Does July 4th Still Stand for Freedom

For scores of years July 4th truly meant something and was a definite cause for celebration.

However, over the past several decades the personal freedoms and liberties Main Street USA was used to celebrating have been eroded.

No longer can it be said that is America is a government of the people, by the people, for the people (though that line does come from President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address).

Realistically, today our government is "of, for and by elected representatives" who care far too much about their own enhanced welfare (paid for in full "by the people").

When the states came together, when they became United, the vision of the Founding Fathers was in setting up a governing body unlike any that had been seen on Planet Earth. But as time marched on certain people saw a way to take advantage of, and pervert, the system.

Our Founding Fathers were learned men. They had read and studied about all manner of governments. They knew what made them good and what made them bad. However, the worst fears of these brave men slowly came to be.

As Thomas Jefferson pointed out, Most bad government has grown out of too much government. It cannot be denied, by any sane or rational person, that the United States has way too much government.

Patrick Henry, who led the charge to add the Bill of Rights, stated, The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government - lest it come to dominate our lives and interests.

Andrew Jackson added, The people are the government, administering it by their agents; they are the government, the sovereign power.

Perhaps James Madison summed up their worst fear with his insight, Since the general civilization of mankind, I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people, by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power, than by violent and sudden usurpations.

And thus it is that Americans have experienced those very dreaded gradual and silent encroachments by those in power, who have made politics a career where it was only supposed to be a "public service."

The concept of that service, as it had originally been envisioned, was that some citizens would give up a few years of their private sector life and "serve the people" only to return to their actual livelihood.

Never was it meant to be that politics become a career, especially one with lavish benefits at the expense of the taxpayer.

Conservative, moderate, and liberal politicians are all guilty of the erosion Americans have experienced. They have profited greatly at the expense of each and every citizen. They buy their votes filled with empty promises. They spend half their time campaigning for the next election to secure their lofty lifestyle.

There might not be a greater sin than to abuse the power entrusted to one.

Perhaps there are still those who truly believe in the ideals our Founding Fathers laid down without any thought of personal gain, operating without a secret, hidden agenda.

If there are, only then will America be able to rise once again. Not as a "global power" to dictate to other countries, but as a group of collective states who wish true freedom for all who reside within.

The closing line of the Declaration of Independence is, And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

The men who signed that document did so and meant it.

Many gave their lives and lost their fortunes. They kept in tact their honor.

There is not a politician alive today who could match the honor and integrity of those 56 delegates of the Continental Congress of July 4, 1776.

Over For Now.

Main Street One

To Usurp or not to Usurp, is that even a question

According to the Associated Press in a news item, "The federal lawsuit against Arizona's tough new immigration law focuses heavily on a question that has been in the spotlight repeatedly the past decade and dates back to the Founding Fathers: The right of the government to keep states from enacting laws that usurp federal authority."

It is hard to imagine where the federal government thinks it has such authority.

Those on Capitol Hill and in the White House would do well to re-study the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

The States formed the federal government, called the United States of America.

The states gave the federal government certain rights.

Any rights not specifically granted the fed were reserved to the States and to the People.

As the 10th Amendement, Reserved Rights, states, "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."

This is Civics 101, US History 101 and on and on. It is a basic within this free society.

Unfortunately, those in Washington DC seem to feel that the almighty federal government has limitless power to do as it wishes.

That is not the case.

Aside from the fact that the federal government does not have a case in suing the State of Arizona, this is a waste of taxpayer money.

Main Street USA will bear the burden of the costs of such a trial.

This senseless action by our elected officials shows that they are out of touch with reality...the reality of the United States of America and its Founding Fathers and the very documents that made this a free nation.

Over For Now.

Main Street One

Independence Day - Birth of a Nation

As America's Independence Day draws near it is an absolutely invigorating activity to visit Philadelphia, where there is so much rich and vivid history regarding the Birth of a Nation.

Within just a few blocks a person can wander and see the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the National Constitution Center, the home of Betsy Ross, and much much more.

Within the walls of the various centers are, of course, gift shops, where a plethora of history awaits anyone who wishes to discover what our Founding Fathers dreamed and envisioned for this nation.

Philadelphia, Birth of a Nation

One thing that all Americans should do is to re-read the Declaration of Independence at this time each year.

Below is the last paragraoh from that most valued written work, one that defines what these people were made of and what they most desired and, above all else, how they felt about their actions.

"We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor."

In this document, as well as the Constitution of the United States, it is well laid out that rights of the States and of personal liberties were absolute.

Politicians should well remember this as America has veered from its course.

And it must get back on track.

Over For Now.

Main Street One

And The Survey Says . . .

In the latest set of surveys from the Pew Research Center, as reported by The Associated Press, the headline reads: "4 out of 5 Americans don't trust Washington."

Prior to commenting on the specifics, it must be pointed out that there is apathy on Capitol Hiill.

The AP story carried this: Sen. Scott Brown, a Republican who won a long-held Democratic Senate seat in Massachusetts in January by seizing on public antagonism toward Washington, said: "It's clear Washington is broken. There's too much partisan bickering to be able to solve the problems people want us to solve."

Reading that quote by Senator Brown again, perhaps it is not apathy.

However, if our elected represenatives cannot get past their childish "partisan bickering" then there should be a recall election for all seats in both the Senate and House of Represntatives.

The reason? Read the polls.

Main Street USA does not want bigger, more controlling government.

The People did not want the "Health Care Rights Bill" as it was signed into law.

Taxpaying citizens do want officials to represent them, not the beauracrat's "wiser than thou" attitude reflecting how they know what is best for the "people on the street" (based on voting records).

The Pew poll findings, per AP, state; "Majorities in the survey call Washington too big and too powerful, and say it's interfering too much in state and local matters."

And there is not one political figure today who can deny that sentiment being displayed, over and over again, by Main Streeters. And, if one does, that person is vacationing (while being paid to work) and has absolutely no grasp on reality.

That the White House and Congress continue to charge ahead with an attitude that crosses public (i.e., voter) opinion, as well as matters of Constitutional Law, regarding the functions of the federal government does show, unfortunately, that the silent majority has allowed, for far too long, the usurpation of state power and individual responsibility.

The system as created by our Founding Fathers does work. That has been proven over time.

We need them back.

Minimally, we need people of the caliber of Patrick Henry, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and others like them who had integrity and spirit, who actually fought for the people.

Our founders were not concerned about their pension plan, free flights across the country anytime they wanted, huge staff with virtually unlimited budgets, all paid for by taxpaying citizens who have become more and more burdened by the national debt.

They were concerned about rights and liberties.

They knew too well, through their knowledge of history, into what a too-powerful central government would evolve.

Politicians need to remember this, above all else. The People agreed to create and form states. The states created the federal government.

The Constitution and the Bill of Rights protect those who created this country.

If those who were elected to serve do not start doing so, they deserve to be impeached with absolutely no benefits, pensions or retirement, as they have committed treason against this country.

Over For Now.

Main Street One

Lest We All Forget

For some, perhaps many, the Bill of Rights is taken for granted.

The original 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution were, however, hotly contested by several of our Founding Fathers, fearing too much power was granted to the newly formed "federal government."

Following the Philadelphia Convention, various statesmen, Patrick Henry among them, very publicly argued against the Constitution.

Several were concerned that the government proposed by the Federalists was too strong and a very real threat to individual rights and, in fact, believed that the President could become a king.

Let us not forget that for which patriots fought to ensure rights for each citizen:

1st Amendment-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.

2nd Amendment-A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

3rd Amendment-No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

4th Amendment-The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

5th Amendment-No person shall be held to answer for any capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

6th Amendment-In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district where in the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense.

7th Amendment-In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

8th Amendment-Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

9th Amendment-The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

10th Amendment-The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

Over For Now.

Main Street One

The Polls Continue To Speak

Following is a short summary of recent polls after passage of the Main Street USA Health Care Rights Bill (taken from reports published by the Christian Science Monitor) and, of course, some commentary.

Washington Post poll: Some 55 percent of Americans expect their own costs for healthcare to be higher because of the reforms, and 60 percent say the nation's overall health tab will rise.

Rasmussen Reports: 49 percent said they think the quality of care will be adversely affected.

Washington Post Poll: Nearly half of Americans say the law "creates too much government involvement in the nation's health care system."

USA Today/Gallup Poll: 65 percent said the law "will expand government's role in health care too much."

Rasmussen Reports: Americans favor repeal of the Health Care reform by a 54-to-42 margin.

So, on the whole, this action by Congress and the White House is not what is needed and wanted by Main Street USA.

However, it is interesting to note that Main Street USA seems to feel that erosion of our rights by the government is okay with them.

In a Newsweek Poll a strong 59 percent surveyed felt that they were "open to a mandate on individuals to buy coverage" (with government subsidies available) if they are currently uninsured. In a similar poll by CNN/Opinion Research, 45 percent favored this action.

A Mandate to Buy Coverage?

Certainly no one I know falls into the above category. Allowing our elected representatives on Capitol Hill the power to fine someone for not exercising a supposed right to have something, while they have everything they need served to them on a silver platter (courtesy of the taxpayer), is frightening. (Please read previous post, March 23, 2010, The Concept of Rights.)

Main Street One warned that allowing our government the authority to fine taxpayers via the IRS for not exercising what is being defined as our Health Care Right will surely open the door to fines being levied for not exercising other rights, perhaps even those guaranteed in the Bill of Rights.

This is dangerous territory, America!

Attesting to how rhetoric can skew polls (for either side), a USA Today/Gallup showed 51 percent of Americans saying the law doesn't go far enough in regulating health insurers.

This may be true.

Unfortunately, the legislation is so cumbersome that it may take some time to see how far anything and everything reaches in this bill.

Needless to say, Democrats made the insurance company out to be the bad guy and succeeeded to a remarkable degree.

Many folks, however, feel that ambulance chasing attorneys (and their cousins in the field) earning millions upon millions upon millions by being allowed to extract outrageous amounts in punitive damages and, thus, increasing all forms of insurance, as some of the truly basic culprits.

Yet, those voting in the majority on this colossal package turn a deaf ear when Tort Reform is mentioned, brushing it aside as if it were merely a petty annoyance.

And those same members decided, as part of Health Care Reform, that the government should take over student loans and not allow banks and financial institutions to partake in this activity.

Excuse me. What on Earth do student loans have to do with Health Care?

Wake up Main Street USA.

The amount of pork and the number of earmarks on this one piece of legislation is probably unfathomable.

Why is it that people that WE elect think that they know what is best for all of us despite the fact that the majority of us did not want, do not want, our Health Care Right in the manner and in the form in which it was signed.

We do want and need reform.

We do not want and do not need THIS reform.

Especially at this cost, both in dollars and the further erosion of our civil liberties.

Over For Now.

Main Street One

The Concept of Rights

In this case, the concept of the Rights of Main Street USA.

Following is the lead paragraph in an Associated Press article published after the ONE TRILLION DOLLAR* health care reform was signed:

"Claiming a historic triumph that could define his presidency, a jubilant Barack Obama signed a massive, nearly $1 trillion health care overhaul on Tuesday that will for the first time cement insurance coverage as the right of every U.S. citizen and begin to reshape the way virtually all Americans receive and pay for treatment."

Let us take a close look at a critical portion of this paragraph.

"...cement insurance coverage as the right of every U.S. citizen..."

According to the dictionary, right, as used here, is defined as: "a just claim or title, whether legal, prescriptive, or moral."

The interesting fact about the so-called Health Care Right is that if one does not exercise said right the IRS will come calling to collect a fine for not passing go (i.e., obtaining insurance coverage whether you desire to have it or not, such as the ten million Americans right now who can afford it but have elected not to purchase it).

So, yes, that does reshape how we will pay for treatment, as mentioned in the paragraph above.

The question all Americans should be asking is: How is that a "right?"

According to the Bill of Rights, Americans have the right to/of:

-Freedom of speech. Our Founding Fathers, however, did not see fit to fine anyone if they did not exercise their right to talk.

-Freedom of Religion. Have never read about a person being fined for not exercising their right of practicing a religion.

-To petition. When was the last time someone was fined for not submitting a petition?

-To keep and bear arms. We know darn well that no one is fining us for not having firearms in our possession. Fact is, there are those trying to destroy this right.

You get the idea, I am sure.

Politicians cannot have it both ways.

They cannot, sanely and logically, promote to the populace that something is a right if a person will be fined for not exercising that right.

That is an interesting encroachment upon the rights of Main Street USA.

A reversal of the norm.

What comes next?

As it is every citizen's right to vote, will there be legislation (or better yet, a simple earmark to a larger bill) allowing the IRS to fine people who do not exercise their right to vote.

What a concept.

Great fundraiser for the IRS.

Actually it is a double-barrelled fine...you would also pay for not registering to vote.

Food For Thought.

Over For Now.

Main Street One

* to spend One Trillion Dollars you need to buy a million dollar house each and very day for One Million Days.

And What Else Don't We Know?

This taxpayer is not particularly a subscriber to the conspiracy theories that abound.

However, when one reads a news article such as the below from the Associated Press, it really makes one pause.

"PHILADELPHIA – A federal lawsuit accuses a suburban Philadelphia school district of spying on students at home through school-issued laptop webcams.

"The suit says Lower Merion School District officials can activate the webcams remotely without students' knowledge. The lawsuit alleges the cameras captured images of Harriton High School students and their families as they undressed and in other compromising situations.

"Families learned of the alleged webcam images when an assistant principal spoke to a student about inappropriate behavior at home.

"The school district says it has deactivated a security feature intended to track lost or stolen laptops.

"The district says the tracking feature would not be reactivated without 'written notification to all students and families'."

Wait one minute. No, two minutes.
 
Supposedly there was a security feature in the laptop designed to track it.
 
How is it that this "security feature" was a webcam? It would seem as if a device, more like LoJack (which is made for laptops), would "track" a lost or stolen laptop to a location.
 
Perhaps it was someone's bright idea that installing the webcam would then also provide the identity of the thief.
 
But, more importantly, why would an assistant principal even be involved with what he/she considered inappropriate behavior by a student, in the student's home?
 
That certainly oversteps any and all authority that school district personnel have with students. (What does the U.S. Department of Education have to say about this district's antics?)
 
This action tramples all over our Bill of Rights.
 
Thankfully, for all the families in Lower Merion, PA, the assistant principal acted inappropriately and confronted the student - and that the student had the presence of mind to report such a gross invasion of privacy.
 
And, just as astonishing, the district says that the tracking feature "would not be reactivated without 'written notification to all students and families'."
 
Written notification?
 
What gives the school district the right to have a webcam in a taxpayer's home? There is no issue with something like LoJack, but this citizen has grave concerns about a school district even having the idea that it is okay to place a webcam in someone's home.
 
From there, the leap begins.
 
Are the urban legends true that the webcam in my laptop is monitored by someone, somewhere without my knowledge, let alone consent? That the reason cable/FIOS boxes are bigger (when almost all electronic equipment has become smaller) is that they are hiding cameras that capture my every move? 
 
When something as atrocious as this story are proven to be real, it does make one wonder.
 
Over For Now.
 
Main Street One

Patrick Henry on Democracy & Individual Rights

Patrick Henry did not support the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

The reason was simple; the document did not protect the citizen and gave too much power to centralized government.

The following excerpt is from his speech at the Virginia Ratifying Convention held on June 5, 1788, whereby Founding Father, Patrick Henry, speaks of democracy:

"What, sir, is the genius of democracy? Let me read that clause of the bill of rights of Virginia which relates to this: 3d clause: — that government is, or ought to be, instituted for the common benefit, protection, and security of the people, nation, or community. Of all the various modes and forms of government, that is best, which is capable of producing the greatest degree of happiness and safety, and is most effectually secured against the danger of mal-administration; and that whenever any government shall be found inadequate, or contrary to those purposes, a majority of the community hath an indubitable, unalienable, and indefeasible right to reform, alter, or abolish it, in such manner as shall be judged most conducive to the public weal.

"This, sir, is the language of democracy — that a majority of the community have a right to alter government when found to be oppressive. But how different is the genius of your new Constitution from this! How different from the sentiments of freemen, that a contemptible minority can prevent the good of the majority!" (He was speaking of the language regarding amendments whereby, in reality, ten or twenty percent of the population could effectively stop any amendement to the Constitution. Thus "We the people..." would have become very meaningless without protection of the rights espoused in the Declaration of Independence.)

While Patrick Henry failed to convince the Virginia convention to defeat ratification, his pursuit of individual liberty was relentless and led to the adoption of the Bill of Rights.

We need people such as Patrick Henry in government today fighting for Main Street USA. For true democracy. For smaller, less controlling government. For speaking up, against any odds, for the rights of each individual American.

Over For Now.

Main Street One

House Healthcare & The Bill of Rights

In the two previous posts, there were quotes from retired Constitutional Attorney Michael Connelly, a man who has read the entirety of House Bill 3200, regarding what the proposed legislation contained in the Bill passed by the House contains and how three of our original 10 Rights could potentially be destroyed.

Here are two more of those Rigths potentially devastated:

"The 9th Amendment provides: The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people;

"The 10th Amendment states: The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are preserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

"Under the provisions of this piece of Congressional handiwork neither the people nor the states are going to have any rights or powers at all in many areas that once were theirs to control.

"This is not about health care; it is about seizing power and limiting rights.

"Article 6 of the Constitution requires the members of both houses of Congress to 'be bound by oath or affirmation to support the Constitution.'  If I was a member of Congress I would not be able to vote for this legislation or anything like it, without feeling I was violating that sacred oath or affirmation. If I voted for it anyway, I would hope the American people would hold me accountable.

"For those who might doubt the nature of this threat, I suggest they consult the source, the US Constitution, and Bill of Rights. There you can see exactly what we are about to have taken from us."

Taken from us...

Main Street USA, please wake up!

If the healthcare bill as proposed by either the House or Senate passes (with ample pork that President Obama promised each and every American would never be in legislation that he signs) our Rights are lost.

Our Privacy is lost.

This is the ultimate in political corruption...far worse than just accepting bribes. Those voting in favor of this legislation on Capitol Hill are committing Treason at the highest level.

If it passes, America as you know it (or have known it) will simply cease to exist.

Is it any wonder why there are Democratic Senators who have decided to retire.

Why should they worry about another election and the possibility of losing when America finds out that the country has been sold down the river.

They have a VERY cushy retirement (AND benefits!).

Unlike most of us.

Thomas Jefferson said this, "Government big enough to supply everything you need is big enough to take everything you have ... The course of history shows that as a government grows, liberty decreases."

Over For Now.

Main Street One

House Healthcare Bill & Your Rights

More from Retired Constitutional Attorney Michael Connelly (who has read, in its entirety, proposed House Bill 3200), regarding the Rights and Privacy of all of Main Street USA:

"I have concluded that this legislation really has no intention of providing affordable health care choices. Instead it is a convenient cover for the most massive transfer of power to the Executive Branch of government that has ever occurred, or even been contemplated. If this law, or a similar one is adopted, major portions of the Constitution of the United States will effectively have been destroyed.

"The first thing to go will be the masterfully crafted balance of power between the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of the U.S. Government. The Congress will be transferring to the Obama Administration authority in a number of different areas over the lives of the American people, and the businesses they own.

"The irony is that the Congress doesn't have any authority to legislate in most of those areas to begin with! I defy anyone to read the text of the U.S. Constitution and find any authority granted to the members of Congress to regulate health care.

"This legislation also provides for access, by the appointees of the Obama administration, of all of your personal healthcare information, your personal financial information, and the information of your employer, physician, and hospital, a direct violation of the specific provisions of the 4th Amendment to the Constitution. All of this is a protecting against unreasonable searches and seizures. You can also forget about the right to privacy. That will have been legislated into oblivion regardless of what the 3rd and 4th Amendments may provide.

"If you decide not to have healthcare insurance, or if you have private insurance that is not deemed acceptable to the Health Choices Administrator appointed by Obama, there will be a tax imposed on you. It is called a tax instead of a fine because of the intent to avoid application of the due process clause of the 5th Amendment. However, that doesn't work because since there is nothing in the law that allows you to contest or appeal the imposition of the tax, it is definitely depriving someone of property without the due process of law."

Time to raise your collective voice, Main Street USA!

Your Rights, as guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, are in serious jeopardy under House Bill 3200.

Yes, we do need health reform.

But we do not need this Bill or anything resembling this Bill.

Why cannot our elected officials start with Tort Reform? (Probably because attorneys and law firms are huge contributors to campaigns and spend massive amounts of money lobbying Capitol Hill.)

Remember what Patrick Henry says, "The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government - lest it come to dominate our lives and interests."

Over For Now.

Main Street One