Western » Bills and Issues

An Open Letter To Congressman Shuler

Umbarger — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:57:07 +0000

February 4, 2010

Representative Heath Shuler 
422 Cannon House Office Bldg.
 Washington, DC, 20515

SUBJECT: OPEN LETTER REGARDING H.J. RES 45: INCREASING THE STATUTORY LIMIT ON THE PUBLIC DEBT

Congressman Shuler:

It is my understanding that sometime today you will vote on H.J. Res. 45, a resolution to increase the ceiling on the national debt by $1.9 trillion. I am strongly opposed to this legislation and encourage you to do the right thing by voting against this resolution.

Are you not aware that our per capita debt has already reached $485,000? Further increases in government spending, achieved by printing money or borrowing from China, can only lead to hyperinflation and financial collapse. The added deception of including a meaningless “PAYGO” provision only serves to make the entire resolution an obvious farce and, as such, an affront to honest, hard-working Americans whose grandchildren will have to pay for Congress’ reckless spending.

The voters in our district whose interests you are supposed to represent seek an end to the expansion of the federal government and a real and significant cut in government expenditures.

As an announced Republican candidate for your seat, I expect to face you in the midterm elections this fall. Although I know your vote in favor of this measure would mean additional ammunition for my campaign, I cannot in good conscience sit back and allow you, Rahm Emmanuel, and Nancy Pelosi to continue to drive our nation on a course toward assured financial ruin.

I urge you to vote AGAINST H.J. Res. 45.

Trust In Freedom,
 Dan Eichenbaum, MD 

NC Freedom does not show support or opposition to any bills discussed in this article. The author's opinion on the action that should be taken in regards to this bill may or may not reflect the view of NC Freedom.

The Second Amendment

rhonda — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 19:43:20 +0000

The right of self-defense, to protect one’s person, one’s family, and one’s property, is a fundamental part of individual freedom, and, as such is protected by the Second Amendment to the Constitution. The phrase, “the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed”, is undeniably clear. Anti-gun advocates, however, have long tried to use the initial phrase, “a well regulated militia”, to modify and restrict the otherwise explicit meaning of the amendment. In his book, “The Founders’ Second Amendment”, Stephen P. Halbrook discusses the relationship between the initial “purpose” clause and the substantive “right” clause. The phrase “the right of the people” appears in the First, Fourth, and Ninth Amendments and, in all cases, refers to the rights both of individuals and to individuals as part of a group. The phrase “to keep and bear arms” refers not only to ownership, but also to the usage and the carrying of weapons on one’s person. The phrase “shall not be infringed” is an absolute prohibition as opposed to the conditional wording in the Fourth Amendment regarding “unreasonable” search and seizures. In terms of the “purpose” clause, it is generally accepted that the founders understood that proficiency in the use of arms was a benefit personally as well as for the protection of the country when a militia was needed. Halbrook then states, “the purpose clause does not negate the right.” Furthermore, “rights” belong to the people while “power” resides in the governmental sphere. The founders also recognized that an armed citizenry was important to prevent a tyrannical central government from seizing dictatorial power. Throughout history, dictators have sought to disarm the population to seize and hold power. Prior to the Revolutionary War, the British attempted to confiscate the colonists’ guns to reduce the likelihood of rebellion. In 1929, the Weimar Republic passed gun registration laws that were used by Hitler in 1938 to seize weapons and arrest persons deemed “undesirable” by the Gestapo. The Gestapo’s 2nd-in-command, Dr. Werner Best, wrote in 1935: “As a rule, we have to assume that firearms in the hands of the Jews represent a considerable danger for the German people.” If we alter that statement using two blanks, (“Firearms in the hands of ________ are a considerable danger for ______”), it is easy to see how any repressive regime can use laws for the registration and confiscation of firearms as a means to control and enslave the population. Dr. Dan believes that the “right to keep and bear arms” is absolute and will fight vigorously any attempt, legislative or bureaucratic, to infringe on the Second Amendment. In addition, Dr. Dan will introduce and support any legislation that will restore this Right as the founders intended.

For more information please visit Dr. Dan’s website.

Opinion articles from NC Freedom members. The views expressed in Editorial articles published on NC Freedom are those of the authors alone. They may or may not represent the views or opinions of NC Freedom or those who volunteer to maintain the site.

$1.1 Trillion Spending Bill Passes the Senate

janeq — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 01:10:47 +0000

Yes, the Ominibus Pork and Earmark Bill has passed the Senate. What a surprise!

From Fox News:

“The omnibus bill contains more than 5,000 earmarks and many Americans might be appalled to know that nearly $4 billion of their money is being spent on such things,” Jarrett said. “[T]here you’ve got $200,000 for the Washington National Opera, $2.7 million for surgical operations in outer space, more than $600,000 for research on irritable bowel syndrome, $800,000 for jazz at Lincoln Center, $300,000 for music programs at Carnegie Hall. And senator [Grassley] in your state, $400,000 earmarked for the Orchestra Iowa Music Education Program in Cedar Rapids. How can that expenditure, indeed most of these earmarks be justified?”

The bill increases federal discretionary spending by an average of 11% over last fiscal year:

Transportation, HUD – 21.3%
Commerce, Justice, Science – 6.5%
Financial Services – 6.3%
Labor, HHS, Education – 7.4%
Military Construction/VA – 7.1%
State, Foreign Operations – 33.2%

Total: $400,969,000,000 more federal spending than last year.

Highlights of the bill at H.R. 3288 Conference Report

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