Steve Buyer learns about The Apollo Alliance

Who writes the bills? Who is the Apollo Alliance? A high school student asks Congressman Steve Buyer – if HR 3200 passes, and salaries for physicians are capped, what motivation does he have to enter med school?

 

A Change We Can Believe In

A quick note on this… It was written at the end of April.. to help put the article in context. 

“A Change We Can Believe In” by Frank

 American citizens came together on April 15^th and participated at Tea Parties around the U.S. to tell our representatives to uphold the Constitution of the United States and the foundation on which our country was formed.  Our thoughts about what the Tea Parties represented to us are as follows:

 What began years ago, is continually changing America, and has accelerated during our lifetime are the following;  The Federal State and local governments, step by step, have taken over our lives becoming stronger and larger than anytime in U.S. history creating unsustainable debt and massive government programs catering to special interests.  Our representatives in Washington and at the State level have put the U.S. in a downward spiraling debt to which we may never recover unless we vote and replace those in our legislative body who are growing this debt.  Quoted from the “Principles of Liberty; The highest level of prosperity occurs when there is a free market economy and a minimum of government regulations.” America could easily plunge into a severe depression unless we limit government spending and taxation. Our liberties will be gone and our standard of living, the envy of the world, will be reduced to subsistence   Morality and a religious foundation that America was built on are no longer taught in the public schools. (Private and charter schools are the exception.) We now contend with a new world order and a real threat to American culture, the Constitution and our liberties.

 Why have millions of immigrants come to America?  Because they want to live in a country that was built on the “Principles of Liberty” which are written about in the book “A Miracle that Changed the World, the 5000 Year Leap”. Learn how adherence to these principles during the past 233 years has brought about more progress than was made in the previous 5,000 years.”  Please read the 28 “Principles of Liberty” listed at the end of these comments.  Also, a must read is “Liberty and Tyranny”, by Mark Levin.  Even President Obama’s mother knew to send her young son back to America to get a better education and standard of living than Indonesia could offer him.

 So if the Principles of Liberty, our Constitution and the foundation of America are such a blessing to the human race, why are we allowing our elected representatives to grow the government and subject us to intolerable debt that will put our generation and the next generations into economic slavery?  That is a question all of us must ask ourselves.  Who is to blame?  Probably most of us are to blame.  Is it too late to turn this ship around?  Our Constitution and the wisdom of our Founding Fathers gave us a system of checks and balances adopted to prevent the abuse of power. The Tea Parties were the first step. What we can do is contact our representatives and remind them about the Principles of Liberty and how our Constitution is not being upheld.   We can express our views and remind our representatives that they work for us, not that we work for them.   We can organize and educate each other, the American public (which includes the millions of recent American citizens and those waiting to become citizens) about what is occurring in our legislative process, those liberties that we are losing and the unsustainable debt we are facing. We need to act, to expose the abuses and put the pressure on our legislators to regain what is rightfully ours; life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  We need all Americans to stand up and fight to help preserve this great country.

 95% of the citizens approached in our region of Indiana agreed with the Tea Party principals.  Some could not come to the Tea Parties for various reasons but they were there in spirit.  So Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the Tea Parties are not an “astroturf movement” as you so eloquently stated, they are a grassroots movement.  Newt Gingrich stated on Fox News that he thinks “30% of Americans want the massive growth of the new administrations government programs, 70% do not.”   I would think that the 30% who want this massive growth of government will not want it when they see the results 10 years down the road.   The debt is unsustainable and they and their descendents will suffer from the current administrations’ actions.

 We are the silent majority. Many of us have our ancestral roots with the founding fathers and the patriots that fought during the American Revolution, who framed the Constitution and helped bring this great nation into existence.  We also have in our families those that served and some who have died to preserve American freedom.  We are not cowards as the present administration would want the world to believe. So we say, don’t poke the bear.  

 Both political parties are at fault.  It was under both of their watches that the spending went out of control, government meddled too much in the market place and the laws already on the books were not being enforced.  

 However, the present administration is creating potentially disastrous scenarios.  Many voters admit they made a mistake by voting for an administration that within 90 days: 

1. Voted in a far left socialist agenda;
2. Who is apologizing for America and saying we are an arrogant people and a nation of cowards;
3. Who is growing our debt and creating massive government programs that will spiral out of control;
4. Cutting defense spending to the bone and severely weakening our military defenses;
5. The new head of Homeland Security stating in a report “the return of military veterans facing significant challenges reintegrating into their community could lead to the potential emergence of terrorist groups or lone wolf extremists capable of carrying out violent attacks;
6. An administration that is unwilling to drill for oil here in America or build nuclear facilities to make us energy independent from foreign influences. They want us to depend on expensive solar panels, windmills that can be blown away in a tornado, grow corn for fuel which should be used for food, and to put air in our tires. Even though alternative energy sources can add to our energy needs, developing them exclusively will greatly weaken our economy.
7. Government taking over businesses, firing CEO’s, controls what someone in the private sector can earn.
8. Giving up Jefferson’s great American experiment.

Source: The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) By Craig Gilbert, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Apr. 1–WASHINGTON — Many of the foreign leaders meeting with President Barack Obama at Thursday’s G-20 summit in London believe the global recession has discredited “U.S.-style” laissez-faire capitalism and want America to take a more activist and “European” approach to regulating financial markets.

But back home, conservatives have been making a different argument about the U.S. and European systems.

Rep. Paul Ryan of Janesville and other Republicans have assailed Obama’s budget as an effort to “Europeanize” America.

“This budget does propose to bring us toward a European-style form of government,” Ryan said Tuesday at a forum organized by the libertarian Cato Institute, as Congress began debate this week on the federal budget.

Ryan put the case more pointedly at a committee meeting last week, saying the Democratic budget plans could alter “the unique character of America and Americans” and trade “much of our freedom in exchange for Washington taking over much of our lives.”

Said Ryan: “If we accept this path and this agenda comes to pass, it will mark this period in our history as the moment where we begin to give up on Jefferson’s great American experiment, and transition to the European model will begin in earnest.”

 An administration whose health care reform is creating the largest government power grab in American History.  From the Heritage Foundation website, an article “Quoting from Learning from Vermont on health care” by Dennis G.  Smith  “President Obama’s health care budget proposal is large but surprisingly unimaginative. It depends on old-fashioned, populist, “soak the rich” tax hikes combined with technocratic tinkering with administrative payment and new software in anticipation of program savings. It does very little to change America’s flawed public and private third-party payment arrangements, where value is secured for “payers,” not individual patients. If the President wants to affect real change—and secure value for individual patients rather than third party payers—he should take concrete steps to transfer direct control over health care dollars and decisions to individuals and families.”  

 Etc, etc.  the list goes on and on.

 Whoever voted for this administration did not do their homework, nor did they understand what or who they were voting for; likewise for past administrations’ policies and leadership mistakes. In a year and half we can vote in economically fiscal conservatives, those that would govern by the constitution and begin to correct these mistakes; or at least slow down some of the damage that has been done.  But it will take much effort and sacrifice.  It may mean activities such as a nationwide march on Washington D.C.  Everyone needs to jump on board, for change is coming and together we can make it happen.

 A book called “A Miracle that Changed the World, the 5000 Year Leap: Principles of Freedom 101” author W. Cleon Skousen.   Ronald Reagan-President of the United States stated  “The National Center for Constitutional Studies.. is doing a fine public service in educating Americans about the principles of the Constitution.”

 In this book are emphasized 28 governing points that we should ponder as we participate in our Tax Tea Parties.

 “Principles of Liberty: Learn how adherence to these principles during the past 200 years has brought about more progress than was made in the previous 5,000 years. 

1.  The only reliable basis for sound government and just human relations is Natural     Law.

2.  Life and liberty are secure only so long as the right of property is secure.

3.  The burden of debt is as destructive to freedom as subjugation by conquest.

4.  The proper role of government is to protect equal rights, not provide equal things.

5.  A free people cannot survive under a republican constitution unless they remain virtuous and morally strong.

6 The most promising method of securing a virtuous and morally stable people is to elect virtuous leaders.

7. The highest level of prosperity occurs when there is a free market economy and a minimum of government regulations.

8. Only limited and carefully defined powers should be delegated to the government, all others being retained in the people.

9.  Without religion the government of a free people cannot be maintained.

10. The majority of the people may alter or abolish a government which has become tyrannical.

11.  All things were created by God, therefore upon Him all mankind are equally dependent, and to Him they are equally responsible.

12.  All men are created equal.

13. Men are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights.

14.  To protect man’s rights, God has revealed certain principles of divine law.

15. The God-given right to govern is vested in the sovereign authority of the whole people.

16. The United States of America shall be a republic.

17. A constitution should be structured to permanently protect the people from the human fragilities of their rulers.

18. The government should be separated into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.

19. A system of checks and balances should be adopted to prevent the abuse of power.

20. The unalienable rights of the people are most likely to be preserved if the principles of government are set forth in a written constitution.

21. Efficiency and dispatch require government to operate according to the will of the majority, but constitutional provisions must be made to protect the rights of the minority.

22. Strong local self-government is the keystone to preserving human freedom.

23. A free people should be governed by law and not by the whims of men.

24. A free society cannot survive as a republic without a broad program of general education.

25. A free people will not survive unless they stay strong.

26. “Peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations: entangling alliances with none”.

27. The core unit which determines the strength of any society is the family; therefore, the government should foster and protect its integrity.

28. The United States has a manifest destiny to be an example and a blessing to the entire human race.”

 

Ripley, MS, TEA Party

Earlier, Chuck gave his perspective on the TEA Party he helped organize [in seven days] in Ripley, Mississippi. Here is the video of the rally, with speaker Les Riley.

 

A Call to Conservatives

The government has gotten too much control away from the people — we are fast becoming an oligarchy and we don’t even know it. When they speak of right-wing groups being dangerous because we want states’ rights, they may be correct. But it is not because we are wrong, but because we are right. The only thing that has kept the federal government at bay this long is that our states were more independent. Now, our states’ rights are being eroded on a daily basis, and no one seems to be noticing or caring — and the people who do care are now being labeled dangerous conspirators. We are not dangerous to the government created and restrained by the Constitution, but rather to the government that has thrown off the restraints of the Constitution, which serve to keep us a free people — free not from outside enemies, but from inside enemies, and from the government itself.

We have forgotten the famous (and truthful) quotes of past leaders — “That government is best which governs least”; “America is great because she is good. When America ceases to be good, she will cease to be great”; “Power corrupts; and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” We are fast heading towards a government with absolute power, and it is guaranteed to be absolutely corrupt. May God have mercy on this country.

 

Connection

Hi Jeff and readers…

I have been thinking about Jeff’s request for everyone to share their Tea Party thoughts, and I have found myself at a loss of words (which those of you who know me, know this is very rare)! So, after allowing the event a few days to soak in, I’ve decided to attempt writing about it. My view is unlike the others that have been posted so far, primarily because I have been intimately involved with the Tea Party process and planning from the beginning. My journey started with me showing up late (what’s new) to a meeting Laura and Richard hosted when they decided to start planning the Indy Tea Party, and it has grown to be one of my life’s most meaningful experiences.

This may come as a complete shock to those of you who have worked with me on this project (if it doesn’t, just pretend for my sake), but I felt COMPLETELY unequipped for my mission and had no idea what I was doing much of the time. I volunteered to lead the Sign Committee because I thought it was something I could do with my children if I needed to have them with me; I later learned this was not the case because a large number of Sharpies working at the same time can cause quite a buzz (ask anyone at the sign making parties)!

After our first meeting I felt like I had failed the group because it didn’t seem as though much was accomplished. It wasn’t until our first sign making party, when we had 30+ volunteers show up to help make signs that I realized we were on the right track. People worked feverishly, but more importantly, they connected. That’s when the light bulb came on for me…we are not putting on a protest, we are giving people a way to connect and engage in solving the problems of our country! From that point on, I didn’t care what I had to give-up for this moment in time; I was dedicated to the event and to getting people together to make signs because I knew if they got together they would get energized to take action.

I was latter asked to be the “Stage Coordinator” (aka: bossy lady up front) and again was totally clueless until the day of the event. I knew it had something to do with the “ENOUGH” letters, making the stage area look good for viewers, and keeping people off Laura and Richard. I did not know it would entail re-arranging the band for national TV viewing purposes after they had already set everything up (thanks again, guys…I still owe you donuts), locating seemingly lost speakers 5 minutes before show time, or arguing with the “handler” of a strange man in a chicken suit supposedly hiding from the law…yeah, weird. Anyway, the audience members that sat on the stairs were fantastic helpers and such good sports! You deserve a round- of- applause for sitting there so politely for such a long time without complaint, and working with me willingly as I replaced some of your signs and put huge letters in front of your faces. THANK YOU!
I have learned a lot, gained a ton of experience, and had some well-earned mistakes, but more than anything, I feel as though I have grown as a person. I have had the greatest privilege to become intimate friends with the Behneys; I have been fed enlightenment by the man and legend, Dr. Bob Basso himself; and have grown to love my fellow committee members as part of my family. Seeing the crowds show-up for me was of secondary thought on Wednesday, my first priority was seeing all the efforts of the people I care for come to fruition in the most complete way possible, I am so proud of you guys!

All of my involvement and ability to make a difference with this amazing group would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my beloved husband, Pat, who has knowingly sacrificed his time, attention, and efforts to ensure I could stay connected where my skills were needed most. I want to publically thank all of the spouses and family members who have sacrificed time with their loved ones to allow them an opportunity to work with the organizers; you are a critical part of the team!

Like others have already stated, Wednesday was just the beginning! I do not know where this journey is going to lead all of us, but I am certain of this, my family and I pledge our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor to the cause of Freedom. May God be merciful on us all!

Your fellow American,
Kristine C
For “What’s Next” watch http://www.Justin.tv/icaucus or visit http://www.ICaucus.org

 

Another citizen filled with much needed hope

Richard, Laura, et.al. – I just wanted to say THANK YOU for all the hard work you invested into this. IT WAS WORTH IT. Satan often wants to poke us and accuse of not making a difference and even of displeasing God, but I can offer encouragement to you. Look up Hebrews 6:10. It says that God is not going to overlook the work and the sacrifice you’ve shown to others. He rewards that. And even though I haven’t met you two face to face, I can tell you with full throat that your sacrifice was a real blessing to an untold number of people yesterday. I know it was a blessing for me.

Now, just a few things about the ‘party’:

I was galvanized in my conviction yesterday. I had been fearing that my cynical jaded nature would take over and provoke me to no action. But, as the Lord often does in my life, He adjusted my attitude. Instead of being overwhelmed by cynicism, I was buoyed by a resounding joy that what we were doing was the RIGHT thing to do. Ultimately, the idea that this is, was, and will be forever a significant moment in the history of United States is something that I had not previously considered. I am excited now to carry this past the standing with a sign stage, and moving toward the true CHANGE stage. The two party system has betrayed we the people. The dictatorship that has ruled over us, if we’re honest, for the last 12 years at least has seen its final days. The apt reference to the Japanese admiral’s quote:, “I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve” is absolutely appropriate. After yesterday, I want to let you know I have been filled with a ‘terrible resolve’ to do what’s right. To accomplish the improbable and to realize the impossible.

This United States of America deserves a better chance at survival than to have its mission choked out by the greedy hands of social activists superficially morphed into policy makers. Our great God responded to the oppressed prophet Habakkuk’s question (How long, O Lord?) with these words bursting with finality and promise: “Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told.” One of the men speaking yesterday mentioned being on the edge of the precipice of history. I believe, yesterday, with your collective efforts, history will recognize that we, the people crossed a great yawning chasm of apathy and inaction into REAL and TRUE government for, by, and of the people.

God bless you all.
Gratefully,
Greg Pilcher, Westfield, IN