Most Notorious Predators Known to Man

  Look at what Adrienne found!  She clipped this* back when she was young, when we did not know we were a liberty minded family!   Well, we homeschooled and did our own thing medically, but didn't know that was "Liberty Minded".  =) 
  

 We know so much more today.  

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. 

 *out of WORLD's children's magazine.

It's Not About Getting High

by Texas State Representative David P. Simpson

There is nothing like filing a bill where both sides 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 HB 2165 which would repeal all marijuana offenses in Texas statutes.
 I do not advocate the irresponsible use of marijuana or any substance, 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.

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.

My point is that government has gotten it wrong when it comes to marijuana.  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 painkillers, antidepressants, or chemotherapy drugs 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.

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.

Thus, we are missing out on both the medicinal and economic value of a plant 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.

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.

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.

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?
 What motivated me to file the bill at this time is a desire 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 another bureaucracy 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.

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. It is time to reject nanny state policies and restore limited civil government, individual liberty, and personal responsibility.

HB 2165 Frequently Asked Questions

Is marijuana a gateway drug? Perhaps, but is it a gateway because of the chemical influence or because of the criminal element that a person is involved with in obtaining the plant?
 What can I do to help get the bill passed? Contact your elected officials and express your support for the bill. Pray for me.
 Why do you encourage recreational use of marijuana by saying all things created by God are for good? 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.” I do not encourage the irresponsible use of any plant, chemical, or other substance. 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.
 Why do you want to legalize the plant that can harm you just because God made it? 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.
 Won’t this increase impaired driving accidents? The research on driving accidents does not support any special fear about marijuana. 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 historic low in 2013. The federal government recently conducted a study and concluded that marijuana potential contribution to accidents was not statistically significant.
 Have you researched what legalization has done in Colorado? 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.
 Do you believe that there should be some regulatory scheme to protect children from getting marijuana? 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.
 Why are you bringing this bill up now? 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.
 What happens if someone smokes marijuana and has a car crash killing someone? 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.
 Why do you keep saying there are medical benefits when there are so many studies saying there aren’t? 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.
 Were you smoking marijuana when you came up with this idea? No, and I never have.

FYI: Compilation of Conservative Voters Guides (in Texas)

THE GRASSROOTS TEXANS NETWORK

TEXAS CONSERVATIVE VOTERS’ GUIDE FOR TEXAS SENATE DISTRICT 2

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.

		Young Conservatives of Texas		Texans for Fiscal Responsibility		Texas Right-to-Life		Texas Home School Coalition		Concerned Women for America
	Lt. Gov.	PATRICK		PATRICK		DEWHURST		PATRICK		PATRICK
	Atty. Gen.	PAXTON		PAXTON		PAXTON		PAXTON		PAXTON
	Ag. Comm.	MILLER		MILLER		MILLER		MILLER
	R.R. Comm.	CHRISTIAN				CHRISTIAN		CHRISTIAN		CHRISTIAN
	Texas Senate District 2	HALL		HALL		HALL		HALL		HALL

Sources:

Young Conservatives of Texas: http://www.yct.org/yct-releases-additional-endorsements-and-runoff-straw-poll/

Texans for Fiscal Responsibility: http://www.empowertexans.com/2014-endorsements/

Texas Right-to-Life: http://www.texasrighttolife.com/a/1117/May-27th-RunOff-Election-ProLife-Voter-Guide

Texas Home School Coalition: http://www.thsc.org/about-thsc/lobby-the-texas-legislature/endorsements/

Concerned Women for America: http://www.cwfa.org/

Is Hegar conservative?

Hegar & Sullivan Flee from RER! Why?
        Will Not Give a Justification for Nonsensical Endorsement. 

Hegar a conservative?  Really?

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 NOT 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.

With these scores from Empower Texans, why would Michael Quinn Sullivan (head man at Empower Texans) endorse Mr. Hegar?

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.

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?

 DID SEN. HEGAR PAY FOR HIS ENDORSEMENTS?

Why are they fleeing?  Why won't they answer the questions? Why the continued standing on deception?

Is Team RER making it up?  Listen to the actual audio.  We DON'T make stuff up!

RER HOT CLIP: Hegar & Sullivan Flee from RER

 

  

Apostle Claver T. Kamau-Imani

President & CEO
RagingElephantsRadio.com

Steve Tittle

Well, 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. 

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. 

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...

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. 

Debra Medina for Texas Comptroller

New statewide poll

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 WE CAN WIN THIS RACE!  Let's double down and press for the win.

And the good news continues...I am thankful today to receive a formal endorsement from my good friend, State Representative David Simpson.  Read it here.

 

Here Are 5 Things
You Can Do

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 and with 51% of the vote.  Whether you have a little time or a lot, there’s something on the list that you can do to help.

Sincerely,

 

Top 5 Things You Can Do to Help Debra’s Campaign

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.  Contact us to get added to the program, and you’re about 4 clicks away from making calls!

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.  Let us know where you can be at the polls, and we’ll get you everything you need!

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 Facebook page, so hit the ‘Like’ 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.

2. Make a donation - If you have just five minutes, visit the Contribute page and make a donation to the campaign.  Whether it’s $5, $50, or $500, your donation helps us reach more voters for Debra!

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!

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!

Thanks,
Team Medina

Early Voting begins Monday

  Early Voting: Oct 21st - Nov1st

NOV 5th-ELECTION DAY.

 

(we'd like to encourage you to follow the link to read the  the pros and cons in detail)

 

http://ntcl.org/2013/10/17/9-proposed-amendments-put-through-the-constitutional-test/#more-973

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Monday-Early Voting begins
 

Every 2 years, we are asked to consider what our state legislators want us to amend in our Texas Constitution.  This Nov 5^th, 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.

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.

Here’s the link to my article, and thank you for taking part in your government.  Your actions are affecting my children’s future.

Sincerely,
Barbara Harless
http://ntcl.org/2013/10/17/9-proposed-amendments-put-through-the-constitutional-test/#more-973

WeTexans Voters Guide

(Written by Debra Medina http://wetexans.com/proposition-opposition/)

October 2013 Texas Voters Guide 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.  View a sample ballot here  The Texas Constitution is a large and complex document because it is rare that constitutional amendments fail at the ballot box. 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! 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. Here’s why: Proposition 1: Provides a property tax exemption for surviving spouses of certain service members.  Read the legislation here (HRJ 62) 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. Proposition 2: Removing provisions for the State Medical Education Board.  Read the legislation here (HJR 79) 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. Proposition 3: Allowing extension of exemption from inventory taxes for aircraft parts Read the legislation here (HJR 133) 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. Proposition 4: Tax exemption for disabled veterans whose homesteads were donated by a charity.  Read the legislation here (HJR 24) 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. Proposition 5: Authorizes a reverse mortgage loan for the purchase of homestead property.  Read the legislation here (SJR 18) 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. Proposition 6: Creating funds to assist in the financing of priority projects in the state water plan.  Read the legislation here (SJR 1) 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. Proposition 7: Allowing home-rule cities to decide how to fill vacant seats.  Read the legislation here (HJR 87) 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. Proposition 8: Repealing the provision authorizing a hospital district in Hidalgo County.  Read the legislation here (HJR 147) 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. Proposition 9: Expanding the State Commission on Judicial Conduct's sanctioning authority.  Read the legislation here (SJR 42) 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. 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. --- 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 becoming a member today.  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 donation of $50, $100 or $250 helps fund our work.  If you are able, we would be very appreciative of your generous contribution. 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.  http://wetexans.com/proposition-opposition/

Terri Hall says~ Nix Prop 6: Public drain for private gain

 http://wetexans.com/nix-prop-6-public-drain-for-private-gain/

Rural water raid to benefit developers, not average Texan

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 Texas Legislature is asking of voters with Proposition 6 on November 5.

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.

Governor Rick Perry, Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst, and Speaker Joe Straus all committed to making additional water and transportation infrastructure a priority in the 83rd legislative session, yet neither was addressed in the base budget.

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.

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.

Asking for more with $6 billion on the table
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.

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.

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.

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 second highest level of local debt in the nation, lawmakers are still asking voters to issue more local debt and to use the state’s emergency funds to do it.

Harvard grad and State Representative Van Taylor (R – Plano) 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.

Making water unaffordable
Who has to repay all this debt with interest? Ratepayers and taxpayers.

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.

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.

Turning scarce dollars into slush funds
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 Water Development Board and funneled through local water districts, there’s plenty of opportunity for unnecessary projects to be funded ahead of the true priorities.

Look no further than the Tarrant Regional Water District subsidiary’s recent approval of an outdoor ice rink, and there’s enough to make voters skeptical.

Threat to farmers
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.

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.

Sneaky tactics
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. House Appropriations Chair Jim Pitts 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Water Texas PAC trying to convince voters that unless they pass this amendment the state will run out of water.

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.

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.

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.

Texas Representative David Simpson says to vote NO on Prop. 6

October 14, 2013

PROPOSITION 6 UNNECESSARILY EXPANDS STATE GOVERNMENT INTO INVESTMENT BANKING, REPLACING THE FREE MARKET

(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.”

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.”

“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.

“The appropriate role of the state is to protect private and regional water rights.”

“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.”

“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.”

Representative Simpson, Republican from Longview, serves House District 7, comprised of Gregg and Upshur Counties.

It's time to head to Austin!

Important hearings scheduled the week of March 11, 2013, for certain bills of
interest to liberty minded patriots.

NOTE: Hearings are sometimes canceled and/or rescheduled.  Do not assume
any hearing will be scheduled or rescheduled with significant notice.  This
is politics.

For more information call the Capitol switchboard:

Texas State Capitol

(512) 463-4630   (8-5 PM)

1100 Congress Ave, Austin, TX

Click here for the Texas Legislature's website.



Monday, March 11:

Ways & Means, 2:00pm, E2.014
HB 78, Simpson, "Relating to the exemption from the sales and use tax for

certain coins and precious metals."

Tuesday, March 12:

Criminal Jurisprudence, 10:30am, E2.016
HB 184, Dutton, "Relating to the penalties for possession of one ounce or
less of marihuana or a synthetic cannabinoid."

Wednesday, March 13:

Public Health, 8:00am, E2.012
HB 740, Crownover, "Relating to newborn screening for congenital heart
defects."

Urban Affairs, 10:30am, E2.016
HB 1299, Stickland, "Relating to municipal regulation of electric stun
guns, knives, and personal defense sprays."

State Affairs, 1:00pm, JHR 140
HB 649, Stickland, "Relating to tax reimbursement for businesses that
refuse to comply with certain federal health care coverage requirements
based solely on the religious convictions of the owners of the businesses;
authorizing tax refunds and credits."

Federalism & Fiscal Responsibility, Select, 2:00pm, E2.036
HB 553, Otto, "Relating to firearms and the preservation of the Second
Amendment to the United States Constitution; providing penalties."
HB 627, Krause, "Relating to exempting the intrastate manufacture of a
firearm, a firearm accessory, or ammunition from federal regulation."
HB 872, Laubenberg, "Relating to exempting the intrastate manufacture of a
firearm, a firearm accessory, or ammunition from federal regulation."
HB 928, Krause, "Relating to the enforcement of certain federal laws
regulating firearms, firearm accessories, and firearm ammunition within the
State of Texas."
HB 1049, Laubenberg, "Relating to the enforcement of certain federal laws
regulating firearms, firearm accessories, and firearm ammunition within the
State of Texas."
HB 1076, Toth, "Relating to certain firearms, firearm accessories and

firearm ammunition within the State of Texas; providing an exemption from
federal regulation and providing penalties."

HB 1314, Creighton, "Relating to the unlawful seizure of a firearm by a
governmental officer or employee; providing penalties."

Thursday, March 14:

Homeland Security & Public Safety, 8:00am, E2.010
HB 434, Riddle, "Relating to the persons authorized to take a blood
specimen from a vehicle operator to test for alcohol concentration or other
intoxicating substances."
HB 435, Turner, "Relating to the authority of a peace officer to take a
blood specimen from the operator of a motor vehicle or watercraft to test
for alcohol concentration or the presence of other intoxicating
substances."
HB 1658, King, "Relating to requiring the arrest and collection of a breath
or blood specimen of persons operating a motor vehicle or watercraft while
intoxicated under certain circumstances."
HB 1038, Eiland, "Relating to the creation of DNA records for the DNA
database system."
HB 972, Fletcher, "Relating to the carrying of concealed handguns on the
campuses of and certain other locations associated with institutions of
higher education."
HB 1313, Creighton, "Relating to the carrying of concealed handguns on
certain premises of or locations associated with schools or institutions of
higher education."
HB 1078, Kleinschmidt, "Relating to the carrying of concealed handguns on

certain premises of or locations associated with institutions of higher
education."

HB 706, Capriglione, "Relating to the carrying of concealed handguns on
certain premises of or locations associated with schools or institutions of
higher education."
HB 1009, Villalba, "Relating to the creation of a new category of law
enforcement officer who shall be designated a school marshal, the training
and appointment of certain employees of a school district or
open-enrollment charter school as school marshals, and the rights,
restrictions, limitations, and responsibilities of school marshals;
authorizing the imposition of a fee."
HB 1298, Stickland, "Relating to the carrying of concealed handguns by
certain license holders on certain locations associated with a public or
private school or educational institution."
HB 1896, King, "Relating to firearm training and the authority of certain
employees of a school district or open-enrollment charter school to carry
or possess a handgun on certain school premises; authorizing a fee."
HB 700, Lavender, "Relating to the authority of a person who is licensed to

carry a handgun to openly carry the handgun; providing penalties."

HB 1194, Paddie, "Relating to the authority of a person who is licensed to
carry a handgun to openly carry the handgun; providing penalties."

Remember, our state legislature only meets once every two years. 

Now is the time to show up and make our voices heard.

For Liberty,

Debbie McKee
Campaign for Liberty, Texas


P.S.

NOTE: Hearings are sometimes canceled and/or rescheduled.  Do not assume
any hearing will be scheduled or rescheduled with significant notice.  This
is politics.

For more information call the Capitol switchboard:

Texas State Capitol

(512) 463-4630   (8-5 PM)

1100 Congress Ave, Austin, TX

Click here for the Texas Legislature's website.

How to stop a massacre: Surveillance video reveals simple, low-cost solution that works everywhere

Sunday, July 22, 2012
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
Editor of NaturalNews.com
For original post click here.

(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?

The answer is revealed in the stunning short video shown below. This remarkable solution:

• Requires no police.
• Costs the taxpayers no money.
• Requires no up-front paperwork.
• Protects innocent lives.
• Is deployed in as little as FIVE seconds.
• Works everywhere.
• Deters violent crime.
• Makes bad guys flee immediately.
• Is easy to learn.
• Functions at the local level.
• Does not require control or intervention by the United Nations or any government entity.

Watch the video at:
http://youtu.be/KjH3ZMUks1o 

 

 

Samuel Adams

"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."

   "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."

"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?"

 

"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."

"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."

"How strangely will the Tools of a Tyrant pervert the plain Meaning of Words!"

The Texas Rally for Freedom

(4 embedded videos today)

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!

Tom Woods, Author & Teacher


(or click here)

Jack Hunter - The Southern Avenger

(or click here)

Oh, and we had a Jimmie Vaughn concert, too! (one hour):

(or click here)

Jimmie's encore: Down With Big Brother!

(or click here)

We were hot and tired, can you tell??

prepping....

Follow this link for the whole article: http://lewrockwell.com/rep3/beginning-prepper.html

First Things First: Key Questions Facing the Beginning Prepper

by Norse Prepper
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.
Also, please let me say thank you to Mac, the contributors and people who comment on the SHTFplan web site for helping me and my family prepare. You truly are today's patriots. God bless.

Texas State Rep. District 2 debate/forum report

Well, 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.

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.

 Mr. Alexander is not a polished politician.  That's refreshing. 

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? 

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. 

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.

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 http://davidsimpson.com/  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.)

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. 

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:  http://www.followthemoney.org

The panel of journalists asked some really good questions.  I think it was all moderated very fairly. 

(GEUS videoed the forum held in Greenville on Monday night.  It might be available on the public access channel.)

To see more on each candidate:

http://www.alexanderforhouse.com/

http://www.daflynn.com/Endorsements.htm

I came across this website with lots of info.  Project Vote Smart  http://votesmart.org

I hope this helps as you go to the polls starting Monday.

For Liberty and Justice for all,

Debbie McKee

Hunt County - Rails to Trails

Letter to the Greenville Herald Banner:

Why should I care about the Rails to Trails issue?

It doesn’t come through my property. I live on the other end of the county.  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?

 I’ve heard people extolling the benefits of public access trails, but I wonder if those people have considered some of these issues.

1.      The land was deeded to the Railroad companies for a specific purpose.  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.  This is written in the original deeds.

2.      Rail Banking Act of 1983.  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.  Theft is still theft no matter who does it or how a “law” or “act” gets passed.  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….

3.      Funding for projects such as these comes from our gasoline/hwy tax money.  10% is diverted for projects like this.  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.  Or the money should be used for the highways, the original intent of the tax.

4.      The money is divvied out through agencies such as Texas Parks and Wildlife and TXDOT.  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.  So, there is something the county commissioners CAN do.  They like to say this is a federal issue and there is nothing they can do.  That just isn’t so.   

5.      Stopping this funding is the necessary first step to protecting the property of Hunt Co. residents and saving ALL of us money. 

6.      This is a cash cow for some powerfully connected folks and they will not be happy about the county opposing the project.

7.      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? 

8.      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? 

Don’t be swayed by the “possible economic benefits”, enriching our lives, promoting healthy lifestyles, etc.  This is land that BELONGS to your neighbors.  What right do you or anyone else have to hike, bike, or anything else on it without their permission?  What would you want your neighbor to do if you were in their position?  Come to your aid?  Stand up for your rights?  I hope so.  Let’s look out for each other. 

Debbie McKee

     Campbell, Texas