Brian Pinette ...

ALL ‘Lone-wolf' Terrorists WERE KNOWN to FBI & Obama!

2016-09-20T06:18:00.000-07:00

ALL real Americans know lone-wolf terrorists were known by FBI, hiding in plain sight, but were given a free pass by Obama.
FBI was told do NOT mention Islam in their reports. Therefore, these so-called “lone-wolves” were able to murder, maim, and do damage to innocent American citizenry.

FACTS: FBI acknowledged “they KNEW about” the San Bernardino Islamist terrorists of San Bernardino ... the “lone-wolf” who brutally murdered members of the gay community in Florida.

They were also given warning of the Boston Bomber Terrorists of the infamous Boston Marathon. The parents of these extremists warned the FBI. As did the security forces of Russia.

Obama told them to stand down.

Just the way Obama and the Department of Justice instructed the FBI to stand down when it came to the FBI conclusions regarding Hillary Clinton, who used her illegal home computers to receive and send USA TOP Secret emails.

Obama is using “lone-wolf” to scam Americans. Americans know better.

ALL of the lone-wolves WERE conspiring with other radical terrorists to execute their murderous deeds.

NOT a Conspiracy theory. These terrorists were conspiring with others. They ALL were hiding in plain sight.

They were NOT “lone” they were NOT alone. They were and are conspiring with others.

The FBI knew about each and every one of them.

But under the Obama regime, it would not be politically correct to call them out.

Terrorists in America, these so-called homegrown terrorists are not hiding. They are under the microscope of the FBI, but the FBI is told to look the other way.

Only AFTER they have murdered and terrorized, the news breaks that they were once under suspicion by the FBI. They were once under surveillance.

Once under surveillance? once under the microscope ... They, hey, what happened? What were the FBI conclusions?

Seems like the FBI is as dumb as dirt.

I guess they are using the Hillary Clinton “Benghazi” playbook. Stand down! Look the other way. Let the terrorists do their ‘thang!

Remember Hillary testifying before Congress about the Benghazi terrorist murders, “What difference does it make?”

I guess the murders of Americans does NOT matter to Hillary or Obama. It doesn’t make one bit of a difference to these two elitist career Politicians.

They can’t even say Islamist extremists. They can’t even call the Terrorists by name.

They do not want to offend or hurt the feelings of the terrorists. They do not want to vet the onslaught of refugees because it might appear to be rude.

So, Obama and Hillary prefer to put Americans at risk because they MUST maintain their politically correct stance.

Not only does the FBI appear, after-the-fact to be as dumb as dirt -

Obama and Hillary - before, during and after the terrorist murders of Americans - CHOOSE to be as dumb as dirt.

Justice is NOT blind in America. Justice is not equal.

Elitist, rich, career politicians like Hillary - get a free pass in the USA (Department of Justice) system.

Extremist Islamist Muslim Terrorists are allowed to murder because the FBI tends to look the other way until AFTER the fact.

Hillary says rhetoric by Trump is enabling Terrorists?

Hell no! The weak, politically correct current Liberal Democrat administration prefers to have open borders, “come one, come all.”

Why the hell would you invite a potential murderer into your home to break bread with you?

If You show all the obvious signs of being a murderous thug, terrorist, it is politically incorrect to acknowledge it. Therefore, I have to wait until murderous infidels kill my children, before I can say out loud, “You are a damn Islamist Muslin Terrorist.”

“Hell no, NOW you go to go!”

After the fact.

Too little, too late.

WE the PEOPLE are responsible.

We the People elect the President to serve and protect us. That is their priority. To protect American citizenry is the primary goal of the President.

When a President fails to protect America and Americans - he or she is not fulfilling their legal, contractual agreement with WE the People.

We the People did NOT give the lone-wolf terrorists a pass. The FBI under the President did.

The President gave these terrorists a pass.

WE the PEOPLE need to FIRE any elected official who continues to allow our families, friends, kids, neighbors, lovers, soul-mates to be put at risk.

We the People are comp-licit to the murders if we do not act.

Brian Pinette
Taxpayer - Gay Conservative Christian
who is Voting for Donald Trump

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Life is simple.

2016-06-07T19:43:00.000-07:00

Excerpt from: Ma' there's a Terrorist behind the Christmas tree!

2015-12-15T13:42:00.003-08:00

by Brian Pinette

Ma, there's a Terrorist

behind the Christmas Tree

Excerpt:

".... I not Santa helper,‭ ‬Johnny,‭ ‬I what you Americans,‭ ‬what all the world calls us.‭ ‬I am real deal.‭ ‬I proud Terrorist‭!”

“What you saying fool‭ ‬--‭ ‬your people don't like black people.‭ ‬You people are coming into America to kill us Americans,‭ ‬all Americans.‭ ‬We black people have lived and died in America.‭ ‬We love this Country.‭ ‬We blacks fought in wars to protect and serve.

We gave our lives to protect the freedom of this Country.‭ ‬You're a fool for saying what you said in front of me.‭ ‬My past,‭ ‬my folks past in America does NOT determine what my future will be.‭ ‬I determine my own future.

And as God is my witness,‭ ‬I will fight and die for America.‭ ‬May God continue to bless this great U.S.A.‭!” ‬proclaimed Mr.‭ ‬Sanford proudly.

‭“‬You tell‭ '‬em,‭ ‬Pop.‭” ‬added Lamonte.

‭“‬I'll drink to that.‭” ‬slurs Stan as he takes a swig from his beer bottle.

‭“‬Stan‭ ‬--‭”

“Stella.‭” ‬whispers Stan.

‭“‬I'm going to the car.‭ ‬I'll be back.‭” ‬says Stella as she quickly leaves the living room.

‭“‬STELLA‭!”

“You nothing but a drunk.‭” ‬states the man beside the Christmas tree.

‭“‬This is America.‭ ‬We have the freedom to get drunk if we want to.‭” ‬flatly states Grandma Bea.

‭“‬That's right.‭”

“Shut-up Arthur.‭” ‬says Beatrice.

‭“‬Besides,‭ ‬America now has the first black President right now in the White House.‭” ‬insists Scarlett as she stands next to Mr.‭ ‬Sanford.

‭“‬He's black‭? ‬He's black,‭ ‬Lamonte‭?” ‬questions Mr.‭ ‬Sanford,‭ ‬confused.

‭“‬I don't know Pop.‭ ‬I stay out of politics.‭” ‬says Lamonte as he goes to the buffet table.‭ “‬Pop,‭ ‬these fried chicken nuggets are great.‭”

“I'm not eating any chicken unless I can spit out the bones.‭” ‬says Mr.‭ ‬Sanford.

‭“‬Mr.‭ ‬Sanford,‭ ‬remember me‭?”

“Of courses,‭ ‬I watch you on TV all the time.‭”

Ginger smiles.‭ “‬You know I'm wearing black-face right‭?”

“You're not black.‭ ‬She's not black Lamonte‭?” ‬asks Mr.‭ ‬Sanford.

‭“‬You will have to excuse my Pop.‭ ‬He's too cheap to buy a new color TV.‭ ‬He still uses his old portable black and white TV.‭ ‬He uses aluminum foil as an antenna.‭”

...

Click link to visit amazon Kindle to view:

An Inconvenient Truth! Politically IN-CORRECT!

‘Twas the night before ...

What would Sanford & son do?

What would Bea & Arthur say?

What would Stanley & Stella, Ginger or MaryAnn

say if they heard:

[Kindle] $2.99 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0197G7ZL4

FREE READ! America: Christianity under siege! Faith, Hope, Charity & Love Kindle Edition by Brian Pinette

2015-07-14T02:29:00.000-07:00

Click link below to be enlightened and to enjoy this FREE Kindle Read!

http://www.amazon.com/America-Christianity-under-siege-Charity-ebook/dp/B00BVHV8YI/

The Beverly Hills Hotel & The Sultan of Death: Hassanal Bolkiah

2014-05-08T02:19:00.001-07:00

The Beverly Hills Hotel

The Beverly Hills Hotel was unveiled on May 12, 1912. As yet, there wasn't even a city called Beverly Hills. By mid 1914, Beverly Hills had attracted enough residents to incorporate as a city.

Legendary Hollywood directors, actors and actresses such as Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, Charlie Chaplin, Gloria Swanson, Buster Keaton, Rudolph Valentino, Lillian Gish, Pola Negri and Will Rogers built homes there, turning farmland, lots and bean fields surrounding The Beverly Hills Hotel into prime real estate.

Margaret J. Anderson and her son, Stanley S. Anderson, who had been managing the Hollywood Hotel were the original owners. They loved the movies. They loved the stars and celebrities.

From 1928 to 1932, the hotel was owned by the Van Noy Railway News and Hotel Company. Its strict resident owner from 1954 until his death in 1979 was former Detroit real estate magnate Ben L. Silberstein, who took it over from Hernando Courtright, later hotelier at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.

Some of the owners have been celebrities:

Irene Dunne

Loretta Young

and currently ... the Sultan of Brunei.

Marvin H. Davis bought the Hotel for $54 million from Silberstein's sons-in-law Burt Slatkin and Ivan F. Boesky. Boesky had bought the 5% of stock that was outstanding for a reported fortune and decided to sell, despite Slatkin's desire to keep the hotel.

Less than a year later, Davis sold the hotel to the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, for $110 million. The hotel is managed and owned by the Dorchester Collection, organized in 1996 to manage the hotel interests of the Brunei Investment Agency. The west coast regional director for the Dorchester Collection oversees The Beverly Hills Hotel as well as the Hotel Bel-Air.

Owner (Corporation)

Dorchester Collection is a luxury hotel operator owned by the Brunei Investment Agency (BIA), an arm of the Ministry of Finance of Brunei. Dorchester Collection owns and manages 10 luxury five star hotels, The Dorchester, The Beverly Hills Hotel, Plaza Athénée, Hotel Meurice, Principe di Savoia, Hotel Bel-Air, Coworth Park, 45 Park Lane, Le Richemond and Hotel Eden.

The Sultan of Brunei is the head of state and absolute monarch of Brunei. He is also head of government in his capacity as Prime Minister.

Since independence from the British in 1984, only one Sultan has reigned, though the royal institution dates back to the 14th century.

The Sultan of Brunei can be thought of as synonymous with the ruling House of Bolkiah, with descendency being traced from the 1st sultan, temporarily interrupted by the 14th sultan Abdul Hakkul Mubin who in turn was deposed by a member of the House of Bolkiah. It is not clear when the house became known as the 'House of Bolkiah', and whether it was named after the current sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, or the 6th sultan Bolkiah.

The full title of the Sultan is: His Majesty The Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.

The Sultan: Hassanal Bolkiah (full name: Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien; born 15 July 1946) is the 29th and current Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei. He is also the first and incumbent Prime Minister of Brunei. The eldest son of Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien III and Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit, he succeeded to the throne as the Sultan of Brunei, following the abdication of his father on 4 October 1967.

The sultan is worth an estimated $20 billion and lives in a 1,800-room palace. Bolkiah is implementing a Sharia law penal code that includes death by stoning, the severing of limbs, and flogging for crimes in Brunei such as abortions, adultery and homosexual acts. The sultan has had three wives and has numerous children. He has received many awards from the leaders of other nations.

To destroy the beast - it is the Sultan who must be hurt in his wallet.

Celebrities are NOW joining in “the fight”, i.e., boycott of the Beverly Hills Hotel.

The fight is past due. However, these same celebrities also enjoy staying at ALL of the luxury hotels owned by this killer Sultan. There is a list of names. Follow the stars, they proudly advocate all of the Hotels owned by this madman.

The LGBT brought The Beverly Hills Hotel into “their” light. For their agenda.

How long has the world turned their head and turned their backs ignoring Leaders and Countries who strictly enforce and adhere to Sharia law? A genocide of women, torture of women and children. Murder of homosexuals.

All or in part - the rhyme or reason for this boycott is not the issue. IT IS ABOUT TIME.

Sharia law has no place in the civilized world.

In a different time and place - in an age of innocence - the newly founded Hollywood was a place of dreams and fantasy and dream-makers.

Little Mary Pickford and Cecil B. DeMille star Gloria Swanson and Rudolph Valentino and Charlie Chaplin, Mae Murray, Ramon Novarro, John Gilbert and ethereal Lillian Gish all graced the lobby and banquet rooms of The Beverly Hills Hotel.

Mary Pickford & Douglas Fairbanks

Lillian Gish and Mary Pickford

Then, in the name of money - capitalism - Americans sold their interest in a landmark building, as Americans do. They sold their fabled The Beverly Hills Hotel to a killer.

Now it is time, just like the classic film Frankenstein, for the villagers with torches in their hand to either take back or figuratively burn down The Beverly Hills Hotel.

It will never stand for the magic and marvel it once did. It is tainted. The fabled walls and halls can no longer whisper the names of Hollywood and world-wide royalty. The ghosts of the beauties of the silver screen can no longer linger and whisper their memories. The whispering giggles and laughter have turned to despair.

There is blood on the carpets.

The ghosts of the straight and gay elite legends are saddened that their hotel is now owned by a monster. A monster far more dangerous than the gentle Frankenstein creature.

It is time for Hollywood to come out of the closet and fight to take back what is left of decency in America. There is no place for Sharia law in a civilized Country.

This Sultan and future death leaders have no place in America. No place in Beverly Hills. No place in this world.

If need be, this hotel MUST be boy-cotted until is sold to Americans and/or closed down if the Sultan chooses to "hold onto it."

No one wants anyone to lose a job - but sometimes - a loss of a job is far better than advocating a Hotel that is owned by a murderer - who advocates the loss of life and God-given freedoms.

Brian Pinette

Http://rarefilmclassics.blogspot.com

Kane sings Moments of Love with Connie Carnes by Brian Pinette mp3 album $1.98

2014-03-11T20:09:00.002-07:00

Classic love songs sung by Hawaiian born dude – Kane.

“A powerhouse voice” backed up by NYC icon

Connie Carnes with her “angelic voice.”

Masterfully written words and music by Brian Pinette.

Kane sings Moments of Love with Connie Carnes by Brian Pinette mp3 album $1.98

http://www.amazon.com/sings-Moments-Connie-Carnes-Pinette/dp/B00IY2APQA/ref=sr_1_5?s=dmusic&ie=UTF8&qid=1394592086&sr=1-5&keywords=Brian+Pinette?

Harry Reid - A Jihadist pedophile look-alike? The REAL threat to America!

2013-10-25T17:52:00.002-07:00

Harry Reid IS the real threat to America!

Harry Reid is the real Terrorist!

Socialist Governments are afraid of GOD!

2013-10-16T06:07:00.001-07:00

Socialist governments - plain and simple are afraid of God.

More specifically, they are afraid of Religion.

Socialist governments need their citizenry to be dependent upon them for everything. Quite literally, everything.

Socialist governments are greedy and jealous. Socialist leaders are narcissistic and jealous.

They cannot share "citizenry" with anyone, especially a higher power stronger, more powerful & more knowing and wiser than themselves ...

Socialist governments are afraid of God, they are specifically afraid of Jesus.

When citizenry has a choice, they do indeed choose a power higher than themselves and that is not government.

WE the PEOPLE proudly choose God.

When citizenry looks to God for solutions & absolution and not Government - indeed, Government should be afraid.

Government should be very afraid.

For their are certain truths and rights endowed to us by our Creator ...

In God we Trust - NOT in Government we trust.

Republicans = self reliance, hope, faith, family and God.

Democrats and Liberals believe they are the higher powers - they demand and insist upon Government rule and dependence.

Always remember, it is God we must trust!

Texans do NOT want BABY KILLER advocate Wendy Davis for Governor. Vote for Patriot Gregg Abbott

2013-10-11T09:09:00.001-07:00

Wendy has an agenda.

It is clear.

She wants to bring the liberal ideologies of California to Texas.

California is nearing bankruptcy.

California welcomes illegal aliens forsaking their own citizenry.

Wendy WANTS taxpayers to pay for legalized abortions of babies OVER 20 weeks.

In Texas, that is murder.

Greg Abbott is a proven leader and patriot.

He has fought for the rights of Texans and all Americans.

That is the agenda of Greg Abbott. Americans come first.

Don't mess with Texas.

Stand tall and proud!

Vote GREG ABBOTT!

Tweet your support. Cut & paste the folowing into Twitter.

Follow Greg Abbott on Twitter @GregAbbott_TX

and LIKE on

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TexansForAbbott

@WendyDavisTexas @GregAbbott_TX Texans do NOT want BABY KILLER advocate Wendy Davis for Governor. Vote for Patriot Gregg Abbott.

@WendyDavisTexas @GregAbbott_TX Baby Killer Wendy Davis or Patriot Greg Abbott for Texas Governor. Choice is clear!

@WendyDavisTexas @GregAbbott_TX Texans do NOT want Wendy Davis for Governor. Vote for Patriot Gregg Abbott.

To the world, Obama IS a rodeo CLOWN!

2013-08-29T22:59:00.000-07:00

To the world, Obama IS a rodeo CLOWN!

Obama drew a fake red-line in the sand!

He has no coalition to air-strike Syria.

Countries are abandoning Obama. NOT America.

Foreign Countries and their citizenry deem Obama a fool!

Obama owns a failed economy!

Obama picks and chooses which laws he should uphold! (EVERY President in history swore to uphold the Constitution -- Obama blatantly spits upon it!)

The United States is NOT Barack Obama. Barack Hussein Obama does NOT speak for all Americans..

Obama is a glitch in the system!

Obama is NOT for family family values, American tradition.

Obama supports Muslims, Islam OVER Christianity!

His Obamacare “law” was intended to be bait and switch! The Supreme Court, against human logic turned Obamacare into a tax.

Obama forced Americans to get his version of health care. This is like Obama forcing Americans to watch a certain TV show. Demanding Americans to no longer use hair color ... forcing Americans ... dictating to Americans what to choose ...

Obama agenda is to topple America.

FACT: Obama has made his millions. He uses his political & Presidential powers to game America and to game his voter base.

Obama has diminished America.

On Obama’s watch -

America had its first Credit downgrade.

He has made America - the once greatest Country upon this earth -- a laughing stock. A butt of many, many jokes.

Obama cares only for himself and realistically, I am not sure he cares for his own family brood. He is never at home in The White House (which is own temporary loan from WE the People).

Obama is always on Airforce One or on the bus re-campaigning for his failed policies.

The above facts are well-documented.

WE the People are NOT better off with Obama.

He is a failed man --

and failed President.

I am not sure which is worse.

Excerpt from Bestseller: Denizens of Death (eBook) by Brian Pinette

2013-07-22T23:13:00.002-07:00

Excerpt (Chapter) from Denizens of Death

an eBook (Kindle Book) by

Brian Pinette

Sam

It was hot. Too hot for early late night. Usually by eleven, the Texas heat would be worn down and there would be a breeze to highlight the temperature loss. Not tonight.

I wanted to talk to someone, but everyone was in their room either watching television or asleep. None of us had a car so we were free prisoners. We all knew it. Except for Lionel, the self-promoting, oddly arrogant “writer.” But he wasn't really one of us. He and his dog stayed to themselves. He stayed in his room and each day – he would take his dog for a drive.

This once abandoned manufactured home was turned into an illegal rooming house. The perpetrator was now doing time for being a slumlord in West Virginia, two States away. He also tried to assault a cop with a screw-driver. But he wasn't the owner of the land. His name was Kirk. He was the silent partner. The real Landlord. I looked it up on the internet. He owned the land. He held the deed.

He bought the property for the land according to the deed. The run down, abandoned shack was his inspiration. Turn it into a transient, come one, come all, rooming house. It was illegal. This was a residential neighborhood and in the dead center of family homes was a commercial, transient only “rooming house.”

But I was given a special deal. I was allowed to take fifty dollars off my rent if I would assume the title of property manager. I collected the rent. I watched the house further decay right before my eyes. I cared. But I didn't do anything to change anything. I guess I don't care enough.

We have a roof over our heads and it doesn't leak. I used to tell everyone “we are where God wants us to be.” I don't know if I ever really believed that. If I did, what kind of God would allow this to happen? That's why I don't say it anymore. That is why I don't believe it anymore.

We were ten miles from the nearest Walmart. Too far away to walk. There was a neighborhood convenience store. But not so convenient to us. It was about a half mile walk. And there were no streets lamps, so you couldn't get there after darkness arrived. We all knew there were things in the trees. We knew there was always someone or something watching us from behind the trees.

We lived in Texas hill country. Very rural. Trees, big lots. Neighbors you never saw. Or neighbors you saw but who never said hello or goodbye. They lived in pretty brick houses or RVs or manufactured homes or a combination of both. Most had pick up trucks. Most had more than one. Some lived atop the hill and others behind the hills. We saw cars go up and wind in and out of trees and then they disappeared. Houses dotted the hills like pimples or acne on a teen's face.

We were all lost denizens of the hill country. We were the odd ones. We were the ones who lived in the once abandoned home – a carpetbagger type – turned into a get rich quick rooming house scheme. Pay as you stay. No matter where you came from, what you had, what you didn't have. Pay as you stay. Weekly. Monthly. Or longer. Black, white, Hispanic, drunk, pedophile, felon, straight, sober, gay. Pay as you stay. Your yesterday didn't matter as long as you could pay – so you could stay, today, tonight.

This is hicks-ville. Cowboys and red-necks. The deep south died in 1865. There was no need for a resurrection. But the real-life deep south was alive and kicking here. It was alive but not too well. Or maybe, like zombies, many of those who lived in the Texas Hill country just didn't know they too, were dead or dying.

But I was careful. I was one of the last of us who remembered ... I was more than once called nigger when I was a child. I've been called nigger since. And I'm sure I'll be called nigger again, before I pass away.

This was just another night like the night before, like the day before the night before. I wanted a drink. I wanted something. I've been clean and sober going on six years. Coke was my drug of choice. But any kind of alcohol sounded good, too. I just wanted something to help me make it through the night.

I was an over-weight black man who knew it all. I had my diabetes under control. My weight fluctuated. It was constantly on the rise. But I was six feet tall. I was a big old, black man.

I pontificated and ruled over my two wives and three children until they wanted no more. They left me. I didn't leave them. Even the friends I met along the way are gone.

I was hoping one day I would have grand-kids and they'd call me Old Sam. Or Grandpa Sam.

Now I rule over my life of emptiness. I'm sixty eight and alone. And the feeling of loneliness is over-powering. And I am power-less to do anything about it.

The TV said it might rain, but I don't think so. Not tonight.

Old Sam. Yea, I kind of like that name. Old Sam.

Rolling Stone honored Boston Terrorist & Obama - Happy now?

2013-07-20T23:19:00.003-07:00

Two Rolling Stone covers.

Nothing more to say.

Fair and balanced?

Good taste?

Cover-boys?

You bet! YOU decide!

As for me, I walk into stores who sell the the magazine. I fill up my shopping cart.

I go to the cashier. I show them the magazine. I show them my shopping cart.

I state: “Never mind. I cannot shop where you sell this magazine. This is not a teen idol, it’s a terrorist. I love America.”

As I am walking toward the exit, I add, “Tell your Manager.” I leave the store.

God Bles America and freedom of choice.

Denizens of Death [Kindle Edition] “A psychological thriller!" by Brian Pinette

2013-06-29T08:29:00.002-07:00

They were headed on a journey to nowhere.

Strangers.

Different. Yet the same.

Their outcome was inevitable.

“I've been called an ageless beauty.

I am talented beyond words with awards and accolades

from the international press and media.

I am forever.”

Denizens of Death

by Brian Pinette

They say to remember, is to relive.

“A psychological thriller!”

Soon to become a Motion Picture

Denizens of Death [Kindle Edition] “A psychological thriller!"

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DPBB7PI

Denizens of Death ... a novella by Brian Pinette

2013-06-15T06:35:00.000-07:00

Coming - July, 2013

Denizens of Death

A novella

by Brian Pinette

One night, in the dark -

Six people - alone, together ...

Their journey to nowhere.

Could it happen to you?

Or is it you?

16 GOP TRAITORS, Obama & Diaper wearing Harry got their gun control victory in the Senate!

2013-04-11T20:14:00.000-07:00

Cloture by Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) and Obama’s other minions – including treasonous anrti-Constitution Republicans on Capitol Hill pursuing the futile holy grail of true bipartisanship – are set to SELL OUT OUR SECOND AMENDMENT!

WE must SHUT THEM DOWN!

Remember their names - they sold out America!

The final vote was 68-31 – We the People have only JUST BEGUN TO FIGHT!

STOP THE ASSAULT ON OUR SECOND AMENDMENT BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE!

HERE IS THE LIST OF treasonous Republicans ...

Lamar Alexander of Tennessee
Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire
Richard Burr of North Carolina
Saxby Chambliss of Georgia
Tom Coburn of Oklahoma
Susan Collins of Maine
Bob Corker of Tennessee
Jeff Flake of Arizona
Lindsey Graham of South Carolina
John Hoeven of North Dakota
Johnny Isakson of Georgia
Dean Heller of Nevada
Mark Kirk of Illinois
John McCain of Arizona
Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania
Roger Wicker of Mississippi

Austin, TEXAS - City Council members Break Law - NO one cares!

2012-10-27T18:55:00.001-07:00

YOU ... break the law in TEXAS - if you just promise to not do it again and be good, well we'll toss the whole thing out. We paid for the investigation and any "defense" the members had. It's okay to break a law you know exists if you promise not to do it again, and take courses on understanding a law that understanding in the first place is a pre-requisite for serving.

Travis County attorney says he found open meetings violations but will not prosecute Austin City Council members

By Sarah Coppola
American-Statesman Staff

Travis County Attorney David Escamilla said Wednesday that his office found “multiple violations” of open meetings laws during its nearly two-year investigation of the Austin City Council.

But he said he decided not to file criminal charges in part because the council has taken steps to make its deliberations and records more public.

In a long written statement Wednesday — his first detailed comments about the inquiry since launching it in January 2011 — Escamilla said his office had reviewed more than 30,000 pages of notes, texts, emails, cellphone records and other documents from Austin council members. “We found that (they) regularly deliberated outside of the public’s purview by use of almost every modern communication medium that exists,” he said.

“We found probable cause to believe that multiple violations of the Texas Open Meetings Act had occurred.”

However, he said: “This was never an investigation into corrupt practices. There was never even a hint that any of the City Council members were involved in self-dealing, nor was there any evidence that any council member was engaging in these (private) deliberations in order to benefit a friend or political supporter.”

Seven current and former council members have signed “compliance agreements” with Escamilla in which they deny they broke any laws and agree to take courses in open government laws and to keep following such laws. In exchange, they will not face fines or charges.

If they fail to comply with those terms over the next two years, Escamilla said he could file criminal charges for new violations and any that were part of the original investigation.

Open meetings violations can carry fines of up to $500 and as many as six months in jail. Council members expressed relief that the inquiry has ended.

“I’m glad to have this matter resolved,” Council Member Chris Riley said in a statement Wednesday. “Our city government should always be open and accessible, and these agreements reflect our shared commitment to making sure it stays that way.”

Escamilla began the investigation after frequent City Council critic Brian Rodgers filed a complaint saying council members were routinely meeting privately, in groups of two or three, to discuss city business in the days leading up to council meetings.

Escamilla wanted to know if the council was trying to circumvent the Texas Open Meetings Act, which prohibits elected officials from secretly deliberating about upcoming votes and from creating “walking quorums,” in which they relay information to each other to know a vote’s outcome in advance.

Early on, council members turned over to Escamilla and reporters hundreds of emails, a few of which contained stinging remarks about city leaders and caused embarrassment at City Hall.

In each council member’s compliance agreement, Escamilla details examples of possible open-meetings violations he found, including four or more council members — a quorum — discussing significant city issues through phone calls and emails.

The issues include a possible settlement of a lawsuit over a fatal police shooting; a vote related to a controversial water treatment plant; and the job performance of City Manager Marc Ott.

Since the investigation began, the City Council has changed some of its open-government policies, including ending the small private meetings and instead holding public work sessions — long, wide-ranging discussions — two days before each council meeting.

The council also agreed to forward all future messages about city business sent to their private mobile devices to their city accounts so that those messages would clearly be subject to open records laws.

Escamilla cited those changes as among the reasons he decided not to file criminal charges. He also noted that prosecutions of open-meetings violations are rare and tough to prove; that the practice of meeting privately in small groups was in place long before the council members took office; and that the council was not entirely to blame for its open-meetings problems.

“Our investigation revealed that the council members were not well-served by city administration. We could not identify anyone at the city with meaningful responsibility for ensuring compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act,” Escamilla said.

Escamilla said the city has agreed to: offer city employees more training on open government; improve how it retains and gathers records to respond to public-records requests; and create an executive-level job to ensure compliance with open meetings and open records laws.

Over the past two years, the City of Austin has spent about $383,000 out of contracts worth $444,000 hiring three private law firms to advise city officials and the City Council on Escamilla’s investigation and open-meetings matters. Escamilla hasn’t tallied how much his office spent on the inquiry, but said this summer that eight assistant county attorneys were working on it on an as-needed basis.

Every current council member except Kathie Tovo has signed the agreement with Escamilla; Tovo was not on the council when the inquiry began. Her predecessor, Randi Shade, has signed it.

http://www.statesman.com/news/news/l...eetings/nSnBG/

Muslim Ft. Hood Terrorist Nidal Malik Hasan doesn’t want to shave! Obama - drone his ass!

2012-10-19T07:41:00.001-07:00

Nidal Malik Hasan, a practicing Muslim (as per his cousin) was a U.S. Army Major - serving as a psychiatrist at The Fort Hood.

The shooting took place on November 5, 2009, at Fort Hood, the most populous U.S. military installation in the world, located just outside Killeen, Texas. Nidal was shot and taken into custody by Department of the Army Civilian Police officers and is now paralyzed from the waist down. Hasan has been charged with 13 counts of premeditated murder and 32 counts of attempted murder under the Uniform Code of Military Justice; he may face additional charges at court-martial. If he is convicted, he could be given the death penalty.

But - now, as of this date - his trial is still being pre-empted. This terrorist decided he does not want to shave as it would be against his religion.

YET - when he became a soldier - he swore to defend the American Constitution, et al. So - he sits and the U.S.A. is laughed at world wide.

Muslim terrorist sympathizer Barack Hussein Obama, as with the Libya Embassy Terrorist Attack - is silent.

OBAMA & Michelle snub D-DAY! Profound!

2012-06-06T15:56:00.001-07:00

Barack HUSSEIN Obama & Michelle snub D-day.

OBAMA on Air Force One with Jon Bon Jovi in San Francisco campaigning.

Michelle is collecting dog recipes.

How can the Commander and Chief IGNORE D-Day and the lives lost ...

This is profound. Who does not see this?

No wonder people question where this man was born.

Who voted for this man?

Are you proud of him?

What has he done for YOU lately?

Really, can you truly answer that?

What has he done for or to you, lately?

Lies, all lies!

"YOU can make a difference!" VOTE!

2012-05-30T19:14:00.001-07:00

AIN’T LIFE A BLIP!
UPDATE: May 31st, 2012

kathrynpuckett from Pflugerville, TX
kathrynpuckett heard your song "You Can Make A Difference" playing in a station with Carrie Underwood.

Janice from Burnaby, Canada Janice heard your song "You Can Make A Difference" playing in a station with Brooks & Dunn.

Andrew from Austin, TX Andrew heard your song "You Can Make A Difference" playing in a station with Johnny Cash.

gianna.palermo from Pleasantville, NJ just became your fan ...
popejoy.marcus from Fort Washington, MD just became your fan.

They became a fan after hearing your song "You Can Make A Difference".

Know in your heart that you play a part - and the world would nothing with out YOU!

You Can Make A Difference, words/music, Brian Pinette

Sung by Brian Pinette and Connie Carnes Recorded in NYC.

Every man can make a difference,
every woman can make a difference it's true
Every boy and every girl in this wide wonderful world -
you can make a difference if you try

For each man - can make a difference
And each woman - can make a difference it's true
For you know you'll get by - you can even fly
You can make a difference if you try

When people say you can't - you say you can
Just have faith in all you say and do
You can travel far - you can touch the stars
Just remember - to thine own self be true

Every man can make a difference,
every woman can make a difference it's true
Every boy and every girl in this wide wonderful world -
you can make a difference if you try

For each man - can make a difference
And each woman - can make a difference it's true
For you know you'll get by - you can even fly
You can make a difference if you try

Every man can make a difference,
every woman can make a difference it's true
Every boy and every girl in this wide wonderful world -
you can make a difference if you try

Sometimes you may stumble, sometimes you may fall
But every man will rise to have his day
Don't settle for less - you can have it all
And you'll find it was worth the price to pay

For each man - can make a difference
And each woman - can make a difference it's true
Every boy and every girl in this wide wonderful world
You can make a difference if you try

Know in your heart - that YOU play a part
And the world would be nothing with out you!

Every man can make a difference,
every woman can make a difference it's true
Every boy and every girl in this wide wonderful world -
you can make a difference if you try

For each man - can make a difference
And each woman - can make a difference it's true
For you know you'll get by - you can even fly
You can make a difference if you try

Every man can make a difference,
every woman can make a difference it's true
Every boy and every girl in this wide wonderful world -
you can make a difference if you try

For each man - can make a difference
And each woman - can make a difference it's true
Every boy and every girl in this wide wonderful world
You can make a difference if you try

World Rights Reserved - Copyright Brian Pinette / BMI Affiliate: Songwriter & Publisher

Brian Pinette DVD (Music Videos ... Original Songs, Words/Music and sung by Brian) OR a CD with songs only.

WE the People no longer govern America!

2011-11-28T03:42:00.001-08:00

WE the PEOPLE no longer govern.

WE pay the salaries of Politicians.

They give themselves annual raises.

WE the PEOPLE do without. We have no say.

CAREER Politicians do as they please, disregarding WE the PEOPLE & the Constitution.

WE the PEOPLE are now just people and SLAVES to those we put into power.

SLAVERY is alive and well in the USA!

Politicians are OUR masters - we are nothing but their slaves.

Ironic if it wasn't so sad! AND “For the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country.” said Michelle Obama. (EXACT QUOTE)

If I wasn't stunned, I could say something.

Obama, under his watch - the USA lost its superior credit rating.

WE the PEOPLE watched Obama apologize to foreign countries and enemies of America.

We watched Obama snub the Dali Lama.

At the same time - we watched Obama gleefully take millions from movies stars and large corporations, have over-the-top Hollywood parties in the White House, the very House owned by We the People.

We the People were the uninvited guests.
We weren’t even allowed to look into the window. We heard about the parties long after they came and went.

In my modest logic - Obama enjoys being a Prez.

Yet he turns over every issue to his Congress or Senate.

He takes no personal responsibility. He blames everyone for his failure.

Botox Queen Nancy Pelosi “Sign the bill, read it later.”

A first day law student, or what our folks told us growing up – read first.

To date, the majority of those who signed – have yet to read it. They have yet to read this healthcare bill.

I've read it sixteen times.

Those thieving Politicians just enacted a law whereby they CANNOT use their knowledge and purchase stocks.

That is called insider trading – just ask Martha Stewart.

They just enacted this rule or law.

Excuse me?

This LAW was always there for the regular person – but remember, Politicians, these people we elect ALWAYS believe they were above the law – they were the law, they ARE the law.

GREED and CORRUPTION run amok.

Barack Hussein Obama has honestly done nothing himself. HE delegates.

He likes to talk. But I believe the majority of people stopped listing to his promises and rhetoric. After all, too much hot air becomes depressing. Especially from the mouth of a President I have to keep apologizing for ... to all my international friends.

They just laugh and they agree he is sort of a buffoon, a clown. That makes me sad. As Obama spends money as if he were dipping into his own multi-millions ... but he is not using his money - he is using the money of the U.S. citizenry.

Our grandchildren and their children will still be paying off Obama’s debt.

No worries for Michelle and Barack. They ARE the 2%.

They have their wealth and WE the little people do with less or do with nothing - for WE the PEOPLE pay their salaries.

We can’t give ourselves a raise each year - the Politicians give themselves a raise all the time. We pay their salary. If it weren’t so tragic - it would be funny.

But I cannot find the humor at all. YEP - thanks to Michelle & Barack – thanks to the Government for the people and by the people. Or should we just scrape and bow and say thank you Master and we stand on the outside looking into a world we will never know.

Is there hope - well, history has proven many a thing.

FACT: The most influential and most intelligent countries in all of mankind have fallen.

The Roman Empires. Russia. France and cultures and civilizations long before them.

The people rose with their last breath - their last ounce of courage.

They were tired of being tired.

You can only kick a dog so many times - until it turns around and bites your ass!

Time for a little ass biting!

VOTE THEM OUT! 12 Super-Committee members. THEY failed America.

2011-11-21T18:41:00.000-08:00

Remember NAMES of ALL 12 Super-Committee members.

THEY failed America.

VOTE THEM OUT!

Rep. Jeb Hensarling of Texas (Republican and committee co-chair)

Sen. Patty Murray of Washington (Democrat and committee co-chair)

Rep. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland (Democrat)

Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona (Republican)

Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts (Democrat)

Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania (Republican)

Sen. Max Baucus of Montana (Democrat)

Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio (Republican)

Rep. Xavier Becerra of California (Democrat)

Rep. Dave Camp of Michigan (Republican)

Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina (Democrat)

Rep. Fred Upton of Michigan (Republican)

Demand Senate & Congress be paid minimum wage!

2011-09-22T10:40:00.000-07:00

Demand Senate & Congress be paid minimum wage!

WE are boss! Time to FIGHT! WE the PEOPLE pay their salaries.

THEY are not better than WE the PEOPLE.

We pay their salaries.

DEMAND that ALL Congress, ALL Senate make the minimum wage of the State they represent.

Let's see if they can make it on what they dole out to us!

Life! Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness!

Time for an American revolution to TAKE BACK AMERICA!

Demand Senate & Congress make minimum wage!

Can YOU and your family make it on what the POLITICIANS say we must?

They do NOT get Social Security so they don't care if it is raised to 80 years of age.

WE the people will pay their lifelong pensions and retirement. WE the PEOPLE will work until WE die on the job. WE the PEOPLE will work until we die on the unemployment line at whatever age THEY decide.

WE the PEOPLE pay their salaries - yet, THEY say we have to work ,,, until when - 69, competing with 19 year olds for the same job ....

THEY give themselves raises - yet WE receive nothing. Isn't that B.S.? Isn't that a kick in the pants? Think about it? We are getting screwed. Remember, WE pay their salary. Then they decide what we must be paid. That is literal insanity.

This is why this Country was founded. People were tired of the inequality. The aristocracy. The elite.

Minimum wage by State:

Alabama $7.25

Alaska $7.75

Arizona $7.35 Raised pursuant to FMWA. Previous rate pursuant to Arizona Proposition 202. This rate will be automatically adjusted annually based on the U.S. Consumer Price Index. This rate increase does not affect student workers in places such as libraries and cafeterias because those positions are given by universities, which are State entities.[10] The state minimum wage was increased 10 cents to $7.35 on January 1, 2011.[11] The state tipped also increased 10 cents to $4.35 per hour.

Arkansas $6.25 Applicable to employers of 4 or more employees.

California $8.00 San Francisco $9.92. The Minimum Wage Ordinance states that exempt employees must make twice the state minimum wage.

Colorado $7.36 Set to increase or decrease according to yearly changes in inflation. The state wage was increased to $7.36 per hour on January 1, 2011. The tipped wage increased to $4.34 per hour.

Connecticut $8.25 This rate was increased by 25 cents to $8.25 on January 1, 2010. Tipped employees earn $5.69 per hour, which is a tipped rate that is 69% of the state minimum wage.

Delaware $7.25 Raised pursuant to FMWA.

Florida $7.31 Raised pursuant to FMWA. If and when it is below the federal rate, it rises with inflation. $4.29 per hour for tipped employees.

Georgia $5.15 Only applicable to employers of 6 or more employees. If less than 6 then there is no minimum at all. Tipped employees earn $2.13. The State law excludes from coverage any employment that is subject to the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act when the Federal rate is greater than the State rate.

Hawaii $7.25 Tipped employees earn $7.00 (25 cents less than the current state minimum wage).

Idaho $7.25 Raised pursuant to FMWA.

Illinois $8.25 Employers may pay anyone under the age of 18 fifty cents less. Tipped employees earn $4.95 (employers may claim credit for tips, up to 40% of wage).
Indiana $7.25 Raised pursuant to FMWA.

Iowa $7.25 Most small retail and service establishments grossing less than 300,000 annually are not required to pay the minimum wage. Tipped employees can be paid 60% of the minimum wage, which is currently $4.35.

Kansas $7.25 For many years, the minimum wage was set to $2.65, the lowest in the nation. The state wage was increased to match the federal level on January 1, 2010.
Kentucky $7.25 Raised pursuant to FMWA.

Louisiana None Federal minimum applies.

Maine $7.50 Tipped employees earn $3.75 (one-half of the current state minimum wage).

Maryland $7.25 Raised pursuant to FMWA. Tipped employees earn $3.63.

Massachusetts $8.00 $2.63 for service (tipped) employees, $1.60 for agricultural employees. With time-and-a-half on Sundays (for retail workers only) the Sunday minimum wage is $12.00/hr.

Michigan $7.40 $2.65 for service (tipped) employees. Minors 16–17 years of age may be paid 85% of the minimum hourly wage rate (currently a rate of $6.29 per hour). Training wage for new employees ages 16 to 19 of $4.25 per hour for first 90 days of employment.

Minnesota $7.25 Small employers, whose annual receipts are less than $625,000 and who do not engage in interstate commerce, can pay their employees $5.25 per hour. (Note: The federal minimum wage for all employers grossing more than $500,000 is $7.25 an hour as of July 24, 2009, so the Minnesota large-employer rate of $6.15 an hour is obsolete as of that date.)

Mississippi None Federal minimum applies.

Missouri $7.25 Raised pursuant to FMWA. This rate is automatically adjusted annually based on the U.S. Consumer Price Index rounded to the nearest five cents. In September 2010, the Missouri Department of Labor announced that the state minimum wage would not increase in 2011.

Montana $7.35 Raised pursuant to FMWA. This rate is automatically adjusted annually based on the U.S. Consumer Price Index. Tip income may not be applied as an offset to an employee's pay rate. The minimum pay is $4/hour for business with less than $110,000 in annual sales. The indexed minimum wage was increased 10 cents to $7.35 per hour on January 1, 2011.

Nebraska $7.25 Raised pursuant to FMWA.

Nevada $8.25 Rises with inflation.[33] The minimum wage increased to $8.25 on July 1, 2010. Employers who offer health benefits can pay employees $7.25.[34] In April 2011, Nevada's Labor Commissioner Michael Tanchek announced that the minimum wage would remain at $8.25 per hour for the July 2011-July 2012 period.
New Hampshire $7.25 In June 2011, media reported that state lawmakers approved legislation that repeals the state minimum wage law and aligns it with federal law. The new law does not affect the tipped wage rate, which will remain at $3.27 per hour.

New Jersey $7.25 Raised pursuant to FMWA.

New Mexico $7.50 $9.85 in Santa Fe (now covering all employees, since expansion to employers with less than 25 employees, as of January 1, 2008).(This wage was previously tied with San Francisco as the highest in the country. Albuquerque's minimum wage is $7.50 per hour (employers who provide health care or child care benefits can pay employees $6.50 per hour).

New York $7.25 Raised pursuant to FMWA. New York also has a minimum for exempt employees $536.10 per week as of January 1, 2007.

North Carolina $7.25 Raised pursuant to FMWA.

North Dakota $7.25 Raised pursuant to FMWA.

Ohio $7.40 $7.25 for 14 and 15 year-olds and employees whose employers gross less than $267,000 per year.[41] This rate is automatically adjusted annually on every January 1 based on the U.S. Consumer Price Index. $3.70 plus tips for tipped employees.

Oklahoma $7.25 Raised pursuant to FMWA. Federal minimum wage used as reference; no actual amounts written in law. $2.00 per hour for work not covered by federal minimum wage (OK Statutes 40-197.5).

Oregon $8.50 Rises with inflation. The wage increased 10 cents to $8.50 on January 1, 2011.

Pennsylvania $7.25 Raised pursuant to FMWA.

Rhode Island $7.40 $2.89 for employees receiving tips.

South Carolina None Federal minimum applies.

South Dakota $7.25 Raised pursuant to FMWA.

Tennessee None Federal minimum applies. The state does have a promised wage law whereby the employers are responsible for paying to the employees the wages promised by the employer.

Texas $7.25 Raised pursuant to FMWA. Federal minimum wage used as reference; no actual amounts written in law.

Utah $7.25 Raised pursuant to FMWA. Federal minimum wage used as reference after legislative action; no actual amounts written in law. Current rate took effect on September 8, 2007. $2.13 an hour for tipped employees.

Vermont $8.15 Rises with inflation.[8] Tipped employees are paid $3.95.

Virginia $7.25 Raised pursuant to FMWA. Federal minimum wage used as reference.

Washington $8.67 Employees aged 14 or 15 may be paid 85% of the minimum wage, which is $7.37 as of January 1, 2011. Minimum wage increases annually by a voter-approved cost-of-living adjustment based on the federal Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W).

West Virginia $7.25 Applicable to employers of 6 or more employees at one location not involved in interstate commerce.

Wisconsin $7.25 Raised pursuant to FMWA. Tipped employees are paid $2.33.
Wyoming $5.15 $2.13 for employees receiving tips. FMWA.

American Samoa $2.68-$4.69 Varies by industry.[47] Planned increases to $7.25 by 2014. On September 30, 2010, President Obama signed legislation that delays scheduled wage increases for 2010 and 2011. Annual wage increases of $0.50 will recommence on September 30, 2012.

District of Columbia $8.25 Raised pursuant to FMWA. This rate is automatically set at $1 above the Federal minimum wage rate if the District of Columbia rate is lower. The tipped wage in Washington, DC is $2.77 per hour.

Guam $7.25

There's A New NEW WORLD COMING - Cass Elliott

Actress Wannabee Sonya Bellah - No Show

2011-09-11T04:35:00.000-07:00

Actress Wannabee Sonya Bellah - No Show

Some people in the entertainment business are not known for their integrity. But among the many I have worked with through the years - from Coleen Gray, Patsy Ruth Miller, Lillian Gish among others - their word was their bond.

I was to continue filming another little opus (Death Takes A Holyday) on Saturday, September 9th, 2011.

An Austin "actress" had accepted the small role via email and we even hooked up over the telephone to discuss character.

On Friday night - all was set to shoot at 1pm on Saturday.

On Saturday morning -

from Sonya Bellah sonya.bellah@gmail.com
to Brian Pinette
date Sat, Sep 10, 2011 at 6:48 AM
subject RE: Operator

Hi Brian,
I am sorry, but I have to bow out of this project. I've received a call-back this morning to do more with a project through the rest of the year, it pays the bills ...

I wish you much luck with this film!

Thank you and have a great day!
Sonya

Well, you see the "professional" photo she sent me.

And - the day of the shoot - an actress wannabee cancels.

Just venting.

Her part was filled within an hour with a real actress.

Salaries and Benefits of U.S. Congress Members

2011-08-26T03:42:00.000-07:00

Salaries and Benefits of US Congress Members
By Robert Longley, About.com Guide

Here are some facts for your consideration.

Rank-and-File Members:

The current salary (2011) for rank-and-file members of the House and Senate is $174,000 per year.

Members are free to turn down pay increase and some choose to do so.

In a complex system of calculations, administered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, congressional pay rates also affect the salaries for federal judges and other senior government executives.

During the Constitutional Convention, Benjamin Franklin considered proposing that elected government officials not be paid for their service. Other Founding Fathers, however, decided otherwise.

From 1789 to 1855, members of Congress received only a per diem (daily payment) of $6.00 while in session, except for a period from December 1815 to March 1817, when they received $1,500 a year. Members began receiving an annual salary in 1855, when they were paid $3,000 per year.

Congress: Leadership Members' Salary (2011)
Leaders of the House and Senate are paid a higher salary than rank-and-file members.

Senate Leadership
Majority Party Leader - $193,400
Minority Party Leader - $193,400

House Leadership
Speaker of the House - $223,500
Majority Leader - $193,400
Minority Leader - $193,400

A cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) increase takes effect annually unless Congress votes to not accept it.

Benefits Paid to Members of Congress

You may have read that Members of Congress do not pay into Social Security. Well, that's a myth.

Prior to 1984, neither Members of Congress nor any other federal civil service employee paid Social Security taxes. Of course, they were also not eligible to receive Social Security benefits. Members of Congress and other federal employees were instead covered by a separate pension plan called the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). The 1983 amendments to the Social Security Act required federal employees first hired after 1983 to participate in Social Security. These amendments also required all Members of Congress to participate in Social Security as of January 1, 1984, regardless of when they first entered Congress. Because the CSRS was not designed to coordinate with Social Security, Congress directed the development of a new retirement plan for federal workers. The result was the Federal Employees' Retirement System Act of 1986.

Members of Congress receive retirement and health benefits under the same plans available to other federal employees. They become vested after five years of full participation.

Members elected since 1984 are covered by the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS). Those elected prior to 1984 were covered by the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). In 1984 all members were given the option of remaining with CSRS or switching to FERS.

As it is for all other federal employees, congressional retirement is funded through taxes and the participants' contributions. Members of Congress under FERS contribute 1.3 percent of their salary into the FERS retirement plan and pay 6.2 percent of their salary in Social Security taxes.

Members of Congress are not eligible for a pension until they reach the age of 50, but only if they've completed 20 years of service. Members are eligible at any age after completing 25 years of service or after they reach the age of 62. Please also note that Members of Congress have to serve at least 5 years to even receive a pension.

The amount of a congressperson's pension depends on the years of service and the average of the highest 3 years of his or her salary. By law, the starting amount of a Member's retirement annuity may not exceed 80% of his or her final salary.

According to the Congressional Research Service, 413 retired Members of Congress were receiving federal pensions based fully or in part on their congressional service as of Oct. 1, 2006. Of this number, 290 had retired under CSRS and were receiving an average annual pension of $60,972. A total of 123 Members had retired with service under both CSRS and FERS or with service under FERS only. Their average annual pension was $35,952 in 2006.

Mad as hell! 261 millionaire members of U.S. Congress

2011-08-26T03:17:00.000-07:00

The 10 Wealthiest Members of Congress

Get mad! Get Angry! There are 261 millionaire members of Congress, according to an analysis of personal wealth conduct by the Center for Responsive Politics.

... according to financial disclosures

U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a Democrat from California, reported a net worth of between $46 million and $108.1 million in 2010.

U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, a Democrat from West Virginia, reported a net worth of between $61.4 million and $136.2 million in 2010.

U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, a Republican from Texas, reported a net worth of between $73.7 million and $201.5 million in 2010.

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, a Republican from Florida, reported a net worth of as much as $366.2 million in 2010.

U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl, a Democrat from Wisconsin, reported a net worth of between $89.4 million and $231.2 million in 2010.

U.S. Rep. Jared Polis, a Democrat from Colorado, reported a net worth of between $36.7 million and $285.1 million in 2010.

U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, a Democrat from Virginia, reported a net worth of between $65.7 million and $283.1 million in 2010.

U.S. Sen. John Kerry, a Democrat from Massachusetts, reported a net worth of between $182.8 million and $294.9 million in 2010.

U.S. Rep. Jane Harman, a Democrat from California, reported a net worth of between $151.5 million and $435.4 million in 2010.

U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa, a Republican from California, reported a net worth of between $156.1 million and $451.1 million in 2010.