LIBERTY, SLAVERY AND STATE SOVEREIGNTY

Robert Palmer, a constitutional, conservative candidate for a Michigan Senate seat, wrote this exceptional essay.  Mr. Palmer will be receiving the official endorsement of the Independence Caucus http://www.icaucus.ning.com/, a grassroots action group that vetts and endorses candidates in order to unseat incumbents that are beholden to big money interest groups.  His ideas ideas on how to fix Michigan are exactly what this state needs.

Liberty, Slavery, and State Sovereignty

In his book “The Law” Frederic Bastiat defines the law; “It is the collective organization of the individual right to lawful defense”. 1 You might note that the word ‘defense’ is primary to the ‘individual’ and their right to make sure they are secure in those things the individual directly controls, their life, liberty and property. Every man, woman and child is “endowed with certain unalienable Rights,”2 according to the founding document of this Nation, the ‘Articles of Incorporation of the United States of America’, which is known today as the Declaration of Independence. This contract is one that can not be broken or the whole concept of a ‘United States’ fails.

While it is commonly taught that the ‘United States Constitution’ is the founding National document nothing could be farther from the truth. The “Contract between the States” that binds them together is the Declaration of Independence. The ‘Law that comes from that contract’ is the United States Constitution. Why is this important? The Declaration of Independence is concerned with the concept of ‘personal’ liberty which is to be monitored by the States for the sake of the individual. The States “deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed”3 then advise and control the Federal Government. At least that is the way it was until recent history. Read the entire article here:  http://tinyurl.com/ppk42x
You can join Robert Palmer on his Facebook fan page at: http://tinyurl.com/ykrvacx or follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/robertbaycity

INTERVIEW WITH ROCKY RACZKOWSKI, CANDIDATE FOR MI 9TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

If you have not had a chance to meet Rocky Raczkowski or attend one of his events, this interview might inspire you to do so.  Rocky is a solid conservative and an excellent speaker that attracts the crowds. I happened across this interview on "Jumping in Pools" which was originally posted February 10, 2010.

Jumping in Pools is proud to present number 57 in our interview series. This time we're interviewing Rocky Raczkowski, who is a candidate for in the 9th Michigan Congressional District. He is a combat veteran in the United States military and has served in the Michigan State Legislature. His website can be found at http://www.rockyworksforus.com/

Read the entire interview here: http://tinyurl.com/yg6fh95

Rocky is running against Congressman Gary Peters, the most statist, far left liberal in the House of  Representatives. Peters won the 2008 election against Joe Knollenberg and ran as a moderate democrat, that is, until Nancy Pelosi got ahold of him.  He voted 98% with his party.  He must go and Rocky Raczkowski, a strong campaigner and hard worker can fill his seat and wants to work for us.

GOV GRANHOLM SHOULD USE CHRIS CHRISTY AS A ROLE MODEL

I think Michigan is in as bad shape as New Jersey, yet our Governor is once again proposing to tax the Michigan people and spend money we don't have.  Contrary to her beliefs,  here is a breath of fresh ideas.  Actually, it's not a fresh idea, it's an idea that someone has the fortitude to follow:  Cut spending.  Really, it's not all that hard, Gov Christie from NJ just showed us how, you just do it and while you are at it, you bump a few heads with the Unions.  Why is it that no one in Michigan has the strength to just even talk about doing this.  Oh no, we can't go against the unions and we can't touch education.  Education is our single most highest expense in the state.  We should ask each of our running candidates for Governor if he would follow suit.  This is the kind of governor Michigan needs, talk and negotiating isn't doing it any more.

Chris Christie Cuts off the Dems

This is one of those ’state experiments’ that Obama will never try, much to our loss (on so many levels).

N.J. Gov. Christie Freezes Spending

With State’s Budget In ‘Shambles,’ New Governor Slices Into School Surpluses, NJ Transit Subsidies; Dems Furious

TRENTON (CBS) ―The snow isn’t the only thing that’s causing a chill in the Garden State.

Calling New Jersey’s budget a “shambles,” Gov. Chris Christie announced Thursday he is immediately freezing all state spending.

Saying New Jersey is on the verge of bankruptcy, Christie declared a fiscal emergency, announcing drastic cuts. Among them, aid to school districts that have excess surpluses.

“Today we are going to act swiftly to fix problems too long ignored. Today I begin to do what I promised the people of New Jersey I would do,” Christie said.

The move had Democrats in an uproar, angry the governor used his executive powers instead of working with the Legislature.

“What that’s going to mean is that those school districts without that money are going to be raising property taxes in the upcoming year to make up for that shortfall,” said Assemblyman John Wisniewski, D-19th District.

The governor also cut state subsidies to New Jersey Transit, saying it needs to become fiscally efficient.
“Revisit its rich union contracts,” Christie said. “And they may also have to consider service reductions or fare increases.”
“It’s really foolish. It undermines not only the environment but our economy because people need transit to get to work,” said Jeff Tittel of the Sierra Club.
But one tax group applauded the governor.
“Yes it’s going to be difficult to make some of these choices as were highlighted today, but education, health care and these things tend to be sacred cow and they need to be taken out of that category,” said Jerry Cantrell of the Taxpayers’ Association of New Jersey.
Fellow Republicans said some school districts have been abusing the money they get and it’s about time a governor called them on it.
“I think the record indicates that there are a number of school districts that have been overspending, misappropriating,” said Assemblyman Joe Mallone, R-30th District.
The governor said he doesn’t anticipate schools cutting programs or jobs right now, but sources within the administration said there are no guarantees for the next fiscal year.
Christie warned lawmakers that next year’s budget may include even harsher cuts in spending and aid.

H/T Logistics Monster

STATE REP GAIL HAINES COMMENTS ON STATE OF STATE AND STATE OF COUNTY

I am glad Gail Haines is my State Rep.  She gets it and she is a hard worker.  If she is not in Lansing, she is always somewhere around her district visiting elderlies, holding office hours in coffee shops, attends chamber meetings etc.  She is accessible and listens to her constituents, she knows and understands that Michigan is hurting and is against any tax increases.

Today she wrote an opinion article for the Oakland Press.  She is so right on with this one and I am happy to see her come out and speak her mind.  http://tinyurl.com/ykwfucb . The only thing I could add to this is that I personally would have rather attend the State of the Citizen address on the Capitol steps.  But she knows that already.

**US CONGRESSMAN GARY PETERS TO ANNOUNCE INCREASE IN REFUGEE FUNDING MONDAY

Our neighbors, friends are suffering because of the economy.  There is no more money to be spend and this is what Gary Peters is wanting to do now.  I recommend another protest,  call his offices, fax him, whatever it takes to let him know this is outrageous at a time like this.  Charity starts at home, period.  See my cross-post here: http://tinyurl.com/yhokaqn
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, February 5, 2010

CONGRESSMAN PETERS TO ANNOUNCE INCREASE IN REFUGEE FUNDING MONDAY

Congressman Peters to Meet Directly with Displaced Iraqis at Refugee Workshop
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Gary Peters will announce a substantial increase in immigrant support at a Refugee workshop this Monday, February 8th in Troy. Congressman Peters will meet directly with displaced Iraqis to discuss the US Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration increase of the reception and placement per-refugee stipend for refugee resettlement agencies from $900 to $1,800 to help people and families who have fled to the United States pay for items necessary to gain a foothold and begin a new life in America. While the entire grant to resettlement agencies is doubled, the portion dedicated to direct refugee benefits has increased more than twice as much, from $450 to $1100.



“This increase in resettlement funding will ensure refugees fleeing from war torn lands are better able to become independent, productive and assimilated members of their new communities,” said Rep. Peters, who has made advocating for Iraqi refugees a top priority. “While this news is certainly positive, we must keep fighting to help ensure that refugees displaced by war have the full means to survive and work to become productive, respected members of society. I am proud that southeast Michigan is home to many Iraqis who demonstrate hard work and the drive to succeed every day.”



The reception and placement grant is used by resettlement agencies to support refugees’ immediate needs upon arrival to the United States. Funds are designed to take care of the refugee in their first weeks of arrival before traditional support services can be accessed, and are used to provide such basic needs as housing, groceries, and referrals to ESL classes and job training programs. The reception and placement grant also funds the resettlement agencies’ overhead and management costs. This much needed increase will help resettlement agencies expand the quality of services and resources they are able to provide new refugees, and lessen the burden placed on private charities who continue to provide additional support to Iraqi refugees in the face of declining donations and difficult economic times.

Congressman Gary Peters and his staff meet with refugee support agencies on a regular basis to remain deeply engaged in the relocation process and fully informed and effective when advocating for refugees in Washington. To continue furthering his understanding of the refugee process, Congressman Peters will meet directly and listen to the real life experiences of recently relocated refugees at Monday’s workshop at Faith Lutheran Church in Troy at 5:30pm. The Workshop is organized by the Archdiocese of Detroit with the assistance of the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants and Lutheran Social Services of Michigan.

State of the Citizens Address 2010

Last night, Lansing MI was buzzing.  Governor Granholm held her annual State of the State.  I was invited by my State Rep Gail Haines to come as her guest but wasn't able to go.  I followed the speech on the local networks and at the same time watched a live feed through Common Sense in Government.  Although it would have been warm inside the dome, I think I would have much rather be outside with the protesting crowd. Watch Common Sense in Government video here: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/4428630
SOAR also posted their version of the protest.  I was told that Steven Mobley http://www.stevenlmobley.com/index.asp candidate for 62nd district state house sang the National Anthem.  Unfortunately I was not able to find that on video. The Free Press had this to say:  http://tinyurl.com/yhfoemc I've been told there were lots more protesters than what the Freep claimed.

The Governor had her say, and her message of reform was a little too late, besides, with all her proposals for new jobs to be created, where would that money come from, and her cuts she proposed did not come near the budget deficit we are facing.

The people had their say.  Enough is enough, stop spending, jobs, jobs, jobs.

ROCKY TO HOST UNIQUE CAMPAIGN EVENTS ON FEBRUARY 6th, 2010

Rocky Raczkowski is the first candidate to air campaign ads announcing his campaign for Congress and inviting the community to a Townhall meeting.

The event is the first of its kind in Michigan because it's all about you. You'll get a chance to learn about Rocky and his stand on the issues, but the main focus of the event is a strategy session/town hall meeting -- an opportunity for your voice to be heard. These sessions will be a dialogue that will help our campaign connect with voters and make sure your ideas and concerns are addressed on the campaign trail and ultimately in Washington.

We can't beat Gary Peters and his liberal pals like Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid without your ideas and your understanding of families throughout the 9th district.

The event will also allow interested individuals an opportunity to sign up and volunteer to join the campaign and Team Rocky! The townhall/strategy sessions will be held at the American Polish Cultural Center in Troy, Michigan (located on the NW corner of Maple and Dequindre) on Saturday, February 6th.

There will be three (3) separate briefings throughout the day starting at 9:30 am, 11:30 am and 2:30 pm. Please preregister to attend one of the sessions. Just click on the link located on our campaign home page: http://www.rockyworksforus.com/.

Please remember, it is very important to pre-register so that we are aware of how many people to expect.

PLEASE, DONATE TO OUR VICTORY:

We are almost at our goal of new donors. We thank you for your support and ask for your support all the way through until Team Rocky wins on Election Day in November.

Again, click and register for the event using the link on our home page at: http://www.rockyworksforus.com/ or give us a call at: 248-388-4664.

I looking forward to seeing on Saturday and serving you in the U.S. House of Representatives,

Rocky Raczkowski

Candidate, to work for YOU in Congress!