Unite

Unite
Kevin Bryant

Most of the primaries are over and in every state so far, there has been as much bickering about who won certain nominations has there has been celebrations of those victories. The nominees aren’t conservative enough or they are too conservative. They agree too much with Bush policies or agree too much along the lines of Reagan.

Way back a long time ago in history (2008), we had the same problem. There were too many people on both sides who were fed up with George Bush and especially his domestic policies during his last term in office. Republicans by the 1000’s stayed home and refused to vote because Grandpa McCain was the party nomination as Bush’s successor. Too many people took the attitude that I am a Romney or Huckabee supporter and there is no way I am going to vote for Grandpa. Well, by staying home, you got your just reward, Grandpa wasn’t elected president and all of you who chose to stay home have been complaining about Obama since the day he was sworn in.

So what if Rand Paul or Sharron Angle or whoever won the nomination in your state wasn’t your choice. Is your decision not to back the candidate that did win the primary doing you or the other party’s candidate more good? My guess is the other party is better served by you sitting at home and still steaming because the candidate of your choice lost. Here in Missouri, I’m not overly thrilled with Roy Blunt as the successor of Kit Bonds but it certainly beats having Robin Carnahan in office giving Obama two automatic yes votes from Missouri.

It’s time to either unite or surrender. What will your choice be?

One would think she would know better!

One would think she would know better!
Al Ritter

Timmy Ruppersberger, cousin of US Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger, a lawyer in a very prestigious law firm is running for Baltimore County Council in District 2 under the Democratic banner. You would think with her vast knowledge of law and being on the inside track to civic issues she would know the very basic laws and common courtesies involved in everyday life.

This was not the case this morning as I drove down Falls Rd. and saw her first hand doing a sign waving at the intersection of Falls Rd. and Greenspring Valley Rd. I assume her need to be close to her Mercedes Benz was far more important than the needs of handicapped people that shop in the stores close to that intersection. To park in a handicapped parking space in Maryland you need to display a handicapped placard from the rear view mirror or display a handicapped tag on your car. The white Mercedes Benz proudly displaying her campaign sticker showed neither.

One has to wonder if she has already assumed the role of an elitist democrat before the primary has even been contested, or has her cousin Dutch already rubbed off on her?

Not Really Goodbye

Not Really Goodbye
Kevin Bryant

I have found all sorts of ways to get motivated enough to sit here and write something. Sometimes it is the topic itself. Sometimes it’s the fact that I had a discussion or debate about the topic within the past couple of days. Sometimes it is something I hear on the radio driving into work in the morning and sometimes it’s something that I think you will find interest in and possibly stirs up a little emotion.

I have tried my best not to bore you to sleep or bring you to the point where you would like to stick ice picks in my eyes so I could never again see a keyboard and produce such dribble. I try not to hit the same topic more than once without a good deal of time having passed between the first and second blogs and I try to type things just as the words would be if I were saying them out loud.

It’s with a bit of sadness I write this. My personal life has taken a very sudden and unexpected turn and is about to change in a way that will make it practically impossible to keep writing. I’m going to miss this. It’s a lot like therapy but you don’t have to pay by the hour to get things off your chest. Who knows, if something irritates me enough, I may forgo an hour or two of sleep and rant for 30 paragraphs about it. So, have you heard the last from me, I doubt it. However there will be months between blogs not days as before.

Not all is bad in my world. I have just passed the 30 day mark since smoking my last cigarette. For someone who has smoked for more than 30 years, this is arguably the toughest thing mentally that I have ever done. If you smoke, don’t worry, I am not going to call for your damnation. I still firmly believe that smokers should have the same rights as people who drink alcohol. I still believe that property owners should determine if smoking is to be allowed in a business establishment and not a bunch of politicians or nut jobs who think they know what is best for everyone.

I hope you all found many of my almost 200 blogs entertaining if nothing else. 2 months to go before the 2010 mid-term election. Hope you are out and doing your best to get good candidates elected and handing a lot of incumbents pink slips.

Take care and God bless.

Is Gov. O’Malley Cooking the Books?

Is Gov. O’Malley Cooking the Books?
Al Ritter

It was just a few short weeks ago that the Maryland legislature and the Governor were involved in some serious hand wringing over the legislature mandate of a balanced budget, and the inability to do so.

The federal government grant called “Race to the Top” seems to have cured all the spending woes of the O’Malley Administration. The curious timing involved in the administration’s claim of now having a $300 million surplus, just happens to tie nicely into the announcement only a week ago of the education grant award of $430 million.

It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to see that the grant was tossed into the Education Budget, and now Martin is raiding the education cookie jar to make his spending appear in control.

Unable to control his spending habits, O’Malley has started buying property again, this time 430 acres of prime waterfront acreage on the bay. This Administration is totally unable to curb his spending habits, and property purchases while the value of property is down may be the hedge against inflation O’Malley is counting on.

Eminent domain is widely known as a way the government may acquire property for “economic development.” It’s one thing to basically steal property from individuals in the government name, but very easy for the government to purchase the property cheaply then turn it over for private development later, thus taking a huge windfall profit to fund more social programs, and the O’Malley Administration has purchased more property than any other governor in the past.

It’s time that the people from Maryland wake up and smell the corruption and greed before the debt gets so deep nobody can dig us out! He's laughing at you Maryland.....not with you!

Civil Rights or Human Rights?

Civil Rights or Human Rights?
Kevin Bryant

OK, I already know that some of you are going to totally disagree with me and that is fine. That is what makes America so great, if we disagree, we can come right out and say it or even shout it if we want to or we can debate it. The founding fathers disagreed and debated on many topics during the writing of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

Civil Rights – no I am not going to give you the Webster definition or anything. Pretty much everyone in this country knows enough about the civil rights movement to know what it was about, that it passed congress and became law. It had a few kinks in it but those too have long since been ironed out.

With this in mind, would someone please tell me why Al Sharpton had to have a civil rights march on 8/28 or why he condemned Glenn Beck on television for not using the term “Civil Rights” in his speech on 8/28?

Prior to the speech on 8/28, Glenn Beck stated that he was going to take back civil rights. In his speech, on that day, he stated for the taking back of our God given human rights as the constitution dictates we all possess. Sorry to “offend” anyone, but CIVIL RIGHTS is over. It’s been passed already. The ONLY thing left to be debated on any so called rights granted to a specific group of people is the right of gay and lesbians to marry, and I have already stated my opinion on the subject.

Taking back civil rights. You have to take back the original meaning because it means something totally different now. Government is hijacking OUR rights, you, me and every citizen of this nation’s civil rights. It’s no longer a skin color thing. It’s a “WE” thing and the sooner “WE” all learn this, the better off “WE” will be. If “WE” don’t get it together now and take back OUR civil rights, not only will we never see them again, our children and grandchildren will not see them either.

Should America be stepping back into the 7th century?

Should America be stepping back into the 7th century?
Al Ritter

I thought we as a country had settled the separation of “church and state” issue but lately I am wondering. We have come a long way since 1776, and the Constitution is one of those defining moments but lately the Democrats want to not only rewrite history but they also want to rewrite law that has decided by our own Supreme Court.

Right or wrong the liberals wanted our country to separate our laws and government from the church, and yet now they want to reintroduce church into our law. In the interest of political correctness they want the American people to not only accept the Muslims religion but to accept Sharia law and integrate it into our system of judicial acceptance.

Well, I have a message for those liberals; our country and the Muslim religion have a long standing history of bad blood. Our dear President Obama has declared that we are not at war with the Islamic faith, and yet the attacks that we have endured as Americans have told a different story.

We are surrendering our Constitution to a bunch of individuals that believe in and celebrate a religion that is not on a mere religion but a way of life. The Muslim religion is not only a socio-economic group but one that intertwines religion into law. Our laws state that religion has a basis, but never one that trumps the federal.
We are poised to accept a religion in our country that not only denies women’s rights, but denies basic sensibilities. The Muslim religion allows the marriage of minor children, stoning of women for the sins of a husband, and brutal torture for minor law violations that goes WAY beyond waterboarding.

Why would we sacrifice our way of life for a 7th century way of life that is not only backwards, but violates everything we hold dear as a nation? Have we become so compliant to the requests of others that we deny the very strides we have accomplished in the 234 years? Better still, do we give in to a religion that flourishes in countries where the literacy rates barely exceed 14%?

Granted our country is not the most educated or sophisticated in the world, but we have obtained one of the highest statures in the world in our comparatively short country history. Why would we prefer to move back in history to accommodate a third world country religion that violates everything our country stands for? Should we give up everything our country stands for in the name of “Political Correctness?”

America needs to wake up, our country is being invaded from the south by illegal aliens, and from the east in the name of religious freedom.

The Stupidity Ladder

The Stupidity Ladder
Kevin Bryant

Every step up the political ladder from the local school board to the state assembly to the White House itself you see a slimy trail of stupidity smearing almost every step. Now there are those rare exceptions when a step gets missed such as with the current occupant of the New Jersey’s governor’s mansion but it’s getting harder and harder to find those steps.

Here lately it seems that the more I pay attention to local politics here in the KC metro the more I am convinced that I and my neighbors am a geniuses and the only stupid people in the area serve on city councils and school boards. These people have to be stupid because they are the only ones believing the things they are doing makes any sense.

Example #1: Mission Kansas Driveway Tax http://www.kmbc.com/news/24691172/detail.html

What a great idea, punish businesses and burden residents with another stupid tax, this one based on how much traffic follows through your neighborhood. Every resident will be required to pay about $72 a year to the city while businesses, depending on how successful they are can pay anywhere from $3000 to over $65,000 a year. What a great way to encourage new business to come to your town, or keep the ones you have from packing up and leaving. If I am a small business owner in Mission and I am renting the building I am in, you can bet your favorite donkey I will be closing up shop and moving to a new area of the metro as soon as my lease is up. As for the residence, if you own your home, you are stuck paying the new tax. The housing market here stinks to high heaven and it’s doubtful your house is going to sell anytime soon, so you are stuck. Then you are more likely going to get shafted even harder in the coming years when businesses leave and the city is again strapped for cash. That $72 tax you got slammed with could easily double to make up for lost revenue.

Example #2: Property Tax Increase

There seems to be an epidemic on the number of cities around the metro that have decided to increase property taxes. The excuses are all the same. We must raise taxes so we don’t have to lay off teachers or firemen. So, bump up the property tax because property values are down. No one said anything about lowering property taxes when the values go up. Well over 50% of all households have seen some kind of change in household income over the past 2 years and in over 30% of those homes, the income levels have decreased. Many property owners now make less than they did in 2006 but the cost of living has increased. Instead of cities tightening their own belts, they want to squeeze the property owners some more. There comes a point where the owners can no longer afford to pay more with less and they are going to forfeit their house. Then what do you do, invent a city wide renters tax for people who lost their homes to foreclosure? Go after the bank that just repossessed the house?

Here’s a great idea: cut some fat off the city budget. Here are a few examples you can start with. City council members will not receive more than $2000 salary per year or $3000 per calendar year in salary and other compensation. Reduce the number of city employees making more than $60K per year by 20%. Those making more than $40K but less than $60K, reduce the number of employees by 10%. Reduce the number of employees making less than $40K per year by 5%. Reduce salaries across the board back to 2006 levels. Mandate a 10% across the board reduction in the budget for all departments. Restructure pension plans so retirees aren’t making 120% of the salary they were drawing when they were working. Tell the teacher’s union and other local unions to accept pay reductions of face layoffs.

No matter at what the level of government you are dealing with, you will find those who believe there will never be a shortage of other people’s money for them to spend.

Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor:

In reference to Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate representing MD, Blaine Taylor and his letter, "If we want the troops home, we must elect leaders to stop war", Aug. 11, and now speaking as an eighty-nine year old Retired U.S. Naval Reserve Officer veteran with eight years of active duty, five in WWII, over two of which were aboard the aircraft carrier, The USS Enterprise, including thirteen major offensive engagements starting with the Marshall & Gilbert Islands in the fall of 1943 and continuing through The First Battle of the Philippine Sea. The USS Enterprise is the most decorated ship in the US Navy including the Presidential Unit Citation Award; and I was later recalled for three more years during the Korean Conflict.

In an attempt to develop a better understanding of Mr. Taylor's position, I must ask him where he was during the latter part of former President Clinton's second term when the World Trade Center was bombed and which was soon followed by the devastating attack of 9/11. In my opinion, this was the beginning of WWIII which is now being called The Global Conflict against Terrorism; and it was when the Muslim radicals and extremenists, including al Qaeda, the Taliban, and numerous underground insurgents, many of whom no doubt were, and still are, being supported by Iran, announced their intent to clear the world of all democratic independent freedom loving people which they referred to as infidels.

Mr. Taylor certainly shouldn't need reminding of the many necessary wars which were fought within our borders by our forefathers before they were able to announce the adoption of our U.S. Declaration of Independence, plus others engagements later such as WWI & WWII in which we were first attacked in both, and were forced to fight in order to protect our lives and retain our independence; and it's now the same type of involvement in WWIII where we must fight for our continued survival, so as to enjoy our freedoms of independence.

Now, in relation to the present status of the continuing unstable conditions in Iraq, including the military, political and economic divisions, President Barack Obama recently made his asinine announcement that he would be withdrawing our combat forces from Iraq by the end of August 2010. Such action is definitely advantageous to the opposition who can then adjust their plans accordingly. Instead, his obligated announcement should have been one in which he carefully explained exactly what is, or isn't, happening in Iraq and why a withdrawl at this time could be a disaster. First, Iraq has no governing coalition, and secondly it appears that Mr. Maliki and Mr. Allawi will continue to experience extreme difficulty in establishing one which would meet the satisfaction of all of the various sects occupying this country, while at the same time maintaining the upper hand in controlling the continuing string of bombings, killings and other attacks by insurgents, particularly in the Baghdad areas. Such conditions could easily lead to another all out conflict or even develop into a civil war.

Because of these threatening conditions, in my opinion, it would be best if our troops remained in Iraq in order to prevent and/or terminate such clashes while providing our continuing support in the establishment of a stable democracy in this country. There is no other way. If we don't, it would be an absolute disgrace to the brave military and civilian personnel who paid the ultimate price in the defense of our country while assisting Iraq in establishing a democratic nation in the heart of an authoritarian Middle East.

Practically speaking, a standing military force in a country where we have assisted in establishing freedom is not a new practice, as the U.S. still has such forces stationed at many places in the world including Germany, Japan and South Korea.

It is indeed disappointing and disturbing to witness President Obama continuing to play political games with America's safety and security in order to salvage the almighty vote at the polls, and to lower our self-esteem by apologizing to the other world nations for our past aggressive actions when they were definitely in the interest of protecting our lives and our Declaration of Independence.

Mr. President, we would indeed welcome the words of truth from your lips; because. We as American citizens are entitled to know exactly what is transpiring within your mind and also in the egoistical selfish departments of the federal government.

Personally, I am asking you, Blaine Taylor, is such the composition of the peaceful gravy train for which you are purchasing a ticket, in order to ride along with our smooth talking, ineffective, narcissistic President who is filled with hollow promises. If so Blaine, it is my sincere hope that your train will be derailed.

Quinton D. Thompson
Towson, MD 21286

There is no Coincidence in Politics

There is no Coincidence in Politics
Al Ritter

If you think that the long overdue ethics hearings of Congressman Charlie Rangel and Maxine Waters are purely coincidental you probably believe in the Easter Bunny, the tooth fairy and Santa Claus.

The fact that the house ethics committee is headed by the Democratic majority is the key to the two hearings to be heard in September. The Democrats KNOW in their hearts that they will most certainly lose the house in November, and thusly turn over control of the ethics committee to the Republicans. The time frame will give the Dems 2 short months to decide to merely slap the hands of the two corrupt members for Congress, then get back to business as usual deceiving the public failing to make declarations of income items, that violate disclosure laws, and hiding income while making the rules for others to pay taxes……………….When will America wake up and toss these thieves to the curb?

Baltimore County Zoning being used as an enforcement arm of the Democratic Party Part II

Baltimore County Zoning being used as an enforcement arm of the Democratic Party Part II
Al Ritter

In an earlier article I addressed the problem of a Baltimore County Zoning law that required a local area resident to remove his 32 sq ft campaign sign for a Republican candidate for governor of Maryland. All complaints were basically put on hold while a challenge was made to Superior Court in Maryland. The Judge ruled that an equal enforcement of signs no larger than 8 sq ft in residential properties in no way interferes with the First Amendment allowing free speech.

The problem now lies with the out of hand violations of the 32 sq ft signs EVERYWHERE! Because they relaxed the rules until the court trial and subsequent ruling, Baltimore County looks like Las Vegas more than the pristine County it once was. I would recommend everyone to report these signs to the zoning commission, and DEMAND their removal regardless of the political they represent. I personally reported 4 of these violations and they have yet to be removed. Baltimore County and the Zoning Commission gambled on this issue and now they have lost………….now let’s make them do their job!

http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/contact/codecomplaint

Unite

Unite
Kevin Bryant

Most of the primaries are over and in every state so far, there has been as much bickering about who won certain nominations has there has been celebrations of those victories. The nominees aren’t conservative enough or they are too conservative. They agree too much with Bush policies or agree too much along the lines of Reagan.

Way back a long time ago in history (2008), we had the same problem. There were too many people on both sides who were fed up with George Bush and especially his domestic policies during his last term in office. Republicans by the 1000’s stayed home and refused to vote because Grandpa McCain was the party nomination as Bush’s successor. Too many people took the attitude that I am a Romney or Huckabee supporter and there is no way I am going to vote for Grandpa. Well, by staying home, you got your just reward, Grandpa wasn’t elected president and all of you who chose to stay home have been complaining about Obama since the day he was sworn in.

So what if Rand Paul or Sharron Angle or whoever won the nomination in your state wasn’t your choice. Is your decision not to back the candidate that did win the primary doing you or the other party’s candidate more good? My guess is the other party is better served by you sitting at home and still steaming because the candidate of your choice lost. Here in Missouri, I’m not overly thrilled with Roy Blunt as the successor of Kit Bonds but it certainly beats having Robin Carnahan in office giving Obama two automatic yes votes from Missouri.

It’s time to either unite or surrender. What will your choice be?

Presidential Comments on the NY Mosque

Presidential Comments on the NY Mosque
Al Ritter

Last Friday our President weighed in with his comments on the Muslim Mosque at Ground Zero in NY. He stated correctly that Muslims should be able to practice their religion in America. He then ventured into the law arena stating that a Mosque should be allowed in any area that it is allowed by zoning and building regulations, and according to law, yes that is correct.

By Saturday the President felt the need to add his disclaimer, stating that he never commented on whether that decision was wise or not. What are we to gather from his comments on those two days? Possibly he thinks the way I do on the matter, (of course I highly doubt that,) but let’s continue anyway.

This issue has stirred the same feelings as the race debate the President keeps throwing at the right. Although being “politically correct” is term invented by liberals to avoid confrontation on sensitive issues, the liberals are now ignoring being “politically correct,” with the citizens who elect them on all issues dealing with Muslims, mosques, Sharia law, etc.

In an effort to not offend Muslims, the political correctness is now being used against the majority, (America’s Christian and Jewish population.) This is nothing new for liberals their history of appealing to every minority group that can vote is the mantra of the left.

I would like to say for the record, I agree with the President on his comments on Friday and on Saturday. My primary reason for agreeing is based on the fact that his comments were not based on any form of political correctness, they included only facts.

I must say that if a Mosque can be allowed under the circumstances our President outlined, then so may any business under the laws of zoning and building codes. There would be no reason that a Jewish Deli, or a Pork BBQ joint couldn’t be built right next to the Mosque. The problem is that zoning and building laws are cut and dry and don’t include wording about sensitivity or empathy, they do not include politically correct entries or empathetic wording.

Do the Muslims have a legal right to build a Mosque on this hallowed site? Of course they do, our laws allow it! Can a Christian group build a church in any sensitive areas of Muslim countries? Of course they can’t, but then again their laws don’t allow it………………….it seems obvious to this writer what the obvious cure would be.

Politically Correct

Politically Correct
William G Burmer

I like many of you have been frustrated by what we have been forced to observe as might be described as an attitude of “I do not give a damn about what you think” from our Judiciary, the Executive, the Congress, and Senate. This same attitude in a general way is seen to percolate all the way down to all branches of city governments. We might add illegal aliens to this group as many thumb their noses at our laws as well.

We are each hoping upon hope that the elections this coming November will set a foundation which will rescue some of our liberties and give rise to even greater power to We the People as we press forward. It should be obvious to all of you by now that November is a beginning point and not an end.

We should not think that the liberal opposition will just roll over for us. I expect their vitriol to be even more caustic than present. There is an interesting corollary I see emanating from the leftist of today compared to the Israelites who were rescued from the tyranny of Egypt by Moses centuries ago.

For those of you who are acquainted with scripture you will remember that eventually Israel degenerated into such a cesspool of debauchery that God cursed them and caused that they were scattered among many nations.

In the book of Deuteronomy 31:16-17, the lord revealed to the Prophet Moses what would happen to Israel after (Moses) was gone. “Behold though shalt sleep with thy fathers, and this people will rise up, and go a whoring after the gods of the strangers of the land, whither they to be among them, and will forsake me, and break my covenant which I have made with them. Then my anger shall be kindled against them in that day, and I will forsake them and I will hide my face from them, and they shall be devoured, and many evils and troubles shall befall them.”

If the Israelites had set up the most powerful nation on earth the way God had commanded them, it would have stabilized the political and economic affairs of all other nations.

Our founders were students of history and it was through a careful reading of the Bible that they discovered a whole new perspective concerning God’s plans for America. They found that what God had promised ancient Israel He had also promised to restore in “the latter days.”

In order to appreciate what God had promised the Israelites’ we have to understand that God gave ancient Israel the formula for an ideal society that could have made the Israelites the wealthiest and most powerful nation on earth.

From W. Cleon Skousen in his book, “The Majesty of God’s Law” he writes the following; “Here is the way the Lord said it the first time: “Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine.” Exodus 19:5

A little later on the Lord repeated it. He said:

“For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.” Deuteronomy 7:6.

As the Lord was in the midst of teaching the people about the advance civilization they were expected to build, he once more reminded them with these words:

“Thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God, and the Lord hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.” Deuteronomy 14:2.

Briefly what our founder discovered was an opportunity to make the prophecy of Moses a visible reality for America as the Promises’ of the Prophet Micah declared: “But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills’ and people shall flow unto it. And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go fourth out of Zion, and the word of the lord from Jerusalem.” Micah 4: 1-2.

America was and is regarded as the New Israel or the new Zion. Jonathan Edwards, one of America’s best know ministers of the Gospel, made this statement: “God presently goes about doing some great thing in order to make way for the introduction of the churches latter-day glory---which is to have its first seat in, and is to rise from [this] new world.” Quoted by Cherry in God’s New Israel, p57. Later on page 59 Edwards make the following statement: “I think---if we consider the circumstances of the settlement of New England---it must needs appear the most likely of all American colonies to be the place whence this work shall principally take it rise.”

Thomas Jefferson wrote in 1820 “If the freedom of religion—can—prevail, the genuine doctrines of Jesus—will again be restored to their original purity. This reformation will advance with the other improvements of the human mind, but too late for me to witness it.” Page 366 The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Allison

Now here is where after days of pondering our present state of affairs I feel lies our present predicament, in society and more especially, in government, including the Judiciary.

For as long as I can remember the Atheists’, the agnostics’, in particular, and of late, politically correct ideologist in concert with the Judiciary have done all they can to destroy religious freedom and principle as envisioned by our founders: Law makers along with the Judiciary have lied, twisted, skewed, corrupted and in every way possible tried to remove first amendment religious principle from every facet of Lawful Society, and in Politics.

Our leaders have become as corrupt as ancient Israel. In short like the Israelites they have turned from God and “forsaken Him.” Each in their own way have re-entered that cesspool of debauchery previously reserved for the ancient Israelites. Many in the Judiciary, along with Maxine Waters, Charlie Wrangle, President Obama, and a host of others, are scrambling to justify crimes against God and country. Fortunately Americans are awakening to their chicanery, and are actively perusing means for redress at the ballot box.

Lest we follow after these afore mentioned, and like a wild ass go off braying into the wilderness and drink the dregs and terrifying curses of God as Israel have endured, we must be vigilant in demanding that our elected leaders follow constitutional Law, or be removed from office. There are long lists of grievances we must bring to the fore and they must be resolved, constitutionally.

It is time for the American People to remember our Declaration made to Great Britain and apply those same principles of reason to those elected as our servants now, and in the future:

“We have warned them, from time to time, of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us.”

“They too, have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity.”

“The history of the present (President of the United States, want a be King Obama) King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these states.”


“Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of these colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former systems of government.”

Let this be our Banner of liberty RESTORE CONSTITUTIONAL PRINCIPLE for America and her People, or go live in another part of the hemisphere. To this cause we pledge our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.

Socialism in America Part III

Socialism in America Part III
Education in America or is it Indoctrination?



I was reading one of my children's textbooks trying to reference some material when I came across a section dealing with feelings and Patriotism. The text inferred that pride in our country or too much "nationalism" can be "harmful" emphasizing the fact that "countries make mistakes at times." 1.


I can only conclude the above quote is a "revisionist theme" for I have in all my years never read such tripe in any of the history books I have read previously. The text, in a generic way, told the student what they should believe rather than challenge their thinking processes. We the People, by the process of inquiring through study may find truth, determine fact, and then take appropriate action to secure the blessings of Liberty for ourselves. Nationalism need not be a threat to any one, except perhaps a corrupted politician. It is a granted that unless truth is administered from government to the people, a combination of distrust and fractional parties will develop, indeed have developed, and have retarded republicanism. Such is our present condition.


Presently, there are eight political parties for which we can register to vote. This is supposed to be a good thing? This is a political trap to further divide and destroy liberty. Alexander Hamilton warned: Ambition, avarice, personal animosity, party opposition, and many other motives not more laudable than these, are apt to operate as well upon those who support as those who oppose the right side of a question.James Madison added: Yet the parties are, and must be, themselves the judges; and the most numerous party, or, in other words, the most powerful faction must be expected to prevail 2.


Think about it! Eight political parties will certainly fracture our ability as citizens to vote and control those we supposedly elect. The fracture is, in truth compounded, creating a pseudo election process controlled by the politicians.

_________________________________________________________

1. America America, Scott, Foresman and Company, pp. 550-551. © 1977

2. -- Federalist 1 Hamilton, and Federalist 10 Madison.



The problems we are having in education go to the fact that in the last 40 years, the corollary of religion and true historical events along with the Constitution have not been taught, and have been replaced with half truths, such as: we are a “democracy.” The mere mention of God in our public schools is made a violation of church and state; when in truth there is no such phraseology in the Constitution. I challenge anyone to find where it says anything about separation of church and state in the Constitution or that we are a Democracy.


Article VI of the Constitution states: ". . . no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States." The First Amendment states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;"Sadly, we have all missed the meaning placed at the end of this amendment "or prohibiting the free exercise thereof" nowhere is it said that we cannot exercise our faith wherever we might be. These are the only references to religion in our Constitution.


Democracy is not mentioned in any part of the Constitution; Article 4 Section 4 however is very revealing, and should be of interest to all of America’s Citizens “The United States (meaning our government servants) shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government (meaning, our government servants shall protect Sovereign States Rights) and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (meaning the President) (when the legislature cannot be convened) against domestic Violence.Do you suppose our government servants have an obligation to protect our boarders against “domestic Violence from foreign illegal immigration? To refrain from using objectionable expletives, I'll just say, darn bet you!


There are some notable individuals in TV and Radio who have talked of the "dumbing down of education in America." I have personally questioned some educators concerning teaching of American history today and they tell me that in today's classroom American History begins at the year 1900. There is no longer any real foundation taught with regards to our true legacy as a Nation. With the kind of education our young people are receiving today, it is no wonder those virtues of loyalty, honor, and character are lacking in certain individuals. This also supports the notion that many of our elected personnel are regrettably ignorant of our history and Constitution; thus giving way to personal aggrandizement and selfish pursuits of power over principle.


Many if not most foreign students today are more aware of our constitution and history than those who are elected to office, including the American citizen. We need to take education from government control, and return it to its rightful place in our communities. Prior to the Dept. of Education's christening, our educational system was the finest in the world.


Christian principles of right and wrong needs be re-enthroned, along with a comprehensive study of our Constitution and our nation’s history. This could happen almost overnight if government were not involved. Personally I believe that those young people presently being "home-taught" will unfurl America's true colors. In the home "religious values" and principles of right and wrong are being taught. Resolute selfless individualists do not retard the family, God or community.


In my travels around the world I have observed that within any society where the pursuit of knowledge is reserved for the few, the wealthy, or well connected, communist ideologies flourish. This occurs where ever government controls education. Presently our students are being taught to be apologetic for being an American. They are neither challenged nor expected to think, question, lead or excel. The spirit is being snatched from them, and this a sad legacy of our present educational system. Schools are a place where young men and women might learn to be good for something. In today's society we should question everything government does, prove all things! Presently Law is so cryptic you are bound to find a contradiction somewhere.

Shot Down In Flames

Shot Down In Flames
Kevin Bryant

I read the other day where once again, the average citizen’s opinion means absolutely nothing to any branch of government, state or federal. If we aren’t getting shafted by the legislative branch we are getting called ignorant by the executive branch and when they aren’t hammering us, we have judicial branch dismissing voter referendums.

How many times do the people in California have to tell the state that they do not want legalized gay marriage? The California judicial branch once again says that they don’t care what the people think. They are determined to shoot down any attempt to pass Proposition 8. I guess that the California courts don’t want to be considered less liberal than that of Massachusetts, Iowa and the other states that didn’t care one bit what the populous think on the subject.

My thoughts, I am personally against gay marriage. Before you start thinking “That Kevin, he’s nothing but a hate spewing homophobe”, let me explain my position. I have nothing against the gay and lesbian life style. How you choose to live your life is of no concern of mine so long as it does not have a direct negative affect me or my family. Why am I against gay marriage? If you believe in God and the bible, then you must believe that the institution of marriage was created by God with the expressed purpose of joining a man and a woman in “Holy” matrimony. I happen to believe that there is a God and the bible is the word of God. You go to a wedding and what is almost always said: “we are gathered here in the presence or site of God”. God didn’t make Eve & Joe and then tell Adam to choose who he wanted to be with. Why then would I believe that God would bless a same sex marriage?

Here is the other part. As you all know, I am also a strong supporter of State’s Rights. I am also a supporter of “Civil Unions”, and that unions are granted all the rights and privileges equal to that of a marriage. As like a marriage, a license for the union must be obtained from the authorized state agency and be placed on file. The union must be administered by a person empowered by the state to administer such a union. If the unionized couple no longer wishes to be a couple, they must be granted a divorce by the state in accordance with same rules and regulations that apply to a married couple getting a divorce.

Marriage on one hand and Civil Union on the other, what really is the difference? In my humble little opinion, there is none other than the term “Marriage”. One ordained by God, and the other by the state. Everyone is different yet all men are created equal. Therefore can we dispense with the screaming matches over using the term “Marriage”? They would both be equal in the eyes of the law. Otherwise if the gay and lesbian community persist in their demand to use the term “Marriage”, then why don’t they cease having Gay Pride Days, Gay Parades, Gay Bars, Gay this and Gay that……..

Most would be willing to accept Civil Unions under the agreement that is was equal to a marriage and recognized in all states. Most would be willing to not give up their gay pride days and parades and stuff, but would welcome equal time for straight pride days and straight parades and such. Unfortunately, there is the radical element that will shout down the majority that is willing to compromise.

The radical element does not want equality. They demand favoritism, yet what have they done to deserve favorable treatment? Equality is all most Americans are going to give gay community but for those radical few, this is unacceptable.

California is beyond just being broke, yet millions in tax payer dollars have been spent on this matter. Why? So what if the judicial branch of the state of California legislates from the bench. If the couple decides to move to Nevada or some other state, Oooooo, your “marriage” is no longer valid. Until the federal government decides to make marriage and civil unions separate but equal in all aspects, this fight is just going to needlessly continue to waste more millions of tax dollars through

The Code is Wrong

The Code Is Wrong
Kevin Bryant

Kaffee: Did you assault Santiago with the intent of killing him?
Dawson: No, sir.
Kaffee: What was your intent?
Dawson: To train him, sir.
Kaffee: To train him to do what?
Dawson: To train him to think of the unit before himself. To respect the code.
Kaffee: What's the code?
Dawson: Unit. Corps. God. Country.
Lt. Weinberg: I beg your pardon?
Dawson: Unit. Corps. God. Country. Sir.
Kaffee: The government of the United States wants to charge you two with murder. And you want me to go to the prosecution with unit, corps, God, country?
Dawson: That's our code, sir.
Kaffee, Lt. Weinberg: It's a code

I love the movie “A Few Good Men” and every man and woman that wears a uniform and defends this great nation will forever hold a place in my heart. But something is wrong with the code in which they talk about. Take a minute and see if you know what it is.

What you see above is the same thing that has been happening in this country for going on 100 years now. Why isn’t God the first thing listed on the code instead of unit? If Dawson was Jesus and Kaffee was some Roman soldier, do you think Jesus would have listed his disciples before his heavenly father?

But that is the way things are today, more and more we look for things to replace God as the highest priority in our lives. Much too often today, people turn to government for answers instead of looking to God for them. Judges used to have both a book of law and the bible with them on the bench, but they no longer have the bible. People used to help their neighbors when there was a crisis as God intended but now all it seems we want to do is sue our neighbors if their kid’s baseball accidentally breaks a window.

Those that have never read the bible believe that government is the answer to all problems. Those that have read the bible believe that the government is the root of most problems.

This country was based of Christian principals but you can’t have any outward displays of God in the schools or government buildings. We have replaced Merry Christmas with Happy Holidays or Season’s Greetings in stores and town squares. Nativity scenes have been replaced with a mechanical waving Santa and other brightly lit decorations.

In our courtrooms you would get less protest if you were to display Miss June from Playboy than you would the 10 commandments.

Government will continually put itself at the head of the list of people and places to turn to in times of trouble unless we remove them from the list and place ourselves there. Just lost your job? By all means apply for unemployment but then look to your neighbors for a hand up before you start looking at government for a hand out. I’m not catholic but if I had a moral issue or knew something that was weighing heavily on me, I would certainly talk to a priest about it before I would even consider a government social worker.

If we turn to government for assistance as anything but a last resort, then it is us who have the messed up priorities in life and we deserve whatever it is that government dishes out.

America, Now the Land of Pick and Choose Laws

America, Now the Land of Pick and Choose Laws
Al Ritter

We are a nation of laws, and yet this Administration sees fit to pick and choose which ones to enforce.

Whether it relates to campaign finance laws, voter intimidation, illegal immigration, or tax fraud by the very people who write those laws, the Obama Administration is using the “pick and choose” method to actively pursue the law.
For almost two years Barack Obama, has been blurring the line between the three branches of Government that our Forefathers saw as autonomous entities that should never be breached.

This cannot be claimed as ignorance of the law as there are 150 attorneys work from the Whitehouse, more than have ever been used in the past. The Administration knows the law, and more importantly knows the way around it.

The way Eric Holder looks at the law is to challenge the ones that the President and he wish to, and to ignore the ones they don’t agree with. It’s a win, win situation for them as they have a 50/50 chance for a favorable ruling based on the political leaning of the presiding judge. They challenge with no concern for the money being spent because it isn’t theirs……it’s OURS!

President Obama is clearly working against the laws of the nation. I give the two examples of the takeover of GM and Chrysler, circumventing the entire bankruptcy court system to forge a settlement that favored unions rather than the secured investors. The President has also pushed the line on legality of Executive Orders, as a way of circumventing the legislative branch on unpopular laws.

We as a country need to take back our Constitution that is now being held ransom by progressive liberals. We as a country need to retake our place as the most powerful nation on this earth. We as a country need to work with some moral compass, not just some feeling of social guilt. We as a country need to return to the REPUBLIC envisioned by our forefathers rather than a semi-socialistic European Nation. We as a county need to retake the government from the group who seeks to “fundamentally change it.”

Are High School Students Really Prepared?

Are High School Students Really Prepared?
Kevin Bryant

Two plus two is four, the earth revolves around the sun, four times five is twenty, osmosis is a chemical process, Paul Revere was not the only rider on the night of his famous ride to warn of the start of the British invading the colonies, Shakespeare wrote Romeo & Juliet, the first 10 amendments to the constitution are called the Bill of Rights, the first man to die in the Revolutionary War was black, “Ur BFF IDK?” is not an acceptable way to write “I don’t know who your best friend is” and no state east of the Mississippi River is bigger than the smallest state west of the Mississippi River (Hawaii excluded for those who like to get really technical). These are basic statements that any high school student should know long before they are ever handed a diploma, but sadly many do not.

I wrote to a half dozen or so current or former high school and college educators and asked them if schools were preparing our kids for life beyond high school in areas other than math and science. These current and former educators are from the west coast, the east coast and parts in between. I have great respect for each of them and consider them to be outstanding in their career field. The comment below best sums up the overall responses that I got.

One reason you see so much about math and science is because math and science are so important in terms of assessment at the state and national level. Schools are judged by those numbers, money is funneled to the schools because of those numbers, and parents want their children to have a good foundation in math and science because of the perception that those scores are more meaningful.

My daughter graduated high school last year. I asked her some simple questions the other day and as I suspected, she didn’t have a clue as to what the correct answers were. Those simple questions I asked her included: “Obama is what number President?” She didn’t have a clue, “How many members make up the Supreme Court?” She answered “12”, “What did Truman Capote do for a living?” and her answer was…..”Wasn’t he a gangster?” She did get the following question right though not by normal means did she know the answer: Is Obama a republican or democrat? When she said democrat I asked her how she knew that one. She told me because had he been a republican, I probably wouldn’t dislike him quite as much. I had to give her some credit for figuring out the right answer.

There are so many students today that can’t speak a complete sentence much less write one. When they actually do try to write a complete sentence, half the words are spelled wrong because spelling is no longer considered important enough to be taught beyond the elementary years or stressed at the high school level. We have spell check to take care of that for us. If you recommend remedial classes for a student, it’s alarming how many parents will protest because of the embarrassment it will bring upon their child. If I were an employer or an admissions person at a college or other institute and someone misspelled half their words on a job or entrance application, that application would immediately go to the bottom of the pile and by the time I got back to it, the likelihood of there being a slot remaining open is practically zero.

Here in Kansas City, the annual school budget for the KCMO school district is approximately $1.2 billion per year. The district for years has been nothing more than a bottomless money pit. Compare Kansas City school district to that of Omaha, NE. These cities rank 30th and 31 respectively in the nation in size yet Omaha’s annual educational budget is just over $500 million per year. That is less than half of KC’s budget for those of you that graduated high school within the last 5 years. There is less than a 600 student difference between the two districts. KCMO school district in 2009 had more classrooms than did Omaha yet Omaha ranked higher in almost every educational category. So it’s quite obvious that money is not the problem.

There are several factors that come into play when it comes to the quality of education our kids get in public school. First off, let me start by saying that I believe that the most dangerous union in the nation is the NEA or Teacher’s Union. When the former head of the union recently gave his farewell speech, he stated it quite plainly. He said that the purpose of the union was not for the betterment of education. The primary purpose of the union was power and money. Now, I believe whole heartedly that there are many fine teachers out there that do the job because they love it, they want to educate the youth of this nation. Why do a job for half your life if you don’t love it. Unfortunately, I believe 10% of all teachers and principals in the public education system are there strictly for the paycheck, perks and prestige that come with the position and nothing more. Teachers have been well respected in communities for more than two centuries now and that respect has been rightfully earned by many, but not all. The union members know that all they have to do is last long enough to be tenured in and unless they are convicted of a crime, the school district basically can’t fire them without risking a lawsuit. What other job can you get where you get multiple weeks off every summer and you still earn vacation days during the 10 months that you actually work? Let me be clear, not all our public educators are in their position primarily because of the perks. I believe that those 10% that I mentioned are the ones dragging public education and the 90% fighting to do their jobs correctly through the mud and our communities are suffering as a result.

Another serious problem with public education is school boards. For one, school boards have way too much authority and in many districts, abuse that power. The power of the school boards should be regulated by the state. School boards should have the power to review and recommend changes to school policy, not dictate school policy so long as it falls within the guidelines of the state. They should have the power to amend school policy or a decision made by a principal or superintendent by a vote of not less than ¾’s approval so long as their decision falls within guidelines regulated by the state. Far too often politics and personal interest come into play on school boards. I think that if you have a child currently enrolled in the school district, you should automatically be disqualified from holding a seat on the board. If you hold another public office, you should be disqualified from sitting on the school board.

Arguably the biggest problem with public education comes from the federal government itself. Why should the federal government be mandating to schools? What dictates that some senator or representative from Connecticut knows more about what kids need and how to educate them in New Mexico than those that serve in the New Mexico state houses who have personal vested interest in those school systems? What gives big brother the right to mandate that schools will spend more money in this area of education and less in that that area? What sense does it make for the federal government to have a department of education in the first place when every state in America has their own? How ridiculous is it that the federal government collects taxes from people of all states, uses that money to pay those employed by the federal dept of education then gives that same department money to give back to the states and dictates to them how they can use it? I know there are several different channels that the money flows through, but it still comes out the same way. What purpose does the federal department of education serve anyway other than just being another government entity that uselessly and needlessly sucks up federal tax dollars? Sorry, common sense here, dissolve the DoE and let the states keep their own money. That makes a lot more sense to me.

It is my belief that every high school student (grade 9-12) should have at least 2 full years of U.S. History and 1 year in some other Social Science area. However, in one state that I got a response from, the requirement for the entire social science field is only three semesters. In that state, the requirement for English is 3 years, but you can substitute a year if you take drama or some other approved elective.

Administrators do the best they can considering that they must balance what the state and federal governments mandate and they have a limited number of days with which to accomplish those requirements and must do so with limited budgets. Now, in the era of shrinking budgets, imagine yourself as a district superintendent in the state of Texas. Your budget was just cut by another 10%. You must now decide where you are going to have to cut to meet all the requirements that you are mandated to meet. Far too often those cuts are made in areas of arts, yet the football team is still allowed to keep its 12 member coaching staff when 5 will do. The school board and the district would demand the superintendent’s resignation if he messed with the football program. The school marching band will not be allowed to participate in the Christmas Parade in a neighboring town because there is no money but some kid who lives 200 yards from the school can jump on a bus and ride it to school so he doesn’t have to walk off any of the 3000 calories he acquired from eating McDonalds the night before. Make him walk to school or have his parents bring him and the parents will be protesting at the next board meeting calling for the superintendent’s resignation. You are the superintendent. What do you do? Get rid of 7 coaches? Reduce the size of the bus fleet and limit service to only those living a mile away or further? Cut money from the band, music and art classes? Perhaps you cut some funds from each. These are the decisions being made everyday. Schools spend a fortune in athletics yet less than 1 in 50 high school student athletes will ever play at the college level. You actually have a better chance of getting into college on a band scholarship than you do an athletic scholarship yet funding for band will be cut long before athletics.

One teacher stated that we need to make grades K-12 year round. I know of no such school that lacks air conditioning so summer heat would not be a factor for consideration. With the advances made in farming, it is no longer beneficial for farmers to have large family to help work the land and it is reasonable to assume that with advances in farming and equipment, students who do live on farms can easily attend school a full day and still be productive after the school day is over. Many of the teachers I questioned favored a longer school year but did not explicitly say how long to extend the school year.

Another concern was brought up by every teacher but one. History, Civics, Geography, Government……..these classes are repeatedly being used by districts to provide coaches and other non-subject matter experts places to fill their day so they may justify drawing a full paycheck. Growing up, I had some of these as class instructors. All they could do was read directly from the book. History, Geography, Government….these are not just facts to be remembered long enough to pass a test then forgotten. These are all full of wonderful stories of who we are, how our nation was formed, what events took place that shaped our country and formed our government. I’m paraphrasing one teacher but her comment was that how can any young person today make an intelligent choice when voting if they do not know why our forefathers created the constitution, what is in the constitution and how government is supposed to work in accordance to the constitution.

In closing, I am going to use another comment from a 30 plus year educator:
I do agree with you that we have to know our history, but more than that, we have to understand it. Somewhere along the way, we have to instill the importance of all knowledge to students. We have to build on those foundations of learning to read and write and do arithmetic and add the basis for thinking and understanding. I wish I had the answer for how to accomplish that. (I’d be really rich by now if I knew.) Research tells us that “teacher quality – not star principals, laptop computers, or abundant electives – is the crucial ingredient for (student) success.” We are also told that: “It’s not how much money you have, apparently, but how you spend it. And it’s not only what you teach, but how you teach it….” I guess it boils down to this: We have to hold teachers to a high standard. We also have to hold administrators accountable for providing the best possible teacher for every subject and not just accepting a warm body in front of the classroom. When we can get that done, then we will see students who have that well-rounded education, not just in math and science, but also in history and English and all those other content areas.

Democrats: Pay your taxes as we say, not as we do!

Democrats: Pay your taxes as we say, not as we do!
Al Ritter

It seems that Democrats are all for higher taxes on the rich, but when push comes to shove they try to avoid them too!

Charlie Rangel this week became immersed in his ethics investigation, the stone walling for the last few years is finally over. The once chairman for the Ways and Means Committee (the group who writes the IRS rules) has come under scrutiny for his rent controlled properties in NY city and his Dominican Republic vacation properties, and various other charges, that he as the Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, knew were against the law. Rangel was replaced by another despicable Democrat with IRS problems of his own Pete Stark who tried to claim a homestead tax on his secondary home in Maryland which isn’t allowed.

We are all aware of Democrats who have skirted their IRS obligations, only to miraculously discover the error of their ways once they were named for specific Obama cabinet posts. Unlike us they were only made to pay the “oversight” in taxes, but not the penalties and interest.

Just this week we watched as John Kerry was exposed trying to skate his own state excise taxes on his 7 million dollar yacht, by docking it in Rhode Island. I don’t think anyone would question that if this wasn’t exposed he would have never come clean on this tax indiscretion.

I’m not asking that politicians be held to some higher morality, let’s just hold them to the very same laws they write that WE have to adhere to.

I am a Racist!

I am a Racist!
Al Ritter

I am a racist if I don’t agree with the Healthcare Reform bill. I am a racist if I want the responsibility of buying my own health insurance. I am a racist if I want Barack Obama to fail in his effort to “fundamentally change America.” I am a racist because I demand proof of Obama’s birth certificate and to make the records of his passport public.

I am a racist because I don’t see the sense in turning the New Black Panthers loose AFTER their conviction. I am a racist because I want to see the Mexican Border secured from the influx of illegals that spew into our country on a daily basis. I am a racist because I support Israel rather than Hamas. I am a racist because I don’t think that a mosque should be build across the street from where 3000 American citizens were killed by Muslim terrorists. I am a racist because I don’t like Barack Obama, but I share the same dislike for Joe Biden, Rahm Emanuel, and David Axlerod too.

I am a racist because I reserve an opinion until I have all the facts, not because I jump to conclusions based on prejudice. I am a racist because I don’t believe in a war that hasn’t been declared by congress. I am racist because I hold the idea that no “war” can be won based on the idea of “winning over hearts and minds of the people,” the very same strategy was tried in Korea and Viet Nam, and accomplished nothing. I am a racist because I don’t like the direction my country is taking. I am a racist if I think that abortion is wrong, but I’d been just fine thinking that execution is wrong for murderers.

The charge of racism is indefensible at any level. How do you prove you are NOT a racist? Maybe Congress should have banned the word racist before they spend all the time and energy to ban the word “retard.”