ANTICIPATED FLOOR SCHEDULE
On Tuesday, the House will meet at 12:30 p.m. for morning hour and 2:00 p.m. for legislative business. Votes will be postponed until 6:30 p.m.
One Minutes
Suspensions (15 Bills):
1) H.Res. 1055 - Supporting the designation of National Robotics Week as an annual event (Sponsored by Rep. Doyle / Science and Technology Committee)
2) H.Res. 1069 - Congratulating Willard S. Boyle and George E. Smith for being awarded the Nobel Prize in physics (Sponsored by Rep. Lance / Science and Technology Committee)
3) H.Res. 935 - Honoring John E. Warnock, Charles M. Geschke, Forrest M. Bird, Esther Sans Takeuchi, and IBM Corporation for receiving the 2008 National Medal of Technology and Innovation (Sponsored by Rep. Lofgren / Science and Technology Committee)
4) H.R. 3650 - Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2009 (Sponsored by Rep. Baird / Science and Technology Committee)
5) H.Res. 1032 - Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should continue to assist the Mexican Government in fighting the drug cartels and curbing violence against Mexican and United States citizens, both in the United States and abroad (Sponsored by Rep. Chu / Foreign Affairs Committee)
6) H.Res. 1088 - Recognizing the plight of people with albinism in East Africa and condemning their murder and mutilation (Sponsored by Rep. Connolly / Foreign Affairs Committee)
7) H.Res. 1107 - Recognizing the 189th anniversary of the independence of Greece and celebrating Greek and American democracy. (Sponsored by Rep. Ros-Lehtinen / Foreign Affairs Committee)
8) H.Res. __ - Expressing Condolences for the victims of the February 27th 2010 earthquake in Chile, as well as solidarity with and support for the Chilean people as they plan for the recovery and reconstruction for their Country (Sponsored by Rep. Hinojosa / Foreign Affairs Committee)
9) H.Res. 1036 - Recognizing the contributions of Korean Americans to the United States (Sponsored by Rep. Garrett / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)
10) H.R. 4621 - Prevent Deceptive Census Look Alike Mailings Act (Sponsored by Rep. Maloney / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)
11) H.R. 4547 - To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 119 Station Road in Cheyney, Pennsylvania, as the "Captain Luther H. Smith, U.S. Army Air Forces Post Office" (Sponsored by Rep. Sestak / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)
12) H.R. 4624 - To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 125 Kerr Avenue in Rome City, Indiana, as the "SPC Nicholas Scott Hartge Post Office" (Sponsored by Rep. Souder / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)
13) H.Res. 1091 - Expressing support for designation of the week of February 28 through March 7, 2010, as "School Social Work Week" (Sponsored by Rep. Kennedy / Education and Labor Committee)
14) H.Res. 1047 - Commending The Ohio State University Buckeyes football team for its victory in the 2010 Rose Bowl (Sponsored by Rep. Kilroy / Education and Labor Committee)
15) H.Res. 1142 - Congratulating Silver Lake College for 75 years of service as an undergraduate institution of higher education (Sponsored by Rep. Petri / Education and Labor Committee)
Special Orders
WEDNESDAY'S FORECAST
On Wednesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for legislative business.
Suspensions (7 Bills):
1) H.R. 4573 - Debt Relief for Earthquake Recovery in Haiti Act (Sponsored by Rep. Waters / Financial Services Committee)
2) H.Res. 1087 - Honoring the life of John H. "Jack" Ruffin, Jr. (Sponsored by Rep. Barrow / Judiciary Committee)
3) H.Res. 1115 - Expressing appreciation for the profound dedication and public service of Enrique "Kiki" Camarena on the 25th anniversary of his death (Sponsored by Rep. Hunter / Judiciary Committee)
4) H.Con.Res. 249 - Commemorating the 45th anniversary of Bloody Sunday and the role that it played in ensuring the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (Sponsored by Rep. Lewis (GA) / Judiciary Committee)
5) H.Res. 1081 - Supporting the goals and ideals of National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month (Sponsored by Rep. Lewis (GA) / Judiciary Committee)
6) H.Res. 1061 - Honoring the heroic actions of Court Security Officer Stanley Cooper, Deputy United States Marshal Richard J. "Joe" Gardner, the law enforcement officers of the United States Marshals Service and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and the Court Security Officers in responding to the armed assault at the Lloyd D. George Federal Courthouse on January 4, 2010 (Sponsored by Rep. Titus / Judiciary Committee)
7) H.R. __ - To accelerate the income tax benefits for charitable cash contributions for the relief of the victims of the earthquake in Chile, and to extend the period from which such contributions for the relief of the victims of the earthquake in Haiti may be accelerated (Sponsored by Rep. Levin / Ways and Means Committee)
H.Con.Res. 248 - Afghanistan War Powers Resolution (Privileged Resolution) (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Kucinich / Foreign Affairs Committee)
Printable PDF
Eric Cantor: Republican Whip
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Monday, March 08, 2010
Votes that killed "burden of proof" HB 570 expunged
HB 570 -- the "burden of proof" bill that removed the burden from taxpayers to assessors to prove a property's value -- the bill that saw Augusta County's Commissioner of Revenue testify against it even though a full-blown assessment battle has been brewing in the county the past year -- was defeated in the Senate Finance Committee. Now the Family Foundation reports the votes that killed the bill have been expunged. What gives?
NY's Eric Masa quits Democrat circus
Rep. Eric Masa (D-NY) sounded off about Rahm Emanuel and the Democrat White House ... and then quit his job. He started with this, as reported at RushLimbaugh.com:
Read more:
- Rush Limbaugh
- Glenn Beck: The Chicago way is now the American way
- NewsMax
- Hot Air: Massa: Dems Railroaded Me Because I Opposed ObamaCare Bill
- Politico: Eric Massa: Democrats Ousted Me for Health Care Votes Probe
- Roll Call: Massa Hints He Could Rescind Resignation
- Hot Line: Massa Implicates Emanuel, Dem Leaders
- Real Clear Politics: Massa: Rahm Emanuel "Would Sell His Own Mother" For Votes
"Rahm Emanuel is son of the devil's spawn. He is an individual who would sell his mother to get a vote; he would strap his children to the front end of a steam locomotive. And if he doesn't like that he can come after me personally because -- let me tell you a story about Rahm Emanuel. I was in the congressional gym, and I went into the showers which, by the way, I for the life of me can't figure out why they took all the shower curtains off the shower stalls in the congressional shower. The last thing I want to look at is my fellow colleagues naked, but they don't have shower curtains down in the gym, and I'm sitting there showering naked as a jaybird and here comes Rahm Emanuel not even with a towel wrapped around his tush, poking his finger in my chest yelling at me because I wasn't going to vote for the president's budget. Do you know how awkward it is to have a political argument with a naked man?"The Godfather types liked confronting someone in the shower ... you can't be wired and cannot carry a weapon.
Read more:
- Rush Limbaugh
- Glenn Beck: The Chicago way is now the American way
- NewsMax
- Hot Air: Massa: Dems Railroaded Me Because I Opposed ObamaCare Bill
- Politico: Eric Massa: Democrats Ousted Me for Health Care Votes Probe
- Roll Call: Massa Hints He Could Rescind Resignation
- Hot Line: Massa Implicates Emanuel, Dem Leaders
- Real Clear Politics: Massa: Rahm Emanuel "Would Sell His Own Mother" For Votes
Set-up for 1,300 Cantor supporters
Rows and rows of tables were set up for last Friday's Cantor campaign breakfast in the second floor ballroom at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.
Tables were later filled with Cantor supporters.
The Pledge of Allegiance.
Reporter Tyler Whitley with the Richmond Times-Dispatch (left) looked over the room as servers hustled to put finishing touches on tables.
Coffee and orange juice were available as attendees waited for breakfast to begin.
The video screens (with 2010 on them) were used for a short video about Eric Cantor narrated by his wife, Diane. You know you've arrived when you are spoofed on Saturday Night Life.Photos by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
5 March 2010
Lynn Mitchell
5 March 2010
Transcript: Jean Shrewsbury testified against law to help taxpayers
Jean Shrewsbury, Commissioner of Revenue for Augusta County, VA, testifies against bill to help taxpayers with real estate assessments.Video courtesy of Family Foundation.
"I'm Jean Shrewsbury. I'm Commissioner of Revenue of Augusta County, and I represent the Commissioners Association.Augusta County citizens spent the past year in battle with Augusta County and Ms. Shrewsbury over what they considered excessively high real estate assessments. Her testimony appears to suggest that government is not listening.
"We oppose this bill. It would administratively change, dramatically, what must take place whenever we are charged with a uniform and equitable assessment to all properties within our localities."
Rep. Cantor's remarks at campaign breakfast at Richmond Convention Center
[Congressman Eric Cantor – Remarks for Annual Campaign Breakfast at the Greater Richmond Convention Center – Richmond, VA - March 5, 2010]
Good Morning.
Diana and I greatly appreciate your support for you being here this morning. And I’d like to thank you for the tremendous honor of serving as your voice in Washington.
In the brief time we have together this morning, I want to talk to you about the challenges before us as a country and the importance of the times we are in.
We are truly at a critical point of decision making in this country. We are at a crossroads. I know politicians say that often, but this one is real.
Deficits, spending, higher taxes, energy security, health care – all of these are important. But we have a greater challenge before us. It’s the challenge of our generation.
It’s about what kind of country we want to be. Either we become a country we hardly recognize or one that will fulfill the American ideal and continue to be the most secure, most prosperous, freest country in the history of the world.
That is the challenge of our time… the challenge for our generation.
To all of us, the America we know, started right here in Virginia. It’s about the colonist that came upon the shores of Jamestown, some 400 years ago, seeking economic riches and opportunity for themselves and their family.
America is about the waves of immigrants like my grandmother that have passed through Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor.
In my grandmother’s case, like many others, her family fled Eastern Europe and the Czars of Russia in search of a better life. She and my grandfather eloped and ended up here in Richmond.
The family opened up a grocery store, just a few blocks from where we sit in Jackson Ward.
Becoming a widow at a young age, my grandmother raised her two sons living on the second floor just above that grocery store.
She didn't have a lot of money, but she worked hard, day and night, believing in the promise this country had to offer. She wanted her two sons to have the better life that she came here for.
And through hard work and sacrifice, she succeeded, putting my father and his brother through college at Virginia Tech and eventually law school right here at the University of Richmond.
My Dad is the embodiment of that American dream. And from the beginning his mission was to provide a better life for his kids. And in this country, he was able to succeed. Because for him, as for most of us in America, there are no limits.
Just look at the American people. For the past thirty years, in good times and in bad, 600,000 businesses are started every year. That's about one new business per minute. Where else in the world can someone start a business in his garage and five years later be the biggest hit on Wall Street? Only in America.
Where else could people from humble beginnings like Andrew Jackson, Abraham Lincoln, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton or Barack Obama grow up to become President?
There's a reason why you don’t see people in America running to escape and climbing into boats seeking refuge in some other land. It's the same reason that Canada doesn't find the need to erect a border fence to keep out unwelcomed Americans ... because America is the place of hope and opportunity -- the only land where everything is still possible.
But when you look around, there’s a lot of fear and uncertainty sweeping across America. Many folks in Washington have reacted by trying to seize more control over the economy and our lives. The agenda they propose takes shape in the form of cap and trade, card check, excessive spending and the government takeover of the health care and auto industries.
They want to replace free markets with layers and layers of bureaucracy. Then want to tell you how to run your small business through misguided tax policy and unprecedented mandates and regulations.
Instead of doing everything we can to encourage job creators, they have proposed to hit them with higher tax. They stand ready to seize control of 17% of the US economy and call it Health Care Reform.
And, of course, all of their new programs are being paid for with a mountain of debt which they are passing on to our children and their children. The Democratic agenda in Washington is a systematic attempt to remake America into the image of Europe.
And this begs the questions: Why would anyone want to become like countries where the shear guts and drive to push big ideas is not rewarded? Why would we want to be like countries where no matter how smart you are, or how hard you work, there are limits?
In these countries, your destiny can be controlled by a small group of elites or a massive bureaucracy.
Ronald Reagan would have been 99 last month. He once said that the meaning of life is to plant a tree you will never sit under. The goal of our lives should be to be a part of something that will long outlive us - to establish a legacy which will benefit people we will never meet.
So, when historians look back upon this trying period for our nation, the question is: What will they write about us? Will they write of the decline of our people, the end of the American dream?
Or will they write about the most prosperous land in the history of the world – the nation that summoned the strength of its people to regenerate?
I think it will be the latter. That’s what motivates me. That’s what motivates you. That’s why we’re here. And that’s why the upcoming November election is so critical.
America must grow, invest and innovate our way out of this recession. When we retake the majority, we will focus on jobs and implement common sense solutions to get this economy going again. We will cut taxes and reduce burdensome regulations on small businesses so that the entrepreneurs of this country can begin creating jobs again.
Let’s face it, the greatness of America lies not in the redistribution of wealth, but in the creation of greater and greater wealth benefiting all.
Washington needs to realize that we don’t need more and bigger government. It needs a strong dose of good old fashion fiscal discipline!
Simply put, we have to stop borrowing and spending so much money! As government shrinks, the private sector will grow, creating droves of new jobs. Think of the biotech park right across the street and the growth engine it has been for our region, and think of the potential there that remains untapped.
Just this week, many of us attended the dedication of a new corporate headquarters of Mead Westvaco here in Richmond ... proof positive that when the private sector leads the way we can provide new jobs in a tough economic environment.
One hundred years from now, I believe they will write of a Virginia and an America in which the generations that follow have an opportunity to live a better life than we have. As we head into November, we have an opportunity to stop the recklessness in Washington and put America back on the path to prosperity.
But we have to step up and seize the moment. It is really up to us. We have to engage our neighbors and our friends to join us in this mission.
I look forward to joining with you in the struggle ahead to insure a better tomorrow. Thank you. God bless.
Good Morning.
Diana and I greatly appreciate your support for you being here this morning. And I’d like to thank you for the tremendous honor of serving as your voice in Washington.
In the brief time we have together this morning, I want to talk to you about the challenges before us as a country and the importance of the times we are in.
We are truly at a critical point of decision making in this country. We are at a crossroads. I know politicians say that often, but this one is real.
Deficits, spending, higher taxes, energy security, health care – all of these are important. But we have a greater challenge before us. It’s the challenge of our generation.
It’s about what kind of country we want to be. Either we become a country we hardly recognize or one that will fulfill the American ideal and continue to be the most secure, most prosperous, freest country in the history of the world.
That is the challenge of our time… the challenge for our generation.
To all of us, the America we know, started right here in Virginia. It’s about the colonist that came upon the shores of Jamestown, some 400 years ago, seeking economic riches and opportunity for themselves and their family.
America is about the waves of immigrants like my grandmother that have passed through Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor.
In my grandmother’s case, like many others, her family fled Eastern Europe and the Czars of Russia in search of a better life. She and my grandfather eloped and ended up here in Richmond.
The family opened up a grocery store, just a few blocks from where we sit in Jackson Ward.
Becoming a widow at a young age, my grandmother raised her two sons living on the second floor just above that grocery store.
She didn't have a lot of money, but she worked hard, day and night, believing in the promise this country had to offer. She wanted her two sons to have the better life that she came here for.
And through hard work and sacrifice, she succeeded, putting my father and his brother through college at Virginia Tech and eventually law school right here at the University of Richmond.
My Dad is the embodiment of that American dream. And from the beginning his mission was to provide a better life for his kids. And in this country, he was able to succeed. Because for him, as for most of us in America, there are no limits.
Just look at the American people. For the past thirty years, in good times and in bad, 600,000 businesses are started every year. That's about one new business per minute. Where else in the world can someone start a business in his garage and five years later be the biggest hit on Wall Street? Only in America.
Where else could people from humble beginnings like Andrew Jackson, Abraham Lincoln, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton or Barack Obama grow up to become President?
There's a reason why you don’t see people in America running to escape and climbing into boats seeking refuge in some other land. It's the same reason that Canada doesn't find the need to erect a border fence to keep out unwelcomed Americans ... because America is the place of hope and opportunity -- the only land where everything is still possible.
But when you look around, there’s a lot of fear and uncertainty sweeping across America. Many folks in Washington have reacted by trying to seize more control over the economy and our lives. The agenda they propose takes shape in the form of cap and trade, card check, excessive spending and the government takeover of the health care and auto industries.
They want to replace free markets with layers and layers of bureaucracy. Then want to tell you how to run your small business through misguided tax policy and unprecedented mandates and regulations.
Instead of doing everything we can to encourage job creators, they have proposed to hit them with higher tax. They stand ready to seize control of 17% of the US economy and call it Health Care Reform.
And, of course, all of their new programs are being paid for with a mountain of debt which they are passing on to our children and their children. The Democratic agenda in Washington is a systematic attempt to remake America into the image of Europe.
And this begs the questions: Why would anyone want to become like countries where the shear guts and drive to push big ideas is not rewarded? Why would we want to be like countries where no matter how smart you are, or how hard you work, there are limits?
In these countries, your destiny can be controlled by a small group of elites or a massive bureaucracy.
Ronald Reagan would have been 99 last month. He once said that the meaning of life is to plant a tree you will never sit under. The goal of our lives should be to be a part of something that will long outlive us - to establish a legacy which will benefit people we will never meet.
So, when historians look back upon this trying period for our nation, the question is: What will they write about us? Will they write of the decline of our people, the end of the American dream?
Or will they write about the most prosperous land in the history of the world – the nation that summoned the strength of its people to regenerate?
I think it will be the latter. That’s what motivates me. That’s what motivates you. That’s why we’re here. And that’s why the upcoming November election is so critical.
America must grow, invest and innovate our way out of this recession. When we retake the majority, we will focus on jobs and implement common sense solutions to get this economy going again. We will cut taxes and reduce burdensome regulations on small businesses so that the entrepreneurs of this country can begin creating jobs again.
Let’s face it, the greatness of America lies not in the redistribution of wealth, but in the creation of greater and greater wealth benefiting all.
Washington needs to realize that we don’t need more and bigger government. It needs a strong dose of good old fashion fiscal discipline!
Simply put, we have to stop borrowing and spending so much money! As government shrinks, the private sector will grow, creating droves of new jobs. Think of the biotech park right across the street and the growth engine it has been for our region, and think of the potential there that remains untapped.
Just this week, many of us attended the dedication of a new corporate headquarters of Mead Westvaco here in Richmond ... proof positive that when the private sector leads the way we can provide new jobs in a tough economic environment.
One hundred years from now, I believe they will write of a Virginia and an America in which the generations that follow have an opportunity to live a better life than we have. As we head into November, we have an opportunity to stop the recklessness in Washington and put America back on the path to prosperity.
But we have to step up and seize the moment. It is really up to us. We have to engage our neighbors and our friends to join us in this mission.
I look forward to joining with you in the struggle ahead to insure a better tomorrow. Thank you. God bless.
Bloggers at Eric Cantor breakfast
Tom White (Virginia Right!) talks with Gov. Jim Gilmore as Steve Rossie (Family Foundation blog) and John Gunsolly (Chesterfield volunteer) watch.
Tom White talks with Rep. Eric Cantor whileJane Dudley (Bearing Drift) takes photo.
Tom works on his laptop overlookingthe ballroom with 1,300 Cantor supporters.
Photos by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
5 March 2010
Trixie Averill's vision for 6th District Chairman
Trixie Averill speaks to group in Shenandoah County.Trixie Averill is running for 6th District Chairman after 20 years of working for the Republican Party and its conservative candidates. Not only has she put her money where her mouth is over the years ... here is her vision for the District.
PLATFORM
I believe that the mission of the 6th District Republican Committee is to elect Republican candidates at every level of local, state, and national government. The opportunity to choose the right candidate happens during the nominating process when all interested parties share their thoughts and ideas and plans for how they would govern in the office they are seeking. Therein lies the contest. But once our nominees are set, it is incumbent upon members of the GOP to support and help our candidates so that we can win against the liberals whom the Democrats continue to offer.
As the 6th District Chair I would work to fulfill the following ideas as I believe that they would be instrumental in helping us to spread the conservative message, influence voters, and win our elections.
ADVOCACY COMMITTEE (or, Paul Revere's Riders)
This committee would be in charge of writing and sending out both letters to the editor and op-ed pieces year round, and posting on blogs. Before we actually have candidates announced, we should be working towards weakening the Democrat opposition by shedding light on liberal votes that go against our values. These should be focused on conservative issues and key votes by opposing Democrat incumbents long before we have settled on our own candidate. I regard this as a public service to the people to call attention to how their Democrat incumbent lawmakers are voting so that we can render them vulnerable long before the campaigns start.
STRUCTURE
I will appoint a designated Parliamentarian (and a backup) to attend every 6th District meeting. This will go a long way towards smooth meetings so that the business of the Committee can be accomplished in a timely and cohesive manner.
TRAINING
There is always a need for more training, for party leaders, officers, and candidates. I will work with unit chairs and party leaders to make sure that every unit is performing in sync with the Party Plan and that the chairs are kept apprised of any changes or updates along the way. Additionally, I believe that any potential candidates who are considering a run for local office should have the opportunity to sit down and get some real-life lessons and advice from the electeds throughout the district. Running for office is a very intensive and time-consuming occupation and with more training up front I believe that our candidates would be better prepared and would come out ahead in the contest.
WEBSITE
We have been talking about and attempting to put a website online for several years now and from what I can tell it has only been functioning sporadically at best. I'm not even sure if the address is known to any but the people who worked on it. We need constant and reliable communication between the Committee, the Party, and the voters who might be trying to seek us out to get involved. I will pledge to get a website up and running as the top number one priority on my "to do" list. There are no more excuses not to be a part of the cyber-world.
PARTY GROWTH
If one thing is clear to me it is that we need new blood among our ranks. Experience is necessary and wonderful but we also need to mix in bold energy and enthusiasm for a new recipe for success.
There is no doubt that our nation is currently being led down the wrong course in Washington D.C. by the wrong people. But there is also no doubt in my mind that we will survive because of the new sleeping giant "We the People" that has awakened to save us from socialism. And we need those people with us. We share the same conservative values, core beliefs, and respect for the country that our forefathers fought for and that they shed their blood for so that today we can still draw in Liberty with every breath we take.
I want to put out the welcome mat to the Tea Partiers who agree with our Virginia Republican Creed, and who recognize that the Republican Party is the best organized hope to take our country back. If they join us, we will each learn something from the other, and together we will be far stronger to stop the current downward spiral. Volunteers are the lifeblood of our party and anyone who is willing to help us nominate and elect the right Republican leaders are more than welcome.
UNITY
We need to focus our efforts on our top priority of winning elections, not fighting each other. I would like to work with all the diverse personalities and bring us together to do our job. We can have differing points of view on some things, but I believe that the ideas we agree on are far more important and far more plentiful. I believe that we are mostly all conservatives, but one person's priority may not be another's. We don't have to be in lockstep to accomplish great things. Feuds that started years ago have no place on today's agenda. When disagreements arise I will work to bring all sides together, ensure that all viewpoints are heard, and work to resolve the conflict swiftly so we can move on to winning elections.
As a Sixth District GOP voter, you can rest assured that I will work diligently and faithfully to implement this platform for action. In addition, I will work in a spirit of unity with everyone on the Sixth District Republican Committee to achieve the primary goal for which we were originally formed: electing strong Virginia Republicans to office.
If you like this and if you would like to join my campaign for 6th District Chair I would be delighted to hear from you. Please feel free to contact me at Gopgirl2@aol.com. I look forward to the discussions ahead.
PLATFORM
I believe that the mission of the 6th District Republican Committee is to elect Republican candidates at every level of local, state, and national government. The opportunity to choose the right candidate happens during the nominating process when all interested parties share their thoughts and ideas and plans for how they would govern in the office they are seeking. Therein lies the contest. But once our nominees are set, it is incumbent upon members of the GOP to support and help our candidates so that we can win against the liberals whom the Democrats continue to offer.
As the 6th District Chair I would work to fulfill the following ideas as I believe that they would be instrumental in helping us to spread the conservative message, influence voters, and win our elections.
ADVOCACY COMMITTEE (or, Paul Revere's Riders)
This committee would be in charge of writing and sending out both letters to the editor and op-ed pieces year round, and posting on blogs. Before we actually have candidates announced, we should be working towards weakening the Democrat opposition by shedding light on liberal votes that go against our values. These should be focused on conservative issues and key votes by opposing Democrat incumbents long before we have settled on our own candidate. I regard this as a public service to the people to call attention to how their Democrat incumbent lawmakers are voting so that we can render them vulnerable long before the campaigns start.
STRUCTURE
I will appoint a designated Parliamentarian (and a backup) to attend every 6th District meeting. This will go a long way towards smooth meetings so that the business of the Committee can be accomplished in a timely and cohesive manner.
TRAINING
There is always a need for more training, for party leaders, officers, and candidates. I will work with unit chairs and party leaders to make sure that every unit is performing in sync with the Party Plan and that the chairs are kept apprised of any changes or updates along the way. Additionally, I believe that any potential candidates who are considering a run for local office should have the opportunity to sit down and get some real-life lessons and advice from the electeds throughout the district. Running for office is a very intensive and time-consuming occupation and with more training up front I believe that our candidates would be better prepared and would come out ahead in the contest.
WEBSITE
We have been talking about and attempting to put a website online for several years now and from what I can tell it has only been functioning sporadically at best. I'm not even sure if the address is known to any but the people who worked on it. We need constant and reliable communication between the Committee, the Party, and the voters who might be trying to seek us out to get involved. I will pledge to get a website up and running as the top number one priority on my "to do" list. There are no more excuses not to be a part of the cyber-world.
PARTY GROWTH
If one thing is clear to me it is that we need new blood among our ranks. Experience is necessary and wonderful but we also need to mix in bold energy and enthusiasm for a new recipe for success.
There is no doubt that our nation is currently being led down the wrong course in Washington D.C. by the wrong people. But there is also no doubt in my mind that we will survive because of the new sleeping giant "We the People" that has awakened to save us from socialism. And we need those people with us. We share the same conservative values, core beliefs, and respect for the country that our forefathers fought for and that they shed their blood for so that today we can still draw in Liberty with every breath we take.
I want to put out the welcome mat to the Tea Partiers who agree with our Virginia Republican Creed, and who recognize that the Republican Party is the best organized hope to take our country back. If they join us, we will each learn something from the other, and together we will be far stronger to stop the current downward spiral. Volunteers are the lifeblood of our party and anyone who is willing to help us nominate and elect the right Republican leaders are more than welcome.
UNITY
We need to focus our efforts on our top priority of winning elections, not fighting each other. I would like to work with all the diverse personalities and bring us together to do our job. We can have differing points of view on some things, but I believe that the ideas we agree on are far more important and far more plentiful. I believe that we are mostly all conservatives, but one person's priority may not be another's. We don't have to be in lockstep to accomplish great things. Feuds that started years ago have no place on today's agenda. When disagreements arise I will work to bring all sides together, ensure that all viewpoints are heard, and work to resolve the conflict swiftly so we can move on to winning elections.
As a Sixth District GOP voter, you can rest assured that I will work diligently and faithfully to implement this platform for action. In addition, I will work in a spirit of unity with everyone on the Sixth District Republican Committee to achieve the primary goal for which we were originally formed: electing strong Virginia Republicans to office.
If you like this and if you would like to join my campaign for 6th District Chair I would be delighted to hear from you. Please feel free to contact me at Gopgirl2@aol.com. I look forward to the discussions ahead.
Please also visit my Fan Page on Facebook and sign up ... and thank you for all YOU do for our party!
Augusta County: Jean Shrewsbury testifies against law to help taxpayers
Jean Shrewsbury, Commissioner of Revenue, Augusta County,testifying against a law to help taxpayers.
Photo courtesy of Family Foundation.
After 10,500 taxpayers battled with Augusta County the past year over unfair increases in real estate assessments at a time of financial downturn, it was incredulous to learn that Jean Shrewsbury, Commissioner of Revenue for Augusta County, testified in Richmond against a proposed law that would help lessen the burden on taxpayers.
Thanks to the Family Foundation who provided the following:
Thanks to the Family Foundation who provided the following:
... several days ago, HB 570 was before the Senate Finance Committee.
It preceded this infamous bill hearing (you must see this if you haven’t; click here).
This bill, patroned by Delegate Sal Iaquinto (R-84, Virginia Beach) would level the playing field when property owners appeal their often over assessed homes in order to reduce their already overwhelming tax burdens. Besides, if the government has a good case, it will still win. A no-brainer, right? Not!
Currently, and the way it will now remain for at least another year, the homeowner is the equivalent to guilty until proven innocent, and low-income people can’t even afford to hire an appraiser and other expenses required to overcome the burden of proof. (That’s why advocates for low-income families joined us in supporting the bill.)
Tellingly, the bill’s defeat was heavily targeted by a plethora of local governments and associated organizations whose goal is to further government’s prosperity and not that of the family or individual.
One witness favoring the bill exposed their intentions by asking if they would be against this bill would help them overcome an unfair burden against the homeowner.
Be sure to watch the video.
Citizens become frustrated when government does not listen to them as we saw in Washington when 1.2 million marched on 9/12/09 against government-mandated health care.
In Augusta County in March 2009, 1,000 taxpayers turned out for a Board of Supervisors meeting to protest high real estate assessments. A lone pro bono attorney, Francis Chester, defended taxpayers who were upset at what they considered outrageously high real estate assessments ... and he was punished by Augusta County who asked for and received sanctions from Judge Victor Ludwig who called Mr. Chester a modern day Robin Hood.
Even the Rocket Boys had difficulty finding local representation against Augusta County, noting that many lawyers were contacted but a number of them feared retaliation from Augusta County, so Mr. Chester took on their case.
One commenter asked, "Why is it that we see the Augusta County government consistently working against the interest of the citizens of Augusta County?"
Please contact our reps and let them know how you feel:
Jean Shrewsbury, Commissioner of Revenue
(540) 245-5640
Larry Howdyshell (North River)
(540) 350-2591
Gerald Garber (Middle River)
(540) 234-8388
David Beyeler (South River)
(540) 943-3202
Wendell Coleman (Wayne)
(540) 430-1350
Jeremy Shifflett (Beverley Manor)
(540) 294-2289
Nancy Sorrells (Riverheads)
(540) 377-6390
Tracy Pyles (Pastures) - only supv to support taxpayers
Please tell him "thank you" - (540) 337-7010
Sen. Emmett Hanger
(540) 885-6898 / district24@senate.virginia.gov
Del. Steve Landes
(540) 245-5540 / steve@stevelandes.com
Del. Dickie Bell
(540) 448-4763 / DelDBell@house.virginia.gov
Del. Ben Cline
(434) 946-9908 / DelBCline@house.virginia.gov
Citizens become frustrated when government does not listen to them as we saw in Washington when 1.2 million marched on 9/12/09 against government-mandated health care.
In Augusta County in March 2009, 1,000 taxpayers turned out for a Board of Supervisors meeting to protest high real estate assessments. A lone pro bono attorney, Francis Chester, defended taxpayers who were upset at what they considered outrageously high real estate assessments ... and he was punished by Augusta County who asked for and received sanctions from Judge Victor Ludwig who called Mr. Chester a modern day Robin Hood.
Even the Rocket Boys had difficulty finding local representation against Augusta County, noting that many lawyers were contacted but a number of them feared retaliation from Augusta County, so Mr. Chester took on their case.
One commenter asked, "Why is it that we see the Augusta County government consistently working against the interest of the citizens of Augusta County?"
Please contact our reps and let them know how you feel:
Jean Shrewsbury, Commissioner of Revenue
(540) 245-5640
Larry Howdyshell (North River)
(540) 350-2591
Gerald Garber (Middle River)
(540) 234-8388
David Beyeler (South River)
(540) 943-3202
Wendell Coleman (Wayne)
(540) 430-1350
Jeremy Shifflett (Beverley Manor)
(540) 294-2289
Nancy Sorrells (Riverheads)
(540) 377-6390
Tracy Pyles (Pastures) - only supv to support taxpayers
Please tell him "thank you" - (540) 337-7010
Sen. Emmett Hanger
(540) 885-6898 / district24@senate.virginia.gov
Del. Steve Landes
(540) 245-5540 / steve@stevelandes.com
Del. Dickie Bell
(540) 448-4763 / DelDBell@house.virginia.gov
Del. Ben Cline
(434) 946-9908 / DelBCline@house.virginia.gov
Trixie Averill is the right choice for 6th District Chairman
Trixie Averill stood with Support the Troops ralliers at the 2007 Cindy Sheehan appearance in Charlottesville. Her sign says, "3 Tour Military Mom." Her son, Sgt. Marcus Averill, was deployed to Iraq three times during Operation Iraqi Freedom. She stood solidly and defiantly in support of her son and all military men and women who defend our country.She's been there for 20 years working for conservative causes and candidates ... and on Friday Trixie Averill was the guest speaker at the Harrisonburg-Rockingham First Friday as she addressed Republicans with an interest in the future leadership of the 6th Congressional District. She was recruited by many who felt her years of service and hard work were needed. As Trixie herself said:
"I am generally more comfortable working hard in the background for the good of the party and for our Republican candidates, but our unique circumstances in the 6th District require leadership that can unite us."Friday she was typical Trixie ... animated, upbeat, and a patriotic military mom whose son spent three tours in Iraq and one tour in Afghanistan.
Trixie highlighted her grassroots activism and, indeed, most of us know her from her years of traveling the Shenandoah Valley supporting Republican candidates and encouraging volunteers who wanted to be involved.
A brief outline of Trixie's conservative work throughout the years:
- Conservative: pro-life, pro-2nd Amendment, believes in Virginia GOP Creed
- Worked on campaigns for George Allen, Jim Gilmore, Mark Earley, Jerry Kilgore, Bob McDonnell, Bill Bolling, and others
- Traveled all of the Western part of the state since 1993 representing statewide candidates
- Spent countless hours attending and organizing meetings, fundraisers, rallies, parades, breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and untold numbers of barbeques
- Made phone calls, lists, distributed materials, worked Headquarters, sent thousands of emails, poked, prodded, and pushed candidates and volunteers alike to work harder to win the race
- Member of the 6th District Committee and the State Central Committee since 1992
- Currently serves as the Western Vice-Chairwoman
Trixie explained her reason for seeking the 6th District Chairman position:
Now, after 16 years of traveling the West, I’d like to focus right here in my home district. The political landscape has changed and we can no longer assume that the 6th will go red, just because it always has. I do believe that we can still win and win big, but we have to buckle down, work together, and stay focused on the goal.The 6th District Convention is May 22 in Lynchburg.
Sunday, March 07, 2010
Rick Boucher downgraded from "likely" to "lean" Democratic seat
Democrat Rick Boucher may have a fight on his hands, something he hasn't faced in a long time in Virginia's 9th Congressional District. His seat has been rated by The Hill from "likely Democratic" to "lean Democratic":
For Boucher, he finally learned that he will face a reputable GOP opponent. State Del. Morgan Griffith, who filed last week, wasn't the GOP's top choice, but he does have a fighting chance in one of the most conservative districts held by a Democrat. Boucher faces a race he hasn't seen in a long time. UPGRADED to "lean Democratic."Republican Morgan Griffith will do everything within his power to change that rating to "likely Republican."
Saturday, March 06, 2010
Gov. Gilmore and me....
I hate having my picture taken but fellow blogger Tom White (Virginia Right!) snapped this one after Friday's Eric Cantor breakfast because I was talking with Gov. Jim Gilmore, someone I have respected and supported for years, and one of my favorite Republicans. (Photo has been removed.)
Tom sent the photo over and I was grateful to receive it. Gov. Jim Gilmore grew up in Henrico ... I grew up in Bon Air located across the river in Chesterfield. His life story is one of hard work, perseverence, strong work ethic, loyalty, dedication, and determination ... the American dream of working his way up the political ladder to become Governor of Virginia.
He is a U.S. Army veteran (counter-intelligence), headed up the Gilmore Commission on terrorism, has served on numerous commissions and boards, and has been a public servant for the people of Virginia and the country. Today he continues working around the state, is a blogger at Virginia Patriot, and is President/CEO of Free Congress Foundation.
Along the way, Jim Gilmore did not forget where he came from ... the son of blue collar parents ... and that brings me to a story that happened last August after the Republican Victory Dinner across the street from Friday's Eric Cantor event.
In August 2009, I had attended the RPV Victory Dinner at the downtown Marriott Hotel with my mom who is a volunteer with the Chesterfield Republican Committee. Afterwards, all the candidates for last fall's election had yard signs and other collateral available for those who needed them.
Since my parents use their home as a central distribution point for volunteers to pick up campaign yard signs, Mom wanted to pick up a few more McDonnell, Bolling, and Cuccinelli signs. I had a bunch tucked under my arm, and she had a bunch, and we started walking toward the parking deck behind the Marriott.
As we headed up the hallway to the door, behind us we heard someone say, "Do you need help?" It was Gov. and Mrs. Gilmore heading to their vehicle, also parked in the deck. Mom was kind of struggling with her signs and the Governor came right over, took them out of her hands, and together the four of us headed to my vehicle to unload the stash.
There was no one else in sight ... it was a random act of kindness by Gov. Gilmore who loaded the signs in my vehicle and closed the tailgate. We thanked him for his help but he waved it off as if it was nothing, and then he and Roxane said goodnight and headed to their car.
They say you can judge the character of man by the things he does when no one is looking....
Photo by Tom White
Virginia Right!
5 March 2010
He is a U.S. Army veteran (counter-intelligence), headed up the Gilmore Commission on terrorism, has served on numerous commissions and boards, and has been a public servant for the people of Virginia and the country. Today he continues working around the state, is a blogger at Virginia Patriot, and is President/CEO of Free Congress Foundation.
Along the way, Jim Gilmore did not forget where he came from ... the son of blue collar parents ... and that brings me to a story that happened last August after the Republican Victory Dinner across the street from Friday's Eric Cantor event.
In August 2009, I had attended the RPV Victory Dinner at the downtown Marriott Hotel with my mom who is a volunteer with the Chesterfield Republican Committee. Afterwards, all the candidates for last fall's election had yard signs and other collateral available for those who needed them.
Since my parents use their home as a central distribution point for volunteers to pick up campaign yard signs, Mom wanted to pick up a few more McDonnell, Bolling, and Cuccinelli signs. I had a bunch tucked under my arm, and she had a bunch, and we started walking toward the parking deck behind the Marriott.
As we headed up the hallway to the door, behind us we heard someone say, "Do you need help?" It was Gov. and Mrs. Gilmore heading to their vehicle, also parked in the deck. Mom was kind of struggling with her signs and the Governor came right over, took them out of her hands, and together the four of us headed to my vehicle to unload the stash.
There was no one else in sight ... it was a random act of kindness by Gov. Gilmore who loaded the signs in my vehicle and closed the tailgate. We thanked him for his help but he waved it off as if it was nothing, and then he and Roxane said goodnight and headed to their car.
They say you can judge the character of man by the things he does when no one is looking....
Photo by Tom White
Virginia Right!
5 March 2010
Eric Cantor annual campaign breakfast ... more photos of supporters
Former Lt. Gov. John Hager and current Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling greeted supporters after breakfast.
Cortland Putbrese, Richmond GOP chair and member of Central Committee, and chairman of the RPV New Media Committee.
Navy veteran Kenny Golden, Congressional candidate for 2nd District and former Virginia Beach GOP Chair.
Peter Foster of Chesterfield County was collecting signatures on Cantor petitions. Peter has worked various campaigns throughout the state including Del. Matt Lohr's overwhelmingly successful 2009 reelection in Rockingham County.
Marie Quinn, dedicated long-time volunteer with the Chesterfield Republican Committee.
Sen. Ralph Smith from Roanoke.Previous posts:
- Eric Cantor's annual campaign breakfast: A who's who in Virginia Republican politics
- Eric Cantor's annual campaign breakfast ... faces of supporters
Photos by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
5 March 2010
- Eric Cantor's annual campaign breakfast: A who's who in Virginia Republican politics
- Eric Cantor's annual campaign breakfast ... faces of supporters
Photos by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
5 March 2010
Eric Cantor breakfast: A who's who in Virginia Republican politics
Rep. Eric Cantor is surrounded by supporters."America is the place of hope and opportunity -- the
only land where everything is still possible."
- Rep. Eric Cantor
(whose grandparents immigrated to Richmond from Russia)
The star of Friday's annual campaign breakfast was Rep. Eric Cantor (R-7th CD) ... and he did not disappoint. He was a gracious host, greeting supporters, sharing his thoughts and concerns in his remarks, and afterwards as he talked with those who waited in a long line to have a few words with their Congressman.
A walking example of the American dream, Rep. Cantor talked about his grandparents' immigration to Richmond from Russia and how his grandmother, widowed at an early age, worked hard to raise his father and uncle and sent them to Virginia Tech.
The event featured many of the who's who in Virginia Republican politics as 1,300 supporters gathered at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Many businessmen were seen in the crowd and the timing was perfect because they could breakfast with the Congressman at 8:00 and then head off to work at their corporate offices around the Richmond area.
Volunteers, activists, Party leaders, and former elected officials were also there, mingling and networking with other Republicans interested in moving the Party forward after last November's historic sweep of Governor, Lt. Governor, and Atty General. Of those, only Gov. Bob McDonnell was absent, presumably on other business, while Lt. Governor Bill Bolling led the invocation and Atty. Gen. Ken Cuccinelli led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Bill Bolling is a powerful speaker even when he's giving the invocation (or perhaps I should say especially when he's giving the invocation), and Friday was no exception as he thanked God for the "blessings freely given ... and too often undeserved."
A list of elected representatives in attendance was read and I jotted as many names as possible -- I got 26 -- but the list was much longer. There must have been 40 or more names in all including the three SWAC area representatives -- Del. Steve Landes, Del. Ben Cline, and Del. Dickie Bell -- and Valley reps Sen. Mark Obenshain, Del. Matt Lohr, and Del. Todd Gilbert. Other familiar names were former Gov. Jim Gilmore, former Lt. Gov. John Hager, former Atty. Gen. Jerry Kilgore, former Congressman Tom Bliley, former Congresswoman Thelma Drake, Sen. Steve Martin, Del. McDougle, Sen. Ralph Smith, Sen. John Watkins, Del. Carrico, Del. Morgan Griffith, Del. Bill Janis, Del. Loupassi, Del. Brenda Pogge, Del. Lee Ware, and Del. Terry Kilgore.
Barbara Comstock, newly elected into the House of Delegates, kept the breakfast program moving by acting as MC. I met Del. Comstock in December when we were in the buffet line together at the Williamsburg Lodge for Rep. Cantor's dinner during the Republican Advance, and we talked about the just-completed election and Northern Virginia politics (she won in Fairfax), the blogs, and the atmosphere in Washington and Virginia.
Seventh District Chairman Linwood Cobb was in the crowd somewhere. Longtime Chesterfield volunteer Marie Quinn was there as well as fellow Chesterfield volunteers Ted Brown and John Gunsolley. Former Commander and Vietnam POW Paul Galanti was also there as well as a number of State Central Committee members including Mike Thomas, Cortland Putbrese, Judi Lynch, and Mike Wade.
The breakfast program listed the "2010 Congressional Club," names from the Richmond community that are recognizable such as Bobby Ukrop and Bobby Thalheimer and Charles Luck ... but on the list was another name very familiar to me. John Cogbill was my boss when I was a 20-something working in Richmond but I was not able to find him in the crowded room.
I relished the opportunity to talk with Steve Rossie from the Family Foundation about the good job they are doing during the 2010 General Assembly session. (Steve was part of Bloggers Row at last year's RPV Convention.)
Also talked with Allison Coccia, former RPV ED, who is now working with Eric Cantor, as well as long-time Cantor staffers Kristi Way and Melissa Nelson. Campaign manager Michael accommodated our every need.
And of course fellow bloggers Jane Dudley at Bearing Drift and Tom White at Virginia Right! who already have posts up about the event. There were internet issues at the Richmond Convention Center so we could not live-blog as planned but it was a pleasure to be a part of such an exciting event. Many thanks to Jane and Tom and the Cantor campaign.
The last time I was in the second floor ballroom at the Convention Center was my daughter's home school high school graduation with Home Educators Association of Virginia so it was interesting to reflect on that while watching so many movers-and-shakers in Republican circles working the room.
Other related posts:
- SWAC Girl: Eric Cantor's annual campaign breakfast ... faces of supporters
- SWAC Girl: Eric Cantor's annual campaign breakfast ... more faces of supporters
- Tom White at Virginia Right!
- Jane Dudley at Bearing Drift
- Tom White's video with Eric Cantor on abortion
More photos and Congressman Cantor's remarks to follow....
Cross-posted at Virginia Virtucon and SixtyFour81.com
Photo by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
5 March 2010
A walking example of the American dream, Rep. Cantor talked about his grandparents' immigration to Richmond from Russia and how his grandmother, widowed at an early age, worked hard to raise his father and uncle and sent them to Virginia Tech.
The event featured many of the who's who in Virginia Republican politics as 1,300 supporters gathered at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Many businessmen were seen in the crowd and the timing was perfect because they could breakfast with the Congressman at 8:00 and then head off to work at their corporate offices around the Richmond area.
Volunteers, activists, Party leaders, and former elected officials were also there, mingling and networking with other Republicans interested in moving the Party forward after last November's historic sweep of Governor, Lt. Governor, and Atty General. Of those, only Gov. Bob McDonnell was absent, presumably on other business, while Lt. Governor Bill Bolling led the invocation and Atty. Gen. Ken Cuccinelli led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Bill Bolling is a powerful speaker even when he's giving the invocation (or perhaps I should say especially when he's giving the invocation), and Friday was no exception as he thanked God for the "blessings freely given ... and too often undeserved."
A list of elected representatives in attendance was read and I jotted as many names as possible -- I got 26 -- but the list was much longer. There must have been 40 or more names in all including the three SWAC area representatives -- Del. Steve Landes, Del. Ben Cline, and Del. Dickie Bell -- and Valley reps Sen. Mark Obenshain, Del. Matt Lohr, and Del. Todd Gilbert. Other familiar names were former Gov. Jim Gilmore, former Lt. Gov. John Hager, former Atty. Gen. Jerry Kilgore, former Congressman Tom Bliley, former Congresswoman Thelma Drake, Sen. Steve Martin, Del. McDougle, Sen. Ralph Smith, Sen. John Watkins, Del. Carrico, Del. Morgan Griffith, Del. Bill Janis, Del. Loupassi, Del. Brenda Pogge, Del. Lee Ware, and Del. Terry Kilgore.
Barbara Comstock, newly elected into the House of Delegates, kept the breakfast program moving by acting as MC. I met Del. Comstock in December when we were in the buffet line together at the Williamsburg Lodge for Rep. Cantor's dinner during the Republican Advance, and we talked about the just-completed election and Northern Virginia politics (she won in Fairfax), the blogs, and the atmosphere in Washington and Virginia.
Seventh District Chairman Linwood Cobb was in the crowd somewhere. Longtime Chesterfield volunteer Marie Quinn was there as well as fellow Chesterfield volunteers Ted Brown and John Gunsolley. Former Commander and Vietnam POW Paul Galanti was also there as well as a number of State Central Committee members including Mike Thomas, Cortland Putbrese, Judi Lynch, and Mike Wade.
The breakfast program listed the "2010 Congressional Club," names from the Richmond community that are recognizable such as Bobby Ukrop and Bobby Thalheimer and Charles Luck ... but on the list was another name very familiar to me. John Cogbill was my boss when I was a 20-something working in Richmond but I was not able to find him in the crowded room.
I relished the opportunity to talk with Steve Rossie from the Family Foundation about the good job they are doing during the 2010 General Assembly session. (Steve was part of Bloggers Row at last year's RPV Convention.)
Also talked with Allison Coccia, former RPV ED, who is now working with Eric Cantor, as well as long-time Cantor staffers Kristi Way and Melissa Nelson. Campaign manager Michael accommodated our every need.
And of course fellow bloggers Jane Dudley at Bearing Drift and Tom White at Virginia Right! who already have posts up about the event. There were internet issues at the Richmond Convention Center so we could not live-blog as planned but it was a pleasure to be a part of such an exciting event. Many thanks to Jane and Tom and the Cantor campaign.
The last time I was in the second floor ballroom at the Convention Center was my daughter's home school high school graduation with Home Educators Association of Virginia so it was interesting to reflect on that while watching so many movers-and-shakers in Republican circles working the room.
Other related posts:
- SWAC Girl: Eric Cantor's annual campaign breakfast ... faces of supporters
- SWAC Girl: Eric Cantor's annual campaign breakfast ... more faces of supporters
- Tom White at Virginia Right!
- Jane Dudley at Bearing Drift
- Tom White's video with Eric Cantor on abortion
More photos and Congressman Cantor's remarks to follow....
Cross-posted at Virginia Virtucon and SixtyFour81.com
Photo by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
5 March 2010
Friday, March 05, 2010
Eric Cantor's annual campaign breakfast ... faces of supporters
Congressman Eric Cantor, Republican Whip of the U.S. Congress, was relaxed and smiling as he mingled with some of the 1,300 supporters who turned out for the popular event.
Paul Galanti, Dr. Judi Lynch, Mike Thomas.Paul Galanti was a POW during Vietnam and is a supporter of many Republican candidates over the years ... Judi is a member of Central Committee ... Mike Thomas is First Vice Chair of Central Committee.
Ted Brown with Gov. Jim Gilmore. Ted is part of the Chesterfield County Republicans ... Gov. Gilmore is a fellow blogger and President/CEO of Free Congress Foundation.
Lt. Gov. John Hager is a long-time public servant in Virginia and served as RPV Chairman 2007-08.
Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling greets Jeff Sili, Caroline GOP Chairman and member of the Board of Supervisors, after breakfast. In all my years of volunteering for Bill Bolling's campaigns, he has always been humble, grateful, and a fantastic speaker who can rally a crowd.
I love this photo of an always-smiling Jean Ann Bolling who looks comfortable with a gathering of young people around her.Check out bloggers Tom and Jane who also covered the event:
- Tom White at Virginia Right!
- Jane Dudley at Bearing Drift
Cross-posted at Virginia Virtucon
Photos by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
5 March 2010
- Tom White at Virginia Right!
- Jane Dudley at Bearing Drift
Cross-posted at Virginia Virtucon
Photos by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
5 March 2010
Trixie Averill to address First Friday
Trixie Averill, running for Republican chairman of the 6th Congressional District, will address the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Republicans at lunch today at Wood's Grill in Harrisonburg.
A long-time activist, Trixie has been involved in many campaigns over the years and represented the 6th District on the Central Committee as well as currently serving as Western Vice Chairwoman. Trixie will discuss her vision for the 6th District.
A long-time activist, Trixie has been involved in many campaigns over the years and represented the 6th District on the Central Committee as well as currently serving as Western Vice Chairwoman. Trixie will discuss her vision for the 6th District.
Trixie Averill for 6th District Chairwoman
Dear GOP Friends, Compatriots, and Colleagues,
It is with great excitement and humility that I announce to you that I am a candidate for Chairman of the 6th District Republican Committee.
I did not initially intend to seek out this position, but after receiving numerous emails and phone calls of prodding, encouragement, and support, I gave it very serious consideration and decided to say yes. I am generally more comfortable working hard in the background for the good of the party and for our Republican candidates, but our unique circumstances in the 6th District require leadership that can unite us.
For more than the last two decades I’ve held numerous party positions and volunteered on every race since 1980 and each has taught me something new. I even ran as a candidate for the House of Delegates way back in ’95 and received 47% of the vote. It was an honor to carry our banner, even though it didn’t work out for us that year, but it took a lot of courage to get out there and do it.
I have traveled all of the Western part of the state since 1993 representing statewide candidates and spent countless hours attending and organizing meetings, fundraisers, rallies, parades, breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and untold numbers of barbeques!
I have made phone calls, lists, distributed materials, worked Headquarters, sent thousands of emails, poked, prodded, and pushed candidates and volunteers alike to work harder to win the race.
I’ve been a member of the 6th District Committee and the State Central Committee since 1992, and currently serve as the Western Vice-Chairwoman. You know me; I am part of the grassroots. You also know that I am conservative with a capital C. My traditional conservative values are widely known and have never changed.
I’ve had the incredible honor of representing some of the finest conservative statewide candidates Virginia has seen over the last two decades, including George Allen, Jim Gilmore, Mark Earley, Jerry Kilgore, Bob McDonnell, and Bill Bolling – sometimes wearing hats for two at a time! I have learned things from each of them, and have maintained great relationships with them to this day. I am a team player and am proud to have played a role in delivering the Western part of the state for them.
Now, after 16 years of traveling the West, I’d like to focus right here in my home district. The political landscape has changed and we can no longer assume that the 6th will go red, just because it always has. I do believe that we can still win and win big, but we have to buckle down, work together, and stay focused on the goal.
There is still much work to be done, more elections to win, and our liberties to be protected. I would be honored to have your support at the 6th District Convention in Lynchburg May 22, and hope that together we can continue to build on our successes, grow our Party, and work to elect more rock-solid conservative candidates to represent us at all levels of government. Will you join me?
Trixie Averill
It is with great excitement and humility that I announce to you that I am a candidate for Chairman of the 6th District Republican Committee.
I did not initially intend to seek out this position, but after receiving numerous emails and phone calls of prodding, encouragement, and support, I gave it very serious consideration and decided to say yes. I am generally more comfortable working hard in the background for the good of the party and for our Republican candidates, but our unique circumstances in the 6th District require leadership that can unite us.
For more than the last two decades I’ve held numerous party positions and volunteered on every race since 1980 and each has taught me something new. I even ran as a candidate for the House of Delegates way back in ’95 and received 47% of the vote. It was an honor to carry our banner, even though it didn’t work out for us that year, but it took a lot of courage to get out there and do it.
I have traveled all of the Western part of the state since 1993 representing statewide candidates and spent countless hours attending and organizing meetings, fundraisers, rallies, parades, breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and untold numbers of barbeques!
I have made phone calls, lists, distributed materials, worked Headquarters, sent thousands of emails, poked, prodded, and pushed candidates and volunteers alike to work harder to win the race.
I’ve been a member of the 6th District Committee and the State Central Committee since 1992, and currently serve as the Western Vice-Chairwoman. You know me; I am part of the grassroots. You also know that I am conservative with a capital C. My traditional conservative values are widely known and have never changed.
I’ve had the incredible honor of representing some of the finest conservative statewide candidates Virginia has seen over the last two decades, including George Allen, Jim Gilmore, Mark Earley, Jerry Kilgore, Bob McDonnell, and Bill Bolling – sometimes wearing hats for two at a time! I have learned things from each of them, and have maintained great relationships with them to this day. I am a team player and am proud to have played a role in delivering the Western part of the state for them.
Now, after 16 years of traveling the West, I’d like to focus right here in my home district. The political landscape has changed and we can no longer assume that the 6th will go red, just because it always has. I do believe that we can still win and win big, but we have to buckle down, work together, and stay focused on the goal.
There is still much work to be done, more elections to win, and our liberties to be protected. I would be honored to have your support at the 6th District Convention in Lynchburg May 22, and hope that together we can continue to build on our successes, grow our Party, and work to elect more rock-solid conservative candidates to represent us at all levels of government. Will you join me?
Trixie Averill
Eric Cantor's Annual Campaign Breakfast
The Congressional Republican Whip will entertain a room full of supporters today ... a large room ... at his annual campaign breakfast at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.
Over 1,100 reservations have been received for the gala event to kick off Rep. Eric Cantor's 2010 campapign for Congress. Bloggers as well as mainstream media will cover it and listen to the Congressman on his home turf.
If all goes well, I hope to be live-blogging from the Cantor breakfast along with some blogging friends. More as the event unfolds....
Over 1,100 reservations have been received for the gala event to kick off Rep. Eric Cantor's 2010 campapign for Congress. Bloggers as well as mainstream media will cover it and listen to the Congressman on his home turf.
If all goes well, I hope to be live-blogging from the Cantor breakfast along with some blogging friends. More as the event unfolds....
Thursday, March 04, 2010
Western Augusta County's Appalachian Mountains
The Appalachians dominate western Augusta County as snow that fell five weeks ago hangs around in early March.Photo by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
4 March 2010
Lynn Mitchell
4 March 2010
Elliott's Knob looms over Augusta County
Elliott's Knob is the highest point in Augusta County. Located in the Appalachian Mountains, the fire road that is used for training by the Augusta Hotshots can be seen covered in snow. Bob photographed Elliott's from Staunton earlier this week ... and Phil had a photo of a different view from his property.Photo by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
4 March 2010
Lynn Mitchell
4 March 2010
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Trestle bridge in Mt. Crawford, Virginia
Trestle bridge over the North River in Mt. Crawford, Virginia,just off Rt. 11 (Valley Turnpike).
Photo by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
25 February 2010
Lynn Mitchell
25 February 2010
Winter lingers....
As the snow melts, deer find grass in fields that were previously covered. These were heading to a nearby field where we counted 30 deer grazing.
There is still plenty of snow in the mountains ... flurries made it seasonal.
The view in western Augusta County ... the mighty Appalachian Mountains.
Hay supplements horses because snow still covers most of the ground.
Melting is taking place as streams fill and fields are marshy.Lynn Mitchell
3 March 2010
Rick Perry prevails in Texas primary
The Washington Examiner followed the Texas primary where Rick Perry prevailed:
The results are in for all but 2 of 8,634 precincts in the Texas Republican gubernatorial primary: incumbent Rick Perry got 51%, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison 30% and Debra Medina 19%. In my blopost last night, I looked at the early voting returns in each of the state’s four largest metropolitan areas and in the rest of the state. Let me update that with the final figures now available. I’ll show the vote totals and percentages for each of the candidates in each area.
Traffic at the bird feeder
Cardinals, woodpeckers, gold finches, juncos, and more at the bird feeder.After a skiff of snow overnight, the bird feeder was busy this morning as a colorful variety of our feathered friends stopped by to enjoy the smorgasboard of goodies. They caught my attention as I sat at my computer, watching eight or ten cardinals, male and female, flit from nearby branches to the feeder and back.
The cardinals were joined by bluejays, juncos, titmouse, a red-headed woodpecker as well as a little downy woodpecker, and gold finches, some beginning to change back to their summer yellow coloring from the drab olive winter coat ... and doves strutted on the ground picking at seeds that had dropped from above.
The feeder had been raided in recent days by flocks of black starlings that run off the other birds ... but they were nowhere in sight this morning. Sometimes a mockingbird will take over and stand guard, running off any birds that try to land and feed, but none were around today.
Today it was peaceful as I watched the resident birds come and go in these final weeks before spring makes it easier for them to find food in the surrounding woods and fields.
The cardinals were joined by bluejays, juncos, titmouse, a red-headed woodpecker as well as a little downy woodpecker, and gold finches, some beginning to change back to their summer yellow coloring from the drab olive winter coat ... and doves strutted on the ground picking at seeds that had dropped from above.
The feeder had been raided in recent days by flocks of black starlings that run off the other birds ... but they were nowhere in sight this morning. Sometimes a mockingbird will take over and stand guard, running off any birds that try to land and feed, but none were around today.
Today it was peaceful as I watched the resident birds come and go in these final weeks before spring makes it easier for them to find food in the surrounding woods and fields.
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Americans for Prosperity heading to Richmond to protest phone tax
First, the electricity rates went up, and Governor McDonnell managed to get them scaled back. Now, the Virginia Senate wants to raise taxes 24% on every home, business and cell phone! We need to tell them NO! Please join us for a public meeting to prevent the Senate from doing us dirty! Bring your friends to help us stand firm against another tax increase!
AMERICANS FOR PROSPERITY
ROAD TRIP TO RICHMOND
FOR A RALLY AT THE CAPITOL AGAINST THE TAX INCREASE
LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD!
TELL THE LEGISLATORS IN PERSON!
MONDAY, MARCH 8
FREE BUS LEAVING ROANOKE - ONE STOP IN STAUNTON -
AND FREE LUNCH AT A RICHMOND HOTEL
RSVP to SWAC Girl
Refreshments provided! Bus details to come!
More information
Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is a nationwide organization of citizen leaders committed to advancing every individual’s right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP believes reducing the size and scope of government is the best safeguard to ensuring individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans. AFP educates and engages citizens in support of restraining state and federal government growth, and returning government to its constitutional limits. AFP has more than 960,000 members, including members in all 50 states, and 30 state chapters and affiliates. More than 55,000 Americans in all 50 states have made a financial investment in AFP or AFP Foundation. For more information, visit Americans For Prosperity.
AMERICANS FOR PROSPERITY
ROAD TRIP TO RICHMOND
FOR A RALLY AT THE CAPITOL AGAINST THE TAX INCREASE
LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD!
TELL THE LEGISLATORS IN PERSON!
MONDAY, MARCH 8
FREE BUS LEAVING ROANOKE - ONE STOP IN STAUNTON -
AND FREE LUNCH AT A RICHMOND HOTEL
RSVP to SWAC Girl
Refreshments provided! Bus details to come!
More information
Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is a nationwide organization of citizen leaders committed to advancing every individual’s right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP believes reducing the size and scope of government is the best safeguard to ensuring individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans. AFP educates and engages citizens in support of restraining state and federal government growth, and returning government to its constitutional limits. AFP has more than 960,000 members, including members in all 50 states, and 30 state chapters and affiliates. More than 55,000 Americans in all 50 states have made a financial investment in AFP or AFP Foundation. For more information, visit Americans For Prosperity.
George Allen: "Coal jobs vital for Virginia, America"
Former Gov. George Allen has responded to a claim made by Democrat blog Blue Virginia that cited the Washington Post's account that coal mining made up only "2 percent of employment in central Appalachian region." Blue Virginia wrote:
Coal Jobs Vital for Virginia, America
By George Allen
It is wise to diversify job opportunities in the Coalfields of Southwest Virginia and elsewhere in Appalachia. But these writers, who are against or unfriendly to coal, are concocting misleading facts to diminish the positive attributes of American coal.
The reality is that coal mining provides very good-paying jobs for those involved directly in mining as well as for people who manufacture and supply mining equipment and those who transport coal to electric power plants, steel mills and our Virginia Ports. A job is important to all men and women whether in retail or mining. These writers miss the fact that coal-related jobs pay more than retail jobs.
All of us who use electricity benefit from American coal, which by all measurement is the most available, reliable and least expensive source of power. Beyond the hundreds of thousands of American jobs related to American coal, the coal severance taxes in Southwest Virginia actually help fund the attraction of new businesses via the Coalfields Economic Development Authority.
As a country, we are blessed with plentiful coal resources. Rather than become more dependent on foreign, more expensive or intermittent energy sources, let’s creatively and cleanly utilize our American coal.
From this morning’s Washington Post comes a factual response to those who claim, against all evidence to the contrary, that the highly mechanized form of coal extraction known as “mountaintop removal” is a major employer in Appalachia (or anywhere else). As Justin Maxson, president of the Mountain Association for Community Economic Development, explains, it’s not.Here is the Governor's response.
Coal Jobs Vital for Virginia, America
By George Allen
It is wise to diversify job opportunities in the Coalfields of Southwest Virginia and elsewhere in Appalachia. But these writers, who are against or unfriendly to coal, are concocting misleading facts to diminish the positive attributes of American coal.
The reality is that coal mining provides very good-paying jobs for those involved directly in mining as well as for people who manufacture and supply mining equipment and those who transport coal to electric power plants, steel mills and our Virginia Ports. A job is important to all men and women whether in retail or mining. These writers miss the fact that coal-related jobs pay more than retail jobs.
All of us who use electricity benefit from American coal, which by all measurement is the most available, reliable and least expensive source of power. Beyond the hundreds of thousands of American jobs related to American coal, the coal severance taxes in Southwest Virginia actually help fund the attraction of new businesses via the Coalfields Economic Development Authority.
As a country, we are blessed with plentiful coal resources. Rather than become more dependent on foreign, more expensive or intermittent energy sources, let’s creatively and cleanly utilize our American coal.
Snowing in the Valley
It's snowing in the Valley as winter continues on the second day of March.Photo by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
2 March 2010
Lynn Mitchell
2 March 2010
General Assembly approves taste tasting at ABC stores
Virginia's ABC stores may soon look like Sam's warehouse stores on a Saturday with free taste testings of the wares. A bill passed the General Assembly allowing ABC stores to offer wine tastings ... and maybe a splash of the latest flavor of vodka? It wasn't even close with a vote of 30-10. The bill now goes to Gov. Bob McDonnell for his approval.
IBD: "A blizzard of lies from Al Gore"
Like a little child caught with his hand in the cookie jar, Al Gore's response to the revelation that global warming advocates fudged the data is to defend it and backpeddle as much as possible. Investor's Business Daily noted:
If hyperbole and chutzpah had a child, it would be the opening paragraph of Gore's op-ed in Sunday's New York Times. Gore surfaced from the global warming witness-protection program to opine that despite admissions of error and evidence of fraud by various agencies, we still face "an unimaginable calamity requiring large-scale, preventive measures to protect human civilization as we know it."For those who never believed the global warming hoax, it is satisfying to watch the fraud unfold and see how Al Gore's responds to some factual "inconvenient truths."
Perhaps he's trying to protect his investments as he knows them, for he is heavily involved in enterprises that deal with carbon offsets and green technology. If the case for climate change is shown to be demonstrably false, a lot of his green evaporates like moisture from the ocean.
Augusta County against assessment "burden of proof" bill?
Augusta County had a representative in Richmond last week arguing against the "burden of proof" bill that would make assessors prove land's increased value instead of leaving that burden of proof on citizens.
To have an Augusta County public servant testifying in Richmond is interesting considering over 10,000 Augusta County citizens signed petitions against the county to protest the odious 2009 real estate assessments, and 1,000 citizens turned out for a Board of Supervisors meeting.
Augusta citizens feel their elected representatives are not listening to them. Perhaps this type of action has something to do with that.
Del. Sal Iaquinto's "burden of proof" bill, HB 570, was introduced and passed in the House but ran into a brick wall in the Senate. Tertium Quids' Norm Leahy testified on behalf of the bill this past week:
DJ took note that Augusta County was there.
Cross-posted at Virginia Virtucon
To have an Augusta County public servant testifying in Richmond is interesting considering over 10,000 Augusta County citizens signed petitions against the county to protest the odious 2009 real estate assessments, and 1,000 citizens turned out for a Board of Supervisors meeting.
Augusta citizens feel their elected representatives are not listening to them. Perhaps this type of action has something to do with that.
Del. Sal Iaquinto's "burden of proof" bill, HB 570, was introduced and passed in the House but ran into a brick wall in the Senate. Tertium Quids' Norm Leahy testified on behalf of the bill this past week:
Del. Sal Iaquinto's tax assessment burden of proof bill, HB 570, was on the agenda and I was there to speak on its behalf. Beforehand, I spoke with the Delegate regarding the bill's prospects before the committee. He said it looked like the lobbyists for Virginia's counties and cities has done a thorough job of tilting the Democrats, at least, against it.What I found interesting was that Augusta County was even there after the assessment battle of the past year. But here's the kicker from Norm:
And sure enough, when it came time to speak on the bill, VaCo and the VML announced their opposition, as did a handful of tax collectors from Fairfax, Prince William and Augusta counties.
They all believe the current system -- which puts the burden on taxpayers to show that a property assessment is in error -- is working great.
They also seem fine with the idea that, as Iaquinto pointed out, the substantial proof taxpayers must show in a challenge is slightly below the burden of proof required for criminal cases.
So yes, Virginia, the taxman assumes you're guilty, unless you can prove otherwise.
And it was amusing to find so many local government employees lobbying on this bill as opposed to doing their jobs back home. But it seems they found their time was better used arguing against taxpayers. [emphasis added]The bill was defeated 9-5. Thanks, tax collector from Augusta County, whomever you were.
DJ took note that Augusta County was there.
Cross-posted at Virginia Virtucon
Monday, March 01, 2010
Augusta County's Rocket Boys launch court case
The Rocket Boys of the Valley Aerospace Team (VAST) gathered Saturday night at the Eidelweiss Restaurant in Greenville to enjoy German cuisine and hear the latest about their court case against Augusta County after being shut down by an anonymous complaint.
From NBC-29:
Read the entire series: Augusta County shuts down Rockets Boys.
From NBC-29:
Members of the Valley Aerospace Team say they are seeking justice in their case against the county and ultimately the right to go back to their home base to continue their rocketry.Video: Rocket Club Launches Court Case.
A snow covered 500-acre Croft Field in Swoope, near Staunton, had been home to the team until July. That is when the board of zoning appeals required the club to get a special use permit to continue lifting off. The club applied but the board denied the permit in September.
Club members say they have never had noise complaints and do not understand why the county is bringing their rockets to a standstill.
"It's just a hobby," said club President Chuck Neff. "We got together once a month in the middle of a farm field, a 500 acre farm field. The closest house, and there's only one, is 1800 feet away."
"This is a group of people, principally scientists that are aiding young children to become interested in the area of science," added the club's attorney Francis Chester. "And for the county of Augusta to reject their application, I think is ludicrous."
Chester believes the county's decision was based on politics and he is hoping the club will soon be able to use the field freely without restriction.
Read the entire series: Augusta County shuts down Rockets Boys.
Team USA thanks America
The just-completed Winter Olympics are a memory and Team USA thanked everyone for their support and viewership during two weeks of action and excitement. From Team USA:It is with great appreciation that we send you our biggest Thank You for your support of Team USA during these unforgettable XXI Olympic Winter Games. We recognize you, our loyal supporters, who passionately cheered, applauded and followed Team USA during their Vancouver 2010 journey. With the Closing Ceremony yesterday evening, the XXI Olympic Winter Games have ended. We thank Vancouver for the warm welcome and well-run games.Click here to view the roster.
We are very proud of our Team USA athletes. They represented the United States with pride both on and off the field of play.
Team USA brought home the first U.S. overall medal victory since 1932 and the most overall medals ever won by any nation in the Olympic Winter Games - and Team USA athletes showed dignity, fair play and respect during their competitions. Team USA's success is a demonstration of the commitment of our athletes, to the excellence of the National Governing Bodies who support them, and above all, to loyal supporters like you. We are grateful to you for providing the resources and encouragement that allowed our athletes to achieve their dreams and inspire a nation. You were truly part of this success. Thank you for your loyal support.
Here are a few examples of the successes you contributed to:
- Team USA’s 37 total medals is an all-time Olympic Winter Games record; the medals breakdown for the U.S. was nine gold, 15 silver and 13 bronze
- Apolo Anton Ohno won his eighth career short track speedskating medal, becoming the most decorated U.S. Winter Olympian ever
- Team USA won three medals in Nordic combined; their first in the sport
- Johnny Spillane became the first American (and fourth athlete all-time) to win medals in all three Nordic combined events in the same Olympic Winter Games
- Speedskater Katherine Reutter set an Olympic record in the 1000m (1:30.508)
- Bode Miller won gold, silver and bronze medals, becoming the first American to win three Alpine medals in the same Olympic Winter Games
- Shani Davis became the first U.S. Olympian to win a 1500m speedskating medal in two consecutive Olympic Winter Games
- Chad Hedrick won his fifth career medal, tying him with Eric Heiden for most by an American in men's speedskating
Find more highlights from the Olympic Winter Games, Click Here.
More Action Still to Come
On Saturday, the U.S. Olympic Committee announced the 50 athletes who will compete for Team USA at the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver on March 12-21, 2010.
The U.S. Team, made up of athletes from 20 states, will compete in five sports (alpine skiing, biathlon, cross country skiing, sled hockey and wheelchair curling). A projected 600 elite athletes with a physical disability from more than 40 countries are expected to compete at the Paralympic Winter Games.
Miss me yet? Sign the open letter to George W. Bush
Open Letter to President George W. Bush ... add your signature.Dear President Bush:
On behalf of millions of Americans—many of whom are former critics—we are writing to say that we miss you. Although time is often kind to former presidents, something different is at work here.
While it usually takes 10 or more years for a good president to be appreciated for his contributions, in less than 18 months Americans of all political persuasions have begun to miss your strong leadership, no-nonsense foreign policy, and pride-filled vision of American exceptionalism. In the short time that you have been out of office, our country has sunk to an unprecedented low point, a state that exceeds even the “malaise” of the Jimmy Carter years.
Mr. President, thank you for recognizing the terrorist attacks on America for what they are—a declaration of war—and for treating them as such. Thank you for having the foresight to recognize the situations in Afghanistan and Iraq for what they are and for having the courage to do what had to be done in those troubled countries.
Thank you for understanding the need for indefinite detention of enemy combatants at Guantanamo Bay and for supporting military tribunals rather than civilian trials.
Thank you for two tax cuts during your presidency and for the fifty-three months of job creation and economic growth that resulted. Thank you for showing that you love America and were willing to do what was necessary to protect us from those who don’t. Finally, thank you for making us proud to be Americans.
Mr. President, we miss you. When we see President Obama apologize for America, we miss your unapologetic patriotism. When we hear President Obama respond to problems and threats with empty words, we miss your steadfastness and willingness to act. When we see President Obama grovel and bow before foreign heads of state, we miss seeing you stand tall as the undisputed leader of the free world.
When we saw President Obama receive the Nobel Peace Prize, we were reminded that the words in his acceptance speech parroted what he has criticized you for saying. As we watch an increasingly dangerous Iran brutalize its own people and thumb its nuclear-tipped nose at the world, we remember that peace comes through strength not talking, bowing, or apologizing—something you understood and acted on. When we saw that President Obama was viewed favorably by weak-willed, socialist leaders in Europe, we were reminded that in the world’s largest democracy—India—you still have an unprecedented 71% approval rating.
The two greatest assets an American president can have are not a majority in Congress or a high likability quotient. Rather, they are the trust of the American people and the respect of our enemies and allies. Unlike President Obama, you understood this. You had the trust of the American people and the respect of our enemies and allies. President Obama has failed to win either. As a candidate, Ronald Reagan asked Americans “Are you better off today than you were four years ago?” The answer then was no. Americans are now asking a similar question: “Were we better off under President Bush?”
Increasingly the answer to this question is yes. Mr. President, we miss you.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned American Citizens
USA imports mostly Canadian oil
DJ at Right-Wing Liberal has come across some interesting information about oil import in this country:
Odds are Gore doesn’t realize this, few people actually do. However, the Energy Information Administration (stat-keeper for the Department of Energy) has been tracking delineated oil imports since the early 1990s. Here’s the stunning fact: since 2004, the largest exporter of oil to the United States is not Saudi Arabia; it’s Canada.Hard to argue with facts....
Taxpayers work for federal government
"The taxpayer - that's someone who works for the federal government but doesn't have to take the civil service examination." -- Ronald Reagan
WaExaminer: "GOP must vow repeal if ObamaCare passes"
Democrats are determined to jam through ObamaCare, otherwise known as universal health care, even in the face of increased election losses and even as polls show the majority of Americans do not want the government meddling in their health care.
If health care legislation is passed into law, will Republicans fight it? The Washington Examiner suggests they must make it clear they will repeal it:
If health care legislation is passed into law, will Republicans fight it? The Washington Examiner suggests they must make it clear they will repeal it:
The only way to change that calculation is for the GOP to make crystal clear now that its first order of business come January 2011 will be repeal if it is returned to congressional majorities and Obamacare is on the books. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Minority Leader John Boehner have magnificently held their troops in line to date against Obamacare while saying nothing about repeal for fear of appearing to concede defeat. That changed Sunday as Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., said, "People are saying, 'We don't want it.' The Democrats are saying, 'We don't care, we're doing it anyway.' The Democrats will try to jam this through, and the rest of the year we're going to be involved in a campaign to repeal it."Wonder if anyone is listening.
Like Cato the Elder, who concluded his Roman Senate speeches with the warning that "Carthage must be destroyed," Republicans should repeat at every opportunity the promise that Obamacare will be repealed in 2011 if it becomes law in 2010.
WaPo: Admits they were wrong on Rep. Eric Cantor
Eric Cantor read the entire 2,400 health care bill
Tom White at Virginia Right nails it:
As Tom wrote:
Score one for Eric Cantor over the WaPo, and score another for him for his preparedness at the health care summit. And score yet another for his leadership.
Tom White at Virginia Right nails it:
The fact that the Washington Post got something wrong concerning Eric Cantor (R-Va) is not news. It is not shocking at all, in fact. What is both shocking and newsworthy is that they admitted they got something wrong about a Republican. [emphasis added]After last week's so-called health care summit where Republican Congressional Whip Eric Cantor spoke from behind the 2,400 pages of the health care bill, the Washington Post claimed in their February 26 editorial that it was a "tactic" and "posturing" by Rep. Cantor to have the huge stack of pages in front of him.
As Tom wrote:
The fact is, Congressman Cantor had actually read the bill, unlike the President. He took the time to tab and notate the entire bill to easily access any objectionable portions sure to come up during the meeting. And perhaps portions where there was agreement.In the Washington Post's February 27 editorial, they admitted they "should not have characterized his purpose" as they did.
That is called preparation and is why Cantor is a leader. Cantor came to discuss the bill and was well prepared and the President did not like this.
Score one for Eric Cantor over the WaPo, and score another for him for his preparedness at the health care summit. And score yet another for his leadership.
Photo: Gov. Bob McDonnell signs SB680 and HB1308
Governor McDonnell signs SB680 and HB1308, emergency legislation suspending the Appalachian Power Company interim rate increase, at the Virginia State Capitol in the Cabinet Conference Room of the Patrick Henry Building on Wednesday, February 24, 2010. Other attendees included (from L to R):
1st Row: Delegate Bill Carrico, Governor Bob McDonnell, Senator Phil Puckett
2nd Row: Delegate Will Morefield, Delegate Anne Crockett-Stark, Delegate Morgan Griffith, Delegate Joe Johnson, Delegate Bill Cleveland, Senator Ralph Smith, Delegate Onzlee Ware, Delegate Charles Poindexter, Senator John Edwards, Senator William Wampler, Delegate Terry Kilgore, Delegate Danny Marshall, Delegate David Nutter, Delegate Don Merricks
Photo courtesy of Michaele White, Governor’s Photographer
1st Row: Delegate Bill Carrico, Governor Bob McDonnell, Senator Phil Puckett
2nd Row: Delegate Will Morefield, Delegate Anne Crockett-Stark, Delegate Morgan Griffith, Delegate Joe Johnson, Delegate Bill Cleveland, Senator Ralph Smith, Delegate Onzlee Ware, Delegate Charles Poindexter, Senator John Edwards, Senator William Wampler, Delegate Terry Kilgore, Delegate Danny Marshall, Delegate David Nutter, Delegate Don Merricks
Photo courtesy of Michaele White, Governor’s Photographer
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)