ProvokingThought's Xanga

Because of Me

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 22:20:11 GMT

It's all about me...it's all about me.

Notice he is talking about his travels again. not the brightest candle in the bunch.

What can YOU do?

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 02:47:40 GMT

Start by refusing to be the victim and beginning to take control of your own future.

The following is a guest post by the state coordinator of Pennsylvania Precinct Activists . I believe this will be useful to all of you. This is part of a national project that any of you can become involved with regardless of your political party.

The Hijacking of Primary Elections

            I used to say that if you wait until the General Election in November, you are too late. The real contest is in the Primary, where the political parties, which are similar to private clubs, elect their candidates.    Now I am going to assert that if you wait until the Primary Election, you may be too late already.

            The Primary Election is where the party voters select their candidates by secret ballot. That's democracy, right? Well, it would be if that was what was truly happening. In reality our Primaries, the most important of all elections, are being hijacked as we speak by party leaders and other deal-makers before the party voters even get a chance to hear the candidates and learn what they stand for.

            Candidates are quietly traveling around Pennsylvania, meeting with party leaders, asking for endorsements.   Do you think they are asking the party leaders to endorse them based on the fact they, the candidates, are going to do the best job to protect our freedoms and promote principles of justice? If only we could be the little bugs on the wall that our party leaders seem to think we are to hear what was said during those meetings….

            In February, the Republican State Committee will vote whether or not to endorse our statewide candidates. Most likely they will vote "yes." Before that, county leaders will meet in regional caucuses and do the same. After they vote Yes to endorse, then they will go ahead to endorse the Annointed Ones for whom we, the party soldiers, are expected to fall in line and get busy putting out yard signs, passing out literature, and do other assorted grub work.

            So what's the problem?

            The problem is that the Primary process is being manipulated and hijacked before the party voters get to vote. By endorsing candidates, they are unnecessarily influencing the outcome of an election that is supposed to be decided by the voters. Do we really need to be told who to vote for? What happened to good old-fashioned political debate and discourse and freedom of choice?

In fact, why have a Primary Election at all? If the party leaders "know best,' why not skip the Primary Election altogether and save the taxpayers a truckload of money? I mean, they already told us who to vote for, right?

            Do you get the feeling that someone out there doesn't want you to choose your elected officials? Do you get the feeling that the process is corrupted from top to bottom? Well, I do.

How We Change It

            In May, all the state party committee members and most of the county committee members will be re-elected. The county committees will elect their Chairmen shortly after the election. So this is what you do:

1.      Concerned voters should run for a spot for their county committee seats. You can obtain a nomination petition on Feb. 16 at the county Elections Office.
2.      Before you vote for your Chair, you ask him if he will pledge to vote NO on any questions regarding endorsing candidates. If he does not pledge NO, you vote for someone who will pledge YES.
3.      Before you vote for any state committee members, ask them how they will vote on endorsements. If you cannot reach them or can't get an answer, don't vote for them.
4.      Find people to run for state committee positions who pledge to vote NO on endorsing candidates.

If we can't take back our Primary Elections and let the electorate choose their candidates, we will never get the candidates we want in the General Election. Period.

******************

Lois Kaneshiki is the Pa state coordinator for the Pennsylvania Precinct Activists . Remember~~All politics are local! Lois Highly recommends the following video:

If they knew their strength

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 23:42:52 GMT

There was actually a point in time where Senators were considered to be sage-like and their words of wisdom were heeded. Obviously, we are talking B.H. ( Before Harry).

This morning I saw the following quote that reminded me of an age gone by:

A Roman Senator suggested that all slaves wear white armbands to better identify them. "No," said a wiser Senator. "If they see how many of them there are, they may revolt!"

What can you do to make a difference?

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 02:31:04 GMT

I recently became involved in the National Nullification Project and am one of the administrators for Pennsylvania. This follows on the heels of fighting the fight here in Pennsylvania.

Many people ask what they can do to fight the takeover of health care. Months ago I began promoting legislation in Pennsylvania to reject any infringement on our 4th, 9th and 10th Amendment rights.

Today I visited our state representative at his Christmas open house and had a chance to speak with him and his legislative assistant and give him this letter:

TAXPAYERS UNITED FOR REPRESENTATION NOW

December 29, 2009

Hon. Matt Gabler
Dubois Area Plaza, Suite 10
1221 East Dubois Avenue
Dubois, PA 15801

Dear Representative Gabler,

Greetings! Thank you for having a Christmas Open House for your constituents and the invitation for us to come and share our concerns with you.

We would like to thank you for your support to date for HB 2053 and for being a cosponsor of the bill. Since we last met, we have had audience with both Rep. Sam Smith and Lt. Gov/Senator Joe Scarnati and discussed this legislation with them.

The consensus seems to be that a piece of legislation with teeth, such as HB 2053, is the proper prescription for Pennsylvanians who are concerned about their 4^th, 9^th and 10^th amendments rights. Since we already have a tenth amendment, passing a resolution that we now intend on using it almost seems like we are asking for permission to assert a right.

As I alluded to in our last visit, the last thing that we need is for our state legislatures to be reduced to figure heads. If that is the case, why do we even need to have them? I am sure that the power of the state and it’s sovereign status crosses all partisan lines and that any legislator can look past today and recognize that majorities shift, so what they find to be acceptable today because their party is in power would be deemed intolerable when it is not.

I would ask that you do two things in reference to HB 2053. First, approach the insurance committee and ask that there be a public hearing on the bill. Secondly, urge Sam Smith to step forward as a cosponsor .

Do not hesitate to ask for any assistance that we can be in assisting you. Both TURN and Pennsylvania Freedom Fighters are ready, willing and able to assist you in your effort. Additionally, I am now part of a National Nullification Project and am an administrator in Pennsylvania. People are just waiting to know how they can be of assistance.

Regards,

John B

TAXPAYERS UNITED FOR REPRESENTATION NOW http://turnpa.com

If you live in Pennsylvania we strongly urge you to contact your state representative and ask them to support this bill and to call for a public hearing on this bill. If you live in another state, this is a very good model; ask your representative to sponsor a similar bill in your state.

AN ACT

Providing for the rights of individuals to purchase private health care insurance; and prohibiting certain governmental action.

The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby enacts as follows:

Section 1. Short title.

This act shall be known and may be cited as the Freedom of Choice in Health Care Act.

Section 2. Definitions.

The following words and phrases when used in this act shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Commonwealth agency." The Commonwealth, including the Executive Department, Commonwealth departments and boards and commissions; an independent administrative department, board and commission; or a public official thereof, acting under the color of State law.

"Direct purchase." Payment for lawful health care services without a public or private third party, not including an employer, paying for any portion of the service.

"Health care system." Any public or private entity whose function or purpose is the management of, processing of, or enrollment of individuals for or payment for, in full or in part, health care services, health care data or health care information for its participants.

"Penalties or fines." Any civil or criminal penalty or fine, tax, salary or wage withholding or surcharge, or any named fee with a similar effect established by law or rule by a government-established, government-created or government-controlled agency that is used to punish or discourage the exercise of rights protected under this section.

Section 3. Individual rights.

The people shall have the right to enter into private contracts with health care providers for health care services and to purchase private health care coverage. The legislature may not require any individual to participate in any health care system or plan, nor may it impose a penalty or fine, of any type, for choosing to obtain or decline health care coverage or for participation in any particular health care system or plan.

Section 4. Freedom of choice in health care.

(a) Prohibited actions.--To preserve the freedom of Pennsylvanians to provide for their health care:

(1) A law or rule shall not compel, through penalties and fines, directly or indirectly, any individual, employer or health care provider to participate in any health care system.

(2) An individual or employer may pay directly for lawful health care services and shall not be required to pay penalties or fines for paying directly for lawful health care services. A health care provider may accept direct payment for lawful health care services and shall not be required to pay penalties or fines for accepting direct payment from a individual or employer for lawful health care services.

(b) Private health care insurance.--Subject to reasonable and necessary rules that do not substantially limit an individual's options, the purchase or sale of health insurance in private health care systems shall not be prohibited by rule or law.

(1) Which health care services a health care provider or hospital is required to perform or provide.

(2) Which health care services are permitted by law.

(3) The terms or conditions of any health care system to the extent that those terms and conditions do not have the effect of punishing an individual or employer for paying directly for lawful health care services or a health care provider or hospital for accepting direct payment from an individual or employer for lawful health care services.

Section 5. Participation in related laws.

Neither the Governor nor the Department of Health, the Department of Public Welfare or any other Commonwealth agency shall participate in the compliance with any Federal law, regulation or policy that would compromise the freedom of choice in health care of any resident of this Commonwealth.

Section 6. Effective date.

This act shall take effect immediately.

Merry Christmas everyone

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 16:17:09 GMT

If you don't celebrate Christmas or like it...oh well. This wish is for those who do. Merry Christ-mas.

John

They'll be home for Christmas

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 09:36:15 GMT

In a middle of the night vote, the punks in the Senate lead by Harry Reid, passed ObamaCare, a bill that breaks Obama's promises.

If there is any light in this tunnel, it is the exposure of whom could be bought off and at what price their principles were for sale. Just think of the overtime you paid to underwrite Harry Reid's weekend antics in the midst of a snow storm to keep the capital open on the weekend before Christmas.

Well since our Dear Senators have been so busy at work, showing a new recent work ethic that they failed to display before, working so hard that they have not had to time to hear from their staff about the phone calls and faxes, we still have time to send them a message at their homes for Christmas.

If you live in Pennsylvania your Senate employees are Robert Casey, Jr and Arlen Specter.

You still have time to send Bob and Terese a Christmas card and a note of appreciation to their home at:

Bob and Terese Casey 915 N Webster Ave Scranton, PA 18510-1309.

You can also send your Chanukah greetings to Arlen and Joan Specter, 4109 Timber Lane Philadelphia PA 19129-5525 or give them a call at (215) 438-1590 and let them know you are thinking about them.

Today so much has become impersonal and static maybe a card in the mail just doesn't convey the proper holiday cheer you would like to send. If that is the case, you could consider delivering it in person or as a group go and sing Christmas carols or hold a prayer vigil outside their home during their Christmas break so they will know you have not forgotten them and all their hard work on your behalf.

I realize this is not a original idea. Last month Joe Liebermann's employers stopped by his home and had a peaceful prayer vigil and it really had a personal touch that just can not be conveyed by a email, letter, phone call or fax.

Chances are your Senators will be home for Christmas too. Consider spreading some personal holiday cheer to them as well! Busy Christmas Eve? That's ok, you can stop anytime before they get home. I am sure their family will convery the message. Perhaps if you go as a group, you could call the local television station so they could take some video and the Senator will be sure to get your holiday greeting while he is still in Washington. It is much more personal than a fax.

********************

Do you know where your senators live? Perhaps instead of making those trips to DC, it would have more impact if people converged on their homes.

Fran Peek is the very definition of pro-life

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 03:28:32 GMT

What does it really mean to be pro-life? I have gotten into the debate many times with people. Today it seems pro-life is merely anti-abortion.

I never realized how pro-life I was until the issue came to our doorstep. While in college and living with my fiancee, the rabbit done died. Karla, coming from a "strict Catholic family" who sent their children to Bishop Mc Devitt High School, wanted to go and tell her parents alone. She came home in tears saying they wanted her to have a abortion because a baby would mess up her life. I guess you could say that jaded my view of rhetoric vs. reality when it comes to pro-life movements. At the time I was not a Christian .

However, this is just the beginning of the story. On December 31 at 9 PM in the midst of a snow storm Karla's water broke. Our car got stuck and I looked at the 66 VW with the expired inspection and fired it up. Off through the snow to the hospital we went. We knew ahead of time that the delivery would be a c-section and I had gone to classes to go be there.

However, the classes never prepared me for that evening. Or maybe they did. As soon as they pulled my 11 pound 1 .5 ounces son out and cut the cord, he turned blue and a medical team went into full gear. You could see the look in their eye. They told me to come with them as they were rushing my son to the neo-natal unit intensive care unit. My sons blood sugar had dropped to zero and he had stopped breathing.

There were decisions to be made then. Not later. Decisions that would be life or death with no "do-overs". I was told there would be nothing unethical about letting nature take its course. I was told that the cost could be insurmountable. I was told that babies like these can destroy marriages, especially if they pass away after a long battle. I was told my life may never be the same.

I chose life, not as a position, but because I truly believed that life was a human right and that I had been given a child to care for, so what other option was there? I gave the go ahead for the treatment and went back to my wife who was in shock. She agreed with my decision and had me call and try to track down her parents who were at a New Years Eve Party a few miles away, and mine who were in Florida, while they were prepping my son for all the equipment and monitors and drawing up the legal releases for us to sign.

We made the right choice. Yet, they were right on many levels about the effects it would have; it cost us money and a marriage. But they were wrong~ my son made it and is a productive citizen today who fully provides for his wife and children.

I share our experience so you can more fully appreciate the story of Kim Peeks. I also share it because it is the Fran Peeks of the world who exemplify what it means to be for human rights and to be pro-life. This is where the rubber meets the road and has nothing to do with politics or positing, but doing what is right..

Fran Peeks, a man who lived what he believed, because it was the right thing to do. To me, he defines what it means to be pro-life. He did not do this to be noticed, he made the decision when no one was looking. The world is a better place today because of his commitment to life. My hat goes off to him for being a man who is a true human rights activist, and knows what the word love means. We could all learn so much from him. My heart goes out to him for the loss of his son.

I will rise

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 15:56:33 GMT

As you reflect on Christmas remember:

The grave is overwhelmed !

As you reflect on the greatest gift of all, remember the victory is won!

Fool-Aid

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 21:50:32 GMT

While it is perfectly reasonable to surmise that every movement has their own agenda and interprets data in a favorable manner to their agenda, few groups would allow themselves to knowingly use data that could not withstand serious scrutiny. Yet in a area that we have been told that "the debate is over and the science is settled". it has become apparent that the world was scammed.

Everyone who deals with data realizes that models that we use may be subjected to critical analysis and interpretation, yet we do our best to use a standardized model upon which we would examine the data against when it is challenged. If there is a standard across the board in disciplines, I believe we are normally safe to conclude that this is one. The old adeage certainly comes into play here ; Assume nothing .

This is just unacceptable. Yet it leads to even further questions. When I first saw this video my initial thought was that I would be as irate as the day is long to find out that my arguments and theories had been based on parameters that are this shoddy. Yet, after pondering this for a while I reached the conclusion that I would have to accept part of the responsibility myself. As a analyst, I would not be able to brush the responsibility off that easily, as I would realize that I accepted conclusions as fact that were raising severe questions around the world about their reliability.

If I as "lowly analyst" would not accept that as analytical excuse, how can scientist justify their research and their models? This is major egg on their face because it is more apparent than ever that the scientific community has lowered its standards to the point that other scientists will accept what now is proven to be severely flawed data.

Very few people ever thought Al Gore was a scientist and realize the hyperbolic nature of his claims. Now this almost creates a new category of "egg on the face and disgraced ". Hands down, that world class category goes to none other than the Norwegian Nobel Committee :

The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided that the Nobel Peace Prize for 2007 is to be shared, in two equal parts, between the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and Albert Arnold (Al) Gore Jr. for their efforts to build up and disseminate greater knowledge about manmade climate change, and to lay the foundations for the measures that are needed to counteract such change.

Then we have intellectuals such as Barack Obama claiming the debate is over and the time to act is now. Thats right, the same committee awarded Barack Obama the peace prize this year right before going to Copenhagen. Unlike previous Presidents whose university records and grade point averages we could examine , we must accept our Presidents word for it that he is a intellect because his records are sealed righter than a drum. Of course one would think they learned their lesson after Al Gore and John Kerry were exposed for having lower GPA's that that evil idiot George W. Bush.

Either way, with all the debate on the flawed models being used by climate scientists, our President, along with the political wing of the scientific community displayed a world class lack of curiosity that is simply unacceptable.

Bernanke named Time's Person of the Year?

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 01:07:27 GMT

Freaking Amazing. Ron Paul calls Ben Bernanke possibly the most powerful man in the world as he controls the worlds reserve currency with no oversight from Congress.

This choice just exemplifies what is wrong with the main stream media today. Person of the year? This is the same guy when asked if everything was ok said the economy was AOK. It was , for him and his banker buddies.

The thief of the century is named Times Person of the Year. I guess they had to one up The Nobel Committee. Mission Accomplished !