tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42482823385827328992024-03-05T07:25:20.197-06:00Northeast Texans ConnectA place to show off what we are up to! To encourage each other to become more involved! To share info and resources you won't find on the 10 c'clock news!
Contact me at: netxlc@gmail.comDebbie McKeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136838164474238186noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4248282338582732899.post-76000786692091559062016-01-08T18:01:00.003-06:002016-01-08T18:10:52.613-06:00Most Notorious Predators Known to Man<div class="gmail_default" style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
<span data-offset-key="a3qs-0-0"><span data-text="true">Look
at what Adrienne found! She clipped this* back when she was young, when we did not know we were a liberty minded family! </span></span></span><span data-offset-key="a3qs-0-0"><span data-text="true"><span style="font-size: large;"> Well, we homeschooled and did our own thing medically, but didn't know that was "Liberty Minded". =) </span></span></span><br />
<span data-offset-key="a3qs-0-0"><span data-text="true"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> </span></span></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirbHG8VBJf3wOb7fA4rvpDCu-QmlAMK1g1MjOHyu-UEvppjXysPomdwzg7pngh4TFlXVaQxto1XfqR8ADspmvlyXmKHc5_zkWuPuE1uNlBLgfMxplwKCxtnRUlHiUciwXvGkiUirBZ-4M/s1600/predator.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirbHG8VBJf3wOb7fA4rvpDCu-QmlAMK1g1MjOHyu-UEvppjXysPomdwzg7pngh4TFlXVaQxto1XfqR8ADspmvlyXmKHc5_zkWuPuE1uNlBLgfMxplwKCxtnRUlHiUciwXvGkiUirBZ-4M/s640/predator.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;">
<span data-offset-key="a3qs-0-0"><span data-text="true"> <span style="font-size: large;">We know so much more today. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<span data-offset-key="a3qs-0-0"><span data-text="true"><span style="font-size: large;">Unfortunately the predators don't limit themselves to the US....the entire world lives in fear of the terrorists oh, er, I mean the predators. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-offset-key="a3qs-0-0" style="font-size: small;"><span data-text="true"> </span></span><span data-offset-key="a3qs-0-0" style="font-size: small;"><span data-text="true">*</span></span><span data-offset-key="a3qs-0-0" style="font-size: small;"><span data-text="true">out of WORLD's children's magazine.</span></span></div>
McKee Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04322089251373714467noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4248282338582732899.post-5694319790555122682015-03-10T19:58:00.000-05:002015-03-10T19:58:25.179-05:00It's Not About Getting High<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUhRcja4iAgsA5fumOoIzwL1tzq26ahvADcbvaisJzF_ynyUjAkGhp37QcmTKeUwmuAKSXokNCh1iHlKcbc1HtbZtnwhFM-KGlhduaLOy08LpV5QOaHs-bVQE2MmyE8t5AWvVswgOdZ8/s1600/David+Simpson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUhRcja4iAgsA5fumOoIzwL1tzq26ahvADcbvaisJzF_ynyUjAkGhp37QcmTKeUwmuAKSXokNCh1iHlKcbc1HtbZtnwhFM-KGlhduaLOy08LpV5QOaHs-bVQE2MmyE8t5AWvVswgOdZ8/s1600/David+Simpson.jpg" height="320" width="155" /></a></div>
<h1 class="western">
<b><span style="color: green;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">by Texas State Representative David P. Simpson</span> </b></span></span></span></span></b></h1>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>There is nothing like filing a
bill where both sides</b> of an issue have strongly held
positions, and I have the opportunity to interact with all. I
appreciate and respect those who have called, emailed, or posted on
my Facebook page with their opinions on <a href="http://davidsimpson.us1.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=feba7c89b64680a9a99a08d9c&id=f0e4765381&e=0d3a81c094" target="_blank"><span style="color: #99001a;"><u><span style="font-weight: normal;">HB
2165</span></u></span></a> which would repeal all marijuana offenses
in Texas statutes.<br />
<span style="color: black;"> </span><b><span style="color: black;">I
do not advocate the irresponsible use of marijuana or any substance</span></b><span style="color: black;">,
but those are choices that should be made by individuals, not the
state. We have plenty of laws to deal with those who harm their
neighbor and these will remain in force if this law is passed.<br /><br />Some
of those in opposition to the concept have inferred that my comment
in the op-ed that “as a Christian I see the innate goodness in all
that God created” as approval of marijuana’s recreational use.
That was not my point.<br /><br />My point is that </span><b><span style="color: black;">government
has gotten it wrong when it comes to marijuana</span></b><span style="color: black;">.
Marijuana is classified as a Schedule I drug, meaning that it is
defined by the government as a drug with no currently accepted
medical use and a high potential for abuse. However, since that
classification, at least 23 states have legalized the plant for
medical use. Marijuana, used irresponsibly, can have some bad side
effects. But many pharmaceuticals, used as intended, have even worse
side effects. Compare the side effects of prescription </span><a href="http://davidsimpson.us1.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=feba7c89b64680a9a99a08d9c&id=cc1663d497&e=0d3a81c094" target="_blank"><span style="color: #99001a;"><u><span style="font-weight: normal;">painkillers</span></u></span></a><span style="color: black;">,
</span><a href="http://davidsimpson.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=feba7c89b64680a9a99a08d9c&id=fd7d7a2a6e&e=0d3a81c094" target="_blank"><span style="color: #99001a;"><u><span style="font-weight: normal;">antidepressants</span></u></span></a><span style="color: black;">,
or </span><a href="http://davidsimpson.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=feba7c89b64680a9a99a08d9c&id=8eedd6d6fc&e=0d3a81c094" target="_blank"><span style="color: #99001a;"><u><span style="font-weight: normal;">chemotherapy
drugs</span></u></span></a><span style="color: black;"> to the side
effects of marijuana. Should people be allowed to make a choice
between the two? Also, compare the side effects of marijuana to the
countless substances and activities, which may not be the best choice
for the individual, but which we tolerate and do not prohibit.<br /><br />When
marijuana was originally outlawed most scholars agree that the laws
were motivated by hype, racism, and perhaps an industry or two
seeking to control competition from hemp in some commodities markets.
Hemp, coming from the same plant as marijuana (but from a strain with
extremely low THC), is the strongest and most durable of all natural
fibers. It produces four times as much fiber per acre as pine trees
and could be an ideal source of biomass for fuel. To this day,
cultivation of industrial hemp requires a permit from the Drug
Enforcement Agency (rarely given out) with conditions that the crop
be surrounded by security measures such as fences, razor wire,
security guards, or dogs.<br /><br />Thus, </span><b><span style="color: black;">we
are missing out on both the medicinal and economic value of a plant</span></b><span style="color: black;">
God has given us that, coincidentally, can also be abused. Comments
in emails and Facebook posts have focused on the fact that God also
made poisonous snakes and hemlock, but that does not mean we should
use them recreationally. That is so true, and I no more suggest that
people should use marijuana recreationally than I suggest that people
play with rattlesnakes. The difference is, the state does not
prohibit playing with rattlesnakes, and some people actually bring
them to the Capitol and let other people play with them.</span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Of course,
another difference is that no one has ever died from the use of
marijuana. It is nontoxic. This fact does not mean it’s a good idea
for a person to use it recreationally, but it does underscore the
fact that it does not need intense government
regulation.<br /><br />Meanwhile, I do not think it is right that
we punish citizens who are not harming their neighbor. We may
disagree with their use of the plant, but when should the state step
in? We have 70,000 people incarcerated in Texas simply for possession
of marijuana.<br /><br />I understand the desire to send the right
messages to our children. However, prohibition does more than send a
message. It creates many problems. We may not want a teenager to
experiment with marijuana, but would we rather that discussion be
between parents and the child or the child and the police?<br /> </span><b><span style="color: black;">What
motivated me to file the bill at this time is a desire to help
constituents</span></b><span style="color: black;"> who desire access
to the natural plant for treatment of seizures, PTSD, cancer, etc. I
want to expand liberty and restore personal responsibility </span><b><span style="color: black;">without
creating another bureaucracy</span></b><span style="color: black;">
like the ATF on the state level to regulate it, nor a registry that a
future federal administration might use as evidence of breaking
federal law.<br /><br />Getting back to the basics on this issue
will put parents in charge of their children’s lives and adults in
charge of their own. </span><b><span style="color: black;">It is time
to reject nanny state policies</span></b><span style="color: black;">
and restore limited civil government, individual liberty, and
personal responsibility.</span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h2 class="western" style="font-style: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>HB
2165 Frequently Asked Questions</b></span></span></h2>
<br />
<b><span style="color: black;">Is marijuana a gateway drug?
</span></b><span style="color: black;">Perhaps, but is it a gateway
because of the </span><i><span style="color: black;">chemical influence</span></i><span style="color: black;">
or because of the </span><i><span style="color: black;">criminal element</span></i><span style="color: black;">
that a person is involved with in obtaining the plant?<br /> </span><b><span style="color: black;">What
can I do to help get the bill passed? </span></b><span style="color: black;">Contact
your elected officials and express your support for the bill. Pray
for me.<br /> </span><b><span style="color: black;">Why do you
encourage recreational use of marijuana by saying all things created
by God are for good? </span></b><span style="color: black;">What I
said in my op-ed is that “As a Christian, I recognize the innate
goodness of everything God made and humanity’s charge to be
stewards of the same.” </span><i><span style="color: black;">I do not
encourage the irresponsible use of any plant, chemical, or other
substance.</span></i><span style="color: black;"> I do not allow my
children to consume caffeine until they are in their teenage years
and then only in moderation. I instruct them on its addictive nature
and potential abuse. Anything can be used for evil, but that does not
make it evil. Cannabis can be used for much good.<br /> </span><b><span style="color: black;">Why
do you want to legalize the plant that can harm you just because God
made it? </span></b><span style="color: black;">Many plants aren’t
good for human consumption. Some of them can even kill you. However,
we do not need to outlaw them to avoid their irresponsible use. To my
knowledge there are no confirmed reports of dying from marijuana,
unlike synthetic marijuana.<br /> </span><b><span style="color: black;">Won’t
this increase impaired driving accidents? </span></b>The
research on driving accidents does not support any special fear about
marijuana. <span style="color: black;">While most studies will agree
that the number of people who test positive for marijuana use in
driving accidents has increased, there is less evidence to indicate
that the drug use was directly related to the accident.
Colorado accident rates were at a near </span><a href="http://davidsimpson.us1.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=feba7c89b64680a9a99a08d9c&id=1baa360613&e=0d3a81c094" target="_blank"><span style="color: #99001a;"><u><span style="font-weight: normal;">historic
low in 2013</span></u></span></a><span style="color: black;">. </span>The
federal government recently conducted a study and concluded that
marijuana potential contribution to accidents was <a href="http://davidsimpson.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=feba7c89b64680a9a99a08d9c&id=3a05ceeb3b&e=0d3a81c094" target="_blank"><span style="color: #99001a;"><u><span style="font-weight: normal;">not
statistically significant</span></u></span></a>.<br />
<span style="color: black;"> </span><b><span style="color: black;">Have
you researched what legalization has done in Colorado? </span></b><span style="color: black;">Yes.
It is mixed. I encourage you to do your own research of the issue and
look at the information from both sides of the argument. <br /> </span><b><span style="color: black;">Do
you believe that there should be some regulatory scheme to protect
children from getting marijuana? </span></b><span style="color: black;">My
favorite regulatory scheme for minors is parents. They have the
greatest opportunity of preventing bad behavior. Prohibiting the sale
of tobacco and alcohol for minors has not stopped the use and abuse
of those products, though education has.<br /> </span><b><span style="color: black;">Why
are you bringing this bill up now? </span></b><span style="color: black;">I
filed the bill to help constituents who desire access to the natural
plant for treatment of seizures, PTSD, cancer, etc. I want to expand
liberty and restore personal responsibility without creating more
bureaucracy. There are other bills promoting the legalization of
marijuana for medical purposes, but they create a regulatory scheme
that would be counter productive and create more government. They
also create a registry of all medical users. Should the federal
government choose to come into the state and enforce federal
statutes, we would be giving them the information needed to
prosecute.<br /> </span><b><span style="color: black;">What
happens if someone smokes marijuana and has a car crash killing
someone? </span></b><span style="color: black;">Driving impaired is
illegal, whether it be under the influence of cough medicine,
alcohol, or marijuana. This bill would not change any penalties for
harming another person currently in statute.<br /> </span><b><span style="color: black;">Why
do you keep saying there are medical benefits when there are so many
studies saying there aren’t? </span></b><span style="color: black;">There
are studies on both sides of this issue. To date, 23 states have
legalized marijuana for medical use. I am not a medical expert, but I
have heard numerous first hand accounts from people in Texas and
across the country that have said it has helped them, including
veterans. I believe people should be given the freedom to make
responsible decisions about their health without being criminals, and
I trust them more than I do government to keep them safe from
themselves.<br /> </span><b><span style="color: black;">Were
you smoking marijuana when you came up with this idea? </span></b><span style="color: black;">No,
and I never have.</span>
McKee Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04322089251373714467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4248282338582732899.post-9662155871807286432014-05-21T10:24:00.000-05:002014-05-21T10:24:11.042-05:00FYI: Compilation of Conservative Voters Guides (in Texas)<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>THE GRASSROOTS TEXANS NETWORK</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>TEXAS CONSERVATIVE VOTERS’ GUIDE FOR TEXAS SENATE DISTRICT 2</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="padding-left: 60px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="padding-left: 60px; text-align: center;">
PLEASE
NOTE: The Grassroots Texans Network does not endorse political
candidates. This information is forwarded for the benefit of our
subscribers in making their voting decisions.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="padding-left: 60px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 60px; text-align: left; width: 648px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td> </td>
<td valign="bottom" width="73"></td>
<td valign="top" width="113"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<b>Young Conservatives of Texas</b></div>
</td>
<td> </td>
<td valign="top" width="114"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<b>Texans for Fiscal Responsibility</b></div>
</td>
<td> </td>
<td valign="top" width="102"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<b>Texas Right-to-Life</b></div>
</td>
<td> </td>
<td valign="top" width="120"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<b>Texas Home School Coalition</b></div>
</td>
<td> </td>
<td valign="top" width="126"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<b>Concerned Women for America</b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> </td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td width="73"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<b>Lt. Gov.</b></div>
</td>
<td width="113"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<b>PATRICK</b></div>
</td>
<td></td>
<td width="114"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<b>PATRICK</b></div>
</td>
<td></td>
<td width="102"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<b>DEWHURST</b></div>
</td>
<td></td>
<td width="120"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<b>PATRICK</b></div>
</td>
<td></td>
<td width="126"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<b>PATRICK</b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td width="73"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<b>Atty. Gen.</b></div>
</td>
<td width="113"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<b>PAXTON</b></div>
</td>
<td></td>
<td width="114"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<b>PAXTON</b></div>
</td>
<td></td>
<td width="102"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<b>PAXTON</b></div>
</td>
<td></td>
<td width="120"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<b>PAXTON</b></div>
</td>
<td></td>
<td width="126"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<b>PAXTON</b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td width="73"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<b>Ag. Comm.</b></div>
</td>
<td width="113"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<b>MILLER</b></div>
</td>
<td></td>
<td width="114"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<b>MILLER</b></div>
</td>
<td></td>
<td width="102"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<b>MILLER</b></div>
</td>
<td></td>
<td width="120"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<b>MILLER</b></div>
</td>
<td></td>
<td width="126"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td width="73"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<b>R.R. Comm.</b></div>
</td>
<td width="113"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<b>CHRISTIAN</b></div>
</td>
<td></td>
<td width="114"></td>
<td></td>
<td width="102"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<b>CHRISTIAN</b></div>
</td>
<td></td>
<td width="120"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<b>CHRISTIAN</b></div>
</td>
<td></td>
<td width="126"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<b>CHRISTIAN</b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td width="73"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<b>Texas Senate District 2</b></div>
</td>
<td width="113"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<b>HALL</b></div>
</td>
<td></td>
<td width="114"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<b>HALL</b></div>
</td>
<td></td>
<td width="102"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<b>HALL</b></div>
</td>
<td></td>
<td width="120"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<b>HALL</b></div>
</td>
<td></td>
<td width="126"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<b>HALL</b></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="padding-left: 60px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="padding-left: 30px; text-align: center;">
Sources:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="padding-left: 30px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="padding-left: 60px; text-align: center;">
Young Conservatives of Texas: <a href="http://www.yct.org/yct-releases-additional-endorsements-and-runoff-straw-poll/" target="_blank">http://www.yct.org/yct-<wbr></wbr>releases-additional-<wbr></wbr>endorsements-and-runoff-straw-<wbr></wbr>poll/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="padding-left: 60px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="padding-left: 60px; text-align: center;">
Texans for Fiscal Responsibility: <a href="http://www.empowertexans.com/2014-endorsements/" target="_blank">http://www.empowertexans.com/<wbr></wbr>2014-endorsements/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="padding-left: 60px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="padding-left: 60px; text-align: center;">
Texas Right-to-Life: <a href="http://www.texasrighttolife.com/a/1117/May-27th-RunOff-Election-ProLife-Voter-Guide" target="_blank">http://www.texasrighttolife.<wbr></wbr>com/a/1117/May-27th-RunOff-<wbr></wbr>Election-ProLife-Voter-Guide</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="padding-left: 60px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="padding-left: 60px; text-align: center;">
Texas Home School Coalition: <a href="http://www.thsc.org/about-thsc/lobby-the-texas-legislature/endorsements/" target="_blank">http://www.thsc.org/about-<wbr></wbr>thsc/lobby-the-texas-<wbr></wbr>legislature/endorsements/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="padding-left: 60px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="padding-left: 60px; text-align: center;">
Concerned Women for America: <a href="http://www.cwfa.org/" target="_blank">http://www.cwfa.org/</a></div>
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Debbie McKeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136838164474238186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4248282338582732899.post-58884180375248468022014-03-01T13:39:00.000-06:002014-03-01T13:39:34.456-06:00Is Hegar conservative?<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Hegar & Sullivan Flee from RER! Why?</strong></span><br /> <span><strong>Will Not Give a Justification for Nonsensical Endorsement.</strong></span> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdruMMhbAB-HGMkLpnJ3essIhUDOxP8Pt_Nu8xiK7xSft11cZkiouO9Ncc91mI_BfVNSydEIw0Dsm0ntQnqFIoCVGNSElaerw7grEyTGE1Ns54R4O7ZDJn-VJjIWEem7awLtsZS_c0Du8/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdruMMhbAB-HGMkLpnJ3essIhUDOxP8Pt_Nu8xiK7xSft11cZkiouO9Ncc91mI_BfVNSydEIw0Dsm0ntQnqFIoCVGNSElaerw7grEyTGE1Ns54R4O7ZDJn-VJjIWEem7awLtsZS_c0Du8/s1600/unnamed.jpg" height="640" width="313" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Hegar a conservative? Really?</strong></td></tr>
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Team
RER is completely baffled at why any fiscal conservative would endorse
or vote for State Sen. Glenn Hegar (R-Katy) for Texas Comptroller. Take
a look at his scores from Empower Texans -- or, any other trusted
scorecard -- and the mystery is affirmed. Sen. Hegar is <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>NOT</strong></span>
a conservative. Simply stating one is a conservative and plastering
the word all over your campaign literature, TV ads, and email doesn't
make it so.</div>
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With these scores from Empower Texans, why would Michael Quinn Sullivan (head man at Empower Texans) endorse Mr. Hegar?</div>
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Even
more curious, why won't MQS stand still and give a flat-footed,
full-throated reasoning for the endorsement? In fact, Mr. Sullivan ran
away from the opportunity to do.</div>
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Even
more curious, Sen. Hegar will not answer the question of why he flat
out lied to RER when he stated that "no money" had changed hands between
his campaign and endorsing organizations?</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><strong>DID SEN. HEGAR PAY FOR HIS ENDORSEMENTS?</strong> </span></div>
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Why are they fleeing? Why won't they answer the questions? Why the continued standing on deception?</div>
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Is Team RER making it up? Listen to the actual audio. We <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>DON'T</strong></span> make stuff up!</div>
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<strong><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001SIRgMKEiqcO-7HrKfCfhy1YS3w11YGdLvsfkQ6ObsiBkePKwZd5HIGYPmlrdxSfCUQAfDYfGp5NLIZSTEBaqKbimDrTJmDBh_NdB_c9LrIjGCz2sw-IaclM4U6gxDkMgN9ImgBcDMgDfnRqmdHI69voQSlKhZS4hXP3XfjkTYf0e6oLZG30L4FFtZLzHhNdkRgXxk64bYGBerV3mbf5IEtfwdeBxwwDogxZ1gXWxUY945Sv4LUX7bYBX-IjVywgljvQgbrQ9zJJr4fX0oFeFOUvJchcJrqFUXXzX09njO6fMGNXNfDTvGGkjxgonBBPNuacdUgzlXkNfeZetxqNyhhHL3gf24Y6gVjySLyxCCZHPZQPwRBFFKg==&c=i-TAt9wYmwB8smSNAxdSCTvcmTiHlc8q9KQu6m4dP_v2KS-jobGV3Q==&ch=wAs3ZEU1aynuBPzDpQsJdaybRjr6nn_6Osk4jxzTjkMupsw2m3ji5w==" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">RER HOT CLIP: Hegar & Sullivan Flee from RER</a></strong></div>
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Apostle Claver T. Kamau-Imani</div>
<div style="font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
President & CEO<br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://ragingelephantsradio.com/">RagingElephantsRadio.com</a></span></div>
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</span>McKee Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04322089251373714467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4248282338582732899.post-83034302821488504872014-02-26T10:54:00.000-06:002014-02-26T10:54:05.198-06:00Steve TittleWell, I've known Steve for several years and he's always been open
and honest about the causes he stands for and the battles he's
fighting. The Herald Banner came out with misleading stories right
before election season and it's clear from the "news" that's come out
ever since that they were protecting the establishment. Doing the
right thing has consequences. Threatening the pockets of the good old
boys' system and trying to be a real fiscal conservative in a county of
supposedly "conservative politicians" rubs people the wrong way as
well. <br />
<br />I've seen his opponent many times over the past 6 years in different
settings and official capacities and he came across as having little
integrity or character. You can learn a lot watching how people react
or conduct themselves in various situations. <br />
<br />Has Steve made mistakes? I'm sure he has, we all do. Is
Steve perfect? No one is, but I trust him and I trust that he's tried
to do the right thing. Unfortunately, doing the right thing gets you
enemies in this and probably every other county around...<br />
<br />Oh, and even if I knew nothing about either candidate or the
issues...you can tell a lot by who the establishment supports and who
they vilify. Follow the money and those who stand to lose or gain the
most. It's pretty easy to figure out who the best choice is. <br />
<br />
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Debbie McKeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136838164474238186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4248282338582732899.post-30620347191852495452014-02-25T18:32:00.000-06:002014-02-25T18:35:31.412-06:00Debra Medina for Texas Comptroller<br />
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<a href="http://medinafortexas.us4.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=1c50f695c4eb1683c5ddaab8b&id=bc16653e8f&e=aa5f6591e2" style="color: #0db297; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">New statewide poll</a></h1>
<span style="color: white;">shows we have a 13 point lead in the Republican primary race for Texas
state comptroller...but we're 12 points from an outright win. While
this news has shocked political pundits and career politicians, it has
provided tangible evidence to supporters all across the state that <b>WE CAN WIN THIS RACE!</b> Let's double down and press for the win.</span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: white;">And the good news continues...I am thankful today to receive a formal
endorsement from my good friend, State Representative David Simpson. </span> <a href="http://medinafortexas.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1c50f695c4eb1683c5ddaab8b&id=f7c94d6dfe&e=aa5f6591e2" style="color: #0db297; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Read it here.</a></div>
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Here Are 5 Things<br />
You Can Do</h1>
<br />
<span style="color: white;">We have only 3 days of early voting left. Given that time is short, our
team has asked me to pass along this Top 5 list of things YOU can do to
help me cross the finish line first <i><b>and with 51% of the vote</b></i>. Whether you have a little time or a lot, there’s something on the list that you can do to help. </span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: white;">Sincerely,</span><br />
<img align="none" height="28" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhVs0lUA9lN7evsBcvjRXa4Pl-0w88_OJHTvy_yZIDwPFSw7D8Uck1y6nh2UqyW9ugSoDOdlnCt-kwu3-q7RbGe9t_0OWF9ENnSCQD7aqvlK4d-Uzh4T68ZzgKwSnNC_MsKOaXpK2fTxrxCsbhJDioAwnpPJVqcvrr5eyfivxfUOs9cDS91cE1Z6U0_SKr4mHFWBN-4bqKJ5P3wocb5x0NJ3xRApDnB68mD-Bw=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0; display: inline; line-height: 100%; min-height: 28px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; width: 150px;" width="150" /><br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><b>Top 5 Things You Can Do to Help Debra’s Campaign</b></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">5. Make phone calls for Debra - If you have three hours to spare, Team
Medina needs to add to the group that is calling voters to remind them
about the race and about Debra. We even have the technology (and
guidance for what you might say) for making calls from home. </span> <a href="http://medinafortexas.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=1c50f695c4eb1683c5ddaab8b&id=b704c18623&e=aa5f6591e2" style="color: #0db297; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Contact us</a> <span style="color: #f3f3f3;">to get added to the program, and you’re about 4 clicks away from making calls!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">4. Work an early vote location – if you have two hours to give, we could
use your help holding Medina signs, handing out pushcards, and talking
to voters about the Comptroller race.</span> <a href="http://medinafortexas.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=1c50f695c4eb1683c5ddaab8b&id=9b0bb3253d&e=aa5f6591e2" style="color: #0db297; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Let us know where you can be</a> <span style="color: #f3f3f3;">at the polls, and we’ll get you everything you need!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">3. Share Debra’s social media - If you have ten minutes to help, join
the social media team! We’re posting things about Debra constantly on
the website and the</span> <a href="http://medinafortexas.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1c50f695c4eb1683c5ddaab8b&id=76248c6db9&e=aa5f6591e2" style="color: #0db297; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Facebook page</a><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">, so hit the</span> ‘<a href="http://medinafortexas.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=1c50f695c4eb1683c5ddaab8b&id=a417eeff76&e=aa5f6591e2" style="color: #0db297; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Like</a>’
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"> and ‘Share’ buttons and spread the videos, the Medina Minutes, the
stories, the Debra’s Did You Knows, the endorsements, and everything
else you can share.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">2. Make a donation - If you have just five minutes, visit the</span> <a href="http://medinafortexas.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1c50f695c4eb1683c5ddaab8b&id=466c774c4a&e=aa5f6591e2" style="color: #0db297; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Contribute</a> <span style="color: #f3f3f3;">page and</span> <a href="http://medinafortexas.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=1c50f695c4eb1683c5ddaab8b&id=cca46b7e8d&e=aa5f6591e2" style="color: #0db297; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">make a donation</a> <span style="color: #f3f3f3;">to the campaign. Whether it’s $5, $50, or $500, your donation helps us reach more voters for Debra!</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">1. Remind your friends and family - If you don’t have much free time at
all, you can still help – bring a friend to the polls to vote with you!
Or e-mail your friends and ask them to join you in voting for Debra.
Your endorsement is the most important one to the people in your circle!</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Whatever amount of time you have to help, let us know by sending an
email to Contact@MedinaForTexas.com and we'll plug you in! Thanks so
much for everything you are doing – let’s keep pushing towards the
finish line!</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Thanks,</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Team Medina</span></div>
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McKee Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04322089251373714467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4248282338582732899.post-44461647294475183622013-10-19T14:53:00.000-05:002013-10-19T14:56:22.385-05:00Early Voting begins Monday<h1 style="color: rgb(96, 96, 96) ! important; display: block; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 40px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: -1px; line-height: 125%; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_254844704" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Early Voting: <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_254844705" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Oct 21st - Nov1st</span></span></span></h1>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_254844706" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">NOV 5th</span></span>-ELECTION DAY.</span></h4>
<h4 style="color: rgb(128, 128, 128) ! important; display: block; font-family: Helvetica; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 125%; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cfe2f3;">(we'd like to encourage you to follow the <a href="http://ntcl.org/2013/10/17/9-proposed-amendments-put-through-the-constitutional-test/#more-973">link</a> to read the the pros and cons in detail)</span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cfe2f3;"> </span></span></h4>
<h4 style="color: rgb(128, 128, 128) ! important; display: block; font-family: Helvetica; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 125%; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://ntcl.org/2013/10/17/9-proposed-amendments-put-through-the-constitutional-test/#more-973"><span style="color: #cfe2f3;">http://ntcl.org/2013/10/17/9-proposed-amendments-put-through-the-constitutional-test/#more-973</span></a></span> </span></h4>
<h4 style="color: #808080!important; display: block; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 125%; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center;">
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ </h4>
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</h4>
<h1 style="color: #606060!important; display: block; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 40px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: -1px; line-height: 125%; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-ep2Ubf7KgTJR19Dx0A0cXJmM9B3YTLJdFZ4-HJ2S8gYKD-UUON19Kj-usNw06FGUP3EExcpyp8lQ7x9UTBkdEd2ImRFUlMzNGSeJypgXrBsNAeudqj_H56xBhsYJ4W9h16_tVjNUkg/s1600/texas-state-flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-ep2Ubf7KgTJR19Dx0A0cXJmM9B3YTLJdFZ4-HJ2S8gYKD-UUON19Kj-usNw06FGUP3EExcpyp8lQ7x9UTBkdEd2ImRFUlMzNGSeJypgXrBsNAeudqj_H56xBhsYJ4W9h16_tVjNUkg/s320/texas-state-flag.jpg" width="226" /></a><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_254844704" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Monday</span></span>-Early Voting begins<br />
</h1>
Every 2 years, we are asked to consider what our state legislators want us to amend in our Texas Constitution. This Nov 5<sup>th</sup>,
we have 9 proposed changes to consider. Of those 9, only 4 received a
“no” vote in the House chamber, and in the Senate they all passed
without one single “no” vote. So you see, Austin wants you to show up
and put your stamp of approval on these amendments. I am asking you to
do a little research on them and decide for yourself.<br />
<br />
Here’s a link to an article on all 9 propositions. Within a few days,
the airwaves will be bombarded with ads about “Prop 6”, the water
funding amendment. Please do some homework. If you don’t have time to
do the homework, please show up and vote no. If your “no” vote means a
good proposition fails, I guarantee you it will come up again and
you’ll have another chance to research it more.<br />
<br />
Here’s the <a href="http://89erpride.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1a7af55296e659c50e9bcecb1&id=f4498592d0&e=6a01b275d2" style="color: #6dc6dd; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">link</a> to my article, and thank you for taking part in your government. Your actions are affecting my children’s future.<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
Barbara Harless<br />
<a href="http://89erpride.us7.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=1a7af55296e659c50e9bcecb1&id=97a6e1d40c&e=6a01b275d2" style="color: #6dc6dd; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">http://ntcl.org/2013/10/17/9-<wbr></wbr>proposed-amendments-put-<wbr></wbr>through-the-constitutional-<wbr></wbr>test/#more-973</a>Debbie McKeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136838164474238186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4248282338582732899.post-73655021787496017172013-10-18T20:59:00.002-05:002013-10-19T14:56:34.248-05:00WeTexans Voters Guide(Written by Debra Medina <i><a href="http://wetexans.com/proposition-opposition/">http://wetexans.com/proposition-opposition/</a></i>)<br />
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With
all the recent focus on the government shutdown, many will miss the fact
that there is also an election just days away, early voting starts
Monday and will run through Friday, November 1. Texas voters will
decide on nine amendments to the Texas Constitution. <a href="http://wetexans.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b5758c6f314ca4b1a0a911ff8&id=35ff0add77&e=24b56eb283" style="color: #757575; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://wetexans.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b5758c6f314ca4b1a0a911ff8&id=b75f0ee972&e=24b56eb283" style="color: #757575; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">View a sample ballot here</a>
The Texas Constitution is a large and complex document because it is
rare that constitutional amendments fail at the ballot box.<br />
<br />
With this in mind it is important to point out that these amendments
are often the means of saddling Texans with debt. Texas taxpayers
already find ourselves with the 2nd highest local debt burden in the
country. Yet elected officials still don’t seem to get the idea that
citizens are tired of the runaway spending that fails to pay as we go.
We must live within our means and should not be increasing our debt!<br />
<br />
Consequently, We Texans urges voters to “just say no” to most of this
ballot. Yes, that’s right, since four of the nine propositions call for
shifting of or increases in government spending or tax burden, we are
recommending that you vote “against” them; two others, prop 5 and 7, in
our view, also warrant votes "against". Propositions 2, 8 and 9 are the
exceptions for which we can support a “for” vote.<br />
<br />
Here’s why:<br />
<br />
<b>Proposition 1: </b><i>Provides a property tax exemption for surviving spouses of certain service members. </i><a href="http://wetexans.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b5758c6f314ca4b1a0a911ff8&id=155e20a535&e=24b56eb283" style="color: #757575; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Read the legislation here (HRJ 62)</a><br />
<br />
While the property tax is a fundamentally flawed means of funding local
government that we are working to completely eliminate, it is the
method that is used in Texas today. Though well intended, this
proposition adds yet another exemption to the long list of property
tax-outs and distorts justice by shifting the cost of local government
to the shoulders of others in the community. We Texans recommends
voting "against" this proposition.<br />
<br />
<b>Proposition 2: </b><i>Removing provisions for the State Medical Education Board.</i><b> </b><a href="http://wetexans.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=b5758c6f314ca4b1a0a911ff8&id=5d43e59a09&e=24b56eb283" style="color: #757575; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Read the legislation here (HJR 79)</a><br />
<br />
This proposal would remove constitutional authorization for the State
Medical Education Board and the State Medical Education Fund by
repealing Texas Constitution Art. 3, sec. 50a. The Board is inactive as
the functions of the Board have been transferred to the Texas Higher
Education Coordinating Board and the Office of the Attorney General.
The Sunset Advisory Commission recommended the Board be eliminated way
back in 1988; we're finally getting around to doing that. We Texans
recommends voting "for" this proposition.<br />
<br />
<b>Proposition 3: </b><i>Allowing extension of exemption from inventory taxes for aircraft parts</i><b> </b><a href="http://wetexans.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b5758c6f314ca4b1a0a911ff8&id=19f424b3f1&e=24b56eb283" style="color: #757575; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Read the legislation here (HJR 133)</a><br />
<br />
Again, while we wholeheartedly agree property and inventory taxes
should be eliminated, they are currently the means for financing local
governments and public education. Providing this exemption shifts the
burden from the effected industries to the shoulders of others in that
same community. Taxes must be equitably and justly distributed.
Singling out one group for a tax exemption, even for a meritorious
purpose, raises issues of uniformity in taxation. We Texans recommends
voting "against" this proposition.<br />
<br />
<b>Proposition 4: </b><i>Tax exemption for disabled veterans whose homesteads were donated by a charity.</i><b> </b><a href="http://wetexans.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b5758c6f314ca4b1a0a911ff8&id=88e751bb9f&e=24b56eb283" style="color: #757575; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Read the legislation here (HJR 24)</a><br />
<br />
While the property tax is a fundamentally flawed means of funding local
government that we are working to completely eliminate, it is the
method that is used in Texas today. Though well intended, this
proposition adds yet another exemption to the long list of property
tax-outs and distorts justice by shifting the cost of local government
to the shoulders of others in the community. We Texans recommends
voting "against" this proposition.<br />
<br />
<b>Proposition 5: </b><i>Authorizes a reverse mortgage loan for the purchase of homestead property.</i><b> </b><a href="http://wetexans.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b5758c6f314ca4b1a0a911ff8&id=023a57c67f&e=24b56eb283" style="color: #757575; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Read the legislation here (SJR 18)</a><br />
<br />
Texans have rightly been skeptical of creative lending schemes
especially when it comes to financing homes. Loosening restrictions on
reverse mortgages would make Texans more vulnerable to being upside down
in their homes, having greater debt than equity. We Texans recommends
voting "against" this proposition.<br />
<br />
<b>Proposition 6: </b><i>Creating funds to assist in the financing of priority projects in the state water plan</i><b>. </b><a href="http://wetexans.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b5758c6f314ca4b1a0a911ff8&id=e80c0a3dfd&e=24b56eb283" style="color: #757575; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Read the legislation here (SJR 1)</a><br />
<br />
This proposal would create the State Water Implementation Fund for
Texas and the State Water Implementation Revenue Fund for Texas removing
$2 billion from the Rainy Day fund and placing it outside the general
revenue in this quasi-investment bank overseen by the appointed
three-member Texas Water Development Board. Claims about the purpose of
the fund are misleading. The fund can not be used to finance state
water plan projects. These funds can only be use to provide additional
security in the form of debt service, deferred loan structure or credit
enhancement on projects already supported by Texas Water Development
Bonds. Texas voters authorized $6 billion in revolving bond authority
in 2011 none of which has been issued or utilized. These new funds
would provide additional incentive to local governments to utilize these
bonds (i.e., loans, taking on more debt) by providing a reduction in
the interest due on the loan. Local governments generally already have
sufficient credit ratings to complete projects without financial
assistance from the state. Further, since water rights and development
occur at the local and regional level and there are few processes in
place to prioritize water projects across the state, there is little
guarantee the funds will be directed towards the most critical projects.
We Texans recommends voting "against" this proposition.<br />
<br />
<b>Proposition 7: </b><i>Allowing home-rule cities to decide how to fill vacant seats.</i><b> </b><a href="http://wetexans.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b5758c6f314ca4b1a0a911ff8&id=ee4fe0d486&e=24b56eb283" style="color: #757575; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Read the legislation here (HJR 87)</a><br />
<br />
The proposal would allow home-rule cities (cities with a population of
more than 5,000 that have adopted a home-rule charter) to amend their
charter to allow filling vacancies on the governing body by appointment
rather than by election as is currently required. Cities argue that
filling vacancies by special election within 120 days after the start of
a vacancy, as is currently required, is costly. The proposal would,
however, likely provide incentive for early resignation so appointments
could be made thereby giving newly appointed members an advantage in any
subsequent election. The cost of a special election in the rare
occurrence of a vacancy is a small price to pay to ensure accountability
in city government. We Texans recommends voting "against" this
proposition.<br />
<br />
<b>Proposition 8: </b><i>Repealing the provision authorizing a hospital district in Hidalgo County</i><b>. </b><a href="http://wetexans.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=b5758c6f314ca4b1a0a911ff8&id=4b761a0171&e=24b56eb283" style="color: #757575; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Read the legislation here (HJR 147)</a><br />
<br />
The proposal would correct a constitutional discrepancy that limits the
maximum tax rate in Hidalgo County hospital districts to 10 cents while
hospital districts in other counties are limited to maximum tax rates
of 75 cents. Hidalgo County residents would be allowed to create new
hospital districts under the conditions available to other counties. We
Texans recommends voting "for" this proposition.<br />
<br />
<b>Proposition 9: </b><i>Expanding the State Commission on Judicial Conduct's sanctioning authority.</i><b> </b><a href="http://wetexans.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b5758c6f314ca4b1a0a911ff8&id=92d2f1e433&e=24b56eb283" style="color: #757575; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Read the legislation here (SJR 42)</a><br />
<br />
This provision would expand the current authority after a formal
hearing to allow the commission to issue a public admonition, warning or
reprimand or require a judge or justice to obtain training or
education. We Texans recommends voting "for" on this proposition.<br />
<br />
The Constitution has been amended hundreds of times, and when voters
are asked to tack on yet another law, most of the time they say ‘Yes.”
This is a good year to say “No” to many of these proposals.<br />
---<br />
<i>We Texans continues to engage in policy work in areas dear to
freedom loving Texans: private property, gun ownership, state
sovereignty and tax and fiscal policy. You can be a part of the work
that we do by committing to regularly fund our efforts. If you have not
already done so, I hope you will consider <a href="http://wetexans.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b5758c6f314ca4b1a0a911ff8&id=9175b602ef&e=24b56eb283" style="color: #757575; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">becoming a member today</a>.
Attention on political work seems to wane between legislative sessions
but as the Speaker of the House recently pointed out, the blue print
for the next legislative session is being crafted NOW. We can't afford
to slack off. We'll be in Austin often and we'll be working to help
draft legislation that addresses these key policy areas. Your <a href="http://wetexans.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b5758c6f314ca4b1a0a911ff8&id=f2aeea87d7&e=24b56eb283" style="color: #757575; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">donation </a>of $50, $100 or $250 helps fund our work. If you are able, we would be very appreciative of your generous contribution.<br />
</i><br />
<i><br />
<b><u>And please, remember to vote and be sure to encourage your family and
friends to review the issues and then cast their vote. With your help,
we can defeat these ill-conceived proposals and slow the growth of
government in Texas.</u></b></i><br />
<br />
<i><u> </u></i><i><a href="http://wetexans.com/proposition-opposition/">http://wetexans.com/proposition-opposition/</a></i></div>
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Debbie McKeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136838164474238186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4248282338582732899.post-52714730306087734942013-10-18T20:47:00.000-05:002013-10-19T14:56:48.568-05:00Terri Hall says~ Nix Prop 6: Public drain for private gain<h2>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://wetexans.com/nix-prop-6-public-drain-for-private-gain/"> http://wetexans.com/nix-prop-6-public-drain-for-private-gain/</a></span></h2>
<h2>
Rural water raid to benefit developers, not average Texan</h2>
Have you ever had a kid ask for seconds during a meal before he’s even finished what’s on his plate? Well, that’s what the <a href="http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/" target="_blank">Texas Legislature</a> is asking of voters with <a href="http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/2013novballotlang.shtml" target="_blank">Proposition 6</a> on November 5.<br />
<br />
Lawmakers want Texans to pass this constitutional amendment to
approve more funding for water projects. A similar measure narrowly
passed in November 2011 for a $6 billion revolving fund to loan money to
local government entities for water infrastructure, outside
constitutional debt limitations. Now in 2013, the Texas Legislature is
asking voters for permission to raid $2 billion from the state’s
emergency fund, known as the Rainy Day Fund, to assist local agencies of
government in funding water projects from the state’s water plan.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.texastribune.org/directory/rick-perry/" target="_blank">Governor Rick Perry</a>, <a href="http://www.texastribune.org/directory/david-dewhurst/" target="_blank">Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst</a>, and <a href="http://www.texastribune.org/directory/joe-straus/" target="_blank">Speaker Joe Straus</a>
all committed to making additional water and transportation
infrastructure a priority in the 83rd legislative session, yet neither
was addressed in the base budget.<br />
<br />
Lawmakers chose to kick the tough decisions directly to the voters
asking them to use emergency funds to issue more debt, rather than
discipline the use of existing taxes to fund priorities out of the
regular budget (which voters have no control over). A second amendment
pertaining to transportation will follow in 2014.<br />
<br />
In essence, they want us to do their jobs for them by putting us in a
box. Pass the amendments or get nothing, or so it seems at first
glance.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJF54WFBdV_IQqiqIFcWCLoZylOppMXiTBeaiuWuGyOp1yoAO2fDmYOmguK4RV2xZoRBKoCIJOXRL36iV51uVIkr5whkPjLjQ2cMV09PX5-oqcywEjbG2HX_d7zlR8Sp4KpZyo1-RE3qs/s1600/VoteNo-300x200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJF54WFBdV_IQqiqIFcWCLoZylOppMXiTBeaiuWuGyOp1yoAO2fDmYOmguK4RV2xZoRBKoCIJOXRL36iV51uVIkr5whkPjLjQ2cMV09PX5-oqcywEjbG2HX_d7zlR8Sp4KpZyo1-RE3qs/s1600/VoteNo-300x200.jpg" /></a><b>Asking for more with $6 billion on the table</b><br />
The first $6 billion in credit the voters approved in 2011 has yet to be
tapped, and yet here are lawmakers already asking for more. So why the
push for more funding before the last round has even been touched?
Because the special interests who want to build and finance these water
projects want better credit terms than the already favorable,
low-interest $6 billion revolving fund can offer them.<br />
<br />
They want to be able to funnel questionable economic development
projects through local water boards and get better credit enhancements,
deferred loan repayments, and/or deferred interest payments than they
could get with the fund established in 2011.<br />
<br />
In other words, special interests want taxpayers and ratepayers to
pick-up the tab for “gap funding” between project implementation and
when they can send customers their first bill.<br />
<br />
Considering legislators had a record $8 billion surplus in January
and went on a spending spree, having spent 26% more this session than
the previous session, and despite Texas having the <a href="http://www.texastransparency.org/yourmoney/pdf/TexasItsYourMoney-LocalDebt.pdf" target="_blank">second highest level of local debt in the nation</a>, lawmakers are still asking voters to issue more local debt and to use the state’s emergency funds to do it.<br />
<br />
Harvard grad and <a href="http://www.texastribune.org/directory/van-taylor/" target="_blank">State Representative Van Taylor (R – Plano)</a>
likened it to giving someone a credit card with a $6 billion credit
limit only to have them ask for another $2 billion before charging
anything.<br />
<br />
<b>Making water unaffordable</b><br />
Who has to repay all this debt with interest? Ratepayers and taxpayers.<br />
<br />
But lawmakers seem un-phased by the fact funding local water projects
with more state-backed debt will push up the price of water to
consumers, possibly to unaffordable levels in very short order.<br />
<br />
With other utility bills on the rise, healthcare costs soaring, other
taxes going up, full-time gainful employment shrinking, and sustained
high food and fuel prices despite the domestic shale oil boom (most is
being exported not being used to reduce the cost of gas to U.S.
consumers), making an essential element of daily living like water
unattainable for working families will push many over the edge into
poverty and want.<br />
<br />
<b>Turning scarce dollars into slush funds</b><br />
There’s not sufficient assurance that the true priorities will even get
built, nor is there sufficient assurance that these projects will have
adequate public input to protect rural Texans’ water from being heisted
and used to feed urban developers pet projects. Since decisions will be
made solely by the un-elected <a href="http://www.twdb.state.tx.us/" target="_blank">Water Development Board </a>and
funneled through local water districts, there’s plenty of opportunity
for unnecessary projects to be funded ahead of the true priorities.<br />
<br />
Look no further than the <a href="http://www.trwd.com/" target="_blank">Tarrant Regional Water District</a> subsidiary’s recent approval of an <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001gXhhu0AwZMAFvLBckGE8VA8YeCWAe1urtK1Jc2A74tM8cXKA_BOIMgf5G85JzctLtZT7ZcUj69KBgqVaMomC7qzaS6YLitPScwdH89TFHUuqiVHoAVImyZyC65e6XL64DFuLNN-0tfQfHP3lVUCFumYk5U9ofbTZ_dpVoI9e0NkfrLwsHW7c3Q==" target="_blank">outdoor ice rink</a>, and there’s enough to make voters skeptical.<br />
<br />
<b>Threat to farmers</b><br />
One of the big concerns of TURF is that the funding is not tied to
actual water production or adding capacity, which is what Texas
desperately needs, not taxpayer-financed ice rinks nor stealing from
rural farmers that shifts water from one to another, rather than provide
a net increase of actual water.<br />
<br />
Taking water from drought-ridden rural Texans jeopardizes their
ability to make a living and to continue to provide all Texans with the
food we need for daily living. Essentially, the way it’s set-up, Prop 6
would allow government, under the thumb of special interests, to pick
the winners and losers. After the Trans Texas Corridor debacle, the
last thing rural Texans need is another threat to their livelihoods and
way of life.<br />
<br />
<b>Sneaky tactics</b><br />
To add to the thorny debate, lawmakers signaled they knew Prop 6 was in
trouble before they left Austin since they pushed another Rainy Day raid
for transportation to November of 2014. <a href="http://www.texastribune.org/directory/jim-pitts/" target="_blank">House Appropriations Chair Jim Pitts </a>was
adamant that passage of the two measures should be tied together to
guarantee they either both pass or both fail. Apparently, he worried
voters would approve transportation and not water. So rather than truly
let the voters decide what they wanted to fund and how, he tried to rig
it to ensure passage of both.<br />
<br />
House members balked at directly tying passage of the two measures
together fearing it would anger voters, so a handful of conference
committee leaders moved the transportation measure to 2014 to appear
alone in a completely separate election. Yet when citizens ask for
elected leadership on transportation boards, these same legislators
opine that holding elections is too expensive. Apparently, their
objections don’t apply to holding a separate election of their choosing.<br />
<br />
Current transportation funding levels cannot even cover road
maintenance costs, leaving no money for any new capacity or expansion
projects that are sorely needed in congested urban corridors. Over the
next two years, the only new capacity is being built with more debt. The
total cost of the mounting road debt will exceed $31 billion (in
principal and interest). The proposed transportation amendment would
divert half of the oil and gas severance taxes that capitalize the Rainy
Day Fund to roads, estimated to be $1.2 billion annually.<br />
<br />
Naturally, lawmakers realize how this would look on the ballot
alongside a $2 billion raid for water projects so soon after asking for a
$6 billion water loan program just two years ago.<br />
<br />
Perhaps they’re counting on the short memory of most voters or
counting on low information voters to buy into the scare tactics and
frightening photos of bone dry lakes courtesy of <a href="http://www.watertexas.com/" target="_blank">Water Texas PAC</a> trying to convince voters that <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001gXhhu0AwZMAFvLBckGE8VA8YeCWAe1urtK1Jc2A74tM8cXKA_BOIMgf5G85JzctLtZT7ZcUj69IMQh9V-8z4xPL3Fdh2wYmAj1QPHwxnZr3whmSgcdrTcy3kMIestV2A79eIPS1OJq-GZbt9Qnygda4KXzHtx0jK" target="_blank">unless they pass this amendment the state will run out of water</a>.<br />
<br />
TURF and the ‘Nix Prop 6′ coalition recognize we have dire water
needs in our state, but Prop 6 is not the answer. How we secure a
sustainable water supply and how we fund it must be transparent, must
ensure the public has the ability to sufficiently weigh-in to protect
local water supplies from being depleted by outside areas, and must
actually fund priorities of public necessity, not used as a means to
divert public water supplies and public funds to private interests.<br />
<br />
Returning to a fiscally sound, pay-as-you-go plan is the best course
to ensure a prosperous future. Texas voters ought not to be fooled by
the gimmicks and scarce tactics and follow common sense and sound
financial principles – if it isn’t a good idea for your own household
budget, it isn’t a good idea for government or the taxpayers, either.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Vote ‘no’ on Prop 6 and force lawmakers to use the money voters
already approved before asking for more. Better yet, require them to
fund basic infrastructure needs — roads and water — from our existing
taxes in the base budget, not with emergency funds and debt.</u></b>Debbie McKeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136838164474238186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4248282338582732899.post-37538501997924878972013-10-18T20:35:00.001-05:002013-10-19T14:57:04.450-05:00Texas Representative David Simpson says to vote NO on Prop. 6<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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October 14, 2013<br />
<br />
<b>PROPOSITION 6 UNNECESSARILY EXPANDS STATE GOVERNMENT
INTO INVESTMENT BANKING, REPLACING THE FREE MARKET</b><br />
<br />
(Irving) – Representative David Simpson (R-Longview) expressed his opposition to
Proposition 6 at a press conference today because “it would unnecessarily expand
state government into investment banking, which is better performed by the
private sector in a free market, allocating limited resources based on financial
risk and return instead of political considerations.”
<br />
<br />
Simpson asked, “Do we want the state to fund water infrastructure like we have
funded research and commercialization with CPRIT? Do we want state government
handing out sweetheart loans based on political connections instead of economic
realities? Government's track record on this count is poor at best, as our
recent experience with CPRIT has demonstrated once again.”
<br />
<br />
“The Legislature played an elaborate shell game with the appropriation of funds
for this program. The $2 billion appropriation for this program will come from
the Economic Stabilization Fund (ESF), or 'Rainy Day Fund,' if this amendment is
approved by the people. However, the ballot language fails to inform the voter
they are moving money from the state’s ESF or that the move would exceed the
spending cap if the funds were not being constitutionally dedicated,” Simpson
further explained.
<br />
<br />
“The appropriate role of the state is to protect private and regional water
rights.”
<br />
<br />
“Intervention in the market by the state will no doubt favor some at the expense
of others, such as East Texans. Because East Texas is blessed with more water
resources than other parts of the state, it is likely those resources will be
sought after by others and this proposal jeopardizes the ability for East Texas
to protect its resources from being taken away by force, without its consent.”
<br />
<br />
“With their consent in a free market, I believe East Texans would develop
infrastructure to collect and distribute water if their rights are protected
like their oil and gas resources are currently. The region’s normally abundant
water supply could meet the demands for water in other places of the state.”
<br />
<br />
Representative Simpson, Republican from Longview, serves House District 7,
comprised of Gregg and Upshur Counties.
Debbie McKeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136838164474238186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4248282338582732899.post-57133875460340673192013-03-13T10:59:00.000-05:002013-03-13T10:59:33.494-05:00It's time to head to Austin!Important hearings scheduled the week of March 11, 2013, for certain bills of<br />
interest to liberty minded patriots.<br /><br />
NOTE: Hearings are sometimes canceled and/or rescheduled. Do not assume<br />
any hearing will be scheduled or rescheduled with significant notice. This<br />
is politics.<br /><br />For more information call the Capitol switchboard: <br />
<h1>
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Texas State Capitol</span></b></h1>
<b>
</b><h1>
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span>(512) 463-4630 (8-5 PM)</span></span></b></h1>
<h1>
</h1>
<i>1100 Congress Ave</i>,
<i>Austin</i>,
<i>TX</i>
<br /><br /><a href="http://www.legis.state.tx.us/" target="_blank">Click here for the Texas Legislature's website.</a><br /><br /><br />
<br />
Monday, March 11:<br />
<br />
Ways & Means, 2:00pm, E2.014<br />
HB 78, Simpson, "Relating to the exemption from the sales and use tax for<br />
<div>
certain coins and precious metals."<br />
<br />
</div>
Tuesday, March 12:<br />
<br />
Criminal Jurisprudence, 10:30am, E2.016<br />
HB 184, Dutton, "Relating to the penalties for possession of one ounce or<br />
less of marihuana or a synthetic cannabinoid."<br />
<br />
Wednesday, March 13:<br />
<br />
Public Health, 8:00am, E2.012<br />
HB 740, Crownover, "Relating to newborn screening for congenital heart<br />
defects."<br />
<br />
Urban Affairs, 10:30am, E2.016<br />
HB 1299, Stickland, "Relating to municipal regulation of electric stun<br />
guns, knives, and personal defense sprays."<br />
<br />
State Affairs, 1:00pm, JHR 140<br />
HB 649, Stickland, "Relating to tax reimbursement for businesses that<br />
refuse to comply with certain federal health care coverage requirements<br />
based solely on the religious convictions of the owners of the businesses;<br />
authorizing tax refunds and credits."<br />
<br />
Federalism & Fiscal Responsibility, Select, 2:00pm, E2.036<br />
HB 553, Otto, "Relating to firearms and the preservation of the Second<br />
Amendment to the United States Constitution; providing penalties."<br />
HB 627, Krause, "Relating to exempting the intrastate manufacture of a<br />
firearm, a firearm accessory, or ammunition from federal regulation."<br />
HB 872, Laubenberg, "Relating to exempting the intrastate manufacture of a<br />
firearm, a firearm accessory, or ammunition from federal regulation."<br />
HB 928, Krause, "Relating to the enforcement of certain federal laws<br />
regulating firearms, firearm accessories, and firearm ammunition within the<br />
State of Texas."<br />
HB 1049, Laubenberg, "Relating to the enforcement of certain federal laws<br />
regulating firearms, firearm accessories, and firearm ammunition within the<br />
State of Texas."<br />
HB 1076, Toth, "Relating to certain firearms, firearm accessories and<br />
<div>
firearm ammunition within the State of Texas; providing an exemption from<br />
federal regulation and providing penalties."<br />
</div>
HB 1314, Creighton, "Relating to the unlawful seizure of a firearm by a<br />
governmental officer or employee; providing penalties."<br />
<br />
Thursday, March 14:<br />
<br />
Homeland Security & Public Safety, 8:00am, E2.010<br />
HB 434, Riddle, "Relating to the persons authorized to take a blood<br />
specimen from a vehicle operator to test for alcohol concentration or other<br />
intoxicating substances."<br />
HB 435, Turner, "Relating to the authority of a peace officer to take a<br />
blood specimen from the operator of a motor vehicle or watercraft to test<br />
for alcohol concentration or the presence of other intoxicating<br />
substances."<br />
HB 1658, King, "Relating to requiring the arrest and collection of a breath<br />
or blood specimen of persons operating a motor vehicle or watercraft while<br />
intoxicated under certain circumstances."<br />
HB 1038, Eiland, "Relating to the creation of DNA records for the DNA<br />
database system."<br />
HB 972, Fletcher, "Relating to the carrying of concealed handguns on the<br />
campuses of and certain other locations associated with institutions of<br />
higher education."<br />
HB 1313, Creighton, "Relating to the carrying of concealed handguns on<br />
certain premises of or locations associated with schools or institutions of<br />
higher education."<br />
HB 1078, Kleinschmidt, "Relating to the carrying of concealed handguns on<br />
<div>
certain premises of or locations associated with institutions of higher<br />
education."<br />
</div>
HB 706, Capriglione, "Relating to the carrying of concealed handguns on<br />
certain premises of or locations associated with schools or institutions of<br />
higher education."<br />
HB 1009, Villalba, "Relating to the creation of a new category of law<br />
enforcement officer who shall be designated a school marshal, the training<br />
and appointment of certain employees of a school district or<br />
open-enrollment charter school as school marshals, and the rights,<br />
restrictions, limitations, and responsibilities of school marshals;<br />
authorizing the imposition of a fee."<br />
HB 1298, Stickland, "Relating to the carrying of concealed handguns by<br />
certain license holders on certain locations associated with a public or<br />
private school or educational institution."<br />
HB 1896, King, "Relating to firearm training and the authority of certain<br />
employees of a school district or open-enrollment charter school to carry<br />
or possess a handgun on certain school premises; authorizing a fee."<br />
HB 700, Lavender, "Relating to the authority of a person who is licensed to<br />
<div>
carry a handgun to openly carry the handgun; providing penalties."<br />
</div>
HB 1194, Paddie, "Relating to the authority of a person who is licensed to<br />
carry a handgun to openly carry the handgun; providing penalties."<br /><br />Remember, our state legislature only meets once every two years. <br /><br />Now is the time to show up and make our voices heard. <br />
<br />For Liberty,<br /><br />Debbie McKee<br />Campaign for Liberty, Texas<br /><br /><br />P.S.<br /><br />
NOTE: Hearings are sometimes canceled and/or rescheduled. Do not assume<br />
any hearing will be scheduled or rescheduled with significant notice. This<br />
is politics.<br /><br />For more information call the Capitol switchboard: <br /><h1>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Texas State Capitol</span></h1>
<h1>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span>(512) 463-4630 (8-5 PM)</span></span>
</h1>
<i>1100 Congress Ave</i>,
<i>Austin</i>,
<i>TX</i>
<br /><br /><a href="http://www.legis.state.tx.us/" target="_blank">Click here for the Texas Legislature's website.</a>Debbie McKeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136838164474238186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4248282338582732899.post-48737611160211634212012-07-23T19:39:00.000-05:002012-07-23T19:39:35.916-05:00How to stop a massacre: Surveillance video reveals simple, low-cost solution that works everywhereSunday, July 22, 2012<br />by <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/108002809946749848449?rel=author" target="_blank">Mike Adams</a>, the Health Ranger<br />Editor of NaturalNews.com<br />
<a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/036551_how_to_stop_massacre_video.html" target="_blank">For original post click here. </a><br />
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<br />(NaturalNews) In the aftermath of the Aurora, Colorado Batman movie
theater shooting, a surveillance video has surfaced that shows the
simple, obvious answer to the question on everybody's mind: How do we
stop a massacre?<br /><br />The answer is revealed in the stunning short video shown below. This remarkable solution:<br /><br />• Requires no police.<br />• Costs the taxpayers no money.<br />• Requires no up-front paperwork.<br />• Protects innocent lives.<br />• Is deployed in as little as FIVE seconds.<br />• Works everywhere.<br />• Deters violent crime.<br />• Makes bad guys flee immediately.<br />• Is easy to learn.<br />• Functions at the local level.<br />• Does not require control or intervention by the United Nations or any government entity. <br /><br />Watch the video at:<br /><a href="http://youtu.be/KjH3ZMUks1o" style="color: #0b5394;" target="_blank">http://youtu.be/KjH3ZMUks1o</a><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/KjH3ZMUks1o" width="560"></iframe></div>McKee Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04322089251373714467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4248282338582732899.post-86702931797560571722012-06-23T13:08:00.000-05:002012-06-23T13:08:04.433-05:00Samuel Adams<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Among
the natural rights of the colonists are these: first, a right to life;
secondly, to liberty; thirdly to property; together with the right to
support and defend them in the best manner they can."</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #999999;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"The
said constitution shall never be construed to authorize Congress to
prevent the people of the United States who are peaceable citizens from
keeping their own arms."</span></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTVxLkMtHkiyVfhq8_nrfzBGmuiPFA_F-NR_qNPaQ8qJwc5pcZspilNty0PS7J_ebfu2lrf3bZDJ34yF3Rml4IXkYrAL4RkH7cwzzvwHde5396Nmx5BbmRJtsjjCL0rNCoOc_A2_FCHEM/s1600/samuel-adams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTVxLkMtHkiyVfhq8_nrfzBGmuiPFA_F-NR_qNPaQ8qJwc5pcZspilNty0PS7J_ebfu2lrf3bZDJ34yF3Rml4IXkYrAL4RkH7cwzzvwHde5396Nmx5BbmRJtsjjCL0rNCoOc_A2_FCHEM/s320/samuel-adams.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Were
the talents and virtues which heaven has bestowed on men given merely
to make them more obedient drudges, to be sacrificed to the follies and
ambition of a few? Or, were not the noble gifts so equally dispensed
with a divine purpose and law, that they should as nearly as possible be
equally exerted, and the blessings of Providence be equally enjoyed by
all?"</span></span></div>
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<div style="color: #cccccc;">
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #999999;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #cccccc;">
<span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #999999;">"No people will tamely surrender their Liberties, nor can
any be easily subdued, when knowledge is diffused and Virtue is
preserved. On the Contrary, when People are universally ignorant,
and debauched in their Manners, they will sink under their own
weight without the Aid of foreign Invaders."</span></span></span></div>
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<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"It
is always dangerous to the liberties of the people to have an army
stationed among them, over which they have no control ... The Militia is
composed of free Citizens. There is therefore no danger of their making
use of their Power to the destruction of their own Rights, or suffering
others to invade them."</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #999999;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #cccccc;">
<b style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"How strangely will the Tools of a Tyrant pervert the plain Meaning of Words!"</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="color: #999999;"> </span></span></span></span></div>Debbie McKeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136838164474238186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4248282338582732899.post-60923215161482997052012-05-31T11:27:00.000-05:002012-05-31T11:27:45.223-05:00The Texas Rally for Freedom(4 embedded videos today)<br />
<br />
We drove down that morning after about 4 hours of sleep! We met with others at the Capitol grounds and marched with the Combat Vets for Ron Paul down Congress Ave! <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFzaip5Xm_btT1X1qvdwMb4dcJk29p9vF2tMPFY-e8KUMh0lyF54b_bUiZAx59CZxTQeynEeEaRxI_JrZkGQ3i7XY2KgVm-Qmwz3K4WWiXESyc1dFhFgoLtrLxK77kMHF9z5AN5w6l72s/s1600/May-June+2012+149.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFzaip5Xm_btT1X1qvdwMb4dcJk29p9vF2tMPFY-e8KUMh0lyF54b_bUiZAx59CZxTQeynEeEaRxI_JrZkGQ3i7XY2KgVm-Qmwz3K4WWiXESyc1dFhFgoLtrLxK77kMHF9z5AN5w6l72s/s640/May-June+2012+149.jpg" width="356" /></a></div>
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Tom Woods, Author & Teacher<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5r7zJ8XajFFzKBgQcWrX7vLYQHI6gyHaiINbNuU_BBjEEN8BcJq2XvAbWYdFCVn2MBot2G1bOpF-K-IVU0TYvG_ZR2vtpe52_ZXxFvaUW4XHA3MMYDA33TQkF1S4XNuFJt3C0Bgf9QkE/s1600/May-June+2012+181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JAvpXEvZ_Bs" width="420"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/JAvpXEvZ_Bs">(or click here) </a><br />
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Jack Hunter - The Southern Avenger<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/g7UCWzcyFvo" width="420"></iframe> <br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/g7UCWzcyFvo">(or click here)</a><br />
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Oh, and we had a Jimmie Vaughn concert, too! (one hour):<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LryDe6n00Pc?rel=0" width="420"></iframe><br />
(<a href="http://youtu.be/LryDe6n00Pc">or click here</a>)<br />
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Jimmie's encore: Down With Big Brother!<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/A0MVEUswSzA?rel=0" width="420"></iframe><br />
(<a href="http://youtu.be/A0MVEUswSzA">or click here</a>) <br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
We were hot and tired, can you tell??</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5r7zJ8XajFFzKBgQcWrX7vLYQHI6gyHaiINbNuU_BBjEEN8BcJq2XvAbWYdFCVn2MBot2G1bOpF-K-IVU0TYvG_ZR2vtpe52_ZXxFvaUW4XHA3MMYDA33TQkF1S4XNuFJt3C0Bgf9QkE/s1600/May-June+2012+181.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5r7zJ8XajFFzKBgQcWrX7vLYQHI6gyHaiINbNuU_BBjEEN8BcJq2XvAbWYdFCVn2MBot2G1bOpF-K-IVU0TYvG_ZR2vtpe52_ZXxFvaUW4XHA3MMYDA33TQkF1S4XNuFJt3C0Bgf9QkE/s400/May-June+2012+181.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Debbie McKeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136838164474238186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4248282338582732899.post-37642853957424924282012-05-18T17:00:00.000-05:002012-05-18T17:00:27.845-05:00prepping....<span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: small;">Follow this link for the whole article: <a href="http://lewrockwell.com/rep3/beginning-prepper.html">http://lewrockwell.com/rep3/beginning-prepper.html</a></span><br />
<br />
<h1 align="center">
First Things First: Key Questions Facing the Beginning
Prepper</h1>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">by
</span></b></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">Norse
Prepper</span></b></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis7Ti2IGjuNvZOZd4i8CIzImiOHJXAmKUEkL7UdG8UeKDGapUE7hYtrSl5O_AFhyxoPW_zDtA7IRZAXZ9dK83suGDtsKX7_vAKEW2gP66gnyii_IZlNPxgYYgZ71zaHfVLfGbpwZ-jmsQ/s1600/canned-food1small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis7Ti2IGjuNvZOZd4i8CIzImiOHJXAmKUEkL7UdG8UeKDGapUE7hYtrSl5O_AFhyxoPW_zDtA7IRZAXZ9dK83suGDtsKX7_vAKEW2gP66gnyii_IZlNPxgYYgZ71zaHfVLfGbpwZ-jmsQ/s320/canned-food1small.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: small;">What am I preparing
for? Will I bug in or bug out? How will I defend myself, family
and home? What will I eat? How will I heat my home? How will I keep
clean? How will I produce light and electricity? How will I get
information and communicate with the outside world? What skills
do I have and items can I use to barter? How will I fight off boredom?
These are but the tip of the iceberg of questions needing to be
answered for when life as we know it comes to an end. When talking
to and dealing with anyone new to prepping, please remember that
they are entering a large and complex world where their decisions
on what to do next could mean the difference between life and death.
Help them to make a list of priorities and offer them advice on
what the list should contain. This article is just a primer, but
is more than what 99% of people have done to prepare themselves
and their families for what is coming.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: small;">Also, please
let me say thank you to Mac, the contributors and people who comment
on the <a href="http://www.shtfplan.com/" target="_blank">SHTFplan
web site</a> for helping me and my family prepare. You truly are
today's patriots. God bless.</span>Debbie McKeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136838164474238186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4248282338582732899.post-30763680337902803842012-05-10T14:04:00.000-05:002012-05-10T14:04:16.045-05:00Texas State Rep. District 2 debate/forum reportWell, we were very appreciative of TAMU-Commerce hosting this event
Tuesday evening. I was sorry to see such a small crowd, and many were
from Hopkins county (which is new to the district). I passed out my
card and asked to be notified sooner of any similar events in the
future. It was the first of its kind. Hosted by the African American
Leadership Conference and Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity.<br />
<br />I went into this with an open mind. I didn't know much about George
Alexander, having only seen him in one forum and met him very briefly
once. We helped get Dan Flynn elected when he first went to Austin and
had supported him for many years. I am always willing to take a hard
look at those public servants who represent us.<br />
<br /> Mr. Alexander is not a polished politician. That's refreshing. <br /><br />Mr.
Flynn defended himself saying he wasn't a career politician, then asked
us in his closing if we really wanted to send someone inexperienced to
Austin? Wasn't he inexperienced when he went a decade ago? <br />
<br />Mr. Alexander did point out that Texas government spending has risen
over 50% since Mr. Flynn took office. AND we do have debt, our
economic picture isn't as rosy as they would like us to believe. I
learned much of this when Debra Medina was running for Governor in
2009-10. <br />
<br />Mr. Alexander admitted he didn't know everything and wouldn't
pretend to. He's a concerned citizen running for office to represent
us. He has long time roots in the district. <br /><br />Mr. Flynn listed his
awards and recognitions from different organizations and his voting
score with Empower Texans. (a side note that I think is funny...Flynn
touts the Empower Texans score and Sen. Deuell discounts it. I think we
need to look at various issues and see how he's voted. Also realizing
that sometimes they support a bill knowing it will fail in the Senate
and vice versa, so they can look good. A lot of games are played in
Austin. It can be difficult to know what's really happening. To get a
fresh "outsider's view" check out <a href="http://davidsimpson.com/" target="_blank">http://davidsimpson.com/</a>
he was the freshman in the last session who really stood up for the
people. You can sign up for his email list. He told us about getting
called into the "principal's office" over his anti-TSA bill.)<br />
<br />Mr. Alexander mentioned Mr. Flynn's record on some legislation
(for the TTC, against more transparency in the budget, against removiing
the confidentiality of toll contracts, against managing control of our
Texas environment, for the nursing home "granny tax" ) Some of these I
was familiar with and others I was not. <br />
<br />Mr. Alexander said that according to campaign finance reports Mr.
Flynn has raised most of his money from special interests outside the
district (around 1 Million in the last 10 years). I confirmed this
here: <a href="http://www.followthemoney.org/" target="_blank">http://www.followthemoney.org</a><br />
<br />The panel of journalists asked some really good questions. I think it was all moderated very fairly. <br /><br />(GEUS videoed the forum held in Greenville on Monday night. It might be available on the public access channel.)<br />
<br />To see more on each candidate:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.alexanderforhouse.com/" target="_blank">http://www.alexanderforhouse.<wbr></wbr>com/</a><br />
<br /><a href="http://www.daflynn.com/Endorsements.htm" target="_blank">http://www.daflynn.com/<wbr></wbr>Endorsements.htm</a><br /><br />I came across this website with lots of info. Project Vote Smart <a href="http://votesmart.org/" target="_blank">http://votesmart.org</a> <br />
<br />I hope this helps as you go to the polls starting Monday.<br /><br />For Liberty and Justice for all,<br /><br />Debbie McKeeDebbie McKeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136838164474238186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4248282338582732899.post-69276694883344225482012-05-05T21:33:00.000-05:002012-05-10T14:14:03.669-05:00Hunt County - Rails to Trails<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Letter to the Greenville Herald Banner:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Why should I care about the
Rails to Trails issue? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">It doesn’t come through my
property. I live on the other end of the county. <span> </span>Well, if we don’t stand up for our neighbor’s
freedom and God given rights who will stand up for ours when it’s our turn?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6n6-NKi7NYM2SV7jC2IiIWi4Ysjy4lsh4T24Ki9b1Gp6w541ss6ITqW_xkfqPRFf6gMz29B3sUUJVv4bzQ_zn96b05-4T9wFtcK3HIP7nczTd074r2QFzkt5WD4xM-xtRTS3C7G53-E/s1600/railroad-tracks-35.3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6n6-NKi7NYM2SV7jC2IiIWi4Ysjy4lsh4T24Ki9b1Gp6w541ss6ITqW_xkfqPRFf6gMz29B3sUUJVv4bzQ_zn96b05-4T9wFtcK3HIP7nczTd074r2QFzkt5WD4xM-xtRTS3C7G53-E/s400/railroad-tracks-35.3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span> </span>I’ve heard people extolling the benefits of
public access trails, but I wonder if those people have considered some of
these issues.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 38.25pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span>1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">The land was deeded to the Railroad companies for a
specific purpose.<span> </span>When no longer needed
by the railroad company the rights, ownership and control was supposed to
revert BACK to the landowner whose property the rail line came through.<span> </span>This is written in the original deeds.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 38.25pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span>2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Rail Banking Act of 1983.<span> </span>Just because the Federal government creates a
scheme to give others the use of property taken by fraud doesn’t mean it’s
lawful or legitimate.<span> </span>Theft is still
theft no matter who does it or how a “law” or “act” gets passed.<span> </span>The railroad companies got to “write off” the
“donation” of the land to the non-profit organizations to “use” until maybe the
railroad companies wanted it back for future projects….</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 38.25pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span>3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Funding for projects such as these comes from our
gasoline/hwy tax money.<span> </span>10% is diverted
for projects like this.<span> </span>I don’t know
about you, but I’d rather have my gas tax burden lowered by 10% to use to pay
for my gasoline and other necessities.<span>
</span>Or the money should be used for the highways, the original intent of the
tax.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 38.25pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span>4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">The money is divvied out through agencies such as Texas Parks
and Wildlife and TXDOT.<span> </span>One stipulation
is that if the project is opposed by the local political subdivision (the county
commissioners’ court in this case, or a city council) the project will be
denied funding.<span> </span>So, there is something
the county commissioners CAN do. <span> </span>They
like to say this is a federal issue and there is nothing they can do.<span> </span>That just isn’t so.<span> </span><span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 38.25pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span>5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Stopping this funding is the necessary first step to
protecting the property of Hunt Co. residents and saving ALL of us money.<span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 38.25pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span>6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">This is a cash cow for some powerfully connected folks
and they will not be happy about the county opposing the project.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 38.25pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span>7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">So, let’s see which side our county commissioners take
– will they protect the little guys or the powerfully connected who stand to
lose millions?<span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 38.25pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span>8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Are the commissioners prepared to be personally liable
if they do nothing to stop this and the property owners sue to regain proper
control and ownership of their land?<span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Don’t
be swayed by the “possible economic benefits”, enriching our lives, promoting
healthy lifestyles, etc.<span> </span>This is land that
BELONGS to your neighbors.<span> </span>What right do
you or anyone else have to hike, bike, or anything else on it without their
permission?<span> </span>What would you want your
neighbor to do if you were in their position?<span>
</span>Come to your aid?<span> </span>Stand up for
your rights?<span> </span>I hope so.<span> </span>Let’s look out for each other.<span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Debbie
McKee</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Campbell</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">, Texas</span>McKee Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04322089251373714467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4248282338582732899.post-34019913332890335362012-04-28T13:43:00.001-05:002012-04-28T13:43:56.466-05:00Are you Outraged?<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjznItXUsbsjnRbt8kZ6xam4LRlt6MbGExeJtQlm8XR4yDn3kYQW8TRSQxsXqN14rqCp434vJoxHP4vNn8bDQF5xg0RrQvyXZwWkVkB6OJG7_6J8NEStfjJ1xGuNe7aO37P7M5MVkiOyJQ/s1600/if+you+aren%27t+outraged%21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjznItXUsbsjnRbt8kZ6xam4LRlt6MbGExeJtQlm8XR4yDn3kYQW8TRSQxsXqN14rqCp434vJoxHP4vNn8bDQF5xg0RrQvyXZwWkVkB6OJG7_6J8NEStfjJ1xGuNe7aO37P7M5MVkiOyJQ/s1600/if+you+aren%27t+outraged%21.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>(Letter to the Greenville Herald Banner - posted </b><br />
<b>Friday, April 27th, 2012)</b><b> </b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b> </b><br />
<b>Did you attend the
GOP county convention Saturday morning to rubber stamp a cherry picked slate of
delegates? </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Or did you go
thinking you could actually participate in the process?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I have news for you,
until we replace those currently in power you will not be permitted to
participate in the process. That is
unless you convince them you think just like they do. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>There were newcomers
who wanted to get involved, they were told to show up and work and maybe you
can go next time. I'm here to tell you that I doubt very many people in
this county have worked as hard as I have for the last 5 years to promote the
things that Republicans (and Independents and conservative Democrats) should
support. And it hasn't worked for me. In fact, in 2010 I was told
by one of the most powerful few, that if I wanted to participate I would have
to take over the party! I just want
people to get involved and do the right thing!</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br />
We were also told (once again) that we aren't ideologically pure enough.
We must think lock-step with the inner core group that controls the
party. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>There is no “open
door” for Republicans in Hunt
County. For over four years they have attempted to
keep Republicans who adhere to the Constitution and the philosophy of Life, Liberty and Property out
of the debate. What do they fear?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<b> I
want openness, easy access to information, the rules followed and any
Republican voter allowed to participate.
I want those who have left in disgust to come back. I want our county party to be effective and
vibrant. Imagine what we could
accomplish if they had embraced the new folks over the last 4 – 5 years instead
of shutting us out, vilifying us and running us off? Folks with passion and a true desire to make
a better world for their children and grandchildren. Folks who can see where we are headed and how
we’ve gotten into this mess. Folks who
think outside the canned “conservative” talk radio and network news box.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The sad thing is that
the party has become the RINOs they ousted 20 years ago!</b> <b> </b> <b>They
are now the “moderates” who endorse the liberal incumbents and support the
establishment candidates, following orders from on high. We are the real conservatives</b> <b>who believe our candidates and elected
public servants should adhere to the Constitution and their oath of office. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The local party could
have power for good, if it would use it. I don't mean power to control an
ineffective, joke of an organization. I mean power to change the status
quo, clean things up, and make this county, state and country a better place
for our children and grandchildren. <br />
<br />
It is to their shame that they have refused to do that. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>If you want to get
more involved, actually be able to participate in the future, help clean up the
party and hold our public servants accountable please contact me:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Debbie McKee </b></div>
<b> <a href="mailto:netxlc@gmail.com" target="_blank">netxlc@gmail.com</a> </b><br />
<br />
<b>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ </b><br />
<b>This letter was published in the Greenville Herald Banner newspaper on Friday, April 27th, 2012</b>McKee Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04322089251373714467noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4248282338582732899.post-78060717685655260042012-04-23T11:20:00.001-05:002012-04-23T11:20:39.035-05:00This is a must watch video<div style="text-align: left;">
Please take the time to watch this <a href="http://youtu.be/ql0QY1ZJFC4" target="_blank">2 minute speech</a>, US Marine Major (Retired) Christopher Miller gave at the GOP Congressional District 3 convention.<br />
embedded: </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8v-ochSwn-dV6O-IiPVhWk4xj4fotpOuMBDWYcchHZ16y_hFsNLfuMHxPiIL-g2bm0kyvXRFQ-aa9v2S4nzPC4rAwC4NuLHbdsvZXzA5ugyp_h66OrzQsMFqzReiS0rH0LxbjRxjEZLo/s1600/thumbnail.aspx" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8v-ochSwn-dV6O-IiPVhWk4xj4fotpOuMBDWYcchHZ16y_hFsNLfuMHxPiIL-g2bm0kyvXRFQ-aa9v2S4nzPC4rAwC4NuLHbdsvZXzA5ugyp_h66OrzQsMFqzReiS0rH0LxbjRxjEZLo/s1600/thumbnail.aspx" /></a></div>
The man knows of what he speaks.</div>McKee Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04322089251373714467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4248282338582732899.post-54663608232906632852012-04-13T19:30:00.003-05:002012-04-13T19:36:57.891-05:00Upcoming county conventions - letter to the editorDear Editor:<br /><br />Many of the folks in Hunt County probably have no idea of the importance of events taking place this coming Saturday, April 21st. The local Republican and Democrat parties will hold conventions. The Republicans at Greenville Middle School Auditorium at 3611 Texas Street: Precinct conventions at 8:30 and the county convention will follow at 10 am. I was unable to find the details on the Democrat party convention on their website and couldn't reach the county chair at the time of this writing.<br /><br />You must be registered to vote to be eligible to participate. Out of town college students can participate in the Republican convention where they reside as long as they bring their voter registration card (or print out of the voter roll from their home county) and fill out a registration card to change their registration to Hunt county or prove they have registered in any Texas county (by print out or receipt) and will be eligible to vote in the upcoming May 29th primary. This has just been clarified by the state Republican party counsel. I don't know about the Democrat party rules on this issue.<br /><br />If you think things are going just fine in our county/state/country stay home and sleep in. If you want to influence the direction, the players, the gate keepers, the agenda, the system you must get involved - come join us.<br /><br />If you understand that politicians are grown from the local party and want a say in our future - come join us.<br /><br />If you understand that corruption in government is tolerated because corruption in the parties is tolerated - come join us.<br /><br />If you think parties and politicians should play by the rules - come join us.<br /><br />Help us hold the party accountable so the party can then in turn help us hold our elected public servants accountable.<br /><br />Our future and that of our children and grandchildren is at stake!!!<br /><br />Debbie McKeeMcKee Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04322089251373714467noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4248282338582732899.post-71393025318922925502012-03-05T16:17:00.002-06:002012-03-05T16:20:19.527-06:00A guest post<div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://adrienneand.blogspot.com/2012/03/historical-sunday.html">My daughter wrote the post below and I thought I'd share it</a>. Great job, honey! When I first read about this event a few years ago it really opened my eyes. <a href="http://www.lexrex.com/enlightened/articles/warisaracket.htm">Reading War is a Racket by Major General Smedley Butler is another eye-opener (click this link to read it online).</a><br />~Debbie<br /><br />***********************************************<br /></div>I am going to talk about The Bonus Army, otherwise known as "Bonus Marchers". This incident started in early 1932, and ended in July of '32. I know that this is not a very happy tale, but I think that we would do well to look into the past and see how our government treated our Veterans and their families. After the initial atrocities, the Vets were sent down to the Florida Keys in 1935 to work on the <a href="http://www.keyshistory.org/Bridge-that-never-was.html">"Overseas Highway Project" (click here) </a>- just in time for a really bad hurricane- a lot of them died.<br />This is the first article that I read on the subject, 5 or so years ago. If you look at nothing else here, please read it! <a href="http://www.historynet.com/the-bonus-army-war-in-washington.htm">click here</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(I don't remember how I knew about the marchers in the first place.)</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br /></div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=908zb-acEUc&feature=related">Click here to watch</a> a 52second (silent) News Reel, of the marchers coming into Washington DC.<br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lY_4147gzkU&feature=related">Click here to watch</a> a short "talky" News Reel with an interview blip from an eye witness reporter.<br /><br />This next one is a collection of photos set to Al Jolson's <a href="http://youtu.be/-7LZHOiJp8k">"Brother Can You Spare a Dime?"</a><br />embedded video:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-7LZHOiJp8k" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe><br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">And this last video "The World War I Bonus Army And My Dad" was neat. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvEbvpKjZ2k&feature=related">Click here to watch.</a><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFU9t2Qz4cUbmYdARTOkSFqWxAJtjvHeGZD66SQCKtLyFDX91pTCVFV101lmBLmCg0VSSbqgTddf8QkoBYacqWcC9HFob6qXDk0IKxneRbAG81REQi2pv08YTwsR8qciE5HJNAywrn_ora/s1600/greatdep_040_v68.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 297px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFU9t2Qz4cUbmYdARTOkSFqWxAJtjvHeGZD66SQCKtLyFDX91pTCVFV101lmBLmCg0VSSbqgTddf8QkoBYacqWcC9HFob6qXDk0IKxneRbAG81REQi2pv08YTwsR8qciE5HJNAywrn_ora/s400/greatdep_040_v68.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716255872407233346" border="0" /></a><span class="bodytext"><b>"Bonus Marchers" and police battle in Washington, DC. </b><br />By an unknown Associated Press photographer, July 1932 </span><br /><span class="smallcaptionsitalic">National Archives and Records Administration, Records of the Office of the Chief Signal Officer</span><br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Please go "Google"/search or YouTube <span style="font-weight: bold;">Bonus Marchers</span> or <span style="font-weight: bold;">Bonus Army</span>. (did you know in 2009 there were 106,558 homeless veterans? <a href="http://www.nchv.org/page.cfm?id=81">click here for charts</a> <a href="http://www.alternet.org/election08/116721/did_you_know_200%2C000_vets_are_sleeping_on_the_streets/">or here for an article</a> Just imagine how many more there are today, as the US economy so much worse now. Sad- really sad.</span><br /><br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;color:IVORY;" >Can you really blame these men for making their voices heard? Can you imagine the despair they felt? <span style="font-weight: bold;">In 2010 alone, 950 solders/veterans tried to commit suicide per-month, and 18 a day actually are "successful".</span></span><br />I quote from an ArmyTimes article: "Troubling new data show there are an average of 950 suicide attempts each month by veterans who are receiving some type of treatment from the Veterans Affairs Department. Seven percent of the attempts are successful, and 11 percent of those who don’t succeed on the first attempt try again within nine months. The numbers, which come at a time when VA is strengthening its suicide prevention programs, show about 18 veteran suicides a day, about five by veterans who are receiving VA care...the VA’s suicide hotline has been receiving about <span style="font-weight: bold;">10,000 calls a month</span> from current and former service members..."<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;color:IVORY;" ><a href="http://www.armytimes.com/news/2010/04/military_veterans_suicide_042210w/"> click here for the rest of the story....<br /></a><br /></span><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:100%;color:IVORY;" > Needless to say, this subject is very hard for me to think about, I feel weak and like I have a stifling 100# weight on my chest....it makes me so sad. I don't really know what to do about it, except to try and raise public awareness. I know that simply throwing money at a problem does not help much. And you can imagine that I don't think much of Douglas MacArthur, </span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:100%;color:IVORY;" >George Patton, Dwight Eisenhower</span><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:100%;color:IVORY;" > or President Hoover.</span><br style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span><br />~Adrienne McKee <a href="http://adrienneand.blogspot.com/">(my blog can be found here)</a><br />PS: Thank you Mom for helping me research my data! Love you!<br /></div><br />**************************************************************************McKee Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04322089251373714467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4248282338582732899.post-33506296576975247312012-02-22T13:54:00.003-06:002012-02-22T14:49:33.518-06:00Property rights battle! Stand with the landowner in Paris, Texas this Friday!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmCNE1NLa8BQ766y5b4OpS9OoE0ue3JlYpRIF8s_jnNO-LJ8iI7GXb6yRKs4VzuIYY4PaNXONx7n_UgTyS_Z0l4qzf7Udr2oE2FHC_rjlFYeyxtWKwP5iQDco-xB5fVVXdMIaPWEHb7r4/s1600/if+you+aren%2527t+outraged%2521.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 170px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmCNE1NLa8BQ766y5b4OpS9OoE0ue3JlYpRIF8s_jnNO-LJ8iI7GXb6yRKs4VzuIYY4PaNXONx7n_UgTyS_Z0l4qzf7Udr2oE2FHC_rjlFYeyxtWKwP5iQDco-xB5fVVXdMIaPWEHb7r4/s320/if+you+aren%2527t+outraged%2521.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712057768341885010" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Should a privately owned foreign company be allowed to seize land from Texas landowners to use for their private profit?<br /><br />This is a landmark case, it could decide whether or not companies such as TransCanada can exercise the "right of eminent domain" in Texas.<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Join us Friday at noon if you can (hearing starts at 1:30 pm)</span> at <span style="font-weight: bold;">the Lamar county courthouse 119 North Main</span> to stand with the landowner. We MUST NOT be outnumbered by union workers hired by TransCanada to show up in force! They did that in Houston and Austin for the hearings. Bused in lots of them to try to shut us out...... This hearing concerns the temporary restraining order the landowner filed against TransCanada. It was standing room only last Friday, so come early to get a seat!<br /> <br />Do you own land? Or know others who do? Take a stand for ALL of us and our children....<br /><br />Debbie McKee (a notice below with link to sign a petition and an article from the Star-Telegram at the bottom of the email)<br /><br /><u><b>from IndyTexans</b></u>:<br /> Thanks to many of you who moved so quickly to support Julia Trigg Crawford and family. Their efforts to maintain a temporary restraining order on TransCanada's trenching of their property in NE Texas for the Keystone XL pipeline, without any federal nor state approval, is still in place. BUT the hearing continues this Friday in Paris.<br /><br /> CONTINUATION HEARING on Temporary Restraining Order: THIS coming Friday, Feb. 24, Paris, Texas, 1:30 pm. There will be no protest, but we hope some of you can help fill the courtroom of Lamar County Courthouse, 119 North Main- Paris, Texas. We will listen and hope that the court does the right thing.<br /><br /> No matter where you live in Texas, <a href="http://www.indytexans.org/2012/02/18/sign-the-petition-letter-for-texas-hearings-on-transcanada-pipeline/" target="_blank">please click on this link to sign the petition </a>calling for state of Texas public hearings on eminent domain abuse and then Facebook it to your Texas friends and family -- or just forward this entire email to them with a note asking them to sign.<br /><br /> Note: A legal defense fund is getting established for the Crawford family. Watch for those details as their full case comes to trial in April.<br /><br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />February 17th post:<br /> <a href="http://netxconnect.blogspot.com/2012/02/protesting-transcanadakeystone-pipeline.html">http://netxconnect.blogspot.com/2012/02/protesting-transcanadakeystone-pipeline.html</a><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCqlnwQwbDQYU0ct-pdMoEu-VvMoIoWmXBf_u_1nbpXKkVirVXLU7QsAtl__LcWxlqzpauOs3JaRC-fTW1EKYXVl8Jz6LNQf3r2NPNqW0oJ3FWQ098pYhoOyRaXNLb5S73N_L-_7ZAPqI/s1600/Texas.gif"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBD4YbvISBbtblPFqkFw6ouzWHrC6N4Zt5Y-n6CRVD1iD_7Lf73Sa5CUZxcw2225lDa_Qz9a2GhSRzeeQ-yBclOEibdZ-f6k9q6uNYkNSLGD0500ohzomz_s6CSFCrbNQ-Ab_bw_7MIVo/s1600/n125904574337_2502.jpg"></a>Debbie McKeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136838164474238186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4248282338582732899.post-58329031863272326652012-02-17T21:09:00.005-06:002012-02-22T14:41:26.524-06:00Protesting the TransCanada/Keystone Pipeline & Eminent Domain in Paris, Texas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEOG7RyKzkVZ2Ez5xj6p_StLN665t30OfISTM2QjvKMlWr6blj6juTmieHPqZF1WmNGKVXJUbejwaVj21Tm5kbseoDWF-OPANYtpQGrss_zJrF68IhcFZpqnAknp_OAdmL94pGuHxng08/s1600/January-February+2012+740.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEOG7RyKzkVZ2Ez5xj6p_StLN665t30OfISTM2QjvKMlWr6blj6juTmieHPqZF1WmNGKVXJUbejwaVj21Tm5kbseoDWF-OPANYtpQGrss_zJrF68IhcFZpqnAknp_OAdmL94pGuHxng08/s400/January-February+2012+740.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712060572768047394" border="0" /></a><span>A group of us were in Paris, Texas to protest the fraudulent use of eminent domain to take privately owned land for the profit of a private company. TransCanada and the Keystone pipeline. Come with us on April 19th for the pre-trial hearing!!! We are going to court folks!!!! WOOO HOOO!!!! We had a great mix of Independents, Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, Occupy Dallas, Tea Party, etc. etc.... We MUST come together to fight these things!!! (Sorry about the wind noise in the video. It was cold and windy!)<br /><br />Part one: <a href="http://youtu.be/hINT16n1tg8">link</a><br />embedded:<br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hINT16n1tg8" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe><br /><br />Part two: <a href="http://youtu.be/fbr06FX4c4U">link</a><br /></span><span>embedded:</span><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/fbr06FX4c4U" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe><br /><span><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><u><b>Texas becomes a battleground in Keystone XL pipeline controversy</b></u></span> <div><a href="mailto:dmontgomery@star-telegram.com" target="_blank">dmontgomery@star-telegram.com</a> (Dave Montgomery) </div> <div>Posted: 02/22/2012 1:37 PM</div> <div><img src="http://img.vrvm.com/media/render.htm?m=385269759&width=320" /> </div> <span></span> <div><p>AUSTIN -- The politically volatile Keystone XL pipeline is becoming embroiled in a widening controversy in Texas as supporters tout the promise of jobs and other economic benefits while increasingly vocal opponents say the project would trample property rights and endanger water supplies in East Texas.</p><p>Although President Barack Obama rejected the application by TransCanada, the pipeline company says it plans to resubmit its proposal to transport heavy crude oil from Canada to refineries in Texas. The project holds $2 billion of economic potential for Texas, more than for any other state, according to a survey commissioned by TransCanada.</p><p>Its high-profile supporters include Gov. Rick Perry and Sens. Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn, all Republicans. Perry made the pipeline an element of his failed presidential bid by blasting Obama's rejection of the application, accusing the president of squandering the chance to create jobs.</p><p>"There is not a politician in Texas in their<a name="135a6b716bec379e_135a6b08591f5235_135a6ab9261e0c76_135a6a4c41ceaba7_135a69fdd4925c4e_display"> </a> right mind -- I don't care if you're a Democrat or Republican -- that doesn't know the importance of this to all of Texas," said Bill McCoy, president of the Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce. At least two Port Arthur refineries, Motiva Enterprises and Valero, would be on the receiving end of the 1,661-mile pipeline.</p><p><span>Opposition campaign</span></p><p>But landowners, environmentalists and property rights advocates have begun stepping forward in an impassioned campaign against the 376 miles of pipeline that would stretch through 18 counties in East Texas.</p><p><span>Opponents accuse TransCanada of using bullying tactics to seize land rights for the project and say a spill could pollute vital water resources in drought-ridden Texas.</span></p><p>Sign-wielding protesters gathered outside a court hearing in Paris on Friday to support Julia Trigg Crawford in her efforts to block TransCanada from digging on a 600-acre farm that has been in her family since 1948.</p><p>Crawford, who manages the farm, says the pipeline threatens Bois d'Arc Creek, which flows through the Northeast Texas property, as well as Native American archaeological remains.</p><p>"My hope is that our state leaders will see that their landowners are being bullied," Crawford told the <span>Star-Telegram</span> earlier in the week.</p><p>The opposition campaign has also re-energized a property rights coalition that flexed its muscle during the last decade to upend one of Perry's most ambitious projects, the Trans-Texas Corridor.</p><p>The project was originally envisioned as a $145 billion-plus supernetwork of tollways, rails and utility lines. It dissolved after it was attacked as a land grab that would encroach on thousands of private acres. The involvement of a foreign contractor, Spain-based Cintra, further angered opponents.</p><p>"We certainly have shades of the corridor fight resurrecting themselves," said Wharton businesswoman Debra Medina, who ran against Perry in the 2010 gubernatorial race and is a leading opponent of the Keystone project.</p><p>"You've got a foreign company. You've got a private property battle. If I know Texans like I think I do, I think the landowners will win," Medina said.</p><p>The project would complement an existing TransCanada pipeline in the United States, doubling the system's total capacity to 1.1 million barrels of crude a day into U.S. markets, the company said. The 1,661-mile, 36-inch, $7 billion pipeline would start in Alberta, Canada, and stretch through Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas.</p><p>Obama turned down the application over concerns about the route's potential impact on the environmentally sensitive Nebraska Sandhills, but he left the door open for a new application. Republicans accused the president of turning his back on a project that supporters say would create more than 100,000 jobs.</p><p>Shawn Howard, a TransCanada spokesman, said the company plans to resubmit the application to reroute the pipeline away from the sand hills, but the rest of the route, including the Texas portion, would remain the same.</p><p>Waco economist Ray Perryman, in a TransCanada-sponsored study that critics dispute, says the pipeline would create at least 50,000 jobs in Texas, by far the most of any pipeline state. Perryman also predicts $41 million in state government revenue and $7.6 million for local governments during construction.</p><p><span>Water worries</span></p><p>But many of those in or near the proposed route say the uncertainties and potential hazards outweigh the positives. In Reklaw, population 266, Mayor Harlan Crawford says fighting the pipeline has become his principal mission in a job otherwise filled with the predictable litany of small-town complaints, such as stray dogs and water problems.</p><p>The community, which Crawford, 77, describes as "just a blink in the road," was founded in 1890. Settlers wanted the name <span>Walker </span>but, learning that it was taken, opted for the backward spelling. Many current inhabitants are aging retirees.</p> <p>After learning that the pipeline would run near the town, residents joined forces with Gallatin, another small farming community, to form the equivalent of a regional compact that would give them more power to challenge the pipeline. One big concern for the alliance is the potential contamination of the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer, which lies underneath 60 counties.</p><p>"This is some nasty stuff, and we look to get it stopped," Crawford said.</p><p>Others say TransCanada representatives also applied not-so-subtle pressure when they began acquiring access to property to build the pipeline.</p><p>"They were pushy and would intimidate you and said you had to sign this thing," said Eleanor Fairchild, who lives near Winnsboro in Wood County. Like others, she said, she "got into the fight" out of concern over possible water contamination.</p><p>"We can live without oil," she said, "but we cannot live without water."</p><p>Michael Bishop, a retired Marine who owns 20 acres in Nacogdoches County, hired an attorney to fight the project after learning that the route would cut through his orchard and garden.</p><p><span>"It's going to totally disrupt my life as I know it," he said. "Is it fair for a foreign-owned company to come over here and take land for their private use and their personal gain?"</span></p><p><span>Eminent domain</span></p><p>As with the Trans-Texas Corridor, the pipeline dispute seems certain to reopen a legislative debate over eminent domain powers, which governmental entities and so-called common carriers such as utilities and pipelines use to acquire land for public projects after compensating the owner.</p><p>TransCanada has used eminent domain to acquire a number of tracts, but critics of the company are challenging that authority, citing a 2011 Texas Supreme Court decision that makes it harder for pipelines to meet the definition of a common carrier.</p><p>Entities with eminent domain powers typically first seek to negotiate with a landowner. If they can't agree, the entity sues to take the land. The courts also appoint a three-member commission to set a price.</p><p>Howard, the TransCanada spokesman, called eminent domain proceedings "an absolute last resort" for the company and said "we do everything we can" to reach a voluntary agreement instead of going to court. He also said the company uses the property as a right of way for the pipeline and does not take ownership.</p><p>The company has obtained 99 percent of the easements needed to build the pipeline in Texas, with only 19 tracts outstanding, he said.</p><p>Medina, who now heads We Texans, a conservative advocacy group, says she has documented at least 89 lawsuits in which property owners were taken to court. She also said others have been forced to negotiate because they couldn't afford a legal battle.</p><p><span>Dave Montgomery,</span></p><p><span><a href="tel:512-476-4294" value="+15124764294" target="_blank">512-476-4294</a></span></p><p><span>Twitter: @daveymontgomery</span></p></div>Debbie McKeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136838164474238186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4248282338582732899.post-66659228455984337872012-01-26T19:37:00.000-06:002012-01-26T19:40:43.504-06:00MLK<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5MQ4eaoCBZ_839qoZAlEAMyrJNUnYEwPHwmWsdW0s1qcZt_ZVT9HKVul8AVVA97yqmG5adnspoj_fSAwjvS_8-0f8kPmbn8_yHpMUqN6TmPN6UOKZZvvJanuaJ_SiM20RGSYuUzK90Yw/s1600/313125_10150459746179377_781824376_11188469_987410464_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5MQ4eaoCBZ_839qoZAlEAMyrJNUnYEwPHwmWsdW0s1qcZt_ZVT9HKVul8AVVA97yqmG5adnspoj_fSAwjvS_8-0f8kPmbn8_yHpMUqN6TmPN6UOKZZvvJanuaJ_SiM20RGSYuUzK90Yw/s400/313125_10150459746179377_781824376_11188469_987410464_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702120504274632050" border="0" /></a>McKee Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04322089251373714467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4248282338582732899.post-1603825031996673362012-01-24T09:50:00.010-06:002012-01-24T10:05:41.582-06:003 new quotes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ATXJakv-QJnQXr321Zzj_xME4WE346rgKxmNBIVAf91ZXjYwye5pK7w7JowwSfSznts6kmHH9MA95w7OzhvORptLUOEcMsD1w_XItKOoqLkvUWmzgfRS9SzHuDh9WiojjTo7bzQdOus/s1600/LangstonHughes.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 219px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ATXJakv-QJnQXr321Zzj_xME4WE346rgKxmNBIVAf91ZXjYwye5pK7w7JowwSfSznts6kmHH9MA95w7OzhvORptLUOEcMsD1w_XItKOoqLkvUWmzgfRS9SzHuDh9WiojjTo7bzQdOus/s320/LangstonHughes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701228169627982994" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">"O, let my land be a land where Liberty<br />Is crowned with no false patriotic wreath,<br />But opportunity is real, and life is free,<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="messageBody" ft="{"type":3}">Equality is in the air we breathe." ~Langston Hughes</span></span></div><h6 style="text-align: center;" class="uiStreamMessage" ft="{"type":1}"><span style="font-size:100%;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span><br /></h6><h6 style="text-align: center;" class="uiStreamMessage"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PDiP9rSFXm3IKRVUnXEw07z6T25BLNfiP-nEHjcND34WIYWjOXFRHzIzbuynfWQQO3kg2QRWN5C8S8ZdzvnmRHDZWNRZGpaTbQwAcEReqsLZQKpP_wHOawuqwclIFME0fzzufzPR9mQ/s1600/477px-Benjamin_Franklin_1767.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 254px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PDiP9rSFXm3IKRVUnXEw07z6T25BLNfiP-nEHjcND34WIYWjOXFRHzIzbuynfWQQO3kg2QRWN5C8S8ZdzvnmRHDZWNRZGpaTbQwAcEReqsLZQKpP_wHOawuqwclIFME0fzzufzPR9mQ/s320/477px-Benjamin_Franklin_1767.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701228166885639778" border="0" /></a></h6><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;"><span class="messageBody" ft="{"type":3}">"The doorstep to the temple of wisdom is a<br />knowledge of our own ignorance" </span><br /><span class="messageBody" ft="{"type":3}">~Benjamin Franklin</span></div><h6 style="text-align: center;" class="uiStreamMessage" ft="{"type":1}"><span style="font-size:100%;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></h6><h6 style="text-align: center;" class="uiStreamMessage" ft="{"type":1}"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUW-Cg-NjGoMrGtosWldKmLJhad60lvt4n-tQKG10e1KXrR5ANsZ18Gun2eSlyjxpLblBco-NAyrrz3Q_0PQsI06ax5P22S5RjMVgHH91vdoxHCvZs290To3q_oYE1OVveZErDyo6lOo/s1600/Frederick_Douglass_%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 230px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUW-Cg-NjGoMrGtosWldKmLJhad60lvt4n-tQKG10e1KXrR5ANsZ18Gun2eSlyjxpLblBco-NAyrrz3Q_0PQsI06ax5P22S5RjMVgHH91vdoxHCvZs290To3q_oYE1OVveZErDyo6lOo/s320/Frederick_Douglass_%25282%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701228171180535042" border="0" /></a><span class="messageBody" ft="{"type":3}"> <span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >"Liberty is meaningless where the right to utter one's thoughts and opinions has ceased to exist. That, of all rights, is the dread of tyrants. It is the right which they first of all strike down" <span></span>- Frederick Douglass</span><br /></span></h6>Debbie McKeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10136838164474238186noreply@blogger.com0