{"id":998,"date":"2023-01-23T17:01:37","date_gmt":"2023-01-23T22:01:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rheagop.org\/?p=998"},"modified":"2023-01-23T17:01:37","modified_gmt":"2023-01-23T22:01:37","slug":"the-rhea-county-republican-final-edition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rheagop.org\/the-rhea-county-republican-final-edition\/","title":{"rendered":"The Rhea County Republican – FINAL EDITION"},"content":{"rendered":"

THE\u00a0<\/span>RHEA COUNTY REPUBLICAN<\/span><\/h1>\n

ADVANCING THE CONSERVATIVE CAUSE<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n

Vol. 6 \u2013 No. 12\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0February 2023<\/em><\/p>\n

The original content of this publication is copyrighted.\u00a0 Requests for reprinting may be obtained by contacting the Editor and Publisher at: <\/strong>pyrope84045@mypacks.net<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Table of Contents<\/strong><\/p>\n

Greetings <\/strong>————————————————————————-1<\/strong><\/p>\n

Editorial <\/strong>—————————————————————————2<\/strong><\/p>\n

Republicans Who Voted FOR the Omnibus Bill<\/strong>———————-6<\/strong><\/p>\n

At What Point Do We Say Enough!<\/strong>—————————————8<\/strong><\/p>\n

Georg Hegel, Due Process, and Your Future<\/strong>————————11<\/strong><\/p>\n

Merrick Garland\u2019s Greatest Success<\/strong>———————————–17<\/strong><\/p>\n

Comments From Representatives<\/strong>————————————–18<\/strong><\/p>\n

Comments From Correspondents<\/strong>————————————–20<\/strong><\/p>\n

Legislative Report<\/strong>————————————————————24<\/strong><\/p>\n

Rhea County Republican Party News <\/strong>———————————33<\/strong><\/p>\n

Lagniappe <\/strong>———————————————————————-33<\/strong><\/p>\n

Contact Your Elected Representatives Today! <\/strong>——————–42<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

FINAL\u00a0 \u00a0EDITION<\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n

GREETINGS:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Yes, it\u2019s true; at the end of its 7th<\/sup> year of publication, this is<\/em> the FINAL EDITION of this newsletter.<\/p>\n

Looking back, it has been an amazing journey for me:\u00a0 What began as a means to enable our county Republican Party Members to stay up to date with what goes on locally, its subscribers found the contents worthy of sharing with folks outside Rhea County, and so this publication grew, and grew, and grew! \u00a0So much so that this last issue of The Rhea County Republican<\/em> will be received by 14,053<\/strong> readers, not only across the United States, but also in Canada, England, Israel, Portugal, and Russia.<\/p>\n

So, why am I ending this newsletter?<\/p>\n

Now, in my 77th<\/sup> orbit around the Earth, I reluctantly admit my eyes are not so good (it takes really good eyes to analyze literally hundreds \u2013 sometimes thousands<\/em> \u2013 of pages of legislation each month), and I find my many other obligations demand an increasing amount of my time and attention, as well.\u00a0 (The average amount of time spent on each issue is ~60 hours).\u00a0 Something had to give, and that \u201csomething\u201d was this newsletter.<\/p>\n

Before I get on to the really<\/em> important stuff in this final edition, I\u2019d like to take the opportunity to, once again, convey a most sincere THANK YOU for your loyalty, your participation in the way of engaging with your elected representatives on matters of concern to you, the fact that you have shared this newsletter with your like-minded friends, for all the kind words of encouragement and accolades you have sent my way through the years, and for all the testaments of action you have taken to help Advance the Conservative Cause<\/em>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

EDITORIAL<\/strong><\/p>\n

Most Republicans call ourselves \u201cConservatives\u201d but what, precisely, is Conservatism?<\/p>\n

Fundamentally, it means we believe in \u2013 and seek to preserve \u2013 those values held by our Founding Fathers:\u00a0 a small<\/em> and frugal<\/em> government that uses the revenues provided to it through taxation and tariffs of its Citizens only<\/em> for purposes that are expressed in our Constitution; a government that condones and enables the freedom of every Citizen to achieve (in accordance with their ability and work ethic), all they should desire from the privilege of being Citizens \u2013 life, liberty, property, and; the pursuit<\/em> of happiness \u2013 these are only possible if our Natural and God-given rights are honored.<\/p>\n

These freedoms are only made possible by establishing and preserving a free market laissez faire<\/em> economy \u2013 one where value is exchanged for value and promoted through a solid and value-based currency \u2013 not<\/em> the fiat currency we have today!<\/p>\n

There are, however, attendant obligations, duties, and responsibilities that go along with our rights as Citizens:<\/p>\n

We are obliged to honor and obey the just<\/em> laws of our land.\u00a0 This means that we must insist that our just laws are upheld and, should we find that certain laws have been enacted that run counter to Justice and Freedom, we have the duty to seek remonstrance.<\/p>\n

We have the duty to defend our nation should it be attacked by enemies \u2013 either foreign or<\/em> domestic.<\/p>\n

At the same time, we are duty bound to voice our disapproval when our government engages in military actions that are not<\/em> in response to verifiable threats against our freedoms.<\/p>\n

We have the responsibility of participating in our elections \u2013 not only by showing up at the polls to vote, but also by studying the issues and the candidates, campaigning for \u2013 and otherwise supporting \u2013 those candidates and causes of our choice when we personally feel led to do so and then, as informed<\/em> voters, casting our votes when these issues and candidates appear on ballots.<\/p>\n

But, there is more:\u00a0 We have the responsibility<\/em> to share our thoughts, ideas, and opinions with those whom we have elected to represent us.<\/p>\n

While our elected representatives may<\/em> be quite intelligent, they certainly are not<\/em> mind readers, and unless we honor our full responsibilities as a Citizen, those representatives may make choices we do not like or agree with and, once those choices have been made without<\/em> our commentary, we have no right to criticize our representatives if we failed to let them know our thoughts.\u00a0 Sadly, if We the People had been fully engaged in the political process (as described above), our Constitutional Republic may well not be in the critical shape we find it in today.<\/p>\n

As a nation, it would seem our absence in living up to our responsibilities as Citizens has led to the current cultural, societal, and fiscal dilemma in which we find ourselves today.<\/p>\n

By way of examples, those of us who observe and analyze current events are aware of our cultural decline which manifests itself in innumerable ways \u2013 from our children being brainwashed and exposed on a daily basis to the most licentious depravity imaginable in our public schools.\u00a0 We are witness to the misdeeds \u2013 and outright criminal behavior \u2013 rampant among those who serve in our government \u2013 both in the \u201ccareer service\u201d bureaucracy and<\/em> in elected office \u2013 and we see how this behavior has harmed the citizenry in the way of trillions of dollars in national debt (trillions more dollars in unfunded mandates), our nation\u2019s decline on the world stage, wide open borders through which lethal drugs and criminal aliens flow, rampant looting and violence on our streets (to the point where we find ourselves living in a state of anarchy), in large part because those who have sworn to uphold our just laws release criminals back onto our streets by way of having invoked cashless bail.<\/p>\n

In the way of the total absence of a frugal government, most recently we witnessed the passage of a $1.7 Trillion \u201cOmnibus\u201d bill.\u00a0 In its 4,155 pages were buried some 7,000 \u201cearmarks!\u201d\u00a0 (See the Legislative Report <\/em>feature below.)<\/p>\n

While there most certainly was much needed \u2013 and essential<\/em> \u2013 funding to support projects every patriotic American would agree with, among those 7,000 earmarks were billions of dollars allocated to items with which no sane and fiscally responsible person could ever agree.<\/p>\n

However, as the result of decades of wild and reckless and unchecked spending, we find our National Debt has surpassed the $32 Trillion mark and we are \u201con the hook\u201d for trillions more in the way of \u201cunfunded mandates.\u201d\u00a0 This debt has been detrimental to our standing on the world stage and now we find the US Dollar being challenged as the \u201cWorld\u2019s Reserve Currency.\u201d<\/p>\n

While we are justified in our grave disappointment \u2013 and outright anger \u2013 toward our elected representatives for their failure to wisely manage the revenues they confiscate from our earnings, We the People are just as much to blame for we have, by and large, failed to let them know our thoughts \u2013 we have failed to meet our responsibilities in the way of instructing them on how we<\/em> think they<\/em> should work toward cutting reckless and unnecessary spending, how they should work toward downsizing our bureaucratic and inefficient government, and how they should behave as ethical and fiscally-minded fiduciaries \u2013 that is, persons who hold a legal or ethical relationship of trust with those whom they were elected to represent.<\/p>\n

On any given day, when we log onto social media, when we watch the news, or just when we engage in conversations with our neighbors and friends, when our conversations turn to politics, at some point the complaints and criticisms we air will include most all of the shortcomings mentioned above yet, when the truth is revealed, we learn that almost none of our neighbors and friends have ever<\/em> voiced their complaints to those who could<\/em> make a difference \u2013 that is, those whom we have elected to serve and represent us!\u00a0 When will we learn that whining to one another will change nothing?<\/p>\n

The most worn out excuse we hear when we encourage others to voice their complaints to our representatives is:\u00a0 \u201cThey don\u2019t listen, they don\u2019t care what I think\u201d and, to some degree that is true but only<\/em> because our representatives hear from but a very few of their constituents.<\/p>\n

But, it doesn\u2019t have to be this way.<\/p>\n

Many years ago, a Chinese General and philosopher by the name of Sun Tzu offered the following observation:\u00a0 A single drop of rain falling on a mighty mountain goes unnoticed but a million drops of rain washes that mountain into the sea.\u00a0 This observation conforms with what I learned in a conversation with a staffer who worked for a very well-known and powerful Senator.\u00a0 In essence, he said:\u00a0 When the Senator receives a communication (letter or phone call) from a constituent on any given topic, he and his team would process it and address it if they thought it had merit, but when the Senator received a communication from ten, or so, constituents, they made sure it became a part of the Senator\u2019s briefing.\u00a0 If the Senator received communications from a hundred or so of his constituents on the same topic and with the same demands, it instantly became an action item for the Senator; he would take immediate action and issue a statement to those constituents and to the press covering his actions, as well as to the proper Committee(s) in the Senate and\/or House who handled the topic addressed in that communication.\u00a0 In some cases, the Senator would introduce a bill \u2013 or at least a Resolution \u2013 to address that issue.<\/p>\n

The takeaway is this:\u00a0 Sharing your thoughts, opinions, ideas, and the actions you<\/em> have taken with others can be an inspiration to other like-minded Conservatives, and it can compel them to do likewise.<\/p>\n

We are all more enlightened as to what is going on in our world because of those who have shared their knowledge.\u00a0 The information shared among like minded Citizens has often inspired others to become more engaged in the political process, but We the People can do much more if only we commit ourselves to becoming engaged in the political process, and maintaining civil<\/em> contact with those whom we elect to represent us.\u00a0 This is the best of all means to motivate them to make the changes we deem appropriate and necessary.\u00a0\u00a0 So, how does this strategy work?<\/p>\n

We often think of Political Action Committees \u2013 PACs \u2013 as groupings of like minded Citizens who contribute money to the campaigns of selected political candidates but very few Citizens who make donations understand the principle of joining \u2013 or starting \u2013 a PAC whose function is to compel their representatives to take a specific<\/em> action.<\/p>\n

By way of example, it was a group of citizens working in one accord who managed to persuade our elected representatives to include a three million dollar earmark for the \u201cMichelle 0bama Hiking Trail\u201d in the most recent \u201cOmnibus\u201d bill.\u00a0 Another example of success is, of course, lobbyists.<\/p>\n

So, here\u2019s the way it works:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Seek out those among your acquaintances to form your own group of Citizens who are committed to invoking change.<\/li>\n
  2. Decide on a singular and reasonable<\/em> topic to be the basis of your effort.<\/li>\n
  3. Construct a communication (letter or email) that addresses only<\/em> that singular topic and follow it up with a phone call.\n
      \n
    1. Each member of your PAC should construct their own written communication but it\u2019s OK to ask others to review it.<\/li>\n
    2. The written communication must<\/em> be clear, concise and, above all, civil.<\/li>\n
    3. ALWAYS request a reply.<\/li>\n
    4. The verbal communication (phone call) must<\/em> be delivered clearly (as though it is a \u201cstream of consciousness\u201d narrative), and it must<\/em> be as brief as possible. (Rehearse what you want to say.\u00a0 Anticipate \u2013 and be prepared to answer \u2013 questions from the staffer with whom you speak.)\u00a0 Again, be civil but nonetheless resolute.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n
    5. If the members of your group has not received a meaningful<\/em> reply that clearly<\/em> addresses the topic of communication within ten working days, send the message again and follow it up with another phone call.<\/li>\n
    6. Remember, there is strength in numbers.<\/li>\n
    7. The best responses will be obtained when Citizens from several States and Districts contact their sundry representatives so, one is well-advised to reach out as far as possible when forming such a PAC.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Ultimately, we can only hope to preserve those tenets we hold dear to us by serving as sentries who stand guard against those forces who would destroy our rights to exist as free human beings, and the document that protects and preserves our freedoms is our Constitution.\u00a0 It is incumbent upon every Citizen to do what is necessary to preserve it!\u00a0 Won\u2019t you join in this worthy effort?<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      REPUBLICANS WHO VOTED FOR THE OMNIBUS BILL<\/strong><\/p>\n

      https:\/\/www.newsweek.com\/full-list-republican-senators-who-voted-pass-1-7-trillion-omnibus-bill-1769176<\/a><\/p>\n

      The Senate voted to pass a $1.7+ Trillion Omnibus Spending Bill Thursday afternoon with only a day remaining before a deadline that could partially shut down the government.\u00a0 The margin of the vote was 68\/29.<\/p>\n

      It was not as though passing the Omnibus bill was our government\u2019s only choice; the potential shut down of Federal government could<\/em> have been avoided had Congress passed a Continuing Resolution that would continue the budgets of all subdivisions of Federal government at their prorated budget levels, but that was simply not to be.\u00a0 The Democrats (along with their compliant useful idiots on the other side of the aisle) insisted<\/em> on ramming through yet another monstrosity of a spending package.<\/p>\n

      To add insult to injury, no one who voted to pass the 4,155 page bill had actually read<\/em> it in its entirety, and no one who voted to pass the bill seemed genuinely concerned that it contained more than 7,000 earmarks.\u00a0 Those who voted to pass the bill were only concerned about the earmarks that they<\/em> had crafted and included in the bill.\u00a0 (More on that later.)<\/p>\n

      As quickly as the bill passed in the Senate, Mr. Schumer rushed<\/em> it over to the House of Representatives, where the bill passed by a margin of 224\/211.\u00a0 (No one in the House had read it either; it was like a replay of Nancy Pelosi\u2019s remarks about the \u201cAffordable\u201d Healthcare Act \u2013 they had to pass it so they could find out what\u2019s in it<\/em>.<\/p>\n

      Conservative folk thought surely the vote on the Omnibus bill would be determined strictly<\/em> along party lines but the vote margins in both chambers indicated otherwise \u2013 there were some<\/em> Republicans who betrayed<\/em> their constituents.\u00a0 Just who were the traitors?<\/p>\n

      The short answer is, the traitors are all those Republicans who sold out their Conservative<\/em> constituents so they could get their earmarks passed.\u00a0 The Senate \u201cRepublicans\u201d who betrayed our trust include:<\/p>\n

      Roy Blunt – Missouri<\/p>\n

      John Boozman – Arkansas<\/p>\n

      Shelley Capito – West Virginia<\/p>\n

      Susan Collins – Maine<\/p>\n

      John Cornyn – Texas<\/p>\n

      Tom Cotton – Arkansas<\/p>\n

      Lindsey Graham – South Carolina<\/p>\n

      Jim Inhofe – Oklahoma<\/p>\n

      Mitch McConnell – Kentucky<\/p>\n

      Jerry Moran – Kansas<\/p>\n

      Lisa Murkowski – Alaska<\/p>\n

      Rob Portman – Ohio<\/p>\n

      Mitt Romney – Utah (\u201924 potential challengers Sean Reyes, Jason Chaffetz<\/p>\n

      Mike Rounds – South Dakota<\/p>\n

      Richard Shelby – Alabama (Retiring in \u201924)<\/p>\n

      John Thune – South Dakota<\/p>\n

      Roger Wicker – Mississippi (up for reelection in \u201924)<\/p>\n

      Todd Young – Indiana<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      Members of the House of Representatives who betrayed our trust include:<\/p>\n

      Jaime Herrera-Beutler (WA)<\/p>\n

      Elizabeth \u201cLiz\u201d Cheney (WY)<\/p>\n

      Tracie Davis (FL)<\/p>\n

      Brian Fitzpatrick (PA)<\/p>\n

      Chris Jacobs (NY)<\/p>\n

      John Katko (NY)<\/p>\n

      Adam Kinzinger (IL)<\/p>\n

      Fred Upton (MI) \u2013 Retired \u2013 Replaced by Bill Huizenga, Jan 2023<\/p>\n

      Steve Womack (AR)<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      Looking objectively at the Republicans who voted to pass the Omnibus bill, it is easy to accept the fact that the majority of them would have sold out their constituents for political (and other kinds) of favors \u2013 they\u2019ve done it before \u2013 but there were<\/em> a couple of surprises in the crowd \u2013 Tom Cotton and Jim Inhofe come to mind and, with their votes on this bill, they have forever tainted their reputations among Conservatives.\u00a0 The only question at this point is whether they will regret their betrayal when they\u2019re up for reelection.\u00a0 We must<\/em> make sure they do!<\/p>\n

      It\u2019s fairly certain that Richard Shelby (AL) won\u2019t be worried too much; his share of the pork amounted to $640 Million, $13 Million of which will be used to build an airport in Abbeville, Alabama.\u00a0 (No, I\u2019ve never heard of Abbeville, Alabama, either.)\u00a0 But, no worries, Mr. Shelby is retiring when his term is over.<\/p>\n

      Unfortunately, these so-called \u201cRepublicans\u201d are in no way concerned for they feel certain that, in two years \u2013 when many of them will be up for reelection \u2013 the vast majority of their constituents will have forgotten all about that day in December 2022, when they showed us their true colors.\u00a0 I will not<\/em> forget!<\/p>\n

      It didn\u2019t have to be this way, they could have passed a Continuing Resolution, which would held off the vote on next year\u2019s budget, when the Republicans took the majority in the House of Representatives.\u00a0 Instead, these Republicans joined with the Democrats to push through a heavily bloated Omnibus bill without having even read it.\u00a0 The Senators who voted to pass it shall forever be remembered as wasteful spenders.<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      AT WHAT POINT DO WE SAY ENOUGH?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

      John Droz, Jr.<\/p>\n

      December 27, 2022<\/p>\n

      Traditionally this is the time of year where we review our life\u2019s direction, and then make some New Year\u2019s resolution(s). But when do citizens have such a contemplation about America\u2019s directions? IMO we should formally add this to our New Year\u2019s reflections \u2014 and it\u2019s long overdue. This is my take on where things currently stand\u2026<\/p>\n

      The Big Picture is that Communists (e.g., Russia and China) and their allies are in a life-and-death war against Democracies (e.g., US, Europe, etc.).<\/p>\n

      Let\u2019s briefly step back and see several examples where America\u2019s opponents are attacking, and what successes they have had to date. Hopefully this might focus our attention on areas we will push back against \u2014 working together with other like-minded citizens, in effective ways.\u2026<\/p>\n

      Target: Religion\u2026 Strategy: Undermine Judeo-Christian beliefs and morality. Replace these with a new unpublished set of \u201cvalues,\u201d made up by a collection of stuffed shirts, and enforced by parties with no authority to do so.<\/p>\n

      Target: Men\u2026 Strategy: Emasculate, feminize and weaken men.<\/p>\n

      Target: Women\u2026 Strategy: Defeminize them, undermine the roll of mothers, inflate discrimination claims about them, etc.<\/p>\n

      Target: Families… Strategy: Redefine what a conventional family is, and undercut its importance.<\/p>\n

      Target: Education… Strategy: Propagandize children. Emphasize conformity over critical thinking. Undermine Science education. Install grade inflation. Etc.<\/p>\n

      Target: Initiative\u2026 Strategy: Award participation instead of accomplishment.<\/p>\n

      Target: People\u2026 Strategy: The planet\u2019s rights take priority over those of humans. Further, the collective\u2019s rights take priority over individual rights.<\/p>\n

      Target: Economy… Strategy: Waste enormous sums on foolish political agendas, driven by lobbyists, and not in the best interest of citizens or the country.<\/p>\n

      Target: Industrialization… Strategy: Corrupt the electric grid with unreliable, expensive renewable energy, while opposing fossil fuels and nuclear energy.<\/p>\n

      Target: Science… Strategy: Use traitorous \u201cscientists\u201d or \u201cexperts\u201d to misdirect real Science analyses, and to confuse the public about what Science really is.<\/p>\n

      Target: Unity… Strategy: For example, inflame racism to incite discord and distrust among citizens.<\/p>\n

      Target: Patriotism\u2026 Strategy: For example, inject wokism to sabotage citizen support for their country.<\/p>\n

      Target: Propaganda\u2026 Strategy: Have mainstream media be a major source of disinformation and censorship of pro-American information.<\/p>\n

      Target: Civility\u2026 Strategy: The new normal is personal attacks on any who dare to express opinions that differ from current political agendas.<\/p>\n

      Target: Elections… Strategy: Corrupt the election process so that key legislators are not always elected by citizens. Resist meaningful audits to avoid exposing this.<\/p>\n

      Target: Legislators… Strategy: Promote petty political agendas that take priority over what is in the best interest of citizens and the country.<\/p>\n

      Target: Military… Strategy: Use most of the above tactics to weaken our military.<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      After setting the stage for America\u2019s demise, our opponents then began carefully doing some checks to make sure everything was proceeding according to plan. For example, consider the following tests \u2014 all of which have been successful:<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Inject in mainstream media (e.g., comic strips, TV, movies) an incessant message demeaning men. Then verify that few notice and fewer yet object: \u221a<\/li>\n
      2. Insert anti-American marketing terms into the vocabulary, to see how many citizens will incorporate them into their communications: \u221a<\/li>\n
      3. Assess the public\u2019s resistance to anti-democratic decrees by getting states to mandate unscientific, unreliable, uneconomic, harmful energy sources, like industrial wind energy: \u221a<\/li>\n
      4. Arrange for taxpayers to heavily subsidize unscientific, unreliable, uneconomic, harmful \u2014 but politically favored \u2014 energy sources, and see if there is any large-scale pushback: \u221a<\/li>\n
      5. After succeeding with #3 & #4, then get states to force US rural citizens (often against their will) to accept non-sensical energy sources into their community: \u221a<\/li>\n
      6. Confirm that teachers, parents, legislators and conservative organizations are compliant when (or ignorant of) the Scientific Method is eliminated from the K-12 Science curriculum: \u221a<\/li>\n
      7. Verify that teachers, parents and legislators and conservative organizations allow teaching the opposite of Critical Thinking in the K-12 Science curriculum: \u221a<\/li>\n
      8. Convince a trusting public that voter ID, machine regulations, meaningful audits, etc. are unnecessary detriments to election integrity. Substantiate their progress by getting a national candidate elected, who barely even campaigned: \u221a<\/li>\n
      9. Use their successful climate change script with a manageable virus, to shut down the U.S. economy, and kill hundreds of thousands of Americans (i.e., due to bureaucratic, self-serving and unscientific policies): \u221a<\/li>\n
      10. Following #9, ascertain that they can get the majority of US citizens to agree to be injected by an unscientific, unproven, experimental, bio-chemical concoction, with unknown ingredients: \u221a<\/li>\n
      11. Following #9, affirm that they can convince almost all mainstream churches to voluntarily agree to disconnect from their flock: \u221a<\/li>\n
      12. Establish that the military will agree to undermine its strength by complying with political agendas like green energy, mandated injections, wokeness, etc: \u221a<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

         <\/p>\n

        IMO we are like lobsters in a pot where the temperature is gradually increasing. We have been warned before (e.g., see here, here and here). Had enough yet?<\/p>\n

        Interestingly, Critical Thinking concludes that almost all of these issues are due to the real war we are all immersed in: Pro-God vs No-God forces. The good news \u2014 and Christmas should remind us of this \u2014 is that God can solve ALL of the above.<\/p>\n

        One of my primary life philosophies is: \u201cWork as if everything depended on me, but pray as if everything depended on God.\u201d The ball is in our court\u2026<\/p>\n

        PS \u2014 Here is a relevant quote: \u201cNobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.\u201d \u2013 Edmund Burke, statesman and writer<\/p>\n

        PPS \u2014 After I wrote the above piece, I saw this commentary, which makes some superior points: How Nations Slip from Greatness to Obscurity. Read it carefully\u2026<\/p>\n

        Here are other materials by this scientist that you might find interesting:<\/p>\n

        WiseEnergy.org: discusses the science (or lack thereof) behind our energy options.<\/p>\n

        C19Science.info: covers the lack of genuine science behind our COVID-19 policies.<\/p>\n

        Election-Integrity.info: multiple major reports on the election integrity issue.<\/p>\n

        Media Balance Newsletter: a free, twice-a-month newsletter that covers what the mainstream media does not, on issues from: COVID to climate, elections to education, renewables to religion, etc. Here are the Newsletter\u2019s 2022 Archives. Send me an email to get your free copy. When emailing me, please make sure to include your full name, and the state where you live. (Of course, you can cancel the Media Balance Newsletter at any time – but why would you?)<\/p>\n

        [John Droz\u2019s email address is: <\/em>aaprjohn@northnet.org<\/em><\/a> \u2013 Editor] <\/em><\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

        GEORG HEGEL, DUE PROCESS, AND YOUR FUTURE<\/strong><\/p>\n

        Dr. Dan Eichenbaum<\/p>\n

        As the last stronghold of the free market and the Natural Law rights of the individual, America is the epicenter of World War III, the Battle for control of Earth.<\/p>\n

        Our Constitution is a written contract that formed a federal government with specified limited powers and defined its relationship to the states and their citizens.\u00a0 Even more important, the Bill of Rights requires the federal government to protect and secure the Natural Law Rights of the states and their citizens.\u00a0 That guarantee is what prevents the enactment of the entire collectivist agenda.\u00a0 The Bill of Rights is the roadblock to socialism and any attempt by the government to enslave its citizens.\u00a0 For that very reason, the global elite knows they must destroy the Bill of Rights.<\/p>\n

        In 1776, regular people like you and me threw off the yoke of tyranny to embrace individual freedom and the Natural Law Rights that are our divine inheritance. The descendants of kings and queens of the 19th Century and their wealthy enablers, however, are attempting to take back control of our planet and all its inhabitants. The guidebook for their agenda is the Communist Manifesto and the tool to destroy individual rights is the Hegelian Dialectic.<\/p>\n

        It all started with Karl Marx, Frederich Engels, and Geog Hegel in 1847 as the London Communist League and, after Marx\u2019s death, with the Fabian Socialist Society.\u00a0 Those concepts were adopted by the American Progressive movement in the early 20th Century by the wealthy scions of industry and banking families in the northeast.\u00a0 These early American socialists were able to use their money and political influence to start a war against the private property rights and the sovereignty of the individual. The Hippies of the 1960\u2019s became the teachers and professors of several generations of young brainwashed American kids who became the foot soldiers in the insurgency to gain control of the systems of our government.<\/p>\n

        The Hegelian Dialectic forces opposing groups to reach a consensus through dialogue, compromise, and, if necessary, intimidation.\u00a0 The resolution of each conflict by consensus advances the collectivist agenda.\u00a0 To begin the process, the progressive collectivists propose an extreme modification (Antithesis) to our current policy (Thesis).\u00a0 When we object, they offer a concession (Synthesis) that moves us closer to their objective.\u00a0 We compromised on every issue to avoid the stress and discomfort that is a necessary part of drawing a non-negotiable line in the sand.<\/p>\n

        The Hegelian Dialectic only works if society is divided into groups.\u00a0 In a cohesive society, the loyalty of the people is to the entire nation and its goals.\u00a0 During the era of European emigration to America, our nation was described as a \u201cMelting Pot\u201d.\u00a0 The different flavors of immigrants from all over the world melted together and created a fondue of unique essence.\u00a0 The individual ingredients, however, could not be distinguished or separated from the whole.\u00a0 The concepts of equal justice under the law and equal opportunity, but not equal outcomes, were derived from the constitutional guarantee to protect and secure the Natural Law Rights of every individual, even a minority of one.<\/p>\n

        The progressive agenda requires dividing the population into special interest groups to create conflict which is then solved by compromise and consensus.\u00a0 America, therefore, has now become a salad bowl.\u00a0 Each ingredient, while part of the entire salad, is easily recognized for what it is and can be assigned to a specific group.\u00a0 A legislator seeking reelection chooses to take something of value from one vegetable group and vows to give the proceeds to vegetables of a larger group.<\/p>\n

        The key here is that solutions reached by compromise and consensus-building reflect the views of the majority which disregards the rights of those holding the minority view.\u00a0 Majority rule, of course, is a basis of Democracy, in which individual rights are ignored.\u00a0 For Marx and Hegel, Democracy was a mechanism for decisions to be reached through mob rule, a tool to enslave us all in a \u201cdictatorship of the proletariat.\u201d<\/p>\n

        In the past two years, we have seen a constant attack on and a significant erosion of our Natural Law Rights guaranteed by our Constitution.\u00a0 The institutions of government designed to protect individual and state rights have been corrupted by citizens and groups with the financial ability to influence elected officials and bureaucrats.\u00a0 Several years ago, Susan Collins, a senator from Maine, spent $90 million to get reelected, and she was outspent by her Democrat challenger.\u00a0 The question in everyone\u2019s minds should be, \u201cWho spends $90 million to get a job that pays $175,000 per year?\u201d<\/p>\n

        The obvious answer is that financial supporters gain direct access to the engine of government.\u00a0 Sometimes, access leads to good outcomes for the country.\u00a0 More often, access generates a payoff in the form of laws, rules, goods, and services that will enrich the person or group who donates the money.<\/p>\n

        Corruption enriches some while draining resources for everyone else.\u00a0 As corruption increases, the costs are paid in loss of freedom and lifestyle for We the People.\u00a0 Those with access are usually so wealthy that they are immune to the financial burdens placed on others.\u00a0 This hypocrisy should be obvious to everyone, but so many of our fellow citizens are too self-absorbed or ignorant of the facts to care.<\/p>\n

        Article V of the Constitution is the only section that provides a method to amend any part of that document.\u00a0 Nevertheless, the collectivists have devised an alternative to achieve their goals.\u00a0 They have succeeded by corrupting the federal court system at all levels, even the Supreme Court.\u00a0 Judges in the court system were supposed to be learned and impartial jurists who base decisions on the written words of the Constitution.\u00a0 Instead, presidents since FDR have either packed the federal judiciary with judges who agree with their political agendas or bullied the courts to support their political goals.\u00a0 Basing decisions on precedent rather than the words of the Constitution moves federal court rulings one step further away from the written law.\u00a0 When a federal judge\u2019s ruling contradicts the Constitution, that judge, in essence, is amending the Constitution illegally.<\/p>\n

        One of the primary issues being used to destroy the legal foundation of our nation as well as our economy and lifestyle is Climate Change and the Green Agenda.<\/p>\n

        Several months ago, in a small group of people, the subject of Climate Change came up.\u00a0 In passing, I made a remark that Climate Change is a world-class hoax to promote the globalist agenda by instilling false fear in the population.\u00a0 One of those present chided me for minimizing what he considered to be an existential threat to human life on earth.<\/p>\n

        In considering my comments later, I realized that Climate Change is very real and has been a constant part of earth\u2019s history since our planet was formed approximately two billion years ago.\u00a0 A geologist who was a guest on Freedom Forum Radio several years ago mentioned that the surface temperature on earth at one point was 430,000 degrees.\u00a0 A great deal of climate change has certainly occurred since that time.\u00a0 Where we are sitting right now was covered by a glacier two miles thick a mere 20,000 years ago, which is a tiny blip in time considering the two-billion-year age estimate of our planet.<\/p>\n

        And so, Climate Change is not a hoax at all.<\/p>\n

        The hoax is that, in our collective arrogance, humanity believes that we have the power to abort or modify alterations in the earth\u2019s ecosystem caused by forces well beyond our understanding and control.<\/p>\n

        The single largest greenhouse gas is water vapor which constitutes 95% of the total greenhouse gases in our atmosphere.\u00a0 Of the remaining 5% non-water vapor gases, mankind\u2019s contribution is only 6%.\u00a0 The math (.05 x .06 = .003) is clear that man-made greenhouse gases constitute only 0.3% of the total, an amount that is incapable of having any significant effect on the Earth\u2019s temperature.\u00a0 Yet our government is demanding that we must eliminate that tiny amount of man-made greenhouse gas in order to change the trajectory of climate change.<\/p>\n

        Clearly, the idea that mankind has any tool at all that could alter the trajectory of earth\u2019s climate or that of our solar system is a fantasy.<\/p>\n

        That fantasy is not part of the normal thought processes of most people.\u00a0 Global warming, global cooling, climate change, or whatever you want to call has been used by the left as a tool to produce a state of generalized fear for the future of life on earth.<\/p>\n

        The proposed cure, however, is the cruel deception that we can save planet Earth by giving up our lifestyle and our individual freedom.\u00a0 The collectivist elite has sold this fantasy to the gullible and ignorant masses who are racing down the rabbit hole of global tyranny oblivious to the catastrophe that awaits them.<\/p>\n

        My recent interview with Jerry Hawkins is a good example of America\u2019s descent into a totalitarian state.\u00a0 Jerry Hawkins\u2018 home was raided on April 14, 2021, by federal agents in full tactical gear with automatic rifles. Here is his story in his own words.<\/p>\n

        In the pre-dawn hours of April 14th, 2021, a swarm of Federal Agents from several agencies raided our home and property. I was approached in our back yard by several agents in full tactical gear with automatic rifles aimed at me, at the same time my wife was confronted at our front door by several more agents in full tactical gear and automatic rifles who were in the process of breaking into our home.<\/p>\n

        What horrendous crime could warrant such action? The unsubstantiated accusation that my home-based business was manufacturing and selling unregistered firearm parts.<\/p>\n

        Based on these unsubstantiated accusations, our bank accounts were emptied, businesses shut down or crippled, all money was seized from the home including the precious metals and rolled coins that were our life savings, and all electronics.<\/p>\n

        No firearms were seized but parts and inventory relating to the alleged items as well as items not on the warrant were seized and taken. This included parts of rain collection systems and vacuum pump systems that were taken and catalogued as illegal firearms.<\/p>\n

        The primary questions my wife and I were asked were about where the money was. It almost seemed as though the accusations were just a vehicle to seize the money.<\/p>\n

        Unfortunately, they have learned to manipulate the laws and the system so that after 18 months, no grand jury has been convened, no criminal charges have been filed, property has not been returned, and we have been blocked from going to court by a judge who gave the government an indefinite stay of prosecution.<\/p>\n

        We do not know if Jerry Hawkins is guilty of manufacturing illegal gun parts or if he is an innocent victim of ATF overreach.\u00a0 We do not know if the ATF seizure of his bank accounts and personal funds, the destruction of his business, and the disruption of his personal life and his ability to earn a living were justified or not.<\/p>\n

        And that is precisely the problem.<\/p>\n

        Eighteen months after the ATF raid, Jerry Hawkins, his wife, and his family are in limbo.\u00a0 His guilt or innocence has never been adjudicated in a court of law.\u00a0 Jerry Hawkins has been denied his Due Process rights as required by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.<\/p>\n

        It is intolerable in a civilized society when the Due Process rights of individuals are ignored or abused by law enforcement and the judicial system.<\/p>\n

        When our government and judicial system are allowed to unilaterally suspend the Habeas Corpus and Due Process requirements in the Constitution and Bill of Rights to achieve a political agenda, we are no longer a \u201cNation of Laws\u201d.\u00a0 We are, in fact, no better than the dictatorships, past and present, whose violations of human rights we now condemn.<\/p>\n

        The Holocaust in Nazi Germany during World War II happened to people just like each of us, people who couldn\u2019t bring themselves to believe that their so-called \u201ccivilized\u201d government would be capable of perpetrating war crimes and genocide against its own citizens.<\/p>\n

        We are now involved in World War III.\u00a0 It\u2019s all about access to government by the wealthy global elite whose greed, hypocrisy, and arrogance have caused an insurmountable global divide.\u00a0 No matter what happens to us, they will survive and prosper.<\/p>\n

        Money controls all the actions of government, here and abroad.\u00a0 In America, the cost of running a successful campaign for public office is beyond the reach of most individuals and far exceeds the nominal financial value of holding that office<\/p>\n

        The decisions and votes of elected officials are bought and paid for by those who contribute to their campaigns.<\/p>\n

        Legislation, Executive actions, and legal decisions are based on political agendas rather than ethical constitutional principles<\/p>\n

        Special interest groups and the wealthy use their money to gain access to the mechanisms of government and to promote programs that destroy the financial well-being of the people.<\/p>\n

        For members of the wealthy elite, there is no accountability for breaking the law or causing harm to others<\/p>\n

        The elite control the media which emits a constant stream of lies and preaches a socialist agenda to the useful idiots of our time who don\u2019t realize that they will be the sacrificial lambs when world socialism is achieved<\/p>\n

        And that\u2019s just a partial list.<\/p>\n

        We must now become the insurgents if we want to protect our freedom and the future of our children and grandchildren.\u00a0 We must win over the hearts and minds of two generations of Americans who have been brainwashed to believe that a few crumbs and promises from the globalists are worth giving up their freedom.<\/p>\n

        We can no longer afford to sit on the couch and complain about the failings of the federal government or the future course on which our nation is headed.<\/p>\n

        Let\u2019s vow to make 2023 the year of action to save our nation and the world from the scourge of collectivism.\u00a0 Acta non-Verba. It\u2019s time for action . . . not words.<\/p>\n

        Resist Tyranny and Trust in Freedom.<\/p>\n

        [To sign up to receive Dr. Dan Eichenbaum\u2019s articles send an email to:\u00a0 <\/em>drdan@drdansfreedomforum.com<\/em><\/a> \u2013 Editor]<\/em><\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

        RANDOM THOUGHTS<\/strong><\/p>\n

        The Israeli Army recently shot down an Iranian drone.\u00a0 Along with representatives from the U.S. military, they disassembled the drone and found 82% of the components were manufactured in the United States. (Varney & Company<\/em>, Fox Business Network, 22 December, 2022)<\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

        RANDOM THOUGHTS<\/strong><\/p>\n

        The \u201cOmnibus bill,\u201d supported by both Charles Schumer and<\/u><\/em><\/strong> Mitch McConnell, is 4,155 pages in length, it will cost the U.S. Taxpayer more than $1.7 Trillion, and contains more than 7,500 earmarks.\u00a0 One of those earmarks is a $3.6 Million grant to create the \u201cMichelle Obama Trail.\u201d<\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

        RANDOM THOUGHTS<\/strong><\/p>\n

        As we marked the 59th<\/sup> year since John F. Kennedy was assassinated (22 November 1963), we read that an FBI employee leaked information that the CIA was involved in the assassination.\u00a0 (Many people suspected as much!)\u00a0 The most curious revelation was that the FBI threatened to prosecute the leaker \u2013 not for lying about the CIA, but for revealing classified information!<\/p>\n

        \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

        MERRICK GARLAND\u2019S GREATEST SUCCESS<\/strong><\/p>\n

        Kris Bancroft, Editor<\/p>\n

        In considering Merrick Garland\u2019s occupancy of the Office of the Attorney General of the United States, we find ourselves inclined to offer harsh criticisms, but an objective analysis of his tenure would reveal he has accomplished what some have come to realize as his most important task with a truly amazing level of proficiency.<\/p>\n

        With respect to his failures \u2013 there have been more than a few \u2013 he has no viable excuse to offer.\u00a0 He, after all, inherited a Justice Department that had worked to reduce crime while maintaining the rule of law and protect the civil liberties of all Citizens of the United States.<\/p>\n

        To be more specific, Mr. Garland began his job at a time when drug trafficking in the United States was actually on the decline.\u00a0 Today, the DEA is overwhelmed and has no meaningful plan for stopping the flow of drugs across the United States.\u00a0 The result of Mr. Garland\u2019s failure to halt drug use has resulted in an exponential increase in the number of drug deaths in the United States.\u00a0 How bad is it?\u00a0 Fentanyl alone accounted for more than 300,000 deaths of Americans last year; drug use is the number one cause of death among the 18-45 age group of American Citizens.\u00a0 Mr. Garland\u2019s excuse has been to blame (non-specifically of course) Alejandro Mayorkas, his peer over at the Department of Homeland Security.<\/p>\n

        Mr. Garland assumed his title at a time when violent crime was actually on the decline. Today, crime \u2013 especially violent crime \u2013continues to rise at an alarming rate and our civil liberties are endangered.\u00a0 Mr. Garland\u2019s response has been focused on targeting lawful gun owners.<\/p>\n

        These, and all of Mr. Garland\u2019s other failures are being (gleefully?) ignored by the Biden Regime because Mr. Garland has succeeded in protecting the Biden Crime Family from any semblance of prosecution or even the mildest scrutiny.\u00a0 These crimes \u2013 including the use of the Office of the Vice President for personal gain \u2013 violations of the Emoluments Clause, bribery, the mishandling of classified documents, and many others \u2013 have resulted in a grand total of ZERO indictments.<\/p>\n

        Today, we find ourselves wondering whether Mr. Biden, his family, and his cohorts will ever face Justice and Prosecution.\u00a0 Given what we know at this point, our answer can only be:\u00a0 I doubt it!\u00a0 It would seem then that Justice in America is dead, and when there is no longer any Justice to be found, we are compelled to admit the United States of America is in a state of full-blown Anarchy.<\/p>\n

        \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

        COMMENTS FROM REPRESENTATIVES<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Communications were sent to several representatives urging that they work against providing computer chip manufacturers with subsidies but, instead, place tariffs on computer chips manufactured in China.\u00a0 No responses had been received as of press time. \u2013 Editor <\/em><\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

        Senator Marsha Blackburn<\/strong> responds RE: an appeal to vote against S.4 The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021<\/u><\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

        Dear Kris,<\/p>\n

        Thank you for contacting me regarding S.4, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021. I appreciate your taking the time to share your views with me.<\/p>\n

        In 2013, the Supreme Court struck down the coverage formula in the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA) that required certain jurisdictions to seek preclearance from the Department of Justice before making changes to state election laws. The Supreme Court ruled the selective coverage formula conflicted with fundamental principles of equal sovereignty among states.<\/p>\n

        Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) introduced the S.4 on October 5, 2021. This bill would amend the VRA to include a new coverage formula and revive the preclearance procedure. Additionally, the bill would impose a nationwide preclearance requirement for certain measures, such as drawing new electoral maps, implementing voter identification laws, and making changes to polling locations. In November 2021, the Senate voted on a procedural motion to proceed to the consideration of S.4, but the motion did not overcome a filibuster and failed by a vote of 50-49. I voted to oppose this legislation because it would unfairly infringe on state sovereignty and impede the ability of states to oppose voter fraud.<\/p>\n

        I appreciate your thoughtful comments. As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I will keep your thoughts in mind should any legislation that affects our constitutional rights come before the full Senate.<\/p>\n

        Again, thank you for taking the time to contact me.\u00a0 If you would like regular updates on my work for Tennessee, please sign up for my weekly newsletter or follow me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.<\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

        Sincerely,<\/p>\n

        Marsha Blackburn<\/p>\n

        United States Senator<\/p>\n

        [Note:\u00a0 On November 3rd<\/sup>, 2022, a vote on S. 4 was taken in the Senate.\u00a0 The bill passed along party lines by a vote of 50-49.\u00a0 Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD), was the only Republican to not vote. \u2013 Editor]<\/em><\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

        Paul Gosar<\/strong> (R-AZ-04) commented on Mr. Biden\u2019s holiday news dump on November Border Crossings after the Biden regime released new data showing that a record 233,740 illegal aliens illegally crossed the southern border in November 2022, making it the worst November on record:<\/p>\n

        \u201cOn Christmas weekend and mere hours after Congress shamelessly passed the $1.7 trillion omnibus bill sending billions of dollars to foreign countries for border security, the Biden regime announced that 233,740 illegals crossed our border last month.\u00a0 To put this into perspective, that is enough lawbreakers to fill State Farm Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals, more than 3.5 times.<\/p>\n

        \u201cThings are only going to get worse.\u00a0 The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) projects 14,000 illegals per day, or 420,000 per month, will soon cross the southern border once Title 42 orders expire.<\/p>\n

        \u201cIn 2018, nearly 30 million illegal aliens were living in the United States, according to a study conducted by Yale University.\u00a0 Since Biden took office, DHS reports another five million lawbreakers have crossed into our country bringing the total number of illegals currently living in America to over 35 million.<\/p>\n

        \u201cThat number is likely much higher when factoring in chain migration, \u201cgotaways\u201d and the significant undercounting of illegal aliens.\u00a0 Sadly, Senate Democrats and even some Republicans are renewing their calls to grant amnesty to millions of people living in America illegally.\u00a0 This is lunacy. \u00a0Amnesty only serves to encourage illegals to stay in the United States while simultaneously green lighting more to cross our southern border.<\/p>\n

        \u201cIt\u2019s abundantly clear that Joe Biden and Democrats in Congress are intent on allowing as many illegal aliens as possible into our country.\u00a0 Rather than considering amnesty legislation for lawbreakers, Republicans in Congress must fight to secure our border and it begins with impeaching Department of Homeland Secretary Mayorkas for his failures to secure the border and protect Americans.\u201d<\/p>\n

        \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

        COMMENTS FROM CORRESPONDENTS<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 You are invited to become a Correspondent, and share thoughts, opinions, ideas, and announcements with others.\u00a0 Please state your city, state, or country in your submissions and email them to:\u00a0 <\/em>pyrope84045@mypacks.net<\/em><\/a> .\u00a0 Your fellow Conservatives want to hear from you! \u2013 Editor<\/em><\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

        [The following letter was shared by Cyril Ostiguy, Chairman of the Carroll County Republican Party.\u00a0 Fortunately, The Supreme Court issued a temporary halt on Mr. Biden\u2019s actions; the matter will be reviewed later it the month. \u2013 Editor]<\/em><\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

        Bob Ousley<\/strong>, Chairman,Perry County Republican Party, (615) 513-5852<\/p>\n

        bousle19@comcast.net<\/a> sent the following letter via Cyril Ostiguy, Chairman, Carroll County Republican Party:<\/p>\n

        Fellow County Chairs:<\/p>\n

        We are facing the possible removal of Title 42. \u00a0I encourage you to contact our congressmen, senators and governor about this issue. \u00a0The Biden administration has already shipped thousands of illegal aliens to Tennessee and will ship thousands more. \u00a0What right does the federal government have to use Tennessee as a dumping ground for those they allow to illegally enter our country? \u00a0What is the state of Tennessee doing to stop illegals from coming to Tennessee and being a drag on state finances and the tax money the citizens give to the state? \u00a0Why would the state allow a single illegal alien to reside in Tennessee? \u00a0Why would the state allow a single illegal alien to receive public funds or live on the taxes Tennesseans pay? \u00a0Why is Title 42 the only thing in place to allow illegals to be sent back to Mexico or their country of origin? \u00a0We had laws before [COVID], what happened to those laws? \u00a0We are being flim-flamed by our federal government and our politicians are happy to send harsh letters about it but where is the real action to stop it?<\/p>\n

        The federal government is ignoring the United States Constitution and so far nobody is doing anything to stop it! \u00a0Why isn\u2019t the National Guard being employed to protect the state from illegals? \u00a0What is the Tennessee highway patrol doing to keep illegals out of our state? \u00a0What is the Governor doing to keep illegals and their drugs out of Tennessee. \u00a0How many Tennesseans died this past year from drugs being run into our country and our state by the cartels the federal government is supporting by allowing them to bring drugs across the border!!! \u00a0We have a border and nobody should be allowed to cross it illegally. Not one person!!! \u00a0They should have to apply for admission and not be admitted until they have been vetted and each and every one that is allowed to legally enter our country should have a skill or something they will benefit our society with. \u00a0We don\u2019t need to be a dumping ground for illiterates and prisoners other countries want to remove from their society. \u00a0When did we become the world\u2019s trash can? \u00a0This is the United States of America and we need to keep it strong!! \u00a0What are you willing to do to save our country?? \u00a0We are the Republican Party in Tennessee and we have a duty to stand up for the citizens of Tennessee even if the Federal government won\u2019t! If our Republican leaders won\u2019t actually do something to save our county then they need to be replaced.<\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

        Chiron Venizelos<\/strong>, Luminarie, TN<\/p>\n

        You may have heard the House Republicans released a report about a week ago (click on the link below) that drew conclusions based on hard evidence about the events leading up to and including January 6, 2021.\u00a0 For those who may not know, the Speaker of the House, Pelosi is solely responsible<\/em> for the security and safety of the facility, the members and staff.\u00a0 The Sergeant at Arms is supposed<\/em> to protect the Capitol and works with the Speaker to ensure law and order.\u00a0 It was suspected, and known by some that over two years ago, that Nancy Pelosi had more to do with the violence on January 6th than almost any other person.<\/p>\n

        As it turns out, in the days before January 6, law enforcement personnel had many meetings with her and her team and warned them well in advance that there would be some bad actors coming to disrupt President Trump\u2019s speech and peaceful rally.\u00a0\u00a0 Instead of acting on this information, Pelosi intentionally ignored it.\u00a0\u00a0 Some say she was hoping for violence to make President Trump look bad.\u00a0\u00a0 Indeed, on January 6th itself, Pelosi was caught on film threatening to hit and attack President Trump.\u00a0 Thus, violence was to her a solution and a way to vent her anger at President Trump\u2019s successful term in office.<\/p>\n

        Instead of warning members of Congress that members from Antifa, left-wing agitators and right-wing provocateurs were planning on attending to cause disruptions and violence, Pelosi did nothing.\u00a0 Not one call.\u00a0 Not one email.\u00a0 Not so much as a text to alert other members of Congress, thus putting all of them in jeopardy.<\/p>\n

        To make matters even worse, she intentionally rejected the calls for additional law enforcement, including the National Guard.\u00a0 Furthermore, Pelosi and the Sergeant at Arms plotted together to exclude any Republican from attending one of the security meetings.\u00a0 In this manner, they wanted to exploit the violence and use it against Republicans and endanger everyone\u2019s life.\u00a0 In addition, Pelosi failed to equip and train the Capitol Police adequately, leading to a poor security situation and lack of crowd control that day.<\/p>\n

        To summarize, Pelosi intentionally denied security efforts, plotted in secret to harm President Trump, failed to train and equip law enforcement, and thus played a pivotal role in the violence that day.\u00a0 Had proper security steps been taken, there would have not been a riot or an incursion into the Capitol.<\/p>\n

        It is long past time for our (mostly) spineless Republicans to do their work on this matter and provide criminal referrals to the Department of Justice to determine what charges and sanctions should be imposed against Pelosi for her collusion, plotting and role in the violence that day.\u00a0 As well as her threats to physically harm President Trump.\u00a0 Even worse was her conversations with General Milley and their joint plot for a military coup against President Trump<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

        Our Republic cannot withstand fifth columns like Milley and Pelosi.\u00a0 They need to be punished to the fullest extent of the law for their behavor and I therefore urge all who read this to contact their representatives to DEMAND they do the work we elected them to do.<\/p>\n

        https:\/\/banks.house.gov\/uploadedfiles\/final_report_of_investigation_real.pdf?utm_source=117th+Members%2C+Chiefs%2C+And+Comms+Directors&utm_campaign=199b64b17a-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_02_04_09_01_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3985f74780-199b64b17a-147591498<\/a><\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

        Clive Ensford-Stroud<\/strong>, Basildon, Essex, England<\/p>\n

        We in the UK hear the frequent reports of how things are going with our Yank friends across the pond.\u00a0 Yes, the past few years, and especially the last two years, have been a bit rough for you but, believe me, if you look elsewhere around the globe, you\u2019ll quickly see that the USA is still top-shelf on the world stage.\u00a0 The trouble is, I\u2019m afraid it won\u2019t be for long!\u00a0 As things are currently going for you, I would estimate that within ten years, you\u2019ll wake up to find yourselves where we are now.\u00a0 As for where we might be then, I\u2019m afraid to guess!<\/p>\n

        When I was a child, our government decided it should do more for the \u201cpublic good,\u201d and it started many programmes to achieve that desire.\u00a0 One in particular was the National Health Service (NHS) \u2013 a scheme that ensured all Britons, regardless of their ability to pay for it, should have access to \u201cfree\u201d healthcare.<\/p>\n

        At first, the NHS seemed to work well but there were budgetary issues that were impossible to surmount and so choices were forced upon it that, in turn, forced medical staffs to pick and choose on the basis of severest need.\u00a0 As one might expect, some patients\u2019 needs were determined to be greater than others and, yes, some of those determinations were made on the basis of social status.<\/p>\n

        As for the rest of our population, we observed that many \u2013 and often severe \u2013 cases went untreated.<\/p>\n

        To save money, our NHS administrators imposed restrictions on the use of medical supplies and even limits on how much time doctors could spend with hospitalised patients.\u00a0 The innumerable forms the doctors had to fill out each day reduced the face-to-face time they spent with patients to as little as three minutes for each one.\u00a0 Our doctors, of course, would often exceed those time restraints in an effort to ensure their patients received the attention they needed but, as one might imagine, our doctors found themselves working sixty to eighty hours per week!\u00a0 Many of our doctors suffered burnout from all this and left their practice altogether.<\/p>\n

        This increased shortage of doctors only made matters worse for those who remained in the medical field and so, to relieve this shortage, our NHS established criteria that either severely limited the amount of attention each patient should receive.\u00a0 In cases (there were many) where patients were deemed to be \u201cterminal,\u201d medical treatment (with the exception of mind-numbing pain relievers), was withdrawn altogether.<\/p>\n

        We Brits thought it couldn\u2019t possibly get worse but it did.\u00a0 Matters reached the point where many of us Brits \u2013 those who could afford<\/em> to do so \u2013 sought \u201cprivate\u201d treatment here in the UK (paid for from their own resources), or simply traveled to the US for treatment.<\/p>\n

        Eventually, and following suit with certain Scandinavian countries, China, Russia, and the several \u201cthird world\u201d countries around the globe, our NHS decided it was in the best interest of \u201call\u201d that terminal patients should be afforded the \u201copportunity\u201d to choose a course of life-ending treatment \u2013 euthanasia!<\/p>\n

        As it was at first in the aforementioned countries, in the UK, this choice is presently just that \u2013 a choice to be made by the patient or the patient\u2019s family \u2013 but in those aforementioned countries there remains no choice at all!<\/p>\n

        Today, we see what\u2019s coming and it\u2019s both frightening and sickening, and it has served only to exacerbate an already bad situation.\u00a0 Today, we see even more of our overstressed medical professionals leaving their jobs citing ethical reasons as the cause.\u00a0 In truth, these good and caring people who studied hard to learn their medical skills cannot permit themselves to make those horrible choices the NHS is forcing upon them.<\/p>\n

        I say all that to say this:\u00a0 Today, you have your Affordable Healthcare Act \u2013 \u201cObamacare\u201d \u2013 and I assure you, in spite of the many promises you may have heard, it will eventually turn out to be just as rotten as our NHS.<\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

        RANDOM THOUGHTS<\/strong><\/p>\n

        It is the duty of every man, as far as his ability extends, to detect and expose delusion and error. \u2013 Thomas Paine<\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

        LEGISLATIVE REPORT<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The Legislative Report provides information on some of the more remarkable bills that have been introduced in Congress.\u00a0 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. <\/em><\/p>\n

        \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To sign up for legislative updates visit:\u00a0 <\/em>https:\/\/www.congress.gov\/get-alerts<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

        \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 In the emailed version of the Legislative Report, you will see markers<\/em> +<\/strong><\/span> and <\/em>+<\/strong><\/span> on certain bills.\u00a0 The red icon<\/span> is placed to encourage the reader to contact their representatives and ask them to vote <\/em>against<\/u> the legislation.\u00a0 On bills marked with the green icon<\/span>, the reader is encouraged to contact their elected representatives and ask them to <\/em>support<\/u> the legislation. <\/em>\u00a0The reader is always encouraged to keep informed about all legislation from other sources so they may be aware of bills that affect our lives.\u00a0 Decide today that you will make your voice heard.\u00a0 If we remain silent, your representatives will never know your thoughts! \u2013 Editor<\/em><\/p>\n

        S 5273<\/strong> A bill to require a determination of whether certain Chinese entities are responsible for human rights abuses that meet the criteria for the imposition of sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act or the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020<\/u> (Marco Rubio, R-FL, Text not yet available).<\/p>\n

        Eventually, we must find ourselves at the point where we no longer do business with China.\u00a0 Perhaps we are there already.<\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

        S 5269<\/strong> A bill to prohibit the Department of Defense from requiring contractors to provide information relating to greenhouse gas emissions<\/u> (John Hoeven, R-ND, Text not yet available).<\/p>\n

        Those who contract with government \u2013 especially with the Federal government \u2013 know that more hoops to jump through drives up costs.\u00a0 Requiring contractors to provide a reasonable estimate on the quantities of their \u201cgreenhouse\u201d emissions would do just that and the Taxpayers would have to pay more for everything the government hires done.<\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

        ++<\/strong>S 5267<\/strong><\/span> A bill to require the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network to issue guidance on digital assets, and for other purposes<\/u>.(Elizabeth Warren, D-MA, Text not yet available).<\/p>\n

        Might this bill have something<\/em> to do with covering up the recent revelation involving Samuel Bankman-Fried and his donations to certain politicians?\u00a0 Hmm.<\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

        ++<\/strong>S 5275<\/strong><\/span> A bill to require that certain aspects of bridge projects be carried out by certified contractors, and for other purposes<\/u> (Robert Casey, D-PA, Text not yet available).<\/p>\n

        And hey, guess what!\u00a0 Being a \u201ccertified\u201d contractor means employing only<\/em> unionized workers.<\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

        S 5265<\/strong> A bill to require a strategy for countering the People\u2019s Republic of China<\/u> (Marco Rubio, R-FL, Text not yet available).<\/p>\n

        It\u2019s about time Senator.<\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

        +++<\/strong>S 5281<\/strong> <\/span>A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to promote the matriculation, and increase in the graduation rates, of individuals with disabilities within higher education<\/u> (Robert Casey, D-PA, Text not yet available).<\/p>\n

        So, if students cannot learn the subject material, Mr. Casey proposes to simply lower the standards so the graduation rate doesn\u2019t suffer.\u00a0 R-i-g-h-t, just what we need:\u00a0 Advance mediocrity.<\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

        ++++<\/strong>S 5271<\/strong><\/span> A bill to establish the American Worker Retirement Plan, improve the financial security of working Americans by facilitating the accumulation of wealth, and for other purposes<\/u> (John Hickenlooper, D-CO, Text not yet available).<\/p>\n

        Ah, yes, socialism at its finest!\u00a0 (Dear Mr. Hickenlooper:\u00a0 We already have a means by which the American worker can \u201caccumulate wealth;\u201d it\u2019s called \u201cworking hard, using one\u2019s money wisely, and saving it in any of various 401k or IRA programs.\u201d<\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

        ++<\/strong>S 5264<\/strong> <\/span>A bill to amend the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prohibit bank holding companies from facilitating fossil fuel production from new sources, or from facilitating transactions that would provide funds for the construction of new or expanded fossil infrastructure that would drive such production and for other purposes<\/u> (Jeff Merkley, D-OR, Text not yet available).<\/p>\n

        Mr. Merkley is vying for membership in \u201cThe Squad.\u201d<\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

        +++<\/strong>S. 5270<\/strong><\/span> A bill to amend title 13, United States Code, to imporve the operations of the Bureau of the Census, and for other purposes<\/u> (Brian Schatz, D-HI, Text not yet available).<\/p>\n

        Does \u201cimprove\u201d mean counting all non-citizens for the purpose of determining the numbers of Members of the House of Representatives?\u00a0 By golly, I believe it does!<\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

        +++++<\/strong> S.J.Res. 67<\/strong><\/span><\/span> A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to the fundamental right to vote<\/u> (Dick Durbin, D-IL, 1 page).<\/p>\n

        Mr. Durbin proposes to change the Constitution to provide persons who have been convicted of a felony the privilege of voting.<\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

        +++++<\/strong> S.J.Res. 69<\/strong><\/span> A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to abolish the electoral college and to provide for the direct election of the President and Vice President of the United States<\/u> (Jeff Merkley, D-OR, 2 pages).<\/p>\n

        Such an amendment would truly destroy our Constitutional Republic.<\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

        ++++<\/strong>S 5299<\/strong><\/span> A bill to end the epidemic of gun violence and build safer communities by strengthening Federal firearms laws and supporting gun violence research, intervention, and prevention initiatives<\/u> (Elizabeth Warren, D-MA, Text not yet available).<\/p>\n

        The woman doesn\u2019t have a clue!<\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

        ++++<\/strong>S 5293 <\/strong><\/span>A bill to provide for the designation of areas as Health Enterprise Zones to reduce health disparities and improve health outcomes in such areas, and for other purposes<\/u> (Alex Padilla, D-CA, Text not yet available).<\/p>\n

        Mr. Padilla wants the Taxpayers to fund drug treatment clinics in those areas where drugs are being used on the streets of Democrat-run cities.<\/p>\n

        \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

        ++<\/strong>HR 9653<\/strong><\/span> To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide basic and emergency supplemental living assistance grants under the student support services program<\/u> (Danny Davis, D-IL, Text not yet available).<\/p>\n

        Obviously, Mr. Davis not only wishes to pay the tuition for students pursuing college degrees, he wants to relieve them of the burden of being cooped up in those on-campus dormitories and provide them with free rent for their apartments.<\/p>\n

        ++<\/strong><\/span>HR 9648<\/span><\/strong> To establish, maintain, and expand frequent, reliable, interconnected electric bus rapid transit service to expand racial, economic, and environmental justice<\/u> (Cori Bush, D-MO, Text not yet available).<\/p>\n

        There is an invariable theme to the majority of all legislation proposed by Ms. Bush.<\/p>\n

        ++<\/strong>HR 9647<\/strong> <\/span>To establish, maintain, and expand frequent, reliable, interconnected light rail transit service to expand racial, economic, and environmental justice, and for other purposes<\/u> (Cori Bush, D-MO, Text not yet available).<\/p>\n

        Buses alone aren\u2019t good enough for Ms. Bush, her bill demands that we must<\/em> pay for historically inefficient and costly light rail service for areas where the vast majority of inhabitants do not have a legitimate purpose to use them.<\/p>\n

        +++++<\/strong>HR 9645<\/strong><\/span> To cap the emissions of greenhouse gases through a requirement to purchase carbon permits, to distribute the proceeds of such purchases to eligible individuals, and for other purposes<\/u> (Donald Beyer, D-VA, Text not yet available), and a bill with the same title +++++<\/strong>S 5338<\/strong><\/span> (Chris Van Hollen, D-MD, Text not yet available).<\/p>\n

        Mr. Beyer and Mr. Van Hollen are loyal soldiers in the anti-fossil fuel army and they are proving it by proposing that anyone who dares to drive a gasoline- or diesel-powered vehicle shall be forced to pay for a carbon emissions permit.<\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

        +++++<\/strong>HR 9506<\/strong><\/span> To prohibit a the use or declaration of a public health emergency with respect to abortion, and for other purposes<\/u> (Kevin Hern, R-OK, Text not yet available).<\/p>\n

        Do you think it constitutes a \u201cPublic Health Emergency\u201d if there is not an abortion clinic within walking distance of anyone who may want an abortion?\u00a0 Apparently, Representative Hern agrees with you.<\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

        ++++<\/strong>HR 9641<\/strong><\/span> To amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to support the responsible development of offshore renewable energy projects, establish the Offshore Power Administration, and for other purposes<\/u> (Paul Tonko, D-NY, Text not yet available).<\/p>\n

        So, Mr. Tonko proposes to install expensive and inefficient windmills offshore but, as a member of the House Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, he wants to outlaw drilling for oil and gas offshore.<\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

        +++<\/strong>HR 9640<\/strong><\/span> Presidential Tax Filings and Audit Transparency Act of 2022<\/u> (Richard Neal, D-MA, 16 pages).<\/p>\n

        This bill is aimed at Donald Trump \u2013 it\u2019s a part of the continuing \u201cwitch hunt\u201d that was launched back in 2015, in which the Democrats and other anti-Americans have been unrelenting \u2013 but, indications are that the Democrats\u2019 attempt to destroy a man who well-served our nation while continually under attack by a divisive and destructive group of politicians and \u201cDeep State\u201d swamp creatures has produced nothing \u2013 nothing!<\/em> \u2013 that could be interpreted in a court of law as criminal behavior.\u00a0 If there is something good about this bill, perhaps it opens a possibility that some future legislation could be passed that would\u00a0 is reveal the facts about the Biden, 0bama, and Clinton regimes.<\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

        +++<\/strong>HR 9644<\/strong><\/span> To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award a contract to an eligible nonprofit entity to establish and maintain a health care claims database for purposes of lowering Americans\u2019 health care costs, and for other purposes<\/u> (Donald Beyer, D-VA, Text not yet available).<\/p>\n

        Wait!\u00a0 Let me guess:\u00a0 Has Mr. Beyer already identified that \u201celigible\u201d nonprofit entity he speaks of?\u00a0 Did Mr. Beyer write his bill so only<\/em> his previously identified \u201celigible\u201d nonprofit could pass muster according to his bill?\u00a0 Hmmm . . . sort of makes one wonder, doesn\u2019t it?<\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

        +++++<\/strong>HR 9664<\/strong><\/span> To direct the Federal Communications Commission to amend part 97.307(f) of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, to allow greater flexibility in data communications in the amateur radio service, and for other purposes<\/u> (Debbie Lesko, R-AZ, Text not yet available).<\/p>\n

        I am certain<\/em> Ms. Lesko must be a charming and intelligent young lady but, considering all the problems and all the challenges in our world today, it would seem that she could find something, somewhere, vastly more important than to create a Federal law allowing amateur radio operators more flexibility in their transmitting of data.<\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

        ++++<\/strong>HR 9664<\/strong> <\/span>To amend the Federal Reserve Act to require Federal Reserve banks to interview at least one individual reflective of gender diversity and one individual reflective of racial or ethnic diversity when appointing Federal Reserve bank presidents, and for other purposes<\/u> (Joyce Beatty, D-OH, Text not yet available).<\/p>\n

        Whatever happened to the idea that such appointees must be chosen from those individuals who are the best qualified for the positions for which they are appointed?\u00a0 The idea of a Meritocracy is dead.<\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

        ++++<\/strong>HR 9624<\/strong><\/span> To end the epidemic of gun violence and build safer communities by strengthening Federal firearms laws and supporting gun violence research, intervention, and prevention initiatives<\/u> (Hank Johnson, D-GA, Text not yet available).<\/p>\n

        The never-ending assault on our rights under the 2nd<\/sup> Amendment continues.<\/p>\n

        \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

        ++++<\/strong>HR 9620<\/strong><\/span> To support reparations for victims of human rights violations associated with projects financed by international financial institutions<\/u> (Jesus Garcia, D-IL, Text not yet available)<\/p>\n

        That\u2019s right my fellow Americans, our pal \u201cChuy\u201d thinks American taxpayers should be on the hook to pay for \u201creparations\u201d to anyone who has been duped by some foreign-based financial institution.\u00a0 Apparently, that old axiom \u201cCaveat Emptor\u201d has been retired and no one should ever need to worry about reading the \u201cfine print\u201d ever again.<\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

        +<\/strong>HR 9634<\/strong><\/span> To Protect Access to Kratom<\/u> (Mark Pocan, D-WI, Text not yet available).\u00a0 Mike Lee, R-UT has introduced a bill for the same purpose – ++<\/strong>S 5316<\/strong><\/span>.<\/p>\n

        I admit my ignorance; I had no idea what \u201cKratom\u201d is, and no idea as to why anyone would want to protect access to it, so I decided to spare you the trouble of researching it for yourselves and found interesting information at the links below.\u00a0 The only question I cannot answer is why<\/em> Mr. Pocan too the trouble to write a bill to protect access to a quasi-opioid-hallucinogenic product.\u00a0 Could this<\/em> be the reason why we so often find ourselves questioning the sanity of Democrats?<\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n