Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

So while Congress did not actually make the HHS mandate which forces religious affiliates as employers to pay for and give their employees free contraception, it is still the government under the tutelage of Secretary Sebilius who is demanding that religious organizations facilitate this law. Many speakers referenced this mandate as a “conscience tax” and I couldn’t agree more.

The most interesting aspect of this gathering, which at times brought tears to my eyes, was that leadership of different faiths each acknowledged the President for bringing them all together. In fact there were representatives from the Catholic Church, Mormons, Jews, and Christians of many denominations all there supporting each other. It was the best of America.

I was very moved by the crowd as I cannot remember people of so many different Judeo-Christian faiths drawn together like this, average citizens all working together to express their love of God and Country.  It was amazing to speak with folks in the crowd such as me who were determined to defend their rights as Americans to openly practice their faith which for me was very inspiring as I have long felt that as Christians we have had the heel of government standing on our throats at every turn.

For at least 2000 San Diegans and many more that joined the Facebook page in support of the event but who were unable to attend, it was a joyous day. All of these folks as Dran Reese from the Salt and Light Council put it were, “agents of change” and they accepted that and are leading the narrative on this liberty killing directive from government.

So for a time in san Diego and across the United States there were people of faith joined together in prayer and hope and solidarity that as a free people in the greatest Country we would no longer except the silencing of our faith , Today we truly were all Catholics!

I have realized that we were nine months into the tea party rallies and activities and not only did I not know the political parties people who attended rallies belong to, but they didn’t know mine. I suddenly realized that this no longer mattered, that what truly mattered were the principles and values that built this Nation into the best country in the world.  All the events and everything we do in our tea party groups, locally and nationally is non-partisan, as it should be. Over the past 2 ½ years I have come to recognize the good representatives from the not so good. A few of those really good, fiscally conservative elected are actually Democrats, Blue Dog Democrats. Although this is a dying breed in Washington it still exists and Jason Altmire is a good example of a man who weighs the consequences fiscally before voting. Frankly, I like that.When we first started this movement I was looking for any reason to still believe in the political Party I had joined many, many years before, the Republican Party. I wanted so much to believe that if we got “good” Republicans elected we could really change things in American and get back to our conservative roots. I honestly believed that the Republican Party in my city would embrace the tea party as the cavalry come to the rescue. What I actually lived was a Party that keeps going further into its addiction of spending and the everlasting grab for power. If there was ever a doubt, the lateral move of John Boehner becoming Speaker of the House has further shown us all that spending and un-kept promises cuts both ways through both parties. I have seen tea parties battling the Republican Party to remain autonomous from San Diego to Cincinnati. I have seen those that espouse true conservatism publicly while, privately plot against a citizenry that comes to lend a hand.

Actually registering to be a non-partisan voter was very liberating. I asked myself if this were a company I worked at and I saw the kinds of back room deals and blatant disregard for the workers voices to be heard would I stay. I said “probably not”. If this were a club I belonged to and I saw the intolerance for the other club members and even incidents of sabotage of those members would I stay a member of that club? Again,“No way”. So why do I stay a member of a political party that is in fact doing these things to its members? Well, I then had my answer, “I am not!”. I believe if we can get people to see that it truly is “Principle over Party” than we could have great debate about the issues we agree on such as fiscal stability. If we look for good, competent people who think outside the lines of weighed down political power and extremism we could actually build an even more solid form of government for the people, by the people. We have been brain washed to believe that those in government somehow know better than us and can therefore they can spend our money more efficiently. This simply is not true and as soon as they gain the position and they are then “taught” by the ruling elite on how they should use their office as per the powers that be. So we keep creating the same thing over and over again….they go along to get along. And then we are surprised nothing has changed.

If we really want politics and government to change than we have to change our perception of what it means to elect a person. We have to change our expectations of those that get elected. We need to start at the beginning. If the Founders had debated about which Party had the best to offer to build the foundation of this country they would still be debating that one subject. Instead they had the best people that represented many perspectives discussing the formation of this government, because not only did political parties not exist in that day but most of our Founding Fathers did not approve of their existence as George Washington once said, ( in his farewell speech 1796) ” The very idea of the power and the right of the people to establish Government presupposes the duty of every individual to obey the established Government.”“All obstructions to the execution of the Laws, all combinations and associations, under whatever plausible character, with the real design to direct, control, counteract, or awe the regular deliberation and action of the constituted authorities, are destructive of this fundamental principle, and of fatal tendency. and, according to the alternate triumphs of different parties, to make the public administration the mirror of the ill-concerted and incongruous projects of faction, rather than the organ of consistent and wholesome plans digested by common counsels, and modified by mutual interests.”

“However combinations or associations of the above description may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely, in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people, and to usurp for themselves the reins of government; destroying afterwards the very engines, which have lifted them to unjust dominion.”

So I believe if we get back to that original intent of governing ourselves for ourselves and not become hampered done by false allegiances to political parties but only to be aligned with our common principles and values then we will truly see the Nation that was began so many years ago. Which is why for me learning this particular lesson was an important one. My only loyalty lie in the best possible way to serve my country whether it be as a voter who looks beyond party politics and votes on principle or as tea party leader trying to educate my fellow citizens on the importance of self government.

Either way I now understand the philosophy of those brave men who experimented with a whole new form of government. And for me this has been a profound lesson.

It was my honor and pleasure to witness one of the most courageous acts I’ve seen in a long time. On May 29, 2010, 8,000+ people filled Diablo Stadium in Tempe Arizona to give thanks to Arizona’s citizens and Governor Jan Brewer for supporting the laws of our Nation. As many of us have read and watched elected officials all over the Untied States have decided to boycott Arizona for passing one of the most sweeping pieces of legislation to combat illegal immigration. This law known as SB 1070 is the enforcement of existing federal laws. Phoenix Arizona has seen a major uptick in violence which can be seen as the direct cause of illegal immigration and now has the unenviable distinction of being the second most likely city to be kidnapped from in the world.

Arizona was forced, by the lack of response from the federal government and even local officials, to take back their cities and counties. This charge was lead by Sheriff Joe Arpaio and Arizona Senator Russell Pearce who authored SB 1070. Now the Nation is helping Arizona by showing our appreciation with our consumer dollars. Many people from all over the country came to Arizona on this weekend to support and rally around Arizona for an event which was hosted by the Dallas Tea Party Patriots. Phillip Dennis and his group of fabulous volunteers put on a rally that was inspired and truly fabulous. There are many to thank for this day of celebration such as Deb Meyers who we understand is the wonder behind the scenes and a woman that everyone speaks highly about both in Texas and now in Arizona.

The evening festivities began with kind words and praise for our fallen as this was Memorial Day weekend. Mike Broomhead the host of The Valley Talk radio show in Phoenix was the Master of Ceremonies for the event and was joined by many radio personalities from all over the country. Mike Broomhead’s own brother Tom Broomhead was killed on Memorial Day seven years ago in Iraq in the line of duty and was praised as a hero. There was also a huge display of support and respect for the fallen law enforcement officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice to the citizens of Arizona.  They all sacrificed so others could be saved on both fronts, our veterans of war both domestic and foreign.

Dr. Gina Loudan from Ohio was a guest speaker and helped coined the phrase “BUYCOTT” and helped to turn this event and others like it viral through her show. Michael Barry of a Houston Texas talk radio show reminded everyone that the law enforcement in Texas now knows that one of the people on the FBI Most Wanted List , a Pakistani terrorist is in Houston. They have also found that 38 of the most heinous terrorist are also in Texas and that they came through the Mexican border.

 As we all gave a moment of silence for the brave men and women we were reminded that yet another Arizona peace officer had paid the ultimate sacrifice in Phoenix. This brave young man Officer Travis Murphy was killed in the line of duty just this past week and was mourned by all of Arizona.

Among the speakers was Mark Spencer of the Police Law Enforcement Association (PLEA), the largest law enforcement union in the state, who was strong in his words when he described how many men have given their lives in the pursuit of saving their fellow citizens. Six police officers have been killed and six more injured due to the illegal activities of some of the illegal immigrants invading Maricopa County.  Mark Spencer was even more passionate when he spoke of the change to police policy two years ago when they were “test driving “their ability to crack down on criminals who came to the region illegally over our borders, by enforcing the law on the books. Since they started this new policy 3000 illegal aliens have been deported just this year and they saw no increase in their budget and no persons civil rights were offended in the process. As Sheriff Joe was to state later when he spoke, “Where was the government then?” Now the federal government has seen to discriminate against a state that is merely enforcing existing laws that the federal government agencies seem to refuse to do.

When Phillip and Victoria Dennis spoke their words touched the crowd as Victoria is a legal immigrant from Colombia and came to the United States legally recently. Victoria spoke with passion and tears in her native language Spanish as Phillip translated. Mrs. Dennis , who was also recovering from a terrible car accident was at the event despite wearing a neck collar brace due to her injuries, to speak about her experience of coming to this country as legal immigrant and how much it means to her to be here. Phillip ad Victoria traveled from Dallas, Texas to plan and execute a wonderful event in Tempe. Victoria  quoted Isaiah 5:20 which says, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil. Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness. Who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.”

Phillip ended his speech with an appropriate joke for Arizona citizens by saying that the volunteers had worked harder on this event than John McCain is in trying to convince everyone he is a conservative. The crowd roared with laughter at this moment. There were so many great quotes during this 3 ½ hour event here are just a few:

Los Angeles activist Ted Hayes: “The majority of black citizens are against illegal immigration” and that the illegal immigrants are,” stealing the legacy of my people”. “The 14^th Amendment was given to m people not based on the color of my skin, or the kinkiness f my hair, or the thickness of my lips but based on the unique experience of my people coming to this country.”

Lauren Hodge from the radio show the Brazen 3 and Hot Tea Radio said: “The border(fence) around  the White House is enforced! She told the story of what Yamamoto said after the United States declared war on Japan after the bombing of Pearl harbor,  Lauren said, “Look at the awakening of the sleeping giant here today!”

The spirit of the American people is always taken for granted and probably always will be those not in touch with that spirit! The spirit was alive and well in Arizona on this day!

California is battling a tough recession, a budget that is at least $20 billion in the red and an unemployment rate inching towards 13 percent. While the taxpayer has had enough of bailout after bailout, Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) decided to bail out Fannie and Freddie Mac by voting to give them billions more to squander.
The California U.S. Senator kept Californians on the hook for the endless bailouts of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac; instead of focusing on fixing the mortgage giant she cast a partisan vote against reforming the two government-run home loan companies.
Senate Democrats moved to kill an amendment this week that would have protected taxpayers from future bailouts and slow down the government control of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Insiders are concerned the perpetual spending on a nearly defunct program could hinder the reelection of blue dog Democrats due the fatigue Americans have regarding the number of bailouts Washington D.C. handing out. Both of these institutions have historically showered Democrats with campaign cash. Keep reading

The San Diego Unified School District Board of Education voted unanimously to condemn Arizona’s new immigration law and will not let employees travel or do business in Arizona until they repeal the new legislation.

The initial resolution drawn up by School Board President Richard Barrera included a travel advisory warning for students K-12 and their parents about the dangers lurking in the state of Arizona. “This law is wrong,” he said.

However, board member Katherine Nakamura, who eventually voted for the resolution, recalled the increasing violence in Mexico and the board decision not to warn the student body about the thousands of murders and decapitations taking place 30 miles to the south.

Good point.

Upon reading Arizona’s new 16-page law, citizens will find it mirrors, nearly word for word, the federal law on immigration. Governor Jan Brewer said the fact that the White House has failed to respond to the growing violence in her state for more than a year has left her no choice but to let state law enforcement officers do the job Washington D.C. does not want to do.

This hasn’t stopped open-border activists from pressuring Democrat leaders and attending public meetings from city councils to school boards up and down California. Several cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego have adopted resolutions to boycott Arizona. Keep reading

A political warning from Mexico.

Mexican Political analyst Eduardo Borunda wrote a column titled Arizona: anti-immigrant zone, he sums up his lengthy observations about the new immigration law in Arizona. With Mexico’s drug cartel problems, lack of employment opportunities for their own citizens, one has to question why many Mexican politicians are taking the time to monitor an illegal immigration law in another country rather than focus on improving the quality of life for the Mexican people. Here are some of Borunda’s findings;
“The Arizona law has as its objective to inhibit migration to the United States and protect the citizens of Arizona, but it provokes in its structure a racial problem and one of violating civil rights. President Barack Obama has in front of him the opportunity of changing the course of history or giving his back to millions of Latinos who gave him the vote to be the first president of color in the United States.
In conclusion, the topics of immigration, civil and human rights have a new direction in the United States and Mexico. No one can remain with arms crossed, neither the government of Barack Obama nor that of President Felipe Calderon. To remain inactive would cause other states to present similar bills and initiate a more difficult process in the relations between both countries. The commotion has electoral overtones. Will there be a cost at the polls for whoever governs with racial overtones? We await the results of November 2010.” Keep reading

The newly minted Customs and Border Protection Commissioner (CBP) appointee, Alan Bersin made a stop in San Diego to talk about an issue that is sweeping the country – illegal immigration.
The forum started rather interesting as Bersin added a disclaimer – in discussing this topic we should be focused on the future of immigration and port security not the past. Translation, the U.S. doesn’t want to talk about the drug cartel violence in Mexico, the lack of border security at the border or immigration crisis currently gripping the country.
After the forum Bersin took four questions from the media, three were asked and answered in Spanish while only one was in English. The event was held in a Chapel at Point Loma Nazarene University with approximately 200 college professionals and community business leaders.
Bersin’s speech centered on keeping the lanes moving across the border ports of entry, the implementation or increase of SENTRY program applicants (A fast-track lane used by those who America trusts and have passed background checks) and sharing information with Mexican counterparts.
“We have to pre-clear more of the trucking lines,” Bersin said. “It’s something I call the new bargain. Neither Mexicans or Americans like to share information with their government it’s built into the DNA of our culture…with technology we can change that,” he said.
The CBP head honcho tried to relay a message to the audience that America is lucky to not have the spillover violence, especially since Mexico is in the middle of a narco-war. Keep reading

In a daring and controversial move the San Diego Unified School District Board of Education looks to warn K-12 students about traveling to Arizona where a tough new immigration law recently passed.

The resolution was drawn up by SDUSD Board of Education President Richard Barrera and contains language condemning Arizona’s new illegal alien legislation and demanding the governor rescind the law immediately.

The resolution encourages students and parents not to spend time in Arizona, “due to the risk they may face in being subjected to inappropriate and unlawful scrutiny.”

The Arizona law set off a firestorm of rhetoric on both sides of the issue; however, the tough stance on illegal immigration finds favor both locally and nationally according to a Rasmussen poll. In Arizona, 70 percent favor the law to bring down crime that is burdening the state. Nationally, more than 60 percent approve of the new law.

After San Diego’s City Council voted last week to condemn Arizona’s new law and sent a letter to Governor Jan Brewer, apparently the SDUSD school board feels empowered to warn children about the political landscape the country faces during a lingering recession. Keep reading

Camera crews were out in earnest filming the May Day events and calling attention to many aspects of the supposed anti-immigration law American’s in Arizona want on the books. This point can easily be diffused when voters look to the polling on the issue.

In a USA Today/Gallup Poll, 61 percent are very concerned about illegal immigration and the government’s inability to secure the border.

The number increases to eight in 10 citizens who believe illegal immigrants are an added burden to hospitals, schools and other public welfare programs during a deep recession. Another 77 percent are concerned illegal immigrants will push hourly wages lower.

In California, the porous borders make it easy for pregnant women to enter the country illegally and put a significant burden on the hospitals who take in the birthing mothers.

This cost is significant, according to Dr. Gary Gonsalves, who also co-founded StopTaxingUs, a taxpayer advocacy group. “Approximately 107,000 illegal immigrant women will have babies each year in California on the taxpayer dime,” he says. “Of those, 33 percent will need C-sections at $20,000 per baby and 12 percent will have premature babies at a cost of $165,000 per baby.”

The tab for just childbirth reaches past $2 billion per year in the state of California. It is also estimated that California pays out upwards of $10 billion per year in other programs for illegal immigrants and their children.

California is also broke - $20 billion or more in the red.

Groups like NumbersUSA are manning the phones and loading their websites with all the statistical information concerned voters need to arm themselves with the facts. Just as the main- stream media took to the streets and grabbed sound bites, NumbersUSA’s Chad McDonald filmed the rallies looking to see why folks were so angry.

This is what he found;

You Tube Videos
Boycott Arizona? May Day March in Los Angeles part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DPhAk9HIdU

Boycott Arizona? May Day March in Los Angeles part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-8Ex2HQ9mM

Boycott Arizona? May Day March in Los Angeles part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZxANkEFbQI

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-10317-San-Diego-County-Political-Buzz-Examiner

In an ongoing trend in local and national government, politicians are voting in a manner that  their constituents do not favor. They appear to abide by a new political correctness; “we know better than you what the rules should be.”

First voters watched their lawmakers defy their wishes on health care and now local municipalities are addressing Arizona’s illegal immigration policy. The city of San Diego is the latest city voting to send a resolution to Arizona’s Governor Jan Brewer to repeal the new immigration legislation she signed into law.

In a stunning turn of politics the San Diego City Council decided they knew better than the wants of its residents and in a 7-1 vote they abdicated Arizona.

A Channel 10 News poll found the majority of San Diegans support Arizona’s new law, 51 percent favor it while 33 percent oppose and 15 percent do not care. On the local radio Rick Robert’s show approximately 97 percent agree with Arizona’s tough new legislation and only three percent do not.

Now that immigration is front and center on the television screen many who do not know what Mexico’s illegal immigration policy can now read closely. First illegal immigration is a felony punishable by up to two years in Mexican prison and if you attempt to re-enter the country law-breakers can expect up to 10 years in jail. Keep reading