Friends..........Remember when you pay an electric bill, when you fill up your gas tank, when you buy a airline ticket , when you buy a car , the next time you plug in a light bulb or walk into a restaurant you can thank Gabby Giffords who voted for CAP & TRADE which equals a big fat tax on just about everything we consume which will be paid for by you and I. 

 

Remember who helped create higher un employment by passing the BIGGEST TAX INCREASE in the history of the United States. Gabby Giffords voted with 211 of her democrat colleagues to create a carbon tax which will kill jobs in the middle of a recession. All this done under the premise of helping prevent global warming. All of this done as a scheme to finance Obama health care. Not too smart. 
 

Is this change we can trust? Now , more than ever before friends .........CHANGE CAN'T WAIT !!

 

Bruce Ash

National Committeeman

www.AshForArizona.com

 

MAKE NO MISTAKE: "CAP-AND-TRADE" IS A TAX The Hidden Costs: Obama's Energy Scheme Means Higher Prices, Fewer Jobs ______________________________________________________________________      Obama: "[The bill is] paid for by the polluters who currently emit dangerous carbon emissions." (President Barack Obama, Remarks On Energy Legislation, The White House, 6/25/09)   THE TRUTH: SO-CALLED "CAP-AND-TRADE" SCHEME A HARD-HITTING TAX ON ALL AMERICANS   CBO Says National Energy Tax Will Hit Consumers, Not Corporate Profits. "Under a cap-and-trade program, firms would not ultimately bear most of the costs of the allowances but instead would pass them along to their customers in the form of higher prices. Such price increases would stem from the restriction on emissions and would occur regardless of whether the government sold emission allowances or gave them away." (CBO Senior Advisor Terry Dinan, "The Distributional Consequences of a Cap-and-Trade Program for CO2 Emissions,"Testimony Before The Subcommittee On Income Security And Family Support House Committee On Ways And Means, 3/12/09)   Even Obama Admits Plan Would Make Energy Prices "Skyrocket" For Consumers. Obama: "When I was asked earlier about the issue of coal, you know, under my plan of a cap and trade system, electricity rates would necessarily skyrocket. Even regardless of what I say about whether coal is good or bad. Because I'm capping greenhouse gases, coal power plants, you know, natural gas, you name it, whatever the plants were, whatever the industry was, uh, they would have to retrofit their operations. That will cost money. They will pass that money on to consumers." (Sen. Barack Obama, Interview with San Francisco Chronicle Editorial Board, 1/17/08)   New York Times' Thomas Friedman: "Cap-And-Trade" Supporters Use Proposal To Hide Fact That It's A Tax. "Advocates of cap-and-trade argue that it is preferable to a simple carbon tax because it fixes a national cap on carbon emissions and it 'hides the ball' -- it doesn't use the word 'tax' -- even though it amounts to one." (Thomas L. Friedman, "Show Us The Ball," The New York Times, 4/8/09)   Chicago Tribune Editorial: Every American Affected By National Energy Tax. "Democratic leaders need to slow down. This proposed legislation would affect every American individual and company for generations. There's a huge amount of money at stake: $845 billion for the federal government in the first 10 years ... This requires careful study, not a Springfield-style here's-the-bill-let's-vote rush job." (Editorial, "Too Big, Too Fast," The Chicago Tribune, 6/25/09)   Denver Post Editorial: Costs Of "Cap-And-Trade" Will Be Passed On To Consumers, Hurt America's Global Economic Competitiveness. "The debate on such a transformative issue ought to continue and broaden. How is it possible the 1,200-page American Clean Energy and Security Act is being rushed through Congress in a repeat of what happened with the stimulus package? Has anyone read this one? ... Fashioned to avoid appearing like a new tax, the measure nevertheless would work like one, as the higher costs of meeting the caps get passed on to consumers. The measure risks hurting our competitiveness globally without effectively lowering global greenhouse gases." (Editorial, "Cap And Trade Is Wrong Solution," The Denver Post, 6/26/09)   Congressman John Dingell (D-MI): Cap-And-Trade = "Great Big" Tax. "Nobody in this country realizes that cap and trade is a tax.  And it's a great big one." (Rep. John Dingell, House Energy and Commerce Committee and House Science Committee, Joint Hearing, 4/24/09)   Warren Buffet Says National Energy Tax Will Hurt Poor Americans. "I think if you get into the way it was written, it's a huge tax and there's no sense calling it anything else.  I mean, it is a tax.  And it's a fairly regressive tax.  If we buy permits, essentially, at our utilities, that goes right into the bills of the utility customers and an awful lot of people in Iowa, in Oregon, and Utah, and places where we are, very poor people are going to pay a lot more money for electricity ..." (Warren Buffett's Live Lunch Interview on CNBC, CNBC's Power Lunch, 6/24/09)   Rep. Parker Griffith (D-AL) Knows National Energy Tax Will Hurt Energy Providers, Constituents."This legislation would cripple Alabama utilities with high and swift taxes, forcing them to choose between going out of business or passing the cost onto Tennessee Valley consumers." (Rep. Parker Griffith, "Griffith Votes No On Energy Bill," Press Release, 6/26/09)   HOW HARD WILL AMERICANS BE HIT BY NATIONAL ENERGY TAX?   "Cap-And-Trade" Would Cost Each American Household $899 Next Year Alone. (Douglas Elmendorf, "More on the Estimated Costs to Households of a Cap-and-Trade Program," Congressional Budget Office's "Director's Blog," Blog, 6/25/09; U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey, 2008 Annual Social and Economic Supplement)   CBO "Estimates That The Equivalent Cost Of Allowances And Offsets Would Be Roughly $105 Billion In 2010." (Douglas Elmendorf, "More On The Estimated Costs To Households Of A Cap-And-Trade Program," Congressional Budget Office's "Director's Blog," Blog, 6/25/09)   U.S. Census Bureau Estimates There Will Be 116,783,000 U.S. Households In 2010. (U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey, 2008 Annual Social and Economic Supplement)   Brookings Institution Says "Cap-And-Trade" Will Cause Job Losses. "A report issued by the left-leaning research organization said that if Congress passes something similar to President Obama's or the House's proposed plan, the economy would take the biggest hit around 2025. ... the net job loss would be 0.5 percent over the first 10 years that the legislation is in effect." (Amanda DeBard, "Study: Cap And Trade Would Hurt Economy,"The Washington Ti mes, 6/9/09)   National Black Chamber of Commerce Finds National Energy Tax Will Harm Economy, Cause Unemployment And Reduce Wages. "[C]ap-and-trade system outlined in bill would: reduce national GDP roughly $350 billon below the baseline level; cut net employment by 2.5 million jobs (even after accounting for new 'green' jobs), reduce earnings for the average U.S. worker by $390 per year." ("NBCC Study Finds Waxman-Markey Reduces GDP by $350 Billion: New study finds Waxman-Markey could cost 2.5 million U.S. jobs by 2030 and reduce earnings," Press Release. National Black Chamber of Commerce, 6/24/09)    PDF Format A Product Of The RNC Research Department Paid for by the Republican National Committee. 310 First Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003 -  (202) 863-8500 - www.gop .com Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

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Trasoff and Uhlich

Do Nina Trasoff and Karen Uhlich wear giant “kick me” posters on their backsides?

Why else would they both have voted to spend $820,000 for a crummy 15 minute video to an east coast company and another $8.6 million to an out of town architectural firm to design the so called Origins Heritage park?

Why would these two have voted to authorize spending millions of our tax dollars on a project that will never be more than a ditch on the wrong side of the tracks? 

Stupid is as stupid does and we’ve been schnookered again by Trasoff and Uhlich.

In the midst of their incompetence public safety and first responders suffer.  Our streets are crumbling.  Taxes have sky rocketed.  City services have been reduced.

But in recent Arizona Daily Star news article Ms. Trasoff used the Sgt. Shultz defense for the high cost of the video (“I know nothing”)

Oh brother…. do we need change!

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Israel

·          The State of Israel and its citizens are confronted by the greatest peril in the nation’s history.  Iran and its proxies, Hamas and Hizbullah, seek to “wipe Israel off the map.”  A world so bored with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, has succumbed to the most specious moral equivalency, makes no distinction between the inexcusable, indiscriminate violence of terrorism.

·          TV images are framed not in terms of the survival of Israel or the security of the state but of self-determination for the Palestinian Arabs, with Israel seen as the bully oppressing the underdog.  The truly brutal reality is that Palestinian maps still do not show the State of Israel.

·          When President Obama speaks about daily humiliation of Palestinian Arabs, he ignores that Jewish schoolchildren have to be protected by perimeter fences and armed guards; that guards are required in cafes, restaurants and movie theatres.  Arab villagers do not need to have guards at their shops, cafes or restaurants.

·          It is extraordinary that a gullible world now regards Israel as rejectionist, yet it is Arab leaders who have rejected every proposal by Israel over the decades.  Arab leaders have used the West Bank territory they control into a launching pad for an intifada that killed more than 1,000 Israelis.

·          The conduct of PA leaders has turned upside down the priorities of the Roadmap for peace.

 

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Government Run Healthcare

 

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Friends..........

Government run health care is on the table. 

If Americans lose this battle we are in for real trouble. 

The government that cannot run Social Security, Medicare, the US Post Office, AMTRAK,FANNIE MAE & FREDDIE MAC , The Department of Agriculture &The Department of Energy now wish to tell Americans where they get their healthcare? Sort of like going down to the DMV to get a doctor? Sorry , that doesn't work in England, Canada or most anywhere else and it probably work in America. If you think the deficits are awful now ; If you are opposed to the way we have become mortgaged to the hilt by the Chinese you haven't seen anything yet folks ! For anyone who still believes government run health care will be good for America please read the following:

WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG? Democrats Hope To Expand On Government's Dismal Management Record With Your Healthcare ____________________­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­_____________________________   DEMOCRATS SEEK TO EXPAND GOVERNMENT'S ROLE IN HEALTH CARE ... The Cost Of Obama's Health Care Overhaul Could Exceed $1 Trillion. "Obama and congressional Democrats are considering an overhaul that could exceed $1 trillion over 10 years, and spending cuts will get them only so far. That means some people will take a tax hit. The hot target at the moment: levying a tax on health benefits provided through employers, which currently aren't subject to taxation." (Carrie Budoff Brown, "Barack Obama's Health Plan Takes Shape," Politico, 6/1/09)   Top Democrats, President Obama Moving Toward Government Mandate That All Americans Buy Health Insurance. "[I]n a letter to two top Democratic senators released Wednesday, the president said he understood that two Senate committees are moving toward mandating that individuals have health coverage and that employers help pay to provide it. 'I share the goal of ending lapses and gaps in coverage that make us less healthy and drive up everyone's costs, and I am open to your ideas on shared responsibility,' the letter said." (Janet Adamy, "Obama Shifts On Coverage Mandate, The Wall Street Journal, 6/4/09)   ... DESPITE LONG RECORD OF MANAGEMENT AND INTERVENTION FAILURE   GENERAL MOTORS: The Government's Ownership Stake In GM Came Only After It's Initial $19 Billion Bailout Failed To Keep The Company Out Of Bankruptcy. "The plan, laid out in an SEC filing, would give the government a 72.5 percent stake in a new GM, but the administration said it could cost taxpayers another $30 billion, reports CBS News correspondent Anthony Mason. Washington has already invested more than $19 billion to keep GM's motor running. But people familiar with GM's plans said the automaker would still file for bankruptcy protection on Monday." ("Report: GM Set For June 1 Bankruptcy," CBS News, 5/28/09)   FANNIE MAE & FREDDIE MAC: Housing Giants Fannie Mae And Freddie Mac Had To Be Placed In "Conservatorship" To Prevent "New Wave Of Failures Among Banks." "The Bush administration yesterday prepared to take over the troubled housing finance companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, after concluding the companies don't have enough capital to continue to play their crucial role funding home mortgages. Under the plan, engineered by Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson Jr., the government would place the two companies under 'conservatorship,' a legal status akin to Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Their boards and chief executives would be fired and a government agency, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, would appoint new chief executives. ... Moreover, regulators are trying to prevent Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's problems from tr iggering a new wave of failures among banks, which hold vast reserves of bonds and preferred shares issued by the two firms." (Zachary A. Goldfarb, David Cho & Binyamin Appelbaum, "Treasury To Rescue Fannie And Freddie," The Washington Post, 9/7/08)   THE STIMULUS PLAN: The Associated Press' Analysis Challenges The Administration's Claim That Stimulus Money Would Create Jobs In The Areas That Have Been Hit The Hardest. "The early trend seen in the AP analysis runs counter to expectations raised by Obama, that road and infrastructure money from the historic $787 billion stimulus plan would create jobs in areas most devastated by layoffs." (Matt Apuzzo and Brett J. Blackledge, "Stimulus Watch: Jobs, But Not Where Needed Most," The Associated Press, 5/11/09)   According To A USA Today Review, The Federal Stimulus Money Has Yet To Reach States Where Unemployment Has Hit Hardest. "Nationwide, federal agencies have awarded nearly $4 billion in contracts to help jump-start the economy since President Obama signed the massive stimulus package in February. But, with few exceptions, that money has not reached states where the unemployment rate is highest, according to a USA TODAY review of contracts disclosed throu gh the Federal Procurement Data System." (Brad Heath, "Stimulus Projects Bypass Hard-Hit States," USA Today, 5/28/09)   MEDICARE: "Last year the Government Accountability Office estimated that no less than one-third of all Medicare disbursements for durable medical equipment, such as wheelchairs and hospital beds, were improper or fraudulent." (John Steele Gordon, "Why Government Can't Run a Business," The Wall Street Journal, 05/21/09)   "From April 2006 through March 2007, CMS estimated that Medicare improperly paid $1 billion for DMEPOS supplies--in part due to fraud by suppliers." ("MEDICARE: Covert Testing Exposes Weaknesses in the Durable Medical Equipment Supplier Screening Process", U.S. Government Accountability Office, 07/2008)   AMTRAK: Despite Billion Dollar Deficits, The Government Continues To Pour Money Into Amtrak. "The legislation authorizes $2.5 billion a year for Amtrak, almost double its current federal funding level. The money would cover operating and capital expenses, including equipment purchases and railroad repairs. About $1.4 billion would help pay down Amtrak's more than $3 billion in debt. ... Lawmakers have long debated whether taxpayers should continue to subsidize the nation's intercity passenger rail network, which ran a $1 billion deficit in the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2007." (Josh Mitchell, "Senate Approves $13 Billion Amtrak Funding Bill," Dow Jones Newswire, 10/2/08)   POSTAL SERVICE: Over A Six Month Period, Postal Service Investigation Found Over $1 Billion In "Inefficiently used Funds," $248 Million In "Questioned Costs." "In a recent Semiannual Report to Congress, which covered the six-month period between April and September 2007, USPS Inspector General David C. Williams identified over $1.35 billion worth of inefficiently used funds and over $248 million in questioned costs. The report also made 86 recommendations that could save the Postal Service $1.6 billion if enacted." (Robert R. Schrum, "Postal Inspector General Delivers Valuable Results," The Lexington Institute, 1/24/08)   TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION: In 2007 Security Tests, Transportation Security Administration Screeners Missed 60% Of Simulated Bomb Materials At Chicago O'Hare International, And 75% At Los Angeles International. "Security screeners at two of the nation's busiest airports failed to find fake bombs hidden on undercover agents posing as passengers in more than 60% of tests last year, according to a classified report obtained by USA TODAY. Screeners at Los Angeles International Airport missed about 75% of simulated explosives and bomb parts that Transportation Security Administration testers hid under their clothes or in carry-on bags at checkpoints, the TSA report shows. At Chicago O'Hare International Airport, screeners missed about 60% of hidden bomb materials that were packed in everyday carry-ons -- including toiletry kits, briefcases and CD players." (Thomas Frank, "Most Fake Bombs Missed By Screeners," USA Today, 10/22/07)   Private Security Company Screeners At San Francisco International Missed About 20%. "San Francisco International Airport screeners, who work for a private company instead of the TSA, missed about 20% of the bombs, the report shows. The TSA ran about 70 tests at Los Angeles, 75 at Chicago and 145 at San Francisco." (Thomas Fra nk, "Most Fake Bombs Missed By Screeners," USA Today, 10/22/07)   ENERGY UTILITIES: As Of 2005, Despite Market Advantages, Tennessee Valley Authority And Department Of Energy's Power Marketing Administrations Had Over $10 Billion In Default Loans. "[T]hese entities are exempt from federal taxes, giving them a big competitive advantage over [Investor Owned Utilities]. They also qualify for a variety of federally backed loans at below-market interest rates and with favorable payment terms. Moreover, over $10 billion of this debt is in default, and the American taxpayer will ultimately pick up the tab." (Ben Lieberman, "Time To Pull the Plug on Federally Subs idized Electricity," The Heritage Foundation, 11/7/05)   FARM SUBSIDIES: The USDA Had Distributed Over $49 Million Dollars In Farm Subsidies To Ineligible Recipients. "The GAO report found that payments went to thousands of individuals who may not have met the income eligibility requirements under the 2002 Farm Bill. GAO also concluded that it is likely that 'under the 2008 Farm Bill, even more individuals will exceed income eligibility requirements and still receive payments.' GAO found that "of the 1.8 million individuals receiving farm payments from 2003 through 2006, 2,702 had an average adjusted gross income (AGI) that exceeded $2.5 million and derived less than 75 percent of their income from farming."  This should have disqualified them from receiving farm subsidy payments.  Altogether, USDA paid at least $49 million to these wealthy individuals." (John Frydenlund, "USDA Makes $49 Million in Payments to Ineligible Individuals," Citizens Against Government Waste, 12/08)

Bruce Ash

National Committeeman

www.AshForArizona.com

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I always figured sooner or later  Barack Obama would wake up one morning and ask himself. " Why are we supporting Israel?"  I never dreamed that he would wake up so soon.

Obama's proclamation yesterday that somehow Iran possessed energy concerns and "legitimate" nuclear aspirations leads me to the conclusion that he is either signaling an end to America's  relationship with her strongest ally --Israel OR that he is the most naiive and dangerous president in the past three decades . Yesterday's proclamation is the latest in a long line of subtle , nuanced movements in American foreign policy that erodes the US-Israel alliance as well as sets peace requirements so high as to weaken and isolate Israel without any benefit to our ally. 

Over a year ago Benjamin Natanyahu stated , "it is 1939" in regard to middle east security. I respectfully disagree. It isn't 1939 but it may be 1938 when Great Britain signed the Munich Agreement with Germany and gave Hitler  "permission" to take the Sudaten Land in exchange for peace. When America fails to recognize the evil that Iran intends to use it's nuclear power capabilities to develop weapons of mass destruction in return to find peace in the region Mr Obama makes the same delusional mistake Neville Chamberlain did when he declared ,"Peace in our time." 

The Iranian leadership is evil and has evil intent. That our country is ignorant to this and seeks to further down size our diplomatic influence in the region is baffling but seems to be part of a larger strategy of weakening American resolve to be the world's number #1 super power . It also cedes hegemony to perverse powers such as Iran, North Korea and other rogue states and their irresponsible leaders. 

The lesson from WWII ( and most recent conflicts ) is that when world leaders don't stand up to the evil intentions of strongmen like Ahmadinejad what follows is un necessary conflict which creates destruction and misery for mankind. America ought to be doing everything in it's power to isolate Iran economically, diplomatically and politically while at the same  back up our efforts with a credible threat of force in the event Iran fails to fall into line. Strength is power in the middle east region. Mr Obama may feel his recent comments will make friends around the world with his apologist

thinking . He is wrong. Ahmadinejad has only contempt for the west and seeks to take advantage of this ill informed young American president whose idea of change in foreign policy is not change for the better. 

This is a time for strong American leadership in the world. Mr Obama should be using the bully pulpit of the US Presidency to forge alliances that will protect the world and not weaken it. America should work harder to strengthen it's long standing alliance with Israel . American voters should vote for candidates in 2010 and 2012 who will devise a proper foreign policy and defense for our nation.

"LEGITIMATE" CONCERNS  Does Barack Obama Know What Iran's Concerns And Aspirations Really Are? ______________________________________________________________________      President Obama: "Without going into specifics [about the nuclear program], what I do believe is that Iran has legitimate energy concerns, legitimate aspirations." ("Obama Interview: The Transcript," BBC, 6/2/09)   So What Are Iranian President Ahmadinejad's "Legitimate" Concerns And Aspirations?   Ahmadinejad: "American Empire In The World Is Reaching The End Of Its Road." ("Ahmadinejad: 'American empire' nearing its end," CNN.com, 9/24/08)   Iran Continued Testing Missiles In April. "Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad announced Wednesday that his country had successfully test-fired a medium-range solid-fuel missile apparently capable of striking Israel and U.S. bases in the Persian Gulf region." (Thomas Erdbrink, "Iranian Missile Launch Confirmed; Ahmadinejad Ties Test To Nuclear Program," The Washington Post, 5/21/09) Ahmadinejad: Weapons Test and Nuclear Capabilities Linked. "In the nuclear case, we send them a message: Today the Islamic Republic of Iran is running the show.  We say to the superpowers, 'Who of you dare to threaten the Iranian nation? Raise your hand!' But they all stand there with their hands behind their backs."  (Thomas Erdbrink, "Iranian Missile Launch Confirmed; Ahmadinejad Ties Test To Nuclear Program," The Washington Post, 5/21/09)   Senator Joseph Lieberman: Iran "Sponsored Terrorist Attacks That Have Killed Hundreds Of American Soldiers." "The Iranians have supported Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in the Palestinian territories, and Shiite militias in Iraq. They have sponsored terrorist attacks that have killed hundreds of American soldiers and thousands of innocent Muslims throughout the region. They have also exploited the plight of the Palestinians in a cynical attempt to put a wedge between moderate Arab governments and their people." (Joseph Lieberman, Op-Ed. "There's No Room for Partisanship on Iran," The Wall Street Journal, 5/30/09)   The Washington Post Editorial Board: Iran "Still Stonewalling International Inspectors" On Weapons Work. "The government of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is still stonewalling international inspectors trying to investigate evidence that Iran has secretly worked on nuclear bomb and missile warhead technology. This summer, it rebuffed the latest Western effort to open negotiations -- one whose only precondition was that Iran agree to a six-week pause in adding centrifuges to the 3,800 it has already installed in a uranium enrichm ent plant... The board of the International Atomic Energy Agency gathered yesterday in Vienna to hear a stern report about Tehran's continuing refusal to answer key questions about the program." ("Iran Slips Away," The Washington Post Editorial, 9/23/08)   Ahmadinejad Called For End Of U.S. Ally Israel. "[Israel] has reached the end of its function and will soon disappear off the geographical domain." (Frances D'emilio And Ariel David, "Un Chief: Food Production Must Rise 50 Percent By 2030," Associated Press, 6/3/08)   Ahmadinejad Called Israel "Dirty Microbe." "World powers have created a black and dirty microbe named the Zionist regime and have unleashed it like a savage animal on the nations of the region." ("Ahmadinejad in new attack on 'savage animal' Israel," AFP, 2/20/08)   Ahmadinejad Denied Holocaust. "They have invented a myth that Jews were massacred and place this above God, religions and the prophets." ("Iran Plans Holocaust Conference", CNN, 1/15/2006)   Ahmadinejad: "The West claims that more than six million Jews were killed in World War II and to compensate for that they established and support Israel. If it is true that the Jews were killed in Europe, why should Israel be established in the East, in Palestine?"  ("Ahmadinejad Quotes," The Jerusalem Post,5/16/2006)

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With GM's bankruptcy being precipitated by Barack Obama this morning we see a slight different slant to the quote that ," What is good for General Motors is good for the country." My how times have changed..............What is bad about GM IS bad for our country.


 

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Sonia Sotomayor

Barack Obama has declared war against American gun owners and the Constitution with this nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court.

Despite the landmark D.C. versus Heller decision Judge Sotomayor issued an opinion that the 2^nd Amendment did not apply to the States.  This fits her personal view point that judges should make policy.

The White House and their mass media spin masters want America to buy into Ms. Sotomayor’s personal history.  Fair enough but personal stories no matter how compelling are not the issue. 

Her judicial record is what matters and Sotomayor wants to grab our guns.

 I won’t argue her qualifications to serve any more than Barack Obama did when he said Samuel Alito was “qualified” to serve on the High Court but later led a filibuster to oppose his nomination because Alito was too conservative.  How disingenuous.

Judge Sotomayor has already put in writing what she thinks of the 2^nd Amendment and the last thing we need is a radically anti Constitutionist Justice like her to join the court.

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Republican men and women............

The tsunami of liberal/socialist policies coming from the White House and Congress has been overwhelming but need not lead to the drowning of our party or our principles. Now is the time for the Republican party to pick their battles and preserve the greatness of America.

I suggest we pick up the banner and fight for THREE issues that will help us properly define who we are, what we stand for and what we are willing to fight for in 2009 and beyond to the 2010 elections:

1.         Free enterprise--Stand up for capitalism and against Obama's rampant tax and spend policies that are destined to bankrupt America. Higher taxes in a bad economy are a bad mix.

2.         Health care reform--Stand up for choice, portability and cost effective delivery of  open market health care  for more Americans. Our society will be changed forever (and not for better) if we go the route of failed European socialism. 

3.                  Cap & trade--Stand up for new energy policies that make sense in the 21st century that promote energy security and national security. Cap & trade as it has been proposed is merely a government financing scheme for the democrats universal health care policy and does NOTHING to develop clean & secure energy.

Isn't it time we pick our beach head and begin the Battle of America?? Now is the time for Republicans to unite in a cause that is right and good.

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Butt out Gaby

Last Summer Gabby Giffords said she was against illegal immigration safeguards, like E-Verify, before she changed her mind and took credit for extending E-Verify.

Now she’s back to her flip flopping open border ways saying that despite over whelming support of Arizona’s employer sanctions legislation she thinks the law is “burdensome” and wants to usurp the will of Arizona’s voters as well as the state legislature.

Ms. Giffords, it appears you and Janet Napolitano may have missed the news that your home state has a rather messy illegal immigration problem? 

Making it easier for illegals to work in Arizona won’t make the problem better any time soon either.

Since the Feds still don’t seem to have the stomach to enforce immigration law why should anyone believe your new law will be an improvement?  I suggest you simply butt out.  You have to wonder why is Giffords taking the side of unscrupulous businesses who hire undocumented workers and why should we support her open borders policies?

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 Pelosi's Little CIA Problem

 

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After we close Guantanamo.....what comes next? A fair question to ask. Please watch this 30 second message:

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Renters' Tax

Renters in Tucson face an unfair tax being imposed by the Democrat majority on the City Council.

Sounds familiar doesn’t it?  More taxes and higher spending courtesy of liberal Democrats!  This time the Democrats aren’t just socking it to the man – they want to impose an unfair tax on working class and poor families – the same people they profess to have compassion for.

The reason for their hypocrisy?  Simple – They say renters don’t vote so sock a new tax on Tucson’s most vulnerable population …. In the middle of tough economic times.

Well shame on the Tucson City Council.  Yeah yeah.  This is the same Democrat majority who promised an end to the trash tax four years ago but has done nothing to reduce the tax burden on Tucson families as they spend liberally on their special interests and foul up Rio Nuevo.

Had enough?  Call City Hall at 791-4700 and let them know how you feel about taxes.   

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America Does Not Support Obama

 

Polling Analyses

 

Resurgent Republic will conduct periodic national surveys, supplemented by focus groups, on critical issues facing the nation.  The first national survey focuses on the the economy/federal budget and energy/climate change.  Subsequent surveys will explore health care, national security, and immigration among other concerns.

Independents Side with Republicans on Obama Budget and More

Published on April 29, 2009

Overview

This first Resurgent Republic survey of 1000 registered voters, conducted April 13-16, 2009, shows that President Obama remains quite popular, with 61 percent approving of his job performance and 32 percent disapproving so far.  That is comparable to President George W. Bush’s job approval of 62 to 29 percent in the Gallup Poll on April 20-22 of his first year in office.  President Obama’s job approval is somewhat higher than both President Clinton’s (55 percent) and the first President Bush’s (58 percent) in April of their first year, but lower than President Reagan’s in April after the attempt on his life (67 percent).

A wide partisan gap of 67 points exists in President Obama’s job approval, with 92 percent of Democrats approving versus only 25 percent of Republicans.  Independents fall exactly between Democrats and Republicans on this measure, with 59 percent approving of the President’s job performance.  Independent support for the President is a key indicator to monitor.

This survey verifies that America remains a center-right country.  Voters prefer a smaller government with lower taxes over a larger government with higher taxes by a three-to-one margin. By a two-to-one margin, they think government should promote opportunity by fostering job growth, encouraging entrepreneurs, and allowing people to keep more of what they earn, rather than promote fairness by narrowing the gap between rich and poor, spreading the wealth, and making sure that economic outcomes are more equal.

Not surprisingly, concerns about the economy eclipse all others right now, with 57 percent citing it as the most important issue facing the United States.  A majority of voters opposes President Obama’s proposed $3.6 trillion budget with its $1.4 trillion deficit, even as they believe he is responding to problems he inherited.  They are deeply skeptical about the amount of money Mr. Obama proposes for the government to spend, tax, and borrow for bailouts and other spending programs that produce few private sector jobs.Independents, who hold the balance of power in this electorate, are closer to Republicans than to Democrats on these fiscal issues.  Moreover, 84 percent of voters think the maximum federal income tax rate should be below its current rate of 35 percent, with more than two-thirds believing the maximum rate should be 20 percent or lower. 

Republicans are on favorable ground resisting the amount of spending, taxing, and borrowing in the President’s proposed budget and will draw independents away from Mr. Obama’s camp by doing so.

As is often the case however, the more liberal argument fares better when it comes to specific spending proposals.  Mention of education, energy, and health care “investment” to bring the country out of recession is more resonant than the argument that this Administration is taking advantage of the recession to make massive increases in government spending that will hurt our economy in the future by nearly tripling our debt.

On the debate over climate change, a substantial majority of American voters, including an overwhelming majority of independents, thinks climate change is happening and human activity is a significant cause. However, they think addressing the problem with any proposal that could raise energy prices during a severe recession is a bad idea. Recognizing that climate change is a problem is important, but voters want a solution that strengthens rather than hurts the economy. Cap-and-trade advocates have made significant progress on the “green jobs” argument. Those opposed to cap-and-trade will need to make a more persuasive case that such policies will shift more jobs abroad than they will create at home, and that the onus of the cost will fall on consumers rather than companies.  Voters are dead set against a bait-and-switch strategy that would justify higher prices for gasoline and electricity to pay for health care reform.

An overwhelming majority of American voters supports President Obama’s decision to send 17,000 additional troops and 4,000 more trainers to Afghanistan, even though 41 percent of Democrats are opposed.  Sixty-three percent of independents and 71 percent of Republicans back President Obama on this issue. 

On the other hand, a strong majority believes the Guantanamo Bay prison helps protect America rather than undermines our moral authority.  Independents are, again, much more like Republicans than Democrats on this issue. As is seen repeatedly in public opinion research, national security remains the Republicans’ strongest relative advantage over the Democrats and a major issue on which independents and Republicans hold similar views.

One social issue tested was the proposal to repeal conscience clause regulations that allow health care providers and workers to refrain from engaging in practices that are legal but personally morally objectionable, including abortion.  Overwhelmingly (61 percent), voters believe “health care workers should not be required to perform procedures they oppose on moral grounds, such as abortions.”

President Obama is personally popular, enjoying a 61 to 32 percent favorable-unfavorable rating that is driven by an identical rating among independents.  Congressional Democrats and Republicans fare less well however, particularly among independents, with “Democrats in Congress” having a 45 to 42 percent favorable-unfavorable rating (39 to 45 percent among independents), and “Republicans in Congress” having a 37 to 47 percent favorable-unfavorable rating (32 to 47 percent among independents).

Republicans have far more to work with in the current environment than many suspect. The key to rebuilding a majority coalition is regaining the support of independents.  Particularly on the overall philosophy of government and on national security, Republicans show signs of gaining ground.

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Friends--Whether you attended a tax day tea party or not undoubtedly you heard about the event.

The real benefit of the Boston Tea Party in pre revolutionary days was not the event itself but the history that was made from it . The same might apply to these 2009 Tea Parties. While these were far more civil than the original tea party in Boston Harbor many feel the results could be just as dramatic.
Please listen to my newest addition of "Something To Consider......"

The sense I felt at the Tucson Tea Party and what I get when I attend GOP meetings is that we are where the democrats were in 1995 or 2005. More and more Republicans signing up as precinct committeemen and women. More and more people showing up to Republican clubs and legislative meetings. Apathy and complacency before the 2008 election started to change to fear of the new administration has now become commitment to make a change in how our city, state and nation are governed in the upcoming elections.

While some well meaning people believe government should play a greater role in the life of all Americans we don't agree and believe we should live free and benefit from the merits of capitalism and hard work.

While some Americans feel taxes are too low we feel that all Americans should keep more of their hard earned money and that the government acting as a middle man will never do as good a job taxing and spending our money as the American public can.

Tea parties across America have signed up thousands of new voters and activists. Excitement is building and change may not be far away. Working together in unity we have an opportunity to prevail.

I look forward to any comment you might have on the Tea Party. Congratulations to all of the Tea Party organizers.

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Democrat Barack Obama has completed his world apology tour and bows to the Saudi King he praises. 
The foes of freedom laugh at his naiveté.

Democrat congressional leaders continue their assault on capitalism and reason.  How far will this cancer grow?

Democrats in the Arizona legislature actually propose a budget to continue the failed spending policies of Janet Napolitano.  They don’t care that she drained the State Treasury.

And finally Democrats who run the City of Tucson have run our town as if it were their little Fiefdom.  We’ve become Detroit.

Many ask, “What can I do to make a statement that enough is enough?”

Friends, let’s begin to reclaim our City, take back our State and National Government by standing up for ourselves and attending the Tucson tea party on tax day April 15^th in El Presidio Park in the shadow of City Hall.

It’s time to tell the Democrats we’ve had it.  It’s time to hold Democrats accountable for the damage they are doing to Tucson, our State, America and the world over.

 

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Mike Hein was the victim of a coup  by 4 manipulative & conniving people. While Mike Hein was far from perfect his firing is an obvious diversion from the micro managing and bad decision making democrat council members have consistently engaged in. It will be their ultimate downfall in the fall election. Unfortunately, for now the citizens and business people of Tucson are the ultimate losers in this political pissing match.

How will this council find a new city manager who would put up with the vast amounts of crap dished out by these folks? They might as well make it a world wide search. Someone will either have to agree to be the council's tool OR a fool to consider taking this job.  This council believes in a strong Council style of government and not our chartered strong City Manager form. They continue to have dis regard for this and many other rules they are required to live under. In the meantime these bad actors will continue to run the city into a ditch. In the midst of this crisis this council must also find a new police chief and pass a balanced budget that finds $80,000,000 of savings fast. They have failed at doing this so far and show no signs of being able to pull this off anytime soon.

There has been a fire burning in City Hall for 3 years. That fire has now gone out of control. We need 2 more new and good people to stand up and run to defeat Trasoff, Ullich and the open seat in Ward 5 where Fimbres will presumably be the candidate. Will our party be the answer?

Are we going to stand up and help our city or will we continue to cower under the rule of the current regime? Besides Steve Kozachick do we have the will to prevail in the upcoming election? What are our plans? Hein's firing gives us renewed chance to win in 2009.

To paraphrase what a famous person said recently, " We can benefit from this crisis."

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April 7, 2009

 

“Lightning Bug and Lightning”

By U.S. Senator Jon Kyl

 

The President recently hailed a “new era of fiscal responsibility” and said that “the best way to bring our deficit down in the long run is ... with a budget that leads to broad economic growth by moving from an era of borrow and spend to one where we save and invest.”

 

That’s true, but the Democrats’ budget recently approved by the Senate doesn’t deliver.

 

It borrows and spends more than any previous budget, its new taxes will affect every American family, and its deficits will burden our children and grandchildren for years to come.  In these tough economic times, families and small businesses are making sacrifices and trade-offs in their own budgets.  This new budget makes clear that the President and his Democratic colleagues have no intention of doing the same. 

 

This $3.9 trillion budget makes no hard choices about how to rein in out-of-control government spending. It also marks a nearly 20 percent growth in non-defense spending since the end of 2008.  Moreover, much of this new spending, contrary to the claims of the President, is not what a well-run business or the Internal Revenue Service would count as an “investment” (like equipment or other tangible assets).  Most of the new spending would be for services whose long-term value is difficult to measure.

 

The President has said he will cut taxes for 95 percent of Americans, but his budget would raise taxes by $1.4 trillion over 10 years. It not only lets some of the existing tax rates expire – thus raising taxes – but implements a new $646 billion energy tax that is estimated to increase energy costs for every family by $3,168 annually. And it’s described as a “down payment,” meaning there’s more to come.

 

It is also important to understand that extending expiring income-tax relief for individuals is not a new tax cut.  When an Arizona family thinks of a tax cut, it assumes it will pay less in taxes from one year to the next. The administration has declared that if you don’t pay more in taxes, you are receiving a tax cut.  This difference, to borrow a phrase from Mark Twain, is like the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.

 

Finally, this budget will place a staggering burden on future generations.  The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office projects a $1.7 trillion deficit in 2009, a trillion dollars greater than last year’s deficit.  In five years this budget will double the public debt, and in 10 years it will triple it.  Simply put, there will be more debt under this one budget than in the entire history of America from 1789 to 2008.

 

This excessive borrowing also increases our dependence on creditors in countries such as China and Japan. These two countries now hold more than a third of our foreign debt.  When other countries hold a large amount of our debt, they have leverage to influence our currency, trade, and potentially, our national security policies.

 

President Obama’s budget grows the government, not the economy.  The new programs and policies it would establish also mean the government will have much more control over our health care, education,  energy, and other aspects of our everyday lives.  The increased debt burden that will result from the plan will substantially affect our quality of life long after this recession is over. Bottom line: it spends too much, taxes too much, and borrows too much.  It’s a bad deal.

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Obama's "Aha" Moment

Barack Obama had his “Aha” moment last week – the same one as Lyndon Johnson had in 1964.

 Obama now owns the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.  He refers to Afghanistan as “America’s War” and says he wants to focus on fighting Al Qaeda there with about 40,000 troops (too few) which he says will have “narrow objectives”.  Sounds like Korea and Vietnam to me.  How soon before the War on Terror becomes a “police action?”

 To prosecute the President’s war he’ll need to:

(1) Fight Al Qaeda into their sanctuary of Pakistan – our ally

(2) Perform nation building in Afghanistan – something he’s criticized President Bush of doing in Iraq (3) Speaking of Iraq – while he shifts troops to Afghanistan keep enough strength in Iraq to provide sufficient support to the young government there if trouble breaks out (4) Do all of this fighting in Afghanistan with the prospect of presidential elections there in August?

Not an easy strategy for the inexperienced President.  Obama will need a coherent battle plan and perfect luck to win the peace, establish stability and safely bring our brave fighting forces back home.

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Due to an intermittent problem with YouTube, you may have difficulty viewing this video.  If so, try this
link which might work better. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tz1yeX8Fh30&fmt=18

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A Bonus?

The way everyone has been wagging their tongues you’d think that AIG executives were the only people in America who were being rewarded for bad behavior and failure. Actually though, they aren’t the only ones expecting a bonus – just look at City Council members Nina Trasoff and Karen Uhlich.

These two are looking for a “Tucson style” bonus as reward for their failure to honor their campaign promises, their lack of honestly, their deceitful governance and their outright contempt for the taxpayers.  Trasoff and Uhlich actually expect Tucsonans to ignore their broken promises and reward then with a second term.  We aren’t that stupid – are we?

Tucson has suffered these fools as they spent us into an $80 million hole.  Both supported bonding TIF funds to pay for their Rio Nuevo abuses and nearly invaded the City’s self insurance fund – endangering our municipal bond rating.  Both promised to eliminate the trash fee and now support not eliminating it but increasing the fee.  Both have ignored a binding contract with the Colorado Rockies and endanger spring training in our fair city.

Heard enough?  Had enough?  Do Trasoff or Uhlich deserve a second term.  I say no.

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Obama Lied

95% of Americans were promised by Barack Obama they would not see their taxes increase by “a single dime.”

Obama lied.

When Obama played his sleight of hand tricks with the Stimulus and the Omnibus spending bills he also proposed a new very inconvenient Cap and Trade tax on energy producers which will end up being paid for by consumers as a hidden climate change tax.  Unfortunately, the lion’s share of these climate change revenues won’t help fund alternative energy research.  Instead these taxes will be used to finance the collectivist agenda of this president.

The prospect of nearly $650 billion in new revenues has Democrat appropriators Charlie Rangel and Henry Waxman salivating.  Not only because it means they create more people dependent upon their cancerous largesse but better yet it also becomes a source of tens of millions in new Democrat campaign contributions from affected companies.

Obama says we’re supposed to be living in a new era of fiscal honesty.  How about starting with Cap and Trade?  Margaret Thatcher said, “The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people’s money.” 

Cap and trade taxes dump more taxes on everyone.  It’s bad policy.

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SIGN THE FREEDOM FROM FEAR PETITION

The top legislative priority for organized labor and their allies in Congress is the so-called Employe
 labor bosses that would strip workers of their right to decide by private ballot whether to join a union,
and their right to freely negotiate their contract. Instead, workers would be asked to publically sign cards in front of union organizers, potentially subjecting them to harassment or intimidation. EFCA is a threat to workers’ rights.

Our effort is not anti-union; our effort is anti-EFCA.

Our internal polling shows that the American people are firmly on the side of supporting a worker’s right to a secret ballot election. In fact, the tri-partisan agreement to defend this right is overwhelming, as 77% of Republicans,
82% of Democrats, and 79% of independents believe in protecting private ballots. Support for private
ballots is so broad it also spanned union households and every subgroup examined, including majorities
of every age, race, geographic group and both genders.

Join us here to sign our online petition to promote “freedom not fear” in the work place.

We, therefore, petition the U.S. Congress to ensure that every worker has the right to a secret ballot
when deciding whether to organize a union, as well as the right to ratify the contract terms of their
employment, rather than be forced to accept a contract through binding arbitration.

Please follow this link and sign our online petition…send it to your friends and neighbors and help
save jobs in America.
http://clicks.electionemail.com/v/?u=69f5c4c2e5cd875aaf108dc6d2dc2cc9&g=87&c=2412&p=72b50c6501ea7fdf0afe8bca0aab519f&t=2

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Last week and this week I wrote and spoke along with many other bloggers across the country against the appointment of Chas Freeman to the National Intelligence Council Chief. He is a Chinese coddling , Israel bashing "diplomat" who has been taking orders from foreign operators for many years. Now that he has pulled away from the nomination perhaps Obama will earnestly attempt to find a replacement who will advocate for US national security and the security of our allies.

Freeman has a long reputation of not playing straight with democracy being President of the Middle East Policy Council (funded by the Saudi Wahabists) and he serves on the international board of advisors to a  Chinese Government owned oil company.

You know...........when I speak in front of various GOP and conservative groups I am frequently asked , "what can I do to help? What can we all do to speak up against the "main stream " media. Here's the secret on how we will begin to win in 2010 and beyond............we use the internet, the radio & comment in media. We send messages and speak to our friends and we continue to educate those who are not our friends. We keep doing it . Repetition. Repetition. Repetition.

Please listen to this op ED.........  (available under "Bruce's Radio Editorials link)

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POLITICO MAFIOSO: BRUCE ASH ON THE $410B OMNIBUS PORK BILL                 http://politicomafioso.blogspot.com/2009/02/bruce-ash-on-410b-omnibus-pork-bill.html

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Barack Obama's Sleight of Hand

Did you watch Barack Obama’s speech in front of Congress the other night?

It was one of the greatest sleight of hand tricks performed in many years.

Obama actually said he didn’t believe in big government!  Excuse me?  In addition to the recent spending and earmark (I mean stimulus) bill which totaled nearly $800 billion.  A bill which dramatically increased the size and scope of the Government.  Now Obama wants to cram a $410 billion omnibus (read pork) bill containing over 9000 earmarks which is 8.5% higher than last year’s budget.

Oh …. did I mention taxes are going up and national defense spending is going down?

Speaker Pelosi describes the bill as “The unfinished business …… of the American people.”  All this coming on the heels of the President’s economic responsibility summit.  How cynical.

Do you think America needs Hawaiian canoe trips? The Ted Kennedy Senate Institute?  Here is the best one - $1.7 million for swine odor and manure management research.  I’d love to point out more greasy pork but like the Stimulus Bill the details are under wraps and not even the Democrats will likely see them before they vote.

Republican men and women…… elections do have consequences.  How many  pork bills, tax increases and insults to our values will it take to get you mad enough to fight for regime change?

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Ms. Trasoff

Ms. Trasoff has announced she wants to selectively revise the Tucson Land Use Code.

Bully for her.

But it is time to COMPLETELY revamp the antiquated Tucson Land Use Code and not perform some selected minor elective surgery.  Ms Trasoff you are wrong – again!

A total revamp of the code is what is needed to create a brighter future in Tucson.  But revamping the code will be a dangerous task for her to accomplish and the reason Trasoff and Company do not wish to pursue this endeavor is because their neighborhood special interest group allies do not want this to happen. 

These are the same folks who help elect Trasoff and her Democrat crew along with BIG LABOR.  That is why she has been so unwilling to make any substantive changes to happen and only reluctantly suggests some tinkering with the code.

Is it in Tucson’s best interests to continue to elect council members who are beholden to special interest radical neighborhood groups and BIG LABOR who lead our City Council around the nose on issues which are so important to ALL Tucson?

Rio Nuevo was to be Ms. Trasoff’s jumping off point to run for mayor of Tucson. 

She had hoped for success with the project and so did each of us who also wanted there to be a vibrant downtown.  That is why local community leaders and myself worked so hard and sacrificed our personal reputations at the Arizona Legislature to expand the TIF only to be embarrassed by her and the council.

Trasoff, the rest of the council and her supporters squandered the most positive business cycle in half a century flopping around like a fish from one failed concept after another.

Further, Ms. Trasoff sanctioned selling $80,000,000+ of bonds at the worst possible time in an effort to threaten the Legislature against cutting off the TIF expansion. 

When the bonds were sold Trasoff said this was one the greatest developments for Rio Nuevo.  Trasoff says she “owns” Rio Nuevo.  If she does then let her sink with this stinker.

This week Ms. Trasoff will announce she plans to seek re election.  Her bid MUST be rejected.  She is an amateur who is in charge of millions of our dollars and while she would believe our tax dollars have been well spent she and her friends are delusional.

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The Stimulus Bill

I’ve said there were 850 billion reasons to oppose the stimulus bill.  Here’s a few more.

First – we learned during the Great Depression that big government and social engineering did little to fix a sick economy.  This big fat pork laden oinker won’t fix a thing either.  In fact it may only make things worse.  The current recession was caused by unpaid debt.  Now the President wants to add nearly one trillion more unpaid debt?

Any questions about Obama’s failed collectivist ideology have now been answered.

The stimulus bill also creates protectionist trade issues for America and the world economy. 

Another lesson this group of liberal democrats ignore from the 1930’s.

Another not so good long term effect of the stimulus bill will be inflation because in a global downturn the Fed will have to print tons more money to meet our obligations.  Remember the good old 70’s – this will be stagflation on steroids.

Bad government helped create the financial crisis.  Barack Obama is betting our future that more bad government can spend our way back to prosperity.  He’s wrong.  I trust free markets and the American people – not big government.

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Gabby's Against It!

Did you know Gabby Giffords voted against giving tax relief for the bottom two tax brackets of working Americans?  She also voted against middle class families when she voted against eliminating the onerous alternative minimum tax.  Hard to imagine?  There’s more.

Giffords constantly claims she supports tax relief for working families but the very first time she had a chance to help she ended up shafting them instead by opposing the Republican suggested home buyer credit, unemployment tax exemption, health insurance premium deduction and an extension of unemployment benefits. 

Is this change we can trust?

Gabby Giffords must figure since she’s been elected twice that she’s got a lock on her 2010 re-election.  But when you vote against working families and vote for a pork laden stimulus bill that needlessly burdens future generations with debt your swimming against a rising tide of disgust with high taxes and the heavy hand of government.

What do you think?

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Pelosi and the Stimulus Program

We hear many liberal voices supporting President Obama’s $850 billion so called stimulus package but the most absurd comes from house speaker Nancy Pelosi who boldly defended an effort to add birth control funding to the Stimulus Bill claiming “contraception will reduce cost to the states and federal government.”  Did I hear right?

 

When pressed to explain how spending hundreds of millions on family planning would provide economic stimulus Ms. Pelosi opined further that contraception services (I assume including abortions) will reduce health and education costs to the state and federal government seeming to imply babies have become a burden on the government. 

 

Can we also assume Pelosi supported the President’s executive order allowing contraception funds to foreign countries last week for purposes of economic aid?

 

I don’t know about you but Pelosi’s argument in favor of government “family planning” on economic grounds sounds creepy and hauntingly Orwellian to me.

 

I already had 850 billion reasons to oppose the President’s economic stimulus program but now I have 850 billion plus one reasons.  How about you?

 

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January 20, 2009

 Dear President Bush:

Thank you for the leadership you have given to our country during your eight years as President of the United States.

You have shown unwavering support for liberty around the world.  Your decisions were made without help from Gallup polls, focus groups or members of Congress who often lacked your determination and grit.  You kept your pledge to keep the homeland safe after the 9/11 attacks.  Our military has proudly served under your command and you met the challenge of fighting threats to America and our allies.

You kept your campaign promise to keep taxes low and trusting Americans to spend their money smarter than the federal government.

People in America appreciate your generous support for education, the elderly and veterans.  The world applauds what the United States has done to fight hunger and disease in Africa during your presidency.

Did you make mistakes?  Yes.  Did we always agree?  No.  But you never complained when the press and your critics opposed you and never rushed to seek credit for the successes of your administration either.

Did you make the “shining city on the hill” a better place?  Let historians reflect on that.  For now you will return to Texas, reclaim your privacy, enjoy your family and get ready for the next chapter in your life. 

God bless you sir and God bless America.

Sincerely,

Bruce Ash

National Committeeman for Arizona

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Tucson, Arizona | Published: 01.12.2009

Stuart Mellan is the president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona

"Israel will continue to exist until Islam will obliterate it."
— from the Hamas covenant

Opinion
Guest Opinion
Israel wants peace; Hamas stands in way

Six weeks ago I stood, with 50 Tucsonans, on the border of Gaza, in a beautiful Israeli village called Netiv Ha'asara, part of our Jewish Federation's Partnership Region of Hof Ashkelon. This farming collective found its current home when its residents left Sinai 25 years ago as part of Israel's peace agreement with Egypt.

Those original residents will tell you that it was painful to be uprooted from their homes, but that the move was full of hope as well — a hope that the sacrifices would lead to peace.
Three and a half years ago, Israel pulled its citizens out of Gaza, and also relocated many of them into our Partnership Region, once again in its quest for peace. Sadly, Israel's hopes and dreams remain unfulfilled.

Since the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in August 2005, more than 6,300 rockets have been fired from Gaza into Israel — 400 during the supposed six-month "truce."
These rockets were not fired at army bases, airstrips or industrial targets. They were fired at the homes, schools and synagogues of Israel's southern communities — with the aim of killing and terrorizing civilians.

The children of Netiv Ha'asara told us during our visit how they have lived in fear for three and a half years amidst the sirens and 15-second mad dashes to bomb shelters — a reality of living with terror that is discounted by Israel's critics.

The current media images from southern Israel and Gaza are overwhelming, as innocent lives have been lost in both Israel and Gaza. But the loss of lives on each side does not mean that each side is equally to blame. Israel is reacting to a situation forced upon her by years of unremitting rocket fire.
Some accuse Israel of being indifferent to the safety of Gaza's citizens. The fact is that Hamas had been using the Israelis' love of life and disdain for war against them — taunting Israel with missiles, strategically using Palestinian civilians as human shields and then asking for cease-fires. Hamas defines cease-fire as "less missiles." What other nation would put up with this? Finally, Israel has declared "Enough!"

Israel continues to work diligently with members of the international community to alleviate the human suffering in Gaza. Israel has facilitated more than 14,000 truckloads of humanitarian assistance over the past six months; and this effort continues even during the conflict.

Our federation and our community stands in solidarity with Israel in its response to daily rocket fire that still continues unabated. We demonstrate our support for the people of Israel in tangible ways, funding the only after-hours emergency medical clinic in the region, the post-traumatic stress counseling that, sadly, so many residents of the area have required in recent years, and other vital services.

We mourn the loss of all innocent life — Israeli and Palestinian, and pray that the violence will soon end. We also reject the notion that supporting Israel's actions is callous and indifferent to human suffering.
I challenge those who make that faulty claim to stand up against the brutal terror campaign of missiles intentionally aimed at Israel's civilians. The moment that terror ends, Israel will return to the negotiating table; and our community will applaud, just as we did when an incredibly brave Anwar Sadat brought Egypt to peace with Israel. It is peace we yearn to support, not war.

After Egypt, Israel made peace with Jordan, and is attempting to make peace with the Palestinian Authority that governs the West Bank. It is our hope that the people of Gaza will reject Hamas' failed leadership and that the path to peace will show itself soon.

Before that day comes, our task is to give Israel our support in its fight against terrorism and its enemies who want Israel obliterated, and to pray for all of the people of this embattled region during this critical time.

Write to Stuart Mellan at stumellan@jfsa.org

Pretty convincing proof that Hamas is one of the world's most diabolical political/terror organizations in modern history.

As long as Hamas refuses to acknowledge the right of Israel to exist. As long as Hamas would rather starve their own people and deprive them of their God given right to freedom in favor of the destruction of the Jewish State they will be the toxin that must be eliminated in the middle east in order to establish a durable peace and prosperity for a new Palestine and the greater near east region of the world.

Please check out these IDF videos of recent operations in Gaza. As you can see Hamas continues to locate rocket making and storage facilities in mosques,hospitals,schools and residential areas.  Hamas bears the responsibility for all of their losses resulting from over 6500 rocket/mortar attacks on Israel since 2005.

Check here for a number of videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/idfnadesk

Last saturday January 10th Robert Westerman won the overwhelming support of Pima County Republican activists in the county re organizing elections. Along with a strong executive committee Mr Westerman has the team in place to begin making positive changes to the political scene in Pima County. Bob's remarks strongly suggest he will be a strong leader who will work in unity within his own team as well as other county chairmen , the state party and the RNC .

First Vice Chair Jim Kaucher spoke boldly quoting Samuel Adams, "It does not take a majority to prevail.....but rather an irate , tireless minority , keen on setting the brush fires of freedom in the minds of men." Chairman Westerman's comments are shown below in their entirety .

The opportunities facing the new chairman and his executive committee include--

1. Gain seats on the Tucson City Council
2. Gain voter registration and recruit new PC's.
3. Recruit quality candidates and gain seats in 2010 legislative and congressional elections
4. Support Republican candidates in area "non partisan" elections
5. Raise sufficient resources to fund operations and future elections
6. Raise visibility of local GOP in media and new new face that is ready to challenge the opposition
7. Reach out to develop a wider base of the county party that embraces many new followers not in our current ranks
8. Re build confidence in the Pima County GOP to create the Greater Opportunity Party

Many thanks to Judi White as she passes the gavel. We can look forward to exciting successes for the Pima GOP but it will take Republicans working TOGETHER to create results. Let's support our new chairman and the entire team.

Westerman Campaign Speech for PCRP Chairman January 10, 2009

We must ensure we are a country where government is dependent on the will of the people and not a country where people are dependent on the will of government.

Looking to the Future

As Republicans look to the future let me suggest that the pundits who say that nationally the GOP must move more to the center or further to the right have it all wrong.

 The right answer is the Grand Old Party must become the Greater Opportunity Party and proceed forward as a movement of ideas, ingenuity and above all conservatism.

It is up to all of us who cherish the American dream to re claim our vision of hope and opportunity.  We were defeated in two national elections not because of ideology but because of hypocrisy.

To be successful in 2010 and beyond Republicans must present strong conservative ideas that deliver 21^st century solutions and a promise of less government, greater freedom and strong national security. 

Let’s get past the debates on process and focus on results again.  This is what all Americans care about and that’s how we’ll craft a new winning coalition.  We will not be successful by merely being the loyal opposition.  By sticking to core values, delivering results, broadening our reach and embracing technology we can start our comeback to show the voters we are the party that keeps promises and solves problems.

To my fellow  GOP leaders..........

On this date (January 1) in 1909 Barry Morris Goldwater was born in Phoenix, Arizona Territory to Baron and Josephine Goldwater. Raised in Arizona most of his younger life he served in the US Army Air Corps as a pilot in the China Burma Theatre during World War II and helped operate his family business after the death of his father until he was recruited to run for the Phoenix City Council in 1949. He served on the council until 1952 when he defeated popular Democrat  Majority Leader Ernest McFarland in his contest for US Senate whom he defeated again in a bitter re election in 1958.

While there was a "draft" Goldwater movement in 1960 Goldwater was nominated by the Republican Party in 1964 where he lost to Lyndon B Johnson in that historic election. He returned to the US Senate in 1970 where he served with distinction until his retirement in 1986. One of the architects of the modern Conservative movement; Barry Goldwater's words are just as relevant today as they were during the mid 20th century. Senator Goldwater was inspirational as well as controversial even within our own party. In honor of this great figure please take a minute to read his words given from the steps of the Yavapai County Courthouse in Prescott , Arizona on September 18, 1952 when he formally opened his first Senate campaign :

" Now is the time to reaffirm our devotion to those moral principles of honesty, integrity and justice. Now is the time for faith: faith in our own ability--faith in the power of truth-- faith in Almighty God -- and faith in man's destiny as a child of freedom with God given freedom of choice, freedom to choose good over evil, truth over falsehood and peace over war."

As we mark this centennial year of Barry Goldwater's birth I hope we can all be guided by Barry's belief in God, his sense of truth, his courage to stand for what he thought was right, his determination to see the job through, his belief in freedom, his devotion to equality and his sense of the greatness of  the American people and the strength our Republic.

Happy birthday Barry !!

Bruce Ash
National Committeeman

Please take the time to watch to the newest message from "Uncle" Fred Thompson on the economic crisis and the recent and proposed actions by our federal government to alter the free market system and un naturally increase the size of government as well as the tax burden on future generations.

George Washington's Christmas Gift

There is a little known Christmas story involving the selfless act of George Washington – his refusal to take absolute power – which may have been his greatest gift to the new Republic.

The war over.  British troops gone from American soil.  A bankrupt Congress sent the army home without pay, pensions or a victory parade.  When Congress slandered the troops greed 300 veterans protested and Congress fled for Maryland.  When General Washington arrived in Annapolis to address the delegates many anticipated scathing rebuke of congressional ingratitude or an attempt by him to seize power.

Rather than denunciation or insurrection Washington elegantly resigned his commission leaving, “The interests of our dearest country to the protection of almighty God.”  His words halting and with tears streaming Washington touched the religious faith which had protected his troops in wartime to now protect the United States.  Washington’s unselfish act had prevented as Jefferson said, “The revolution from being closed as others had been, by a subversion of the liberty it was intended to establish.”

Two days later, on Christmas Eve, Private citizen George Washington returned to his beloved Mt. Vernon having given his country a great victory in war and the gift of liberty in peace time.

The Tucson City Council is celebrating the holidays and we’re footing the bill.  While we live under the threat of cutting public safety budgets a few favored insiders will enjoy parties with Santa.  Kid choirs.  Atta boy do gooder awards.  Neighbors helping neighbors.  Doesn’t that feel good?

All the while there’s a fire of government incompetence that is destroying Tucson.  Water Harvesting.  Certificate of Occupancy hassles.  Xeriscape.  More and more red tape which does not necessarily make Tucson a better town to make a good living, raise our kids and enhance our way of life.

Marketwatch.com calls Tucson one of the worst places in America to do business.  Of course, we already knew that.  Memo to the Tucson Council – more government isn’t the answer either.  Bloated government who is out of touch with reality is the problem as Tucson has become the Detroit of Arizona.

Isn’t it time we begin electing a City Council who is truly interested listening to local business leaders and not a few neighborhood activists?  Don’t we deserve City Government that will keep our streets safe and relish job creation?  The City elections in 2009 are right around the corner.  Change is up to us.

Obama and Guantanamo Bay

For years the Liberal media and left have demanded closure of the Guantanamo detention center and have lambasted the President for so called breaches of the Constitution.

Now that Barack Obama has been elected and the NY Times suddenly has discovered the Guantanamo detainees really are bad dudes will the incoming administration rush to close Gitmo or undo the legal architecture set up to house enemy combatants?

How will President Obama square his election rhetoric against the facts that most of the previously released detainees have been either recaptured or killed after they return to the battle field?

How will President Obama deal with sixty current detainees who have been cleared for release and are so dangerous no foreign country will accept them?  By the way no Democrat politician will offer to house any of them in their state and none will.

What we’ll probably find is that all of the loud and irresponsible clatter directed at President Bush’s anti terror policies since 2002 will acquire sudden legitimacy now that the Democrats have managed to wrestle their way back into the White House. 

The Democrats were cunning enough to use George Bush’s anti terror policies as a hammer against him now they’ll use those same policies to claim they made America Safer.

The 2008 Election

The 2008 election was historic.  Americans are busy discussing the results and impact.  Political scientists will write about the results and impact of this election for years to come.

Despite the victory of Obama and the Democrats in this election Liberals should not become over confident.  The Republican party and Conservative movement are not dead.

Yes, some of our elected leaders have let us down.  America voted on their discontent.

Yes, our national party has lost it’s effectiveness.  As leadership of the party have lost their way so has the passion of the base.

However, the core values of the GOP reflect the center right values of America far more than the results of the national election would suggest.

Looking at the results in Arizona despite overwhelming odds Republican legislative candidates prevailed when some (even in the party) predicted doom.  They prevailed inspite of inter party disputes.  They prevailed because they stand for the conservative principles so many Arizonans share.

Now is the time for the GOP to self examine, reorganize and set a course for the future. 

Conservatism is not dead but we do have much more work to do.

Barack Obama and Firearms

Barack Obama has worked hard to disguise his radical philosophies but he has never tried to hide his disdain for the 2^nd Amendment or his desire to grab the guns we lawfully own for hunting and self-defense.  Let’s look at his ugly record……

As early as 1996 and again in 1999 he supported a complete ban on hand guns.

In 1999 Obama supported raising taxes on fire arms and ammunition an astonishing 500%.

In 2004 the Democrat candidate said he “Would back legislation that would ban citizens from carrying fire arms."

From 1999 – 2001 Senator Barack Obama served on the board of the anti 2^nd Amendment Joyce Foundation which is the largest source of funding for radical anti gun laws in America.

Earlier this year he not only called for micro stamping all ammunition but also said in spite of the Heller Ruling he still believed the DC gun ban was constitutional.

But the greatest threat to the 2^nd Amendment are the potential Obama/Biden picks to the Supreme Court.  Obama and Biden both voted against Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Alito, who voted in Heller to uphold the 2^nd Amendment.

The 2^nd Amendment will face maximum danger in an Obama presidency.  When you vote in November know these facts and cast your vote for the 2^nd Amendment.

Gabby Giffords and the World Financial Crisis

Gabby Giffords knows about the world banking crisis.

She ought to because her mentor is none other than Massachusetts Democrat Barney Frank who is also one of her benefactors.

Barney ought to know all about the banking crisis….. because he helped create it by aiding and abetting his corporate cronies who used to run Lehman Brothers and Fannie Mae.

I don’t want to say I told you so but during the 2006 elections I warned what would happen when Gabby’s friend became the chairman of the house of banking committee.

I never imagined things would turn out so badly.

The crisis, that has played out due to Mr. Frank’s abuse of power and his defense of corrupt executives who gutted their companies as well as ruined your life savings, may haunt us for years.

What does it say about Giffords who is a Fannie Mae fellow who has hosted Mr. Frank in Tucson?  What favors does Gabby owe this friend of corporate racketeers for giving her $17,000 and raising even more for her reelection?  You don’t have Giffords talking  about her Fannie Mae connections these days.

Friends, the Democrats constantly complain when we bring up their associations.  But this is one more example of why actions speak louder than words and why change can’t wait.

Barney Frank, Chris Dodd and the Financial Crisis

When Barack Obama and the Democrats say the current financial crisis was caused by deregulation they are 100% right.

But it was Barney Frank in the House and Chris Dodd in the Senate who blocked over sight of Fannie and Freddie which has brought Wall Street down.

While Fannie and Freddie’s accountants cooked the books Obama’s friends Franklin Raines, Jim Johnston and Jamie Gorelick made 100’s of millions.  Obama voted present.  Is it any wonder he tries to deflect attention from his own connections to the crisis?

The real problem is more insidious.  Democrats have used Fannie and Freddie as a political piggy bank to attract low income and minority votes. 

The result?  Billions in bad loans.  The secondary mortgage market wrecked by Democrat politicians and their fat cat Wall Street pals.  These are undisputed facts.

Can America trust Obama and Democrats to play fair in the future when they have acted in ways that only benefited them personally and politically in the past?  Let Americans like you and I decide on election day.

Obama, Fannie and Freddie by Bruce Ash

Many investors are nervous because of the current uncertainty in the stock market, and the general lack of liquidity in the financial markets. Now, however, is NOT the time to sell. There are some unique buying opportunities in a market that has lost 20% of its value.  If you can avoid the herd mentality fueled by the same type of speculation that caused this crisis, there are good profits to be gained in the future - if you are prudent and patient. The American economy is still the strongest in the world. Success from Wall Street to Main Street, however, may have something to do with who is elected President in 2008.

In addition, the failures of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were a result of crooked accountants cooking the books to make their bundled loan packages look like profitable risks to the Wall Street banks.  These same officials got away with their crimes by lavishing money on mostly Democratic legislators, including Obama, who was the second highest recipient of Fannie/Freddie money in Congress. 

Obama looked the other way when these same executives opened their golden parachutes and took off with taxpayer money.  The way he tells the story, it seems like it was everybody else’s responsibility, just not the Democrats in Congress. Now Obama and his friends are trying to cover their tracks and pointing fingers at the one man who called to reign in the government sponsored entities – John McCain.

When you are looking at your 401-K, or IRA, why would you ever entrust your future to Barack Obama and the Democrats?  It’s possible that the rest of the marketplace, now seeing the real possibility of an Obama Presidency, may be bailing from the market. Many observers are beginning to opine that the recent market issues have a lot to do with a lack of confidence in a potential Obama presidency. The handwriting is on the wall, and the future looks grim if Obama wins in November.

Sweden

With liberal Sweden advocating many new tax policies that reduce tax burden on their citizens perhaps Senator Obama ought to think about how real progressive policy makers use taxes to bolster the economy .

The Obama and Democrat Party tax policy has filtered to my home in Tucson , Arizona where local councilpersons constantly advocate higher taxes inspite of our struggling economy and sagging home values.

We have learned the best way to stimulate revenues to The Treasury is to keep incremental tax rates low. We also know that when the federal government controls expenses & the size of government , promotes fair trade , reduces regulation and encourages entrepreneurship the wealth of the nation is enhanced. Tonite in the second presidential debate it is clear the Democrat nominee Senator Obama stands on the wrong side of all of these important issues. Click here to hear the radio broadcast.