves tipping vats of mercury into forest streams.
But they’re children, for goodness’ sake: They tend to believe what adults tell them — minus the nuance.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Meanwhile in the OTHER Washington...
At a time when our President is telling us that "we all have to make sacrifices" given the economic hardships, Washington continues to carry on with its misplaced priorities.
Instead of pursuing commonsense legislation to right our economic ship, Congress is pursuing its recklessly irresponsible spending habits.
After a two week recess, Congress returns today, and among the pieces of legislation we will be taking up this evening are:
H.Res. 254 - Recognizing the designation of March 2009 as Irish American Heritage Month (Yes, it is April -- it's not a typo, but I guess Democrat leadership couldn't find the time to fit that one in last month. At least it doesn't cost anything.)
H.R. 388 - Crane Conservation Act of 2009
H.R. 411 - Great Cats and Rare Canids Act of 2009
The Crane Conservation Act would establish a new grant program to provide money to individuals or groups that work to conserve crane species in Africa, Asia, Europe, or North America. A noble goal, but one that will cost tax payers $25 million over 5 years and focuses largely on overseas programs.
Similarly, the Great Cats and Rare Canids Act expands government with your money by creating new grant programs authorizing $25 million over five years to fund rare cat and dog conservation in foreign countries.
With our economy in the condition that it's in, Congress’ time could certainly be better spent than on $50-million legislation like this.
by Representative Michele Bachmann
Instead of pursuing commonsense legislation to right our economic ship, Congress is pursuing its recklessly irresponsible spending habits.
After a two week recess, Congress returns today, and among the pieces of legislation we will be taking up this evening are:
H.Res. 254 - Recognizing the designation of March 2009 as Irish American Heritage Month (Yes, it is April -- it's not a typo, but I guess Democrat leadership couldn't find the time to fit that one in last month. At least it doesn't cost anything.)
H.R. 388 - Crane Conservation Act of 2009
H.R. 411 - Great Cats and Rare Canids Act of 2009
The Crane Conservation Act would establish a new grant program to provide money to individuals or groups that work to conserve crane species in Africa, Asia, Europe, or North America. A noble goal, but one that will cost tax payers $25 million over 5 years and focuses largely on overseas programs.
Similarly, the Great Cats and Rare Canids Act expands government with your money by creating new grant programs authorizing $25 million over five years to fund rare cat and dog conservation in foreign countries.
With our economy in the condition that it's in, Congress’ time could certainly be better spent than on $50-million legislation like this.
by Representative Michele Bachmann
Monday, April 20, 2009
Tempest in a Teapot
It’s time for Democrats to back off on their idea to raise taxes, and it seems they may have had a jolt of reality strike them right between their tax-thirsty eyes.
The overwhelming number of citizens who joined in the Tax Day Tea parties along with some new polling numbers have them pouting and spouting.
For example, last week at the conclusion of a hearing on his bill that would ask voters to raise the state sales tax Rep Eric Pettigrew spouted "If voters do not pass this legislation, people will die." How pathetic is that?
The Everett Herald called it taxpayer blackmail in a recent editorial and made some excellent points:
If Pettigrew and his colleagues who share this view -- and that includes House Speaker Frank Chopp -- care that much about health-related programs for the poor, they should fund them. Instead, they propose leaving their survival to a vote of citizens who are scraping to make ends meet and are highly skeptical of Olympia's priorities.
Proponents will plaster images of the state's most vulnerable citizens on billboards and television screens, turning the guilt screws hard.Voters are smarter than Pettigrew seems to think. They'll see through this blackmail, and many will resent lawmakers for punting some of the tough decisions they were sent to Olympia to make.
If this one gets to the ballot, we bet the voters will kick it right back.
Families throughout the state are struggling. Draining more money from an already anemic economy could extend the downturn, undercutting the very revenues Pettigrew and Chopp seek to enhance.
Taxpayers are so done with taxes, and to their own peril legislators will ignore the tempest in a teapot.
The overwhelming number of citizens who joined in the Tax Day Tea parties along with some new polling numbers have them pouting and spouting.
For example, last week at the conclusion of a hearing on his bill that would ask voters to raise the state sales tax Rep Eric Pettigrew spouted "If voters do not pass this legislation, people will die." How pathetic is that?
The Everett Herald called it taxpayer blackmail in a recent editorial and made some excellent points:
If Pettigrew and his colleagues who share this view -- and that includes House Speaker Frank Chopp -- care that much about health-related programs for the poor, they should fund them. Instead, they propose leaving their survival to a vote of citizens who are scraping to make ends meet and are highly skeptical of Olympia's priorities.
Proponents will plaster images of the state's most vulnerable citizens on billboards and television screens, turning the guilt screws hard.Voters are smarter than Pettigrew seems to think. They'll see through this blackmail, and many will resent lawmakers for punting some of the tough decisions they were sent to Olympia to make.
If this one gets to the ballot, we bet the voters will kick it right back.
Families throughout the state are struggling. Draining more money from an already anemic economy could extend the downturn, undercutting the very revenues Pettigrew and Chopp seek to enhance.
Taxpayers are so done with taxes, and to their own peril legislators will ignore the tempest in a teapot.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
Marketing Death
Before even assisted their first death backers of assisted suicide are busy setting the stage for phase two - forcing every doctor and medical facility to participate.
Political agenda needs a campaign. It must be 'marketed' to the public to raise awareness and invoke sympathy. From there it is carefully crafted to morph into whatever it must look like to result in support.
How does one market death? By using - using the most vulnerable and desperately ill patients, and heartbroken families in grief. Parading very personal, tragic stories before the public to 'market' their death agenda is ultimate cruelty.
This article in the News Tribune marks the beginning of their new Washington State campaign to 'market' their expanded death agenda by forcing physicians and health care facilities to participate.
Isn't it ironic that in marketing I-1000 to the voters of our state they used the mantra of ‘it’s my decision’. Yet on the other side of that vote it is personal choice that is the first casualty.
As with abortion, the intent was to first crack the door and then shove the door open to every potential death imaginable.
Hugh Anderson recently wrote this in the Montreal Gazette:
"Holland legalized euthanasia and assisted suicide three decades ago, first in practice and later by law.
Advocates said it would be limited to competent adults who are terminally ill and ask to be killed.
Then it was extended to competent adults with incurable illnesses or disabilities, although not terminally ill.
Then it was extended to competent adults who were depressed but otherwise not physically ill.
Then it was extended to incompetent adult patients like Alzheimer's sufferers, on the basis that they would have asked for death if they were competent.
And now it is legal for doctors in Holland to kill infants, if parents agree, if they believe their patients' suffering is intolerable or incurable.
This is a long way from the soothing image of an elderly person choosing with full understanding to die with dignity, assisted by compassionate relatives and friends."
And so it will go in Washington State if we allow it.
Political agenda needs a campaign. It must be 'marketed' to the public to raise awareness and invoke sympathy. From there it is carefully crafted to morph into whatever it must look like to result in support.
How does one market death? By using - using the most vulnerable and desperately ill patients, and heartbroken families in grief. Parading very personal, tragic stories before the public to 'market' their death agenda is ultimate cruelty.
This article in the News Tribune marks the beginning of their new Washington State campaign to 'market' their expanded death agenda by forcing physicians and health care facilities to participate.
Isn't it ironic that in marketing I-1000 to the voters of our state they used the mantra of ‘it’s my decision’. Yet on the other side of that vote it is personal choice that is the first casualty.
As with abortion, the intent was to first crack the door and then shove the door open to every potential death imaginable.
Hugh Anderson recently wrote this in the Montreal Gazette:
"Holland legalized euthanasia and assisted suicide three decades ago, first in practice and later by law.
Advocates said it would be limited to competent adults who are terminally ill and ask to be killed.
Then it was extended to competent adults with incurable illnesses or disabilities, although not terminally ill.
Then it was extended to competent adults who were depressed but otherwise not physically ill.
Then it was extended to incompetent adult patients like Alzheimer's sufferers, on the basis that they would have asked for death if they were competent.
And now it is legal for doctors in Holland to kill infants, if parents agree, if they believe their patients' suffering is intolerable or incurable.
This is a long way from the soothing image of an elderly person choosing with full understanding to die with dignity, assisted by compassionate relatives and friends."
And so it will go in Washington State if we allow it.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Giving Up Our Vote
In the midst of a "crisis" it is always interesting to watch what legislators in Olympia find to do with their time and power during the course of a legislative session.
While most of it is spent finding ways to pay for their spending sprees, they are also finding time for other noble endeavors such as granting civil rights to breast feeders and voting right to convicted felons, redefining marriage, and giving away your vote in the next presidential election.
Yes, I said giving away your vote for President. A high impact bill is being ushered right thru the legislative process by Democrats intent on changing the way we elect our President
There is a great article on this today in the Wenatchee World that is well worth a read...and after that a phone call.
This bill has passed the Senate and they intent to pass it in the House as well. Your vote for President is certainly worth a call to your legislators: 1.800.562.6000
I was once told by a State Senator that if we truly had any idea of the power of legislators over every facet of our lives we would be so much more discerning about who we elect, and vigilant over what they do while they are in Olympia.
While most of it is spent finding ways to pay for their spending sprees, they are also finding time for other noble endeavors such as granting civil rights to breast feeders and voting right to convicted felons, redefining marriage, and giving away your vote in the next presidential election.
Yes, I said giving away your vote for President. A high impact bill is being ushered right thru the legislative process by Democrats intent on changing the way we elect our President
There is a great article on this today in the Wenatchee World that is well worth a read...and after that a phone call.
This bill has passed the Senate and they intent to pass it in the House as well. Your vote for President is certainly worth a call to your legislators: 1.800.562.6000
I was once told by a State Senator that if we truly had any idea of the power of legislators over every facet of our lives we would be so much more discerning about who we elect, and vigilant over what they do while they are in Olympia.
Monday, April 6, 2009
State Income Tax For All?
Last week Sen. Kohl-Welles introduced SB 6147 which would impose an income tax on individuals making $500,000, or couples making $1 million. Or would it?
Mike Reitz from EFF noted an interesting fact about this bill on their blog:
But there's a flaw in the bill that could result in the 1% percent tax inadvertently applying to every taxpayer in the state! (I wish I could claim credit, but someone else pointed this out to me.)
Section 301 of the bill imposes a 1% tax on "all taxable income of resident individuals." Section 407 then lists the "standard deductions" -- $1 million for joint returns and $500,000 for individuals.
As most bills do, SB 6147 contains a severability clause, meaning if one section of the bill is struck down in court, the rest of the bill will survive.
Based on the ruling party's fondness for taking money other people earn to spend as they choose I think this should be duly noted.
Mike Reitz from EFF noted an interesting fact about this bill on their blog:
But there's a flaw in the bill that could result in the 1% percent tax inadvertently applying to every taxpayer in the state! (I wish I could claim credit, but someone else pointed this out to me.)
Section 301 of the bill imposes a 1% tax on "all taxable income of resident individuals." Section 407 then lists the "standard deductions" -- $1 million for joint returns and $500,000 for individuals.
As most bills do, SB 6147 contains a severability clause, meaning if one section of the bill is struck down in court, the rest of the bill will survive.
Based on the ruling party's fondness for taking money other people earn to spend as they choose I think this should be duly noted.
Your Voice Makes A difference
These are brutal days as we watch serious, high impact decisions being made in both Washington. I want to share some good news from National Eagle Forum:
April 6, 2009
We want you to know that your calls and e-mails are making a difference in our nation's Capitol.
We know that it is discouraging to see one piece of liberal legislation after another pass through this liberal Congress, but the good news is that your voices are being heard by the conservative Minority!
During last week's debate over President Obama's $3.6 trillion budget, Conservatives presented a united front and excellent leadership in the House and Senate, strongly opposing irresponsible spending and standing for solutions that truly work for American families.
Not a single Republican in the House or Senate voted for the President's budget! Plus, 20 House Democrats and 2 Senate Democrats voted against the bill. The GOP's solidarity on this vote ensured that the only claim to "bipartisanship" President Obama can make is the list of NO votes. We encourage you to take a moment to thank your Senators and Representatives for standing up for the American taxpayer by voting against Obama's severely bloated budget.
This is a challenging time for conservatives, but it is also a time of great opportunity for the grassroots to demand strong, conservative leaders. We hope you will continue to engage in this fight. Here are two opportunities:
1. Tea Parties -- We urge you to get involved with a "Tea Party" in your area on tax day, Wednesday, April 15, 2009. Click here for more information. See a video message from Phyllis Schlafly.
Town Hall Meetings -- Senators and House Members are returning to their Districts for Easter Recess. Many of them hold Town Meetings during recess. Visit your Senators' and Representatives' websites or call their offices to find out if they are holding Town Hall Meetings in your neighborhoods. This is a wonderful opportunity to encourage your legislators where possible and to hold them accountable where necessary.
Whatever you do, stay in the game. There is ground to gain, and the principles of family, faith and freedom are well worth your time and effort. Let's make it happen.
April 6, 2009
We want you to know that your calls and e-mails are making a difference in our nation's Capitol.
We know that it is discouraging to see one piece of liberal legislation after another pass through this liberal Congress, but the good news is that your voices are being heard by the conservative Minority!
During last week's debate over President Obama's $3.6 trillion budget, Conservatives presented a united front and excellent leadership in the House and Senate, strongly opposing irresponsible spending and standing for solutions that truly work for American families.
Not a single Republican in the House or Senate voted for the President's budget! Plus, 20 House Democrats and 2 Senate Democrats voted against the bill. The GOP's solidarity on this vote ensured that the only claim to "bipartisanship" President Obama can make is the list of NO votes. We encourage you to take a moment to thank your Senators and Representatives for standing up for the American taxpayer by voting against Obama's severely bloated budget.
This is a challenging time for conservatives, but it is also a time of great opportunity for the grassroots to demand strong, conservative leaders. We hope you will continue to engage in this fight. Here are two opportunities:
1. Tea Parties -- We urge you to get involved with a "Tea Party" in your area on tax day, Wednesday, April 15, 2009. Click here for more information. See a video message from Phyllis Schlafly.
Town Hall Meetings -- Senators and House Members are returning to their Districts for Easter Recess. Many of them hold Town Meetings during recess. Visit your Senators' and Representatives' websites or call their offices to find out if they are holding Town Hall Meetings in your neighborhoods. This is a wonderful opportunity to encourage your legislators where possible and to hold them accountable where necessary.
Whatever you do, stay in the game. There is ground to gain, and the principles of family, faith and freedom are well worth your time and effort. Let's make it happen.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Let The Debate Begin
Americans everywhere are reeling from one blow after the other being leveled at them by Democrats in control of our government. As they shove their policy through the force of law down our throats at what could only be described as “ludicrous speed” all we are left with are the devastating consequences.
Well, I have a few questions:
Where is the transparency they promised? Even they aren't reading what they're passing.
Where is the discussion and open exchange of ideas? No time for that now – we can’t waste a crisis
What about "We the People"? Uhhhhh….what people?
We are quickly learning that with lopsided power comes lopsided rule, and the tragic loss of free and open debate.
Well, if their ideas are that great then let them stand up to the light of public scrutiny and debate.
There are solutions that would elevate all citizens and empower everyone with freedom and the ability to prosper. And there are principled leaders in both Washington’s working relentlessly to bring these solutions to the people.
They know that true economic recovery is built on policy that gets out of our way, that controls government, curbs spending, creates private sector jobs, lowers taxes for everyone, controls debt and is built on tried and true principles of freedom and free enterprise.
One blueprint for such a plan is now outlined in "Republican Road to Recovery", a substantive, comprehensive budget alternative that will soon be introduced on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Instead of massive government and spending, this plan ensures that the federal budget cannot grow faster than family budgets. What a concept!
Instead of raising taxes on every citizen in the midst of a recession this plan would reduce the crippling tax burden on working families and small businesses unleashing the potential of the private sector in creating jobs and unlock private capital.
This plan would keep energy and fuel costs low, end the era of bailouts and reform the financial system.
A substantive debate about how to get the economy growing again must be allowed to unfold.
Principled leaders continue to work for the freedom to offer better solutions that are built on the time-honored principles of fiscal responsibility and growth, and every American deserves to hear and have the opportunity to engage in the process.
So read the alternative to what the Democrats are shoving and let the debate begin.
Well, I have a few questions:
Where is the transparency they promised? Even they aren't reading what they're passing.
Where is the discussion and open exchange of ideas? No time for that now – we can’t waste a crisis
What about "We the People"? Uhhhhh….what people?
We are quickly learning that with lopsided power comes lopsided rule, and the tragic loss of free and open debate.
Well, if their ideas are that great then let them stand up to the light of public scrutiny and debate.
There are solutions that would elevate all citizens and empower everyone with freedom and the ability to prosper. And there are principled leaders in both Washington’s working relentlessly to bring these solutions to the people.
They know that true economic recovery is built on policy that gets out of our way, that controls government, curbs spending, creates private sector jobs, lowers taxes for everyone, controls debt and is built on tried and true principles of freedom and free enterprise.
One blueprint for such a plan is now outlined in "Republican Road to Recovery", a substantive, comprehensive budget alternative that will soon be introduced on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Instead of massive government and spending, this plan ensures that the federal budget cannot grow faster than family budgets. What a concept!
Instead of raising taxes on every citizen in the midst of a recession this plan would reduce the crippling tax burden on working families and small businesses unleashing the potential of the private sector in creating jobs and unlock private capital.
This plan would keep energy and fuel costs low, end the era of bailouts and reform the financial system.
A substantive debate about how to get the economy growing again must be allowed to unfold.
Principled leaders continue to work for the freedom to offer better solutions that are built on the time-honored principles of fiscal responsibility and growth, and every American deserves to hear and have the opportunity to engage in the process.
So read the alternative to what the Democrats are shoving and let the debate begin.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Obama and Democrats Must Own Their Deficit
According to the Wall Street Journal:
Mr. Obama keeps saying he has "inherited a trillion dollar deficit," which is true. But he's hardly an innocent bystander. CBO shows that the President is seeing that $1 trillion and raising it again and again, as far as the eye can see.
In only two months, since the last CBO budget review in January, Democrats have passed laws that increase spending by $134 billion in the last six months of this fiscal year alone, and $1.2 trillion over the next 10 years. And that's all before his 2010 budget proposals.
Where does this take the Obama budget deficit? Up into the great beyond.
Mr. Obama keeps saying he has "inherited a trillion dollar deficit," which is true. But he's hardly an innocent bystander. CBO shows that the President is seeing that $1 trillion and raising it again and again, as far as the eye can see.
In only two months, since the last CBO budget review in January, Democrats have passed laws that increase spending by $134 billion in the last six months of this fiscal year alone, and $1.2 trillion over the next 10 years. And that's all before his 2010 budget proposals.
Where does this take the Obama budget deficit? Up into the great beyond.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
A Giant Economic Dagger
Senator Inhofe has an excellent article exposing the very real danger of Cap and Trade legislation. In his article he quotes several publications:
Wall Street Journal: “Cap and trade, in other words, is a scheme to redistribute income and wealth -- but in a very curious way. It takes from the working class and gives to the affluent, takes from Miami, Ohio, and gives to Miami, Fla., and takes from an industrial America that is already struggling and gives to rich Silicon Valley and Wall Street ‘green tech’ investors who know how to leverage the political class.”
Warren Buffet: “That tax is probably going to be pretty regressive. If you put a cost on issuing -- putting carbon into the atmosphere -- on the utility business it’s going to be born by customers. And it’s a tax like anything else.”
CNBC’s Jim Cramer: Obama’s budget is “pushing an aggressive cap-and-trade program that could raise the price of energy for millions of people.”
The Detroit News: “President Barack Obama’s proposed cap-and-trade system on greenhouse gas emissions is a giant economic dagger aimed at the nation’s heartland -- particularly Michigan. It is a multibillion-dollar tax hike on everything that Michigan does, including making things, driving cars and burning coal.”
This "giant economic dagger" is right now being pointed directly at the citizens of Washington State in SB 5735. (see prior post)
Apparently our Governor and the Democrats who control Olympia want the chance to use the Cap and Trade dagger on the citizens and businesses of Washington State before the President and the Democrats who control Washington DC do.
Wall Street Journal: “Cap and trade, in other words, is a scheme to redistribute income and wealth -- but in a very curious way. It takes from the working class and gives to the affluent, takes from Miami, Ohio, and gives to Miami, Fla., and takes from an industrial America that is already struggling and gives to rich Silicon Valley and Wall Street ‘green tech’ investors who know how to leverage the political class.”
Warren Buffet: “That tax is probably going to be pretty regressive. If you put a cost on issuing -- putting carbon into the atmosphere -- on the utility business it’s going to be born by customers. And it’s a tax like anything else.”
CNBC’s Jim Cramer: Obama’s budget is “pushing an aggressive cap-and-trade program that could raise the price of energy for millions of people.”
The Detroit News: “President Barack Obama’s proposed cap-and-trade system on greenhouse gas emissions is a giant economic dagger aimed at the nation’s heartland -- particularly Michigan. It is a multibillion-dollar tax hike on everything that Michigan does, including making things, driving cars and burning coal.”
This "giant economic dagger" is right now being pointed directly at the citizens of Washington State in SB 5735. (see prior post)
Apparently our Governor and the Democrats who control Olympia want the chance to use the Cap and Trade dagger on the citizens and businesses of Washington State before the President and the Democrats who control Washington DC do.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Call - Write - Defend!
Last week the State Senate passed SB 5599 - a bill that circumvents the U.S. Constitution and radically alters our current election system.
This stealth bill will change the way we elect our president by entering our state into the NPV (National Popular Vote) interstate compact—essentially doing away with the Electoral College and replacing it with a national popular vote.
The House will now be deliberating on this bill in committee and then on the floor.
For background information please read Trent England's excellent article here.
There will be a committee hearing at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 26 (House Hearing Rm D, John L. O'Brien Building) on SB 5599.
Your presence there is crucial. The more people that are able to show up, the greater chance we have of convincing our legislators to vote "NO" on this destructive bill.
If you are unable to make it to the Capitol you can submit written testimony by e-mail to the committee. Their email addresses can be found here.
You can also email the committee members - their email addresses can be found here.
A complete legislator email list can be found here.
And please call the Legislative Hotline at 1-800-562-6000 and tell your representative to VOTE "NO" on SB 5599.
Please help us defend our Electoral College!
This stealth bill will change the way we elect our president by entering our state into the NPV (National Popular Vote) interstate compact—essentially doing away with the Electoral College and replacing it with a national popular vote.
The House will now be deliberating on this bill in committee and then on the floor.
For background information please read Trent England's excellent article here.
There will be a committee hearing at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 26 (House Hearing Rm D, John L. O'Brien Building) on SB 5599.
Your presence there is crucial. The more people that are able to show up, the greater chance we have of convincing our legislators to vote "NO" on this destructive bill.
If you are unable to make it to the Capitol you can submit written testimony by e-mail to the committee. Their email addresses can be found here.
You can also email the committee members - their email addresses can be found here.
A complete legislator email list can be found here.
And please call the Legislative Hotline at 1-800-562-6000 and tell your representative to VOTE "NO" on SB 5599.
Please help us defend our Electoral College!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Senate Bill 5688
Here's an update on Senate Bill 5688 - Homosexual Marriage:
There was a public hearing on SB 5688 Monday afternoon in the House Committee on Judiciary in Olympia.
The hearing was standing room only with about 3 to 1 opposed.
Representative Matt Shea pressed the question whether in this bill, "The term marriage was defined to include domestic partnerships through out the bill." The sponsors finally admitted that it did.
The financial reality of this bill was also finally exposed - it will cost about $2 million this fiscal year and $8.5 million over the next 5-6 years.
The committee was given 1700 letters from citizens expressing opposition to this bill.
They are scheduled to vote the bill out of committee Friday.
Info from Faith & Freedom
There was a public hearing on SB 5688 Monday afternoon in the House Committee on Judiciary in Olympia.
The hearing was standing room only with about 3 to 1 opposed.
Representative Matt Shea pressed the question whether in this bill, "The term marriage was defined to include domestic partnerships through out the bill." The sponsors finally admitted that it did.
The financial reality of this bill was also finally exposed - it will cost about $2 million this fiscal year and $8.5 million over the next 5-6 years.
The committee was given 1700 letters from citizens expressing opposition to this bill.
They are scheduled to vote the bill out of committee Friday.
Info from Faith & Freedom
Monday, March 23, 2009
Stand Up For Marriage Rally Speech
It is for a most important reason that we have left our homes, our families, our work today to be here in Olympia. It is because we value traditional marriage – marriage between one man and one woman for life.
We are here because we understand that marriage and family is the foundation and fundamental institution of our society, and it must be defended and protected at any cost.
I want to be very clear about one thing – last week when the Washington State Senate voted for homosexual marriage – that wasn’t the end. Oh no my friends, this issue isn’t over…none of this is over.
It is just the beginning! The battle to defend marriage is just beginning.
And I’m going to really rock your world here today and tell you the battle to defend marriage begins with you.
Now when I say that, I don’t want any of you turning around looking for who it is I’m pointing at. I’m pointing at you!
It is just the beginning, and it begins with you.
I only have a few minutes so I need you to listen carefully and I’m going to tell you how protecting marriage begins with you.
If I could hand each one of you something right now it would be a small mirror….as a reminder….
So anytime you are tempted to ask “why doesn’t someone do something about this?” you would remember this mirror…and you would remember that “doing something about this” begins with you.
And here’s how…
First - Protecting marriage begins with repentance – YOU repenting. I’m talking about personal repentance - a genuine sorrow over sin. Not sin in general…but for MY sin. If we want to be a nation that is blessed by God we need a firestorm of revival to sweep our nation, and for that to happen we must first be a people of repentance - personal repentance.
Look in the mirror….and remember….repentance begins with you!
Second - Protecting marriage begins with prayer – YOU praying.
Prayer injects the very presence of the living God into my life, into my home, into my marriage, and my family. When I pray for “His will to be done” that must begin in my life. From there as prayer moves outward it become intersession for my community, for my state, for my nation, for my world.
Look in the mirror…and remember…prayer begins with you!
Third - Protecting marriage begins with vigilance – YOUR vigilance!
Oh people, you are here today because you care about marriage….and you should. It is so very important.
But if you truly had any idea of the decisions that are made every day of every legislative session in this very building…and how those decisions affect every facet of your lives – of your faith, your freedom, your homes, your children, your work, your property – you would be so much more attentive…and informed…and engaged…and involved in who is elected to represent you. You would be vigilant. It is your responsibility.
Marriage brought you hear today. By Gods grace may it be just the spark…that begins the flame…that builds a fire of you truly grasping what is at stake and what is your responsibility in government. It is your duty.
Look in the mirror….and remember…vigilance begins with you!
Fourth - Protecting marriage begins with doing something – YOU doing something!
Nothing will ever happen if we don’t do something.
I know you are busy. I know you have other obligations and responsibilities in your life, but by God’s grace and in His strength we must… each one of us…stand and speak Truth to the issues of our day. And work…work very hard to build a voice for Truth in our culture!
I have been working in Olympia on issues for a long time now – for over 25 year I have been engaged as a citizen in political action, and I’m going to be honest, it’s not easy. And sometimes I just get weary…and sometimes it all just feel too big, and too hard.
But I can’t let my mind go there, not for even one moment I can’t…because there is truth – God’s truth – that is at stake. And I know with everything in me that when God’s truth is not upheld in the laws of a nation it hurts everyone. But when God’s truth is affirmed, and respected, and upheld in law it blessed every person…it blesses every culture….every time.
And because I know that, I have no choice but to speak, and stand, and act, and press on! This is God’s call on my life as a believer. It is your call.
So when Truth is challenged don’t look around for someone to do something.
Look in the mirror….and remember…doing something begins with you.
I want to leave you with a promise from Scripture – a great a precious promise. A sure Word…because God said it: “I am with you!”
If there is nothing else you leave here with today I hope it is that promise that settles on your heart and in your mind. God is with us.
And may He bless every effort to defend marriage in Washington State…for His Glory.
We are here because we understand that marriage and family is the foundation and fundamental institution of our society, and it must be defended and protected at any cost.
I want to be very clear about one thing – last week when the Washington State Senate voted for homosexual marriage – that wasn’t the end. Oh no my friends, this issue isn’t over…none of this is over.
It is just the beginning! The battle to defend marriage is just beginning.
And I’m going to really rock your world here today and tell you the battle to defend marriage begins with you.
Now when I say that, I don’t want any of you turning around looking for who it is I’m pointing at. I’m pointing at you!
It is just the beginning, and it begins with you.
I only have a few minutes so I need you to listen carefully and I’m going to tell you how protecting marriage begins with you.
If I could hand each one of you something right now it would be a small mirror….as a reminder….
So anytime you are tempted to ask “why doesn’t someone do something about this?” you would remember this mirror…and you would remember that “doing something about this” begins with you.
And here’s how…
First - Protecting marriage begins with repentance – YOU repenting. I’m talking about personal repentance - a genuine sorrow over sin. Not sin in general…but for MY sin. If we want to be a nation that is blessed by God we need a firestorm of revival to sweep our nation, and for that to happen we must first be a people of repentance - personal repentance.
Look in the mirror….and remember….repentance begins with you!
Second - Protecting marriage begins with prayer – YOU praying.
Prayer injects the very presence of the living God into my life, into my home, into my marriage, and my family. When I pray for “His will to be done” that must begin in my life. From there as prayer moves outward it become intersession for my community, for my state, for my nation, for my world.
Look in the mirror…and remember…prayer begins with you!
Third - Protecting marriage begins with vigilance – YOUR vigilance!
Oh people, you are here today because you care about marriage….and you should. It is so very important.
But if you truly had any idea of the decisions that are made every day of every legislative session in this very building…and how those decisions affect every facet of your lives – of your faith, your freedom, your homes, your children, your work, your property – you would be so much more attentive…and informed…and engaged…and involved in who is elected to represent you. You would be vigilant. It is your responsibility.
Marriage brought you hear today. By Gods grace may it be just the spark…that begins the flame…that builds a fire of you truly grasping what is at stake and what is your responsibility in government. It is your duty.
Look in the mirror….and remember…vigilance begins with you!
Fourth - Protecting marriage begins with doing something – YOU doing something!
Nothing will ever happen if we don’t do something.
I know you are busy. I know you have other obligations and responsibilities in your life, but by God’s grace and in His strength we must… each one of us…stand and speak Truth to the issues of our day. And work…work very hard to build a voice for Truth in our culture!
I have been working in Olympia on issues for a long time now – for over 25 year I have been engaged as a citizen in political action, and I’m going to be honest, it’s not easy. And sometimes I just get weary…and sometimes it all just feel too big, and too hard.
But I can’t let my mind go there, not for even one moment I can’t…because there is truth – God’s truth – that is at stake. And I know with everything in me that when God’s truth is not upheld in the laws of a nation it hurts everyone. But when God’s truth is affirmed, and respected, and upheld in law it blessed every person…it blesses every culture….every time.
And because I know that, I have no choice but to speak, and stand, and act, and press on! This is God’s call on my life as a believer. It is your call.
So when Truth is challenged don’t look around for someone to do something.
Look in the mirror….and remember…doing something begins with you.
I want to leave you with a promise from Scripture – a great a precious promise. A sure Word…because God said it: “I am with you!”
If there is nothing else you leave here with today I hope it is that promise that settles on your heart and in your mind. God is with us.
And may He bless every effort to defend marriage in Washington State…for His Glory.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Leading in Self-Inflicted Wounds
Governor Chris Gregoire made a rare appearance testifying before a state legislative committee in Olympia yesterday urging them to pass a state Cap and Trade bill.
She asserted that Washington needs to lead in shaping a cap-and-trade program.
The bill that was passed last week by Democrats in the State Senate was not strong enough, according to Gregoire, so she urged the House committee "to strengthen the bill by limiting the amount of pollution industries can emit, and by continuing to work with a regional initiative to curb global-warming pollution." - Seattle Times
The reality of a Cap and Trade bill would be very different from what Governor and Democrats will describe to you.
The reality is it's an enormous energy tax that will hit everyone at every economic level.
It will further cripple businesses. And, since China and India have no interest in participating, it will amount to a huge self-inflicted wound on our ability to be competitive.
The Chronicle made that point in their op-ed State Economy Doesn't Need Cap-and-Trade stating:
"Cap & Trade legislation will increase the cost of energy and put our state's businesses at a competitive disadvantage when attempting to retain or attract jobs with states that do not have cap-and-trade regulations.
In light of today's economic environment and the need for jobs in this state, this legislative session is clearly not the time to be the leader on cap-and-trade."
The only thing Cap and Trade is leading in is insanity.
She asserted that Washington needs to lead in shaping a cap-and-trade program.
The bill that was passed last week by Democrats in the State Senate was not strong enough, according to Gregoire, so she urged the House committee "to strengthen the bill by limiting the amount of pollution industries can emit, and by continuing to work with a regional initiative to curb global-warming pollution." - Seattle Times
The reality of a Cap and Trade bill would be very different from what Governor and Democrats will describe to you.
The reality is it's an enormous energy tax that will hit everyone at every economic level.
It will further cripple businesses. And, since China and India have no interest in participating, it will amount to a huge self-inflicted wound on our ability to be competitive.
The Chronicle made that point in their op-ed State Economy Doesn't Need Cap-and-Trade stating:
"Cap & Trade legislation will increase the cost of energy and put our state's businesses at a competitive disadvantage when attempting to retain or attract jobs with states that do not have cap-and-trade regulations.
In light of today's economic environment and the need for jobs in this state, this legislative session is clearly not the time to be the leader on cap-and-trade."
The only thing Cap and Trade is leading in is insanity.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
The Obama Budget Disaster
According to Congressman Joe Jordan (R-OH) the Obama budget does five things:
1) It raises taxes
2) It greatly increases spending
3) It greatly furthers forced unionization (”card-check”)
4) It nationalizes health care
5) It imposes an expensive and disastrous “cap-and-trade” scheme
Any of these alone would be bad, all five together are disastrous...and trying to push them through in the middle of a recession only makes it all that much worse.
1) It raises taxes
2) It greatly increases spending
3) It greatly furthers forced unionization (”card-check”)
4) It nationalizes health care
5) It imposes an expensive and disastrous “cap-and-trade” scheme
Any of these alone would be bad, all five together are disastrous...and trying to push them through in the middle of a recession only makes it all that much worse.
Tax At Your Own Peril
Democrats are hearing that you will "accept" their plan to tax you more.
Chris Grygiel's blog in the P.I. reports the following:
An $8 billion state budget deficit has left lawmakers with two unattractive options - cut programs or raise taxes.
A new Elway Poll suggests at least 50 percent of voters would favor - or "accept with reservations" - five of seven tax increases being discussed in Olympia.
According to the survey:
Seventy-eight percent would accept an increase in the cigarette tax.
Sixty-one percent would be OK with a temporary increase on the state sales tax by one cent for two years.
Fifty-four percent would accept a tax on Internet downloads.
Fifty-one percent would accept an increase in the sales tax to pay for reducing public school class sizes.
Fifty-one percent would accept a hike in the car tab tax to pay for transportation improvements.
Only two proposals didn't see majority "acceptance" : a plan to extend the sales tax to professional services like doctors and architects and a proposed increase in the state's controversial business and occupation tax.
The survey of 405 registered voters was conducted March 7-9 and has a margin of error of 5 percent.
Chris Grygiel's blog in the P.I. reports the following:
An $8 billion state budget deficit has left lawmakers with two unattractive options - cut programs or raise taxes.
A new Elway Poll suggests at least 50 percent of voters would favor - or "accept with reservations" - five of seven tax increases being discussed in Olympia.
According to the survey:
Seventy-eight percent would accept an increase in the cigarette tax.
Sixty-one percent would be OK with a temporary increase on the state sales tax by one cent for two years.
Fifty-four percent would accept a tax on Internet downloads.
Fifty-one percent would accept an increase in the sales tax to pay for reducing public school class sizes.
Fifty-one percent would accept a hike in the car tab tax to pay for transportation improvements.
Only two proposals didn't see majority "acceptance" : a plan to extend the sales tax to professional services like doctors and architects and a proposed increase in the state's controversial business and occupation tax.
The survey of 405 registered voters was conducted March 7-9 and has a margin of error of 5 percent.
There had better be another plan because citizens are furious that the Democrat controlled legislature's only plan for the huge budget deficit they created is to take more money from you through taxes.
Be warned: a revolt is brewing among the people and you will tax us at your own peril.
Dodd's Dirty Little Secret
After personally adding an amendment to the $787 billion stimulus bill allowing AIG executives to receive millions of stimulus dollars in retention bonuses.Democrat Senator Chris Dodd has been caught and is now frantically trying to play the typical one-note game Democrats always play - tax 'em!
Oh, did I mention that Senator Dodd just happens to be AIG’s largest single recipient of campaign donations during the 2008 election - $103,100 -directly to Senator Dodd according to opensecrets.org.
Monday, March 16, 2009
State Senate Fast Tracks Cap & Trade
The WA State Senate version of Cap and Trade Bill E2SSB 5735 - reducing greenhouse gas emissions - will be heard in committee, tomorrow, Tuesday March 17th at 10:00 am.
Democrats are determined to pass this legislation to protect us from the myth of global warming, despite a gross lack of any credible scientific evidence.
What this legislation will do is further damage our struggling State economy.
We cannot afford this disastrous bill.
Democrats have it on a fast track and apparently plan to HEAR AND VOTE on it in the same committee session!
What's their rush? It seems the longer this bill is out there the more citizens hear about it and realize the damage it will do to businesses, jobs, homes and families.
They don't want to hear from you.
Please use your voice and the contact information below to raise a strong voice of opposition TODAY to committee members who will hear the bill tomorrow.
Ecology and Parks Committee: http://www.leg.wa.gov/House/Committees/EPAR/membersstaff.htm
E2SSB 5735 – Bill Text: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2009-10/Pdf/Bills/Senate%20Bills/5735-S2.E.pdf
Democrats are determined to pass this legislation to protect us from the myth of global warming, despite a gross lack of any credible scientific evidence.
What this legislation will do is further damage our struggling State economy.
We cannot afford this disastrous bill.
Democrats have it on a fast track and apparently plan to HEAR AND VOTE on it in the same committee session!
What's their rush? It seems the longer this bill is out there the more citizens hear about it and realize the damage it will do to businesses, jobs, homes and families.
They don't want to hear from you.
Please use your voice and the contact information below to raise a strong voice of opposition TODAY to committee members who will hear the bill tomorrow.
Ecology and Parks Committee: http://www.leg.wa.gov/House/Committees/EPAR/membersstaff.htm
E2SSB 5735 – Bill Text: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2009-10/Pdf/Bills/Senate%20Bills/5735-S2.E.pdf
What's the Difference?
Bernie Madoff is to billionaires as Barack Obama is to the rest of usWhat's the difference between what Madoff did and what Obama is doing, really?
We have a guy who ran a ponzi scheme that stole billions of dollars from people to fund who knows what.
Granted the American people elected him President, but compare what Barack Obama is doing to what Bernie Madoff did and I fail to see a substantial difference beyond Obama having a "mandate" from voters and Madoff not having one.
Both Madoff and Obama have put people out of work.
Both Madoff and Obama have destroyed the financial health of lots of people.
Both Madoff's and Obama's schemes have convoluted accounting schemes designed to obfuscate the criminal mismanagement of other people's money.
The difference is that Madoff did it to powerful billionaires who are now millionaires. Obama did it to the rest of us.
by Erick Erickson
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Creating And Funding Your Crisis
Taxpayer dependants – those who are paid with money other people work to earn – are trolling WA citizens to figure out just who to raise taxes on to fund their massive budget deficit.
The state hospital association, community clinics, Group Health, the Washington Education Association and SEIU each put up $20,000 in their search for approximately $2 billion in new taxes.
“All of us felt that the (state budget) cuts, without revenue, are so devastating, especially to health care and education, that it would be irresponsible, immoral and unconscionable not to consider whether to raise revenues,” revealed a spokesperson from the hospital association.
While they won’t share the polling data, they will say the results gathered over the past month suggest that the public has no idea how deep state budget cuts could go, and when told, voters seem willing to pay for some taxes to offset those cuts.
“People are aware that there’s a huge budget shortfall, but they don’t know what’s at risk. When they hear what’s at risk, they’re stunned.”
The coalition is also preparing a campaign to convince voters just how much they really want to support the planned tax hike.
The state hospital association, community clinics, Group Health, the Washington Education Association and SEIU each put up $20,000 in their search for approximately $2 billion in new taxes.
“All of us felt that the (state budget) cuts, without revenue, are so devastating, especially to health care and education, that it would be irresponsible, immoral and unconscionable not to consider whether to raise revenues,” revealed a spokesperson from the hospital association.
While they won’t share the polling data, they will say the results gathered over the past month suggest that the public has no idea how deep state budget cuts could go, and when told, voters seem willing to pay for some taxes to offset those cuts.
“People are aware that there’s a huge budget shortfall, but they don’t know what’s at risk. When they hear what’s at risk, they’re stunned.”
The coalition is also preparing a campaign to convince voters just how much they really want to support the planned tax hike.
Friday, March 13, 2009
We The People - The 9/12 Project
Over 140 energized patriots came out on a Friday afternoon to watch Glenn Beck's announcement on FOX of a new grassroots citizen effort called The 9/12 Project.In fact all across the United States citizens gathered in various venues. The web response to Becks announcement was so massive that their server collapsed.
I met people from all over my community who are concerned for our country and recognize that good never actually comes out of Washington DC but from God's Truth, and through a citizenry united by the core values and principles that made our country great.
I urge you to lend your voice to the cause of Truth and our great nation. May God Bless America!
Having It Both Ways
Our Senator Maria Cantwell voted in favor of an amendment offered up by Senator John McCain, R-Arizona, to strip the $410 billion omnibus appropriations bill of earmarks....and then voted in favor of the bill touting her own earmarks. Go figure.
Illusions of Hope
"It is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth -- and listen to the song of that syren, till she transforms us into beasts." -Patrick Henry
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
A Sad Day For Washington State
Just in from F&F……
Senate Bill 5688 Passes at 9:51 PM Tonight
This is a sad day for Washington State.
Standing against economic concerns, religious concerns, tradition and marriage itself, the Washington State Senate passed SB5688 at 9:51PM tonight, thus setting the stage for homosexual marriage in Washington State.
I cannot tell you how profoundly saddened I was, personally, as I watched the proceedings tonight.
Sen. Dan Swecker attempted to pass an amendment to send the matter to the people for a vote. The amendment was defeated. Sen. McDermott said, "No. We're elected to vote on behalf of the people."
Senators Swecker, Stevens, Roach, and Holmquist spoke in opposition to the bill pointing out this bill creates an equivalency to marriage.
I have included the roll call vote below. Please note how each senator voted tonight.
Also note that Senators King, Pflug, and Brandland abandoned their own party and voted against traditional marriage.
E2SSB 5688 Registered domestic partners Senate vote on 3rd Reading & Final Passage
Yeas: 30 Nays: 18 Absent: 0 Excused: 1
Voting Yea: Senators Berkey, Brandland, Brown, Eide, Fairley, Franklin, Fraser, Haugen, Hobbs, Jacobsen, Jarrett, Kastama, Kauffman, Keiser, Kilmer, King, Kline, Kohl-Welles, Marr, McAuliffe, McDermott, Murray, Oemig, Pflug, Prentice, Pridemore, Ranker, Regala, Rockefeller, and Tom
Voting Nay: Senators Becker, Benton, Carrell, Delvin, Hargrove, Hatfield, Hewitt, Holmquist, Honeyford, McCaslin, Morton, Roach, Schoesler, Sheldon, Shin, Stevens, Swecker, and Zarelli
Senate Bill 5688 Passes at 9:51 PM Tonight
This is a sad day for Washington State.
Standing against economic concerns, religious concerns, tradition and marriage itself, the Washington State Senate passed SB5688 at 9:51PM tonight, thus setting the stage for homosexual marriage in Washington State.
I cannot tell you how profoundly saddened I was, personally, as I watched the proceedings tonight.
Sen. Dan Swecker attempted to pass an amendment to send the matter to the people for a vote. The amendment was defeated. Sen. McDermott said, "No. We're elected to vote on behalf of the people."
Senators Swecker, Stevens, Roach, and Holmquist spoke in opposition to the bill pointing out this bill creates an equivalency to marriage.
I have included the roll call vote below. Please note how each senator voted tonight.
Also note that Senators King, Pflug, and Brandland abandoned their own party and voted against traditional marriage.
E2SSB 5688 Registered domestic partners Senate vote on 3rd Reading & Final Passage
Yeas: 30 Nays: 18 Absent: 0 Excused: 1
Voting Yea: Senators Berkey, Brandland, Brown, Eide, Fairley, Franklin, Fraser, Haugen, Hobbs, Jacobsen, Jarrett, Kastama, Kauffman, Keiser, Kilmer, King, Kline, Kohl-Welles, Marr, McAuliffe, McDermott, Murray, Oemig, Pflug, Prentice, Pridemore, Ranker, Regala, Rockefeller, and Tom
Voting Nay: Senators Becker, Benton, Carrell, Delvin, Hargrove, Hatfield, Hewitt, Holmquist, Honeyford, McCaslin, Morton, Roach, Schoesler, Sheldon, Shin, Stevens, Swecker, and Zarelli
Friday, February 27, 2009
Liberty: All The Stimulus We Need!
Across the nation today citizens gathered by the thousands to protest the massive Obama stimulus mess.
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