RHEA COUNTY REPUBLICAN
ADVANCING THE CONSERVATIVE CAUSE
Vol. 4 – No. 12 February 2021
| Table of Contents
Editorial – 1 Notable Quotes – 3 Something to Remember – 4 Question of the Month – 6 Book of the Month – 6 Comments From Representatives – 7 Comments From Correspondents – 8 Legislative Report – 13 Rhea County Republican Party News – 16 Lagniappe – Does Debt Matter? – 18 Contact Your Representatives – 22 |
EDITORIAL
The election is over and done. Joe Biden has been sworn in as the forty-sixth President of the United States.
Like you perhaps, I still believe there are many unanswered questions about the 2020 election and, like so many questions we’ve had about so many things in the past, I seriously doubt whether the truth will ever be revealed to us.
In short, there is nothing – nothing – we can do to reverse what has happened; we can only hope to have some positive effect on what will happen.
Planning for “tomorrow” begins with accepting the realities of today – it requires us to gain as much understanding as possible of what has happened and how it all came about – it also requires us to keep our eyes opened to observe and analyze what is happening today; then we must learn how we will effect tomorrow.
Some of the lessons from the past will be painful because some of those lessons will show us how we failed to do all we might have done to avoid being where we find ourselves today. While we must own up to our shortcomings we must not allow ourselves to dwell on them past understanding them; we must not allow ourselves to lose confidence in our ability to learn from our errors and then we must go forward without making the same mistakes again.
We will either come to understand – and accept – the untarnished truth about those who have taken over the Democrat Party – and now our government – or we will continue to be blindsided by our own naiveté. Our naiveté – our reluctance to believe that the Democrats aren’t actually set on destroying our Constitutional Republic – has brought us to the place where we are today. They revealed their plans and visions long ago but we refused to believe them. We must not make that mistake again!
Today, in this moment, we must commit ourselves – our time and our resources – to the task of becoming agents of reclamation; reclaiming the Constitutional Republic that we have allowed to slip from our grasp. We must move forward under the assumption that if we fail, there may be no chances for restoration tomorrow.
In this moment, we cannot wait on some mystical and charismatic leader to suddenly appear to “motivate” us and show us “the way.” We must learn find our own way. We must understand that our motivation lies within us, and our motivation is the product of inspiration.
Let a goodly portion of our inspiration take the form of honoring our debt to those heroes who came before us, those men and women who sacrificed themselves and all their possessions to give us the freedom we have found in this country. Let another portion of our inspiration take the form of regaining – and then preserving for all time – what we were given so that we may leave a worthy gift to our posterity. Finally, let a portion of our inspiration come from ourselves that we, as individuals, as citizens of the greatest country to ever exist on planet Earth, have it within ourselves to care enough to do what we know to be the right thing.
As we motivate ourselves into action, let us make a commitment to being guided by only the highest ethical and moral standards. Let us denounce that liberal axiom “the ends justify the means.” Let us keep in mind that sacrificing our principles for the sake of expediency will not take us where we need to go. If we allow ourselves to follow that Liberal axiom, we will be no better than those from whom we seek to wrest control of our nation.
When all is said and done, we must come to understand that we can only take pride in what we do for so long as our actions are honorable. To act honorably is a source of pride and having pride in what we do becomes a source of confidence. Confidence fosters strength, and our strength will give us the courage to carry us forward to greater things . . . and to ultimate victory.
As we move forward we must honestly evaluate our abilities and our limitations. If we find ourselves ill-prepared to complete the mission we undertake, we must work to enhance our abilities and minimize our limitations. No one individual is omniscient; we all have our strengths but we can all improve our skills and increase our knowledge.
If it is possible for us to do so, we must seek out and consider joining with others whose goals and methodological standards – ethics – rise to our own expectations. There is strength in numbers but remember: It is fundamentally wrong to compromise our ethics for the sake of expediency – to allow our means to justify the ends.
The great question for many is where does one find allies in the cause of restoring our Constitutional Republic? There are many answers. A few of the answers include: among your friends and relatives, in civic and social organizations, in your church or synagogue, and in your local Republican Party.
The various levels in the Republican Party are easiest to locate – they are anxious to be found! The easiest ways to find them are to look in the phone book or search online entering “Republican Party,” along with the name of your City, County, or State. I hope you’ll decide to get involved today!
NOTABLE QUOTES
Sir Roger Scruton (1944-2020) warned us: The Cancel Culture, is the other Global Pandemic.
“We in Britain are entering a dangerous social condition in which the direct expression of opinions that conflict – or merely seem to conflict – with a narrow set of orthodoxies is instantly punished by a band of self-appointed vigilantes. We are being cowed into abject conformity around a dubious set of official doctrines and told to adopt a world view that we cannot examine for fear of being publicly humiliated by the censors. This world view might lead to a new and liberated social order; or it might lead to the social and spiritual destruction of our country. How shall we know, if we are too afraid to discuss it?”
Home – Sir Roger Scruton (roger-scruton.com)
Dr. Charles Lipson, PhD offers some insight as to why conservatives are justified in their reluctance to accept Mr. Biden’s plea for “Unity:”
Democrats don’t come to this moment with clean hands. It’s fine for them to celebrate their presidential victory. But it’s rich to see them parading their moral superiority. Their abysmal behavior after Trump’s victory four years ago is a one reason we face such ferocious pushback today.
Hillary Clinton may have behaved properly in public, attending Trump’s inauguration, but her private behavior was appalling. In 2016, she and the Democratic National Committee used intermediaries to hire foreign agents, who concocted false and defamatory stories about Trump “colluding” with the Kremlin to win the election. Those agents weren’t loose cannons. They were doing precisely what they were hired to do. Clinton’s close associates then worked assiduously to feed that false information to the media, the State Department, the Department of Justice, and the FBI, hoping to fuel a federal investigation into Trump-Russia collusion.
At the same time, the FBI not only spied on the Trump campaign, it spied on the newly elected president and his team. Holdover officials continued to do so after Trump was sworn in. Their efforts were profoundly damaging. They deliberately sabotaged the transition of power while publicly undermining the new president’s legitimacy. Theirs was abuse of power on a grand scale.
Charles Lipson is a professor emeritus of political science at the University of Chicago and a regular commentator at Real Clear Politics, the Spectator|USA, and other sites. Learn more about Dr. Charles Lipson at the following links: Charles Lipson | Political Science | The University of Chicago (uchicago.edu) and
RANDOM THOUGHTS
Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little. – Edmund Burke, statesman and writer (12 Jan 1729-1797)
SOMETHING TO REMEMBER
Below is a list of House Republicans who voted to impeach President Trump. Rep. Dan Crenshaw defended Rep. Liz Cheney! On 22 January 2021, Sen. Mitch McConnell stated on the floor of the Senate that he would support holding an impeachment trial in mid-February. I hope you will join me in letting these people know your thoughts! Perhaps you might wish to clip this article to help you remember them in 2022.
- John Katko (N.Y.): “To allow the President of the United States to incite this attack without consequence is a direct threat to the future of our democracy. For that reason, I cannot sit by without taking action. I will vote to impeach this President.”
- Liz Cheney (Wyo.): “There has never been a greater betrayal by a President of the United States of his office and his oath to the Constitution. I will vote to impeach the President.” [Following Ms. Cheney’s vote to impeach, WY State Rep Anthony Bouchard announced his intention to primary her in the 2022 election. While Bouchard may have some issues, his decision has strong appeal to Wyoming voters – Editor]
- Adam Kinzinger (Ill.): “There is no doubt in my mind that the President of the United States broke his oath of office and incited this insurrection … I will vote in favor of impeachment.”
- Fred Upton (Mich.): “Enough is enough. The Congress must hold President Trump to account and send a clear message that our country cannot and will not tolerate any effort by any President to impede the peaceful transfer of power from one President to the next. Thus, I will vote to impeach.”
- Jaime Herrera Beutler (Wash.): “I believe President Trump acted against his oath of office, so I will vote to impeach him.”
- Dan Newhouse (Wash.): “A vote against this impeachment is a vote to validate the unacceptable violence we witnessed in our nation’s capital. … I will vote yes on the articles of impeachment.”
- Peter Meijer (Mich.): “With the facts at hand, I believe the article of impeachment to be accurate. The President betrayed his oath of office by seeking to undermine our constitutional process, and he bears responsibility for inciting the violent acts of insurrection last week.”
- Anthony Gonzalez (Ohio): “When I consider the full scope of events leading up to January 6th including the President’s lack of response as the United States Capitol was under attack, I am compelled to support impeachment.”
- Tom Rice (S.C.): “I have backed this President through thick and thin for four years. I campaigned for him and voted for him twice. But, this utter failure is inexcusable.”
- David Valadao (Calif.): “Based on the facts before me, I have to go with my gut and vote my conscience. I voted to impeach President Trump. His inciting rhetoric was un-American, abhorrent, and absolutely an impeachable offense. It’s time to put country over politics.”
RANDOM THOUGHTS
Almost as quickly as Mr. Biden announced his intentions to stop the Keystone Pipeline (which will be followed by an end to domestic oil production and the loss of tens of thousands of American jobs), gasoline prices began to surge. Several correspondents to The Rhea County Republican have reported gasoline price increases from ten- to twenty-one cents per gallon! To learn more about the devastating effect Biden’s “green energy policy” will have on your life, please check out the following link: Biden Executive Order Killing Keystone XL Pipeline Will Backfire – Foundation for Economic Education (fee.org)
RANDOM THOUGHTS
Some memorable quotes from notable politicians:
“There will be blood in the streets.” ~Loretta Lynch
“There needs to be unrest in the streets.” ~Ayanna Pressley
“Protesters should not let up.” ~Kamala Harris
“I just don’t know why there aren’t uprisings all over this country. Maybe there should be.”~ Nancy Pelosi
“You get out and create a crowd and you push back on them and you tell them they are not welcome anymore, anywhere.”~ Maxine Waters.
“Go home with love and in peace. Remember this day forever!” – President Trump
RANDOM THOUGHTS
One day the American people will know their place and they will stop thinking they deserve the same privileges as us. – Diane Feinstein
QUESTION OF THE MONTH
[Please respond in a manner that most closely reflects your opinion and email to pyrope84045@mypacks.net to share your response with your fellow conservatives. A score on each of the questions will be published in the next edition of The Rhea County Republican. THANKS! – Editor]
What do you think is the best strategy for regaining majorities in the House of Representatives and Senate in 2022?
- Research to find the most conservative candidate who is running against an incumbent Democrat or RINO Republican.
- Donate money to the Republican National Committee and trust they will work to nominate the best Republican candidates.
- Volunteer to work on the campaign(s) of one’s chosen candidate(s).
- Some combination of A, B, and C.
Results from last month’s question:
Question: With Joe Biden as the occupant of the Oval Office, by 2024, do you think the U.S. economy will:
A: Continue to improve ————– 3 (12%)
B: Remain at its current level —— 5 (20%)
C: Trend downward —————— 11 (44%)
D: Collapse —————————– 6 (24%)
Analysis: Although the sampling size is too small to be representative of what most conservative Americans think about a “Joe Biden economy,” it will certainly be interesting to see what the next four years will bring.
BOOK OF THE MONTH
If you’re seriously seeking to understand why U.S. schools rank 18th in the industrialized world and are looking for ways to reverse the trend, you MUST buy a copy of “School System Reform: How and Why is a Price-less Tale,” by Dr. John Merrifield
This book identifies root causes of persistently disappointing classroom outcomes, identifies the policy root causes of the classroom causes of Nation at Risk, persistently low school system performance, and then lays out a strategy for identifying the key elements of a high-performing school system, and then achieving their implementation. A discussion forum for each chapter is at www.schoolsystemreformstudies.net
Visit the following link to place your order today. Your children will thank you for it!
COMMENTS FROM REPRESENTATIVES
Elected Representatives from all States and all levels of government are encouraged to share their thoughts, opinions, ideas, and announcements by emailing them to pyrope84045@mypacks.net . Your constituents want to hear from you! – Editor
Dr. Scott DesJarlais (R-TN, 4th District) shared the following:
Last night, like most nights when Congress is in session at the end of the calendar year, was not the institution’s finest hour in legislating. Since I’ve been elected to represent you in the House, I have railed against “omnibus” legislating. If this institution did its job the way that our rules provide, each and every year we should pass twelve separate appropriations bills that fund every aspect of the federal government. Committees would meet, oversight would be conducted over the previous year’s expenditures, priorities would be authorized, and bills would be debated and amended separately and passed on their own merits. As you know, this institution doesn’t and hasn’t followed these rules for a while.
For me, yesterday evening was a new low. Not only did we put the entire federal government spending for fiscal year 2021 into one bill, but we also added another COVID stimulus package as well. We had a bill before us that was 5,593 pages – $900 billion for COVID and $1.4 trillion in the omnibus. A copy of the bill was presented to us just before 2pm yesterday. We voted on the bill at 8pm last night. The world’s fastest speed readers couldn’t digest 5,593 pages in 6 hours, and needless to say, I couldn’t either.
I could not, in good conscience, vote for bills – especially ones with this size and scope – being considered in this way. Occasionally, there may be times of extraordinary crisis or rare circumstance when it might be necessary to do things in this haphazard fashion, but last night only happened because of a lack of leadership and fortitude that is becoming all too common. We spend too much time governing based on shutdown deadlines, and not enough time doing the work that this place actually requires to spend your money wisely.
To be clear, there were a lot of things funded last night that I support and would have voted for if we had done things the right way. But, when you put together a bill like the way this one was put together, you will find a lot of money being spent on programs and initiatives that would never have survived if Congress did its job. And, as is always the case with bills like this, some of it we won’t even find out about until days and weeks later because it gets slipped into the middle of 5,000 pieces of paper.
That is the reason I voted no on the bill last night. I believe that the American people deserve a better, more transparent process that what they got last night. I appreciate all of the calls, emails, and texts on this and for the continued input that you give me each and every session of Congress.
RANDOM THOUGHTS
The thought police have gained control over much of our school system.
High School Student Sues Over Leftist ‘Indoctrination’ in Nevada (theepochtimes.com)
RANDOM THOUGHTS
Here is an interesting link that shows some examples of how various representatives stood as the lone dissenter against various bills and thought the readers of this newsletter would find it enjoyable and enlightening. Almost Unanimous, 2020 edition: Why these lone dissenters opposed measures that literally every other Congress member supported | by GovTrack.us | Dec, 2020 | GovTrack Insider
RANDOM THOUGHTS
Have you ever wondered why Washington DC is called “the Swamp?” Check out this link to gain some insight: Pelosi Leads List Of Conflict Of Interest Dems | Investor’s Business Daily Thanks to Dr. Merrily Salyer, a correspondent from Sterling, VA for sending this our way!
COMMENTS FROM CORRESPONDENTS
You are invited to become a Correspondent and share thoughts, opinions, ideas, and announcements with subscribers to this newsletter. Please state your city, state, or country in your submissions and email them to: pyrope84045@mypacks.net . Your fellow Conservatives want to hear from you! – Editor
Connie Rose-Straub, Kingston, IL shared her thoughts on Rep. Dan Crenshaw’s rift with Conservatives.
Perhaps some of you shared my misgivings and doubts about Dan Crenshaw early in his bid for election, and suspected he was not to be trusted. He has proven my instincts correct.
Rep. Dan Crenshaw’s (R-TX) comments praising Liz Cheney for voting to impeach President Trump is the most recent example of why he does not deserve the further support of those who elected him, nor of Conservative Republicans. He has a history of going against the Republican grain and disparaging President Trump. He disagreed with Senators Cruz and Hawley regarding the ability of Congress to overturn any electoral votes. As if Crenshaw knows more about the Constitution than Sen. Ted Cruz!
In 2015, before Crenshaw was elected, and when Trump was running for President, Crenshaw referred to Trump’s rhetoric as insane and hateful, he also referred to Trump as an idiot. Crenshaw has since deleted those Facebook comments. Crenshaw endorsed gay marriage, and he stood with Democrats who condemned President Trump’s pull-back of troops in Syria. In 2019, Crenshaw also cozied up to anti-Second Amendment “Moms Demand Action” and he publicly supported Red Flag laws. He worked to subvert President Trump’s “America First” agenda on foreign policy, and wrote several op/eds in the mainstream media pushing for endless wars in the Middle East.
At least two veterans groups, along with more than a thousand individual former service members and Department of Defense civilians, have called for Crenshaw to resign for his alleged role in discrediting a female veteran who said she was sexually assaulted. The good people of Texas thought they were electing a Republican, what they got is a RINO.
It just proves you must thoroughly vet and investigate all political candidates before you vote for them. While I hold our military in the highest esteem, just because a candidate might be a military veteran doesn’t guarantee he or she is honorable or possesses integrity. Remember, Bowe Bergdahl was a member of the U.S. military.
Dawn Shaffer, Baton Rouge, LA shared a timely comment from Newt Gingrich:
“I’ve been active in this since 1958; that’s 62 years. I’m the angriest I have been in that entire six decades. You have a group of corrupt people who have absolute contempt for the American people, who believe that we’re so spineless, so cowardly, so unwilling to stand up for ourselves that they can steal the presidency, and we’ll wring our hands, bring in a few lawyers, and do nothing.
“My hope is that President Trump will lead the millions of Americans who understand exactly what’s going on: [that] the Philadelphia machine is corrupt, that the Atlanta machine is corrupt, the machine in Detroit is corrupt, and they’re trying to steal the presidency, and we should not allow them to do that.
“First of all, we should lock up the people who are breaking the law. You stop someone from being an observer –- you just broke federal law. You hide and put up paper so nobody can see what you’re doing –- you just broke federal law. You bring in ballots that aren’t real –- you just broke federal law.
“I am sick and tired of corrupt left-wing Democrats who believe that we are too timid and too easy to intimidate, and therefore they’ll just go out and steal it. You are watching an effort to steal the presidency of the United States, and this is not about Donald Trump. This is about the American people, [who] have the right, in an honest election, with honest, legitimate ballots, to pick their leader. Or are we now just sheep, to be dominated by the high-tech businesses, the news media, and the various political machines? This is a crisis in the American system, comparable to Washington on Christmas Eve, or Lincoln at Gettysburg. This is a genuine, deep crisis of our survival.”
Gingrich said that in any precinct in which Republicans were not able to observe, the votes should be taken back –- “strip those votes out, do not count them, because they’re by definition corrupt.”
Diane Bederman, Toronto, Canada shared the following wisdom:
For those of you who follow me on my blog, you know I have been following and writing about COVID 19, the Chinese Virus, since March 2020.
I have read as many expert opinions as I could find, and that has been problematic as Twitter and Facebook have refused to post anything that goes against Dr. Anthony Fauci. I listened to the lectures given on a regular basis by our self-anointed “essential” public health experts and politicians.
Based on their actions, it seems to me that the powers-that-be have concluded that the only way to crush COVID 19, the Chinese Virus, is to crush all small businesses and all the people associated with them.
I also learned that if you protest for BLM or Antifa you will not get COVID. If you go to any house of worship, you will. If you wear a mask in Walmart, Costco or any big box store that sells items from China you will not get COVID. I know this because the medical experts and politicians have kept these stores open with hundreds of shoppers, whenever the hospitals are overflowing and the ICU’s are full and the numbers of COVID cases go up too fast ( I am not sure what “too fast” means). On the other hand these leaders are quick to lock down our local small businesses because they know small businesses are super-spreaders and one is sure to catch COVID, even when wearing a mask and using hand sanitizer at the hairdresser, the toy store, the book shop, barbershop, the esthetician, the bike store, the clothing store… And coffee shops and restaurants? Too dangerous. They must be shut down.
Dr. Merrily Salyer PhD, Sterling, VA shared an observation:
The draconian and clearly irrational mandates being ordered by Democratic Governors and mayors, especially regarding restaurants and small businesses, are likely intentional endeavors to support the socialistic agenda of the left. The outcome of their policies are creating serious economic problems that are destroying the structure and fabric of society and our quality of life. It’s hard to believe that any rational and intelligent person can’t recognize the damaging impact these policies are having in contrast to states with less stringent orders. Thus, it’s not unreasonable to view the decisions of these mayors and governors as intentional.
It can be seen as part of an overall plan to destroy our way of life and create a socialistic government. I recall hearing Kamala Harris saying something on television to the effect that these riots in the streets will have to go on even after the election. Sounds a lot like Karl Marx if you asked me. On the other hand, look at how the rioting stopped as soon as Biden was declared the winner. Coincidence?
Cornelius Carroll, Harold, KY shared this item from LifeNews.com
“Churches, ministries, schools, and Christian-owned businesses from across the state of Virginia signed an open letter to Gov. Ralph Northam and members of the Virginia General Assembly that urges them not to force religious citizens to violate their beliefs under the so-called “Virginia Values Act.”
The law, enacted July 1, on its face compels churches, religious schools, and Christian ministries to hire employees who do not share their stated beliefs on marriage, sexuality, and gender identity — or face fines of up to $100,000 for each violation.
A companion law requires the ministries and other Christian nonprofits and Christian-owned businesses to include in employee health care plans coverage for “sex reassignment” and “gender affirming” surgeries that run contrary to their beliefs.
It also prohibits the ministries from offering sex-specific sports, classes for parenting, and Christian discipleship, if those programs are based on biological sex.”
Ross Harvey, Murfreesboro, TN shared the following thought:
I think this stimulus package may turn out to be a blessing in disguise. No matter what party you support, we can all agree this is [a ruse]. And we all know it’s not all the fault of the party we oppose. The leaders we have supported have blood on their hands. Both parties. They are giving us $600 to appease us. While they will get millions back from foreign aid kickbacks. We all believe in the same thing. Term Limits. Which can be done on the state and local level. We all see corruption in our leaders and zero accountability. So let’s level the playing field so average Americans like us can run for office. Who cares what party is in charge if they have integrity and honesty. Isn’t that what all politicians seem to be lacking today? With good people running this country, we all win.
Harriet Lublin, Atlanta, GA shared the following observation:
Bobby Piton, the mathematician and investment advisor representative of Total Clarity Wealth Management, was blocked by Twitter while giving witness testimony during the Arizona hearing yesterday.
Piton, who testified at the Arizona voter fraud hearing, said after analyzing the data, he believes this is the “biggest fraud in the history of our constitutional republic is taking place right before our eyes.”
Piton’s account was suspended during his testimony, while the hearing was still ongoing.
“If I was an executive at a publicly-traded company, I would never sign that, because I risk jail time and having all my money taken from me in lawsuits,” Piton said.
“So, to answer your question, I would never, ever, have certified. I’d rather resign than certify those results.”
Twitter Bans Mathematician After Explosive Testistomy at Arizona Hearing | Neon Nettle
Marv Keener, Chaplain of the Rhea County Republican Party provided a reading assignment via Dennis Prager. It is far better to understand history than to repeat the mistakes of the past! https://rightandfree.com/news/2021/01/04/i-now-better-understand-the-good-german?utm_campaign=RFMainutm_source=RFMain-20210105&utm_medium=email
Brian Troyer, Apple Creek, OH shared the following:
This is a list of companies that have deplatformed, canceled, banned, or otherwise sought to punish and marginalize President Trump and his conservative, patriotic supporters.
We need to demonetize and cancel them. It will not be easy on some cases (Amazon, Apple), but we need to take as much of our business away from them as we can, and we need to let them know why we will not do business with them.
I just started compiling this list from news reports. I will worry about trying to alphabetize it and looking for a way to compile suggestions for alternatives to these companies later. This is a start.
Conservatives need to make a boycott movement go viral and reach critical mass. Let companies get by without one unnecessary penny of business from patriotic Americans who dissent from the cultural and socialist revolution.
Forbes Media – Simon & Schuster – Facebook – Twitter – Google – Amazon –
Youtube – Twitch – Shopify – Reddit – Goosehead Insurance – Panera Bread
Allegion PLC – Boston Consulting Group – The Wall Street Journal – Fox – Stripe
Deutsche Bank – Signature Bank – Instagram – Snapchat – TikTok – Apple – Discord Pinterest – Okta – Twilio – PayPal – GoFundMe – Marriott – Ford – Boston Scientific
BlueCross BlueShield – Commerce Bancshares -Berkshire Hathaway Energy – Bank of America – AT&T – Goldman Sachs – Citigroup – Morgan Stanley – JPMorgan Chase Airbnb – American Express – Best Buy – Comcast – Dow Chemical – Federal Express Hallmark – Walmart -Cisco – Intel – Verizon – Edison International – GE – MasterCard
Vivian Mason, Murfreesboro, TN shared the following:
Ordering a Pizza in 2022
CALLER: Is this Dominos Pizza?
GOOGLE: No sir, it’s Google Pizza.
CALLER: I must have dialed a wrong number, sorry.
GOOGLE: No sir, Google bought Dominos last month.
CALLER: OK. I would like to order a pizza.
GOOGLE: Do you want your usual, sir?
CALLER: My usual? You know me?
GOOGLE: According to our caller ID data sheet, the last 12 times you called you ordered an extra-large pizza with three cheeses, sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms and meatballs on a thick crust.
CALLER: Super! That’s what I’ll have.
GOOGLE: May I suggest that this time you order a pizza with ricotta, arugula, sun-dried tomatoes and olives on a whole wheat gluten-free thin crust?
CALLER: What? I don’t want a vegetarian pizza!
GOOGLE: Your cholesterol is not good, sir.
CALLER: How the #&!! do you know that?
GOOGLE: Well, we cross-referenced your home phone number with your medical records. We have the result of your blood tests for the last 7 years.
CALLER: Okay, but I do not want your rotten vegetarian pizza! I already take medication for my cholesterol.
GOOGLE: Excuse me sir, but you have not taken your medication regularly. According to our database, you purchased only a box of 30 cholesterol tablets once at Lloyds Pharmacy, 4 months ago.
CALLER: I bought more from another Pharmacy.
GOOGLE: That doesn’t show on your credit card statement.
CALLER: I paid in cash.
GOOGLE: But you did not withdraw enough cash according to your bank statement.
CALLER: I have other sources of cash.
GOOGLE: That doesn’t show on your latest tax returns, unless you bought them using an undeclared income source, which is against the law!
CALLER: WHAT THE #&@!
GOOGLE: I’m sorry sir, we use such information only with the intention of helping you.
CALLER: Enough already! I’m sick to death of Google, Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and all the others. I’m going to an island without the internet, TV, where there is no phone service and no one to watch me or spy on me.
GOOGLE: I understand sir, but you need to renew your passport first. It expired 6 weeks ago…
LEGISLATIVE REPORT
The Legislative Report provides information on some of the more remarkable bills that have been introduced in Congress. Its purpose is to provide the reader with information about pending legislation that may prompt the reader to contact their representatives to express their views.
In the emailed version of the Legislative Report, you will see markers + and + on certain bills. The red icon is placed to encourage the reader to contact their representatives and ask them to vote against the legislation. On bills marked with the green icon, the reader is encouraged to contact their elected representatives and encourage them to support the legislation. The reader is always encouraged to keep informed about all legislation so they may be aware of bills that effect our lives. Decide today that you will make your voice heard. If you remain silent, your representatives will never know your thoughts! – Editor
+ HR 350 To authorize dedicated domestic terrorism offices within the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to analyze and monitor domestic terrorist activity and require the Federal Government to take steps to prevent domestic terrorism. (Bradley Schneider, D-IL, text not available).
For context please check the following links:
and
Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act of 2020 (2020; 116th Congress S. 3190) – GovTrack.us
HR 9051 CASH Act of 2020 (Richard Neal, D-MA, 6 pages). The purpose of this bill is to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase recovery rebate amounts to $2,000 for individuals, and for other purposes. It was, essentially, a “clean” bill in that it had no earmarks. The bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 275/134, with 21 Republican Representatives not voting.
When the bill arrived in the Senate, Mitch McConnell added two prominent earmarks – one of which was to conduct an investigation into the presidential election and the other was to repeal Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996, which provides protection from civil liability for operators of interactive computer services in the removal or moderation of third-party material they deem obscene or offensive, even of constitutionally protected speech, as long as it is done in good faith. Section 230 is the premise used by social media to delete posts with which the owners do not agree or to place advisories to those who see them, or to use a practice known as “shadow banning.” Facebook, Twitter, and other such sites have routinely removed or commented on posts by President Trump and others with conservative viewpoints. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Title_47_of_the_United_States_Code
S 5085 A Bill to Amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to Increase the Additional Recovery Rebates, to Repeal Section 230 of the Communications Act, and for Other Purposes (McConnell, R-KY, 16 pages). This bill:
- Amends Section 6428A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as added by the COVID-related Tax Relief Act of 2020), to increase emergency funding for individuals from $600 to $2000, and for couples from $1200 to $4000.
- Repeals Section 230 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 230), which prevents social media sites from using algorithms to block certain content, and for other purposes.
- Establishes a bipartisan advisory committee comprised of nine individuals to study the integrity and administration of the general election for Federal office held in November 2020 and make recommendations to Congress to improve security, integrity, and administration of Federal elections.
- Requires each State election official to disclose to the Commission the identity of any foreign national known by the chief State election official to have:
- Physically handled
- ballots for election to a Federal office
- voting machines
- To have had unmonitored access to
- A storage facility or centralized tabulation location used to support the administration of an election for public office; or
- Election-related information or communication technology, including voter registration databases, voting machines, electronic mail and other communication systems (including electronic mail and other systems of vendors who have entered into contracts with election agencies to support the administration of elections, manage the election process, and report and display election results), and other systems used to manage the election process and to report and display election results on behalf of an election agency.
- The chief State election official shall make the disclosures not less than 30 days after the date on which such official becomes aware of an activity described within the bill.
- Foreign national is defined in comportment with Section 319 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30121).
- Physically handled
S 2683 Child Care Protection Improvement Act of 2020 (Richard Burr, R-SC, 3 pages).
This bill would establish a task force to assist States in implementing hiring requirements for child care staff members to improve child safety.
+S 2204 DART Act of 2019 (Michael Crapo, R-ID, 6 pages). This Act may be cited as the Data Analytics Robocall Technology Act of 2019 or the DART Act of 2019.
Are you tired of SPAM calls? Well, Senator Crapo has heard your complaints and is trying to do something to stop them! This bill would allow the Federal Communications Commission to carry out a pilot program under which voice service providers could block certain automated calls, and for other purposes.
S 3952 Protecting American Intellectual Property Act of 2020 (Chris Van Hollen Jr., D-MD, 12 pages). This bill would require the imposition of sanctions with respect to foreign persons that have engaged in significant theft of trade secrets of United States persons, and for other purposes. While these measures would (hopefully) stem the flow of intellectual property being pirated by the Chinese (and numerous other countries), it should be renamed as “The Horse is Already Out of the Barn Act.”
+ HR 6395 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Adam Smith, D-WA, 1480 pages). The purpose of this bill is to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2021 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes.
This bill passed in the House of Representatives and in the Senate but President Trump vetoed the bill on 23 December because it included language that funded military acquisitions for other countries and language that caused certain military installations to be renamed.
President Trump’s veto was overridden by the Senate and forwarded to the House for a reconfirmation and passage vote.
HR 84 To prevent States from receiving Federal financial assistance if such States tax the income of an out-of-State volunteer providing assistance during a disaster or emergency, and for other purposes (Scott DesJarlais, R-TN, text not yet available).
HR 83 To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to protect constitutional rights from online platform censorship, and for other purposes (Scott DesJarlais, R-TN, text not yet available).
+ HR 22 Congressional Budget Justification Transparency Act of 2021 (Mike Quigley, D-IL, 8 pages). This bill would amend the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006, to require the budget justifications and appropriation requests of agencies be made publicly available.
S 13 A bill to establish an advisory committee to make recommendations on improvements to the security, integrity, and administration of Federal Elections (Tim Scott, R-SC, text not yet available). After literally decades of pleas from voters across the United States (including a few of my own) it seems Mr. Scott has finally awakened to the possibility there might have been some problems in the 2020 election. Better late than never, I guess!
+ HR 278 No Art in Embassies Act (Tim Burchett, R-TN, full text not yet available). This bill is in response to historic extravagant expenditures on “art” purchased by Ambassadors which, most often, is discarded or given away as the Ambassador is replaced. One example of an extraordinary expenditure was the $84,375 statue of Bob Dylan (purchased from Mr. Dylan), to “decorate” the Embassy in Mozambique.
RHEA COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY NEWS
Rhea County Republican Party Executive Committee
Bitsy Gryder – Chairman Kris Bancroft – Vice Chairman (faute de mieux)
Judy Bancroft – Secretary Tom Taylor – Treasurer
Laura Travis – Vice Treasurer
The Rhea County Republican Party Monthly Meeting
There will NOT be a meeting in February 2021.
The next meeting of the Rhea County Republican Party is scheduled for Thursday, March 11th, at 7:00 PM, at the Rhea County Sheriff’s Training Center, located at 711 Eagle Lane, in Evensville, TN.
Bring a friend!
Minutes from the Previous Meeting
RHEA COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY
Meeting Minutes for January 7, 2021
Chair Elizabeth Gryder called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
Marvin Keener offered prayer and Joe Gryder led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Elizabeth Gryder welcomed visitors: Marvin Keener, Jr.; David Snyder, and; Stacy, J. B. and Silas Griffin.
The November Meeting Minutes were read by Judy Bancroft (there was no meeting in December). Motion by Marvin Keener, Sr., second by Joe Gryder to accept the minutes as read. Motion carried.
The Treasurer’s Report was given by Tom Taylor. Motion by Joe Gryder, second by Debbie Byrd, to accept the report as read. Motion carried.
The PAC Report was given by Kris Bancroft. Motion by Marvin Keener, second by Joe Gryder, to accept the report as read. Motion carried.
The Legislative Report was given by Kris Bancroft. He also announced that this will be the last legislative report given at party meetings. This will save time for other business. He reminded us the Legislative Report can easily be accessed on the Party’s Facebook page, or by providing one’s e-mail address to Kris.
NEW BUSINESS:
Spring City Young Republicans Group: Elizabeth Gryder reported that she is trying to reach Bailey Hufstetler, who is organizing the group. The Chair of that group would become a member of our Executive Committee, in accordance with our By-Laws.
Meetings Schedule: A discussion was held regarding possibly changing the day of the week to encourage a higher attendance and regarding how often to meet this year, this being a non-election year. A motion was made by Joe Gryder and seconded by Ron Travis for the group to meet every other month, on the odd months, on the second Thursday of the month. Motion carried.
It was suggested that our reservation at the Sheriff’s Training Center for the even months be maintained in case the Young Republicans group might want to meet then at that location.
Reorganization: It was decided to have the 2021 Reorganization event at our next meeting, March 11th. Joe Gryder, Debbie Byrd and Marvin Keener, Sr., agreed to serve as the Nominating Committee. A motion was made by Laura Travis, seconded by Joe Gryder, to place a notice of the Reorganization meeting in the Rhea Herald News, in the time frame required by the By-Laws. The slate of officer nominations may also be included with the notice. Motion carried. Laura Travis offered to plan the Reorganization and Joe Gryder will assist with the ad. Her services this year and in past years with Reorganization are much appreciated.
There was some discussion about requirements for regular attendance at meetings by officers. This can be addressed when the By-Laws are reviewed after Reorganization.
Reagan Day Dinner: A discussion was held as to whether to hold a Reagan Day Dinner this year. There will be no primaries this year. A new event coordinator would be needed. Joe Gryder and Laura Travis were applauded for their immense efforts in planning previous Reagan Day Dinners. An alternative to foregoing the Dinner could be to hold a fall event after the vaccine for COVID-19 is readily available, and the gubernatorial race will be starting up around that time. No decision was made at this time.
Vice-Chair Position: Elizabeth Gryder announced, sadly, that our Vice-Chair, Gary Drinkard, has passed away. His contributions and friendship will be missed. A motion was made by Laura Travis and seconded by Joe Gryder to ask Kris Bancroft to fill the Vice-Chair position for the remainder of the term. The motion passed and the position was accepted.
Elizabeth Gryder read a note from State Senator Ken Yager, thanking us for our donation to his campaign.
Kris Bancroft spoke about the need to grow the Party. He suggested the Chair appoint a committee of three to come up with ideas to present to the Executive Committee. One such idea could be to offer courses to the membership. David Snyder also encouraged more programs at meetings; this could help in attracting new members.
Kris Bancroft also talked about the need to recruit more members – especially young people – into the Party. He suggested we should begin a mentoring program for young conservatives to help them understand the values of conservative principles, and to help them find purpose, identity, inclusion, and validity in the community. Kris stated that he has already been in contact with two Young Republican representatives in other counties. He urges us to get on board with this mission.
The meeting adjourned at 8:38 pm.
Judy Bancroft
Secretary
LAGNIAPPE
The following article was published on 7 December 2020, by the Cato Institute. It was written by John H. Cochrane, a senior fellow of the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. He is also an adjunct scholar of the Cato Institute, among many affiliations. He authors the “grumpy economist” blog. All opinions are his own, and not necessarily those of the Hoover Institution or Stanford University – the original publishers of this work. There are crucial lessons on the dangers of spending money one doesn’t have and I hope this article will inspire you to let your elected representatives know your thoughts on the importance of fiscal restraint. – Editor
Does debt matter? As the Biden administration and its economic cheerleaders prepare ambitious spending plans, a radical new idea is spreading: Maybe debt doesn’t matter. Maybe the U.S. can keep borrowing even after the COVID-19 recession is over, to fund “investments” in renewable energy, electric cars, trains and subways, unionized public schools, housing, health care, child care, “community development” schemes, universal incomes, bailouts of student debt, state and local governments, pensions, and many, many more checks to voters.
The argument is straightforward. Bond investors are willing to lend money to the U.S. at extremely low interest rates. Suppose Washington borrows and spends, say, $10 trillion, raising the debt‐to‐GDP ratio from the current 100 percent to 150 percent. Suppose Washington just leaves the debt there, borrowing new money to pay interest on the old money. At 1 percent interest rates, the debt then grows by 1 percent per year. But if GDP grows at 2 percent, then the ratio of debt to GDP slowly falls 1 percent per year, and in a few decades it’s back to where it was before the debt binge started.
What could go wrong? This scenario requires that interest rates stay low, for decades to come, and remain low even as the U.S. ramps up borrowing. The scenario requires that growth continues to outpace interest rates. Most of all, this scenario requires that big deficits stop. For at best, this is an argument for a one‐time borrowing binge or small perpetual deficits, on the order of 1 percent of GDP, or only $200 billion today.
Yet an end to big borrowing is not in the cards. The federal government borrowed nearly $1 trillion in 2019, before the pandemic hit. It borrowed nearly $4 trillion through the third quarter of 2020, with more to come. If we add additional and sustained multi‐trillion‐dollar borrowing, and $5 trillion or more in each crisis, the debt‐to‐GDP ratio will balloon even with zero interest rates. And then in about ten years, the unfunded Social Security, Medicare, and pension promises kick in to really blow up the deficit. The possibility of growing out of a one‐time increase in debt simply is irrelevant to the U.S. fiscal position.
Everyone recognizes that the debt‐to‐GDP ratio cannot grow forever, and that such a fiscal path must end badly.
How? Imagine that a decade or so from now we have another crisis. We surely will have one sooner or later. It might be another, worse, pandemic. Or a war involving China, Russia, or the Middle East. It might be another, larger, financial crisis. And with the crisis, the economy tanks.
The U.S. then needs to borrow another $5 trillion or $10 trillion, quickly, to bail out financial markets once again, to pay people’s and businesses’ bills for a while, to support people in dire need, as well as to fight the war or pandemic. But Washington borrows short term, and each year borrows new money to pay off old bonds. So we also need to borrow another $10 trillion or so each year to roll over debts. As bond investors look forward to think about how they will be repaid, they see a country that at best will return to running only $2 trillion or $3 trillion deficits, still faces unreformed Social Security and unfulfilled health‐care promises, and whose debt to‐GDP‐ratio, far from being stable as the rosy scenario posits, is on an explosive upward trajectory.
Imagine also that the U.S. follows its present trends of partisan government dysfunction. Perhaps the president is being impeached, again, or an election is being contested. There are protests and riots in the streets. Sober bipartisan tax and spending reforms look unlikely.
At some point, bond investors see the end coming, as they did for Greece. If they lend at all, they demand sharply higher interest rates. But if rates rise only to 5 percent, our current $20 trillion debt means an additional $1 trillion deficit. Larger debt makes it worse. Higher interest costs rates feed a deficit which feeds higher rates in a classic “doom loop.” The Fed is powerless to hold rates down, even if it is willing to buy $10 trillion bonds, since people demand the same high rates to hold the Fed’s money. And the Fed cannot end the crisis by raising rates, which only raises interest costs further.
The end must come in sharp and sudden inflation or default. And that is a catastrophe. When Washington can no longer borrow, our normal crisis‐mitigation policies disappear — the flood of debt relief, bailout, and stimulus that everyone expects — together with our capacity for military or public‐health spending to meet the roots of the crisis.
Yes, the U.S. prints its own money and Greece does not. But that fact only means that a crisis may end in sharp inflation rather than chaotic default. And it is not obvious that the U.S. government will choose inflation over default. Will Congress really prioritize paying interest to, as it will see them, Wall Street fat cats, foreign central bankers, and “the rich” who hold U.S. debt, over the needs of struggling Americans? Will our elected officials really wipe out millions of voters’ savings in a sharp inflation rather than devise a complex haircut for government debt? Don’t bet on it. But if bond investors smell a haircut coming, they will flee all the faster.
No, interest rates do not currently signal such problems. But they never do. Greek interest rates were low right up until they weren’t. Interest rates did not signal the inflation of the 1970s, or the disinflation of the 1980s. Nobody expects a crisis, or it would have already happened.
Yes, worriers like me have warned of such a crisis for a long time, and it hasn’t happened yet. Well, California rests on a fault and hasn’t suffered a devastating earthquake in 100 years. That does not prove earthquakes can no longer happen, or that those who warn of earthquakes are chicken littles.
Is not the dollar a “reserve currency,” which foreigners are delighted to hold? Yes, but as with all currencies, foreigners will only hold dollar debt in finite quantity and only so long as they perceive U.S. debt to be super‐safe. The opportunity does not scale, and trust once in doubt vanishes quickly.
Yes, Washington incurred a bit over 100 percent debt to GDP during World War II, debt which it successfully paid off. But the circumstances of that success were sharply different. By 1945, the war and its spending were over. For the next 20 years, the U.S. government posted steady small primary surpluses, not additional huge deficits. Until the 1970s, the country experienced unprecedented supply‐side growth in a far less regulated economy with small and solvent social programs.
We have none of these preconditions today. What’s more, we are starting a spending binge with the same debt relative to GDP with which we ended WW II. And the United States after WW II was one of only two or three episodes in all history in which such large debts were mostly paid off without large inflation or default.
A smaller reckoning may come sooner. Three quarters of this year’s deficits were financed by Fed money creation, not by selling Treasury securities, following market trouble in March when foreigners sold a lot of Treasuries rather than buy them as usual in times of trouble. Basically, the Fed printed money (created reserves) and handed it out, and people are sitting on that money in the form of vastly increased bank deposits. When the economy recovers, people may want to invest in better opportunities than trillions of dollars of bank deposits. The Fed will have to sell its holdings of Treasury securities to mop up the money. We will see if the once‐insatiable desire for super low‐rate Treasury securities is really still there. If not, the Fed will have to raise rates much faster than their current promises.
What can be done? First, spend wisely, as if debt actually has to be paid off. It does. Even if the interest rate remains below the growth rate, that channel for reducing the debt‐to‐GDP ratios takes decades. When a fiscal reckoning comes, it will require a swifter reduction in debt. That will mean either sharply higher, European‐style middle‐class taxes or lower spending. Since taxes ruin economic growth — most of Europe has incomes 40 percent lower than the U.S. — most of the adjustment will have to come from [less] spending. The sooner we do it, the less painful it will be.
Second, borrow long. Our government is like a dysfunctional, endlessly bickering, indebted couple, buying a too‐big house in the boom of 2006. Should they take the 0.5 percent adjustable rate mortgage, or the 1.5 percent 30‐year fixed rate mortgage? The former looks cheaper. But if interest rates rise, they lose the house. Our house. They should lock in the rate!
It is perhaps beyond hope that politicians will ignore such low rates and foreswear borrowing and blowing an immense amount of money. But if the U.S. borrows long term, then it is completely insulated from a debt crisis, in which rising rates feed higher deficits which feed higher rates. Avoiding a debt crisis for a generation really is worth an extra percent of interest cost.
Cutting spending, reforming taxes and entitlements, and saying no to voters who want bailouts and to a progressive army that wants immense spending programs is the tough job of politicians, one which they will likely fail to do. But the incoming Treasury secretary pick, the talented and sensible Janet Yellen, can choose all on her own whether the country borrows short or long, and thereby avoid a debt crisis for a generation.
If I get to whisper two words in her ear, they will be these: Borrow long.
Our National Debt Denial | Cato Institute
CONTACT YOUR ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES TODAY!
Regardless of where you live you can find your elected representatives at any level of government by visiting the following link. Remember: While they might be fairly bright, none of them can read your mind so it is your duty as a citizen to express your thoughts (and to urge all your friends and family and like-minded folks to do the same!)
https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials
Here’s a handy guide for Tennesseans in the 4th Congressional District:
| Joseph Robinette Biden (a.k.a. the “Big Guy”)
The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington D.C. 20500 Phone: (202) 456-1414 Fax: (202) 456-2461 |
U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty
Russell Senate Office Building Suite SR-B11 Washington D.C. 20510 Phone: (202) 244-4944 Fax: (202) 228-3398 e-mail: https://www.hagerty.senate.gov |
| U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn
357 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Phone: (202) 224-3344 Fax: (202) 228-0566 To contact visit website: |
U.S Representative Dr. Scott DesJarlais
2301 Rayburn HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-6831 Fax: (202) 226-5172 |
| Governor Bill Lee
Tennessee State Capitol Nashville, Tennessee 37243 Phone: (615) 741-2001 Fax: (615) 532-9711 |
Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House
https://www.speaker.gov/contact Link above provides all methods of contact.
Mitch McConnell, Senate Majority Leader https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=contact
|
| State Representative Ron Travis
301 Sixth Avenue North Suite G-3 War Memorial Building Nashville, Tennessee 37243 Phone: (615) 741-1450
|
State Senator Ken Yager
301 Sixth Avenue North Suite G-19 War Memorial Building Nashville, Tennessee 37243 Phone: (615) 741-1449 Fax: (615) 253-0237 |
