"Do not separate text from historical background. If you do, you will have perverted and subverted the Constitution, which can only end in a distorted, bastardized form of illegitimate government." ~ James Madison

July 4, 1776 Leave a comment

Categories: Uncategorized

Obama administration “IRS-gate”: News roundup and some very important highlights.

May 19, 2013 Leave a comment

Stand up and cheer these House Republicans

Posted by   Clinical Professor of Law, Cornell Law School, NY  Friday, May 17, 2013

I actually was proud of the job the House Republicans did given the time constraints.  They had some fight in them.  Hopefully they will keep it up for 3 1/2 more years.  Every. Single. Day.

I posted some videos at the earlier (IRS hearings) Live post, here’s some more…

Mike Kelly (PA-03)

Tom Reed (NY-23)(my Congressman in Ithaca!!!)

AUDIT TOGETHER NOW

Records  show two IRS offices independently targeted conservative training materials at  the same time … ‘IT’S SCARY. … A PRETTY BIG INVASION  OF PRIVACY,’ says Hawaiian activist probed by agency …

US | Patrick Howley
Hawaii

IRS  sued for improperly seizing the medical records of 10 million  Americans

US | Caroline May
Health Records
‘This is an action involving the corruption and  abuse of power by several Internal Revenue Service agents’
Politics | Caroline May
Obama IRS.JPEG
Ninety-four percent of contributions from tax  collector union went to Dems in 2012
profileDavidWebbShow AMERICAN FEDERATION OF GOVT EMPLOYEES POLITICAL DONATIONS Summary by Party fb.me/MyKlkrAG21 hours ago ·           

2012 PAC Contribution Data (records levels of partisan political spending) – Visit, click on “party split by cycle”

Contributions from this PAC to federal candidates (list recipients)                                                    (97% to Democrats, 2% to Republicans)

StLNetworkGuru American Federation of Govt Employees Is Union Dems PAC to generously donate to Democratic Party #TeaParty #tcot

Flashback: Schumer, Franken urged IRS to target tea party in  2012

By Andrew Zajac – May 12, 2013 12:04 PM ET Top U.S. Internal Revenue Service officials knew as early as June 2011 that agents were singling out groups promoting limited government for special attention, nine months [...]

Relatives of top CBS, ABC and CNN executives helping Obama on Benghazi!Relatives of top CBS, ABC and CNN executives helping Obama on Benghazi!

Also as you know, like the IRS scandal, a pre 2012 re-election issue that was suppressed and covered up…

Romney 2012.JPEGLawmaker:  Holder must probe leak of Romney tax returns

Politics | Alex Pappas – Idaho Republican Labrador wants to know how progressive groups and journos got tipped off during 2012 campaign
Politics | Alex Pappas
Harry Reid Mitt Romney Tax Returns
GOP: ‘We all wondered how Harry Reid had Mitt  Romney’s taxes’
Steve Miller
Politics | Alexis Levinson - Obama admin officials aware of investigation ahead of election

Lois Lerner, the senior IRS official at the center of the decision to target  tea party groups for burdensome tax scrutiny, signed paperwork granting  tax-exempt status to the Barack H. Obama Foundation, a shady charity headed by  the president’s half-brother that operated illegally for years.

According to the organization’s filings, Lerner approved the foundation’s tax  status within a month of filing, an unprecedented timeline that stands in stark  contrast to conservative organizations that have been waiting for more than  three years, in some cases, for approval.

Lerner also appears to have broken with the norms of tax-exemption approval  by granting retroactive tax-exempt status to Malik Obama’s organization.

IRS  head on targeting tea party: Claims ‘It is absolutely not illegal’

W. James Antle  III, Editor, The Daily Caller News Foundation
On that much, and only that much, David Axelrod is right!
On that much, and usually only that much, Scarborough is right!
Larry  Kudlow, Host, “The Kudlow Report”
It’s the only way to clean up the IRS rat’s  nest.
Steve  Stanek, Research Fellow, The Heartland Institute
This administration is definitely not the ‘most transparent  administration in history.’

They can’t help but to pile up cause Obama is worse, by far!

How Podesta helped lay the groundwork for the scandals  currently enveloping the White House.
Theo  Caldwell, Investor and Broadcaster
For decades, Americans have put up with the agency’s abuses.  Why don’t we scrap it altogether?
Shane  Krauser, Director, American Academy for Constitutional  Education
IRS officials took their time getting back to us and  requested very detailed information.
John  Samples, Director, The Cato Institute’s Center for  Representative Government
Campaign finance reformers have been calling on the IRS to  crack down on 501(c)(4) groups for years.
Lanny  Davis, Former Special Counsel to President Clinton
White House counsel Kathryn Ruemmler reportedly knew about  the IRS scandal before news broke, but kept it from the president.

Photo of Grover NorquistObama’s  Chicago-style IRS

Grover  Norquist, President, Americans for Tax Reform
Under President Obama, the Internal Revenue Service has been  transformed into a political weapon.
Politics | Caroline May
Tea party supporters cheer at the Tea Party Unity Rally ahead of the Republican National Convention, in Tampa, Florida. Robyn Beck/Getty Images.
‘It is even more frightening than we said’
Politics | Alex Pappas
Black Conservatives Holds Press Conf. To Defend Tea Party Movement
Chief strategist for TheTeaParty.net says  establishment reporters tainted by ‘casual, cordial’ relationship with President  Obama
DC Exclusives  | Mickey Kaus
Barack Obama
An idea so crazy it just might work
Politics | Caroline May
Obama in a tuxedo. AP Images.
Amid scandals, White House announces star-studded  East Room concert
Nero and his hollywood troops fiddle some more while Rome burns!
Politics | Jeff Poor
Columnist calls out president for his warning to  ‘Republicans not to make this into a political event’
US | Caroline May
abortion-anniversary.jpeg7-1280x960
Conservative law firm says its clients were  targeted
Daily Caller News  Foundation | Robby Soave
Elephants Brought Out To Remind Us Of Tax Deadline
‘I was so scared’
A Filmmaker on Obama’s Enemies List?

filmmaker051413May 14, 2013 – By: Cliff Kincaid Accuracy in Media The revelations about the IRS targeting voices opposed to Barack Obama’s political agenda came of no surprise to filmmaker Joel Gilbert. His private financial accounts were hacked into and the information used by a George Soros-linked journalist, Seth Rosenfeld, before the presidential election. Gilbert wants to know who provided [...]
The IRS Targeted Conservative Media

May 17, 2013 – By: Cliff Kincaid Accuracy in Media

irstargetedOf the IRS abuse cases that have recently come to light, the use of the IRS to enforce the defunct “Fairness Doctrine” on broadcasters is one of the most disturbing.

“I am alarmed by reports that suggest a federal official at the IRS instituting a de facto Fairness Doctrine,” National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) President & CEO Dr. Frank Wright said in a press release. Wright was referring to long-time Christian radio host Dr. James Dobson revealing that his organization had to submit sample radio programs to the IRS, and that an IRS agent indicated that his criticism of President Obama would prevent his ministry from getting a certain form of non-profit status.

A press release about the controversy was issued under the headline, “IRS Subjects Dr. James Dobson and Family Talk Action to Viewpoint Discrimination.”

In other words, Dobson’s views were singled out by the IRS because they were conservative, Christian, and critical of President Obama.

More…

Resigned IRS chief formerly ran non-profit section

May 17, 2013 – By: James Simpson Examiner.com

irs051713As Congressional Democrats scurry for cover in the wake of the growing scandal surrounding IRS harassment of tea party and conservative groups, President Obama announced on Wednesday that acting IRS chief, Steven T. Miller would resign. As with Benghazi and seemingly everything else these days, Obama claims to have known nothing about it. Too much time at the golf course no doubt.

But the dam is bursting on this story. Every day the number of affected groups grows as more and more is uncovered. Today it was revealed for example that the decades-old Leadership Institute was audited in 2011. To defend itself, the institute had to shell out over $50,000 in legal fees. Run by stalwart Reagan friend Morton Blackwell, the LI has an impeccable reputation. Of course the IRS found nothing.

During the recall of Wisconsin governor Scott Walker in 2012, a group called “Verify the Recall” hastily formed to check the 1 million recall petitions turned in at the last minute by union organizers. Working with True the Vote, this organization evaluated every one of those petitions in little more than a month. Other groups, including this writer, publicized their herculean efforts.

The IRS apparently didn’t like this. The North East Tarrant Texas Tea Party (NETTTP) never told the IRS they were working on the recall, yet IRS questioned them about their relationship with VTR. True the Vote’s Catherine Engelbrect said, “There is no explaining this away. It is a reprehensible abuse of power by the IRS to ask one organization for information about the activities of a separate organization while holding their non-profit status hostage.”

Similarly, in 2010, the IRS demanded that an Ohio group, the 1851 Center for Constitutional Law explain in detail its “involvement with the Tea Party.” The Center provides legal counsel to Ohioans whose constitutional rights have been aggrieved, including tea party organizations and individuals. While it ultimately received its tax-exempt status, the Center said that, “IRS harassment of liberty-oriented groups, and intent to root out “tea party” activities, even through non-tea party sources such as 1851, has been in full force for a minimum of three years.”

The list of offended parties grows daily, and while Congressional Democrats are puffing and strutting about this “outrage,” many of these same politicians demanded the IRS investigate tea party and other conservative groups. That paragon of virtue, Senator Carl Levin, repeatedly demanded that the IRS look into the tax-exempt status of conservative groups in the run up to the 2012 election. Meanwhile, Senator Max Baucus, called the scandal, “an outrageous abuse of power and a breach of the public’s trust.” But back in 2010, when his Finance Committee asked the IRS to examine conservative groups, he dismissed Republican objections as “groundless.”

IRS bureaucrats are being blamed for this scandal, but the fact is that bureaucrats do not engage in this kind of potentially criminal behavior unless forced to do so by political leaders. There is simply too much to lose and nothing to gain, regardless their political leanings.

When however, a bureaucrat is elevated to a political position, as was Steven Miller, things change. Then, he may feel more latitude to take liberties. Even then however, there must be some kind of signal. It may not have come from Obama directly, but there is little doubt that Democratic leaders were all on the same page.

Miller was a career IRS bureaucrat. Significantly, he was formerly commissioner of the Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division, which oversees licensing of tax-exempt organizations. Miller was the right man for the job. While not denying tax-exempt status outright, his division made it so difficult that many organizations quit. Those that stuck with it however, finally got their approvals, but for most, they came after the 2012 elections.

So this was the game all along. In 2010, Democrats got what former Florida Rep. Allen West called a “southern-fried butt whipping!” This was largely the result of effective Tea Party activism. Obama and the Democrats wanted to be sure there wasn’t a repeat performance in 2012. Through the corrupt and criminal use of the IRS, they got their way. These groups are now having no problem getting approvals. For once House Speaker John Boehner got it right: these people need jail!

Politics | Alexis Levinson
Rand Paul on the Senate floor. AP Photo.
‘These questions would have been considered out  of bounds a week ago’
Opinion | Jamie Weinstein
Internal Revenue Service
The IRS held up conservative groups’ applications  — and may have done much more
Politics | Josh Peterson
South Korea Obama.JPEG
Feds sought permission to spy on ’6,233 different  United States persons’
Politics | Alexis Levinson
Internal Revenue Service
Official describes how IRS planned to reveal news  of scandal
Politics | Jeff Poor
‘Everything is about politics. Everything is  about destroying your opponent’
Daily Caller News  Foundation | Michael Bastasch
David Vitter
GOP senator decries agency’s practices

Caption of the Day

May 17, 2013 Posted by Aurelius

Sums up the President’s excuse for Fast and Furious, Benghazi, the IRS, and bugging the AP:
FOR EVER MORE ON THE ISSUE, SEE:
 
Obama Watch: The IRS, The AP, Benghazi, and more. Scandals, more scandals, government run amok, and a President – worse than Nixon – who needs to go home (or maybe jail along with a few of his cronies)!


Obama Watch: The IRS, The AP, Benghazi, and more. Scandals, more scandals, government run amok, and a President – worse than Nixon – who needs to go home (or maybe jail along with a few of his cronies)!

What’s Right News – How Many Scandals Will It Take To Oust Obama? It’s like organized crime is running our federal government and the man at the helm is embroiled in several major scandals, and not just the ones in focus like Fast & Furious, the IRS, the AP, and Benghazi, no there are even more like those involving Obamacare, … Continue reading »

Categories: Federal Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Outrage of the day: New Rochelle, N.Y., No “Don’t Tread on Me” flag on public land.

April 29, 2013 Leave a comment

revolution dtomdtomdtomimagesCA5N7JIF

City: No “Don’t Tread on Me” flag on public land

April 26, 2013 JIM FITZGERALD, Associated Press (AP news researcher Monika Mathur in Washington contributed to this report.)

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. (AP) — A “Don’t Tread on Me” flag hoisted by veterans outside a city-owned armory has been ordered down because of complaints that the defiant symbol of the American Revolution is now associated with the tea party and makes an unwelcome political statement.

Veterans in New Rochelle, just north of New York City, are threatening to sue, and a prominent conservative law firm has taken up the case. Some residents are upset with city officials, and a small town 60 miles away has raised the flag — with its coiled snake and yellow field — in solidarity.

“They shouldn’t be able to tell us what flag we can fly,” said Peter Parente, president of New Rochelle’s United Veterans Memorial and Patriotic Association. “They don’t tell us what color flowers to put at the veterans’ graves.”

But City Manager Charles Strome said: “They can fly whatever flag they want at the VFW post, at their own homes, but anything displayed on public property has to be determined by the municipality. Anything that could be offensive to some people ought not to be on public property.”

Both sides agree that the veterans group had permission to take down a tattered American flag at the vacant New Rochelle Armory and replace it with a new one.

Parente said someone brought the “Don’t Tread on Me” flag, also known as the Gadsden flag, to a sunset ceremony on March 21 and the veterans decided to fly it, given the flag’s historic military connections.

Several flags bearing a rattlesnake and the slogan were used during the Revolution, according to the Naval History and Heritage Command website. The rattlesnake was a common symbol for the United States and its resistance to tyranny, and the first commander in chief of the Continental Navy used the Gadsden flag in 1776, it says.

Since at least 2008, the flag has been used as an unofficial symbol of the tea party, the loosely defined populist movement that supports reduced government spending, lower taxes and reducing the national debt.

The flag is often seen flying at tea party rallies and at tax protests and gun-rights rallies. In 2011, Arizona authorized a tea party license plate featuring an image of it.

The flag’s tea party association has prompted complaints in recent years. At the Gettysburg Museum & Visitor Center bookstore, a shopper objected to the National Park Service selling Gadsden flag shot glasses, mugs, magnets and pins. In Folly Beach, S.C., the mayor got complaints because the flag was on a crane at a bridge-repair project. A Bethel, Conn., selectman said residents complained when a private citizen raised the Gadsden flag along with other historic banners on public property.

Parente said raising the flag at the New Rochelle Armory had nothing to do with the tea party.

“No one mentioned it,” he said. “I don’t think anyone knew. There is no organized tea party in New Rochelle.”

Strome said he wasn’t aware of the tea party link either, “but we got a few complaints that it was affiliated.” He said he did his own research and concluded, “They’ve basically taken the flag and written tea party all over it.”

Strome said he told the veterans it would have to be removed. But after they presented him with information about the flag’s long history, he said he agreed to hold off until he could check with city council members.

“The majority preferred to have the flag come down,” he said, and city workers removed it a week after it went up.

At an April 9 council meeting, members voted 5-2 against putting the flag back up. It was a party-line vote with a Democratic majority.

Councilman Jared Rice said the flag now symbolizes “a brand of politics that’s very offensive to a lot of people in America and a lot of people in New Rochelle,” which is more than 60 percent Democratic.

After the vote, several residents, one almost in tears, spoke in support of the veterans. A woman said her grandfather, father and uncle were all veterans, and she told council members, “You have disrespected them by taking down the flag.”

Parente said the Thomas More Law Center in Ann Arbor, Mich., contacted him and offered legal support.

The center’s president and chief counsel, Richard Thompson, said Friday that the city has violated due process, equal protection and free speech. Unless the flag is raised again at the armory, “I expect it to go to federal court,” he said.

Thompson said the veterans didn’t have specific permission to raise the Gadsden flag, but they never needed specific permission to raise the Stars and Stripes on city property, either.

“They had, in our mind, the authority to put up the Gadsden flag, which is an American flag,” he said. The Gadsden flag is “a part of our history that the tea party cannot take away. It’s quintessential America.”

Karl Brabenec, supervisor of the Town of Deerpark in Orange County, said he was at a gun rights rally when he heard about the New Rochelle dispute.

His town put up a donated “Don’t Tread on Me” flag on April 15 and “it will probably fly there forever,” he said.

The whole episode is “a slap in the face of veterans,” Brabenec said. “This is a historical flag. It represents freedom and sacrifice.”

___

[The DTOM Flag is the Gadsden flag named after Colonel Gadsden a Revolutionary War Hero, was the 1st Marine Corp flag, and as shown above was adapted into the 1st Navy Jack. This is ridiculous and baffling as to certain public officials lack of historical knowledge, and even more ridiculous when historical knowledge is known yet disregarded. It matters not that the Tea Party uses the flag, in part, to symbolize their movement and ideals, to make a statement; unless these same folks want to bar the flying the the standard American flag too, cause after all we see many communist, socialist, and other subversive organizations flying it during their protests (like Occupy) or parades such as on May day in Democrat heavy cities like yours or most notably NYC.  This is surely an affront to Veterans, to all patriotic Americans, and to our history and heritage. We wish all the success as to actions being taken against those idiots who are taking this disrespectful action!]

Categories: Local, National Tags: , , , ,

Feb 23rd National Day of Resistance in defense of our 2A Rights! / Feb 28th The NYS Rifle-Pistol Association Lobby Day and Rally Albany / and Sign these NY Petitions!

February 20, 2013 Leave a comment

Sat., Feb 23rd – National Day of Resistance in defense of our 2A Rights!

ALL STATES, ALL COUNTIES, EVERYWHERE…

PRO-2A Rally Set For Sat., Chaut County, Frewsburg, NY!

  • Facebook Tell a friend / Share on Twitter
  •  Saturday, February 23, 2013 Noon-4:00 PM
  •  Frewsburg Blue Building, Station 2, Hazzard ST, Frewsburg, NY(map)
  • A gun appreciation rally will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday in the Frewsburg Blue Building, Station 2, Hazzard Street, Frewsburg. Guest speakers will include Andrew Goodell, New York state assemblyman; Jacqueline Chiarot, for U.S. Congressman Tom Reed; New York State Sen. Cathy Young’s representative; and Stephen Aldstadt of S.C.O.P.E. Inc. Tables will feature Rod and Gun clubs, Shooting groups, Veterans groups, Trapping organizations and Political action groups.

NEXT UP, FEB 28th~ Albany~ The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Lobby Day and Rally (SEE BELOW)

SIGN SEN. BONACIC’S PETITION TO OPPOSE RESTRICTIVE NEW GUN CONTROL MEASURES

SIGN SEN. MARCHIONE’S PETITION TO OPPOSE RESTRICTIVE NEW GUN CONTROL MEASURES

SIGN SENATOR LARKIN’S PETITION TO REPEAL AND REPLACE RESTRICTIVE NEW GUN CONTROL MEASURES

REPEAL CUOMO GUN LAWS / Sign Assemblyman DiPietro’s Petition

Last Updated on Sunday, 27 January 2013 13:18 | Written by Administrator

Keep The Date Open ~FEBRUARY 28, 2013~ Albany

The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Lobby Day and Rally

Click Here For More Information!

More supporters: RSVP and info here, on Facebook.

There a few seats left on the 2A Coalition of WNY’s bus — email Ashleigh at 2ACoalition@gmail.com or call (716)539-9092.  Alternately, SCOPE is providing bus transportation from all over the state – just contact SCOPE.

NYSRPA

Legal action against Cuomo gun law

Updated on Wednesday, 30 January 2013 10:35 | Written by Administrator

NYSRPA, in co-operation with the NRA, are having the Cuomo law reviewed by a highly qualified legal team.  We ask that no other 3rd party legal action be taken without prior consultation.  We realize that this law impacts a large number of people, but a proper legal review will take some time.  Involved in the lawsuit will be two of the  nations best 2nd Amendment attorneys.  This is a very  important proceeding and must be handled properly with the best lawyers.  We will not win without support from gun owners.  You can help either by joining/renewing your membership or making a online donation.

Please do not call or e-mail the office or directors asking for more information.  Any announcements on this issue will be published here on our website.  Thank you for your understanding.

New Class-Action Lawsuit — WE THE PEOPLE

WTPWe the People of New York Inc. invites us to join the lawsuit to strike down the NY SAFE Act, and to Petition the Legislature for violation of Article XIII of our NYS Constitution, which says ALL of us are members of the State Militia.

Simply click here:  http://wethepeopleofny.org/, then click on I AM IN!

Be sure and read how Switzerland has the lowest gun-related crime rate in the civilized world with zero terrorism, and how ammunition is actually supplied to the public by the Swiss government!  (Just click on the white buttoned tab on the lower right of the main photo)

“Our work in defense of the State and Federal Constitutions has always been rooted in the Rights of the People and the obligations of the Government under the last ten words of the First Amendment. Known as the accountability clause, those words guarantee the Right of the People to PEACEFULLY hold the Government accountable to the rest of the Constitution.”   - Bob Schulz, WTP

BREAKING: Sorry Andy, No Truce - We won’t be Bribed !!!

  • Cuomo Proposes Lowering Hunting, Fishing Fees, But Gun Enthusiasts Still Don’t Like Him NYSRPA February 21, 2013 Cuomo Proposes Lowering Hunting, Fishing Fees, But Gun Enthusiasts Still Don’t Like Him – Gov. Andrew Cuomo proposed streamlining the process of acquiring state hunting and fishing licenses and reducing their cost by 25 percent in a budgetary amendment on Wednesday. He called the current state licensing system “overly complex, burdensome and bizarre” and vow […]
  • Cuomo Seeks Truce With Sportsmen By Proposing Lower License Fees Mayor Graham February 21, 2013 It’s virtually unheard of for government to reduce a fee, so one wonders the reason behind Governor Cuomo’s across the board proposed cuts in hunting and fishing license fees. Mr. Cuomo made the proposal as part of amendments to his proposed budget. Since what goes up never goes down, I assume the license fees are an effort to reach out to […]

20 Counties say NO to NY SAFE Act!

Un-SafeAct_zpsd1ec6353Counties that have PASSED Resolutions to Oppose the SAFE Act: Cattaraugus, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Lewis, Livingston, Madison, Oneida, Orange, Orleans, Oswego, Putnam, Rensselaer, Schoharie, Tioga, Ulster, Warren, Washington, Wyoming, and Yates Get the most updated information on County Resolutions opposing the SAFE Act, those pending, and check out the map at www.ar15.com
Check out Towns, Law Enforcement Agencies and County Clerks list here: NY SAFE Resolutions

To view the larger map from AR15 and for links to all the passed and pending resolutions, click here.

Some of the latest news:

Counties Condemning NY SAFE Act February 20, 2013 – More counties will soon vote on resolutions and motions regarding the NY SAFE Act.

Niagara Co. Leg wants SAFE Act repealed February 19, 2013 The Niagara County Legislature took up the issue of the NY SAFE Act Tuesday night, and all 14 county lawmakers voted for a resolution calling on Albany to repeal the new gun law.

  • Niagara Legislature poised to urge repeal of state gun law February  18, 2013 LOCKPORT – The Niagara County Legislature may vote Tuesday to urge the State Legislature to repeal the expanded gun-control law that Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo signed Jan. 15.The Republican-controlled Legislature had several anti-gun-control resolutions on its agenda that night, but they were all sent to committee, as the State Legislature’s hurried passage of the […]
  • Niagara County Legislature Takes Up Gun Resolutions February 15, 2013 The Niagara County Legislature has three resolutions on this Tuesday’s agenda concerning the NY-SAFE Act. They are in opposition to the renewal of pistol permits every five years, the public access to the names and address of residents with NYS pistol permits and the third one is to oppose the law in its entirety. The complete agenda can be found here ( […]

Greene County lawmakers advance anti-SAFE resolution (with video, resolutions)

Published: Wednesday, February 20, 2013 By ARIEL ZANGLA Daily Freeman staff – Opposes the SAFE act as well as objects to the latest proposal in the Assembly regarding liability insurance calling it “nothing more than a back-door attempt to prohibit legal gun ownership in this state” !

Rockland County Revolution February 21, 2013 – Rockland Revolution – Hundreds of citizens who believe in the rights and tradition of gun ownership were pleasantly surprised at the results of Tuesday’s meeting of the Rockland County Legislature. Behind the bullish efforts of Republican Legislator Frank Sparaco and the parliamentary influence of Democratic Legislator Ilan Schoenberger, two significant res […]

Ulster Legislature votes to back repealing gun laws

By Michael Novinson Times Herald-Record – 02/20/13 – Two hours of comments as 1,000 attend!

Oswego County passes resolution calling for repeal of NY SAFE Act

By Ken Sturtz l ksturtz@syracuse.com The Post-Standard on February 14, 2013

Montgomery vote on SAFE resolution February 15, 2013 – The Montgomery Co. Board of Supervisors are planning to vote on a resolution opposing the NY SAFE ACT at their monthly meeting, February 26, 2013 at the Board of Supervisor chambers located in the DMV building at the county complex in Fonda. Meeting time is 6:00pm.

Wyoming Co. Lawmakers Rap SAFE Act - Pass resolution calling on NY State to repeal controversial gun laws

Suffolk County Legislature: To introduce a resolution calling for the repeal of the NY SAFE Act

Riga joins communities opposed to new gun laws – 02/20/13 – The town of Riga has joined a small but growing chorus of municipalities vocalizing opposition to the state’s new gun control law. Last week, the Riga Town Board voted 4 to 0 to adopt a resolution condemning the New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement (SAFE) Act of 2013. “The Riga Town Board does hereby oppose the enactment of any legislation that would infringe upon the right of the people to keep and bear arms and consider such laws to be unnecessary and beyond lawful legislative authority granted to our state representatives,” the resolution reads.

Oneota: Over 200 Attend Citizen Voices Meeting to Speak Out Against the NY SAFE Act – 02/20/13 – Over 200 hundred people attended the Tuesday evening Citizen Voices meeting at the Elks Club in Oneonta. They were there to voice their concerns with the NY SAFE Act gun law. There were numerous speakers including Tom King, president of the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association, Assemblymen Cliff Crouch and state senator James Seward.

If You Read Just One Civilian Disarmanent-Related Article Today, This is the One to Read

The Saratoga [NY] County Deputy Sheriff’s Police Benevolent Association’s letter to the New York pols who passed the so-called SAFE Act was sent January 24. It’s a must-read missive for anyone who cherishes their right to keep and bear arms. Or anyone who believes that the government of the United States should be by the people for the people, according to limits established by the Constitution.

Sheriff Tim Howard of Erie County and the PBA Lay it on the Line

To: The citizens of Erie CountyFrom: The Erie County Sheriff’s Police Benevolent Association.

“…..Our membership, like many citizens of New York are outraged at Governor  Cuomo’s unprecedented attack on our second amendment rights. Since 1977  three Erie County Sheriff’s Deputies have been murdered and three  wounded by gunfire in the line of duty. In addition two deputies have  been forced to use deadly force to defend themselves from lethal attack  by criminals.

There is a widespread misconception that law enforcement officers  favor additional restrictions on firearms ownership by law abiding  citizens. Nothing could be further from the truth. Rank and file police  officers see every day the aftermath of violent criminal attacks on  defenseless victims. The uniformed police officers paraded out as window dressing during the signing of these laws are simply lap dogs seeking  to further their own political ambitions.

The right of self-defense is an inherent right bestowed upon us by  our creator. It is not granted to us by elitist politicians like Andrew  Cuomo and Sheldon Silver to be denied when they see fit….” Read it all here
 SENATOR PATRICK M. GALLIVAN, Former State Trooper and Former Sheriff of Erie County Voted “NO” On Omnibus Gun Control Package.

Erie County Legislature calls for repeal of SAFE Act February 21, 2013 -By Denise Jewell Gee Erie County legislators have added their voices to a chorus of people across the state calling for the new state gun law to be repealed. The County Legislature voted, 7 to 4, on Thursday to approve a resolution calling on the state to repeal and revise the New York State SAFE Act of 2013 “in a manner that is respectful of the Second Amen […]

Western New Yorkers Part of Big Gun  Rally in Albany February 12, 2013 – Hundreds turnout at the State Capitol to protest the SAFE Act.

Gun meeting draws anger in Clarence

CLARENCE, N.Y. (WIVB) – In Clarence, tempers flared as gun-owners met with state officials to talk about the New York SAFE Act. Continue reading and watch the video here at WIVB.

Chautauqua County Legislature Committee Discusses NY SAFE Act - Legislators Look To Pass Motion To Repeal Act – February 21, 2013 The Post-Journal – MAYVILLE – A controversial New York state law is causing some conversation within the County Legislature. The Public Safety Committee discussed the NY SAFE Act during its Wednesday meeting. Legislators Fred Croscut, R-Sherman, and Robert Stewart, R-Ellington, submitted to the legislature a motion calling for the repeal of the act…

  • Chautauqua County Legislators pushing for repeal of SAFE Act - 2/15/2013 1:13:19 PM Two members of the Chautauqua County Legislature would like to see legislators back a motion that would urge state lawmakers to repeal tougher gun laws that were recently enacted in New York State. Legislators Fred Croscut and Robert Stewart have sponsored the measure that will be taken up by the County Legislature’s public safety committee next week. Croscut recently attended a meeting of the New York Association of Counties. He says a number of groups are pushing to have the law repealed. [Croscut- A number of groups want it repealed Download Audio File] Croscut says he is not opposed to all of the provisions included in the SAFE Act, but there are too many flaws. The Sherman Republican hopes to get the support of enough county legislators to pass the motion. (Read the Resolution here)

Cattaraugus County resolution opposing NY SAFE bill

Passed on February 13th unanimously. Cattaraugus Legislature Minutes 20130213 by Evan Hempel

NY SAFE Resolutions - Documenting County and Town resolutions on the NY SAFE act

Feb 20, 2013 ALBANY — More than two dozen counties and local governments have passed resolutions in opposition to New York’s gun-control law. Some call the law unconstitutional, some want a full repeal, and others raise concern about unfunded mandates that the law may produce. While the resolutions are ceremonial, local leaders said they want the message to get across to state officials that people are unhappy with the law.

Local leaders, mainly Republicans, said they were responding to the concerns of residents. On Tuesday night, about 1,000 residents attended an Ulster County Legislature meeting as lawmakers adopted a resolution opposed to the gun law signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Jan. 15. The Niagara County Legislature passed a similar resolution Tuesday.

“We hope it has influence,” said Wayne Speenburgh, chairman of the Greene County Legislature, which was expected to vote on its resolution Wednesday night. “Since I’ve been a legislator, and I’m in my 10th year, I’ve probably never seen the constituents on any subject more outraged than over this law.”

Monroe County Legislature chairman Jeff Adair said he’s received calls and emails from residents and groups urging the county to take a stand against the law. He said one would likely be considered at the legislature’s next meeting on March 12.

Last week, the Riga Town Board and Orleans County Legislature both adopted resolutions condemning the SAFE Act.

The third rally to oppose the law is planned for Thursday, Feb. 28, at the Capitol. Organizers said they are bringing busloads of thousands of gun-rights supporters to Albany for the event. Local leaders said the push for resolutions in opposition to the gun law hasn’t come from one particular group. While some counties have consulted with one another about how to craft the resolutions, there isn’t one specific template that they are all using — though many are similar.

The resolutions in Ulster and Wyoming counties run four to five pages and both say, “This legislation effectively turns countless New York State law-abiding gun owners into criminals.” “This gun law was poorly drafted, it was poorly passed. It really does need a lot of fixes,” said Ulster County Legislature chairwoman Terry Bernardo.

A Livingston County resolution was one page and states, “The law’s definition of assault weapons is too broad, and prevents the possession of many weapons that are legitimately used for hunting, target shooting and self defense.” Livingston County Administrator Ian Coyle said county officials were also concerned about the added local cost to enforce the law.

Rockland County passed a resolution Tuesday in opposition to the law, and Tioga County recently passed one.

Dutchess County said it, like Monroe, is considering a resolution. “It’s important to so many people that we need to discuss it,” said Robert Rolison, the Dutchess County Legislature chairman.

“It’s got grass-roots. There’s no overarching group pushing this,” said Evan Hempel, a Town Board member in Clermont, Columbia County, who is keeping track of ALL the resolutions on a website, www.nysaferesolutions.com.

02/05/13 New York State Association of County Clerks Opposes portions of the NYSAFE ACT Click here to read the PDF

01/31/13 A Letter From The Special Forces Community Concerning The Second Amendment Click here to read the article

01/30/13 Cuomo’s Approval Rating Plummets Click here to read the article

01/25/13 NYS Sheriff´s Association Response to NY SAFE Act Click here to read the article

2/19/2013  There’s plenty of confusion about the process for current pistol permit holders who want to have their names and addresses removed from the public record under the state’s new SAFE Act …read more

On the mental health aspects of the bills, also problematic: Advocates voice concern over gun law - WIVB February 13, 2013 – The NY SAFE Act requires mental health professionals to report the names of potentially dangerous patients to authorities. But some are concerned the new law threatens the rights of the mentally ill, who advocates argue could be stereotyped.

Hearing on state gun-control law brings variety of objections - Buffalo News – Objections at hearing cite aspect of breaching code on mental health: “This was very hastily prepared and not robustly considered legislation as it could have been from many dimensions,” said Kenneth P. Houseknecht, executive director of the Erie County Mental Health Association. Mental health advocates expressed concern over the legislation’s less publicized provisions, such as requiring doctors and counselors to report potentially violent clients to the state. That’s a serious breach of doctor-patient confidentiality, they said.

Hooray!  6 gun companies refuse sales to NY govt agencies that restrict lawful gun ownership

Bravo to our neighbors: Pennsylvania Police Chief looks to build a reserve force to resist federal authorities

Impeach Andrew Cuomo

 Patriot@impeachandrewcuomo.com

On January 15th, 2013, Governor Andrew Cuomo dealt a major blow to your second amendment rights. His new firearms bill will cost the state millions in new registration databases and enforcement, cost dealers thousands in absurd record keeping and make you a criminal for possessing the same firearms you owned legally on January 14th, 2013. All of these additional costs will burden the consumer and the tax payer. The new law will do nothing to curb gun violence or stop a mass murder. But those who voted for it and the Governor do not care; they don´t want you to own firearms PERIOD. Not only does this measure trample the very Constitution he swore to uphold, but it was rushed through in the middle of the night. The bill was not released to the public before it was voted on and Cuomo waived the mandatory three day cooling off period before forcing a vote. He is a treasonous tyrant who is out of control. Sign the petition to impeach this man and restore our once great State from the top down.

Sat., Feb 23rd – National Day of Resistance in defense of our 2A Rights!

Uncle Sam 22nd Amendment Coalition
PO Box 204
Grand Island, NY  14072
Tel: (716) 539-9092
Email:  2ACoalition@gmail.com
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Hudson Valley Americans for Freedom  http://www.meetup.com…
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Monroe County Patriots
Contact: Jeddy at jeddytranquill@aol.com — 585 230 9303

Turn Albany Upside Down of Broome County

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DOWNSTATE: Conservative Society for Action

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WE THE PEOPLE OF NEW YORK INC.
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SCOPE / NYSRPA / NRA / Sons of Liberty Riders / Oathkeepers / ar15.com / 2ACWNY / Unite for Our Rights in Albany

TOWNS
Town of Colden / Town of Deerpark / Town of Hoosick / Town of Shandaken / Town of Union Vale
LAW ENFORCEMENT
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COUNTY CLERKS
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Declaration To Defy The NY SAFE Act Of 2013: Excellent Letter to the Editor

Feb 4, 2013 – New York –(Ammoland.com)- We the People of New York State, that is, the natural persons lawfully residing within this state, do hereby order and direct, The governor and the senate to immediately repeal the NY SAFE act of 2013. This is not a request or a demand, but an order and directive, as it is unlawful, null and void, being in direct opposition to the Second Amendment of the Constitution of the United States, and in violation of New York Civil Rights – Article 2 – § 4. This is the will of the people, and as you are our duly appointed representatives, you will see to it that our will is carried out. The RIGHT to keep and bear arms is the RIGHT of all the people. This RIGHT is not subject to registration. Registration means surrendering our lawful RIGHT in exchange for permission, which may or may not be granted, or can be taken away, at the behest of the magistrate. This goes beyond infringement or diminishing our RIGHT. It is direct violation of the very principle upon which this RIGHT was declared in our constitution. Our founding fathers came from a European tradition in which only the nobility and chivalry had the right to keep and bear arms, and the peasantry had no such rights, but may be awarded the privilege if his lord saw fit. Our nation was founded upon the principle that We the People are the sovereign kings and queens of this land, and as such all people are as nobles, that there shall be no peasants, and you, duly appointed representatives, are charged with the task of carrying out our will. So the principle of the right to keep and bear arms predates the advent of the firearm, let alone the semi-auto-loading types, and this principle does not change with the emergence of new technology. Continue reading at Ammoland.com

Categories: Federal, Local, State

Stop the “DEFENSIVE Weapons Ban”, Today’s Quote, Related, Immigration issues, more, and a bit of humor.

February 19, 2013 Leave a comment

Gun-ban-banner<!– –>

      “Liberty is a word which, according as it is used, comprehends the most good and the most evil of any in the world. Justly understood it is sacred next to those which we appropriate in divine adoration; but in the mouths of some it means anything, which enervate a necessary government; excite a jealousy of the rulers who are our own choice, and keep society in confusion for want of a power sufficiently concentered to promote good.”–Oliver Ellsworth, A Landholder, No. III, 1787
Visit Patriot Headline Report For News That Matters MostRead The Right Opinion The Web's Best ColumnistsView Grassroots Commentary Strictly Outside the Beltway

A Big Win for 2A

February 25, 2013

2013-02-25-brief-thumbnail      The Seventh Circuit Court delivered a big win for Liberty in upholding a panel ruling that Illinois must adopt a concealed carry law, per the Second Amendment. We also cover the sequester, Head Start, defense spending, the Middle East and some sarcastic worry about what would happen if we ever elected a bad president.

Guns and Choices

By Cameron S. Schaeffer

February 13, 2013

      I was in surgery when the first Columbine victims arrived in our emergency room. As I was working to improve one child’s life, my friends were downstairs trying to save others — one cracking a chest and another tending a girl whose breast had been partially blown off by a shotgun. Trust me; I get it. … Trashing our individual constitutional rights is not the answer to mass shootings.

‘There Oughta Be a Law’

February 22, 2013

2013-02-22-digest-thumbnail      The Justice Department released an interesting analysis of federal gun ban proposals and why they wouldn’t work — unless they were even worse. The states are pressing the issue, too. Meanwhile, more on the sequester, immigration, drones, energy, brain research and Joe Biden’s best worst advice.

So Do You Really Need an AR-15?

By Scott Treichler February 12, 2013

      The liberal argument to ban these or any weapons is based on two and only two arguments. First argument is that “no one really needs a rifle like the AR-15.” The second is that “for the safety and common good, it is necessary to remove the right to own a weapon with military type features or a magazine that holds more than 10 rounds.” So let me make something perfectly clear: At no time are we required to justify our “need” of anything to the federal government.

The 2nd Amendment: A Historical Military Perspective

          By Kirk D. Smith ·      February 13, 2013

The moment the news broke of the mass murder in Connecticut I immediately felt the evil done tearing at my heart for those lost children and adults.

Predictably just like Pavlov’s dog, the gun controllers started salivating for more control. For the record, the shooter, whose name I refuse to memorialize, violated a number of the some 20,000 gun laws on the books! One more law or ban will not stop a future attack.

Personally, I find the left demanding we give up on a God given right to keep and bear arms so as to protect the children rather hypocritical! You see, they lament the gun deaths of a mass murderer but ignore the government sanctioned mass murder at our nation’s abortion clinics that claim millions of the most defenseless lives!

Nor is there any outcry or concern in the national media about the government’s abuse through Operation Fast and Furious killing upwards of three hundred Mexicans, two federal law enforcement officers and two dozen Arizonians! Hypocrites!

For the historically challenged, let us begin with the Second Amendment:

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Now, take the word Arms, as defined by the 1768 Military Dictionary (please note the 18th Century spelling):

Arms are all sorts of weapons used in offence or defence; such as sword, hanger, espontoon, bayonet, firelock, carabine and pistol.

Notice there is no reference to rifles or fowling pieces as they are not military Arms.

In the 18th century, the primary weapon of the American colonists was the .75 caliber smooth bore firelock (musket). At the time the firelock was the state of the art, rapid-fire weapon used by the British Army and the American militias.

The firelock was the rapid fire weapon of the era and in the hands of a well trained soldier fired 3-5 times a minute. On the other hand, the more accurate rifle took anywhere from 1 1/2 to 2 minutes to reload one round! Although the firelock was a rapid fire weapon, the smooth bore barrel made the firelock inaccurate. It was the volume of fire on the 18th century battlefield that made the firelock an effective weapon.

The military strategy of that era used Linear Tactics. Linear tactics had armies massing, shoulder to shoulder, and facing each other on the 18th century battlefield. Each opposing army would fire volleys, move closer, and fire additional volleys, until the officer determines the opportune moment to conduct the final assault.

He would order Fix Bayonets! Once the bayonet is affixed to the firelock, it becomes an Arm, and it is a very effective Arm in the final bayonet assault! My does that not sound closely like a military style assault weapon thoroughly demonized by our progressive comrades in Congress and our local progressive leaders?

Let us not to forget, the national disinformation bureaus (media) have effectively demonized a firearm that is rightly guaranteed by our Bill of Rights! For those hunters who have fallen victim to the demonization of a certain class of firearms, do not worry. The anti-freedom advocates now identify your shotgun as a weapon of mass destruction and that Remington 700, .243 deer rifle with scope as a high powered sniper rifle. What other freedom would you like to lose?

For those of you, who want to ban a God given right, ask yourself the following question; Why hasn’t 20,000 gun laws on the books prevented this mass murder? I blame the American Civil Liberties Union whose long march against the Christian faith at each level of our public lives. Their legal actions have effectively taken out the Ten Commandments, diminished the value of life, and destroyed the moral foundations of this nation. Perhaps we should ban the A.C.L.U.’s influence as they promote an evil secular world view?

The No Firearms Allowed signs posted on a number of our gun free zones do nothing but guarantee a mass murdering maniacal maniac a safe working environment! The first thing we need to do is take down those signs and post signs warning that criminals face deadly force in order to protect our children! Then I would create a cadre of teachers who would be trained, qualified to carry concealed, and armed with frangible bullets, much like our federal Air Marshal program. That would ensure the protection of our children and at a much lower cost.

There is an old military adage that states, fight like weapon with like or better weapon. Another law will do absolutely nothing but restrict the law abiding from protecting their lives, their liberties, and their property!

As always, I shall remain, In Search of Our GOD Given Liberties!

It Can Happen to America

February 11, 2013

  Also today, of course, the Second Amendment.

February  8, 2013

2013-02-05-humor-thumbnail      “Non compos mentis” is Latin for “not of sound mind,” which perfectly describes the Left on guns. We count some of the examples. Also, more on the sequester, the rising costs of ObamaCare, Post Office cutbacks, Obama’s drone policy and a Super Bowl power outage brought to you by green energy.
Obama: Shooting All the Time -  The White House released a photograph that they claim depicts President Obama skeet shooting at Camp David. They warned the internet not to alter it, which is basically like demanding that an alcoholic ignore a free bar.

By Mark Alexander January 31, 2013

2013-01-31-alexander-thumbnail      The Obama/Feinstein legislative assault on defensive weapons was formally introduced into the Senate this week, albeit without the bold registration requirements that Feinstein originally proposed. But the gun confiscators have no intention of relinquishing momentum they shamefully constructed on the caskets of children.

February  1, 2013

2013-02-01-digest-thumbnail      Immigration reform is afoot once again, but beware of the same old scenario: Charlie Brown, Lucy, football. Also, negative GDP growth and unemployment stagnation, Obama’s recess appointments struck down, Kerry and Hagel face the Senate and why peanut butter and jelly is now racist.
2013-01-30-chronicle-thumbnail      Eight senators released the outline of immigration reform Monday and Barack Obama flew to Las Vegas Tuesday to follow suit. The trouble is, he and the Democrats don’t really want reform, they want it to remain an issue with which to bludgeon Republicans. Also today we have thoughts on the Second Amendment and Liberty in general, the drop in GDP, abortion and global warming.

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The Patriot Post‘s mission is to advocate for Essential Liberty, the restoration of constitutional limits on government and the judiciary, and to promote free enterprise, national defense and traditional American values. Our objective is to provide Patriots across our nation with a touchstone of First Principles through brief, informative and entertaining analyses of relevant news, policy and opinion from reputable research, advocacy and media organizations, so they may better support and defend those Principles, and enlist others to join our ranks.”

—Mark Alexander, Publisher
And we’ll end today with a little humor cause it’s better to have a laugh than a stroke!

2013-02-19-humor-4
2013-02-19-humor-3

2013-02-19-humor-5This Week’s Non Compos Mentis Award Winner (oh please shut up!)

“We avow the First Amendment. We stand with that and say that people have a right to have a gun to protect themselves in their homes and their jobs, where ever, and…for recreation for hunting and the rest. So we’re not questioning their right to do that.” –Democrat House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, on the “First Amendment” right for protection in homes and hunting.
Memo to Nan: That would be the Second Amendment and the protection in question would be against a government which no longer comports to Constitutional restraints.
Categories: Federal, National Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

SOTU round up

February 14, 2013 Leave a comment

Rand Paul #SOTU speech

 Posted by                Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 9:31am

Just like the Rubio speech, a very good job.

Unfortunately, I could not find it on a channel last night, so I didn’t see it until this morning.

You’ve just watched the man who might well be our next President, and if so we shall be the better for it !

Bill Whittle – Virtual Inaugural Address

Nineteen minutes of brilliance!

Heritage’s DeMint: Nation Can’t Afford Obama’s ‘Wish List’

In his first Newsmax TV interview since leaving Congress to lead the Heritage Foundation, former Sen. Jim DeMint said that Americans are smart enough to know that President Barack Obama’s State of the Union speech was nothing more “than a wish list that we can’t afford and that the president can’t get done.” [Full Story]
Related Stories

Uncompromising Obama Calls for Billions in New Spending, Minimum Wage Hike

An uncompromising and politically emboldened President Barack Obama sketched an ambitious and very liberal second-term agenda in his State of the Union speech on Tuesday, challenging a divided Congress to back his proposals to create middle-class jobs and overhaul gun and immigration laws. [Full Story]

Text of Obama’s State of the Union Address

Preview
For new U.S. senators, the drill typically goes something like this: Keep [Full Story]
John Stossel Consumer Corner
Richard Rahn Global Economic Warrior
Forbes magazine editor and former presidential candidate Steve Forbes tells [Full Story]
The Federal Reserve’s massive easing program has been a disaster, says Steve Forbes, chairman of Forbes Media. [Full Story]

The schizophrenic State of the  Union

President Obama  presented a muddled vision of the nation on Tuesday night

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS    Wednesday, February 13, 2013

U.S. President Barack Obama (C), flanked by Vice President Joe Biden (L) and House Speaker John Boehner (D-OH), delivers his State of the Union speech on Capitol Hill in Washington, February 12, 2013. REUTERS/Charles Dharapak/Pool (UNITED STATES - Tags: POLITICS) Much was made of the “aggressive tone” President  Obama would supposedly strike in the days leading up to his State of the  Union speech. Glenn Thrush, in Politico, for one, predicted it would be “less a  presidential olive branch than a congressional cattle prod.”

And in the minutes after, Republican congressional leaders and conservative  media outlets were agreeing. I talked to Sen. Mike Lee, for example, who called  it both “aggressive” and “offensive.” It wasn’t the tone, but the message — or messages — that struck me most.  There were many, and they were downright schizophrenic.

Had conservatives closed their eyes, they might have been able, in fact, to  picture some of the language reverberating from the grave of conservative  thinker F.A. Hayek or out of the mouths of his modern-day equivalents in the Tea  Party.

Obama made a consistent effort to call for leaner, smarter, smaller  government, as well as for reforms that would make overweening bureaucracy less  complicated. He seemed to be signaling a step back from the big government  messages of his presidential campaign and away from the rhetoric that maligned  individual success.

“It’s not a bigger government we need,” he said, nearly channeling Rep. Paul  Ryan, “but a smarter government that sets priorities and invests in broad-based  growth.” “The American people don’t expect government to solve every problem,” he  said, seemingly discarding the “you didn’t build that” mantra that carried him  through the election. He called for a less complicated tax code, with fewer forms and burdens on  small business owners. He asked that we streamline refinancing for homeowners, getting rid of “overlapping regulations.” And he admitted that real immigration reform means fixing the broken,  out-of-control, counter-productive immigration process to reduce  bureaucracy.

For a guy who added thousands of new IRS agents just to implement and  enforce Obamacare, this stuff was sounding downright ascetic.

Maybe this was a response to recent polling on the subject. Politico’s exit polling after the election found that 53% of those surveyed  said “the government is doing too many things better left to businesses and  individuals,” a figure that had risen 10 points since the 2008 election. And according to a January Rasmussen poll, 62% prefer a smaller government  with fewer services and lower taxes.

But if that was free-market music to spendthrift conservatives’ ears, the  policies he proposed, vague though they were, sure didn’t come out of anything  Milton Friedman would have written. There was the call for Congress — yes, that Congress — to somehow create a  network of “manufacturing hubs” that will partner with not one but two big,  bureaucratic government agencies, the Departments of Defense and Energy. There was the proposal for something called an Energy Security Trust to,  apparently, find other ways to power an automobile besides oil and gas.

There was the promise to use federal money to help states help homeowners  cut their energy use in half, and federal incentives to send every child to  preschool and every teenager to college affordably. There was raising the federal minimum wage and passing the Violence Against  Women Act, legislation that spends more money to criminalize something that’s  already illegal in all 50 states.

These are hardly small, “smart” government solutions to our problems, nor  are they inexpensive. The President did not detail exactly how all of these new “hubs” and “trusts” and federal programs would be paid for. No one who’s had the pleasure of watching a State of the Union address  expects specifics in these things, but one might expect some consistency in the  message. We got neither, this time.

But I’m happy to give Obama the benefit of the doubt, and take him at his  word. If the President truly does have a newfound interest in lean, efficient  government, I know some conservatives in Congress who are eager to educate him  on the subject.

Fact check on Obama’s State of the  Union address

Published February 13, 2013 Associated  Press

WASHINGTON –  President Barack Obama did  some cherry-picking Tuesday night in defense of his record on jobs and laid out  a conditional path to citizenship for illegal immigrants that may be less  onerous than he made it sound…

Obama Presses for New Spending But Republicans See More ‘Stimulus’

    Liberal media lavish praise on Obama but mercilessly mock Rubio’s water  break 

    Marco Rubio got it right in his response to Obama

    Rubio trumps Obama as both men offer competing visions of America’s  future

Can Obama Keep His Promises?

Sen. Ted Cruz responds to State of the Union

Obama’s  ‘gauntlet’ versus Rubio’s GOP

Krauthammer: Obama using SOTU speech  to ‘crush Republicans’

Can  President Obama keep promises on deficit…

The Obama legacy – it doesn’t look promising

We can’t balance America’s books on  the backs of our wounded warriors

By  Published February 13, 2013

Categories: Federal, National Tags: ,

The State of the Union in One Chart and a few more things… (such as a word about President Reagan, and Obama you are no Reagan!)

February 14, 2013 Leave a comment

Obama’s State of the Union

February 13, 2013 PDF

2013-02-13-chronicle-thumbnail
      We excerpt the lowlights of last night’s State of the Union address. To sum it up, Obama said that government can’t solve every problem, and then he proceeded to offer a government “solution” to every problem. Plus other Democrats on guns and which amendment guarantees that right, Chris Dorner’s manifesto and what’s to blame for the asteroid passing near earth…

About Those Bear Arms…

February 12, 2013

2012-02-12-humor-thumbnail      This old joke bears repeating, inanimate objects, a lesson from history, Obama’s hypocrisy, when life begins, free suppositories, capitalism, and cartoons!
Small

It Can Happen to America

February 11, 2013

2013-02-11-brief-thumbnail
      Dr. Benjamin Carson spoke at the National Prayer Breakfast, and explained how important education is for the future of America. Also today, the latest contraception mandate “compromise,” Chuck Hagel’s nomination as defense secretary, and, of course, the Second Amendment.
2013-02-06-chronicle-thumbnail
      Barack Obama and the NeoComs are again calling for tax hikes to pay for their massive government expansion. Also today, a look back at the 100th birthday of the income tax, analysis of immigration policy, and quoting the Left on guns, taxes and immigration…

Sequester Politics, Round Two

Will Republican ‘Leadership’ Bow to Obama?

By Mark Alexander February  7, 2013 PDF

2013-02-07-alexander-thumbnail      This week we honor the life of President Ronald Reagan, who inherited from his Democrat predecessor, Jimmy Carter, the last near-depression economy, and turned it into the largest economic expansion since World War II. It is no small irony that, in the same week, the current crop of Republican “leaders” in the House and Senate are preparing to roll over on the deferred “Fiscal Bluff” deadline…
Ronald Reagan’s BirthdayFebruary  6, 2013

2011-02-03-alexander-thumbnail      February 6th marks the anniversary of President Ronald Wilson Reagan’s birthday, a fitting occasion to honor the greatest president of the 20th century. The observance of this day provides a vital bond with our national heritage of Liberty, and those who have devoted their lives and fortunes to advance it. Long live the Reagan Revolution!

The State of the Union in One Chart

“In a world of liars, the truth starts here”

Wall Street Daily, Feb 14th, 2013 , Chief Investment Strategist

“So, together, we have cleared away the rubble of crisis, and we can say with renewed confidence that the state of our union is stronger.” - President Obama during Tuesday’s State of the Union address

I’m all for leaders inspiring optimism. But not when it entails lying to my face! Is the United States stronger from an economic standpoint? Compared to 2008, absolutely. Out of the woods and on solid footing? Not even close!

The President went on to say that there’s still an “unfinished task” ahead of us. Instead of calling that a lie, too, I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and say it was merely an understatement of epic proportions…

Consider:

Although the official unemployment rate is exactly the same as it was when President Obama first took office (7.8%), the labor participation rate keeps trending lower, and currently rests at 58.6%.

I’m sorry. But when more than 40% of all working-age Americans aren’t working, that’s not good for our economy. Investing in education might be a long-term solution. In the here and now, though, we simply need to create more jobs. And not just in the healthcare sector.

It’s not good either when 1 in 4 children are on food stamps. Or when 1 in 13 Americans are collecting disability. Or when the median household income falls for four consecutive years.

I could go on with a laundry list of statistics testifying to the persistently sad state of our economic affairs. But that’s not my intention today. Instead, I want to share the biggest threat facing our nation and, in turn, our investments.

And I can do it with a single chart.

When President Obama first took office, the U.S. debt-to-GDP ratio checked in under 50%. It’s now nearing 100%, according to BlackRock’s calculations. Other calculations peg the current ratio much higher.

But that’s beside the point. What matters most is that by all calculations, if our government continues on its current trajectory, we’re going to be in rarefied air with Japan. And not in a good way.

Forget about blaming any President or political party for the problem. First, we need to get politicians to realize that it’s actually a problem.

Minority Leader of the House, Nancy Pelosi, recently said we have a “budget deficit problem.” Then, House Minority Whip, Steny Hoyer, said it’s really just a “paying-for problem.”

Come again? For those of us who confront the reality of home economics with every paycheck, it’s a spending problem. Plain and simple. And denial is the first indication that there is a problem.

Bottom line: The “state of our union” might be stronger. But much more progress is necessary. Otherwise, it’s going to get much weaker… in a hurry!

Straight up, it’s time for politicians to stop talking about debts and deficits, and instead start doing something about eliminating them. They remain the biggest threat to our democracy and our investments.

So don’t be afraid to speak up and let them know that the time to act is long overdue. After all, this is a democracy.

Feel differently? Let me know at feedback@wallstreetdaily.com. I could use some fodder for an upcoming question and answer column. So feel free to fire away the most challenging investing question, the most over-the-top testimonial, or the most biting criticism you can muster up.

Ahead of the tape, Louis Basenese

Categories: Federal, National Tags: , , , , , ,

Two terrifying words: Obama Unbound

February 1, 2013 Leave a comment

From NYS Conservative Party’s Blog “The Good Fight”

Weekly Wrap-Up Friday, January 25, 2013

Two terrifying words: Obama Unbound.
That means gun control unbound (and usually unfounded)…
The Welfare State unbound…
Regulations unbound…
America’s retreat from the world and the war on terrorism, unbound – a policy perfectly articulated by Hillary Clinton’s “What difference, at this point, does it make?” response to questions about Benghazi.
And tax increases unbound – and especially Chuck Schumer unbound, as he seeks to capitalize on the Democrats’ recent “fiscal wins” by taking even more and then even more money from taxpayers…
More proof that “wins” for the liberals mean big losses for the American people.
All of these policies are destructive, but which part of the Obama Agenda do you find MOST dangerous, and deserving of the MOST attention from the Conservative Party this year?
Vote in  our new weekly poll to give your opinion.
For New Yorkers this Big Government bonanza is a double whammy – because we have our own unbound “progressive” crusader in Andrew Cuomo.
England offers an alarming look at what happens to citizens when the government is given virtually unchecked power.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade – abortion unbound, if you will. As The Heritage Foundation points out, “Since the Supreme Court’s decision in 1973, an estimated 55 million abortions have been performed.”
Let’s end this with a good laugh – think you can tell who the New York Times’ writers voted for?
Have a great weekend!
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