See Ya’ll In A Few Days

“All my bags are packed, I’m ready to go,” nice song, but I know when I’ll be back. Headin’ to Texas in the AM, see ya’ll in a few days.

Just talk amongst yourselves.

Watch Tonight’s 3rd Congressional Candidate Forum Online

Courtesy of David Castillo’s campaign, those of you who might not be able to attend the forum tonight in Longview featuring the 3rd Congressional Candidates, you may watch it online at KLTV 29

The event begins at 6 PM and is to be held at Lower Columbia College, Rose Center for the Arts – 1600 Maple Street, Longview, WA 98632.

My apologies to any who tuned in, it never appeared. I have no idea why. At this stage, I hope CVTV picks it up or we otherwise get to see th eforum, for those who couldn’t be there.

I have deactivated the link.

Bisexuals Kicked Off Of Softball Team for “Not Being Gay Enough?”

From Tuesdays Seattle Times

Three bisexual men are suing a national gay-athletic organization, saying they were discriminated against during the Gay Softball World Series held in the Seattle area two years ago.

The three Bay Area men say the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance in essence deemed them not gay enough to participate in the series.

The lawsuit filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Seattle accuses the alliance of violating Washington state laws barring discrimination. The alliance organizes the annual Gay Softball World Series.

—————

The alliance’s rules say that each World Series team can have no more than two heterosexual players. According to the lawsuit, a competing team accused D2 of violating that rule.

Each of the three plaintiffs was called into a conference room in front of more than 25 people, and was asked “personal and intrusive questions” about his sexual attractions and desires, purportedly to determine if the player was heterosexual or gay, the lawsuit alleges. The alliance has no category or definition for bisexual or transgender people in its rules, the plaintiff’s attorney said.

At one point during the proceedings, the lawsuit alleges, one of the plaintiffs was told: “This is the Gay World Series, not the Bisexual World Series.”

Isn’t this basically what straights are constantly being accused of doing?

Isn’t it hypocritical to mandate the number of straights allowed to play in the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance, while calling for unlimited numbers of Open Gays be included elsewhere?

Isn’t it wrong to cry about discrimination, when you discriminate yourself?

Shouldn’t the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance adopt their own “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy?

Senator Don Benton Asks, “What Causes Do You Support?”

HOMOSEXUALS, LIBERALS, AND LAWYERS ATTACK BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA

Posted by permission of the author,

HOMOSEXUALS, LIBERALS, AND LAWYERS ATTACK BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA

By Attorney Rees Lloyd
April 19, 2010
NewsWithViews.com

The Boy Scouts of America is perhaps the finest organization ever created to assist American boys to become responsible men and citizens. Over a million adults annually contribute uncountable volunteer hours to the BSA, assisting almost three million Boy Scouts.

However, among those millions of patriotic men of the BSA, are a very few predatory homosexuals who insinuate themselves into the BSA to prey sexually on boys.

As a result, predatory homosexuals with views on sex like those of the North American Man Boy Love Association (NAMBLA), predatory liberals epitomized by the ACLU – — which represents and defends NAMBLA while attacking the BSA, and predatory lawyers posturing public interest purity while raking in fees at the expense of BSA and taxpayers, combine to damage if not destroy the BSA through lawsuits which place the BSA between the proverbial rock and a hard place.

That is, BSA, on one hand, is assailed by lawsuits – most by the ACLU — which claim BSA is composed of loathsome homophobes who discriminate against homosexuals by barring them from positions as adult Scout leaders.

On the other hand, BSA is attacked by lawsuits seeking millions from BSA for allegedly failing to protect boys from homosexual predators.

Thus, the BSA appears to be damned if it bans homosexuals as adult volunteers, and damned if it doesn’t.

————————

It appears that ever since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against the ACLU and held that the BSA as a private organization has the right to determine whom it will allow to serve as adult troop leaders, that the ACLU has set out revengefully to destroy the BSA by lawsuits and other means, including joining with homosexual activists, and other politically-correct liberals, to demand that governmental units withdraw support from the BSA – which hundreds if not thousands have done across the country.

ACLU’s vicious use of the courts is illuminated by its act, after losing the BSA case in the Supreme Court, to send letters, along with related ultra-liberal organizations, to all or almost all school boards and districts in the country, warning them that if they did not cease to sponsor Boy Scout Troops, ACLU, or related organizations, would sue on grounds including that the BSA discriminates against homosexuals and/or is a “religious” organization because the Boy Scout oath refers to God. ACLU threatened it would seek judge-ordered, taxpayer-paid attorney fees from the schools.

Such threats of the ACLU are not idle. The ACLU, for example, sued a Washington school district to drive out the Boy Scouts, and sought and received $108,000 in attorney fees. When ACLU sued Chicago schools for sponsoring Boy Scout Troops, the school board settled almost immediately, kicking out the Scouts, and giving the ACLU $90,000 in attorney fees. The ACLU sued the City of San Diego on behalf of homosexuals to kick the Boy Scouts out of Balboa Park, ultimately resulting in a settlement in which San Diego broke the Boy Scouts’ lease at Balboa Park, and handed ACLU “$950,000” in attorney fees. Most Americans are unaware that the ACLU, which postures as a pro bono organization, in fact profits in the millions by taxpayer-paid attorney fees in such cases.

The BSA, in response to ACLU’s threats to schools, sent out letters to school districts thanking them for sponsoring Boy Scout troops, but asking them to cease doing so as BSA did not want school funds to be diverted. Most schools, faced with ACLU’s threats, stopped sponsoring Boy Scout Troops.

REES LLOYD is a longtime civil rights attorney and veterans activist whose work has been honored by, among others, the California Senate and Assembly, and numerous civil rights, workers rights, and veterans rights organizations. He has testified as a constitutional expert at hearings before the U.S. House and Senate representing The American Legion.

Read the rest at NewsWithViews.com

See also What Good Are The Boy Scouts of America?

The Boy Scouts of America have a long history of serving their communities. Recently, after the earthquake in Haiti, it was the Boy and Girl Scouts that dug out of the rubble and began coordinating and helping the injured and displaced, even before help arrived.

Free Speech Gains a Short Reprieve from the Vancouver City Council

The machination of government is something that never ceases to amaze me. The back and forth between factions and pretending to listen to people is just at times astonishing as well as enlightening.

Such was the case this evening at the Vancouver City Council meeting as the council took up a discussion on regulating free speech, even though they felt they were not.

The discussion centered on a proposed ordinance that would have placed restrictions on assemblies larger than 100 and would require a 6 day notification of the assembly, payment of a $60 fee, plus other requirements.

After dispensing with other business, Mayor Leavitt opened up the discussion on the proposed ordinance. Of the 10 citizens permitted to speak on the ordinance, not one spoke in support of it.

Larry Patella, Tom Hann, Terry Busch, Charlie Stemper, Debbie Peterson and several others whose names I failed to write down, all rose one at a time pointing out how this ordinance either would or would have the potential to eventually be used to deny people their right to peaceful assembly and to deny them free speech, protected under the first amendment of our constitution.

Similar tactics were either in place or used in segregated Southern States to deny Black Americans their right to assemble in their effort to gain the Civil Rights that should have been theirs in the first place. Although this is a point I was going to make, since I was born and raised in the South and saw it firsthand, Mr. Patella beat me to it, identifying those who used such an ordinance as “Southern Democrats,” a historical fact councilmember Bart Hansen should acquaint himself with as he took exception to the comment.

Bart, you can argue all you wish and take exception, it will not change the historical fact of it having happened. Perhaps Bart will do himself a favor and order a copy of the book, Whites, Blacks and Racist Democrats by Rev. Wayne Perryman.

I was pleasantly surprised to see Councilmember Pat Campbell argue against the ordinance as written as he saw the dangers of such an ordinance infringing on our first amendment right to assemble peacefully and exercise free speech. Joining him in expressing doubts as well as voting against it were councilmember’s Jack Burkman, Larry Smith and Jeanne E. Stewart.

The other 3, Mayor Leavitt, who feels it is not such a big deal and councilmember’s Jeanne Harris and Bart Hansen expressed support of the ordinance, Harris and Hansen both saying they had no problems at all with it.

I’d like to remind the mayor that any act that might modify, restrict or infringe in any way upon our constitutional rights is a “big deal.”

At one point, Mayor Leavitt turned to the audience as asked if we really felt the council was infringing upon our right to free speech and to assemble. To his dismay, the audience resoundingly said YES!

What really struck me in the council’s discussion was hearing many say they had not had a chance to read through the proposed ordinance yet as it had just been returned to the council this evening. (Please read councilmember Burkman’s clarification/correction on this in his comment below)

Cara Cantonwine, Special Events Coordinator was asked several questions by the council that elicited an “I don’t know” answer as she reiterated the ordinance was more or less a “what if” something should happen.

Also asked about any past problems in the 5 or so events a year that may happen in Vancouver that might have cost the city in repairs or clean-up, another reason given for the necessity of this ordinance, also brought back the answer of “none that she could recall.”

In essence, as I believe was brought out, what the ordinance would do is already happening. Which brings up the question, why is it needed in the first place?

Visibly perturbed at citizen comments against and the council vote to deny the ordinance at this time were councilmember’s Hansen and Harris. Both stated the punitive sections of the ordinance would not necessarily have to be enforced, again bringing to mind, why have the 22 page ordinance?

Mayor Leavitt expressed support and voted for it also; sealing his fate at the next election as it is doubtful he will receive support from conservatives as he did to help him defeat Mayor Pollard. I just hope Tim doesn’t get too comfortable in the Mayors seat, this being the second time I have seen him ignoring the voice and will of the people.

The council voted unanimously to send the proposal back to staff to remove restrictions that could occur on free speech for anyone, left or right and to rewrite that portion to encourage notification to the city, even in the case of short notice as political events, rallies or protests often do not have the 6 days needed to obtain a permit, bills being rapidly brought out and scheduled for votes today.

I’d like to extend special thanks to councilmember’s Campbell, Burkman, Stewart and Smith for their voices of common sense and speaking for upholding our constitutional rights.

To the others, your efforts to shut down Tea Parties, Freedom Rallies or other assemblies that oppose your left-winged views failed. We will continue to show up and oppose any effort to place restrictions on our constitutional rights.

The Call Of Freedom Rang Loud In Esther Short Park

Saturday, April 17, 2010 a large crowd gather in Vancouver’s Esther Short Park to unite and call for an end to the excessive taxation and government takeover of so many aspects of our lives we are currently seeing coming from Washington D.C. and Olympia.

Young and old, Black, White and Hispanic, Republican and Democrat and even an SEIU member, gathered in numbers that must have hit 1500 or more, all to join voices and call for our freedoms to be restored and protected.

Citizens angered and concerned about the out of control spending, ever higher taxes and elected officials ignoring the voices and will of the people came together by the hundreds of thousands earlier in the week across the nation. Clark County followed suit today and none were disappointed.

Those in attendance were treated to several guest speakers, Thomas Hann, coordinator of the event opened the event. Tom Niewulis reprised his Samuel Adams role inspiring the crowd with a voice from our founders. Reverend Wayne Perryman spoke of the history of Democrats in slavery in our countries past. Juliana McMahan of Evergreen Freedom Foundation gave an accounting of the dysfunction recently seen in Olympia as we saw the largest tax increases in our states history.

Greg Noelk Columnist for Wapathub.org spoke, but the featured speaker was our Daughter of Democracy heard every day on Portland’s KPAM 860 AM, Victoria Taft as she charged up the crowd in her speech, giving thanks to all Veterans in attendance and those serving currently.

Although not a campaign event, several candidates for office were there mingling with the people and getting known. David Castillo, Anthony Bittner, Ann Rivers, Brian Peck, Shannon Barnett, Chris Boyd and David Hedrick were seen mingling and shaking hands. Jaime Herrera’s campaign had a table set up and I heard that she too made an appearance, but I didn’t get the chance to say hello to her.

Craig Riley was in Israel but his campaign filled for him. I even heard Jim Moeller, aka ‘Da Taxman,’ one who joyfully selected to slap all these new taxes on us was there for a little bit.

If I missed some candidates my apologies as I couldn’t see everybody.

Far from the majority party and much of the media has tried to portray, there was no incidence of racism, hate speech or even violence. Even the attendee in the SEIU tee shirt was welcomed; leading me to believe he came dressed in the shirt to show that not all members of the SEIU are like the thugs that beat up Kenneth Gladney last year outside a town hall in St. Louis, Missouri.

Fox News’ Geraldo Rivera was recently taken to task for perpetuating the false charges of the groups.

Lest any think that Tea Partiers are just selfish or greedy, it isn’t for us we do this, but for our children, grandchildren and future generations that will bear the burden of the follies being pushed off on the citizens of America today.

In all, We The People must be congratulated for organizing and hosting the event. If any party crashers appeared, they either kept silent or were escorted away early as I don’t recall seeing them.

To our elected officials, CAN YOU HEAR US NOW?

You can count on hearing us in November.

More photos on facebook

Shouldn’t We Have Gotten Dinner and a Movie?

April 15 is passing again and if you are like me, it hurt this year. With the increased taxes given us and passage of even more by our ruling party in Olympia, more money was taken out of me, even though my wages are down. I’m left feeling screwed.

Unemployment here in Clark County remains well over 14% and there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel, just more taxes coming at us and potentially more lay-offs and more bankruptcies. Democrats answer? Raise taxes, the exact opposite of what we really need to spur job growth and recover from this economic downward spiral we have been in for well over a year now.

Unable to agree on just how to stick it to us during regular session, Governor Gregoire ordered the legislature into special session where the arguing amongst Democrats over what to tax continued until they adjourned the session Monday night, April 12.

Particularly troubling to me was seeing not only so many new taxes, on candy & gum, bottled water, mass produced beer (leaving micro breweries beer that liberals and the wealthy often consume alone), a 20% increase in the Business and Occupation tax, but as Senator Joe Zarelli said, the majority Democrats

“included some familiar majority accounting gimmicks, such as sweeping $461 million from accounts intended for environmental cleanup, public works projects and other specific activities into the general fund and drained the $229 million remaining in the rainy-day.”

Saddest was seeing a handful of Republicans in the House join with Democrats in draining what was left in the rainy day fund that included 18th District Representative Jaime Herrera, who was taken to task for her vote on the Victoria Taft program in March.

Ed Orcutt, also from the 18th, released a statement addressing the session that included,

“This is an $800 million-a-year financial hit that our families, our employers and our economy cannot afford. If Democrat budget writers had put half as much effort into balancing the budget through true government reforms and efficiencies as they put into arguing with each other over which taxes to raise, we’d have a balanced budget, no tax increases and no special session.

Instead of spending 30 days sharpening our pencils, applying the priorities of government process and implementing meaningful government reforms, budget writers from the majority party haggled over who would be the ‘winners and losers’ while resorting to tax increases.

This is a sad day for struggling families and employers. This tax increase represents the largest tax increase in state history and it will have a negative impact on our chances for economic recovery.”

Senator Don Benton released a statement also saying in part,

“It’s unconscionable to dump 1.7 billion dollars in new taxes on the people of Washington during the worst recession since the Great Depression. With hundreds of thousands of people out of work already, this will hit the economy like an earthquake. The 20 percent increase in the business and occupation tax on service businesses, which is about 80 percent of Washington’s small businesses, will put more people out of work. This is flat-out wrong. We have already lost more than 190,000 jobs.”

Benton also said that not one of the 55 reform ideas put forth by Republicans over the past 5 years has even been considered.

While we are told of harsh cuts by the governor just last year, left unexplained is how spending increased with those harsh cuts until we realize that to a Democrat, a “cut” is actually a reduction in the amount of expected increase.

We would never get away with balancing our own checkbooks in such a manner or paying our bills. If we tried we would see our homes in foreclosure.

For this massive screwing we just received, Governor Gregoire says,

“the budget passed by lawmakers is ‘fair and reasonable’ and will not significantly impact the average Washington family or penalize local businesses.”

With our ever increasing unemployment, I fail to see anything “fair” or “reasonable” in this continued raping of Washington State and Clark County citizens. All I see is more troubles ahead as once again the problem is just kicked downstream to await the next legislature.

Listening to Senator Lisa Brown and her anticipations, we can once again expect to see a proposal to change our constitution to hit us with an income tax that will offer a reduction in the sales tax of a minor amount.

We cannot continue in such a manner and thrive. Taxes must be returned to a reasonable rate and state spending must be critically scrutinized across the board. Pie in the sky spending sprees in hopes of temporary jobs for some will not pull us out of this severe slump.

Relying on receipt of federal money is equally as ludicrous. It may not come, might not be enough and where does it come from in the first place? You and I. It was our money first before taken by income taxes.

Adding taxes on every item imaginable in hopes of closing loopholes is self defeating as time and again it has been shown doing so results in less consumption of those products. Less consumption means less revenue collected. It’s that simple.

The Democrat majority that controls our state legislature continues to show us they have no idea of what to do. They just argue back and forth about what to tax next and by how much. Then, regardless of how much worse it becomes, they tell us what a great deal we are getting and how “fair and reasonable” it is.

It is time we took control of the state back and initiated a new approach. As we see, Democrats continue in that status quo they blame on others and their “hope and change” is in reality just more of the same borrow, tax and spend we have seen for years.

There is no fiscal responsibility or true leadership, just more of the same. Surely, of those 55 reform proposals put forth by Republicans over the past 5 years, some should have been considered.

It is time to give someone else a chance and that someone else is in the form of candidates offered by the Republican Party.

Several Republican candidates are hoping to gain your trust and are offering true reform and ideas for creating jobs and prosperity in Washington State.

Even those Democrats such as Tim Probst, who campaigned on opposing tax increases and has voted against obvious tax increases, knowing there is a large enough Democrat majority for it to pass anyways, are suspect and deserve scrutiny.

Did Probst support any of the Republican proposals or amendments to reduce taxes? Did any of his votes actually help with bills that gave us backdoor tax increases?

Jim Moeller and Jim Jacks of the 49th are as tax happy as any Democrat I have seen.

Deb Wallace is stepping down but what of the Democrat candidates vying to take over the seat she occupied? Will they support bi-partisan measures to regrow the economy? Or will they just follow along lock-step with other Democrats in raping the blue collar workers in the state?

Do we even want to vote them in and see? Not me, I’d much rather see a party with a different philosophy in the majority and implementing a different approach. I’d rather see the governor in her final two years in office, barring a recall effort, not have the rubber stamp of her party that she currently enjoys.

It’s time for real hope and change and that will only come from new leadership. Leadership that actually has people in mind, not special interests or pet entitlement programs to those who shouldn’t be entitled.

GOP Aide and Boyfriend Savagely Beaten, Hospitalized

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal’s chief fundraiser Alexandra “Allee” Bautsch and her boyfriend Joe Brown were savagely attacked and beaten Friday night after leaving a GOP fundraising dinner in New Orleans. Allee Bautch sufffered a broken leg and her boyfriend, Joe Brown received a broken jaw and nose and a concussion.

Leftists had been protesting outside Brennan’s Restaurant, where the fundraising dinner was held, but attacked the couple afterwards a couple blocks away. Bautsch recalls hearing one of the attackers say “Let’s get them, they have Palin pins on.”

The Hayride blog has several links to local reports, video of the leftist protest and quotes of the leftist vitriol concerning this uncalled for attack.

Substitute “Jew” where you hear “Republican” and we are beginning to look more and more like 1930’s Germany. Und, vast ist Herr Obama doink to calm the nation and his dogs? NUTTINK!!

Don’t look for two Republicans being savagely attacked and beaten to make national news. It isn’t as newsworthy as Michelle Obama and Jill Biden helicoptering over Haiti.

Note to Cindy Sheehan: It Isn’t War That We Honor

Apparently tired of being insignificant and after having had her clock cleaned by San Fran Nan in last year’s election, self-proclaimed Peacenik, Cindy Sheehan, continues to dance on her hero sons’ grave.

Sheehan made news after being recruited by Kerry campaign in 2004 to oppose President Bush’s reelection due to her son, Casey, giving his life in the Iraq Theater of the War on Terror earlier. Having gotten used to the limelight, she continues to travel about, on someone’s money, still harping against the war and whoever leads it.

Bush is gone so Obama is the bad guy in her eyes now and there is no ditch for her spend her days in and stand before on TV appearances outside the White House.

Crawling back out of the woodwork recently, she popped up in Scranton, Pennsylvania where she “was turned down by half a dozen area venues that organizers approached to host her, most notably the Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton” leading Sheehan to proclaim, “This is the first time I’ve been shut out of an entire community.”

Never at a loss of words, no matter how much they may embolden our enemies or wrong they may be, Sheehan made her pitch outside, “I come with the message that killing is wrong, a pro-life message,” said the woman who classifies those who behead our people, stone 14-year-old girls to death for being raped, attack Mosques killing any who might not agree with their perverted interpretation of the Holy Qur’an and who generally terrorize others to gain oppressive control as “Freedom Fighters.”

Sheehan, who once labeled Viet Nam Veterans as “Rightist Haters of America” and Slandered General Petraeus asked, “Who says that one American soldier’s life is better than an Iraqi baby, or a Pakistani baby or an Afghan baby. Who made the value of an American life more than any other life?”

That she could even ask that, after her own son sacrificed his life in defense of innocent Iraqis leaves me near speechless. Does she consider those “Freedom Fighters” more precious than her own son, whose grave she continues to dance on?

Like many so-called “peace activists,” Sheehan displays no appreciation for those who willingly place themselves between us and our enemies. To them, our brave Soldiers are little more than a tool for them to parade out in their “rush to surrender.”

In criticizing sayings etched into a Veterans Memorial that surrounds the courthouse there, Sheehan said, “I find it despicable that this courthouse is festooned with pro-war sentiment. War – I’m sorry, it doesn’t matter how many quotes you can find – war is not noble.”

Here’s a newsflash for Ms. Sheehan. It isn’t war we honor on those Memorials or that we see as noble. It is men and women, such as your son that we find noble and honor.

It is all who stand up to defend our freedoms and liberties, especially the fallen.
We honor the Scott Stanton’sand the Bob Pilk’s, two of the thirteen who also paid the ultimate sacrifice out of my unit in Viet Nam while I was there that we give honor too.

It is the Casey Sheehan’s that are due the honor and that we find noble, not the war itself. We despise war and when one is thrust upon us, desire to fight it and end it in victory as soon as possible, not surrender to those who would deny us the freedom and liberty our founders bestowed upon us.

“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

That is your son, Cindy. That is every single one of those men & women who have voluntarily walked into the line of fire on our behalf with the desire to live, but willing to lay down their lives so others may have a decent chance at life.

That is not despicable. That is honor. That is noble, not the war.

What is despicable is that so many of us honor your son’s sacrifice and memory more than you do.

UPDATE: Sheehan has written one of the most inflammatory condemnations of the Troops I’ve read to date. Does she not see it is her own son she is denigrating?

From her post Take This Empire and Shove It!

And what about this Cult of Troop Worship? Even the antiwar movement is so careful to not criticize anything The Troops do. We are constantly admonished to “hate the war, but love the warrior.” I am sorry, but I don’t even like that word, “warrior.” It implies that our children join the military to commit war crimes, but we all know that most of our children join for education benefits, or health insurance. “Warrior” also implies that we live in a War State—which we do—but the antiwar movement does not have to use the nomenclature of The Empire. Most of us teach our children the difference between right and wrong, but when our young people become The Troops they receive a thorough brainwashing and get sent off to murder and rape children and pregnant women. Our kids become hired goons for imperial greed—more like victims of a system that neglects everyone’s essential needs, than heroes.

What an unbelievably hateful thing to say about those who would protect even her, especially her own son.

Castillo & Herrera, Side by Side

I did not compile or create the pdf file the link leads to, but from what I have seen it is fairly accurate.

Castillo Herrera Side by Side comparison.

This election is a very important one, not only for the GOP but for America and citizens in Washington’s 3rd Congressional District. The Dems think the seat is theirs and must remain theirs, as stated recently by their presumtive nominee, Denny Heck.

Jaime Herrera mimicked Scott Brown in reminding them it isn’t.

David Castillo indicated much the same as shown in an article from the Olympian after Scott Brown was elected in Massachusetts.

This will be a crucial election. Scrutinize candidates and let’s choose who will best represent us, not who we think of as a friend or based upon where they live currently.

Whoever wins will spend a significant amount of time in Washington D.C. and will still maintain multiple offices in the district anyways.

UPDATE: Don’t miss the “Meet Your Candidate” Forum Thursday April 22, 2010 form 6:00-9:30 PM in the Rose Center Auditorium at Lower Columbia College, 1600 Maple in Longview, WA., for 3rd Congressional District candidates. See how each handles questions and hear for yourself where each stands.

Ray Stevens: Throw The Bums Out

Anthony Bittner Kicks Off Campaign

Anthony Bittner, candidate for the 18th Legislative District seat being vacated soon by Jaime Herrera, held his campaign kick-off this evening at the Ridgefield Community Center.

A small group attended to hear Anthony and see what he has to offer.

I was pleased to finally meet this fine young man face to face and had the opportunity to express to his parents what a great job they have done as parents. He’s a young man any parent would be proud to have as a son.

Anthony’s Dad introduced him to all and Anthony gave a short speech outlining his beliefs and what he envisions will benefit constituents and make our state a better place to live and raise our families.

It still amazes me that a young man his age has a better grasp on today’s issues than many older adults do.

Anthony Bittner, Young, Republican and Serious

He outlined his support of the e-verify system in employing only those in our country legally and entitled to work.

On a new I-5 bridge, he mirrors many in Clark County in opposing a new bridge with light rail, which to too sees as too costly with little return.

Having grown up working and involved in his families small business, he sees how the current leadership in Olympia has hurt business owners and cost the state much needed jobs.

With the economy in such a shambles, it is imperative spending be prioritized to the actual needs of the state and wasteful spending be eliminated. Raising more taxes to be borne by those currently struggling, as is now happening, is the wrong direction he told all who came.

In all, he gave a speech worthy of a candidate much older. It indicated wisdom beyond his years.

I was disappointed to see so few show up from the Clark County GOP as Anthony is the type of person we need to be encouraging. He represents the future of not only America, but the party as well.

Meeting him this evening and discussing issues further with him face to face, I saw he has a strong character, something missing in many of our representatives.

As one who is about to inherit the mess that has been created, his vision and insight into our current problems is second to none. He’s not one to sit back and just accept the status quo.

In many ways, I see in him the words spoken by Ronald Reagan long ago,

“My philosophy of life is that if we make up our mind what we are going to make of our lives, then work hard toward that goal, we never lose – somehow we win out.”

Anthony has the determination and drive to make a difference and he seeks to do so by being elected to represent the 18th Legislative District.

While no campaign or election carries with it a guaranteed outcome, underestimating this young man or viewing him as a child on the school playground would be a huge mistake.

Regardless of this elections outcome, mark my words; Anthony Bittner is a name that will be increasingly heard throughout our state in the years to come.

Mark Levin on Illegal Immigration

Ann Rivers To Push For “True Transparency in Government”

In a press release today, April 8, 2010, 18th Legislative District Republican candidate Ann Rivers announced her “Action Plan for True Transparency in Government.”

The “Rivers Action Plan for True Transparency in Government”

 A PLAN FOR REAL REFORM

Today, Ann Rivers, candidate for the 18th District State Representative Position 1, announced the “Rivers Action Plan for True Transparency in Government”.

“While I’ve been on the campaign trail, it has become apparent that the people in our state hunger for true transparency. When I go up to Olympia I will act to give the people of Washington access to the state’s checkbook register on the internet. “

The fundamental core of the plan is to put the State checkbook register online so people can look and see where our money is going. The front-end of this online edition of the State’s register will provide a search engine for people to locate any specific expense or revenue stream in the State’s budget. Instead of generic references, this digital register will provide detailed and itemized descriptions of all money spent and who spent it.

“This will not only give the citizens of Washington access to a simple reporting system of the State’s spending habits, it will also force our government to take any “sacred” or “private” tags off of our State’s budgeting and spending processes.”

“It is time for our government to be transparent about where our money is going. There have been too many wrong decisions, cases of overspending, and the misuse of money in recent years and the citizens deserve the ability to audit our State’s spending and know where their tax dollars are going.”

The “Rivers Action Plan for True Transparency in Government” will require minimal resources and will be run by the State Auditor’s department. Basic ledgering and imputing skills will be used daily to provide up-to-date figures for the public to see.

“This action plan is crucial to taking our elected officials to the next step of true transparency with the citizens that elected them and the time to start is now.”

Additional information about Ann Rivers, issue statements and how you can donate or sign up to support her candidacy are available at www.electannrivers.com  or call Aaron at (360)771-8133.

 

What an idea! Letting the people be able to see just where our hard earned tax dollars are really going.

We have the Public Disclosure Commission online and access to all sort of past and present election information availabe at our fingertips. Why not seeing where Olympia spends our money as well?

Ann has hit on a really good idea to open up state government more to us. It’s our money being spent, why shouldn’t we be entitled to have the ability to see just where it goes?

With greater citizen oversight we should be able to curb excess spending and “sweetheart deals” that cost us much money and give little return.

I applaud Ann Rivers for hitting on an idea that, if implemented, might actually give you and I a greater voice in how we wish our state to be run and holding elected officials accountable.

Organizing for America Misleads On the “Rape” Of Healthcare Reform

In yet another blatant attempt to pull the wool over the average American’s eyes, Organizing for America, a decidedly pro-Obama far left group has placed a video online that, if taken at face value, deludes taxpayers and the masses into believing all the cares and worries you have had are over.

Organizing For America Video

While the video is very professionally done and appealing, down to the inclusion of Obama’s signature logo at the end and such appealing music with the soft “about time” spoken in the background, reality has begun to set in with some who couldn’t wait for the new “freebie.”

McClatchy Newspapers, not exactly the most conservative of sources, recently brought much of this out with their article, Health care overhaul spawns mass confusion for public.

Telling us of how insurance companies, doctors’ offices, human resources departments and business groups have been deluged with calls asking to sign up, we read of a reply given from eHealthInsurance.com’s Carrie McLean who says,

“We tell them it’s not free, that there are going to be things in place that help people who are low-income, but that ultimately most of that is not going to be taking place until 2014.”

And, those “pre-existing conditions” the video so prominently mentions are now covered and cannot be refused? McClatchy says in the article,

“Adults with pre-existing conditions are frustrated to learn that insurers won’t have to cover them until 2014 (though those under 18 will be protected in late September); then they become both hopeful and confused upon learning that a federal high-risk pool for them will be established in the next few months.”

And, those tax cuts and benefits? Most have no idea that what their employers pay for their health insurance they receive through work are now taxable income to be reported on your W-2 every year.

That’s right. If your employer spends $3,000 for his portion of your health insurance, you pay taxes on $3,000 more in income every year.

OFA speaks of how small business will be helped by this. The National Federation of Independent Business’s Michelle Dimarob, manager of legislative affairs states,

“the lobby’s primary concern was that its costs would rise over the next four years as a result of fees, taxes and coverage mandates related to the overhaul. The next question that comes out of their mouths is, ‘What do I have to do right now?’ They need to start talking with their accountant, depending on how they’re organized, what industry they’re in and whether they’re offering insurance now and what kind they’re offering. We’re suggesting they talk to their agent or broker.”

Ms. Dimarob also says,

“While Obama has been touting a tax credit for small businesses that offer employees health coverage, many small businesses wouldn’t be able to participate. First they must do research to see whether they qualify. It requires them to understand the intricacies.”

And, Americans now will have “more choices?” Not according to the April 6, 2010 New York Times article, In Medicine, the Power of No that says,

“Learning to say no more often will be a three-step process, and if the new agencies created by the health act are run well, they can help with all three.”

Add to the mix comments from supporters, such as those by Florida Democrat Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz trying to convince constituents that the “Health Care Law Doesn’t Require Individuals to Buy Insurance.”

No Debbie, you just get hit with stiff fines if you don’t. Or, as her press secretary puts it,

“You have a choice of insuring yourself with affordable coverage, or paying an assessment that will offset the burden you place on other insured Americans and taxpayers by not being insured.”

Little wonder Obama has had to “embark on a years-long public education campaign about the overhaul” still trying to sell it after it is now law and Pelosi claimed that first, “the bill must be made law before we can see what’s in it.”

Cries from supporters of “just relax, accept it, it’s law now” are tantamount to me of telling a woman in the midst of a violent rape to “just relax and try to enjoy it.”

Ask yourselves, if it is really all that beneficial, why the need to hire 17,000 new IRS agents to “ENFORCE IT?”

As more voters wake-up to how elected officials just voted to “rape” the citizenry, will it be enough of them to vote these usurpers of our constitution out this November?

Or will you just continue to keep your head down and keep trying to convince yourself that this rape of the American taxpayer actually feels good?

Whisper Campaign Against David Castillo Continues

Weeks ago, several in Clark County were upset over a robo-call by the Castillo Campaign that went out against Jaime Herrera the day she left during a legislative session to attend a special interest fund raiser held on her behalf in Washington D.C.

His campaign was accused of ugliness beyond belief for speaking truthfully and some switched endorsement or co-endorsement to Herrera over it. Others contacted the campaign to say that due to the call, even if David won the nomination, he would receive no support from the Clark County Republican Party itself now.

In discussions and emails with several people, I came under attack as well due to my own opposition to Herrera and not condemning the robo-call.

At the time I mentioned the whisper campaign ongoing against Castillo, I was deluged with emails accusing me of making it up, not knowing what I was talking about, being a RINO, being a Herrera hater and what have you, accompanied with comments of no one else had ever heard any of it.

Or so many of them said.

Last evening, while attending the Craig Riley kickoff campaign, I didn’t have to over hear anything, it was brought straight to my face by a long time Republican I respect when I was confronted for my “Republican against Republican” posts documenting my stand on Jaime.

I allowed this person to go on while commenting on the issues I have with Jaime Herrera and have posted. Admitting the SEIU “thing” was mistake for Jaime to have made was followed with words along the line of, “you should hear all the stuff I hear about David Castillo.”

I asked, “such as” and the person began with rumors of the sort of, “I’ve heard he’s even gay.” (He isn’t)

After a moment, I asked this person if they realized what they had just done and received the reply of, “no, what?”

I reminded them of the time of the robo-call, the anger of the few in the Republican Party here and the denials of the whisper campaign I had over heard and then added, “you just confirmed and proved such a campaign exists” by spreading those rumors yourself.

I then reminded this person that if I make a claim in a post, I document it. I do not deal in rumors or innuendo, which they admitted I do not. My posts might not be always well liked, but they are not based upon unproven or wild rumors.

I understand Jaime is a party insider favorite and considered a local girl. I see that as a very poor attribute to qualify anyone for selection as representative. I have raised questions on her judgment she has yet to answer. A snow-job memo by a young campaign manager is not an answer nor is it an explanation on questionable votes.

My comments sections are almost always open to all, with rare exception and comments are rarely deleted. Anyone is welcome to challenge me on my views and I try to debate, based upon documented facts, not rumors.

If you are really all that concerned about the Republican on Republican, shouldn’t you begin by stopping the whisper campaign yourself or if you are approached with it, tell THAT person about the 11th commandment?

If not, then consider yourselves no better than all of the sister Better Than Yous’ sitting in the rear pews of the Church every Sunday and who can’t wait to spread the latest gossip about anybody they can, without a care of how it might hurt that person or those they love.

Proverbs 18:7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin, And his lips are the snare of his soul. 8 The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the body.

I’m not naïve enough to think every one will support David Castillo, that isn’t realistic. But if all you have against him is wild rumors, innuendo and gossip, perhaps it isn’t me who needs to rethink who they support.

In continuing this gossip and whisper campaign against Castillo, not only is it you that is speaking ill of a good Republican, you are slandering a man of faith as well.

If this is what the Republican Party has devolved to, then perhaps I need to reassess my involvement in it, just as I had to leave Churches years ago over all the slander, gossip and hurtful rumors coming out of those rear pews.

“Who am I? I have no respect for justice. I maim without killing. I break hearts and ruin lives. I am cruel and malicious and gather strength with age. The more I am quoted, the more I am believed. I flourish at every level of society. My victims are helpless. They cannot protect themselves against me because I have no name and no face. To track me down is impossible. The harder you try, the more elusive I become. I’m nobody’s friend. Once I tarnish a reputation, it is never the same. I topple governments and ruin marriages. I destroy careers and cause heartache and sleepless nights. I wreck churches and separate Christians. I spawn suspicion and generate grief, make innocent people cry on their pillows. Even my name hisses. I am gossip.”

“This Ain’t No Tea Party”

From Accuracy In Media, reported on Fox News

“On March 20, there was an anti-war demonstration in Lafayette Square Park, across the street from the White House. AIM went there to see what sort of activity was occurring, and as we show in this video, which was all shot at the scene of the demonstration, it was a mix of 9/11 Truthers, Code Pinkers, socialists, anarchists, and a large contingency of pro-Hamas, anti-Israel zealots.”

Where was the media coverage and outcry as there is over Tea Parties?

Rasmussen: 55% Say Media Bias Bigger Problem in Politics Than Big Contributions

Craig Riley Kicks Off Campaign to Unseat Jim “Da Taxman” Moeller

Quite a few people came to the Brickhouse Bar & Grill on Main and Mill Plain this evening to meet Vancouver businessman, Craig Riley and wish him well in his campaign to unseat current 49th Legislative District Representative, Jim Moeller, also known as “Da Taxman,” due to his love of taxing the residents he is supposed to be representing.

Craig Riley has been in our community for over 20 years, having moved here in 1988 with his lovely wife, Sally and their 4 children, establishing Riley Financial, a benefit advisory business specializing in providing health and retirement plans to individuals and small businesses. Additionally, Craig gives weekly seminars on healthcare issues; helps senior citizens make informed decisions and works with local businesses to maximize health care benefits and minimize costs.

Perhaps knowing that, or people in the 49th really are getting fed up with Moeller’s incessant desire and calls for newer taxes and increased spending, accounts for the high turnout at the Brickhouse this evening.

With people coming and going it was difficult to get an accurate count, but the north side room was filled to capacity with more standing outside the doorway as Craig and guests spoke.

Representative Ed Orcutt, of the 18th Legislative District stopped in and although he made no call for donations, since he is still in an ongoing legislative session, spoke highly of Craig and informed us of what is going on in Olympia.

It boils down to the current struggle between Democrats in the House and Democrats in the Senate arguing over where and how much more to raise our taxes, having gutted the citizen inspired initiative I-960 that limited their ability to freely raise our taxes.

Craig’s Pastor spoke of his involvement with the youth groups.

Craig gave an inspiring talk of why he is running and how what Olympia is currently doing is hurting us even more in the economic turmoil we face and some of the highest unemployment numbers in the communities history.

We can no longer afford to just sit back and let elected officials like Jim Moeller dictate to us and rob us blind for pet spending projects. We simply cannot afford it any longer.

Craig Riley, as a successful businessman, has the expertise to provide “responsible representation in Olympia to stop the ‘tax and spend’ agenda of elected representatives, like Jim Moeller who have turned a deaf ear to the concerns of the people they are supposed to represent.”

Several others rose to speak of Craig and his abilities, but none were so well received as his young nephew, Brandon.

In addition to Representative Orcutt, County Commissioner Marc Boldt came. Others of note who came to support Craig were candidates, Peter van Nortwick, Brandon Vick and Washougal City Council member, Jon Russell. My apologies if I missed any others.

We need to get serious if we wish to continue, or should I say return to the lifestyles we have enjoyed in the 49th Legislative District for sometime now. The excessive spending and taxation coming out of Olympia, on top of that we see hitting us from Washington D.C. affects all of us, Democrat, Republican or Independent. None of us are immune. Jim Moeller’s misfeasance with our tax dollars is a betrayal of the trust voters have placed in him.

He, along with the rest of the Democrats currently in control, has not given any indication they understand or care about our plight. They only care about where they can squeeze us next, be it a tax on bottled water, tobacco tax increases or beer, as they are now discussing.

For all of their “tax the wealthy” rhetoric, can you not see the taxes they are adding on the products used mostly by the middle class and poorer people? Can you not see Jim Moeller is helping to take more of your money when you need it to care for your own families?

As Craig stated, he needs all of us helping. Donations will be needed to end this tax and spend spree. Understanding that donations will be difficult, Craig also will need volunteers who can devote a little time to putting up yard signs in legal areas, speaking to neighbors, calling friends and helping him get the word out about the out of control spending he will work to curb.

With your help, Craig Riley will be able to begin helping us take back control of our own lives and our state government.

Please visit ElectCraigRiley.com and get to know Craig.

It is time to oust “Da Taxman.”

Baroke Obama