June 24, 2009

Many out there seem to think since the TTC is dead (and that remains to be seen), all is well within the Texas Department of Transportation. Not so! Our friends at TexasTurf.Org report on the governor’s veto of HB2142 which could have “settled the issue of TxDOT’s misuse of taxpayer money to attempt to sway public opinion in favor of toll roads, particularly privatized toll roads, and the Trans Texas Corridor.” This bill passed the Texas House on a record vote of 132 to 1 and the Senate 31-0. Terri Hall at TURF had this to say, “Governor Perry prefers to pour salt in the wound instead of allow meaningful reform of his highway department that’s run amok and lost the trust of many Texans. The wholesale outrage over TxDOT’s propaganda campaign from taxpayers and lawmakers alike prompted the Legislature to act, and, as is his usual course of action, Perry instead chooses to stick his thumb in Texans’ eyes rather than protect citizens from the abuses of taxpayer-funded lobbying,”

And in yet another abuse of We Texans in favor of good ole boy cronyism, the governor promptly signed SB 882. This piece of legislation permits toll authorities to pay a stipend in excess of $250,000 to compensate unsuccessful firms for costs they incur in the development of proposals. Total spending on transportation in Texas has DECREASED during the last 8 years on Governor Perry’s watch and now we learn that he wants to reward losing bidders! We Texans have had enough!  Visit www.medinafortexas.com to join us in restoring common sense and common values to state government.

May 30, 2009

It’s time we restore the bonds of trust between the people and our elected representatives. Republicans have been guilty of evasion and posturing, of creating bigger and bigger government even when they promise just the opposite.

I want to change those policies. I believe we can do better. I am fighting for a return to a limited government; government that recognizes the importance of We Texans, a government that respects your property and your wage – that endeavors to let you keep what you earn rather than one that constantly seeks to take more.

I am fighting to provide real leadership. No more excuses for failing to secure the border and stem the flow of illegal immigration. No more for transportation agendas that are nothing more than thinly veiled attempts to confiscate private property and erase borders. No more excuses for intervention into healthcare, energy, education and agriculture all of which drive up cost, destroy production and weaken performance. No more intrusion into the lives of families undermining the rights of parents to determine what’s in the best interest of their children.

We Texans understand that the wealth of our state rests in our people, in our desire to be left alone to work and prosper for ourselves and for our families.

We Texans can do better!

This election offers the chance for new leadership that will transform the way our state government works. We have the chance to transform Austin. This historic change would be the end of government that is getting too big, too intrusive and too easy with our money. It can be the beginning of leadership that respects the common values and common sense of We Texans.

I intend to restore accountability, to make us proud of the way free people, We Texans, govern ourselves.

We Texans can do better! We will do better!

Texas can lead! Texas will lead!

April 30, 2009

I was a freshman in high school during the last swine flu panic. Remember those who forget history are destined to repeat it. So here’s the story: In 1976 an army recruit at Fort Dix said he felt tired and weak. He died the next day and four of his fellow soldiers were later hospitalized. One sad and untimely death but the vaccine program implemented by public health officials resulted in 25 deaths; a case of the cure being worse than the disease.

As a health care professional, I know it’s important to provide objective information and calm reassurance in the face of medical crisis. The reality is this virus generally causes only mild symptoms and infected individuals make a full recovery without requiring medical attention. As with any contagious illness, limit exposure to those who are ill and wash your hands frequently especially in between contact with others and before handling food. Sound practical advice to keep you and your family healthy.

Now to the civil liberty issues: that which governs least, governs best. State-wide initiatives to close schools and suspend UIL and other activities are fear mongering tactics aimed at subduing the public. Decisions about whether to continue business as usual can and should be made at the local level.

Together we can weather this storm. Let’s take a deep breath, wash our hands and get on with the tasks of the day. Texas has world class healthcare. Should you or a family member become ill, by all means, seek medical attention as you would with any other ailment. (Oh, and maybe get away from that radio or television for several hours each day—whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.)

April 22, 2009

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse, 21* of your state senators thumbed their noses at Texas and passed SB 855. This bill allows local communities to call an election to raise taxes and fees to pay for light rail, roads, and hike and bike trails. Justin Keener at the Texas Public Policy Foundation explains however that “our system for financing roads has come through taxes, fees, and tolls, which are more or less proportionate to one’s use of that infrastructure. But if the fees in SB 855 are adopted in local communities, one of two people making equal use of the infrastructure would pay the government while the other would not, based on their income. That injects a means test into our public finance system for roads, which is quite a departure from Texas’ historical rejection of finance structures that are similar to a progressive income tax.”

So while they’ll never call it an income tax, it paves the way for exactly that just as the business franchise/margins tax did in the last session. It is this sort of arrogant disregard towards the will of Texans that led to the tremendous tea party turnout last week.

We must all remember that our elected officials get much of their training while serving on school boards and city councils. Early voting in these local elections begins April 27. Study the issues, talk to the candidates and then VOTE.

And be sure to do what you can to kill the income related provisions in this bill.

*Kudos to the nine who voted against the bill, Senators Fraser, Hegar, Huffman, Jackson, Nelson, Ogden, Patrick, Uresti, and Van de Putte.

April 15, 2009

While it’s been quite some time since I’ve been in a Texas dance hall, I trust people all over this great state remember well the Cotton-eyed Joe and are still shouting “bull ****” as they mimic shaking barnyard muck from their boots.  It’s time we moved that sentiment from the dance hall to the town hall and started kicking some of the muck out of office. I can only hope that those who turn out for the Texas Tea Parties today will have their “bull ****” meters tuned up and turned on.

It seems many of the tea parties are being invaded by the very individuals responsible for our unprecedented tax burdens.  Sure, the state-wide politicians will want to point their finger at Washington but the truth is Texas’ own tax burden has seriously outpaced growth, inflation and personal income.  Texas economy is in better shape than the rest of the country - but being on the high end of a sinking ship is no cause for rejoicing as many in Austin have been doing.

The message is clear, whether you sit on the school board, the city council, the commissioner’s court, the MUD district board or any of the myriad other taxing entites; in Austin or in Washington: we’re tired of taxes!

Every elected official has a duty to understand the proper role of government and to act in a manner consistent with protecting those whom they serve.  We’d do well to heed the admonition of Thomas Jefferson, “A wise and frugal government, which shall leave men free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned - this is the sum of good government.”

How ‘bout some more of that freedom Texas? Freedom to regulate your own pursuits. Freedom to keep the fruit of your labor. The next time your friendly elected official explains why they had to increase spending, remember the Cotton Eyed Joe – shake that muck from your boots and yell “bull ****”

March 31, 2009

Now that all bills are filed, many committees are beginning to hold hearings and move legislation. Now’s the time to watch closely and plan as many trips to Austin as possible. Many grassroots political action groups are engaged in the battle. Visit the website of your favorite group, track the bills they are working on and write a letter, pick up the phone or hop in the car and head to Austin. Be aware that many committees hear “invited” testimony before they get to the public testimony so you may have a wait. Take the opportunity to visit with staff, provide written comment to them and be sure to drop off comments in your state representative and state senator’s offices as well while you are there. Now is the time for all hands on deck.

AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL - HR 1207 - A Bill to Audit the Federal Reserve now has 49 co-sponsors but we need your help in Texas! Thus far only 5 of 32 congressmen from Texas have signed on as co-sponsors. Telephone calls and petitions to all other Texas Congressmen encouraging their support is critical. Current Texas Congressmen signing on as sponsors include:

Ted Poe (CD2)

John Culberson (CD7)

Kenny Marchant (CD24)

Michael Burgess (CD26)

Pete Sessions (CD32)

Special thanks to Congressmen Poe, Culberson, Marchant, Burgess and Sessions for their support on this issue.

March 23, 2009

I’m just back from a wonderful whirlwind weekend in the DFW area. Throughout 2008, I commented frequently,especially during the primary and Republican Convention process, despite rumors to the contrary, the Texas grassroots are united and ablaze with energy. I’m thrilled to report that that remains true! Everywhere I travel, individuals are turning out for political meetings concerned about the state of our state and nation.

Since the price of freedom is eternal vigilance, it is particularly gratifying to speak with so many who are involved on so many different fronts. One of our challenges, of course, will be to facilitate legislative actions and an adherence to the rule of law that will promote a return to individual freedom and limited government.

If you have not already done so, I hope you will visit Texas Legislature On line (http://www.legis.state.tx.us/Home.aspx) and sign up for an account under “My TLO” so that you can track bills of interest to you. Automating the process will greatly improve your ability to take action as indicated.

All bills have been filed and we’ll see them working their way thru committees in the coming weeks. Let’s all stay alert out there.

And if you’ve not yet signed up at Campaign for Liberty, I hope you will do so. Visit www.campaignforliberty.com, there is a free membership waiting for you there (although contributions are also greatly appreciated). CFL members across the country are working hard (i.e., the staff needs your handsigned petitions and telephone calls to members of congress today) to move HR1207 - FED audit bill - thru the congress. A companion bill has been filed in the senate - these bills would significantly effect the FEDs ability to hide its manipulation of the money supply and our economy.

March 10, 2009

Is your head spinning? Back-and-forth political posturing can make even the most level headed dizzy. Flip flopping on economic policy with the leadership change in Washington only the latest example in a long line of abuses by many in positions of political power – congressmen, senators and even talk show hosts can’t seem to make up their minds – or perhaps I should say have no spine. Fickle, comes to mind: Middle English fikel deceitful, inconstant, from Old English ficol deceitful; akin to Old English befician to deceive, and probably to Old English fah hostile.

The preservation of freedom and liberty demands eternal vigilance – today while elected officials endeavor to fix what ails us…and tomorrow when a new crop stands for election, let’s band together to restore what our founder’s died to birth – a free and prosperous nation.

Let’s commend those who take the courageous principled stands and replace those whose ideology and actions shift by the day.

March 2, 2009

TEXAS LIBERTY CAMPAIGN

A demand for the restoration of liberty continued its march through Texas this weekend. While Tea Parties protesting recent federal action inflating the dollar and sending the country further into debt drew large crowds in major cities, patriots from across the state convened in Austin to organize for the restoration of liberty in Texas politics and life. I called the convention to order as temporary chairman and the delegation moved quickly to elect Paul Perry permanent chairman. Perry appointed fellow chair nominees Al Jameson, Harris Co. and Griffin Spell, Hays Co. as parliamentarians. Read King, Denton Co. was elected convention secretary and Sean Cheben, Midland Co. served as his assistant. These men did a phenomenal job insuring a fair and deliberative convention. Elected purpose, resolutions and by-laws committees worked until midnight on Saturday with some members huddling in convention hotels until 3 a.m. only to reconvene in committee meetings at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday morning and then at the convention hall at 9 a.m. As the day progressed, the delegates were successful in adopting a mission , “to restore our Republic as intended by the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States through the exercise of all our inherent individual rights as a free people in Texas” and the name Texas Liberty Campaign. The body also created standing resolutions and bylaws committees and charged elected senate district caucus chairmen with convening a second convention once standing committees have completed their work on resolutions and bylaws. While a deliberative assembly of this nature is exhausting physically and emotionally, delegates labored to build a cohesion that bodes well for the future of Texas. There is indeed a revolution sweeping our nation and Texas is leading the charge!

Congressman Ron Paul spoke to the delegation on Saturday evening just prior to attending the Campaign for Liberty’s Texas Freedom & Liberty banquet at the nearby DoubleTree Hotel in Austin.

Interested individuals are invited to visit www.campaignforliberty.com and www.ocati.org for related current news and events.

February 8, 2009

Sen. Specter’s phone is likely ringing off the hook as he is predicted to support the $800+ billion stimulus package and I truly hope our efforts to get him to change his mind are effective!

Nonetheless, I wonder how many remember, “In 2004, Specter faced a challenge in the Republican primary election from conservative Congressman Pat Toomey. Toomey charged that Specter was too much of a liberal and big spender to represent the Republican Party. The match-up was closely watched nationally, being seen as a symbolic clash between the conservative and moderate wings of the Republican Party. However, most of the state and national Republican establishment, including the state’s other senator at the time, Rick Santorum, (who was widely seen as only slightly less conservative than Toomey), closed ranks behind Specter. Specter was strongly supported by President George W. Bush. Specter narrowly avoided a major upset with 51 percent of the vote.” (Courtesy of Wikipedia)

Specter promised then to support the “Republican” nominees for Supreme Court thus buying him the support of the establishment. Surely Toomey would have supported those same candidates. Specter never has been a conservative. Until we have party leadership that will put our money where our mouths are (behind candidates whose political ideology is consistent with our platform) instead of using it to try to buy politicians they think they can control, we’ll continue to get more of the same.

December 16, 2008

Did you catch “The Philosophers Stone” youtube?  It has a tragic clip of Diane Feinstein pointing out that her office received 91,000 telephone calls about the bailout and 85,000 of those were in opposition. You might think she would then vote no, wrong. She had only one choice to protect the people, you see, she had to vote YES.

Sadly, most of us shake our heads…and go on about our business. We believe the bailouts are wrong. In fact, we believe a lot of what our government is doing is wrong. There is evidence for that in the very poor approval ratings given to Congress in polls over the past two years. But that is not enough. We have to engage the culture! We have to engage our elected officials. We have to defend liberty with policies that undergird freedom and we MUST recognize truth.

Bailouts use inflationary notes to create public-private partnerships for which Murray Rothbard warned, “Mr. and Ms. America, keep a sharp eye on your wallets—you are about to be fleeced.” Lew Rockwell says the recent efforts on Capitol Hill are working to effectively turn the American car industry into a public-private partnership of the sort Mussolini would have applauded. How many of us recognize these bailouts as fascist answers to economic problems? Would we recognize a constitutional republic if we saw one? How about a socialist nation or a fascist nation?

Rockwell notes in his article today, “There is only one sure way that you can know you are on the right side of history, and that is by saying what is true and defending what is right, without exception.” I like that “without exception” part. It is time that the excuses stop. It is time that the compromises stop.

In Texas especially, we have elected “conservative” representatives. By any definition, conservative means “limited government.” Will you write a letter or make a telephone call today to your state representative and state senator and encourage, yea demand, as they prepare to enter this next legislative session (beginning Jan. 13 in Texas) that they cut spending in Texas and not by merely passing mandates but actually CUT spending?

Committed engagement, feet on the battlefield, can change our course.

November 17, 2008

Seems many of today’s top CEOs can’t.  J.C.Penney CEO Mike Ullman is the latest to put his hand out.  Isn’t that’s the equivalent of giving every tax paying American a credit card with a hefty charge for which they received no material goods or services - saying just pay up.  “Hey you won’t shop here, or you’re not spending enough money  here so I’m going to get the government to tax you so I can keep my business afloat.”  That’s just un-American and I hope you will tell JC Penney that and every other “businessman/woman” out there who thinks the way to a healthy P&L statement is using your tax dollars!

In a country that has enjoyed the bountiful blessings of a free market capitalist society (well purportedly anyway - I know, I know the markets are not truly free), one that has gone to great lengths to facilitate that business environment in numerous countries around the globe, it’s a sad legacy to those who have died for our freedom, that so many of our “leading” CEOs are ready to cash it all in to forestall the inevitable.  Will corporate CEOs soon join lawyers and politicians as those with some of the poorest ratings among the American people?

The resurgence in the popularity of communism abroad points to the ever increasing need to re-educate ourselves regarding the principles of freedom and liberty - they don’t come at the largess of the U.S. Government or any government for that matter.   The Campaign for Liberty folks point out, “Ambitious governments would have far greater difficulty implementing schemes that undermine liberty and prosperity were they faced with an informed and vigilant population.”  Perhaps the same goes for ambitious CEOs who are faced with an informed and vigilant customer.  Let your voice be heard - tell them “no thanks, you’ll take your business elsewhere.”

I’d like to salute the heroes in our midst  - besides the So. Carolina governor, who else is telling Congress “no thanks”?  Let’s make a bee line to their door and praise them with our dollars.

November 14, 2008

Next Saturday, Nov. 22, ninety-eight years after the inception of the Federal Reserve system as we know it today, Texans will have the opportunity to learn more about the underlying cause of our current world-wide economic crisis: central banking. Activists all around the country will rally at Federal Reserve Banks to call for a return to sound money and an end of the central banking cartel.

Facing economic crises not seen in this country in nearly 80 years, U.S. citizens are searching for real solutions. Recognizing the threat of unprecedented deficits, out of control spending and more big industries coming to government with their hands out, many are calling for an end of the Federal Reserve System and a return to sound money. Economist Lew Rockwell has aptly stated, “Sound money is an immutable need always and everywhere.”

Citizens from all walks are encouraged to attend an educational rally to be held in front of the Federal Reserve Bank, 1801 Allen Parkway, Houston on Saturday, Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. The rally will generate public awareness of the need for sound money; it will provide the public with information about current efforts in Congress to audit, reform and ultimately end the Federal Reserve Banking system. Congressman Ron Paul is scheduled to speak.

In addition, speakers will include: Elected Officials, Media Commentators, Party Leaders, Political Activists, Community Leaders, Educators, and Veterans. There will be live music offered by The Two-Timin’ Four.

I hope to see you there.

November 11, 2008

It has been just over a month since the Minnesota Rally for the Republic, but few of us have had time to catch our breath. We all know that the Fed’s web of debt and pretend money has begun unraveling in earnest, as we all said it would, and our fine Congress has responded in typical fashion by marching even more quickly into the pit of socialism. They are nearly tripping over each other in their rush to shred what little remains of our liberties, while trying to point blame at each other for the things they all did together.

Meanwhile, many of us across the state are doing what we can to keep liberty alive against these odds via education, local political campaigns, legal efforts, and other activism. Part of that is figuring out together how to continue some of the things we started during the convention process, and how we might fit in with the new national Campaign for Liberty.

Many of you are aware that a group from Texas–one from each Congressional District, plus two at-large–attended a CFL Grassroots Summit while in Minnesota. While there we also met to discuss the future of a statewide organization in Texas. We know that local and regional groups will always know best what their areas need and how to achieve those things, but many are looking for an ongoing statewide effort for at least ongoing communication and statewide cooperation where beneficial. The future holds more conventions, statewide elections and issue votes, etc.

At that meeting, the Summit group agreed on the following:

• That while every effort had been made to make that group representative for the Summit given the time available, we had no authority to continue beyond the Summit or form a state organization ourselves.
• That Texas should instead hold conventions that provide opportunity for all activists across the state to discuss and vote on the purpose, role, structure, officers, etc. of a statewide organization.
• That these conventions be called at the lowest level as mass meetings as defined in and under the parliamentary authority of RONR, in order to allow for maximum participation and to best determine the will of the body.
• That these conventions should occur by March 1st, 2009.
• That at these conventions any votes with statewide impact would be proportional votes, with each Senate District having a strength based on the portion of the statewide vote for Ron Paul in the 2008 Presidential Primary provided by that Senate District.

While the Summit group did not have or claim authority to simply dictate what happens next, we believe it was representative enough to set a goal that the rest of the volunteers in the state can look at and agree with. The focus of these conventions will absolutely be to include as many people as possible and to determine the will of the full majority in Texas, with respect for minority opinions. If others disagree they are of course free to take personal responsibility to do something else, but we hope people will at least first try to come together and help us deliberate and seek consensus.

Four individuals were given responsibility for organizing and issuing the call for these conventions: Jeremy Blosser, Debra Medina, Robert McDonald, and Don Zimmerman. The four of us met recently and determined that the best option is to hold a series of SD conventions in January, followed by a state convention in February. The SD conventions will be called as open mass meetings, with a primary purpose of determining representation from each SDs to the state convention. The state convention will consist of the delegates elected from each SD and will set its own agenda and scope. We will have someone present at each SD convention to assist as needed and will provide suggested agendas and rules and other information, but acceptance and use of those will be entirely up to the voting individuals present. Each convention will be called to order by an appropriate temporary chair and will proceed immediately to the election of a permanent chair and other organization, then will conduct its business.

We are initially suggesting the following schedule:

Jan 10, D/FW:           SDs 2, 8, 9, 10, 12, 16, 23, 30
Jan 10, Waco:           SDs 1, 3, 5, 22
Jan 17, San Antonio:    SDs 14, 19, 21, 24, 25, 26
Jan 17, Harlingen:      SDs 20, 27
Jan 24, Houston:        SDs 4, 6, 7, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18
Jan 24, El Paso:        SD 29
Jan 31, Lubbock:        SDs 28, 31

February, Austin:       State Convention

However, as our goal is maximizing participation, we are certainly open to suggestions for alternate locations. We are also researching methods for allowing large SDs to meet in multiple physical locations via video conference. Please LET US KNOW if you are interested in attending, REGARDLESS of the date and location listed for your SD. If the listed date or location would prevent you from attending, suggest a reasonable alternative. Final dates and locations need to be determined soon, so please forward any suggestions or concerns that you have promptly.

Please also note that the focus here is specifically on determining what Texas wants for itself. While it is assumed that whatever organization comes out of these conventions will seek charter as the Texas Campaign for Liberty, that will be up to the conventions themselves. We hope to have a list of the CFL’s requirements for state organizations by the time we meet so we can review them and decide together if we want to base our organization on those requirements, but if Texas chooses to vote to do something else, that is what we will do. There is no requirement that you be a member of the CFL to attend these meetings, though if we do decide to seek a state charter in the CFL they will require that the individuals involved
in that process be CFL precinct leaders.

Please send your comments, question, and initial RSVP to convention@ocati.org as soon as possible. RSVPs will not be required to attend but having them will enable us to choose the best locations for maximum participation.

I hope to see all of you there as Texas again makes history.

November 2, 2008

For many of us, it’s been a long 20+ months that will culminate Tuesday night at 7 p.m.  That’s 48 more hours to push the revolution…push for individual liberty, constitutional government, sound money, free markets, and a noninterventionist foreign policy.  You can have the greatest impact in the smallest amount of time by working at poll locations in your area. Print business cards supporting the position/candidate of your choice and ask those appearing at the polls for support.  Statistics show a large % of voters come to the polls undecided…your work there can have a tremendous impact.  Then at 7 p.m., take a bow, a breather and a well deserved rest (but not for too long, we’ve got a country to save!!)

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