Agawam RTC

Gun control nuts at it again!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 22:58:00 +0000

Looks like a gun control bill proposed by Deval Patrick in 2009 may get a chance for a vote very soon. This awful bill will prevent lawful Massachusetts gun owners from buying more than one firearm per month. This bill is senseless and will do nothing good for anybody. All this will do is once again incrementally strip our God given/natural born rights. I could ramble on about this, but I think you should just read the article yourself:

Legislature mulls monthly limit on gun purchases

June 8, 2010 12:55 PM

By Maria Cramer, Globe Staff

A proposal to limit the number of guns a person can buy in Massachusetts is being mulled by the Legislature's Judiciary Committee today, sparking hope among supporters that the bill may finally come to a vote.

The bill, introduced by Governor Deval Patrick in May 2009, would prevent people from buying more than one gun a month. It is winding its way through committee as the state and the city of Boston grapple with the shooting deaths of two 14-year-old boys in the same month. A 10-year-old girl was shot in the leg over the weekend as she played outside her Roxbury home. The girl is expected to survive.

The shootings "make it more urgent to do something," said Public Safety Secretary Mary Beth Heffernan. "It's gotten to the point where it's just epidemic really."

Platform of the Maine Republican Party Adopted May 8, 2010 by the Maine Republican State Convention

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Jackson) — Mon, 24 May 2010 18:55:00 +0000

Preamble:

In the course of a nation’s history, it is natural that political philosophies will evolve which run contrary to the original principles evident at the time of that nation’s founding. A nation founded in tyranny will by its nature spawn sentiment in direct opposition to that tyranny. Conversely, a nation which is dedicated to protecting the rights of its people, and seeks to bind the excesses of power which naturally accrue to governments, is subject to the evolution of factions which strive to throw off those shackles of restraint and gather power and influence over the people. Freedom is not a pre-existing condition into which everyone is delivered. Freedom and personal liberty are conditions of existence which are hard fought for and once won, must be maintained. Each generation must be taught anew the importance of eternal vigilance against those who would disregard the limits imposed on government, and usurp powers not granted to them by the people.

Today this state and the nation are in crisis precisely because we as a people have failed to maintain that vigilance. We have failed to pass down from one generation to another the critical knowledge and lessons that history provides. We have let rot from within, the foundation upon which freedom and prosperity must be built for it to survive.

This election cycle is unique in the history of both this state and our nation. We are presented with a situation in which WE THE PEOPLE, must re-educate ourselves and our neighbors, and put the knowledge of liberty to work in the elections this November. Years of neglect have allowed factions detrimental to the core principles of this nation, to entrench themselves in both political parties, and undermine the education of Constitutional principles vital to the survival of the republic.

The Tea Party movement is reminiscent of the principled revolt that led to the birth of the Republican Party in 1854. In June of that year, Horace Greeley referred to the newly formed Republicans as “…united to restore the Union to its true mission of champion and promulgator of Liberty…". This year it is incumbent upon those Republicans who strive to protect and defend our Constitution, to reclaim that heritage.

It is within this context that We, the citizens of Maine united by free association as Republicans, dedicated to seeing the principles which brought forth the birth and ascendance of this State and these United States once again made dominant and pledge our unwavering allegiance, not to a political party, but to the Constitution of the State of Maine and the Constitution of the United States of America. The Republican Party is the vehicle through which we seek to better unify and promote those in pursuit of these goals.

The principles upon which the Republican Party was founded, to which we as Citizens seek return, and to which we demand our elected representatives abide, are summarized as follows:

1. The Constitutions, both State and Federal, are the framework to which any and all legislation must adhere.
2. State sovereignty must be regained and retained on all issues specifically relegated to the States by the constitution.
3. National sovereignty shall be preserved and retained as dominant over any attempted unconstitutional usurpations of such by international treaty.
4. It is the responsibility and duty, of “We the People”, to educate both ourselves and others; to demand honest elections free of corruption, and to hold our elected officials to the highest standards of honesty, integrity and loyalty to the constitution.

____________________________________________________
In pursuit of these principles we endorse and shall promote the following initiatives.

I. To Form a More perfect Union

a. All legislation must adhere to the restrictions outlined in the Constitution to protect the individual from intrusive government.

b. Direct the State of Maine to join with other states in asserting our 10th amendment sovereignty rights which protect us from unconstitutional federal government intrusions.

c. Insist on strict adherence to our 2nd amendment right to keep and bear arms.

d. Pass a “Read the Bill” act, to insure clarity, and eliminate the corruption associated with side issues, earmarks, pork or riders.

e. Oppose “Localism and Diversity”, the Fairness Doctrine or whatever else such attempted restrictions are labeled. Any restriction on speech is by definition NOT free speech.

f. Reject the Employee free -choice Elimination- act, as an unconscionable affront to the right to a secret vote.

g. Restore integrity to the electoral process:

i. Prohibit any public funding of advocacy groups such as ACORN, no matter what it or its affiliate organizations rename themselves; New York Communities for Change, New England United for Justice etc.; Conduct thorough investigation of their activities and voter fraud and prosecute violations.

ii. Eliminate motor voter and other voter fraud mechanisms; institute secure voter registration and identification systems.

iii. Reject any effort to give foreign citizens the right to vote in the US in any situation or capacity.

h. Oppose any and all treaties with the UN or any other organization or country which surrenders US sovereignty. Specifically:

i. Reject the UN Treaty on Rights of the Child.

ii. Reject “LOST” the Law Of The Sea Treaty.

iii. Reject any agreement which seeks to confiscate our firearms.

i. Restore the process of assimilation of immigrants to preserve the benefits of an advanced educated and prosperous society. Rescind Maine’s sanctuary State status. No amnesty, no benefits, no citizenship -ever- for anyone in the country illegally. Arrest and detain, for a specified period of time, anyone here illegally, and then deport, period.

j. Pass a Congressional reform act which includes the following provisions:

i. Term Limits: 12 years only, in any capacity.

1. Two Six year Senate terms

2. Six Two year House terms

3. One Six year Senate term and three Two Year House terms

ii. No Pension

iii. Congress participates in Social Security under the same rules as the general public.

iv. Congress can no longer vote themselves a pay raise.

v. Congress participates in the same health care plan as the general public. No preferential plans or treatment.

vi. Congress is subject to and must abide by all the laws they impose on the general public.

II. To Establish Justice:

a. Restore “Constitutional law” as the basis for the Judiciary.

b. Reassert the principle that “Freedom of Religion” does not mean “freedom from religion”.

III. To Insure Domestic tranquility:

a. Promote family values.

i. Marriage is an institution between a man and a woman.

ii. Parents, not government, are responsible for making decisions in the best interest of their children, whether disciplinary, educational, or medical.

iii. We recognize the sanctity of life, which includes the unborn.

IV. To Provide for the Common Defense:

a. Discard political correctness, make public the declaration of war (Jihad), made against the US on 23 Feb 1998, and fight the war against the United States by radical Islam to win.

b. Seal the border and protect US citizens along the border and everywhere, as is the prime directive of the Federal Government.

V. To Promote the General Welfare:

a. Return to the principles of Austrian Economics, and redirect the economy back to one of incentives to save and invest.

b. Cut spending, balance the budget, and institute a plan for paying down debt. Proclaim that generational debt shifting is immoral and unconscionable and will not be tolerated!

c. Pass and implement Fed bill #1207 (Introduced by Ron Paul), to Audit the Federal Reserve, as the first step in Ending the Fed.

d. Return to transparent and honest reporting of economic statistics free of gimmicks and distortions.

e. Require the government and all its agencies adhere to the same GAAP accounting rules that businesses must follow.

f. Restore the provisions of welfare reform removed with the stimulus bill.

g. Defeat Cap and Trade, investigate collusion between government and industry in the global warming myth, and prosecute any illegal collusion.

h. Freeze current stimulus funds, prohibit any further stimulus bills, and apply all unspent funds towards the debt they created.

i. Promote energy independence aggressively by removing the obstacles created by government to allow private development of our resources; natural gas, oil, coal, and nuclear power.

j. Institute Zero based budgeting on all programs.

k. Espouse and follow the principle: It is immoral to steal the property rightfully earned by one person, and give it to another who has no claim or right to its benefits.

l. Clarify that healthcare is not a right. It is a service. As a compassionate society we will aid those in need. However, the government takeover of healthcare is not only unconstitutional, but detrimental to the entire healthcare system. Only market based solutions will solve the problems.

i. In the state of Maine:

1. Remove the restrictions on health providers, (as was done in New Hampshire), to increase competition, drive down the costs, and increase the options available.

a. Bring Maine standards in line with national average.

b. Allow purchase of insurance across state lines. LD 290

c. Enact tort reform as exemplified by Texas.

d. Eliminate Dirigo

VI. To Secure the Blessings of Liberty:

a. Restore a vigorous grounding in the history and precepts of liberty, freedom, and the constitution to the educational process. As Thomas Jefferson said, “If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.”

i. Eliminate the Department of Education and restore schools to local control as specified in the constitution.

b. Repeal and prohibit any participation in efforts to create a one world government.

Now, if Maine can do this, why can't Massachusetts?

A Conservative Word on Gardening and Self-sufficiency

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 02:14:00 +0000

Amongst the many issues that trouble me about our state and nation - the massive debt, major lack of transparency in government, constant erosion of free market principles and the deterioration of the People's individual liberties - I have found some refuge from the non-stop circus act, and that would be in gardening. Not to sound earthy-crunchy over here, but starting a plant from seed and watching it grow to eventually produce food has been a great learning experience for myself. I find it fun, exciting, and great for the family. The fact that one can easily grow their own food right in their back yard (with the right conditions, of course) is truly remarkable, and it's CONSERVATIVE! No, it's not just for liberals and hippies, but perhaps they've got one thing going for them. Gardening is for anyone who wants to cut grocery costs, grow better and tastier food, and become self-sufficient when it comes to growing vegetables.

There are plenty of great reasons to start a home garden, but one reason stands out for me - self-sufficiency. As a conservative Republican, achieving self-sufficiency is a huge goal of mine and I'm sure it is to many Americans. It's what this country is all about. Our Forefathers didn't fight and die so Americans can stick their hands out to receive freebies and services from the government. They wanted to protect liberty for the People so they can make their own decisions and take their own path in life to achieve their dreams and goals, and for someone like myself, one of my goals is to stop depending on the grocery store for my produce.

During the beginning of last year, my brother and I decided to start a garden and learn to grow food, mainly for self-sufficiency, but to also know that we have the basic knowledge to do so. We observed that the economy wasn't looking favorable with massive debt, the devaluation of our currency, and looming inflation, so growing our own vegetables was a great idea to battle grocery store costs. Goods and service prices have gone up and are continuing in that direction. And have you seen the prices of tomatoes, recently? This raises a serious issue as to whether one should be totally dependent on the grocery store for their food. I ask, why spend your hard earned money on stuff you can grow in your own back yard that is MUCH cheaper and usually more delicious and flavorful than those that are mass produced and shipped off to a grocery store? Have you ever compared the taste of a store bought, mass produced tomato to a tomato grown in a home garden? Huge difference! Growing your own food is probably one of the most self-sufficient things one can do, especially in these times. Sure, it takes some work, time, and dedication, but it's well worth the savings and the enjoyment of eating something you worked to grow.

Also, from observance of the past, we all know that there are always those every once in a while instances of a food disease breakout caused by a factory farm whose food is eventually canned or packaged for mass distribution. One can take personal responsibility and avoid such an unwanted instance when they produce their own food knowing that they grew it themselves and that it is safe to eat(hopefully). And hey, if they get sick by their own food, then they have no one blame but themselves.

I feel that home gardening is a lost art and an almost forgotten classic American hobby and skill. It seems that younger generations aren't showing a great interest in gardening, seeing as most of them are raised to just go to the grocery store for their fruits and vegetables. I'm almost convinced that some probably don't have a clue where it comes from, other than in a can or a package. If the average peer from my generation were to listen to an elder speaking about having a home garden, stocking their fruit cellars and pantries, they would probably roll their eyes and laugh, thinking they(the elders) are wasting their time. Of course, they didn't grow up during hard economic times, so they have less of a chance understanding what it's like to live a lifestyle of growing and storing food for "just in case", but I urge those skills be taught and learned once again because we now are in hard economic times, and judging by the actions of our representatives, it's not going to look promising anytime soon.

I suggest to anyone reading this to seriously consider learning to garden. I don't care if you do it organically or not(personally, I take the former) just at least learn how to grow food. Even if you just start with one plant to get the ball rolling, then do so, because you will be better off than those who may not possess such skills. Let's hope that learning it won't be necessary, but I have a feeling that gardening will make its overdue resurgence into American society and American families because of today's dire economic atmosphere.

Rep. Jeffrey Davis Perry's 10th Amendment Resolution

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Jackson) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 20:07:00 +0000

On Tuesday, 05-26-09, Massachusetts State Representative Jeffrey Davis Perry (R-Sandwich) filed a Resolution before the House of Representatives to protect the Founding Fathers’ intent and the Constitutional protections of the 10th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which states:

“The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”

“The purpose of this Resolution is to clearly affirm to Congress and the President our State’s sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution and to demand that the federal government halt the practice of assuming powers and imposing mandates upon the states for purposes which are not enumerated by the Constitution of the United States of America” said Representative Perry from the State House.

As cited by the Tenth Amendment Center, “James Madison, during the Constitutional ratification process, drafted the “Virginia Plan” to give Congress general legislative authority and to empower the national judiciary to hear any case that might cause friction among the states, to give the congress a veto over state laws, to empower the national government to use the military against the states, and to eliminate the states’ accustomed role in selecting members of Congress. Each one of these proposals was soundly defeated. In fact, Madison made many more attempts to authorize a national veto over state laws, and these were repeatedly defeated as well…

The Tenth Amendment defines the total scope of federal power as being that which has been delegated by the people to the federal government, and also that which is absolutely necessary to advancing those powers specifically enumerated in the Constitution of the United States. The rest is to be handled by the state governments, or locally, by the people themselves.

The Constitution does not include a congressional power to override state laws. It does not give the judicial branch unlimited jurisdiction over all matters. It does not provide Congress with the power to legislate over everything. This is verified by the simple fact that attempts to make these principles part of the Constitution were soundly rejected by its signers.”

The language of the Resolution is as follows:

AFFRIMING THE CONSTITUIONAL PROTECTIONS OF THE 10TH AMENDMENT

WHEREAS, The Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States specifically provides that, “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people”; and

WHEREAS, The Tenth Amendment defines the total scope of federal power as being those powers specifically granted to it by the Constitution of the United States and the principle of Federalism is the constitutional division of powers between the national and state governments and is widely regarded as one of America’s most valuable contributions to political science; and

WHEREAS, The scope of power defined by the Tenth Amendment means that the federal government was created by the states specifically to be limited in its powers relative to those of the various states; and

WHEREAS, Many federal mandates are directly in violation of the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, and infringe upon Massachusetts’ reserve powers and the people’s reserved powers; and

WHEREAS, A number of proposals from previous administrations and some now being considered by the present administration and from Congress do infringe on the States’ reserve powers and the people’s reserved powers, and may further violate the Constitution of the United States; Therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the Commonwealth of Massachusetts hereby claims sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States over all powers not otherwise enumerated and granted to the federal government by the Constitution of the United States and this Resolution shall serve as a Notice and Demand to the federal government to maintain the balance of powers where the Constitution of the United States; and it be further

RESOLVED, That the Clerk of the House shall immediately transmit copies of this Resolution to the Honorable Barack Obama, President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives of each state’s legislature of the United States of America, and each member of Congress from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

“The Tenth Amendment was adopted after the Constitutional ratification process. A primary purpose was to enshrine the fact that the individual states are unique and retain their own sovereignty. The Constitution does not delegate to the federal government an endless supply of power. We must always remember that the purpose of the Bill of Rights is to protect freedoms of individuals and the states, not expand the power of the federal government” added Representative Perry.

The Resolution was filed with the House of Representatives Clerk and was cosponsored by Representatives Jones (R-North Reading), Vallee (D-Franklin), Humason (R-Westfield), Webster (R-Pembroke), Evangelidis (R-Holden), Poirier (R- North Attleboro), deMacedo (R-Plymouth), Ross (R-Wrentham), Gifford (R-Wareham), Smola (Three Rivers) and Polito (Shrewsbury).

Government Regulation: Protecting Our Safety or Diminishing Our Rights?

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Jackson) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 21:00:00 +0000

To me, there will always be the question: Are our children being taught to think or believe? This essay was written by a 9th grade student and would be on my 'to think' list.

Southcoast GOP Candidate's Night

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Jackson) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:48:00 +0000

This is a fairly lengthy, 9 Part series, but I believe well worth watching. You can see both candidates for the Massachusetts GOP Chair with their own distinct messages.

"I'm from the government, and I'm here to help."

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Jackson) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 05:26:00 +0000

The new congress is starting business today. They need to 'rush' another bill through. You're not going to believe this. Downsize DC

RNC Chairman Debate

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:42:00 +0000

Anyone watch the RNC Chairman debate? Pretty good stuff. I liked Ken Blackwell. What about you?

Politicians Think Voters Are Stupid and Irresponsible

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Jackson) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 23:13:00 +0000

The truth is, politicians do not think very highly of voters in general, and only "listen" to them around election time. They routinely ignore the will of the voters in general and do only the bidding of special interests.

In case you happened to miss being insulted recently, perhaps you will find what you are looking for here, in this small collection of quips and comments that show us what the politicians really think of the voters.

Governor Deval Patrick
"People don't like paying taxes. Yeah, I got that. But there is a price to pay for civilization"

Governor Patrick equated ending the income tax to conditions as there are in Darfur. Here is a quote from one of Jeff Jacoby's Op-Ed pieces at the Boston Globe:

"Patrick said he has lived in places with no taxes, including the time he spent in Darfur 30 years ago," AP's Steve LeBlanc reported. "He says there were also no bridges, no good roads, and no public safety there. 'Civilization costs something,' he said."
Anyone who is paying attention can clearly see that not having an income tax creates Darfur-like conditions. Just look at Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming -- nine states without an income tax. Why you can easily see that, er, umm...wait a minute, our jobs went there!

"Just as it is the people's money it is also the people's bridges and the people's roads and the people's schools and the people's broken neighbors, in some cases."

That is right, Governor Patrick, the people have responsibilities and guess what? We work hard, every day, and do whatever it takes to provide for our family and neighbors. We support our communities, churches and charities, too. We do whatever it takes, despite having to pay endless taxes at every turn. We always have.

How dare Governor Patrick even insinuate that if the state government did not do the things only it somehow is magically able to do, that the people would not do them. That is insulting and utter nonsense.

Long before the state government started growing to try to get involved with every aspect of our lives (for a price, of course) we, the people, took care of our problems and challenges, and..of one another.

State Senator Brian Joyce
Massachusetts State Senator Brian Joyce recently compared voters with Pavlov's dog. He says voters react like the famous dog, and begin salivating at the sound of tax cuts, and having knee jerk reactions to things. So just how did Senator Joyce get elected, by waving some doggie treats in front of the voters?

Michael Widmer, President of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation
Heading up the misleadingly-named group which is solely focused on lobbying government to raise taxes and spend more money, Widmer is often quoted by the press when the taxpayers threaten to pull back the reins.

When the citizen initiative to end the Massachusetts state income tax was certified to be on the November 2008 ballot, he issued this dire warning: "If this passes, there will be six to nine months of chaos in the statehouse!"

We can only thank Mr. Widmer for reminding us where his and the politicians' priorities lie: In worrying about themselves and their interests, not the taxpayers.

The Golden opportunity for Ma.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 01:17:00 +0000

Massachusetts has a real chance to redeem itself this coming election with Question 1, being whether to chuck the income tax or keep it. This should be a no-brainer. To the skeptic, ask yourself "Do I want a 5.3% payraise, or do I want Beacon Hill to take it to distribute amongst useless programs and other Government waste?".

In tough economic times like this, it will be a relief on a lot of companies, workers, and families. This will bring back hundreds of thousands of jobs to the private sector, which will cause businesses to flock to Massachusetts. Families will have more money from their paychecks to go to groceries, utility bills, fuel, or whatever they please, and not to mention it will lead to more saving and investing. I have no doubts that gutting our State Income Tax will only lead to an increased quality of life for all hard working Mass citizens.

If the majority of voters vote Yes on Question 1 it will certainly resonate across the nation, causing other states to look at what we're doing with intrigue. And it will send a message to the politicians and bureaucrats on Beacon Hill that the hard working citizens of Massachusetts are not playing around anymore. This is what they get when they don't listen to the voters and decide not roll back the income tax. That slap to the face to the voters may come back at Beacon Hill with a closed fist.

I believe a lot voters in Massachusetts are closet Republicans. This may be one of those reminders, and if there is any issue that the Republican party should be behind and tooting the horn of, it is certainly this one.

Our State Government has shown us how they can spend our $12 billion dollars and the people clearly are not impressed. I think we'll keep it from them from now on. Vote 'Yes' on Question 1!

The Big Tent Party's Party

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 12:59:00 +0000

I can easily say that attending this Republican National Convention has been one of the most incredible times of my life. I am still in disbelief that I had been through it all, let alone being elected as a delegate. It's very difficult to sum up this whole experience, as I am still taking it all in. All I can say for now is that this has been one of the most important learning experiences in my life. I met so many people from all over this wonderful country, aye and naysayers alike. Our debates and discussions will never be forgotten and only show me that bridges have been further built. The Republican Party is a very big tent party, and as a Ron Paul supporter, I am proud to be part of this diverse group of individuals. I'm honored to have been part of this years Republican National Convention to ring in our next Republican presidential and vice presidential nominees, John McCain and Sarah Palin,

and to spread the liberty message of Dr. Ron Paul and to have people be open minded and listen.
Thank you so much to everyone who helped me get this opportunity. It's been a blast!

The Revolution Continues: United We Stand

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Jackson) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 21:25:00 +0000

Posted by Isaac Mass September 4, 2008 11:13 AM at Boston.com
In 1976 outsiders started a Revolution that took over the Republican Party. It was called the Reagan Revolution. In 2008, Ron Paul supporters see themselves in a similar position. Instead of fighting the machine, supporters of Dr. No are trying hard to turn the machine in a direction that favors constitutional rights and traditional conservative values. In Massachusetts, the Paul supporters are having a big impact.

It is no secret at the convention that Tuesday's hottest tickets were for the Ron Paul rally. It was not just Ron Paul supporters who went from MA. Notably there was State Sen. Bob Hedlund from the Plymouth and Norfolk district who is the highest elected member of the MA delegation. By Wednesday night, the unity between the delegations was so strong that Paul some supporters were sporting Sarah Palin buttons and MA Republican Party Executive Director Rob Willington was wearing a sporty Ron Paul button.

Over three days, the Paul supporters, who are about a third of the delegation, have been talking about not only helping defeat Barrack Obama in November, but continuing to build the party from the inside after the election. They plan to run for local and state office (some already are), they plan to run for vacant seats on the Republican State Committee and rebuild there Republican Town Committees. Over the last three days Paul supporters who came to the convention as outsiders after credentials challenges and snide comments have largely been accepted as good Republicans who care about their country, their party and the Constitution of the United States. They have been embraced as much as any other wing of the party.

The MA Paul supporters proved their political prowess and mettle as well by shining light on National Convention Secretary Jean Inman, by delivering all 43 MA votes to Sen. John McCain and Gov. Sarah Palin. If the Paul supporters started like the minutemen with riffles behind trees, they come home from the convention with experience lieutenants who have been able to bring new cannons to the fight.

JEFF MEETING W/ THE YOUNG KIDS

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:02:00 +0000

JEFF BEATTY STOPS BY AGAWAM

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:01:00 +0000

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:50:00 +0000

For a while now, there has been constant plee for us as a nation to completely get off of oil and rely on alternative sources of energy. Extreme environmentalists preach about global warming, and that we humans and our dependence on fossil fuels are the cause of it. I have read a few other reasons that don't involve us being the cause, but that is not the point of this blog entry. They think they know what is good and right for the planet, you, and everyone else. Don't get me wrong here, I have no problem with experimenting and using different types of energy, but it is necessary to deal with the problem at hand being our dependence on foreign oil that is causing our fuel prices to climb upwards. Too long we have been restricted by lobbyists and special interest groups to obtain domestic oil that would drive prices down. Too long they have put restrictions on the free market.

I believe if we had let the free market do its magic straight from the beginning, we would have cheap domestic oil and would be ahead of the game when it comes to alternative energies like solar, wind, nuclear, and geothermal. We would probably progress to a point when oil would be obsolete, but that should only be decided by the people through a free market, not a government bureaucracy, and that is what we are facing today.

We are being forced, either by law, taxation, or some other tyrannical form, to get completely off of oil and to use "green" energy instead. Try telling that to the 65 year old man who enjoys working on his Chevy on a Sunday morning, or the working parents who have to drive long distances to their jobs so they can put food on the table for their kids and pay higher prices to fill their gas tanks for the next week. These environmental lobbyists and special interest groups want higher gas prices to teach us "evil" humans a lesson about how we "harm" the planet. Do they realize that they are harming the common American by hitting our wallets? Do they realize that high gas prices leads to higher prices on delivered goods? Are they even listening to the people they represent? Families are struggling to stay afloat because of ridiculous legislation preventing off-shore drilling and drilling in Alaska.

Personally, I like and respect the environment; I recycle and conserve gas and electricity when I can, but hurting your fellow American by wanting higher fuel prices is tyranny. We should be able to drill for oil and use alternative energy at the same time as the free market would allow us to. I believe that all our economic problems can be solved by a truly free market if we allow it to do its magic.

Benjamin Dickmann

Babies and Bathwater

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Jackson) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:54:00 +0000

"I'm against ending the Income Tax. You are throwing the baby out with the bath water." - Massachusetts Public School Teacher

"Ending the state income tax would mean laying off teachers, police and fire-fighters, closing schools and shutting down road projects," claims Senate President Therese Murray.

She cautions,"We mustn't throw out the baby with the bathwater."

The Massachusetts Teachers Union's whisper campaign is littered with fear-inciting language and images against the income tax elimination initiative:

"devastation," "decimation," "gutting of public services," "massive layoffs of teachers, police, and firefighters," "closings of police stations, fire stations, schools, and hospitals."

'Don't You Dare Throw Out the Bathwater - or the Baby's Going to Get Hurt' - opponents warn taxpayers.

For hundreds of years, Western babies have been bathed in buckets, small barrels, or baby baths. This was safer - and it was easier to heat the water.

After the baby was bathed, the mother emptied out the dirty bathwater.

This common experience became an easily grasped figure of speech, a proverb:

Do not throw out the good with the bad, nor the desirable with the undesirable.

Do not throw out the necessary with the unnecessary, nor the essential with the waste.

Don't throw out the baby with the bathwater.

If a person can't tell the difference between a baby and dirty bathwater, he should not be put in charge of either.

If she can't show you which is the baby and which is the bathwater, would you let her bathe or care for your baby?

If he doesn't know the difference, if he can't show you the difference, why would you let him advise you on your baby and your bathwater?

Now let's consider the Massachusetts government budget baby - and the government budget bathwater.

The Massachusetts state government statutory budget is $28 billion (FY 2009). The state government also spends an additional $6 billion to $14 billion OFF-BUDGET each year. (Undisclosed, undocumented, and unreported to YOU: the taxpayer.) Total state government spending for this year? $34 billion to $42 billion.

Massachusetts towns and cities will collect and spend an additional $18 billion to $20 billion this year.

Total Massachusetts’s local and state government taxes and spending for the next year? $52 billion to $62 billion.

Governor Deval Patrick, Massachusetts state legislators, Massachusetts state government officials, as well as local government officials:

Show us the baby - and show us the bathwater.

Show us each government program baby - and each government program bathwater.

Show us each government program or service's cost baby - and each government program or service's cost bathwater.

Show Massachusetts taxpayers the bad, the undesirable, the unnecessary, and the waste in the government programs, services, and spending.

Taxpayers and voters are dead sure you've covering up and protecting massive amount of government bathwater.

"41 cents out of every tax dollar is wasted," said voters in an April 2008 poll. That's a massive amount of bathwater. But you just can't seem to put your finger on budget bathwater.

You hint or suggest or brazenly claim: there isn't any budget bathwater; there never
was any bathwater; there ain't never going to be any budget bathwater. And anyone who disagrees is a baby hater.

I don't believe you. I don't trust you.

Neither do the 3,000,000 Massachusetts workers and taxpayers that earn the money that you take, who pay the bills you make.

'Don't You Dare Throw Out the Bathwater - or the Baby's Going to Get Hurt' -- you and your allies tell taxpayers.

The first time I heard that remark, I gave you the benefit of the doubt. I assumed you were counseling taxpayers to be careful.

But now I'm wondering: Is it a warning - or a threat?

Our State Representatives had their chance to roll back the income tax level, and it was voted down. What do they expect? Massachusetts taxpayers are ready to toss out the bathwater, the baby will be just fine.

Memorial Day Tribute

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Jackson) — Sun, 25 May 2008 02:57:00 +0000

In Flanders Fields
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

John McCrae (1872-1918)

Massachusetts Farmers Say No to N.A.I.S.

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Jackson) — Fri, 16 May 2008 13:09:00 +0000

The purpose of NAIS is to provide 48-hour traceback of all animal movements. NAIS will not prevent diseases from occurring. It does not address animal management, such as feeding cow parts to other cows or the other practices of factory farms that lead to animal health problems. It does not prevent wild animals and insects from spreading diseases, nor does it protect against foreign animal diseases from being brought into this country through lax inspection of agricultural shipments. All it does is provide after-the-fact information on where a sick animal has been. So what does the government plan to do with this information?

Call it mature capitalism or call it something else, but the fact is that we have been steadily, inexorably moving to an industrialized, centralized food production system. It is a terrible plan, that could really discourage small farms while it encourages corporate factory farming methods.

There is not much time left. The animal tracking, logging, and reporting components of NAIS will come into effect nationwide in January 2009. The USDA has been authorized to engage in tough enforcement measures -- fines, inspections of properties, and confiscation or redistribution of livestock without trial or legal hearings and with no compensation to the owner of the animals. Failure to register your home or farm with a Premise ID already faces a $1,000 fine in some states.

Once fully implemented, the NAIS program would require every person who owns even one livestock or poultry animal (a single chicken or a pet pony) to register their property with the state and federal government, to tag each animal, and to report “events” to a database within 24 hours. Reportable events would include such things as a private sale, a state fair, or a horse show.

There was some doubt that this was a state issue, as the mandates are coming down from the federal level. Here in Massachusetts, N.O.F.A. has been active in helping friendly state legislators draft and propose legislation to stop state compliance with this program.

N.A.I.S. is currently voluntary at the federal level, which means that state agricultural Departments will be charged with implementing the NAIS, and the USDA has already allocated over $60 million to them to do it.

Clearly, the ball is in our park, at least for now. Other states such as VT have managed to pass legislation stopping state participation in the program, at least temporarily.

What can you do as a consumer? Patronize farmers who raise meat, milk and eggs in a way you support.

If you are interested in learning more, go to:

MA legislation regarding N.A.I.S.

List of Massachusetts Legislators who sponsored and co-sponsored legislation to stop N.A.I.S.

Here is N.A.I.S. First Step PDF and N.A.I.S. Fact Sheet

"It is difficult to imagine any acceptable basis for the (USDA) to subject the owner of a chicken to more intrusive surveillance than the owner of a gun." -Mary Zanoni

Thoughts of a President

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 14 May 2008 04:49:00 +0000

Thoughts of a President

'Here's my strategy on the Cold War: We win, they lose.'- Ronald Reagan

"The most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government and I'm here to help." - Ronald Reagan'

The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they're ignorant; it's just that they know so much that isn't so. - Ronald Reagan

'Of the four wars in my lifetime, none came about because the U.S. was too strong.'- Ronald Reagan'

I have wondered at times about what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the U.S. Congress.' - Ronald Reagan

'The taxpayer: That's someone who works for the federal government but doesn't have to take the civil service examination.' - Ronald Reagan

'Government is like a baby: An alimentary canal with a big appetite at one end and no sense of responsibility at the other.' - Ronald Reagan

'The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a government program.' - Ronald Reagan'

It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession. I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first.' - Ronald Reagan

'Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.' - Ronald Reagan

'Politics is not a bad profession. If yo u succeed, there are many rewards; if you disgrace yourself, you can always write a book.' - Ronald Reagan'

No arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is as formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women.'- Ronald Reagan

Political Implications Of The Cognitive Surplus

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Jackson) — Mon, 12 May 2008 14:20:00 +0000

Do we really have a cognitive surplus? This is pretty convincing.

Maybe, just maybe, we have just enough cognitive surplus to create a community driven Next Right. Not only would it would be interesting to find out, we could conceivably create activist envy.

Locavore

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Jackson) — Wed, 07 May 2008 14:04:00 +0000

What is a locavore? It’s a part of the concept of local purchasing and local economies and a preference to buy locally produced goods and services. Those who prefer to eat locally grown/produced food.

There are twenty-six farms in Hampden County alone and there are 34 Buying Clubs or Community Supported Agriculture (CSA’s) in Massachusetts, http://www.organicconsumers.org/which generally use environmentally sustainable, biodynamic growing techniques using no pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers of any kind. They see their farms as a living system, where its elements work together to build and maintain soil fertility. Through a balanced crop rotation and a strict composting and cover cropping system, they leave the land better than they found it.

Personally, I buy all of my spring, summer and fall produce locally and I’m considering sponsoring a Locavore Challenge to area residents, (see the 100-Mile Diet below).

A locavore is someone who eats food grown or produced locally or within a certain radius such as 50, 100, or 150 miles. The locavore movement encourages consumers to buy from farmers’ markets or even to produce their own food, with the argument that fresh, local products are more nutritious and taste better. Local grown food is an environmentally friendly means of obtaining food, since supermarkets that import their food use more fossil fuels and non-renewable resources.

“Locavore” was coined by Jessica Prentice from San Francisco Bay Area on the occasion of World Environment Day, 2005 to describe and promote the practice of eating a diet consisting of food harvested from within an area most commonly bound by a 100 mile radius. The word "Localvore" is sometimes also used. The New Oxford American Dictionary chose locavore, a person who seeks out locally produced food, as its word of the year 2007. The local foods movement is gaining momentum as people discover that the best-tasting and most sustainable choices are foods that are fresh, seasonal, and grown close to home. Some locavores draw inspiration from the 100-Mile Diet or from advocates of local eating like Barbara Kingsolver. Others just follow their taste buds to farmers' markets, community supported agriculture programs, and community gardens.

Another effect is the increase in food quality and taste. Locally grown fresh food is consumed almost immediately after harvest, so it is sold fresher and usually riper, as it would be from a home garden. Also, the need for chemical preservatives and irradiation to artificially extend shelf life is reduced or eliminated.

So, why am I writing about this on a Republican Blog? Because I believe we should encourage our Massachusetts lawmakers to actively oppose legislation, which burdens family farms with an estate tax, which in some cases will prevent that farm from remaining in a family and may be forced to close. 2010 will see the tax completely repealed, while in 2011, the tax will be reinstated at a federal exemption level of $1 million per person. The reason for this flip-flopping is that Congress didn't have the votes to permanently push through such a tax cut, so it settled for a temporary fix that passes the buck of settling the matter to the future lawmakers.

The Massachusetts estate tax is “decoupled” from the federal estate tax system. So that any tax demanded from the IRS is viewed as a credit by Massachusetts. While the Massachusetts credit for tax paid in another jurisdiction appears to prevent multiple state death taxes from being imposed on the property of a Massachusetts resident decedent, it does not prevent Massachusetts from effectively taxing a resident decedent’s property located outside of Massachusetts.

Under the current Massachusetts estate tax, the amount of the tax payable by the estate of a resident decedent is equal to the amount of the credit for state death taxes that would have been allowable by the resident decedent’s estate computed under Internal Revenue Code. For example, a Massachusetts resident decedent who owned Massachusetts real estate valued at $5,000,000 and Florida real estate valued at $5,000,000, calculates his estate tax starting with a gross estate of $10,000,000.
Assuming no deductions, the Massachusetts estate tax is calculated as follows:

Taxable Estate $ 10,000,000
Less: $60,000 per IRC § 2011(b)(3) (60,000)
Adjusted Taxable Estate $ 9,940,000
Times: Effective Tax Rate 10.74%
Total Massachusetts Estate Tax $ 1,067,600

There appears to be evidence that this is unconstitutional.

Let’s do all we can to preserve our family owned farms in Massachusetts, first by trading with them and then by giving our lawmakers a little home-grown direction.

Opinions expressed on this site are those of the relevant contributors. Not all committee members necessarily share those opinions.

Discrimination to smokers in Mass

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 01:51:00 +0000

For years and years, politicians have always been trying to stomp out smoking in this state. We've heard all the rhetoric. I've taken my D.A.R.E. classes. We've seen the endless amount anti-smoking advertisements on television and magazines, and, now, we're seeing a $1 tax increase on our packs of cigarettes in this state. Force through taxation. How disgusting. It's probably as disgusting as the act of smoking itself.

Now, this either will motivate a person to either quit smoking all together or smoke even more because he/she is outraged by such a ridiculous increase. Whether you feel that smoking is terrible or relaxing is simply one's own opinion, but people should make their own choices and face the consequences of them. If you decide to smoke, you face the higher risk of getting lung cancer and other diseases. If you decide not to smoke... well... you still face the risk of lung cancer and other diseases. Don't ask me. Nature works in strange ways.

Anyways, I don't believe this new tax increase on cigarettes will solve anything or bring much more revenue to the state. People will find ways to avoid paying such wacko prices to enjoy a smoke. You can order cartons from out of state for much cheaper online, or one can simply take a road trip to New Hampshire once a month and stock up on their favorite brands. Some people will actually grow tobacco themselves! I can only sense backfire in this new step.

However, smokers should never be punished for wanting to enjoy tobacco in the comfort of their own homes. Gas and grocery prices are climbing oh so rapidly and now politicians want to make problems worse by making the very thing that gives (temporary) relief from such burdens more expensive. This is nothing more than abuse to the consumer.

I am a smoker, but do not recommend it in any way shape or form. It is a person's choice to smoke or not. One can beat the anti-smoking message to people, one can tax the living daylights out of cigarettes, and one can even outright ban cigarettes from the state but you will always have smokers, because like children, once you say, "You can't have that." to someone, it will only make that person more curious and want to try it even more. It's time we step aside and let people take personal responsibility for their actions and stop punishing individuals through taxation.

Now that I've got myself worked up, I'm going out for a smoke!

Benjamin Dickmann

Opinions expressed on this site are those of the relevant contributors. Not all committee members necessarily share those opinions.

Lt Gov Murray with Agawam RTC members at Volunteer Dinner.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 06:55:00 +0000

Lt Gov Murray with Agawam RTC members at Volunteer Dinner.

Republican Caucus at OSV with Agawam RTC

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 06:43:00 +0000

Republican Caucus

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 06:35:00 +0000

McCain Delagate Reed Hillman and Robert McGovern