Out with the old, in with the .......old? by Julie Ranson

In January 2009, with New Year’s celebrations still fresh in Americans’ minds, CHANGE arrived in the form of a new president. Barack Obama’s historic election held the promise of so much – a fresh approach and the end of politics as usual. Besides promising to “fundamentally transform America,” our President promised a new climate of bipartisanship and a new way of doing things in Washington. In particular, he promised a change in legislative earmarks, stating on numerous campaign stops how badly this process needed to be “changed.” That Senator Obama (D-IL) displayed beside his Grammy a “trophy in earmarking” for his home state of Illinois to the tune of one-billion-plus-dollars escaped the logical processing of a sycophantic press and electorate. Barely off his Inaugural high, Obama signed the Stimulus Bill containing thousands of earmarks! That’s not change, my friends.

The greater pledge of a transparent government has also been invalidated. No healthcare deliberations have been held on television (just in backrooms and closed-door meetings) nor have Americans been able to view bills for at least five days before legislative voting. Perhaps the only transparency to cite is the fact that even liberals and some media are starting to see right through this administration!

"That's what I will do in bringing all parties together, not negotiating behind closed doors, but bringing all parties together, and broadcasting those negotiations on C-SPAN so that the American people can see what the choices are, because part of what we have to do is enlist the American people in this process," Obama said at a debate in Los Angeles on Jan. 31, 2008.

The special interests and lobbyists, he said, "will resist anything that we try to do ... And the antidote to that is making sure that the American people understand what is at stake."

While those who did not vote for Mr. Obama are not surprised by his lapses in honesty and fair representation, many were greatly astounded and angered by the lack of response from our other so-called representation in Washington. No amount of protests, phone calls, letters, visits, and emails seemed to sway those hell-bent on helping our “historic” president achieve his leftist agenda. This lack of responsiveness from our “representatives” gave rise to numerous groups. One such group formed this blog and we continue to write and post videos to educate, inspire, and motivate American Patriots wherever they are!

As we end this year (and yes, thank heavens, it’s really over!!), we have much to reflect upon and much to look forward to. While it has been exhausting for so many patriots to do the extra work of complaining couch potatoes everywhere, we have accomplished much and the new year holds great promise for the work of average American patriots who are determined to return this country to its foundational principles.

If you don’t know what is going on at the state level, you need to learn about it....NOW. Get on patriot email lists, find the legislative websites for your state and follow them closely, and get involved hands-on with a group that will keep you motivated and informed. (And please keep visiting this blog, too!)

I wish all of our readers a blessed 2010. I wish for America “Real Change” that will take us back to the principles and values of our Founding Fathers. That’s the “old” we want to usher in for 2010. Wishing isn’t enough, of course, so I challenge you to do more as a patriot in 2010.

LOBBYING 101 A Seminar: How to Influence Lawmakers

Monday, January 11, 2010
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Tuckahoe Library
1901 Starling Drive Henrico, VA 23229
Map on Library Website: http://www.henricolibrary.org/Libs/tu.html

SEMINAR TOPICS:
 Lobby Day on January 18 – why YOU should attend
(Guest: A voice of experience - from behind the “Iron Curtain" to freedom)
 Pending Tenth Amendment bills in Virginia State Legislature
 How to effectively communicate with your legislator
 Building coalitions to strengthen your position
 Making the most of a 10-minute meeting with your legislator
 Live or die in Committee
 “After-Seminar” Small Groups – “Lobby Day Action Plan” & “Local Party Involvement Initiatives”

Confirmed Speakers: Jamie Radtke, Donna Holt, and Joe Guarino. Other special guests are still being confirmed at this time.

This seminar is being offered by a coalition of local citizen groups including: The 9.12Project/WST-Richmond, Virginia Campaign for Liberty, Virginia Tea Party Patriots, and Citizens Roundtable.

This seminar is being presented so that our coalition partners, their members, and citizens at large can effectively lobby their state legislators during Lobby Day on Monday, January 18th. This particular date is a special opportunity for Virginians to express their concerns and desires to their State Senators and Delegates. Face-to-face lobbying at the state level is vastly more effective than at the federal level and will dramatically improve our ability to defend ourselves against encroachments set upon us by the Federal Government. After all, all politics is local.

We’d love to know that you’re coming! RSVP to: wst.events@gmail.com

Cooperation among Conservative groups? by Julie Ranson

Recently I observed a conservative fellow critiquing the attendance of a recent rally. He asserted that the smaller attendance would only feed the narrative of the left…dwindling numbers, waning enthusiasm, etc.
He asked whether the conservative groups even talk to each other. The rally in question was held mid-day on a cold, rainy Monday and followed a rally held the previous Friday, also mid-day. As has been previously noted in this blog, protesting isn’t the daily inclination of the conservative. We have jobs and families, for Pete’s sake! And while Americans for Prosperity may have the bus on its tour, we are not going to allow federally-funded factions herd us around to protest spots like the liberals who have plenty more protect practice.

Because we have the country’s gross domestic product to tend, we aren’t free like the typical dregs of society herded around to events like the G-20 summit. At this year’s Pittsburgh summit, 300 protesters assembled without a permit. Greeting police with rolling trash cans, blocking roads with pallets, the protesters were subjected to teargas. Some would argue that the world’s “capitalist pigs” that comprise the G-20 are to blame for these jobless protestors’ plight, instead it’s entirely something else – socialist malaise – why do for oneself when the government is writing unemployment checks, eh?

Anyway, just so you know, conservative protests in the year 2009 have resulted in no police action, no violence, no trash-covered National Mall. These protesters not only paid their own way to attend, they even cleaned up after themselves.

Okay, these really are very nice people so why aren’t they “cooperating with each other” as the fellow I mentioned earlier had lamented? The answer is…..a lot of groups actually are cooperating with each other! Sometimes, though, group events overlap, coincide, or nip at each other's heels on the calendar. Be that as it may, it’s important to realize that while many of the groups have similar missions and shared values, some groups are laser-focused on so-called smaller or narrower issues. As well, even those with similar missions have different methods for reaching their goals…. What’s really important is that genuine, founding American principles are upheld, reiterated, and taught to others. That’s what groups like the Tea Party-ers and the 9-12’ers espouse and, together or not, these groups will be heard.

Outgoing Governor Tim Kaine proposes expanding health benefits to partners.

By Daren Gardner


In his usual dissappearing act, outgoing Governor of Virginia Tim Kaine is now proposing to extend health care benefits to any adult who would live in the household of a state employee who is currently on the health care plan.

Let me first impart that I have nothing against any of the people I am about to name. Ok, so let's see, you have many to chose from, just take your pick. We could see family members, well that is not so bad. Oh, and then you have your high school friends, your friends you meet at the bar who needed a place to live, now they become eligible. You have same sex couples, and how about the friend of cousin Fred who is down and out and also sleeps on your couch for a year. I think you get the picture.

This is just a great example of fine leadership of our part-time governor that has thought about Virginians First. On his talk with Jimmy Barrett on WRVA radio on Friday's last "Ask the Governor" show, he stated that he had thought about this before, but he could not get past the added cost. Now he wants to implement it, so our Governor-Elect Bob McDonnell will have to deal with those cost.
He also says that this individual who receives this benefit will have to pay the full cost. Can anyone tell me what sense that makes? Do you think that is how it will happen? Do you think it will not have an increase in cost to the state?

If for a minute, you, the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia, think that this will not be a huge increase on our tax dollars, you are in for a rude awakening. This will throw the state health care cost out of control. Citizens, those of you who sit back. Those of you who do nothing. Those of you who one day will say, and are currently saying, why did they let this happen? Well, the they, is you, and you failed to come forth and fight such madness with the rest of us who have been pounding the streets at rally's. Failed to get on the phone to make the calls to your representatives. Failed to write the letters, send the faxes.

Those of you who quietly sit back and complain, and whom feel some kind of an embarrassment, if you come out to voice the opinions you really have. That you would not have the courage to stand up and excercise your First Amendment right. Or is it you have not taken the time to teach yourself, to become informed, to have the "want to" of standing up for freedom.

I challenge you today to come on out. Not to sit quietly in your homes and watch from afar, but to come and stand quietly beside your fellow American, who is out standing up for this country, and our Constitutional Rights. To be outraged when one of our proudest countrymen, Medal of Honor recipient, a 90yr old American Veteran Hero, is challenged on the proper way to fly the American Flag.

Little by little our government keeps whittling away at our rights and our freedoms. Citizens, we need less government, not just a balanced budget, but less government in our lives. We do not have to have this enormous spending that is taking place. Our state government has got to get out of doing all the business for the people, instead let the people do their own business. Let the free enterprise system work. Our government has got to stop trying to take care of everything, instead encourage and teach our citizens how to take care of themselves. We as citizens need to help and encourage each other.

As I have stated, our prosperity has ruined this nation. We all need the basic needs to live on, but I am not saying prosperity is bad. It has changed the mindset of so many Americans though. I was once told about 25 yrs ago by a man whom I had great respect for, that nothing remains the same in life, that if you do not change it, it will change you. We have to as citizens stand up and change our government, and this is not just small talk. This past year has proven that as Americans we can make a difference if we do stand together in this battle. You are not alone. You do have to take a step forward though. Many of us have your back. Many of us are on the front lines daily. Many of us will celebrate with you in victory. Something you will miss out on if you are not willing to take a step out of your comfort zone.

So with little over a month in office, our Governor, Tim Kaine, was asked the question, would he run again for Governor of Virginia, his response was "doubtful". I am sure glad for one thing, he sees the writing on the wall.

The Right to Fair Representation by Julie Ranson

This blog was created to examine the citizen’s place in our American republic, including our responsibilities and rights. Of late, we’ve been looking at our individual rights, so here’s another one. We have a right to fair representation in Washington DC. "A representative government [is] a government in which the will of the people will be an effective ingredient." (Jefferson, 1816) Yet imagine what they’ve been up to in just the past week!

1)Approved “activist” David Hamilton to 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Hamilton has a pretty clear leftist political record and was rated 'not qualified' by the ABA when President Clinton nominated him to the federal bench because his experience at that time was almost purely political, as opposed to legal and judicial. We need to read his decisions carefully to make definitive pronouncements, but it's clear that at least some of his work on the bench demonstrates his willingness to embrace judicial activism.
Here's the Roll call vote

2) Started to spin the Senate HealthCare bill. Yes! They are covering more people and saving money to boot. It’s a daggone miracle…. or sleight of hand, depending on your grasp of reality and basic logic. As my 17-year old daughter just asked, “If more than half of the country is against this, how can Washington vote for it?” Hmmmm, not a bad question from my Patrick-Henry-esque teenager.

Did you know:
 that the Senate bill begins to raise revenue (penalties and taxes) in 2010, but does not initiate the coverage provisions until 2014?
 that the Senate bill (like the House bill) offsets costs with “cuts” and “savings” that will never be enforced?
 that certain expensive healthcare changes have been removed from both bills because they cost too much? They are now in separate bills which will increase the deficit if passed because they cannot be paid for.
 that the Senate bill covers abortions?
 that the Senate bill will raise taxes by $370 B over ten years.
 that healthcare expenditures will rise, not go down as promised.
 that millions will lose their employer provided insurance under the proposed plans.
 that 8.5 million seniors will lose their Medicare Advantage coverage (and then be forced to buy AARP's cash cow of medi-gap insurance; hence, AARP’s endorsement)

3) Obama admits he is taking on unpopular actions, but that’s just because he cares about what HE THINKS is right for the country.

4) Another Treasury nominee has tax problems. Is it, like, a pre-requisite?

5) Senator Leahy pooh-pooh’s the need to interrogate bin Laden if he’s captured. Well, he’s just a common criminal anyway, right?

More Washington foolishness! Is it any wonder stock prices for poster board firms are climbing?

Tricking the People: Same ol’ Health-scare, but likely worse… by Julie Ranson

As is usually the case with thorny political issues, our government continues to change the terminology used in the healthcare debate. We’re no longer talking of healthcare reform, it’s now health insurance reform. It’s so much easier to demonize those greedy, mean, benefit-denying insurance companies. Since the insurance industry is the entity with which the liberal left so desperately wishes to “compete,” the Washington leadership has quit throwing doctors under the bus by accusing them of wantonly ordering tonsillectomies and foot amputations. It's the insurance company's turn to get beat up by politicians!
We do need to talk about healthcare and health insurance reform, but... with doors wide open, minds open, and fair debate about free market principles within the healthcare industry. Cries of “foul” have emanated in this lengthy fight because of the phrases like, “government takeover” and “government-run,” as the liberals vow they have no desire for a full-fledged government program (e.g., single-payer). But the facts remain that free-market principles are being flouted in favor of solutions prescribed and managed by the government, designed to move this country to a single-payer system in a decade or so.
The evolution of our insurance system from private industry to a government-payer system WILL come to pass should the public option (now called consumer option by N. Pelosi) be included in any reform legislation. Congressional liberals have been throwing the term “competition” around a lot, as though the government can function as a competitor in the health insurance field. You and I know it will not work out well for the insurers, right? Consider a basketball game where the players are insurance firms and the referee is the government. Now, what if the referee decides he also wants to play in the game? He’s calling the game, interpreting the rules, and making plays. If you were a player, you know exactly how angry you’d likely be at any given moment in that game, don’t you? It wouldn’t be fair and it would not be a real contest. David St. Clair describes how “competition” in rate setting will eliminate private insurers:

A government-based health insurer modeled after Medicare would possess Medicare’s distinct advantage over private insurance companies: the ability to use the power of the law to set rates of reimbursement to doctors, hospitals and other care providers. Private plans, in contrast, are forced to negotiate these rates. The significance of this disparity was captured in a study by Milliman, Inc., last December which revealed that private plans shouldered a $90 billion annual cost-shift from Medicare/Medicaid. A public plan’s ability to use the legal authority of the federal government to set whatever rates it chooses, as Medicare does, would effectively eliminate any chance private plans have to be competitive. Contrary to what the Times’ editorial states, this would indeed serve as a death knell for private insurers as we know them.

While we might not come to a conclusion about what is perfect in healthcare reform, clearly we can agree that the liberals in Washington have absolutely no idea how doctors work and how the free market works. It could be they don’t care much about the free market system that has brought us choice, opportunity, and prosperity. Regardless, a lack of understanding and a lack of appreciation for the system that makes America great are still shameful behaviors for elected officials.

Citizens Protest State Board of Elections for Failure to Submit Absentee Voter Ballots in Richmond, VA.