libera voce/libera mente

What Do VoIP Phone Systems Have to Do with Political Campaigns?

noreply@blogger.com (Michael J. Farrand) — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 18:55:00 +0000

Call center

While political campaigns always use cutting-edge technology, there is one practice that remains a tradition: Making phone calls. This is a vital part of any campaign, whether it is to seek votes or donations, all campaigns need a cost-effective communications solution. And here’s where VoIP phone systems have a lot to offer.

VoIP technology also allows hosted PBX systems to be installed, enabling a direct communication with potential voters, but this might be a topic for a whole new article, so let’s focus on VoIP phones for now.

Some things never change . .

In a world ruled by social media, some find shocking that personal phone calls are still such a vital part of politics. The truth is bulk and generic messages don’t have the same results. That is why politicians get volunteers to spend hours reaching potential contributors over the phone, a process that can be accomplished faster by using VoIP.

The most common goals for campaign calls are:

Get votes
Get funds
Get supporters
Poll voters
Analyze and understand demographics

How technology can help . .

The capabilities of Cloud hosted PBX systems allow centralized calls to be made from an operations center or remotely. This means location is not an issue anymore. And telephone plans aren’t either. VoIP makes telephone calls over the internet, providing a lower rate, something critical when you need to make dozens of phone calls a day.

VoIP phone systems and hosted PBX systems are also highly scalable, so if the campaign turns out to be a massive success and more volunteers join in, more extensions can be added with little to no problem. Additionally, since these are software based systems, all changes, configuration adjustments and restrictions are managed from a central computer for complete control.

As you may have figured out by now, adopting the latest technology does not mean leaving tradition behind. The best practices must always be complemented and enhanced by innovative methods. And if these newer methods happen to be cost-effective and stress-free, they should be more than welcomed.

Who said being conservative meant not embracing technology? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

New York City Mayor de Blasio’s Push for Universal Pre-K

noreply@blogger.com (Michael J. Farrand) — Tue, 14 Jan 2014 20:06:00 +0000

As promised during his campaign, New York City’s new Mayor Bill de Blasio is pushing for citywide universal pre-kindergarten classes and promising to pay for them by taxing NYC’s wealthy. This may not come easily if Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is up for re-election, has anything to do with it.

On the same day, Governor Cuomo vowed to lower taxes throughout the state. Maybe these two should employ SMS termination as a means of communication as it seems they are not on the same page.

Both the Mayor and Governor agree that pre-K classes offer great value to a child’s education. The conflict arises because both these politicians have drastically different ideas on how to pay for it. Mayor de Blasio wants to fund it by taxing those NYC residents making $500,000 or more a year instead of going the traditional route and asking Albany for a bigger budget for education. The fear, according to de Blasio, is that pre-K could potentially be cut in the future should economic times take a downturn.

Government, like business, is always looking for ways to cut spending. It’s like a company with international demands seeking premium call termination to gain powerful communication tools and allocate the funds saved to valuable projects. For Mayor de Blasio’s dream of universal pre-K for all New York City children to come true, it seems there would be value in investigating all viable options for funding his program before pursuing tax increases for any New Yorker.

With the battle for NYC universal pre-K just beginning, it will be interesting to see what outcome the Mayor and Governor agree on. With every top labor leader at his side, Mayor de Blasio has steadfastly vowed to see his education plan come to fruition.

Image courtesy of Paul Gooddy/freedigitalphotos.net

Morning Briefing: January 14, 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Michael J. Farrand) — Tue, 14 Jan 2014 20:01:00 +0000

Morning Briefing

for January 14, 2014

>> Today's Sponsor

1. Us vs. Them

The United States Chamber of Commerce, already in the tank for amnesty, is now in the tank for Common Core. The Chamber of Commerce will be funding Republican candidates to beat conservatives.

The New York Times recently ran an article on the corrupt and entangling alliances within the Mainstreet Partnership. This group of liberal Republicans, funded by an alliance of Wall Street and Labor Unions intends to defeat both conservative incumbents and challengers to Republicans.

Both of these groups are working with the Republican Establishment, including the National Republican Senatorial Committee, whose staff, when not hanging out with questionable souls, is attacking conservative talk radio hosts.

Friends, the battle lines are stark and clear. Conservatives will beat the GOP or the GOP will go left. It will go left toward amnesty, left toward common core, left toward Obamacare, left toward abortion rights, left toward gun control, and left toward tax increases and even bigger spending.

You may think you can sit it out. You may not want to get dirty. But you do not have a choice. You will either stand with the labor unions and crony capitalists funding the establishment, or with the conservative fighters funding freedom loving candidates. . . . please click here for the rest of the post →

2. The UAW At VW: A Desperate Old Dog Tries A Very Old (And Illegal) Trick

As outgoing United Auto Workers' President Bob King tries to do everything within his power to unionize the American workers of German-based Volkswagen, the tactics used on VW employees have already been the subject of unfair labor practice charges filed with the National Labor Relations Board.

In addition, as the UAW states its goal to be more cooperative and to "partner" with VW and its German union, it appears that the UAW wants to defer its independence to the German automaker's Works Council which may violate the eight-decade old National Labor Relations Act as well. . . . please click here for the rest of the post →

3. Wanted: manly virtue

Rich Cromwell writes a lively discussion of our culture's attempts to deal with manly virtue at The Federalist, inspired by a hilariously funny advertisement that shows a guy desperately trying to recapture his masculinity after using a feminine product in the shower . . . please click here for the rest of the post →

4. Washington at its Best

Washington is a place filled to the brim with irony and hypocrisy. This week Congress will consider a $1.1 trillion omnibus bill and an extension of dependency-inducing long-term unemployment benefits for the seventh year in a row. Watch how the irony unfolds.

After agreeing to undo part of the sequester for the first two years of the budget frame, as part of the Ryan-Murray agreement, the House plans to pass a full omnibus bill this week to reflect the topline budget numbers of that deal. Pursuant to the December agreement, one of the only real spending cuts used to offset the sequester cancellation was a cut in military pensions to those currently serving in the Armed Forces. Even though we all warned about the dyslexic priorities of that agreement, both parties proceeded to vote for the bill, opting to complain about those cuts the minute the bill was signed into law. . . . please click here for the rest of the post →

5. Dr. Chad Mathis for Congress

Dr. Chad Mathis had a good haul in campaign cash last quarter. For those of you who have not heard of him, Dr. Mathis is running in Alabama's 6th Congressional District.

He's a solid conservative, a doctor, and would be a terrific addition to the United States House of Representatives. . . . please click here for the rest of the post →

>> Today's Sponsor

Sincerely yours,

Erick Erickson
Editor-in-Chief, RedState

RedState | One Massachusetts Ave., N.W. | Washington, D.C. 20001

Inspirational, disabled family lost its health coverage, and it’s Obamacare’s fault

noreply@blogger.com (Michael J. Farrand) — Tue, 14 Jan 2014 19:59:00 +0000

January 14, 2014

Top Headlines

'Its Bad For Our Health'

An Obamacare supporter explains why he gave up on Obamacare, after months of frustration and a lot of money

This inspirational, disabled family lost its health coverage, and it's Obamacare's fault

'We didn't put ourselves in this situation... the government put is in this situation'

Hollywood fundraises for Texas abortions with 'Night of a Thousand Vaginas!'

Comedians Sarah Silverman and Zach Galifianakis are expected to participate

Obama gets new prop for 'War on Women' campaign

Obamcare? the economy? --- better change the subject before election day

Politics

FLASHBACK: Rand Paul, Christie battled over Sandy relief Feds now investigating

Ad money in relief package being audited

Ousted Dem isn't running for office, Dems rejoice

But the man who led her recall campaign will

Colorado's new motor voters law

Feel free to move about the state

Entertainment

You'll NEVER GUESS what Henry Kissinger's son does

He's apparently a funny, funny guy

No, TBS's 'Conan' isn't behind the viral video of the kid that looks like Conan O'Brien [VIDEO]

The Daily Caller investigates

Education

N.M. Democrat's answer to dismal high school graduation rate? Just lower standards!

Brilliant!

Frat dudes make pledges rub hot sauce on their crotches, clutch poop during 'Hell Night'

'If I was a true brother, I would eat it'

Sports

Ex-NBA player NOT sorry enough to donate money he earned from North Korean trip

He's only sorry to the point where it actually affects him

Accuser of NY Yankees' Rodriguez speaks publicly about doping case

More truth emerges behind A-Rod doping scandal

Business

Report: Obama's solar energy revolution failing to take hold

''Nobody's going to break ground'

EPA's agenda begins to unravel with clean coal project setback

Rules for new coal plants under scrutiny

Guns and Gear

Dallas Safari Club auction raises $350,000 for rhino conservation

Controversial rhino hunt auction sets record

NSSF, SAAMI file lawsuit to invalidate unworkable microstamping law

Gun owners, we can't lose this fight

Tech	Read More»

REVEALED: No Obamacare plan to fight fraud, security breaches

Congresswoman outraged, administration not living up to deal that ended the shutdown

Somebody named the Berlin Square after Adolf Hitler on Google Maps

Oops

Opinion

Obama should ignore calls to get more deeply involved in Iraq

The people making them have discredited themselves time and time again.

Fixing our lousy schools: Back to the future?

The big question is whether innovation will take place within the public school world, or outside it.

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Lawsuits and Health Care: Where will it end?

noreply@blogger.com (Michael J. Farrand) — Tue, 14 Jan 2014 19:57:00 +0000

January 14, 2014

Today's top stories:

1.) This inspirational, disabled family lost its health coverage, and it’s Obamacare’s fault

2.) Maria Shriver report gives Obama new prop for ‘War on Women’

3.) Inhofe: ‘fewer and fewer’ senators believe in global warming

4.) An Obamacare supporter recounts his misadventures dealing with HealthCare.gov

5.) Christopher Preble: Obama should ignore calls to get more deeply involved in Iraq

6.) Matt K. Lewis: Adverse selection collides with the rise of the creative class

7.) President Obama finally responds to Bob Gates' criticism

8.) Issa: Obama admin's IRS investigation appears to be a sham

9.) Shock verdict: Cops found NOT guilty of murder in brutal death of Kelly Thomas

10.) ROASTED: Leno continues to ridicule Obamacare lies

From the Intercollegiate Studies Institute's Collegiate Network and LI's Campus Reform:

11.) U. Florida sued by gun rights group claiming school gun policy violates state law
(Campus Reform)

12.) Permanent Things
(The Arch Conservative)

13.) Endless War
(The College Conservative)

14.) Meet the President of NU’s First Group for Women in Philosophy
(The Northwestern Chronicle)

15.) Lawsuits and Health Care: Where will it end?
(The Brown Spectator)

Giuliani Compares Bridge Scandal to Benghazi

noreply@blogger.com (Michael J. Farrand) — Tue, 14 Jan 2014 19:56:00 +0000

Today's Headlines: Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Planned Parenthood Did 1 Adoption Referral Per 149 Abortions
HHS: 5.6M of 6M Who Signed Up on Exchanges Will Get Federal Funding

Former DOT Secretary LaHood: 'Let's Raise the Gas Tax'

It is because of the generosity of readers like you that CNSNews.com is able to report THE TRUTH, seven days a week. Please make a gift today.
Kerry 'Deeply Concerned' By Nigeria's Ban on Same-Sex Marriage

Giuliani Compares Bridge Scandal to Benghazi, IRS Scandal

Rep. Hoyer on Legalized Pot: 'I'm Not A Proponent'

Gillibrand: More Help for Working Women Will Produce a Thriving Middle Class

COMMENTARY:

A Blank Check For War on Iran
By Patrick J. Buchanan
With Republican support, the Senate is about to vote Israel a virtual blank check — for war on Iran. The bill virtually hands over the decision on war to Israel's Bibi Netanyahu. Do we really want to outsource the decision on war in the Persian Gulf, the gas station of the world, to a Likud regime whose leaders routinely compare Iran to Nazi Germany?

Income Inequality
By Walter E. Williams
Democrats plan to demagogue income inequality and the wealth gap for political gain in this year's elections. Most of what's said about income inequality is stupid or, at best, ill-informed. Let's look at it.

1900 Campus Commons Dr. 6th floor | Alexandria, VA 20191

How You’ll Pay for Obamacare in 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Michael J. Farrand) — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 18:38:00 +0000

Obamacare contains 18 specific tax hikes, mandates, or penalties that cost Americans money, and three new ones take effect in 2014. This is only the beginning—watch how two of these taxes get worse in the years to come.

1. Individual Mandate Tax. The individual mandate is designed to strong-arm individuals into purchasing government-approved health insurance or facing a tax penalty. In 2014, the penalty for not purchasing insurance will be either $95 or 1 percent of annual income (whichever is greater). Very few, if any, people will end up paying just $95, because individuals with an annual income of only $9,500 or less would likely qualify for Medicaid or a hardship exemption from the mandate. The mandate increases drastically in coming years, rising to $325 or 2 percent of income in 2015, and $695 or 2.5 percent of income in 2016—whichever is greater.

2. Health Insurer Tax. One of the largest tax increases in the law is an annual fee imposed on health insurers based on their share of the market. It is estimated to raise $8 billion in 2014 alone. The tax will more than likely be passed on to consumers through premium increases. An actuarial analysis by the consulting firm Oliver Wyman projects that in 2014, this tax will increase premiums by 1.9 percent to 2.3 percent. And the impact will be greater in later years as the tax increases.

3. Reinsurance Fee. This fee isn’t included in the list of 18 tax hikes, but it’s another one that will impact the cost of insurance. Health insurers will have to pay the temporary fee on group health plans to help spread the cost of the covering those in the individual market, inside and outside Obamacare’s exchanges. The fee begins in 2014, costing $63 per covered person and decreasing in 2015 and 2016. Like most taxes and fees, the result will likely be higher insurance premiums.

Sneak Peek at 2015: Employer Mandate. By law, the employer mandate was supposed to begin in 2014, but the Obama Administration delayed enforcing it until 2015. The employer mandate forces employers with 50 or more full-time employees (defined as those working 30 hours per week) to offer government-approved health coverage or pay a penalty. The penalty varies—either $2,000 per employee after the first 30 workers, or $3,000 per employee receiving subsidized coverage in the exchange, whichever is less.

Regardless of the delay, many businesses have already adapted by reducing hours for their employees—falling under the threshold to avoid both the cost of coverage and the penalty.

We need health reform that works for Americans—not against them. Learn more.

The Heritage Foundation | 214 Massachusetts Avenue, NE | Washington, D.C. 20002 | (800) 546-2843

Chinese Tycoon Wants to Buy NYT; Mayor DiBlasio to Tackle NYC's 'Inequality Crisis'

noreply@blogger.com (Michael J. Farrand) — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 18:36:00 +0000

Share:

Today's Headlines: Thursday, January 02, 2014

Chinese Tycoon Wants to Buy The New York Times

Sotomayor Delays Enforcement of Obamacare's Birth Control Mandate--For Order of Catholic Nuns

Iran Steps Up Its Campaign Against Christians

Mayor DiBlasio Promises to Tackle NYC's 'Inequality Crisis'

10,988,269: 2013 Closes With Record Number on Disability Getting Highest-Ever Monthly Benefits

Rose Parade Gay 'Marriage' Float Degrades Family Event, Say Conservative Activists

7,818 Iraqi Civilians Killed in 2013--Highest Death Toll in Years

WP on Outgoing Smithsonian Secretary: 'Cowardly Decision' to Remove Ants on Jesus Video

COMMENTARY:

Free Exercise of Virtue Prohibited in USA
By Terence P. Jeffrey
As of Jan. 1, 2014, a Democratic administration led by President Barack Obama will use a regulation permitted and funded by a Republican-majority House of Representatives to prohibit Americans from freely exercising not just Christianity, but virtue itself in the United States of America.

Remembering Harold Simmons
By L. Brent Bozell III
I never knew a man quite like Harold Simmons. He was a blast of fresh air, a man who was decisive, and if your presentation had value, virtually unrivaled in his generosity.

The Gifts of Jahi
By Michelle Malkin
We don't know what God has planned for Jahi McMath, who was declared brain dead after a tonsillectomy. But I do know this: America has become a throwaway culture where everything and everyone — from utensils to diapers to cameras to babies — is disposable. Elites sneer at the sanctity of life. The Terri Schiavo case brought out the worst, most dehumanizing impulses of American medical ethics debates. And from the attacks I've seen on the McMath family, little has changed.

What to Expect in 2014
By Ben Shapiro
From Chick-fil-A to "Duck Dynasty," conservative religious Americans found their footing in 2013. But this does not mean the battles are over for conservatives. They're just beginning.

Visit our website at www.CNSNews.com

1900 Campus Commons Dr. 6th floor | Alexandria, VA 20191 US

Obama Loses Another Hollywood Big Shot

noreply@blogger.com (Michael J. Farrand) — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 22:39:00 +0000

November 29, 2013

Top Headlines

'They Don't Even Pull This S* For The Queen'**

Obama loses another Hollywood BIG SHOT

Krauthammer: Obama 'tossed away' George W. Bush's Iraq War victory

The Iraq War 'was won'

Before you shop, read this roundup of the best deals of Black Friday

We did the digging so you can do the shopping

Politics

New MSNBC host on Thanksgiving: 'Because genocide is a lot more festive 392 years after the fact'

Meet Ronan Farrow

Krauthammer: Pro-Obamacare Thanksgiving ad has 'creepy Soviet element'

'The essence of the overbearing state is that they leave you no haven from politics'

Entertainment

TheDC investigates: What ever happened to Macaulay Culkin?

A Christmas story (kind of)

Carolla on what REALLY ended Alec Baldwin's MSNBC show

'It's also a world where if you don't produce in the first 10 minutes, you're out the door'

Education

Professor assigns bizarre novella 'The Baby Jesus Butt Plug' to students

'Step into a dark and absurd world where ... the baby jesus is a very popular anal probe'

Administrator allegedly fabricated story about ACLU threat to keep Christmas songs out of holiday concert

ACLU denies any threat, says it's tired of getting blamed for this crap every year

Sports

Cameraman gets physical with fellow photog

The Patriots-Broncos game was competitive even for the media

Which team has the hottest cheerleaders? Arizona Cardinals vs. Indianapolis Colts

Vote in our poll before you watch Sunday's game

Business

EPA wants to regulate water on YOUR land

EPA preparing to unleash a deluge of new regulations

Guess who's in trouble for citing The New York Times?

'Thinly veiled attempt to vilify energy production'

Guns and Gear

New Beretta 692 leapfrogs to the top of mid-priced clays guns

Excellent over/under for the money

The New Gun Control Agenda: Give up your guns because we will keep you safe

Gun safety vs. Gun control - the new message of the gun banners

Tech	Read More»

Could this be the end of wind subsidies?

Over two decades in the making

Why the NSA is checking in on porn-watching habits

And who they can use that against

Opinion

COULTER: Is it to soon to say, 'I told you so'?

The New York Times looks forward to the return of the Dinkins era

The Thanksgiving message President Obama should have given about the Affordable Care Act in 2009

'The methodical and careful manner in which we implement this important law should give confidence to everyone...'

What Makes America Great and How to Come Back from Decline

noreply@blogger.com (Michael J. Farrand) — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 22:37:00 +0000

                                                                                  
                                              Is America’s decline inevitable?  Not so fast.
                                                                                          
Today, Americans fear our country is declining—both our economy and culture in deep  crisis. Yet Kim Holmes, former Assistant Secretary of State, argues that decline is a choice.

In Rebound, he lays out  the vision and everyday practices for Americans to reconnect our historical DNA and get America back to great.

LIMITED-TIME SALE: Get new book Rebound today >>

 To discover the roots of our greatness, Rebound… 
                                              
Takes readers on a  wide-ranging tour from America’s Founders to the entrepreneurial 20th century

 Keeps the big ideas in focus  using stories, key stats and anecdotes that all of us can grasp
                                                 
  Unveils the big-picture issues facing America, from big spending to family breakdown to defense concerns.
                                                  
Just-released Rebound makes a perfect holiday gift  >>
                                             
                                             See what reviews and  thought leaders are saying about Rebound…

 “Our character, values and founding principles  once made America the envy of the world. As Kim Holmes brilliantly argues in Rebound, that can be the winning formula again.”
                                              – Cal Thomas, Syndicated Columnist/Fox News Contributor
                                              
                                             “Rebound helps readers see, with fresh eyes, what has made America  great and what we must do to keep it that way.”
                                             – Rebecca Hagelin, The  Washington Times (11/10/13)
                                             
                                              "Courageously politically incorrect, Holmes shows how and why a cultural decline has harmed our country and how we the people can  restore America to greatness." 
                                             – Steve Forbes, President and CEO,  Forbes Inc.
                                             
                                             ONE WEEK ONLY: Get  Rebound at a special sale price (lower than Amazon!) >>
                                          
                                                                                                                                 About The Heritage Foundation

Founded in 1973, The Heritage Foundation is a research and educational institute  -- a think tank -- whose mission is to formulate and promote conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited  government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense.                                         
                                 
                                                                                     The Heritage Foundation  |  214 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002  |  202.546.4400

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Black Friday Spending Spree (in Washington)

noreply@blogger.com (Michael J. Farrand) — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 22:36:00 +0000

American shoppers aren’t the only ones getting ready to spend big this holiday season. In Washington, members of the budget conference committee are considering several options that could increase spending by up to an additional $100 billion.

What’s standing in their way is sequestration: the automatic spending cut mechanism President Obama signed into law with the Budget Control Act (BCA). Sequestration enforces spending caps on the discretionary budget, which includes those domestic programs that brought you the infamous IRS Star Trek parody video and the $325,000 RoboSquirrel. The reductions disproportionately fall on defense, and lawmakers should do a better job of prioritizing this core constitutional function while staying within the agreed-upon spending levels.

According to news sources, some budget conference members are considering a compromise deal to bust the sequestration spending caps by up to $100 billion. In an attempt to find offsetting mandatory spending cuts and revenues to entice both sides into such a deal, lawmakers are reportedly considering an increase in “user fees.” This is simply a disguised tax increase.

Raising these fees to cover the cost of providing services is one thing. Increasing them to pay for more spending is just another Washington gimmick. Using gimmicks like this one to get around necessary spending reductions is a destructive habit that has helped fuel the now $17.2 trillion national debt.

What adds even more fuel to the fire is that Congress is not currently restrained by a debt limit.

Lawmakers suspended the debt limit through February 7 in the deal that ended the government shutdown. With no dollar amount to limit their spending, there is little to stop Washington from piling even more spending and debt on taxpayers. Imagine hitting the Black Friday deals with an unlimited credit card at your disposal.

A budget conference “compromise” may sound like progress in this era of congressional gridlock, but when it means higher spending and continuing on the current fiscal collision course, it will do more harm than good. Washington is already on track to spend nearly $150 billion more in 2014 than it did in 2013, largely due to growth in entitlement spending—the key driver of spending and debt.

Instead of spending even more of taxpayers’ money, lawmakers should address future debt by controlling the growth in entitlement spending, sticking to the Budget Control Act, and enforcing lower levels of spending. If the committee fails to begin solving America’s entitlement problem, this means spending and debt will continue to go up and harm the opportunities of all Americans.

The credit card has been maxed out too many times already. This is the season to curb Washington’s spending spree.

The Heritage Foundation | 214 Massachusetts Avenue, NE | Washington, D.C. 20002 | (800) 546-2843

The Great Sucking Siphon of Americas Wealth

noreply@blogger.com (Michael J. Farrand) — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 22:36:00 +0000

November 27, 2013 The Great Sucking Siphon of Americas Wealth It is this great liberal sucking siphon, over the last 100 years, that has so degraded America's wealth to the point where the "pullers" can no longer hold the cart of "free riders" against the force of gravity. Without a bunch of "free riders" getting out of the cart and joining the "pullers", the cart will crash. Like family members enabling an alcoholic and thus ruining any chances of recovery, so the liberal government enables the "free riders" purposely, to buy their loyalty and their vote, so that liberals can remain in....... http://www.newswithviews.com/Ewart/ron129.htm by Ron Ewart For Man Did Not Give It “The fundamental basis of this nation’s laws was given to Moses on the Mount. The fundamental basis of our Bill of Rights comes from the teaching we get from Exodus and St. Matthew, from Isaiah and St. Paul. I don’t think we emphasize that enough these days. If we don’t have a proper fundamental moral background, we will finally end up with a totalitarian government which does not believe in rights for anybody except the state.”... http://www.newswithviews.com/Bradlee/dean147.htm by Bradlee Dean Caught In The Conservative Trap? The provisions and principles in the United States Constitution and the Maryland Constitution are not so complicated that they have to be left to “experts.” If they were studied and understood by us all, we could do a much better job of holding our elected representatives accountable to their oaths of office....... http://www.newswithviews.com/Peroutka/michael106.htm by Attorney Michael Peroutka

NewsWithViews.com • PO Box 370, Merlin, OR 97532 • Tel: 541-955-0117

Untitled Document

NWV Alert

Obamacare Undermines American Values

noreply@blogger.com (Michael J. Farrand) — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 22:34:00 +0000

Obamacare goes against two values that should be no-brainers: prioritizing American citizens over non-citizens, and prioritizing help for the disabled over assistance for able-bodied adults.

Prioritizing Non-Citizens Over American Citizens

Obamacare includes special provisions that allow many legal, non-citizen residents to qualify for federally subsidized insurance and, in so doing, offers these non-citizens more and better coverage options than American citizens.

The law as implemented creates two inequities that put American citizens at a disadvantage compared with non-citizens.

First, in states that expand their Medicaid programs, citizens with incomes under 138 percent of the federal poverty level will be automatically enrolled into Medicaid, while non-citizens will receive subsidies to purchase coverage in the Obamacare exchange.

Several studies show that patients with Medicaid coverage have worse outcomes than the uninsured, and some Medicaid beneficiaries do not consider the program “real insurance.” Yet Obamacare dumps millions of American citizens into this troubled program, even as it grants many non-citizens the opportunity to pick health plans of their choosing.

Second, in states that do not expand their Medicaid programs, non-citizens will be able to purchase subsidized health insurance in the exchanges, while American citizens below 100 percent of the poverty line may not qualify for subsidized coverage at all.

It simply doesn’t make sense to offer non-citizens more and better coverage options than American citizens. This potentially encourages immigration to the United States by those seeking to benefit from taxpayer-funded welfare programs, which increases the incentives for people not to become citizens, and thus full, integral members of our civic society.

Prioritizing Able-Bodied Adults Over Disabled Americans

A public safety net is necessary for those truly in need. But by spending more than $700 billion on its massive Medicaid expansion, Obamacare puts a greater emphasis on covering able-bodied adults than the disabled, which Medicaid was originally intended to serve.

By extending health coverage to those who should be able to work, Obamacare could jeopardize the coverage of disabled Americans. And by subsidizing health coverage for millions of unemployed and underemployed, Obamacare could accelerate the development of a permanent underclass that has little financial incentive to work.

Given its poor outcomes for patients, Medicaid needs significant changes. However, true reform cannot come from adding able-bodied adults to an already overburdened program. Instead, Congress should focus on improving Medicaid’s quality of care, while restoring its emphasis on providing a safety net for the truly needy.

The Heritage Foundation | 214 Massachusetts Avenue, NE | Washington, D.C. 20002 | (800) 546-2843

Turkey, Pumpkin Pie, and Religious Freedom

noreply@blogger.com (Michael J. Farrand) — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 22:33:00 +0000

Turkey, Pumpkin Pie, and Religious Freedom
11/28/2013
Religious freedom is as much a part of Thanksgiving as turkey and pumpkin pie. From 1621, when the Pilgrims arrived in the New World, to 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln declared it a federal holiday, thanking God and practicing religion were of paramount importance.

Nearly 400 years after that First Thanksgiving at the Plymouth Plantation, America finds itself confronted with a new challenge to religious freedom -- one that should be a conversation at every dinner table across this great land.

This week, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear two cases from family businesses that are challenging Obamacare’s mandate requiring employers to provide health coverage of abortion-inducing drugs -- even in violation of their moral or religious beliefs.

These cases are among the more than 80 lawsuits seeking to overturn the mandate for violating both the First Amendment and Religious Freedom and Restoration Act.

In their analysis of the cases, which will be heard by the Supreme Court in the spring, Heritage Senior Legal Policy Analyst Elizabeth Slattery and Policy Analyst Sarah Torre write:

Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood would be forced to provide and pay for coverage of abortion-inducing drugs such as the “morning after” and “week after” pills, regardless of their religious or moral objections to doing so. Unless these families get over their deeply held beliefs and get in line with the mandate, they risk steep fines of up to $100 per employee per day. That could mean $1.3 million in fines per day for Hobby Lobby and up to $95,000 per day for Conestoga Wood. This choice jeopardizes the family businesses’ economic future and all the jobs they currently provide.

The Obama Administration’s decision to recklessly and irresponsibly impose such a mandate is direct threat to Americans’ religious freedom.

Of the 38 cases involving for-profit businesses challenging the Obamacare mandate, courts have sided ruled in favor of religious liberty 32 times. The American public understands the seriousness of the coercive mandate as well. A new survey released by the Family Research Council and Alliance Defending Freedom reveals that 59 percent of likely votes disapprove of the Obamacare mandate.

Americans have every reason to worry that the same one-size-fits-all system of Obamacare that is restricting choice and increasing costs is also threatening fundamental freedoms. This mandate is an early warning sign of what's to come as Obamacare gives more control of health care to unelected bureaucrats.

Meanwhile, as the Supreme Court considers these cases, family businesses across America continue operating based on their values -- even as looming government-imposed fines jeopardize their livelihoods.

As you sit down for Thanksgiving dinner today, be thankful we still live in a country where religious freedom is guaranteed. It’s now up to the Supreme Court to ensure our “first freedom” stays that way by ruling against this mandate.

The Heritage Foundation | 214 Massachusetts Avenue, NE | Washington, D.C. 20002 | (800) 546-2843

The Philosophy Behind the ObamaCare Debate

noreply@blogger.com (Michael J. Farrand) — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 22:32:00 +0000

November 27, 2013

Today's top stories:

1.) Exclusive: A look at the ATM for the country’s most conservative groups

2.) Iran president: We won, enrichment will never stop

3.) Catholics furious over Obama plan to close Vatican embassy site

4.) Poll: Nearly half of meteorologists don’t believe in man-made global warming

5.) White House offers food stamps, not jobs, to the nation’s poor

6.) Jim Treacher: Guess, who’s going to jail for 18 years after trying to send ricin to Obama

7.) Krauthammer: US-Iran nuke agreement ‘the worst deal since Munich’

8.) The most important story of our time: A gay waiter in New Jersey may or may not have been denied a tip

9.) Denver to ban pot smoking on private property if it can be seen from public property

10.) Author chronicling 'knockout' game: 'The most recent attacks are just more of the same'

From the Intercollegiate Studies Institute's Collegiate Network and LI's Campus Reform:

11.) Prof convicted in child porn case continues to draw $48K salary from public university
(Campus Reform)

12.) The Democrats’ Power Move
(Intercollegiate Review)

13.) The church in service of the poor
(The Harvard Ichthus)

14.) Movie Review: ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’
(The Northwestern Chronicle )

15.) The Philosophy Behind the Obamacare Debate
(The College Conservative)

Exclusive: The Center to Protect Patient Rights Funding Powerhouse

noreply@blogger.com (Michael J. Farrand) — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 22:31:00 +0000

November 27, 2013

Top Headlines

CASH MACHINE

Exclusive: The Center to Protect Patient Rights is the new right-wing funding powerhouse, more than $100 million in 2012

Obama says his policies are built on 'kindness'

His claim follows a poll showing only 46 percent of Americans think Obama is trustworthy

Author chronicling 'knockout' game: 'The most recent attacks are just more of the same'

'The way I wrote this is without generalizations, without stereotypes, without apologies'

Politics

Obamacare back at the Supreme Court

Second top court challenge to health-care law

White House offers food stamps, not jobs, to the nation's poor

Let them eat food stamps, says unapologetic White House

Entertainment

Alec Baldwin out at MSNBC

'Up Late' ends after five episodes

Watch James Franco and Seth Rogen's Kanye West parody music video IMMEDIATELY

The only difference is that this one is much better

Education

Prof accused of RACISM after correcting students' grammar

'Students of Color apparently interpreted my silence to mean I wasn't supporting them'

Colorado school board member now infamous for opposing transgender bathroom laws

'Not until the plumbing's changed'

Sports

Cameraman gets physical with fellow photog

The Patriots-Broncos game was competitive even for the media

Which team has the hottest cheerleaders? Arizona Cardinals vs. Indianapolis Colts

Vote in our poll before you watch Sunday's game

Business

Report: SEIU front group paid fast-food workers to protest

Guess it's more fun than making sandwiches

Banks see profits decline for first time since 2009

'$4 billion increase in legal expenses'

Guns and Gear

Getting Western with Cowboy Action Shooting

Cowboy action shooting is fast, fun and filled with good people

Myth or not: Human urine spooks deer

The urine article you have waited for

Tech	Read More»

Green or not, this Tesla Model S will do way better in snow than your car this weekend

Dashing through the snow in a 400-horsepower sleigh

The White House finally has a successful website rollout

The turkey Web page works

Opinion

The New Left's war on private civic engagement

The push for transparency is about silencing opponents

Mike Lee and traditional conservatism

Only one senator seems willing to really rethink 2012

The Heritage Insider: November 27, 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Michael J. Farrand) — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 22:28:00 +0000

Notes on the Week

Just in case your Thanksgiving doesn’t usually include discussion of annoying subjects: According to calculations by Drew Gonshorowski, in all but five states Americans will pay more for health insurance premiums in the ObamaCare exchanges than they had paid in the individual health insurance market. And in 34 states, the increases experienced by those who are age 27 are greater than the increases experienced by those who are age 50. [“How Will You Fare in the Obamacare Exchanges,” by Drew Gonshorowski, The Heritage Foundation, October 16]

Here’s the ObamaCare conversation starter we really need: ObamaCare’s stumbles aren’t just a failure of government experts to design a program that makes sense and works. They are, as Peter Boetke points out, part of a pattern of government failure that arises whenever we rely on government experts to plan things that no set of government experts can plan because they cannot gather in one place all the knowledge they would need to improve on market (or in the case of health care, hybrid market-government) outcomes. What better time to start this conversation than now? [Coordination Problem, October 31]

ObamaCare will kill jobs. President Obama and some Members of Congress want to raise the federal hourly minimum wage to $10.10 per worker. But as James Sherk and Patrick Tyrrell note, ObamaCare has already raised the effective minimum wage. Sherk and Tyrell calculate that if the hourly minimum wage were raised to $10.10, employers would actually face costs of $13.27 per hour per full-time employee if they provide health insurance coverage. Those that choose to pay the penalty would still face hourly per-employee costs of $12.71. [The Heritage Foundation, November 22]

The world needs more free market competition, not less. Pope Francis is no fan of free markets, we learn this week from his Evangelii Gaudium. What’s actually going on is pretty much the opposite of what the Pope thinks. [Economist, June 1; h/t: Matt Welch at Reason, November 26] Consider this graph from The Heritage Foundation/Wall Street Journal Index of Economic Freedom:

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Washington, DC 20002-4999
phone 202.546.4400 | fax 202.546.8328

Complementary Brains

noreply@blogger.com (Michael J. Farrand) — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 19:18:00 +0000

“It's quite striking how complementary the brains of women and men really are.”

Rubin Gur, Pennsylvania University

on study of differences in male and female brains

FROM: "The hardwired difference between male and female brains could explain why men are 'better at map reading'"

Thanksgiving Proclamation by President George Washington

noreply@blogger.com (Michael J. Farrand) — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 16:17:00 +0000

City of New York, October 3, 1789
Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor, and Whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me "to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness."

Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be. That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks, for his kind care and protection of the People of this country previous to their becoming a Nation, for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his providence, which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war, for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed, for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted, for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions, to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually, to render our national government a blessing to all the People, by constantly being a government of wise, just and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed, to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shown kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord. To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease of science among them and Us, and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

46 Senators Attempt to Destroy Americans' Second Amendment Right

noreply@blogger.com (Michael J. Farrand) — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 20:30:00 +0000

November 26, 2013 Sustainable Development to "Regionalism" - New Frontier of Evil in FL. Regionalism denies the right of representative government by denying the vote of the people giving the power to make rules and regulations to unelected bureaucrats also called administrators. Regionalism can be traced to 1945 and the United Nations, which was founded by communists with money from the Rockefeller Foundation....... http://www.newswithviews.com/Schoen/karen105.htm by Karen Schoen 46 Senators Attempt to Destroy Americans’ Second Amendment Right However, despite their failure, the work of these leftist lawmakers to disarm law-abiding citizens, using the United Nations to give themselves credibility, is far from over. On Sept. 25, 2013, Secretary of State John Kerry, on behalf of the United States, had signed the controversial United Nations Arms Trade Treaty that will effect the multi-billion dollar international trade in conventional firearms and ammunition including U.S. imports and... http://www.newswithviews.com/NWV-News/news367.htm by NWV News Mr. Cruz Goes To Washington Sen. Cruz's values are in his heart. The apple did not fall far from the tree. At a Tea Party rally in Texas, I had the pleasure of chatting with Ted's dad, Rafael Cruz. In a nutshell, the Cruzs are real deal conservatives. The senior Mr. Cruz shared his inspirational tale of coming to America with such passion, gratitude and genuine love for America that it brought tears to my eyes....... http://www.newswithviews.com/Marcus/lloyd275.htm by Lloyd Marcus

NewsWithViews.com • PO Box 370, Merlin, OR 97532 • Tel: 541-955-0117

Untitled Document

NWV Alert

Blackwater Founder Erik Prince on the Feckless State Department

noreply@blogger.com (Michael J. Farrand) — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 20:22:00 +0000

November 26, 2013

Top Headlines

Blackwater's Side of the Story

Blackwater founder Erik Prince on the feckless State Dept, the witch hunt against him, and the future of private armies

Socialist, Communist authors make Obama administration reading list

Tailgunner Joe would not be happy right now

Crack-smoking mayor Rob Ford calls Obamacare 'crazy' in HILARIOUS interview [VIDEO]

'I'm not a lefty, I'm a righty'

Politics

Labrador: Obama is making Congress irrelevant

'Every time there's a difference with the president, he says, 'I don't need the Congress anymore''

Could this man beat Sen. Mark Warner in a race?

GOP looking for someone to challenge popular Democrat

Senator slams Obama's CEOs

'America is not an oligarchy'

Entertainment

'Family Guy' killed off one of the best characters

Unfortunately, it wasn't Peter

Watch James Franco and Seth Rogen's Kanye West parody music video IMMEDIATELY

The only difference is that this one is much better

Education

'A' for effort! Wild grade inflation at most colleges

The easiest subject? You guessed it: Education

Obama administration turns $41.7 billion in profits on backs of student loan debtors

'It's obviously yet another drag on recovery'

Sports

Cameraman gets physical with fellow photog

The Patriots-Broncos game was competitive even for the media

Which team has the hottest cheerleaders? Arizona Cardinals vs. Indianapolis Colts

Vote in our poll before you watch Sunday's game

Business

'CREDIBILITY GAP': Day laborer group slams Obama speech

Immigration speech comes under fire from the Left

Chinese buying bankrupt Fisker at taxpayer loss, gov says it could have been worse

Company plans to 'remain a guiding force'

Guns and Gear

5 Pandemics that could wipe out humanity tomorrow

It's the end of the world as we know it

The nine methods of carrying concealed

IWB, appendix, small of back, ankle are just a few. What do you like and why?

Tech	Read More»

Could Edward Snowden play out the plot of Skyfall?

...Should we call Daniel Craig?

Amateur PlayStation porn is all the rage

Playroom or Playboy?

Opinion

How the press greased the skids for Obamacare

Did they ever really take critics' claims seriously?

Stop demonizing hunters like Melissa Bachman

In praise of big game hunting

NATO’s Total Withdrawal From Afghanistan Could Rock Asia Stability

noreply@blogger.com (Michael J. Farrand) — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 20:18:00 +0000

NATO’s Total Withdrawal From Afghanistan Could Rock Asia Stability

NATO'S withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2014 is likely to have far-reaching implications for Central and South Asia. And total withdrawal of troops could be devastating for regional security and jeopardise the safety of western nations, say analysts.

The stability of the region is linked directly to the US’s long-term military and economic commitment to Afghanistan after Nato troops are scheduled to leave.

Click here to read the full report

The Defector: Escape from North Korea

The award-winning documentary The Defector: Escape from North Korea is a gripping, heart-wrenching look at the risks North Koreans are willing to endure to escape a despotic regime to reach freedom. Join us for the Washington Premiere Screening of this documentary on December 5^th at 5:30pm, and a panel discussion afterward featuring the producer, Ann Shin, and Dong-hyuk Shin, Human rights activist and former inmate of North Korean Camp 14.

Click Here to RSVP

Trending

Terrorism in Asia

U.S. Terrorism in Asia is not a threat of the past but a threat of the present. A recent survey of indicators compiled and presented by The Heritage Foundation found that Asian countries comprise three out of the top four countries with the most domestic terrorist attacks.

Click here to Read the Full Report

About The Heritage Foundation
Founded in 1973, The Heritage Foundation is a research and educational institute -- a think tank -- whose mission is to formulate and promote conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense.

The Heritage Foundation | 214 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002 | 202.546.4400

noreply@blogger.com (Michael J. Farrand) — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 20:13:00 +0000

"I don't think that the feminist movement has done much for the characters of women."

Doris Lessing

JFK Proposes Across-the-Board Income Tax Cut

noreply@blogger.com (Michael J. Farrand) — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 20:00:00 +0000

JFK the Supply-Sider

noreply@blogger.com (Michael J. Farrand) — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 19:53:00 +0000

"Our true choice is not between tax reduction, on the one hand, and the avoidance of large Federal deficits on the other. It is increasingly clear that, no matter what party is in power, so long as our national security needs keep rising, an economy hampered by restrictive tax rates will never produce enough revenue to balance the budget - just as it will never produce enough jobs or enough profits. In short, it is a paradoxical truth that tax rates are too high today and tax revenues are too low - and the soundest way to raise revenues in the long run is to cut rates now."

President Kennedy

to Economic Club of New York

December 14, 1962