In his address to the 1912 Ohio constitutional convention Theodore Roosevelt told delegates, "the initiative and referendum should be used, not as substitutes for representative government, but as methods of making such government really representative. Action by the initiative or referendum ought not to be the normal way of legislation; but the power to take it should be provided in the constitution, so that if the representatives fail truly to represent the people on some matter of sufficient importance to rouse popular interest, then the people shall have in their hands the facilities to make good the failure."
I think most Alabamians would say that our legislature has failed to represent us on numerous matters.
Would you like to comment on this? Is is a certainly that we cannot trust our legislature in its present makeup to put the will of the people over their own self interest.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Guns best crime deterrent after all
By Bob Unruh
© 2008 WorldNetDaily
When sexual assaults started rising in Orlando, Fla., in 1986, police officers noticed women were arming themselves, so they launched a firearms safety course for them. Over the next 12 months, sexual assaults plummeted by 88 percent, burglaries fell by 25 percent and not one of the 2,500 women who took the course fired a gun in a confrontation.
And that, says a new brief submitted to the U.S. Supreme Court by police officers and prosecutors in a controversial gun-ban dispute, is why gun ownership is important and should be available to individuals in the United States.
The arguments come in an amicus brief submitted by the Law Enforcement Alliance of America, whose spokesman, Ted Deeds, told WND there now are 92 different law enforcement voices speaking together to the Supreme Court in the Heller case.
For more of this story, click here. What do you think? Post your comments below.
© 2008 WorldNetDaily
When sexual assaults started rising in Orlando, Fla., in 1986, police officers noticed women were arming themselves, so they launched a firearms safety course for them. Over the next 12 months, sexual assaults plummeted by 88 percent, burglaries fell by 25 percent and not one of the 2,500 women who took the course fired a gun in a confrontation.
And that, says a new brief submitted to the U.S. Supreme Court by police officers and prosecutors in a controversial gun-ban dispute, is why gun ownership is important and should be available to individuals in the United States.
The arguments come in an amicus brief submitted by the Law Enforcement Alliance of America, whose spokesman, Ted Deeds, told WND there now are 92 different law enforcement voices speaking together to the Supreme Court in the Heller case.
For more of this story, click here. What do you think? Post your comments below.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Jefferson County to Creditors: We're Broke!
From the Birmingham News:
Jefferson County told creditors in a filing Thursday night that it could offer no assurances it can meet its sewer debt obligations.
In two securities disclosure documents, the county said:
Soaring interest rates mean it may not be able to make payments on $3.2 billion in sewer bonds.
It may not be able to post $184 million in collateral required when credit-rating agencies lowered the grade for its interest-rate swap agreements.
Its sewer debt service reserve fund was now underfunded because of the credit downgrade, and the county could not guarantee it could properly fund or insure it.
Read the rest of the article here.
Editor's Note: Let this be a lesson to politicians who mortgage our children's future for their present political pleasure.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
"Double-Dipper" Terry Spicer Rams through Bill to Protect His own Job
MONTGOMERY - On disputed voice votes Wednesday, a state lawmaker who works for a community college rammed through for final legislative action a bill that would give legislators power to overturn state school board rules for two-year colleges.
The action by Rep. Terry Spicer, D-Elba, an employee of Ozark-Enterprise Community College, drew harsh words from some committee members. They charged Spicer with ignoring repeated pleas for roll call votes and then using his position as acting chairman to declare the outcome of each vote in favor of the legislation.
"I'm not very pleased with the way this committee meeting went," said Rep. Mike Ball, R-Huntsville. Ball sat next to Spicer during the meeting and at one point jumped from his chair and, leaning toward Spicer, waved his hands and arms repeatedly asking Spicer for a roll call vote. Spicer ignored the move.
For the complete story click here
Note: This is an outrage! The very legislators who abuse the system are trying to take over control so they can continue to use the system for their and/or their family's financial gain. This is a perfect example of the fox watching the hen house. Republicans are preparing for a floor fight. We need to make our voices known by calling our representatives and insisting that this bill be defeated. The first thing the legislature will do if it passes is to reverse the ban on legislators working for the two year system passed by the state school board last year.
What do you think about this? Post your opinions!
The action by Rep. Terry Spicer, D-Elba, an employee of Ozark-Enterprise Community College, drew harsh words from some committee members. They charged Spicer with ignoring repeated pleas for roll call votes and then using his position as acting chairman to declare the outcome of each vote in favor of the legislation.
"I'm not very pleased with the way this committee meeting went," said Rep. Mike Ball, R-Huntsville. Ball sat next to Spicer during the meeting and at one point jumped from his chair and, leaning toward Spicer, waved his hands and arms repeatedly asking Spicer for a roll call vote. Spicer ignored the move.
For the complete story click here
Note: This is an outrage! The very legislators who abuse the system are trying to take over control so they can continue to use the system for their and/or their family's financial gain. This is a perfect example of the fox watching the hen house. Republicans are preparing for a floor fight. We need to make our voices known by calling our representatives and insisting that this bill be defeated. The first thing the legislature will do if it passes is to reverse the ban on legislators working for the two year system passed by the state school board last year.
What do you think about this? Post your opinions!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Legislators do not expect convention bill to pass
MONTGOMERY -- Although many state legislators agree that Alabama's 1901 Constitution is antiquated and should be replaced, they do not expect a bill allowing voters to decide whether they want a convention to rewrite the document to pass this year.
Click here for full article
Click here for full article
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
McCain: Surprisingly Liberal.
If and when Senator John McCain finally receives the GOP nomination for President, the cattle call will sound and all Republicans will be expected to file behind the lead elephant. The alternative, we are told, will be much worse: perhaps a Hillary administration.
But as this ad shows, much of what conservatives fear from Hillary holds true for Senator McCain.
But as this ad shows, much of what conservatives fear from Hillary holds true for Senator McCain.
Jefferson County: $4.6 billion in the hole
“Shhhhh. Someone might find out!”
The Birmingham News recently reported that many Jefferson County Commissioners don’t want their colleagues to discuss county finances publicly because it might “rattle” investors. Jefferson County has the distinction of being $4.6 billion in debt, 43% of this debt carrying variable interest rates—you know, the kind responsible for sinking the housing market and triggering our present recession.
Naturally, few in government want this news to get out. People may get the idea that one county racking up $ billions in debt and charging it to future generations may be bad economic policy for the present time as well.
Investors know that a county close to $5 billion in debt will eventually have no choice in the future but to raise taxes—substantially. And when local governments need more revenue, they tax businesses first. But the problem with raising taxes (especially on businesses) is that it drives businesses and residents away, thereby hurting the overall tax base.
Businessmen have longer memories than politicians, and a much better grasp of history. That is why people always beat their governments. If they can’t find loopholes, they create them. If they don’t have enough clout in government to create them, they vote with their feet. No people, no taxes.
But Jefferson County does not have a revenue problem anymore than a compulsive gambler has a revenue problem.
The only long-term solution for any failed government is to drastically cut spending, privatize (and preferably eliminate) government services where possible, and cut—not raise—taxes. Cutting taxes and spending is the biggest draw for investors Jefferson County could make.
In his book, For Good and Evil: The Impact of Taxes on the Course of Civilization, historian Charles Adams points out that virtually every struggling government in history became successful and prosperous when it drastically lowered taxes. But the flip side is also true throughout history: every prosperous government that raised taxes weakened and ultimately collapsed.
The Jefferson County Commission must take drastic measures to save the county from inevitable bankruptcy. I suggest turning the county into a “tax haven” in the South. For it is certain that if the Commission does not act, Jefferson County will become a desert island.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
From the archive (1999)
Friends,
I found this going through some old papers...
1999
Hold on to your Wallet!
The U.S. Taxpayer Copes With “Fuzzy English”
By Matthew Chancey
There have been several new words tossed around in Washington, D.C., in recent years that warrant a proper definition and consequent warning to the U.S. taxpayer.
Most Americans believe that politicians lie. But what might surprise some folks is that most politicians don’t lie; they simply don’t use the same vocabulary as 99.9% of their constituents. Call it “fuzzy English,” if you will. Politicians love to twist the meaning of words so that no matter what they say, their statements will tickle the ears of any audience—regardless of the hearers’ political opinions. In one sense, this little game of semantical gymnastics is lying, because its underlying purpose is to deceive people on the true meaning of a politician’s words. But as far as making the statement, “Read my lips…” most politicians are not that daring.
Republicans and Democrats alike engage in this “fuzzy English,” although they might at times use a different dialect. The following are examples and definitions of several words and phrases commonly used by politicians:
“Compassionate”— When a conservative politician says he’s “compassionate,” this does not mean he has a personal soft spot for spotted owls. It means that he is going to spend your money for spotted owl preservation. A “compassionate conservative” is usually a socialist-lite who has no desire to eliminate social welfare programs, but wants to use them to promote certain conservative “ideals”.
“Local Control”— When a politician in Washington says he is supportive of “local control” for X, it does not necessarily mean he supports the elimination of any federal department or program. He simply means that he will keep the federal program, but allow states and communities to have more input over how the money is spent. This view holds that too much red tape—not the federal government—is the problem. These politicians do not subscribe to the view articulated by Sen. Eugene McCarthy, who said that “an efficient bureaucracy is the greatest threat to liberty.”
“Responsible”— In politics, the word “responsible” means “more.” To call for “responsible” gun laws means to call for more gun control. To call for “responsible” banking laws, means to call for more banking regulations. Under no circumstances does “responsible” mean “more efficient.”
“Affordable”— When a politician says he wants to make X more “affordable,” he means he wants the government to subsidize it in some form or fashion. It never means that federal regulations or meddling will be reduced or eliminated to lower prices.
“Investment”— A very popular word among liberal politicians. A call for more “investment” in, say, education is not an encouragement for taxpayers to take out an education IRA for their grandchildren. It means that the government must spend more on education. Note: this word never refers to private investments of any kind.
“Reform”— When a politician says he will fight for “X Reform,” it means that more money will be spent on X and more regulations will be enacted no matter what type of legislation is proposed. “Reform” is never equated with “elimination” in Washington.
“Partnership”— When a politician says he wants to form a “partnership” between the government and X, he is saying that he wants the government to control X in some manner. It does not mean that he wants to assist X or share input with X.
“Reasonable” and "Common Sense"
If a politician says he favors “reasonable” this or “common sense" that, it is almost always used to modify the words “regulations” or “restrictions.” A politician uses the words “reasonable” and “common sense” to make anyone who dares to oppose him seem “un”-reasonable and “lacking” in common sense.
“Fair”— Another favorite of all politicians. “Fair” is usually used in the context of what a politician thinks you deserve. For instance, the rich are taxed more than the poor because it’s “fair.” Taxpayer-funded education loans are given to poor students because it’s “fair.” Certain minorities get special hiring privileges because it’s “fair.” Under no circumstances does “fair” mean “just” in politics.
“Surplus”— In the corporate world, if an employee takes more money from his employer than is stated in his contract, we call it “embezzlement.” In Washington, it’s called “surplus.”
This is just a sampling of the “fuzzy English” you will hear in our nation’s capital.
For those finding the above confusing or hard to follow, the best advice this writer can give is to hide your kids, plug your ears, and hold on to your wallets when
a politician opens his mouth.
I found this going through some old papers...
1999
Hold on to your Wallet!
The U.S. Taxpayer Copes With “Fuzzy English”
By Matthew Chancey
There have been several new words tossed around in Washington, D.C., in recent years that warrant a proper definition and consequent warning to the U.S. taxpayer.
Most Americans believe that politicians lie. But what might surprise some folks is that most politicians don’t lie; they simply don’t use the same vocabulary as 99.9% of their constituents. Call it “fuzzy English,” if you will. Politicians love to twist the meaning of words so that no matter what they say, their statements will tickle the ears of any audience—regardless of the hearers’ political opinions. In one sense, this little game of semantical gymnastics is lying, because its underlying purpose is to deceive people on the true meaning of a politician’s words. But as far as making the statement, “Read my lips…” most politicians are not that daring.
Republicans and Democrats alike engage in this “fuzzy English,” although they might at times use a different dialect. The following are examples and definitions of several words and phrases commonly used by politicians:
“Compassionate”— When a conservative politician says he’s “compassionate,” this does not mean he has a personal soft spot for spotted owls. It means that he is going to spend your money for spotted owl preservation. A “compassionate conservative” is usually a socialist-lite who has no desire to eliminate social welfare programs, but wants to use them to promote certain conservative “ideals”.
“Local Control”— When a politician in Washington says he is supportive of “local control” for X, it does not necessarily mean he supports the elimination of any federal department or program. He simply means that he will keep the federal program, but allow states and communities to have more input over how the money is spent. This view holds that too much red tape—not the federal government—is the problem. These politicians do not subscribe to the view articulated by Sen. Eugene McCarthy, who said that “an efficient bureaucracy is the greatest threat to liberty.”
“Responsible”— In politics, the word “responsible” means “more.” To call for “responsible” gun laws means to call for more gun control. To call for “responsible” banking laws, means to call for more banking regulations. Under no circumstances does “responsible” mean “more efficient.”
“Affordable”— When a politician says he wants to make X more “affordable,” he means he wants the government to subsidize it in some form or fashion. It never means that federal regulations or meddling will be reduced or eliminated to lower prices.
“Investment”— A very popular word among liberal politicians. A call for more “investment” in, say, education is not an encouragement for taxpayers to take out an education IRA for their grandchildren. It means that the government must spend more on education. Note: this word never refers to private investments of any kind.
“Reform”— When a politician says he will fight for “X Reform,” it means that more money will be spent on X and more regulations will be enacted no matter what type of legislation is proposed. “Reform” is never equated with “elimination” in Washington.
“Partnership”— When a politician says he wants to form a “partnership” between the government and X, he is saying that he wants the government to control X in some manner. It does not mean that he wants to assist X or share input with X.
“Reasonable” and "Common Sense"
If a politician says he favors “reasonable” this or “common sense" that, it is almost always used to modify the words “regulations” or “restrictions.” A politician uses the words “reasonable” and “common sense” to make anyone who dares to oppose him seem “un”-reasonable and “lacking” in common sense.
“Fair”— Another favorite of all politicians. “Fair” is usually used in the context of what a politician thinks you deserve. For instance, the rich are taxed more than the poor because it’s “fair.” Taxpayer-funded education loans are given to poor students because it’s “fair.” Certain minorities get special hiring privileges because it’s “fair.” Under no circumstances does “fair” mean “just” in politics.
“Surplus”— In the corporate world, if an employee takes more money from his employer than is stated in his contract, we call it “embezzlement.” In Washington, it’s called “surplus.”
This is just a sampling of the “fuzzy English” you will hear in our nation’s capital.
For those finding the above confusing or hard to follow, the best advice this writer can give is to hide your kids, plug your ears, and hold on to your wallets when
a politician opens his mouth.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
RON PAUL ENDORSED BY THE ALABAMA REPUBLICAN ASSEMBLY
Texas Congressman also wins organization’s public straw poll
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: ELAINE LITTLE 205-663-0525
BIRMINGHAM, January 26—The Alabama Republican Assembly today announced the winner of its Presidential Endorsing Convention held on January 26, 2008 at the Birmingham Marriott.
Delegates from ALRA clubs around the state attended the endorsing convention to select their choice for the Republican nomination. The ALRA requires a 2/3rds majority to endorse a candidate, otherwise no endorsement is made.
Republican Ron Paul succeeded in winning the ALRA endorsement on the 1st round of voting. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee came in second.
“We congratulate Ron Paul on winning the ALRA endorsement,” said Elaine Little, Chairman of the Endorsing Convention. “It’s evident that the overwhelming majority of delegates determined that Congressman Paul best represents the Republican platform and the conservative values of limited government and personal freedom.”
Little went on to explain that in a crowded field of several candidates, it’s unusual that an endorsement would be won on the first ballot.
The ALRA hosted a corresponding straw poll that was open to the public while the endorsing convention was taking place. The winner of the straw poll, with 81% of total votes cast was Ron Paul, with Mike Huckabee coming in second with 13% and Mitt Romney in third with 6%
“Ron Paul’s grassroots support is second to none among all other republican campaigns this cycle,” stated attorney Tom Davis, Vice President of the ALRA and delegate to the endorsing convention. “The results of our straw poll parallel the results in most straw polls throughout the country. Ron Paul has clearly excited many new people and energized them to get involved in the political process. The Republican Party should be grateful for all the ‘new blood’ coming in as a result of Congressman Paul’s message of freedom and returning to the Constitution.”
The Alabama Republican Assembly is a grass-roots volunteer organization chartered by the National Federation of Republican Assemblies. The NFRA was founded in 1997 to promote conservative values and principles in the Republican Party.
Ronald Reagan referred to the NFRA as “the conscience if the Republican Party.”
##
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: ELAINE LITTLE 205-663-0525
BIRMINGHAM, January 26—The Alabama Republican Assembly today announced the winner of its Presidential Endorsing Convention held on January 26, 2008 at the Birmingham Marriott.
Delegates from ALRA clubs around the state attended the endorsing convention to select their choice for the Republican nomination. The ALRA requires a 2/3rds majority to endorse a candidate, otherwise no endorsement is made.
Republican Ron Paul succeeded in winning the ALRA endorsement on the 1st round of voting. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee came in second.
“We congratulate Ron Paul on winning the ALRA endorsement,” said Elaine Little, Chairman of the Endorsing Convention. “It’s evident that the overwhelming majority of delegates determined that Congressman Paul best represents the Republican platform and the conservative values of limited government and personal freedom.”
Little went on to explain that in a crowded field of several candidates, it’s unusual that an endorsement would be won on the first ballot.
The ALRA hosted a corresponding straw poll that was open to the public while the endorsing convention was taking place. The winner of the straw poll, with 81% of total votes cast was Ron Paul, with Mike Huckabee coming in second with 13% and Mitt Romney in third with 6%
“Ron Paul’s grassroots support is second to none among all other republican campaigns this cycle,” stated attorney Tom Davis, Vice President of the ALRA and delegate to the endorsing convention. “The results of our straw poll parallel the results in most straw polls throughout the country. Ron Paul has clearly excited many new people and energized them to get involved in the political process. The Republican Party should be grateful for all the ‘new blood’ coming in as a result of Congressman Paul’s message of freedom and returning to the Constitution.”
The Alabama Republican Assembly is a grass-roots volunteer organization chartered by the National Federation of Republican Assemblies. The NFRA was founded in 1997 to promote conservative values and principles in the Republican Party.
Ronald Reagan referred to the NFRA as “the conscience if the Republican Party.”
##
Friday, January 4, 2008
The 2008 ALRA Presidential Endorsing Convention
The Alabama Republican Assembly 2008 Presidential Endorsing Convention and Straw Poll is to be held Saturday, January 26th, 2008 at the Marriott Hotel in Birmingham, located just south of the intersection of I-459 and US 280.
The endorsing convention will begin promptly at 10 am and should conclude by 12:00 noon. All dues-paying members of the Alabama Republican Assembly as of 12/26/07 shall be eligible to vote in this important convention.
Conference registration is only the amount of your 2008 dues plus $5.00. thus it is $25 per person or $15 per additional person in a household such as a spouse or eligible child. Since 2008 dues are due in January, this would cover your dues for the year, plus support for the convention.
In addition to the endorsing convention, we will host a concurrent straw poll at the Marriott that will be open to all registered voters in Alabama. Straw poll tickets will be sold for $20 a piece at the door. ALRA delegates will receive a complementary ballot with their registration. The straw poll will open at 10am and close at 11:30am. The results of the straw poll will be announced at the conclusion of the convention.
As we near the February 5th “Super Tuesday” primary in Alabama, top conservative Republican grassroots activists in the state (i.e. you) need to make their Presidential preference known to rank and file Republican voters. This endorsing convention provides you with an opportunity to do just that.
A press release announcing the results of the endorsing convention and straw poll will be released following the meeting.
As a bonus, we have invited Senator Jeff Sessions to address the convention on the very dangerous “Law of the Sea” treaty. Senator Sessions is fast emerging as on of the most important conservative voices in the US Senate. After taking a very principled stand against the Democrats and the Whitehouse on illegal immigration, Sessions is now taking on a treaty that threatens to turn over most of the world’s surface to the United Nations and impose a direct tax on the United States.
Please make it a priority to attend this important endorsing a convention. The year 2008 will be a momentous one in America’s political history. Let’s do our part in letting our voices be heard! Below is a registration form if needed.
The endorsing convention will begin promptly at 10 am and should conclude by 12:00 noon. All dues-paying members of the Alabama Republican Assembly as of 12/26/07 shall be eligible to vote in this important convention.
Conference registration is only the amount of your 2008 dues plus $5.00. thus it is $25 per person or $15 per additional person in a household such as a spouse or eligible child. Since 2008 dues are due in January, this would cover your dues for the year, plus support for the convention.
In addition to the endorsing convention, we will host a concurrent straw poll at the Marriott that will be open to all registered voters in Alabama. Straw poll tickets will be sold for $20 a piece at the door. ALRA delegates will receive a complementary ballot with their registration. The straw poll will open at 10am and close at 11:30am. The results of the straw poll will be announced at the conclusion of the convention.
As we near the February 5th “Super Tuesday” primary in Alabama, top conservative Republican grassroots activists in the state (i.e. you) need to make their Presidential preference known to rank and file Republican voters. This endorsing convention provides you with an opportunity to do just that.
A press release announcing the results of the endorsing convention and straw poll will be released following the meeting.
As a bonus, we have invited Senator Jeff Sessions to address the convention on the very dangerous “Law of the Sea” treaty. Senator Sessions is fast emerging as on of the most important conservative voices in the US Senate. After taking a very principled stand against the Democrats and the Whitehouse on illegal immigration, Sessions is now taking on a treaty that threatens to turn over most of the world’s surface to the United Nations and impose a direct tax on the United States.
Please make it a priority to attend this important endorsing a convention. The year 2008 will be a momentous one in America’s political history. Let’s do our part in letting our voices be heard! Below is a registration form if needed.
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