Chet Edwards, our man in Washington.

Those of us with the fortitude to listen to Chet Edwards’ Wednesday morning interviews with Scott DeLucia on WTAW know that Chet Edwards is a consummate liar.

In his interview on Wednesday, March 17th, 2010, Edwards told the biggest whopper since opening the Health Care Town Hall.* He assured his constituents that he would do everything within his power to stop the move to abandon our Constitution by using the Slaughter Rule (WTAW audio here):

In Budget Committee on Monday, I actually tried to stop the reconciliation process…I was a no-vote in committee, I’ll be a no-vote on the floor on that, I’ll be a no-vote on the Senate Bill, and I’ll be a no-vote on any deeming rule that says the bill is passed without having a direct up or down vote on it.

This was an overreach, in a time of huge national deficits, I think this has a real potential of adding to those deficits…

But he lied.

The very next day Edwards voted Yea in the Democrat Party quest to abandon the rules of the Constitution in favor of the Slaughter Rule.

He got one thing right last Wednesday:

Americans will know which members of Congress voted Yes for…this particular Health Care Reform Bill, and which members voted No…there is no sleight of hand in the rules process that will be a fig leaf for anyone.

With representatives like this, who needs enemies?

*Last August, Edwards had the bald-faced gall to suggest that the Health Care Reform bill would actually contribute money to the budget. The audience laughed boldly in Edwards’ unfazed face as he continued telling absurd lies about the benefits of the plan. The Town Hall ended with Edwards issuing a vituperous lesson on the 9th Commandment on a citizen who dared to call Edwards a liar.

We’ll brief you on key undecided House members, detail the likely timeline to be used by Speaker Pelosi, and Congressman Pence will walk through conservative alternatives along with his exchanges in recent weeks with President Obama.

My race is “American”

Mark Krikorian is fighting back against Census form race politics and urging you to do the same:

Fully one-quarter of the space on this year’s form is taken up with questions of race and ethnicity, which are clearly illegitimate and none of the government’s business (despite the New York Times’ assurances to the contrary on today’s editorial page). So until we succeed in building the needed wall of separation between race and state, I have a proposal. Question 9 on the census form asks “What is Person 1’s race?” (and so on, for other members of the household). My initial impulse was simply to misidentify my race so as to throw a monkey wrench into the statistics; I had fun doing this on the personal-information form my college required every semester, where I was a Puerto Rican Muslim one semester, and a Samoan Buddhist the next. But lying in this constitutionally mandated process is wrong. Really — don’t do it.

Instead, we should answer Question 9 by checking the last option — “Some other race” — and writing in “American.” It’s a truthful answer but at the same time is a way for ordinary citizens to express their rejection of unconstitutional racial classification schemes. In fact, “American” was the plurality ancestry selection for respondents to the 2000 census in four states and several hundred counties.

So remember: Question 9 — “Some other race” — “American”. Pass it on.

My fervent prayer yesterday was that God’s purpose would prevail to nominate men that He knows will best serve Texas and America. I can gladly say that prayer was heard and I’m sure it was on the hearts of many yesterday. I am gratified to know that my personal opinion is nothing in the scope of God’s larger purpose.

Congratulations are in order for Senator Steve Ogden in his bid for re-election. His chairmanship of the Finance Committee is an integral component in this next session of the Texas Congress. Senator Ogden get fired up and passionate because this next session is going to be a time that truly tests the souls of men. May your passion be wholly devoted to the principles that made this nation and the State of Texas great – limited government, lower taxes, less interference in the private business of individuals. These are the principles that have established Texas as the number one destination for those looking for jobs and less government control. These also are the same principles that will help get our state finances in order. Radical ideas like pursuing a “Drill Here, Drill Now” reality in Texas, in spite of Federal limitations, could be just the thing to create jobs and cheap energy that in turn create a dynamic economy for Texas, while also leading the way for other states to follow.

It is difficult for Texas District 17 to now have a run off, but I am confident that the voice of the people will be the voice of God. Vox Populi Vox Dei. Only Rob Curnock is purely the people’s voice because without money, he still came in a victor. Congratulations Rob Curnock. Congratulations to the people on your team. We will join together and pray that the voice of the people will prevail.

It is difficult to consider Representative Fred Brown’s future run-off with Buddy Winn. The idea Winn put forward – gambling – as a possible revenue source for Texas is archaic. Industries that provide an actual real product are a far more healthy method of revenue. That, along with his statement that the Tea Parties are made up of angry people that are not helping the nation, reveals Winn to belong to a passing generation of political democrats. Whatever Winn may say about “listening to the people” is a complete lie, because his mind has already determined who should not be heard. In order to survive, a republic must appeal to the higher ideals of mankind – honor and liberty. God speed, Fred Brown!

The one true disappointment is the loss of Don McLeroy and the State Board of Education. This will have to be a tea party/grass roots effort to watch this issue closely and respond rapidly. This is not only for the children of Texas but for the soul of our nation. The Left understood this and responded in national attacks against Dr. McLeroy. We do not want the New York Times editorial board educating our children. I am sorely grieved over this loss.

The election is over! Long live the next election!

I am listing my personal choices for some of the races in the 2010 primary election. Please leave comments of your own.

(Edit Mar. 1, 2010: The fact that I posted my own preferences for these offices makes me need to apologize for not making one thing very clear: I am not the B/CS Tea Party. The B/CS Tea Party is a divergent group with a multitude of opinions that fluctuates according to issue and/or the makeup of the attending group. Please leave comments because those too, make up the voice of the B/CS Tea Party. Again, I am not speaking for any group, it’s just me and what I think.)

District 17

Dave McIntyre would be a war-time representative in a time of war. If you complain that Washington D. C. doesn’t seem to appreciate that our nation is under attack, Dave is your man. Even more, Dave specializes in teaching strategic thinking, which is the art of being able to accurately chart the results of your deeds. I find such an ability intellectually sexy, and if D.C. needs any kind of new thinking, it’s the kind that can accurately predict the results of their deeds. Dave’s war-time mentality equally applies to both the War on Radical Islam and to the American Culture War as well. Dave is a serious thinker about threats America faces on all fronts, including our crushing debt.  Dave’s call upon each of us to defend our culture and values as we go about our day inspired me very much because that’s is what we are doing in the Tea Party Movement.  His expertise is called upon regularly by news organizations and Homeland Security agencies.  Dave has been to D.C. and it has made him angry. While the other candidates are capable men who could make good representatives, Dave’s experience makes him the strongest candidate. District 17 would not only have strong representation, the other states would benefit from the strength of our Representative. The nation needs us to send the best candidate we have the opportunity to vote for. Dave is a wise vote.

Texas Governor

Rick Perry. Texas is the number one destination for U-Hauls and moving vans for a reason—our economy is still working. Without tort reform Texas would not be the model for the rest of the nation to follow. Thank you, Governor Perry. Of course, with all those U-Hauls heading to Texas, the problems that come with a rising population are creating panic. Rick Perry is a leader among governors trying to get more states to follow the Texas model.  Also, Texas is leading by asserting our 10th Amendment Rights. As Perry told the crowd at the Texas Conservative Coalition’s Town Hall regarding the 10th Amendment, “Texas will not secede from the Union, but Texas will not cede our rights to anyone!”

Attorney General

Although unchallenged, it is so refreshing to vote with pride for Attorney General Gregg Abbott. If you were lucky enough to hear George Scaggs explain what Texas was doing to assert our 10th Amendment Rights at our last potluck (the recording here), you heard first hand what Gregg Abbott is doing for Texas, the U.S. Constitution, and our Texas Constitution. That Mr. Abbott will be presenting oral arguments in defense of the 10th Amendment before the U.S. Supreme Court on March 2nd – Texas Independence Day – ought to make your scalp tingle a bit in reverence to those who fought for our Texas Independence!

State House Representative District 14

Fred Brown receives high markings for his votes in the Texas Congress from groups like Americans For Prosperity – Texas and Empower Texas. These groups rate votes according to preservation of freedom, low taxation, and personal property. The 2010 legislative session is going to be intense. Due to the failing national economy, people are migrating to Texas in search of jobs and freedom from high taxes. This influx of people is causing stress on state services. We are blessed to be well represented here in District 14. My philosophy: why fix something that ain’t broken?

State Senate District 5

Ben Bius. This next legislative session in Texas is going to be difficult. Democrats were able to shut down the Congress over Voter ID in the last session. The incumbent Steve Ogden, in interviews on WTAW, straddled the fence on this issue believing it was mostly political posturing on both sides of the aisle. This fence straddling is also evident in Ogden’s voting record ratings of 53 (out of 100) by Empower Texans. I must recant this rhetoric in regards to fence-sitting. Senator Ogden stayed well into the night to vote on the voter ID bill. Also, I must note that score ratings by groups like Americans for Prosperity-Texas and Empower Texans don’t always indicate exactly what they appear. See this quote from Empower Texans:

Rating the Texas Senate continues to be a difficult proposition. The rules and traditions of the Senate tend to obfuscate the members’ views. The most famous of these is the “rose bush” rule, requiring two-thirds of the Senate to agree to an item moving to the floor for debate.

A disproportionate number of votes are taken by voice-vote, with all members deemed to have voted for it unless they register an opposing opinion. Texans should demand that their Senators remove the “blocker” rule and take more recorded votes.

For his part, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, president of the Senate, appointed committee chairs roughly in line with the philosophic bent of the body. The Senate average was a 47.69, while the committee chairs rate a 47.72.

I agree with Empower Texans‘ assertion that the 2009 legislative session was one of lost opportunities. Empower Texans, Texas Public Policy Foundation, and Americans for Prosperity- Texas make their positions clear and provide lawmakers with research information that supports these positions before votes are taken.

I have often compared Texas Public Policy Foundation with The Heritage Foundation. I find it frustrating when the collection of information from conservative institutions of recognized respect is communicated to lawmakers, yet they ignore the information and vote politically. The lawmakers are aware of the votes that will be rated by these groups, are given the researched information, and yet vote otherwise. These foundations support and defend the views of the people in regards to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness, and yet the lawmakers fail the test when given the answers in advance. This is hardly bold action or the change in the direction of government that the people are clamoring for in mass protests in Austin, Washington, D.C., and even in Bryan/College Station, Texas.

While Empower Texans’ Michael Quinn Sullivan has endorsed Senator Ogden, I just can’t help wondering if we are mired in the status quo because our elected leaders will not lead on these integral issues. I again refer to the Empower Texans’ site:

Top Lawmakers
The highest-scoring member of the Texas Senate was Jane Nelson (R-Flower Mound). The top score in the House was shared by four member: Charles “Doc” Anderson (R-Waco), Wayne Christian (R-Center), Jodie Laubenberg (R-Rockwall) and Ken Paxton (R-McKinney).

There were 50 House members and four senators rating a “B” (80%) or better.

Failing Republicans?
Given the emphasis of the rating on limited government and low taxes, the most commonly asked question is, “Which Republicans rated below 70 percent?”

Only nine had that distinction in the Texas House. They are: Jim Jackson (R-Carrollton), Will Hartnett (R-Dallas), Todd Smith (R-Bedford), Vicki Truitt (R-Southlake), Dwayne Bohac (R-Houston), Tommy Merritt (R-Longview), Brian McCall (R-Plano), Susan King (R-Abilene) and Jim Pitts (R-Waxahachie).

Meanwhile, there were 13 Senate Republicans who rated less than 70%: Craig Estes (R-Wichita Falls), Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville), Tommy Williams (R-The Woodlands), Steve Ogden (R-Bryan), Florence Shapiro (R-Plano), Chris Harris (R-Arlington), Bob Deuell (R-Greenville), Kel Seliger (R-Amarillo), John Carona (R-Dallas), Bob Duncan (R-Lubbock), Kevin Eltife (R-Tyler), Kip Averitt (R-Waco), and Jeff Wentworth (R-San Antonio).

Are the votes of these 13 Senate Republicans holding back the people’s request for more personal liberty and less taxes? I don’t know. Politics gets in the way of politics it seems. And I become confused. But, one thing I do know, there are absolute truths and I trust the research of the foundations I have listed. I want the objective of my elected official to be a steady rejection of the encroachment of state and federal government that has become the status quo. Why can’t District 5 have a A+ Senator or even one of the four B Senators? That is my quandry and the basis for my opinion. Again, it is simply my opinion and that and $5 will get you a nice mug of coffee.

District 5 needs representation that stands resolutely against those that are voting away our rights as citizens for their own personal political gain. Indeed, at the end of the session, Ogden sounded tired and was either contemplating retirement or running for another office. Ben Bius is fresh and ready to represent us. Texas will be deciding whether to “drill here, drill now, right now” under 10th Amendment guidelines. This would be a bold step and we can’t expect to get bold results with a status-quo middle road-er.

State Board of Education

Don McLeroy. If you attended our potluck dinner, you heard Heather Liggett (recording here) reporting what was at stake for not just Texas, but the rest of the nation in the re-election of Dr. McLeroy and other conservative members of the State Board of Education. Because of the population in Texas, all the major textbook publishers want to get Texas approval because that approval transfers to a majority of other states. Atheists want to remove McLeroy from the SBOE because McLeroy was successful in having Intelligent Design Theory included in our science and biology textbooks along with Darwin’s Theory. If you saw Ben Stein’s movie Expelled (and if you haven’t, please do!), then you understand how Intelligent Design is being demagogued and mischaracterized.  When Gov. Perry selected McLeroy to chair the SBOE, rebellion occurred. This next session has the teaching of American Exceptionalism in the cross-hairs (see the current issue of National Review for more details). Remember, what happens in Texas will echo across the nation. See this election as one of the most important votes you will be called to make.

My husband tells me that the memory card in our camera may be messed up so we may not get any photos up of the event, so we are very sorry about that. But I promised we’d get some recordings of our speakers online for the many folks who were attending Church services or were otherwise unable to attend:

• George Scaggs – spoke on Nullification and 10th Amendment Issues. Hear the audio recording.
• Heather Liggett – Ms. Liggett spoke on The State Board of Education and what we must do. Hear the audio recording.

See the New Revolution Now website for more information on these topics and speakers.

Thanks everyone!

Pot Luck Dinner

Wednesday Feb. 17, 2010

6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Speakers:

George Scaggs – speaking on Nullification and 10th Amendment Issues. Mr. Scaggs is working with Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott on this issue. I sat next to him at the

Heather Liggett – Ms. Liggett is speaking on the topic of The State Board of Education vs. The Teaching of American Exceptionalism. Don McLeroy, longtime chairman, now member, of The State Board of Education recommended her highly to us. Dr. McLeroy, of course, is strongly in favor of teaching American exceptionalism.

See the New Revolution Now website for more information on these topics and speakers.

Location: 304 Mobile, Bryan, Texas

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During the past several months, hundreds of thousands of Americans have debated thousands of ideas to solve our nation’s most pressing problems. It has been an open process and has provided a genuine opportunity to give voice to a broad cross section of concerned Americans.

Now we enter the next phase; to narrow the list and let America draft the final version of the Contract from America. Click here to vote on your priorities. The final document will be unveiled on Thursday, April 15, 2010. Together, we can and will make a difference.

Progressives have been circumventing the Constitution with laws using small steps. If we The People become a constitutionally well-informed body, then the words of the Constitution will be the undoing of the Progressive Movement.

The Bryan/College Station Tea Party Pot Luck Dinner is going to be such an event to instruct us in the power of the Constitution. Please plan on attending and bringing family and friends. The Truth will as always, set us free!

Recent House Votes

Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act – Vote Passed (233-187, 14 Not Voting) The House passed this bill that would raise the federal debt limit to $13.029 trillion and enact pay-as-you-go budget enforcement rules aimed at cutting the government’s deficit. It now goes to the president for his signature. Rep. Chet Edwards voted YES

This is a Democrat Party ploy to sucker the electorate to accept higher taxes in accordance with the disrepute theory of Keynesian Economics. The time when Chet needed to worry about Pay As You Go was before he voted for the first bailout foisted upon George W. Bush in the last 6 months of his term.

Pay As You Go is as phony as Social Security being secure. The principles of the Laffer Curve and Supply Side Economics are the only way to pay for a $12 Trillion debt plus interest. Trying to tax ourselves out of the hole Chet Edwards has voted for is the same wrong headed thinking that is driving California into bankruptcy.

Instead of representing our successful Texas economic plan – Texas is #1 in economic strength – even with our problems – Chet Edwards is trying to bring Detroit type economics to Texas. Don’t be fooled by this tactic. Chet is wrong about economics and he’s wrong for Texas District 17.

From The Heritage Foundation:

Forget George Washington, James Madison, Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln—nothing meaningful happened in America before 1877.

That’s the lesson North Carolina public high schools may start teaching. Under proposed changes in their high school history curriculum, the U.S. History course (which seniors take) will cover events from 1877 forward only.

It will be as if the American Founding never happened.

According to Rebecca Garland, the chief academic officer for North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, the goal of this change is to teach what students will feel connected to, “where they see the big idea, where they are able to make connections and draw relationships between parts of our history and the present day.”

By implication, nothing before 1877 has any meaning to students: the Declaration of Independence that proclaims the self evident truths of equality, natural rights, and consent of the governed; the Constitution that establishes the rule of law and the framework in which we exercise our liberty; the Civil War in which Abraham Lincoln defended the principles of the American Founding and ended the institution of slavery. These events are irrelevant for today’s students.

Early 20th century Progressives also taught that nothing before 1877 has meaning for today. In his new book We Still Hold These Truths: Rediscovering Our Principles, Reclaiming Our Future, Matthew Spalding recounts Progressives attack on America’s First Principles. The Progressives sought to remake America, so that the Declaration’s Founding Principles, the Constitution’s institutional structures, and the Civil War’s meaning as a victory for Founding principles would no longer ring true. The progressives argued that equal, natural rights were non-existent; government creates rights. They replaced representative government with the administrative, bureaucratic state.

But the Progressives are wrong.

The events of 1776, 1789, and 1865 still inspire our nation. So, for the students across U.S. who have the opportunity to study the American prior to 1877, treasure the Founding documents and learn about America’s First Principles. For you high school students in North Carolina, don’t worry,  the We Still Hold These Truths study guide is coming soon.

The Top 10 In Economic Freedom

View full list »

Not only is the United States not #1 in Economic Freedom, we are rapidly moving downwards on the list! This should be our rallying cry for our next April 15th Tax Day Tea Party.

]]> http://bcsteaparty.com/2010/02/06/april-15th-tax-day-tea-party-2010/feed/ 2 ncoppock Hong Kong http://bcsteaparty.com/2010/02/06/time-to-plan-for-april-15th-tea-party/ http://bcsteaparty.com/2010/02/06/time-to-plan-for-april-15th-tea-party/#comments Sat, 06 Feb 2010 15:28:12 +0000 ncoppock http://bcsteaparty.com/?p=991 ]]> This article written by American Majority’s, Austin James, quotes The Heritage Foundation’s article discussing jobs creation. If only government jobs are being created, then where are the marketable products to buy and sell?

Close the Floodgates

The Heritage Foundation today has a good good piece on the attempt for a second stimulus and the extreme growth of government taking place. Rather than recreate a similar article, I thought I would share some highlights:

Anticipating this bleak job news, the President announced in his State of the Union address last week: “That is why jobs must be our number one focus in 2010, and that is why I am calling for a new jobs bill tonight.” It is understandable why the President wants to call this new legislation a “jobs bill” instead of what it really is: his second stimulus. But that would mean admitting that his first stimulus completely failed, which both the objective evidence and the opinion of the American people show it has. …

There is one sector of the economy that is thriving under President Barack Obama: government. This week, the Obama administration announced that the number of government employees will grow to 2.15 million this year, topping two million for the first time since President Clinton declared that “the era of big government is over.” And today, USA Today reports “the lobbying industry is humming along in the nation’s capital” as the top 20 trade associations and companies increased their lobbying expenses by 20% in 2009. ConocoPhillips spent $18.1 million dollars lobbying Congress in 2009, up from $8.5 million the year before, while it also laid off 1,300 people.

This is a perfect example of what happens to an economy when government becomes “the focus” of job creation. Jonathan Rauch explains: “Economic thinkers have recognized for generations that every person has two ways to become wealthier. One is to produce more, the other is to capture more of what others produce. … Washington looks increasingly like a public-works jobs program for lawyers and lobbyists, a profit center for professionals who are in business for themselves.”

As Washington flourishes on the backs of the little man, I have to ask, “Where are the tea parties? Where are the 912 groups and the individuals outraged at both the lobbying increase and government expansion?” I have yet to hear a grassroots response to open floodgates in Washington, but I hold out hope that the people are listening, discussing, and preparing for 2010.

_____________________________________________________________________

Okay y’all who wants to help plan the next April 15th Tea Party?

The event is a chance to meet most of the local Republican candidates, enjoy a lasagna meal catered by home school students and hear from David Beamer, the father of Todd Beamer who died heroically on Flight 93 as part of the 9/11 attacks.

The Reagan Day dinner will be February 16 at 6 p.m. at the Brazos Center.

Tickets are $60 each and the money is used to keep the county Republican office open throughout the year and promote Republican candidates.

For more information or to buy tickets call the headquarters at 268-2308 or call Marla at 324-8068.

Wednesday Feb. 17, 2010

6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Speakers:

George Scaggs – Nullification and 10th Amendment Issue

Heather Liggett – The State Board  of Education vs. American Exceptionalism

See New Revolution Now for more information on these topics and speakers

Location: 304 Mobile, Bryan, Texas

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]]> http://bcsteaparty.com/2010/01/29/pot-luck-dinner-feb-17/feed/ 5 ncoppock http://bcsteaparty.com/2010/01/27/more-online-opportunities-constitution-town-hall/ http://bcsteaparty.com/2010/01/27/more-online-opportunities-constitution-town-hall/#comments Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:03:38 +0000 ncoppock http://bcsteaparty.com/?p=978 ]]> Want to know more about our Constitution?

Hillsdale College is offering a Web-cast seminar. Sign up for the class here.

Hillsdale College Constitution Town Hall

“Reviving the Constitution”
A Constitution Town Hall, brought to you by the
Allan P. Kirby, Jr. Center for
Constitutional Studies and Citizenship

When:
Saturday, January 30, 2010
9:00 am – 3:00 pm EST

Note: Webcast will be archived for viewing on-demand after the event.

Play with friends as we join with people all across Texas in the SOTU Virtual Watch Party!

Chet Edwards (D-TX17) even with a Harvard MBA believes a tax cut – which lets the producer keep his own money – must be paid for, but a 1 Billion $$$ Stimulus of government spending is a wiser investment.

Get registered to participate at the above links and let’s have a virtual good time!!

Join the AFP Truth Squad in a live chat before and during Obama’s State of the Union Address.

7:00pm – Pre-Game Analysis Online
8:00pm – Kickoff Virtual Watch Party

Gov. Rick Perry will be joined by former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin at a rally in support of his re-election campaign on Sunday, Feb. 7 in the Houston area.

“I look forward to standing with Sarah to promote our shared conservative values of limited government, low taxes and individual freedom,” said Gov. Perry. “Gov. Palin is a true conservative leader whose priorities and message resonate with Texans, and I am honored to have her in Texas supporting my campaign.”

Gov. Palin will campaign with Gov. Perry to highlight the positive momentum Texas is experiencing through conservative leadership that has cut taxes, created jobs, strengthened education and secured our border.

For more information see: NotInTexas.org