Everyone's Blog Posts - The 9-12 Project of Central PA2024-03-28T23:07:43Zhttps://wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com/profiles/blog/feed?xn_auth=noCITIZENS DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCEtag:wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com,2013-07-07:3029713:BlogPost:499022013-07-07T00:38:55.000ZRandy Duehttps://wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com/profile/RandyDue
<p>FAX COVER LETTER</p>
<p> </p>
<p>CITIZENS’ DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE</p>
<p><b><u> </u></b></p>
<p align="center"><b><u>ATTENTION TO ALL CONGRESSMEN</u></b><b>---BE AWARE OF <u>YOUR DUTIES</u> AND <u>RESPONSIBILITIES</u></b></p>
<h2>AS PUBLIC OFFICIALS, OFFICERS AND AGENTS OF THE PUBLIC TRUST.</h2>
<p align="center"><b>YOU ARE “<u>COMMERCIALLY LIABLE</u>” <u>TO “WE THE PEOPLE</u>”, FOR ALL OF YOUR ACTIONS.</b></p>
<p align="center"><b> </b></p>
<p align="center" class="heading">The…</p>
<p>FAX COVER LETTER</p>
<p> </p>
<p>CITIZENS’ DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE</p>
<p><b><u> </u></b></p>
<p align="center"><b><u>ATTENTION TO ALL CONGRESSMEN</u></b><b>---BE AWARE OF <u>YOUR DUTIES</u> AND <u>RESPONSIBILITIES</u></b></p>
<h2>AS PUBLIC OFFICIALS, OFFICERS AND AGENTS OF THE PUBLIC TRUST.</h2>
<p align="center"><b>YOU ARE “<u>COMMERCIALLY LIABLE</u>” <u>TO “WE THE PEOPLE</u>”, FOR ALL OF YOUR ACTIONS.</b></p>
<p align="center"><b> </b></p>
<p class="heading" align="center">The Declaration of Independence July 4, 1776</p>
<p>“When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation”. –Declaration of Independence –July 4, 1776</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>All <u>UNITED STATES OF AMERICA</u> ex rel <u>Officials</u>, <u>Officers</u> and <u>Agents</u> of the Public Trust, Plaintiffs with Commercial Liability, Saddled with the Burden of Proof, who fail or refuse to properly identify themselves by providing a Certified copy of their Oath to Support this Nation, the United States of America, and to Defend the Constitution for the United States of America against all enemies, both foreign and domestic, or who fail or refuse to provide their Bonding Information and/or their Public Official Liability Insurance Information as a guarantee of their Commercial Liability, shall be considered to be committing “<u>Fraud</u>” against the Nation, its Constitution and the American People.</b></p>
<p align="center"><b> </b></p>
<h3>PRINCIPLES</h3>
<p>“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are <b>endowed by their Creator</b> with certain <b>unalienable Rights,</b> that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”</p>
<p align="center"><b>(Declaration of Independence—July 4, 1776)</b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p>In the following Text, the word <b>“<u>Constitution</u>”,</b> shall refer to the “<u>Constitution for the United States of America”</u>.</p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>>1.</b> <b> </b>”This <u>constitution</u>, shall be the <b><u>Supreme Law of the Land</u></b>; and the <b><u>judges in every state shall be bound thereby</u></b>, anything in the constitution or laws of any state to the contrary notwithstanding.” (U.S. Constitution, Article VI, paragraph 2.)</p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>>2. Article IV section I: “Full Faith and Credit” Clause</b></p>
<p>“Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each state to the <u>public acts</u>, <u>records</u>, and <u>judicial proceedings</u> of every other state.”; Meaning that Public Officials, Officers and Agents of the government, must provide Proof of their Authority to act, must Authenticate their Authority to act, must provide for Commercial Liability coverage for their acts to guarantee their Faithful Performance of Duties and Responsibilities to “We the People”, the Public Citizens. Therefore, their acts must be signed Affidavits, sworn to be true, correct, materially complete, and not misleading under their own Commercial Liability and Notarized for Authenticity. Anything less than this shall be construed to be Deliberately Evasionary Behavior and Fraud on their part against the Nation, its Constitution and the American People.</p>
<p>>3. Article 1 section 10 of the Constitution: “No State shall… pass any… <u>law impairing the obligation of contracts</u>.” Nor shall any Union of the States or the Government of the United States pass any law impairing the Obligation of Contracts.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>>4. Article 6 of the Constitution:</p>
<p>All lawmakers, court officials, and enforcement officers are <b><u>Bound by Oath</u></b> to the Constitution.</p>
<p>All judges are <b><u>Bound by Oath</u></b> to support the Constitution.</p>
<p><b>14<sup>th</sup> Amendment of the Constitution:</b></p>
<p><b><u>Due Process of Law</u></b> and <b><u>Equal Protection of the Law</u></b></p>
<p><b>5<sup>th</sup> Amendment of the Constitution:</b></p>
<p><b>“<u>Just Compensation</u>”…</b> “nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation”. Therefore, there shall be Just Compensation for Taxes prepaid for Service, not Disservice.</p>
<p><u>Oath-Consensual Commercial Consequence</u>: Disservice mandates the application of Oath-Consensual Public Commercial Liens against the Government Treasury to Rebate Taxes to the Public to be managed and disbursed under the Public’s Oversight Control of the Government.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>>5. Article 1 section 9 of the Constitution: “No title of nobility shall be granted by the United States”.</p>
<p>Article 1 section 10 of the Constitution: “No State shall… grant titles of nobility”.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>>6. </b> <b>14<sup>th</sup> Amendment section 3:</b> No person shall hold office if he rebels against, or violates the Constitution.</p>
<p><b>Article 3 section 1 of the Constitution: “The Judges, both of the Supreme and of the inferior Courts, shall hold their offices during good behaviour,…”. Inferior Courts are called District Courts.</b></p>
<p><b>Article 1 section 2 of the Constitution:</b></p>
<p><b>“The House of Representatives shall have the sole power of impeachment…”</b></p>
<p><b>Article 1 section 3 of the Constitution:</b></p>
<p><b>“The Senate shall have the sole power to try impeachments,” and the power to Judge Impeachments, and the power to convict on Impeachments.</b></p>
<p><b><u> </u></b></p>
<p><b>Therefore, of the <u>Congress of the United States of America</u>, <u>the House of Representatives shall impeach</u>, <u>and the Senate shall criminally prosecute</u>, <u>anyone who rebels against or violates the Constitution.</u></b></p>
<p><b>The <u>Congress has the Duty</u>, <u>the Professional Responsibility</u>, <u>the “Commercial Liability</u>”, and <u>the Power</u> to police the Judges and hold them accountable, by <u>impeachment</u>, <u>indictment, trial/prosecution</u>, <u>judgment/conviction</u>, and <u>punishment according to law</u>, including imprisonment or death, for their Criminal Behavior.</b></p>
<p> </p>
<h1>>7. 18 USC § 2 – Principals</h1>
<p>(a) Whoever commits an offense against the United States or aids, abets, counsels, commands, induces or procures its commission, is punishable as a principal.</p>
<p>(b) Whoever willfully causes an act to be done which if directly performed by him or another would be an offense against the United States, is punishable as a principal.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>>8. 18 USC § 3</b>: <b>Accessory after the fact:</b> Whoever, knowing that an offense against the United States has been committed, <b>receives, relieves, comforts or assists the offender in order to hinder or prevent his apprehension</b>, trial or punishment, is an accessory after the fact.</p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>>9. 18 USC § 4</b> <b>Misprision of Felony:</b> Whoever, having knowledge of the actual commission of a felony cognizable by a court of the United States, conceals and does not as soon as possible make known the same <b>to some judge</b> or <b>other person in civil</b> or <b>military authority</b> under the United States, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than three years, or both.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>>10. 18 USC § 241 Conspiracy Against Rights</p>
<p>This statute makes it unlawful for two or more persons <b>to <u>conspire to injure</u>, <u>oppress</u>, <u>threaten</u>, <u>or intimidate</u> any person</b> of any state, territory or district <b>in the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege secured to him/her by the Constitution or the laws of the United States, (or because of his/her having exercised the same).</b></p>
<p> </p>
<p>>11. 18 USC § 1622 Subornation of Perjury</p>
<p>Whoever procures another to commit any perjury is guilty of subornation of perjury, and shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.</p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<h1>>12. 18 USC § 2383 - Rebellion or insurrection</h1>
<p>Whoever incites, sets on foot, assists, or engages in any rebellion or insurrection <b>against the authority* of the United States or the laws thereof</b>, or gives aid or comfort thereto, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both; and <b><u>shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States</u>. [* <u>Authority</u></b> means <u>the <b>“Constitution”</b> and the supporting Trustees and Servants thereof</u><b>.]</b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<h3>THE VIOLATIONS</h3>
<p align="center">“The Criminal Complaint against the King of England, contained in the second part of the Declaration of Independence, as applied herein”</p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<h2>THE CURRENT OFFENSES AND VIOLATIONS OF OUR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS</h2>
<p>(Examples of Specific Violations)</p>
<p align="center"> </p>
<p><b>>1.</b> This <b>“constitution”,</b> shall be the <b>“Supreme Law of the Land”:</b></p>
<p>Public Officials, Officers and Agents of the government <b><u>are ignoring</u></b> the <b><u>Supremacy of the Constitution for the United States of America</u></b>, the “<b><u>Principle</u></b><u>”</u> and <b>“<u>Substance of Law</u></b>” of this Nation, over all <u>Statute Law</u>, all <u>Code Law</u>, all <u>Case Law</u>, all <u>Court Rules</u>, all <u>Parliamentary Procedures,</u> and all other <b><u>mere</u></b> <b>“<u>Forms of Law</u>”.</b></p>
<p> </p>
<p>>2. Article IV section I: “<u>Full Faith and Credit Clause</u>”</p>
<p>Judges are failing or refusing to provide “Full Disclosure” by Affidavit sworn to be true, correct, materially complete under their own Commercial Liability, and failing or refusing to require other Court Officers and Agents to do likewise in connection with all Judicial Proceedings, and to answer all Affidavits point-by-point categorically.</p>
<p>Failure to provide “Full Disclosure” is Fraud.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Judges and/or County Attorneys are “Ordering” Court Clerks and County Recording Clerks to refuse the filing of Citizen’s Legal Instruments into Court Records and into Public Records.</p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>Judge(s) who Fail or Refuse to “<u>Order</u>”, Officials, Officers or Agents of the government, including U.S. Attorneys, and inferior Judicial Officers of the Court called “Esquires”/Attorneys, to answer State Citizens’ Affidavits by Affidavit sworn to be true, correct, materially complete and not misleading under their own Commercial Liability, are being <u>Deliberately Evasionary and Fraudulent.</u></b></p>
<p><b><u> </u></b></p>
<p>>3. Article 1 section 10 of the Constitution:</p>
<p>Judges are suppressing the “<u>Obligation of Contracts</u>”, by suppressing Citizens’ <u>First Amendment Administrative Commercial Lien Right</u> to peaceably assemble, to petition the government for redress of grievances by the use of Oath-Consensual Public Commercial Liens filed against the Rebellion or Insurrection of certain Public Officials.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>>4. Article 6 of the Constitution:</p>
<p>Public Officials, Officers and Agents of the government, especially Judges, are ignoring the Fact that they are bound with “<u>Commercial Liability</u>” by the Constitution to “We the People”, the Public Citizens, for their Tax-Financed Compensation of Service, which they are <u>under Absolute Covenant Oath-Consensual Contract</u> to provide to the Citizen.</p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>14<sup>th</sup> Amendment of the Constitution:</b></p>
<p>Congressmen are failing or refusing to “<u>Impeach</u>” Judges for their Criminal Behavior of violating of Citizens’ Civil Rights of “<u>Due Process of Law</u> and <u>Equal Protection of the Law</u>”.</p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>5<sup>th</sup> Amendment of the Constitution:</b></p>
<p>Judges are failing to provide “<u>Just Compensation</u>” to Tax-paying State Citizens by failing and refusing to provide for, and demand, “<u>Truth, Affidavits, and Justice</u>” in the Courts.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Failure to provide “Full Disclosure” is Fraud, predicated upon violation of “Due Process of Law”.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>>5. Article 1 sections 9 & 10 of the Constitution:</p>
<p>The Inferior Judicial Officers of the Court, have been given a title of Nobility, “<u>Esquire</u>”,</p>
<p>which is <u>outlawed</u> under the Constitution. “Esquires” are known as Attorneys. Attorneys practice “Attornment”. Lawyers practice “Law”. Lawyers serve the Public in obedience to the Constitution for the United States of America, and in obedience to the Constitutions of the several States. <u>Living Lawfully is the Highest practice of the Law, and requires no License</u>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>>6. 14<sup>th</sup> Amendment section 3:</p>
<p>Article 1 & 3 sections 1 & 3 of the Constitution:</p>
<p>Congressmen are failing or refusing to “<u>Impeach</u>” Judges for their Criminal Behavior of violating the Constitution.</p>
<p>Judges are denying State Citizens the Right to an impartial Trial by Jury of their “Peers”, which means a trial by friends and people who know them. (A U.S. 7<sup>th</sup> Amendment violation)</p>
<p>Judges are forcing “Equity”, Judge only, Bribery-Controllable, Courts upon the Citizens of the United States of America, without their written “Consent”.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>>7. 18 USC § 2 – Principals</p>
<p>Public Officials, Officers and Agents of the government, especially Judges, are engaged in violation of the Constitution by failing to Honor their Oaths to the Nation, its Constitution and the American People. They are failing or refusing to answer/contest State Citizens’ Affidavits, presented to them in any Court Process or in any pretrial operations involved in any Court Process, by Affidavit sworn to be true, correct, materially complete and not misleading, under their own Commercial Liability, and they are changing the Titles of Affidavits and other Legal Documents presented to the Courts, and are therefore committing Forgery and Fraud in order to discharge them as being “Friviolous” filings.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>>8. 18 USC § 3: Accessory after the fact:</p>
<p>Public Officials, Officers and Agents of the government, especially Judges, who <b>receives, relieves, comforts or assists the offender</b> in violation of the Constitution.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>>9. 18 USC § 4 Misprision of Felony:</p>
<p>Public Officials, Officers and Agents of the government, especially Judges, who become aware of felony violations against the Nation, its Constitution and the American People, are refusing or failing to report, and initiate prosecution, against said offenders. (Civil Rights Act of 1866)</p>
<p>The Judges are committing Fraud by Forgery of Legal Documents by changing the Titles of Citizen’s Criminal Complaints filed pursuant to 18 USC § 4, to Civil Complaints.</p>
<p>>10. 18 USC § 241 Conspiracy Against Rights</p>
<p>Public Officials, Officers and Agents of the government, especially Judges are engaged in <b><u>conspiring to injure</u>, <u>oppress</u>, <u>threaten</u>, or <u>intimidate</u> people</b> in their free exercise or enjoyment of their 1<sup>st</sup> Amendment Rights of Freedom of <b><u>Religion</u>, <u>Speech</u>, <u>Press</u></b> and right of the people <b>peaceably to assemble,</b> and to <b><u>petition</u></b> the government for a <b><u>redress of grievances</u>,</b> and 2<sup>nd</sup> Amendment Rights to <b><u>keep and bear arms</u>,</b> which is needed to enforce the 1<sup>st</sup> Amendment Rights.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“Do not let anyone claim to be a True American if they ever attempt to remove Religion from Politics…. Government is not Reason. It is not Eloquence. It is a Force, like Fire: A Dangerous Servant and a Terrible Master…The very atmosphere of Firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains Evil interference –they deserve a place of Honor with all that is Good.” –George Washington, First President of the United States, the Father of our Country.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>>11. 18 USC § 1622 Subornation of Perjury</p>
<p>For years the Internal Revenue Agents have been suborning and are still suborning County Recorders to <u>Fraudulently</u> file <u>Notices of Federal Tax Liens</u> into the County Public Records as <u>Federal Tax Liens</u>, on the County <u>Tax Lien Index</u>. The IRS Agents then suborn the Recording Clerks to give them <u>Certified True Copies</u> of the County <u>Tax Lien Index</u>, which they then use as evidence of the filing of a <u>Lien</u> instead of a <u>Notice of Lien</u>, which is a <u>Commercial Fraud</u>, to seize property. The “<u>Certified True Copy</u>” of a Recording Fraud is a Fraudulent Document.</p>
<p>The IRS depends upon this Fraud to collect Taxes. This Fraud is called the <u>Federal Tax Lien Registration Act</u> and it has been imposed upon every State and County Recorder system.</p>
<p>The Internal Revenue Service is not, and does not claim to be, a part of the United States Department of the Treasury.</p>
<p>IRS Title 26 Code (26 USC) is not Positive Law, and it violates the Constitution.</p>
<p>The IRS has information sharing Tax Treaties with every foreign country, including our enemies.</p>
<p><u>The IRS</u> shares all of your Tax information with the world, <u>aiding and abetting the enemy</u>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>>12. 18 USC § 2383 - Rebellion or Insurrection</p>
<p>Public Officials, Officers and Agents of the government, especially Judges’ are engaged in Rebellion or Insurrection against the Nation, its Constitution and the American People.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>>13. </b> Public Officials, Officers and Agents of the government, especially Judges, failure or refusal to answer State Citizens’ Affidavits, <b>by their tacit consent---consisting of acquiescence, acceptance, assent, and/or evasion---have absconded from their professional duties and responsibilities and unlawfully accepted public compensations of services.</b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<h3>Mr./Ms. Politician</h3>
<p><b><u>See annexed documents making you aware of certain Judges’ Criminal Behavior and your Commercially Liability, should you ignore your Duties, Responsibilities and Power to Impeach</u></b><b>.</b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p align="center">Notice to Agent is Notice to Principal; Notice to Principal is Notice to Agent</p>
<p align="center"><b> </b></p>
<p>“Nor have we been wanting in Attention to our British Brethern. <u>We have warned them from Time to Time</u> of Attempts by their Legislature to extend an unwarrantable Jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the Circumstances of our Emigration and Settlement here. We have appealed to their native Justice and Magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the Ties of our common Kindred to disavow these Usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our Connections and Correspondence. They too have been deaf to the Voice of Justice and of Consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the Necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of Mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace, Friends”. --<u>Declaration of Independence</u> July 4, 1776</p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>Should you disagree with or contest any part of the aforesaid Constitutional citations and laws pursuant thereto, or any of the given interpretations thereof, you must be prepared to immediately show Specific “<u>Just Cause</u>”,</b> by an Affidavit sworn to be true, correct, materially complete, and not misleading under your own Commercial Liability, of Findings of Facts and Conclusions of Natural Laws, Commercial Laws, Constitutional Laws, Civil Rights Laws and supporting Criminal Laws, categorically point-by-point, <b>for the support of your claims and actions.</b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p>Otherwise, your failure or refusal to immediately “Contest” the aforesaid Constitutional citations and laws pursuant thereto shall be construed to mean that you are in total agreement categorically, point-by-point, with all of the stated points.</p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p>“We, therefore, the Representatives of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, in GENERAL CONGRESS, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the World for the Recititude of our Intentions, do, in the Name, and by the Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly Publish and Declare, That these United States Colonies are, and of Right ought to be, Free and Independent States; that they are absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political Connection between them and the State of Great-Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this declaration, with a firm Reliance on the Protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.</p>
<p><i>Signed by</i> Order <i>and in</i> Behalf <i>of the</i> Congress, JOHN HANDCOCK, President.</p>
<p>Attest.</p>
<p>CHARLES THO<u>MSON</u><u>,</u> <u>S</u><u>ecretary</u>.” –<u>Declaration of Independence</u> --July 4, 1776</p>
<p align="center">Philadelphia: Printed By John Dunlap.</p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p>I, Randall David Due, Public Minister, demand that you personally must show specific “Just Cause” by Affidavit sworn to be true, correct, materially complete, and not misleading under your own Commercial Liability, categorically point-by-point, for the support of you claims and actions, should you refuse to honor your required Oath to support and defend the Constitution for the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic.</p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p>This demand to show specific “Just Cause” includes your explaination of <u>your failure</u> or <u>refusal</u> to <u>immediately investigate</u> and <u>impeach any Judge identified</u>, such as the Judge(s) listed in the annexed documents, who are committing <u>Rebellion or Insurrection</u> against the Constitution for the United States of America by their refusal or failure to honor their required Oath to support and defend the Nation and its Constitution from all enemies, foreign and domestic.</p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>Randall David Due aka Randy Due, <u>Public Minister</u>;</b> Ex. Military (Civil Rights Advocate) acting as a Non-union Lawyer (not a member of the bar association) pursuant to 42 USC § 1986 (acting with Reasonable Diligence) & 18 USC § 4 (Mandate to act), 18 USC §§ 241 & 242 (Protection of the Nation, its Constitution and Civil Rights)</p>
<p><b>Public Minister</b> pursuant to and protected by Public Law 94-583, Oct. 21, 1976 Stat. 2891 [Codified in Title 28 U.S.C § 1602 et esq.]; and Public Law 1790, 1 Stat. At L. 117, Ch 9 [Codified in 22 U.S.C. § 252]; Public Law 1948, Ch 645, 62 Stat. 688 [Codified in Title 18 U.S.C § 112] and Public Law 1871, Ch 22, § 6, 17 Stat. 15; [Codified in 42 U.S.C. § 1986]</p>
<p> </p>
<p>@179 Green St. E. Pelham, Georgia 31779</p>
<p><b>Phone:</b> (229) 294-6112; <b>FAX:</b> (229) 294-4594 <a href="mailto:duze24@bellsouth.net">duze24@bellsouth.net</a></p>Liberty Candidate for Re-Electiontag:wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com,2013-02-25:3029713:BlogPost:488992013-02-25T23:03:13.000ZThomas Brownhttps://wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com/profile/ThomasBrown
<p>All-</p>
<p></p>
<p>I wanted to ask that anyone who can help support a liberty minded candidate who is up for re-election for Borough Council then check out a Dale Kerns Jr. He is a man with integrity and someone who actually stands up for principle.</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://dalekerns.com/index.html" target="_blank">Dale Kerns, Jr. for Re-Election</a></p>
<p>All-</p>
<p></p>
<p>I wanted to ask that anyone who can help support a liberty minded candidate who is up for re-election for Borough Council then check out a Dale Kerns Jr. He is a man with integrity and someone who actually stands up for principle.</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://dalekerns.com/index.html" target="_blank">Dale Kerns, Jr. for Re-Election</a></p>If You Love Freedom, You Should Oppose Right-To-Worktag:wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com,2012-12-14:3029713:BlogPost:485582012-12-14T20:30:00.000ZPeter Trippetthttps://wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com/profile/PeterandKarenTrippett
<p><em>Conservatives are cheering the passage of the Michigan "Right-to-Work" laws. They think, finally, we have given the progressives a black eye in the heart of liberal-progressive-union controlled territory. If you think this, you should really go read the law, and then consider these points:</em></p>
<p></p>
<p>I am certainly no supporter of Unions. But I am a bigger opponent of unjust government force.<br></br> <br></br> It is true that Unions have taken hold of government, and gotten unjust…</p>
<p><em>Conservatives are cheering the passage of the Michigan "Right-to-Work" laws. They think, finally, we have given the progressives a black eye in the heart of liberal-progressive-union controlled territory. If you think this, you should really go read the law, and then consider these points:</em></p>
<p></p>
<p>I am certainly no supporter of Unions. But I am a bigger opponent of unjust government force.<br/> <br/> It is true that Unions have taken hold of government, and gotten unjust laws passed that give them an advantage over employers. The correct solution is to repeal those unjust laws - NOT to pass more unjust freedom-killing laws.<br/> <br/> A Union contract in the free market is simply one that makes one private organization (the union) the exclusive supplier of labor to another private organization (the employer). If such an agreement is entered into voluntarily on both sides, with neither side exercising force, there is absolutely nothing wrong with it.<br/> <br/> Exclusive contracts exist all around us - for example soft drink suppliers such as Coke or Pepsi frequently enter exclusive contracts with restaurant or theater chains.<br/> <br/> If an employer voluntarily agrees to that contact, then joining a union simply becomes a condition of employment at that company. When you become employed at a company, you are agreeing to a whole set of rules and policies that the company has a right to request of you.<br/> <br/> They can, for example, tell you that if you want to work here, you have to wear this funny hat. If you don't want to wear the hat, you face the choice of finding employment elsewhere, wearing the hat anyway, or starting your own company that competes with them, and where you DO NOT require people to wear funny hats.<br/> <br/> You don't have the choice of running to a bunch of thugs with guns (the government) and having them remove the employer's funny-hat policy through force.<br/> <br/> For those who say that an exclusive union contract violates an employee's right to work - you are operating from a deadly fallacy. If you claim that there is some sort of right-to-work that allows you to coercively compel an employer to behave a certain way, then you must also accept the progressive's notion that there are rights to food, healthcare, or a "living wage" that compel you to provide those things. There is no difference between these false concepts. And each of these ersatz rights are used by one side to justify force against the other.<br/> <br/> The state of our country today exists after more than a century of government using new unjust laws to try to correct or counter-balance problems created by previous unjust laws. These Right-to-Work laws are just more of the same.<br/> <br/> If, instead, we were to allow unions and corporations to exist without the exercise of coercive force, and we were to allow these private organizations to voluntarily enter into agreements or contracts with one another, I believe we would prove once and for all whether unions are a benefit or a curse. And we would certainly be back on the road to freedom!</p>John Stossel: In praise of 'price gouging'tag:wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com,2012-11-04:3029713:BlogPost:480762012-11-04T14:11:14.000ZPeter Trippetthttps://wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com/profile/PeterandKarenTrippett
<p><em><span class="font-size-1" style="font-family: tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">By John Stossel Published November 01, 2012 FoxNews.com</span></em></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Desperate New Jersey drivers wait in long lines to buy gasoline. One line was two miles long.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">The media blame “a lack of electricity” and…</span></p>
<p><em><span style="font-family: tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" class="font-size-1">By John Stossel Published November 01, 2012 FoxNews.com</span></em></p>
<p><span style="font-family: tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" class="font-size-3">Desperate New Jersey drivers wait in long lines to buy gasoline. One line was two miles long.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" class="font-size-3">The media blame “a lack of electricity” and report that “Governor Christie has acted to boost supplies of gasoline…by directing Treasury officials to waive licensing requirements that affect merchants’ ability to buy fuel from out-of-state suppliers.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" class="font-size-3">That would help, but Christie would help more if he could suspend New Jersey’s foolish law forbidding price increases of more than 10% during an “emergency,” and if he’d apologize for bragging that the state will crack down on price “gouging!” </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: tahoma,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;" class="font-size-3">Complaining about greedy profiteers is probably politically smart. But if you're one of the people the law "protects," you won't fare as well.</span></p>
<p>... </p>
<p>Read more: <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2012/11/01/in-praise-price-gouging/">http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2012/11/01/in-praise-price-gouging/</a></p>
<p> </p>The Curse of the Magic Swordtag:wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com,2012-09-28:3029713:BlogPost:482652012-09-28T22:00:00.000ZPeter Trippetthttps://wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com/profile/PeterandKarenTrippett
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-5"><strong>The Curse of the Magic Sword</strong></span><br></br>A Metaphor<br></br><em>How to recognize the force that is destroying us.</em><br></br><span class="font-size-1">by Peter B. Trippett</span><br></br><span class="font-size-1">August, 2012</span></p>
<p><em>I enjoy tales of fantasy and adventure as much as anybody – wizards, dragons, and magic swords make for great stories. But, magic isn't real, is it? There are no spells or curses in real…</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-5"><strong>The Curse of the Magic Sword</strong></span><br/>A Metaphor<br/><em>How to recognize the force that is destroying us.</em><br/><span class="font-size-1">by Peter B. Trippett</span><br/><span class="font-size-1">August, 2012</span></p>
<p><em>I enjoy tales of fantasy and adventure as much as anybody – wizards, dragons, and magic swords make for great stories. But, magic isn't real, is it? There are no spells or curses in real life... are there?</em></p>
<p><em>Well, it so happens there are. For you see, there is a Sword – a Magic Sword of great power. I have unknowingly believed in it for most of my life, and I am willing to bet you have, as well. Read on, and you shall see!</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">~~~~~</p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Forged from man's intellect in the dark recesses of history, The Sword was created for One True Purpose – to protect humanity's Most Precious Jewel. When used for that Purpose, its power is unequaled. All of mankind benefits from the wealth of that Jewel, and for as long as The Sword stands guard, the Jewel is safe, and we all flourish.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">But, like many of the great magics in the legends, this Sword also bears a curse. A terrible curse! And, the Curse is invoked when the Sword is used for Other Purposes – any purpose other than the protection of that Most Precious Jewel!</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">So great is the power of the Sword, so effective at achieving its One True Purpose, that men become convinced that this power can serve other purposes as well. Most of us have come to believe that it can right any wrong, cure any ill, solve any problem. It has even been used in attempts to alter the flow of time, or to redefine universal mathematical constants. So, throughout history, men have taken up this Sword, and turned it to purposes other than the One True Purpose for which it was forged.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Some have taken up the Sword for their own purposes – to gain wealth or power. Some have wielded it with the best of intentions to help their fellow man. But, whatever their intentions, good or evil, each of them has invoked the Curse!</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The power of the Curse has started wars. It has brought down famine, poverty, slavery and despotism upon the people, and it has collapsed civilizations. But, the workings of the Curse are subtle. If they were obvious people would notice and stop it. So it works its terrible magic slowly, silently, invisibly.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>~~~~~</em></p>
<p><em>I write this story to call attention to this Curse, hoping that the more people who are aware of it, who are able to observe the Curse at work, the more likely we all will be to avoid its devastating outcome!</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">~~~~~</p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The first victim of the Curse of the Sword is the Precious Jewel it was forged to protect. Each use of the Sword for Other Purposes slices another tiny piece out of that Jewel. Often that piece is so small it is unnoticeable. And if we do notice it we might say, “Well, we didn't need that little piece anyway.” And if anyone does complain, if he says that he wanted that piece of the Jewel, he is told to be silent, and that his loss is for the greater good!</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">But, each piece of the Jewel lost diminishes us all. Like the wind and sand and rain eroding a mountain over time we will one day find that the Jewel is gone. And on that day, we will learn what a terrible loss it has been.</span></p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3">But there is more!</span></strong></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Each slice of the Cursed Sword divides us and each division further empowers the Curse. We see these divisions all around us and we label them: liberal, conservative, wealthy, poor, labor, businessman, consumer, male, female, patient, doctor, homosexual, heterosexual, religious, atheist, black, white, student, teacher, disabled, elderly, young... all labels that make it easy to forget that we are all really just individuals.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The Curse of the Sword is vigilant, ever-ready to divide us into factions, thereby creating opportunities for the next abuse of the Sword. Each faction cheers when the Sword is turned against others, those they don't approve of, or don't agree with. But when the Sword is later turned back against them they scream in agony. And somehow they fail to recognize it as the same unjust power they previously cheered.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Each misuse of the Sword causes unintended consequences or collateral damage. It often appears to solve a problem in one place, and those wielding it point to that place and proclaim victory. But they remain blind to the harm caused in more obscure places, at future times, or to less prominent victims.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The victims of the Curse are easy to ignore, too spread out to be noticed, or too far removed from our own lives to be of consequence. If those victims are noticed the wielders of the Sword are quick to point the finger of blame elsewhere, and claim that the problems faced by those victims justify the next use of the Sword. If the victims object they are labeled criminals or malcontents, deserving of their mistreatment.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Master of deception, the Curse wears the mask of Justice when it is dispensing injustice. It convinces us that we can give our consent against our will or without our knowledge; that we can cure poverty with debt; that a man who has done no harm can become a criminal through inaction; that being forced to work on behalf of others is not slavery; that a need equals a right; and that charity can be accomplished through armed robbery. Most of us know very well the proverb: “Power Corrupts”. But when the power of this Curse corrupts we fail to see it happening before our very eyes!</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">We erect temples to The Sword, and the Priests and Acolytes of those temples preach that The Sword is the highest power, responsible for building our civilization, and is to be held above all else – forgetting or ignoring the Precious Jewel it was forged to protect.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The terrible Curse of the Sword has been defeated only a few times throughout history. But often those victors did not recognize the danger, or did not understand the Curse. So, they took up the Sword, and were themselves corrupted by it's Curse.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The last time in our own Country's history that the Sword was defeated the victors were men who did recognize the threat, and who understood the Sword's One True Purpose. They stated that henceforth, those who wield the Sword are to be our servants, not our masters. They constructed a prison for the Sword, made from parchment and ink and principles. They hoped their prison would hold the Curse back forever, but feared it would not.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">To the extent that the Sword has been contained within its prison and wielded only for its One True Purpose, the value of our Most Precious Jewel has enriched us. We have thrived, rising in stature in little more than a century above all other countries: economically, technologically, and culturally. And the value of our Most Precious Jewel spread beyond our borders, pulling other countries up along with us, even those who once opposed us in war!</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">But, alas, the fears of our founders have come to fruition. For once again The Sword has been turned to Other Purposes. It happened slowly at first. But due to the subtle workings of the curse it is now accelerating out of control.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">The Curse of The Sword now moves amongst us, eroding our Most Precious Jewel, stealing our wealth, dividing us into factions, holding our comfort as hostage to our obedience, teaching us and our children to accept the chains of tyranny, deceiving us that our participation in Democracy is what makes us free.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">~~~~~</p>
<p><em>So, do you believe in this cursed Magic Sword? Do you recognize it now?</em></p>
<p><em>The Magic Sword is the force of government – The Law. Our Most Precious Jewel that the Law should protect is our Equal and Individual Rights. When the Law is turned to any Other Purpose, whether that Purpose is malevolent or benign, it eventually and necessarily comes into conflict with somebody's Rights.</em></p>
<p><em>In order to continue using the Law for that Purpose, that person's Rights, which the Law should protect, must instead be subjugated to the Law. If that person justly stands up for his rights and defies the Law, he becomes a criminal, and is tried for breaking an unjust law in a court that denies him a jury who has been informed of their powers to protect the rights of their fellow man against such laws.</em></p>
<p><em>This contradiction between Rights and the Law creates new problems – collateral damage or unintended consequences. When those problems come to the attention of lawmakers, they are used to justify new laws. This continuing cycle is the mechanism of The Curse!</em></p>
<p><em>The Law is Force. The use of Force to solve problems is the last resort of the unimaginative brute. It is like pointing a gun at a sick person, ordering him to get well. If he gets up out of bed and starts walking around, has he really been cured?</em></p>
<p><em>If we are to ever flourish as a country again, we must adopt Freedom – true Freedom – as our highest principle. We must understand that true Freedom exists only in the absence of initiated force, whether that force is employed by criminals, by foreign invaders, or by government itself. Not even the will of the majority justifies the violation of even one man's rights! Only those who have violated the rights of others by initiating force, threat, or fraud against them, should be subject to government force.</em></p>
<p><em>We must realize that every problem has a solution that can be found in Freedom. The temptation to use the Law to solve problems is great, almost impossible to resist. But, as hard as it may be to find a solution that preserves our Freedom and protects the rights of the individual, it is worth it in the end!</em></p>
<p><em>I ask everyone reading this – next time you are watching the news, hearing about the latest legislation wending its way through Congress or the latest issue raised by some candidate – please think carefully about it. What is the cause of the problem? Could it be the application of unjust government force elsewhere, over the past century? What false premises have become generally accepted over that time that would lead one to believe that government is a solution?</em></p>
<p><em>And most importantly, think! Use your imagination. Is there a solution that does not involve the use of force? Can you think of a solution that preserves that Precious Jewel, which the Sword of Law should <span style="text-decoration: underline;">always</span> protect – our Freedom and our Individual Rights?</em></p>Supreme Court Proves its Irrelevancetag:wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com,2012-06-28:3029713:BlogPost:477732012-06-28T17:00:00.000ZPeter Trippetthttps://wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com/profile/PeterandKarenTrippett
<p>In 1802, in Marbury vs. Madison, the Supreme Court siezed the power to uphold Acts of Congress, effectively ruling them as being within the bounds of the Constitution. In so doing, they set their own fate, and the fate of this country.</p>
<p>The power to uphold a law ultimately means that the Supreme Court gets to decide which of our Individual Freedoms are Rights, and which are not. If a group is opposed to any right, be it free speech, religion, the right to enter contracts or not…</p>
<p>In 1802, in Marbury vs. Madison, the Supreme Court siezed the power to uphold Acts of Congress, effectively ruling them as being within the bounds of the Constitution. In so doing, they set their own fate, and the fate of this country.</p>
<p>The power to uphold a law ultimately means that the Supreme Court gets to decide which of our Individual Freedoms are Rights, and which are not. If a group is opposed to any right, be it free speech, religion, the right to enter contracts or not according to your will, or the right to carry arms in defense of yourself or your family, all they need do is manage to get 5 judges appointed to this court who agree with them, and those judges will uphold any law limiting the undesired freedom.</p>
<p>This is an awesome power - and is the same power wielded by dictators and tyrants throughout history - the power to define the rights of other individuals. The word for a person who permits others to define his rights is: SLAVE. The desire to wield this power explains why the election of a president is considered to be so critical, because of his ability to appoint justices to the Supreme Court.</p>
<p>The United States was founded by men who realized that our Individual Rights are NOT defined by government, judges, or even a Constitution. They are granted us by our Creator - an unalienable fact of our existence.</p>
<p>Today, the Court proved why this power is unjust, and why it must be removed. Despite what they say, the Constitution does not convey an unlimited power to tax, for any purpose that Congress convinces themselves will enhance the General Welfare.</p>
<p>This ruling gives government the power to wield the tax code as a punative measure, to punish those who don't do what the government wishes by imposing a "tax" upon them.</p>
<p>The purpose of Government is to protect our unalienable individual rights. You don't protect our rights by violating them. The Supreme Court has lost sight of this fact, and is thus irrelevant. Freedom-loving people across this country are rapidly finding themselves in the same situation as our founders did, facing a monsterous government that recognizes no limits on its power.</p>
<p>And today, the Supreme Court just enhanced this power, adding another veil of legitimacy to what is essentially the rule of thugs. This will destroy individual rights and freedom in this country, and I for one do not recognize it as valid. I no longer consent to be governed by those who do not recognize my rights!</p>HHS Mandate - Correspondance with Senator Caseytag:wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com,2012-03-16:3029713:BlogPost:474012012-03-16T12:39:52.000ZRobert Shearerhttps://wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com/profile/RobertSheaer
<p>Senator Casey’s lukewarm reply is below. My response to his response is this:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Senator Casey - First of all, thank you for your thoughtful reply to my letter to you about the unconstitutional HHS mandate that employers and/or insurers should be compelled to pay for contraception or abortifacients. As a Catholic and an employer of 35 people with families, please know that after reviewing the issue and praying on it - I support my church leaders and I cannot and will not comply…</p>
<p>Senator Casey’s lukewarm reply is below. My response to his response is this:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Senator Casey - First of all, thank you for your thoughtful reply to my letter to you about the unconstitutional HHS mandate that employers and/or insurers should be compelled to pay for contraception or abortifacients. As a Catholic and an employer of 35 people with families, please know that after reviewing the issue and praying on it - I support my church leaders and I cannot and will not comply with this mandate. I am writing today with this concern: In your reply to me, ref S 1489, you stated "This legislation is necessary both to ensure longstanding regulatory protections are made permanent, and to clarify and increase awareness of these longstanding protections."</p>
<p>I appreciate that statement but have to ask:</p>
<p>-Since when is it legal and just for the government to mandate that one person pay for a product or service for someone else? That is stealing. </p>
<p>-Why is it necessary to create new legislation to affirm the God-Given rights enshrined in our Constitution?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I pray that you will remind our President and your Senate colleagues of this fundamental truth upon which our country was founded: "The Rights of Man come not from the generosity of the State but from the Hand of God!"</p>
<p>-John F Kennedy</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Bottom line - no one has a "right" to "free" contraception any more than they have a right to free tacos or free snow tires. Is this the "fundamental transformation" the president spoke of? This is disgusting and sad. And this is not how America works.</p>
<p>Sincerely, RRS</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Please – lets keep this issue in front of them – please write and let the know what you think.</p>
<p></p>
<p>******** Initial Reply from Senator Casey:*********</p>
<p>Dear Mr. Shearer:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Thank you for taking the time to contact me about S. 1467, the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act of 2011. I appreciate hearing from you about this issue.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In 2011, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) asked the Institute of Medicine (IOM) to examine preventive services for women to determine if additional services should be covered under the Affordable Care Act, which requires insurance coverage of preventive services with no cost-sharing. The IOM made eight recommendations for additional preventive services for which coverage should be required under the Affordable Care Act. One recommendation was that the full range of FDA-approved contraceptive methods should be covered by insurers.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>On August 3, 2011, HHS issued an Interim Final Rule based on the IOM recommendations relating to coverage of preventive services for group plans and health insurance issuers. This proposed regulation included a requirement that contraception be covered as a preventive service, with only a very narrow religious exemption. Believing the protections in the Interim Final Rule to be insufficient, and having heard from many Pennsylvanians who share my concerns, I submitted formal comments to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on September 30, 2011, urging the Secretary to broaden the definition of “religious employer” in the Final Rule. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Unfortunately, the final rule announced on January 20, 2012, did not include a broader religious exemption; instead, HHS announced a one-year delay for religiously-affiliated groups to come into compliance. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I oppose this decision and am deeply disappointed that HHS failed to include a balanced compromise that respects the conscience rights of religious entities opposed to contraception. While I support access to family planning as a way to reduce unintended pregnancy and abortion, I remain firm in my belief that religious entities, including those that do not primarily employ or serve people of the same faith, should be allowed to apply their religious values to the health insurance they offer their employees.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I have written a letter to President Obama expressing my concern and offering, once again, to work with his Administration to develop comprehensive conscience protections. I will continue to work toward the goal of ensuring that access to contraception does not come at the cost of forcing individuals or institutions to violate their religious beliefs.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>S. 1467, the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act of 2011, was introduced by Senator Roy Blunt of Missouri on August 2, 2011, in response to the Interim Final Rule. Similar legislation, H.R. 1179, was introduced in the House of Representatives. The bill would allow a health plan to decline coverage of specific services if providing such services would be contrary to the religious beliefs or moral convictions of the sponsor, issuer or other entity offering the plan. S. 1467 has been referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, of which I am a member. Please be assured that I will keep your thoughts in mind as the Committee reviews this legislation.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The issue of protecting conscience rights is one I have long supported. Last year, I introduced S. 1489, the Health Care Provider and Hospital Conscience Protection Act. This bill will codify current federal regulations protecting the conscience rights of health care workers and facilities, and create an enforcement mechanism so that violations can be addressed. This legislation is necessary both to ensure longstanding regulatory protections are made permanent, and to clarify and increase awareness of these longstanding protections. At the end of 2011, I wrote a letter to members of the Appropriations Committee, urging them to include similar conscience protections in the Fiscal Year 2012 Omnibus budget package.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>As always, I appreciate your views, thoughts and concerns as they assist me in understanding what is important to the people of Pennsylvania. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future about this or any other matter of importance to you.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you have access to the Internet, I encourage you to visit my web site, <a href="http://casey.senate.gov">http://casey.senate.gov</a>. I invite you to use this online office as a comprehensive resource to stay up-to-date on my work in Washington, request assistance from my office or share with me your thoughts on the issues that matter most to you and to Pennsylvania.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p>Bob Casey</p>
<p>United States Senator</p>
<p> </p>
<p>P.S. If you would like to respond to this message, please use the contact form on my website: <a href="http://casey.senate.gov/contact/">http://casey.senate.gov/contact/</a></p>HHS Edict Will Force Catholics to Violate Conscience - educate those around you!tag:wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com,2012-03-16:3029713:BlogPost:473992012-03-16T12:18:49.000ZRobert Shearerhttps://wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com/profile/RobertSheaer
<p>Friends:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It is not often that I find it necessary to write to you about pressing public issues. Today is different. I am not sure if you have heard of this or not, but the US Catholic Bishops are taking a very strong stand against the Obama administration’s Health and Human Services rules related to Obama Care. Specifically, this past week HHS announced that <b><u>all</u></b> health care plans offered in the USA will be required to provide “free” coverage for <b>abortion,…</b></p>
<p>Friends:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It is not often that I find it necessary to write to you about pressing public issues. Today is different. I am not sure if you have heard of this or not, but the US Catholic Bishops are taking a very strong stand against the Obama administration’s Health and Human Services rules related to Obama Care. Specifically, this past week HHS announced that <b><u>all</u></b> health care plans offered in the USA will be required to provide “free” coverage for <b>abortion, sterilization, contraception</b>, etc. This means that <u>all</u> employers (including <b>my</b> company, Catholic Hospitals, Dioceses, Christian Schools, etc.) will have to choose to either provide healthcare plans that include these “services” or fail to offer healthcare and pay the Obama Care penalty ($) – forcing the employees onto the government-sponsored healthcare plans where these “services” will be provided by tax payer money. Sound like a fool’s choice? As you will see below – the Bishops are clear – this is a violation of our first amendment right of religious liberty. In my lifetime I have never seen the Bishops issue a statement like this. This is serious – I ask you to take the time to read this and inform your friends. We have never before, as Christians, been called upon to take a stand like we are now.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Some background: This has come after two years of discussions between the Bishop’s conference and HHS. During this time our religious objections were given a lot of lip service (and several times the administration make promises to change the language) – but in the end HHS has decided that they do not care about the concerns of Christians and Jews and have rejected the Bishop’s most recent appeal. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Here is the link to the Bishop’s conference web site (take a minute to watch Archbishop Dolan’s video).</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://usccb.org/">http://usccb.org/</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://usccb.org/issues-and-action/religious-liberty/conscience-protection/index.cfm">http://usccb.org/issues-and-action/religious-liberty/conscience-protection/index.cfm</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Here is the text of the main language in the Bishop’s Conference letter that was published last week and read at most masses in the USA (in Altoona/Johnstown ours will be published this weekend I am told).</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:</p>
<p>I write to you concerning an alarming and serious matter that negatively impacts the Church in the United States directly, and that strikes at the fundamental right to religious liberty for all citizens of any faith. The federal government, which claims to be "of, by, and for the people," has just been dealt a heavy blow to almost a quarter of those people -- the Catholic population -- and to the millions more who are served by the Catholic faithful.</p>
<p>The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced last week that almost all employers, including Catholic employers, will be forced to offer their employees' health coverage that includes sterilization, abortion-inducing drugs, and contraception. Almost all health insurers will be forced to include those "services" in the health policies they write. And almost all individuals will be forced to buy that coverage as a part of their policies.</p>
<p>In so ruling, the Obama Administration has cast aside the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, denying to Catholics our Nation's first and most fundamental freedom, that of religious liberty. And as a result, unless the rule is overturned, we Catholics will be compelled to either violate our consciences, or to drop health coverage for our employees (and suffer the penalties for doing so). The Obama Administration's sole concession was to give our institutions one year to comply.</p>
<p>We cannot--we will not--comply with this unjust law. People of faith cannot be made second class citizens. We are already joined by our brothers and sisters of all faiths and many others of good will in this important effort to regain our religious freedom. Our parents and grandparents did not come to these shores to help build America's cities and towns, its infrastructure and institutions, its enterprise and culture, only to have their posterity stripped of their God given rights. In generations past, the Church has always been able to count on the faithful to stand up and protect her sacred rights and duties. I hope and trust she can count on this generation of Catholics to do the same. Our children and grandchildren deserve nothing less.</p>
<p>And therefore, I would ask of you two things. First, as a community of faith we must commit ourselves to prayer and fasting that wisdom and justice may prevail, and religious liberty may be restored. Without God, we can do nothing; with God, nothing is impossible. Second, I would also recommend visiting <a href="http://www.usccb.org/conscience">www.usccb.org/conscience</a>, to learn more about this severe assault on religious liberty, and how to contact Congress in support of legislation that would reverse the Obama Administration's decision.</p>
<p>Sincerely yours in Christ,</p>
<p>+Alexander K. Sample Most Reverend Alexander K. Sample Bishop of Marquette</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Bishop David Zubik of Pittsburgh is taking a leading role in communication about this issue – check it out. Scroll down to the entry titled: “To hell with you.” Awesome! But importantly, have you ever heard a Bishop speak this way? These guys are not kidding and they are done messing around.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.diopitt.org/hhs-delays-rule-contraceptive-coverage">http://www.diopitt.org/hhs-delays-rule-contraceptive-coverage</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Some are recommending a law to protect religious exemptions:</p>
<p><a href="http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/207601-rubio-looks-to-oveturn-obamas-birth-control-regulations">http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/207601-rubio-looks-to-oveturn-obamas-birth-control-regulations</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Cannot help but point out that any legislation mandating a religious exemption, while apparently necessary, is redundant to the religious freedom and freedom of conscience rights we already have enshrined in the 1<sup>st</sup> Amendment to the constitution. It should not be necessary to pass another law to say the constitution is valid.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I hope you will support our Pastors, Bishops, and all religious leaders who are taking a stand against this ridiculous executive branch over-reach. They need to now that we have their backs. I believe that we are at the time where it is up to us to say NO. I watched a TV discussion last night on this topic that included a Rabi, and Evangelical pastor, a Mormon and a Catholic. All agreed – we must stand together. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>What can we do?</p>
<ol>
<li>Write to your representatives in Congress and the Senate and tell them what you think.</li>
<li>Support your religious leaders and fellow Christians who are working to overturn this rule. Ask how you can help.</li>
<li>Do not comply. I mean, what would happen if the folks in Washington made a rule, and no one complied. Can they put us all in jail? Stay true to your conscience.</li>
<li>Talk it up. They are counting on us not talking to each other and staying silent. Surprise them!</li>
<li>Pray. </li>
</ol>
<p> </p>
<p>God Bless,</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Rob</p>HHS Mandate - Letters to our Senatorstag:wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com,2012-03-16:3029713:BlogPost:472862012-03-16T12:14:26.000ZRobert Shearerhttps://wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com/profile/RobertSheaer
<p>30 Jan 2012:</p>
<p>Support Respect for Rights of Conscience Act</p>
<p>As the owner of a company that employs 35 people, and as a Catholic, HHS's reaffirmation that virtually all private health care plans must cover sterilization, abortifacients, and contraception, means that our government is purposely putting me in the position of having to choose between doing something I know to be wrong and providing healthcare coverage for my employees.</p>
<p>No government should ever have the…</p>
<p>30 Jan 2012:</p>
<p>Support Respect for Rights of Conscience Act</p>
<p>As the owner of a company that employs 35 people, and as a Catholic, HHS's reaffirmation that virtually all private health care plans must cover sterilization, abortifacients, and contraception, means that our government is purposely putting me in the position of having to choose between doing something I know to be wrong and providing healthcare coverage for my employees.</p>
<p>No government should ever have the authority to put its citizens in this position. For this reason I am asking you to please co-sponsor the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act (H.R. 1179). This measure ensures that the rights of conscience of all participants in our nation's health care system will be respected.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Perhaps this is the administration's way to force employers like me to abandon our health care policies, so that Obama Care may replace it. No such action can end well for the citizens of the USA. I pray that you will stand up to this low manipulation of the free market and our individual rights. Our Catholic communities will be watching your vote on this subject.</p>
<p>Respectfully, Robert R. Shearer</p>
<p> </p>HHS Mandate - Support our Religious Leaders!tag:wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com,2012-03-16:3029713:BlogPost:471912012-03-16T12:05:43.000ZRobert Shearerhttps://wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com/profile/RobertSheaer
<p><span>February 11, 2012</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span>Most Rev. Mark L. Bartchak</span></p>
<p><span><b>Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown</b><br></br> 927 S. Logan Boulevard<br></br> Hollidaysburg, PA 16648</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span>Dear Bishop Bartchak,</span></p>
<p><span>I write to you today, a few short hours after President Obama announced his decision to make an “accommodation” to religiously-affiliated institutions, for three reasons: </span></p>
<p><span>First, to express my gratitude to you and…</span></p>
<p><span>February 11, 2012</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span>Most Rev. Mark L. Bartchak</span></p>
<p><span><b>Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown</b><br/> 927 S. Logan Boulevard<br/> Hollidaysburg, PA 16648</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span>Dear Bishop Bartchak,</span></p>
<p><span>I write to you today, a few short hours after President Obama announced his decision to make an “accommodation” to religiously-affiliated institutions, for three reasons: </span></p>
<p><span>First, to express my gratitude to you and your fellow Bishops for taking a stand against this unconstitutional and unconscionable mandate. Thank you for your leadership that says, by its action, that there absolutely is a power greater than the federal government, that our rights and liberties flow directly from the Creator to individuals, free from the capricious interpretation of any official, elected or otherwise. </span></p>
<p><span>Second, to assure you of my absolute and unwavering support of you and the Bishops’ position on this issue. As a Catholic and owner of a business that employs more than 30 people, I too cannot and will not comply with this administration’s illegal rule. We have seen that this administration has no problem lying directly to Cardinal-designate Dolan, other members of congress and to the American people about his intentions. He has abused and is not therefore worthy of our trust. </span></p>
<p><span>Finally, I ask you and your fellow Bishops to stand strong in the grace of the Holy Spirit. Please do not be swayed by the administration’s simple attempt at obfuscation. Mr. Obama’s “accommodation” is aimed solely at still getting to his desired outcome without regard to the fact that “free contraception” is no more a right than free candy. </span></p>
<p><span>In fact. this overtly shallow attempt at social engineering and redistribution is insulting to any thinking citizen. The mandate steps beyond the law and creates a</span> <span><i>positive obligation</i></span> <span>that one entity (employer, insurance company, taxpayer, etc.) pays for something for someone else. This is illegal and immoral. More ominously, the administration’s clear disregard for the constitution and for individual rights shows that they see no limits on their own power nor on the government’s power to pick winners and losers. Bottom line: this is not the proper role for government and in fact, these rules serve only to pit one constituency against another.</span></p>
<p><span>Progressives like the president are fond of using the “it’s complicated” explanation followed by the offer of a false choice. In this example, the president said yesterday: </span></p>
<p><span>"This is an issue where people of good will on both sides of the debate have been sorting through some <i>very complicated</i> questions to find a solution that works for everyone," Mr. Obama said Friday. "With today's announcement, we've done that. Religious liberty will be protected and a law that requires free preventive care will not discriminate against women."</span></p>
<p><span> It is a lie to say that this is complicated. It is not. The government has no role here. Secondly, it is a lie and a false choice to say that if women do not receive free contraception, they are discriminated against. Finally, it is a lie to state that this rule protects religious liberty. It does not.</span></p>
<p><span>I beg you and your fellow Bishops not to accept the President’s sham of an “accommodation.” If the insurance companies pay for contraception and sterilization how is this any different? We, the employer, still need to pay the insurance companies. Perhaps this is emblematic of Mr. Obama’s own failure to see obvious truth when it gets in the way of his own ambition. </span></p>
<p><span>Let’s stand together as a people of God. I pledge my support in any way you require.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span>God Bless,</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span>Robert R. Shearer</span></p>The Fox, The Elephant and The Donkey - A Fable (Repost)tag:wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com,2012-02-02:3029713:BlogPost:471662012-02-02T12:37:14.000ZPeter Trippetthttps://wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com/profile/PeterandKarenTrippett
<p> </p>
<hr id="null"></hr><p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center"><font size="5"><em>The Fox, The Elephant, and The Donkey</em></font></p>
<p align="center"><font size="5"><em>A Fable</em></font></p>
<p align="center"><font size="4"><em>(Or, how we got into the mess we are in, and how not to waste your vote.)</em></font></p>
<p align="center"><em>By: Peter Trippett</em></p>
<p align="center"><em>Illustration by: Jenny Trippett</em></p>
<p> …</p>
<p align="left"><em><img alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2998962831?profile=RESIZE_320x320" style="float: right;" width="300"></img></em></p>
<p> </p>
<hr id="null"/><p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center"><font size="5"><em>The Fox, The Elephant, and The Donkey</em></font></p>
<p align="center"><font size="5"><em>A Fable</em></font></p>
<p align="center"><font size="4"><em>(Or, how we got into the mess we are in, and how not to waste your vote.)</em></font></p>
<p align="center"><em>By: Peter Trippett</em></p>
<p align="center"><em>Illustration by: Jenny Trippett</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p align="left"><em><img width="300" style="float: right;" alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2998962831?profile=RESIZE_320x320"/></em><font size="3"><font size="7">O</font>nce upon a time, a group of animals decided to take a trip. They had heard of a land called "Happiness", and were all anxious to get there. So, one day, they all gathered together, and boarded a bus. As each animal stepped onto the bus, they paid their fare, in gold coin, for which the driver, the Old Grey Fox, thanked them.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">Once everyone was aboard, the driver shut the door, and with a hiss of releasing brakes, the journey began. It was going to be a long trip, so all of the animals made themselves comfortable for the ride.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">After a short while, the Old Grey Fox turned the bus onto the Liberty Highway, which, he told the others, was the road that would lead to Happiness. Liberty Highway was not a heavily traveled road. They encountered no other traffic. In places, the road was rough, but the Old Grey Fox expertly slowed the bus as needed, avoided the rough patches and kept the ride smooth.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">After only a few hours, the Blind Donkey spoke up, "This is taking too long! I know there must be a shortcut, I can feel it in my heart!"</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">"No, no," said the Old Grey Fox. "This is the right way! Liberty Highway will always take us to Happiness!"</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">The Myopic Elephant chimed in. "I am also sure there is a shortcut. At the next crossroads, turn right!"</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">"No, Left!", said the Blind Donkey.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">They argued for time, and then came to an agreement. The animals on the bus would elect the driver. Whoever got the most votes would drive the bus.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">"That's ridiculous!", said the Old Grey Fox. "I am the driver! And, the Blind Donkey can't drive! He can't even see!"</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">"I can see with my heart!", replied the Donkey. "You should always follow your heart. It will never lead you astray!"</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">So, the animals all began shouting out their votes. "Elephant!", "Donkey!", "Fox!"... The votes were tallied. Half the animals on the bus voted for the Donkey, either inspired by his speech about the heart, or perhaps because they wanted to see a Blind Donkey drive. A quarter voted for the Elephant, and a quarter voted for the Fox. The Donkey won, and the Fox reluctantly relinquished his seat to the Blind Donkey.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">The Donkey began driving. Almost immediately, he turned left, as he had promised, but he could not see that there was no road to turn onto. Fortunately, however, the ground was flat, with no trees, rivers, lakes, boulders or other obstacles. But, though they did not crash, the ride was not very comfortable as the bus bounced over the grassy terrain.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">After being knocked around for a time the Myopic Elephant spoke up. “Aren't we tired of this! Let me drive. I may be near-sighted, but at least I can see where the road is!”</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">“No! We are fine,” said the Donkey. “Things will get smoother, you'll see! And we will reach Happiness before you know it!”</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">But, the animals were all tired of the bumpy ride, so they voted again. This time, the Elephant won, so the Donkey turned control over to him. He immediately turned right, and after wrestling with the steering wheel for a while he eventually came across a road, which he turned onto. The ride became much smoother.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">“I think this is it!” said the Myopic Elephant. “I think this is the shortcut to Happiness!”</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">The Old Grey Fox shook his head and said, “I don't think so. I don't like where we are heading!” But, all the other animals ignored him.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">The Blind Donkey sat sulking for a while. He was sure his way was the shortest. But how could he convince the others? Then, he had an idea! “OK, My turn to drive!” he said. “Let's take another vote. And, if I am elected, I will refund one gold coin of everyone's fare!”</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">Well, the idea of having to pay less for the trip was appealing to the other animals on the bus. So, of course many of them voted for the Donkey this time, and he won the election. As he took the driver seat, he found the key to the fare box on the keyring, opened the box, and distributed a coin to everyone on the bus.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">He also secretly slipped a few extra coins to the Keen-Eyed Cat, and asked him to whisper in his ear when they came upon the next left turn. So, this time, when he made his turn, he knew he was turning onto an actual road. Once he was on the new road the Keen-Eyed Cat continued to whisper directions in his ear, so the Donkey was able to remain on the road. He depressed the accelerator, speeding up to 90MPH. “This is it! This is what we call 'progress'. We will be in Happiness before you know it,” said the Blind Donkey.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">By this time, the animals were beginning to get bored with the trip. They stopped paying attention to the road ahead. They started playing games among themselves, talking, laughing and reading. And, most of them started to go to sleep.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">But, the Myopic Elephant was fuming! He couldn't believe that the Blind Donkey would use such a dishonest trick, paying the others for their vote! But, he slowly came to realize that if he ever wanted to win an election again, he would have to use the same tactics. So, after a while, he stood up and shouted, “Time for another vote! I promise two gold coins to everyone on the bus, if I am elected!”</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">The animals could not believe their good fortune, and they quickly elected the Myopic Elephant to drive the bus. If they played their cards right, this trip could be free!</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">This exchange went on for a time, the Donkey and the Elephant each promising a larger portion of the coins in the fare box in order to get elected. And, in some cases, secretly paying other animals to help them get elected.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">When the Blind Donkey drove the bus, he would always make a left turn (secretly guided by the Keen-Eyed Cat), and increase the speed to 90MPH. When the Myopic Elephant drove, he would always slow the bus down to 60MPH and make a right turn.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">Occasionally the Old Grey Fox would point out the window, and say, “See! Look! Over there! There is Liberty Highway! Get on that road, we can still make it to Happiness!”.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">When he would say this, the Blind Donkey would completely ignore him. Sometimes the Myopic Elephant would listen. But, then he would answer, “You might be right, but if I go that way, the Donkey will complain about how slow it is, and get himself elected again. And, I think my shortcut is better anyway!”</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">Once, when the Blind Donkey was driving, the Elephant noticed that the fare box was empty! All of the coins that had been collected in fares, had been given out to buy votes, or special favors to help either the Donkey or the Elephant get elected. By this time, the animals were so used to getting paid for their vote, that he doubted he would ever get to drive the bus again, unless he came up with an idea.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">Then, it struck him! He would simply promise the other animals a larger amount, that would be paid once they reached Happiness. So he grabbed a pad of paper and a pen, and wrote a note:</font></p>
<blockquote style="margin-right: 0px;" dir="ltr"><p align="center"><font size="3"><em>I.O.U. Ten (10) gold coins, backed by our full faith and confidence in the wealth we shall all attain in the Land of Happiness.</em></font></p>
</blockquote>
<p align="left"><font size="3">He wrote sufficient copies of these notes, to give one to each of the animals on the bus, and announced, “Ten coins! I will promise ten gold coins to everyone if I am elected driver!”.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">He was enthusiastically elected, and happily took the driver seat. He passed his notes back to the animals, as he promised. Many of them grumbled, “What is this?” But, they all knew, they believed, that wealth awaited them in the future, when they would reach Happiness, so they accepted the note.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">The Myopic Elephant slowed the bus to 60MPH, as he always did, and started searching for the next right turn. But, he could not find one! The road they were on now appeared to have been traveled many times before. It went straight through an arid dessert. Dry weeds, cactus, and dust lined the road, along with the occasional skeleton.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">They passed a sign that read “DEAD END”, but the Myopic Elephant could not read it. A few of those who were still awake on the bus noticed it, and tried to point it out to the others, but it was gone, engulfed in the cloud of dust raised by the passage of the bus.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">After a few miles, they approached another bus, sitting wrecked and abandoned on the side of the road. As they passed the wreck, the Old Grey Fox spoke up once again. “Oh no! The two of you have taken us to Social Justice Road. There are no turns off this road, no exits or rest stops. The road dead-ends at the top of the cliffs of Karl. Many buses have come this way before, and it never ends well for the passengers. I chose to take Liberty Highway because it goes nowhere near those cliffs. Hit the brakes! Please stop!”</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">And the Blind Donkey answered, “Nonsense! Don't listen to him. He is just an old white-haired fox! And, he used to eat rabbits!</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">“This road is exactly the shortcut I was looking for! We have made so much progress since the last bus came this way! I am sure they have built a bridge or ramp at those cliffs. We will not crash!</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">“Since we have found exactly the shortcut I was looking for, I am the one who should drive the bus. I promise Hope. I promise Change. And, because we are so close to Happiness, I can now promise twenty gold coins to everyone, if I am elected!”</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">So, the Blind Donkey was elected again. He quickly wrote up his I.O.U.'s for twenty gold coins, passed them out and took the driver seat once more.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">He floored the accelerator, taking the bus up to 120MPH. The engine roared, sounding as though it was about to tear itself apart! The bus vibrated and shook. The Donkey barely retained control as the bus careened down the road. The Keen-Eyed Cat abandoned all pretense of secrecy, openly shouting a continuous stream of instructions to the Blind Donkey to keep him on the road.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">The commotion began to awaken those animals who had fallen asleep. “What is happening?” they asked.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">The Old Grey Fox calmly answered, “We are heading over a cliff, at 120MPH! No bus that has come this way before has ever survived! We must stop the bus, and turn it around! We must return to Liberty Highway, if we are ever to reach Happiness.”</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">“Maybe we should have another vote!” said the animals who had just awakened, sipping their tea. “Maybe we should vote for the Fox!”</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">“Now, now,” said the Myopic Elephant. “I don't see any danger ahead, but we are going too fast! I agree we should slow down. But, going backward is never the answer.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">“Let's have another election. But, remember that the Fox has never won. If you vote for him, you will divide the vote, and we will both lose. You will end up with the Blind Donkey driving again! A vote for the Old Grey Fox is really a vote for the Blind Donkey! Don't waste your vote!”</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">And the Red Dog shouted, “The Elephant is right! I agree with the Old Grey Fox, but if we vote for him, the Donkey wins! The only way to save ourselves is to vote for the lesser of two evils.”</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">So the animals held another election. Some did vote for the Old Grey Fox, but enough of them had been swayed by the “lesser of two evils” argument, that the Elephant won the election.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">The Myopic Elephant took the drivers seat, and once again slowed the bus to 60MPH. He peered at the road ahead, struggling to perceive every little detail, determined to detect the slightest danger, his own lack of Vision working against him. He could barely make out the crest of a small hill, ahead.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">To his credit, the Myopic Elephant was, in the end, finally convinced to apply the brakes - after the bus began its doomed trajectory over the Cliffs of Karl. And, as they fell, everyone on that bus realized that in the last election, there was only one vote that could have saved them.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">The End.</font></p>
<hr id="null"/><p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center"><font size="1">Copyright (C) 2010 Peter Trippett, all rights reserved.</font></p>
<p> </p>
<p><font size="2"><br/></font></p>An Argument Against Pre-Primary Endorsementstag:wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com,2012-01-27:3029713:BlogPost:473582012-01-27T04:30:00.000ZPeter Trippetthttps://wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com/profile/PeterandKarenTrippett
<p>Dear Republican State Committee,</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">You are on the verge of gathering to decide whether the State Committee should endorse Primary Election candidates, or not. I am writing to point out why you should not endorse a candidate before the Primary Election.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">A party endorsement is a powerful thing. The endorsement itself gives a candidate an advantage in the election, as many Republicans are…</p>
<p>Dear Republican State Committee,</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">You are on the verge of gathering to decide whether the State Committee should endorse Primary Election candidates, or not. I am writing to point out why you should not endorse a candidate before the Primary Election.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">A party endorsement is a powerful thing. The endorsement itself gives a candidate an advantage in the election, as many Republicans are likely to vote for the endorsed candidate. But, with the endorsement comes other forms of support: money, access to Party resources, man-power to help gather ballot petitions. Even the fact that many candidates openly state that they will not run if they do not receive the party endorsement is an indication as to how powerful that endorsement is.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Since an endorsement is made by a small group of people in the State Committee, it is clear that the endorsement power gives the State Committee a great deal of influence over an election. This power justifies the notions that the party is controlled by insiders; and that it is harder for a non-insider to run for office. It instills a sense of disenfranchisement in Republicans who do not support the endorsed candidate.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">But beyond that, I ask you to consider carefully what the endorsement process leads to.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">What are the attributes that are considered by the State Committee in making their endorsement decision? Since the primary purpose of the Republican Party is to get Republicans elected to office, it makes sense that the chief attribute is electability. After all, you can't restore principles to our government if you can't get a Republican elected, right?</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">That may be true, but I would also say that you can't restore principles to our government if the process of choosing our candidates selects for electability over principles.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">This country is suffering from a combination of lack of principles; too much power concentrated in government; corruption and cronyism. As with most things in nature, the structure visible on the outside is reflected on the inside.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The State Committee's endorsement process concentrates power in a few central planners. It selects for other attributes over principles. It penalizes those who stand on principle, because those are the ones who would not give benefits to the majority by taking wealth from the minority - that stand is not considered very popular. And finally, it fosters corruption and cronyism, or at least the perception that those things are happening.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">It is time for the Republican Party to stand for and restore the founding principles of this country. If those principles are no longer accepted by the people, then this country will join other republics in the scrap bin of history that failed when they abandoned their constitutions. Republicans can do that best by adopting those same principles within their own party, and by adopting a system that does not reject men of principle. Empower the members of your party, and let them choose their own candidates!</p>Ponzi! Ponzi! Ponzi! -- The Truth About Medicare and Social Security (by John Stossel)tag:wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com,2011-09-23:3029713:BlogPost:426592011-09-23T03:45:56.000ZPeter Trippetthttps://wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com/profile/PeterandKarenTrippett
<div style="text-align: left; background-color: transparent; color: #000000; overflow: hidden; text-decoration: none;"><h2 class="section">Opinion</h2>
<h1 class="entry" id="article-title">Ponzi! Ponzi! Ponzi! -- The Truth About Medicare and Social Security</h1>
<p class="author vcard"><span class="fn">By <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/author/john-stossel/index.html" rel="author">John Stossel</a></span></p>
<p class="published updated dtstamp">Published September 14, 2011…</p>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left; background-color: transparent; color: #000000; overflow: hidden; text-decoration: none;"><h2 class="section">Opinion</h2>
<h1 class="entry" id="article-title">Ponzi! Ponzi! Ponzi! -- The Truth About Medicare and Social Security</h1>
<p class="author vcard"><span class="fn">By <a rel="author" href="http://www.foxnews.com/author/john-stossel/index.html">John Stossel</a></span></p>
<p class="published updated dtstamp">Published September 14, 2011</p>
<p class="source-org vcard"><span class="org fn">| FoxNews.com</span></p>
<div id="introduction"><div class="entry-content KonaBody"><p style="font-size: 14px;">Ponzi! Ponzi! Ponzi! There, I said it. To the extent people believe there are <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2011/09/14/ponzi-ponzi-ponzi/#" class="kLink" id="KonaLink0" style="xg-p: static; text-decoration: underline !important;" name="KonaLink0"><font color="#0000FF" style="xg-p: static; font-family: arial, sans-serif; color: blue !important; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400;"><span class="kLink" style="xg-p: relative; font-family: arial, sans-serif; color: blue !important; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400;">trust</span> <span class="kLink" style="xg-p: relative; font-family: arial, sans-serif; color: blue !important; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400;">funds</span></font></a> with their names on them, <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/topics/politics/social-security.htm#r_src=ramp" class="r_lapi">Social Security</a> is absolutely a Ponzi scheme. So is <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/topics/health/healthy-aging/medicare.htm#r_src=ramp" class="r_lapi">Medicare</a>. People need to hear it.</p>
<p style="font-size: 14px;">Many people think that when the government takes payroll tax from their paychecks, it goes to something like a savings account. Seniors who collect Social Security think they're just getting back money that they put into their "account." Or they think it's like an <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2011/09/14/ponzi-ponzi-ponzi/#" class="kLink" id="KonaLink1" style="xg-p: static; text-decoration: underline !important;" name="KonaLink1"><font color="#0000FF" style="xg-p: static; font-family: arial, sans-serif; color: blue !important; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400;"><span class="kLink" style="xg-p: relative; font-family: arial, sans-serif; color: blue !important; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400;">insurance</span> <span class="kLink" style="xg-p: relative; font-family: arial, sans-serif; color: blue !important; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400;">policy</span></font></a> -- you win if you live long enough to get more than you paid in. Neither is true.</p>
</div>
</div>
<br/><br/>Read more: <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2011/09/14/ponzi-ponzi-ponzi/#ixzz1YkAmpcR9" style="color: #003399;">http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2011/09/14/ponzi-ponzi-ponzi/#ixzz1YkAmpcR9</a></div>Penn State climate-change researcher cleared of misconducttag:wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com,2011-08-23:3029713:BlogPost:418742011-08-23T23:29:05.000ZPeter Trippetthttps://wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com/profile/PeterandKarenTrippett
<blockquote><p>An investigation by the National Science Foundation has found no evidence of wrongdoing or misconduct by Penn State climate-change researcher Michael Mann.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Read more: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.centredaily.com/2011/08/23/2886753/bloomberg-news-penn-state-climate.html">CDT: Penn State Climate Researcher Cleared of Misconduct</a></p>
<blockquote><p>An investigation by the National Science Foundation has found no evidence of wrongdoing or misconduct by Penn State climate-change researcher Michael Mann.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Read more: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.centredaily.com/2011/08/23/2886753/bloomberg-news-penn-state-climate.html">CDT: Penn State Climate Researcher Cleared of Misconduct</a></p>If Tea Partiers are Hobbits, Then Who is John McCain?tag:wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com,2011-07-29:3029713:BlogPost:409692011-07-29T02:00:00.000ZPeter Trippetthttps://wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com/profile/PeterandKarenTrippett
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</p>
<p>John McCain gave a speech in which he patronizingly called the Tea Party "Hobbits".</p>
<blockquote><p>...and the Tea Party Hobbits could return to Middle Earth having defeating Mordor.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>For those who haven't read the Lord of the Rings, the Hobbits were among the heroes of the story. A peace-loving people who found the inner strength to help fight and defeat the evil Sauron, The Dark Lord of Mordor, seeking to impose his will upon the entire…</p>
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</p>
<p>John McCain gave a speech in which he patronizingly called the Tea Party "Hobbits".</p>
<blockquote><p>...and the Tea Party Hobbits could return to Middle Earth having defeating Mordor.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>For those who haven't read the Lord of the Rings, the Hobbits were among the heroes of the story. A peace-loving people who found the inner strength to help fight and defeat the evil Sauron, The Dark Lord of Mordor, seeking to impose his will upon the entire world of Middle Earth.</p>
<p>Another character in the story is the perfect analog for John McCain. Saruman the White - a wizard originally sent to Middle Earth to help defeat Sauron. But, he was corrupted by his own hunger for power - eventually forming an alliance with Sauron.</p>
<p>Look at the evil we in the Tea Party are fighting - powerful forces that seek to enslave us, our children and their children, for countless generations to come, under a crushing debt. Nothing can justify an act that obligates innocent, unborn people who had nothing to do with incurring this debt to have to pay for our current out-of-control government. And yet, McCain, who once fought for freedom, has now joined forces with those who would do just that, and is opposing those who have arisen to put a stop to this evil practice.</p>
<p>Saruman the White was ultimately defeated by the actions of two Hobbits - imprisoned in a Tower, and stripped of his power. Let's keep that in mind next time McCain is up for election!</p>
<p>And, by the way John, Middle Earth was the name of the world the Hobbits lived in. After defeating Saruman and Sauron (and Mordor), they returned to their home, The Shire.</p>
<p>--Peter Trippett, July 28, 2011</p>A Response to Glenn Thompson's Letter About the Debt Ceilingtag:wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com,2011-07-22:3029713:BlogPost:411602011-07-22T00:30:00.000ZPeter Trippetthttps://wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com/profile/PeterandKarenTrippett
<p><em>After calling GT's office to object to any deal to raise either taxes or the debt ceiling, I received the following:</em></p>
<blockquote><p><span style="color: #993300;">Thank you for contacting me with regard to the legal limit on federal</span><br></br><span style="color: #993300;">borrowing. I appreciate receiving your opinions on this very important</span><br></br><span style="color: #993300;">matter. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #993300;">The United States Constitution grants…</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><em>After calling GT's office to object to any deal to raise either taxes or the debt ceiling, I received the following:</em></p>
<blockquote><p><span style="color: #993300;">Thank you for contacting me with regard to the legal limit on federal</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">borrowing. I appreciate receiving your opinions on this very important</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">matter. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #993300;">The United States Constitution grants Congress the sole power of the</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">purse, in order to fund government operations. Article 1, Section 8</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">also states that "Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes,</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">duties, imposts, and excises and to pay the debts of the United</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">States". While funding the federal government is carried out through</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">the annual appropriations process, Congress also has jurisdiction over</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">levying taxes and matters of federal liabilities. Prior to 1917,</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">Congress had to approve all governmental borrowing. To provide more</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">flexibility as the United States entered World War I, Congress agreed</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">to provide the federal government with approval for most types of</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">borrowing, within an established limit. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #993300;">When the government's outputs exceed incoming tax revenue, the Treasury</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">sells debt to the public to offset the difference. Over time, the</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">annual deficit has attributed to the $14 trillion debt we now face.</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">While there are many on both sides of the political spectrum that will</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">point fingers, the United State Department of the Treasury has</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">presented the facts. Under President George W. Bush, the national debt</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">increased by $4.35 trillion over an eight year period and recently</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">under President Barack Obama an additional $3.9 trillion has been added</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">to debt since taking office in January of 2009. There has been</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">projected an additional $1.64 trillion before 2011 is over.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #993300;">As of May 31, 2011, the $14.294 trillion debt ceiling was reached.</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">Since coming to Congress in 2009, I have consistently voted against</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">frivolous spending measures that compound Americas debt problem. While</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">some, including myself, have been signaling the alarm, reaching the</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">debt ceiling has now prompted mainstream concern over the United</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">States' ability to maintain a positive credit rating and has brought</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">the proposition of a debt limit increase to the forefront of budget</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">negotiation for Fiscal Year 2012. The current fiscal crisis presents a</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">serious challenge to the longevity of the American economy and will</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">require discipline and sacrifice - leaving no government program</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">without scrutiny. There are countless efficiencies to be made,</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">consolidations of redundant programs, and eliminations for outdated or</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">underperforming operations. It is imperative that the United States</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">begins to live within its means.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #993300;">However, reductions will not be enough, mandatory spending on programs</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security has been growing at an</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">unchecked rate and currently the programs account for nearly two thirds</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">of the annual budget. If entitlement growth remains unchecked it will</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">crowd out discretionary spending - such as education - and eventually</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">Medicare will also become insolvent. My Republican colleagues in the</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">House have been accused of attempting to "end Medicare as we know it".</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">This could not be further from the truth. Rather, various proposals</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">have aimed to extend the life of Medicare without altering the way the</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">program provides for any current beneficiaries. If fundamental</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">improvements are not made, Medicare will go bankrupt in the near</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">future.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #993300;">Many have suggested that to balance the budget, we should just levy new</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">taxes on those paying in upper brackets. While some argue that these</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">individuals need to "pay their fair share," according to the IRS, the</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">top 10% of American wage earners already pay 70% of all income taxes.</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">Furthermore, eliminating the Bush & Obama tax cuts for higher income</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">earners would generate about $70 billion per year for a ten year</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">period. Combined with the Administration's proposal to reduce the rate</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">at which itemized deductions lower tax liabilities, this would yield an</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">additional $30 billion per year over the same ten year period. In total</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">these proposals would generate $100 billion per year on average - or</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">only about one-sixteenth - of what is required to balance the budget.</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">This does not even begin to address the debt. Bottom line, I believe</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">this proposal to be a distraction and I will not engage in class</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">warfare. Rather than diverting attention to raising taxes during a</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">recession, we should be focused on the true issues at hand - curbing</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">out of control spending. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #993300;">Recently, H.R. 1954 was introduced and would have increased the debt</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">limit to $16.7 trillion without instituting any attached reductions in</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">spending. I voted against this measure and the legislation was easily</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">defeated in the House of Representatives. Raising the debt ceiling</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">without significant structural spending reforms would send a signal to</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">the world that America lacks the political will to meet our fiscal</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">obligations. Furthermore, without exacting tangible spending reforms,</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">our credit rating will be downgraded, similar to Portugal or Greece,</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">eroding confidence in our economy and increasing uncertainty for</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">businesses and investors at home and abroad. For these many reasons, I</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">have also cosponsored H.J.Res.1, a constitutional amendment to require</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">an annual balance budget, similar to 49 states.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #993300;">Since coming to Congress, I have worked tirelessly to be a responsible</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">steward of the taxpayer dollar and to promote fiscal responsibility.</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">Having the honor and privilege of serving you in the United States</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">Congress is not a responsibility that I take lightly. These issues are</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">pressing and will certainly define the next generation moving forward.</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">With that said, please be assured that I will keep your thoughts in</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">mind as the debt ceiling and the United States' fiscal situation</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">continues to be debated.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #993300;">Again, thank you for contacting my office. For more information on my</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">policies and happenings around the 5th District, please visit my</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">website at <a href="http://www.thompson.house.gov">www.thompson.house.gov</a>, There you can sign up to</span> <br/><span style="color: #993300;">receive periodic updates via my e-newsletter, The Thompson Times.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #993300;">Sincerely,</span><br/><br/><span style="color: #993300;">Glenn Thompson</span><br/><span style="color: #993300;">Member of Congress</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><em>I wrote the following reply:</em></p>
<p>Dear Glenn,</p>
<p>After contacting your office earlier today, I received an email containing the following statement:</p>
<p>"However, reductions will not be enough, mandatory spending on programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security has been growing at an unchecked rate and currently the programs account for nearly two thirds of the annual budget."</p>
<p>"Mandatory spending" is a ridiculous excuse. As a Congressman, your ONLY mandate is to uphold the Constitution, which was established to protect the rights of the people. If someone comes along and tries to convince you that stealing money by force from those same people to pay for "mandated" government programs is consistent with your oath, you should kick them out of your office!</p>
<p>No Congress can limit the powers of a future Congress. So, these so-called mandates are unconstitutional. This whole thing is an unjust, immoral scam against the American people, whose rights you are supposed to protect.</p>
<p>NOBODY has the right to steal from other people - and NOBODY has the right to elect a government and tell them to go steal money for them! This is true for taxes - which are theft when used for unconstitutional purposes - and for borrowing which is simply stealing from another generation.</p>
<p>Nothing in the Constitution allows for Social Security, Medicare, or any of these other Socialist programs, which do nothing other than transfer money from one citizen to another.</p>
<p>[This being said, I would not cut them off, but I would phase them out, slowly over the next ten or twenty years.]</p>
<p>If you want to solve our problems, you must address the underlying philosophy that a person's need justifies any act. If an act is immoral when an individual does it - it doesn't become moral when a government does it under the guise of Law, with a claim of Need. If this continues, we all become slaves to one another's need.</p>
<p>"Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves." <br/>-- William Pitt 1783</p>
<p>History has shown that Constitutional Republics fail when they abandon the principles of their constitution, in the same way and for the same reasons that we are doing right now.</p>
<p>STOP IT!</p>All Here is a link to my newsletter for the 19th of July 2011.tag:wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com,2011-07-19:3029713:BlogPost:411582011-07-19T07:00:39.000ZThomas Brownhttps://wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com/profile/ThomasBrown
<p>In this issue I will be discussing the Debt Ceiling, Ben Bernanke lying yet again about printing more money, the Transportation Safety Administration groping and being groped, and The Police State Lives on in Philadelphia and New York. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2998962899?profile=original">The TGB Report for July 19th, 2011</a></p>
<p>In this issue I will be discussing the Debt Ceiling, Ben Bernanke lying yet again about printing more money, the Transportation Safety Administration groping and being groped, and The Police State Lives on in Philadelphia and New York. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2998962899?profile=original">The TGB Report for July 19th, 2011</a></p>Mark R. Brady – Surgery and Prayer Story – Hospital Stay – Post-Op Home – Conclusiontag:wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com,2011-07-08:3029713:BlogPost:408582011-07-08T17:13:43.000ZMark Bradyhttps://wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com/profile/MarkBrady
<p>Hello Everyone:</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="messageBody">I had a doctor appointment yesterday (7/7/11) at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. Doctor said the craniotomy scar is healing well. I'm only draining a 'pin head' amount and the upper part is scabbing. My headache is subsiding to mild pain. I'm using pain medication combinations of acetaminophen, naproxen and ibuprofen. Still fatigued, off balanced and dizzy. My spatial awareness balance is a little off kilter... this is the…</span></p>
<p>Hello Everyone:</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="messageBody">I had a doctor appointment yesterday (7/7/11) at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. Doctor said the craniotomy scar is healing well. I'm only draining a 'pin head' amount and the upper part is scabbing. My headache is subsiding to mild pain. I'm using pain medication combinations of acetaminophen, naproxen and ibuprofen. Still fatigued, off balanced and dizzy. My spatial awareness balance is a little off kilter... this is the healing process. It's only 24 days after the operation. In time my head and balance will get better :-) Doctor said I can leave <span style="cursor: hand; border-bottom: #366388 2px dotted;" id="lw_1310144671_0" class="yshortcuts">Pittsburgh</span> and recuperate in <span style="cursor: hand; border-bottom: #366388 2px dotted;" id="lw_1310144671_1" class="yshortcuts">Centre County</span>. I will be coming home soon... I'm Blessed! They got all of the tumor. In December, I'm seeing the doctor in Pittsburgh when he reviews my 6 month MRI.</span></p>
<p><span class="messageBody"> </span></p>
<p><span class="messageBody">God Bless,</span></p>
<p><span class="messageBody"> </span></p>
<p><span class="messageBody">Mark</span></p>
<p><span class="messageBody"> </span></p>
<p><span class="messageBody">This is my Facebook note last month that I sent out to FB friends... I would like to share:</span></p>
<p><span class="messageBody"> </span></p>
<p><span class="messageBody">-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span></p>
<h2 class="uiHeaderTitle"><span class="font-size-3">Mark R. Brady – Surgery and Prayer Story – Hospital Stay – Post-Op Home – Conclusion</span></h2>
<p><span class="font-size-3"> </span></p>
<p><span class="messageBody">Hello Everyone:</span></p>
<p><span class="messageBody"> </span></p>
<p>I’m writing to you on Sunday June 26, 2011, my 12th day after craniotomy surgery. I have had a swift recovery from surgery of a 2.5 cm vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma) on June14, 2011. The healing process has been miraculous; the events I would love to share with you.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Tuesday June 14, 2011(Surgery Day):</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The surgery date time was scheduled for 8:15AM in the morning. My Aunt, Dad and I arrived two and half-hours before surgery. At 6:00AM, I was called to my waiting room to get prepared. After discussing information with nurses my family was called in around 6:45AM. My family had around 30 to 45 minutes to see me before they took me to the OR waiting. I arrived at the OR waiting room at 7:30AM and was greeted soon by the neuro-anesthesiologists. We went over my past anesthesia history. My neurotologist/otolaryngologist, the main doctor performing the surgery, Dr. Chen came in and talked with me. He marked my area of the head behind and above the right ear and said; “I will see you in the OR Room.” At 8:10AM, I was rolled over to the OR room. When I came in side there must have been a dozen of medical people. In my palm of my hand was a “Prayer Before Surgery” note given to me from a good friend. I didn’t memorize it, so the plan was to read it just before I go under. One of the medical persons saw and asked me what was in my hand. I told him what I was going to do and if he could throw out after I’m done. When I was done making the prayer, I gave him the note and told him you can now discard. He took it and placed it under my surgery net cap behind my left ear. Minutes later I was knocked out from the anesthesia. The time was 8:25AM.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The <em>“Prayer Before Surgery”</em> note said:</p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>“Loving Father, I entrust myself to your care this day; guide with wisdom and skill the minds and hands of the medical people who minister in your Name, and grant that every cause of illness be removed, I may be restored to soundness of health and learn to live in a more perfect harmony with you and with those around me. Through Jesus Christ. Amen.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><em>Into your hands, I commend my body and my soul. Amen.”</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>My eyes opened up. I looked to the right and then to the left and saw my Dad and Aunt Marlyn standing over me. I was so happy to see them. I made it! My Aunt Marlyn said I was very giddy and laughing, “Give me a big hug.” and “Stay, and there is an extra room.” The time was 1:45PM in the ICU Room. My aunt told me later (when moved to my hospital room) that the actual surgery was only three (3) hours long from 9:00AM to noon. I was in the Recovery Room from noon to 1:30PM.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>When doctors entered through the Mastoid Bone flap (translabyrinthine) and got to the tumor, there was scar tissue all around the tumor. Doctors were concerned that the surgery now could be an 8+-hour procedure. Fortunately, when they started coring the tumor from the scar tissue, it was encapsulated with a clear plane of all blood vessels. The tumor debunked and popped out quite easily for the this recurrent procedure.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Wednesday June 15, 2011:</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The day of the surgery I stayed in the ICU to the next morning Wednesday at 10:00AM. Only 20 hours total in the ICU. Doctors decided to move me to a regular hospital bed because of my amazing improvement. The ICU nurse was packing my glasses and my other personal materials that Aunt Marlyn brought me the day before. She pulled up a small paper from my bed table and said do you want this? It was my “Prayer Before Surgery” note!!! Doctors and medical staff must have kept it for me after the surgery. I was so happy to see the prayer note and it being in my travels. It was my strength. That afternoon and evening I was walking with the PT with assistance. My Dad and Aunt told me that evening while I was eating my dinner that Dr. Chen said I might be released as early as Friday June 17, 2011. This gave me more incentive to get well soon. I never can sleep well in the hospital!</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Thursday June 16, 2011:</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Early in the morning my Intern for Dr. Chen, Dr Hill took off my protective helmet and my JP drain plug. This is the plug that drains the mastoid cavity of any build up blood fluids. After breakfast, I decided to walk on my own with a walker. I took of my compression stockings and walked with and without the walker very gingerly. After lunch, I was scheduled for PT work. For an hour, I practiced steps (up and down), walking side ways, backwards, and focus techniques with the eyes. After dinner, that evening I walked with my family twice down the hospital corridors. I was concerned that I did have some drainage of blood from that JP plug area. The staff nurses told me this was normal. That night when my family left they told me I would be released on Friday and would be in the morning.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Friday June 17.2011 (Discharge Day):</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>That morning around 8:00AM, Dr Chen came to see me again and told me I could leave anytime after 11:00AM and the discharge nurse would take care of me with my leaving. I was so happy. I was released at noon to stay and rest with my Aunt Marlyn at her Pittsburgh house and my Dad for the next several weeks!</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Post-Op Home (June 17, 2011 to Present):</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>As you know it is now my 12th day of recovery. I’m feeling good overall. Still tired, but this is to be expected. My headache has diminished immensely, but at times my head still feels strange. Last Thursday, I had my sutures removed. I was having leakage in my scar area profusely. Dr Chen prescribed me a heavy antibiotic to fight any infection that may incur from the normal leakage in the Mastoid cavity. I’m scheduled to see him on Thursday July 7, 2011. I’m also off of the Vicodin and just taking lots of Tylenol.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Conclusion:</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>I’m very happy for medical staff keeping the prayer note for me. This was very unexpected. A blessing and so neat! I’m very fortunate that I have such wonderful friends and support from family/friends through this event. Positive thought and prayers I believe is the key to a miraculous outcome. Positively visualizing the good is what has happened. Fear is our enemy and negativity only leads to destruction. This did not happen!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I thank you all for your love and support. Please pray that I continue to get strong and no infection occurs anywhere. See you soon!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Love and Blessings,</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Mark</p>
<p> </p>Mark Brady Surgery Update - Sunday 6/19tag:wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com,2011-06-19:3029713:BlogPost:402112011-06-19T19:00:00.000ZWendy Brownhttps://wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com/profile/WendyBrown949
<div>MARK BRADY IS DOING EXTREMELY WELL AFTER SURGERY!</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Received this from Mark today!</div>
<div>_____________________________________________</div>
<div><div><font face="Calibri">Hi Everyone:</font></div>
<div><font face="Calibri">This is Mark!</font></div>
<div><font face="Calibri">I'm at my Aunt Marlyn's house resting and relaxing. <br></br>Still sore in the head, but that is to be expected. Doctor's releases me on <br></br>Friday 6/17 at noon. I was making miraculous…</font></div>
</div>
<div>MARK BRADY IS DOING EXTREMELY WELL AFTER SURGERY!</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Received this from Mark today!</div>
<div>_____________________________________________</div>
<div><div><font face="Calibri">Hi Everyone:</font></div>
<div><font face="Calibri">This is Mark!</font></div>
<div><font face="Calibri">I'm at my Aunt Marlyn's house resting and relaxing. <br/>Still sore in the head, but that is to be expected. Doctor's releases me on <br/>Friday 6/17 at noon. I was making miraculous progress and felt anymore stay in <br/>the hospital would not be beneficial to my recovery. The surgery from what I <br/>hear was a major success.</font></div>
<div><font face="Calibri">At first, doctors were alarmed because the extensive <br/>scar tissue over the tumor re-growth would make it an 8 hour plus surgery. But, <br/>the scar tissue had encapsulated the tumor to where it was easy to resect and <br/>debunk! The surgery only lasted from 9:00 to a little after noon! I was taken to <br/>recovery and then the ICU at 1:30 pm on 6/14. Only 20 hours later, the next <br/>morning (Wednesday 6/15) at 10:00 am doctors moved me to my hospital room. That <br/>afternoon I was walking with assistance with PT trainers. On Thursday 6/16, I <br/>was walking on my own gingerly around the hospital several times... kinda like a <br/>person who had a lobotomy... LOL! My Aunt and doctors said I could be released <br/>as early as the next day... Friday 6/17!</font></div>
<div><font face="Calibri">I feel good, although I have a headache and soreness <br/>around my ear a front of the brain. My neck is tight too! Also, I'm very <br/>very tired... feels like two Mack trucks hit me I guess this is the case with this surgery? I will be going <br/>back to the hospital on Thursday for a doctor visit. They will be taking the <br/>sutures off and also let me know of my progress! I will keep you informed <br/>too!</font></div>
<div><font face="Calibri">I thank you for all your prayers and support. Positive <br/>caring thoughts are so important for a miraculous recovery from the patient and <br/>all others involved... this is what happened </font></div>
<div><font face="Calibri">God Bless You All...</font></div>
<div><font face="Calibri">Mark</font></div>
<div><font face="Calibri">ps. Talk to you soon... I have a wonderful story to tell <br/>you later when I get my strength...</font></div>
</div>
<div> </div>Stop more real estate taxes by supporting these billstag:wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com,2011-05-26:3029713:BlogPost:396922011-05-26T19:15:16.000ZThomas Brownhttps://wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com/profile/ThomasBrown
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<h2 class="date-header"><span>Thursday, May 26, 2011</span></h2>
<a name="2705780862734909070"></a><br />
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"><a href="http://thetgbreport.blogspot.com/2011/05/stop-more-real-estate-taxes-by.html">Stop more real estate taxes by supporting these bills</a></h3>
Senate bill 911 would require school boards in PA to seek a referendum from the citizens if they wanted to raise property taxes above the rate index set each year. This bill would allow the tax payer more say and take the power from the teachers unions and give it back to where it belongs the citizens who pay for their salaries and benefits. Please tax time to contact your State Senator.<br/> <br/> <a href="http://www.legis.state.pa.us/CFDOCS/Legis/PN/Public/btCheck.cfm?txtType=PDF&sessYr=2011&sessInd=0&billBody=S&billTyp=B&billNbr=0911&pn=0944">Senate Bill 911</a><br/> <br/> State Senator Jake Corman (R-34)<br/> 281 Capitol Building Harrisburg, PA 17120-3034<br/> 717.787.1377 jcorman@pasen.gov<br/> 236 Match Factory Place, Bellfonte, PA 16823<br/> 814-355-0477<br/> <br/> In additon there is a bill in the PA House House Bills 1326 and 1383 <br/> <br/> <a href="http://www.legis.state.pa.us/CFDOCS/Legis/PN/Public/btCheck.cfm?txtType=PDF&sessYr=2011&sessInd=0&billBody=H&billTyp=B&billNbr=1326&pn=1505">HB 1328</a><br/> <br/> <a href="http://www.legis.state.pa.us/CFDOCS/Legis/PN/Public/btCheck.cfm?txtType=PDF&sessYr=2011&sessInd=0&billBody=H&billTyp=B&billNbr=1338&pn=1548">HB 1338</a><br/> <br/> These bills are similar to the Senate bill and I as that you contact your State Representatives and let them know you want these bills passed. <br/> <br/> House Rep. Scott Conklin (D-77) <br/> 101 East Wing Harrisburg, PA 17120-2077<br/> 717.787.9473 Deb R Brady 717.780.4764<br/> sconklin@pahouse.net<br/> 301 South Allen St. Suite 102 State College, PA 16801<br/> 814.238-5477<br/> <br/> House Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-171)<br/> 41B East Wing Harrisburg, PA 17120-2171<br/> 717.783.1918 Jeri Davis 717.260.6528<br/> kbenning@pahousegop.com<br/> 209 Sough Allegheny St. Suite B. Bellfonte, PA 16823<br/> 814.355.1300<br/> <br/> House Rep. Michael K. Hanna (D-76)<br/> 302 Main Capitol Building Harrisburg, PA 17120-2076<br/> 717.772.2283 Gayle Jones 717.787.4137<br/> mhanna@pahouse.net <br/> 29 Bellfonte Ave. Lock Haven, PA 17745<br/> 570.748.5480<br/> <br/> <br/>YOUR HELP IS NEEDED - OUR HISTORY IS UNDER ATTACKtag:wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com,2011-05-19:3029713:BlogPost:394702011-05-19T18:35:08.000ZPaul Kozlovskyhttps://wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com/profile/PaulKozlovsky
<p>Recently, Glenn Beck had a show about what kids are being taught in schools today. One of the books discussed was “Social Studies Alive – Our Communities and Beyond”, which, according to a parent of a child using this book in school, “minimalizes America and teaches about protesting and global activism…”. In short the kids are being subjected to indoctrination. This book is published by <b>TCI</b> (Teachers’ Curriculum Institute). The curriculum published by <b>TCI</b> is produced in…</p>
<p>Recently, Glenn Beck had a show about what kids are being taught in schools today. One of the books discussed was “Social Studies Alive – Our Communities and Beyond”, which, according to a parent of a child using this book in school, “minimalizes America and teaches about protesting and global activism…”. In short the kids are being subjected to indoctrination. This book is published by <b>TCI</b> (Teachers’ Curriculum Institute). The curriculum published by <b>TCI</b> is produced in collaboration with the National Constitution Center, the president and CEO of which was CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service which oversees Americorps, Vista and Senior Corps.</p>
<p>On June 13, the STATE COLLEGE AREA SCHOOL BOARD WILL BE APPROVING A LIST OF BOOKS TO BE USED IN THE 2011-2012 SCHOOL YEAR. ONE OF THESE BOOKS PROPOSED FOR THE HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL IS “<b>GOVERNMENT ALIVE – POWER, POLITICS AND YOU</b>”. This book is published by <b>TCI</b>.</p>
<p>Upon a cursory review of this book, it appears that many facts about our government and its history are incomplete, incorrect or purposefully misleading. The book discusses the ‘founding of our <i>democracy</i>’. A chart in the book indicates that in a federal system of government, power is granted by the Constitution to the Central & Regional Governments and then from the governments to the citizens.</p>
<p><b>WE NEED YOUR HELP</b>: BETWEEN NOW AND JUNE 13, THIS BOOK IS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW AT THE SCASD ADMINISTRATION BUILDING (131 W. NITTANY AVE.). PLEASE GO AND REVIEW THIS BOOK AND LET THE SCHOOL DISTRICT KNOW WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT THIS BOOK AND THE WAY IT TREATS THE HISTORICAL FACTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. WE NEED AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE TO REVIEW AND COMMENT ON THIS CURRICULUM. WE ALSO NEED YOU TO LET YOUR NEIGHBORS KNOW ABOUT WHAT THEIR CHILDREN ARE BEING TAUGHT.</p>Rep. Jason Chaffetz of Utah was the only Republican to vote against the billtag:wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com,2011-05-13:3029713:BlogPost:397582011-05-13T05:19:52.000ZThomas Brownhttps://wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com/profile/ThomasBrown
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>- Main Justice - <span dir="ltr"><a href="http://www.mainjustice.com">http://www.mainjustice.com</a></span> -</strong></p>
<p id="BlogTitle">House Panel Approves Patriot Act Extension</p>
<p id="BlogDate">Posted By <u>Andrew Ramonas</u> On May 12, 2011 @ 12:55 pm In <u>News</u> | <u><a href="http://www.mainjustice.com/2011/05/12/house-panel-approves-patriot-act-extension/print/#comments_controls">No Comments</a></u></p>
<p>The House Judiciary Committee on…</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>- Main Justice - <span dir="ltr"><a href="http://www.mainjustice.com">http://www.mainjustice.com</a></span> -</strong></p>
<p id="BlogTitle">House Panel Approves Patriot Act Extension</p>
<p id="BlogDate">Posted By <u>Andrew Ramonas</u> On May 12, 2011 @ 12:55 pm In <u>News</u> | <u><a href="http://www.mainjustice.com/2011/05/12/house-panel-approves-patriot-act-extension/print/#comments_controls">No Comments</a></u></p>
<p>The House Judiciary Committee on Thursday approved legislation that would renew provisions of the Patriot Act that are set to expire May 27.</p>
<p>The panel voted 22–13, mostly along party lines, to report out of committee legislation that would extend until Dec. 31, 2017, the “roving wiretaps” power and “business records” authority, which makes it easier for federal authorities to get tangible evidence — such as library records — as part of an investigation. The bill also would give a permanent extension to the expiring “lone wolf” power, which allows investigations of suspected terrorists not tied to a specific organization or nation.</p>
<p>Rep. <strong>Jason Chaffetz</strong> of Utah was the only Republican to vote against the bill. Resident Commissioner <strong>Pedro Pierluisi</strong> of Puerto Rico and Rep. <strong>Mike Quigley</strong> of Illinois were the only Democrats to vote in favor of the legislation.</p>
<p>“The expiring provisions of the PATRIOT Act are both constitutional and common sense,” House Judiciary Committee Chairman <strong>Lamar Smith</strong> (R-Texas) said in prepared remarks. “There is no record of their having been misused by any law enforcement official or national security agency.</p>
<p>Democrats offered several amendments that would have put limitations on the use of the powers and required more reports to Congress on their use. Rep. <strong>Sheila Jackson Lee</strong> (D-Texas) also offered an amendment that would extend the three powers until only Dec. 2014. The committee didn’t adopt any of the amendments.</p>
<p>“The majority of course has the votes to shut down amendment and report a so-called “’clean bill’ to the floor,” Rep. <strong>John Conyers</strong> of Michigan, the top panel Democrat, said in prepared remarks. “I have no idea why it would take this course, since the Senate is obviously pursuing meaningful reform and civil libertarians on both sides of the aisle are ready to deal.”</p>
<p><a href="http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.uscongress/legislation.112s193" rel="external">Legislation</a> <sup>[1]</sup> introduced by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman <strong>Patrick Leahy</strong> (D-Vt.) would extend the three expiring provisions until Dec. 31, 2013. The bill also would employ a sunset for national security letters, which are administrative subpoenas that the FBI uses to get evidence without a court order. A <a href="http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.uscongress/legislation.112hr1805" rel="external">bill</a> <sup>[2]</sup> introduced by Conyers on Tuesday contains these provisions.</p>
<p>The Senate Judiciary Committee approved the Leahy bill in March. But the Senate measure failed to win much support from panel Republicans with only Sen. <strong>Mike Lee</strong> of Utah voting in favor of reporting the bill out of committee. The seven Republicans who voted against the bill said they were worried the legislation would make it more difficult for law enforcement authorities to use the national security powers.</p>
<p>Congress has only days to pass a bill renewing the powers. Between May 12 and May 27, the House has six days set aside for floor votes and is not slated to hold votes on May 27. The Senate, which is slated to be in session until May 27, has yet to schedule a floor vote on a bill extending the powers.</p>
<p>The three authorities are currently allowed under a 90-day extension that Congress passed in February.</p>
<p>The House tried to pass a Patriot Act renewal bill in February that would have extended the powers until December. That measure was considered under House procedures that required a two-thirds majority to pass the bill. But House Democrats and conservative Republicans joined together and the bill was not passed.</p>The Problem of Social Ordertag:wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com,2011-05-09:3029713:BlogPost:392672011-05-09T17:22:46.000ZChuck Rayhttps://wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com/profile/ChuckRay
<p>What an excellent speech...</p>
<p> </p>
<h1><a target="_blank" href="http://mises.org/daily/5270/State-or-PrivateLaw-Society">State or Private-Law Society</a></h1>
<p> </p>
<p>Don't think it can be accomplished?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It might be better to ask "What kind of order will prevail after our current system collapses under it own weight..."</p>
<p> </p>
<p>What an excellent speech...</p>
<p> </p>
<h1><a target="_blank" href="http://mises.org/daily/5270/State-or-PrivateLaw-Society">State or Private-Law Society</a></h1>
<p> </p>
<p>Don't think it can be accomplished?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It might be better to ask "What kind of order will prevail after our current system collapses under it own weight..."</p>
<p> </p>The real reason for cost of oil and gas sky rocketingtag:wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com,2011-05-04:3029713:BlogPost:391582011-05-04T20:48:41.000ZThomas Brownhttps://wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com/profile/ThomasBrown
Well Obama is going to have Eric Holder investigate the <a href="http://articles.latimes.com/2011/apr/21/business/la-fi-gas-prices-20110422">oil price manipulation.</a> Well I am sure Mr. Holder will no doubt take a look and find some evil manipualtors to blame for oil prices going up. They will no doubt be middle management in major brokerage houses or heads of Hedge Funds who didn't not pay enough tribute to criminal class know as the politicians. <br></br> <br></br> If they really wanted to get to…
Well Obama is going to have Eric Holder investigate the <a href="http://articles.latimes.com/2011/apr/21/business/la-fi-gas-prices-20110422">oil price manipulation.</a> Well I am sure Mr. Holder will no doubt take a look and find some evil manipualtors to blame for oil prices going up. They will no doubt be middle management in major brokerage houses or heads of Hedge Funds who didn't not pay enough tribute to criminal class know as the politicians. <br/> <br/> If they really wanted to get to the bottom to the cost of oil and gas surging over the last several months all they have to do is head down the street to the Federal Reserve and also the Treasury. <a href="http://www.inflationdata.com/inflation/inflation_rate/historical_oil_prices_table.asp">In 1976 oil was valued at $13.10 in US dollars.</a> <a href="http://www.kitco.com/scripts/hist_charts/yearly_graphs.plx">Gold at this date was an average of $124.84 US dollars.</a> That means that once of gold at that point would buy a little over 9 and half barrels of oil. Now we can fast forward today and a barrel of oil <a href="http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=BZM11.NYM&ql=0">is $121.19.</a> The current price for gold is <a href="http://www.kitco.com/charts/livegold.html">$1515.80</a> an ounce. So an ounce of gold today would by 12 and a half barrels of oil. So if we go by true money that is gold, oil is cheaper today than it was 35 years ago. <br/> <br/> So what has changed that would cause the dollar value of oil to sky rocket. Well we have have printed trillions of dollars out of thin air which has lead to more money chasing after the same amount of goods. In this case oil and gasoline. So if President Obama and the Congress really wanted to get to the bottom of the problem that is sky rocketing gas and oil prices they would end the Federal Reserve and intermediately get back to a dollar back again by gold or silver. This is the only true way to stop this inflation that is crushing the middle class and literally killing the poor.Another perspective to consider on Ayn Rand...tag:wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com,2011-04-22:3029713:BlogPost:385752011-04-22T15:39:57.000ZChuck Rayhttps://wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com/profile/ChuckRay
<p>Sometimes attractive packages contain unpleasant realities...</p>
<p> </p>
<h2><a href="http://townhall.com/columnists/michaelgerson/">Michael Gerson</a></h2>
<h1><a href="http://townhall.com/columnists/michaelgerson/2011/04/22/ayn_rands_adult-onset_adolescence/page/full/" target="_blank">Ayn Rand's Adult-Onset Adolescence</a></h1>
<p> </p>
<p>We need to continually remind ourselves that the main reason for cherishing freedom is that it really is the best way to arrive at the common good.…</p>
<p>Sometimes attractive packages contain unpleasant realities...</p>
<p> </p>
<h2><a href="http://townhall.com/columnists/michaelgerson/">Michael Gerson</a></h2>
<h1><a target="_blank" href="http://townhall.com/columnists/michaelgerson/2011/04/22/ayn_rands_adult-onset_adolescence/page/full/">Ayn Rand's Adult-Onset Adolescence</a></h1>
<p> </p>
<p>We need to continually remind ourselves that the main reason for cherishing freedom is that it really is the best way to arrive at the common good. Not just freedom for freedom's sake.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Call Speaker Boehner Audit the Fed H.R. 459tag:wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com,2011-04-20:3029713:BlogPost:369752011-04-20T20:16:07.000ZThomas Brownhttps://wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com/profile/ThomasBrown
<p>We need to push for this bill to get passed. There 131 co-sponsors including "GT" Thompson Call Congress and let them know this needs to get passed.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Contact Rep. John Boehner at his Washington office @ <span class="middlecopy" id="ctl00_ctl11_ctl01_Text">(202) 225-6205 and push him to get this passed <br></br>NOW!!!!!!!!!!<br></br></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>HR 459 IH</p>
<center>112th CONGRESS</center>
<center>1st Session</center>
<p></p>
<center><b>H. R.…</b></center>
<p>We need to push for this bill to get passed. There 131 co-sponsors including "GT" Thompson Call Congress and let them know this needs to get passed.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Contact Rep. John Boehner at his Washington office @ <span id="ctl00_ctl11_ctl01_Text" class="middlecopy">(202) 225-6205 and push him to get this passed <br/>NOW!!!!!!!!!!<br/></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>HR 459 IH</p>
<center>112th CONGRESS</center>
<center>1st Session</center>
<p></p>
<center><b>H. R. 459</b></center>
<p></p>
<p>To require a full audit of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal reserve banks by the Comptroller General of the United States before the end of 2012, and for other purposes.</p>
<p></p>
<center><b>IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES</b></center>
<p></p>
<center><h3>January 26, 2011</h3>
</center>
<p>Mr. PAUL (for himself, Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado, Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania, Mr. ALEXANDER, Mr. MCCLINTOCK, Mr. BILIRAKIS, Mr. BACHUS, Mr. CHAFFETZ, Mr. FORTENBERRY, Mr. LATOURETTE, Mr. BURTON of Indiana, Mr. POSEY, Mr. JONES, Mr. REED, Mr. BROUN of Georgia, Mr. HELLER, Mr. BARTON of Texas, Mr. WOODALL, Mr. MCCAUL, Mr. ROHRABACHER, Mr. LANCE, Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS, Mr. SIMPSON, Mr. SMITH of Nebraska, Mr. LAMBORN, Mr. SMITH of Texas, Mr. REHBERG, Mrs. MYRICK, Mr. MCKEON, Mr. WITTMAN, Mrs. BLACKBURN, Mr. MARCHANT, Mr. GALLEGLY, Ms. KAPTUR, Ms. WOOLSEY, Mr. SCHOCK, Mr. BURGESS, Mr. ROSS of Florida, Mr. CALVERT, Mr. FLORES, Mr. GRAVES of Georgia, Mr. MCKINLEY, Mr. LOBIONDO, Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California, Mr. MILLER of Florida, Mr. YOUNG of Florida, Mr. FORBES, Mr. GARRETT, Mr. GERLACH, Mr. GOHMERT, Mr. HUIZENGA of Michigan, Mr. KUCINICH, Mr. YOUNG of Alaska, Mr. CAMPBELL, Mr. PETRI, and Mr. BARTLETT) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform</p>
<hr/><p></p>
<center><b>A BILL</b></center>
<p></p>
<p>To require a full audit of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal reserve banks by the Comptroller General of the United States before the end of 2012, and for other purposes.</p>
<div style="margin-left: 2em"><em>Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,</em>
</div>
<h3>SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.</h3>
<div style="margin-left: 2em">This Act may be cited as the `Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2011'.
</div>
<h3>SEC. 2. AUDIT REFORM AND TRANSPARENCY FOR THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE</h3>
<h3>FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM.</h3>
<div style="margin-left: 2em">(a) In General- Notwithstanding section 714 of title 31, United States Code, or any other provision of law, an audit of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal reserve banks under subsection (b) of such section 714 shall be completed before the end of 2012.
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 2em">(b) Report-
</div>
<ul>
<li> <div style="margin-left: 2em">(1) IN GENERAL- A report on the audit required under subsection (a) shall be submitted by the Comptroller General to the Congress before the end of the 90-day period beginning on the date on which such audit is completed and made available to the Speaker of the House, the majority and minority leaders of the House of Representatives, the majority and minority leaders of the Senate, the Chairman and Ranking Member of the committee and each subcommittee of jurisdiction in the House of Representatives and the Senate, and any other Member of Congress who requests it.
</div>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> <div style="margin-left: 2em">(2) CONTENTS- The report under paragraph (1) shall include a detailed description of the findings and conclusion of the Comptroller General with respect to the audit that is the subject of the report, together with such recommendations for legislative or administrative action as the Comptroller General may determine to be appropriate.
</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-left: 2em">(c) Repeal of Certain Limitations- Subsection (b) of section 714 of title 31, United States Code, is amended by striking all after `in writing.'.
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 2em">(d) Technical and Conforming Amendment- Section 714 of title 31, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (f).
</div>The forgotten Right AntiWar Movement !tag:wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com,2011-04-20:3029713:BlogPost:369732011-04-20T19:30:00.000ZThomas Brownhttps://wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com/profile/ThomasBrown
<a href="http://youtu.be/1uHuu-a3FfU">http://youtu.be/1uHuu-a3FfU</a>
<a href="http://youtu.be/1uHuu-a3FfU">http://youtu.be/1uHuu-a3FfU</a>Atlas Shrugged Quick Reviewtag:wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com,2011-04-19:3029713:BlogPost:370792011-04-19T20:07:12.000ZPeter Trippetthttps://wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com/profile/PeterandKarenTrippett
<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2998962944?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2998962944?profile=original" width="250"></img></a> <br></br>
<p>I had a chance to watch "Atlas Shrugged" over the weekend. We were visiting Bradford, PA. A theater near Buffalo, NY was showing the movie, about an hour drive away!</p>
<p>No spoilers here, but this movie was great! It was definitely trying to be as close to the book as possible. It made use of a small but clever (and appopriate) change to the story to set it in our…</p>
<a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2998962944?profile=original"><img width="250" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2998962944?profile=original" class="align-right"/></a><br/>
<p>I had a chance to watch "Atlas Shrugged" over the weekend. We were visiting Bradford, PA. A theater near Buffalo, NY was showing the movie, about an hour drive away!</p>
<p>No spoilers here, but this movie was great! It was definitely trying to be as close to the book as possible. It made use of a small but clever (and appopriate) change to the story to set it in our own immediate future, thus making the whole movie more relevant to our own situation.</p>
<p>I have read other reviews which complained that the acting was a little flat, but I thought it was fine. I really liked the characters. And, the movie caught the tone of the book very well. Many scenes contained very beautiful architecture.</p>
<p>I spoke to some people after the movie, who said that they were easily able to follow the story, despite not having read the book.</p>
<p>I was at a Saturday afternoon (1:40PM) showing, and the theater was quite full. My wife counted at least 65 people.</p>
<p>Everyone in the theater applauded at the end of the movie!</p>
<p>I would gladly go see this movie again! I just hope it comes to a theater closer to home!</p>From the "Horses Mouth" on Budget Negotiationstag:wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com,2011-04-15:3029713:BlogPost:372622011-04-15T21:03:06.000ZWendy Brownhttps://wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com/profile/WendyBrown949
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Obama to Donors on his Budget Negotiations. </strong></span></p>
<p>Obama caught on tape talking to donors at closed door fundraiser in Chicago.</p>
<p>Well... This just about says it all from the 'Horses Mouth".</p>
<p>I recommend the longer more fullsome cut:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40tEbFMiuOw" target="_blank">President Obama - "You think we're stupid?'"</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>From MSNBC with their…</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Obama to Donors on his Budget Negotiations. </strong></span></p>
<p>Obama caught on tape talking to donors at closed door fundraiser in Chicago.</p>
<p>Well... This just about says it all from the 'Horses Mouth".</p>
<p>I recommend the longer more fullsome cut:</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40tEbFMiuOw">President Obama - "You think we're stupid?'"</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>From MSNBC with their discussion/commentary:</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rt5L0rX3jaI&feature=player_embedded#at=14">Posted by joe 2 from Naked Emperor News1</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Clearly, this man holds Republican leadership in contempt.</p>
<p>Republicans, are listening now?! Learn from your mistakes!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>By the way, the administration has launched a multi-million dollar campaign, run by an advertising agency, to sell Obamacare to the nation!</p>GT Voted yes to non-budget cutstag:wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com,2011-04-15:3029713:BlogPost:370752011-04-15T15:38:49.000ZThomas Brownhttps://wesurroundthemcentrecounty.ning.com/profile/ThomasBrown
<p>Well our friend GT came through and disappointed us again. He not only voted a few months ago to re-enact the Patriot Act but he voted on Wed. to pass the wimp-assed version of the budget cuts that cuts millions according to the CBO out of Trillion Dollar Deficit. Well I am glad he stopped the spending on a packet of gum that should stop the house from going into foreclosure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Below is a link of the breakdown of who voted yes or no.</p>
<p> …</p>
<p></p>
<p>Well our friend GT came through and disappointed us again. He not only voted a few months ago to re-enact the Patriot Act but he voted on Wed. to pass the wimp-assed version of the budget cuts that cuts millions according to the CBO out of Trillion Dollar Deficit. Well I am glad he stopped the spending on a packet of gum that should stop the house from going into foreclosure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Below is a link of the breakdown of who voted yes or no.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://politics.nytimes.com/congress/votes/112/house/1/268">http://politics.nytimes.com/congress/votes/112/house/1/268</a></p>