Federal Issues:
When Big Labor Wins, American Workers and Students Lose Why is it that overly-unionized state economies like Michigan's stagger, whereas states like Florida that are freer from Big Labor's stifling hand flourish?Why do heavily-unionized companies like the Big Three automakers decay, while less-stifled companies prosper? Similarly, why do students who are free to leave failing schools succeed more, whereas students in jurisdictions constrained by powerful teachers unions languish?It's not mere coincidence. Read more now.
Freedom Line:
Who Is Rashid Khalidi and Why Should You Care? On Tuesday of this week, John McCain's Presidential campaign made an unusual demand: that the Los Angeles Times release a video of a party that Barack Obama attended in 2003.The party was for Rashid Khalidi, who is variously portrayed as just another Obama neighborhood college professor friend or as a radical Palestinian activist and former PLO spokesman.Khalidi is currently head of the Middle Eastern Studies Department at Columbia University, which Andrew McCarthy, Contributing Editor of National Review and former federal prosecutor, describes as a "bubbling cauldron of anti-Semitism." Read more now.
Confirmation Watch:
It's Not All About the Supremes With just days to go before we elect a new President, it's been the forgotten consequence of our ballots: Americans will not only decide who gets at least a four-year lease on the White House, but will also indirectly be choosing who will get lifetime seats on the federal bench.This year's election has been about anything but our unelected third branch of government -- the judiciary. Instead, it's been about Iraq, Afghanistan, the War on Terror, foreign policy, national security, health care, taxes, jobs and, most prominently, the economy. But then, two weeks ago, the Supreme Court got raised in electoral conversation by Gen. Colin Powell as he endorsed presidential candidate Barack Obama. Read more now.
FreedomCast:
The Importance of Ballot Measures Lost in 2008 Elections Next Tuesday, November 4th, voters go to the polls in what is being hailed as the biggest election in recent history. By now, most voters, including the great undecided, have made their selection for president and vice president, and most other political offices.What voters may not have taken the time to do, however, is research the issues to determine how they will vote on any ballot initiatives or referendums. According to the Initiative and Referendum Institute, voters in 36 states are set to decide 153 ballot propositions.Recently, Paul Jacob, President of the Citizens in Charge Foundation, joined CFIF's Renee Giachino to discuss a number of those ballot issues, how the process works, and the pros and cons of this form of direct democracy. Read more and listen to the interview now.
Editorial Cartoons:
The Cartoons of Michael Ramirez View more of Michael Ramirez's latest cartoons on CFIF's website now.
CFIF History & Civics Quiz:
Question of the Week Which of the following presidential elections had the highest turnout of the U.S. voting age population?(a) 1960(b) 1972(c) 1996(d) 2000 Get the correct answer now.
Jester's Courtroom: Tales Stranger Than FictionFeaturing bizarre and sometimes humorous real life stories from the courtroom. No "Costumes" in the Courtroom In separate instances, in different courtrooms, individuals recently have been chastised for their attire. First, Delbert Barnard, an intellectual property attorney, was criticized by Judge Randall Rader of the Washington D.C. Federal Circuit for dressing for court as if he were about to play a round of tennis. "Next time wear a tie. This is a Federal Circuit," Judge Rader told Barnard.In his own defense, Barnard explained that the one dress shirt he had brought did not survive the trip very well. "I had popped a collar button on my one and only dress shirt. I put it on, and put the tie on to see if it could lay flat ... and it wouldn't. I thought to myself, out here on the West Coast a lot of people will wear a suit with a turtleneck. I had a dark polo shirt. So I wore that," Barnard said.Fortunately for his client, his lack of fashion didn't cost him the case -- the court found in favor of his client.A Kentucky woman who lacked fashion sense for a courtroom visit was not as lucky. Kirstie Arnold, 28, was ordered to serve three days in jail after ignoring two warnings and a fine regarding her court attire.After Arnold showed up in hot pants to court, District Judge Janet Booth reportedly lost her patience. "Why shouldn't I put you in jail for contempt today? ... You apparently don't care about the court's orders," Judge Booth said.Arnold's response, "I forgot," didn't sit well with the judge. "How could you forget?" Judge Booth exclaimed. "No, seriously, how could you forget? It's a complete disregard of court order. Complete. You should go to jail today, and you're going."Before sentencing Arnold to serve three days of temporary detention "for disregard and disrespect of court proceedings," Judge Booth suggested that next time Arnold won't forget to dress appropriately.Source: Lawyers Weekly Read more now. Since many of these gems do not attain national attention, the Jester welcomes you to share with us your favorite wacky stories from a courtroom near you! Please be sure to provide the source. You may e-mail us at info@cfif.org.
Notable Quotes:
Quote of the Week The Drudge Report:"ABCCBSNBCNYTLATWSJCNNMSNBCAPREUTERSAFPPOLITICOFTTIMEWASHPOSTNEWSWEEK:CAN THEY ALL BE WRONG?" Get more Notable Quotes. Do you have a notable quote you'd like to share with the Center, e-mail it to info@cfif.org. Be sure to provide us the source of the quote.
As a non-profit, 501(c)(4) corporation, the Center for Individual Freedom relies upon the generous private financial support of individuals, associations, foundations and corporations. Please consider becoming a proud supporter of the Center today. Donate online now.
Share this message with a friend now!
Center for Individual Freedom113 S. Columbus Street, Suite 310Alexandria, VA 22314info@cfif.orghttp://www.cfif.org
The Center for Individual Freedom is a nonpartisan constitutional advocacy organization with the mission to protect and defend individual freedoms and individual rights in the legal, legislative and educational arenas.
Don't miss any of CFIF's Lunchtime Liberty Updates or Action Alerts. Make sure our latest news and commentary continues to reach your e-mail inbox. Please add info@cfif.org and cfif@cfiflistmanager.org to your address book, buddy list or accepted senders list now.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Pay Now or Pay Later
Obama made it crystal clear to Joe the Plumber that he plans a massive redistribution of wealth — taking your wealth!
Oh, just so you know, Obama's plan defines 'rich' anyone making over $90,000 a year, because that's when his FICA tax cap comes off and you start paying an addition 7% of tax on each and every dollary you earn above the cap!
And if you are making just $50,000 a year or more — expect to pay another 4.5% on each and every dollar you earn starting in 2010. That's when the Bush tax cuts expire.
'President Obama' has emphatically states he will expire those cuts for "rich" people like you.
Obama's crazy plan must be stopped. It will not only cost you money, it will throw the U.S. economy into a depression.
Recently, I asked a wealthy Republican to make a donation to our National Republican Trust PAC and our important cause to expose Obama's plans.
He said, "No."
I was surprised by the terse response.
He agreed with us that our cause was absolutely vital and that Barack Obama poses a real threat to America's national and economic security.
He then told me his stock portfolio was way down and he just felt "tapped out."
We understand that not everyone can donate and that the financial crisis is hurting most Americans — even people who are well off.
But here's what I told our friend, "Pay now or pay later."
He asked, "What do you mean?"
"Well, you can donate to us — and $5000 is not a huge amount considering your wealth," I said.
I added, "Or you can pay the IRS a fortune if Obama gets elected."
I then rattled off all the taxes our potential benefactor was going to almost immediately begin paying if Barack Obama gets elected president:
— removal of the FICA tax cap, meaning all ordinary income above $97,000 will be taxed an additional 7%!
— the Bush tax cuts will not be renewed in 2010 — meaning everyone in the upper tax brackets will have an immediate almost 5% increase in income taxes
— an increase in the dividend tax from 15% to at least 20%
— an increase of the capital gains tax from 15% to as high as 28%
— and estate taxes will skyrocket.
I told my friend that Obama has stated very clearly he will do all this and more.
Indeed, Obama has risked his whole election by promoting these tax proposals because he wants to claim a "mandate" for such "change."
He wants to, as he told Joe the Plumber, "spread the wealth around" by taking your hard earned money!
You can stop Obama — Go Here Now.
I then explained to the potential donor: "Wouldn't placing a $5000 bet on McCain by helping us at the National Republican Trust PAC be a wise move considering you will keep, at the very least, hundreds of thousands of dollars you would have paid in new taxes?"
My friend didn't have to answer. He got the message.
The good news, he donated, albeit reluctantly!
We know not everyone is happy when they donate to us. But it's the right thing to do.
We can't promise that we will defeat Barack Obama. But we sure will try.
And with your help, we might just accomplish our mission. The race is still close in almost every battleground state.
Even Dick Morris, the noted political guru, has stated that we at the National Republican Trust are doing more positive work for McCain than the RNC and the McCain committee itself.
Oh, just so you know, Obama's plan defines 'rich' anyone making over $90,000 a year, because that's when his FICA tax cap comes off and you start paying an addition 7% of tax on each and every dollary you earn above the cap!
And if you are making just $50,000 a year or more — expect to pay another 4.5% on each and every dollar you earn starting in 2010. That's when the Bush tax cuts expire.
'President Obama' has emphatically states he will expire those cuts for "rich" people like you.
Obama's crazy plan must be stopped. It will not only cost you money, it will throw the U.S. economy into a depression.
Recently, I asked a wealthy Republican to make a donation to our National Republican Trust PAC and our important cause to expose Obama's plans.
He said, "No."
I was surprised by the terse response.
He agreed with us that our cause was absolutely vital and that Barack Obama poses a real threat to America's national and economic security.
He then told me his stock portfolio was way down and he just felt "tapped out."
We understand that not everyone can donate and that the financial crisis is hurting most Americans — even people who are well off.
But here's what I told our friend, "Pay now or pay later."
He asked, "What do you mean?"
"Well, you can donate to us — and $5000 is not a huge amount considering your wealth," I said.
I added, "Or you can pay the IRS a fortune if Obama gets elected."
I then rattled off all the taxes our potential benefactor was going to almost immediately begin paying if Barack Obama gets elected president:
— removal of the FICA tax cap, meaning all ordinary income above $97,000 will be taxed an additional 7%!
— the Bush tax cuts will not be renewed in 2010 — meaning everyone in the upper tax brackets will have an immediate almost 5% increase in income taxes
— an increase in the dividend tax from 15% to at least 20%
— an increase of the capital gains tax from 15% to as high as 28%
— and estate taxes will skyrocket.
I told my friend that Obama has stated very clearly he will do all this and more.
Indeed, Obama has risked his whole election by promoting these tax proposals because he wants to claim a "mandate" for such "change."
He wants to, as he told Joe the Plumber, "spread the wealth around" by taking your hard earned money!
You can stop Obama — Go Here Now.
I then explained to the potential donor: "Wouldn't placing a $5000 bet on McCain by helping us at the National Republican Trust PAC be a wise move considering you will keep, at the very least, hundreds of thousands of dollars you would have paid in new taxes?"
My friend didn't have to answer. He got the message.
The good news, he donated, albeit reluctantly!
We know not everyone is happy when they donate to us. But it's the right thing to do.
We can't promise that we will defeat Barack Obama. But we sure will try.
And with your help, we might just accomplish our mission. The race is still close in almost every battleground state.
Even Dick Morris, the noted political guru, has stated that we at the National Republican Trust are doing more positive work for McCain than the RNC and the McCain committee itself.
Obama greets his friend Tony Rezko
Barack Obama Meets Tony Soprano
Dear Newsmax Reader:
The election is just days away, and we are very close to electing a man who likes to hang around with — well, I'll put it nicely, bad characters.
Remember the old saying: "Birds of a feather flock together."
Let me tell you about the birds Obama has been flying with lately.
Let's start with Tony Rezko, a Chicago influence peddler. He's now a convicted felon.
You don't hear much about Tony. Not as much as Sarah Palin and her problems over firing a state trooper in Alaska, or her clothes, or her daughter's pregnancy.
You see, the liberal media wants to elect Barack Obama so all of his negatives are swept under the rug — and all of McCain's and Sarah's problems get magnified.
That's why we at the National Republican Trust are fighting back. We are fighting to expose Barack Obama.
We need your help to do so — Go Here Now.
Chicago Thugs, Misfits
Imagine if a U.S. president regularly palled around with a wise guy like Tony Soprano.
I don't think the American people would stand for having that man as president, no matter how much Chris Matthews says the man puts a "thrill up my leg."
Obama was not just an associate of Rezko, he was a close friend. Obama has admitted as such.
In fact, Obama admitted that Rezko introduced him to Chicago politics. Obama was Rezko's protégé.
When Obama needed to buy a million-dollar home in Chicago so he and his wife could live with the "rich" people — Rezko provided part of the funding to make the deal happen.
But Rezko wasn't the only bad guy Obama hung with in the gang of Chicago thugs and misfits who backed him.
We all know about terrorist William Ayers. Ayers is responsible for the killing of innocent Americans and police officers.
He won't repent either. Ayers said in recent years he should have done more.
Obama's defense? He says he was just 8 years old when Ayers took part in the bombings.
And that's true, Senator. But you are now 47 years old, and you still call the man a friend. You even launched your political career in this terrorist's home.
It gets worse.
Obama says he became a Christian after meeting the Rev. Jeremiah Wright.
For 20 years, he sat in the reverend's church and didn't say a word as Wright attacked America, claimed the U.S. government created AIDS to kill blacks, claimed the U.S. deserved 9/11 when its "chickens came home to roost," and said even worse things.
Obama said he never once heard the Rev. Wright say anything so radical.
Do you believe him? If you do, I have a bridge I want to sell you in Brooklyn.
Exposing the Obama Fraud
At the Republican National Trust, we are committed to exposing Barack Obama and defeating him.
Our plan is simple: We bypass the major media and appeal directly to the American people through TV and Web ads.
We are already airing ads in five major battleground states.
And we are having an effect. Obama's campaign is working feverishly to get our ads off of TV stations.
They know we can win this election for McCain. They know that the truth about Obama ends his presidential chances.
But we are just days away from Election Day.
We urgently need your help.
See our powerful TV ads — Go Here Now.
Donate today to make a difference — Go Here Now.
The latest Rasmussen poll has John McCain within the margin of error in almost every battleground state. Our ads can sway voters in these states.
We believe that when they remember what a radical Rev. Wright is, they will turn on Obama and defeat him.
Dick Morris told Fox News that our TV ad could defeat Obama — just as the Rev. Wright controversy first shocked the nation and led to Obama's stinging defeats in eight of the last 10 primaries against Hillary.
You don't hear much about Tony. Not as much as Sarah Palin and her problems over firing a state trooper in Alaska, or her clothes, or her daughter's pregnancy.
You see, the liberal media wants to elect Barack Obama so all of his negatives are swept under the rug — and all of McCain's and Sarah's problems get magnified.
That's why we at the National Republican Trust are fighting back. We are fighting to expose Barack Obama.
We need your help to do so — Go Here Now.
Chicago Thugs, Misfits
Imagine if a U.S. president regularly palled around with a wise guy like Tony Soprano.
I don't think the American people would stand for having that man as president, no matter how much Chris Matthews says the man puts a "thrill up my leg."
Obama was not just an associate of Rezko, he was a close friend. Obama has admitted as such.
In fact, Obama admitted that Rezko introduced him to Chicago politics. Obama was Rezko's protégé.
When Obama needed to buy a million-dollar home in Chicago so he and his wife could live with the "rich" people — Rezko provided part of the funding to make the deal happen.
But Rezko wasn't the only bad guy Obama hung with in the gang of Chicago thugs and misfits who backed him.
We all know about terrorist William Ayers. Ayers is responsible for the killing of innocent Americans and police officers.
He won't repent either. Ayers said in recent years he should have done more.
Obama's defense? He says he was just 8 years old when Ayers took part in the bombings.
And that's true, Senator. But you are now 47 years old, and you still call the man a friend. You even launched your political career in this terrorist's home.
It gets worse.
Obama says he became a Christian after meeting the Rev. Jeremiah Wright.
For 20 years, he sat in the reverend's church and didn't say a word as Wright attacked America, claimed the U.S. government created AIDS to kill blacks, claimed the U.S. deserved 9/11 when its "chickens came home to roost," and said even worse things.
Obama said he never once heard the Rev. Wright say anything so radical.
Do you believe him? If you do, I have a bridge I want to sell you in Brooklyn.
Exposing the Obama Fraud
At the Republican National Trust, we are committed to exposing Barack Obama and defeating him.
Our plan is simple: We bypass the major media and appeal directly to the American people through TV and Web ads.
We are already airing ads in five major battleground states.
And we are having an effect. Obama's campaign is working feverishly to get our ads off of TV stations.
They know we can win this election for McCain. They know that the truth about Obama ends his presidential chances.
But we are just days away from Election Day.
We urgently need your help.
See our powerful TV ads — Go Here Now.
Donate today to make a difference — Go Here Now.
The latest Rasmussen poll has John McCain within the margin of error in almost every battleground state. Our ads can sway voters in these states.
We believe that when they remember what a radical Rev. Wright is, they will turn on Obama and defeat him.
Dick Morris told Fox News that our TV ad could defeat Obama — just as the Rev. Wright controversy first shocked the nation and led to Obama's stinging defeats in eight of the last 10 primaries against Hillary.
Dictators Mock Obama
A few days ago a major Hollywood producer who was sick and tired of seeing Hollywood liberals worshipping at the altar of Barack Obama contacted the Our Country Deserves Better Committee.
He said he was going to put together a 30-second spot to mock the absurdity of Barack Obama's willingness to meet with the world's most vile and dangerous dictators and despots without preconditions. The ignorance and naivitae Obama has when confronting America's enemies is appalling, and this producer wanted the American people to realize that when it comes to foreign affairs and national security that Barack Obama is a joke.
As undecided voters make up their minds on who to support the next few days, many of them will be seeing the newest ad from the Our Country Deserves Better Committee: Dictators Mock Obama.
YouTube has already awarded the new spot 10 Honors in the first day since the ad was released. By the end of today there will be more than 100,000 views of the ad. CBS News has asked for a copy of the ad. Ad buys are being placed with Fox News Channel and CNN.
We will continue placing this on more tv stations and networks as fast as we can raise money from people like you who want to see this ad all over the TV airwaves. You can donate online right now (anything from $5 to $5,000) - CLICK HERE.
Here's the ad that's created a firestorm of interest:
WATCH "DICTATORS MOCK OBAMA" - HERE
Barack Obama spent the past 8 weeks outspending the McCain/Palin ticket by a 4-to-1 margin. Now we have a chance to level the playing field by fighting back on the TV airwaves.
Make a donation of $5 to $5,000 and help us defeat Barack Obama by blitzing the airwaves to counter his campaign.
He said he was going to put together a 30-second spot to mock the absurdity of Barack Obama's willingness to meet with the world's most vile and dangerous dictators and despots without preconditions. The ignorance and naivitae Obama has when confronting America's enemies is appalling, and this producer wanted the American people to realize that when it comes to foreign affairs and national security that Barack Obama is a joke.
As undecided voters make up their minds on who to support the next few days, many of them will be seeing the newest ad from the Our Country Deserves Better Committee: Dictators Mock Obama.
YouTube has already awarded the new spot 10 Honors in the first day since the ad was released. By the end of today there will be more than 100,000 views of the ad. CBS News has asked for a copy of the ad. Ad buys are being placed with Fox News Channel and CNN.
We will continue placing this on more tv stations and networks as fast as we can raise money from people like you who want to see this ad all over the TV airwaves. You can donate online right now (anything from $5 to $5,000) - CLICK HERE.
Here's the ad that's created a firestorm of interest:
WATCH "DICTATORS MOCK OBAMA" - HERE
Barack Obama spent the past 8 weeks outspending the McCain/Palin ticket by a 4-to-1 margin. Now we have a chance to level the playing field by fighting back on the TV airwaves.
Make a donation of $5 to $5,000 and help us defeat Barack Obama by blitzing the airwaves to counter his campaign.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
The Faith of a Child
Over the last few days, Noah has needed a few reminders and yes...sometimes consequences for his behavior. Nathan and Noah had some time together in the car...they discussed his obedience (or should I say his lack of it) and that we didn't want to hear any negative reports from school, that we want him to be a leader and do what is right...always do God's best!
Much to Nathan's surprise, Noah used scripture to defend himself and said, "But Dad, remember my verse from Sparks...'For all have sinned, and fallen short of the glory of God.' "
Today...Noelle, too, while singing songs with Nora in the back seat...said mom...I want to talk about Jesus with you, let's talk about Jesus. I told her I would love to. Noelle continued to say...Mom, did you know Jesus was in a tomb after he was on the cross...some men were so mean to him. Mom, did Jesus cry when he died and when those men were being mean?
Wow...the faith and the start of biblical knowledge of children! Isn't it amazing what they grasp and the deep connections they make? The faith of a child! There is nothing more exciting!
Much to Nathan's surprise, Noah used scripture to defend himself and said, "But Dad, remember my verse from Sparks...'For all have sinned, and fallen short of the glory of God.' "
Today...Noelle, too, while singing songs with Nora in the back seat...said mom...I want to talk about Jesus with you, let's talk about Jesus. I told her I would love to. Noelle continued to say...Mom, did you know Jesus was in a tomb after he was on the cross...some men were so mean to him. Mom, did Jesus cry when he died and when those men were being mean?
Wow...the faith and the start of biblical knowledge of children! Isn't it amazing what they grasp and the deep connections they make? The faith of a child! There is nothing more exciting!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)