Economy
Posted August 17th, 2011 by Fred
…The discussion, “What happened to our Manufacturing Base and why we have lost millions and millions of private sector jobs”. Cannot be found anywhere in the American political dialogue. The losses our economy have suffered have not only impacted our GDP, national employment and have placed America at risk.
Government policies under both parties have cost America millions and millions of jobs.
Free Trade is an oxymoron. There is no Free Trade. Not one agreement the United States has signed since GATT in 1947 has been anywhere near close to Free, or fair, or created any equal trading partners. In every instance our trading partners ecomomy and standard of living has increased while ours has steadily declined.
See the entire story HERE from Melody one of our local members and writer of a fantastic blog called Perfection Under a Red Umbrella.
Posted August 11th, 2011 by Fred
This week was the last week of the Summer Food Service Progam that we reported about earlier this spring. Schools everywhere offer free food (breakfast AND lunch!) for any kids under 18, and discounted meals for adults. There are no qualifications; all you have to do is show up. So, I went to try it out and to see if it’s true. Sure enough, my four-year old and I ate our “free meals” in a cafeteria with other parents and kids - no questions asked. By the way, no one in there looked liked they were in any danger of starving to death any time soon, not even close. Gee, how have we managed to make it as a people before this program, and is there any wonder why we are $14 trillion in debt?
Posted August 11th, 2011 by Konni
Liberty Central is excited to serve as an Ambassador-at-Large to our grassroots friends. We are continually meeting with conservative leaders and coalition groups, as well as our conservative champions on the Hill to provide a dialogue between grassroots and D.C. This also enables us to report to you about the current hot topics inside the Beltway:
Today, Congressional Leadership announced appointments for the new ‘Super Committee’ – here is the list:
House Republicans: Jeb Hensarling of Texas, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp of Michigan and House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton of Michigan.
Senate Republicans: Jon Kyl of Arizona, Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania and Rob Portman of Ohio.
Senate Democrats: John Kerry of Massachusetts, Max Baucus of Montana, and Patty Murray of Washington
As of 1:00 EDT, Nancy Pelosi has not announced House Democrat appointments.
When Congress returns on September 6, the House will take up appropriations for financial services, commerce, justice, HUD & transportation. Note that the House was taken up 6 appropriation bills, while the Senate has only completed one.
The Main Street Fairness Act, (HR 2701 & S 1452) has been brought back from the dead by John Conyers & Dick Durbin. The legislation lets states impose sales taxes on interstate commercial activity in a multistate ‘tax compact.’ This means internet retailers, regardless of their physical location, would be required to collect and remit sales tax to any and all states where a buyer resides.
Finally, Fitch indicates a credit report rating later this month.
Katy E. Blackwell
Liberty Central, Inc.
Posted August 7th, 2011 by Konni
by Billie Tucker, First Coast Tea Party, Florida
While Standard and Poor’s kept our attention about America’s credit downgrade, Obama played other maneuvers that will affect your life. Here are just a few. There are many more!
Gun Rights – NRA President, Wayne LaPierre, announces an all out fight with the Obama Administration. He said, “If they want to fight with the NRA, then bring it on.” He doesn’t hold back as he speaks to the issue of the US firearms ending up with drug cartels in Mexico. This is shocking and outrageous. Watch here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgo9iIH45RA
Food and Land Takeover — The President created the White House Rural council to make sure we are working across Government entities (?) to ensure economic growth. Homeland Security, Justice Department and Treasury Department will be involved in promoting our food and land use. Why? President Regan talked about this and warned us about the very thing Obama is doing. This is another way for the government to tell us what to do with our land. Watch here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_juUVKKBw-k
Bashing the rich – This is an oldie but goodie and proves this issue has always been around and the left resurrects it when they need it. Watch Milton Friedman, world-class economist teach a liberal woman the truth about “rich people.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wi-D24oCa10&feature=player_embedded
As a SEAL I spit on you – “Even if we were friends and you called me a terrorist you would be expected to explain your actions and your beef with me or we would have to settle this like men. I respect your positions of office and would still call you sir and ma’am, but beyond that I spit on you! As a citizen, I spit on you. As a SEAL, I spit on you. As an American, I spit on the very thought of your Communist tactics.” Read this heartfelt article by a SEAL and Tea Party Member: http://biggovernment.com/bsmith/2011/08/06/bidenpelosi-if-im-satan-what-does-that-make-you/
So what can you do about this out of control government?
Locally – attend a tea party meeting and join forces with moms, dads, business owners, high school graduates, college graduates, and yes, Navy SEALS who are just as upset as you. To find out what’s happening in North Florida at the First Coast Tea Party, go here: http://www.fctpcommunity.org/events
Nationally – Contact your Representative at www.congress.gov and tell them to get back to DC now and fix this mess! Hold Obama accountable and do their jobs. See what the Wall Street Journal said today about an emergency hearing. This is not the time for vacations; it’s time for serious leadership. Are they serious? Read it here: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/aug/6/obamas-downgraded-america/
Rural Council – Sign the Petition now: Stop Obama’s Rural Council
NRA Lawsuit – Join the NRA and support this lawsuit against Obama Join the NRA here
Bashing the Rich – Thank your boss tomorrow for your job or support a local business establishment and tell them you appreciate them.
“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” — Pericles
Posted August 5th, 2011 by Konni
By The Honorable Arlene Wohlgemuth, Executive Director and Director, Center for Health Care Policy
I place economy among the first and most important virtues, and public debt as the greatest of dangers to be feared…. To preserve our independence, we must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt…. We must make our choice between economy and liberty or profusion and servitude…. If we run into such debts, we must be taxed in our meat and drink, in our necessities and our comforts, in our labors and in our amusements…. If we can prevent the Government from wasting the labors of the people, under the pretense of caring for them, they will be happy.
—Thomas Jefferson
Profusion means lavish spending; extravagance. Such has been the case with our Congress for decades and especially in the last two-and-a-half years. The dire situation in which we find ourselves as a nation was the focus of remarks by Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, when he called the national debt the single biggest threat to national security.
Unfortunately, the impact of Congress’ profligacy is not confined to the federal government. Just as congressional programs and spending have created the biggest threat to the nation, the federally designed Medicaid program presents our state with its single biggest threat. Medicaid is the health care program for the poor that is jointly funded by the federal and state governments, but almost all the rules are set by Congress. Because it is an entitlement program, enrollment cannot be restricted and little can be done under the inflexible rules to make common-sense changes to control the costs.
Research projecting the cost of Medicaid to our state over the next 30 years is alarming. Under current law, Medicaid will consume 46.6 percent of Texas’ total budget in 2014-15. The next Legislature will have to come up with an additional $16.7 billion in general revenue above what was appropriated in the 2012-13 budget. That is for one program—not all of health and human services—and no allowance for growth in education or any other part of the state’s budget.
As Congress grapples with its own budget problems, governors of both parties are pleading not to cause more problems with states’ budgets by making cuts in Medicaid. Unlike the federal government, 49 states, including Texas, are required to balance their budget. No “kicking the can down the road” for the state; no printing more money to cover the cost. Increasing taxes and cutting other programs are the only options, with education the most likely to see big cuts.
There is a better way to cover the needs of the poor and enough money in the system to do so. With less money than was spent on Medicaid in 2008-09, all Texans up to 175 percent of poverty level could be covered with a subsidy for private insurance based on a sliding scale with adequate money for guaranteeing long-term care such as nursing home, home health, and program administration. To do so would require Congress to return health care policy back to the state.
Congress’ debt problem is a problem of governance, especially where entitlements are concerned. The federal government can ill afford its unfunded liability for entitlement programs, and the state cannot afford its share of federally designed Medicaid.
Jefferson was right; our liberty is at stake. It is time for Congress and this administration to relinquish control and let Texans decide what’s best for Texas.
Posted August 3rd, 2011 by Konni
Liberty Central is excited to serve as an Ambassador-at-Large to our grassroots friends. We are continually meeting with conservative leaders and coalition groups, as well as our conservative champions on the Hill to provide a dialogue between grassroots and D.C. This also enables us to report to you about the current hot topics inside the Beltway.
As you know, Congress is now in summer recess. This week’s update provides an overview of what’s on the radar in September:
- Both Houses of Congress must take up the Balanced Budget Amendment (BBA). However, leadership will decide which BBA comes to the floor for a vote, and the actual language of the measure is still unknown. Many conservative proponents argue that Congress must send a strong and specific amendment to the states, while others assert that a ‘watered-down’ version is more likely to get the necessary votes from the Democrats.
- The next government shutdown battle is on the horizon as the current budget expires at the end of our fiscal year — September 30. Currently in summer recess, Congress will have about one month to settle the next ‘crisis’ by either passing a budget or yet another continuing resolution. The Budget Control Act just ‘simplified’ the budget process; however, reports that Congress is not required to vote for continued government operations are false.
- Also in September, the current extension of the bill to fund highways and public transportation will expire. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman John Mica (R-FL) aims for a long-term extension which stays within the receipts of the Highway Trust Fund, and within the framework of the Ryan Budget. If accomplished, this will eliminate the current mandates (i.e., bike paths, graffiti removal, etc.) and allow the states to decide on how the funds are used within their borders.
Katy E. Blackwell
Liberty Central, Inc.
Posted July 29th, 2011 by Julie
On July 28, David Bond gave a presentation to NETTP on Emergency Preparedness. Everyone agreed he shared great insight and knowledge with us. Many, many of you have requested the following information…
- Click here for the handout David provided.
- Click here for the first half of the slide show from David’s presentation.
- Click here for the second half of the slide show from David’s presentation.
- Click here for the video of David’s presentation (Part 1 of 3)
- Click here for the video of David’s presentation (Part 2 of 3)
- Click here for the video of David’s presentation (Part 3 of 3)
Posted July 28th, 2011 by Konni
Liberty Central is excited to serve as an Ambassador-at-Large to our grassroots friends. We are continually meeting with conservative leaders and coalition groups, as well as our conservative champions on the Hill to provide a dialogue between grassroots and D.C. This also enables us to report to you about the current hot topics inside the Beltway.
Here is this week’s update:
Economy:
Much of the focus is shifting away from the Aug. 2 deadline to the underlying problem – the pending AAA credit rating downgrade. (Remember, Dodd-Frank put the federal government in charge of regulating these ratings agencies.) Still, the GOP is stressing the importance of a debt ceiling back-up plan. Many Senators now seem unwilling to go past the August 2 deadline, even if leverage is gained afterwards.
House Leadership maintains that it will not agree to less than dollar-for-dollar cuts in exchange for the debt ceiling increase. Boehner’s plan (altered after the latest CBO report that it cuts only $850 billion over 10 years) is expected to come to the House floor tomorrow. The plan does contain potential for tax increase, although the likelihood of such an increase is being debated amongst the GOP: Any recommended tax increase must have at least 7 votes to pass out of the Joint Committee, at which time the proposal would go to the House for a vote. Leadership argues that, because of the current House make-up, any tax increase is virtually impossible.
Meanwhile, Harry Reid’s plan requests the largest debt ceiling increase in history – $2.7 trillion – while ‘cutting’ $2.2 trillion. In fact, $1 trillion of these so-called ‘cuts’ are nothing more than smoke in mirrors – as they assume winding down of the global war on terror. (The administration is contacting CEOs and businesses requesting their support for the Reid plan. The administration is also contacting banks, telling them not to worry about a default.)
Sen. Pat Toomey re-introduced his bill which obligates the Treasury Secretary to prioritize debt interest, Social Security, and active-duty military pay in the event of default. (Rep. David Schweikert introduced the House companion bill). These 3 priorities make up less than 1/2 of our tax revenue for the month of August — and we reportedly have enough revenue to pay all bills until approximately August 9th.
Energy & Commerce:
The House set a deadline for the administration’s decision on the Keystone Pipeline expansion – November, 1. It passed the House yesterday by a vote of 279-147. Note the Pipeline is projected to create over 100,000 jobs, double our intake from Canada, and produce 1.3 million barrels per day by the end of the next decade.
The House Energy & Commerce Committee is aiming to have every agency under its jurisdiction (HHS, EPA, FCC, etc.) testify to justify its budget requests, in an effort to drastically increase oversight of these regulators. Next up for the Committee will be Dept. of Interior appropriations.
Katy E. Blackwell
Liberty Central, Inc.
Posted July 28th, 2011 by Julie
Patriots,
Most conservatives are STRONGLY against Boehner’s plan, and yet surprisingly (or maybe not so surprisingly) many Congressmen plan to vote for it. And this is AFTER Congress already overwhelmingly passed a bi-partisan solution (cut, cap and balance). Why are they giving up on that plan and going for one that makes essentially no cuts at all (it cuts about 1 day’s worth of spending)? Please, please make calls to the TX Congressmen listed below.
For more info, go here: http://video.foxnews.com/v/1083234701001/debt-debate-dissension-in-gop/
Texans voting NO (don’t call these ones): Ron Paul, Louie Gohmert
Texan Republicans leaning YES (call and get him over the fence!): Blake Farenthold Phone: (202) 225-7742, Fax: (202) 226-1134
Texan Republicans voting YES (call and change his mind!): Bill Flores (The tea party voted him in and can vote him out too!) Phone: (202) 225-6105, Fax: (202) 225-0350
Undecided (call these ones for sure!): Joe Barton (202) 225-2002 or FAX (202) 225-3052, Kevin Brady (202)225-4901, Michael Burgess (202) 225-7772 or Fax: (202) 225-2919 , Francisco Canseco Phone: (202) 225-4511 or Fax (202) 225-2237, Ted Poe (202) 225-6565or FAX (202) 225-5547
Here’s the full list, which includes other states. Please share with your contacts around the country…
http://thehill.com/homenews/house/173745-whip-list-on-boehners-new-plan-on-debtdeficit
It’s interesting to note that Allan West is voting YES. Not sure why he’d do that. Perhaps not so conservative after all. Also, I could not find Marchant on this list, so I’ve asked his aide to let me know. If you’re not on Facebook, get there and you can see regular updates. Friend me under Julie White McCarty, and be sure to “Like” NE Tarrant Tea Party. I’ve been told that he’s undecided. Here’s his number if you want to call him: 202-225-6605 or fax 202-225-0074. That’d probably be a good idea.
Let’s get busy!
Posted July 27th, 2011 by Julie
One of our members wrote the following letter to Congressman Burgess in regards to the debt ceiling and national budget. I thought it was good enough to share.
Dear Dr. Burgess,
I can’t even imagine the pressure you must be under from Speaker Boehner and the other establishment Republicans (not to mention ALL corners of the press and your counterparts across the aisle) to vote in favor of the Speaker’s deficit reduction bill.
Sir, please kindly remind the Speaker that you represent and are held accountable by the people who elected you, NOT the Speaker.
I urge you, sir, please do NOT vote in favor of Speaker Boehner’s bill. Cut, Cap and Balance was the bill that the House forwarded. Let’s see the Senate come up with their version. Unless I was taught incorrectly in my high school Government class, I believe the House will have the right to vote on a Senate bill, too, no? If it does not pass muster, I trust the Repulicans in the majority of the House to do with it what Harry Reid did with the only bill forwarded thus far.
Sen Reid called the Cut, Cap, and Balance bill the worst piece of legislation that he has ever seen. Funny – Cornwallis called Washington’s Army something similar, and look how that turned out…
Sir – PLEASE – FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT! Do what is right for our kids and for all our futures. Do NOT support the smoke and mirrors bill that Speaker Boehner feels compelled to serve up to the president.
You can do better, sir. And I know you will….
Respectfully,
Now let me ask you this… Have YOU written YOUR letter to your Congressman? Click here for contact info.
