Tea Party groups show their independence- “No to social issues”

San Diego’s largest Tea Party, Southern California Tax Revolt Coalition (SCTRC) went on the record and said they would break with the Tea Party Nation and will not tackle social issues like abortion, immigration and gay marriage.

The Fox News channel guest Judson Philips, founder of Tea Party Nation, a for-profit social network and convention organizer, who announced to his membership that the Tea Party movement needs to abandon its “fiscal conservative-only” identity and pick a side on social issues.

The SCTRC (also home of the San Diego Tea Party Patriots), strongly disagrees with Philip’s new strategy. “The co-founders of the SCTRC wish to go on the record that our group will focus solely in a fiscal-oriented policy that centers on lower taxes, sensible spending plans, and limited government.”

The grassroots movement grew in numbers largely because they stayed away from thorny issues.

“Our Tea Party started as a fiscally conservative movement, and will remain so under our stewardship,” said Sarah Bond, SCTRC Chief Executive Officer. “Social issues divide Americans. People have made up their hearts and minds on abortion, gay marriage, etc. We suspect that many of our compatriot Tea Party groups across the country hold this same position, and will continue to concentrate solely on a fiscally conservative platform. Fiscal responsibility is a uniting issue.”

It’s been about two-years since the conservative activism broke onto the national scene and SCTRC rallies have focused on California ballot measures, informed Californians of their representatives’ voting records, pushed-back of government-expanding legislation, and have brought residents of all party affiliations and social stances together in a grassroots manner.

“As a Democrat who has been with this movement since its inception, I want note that the Tea Party is the place where Americans of all backgrounds, parties, social agendas and lifestyles intersect on the need for smaller, more efficient, responsible government,” said Leslie Eastman, Media Director. “I have appeared on the Fox Business Network as a guest with Mr. Phillips; I am a little disturbed that he has forgotten that social matters are wedges and distractions from today’s more important issues.”

According to Eastman, moving forward SCTRC will concentrate on balanced budgets, smarter spending, shrinking federal and state deficits, support the free market, reduce regulations, lower taxes or fees, and insist on more government transparency.

She also points out that Judson Phillips represents himself, not the thousands of unique, independent local Tea Party groups all across this nation.

As the Tea Party learns from its past and focuses on their future inside the political beast that is Washington D.C., it appears Republican’s hoping to absorb the movement will be hard pressed to change the mind of fiscally responsible Americans of all political persuasions.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2010Kimberly Dvorak all rights reserved

Tax day tea parties draw thousands - demand accountability

Tax day tea parties brewed across the country with hundreds of thousands taking a stand against many social ills like health care reform, Cap and Tax, 2nd Amendment infringements and looming tax increases.

The 2nd annual Oceanside rally saw thousands shout, share personal signs and support the tea party movement in San Diego, but what most didn’t know in Oceanside was more turned out for this rally than to catch a glimpse of the first lady, Michelle Obama who was also in San Diego on tax day.

The patriotic crowd started the rally with the pledge of allegiance and singing the national anthem. Many attendees were either currently in the military or retired members who took time to listen and learn about state and local leaders running for public office.

Local heavyweight, Sandy Lehmkuhler of the Warrior Foundation brought fellow wounded veterans to the rally and announced their organization had raised more than $6 million to assist returning injured warriors. “Welcome, Home of the free and land of the amazing,” she began.

“I love our military town. It’s an honor to be a part of Wounded Warriors. We are able to fly both parents to San Diego to see their child when he/she returns injured. Our organization gives palm pilots and other devices to assist with their rehabilitation process.” The crowd greeted Lehmkuhler’s message with loud applause and support.

Rally goers were also able to listen to a short stump speech from two California Republican gubernatorial hopefuls Steve Poizner and Larry Naritelli.

Poizner stated that his late entry into the race would benefit his candidacy as he said Meg Whitman’s $50 million campaign to date would turn off voters looking down on establishment candidates.

Poizner recalled a recent precinct walk in Silcon Valley and giving his best pitch to a 12-year-old girl. “It didn’t go well in the liberal community and I felt like I was talking to a young Barbara Boxer!”

At this point Poizner won the crowd over. He went on to list a few priorities his staff would take care of if he were elected to run the state of California. The agenda included turning on the water in Central California, cutting taxes across the board by 10 percent, cutting capitol gains taxes by 50 percent and cutting funding to programs dishing out taxpayer money to illegal immigrants who snuck into the country.

On the other hand Naritelli, the ICaucus endorsed candidate, said he would revoke policies like Cap and Trade and cure the man-made water crisis the Central Valley farmers currently face. “We represent the people not the fish.”

He talked about the common sense leadership that Sacramento desperately needs.
As always, San Diego’s hot topic is illegal immigration. Naritelli says the state needs to turn off all the incentives that lure illegals to America. “If you don’t get free health care why should they? If elected I will support all measures to secure the border.”

In a bit of a jab at sitting California Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, he said, “stop being a girly man and turn on the water.”

On a serious note Naritelli said his run for California’s top post was not about him, “It’s about the people and about their Reagan values.”

San Diego’s walking encyclopedia on tax related issues, Richard Rider fired up the crowd on tax day as well. “Sustainability seems to be the buzzword.” He told protestors that the best way to reach limited government was to starve the federal government. “It’s the nuts and bolts of our movement.”

The guy looking to be the next Sheriff in San Diego, Jay LaSuer told the tea partiers that there are approximately 15 thousand MS13 Latino gang members in the county. That statement drew jeers from the audience. “If I’m elected, there will be 15 thousand less gang members in our county. Sheriff Joe Arpaio told me that he would personally help me build the tent prison they will call home.”

LaSuer also reflected on the recent murder of two young San Diego girls, Amber Dubois and Chelsea King. “When I worked in the state legislature I tried to implement a one strike law. You commit a violent act against a child under the age of 14 and it’s one and you’re done. I’ll push for that as your Sheriff.”

LaSuer also explained there are real time GPS units the courts could place on sexual predators that would allow concerned citizens to know exactly where predators are at all times.

Finally Conservative Chuck DeVore, made his presence known and talked about his opponent, Senator Ma’am Barbara Boxer. The longtime Democrat Senator is facing real trouble from all of the candidates that are running against her. The crisis has even reached the White House and President Obama will be attending a fundraiser for Boxer over the weekend.

This came as good news to DeVore who is also endorsed by ICaucus. “This is the year liberty and freedom will advance.” He also talked about the sleeping giant that has been awakened by the tea party movement. “2010 is a pivotal year. This is the year we will clean house in Washington D.C.”

Again talking about the illegal immigration issue stirred tea party attendees. “The virtual fence is virtually worthless,” he said.

DeVore explained the tea party movement began because many Republicans lost their way and failed their constituents. “We are on the road to Socialism and it seems Democrats want to go 100 mph, while Republicans want to slow it to 50 mph that’s not good enough.”

The current road the Democrats are on is unsustainable, according to DeVore. He faces two other challengers Tom Campbell and Carly Fiorina. All are within the margin of error against Boxer, according to the latest Rasmussen poll.

Taking a swipe at Al Gore, DeVore said, “I used Al Gore’s invention (the so-called internet) to raise more than $1.8 million from 24,000 people, thanks Al.”

Finishing it up he said, “We the people have had it up to here and we are not going to take it anymore.” The crowd was enthusiastic and echoed the sentiment as they left the rally.

Rick Amato a locally taped talk radio show host that broadcasts live across the country on KCBQ 1170 emceed the rally.


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

Tea Party protesters slam health care reform bill in D.C.

In a clear warning to legislators, Tea Party groups, protested on a Tuesday afternoon in front of Democrat offices around the country, telling representatives – vote on health care at your own peril.

Approximately 100 people attended the ‘Operation Urgent Care’ rally in front of Democrat Susan Davis’ (D-CA) San Diego office. It was an amazing, warm day in San Diego; there were a number of handmade signs displaying their discontent with the massive health care reform bill Democrats are trying to eek through both Houses.

Many members protesting are registered Democrats. But, Leslie Eastman a co-founder of Southern California Tax Revolt Coalition suggested rally goers are suppose to “leave party affiliations at the door.”

“Many people went specifically to talk to representative Stupak and the other 12 members opposing the abortion language,” said Dawn Wildman also a co-founder of Southern California Tax Revolt Coalition. “We wanted to express our total support and that we had their back no matter what the party affiliation. It went well.”

Different rally participants came to Davis’ office with themes, but ultimately their message was the same, stop, slow down and start over.

Clarice Hurst used the Constitution to remind “Congresswoman Davis that she operates only with the consent of the governed.”

Victor Adams took umbrage with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-CA) condemnation of Tea Party participants as Nazis, “even though she has now changed her tune, I won’t ever forget the insult to me as an American.” His daughter Sarah joined him; she recently graduated the University of California at San Diego with a degree in communication and is concerned about jobs. “Obama indicated jobs was his new focus. With unemployment near 10 percent and more than 12 percent in California, the president should be allowing the congress to work on creating jobs,” she explained.

A Tea Party staple in San Diego is the ever so intrepid, Alvin, he was making sure protesters signed the largest item on display — an enlargement of the U.S. Constitution.

SoCal-Tax Revolt Coalition wants the U.S. Congress “to honor the spirit of the document during passage of the bills. I should think the Coffee Peeps want to follow Constitutional parameters as well. They should be cool with the homage to one of our founding documents,” Eastman concluded.

Also in attendance at the midday rally was Congressional hopeful, Mason Weaver. “I consider myself the only Conservative in the race. It is important for the folks to realize that the smoke and mirrors in Washington will not change if they don’t make the right vote,” Weaver said.

While event organizer did not invite the congressional candidate, Wildman said she didn’t mind candidates showing up and talking to the rally participants. “For the most part they are willing to listen to the voter’s concerns and open up the dialog process and that is a good thing.”

On the minds of most attendees is health care. “I have grave concerns as to where our country is headed and I have extremely grave concerns about health care,” said Janet Oliver a resident of San Diego.

Oliver admits it was the health care issue that spurned her to get involved with the Tea Party movement. “Don’t get me wrong. We need health care reform, but they need to be made in incremental steps using free-market solutions. We can’t continue on this path, we are destroying America.”

A few miles up the road in Vista, another tea party group sponsored a “red alert” rally and approximately 100 people attended that event as well.

The police department closed down a lane of traffic for the Tea Party members, which allowed them more space to protest.

“The police were real cooperative and supportive of our right to protest the out of control government,” says Carol, a San Diego resident. “The reception we got from cars passing by was 95 percent positive, however we did get a few middle fingers.”

Several of the protesters stated that this was their first Tea Party rally and felt the decisions facing lawmakers in Washington D.C. was worth taking the time off work.

All these rallies are leading up to big events being scheduled on April 15 throughout America. After attending rallies all year, one thing is clear, the folks are mad and they want lawmakers to know Tea Party folks are not going anywhere.

Tea Parties mark their one-year anniversary – rain or shine

One year ago today, concerned citizens throughout America began the arduous task of organizing a movement. The movement would grow like wildfire and be known as the Tea Party. The leaderless grassroots group would focus on big-government spending and infringement of laws threatening American liberty and freedom.

Tea Party members say this will be the first battle of the Second American Revolution. Across America the calls were heard and citizens formed a vast patriot social network. By April, the Tea Party movement included millions of Americans, and on April 15th, 850 tea parties across the nation hosted 1.2 million patriots voicing their defiance of an out-of-control government.

“To date in California we have 173 different Tea Party groups and we are home to the largest coalition in the country – we are even bigger than Texas,” said Dawn Wildman co-founder of the Southern California Tax Revolt Coalition in San Diego. “It’s great to see the rain or the last minute parking charge (formally a free lot on the weekends) didn’t keep the 1,000 Tea Party supporters from our first anniversary.”

The parking charge didn’t sit well with the Tea Party organizers and after the event it was back to work doing what the citizen activists do best – hit the phones.

“I was able to pin this down to the San Diego County Supervisor people. But I also heard that Bill Horn was they’re complaining about us being anti-politician. I guess he hasn't heard that we are Pro-Citizen! And he doesn't understand the distinction,” Wildman said.

Nevertheless, the supervisor in charge of parking was Richard (he was actually really nice and just caught in the middle). The county official who contacted him and insisted on having paid parking was David Hall.

“The slimy thing about this is we’ve had several events at the same location, never had any incidents and were always able to park free in the county lot on the weekends. When the Supervisors got wind of our rally they were threatened by our activism (they should because we hold all officials accountable) and decided to charge $10 to park. Did you see how empty the lot was – their ploy didn’t work,” Wildman said.

Wildman explained the movement is so powerful in California that for the first time there has been no talk of Northern or Southern California. “We are all Californians.”

Of course, it wouldn’t be a rally without a jab or two at California leadership. This time it would be Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Comments made this week on the Fox News channel by Schwarzenegger described the Tea Party movement as nothing more than anger at a slow economy.

“The irony about Schwarzenegger is a similar movement was responsible for recalling disgraced Governor Gray Davis and got Arnold voted into office,” Wildman pointed out.

The line up of speakers in San Diego did not include any politicians, however many candidates were spotted in the crowd. A tax advocate, Richard Rider, touted the movement as a positive sign and explained change finally is on the horizon. “I was skeptical at first, over the years we’ve seen pockets of resistance, but as the year unfolded the movement grew stronger and stronger.”

Rider also noted that the race to take back the country’s economic freedom was not a sprint race, but more like a super marathon – one which would leave a country worth having for those children who want to grow up and be all they can be.

This sentiment was echoed by headline speaker, Roger Hedgecock, a nationally syndicated Conservative talk show host based in San Diego; “The government is now telling you that they know how to better spend your childrens money they haven’t even made yet.” The crowd went nuts.

Other notable jabs included, “every seat is the people’s seat” and “We the People intend to restore a free market economy that is the envy of the world.”

Another San Diego Tea Party organizer, Leslie Eastman had this to say about the attendee diversity question the main stream media tends to focus on. “Quick — someone call the MSNBC diversity police. I have just shown more racial diversity in two pictures (in the slide show) than MSNBC has on its whole lineup.

Before and after the rally, citizens were encouraged to sign petitions on the three core issues. They were also informed about Icaucus, “Independence Caucus” via a full group table and speech given by Stephanie Jahn. This group puts potential candidates through a thorough background check before endorsements are made. Chuck DeVore, who is running for Senate in California against Barbara Boxer has already been endorsed by Icaucus.

Those in power can expect to be held accountable in the upcoming elections. The Tea Party movement is supporting like-minded candidates and encourages friends and neighbors to get involved with the political process; every race can expect to be the center of attention, local, state and national.

“We intend to take the country back to America's founding principles. We've let the country drift too far, and as citizens we have an obligation to return the nation to the sort of governance imagined by our Founding Fathers,” says the Tea Party Patriots.

Judging by the turn out and determination career politicians have a real fight on their hands.

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

Tea party movement fights political push back by Clinton machine

Tea Party organizers have found their voice, grown exponentially and have exerted their political will into both parties. Many of these grassroots organizations are now celebrating their first anniversary, but one thing is certain, they won’t rest until Washington politics is restored to its roots and begins to live within its means.


According Dylan Ratigan at MSNBC the Tea Party movement has “no coach, no game plan, and did we mention, the tea party has a bit of an integrity problem, as everybody from birthers, to open racists, to outright Nazis are actually on the team. And no one involved, including its leadership, seems to mind the fact.”


Ask the millions of everyday Americans who attended political rallies for the first time in their lives about main stream media view of their cause and you get something along the lines of “sticks and stones.”
While the mainstream media continues to mock the grassroots movement, the Tea Party folks look at the swelling ranks assuring their value in the political process.


“There are two things I have discovered during the course of the past year regarding the media. First, San Diego is blessed to have very engaged and fair-minded local news organizations. Second, in terms of national coverage, Tea Party participants rely mainly on the internet, Facebook, and Twitter and we really don't expect much out of the beltway/New York media organizations,” says Leslie Eastman founder of the Southern California Tax Revolt Coalition.

The chance to usurp a new movement may prove more difficult as the Tea Party remains leaderless. However that won’t stop the left trying to discredit a movement that is clearly resonating with a large majority of Americans. “What they still don't understand is that this is a leaderless movement, this is a 'We The People...' movement. Our new website is a chance for 'We The People' to stand up and say that 'I Am The Tea Party Leader,’” Eastman said.

“As a registered Democrat, and a co-founder of the Tea Party organization, I am taking a few moments to review information that has been setting citizen activists across the country abuzz. There are NO designated Tea Party Leaders,” Eastman explained.

Over the weekend the movement learned of a new clandestine attack against the Tea Party organizers. Recent upset victories in blue states have the Clinton political machine operating in overtime researching activities by Tea Party organizers. The man expected to head the full-frontal assault against the Tea Party crowd is none other than James Carville.

Big Government reports, “that Clintonistas are plotting a “push/pull” strategy. They plan to identify 7-8 national figures active in the Tea Party movement and engage in deep opposition research on them. If possible, they will identify one or two they can perhaps ‘turn’, either with money or threats, to create a mole in the movement. The others will be subjected to a full-on smear campaign.”

Responding to the attacks from the left, Tea Party organizers across the country have begun a counter-offensive. On their new website ‘I am the tea party leader’ the group posted a response to the attempt to discredit the grassroots movement.

“It is un-American and morally wrong for a former president to attack Americans who have gotten involved in the political system. It was Thomas Jefferson who said, ‘when the people fear the government there is tyranny.’" The website encourages tea party activists across the country o post a short video explaining why they are a leaderless movement and rebuff attacks.

According to Tea Party Patriots, “Our leaders are tea party organizers, patriots that make phone calls and send emails to their elected officials, bloggers, and activists that take time out of their lives to attend tea parties, the list goes on and on. We are the sleeping majority that has awakened.”

No matter the name calling the Tea Party movement likens itself to a starfish with many legs, “you cut one of us off and another will grow to take their place.”

“We patriots know that we are fighting for the principles that our freedom loving nation was founded on. We are just ordinary people reclaiming America's founding principles. We are a diverse group that comes from every walk of life and ethnic background. We all have one thing in common and that is we love freedom - economic freedom and freedom from big government and massive government deficits,” says Tea Party Patriots.

In an effort to make it easier former President Clinton and James Carville to identify Tea Party leaders the group established the new web site. “We hope to collect videos from thousands of patriots telling former President Clinton and James Carville that they are Tea Party leaders. The videos are filmed at home, soccer fields, grocery stores and other locations that are indicative of the diversity of the tea party movement,” the organization contends.

When asked about former President Clintons attempt to get involved in discrediting Tea Parties, Eastman admits she is angry.

“I have mixed feelings. Anger, because the Tea Parties are comprised of average Americans exercising their First Amendment rights who should not be personally targeted by political elites. I feel sadness, because I voted for President Clinton in 1992, so he obviously valued my opinion then - should it count less now? And I feel mystified, Clinton has a legacy of a sound economy and being flexible enough to change course after the 1994 election - why should he interject himself now in this way and potentially damage any remaining relevancy and credibility he has,” Eastman said.

When it comes to marring the movement or trying to paint the Tea Party actions into some sort of racially negative movement Eastman warns the left-leaning media to be careful.

“It is the opinion of every Tea Party participant that if any attempt is made to target one of us, then the rest of us will rally and become more active. A good example of this is the new I am a leader website,” Eastman concludes. Link here; http://www.iamtheteapartyleader.com/

It doesn’t matter if the media or political talking heads agree or disagree with the Tea Party movement, what is important is that ‘we the people’ are seen in every town across the nation ready to make a difference on election day November 2010, according to the millions of Tea Party leaders.

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

Whole Foods boycott turns into a buy-cott in California

Looking to capitalize on the recent health care publicity, the Southern California Tax Revolt Coalition group stormed their local Whole Foods market and bought plenty of food.

After liberal Democrats went after Whole Foods CEO, John Mackey for his op-ed piece in the Wall Street Journal, questioning the Obama Administration’s rather large health care bill, tea party groups across the country responded with a buy-cott.

Whole Foods is an environmentally-aware company where management as well as employees most likely voted for the President in overwhelming numbers; It recently became an unlikely target of the left.

This action spurred many groups across the nation to point out that this legislation affects every American and should be pared down.

“In the spirit of Flaming Capitalism, our group did this event to support Mackey and the long-term success of Whole Foods as an engine for job creation and free markets,” said Leslie Eastman of the Southern California Tax Revolt Coalition.

More than 100 new shoppers were introduced to Whole Foods, Eastman says.

Once all the receipts are tallied, Eastman will be writing a letter to Whole Foods demonstrating the power of capitalism and counter-protests.

“Hopefully, Whole Foods management learns a lesson and figures out that other corporations have also been unfairly deemed ‘evil profiteers’ (e.g. there were tree mugger t-shirts for sale insulting loggers) then perhaps they might expand their customer base,” Eastman explains.

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

Operation ‘Pink Slip’ a huge success, Congress has been warned

In an effort to remind Congress they are expendable, World Net Daily launched operation “pink slip.” The pink note is a friendly reminder to lawmakers in Washington D.C. that constituents are on the look out for those in Congress voting for increased spending and big government programs.

After six days the organization has successfully sent 1.5 million individual addressed ‘pink slips’ including the name and address of the sender.

The idea was the brainchild of Janet Porter of Faith2Action.

"There is a revolution brewing across this country," she said. "People are angry about losing their country and they are ready for action. This campaign is just the latest evidence."

Building on the nationwide tea party movements WND hopes to get a total of five million ‘pink slips’ out to every single member of the House and the Senate.

"I believe this is already the most successful grass-roots effort in history," said Porter. "After all the town halls and tea parties and the massive demonstration in Washington, Congress still hasn't gotten the message. Now it's time to show them just how serious we are with a message aimed at what they most care about – getting re-elected."

For more information about operation ‘pink slip’; shop.wnd.com/store/item.asp

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

Not exactly a shoot out at the okay coral, but close

On Saturday Rick Amato’s talk show sponsored and moderated the San Diego’s Sheriff Debate – issues were vetted, passions flared and in the end the four candidates were heard. Those running for San Diego’s top lawman spot included, Jim Duffy, incumbent Bill Gore, Jay LaSuer and Bruce Ruff.

The back drop consisted of American flags, anti-health care signs and 300 patriotic citizens clamoring to find out what each candidate had to say regarding law enforcement.

“That was the best debate I’ve seen in 20 years,” said John Minto of Santee. “It got real lively.”

With a goal of making San Diego the safest county in the U.S., incumbent Gore had applause and skeptics because he is the sitting Sheriff, while LaSuer told the audience they were interviewing four people for the most important job in San Diego.

Right off the bat, a question was posed regarding each man’s background and whether they had been reprimanded or the center of controversy. All replied no, however Gore has been at the center attention on two national issues – Ruby Ridge, Idaho and the 9/11 Commission report. Both these events resulted in loss of civilian life.

California is set to either release or pay other states to house criminals in jail. Overcrowding is a problem and taxpayers are concerned about a glut of inmates that will be released in the next few months.

LaSuer suggested operating a tent city similar to what Sheriff Joe Arpaio has done in Arizona, who coincidently has endorsed LaSuer’s candidacy. Ruff had a different approach. “The elected officials have decided to let the people we worked to put away and then let the out early, that’s wrong.”

Eventually the talk steered to illegal immigration and if San Diego would be a sanctuary city. “I took an oath to uphold the law of the Constitution- we need to enforce all the laws,” Duffy said. He looked to the federal government’s 287g rule and insisted San Diego needed to take advantage of that tool in order to close the illegal immigration problem the county faces.

Ruff disagreed a bit and said this was a federal government issue and they needed to get it right. Gore agreed and stated his administration has been relying on the federal government to do their job.

“We are not a sanctuary city, we’ve used $23 million in federal tax dollars to address these crimes in the past two years,” Gore said. However Ruff shot back. “Who the hell do you think pays the taxes? It’s your money whether you get it from the state or the federal government it’s your tax money.”

Not one to stay on the sidelines for long LaSuer implied that the panelist had way too much caffeine. “Look, when you pick and choose which laws you are going to enforce, you’ve lost your moral compass,” he calmly said. “We are a sanctuary city, period.”

The debate steered to the 9/11 terrorist attack, again the candidates were very passionate.

Gore starting things off by explaining San Diego employs a Liaison Officer to work on both a local and national level. “I’m very proud of what we do in San Diego County on all levels.”

Ruff saw things differently. “I’ll tell you straight up…We missed the 9/11 terrorists that flew into the Pentagon, we had an informant in the house and we missed them,” he said. “We are in trouble and someone at this table is responsible for that.”

Responding to the accusation, Gore explained his FBI department was only notified one month in advance and points to the report stating that this was a missed opportunity.

Using the 9/11 Commission report as a guide LaSuer said, “We failed. We could fill this place up with excuses. When the Exxon Valdez ran a ground the captian said he fell asleep. I’m sorry captain you’re in charge.”

“Gore it happened on your watch. It may have been a mistake I don’t know. It could have been arrogance. But it occurred and thousands of people died who were Americans, it may have been a mistake,” LaSuer explains.

“But there was a LRAD (military arsenal used to target terrorists) out at the town halls, that was a mistake and those were American people. You had a weapon pointed at those people and they didn’t even know it and that was another poor choice.”

As the sun drew nearer to the Pacific Ocean, the temperatures began to drop in El Cajon. The last shootout would take the candidate’s to the concealed weapons law in California.

“Do you support a concealed weapon permit or not?”

Ruff, yes. Duffy, yes. Gore explained it wasn’t that easy. “California has laws the Sheriff must comply with and this is a shall not issue state.” The crowd booed. “It’s a shall not state unless there is cause.”

A debate ensued.

LaSuer claimed it’s up to the Sheriff to determine what is good cause and ‘yes’ self protection is a good cause,” the crowd erupted with applause.

Duffy, who was grinning, took it one step further. “Gore you got it wrong, penal code 12025 states a Sheriff MAY issue a permit.”

The entire debate can be heard on via pod cast on amatotalk.com

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

Surprise, main stream media dropped the ball on tea parties again

Yesterday more than a million Democrat, Republican and Independent American citizens gathered in Washington D.C. The protesters were standing up for the country’s drastic change to big government in a time of deep recession.

It amazed me that reading coverage about the thousands of events that took place across the country and the big enchilada in D.C.; no one would have learned that there was anybody other than the conservative right in attendance.

Try telling that to the lifetime Democrats, who are seniors, who say they are literally fighting for their lives. Try telling the young adults who are politically active for the first time in their life and realize the numbers don’t stack up.

It’s funny how the main stream media, and by that I include ABC, CBS, NBC and all the big city newspapers, will report on a handful of Code Pink protesters sitting at former President Bush’s house, but fail to recognize the million plus of ordinary working-class citizens spending their vacation money to donate to candidates or attend rallies.

Equally disturbing is the silence from the White House about the noticeable crowds outside their home. Former President Bush actually talked to Cindy Sheehan of Code Pink, but President Obama can’t take the time to listen and respond to the million plus concerned U.S. citizens.

In the President’s address to the joint Congress on Wednesday, I thought he said his door was open to all when it came to the health care discussion. Really? Was the White House closed yesterday? Apparently to real Americans it was indeed closed – closed minded and closed eared.

I challenge the White House and the main stream media to put the kool-aid down for 30 minutes and actually walk around a tea party event and talk to the crowd anonymously.

Ask questions and don’t be condescending. Just listen and then maybe you will understand the concerns of these hard-working Americans. Many of whom have fought for this country’s freedom, paid their fair share of taxes and don’t want a cumbersome government to solve every problem.

In the words of a tea party attendee; “We the people are capable of taking care of ourselves, thank you very much!”

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

Poem Lady gets the ear of Congress

The following is a poem written for a town hall meeting in Vista, California. The author is not a writer, but a business major. She is not paid and says she’s part of the “we the people.” What caught my eye is Terri caught the ear of every person in the standing-room only high school gymnasium. She wasn’t a Democrat or Republican, she was a “we the people,” wanting her Congressmen, Duncan Hunter and Darrell Issa to bring some honestly and forthrightness back to the greatest country that God created – the United States of America.

I have not forgotten…

I have not forgotten in the late hours of Oct, 1999 Congress deregulated the banks and caused our economic collapse.

I have not forgotten the Republican Congress, along with Feinstein, Kennedy, Biden and other Democrats who voted for this atrocity.

I have not forgotten Clinton signed this bill, without even a veto.

I have not forgotten the bank lobbyists spent millions and millions over 20 years to Congress for their precious deregulation.

I have not forgotten.

I have not forgotten that Bush requested the first stimulus package, with 80% of the people calling their Congress yelling “NO”.

I have not forgotten the change Obama promised before signing the second stimulus package.

I have not forgotten.

I have not forgotten who controls Congress. The lobbyists.

I have not forgotten the broken promises by both parties to remove lobbyists on day one.

I have not forgotten the bills coming out of Congress, written by Congress for the lobbyists, passed without reading them, and entered into law.

I have not forgotten.

I have not forgotten you, Congressman Issa, a man who won the people’s heart by leading the fight and successfully ousting Gray Davis.

I have not forgotten that you are a leader among leaders, nor I hope, have you forgotten that you are simply a man among men.

I have not forgotten.

I have not forgotten my grandmother, God bless her soul, who taught me that cash is cheaper than credit, and cash is cheaper than insurance.

I ask you to return to Washington and fight the good fight that you know so well how to do! Kick the lobbyists out so that We, the people, can benefit from our Congress!

Now I’d like to ask a question of the people here… how many here have gone to your employer and asked to receive a wage increase instead of health insurance?

How many people here believe Congress is being corrupted by all that money in Washington?

-Terri Linnell, author

*The following poem will be entered into the Library of Congress by Congressman Issa, who was moved by Terri’s passion for her country.

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

Tea Party rally draws 3,000 - Congressman Issa surprises crowd

Oceanside California couldn’t have been any more picturesque a warm breeze, serene sunset and a ruckus-Patriot crowd fired-up let Washington D.C. know what’s really on their mind.

Local-legend, radio talk show host Rick Roberts got the party started with the Pledge of Allegiance. “One more time,” the crowd chanted. So they said it again - this time louder.

Up first on the docket was Congressman Darrell Issa-R-Calif. “Tort reform would save taxpayers a lot of money, but it’s not in HR3200,” he said. This comment got the crowd really going and it hit home with Dr. Gary Gonsalves, co-founder of the group Stop Taxing Us, who organized the rally.

“I didn’t want the politicians to talk at our first rally on April 15 because I wanted them to listen to 'we the people.' But now they need to talk and explain their actions to us,” Gonsalves said regarding the Congressman’s surprise address at the rally.

After Issa left the stage he talked to supporter Mercedes Garcia who was over the moon that Issa gave her a hug and posed for a photo. “I’m so happy to hear him speak because he gives people like me a voice.”

The Congressman hung around the event to listen, shake hands and pose for photos with his constituents.

Dr. Gonsalves, who is a practicing physician, spoke to the “mob” from a doctor’s perspective. “Government has cut prices and continues to promise more. Only $1 in $5 goes to the doctors and who do you think they cut funds to first? Doctors.”

He explained to the crowd that the Safeway Corporation figured out a way to provide a better delivery of care while bringing costs down. Gonsalves challenged the audience to look the Safeway group up online and examine what they were successful in doing in five years that the government has been unable to do in 50 years.

“Reward a healthy lifestyle, reward saving money. Safeway saved $550 billion in just five years,” Gonsalves said.

Other topics of concern for the rally goers was the hour-long speech President Obama is going to direct to our nations’ children in a couple of days, complete with lesson plans and topics of discussions before, during and after the speech.

“Stay away from my children,” one mother shouted so loud that Roberts had her come to the stage and repeat for the crowd. The Patriots went absolutely nuts.

Another gubernatorial candidate, Chalene Nightingale was asked to make a short speech. Nightingale who is a political rookie revved up the crowd with Patriot red-meat topics like; the President’s address to the school kids, Second Amendment rights, the White House using the National Endowment of the Arts for propaganda and illegal immigration.

“It’s up to us to take our government back. ‘We the people’ need to run for office. We can’t keep voting the lesser of two evils,” she said. “We need to be country loyal.”

Once the question portion of the rally commenced, attendees vied to get their questions asked. This portion would only last 20 minutes, due to time constraints by the city of Oceanside.

One of the first concerned participants had more of a warning story to tell. “I was in Shanghai, China in 1943 when the Japanese invasion began. I was 12-years old when they took me to a concentration camp,” she explained. “I lost my freedom and I feel like I’m losing my freedom again.” Again the crowd erupted in cheers.

The immigration invasion from the southern border is always a hot topic with Patriot groups and this rally was no different. Californians are looking to get the ‘California Taxpayer Protection Act of 2010 on the ballot for next year’s election.

There is such an outcry from Californian’s regarding illegal border crossers who come to the state to have children. This garners them a ticket to the promise land as California grants every birth in the state with automatic citizenship.

The ballot initiative would change all that and require parents to prove their legal status and cut the payments California provides for this problem that some say has caused the state to run in the red for years.

After the rally, organizer, Gonsalves said the event was hugely successful and felt the lawmakers needed to hear from the 3,000 or so voters before they head back to Washington D.C.

“I invited Congressman Issa to the event because at least he has been fiscally responsible and is consistent,” he said. “Our first event was a shut up and listen message to our politicians.”

Listening was definitely a theme for the rally, as the sun faded into the ocean; the message was clear to those in office ‘we the people are watching.’

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

Tea Party event concludes (Part Three)

The day-long Tea Party rally in Sacramento fired up more than 10,000 Patriots and dispelled myths and argued facts about a variety of hot-button issues, including the plight of Central California farmers, logging industry, health care and cape-and-trade.

Longtime motivational speaker and probable California congressional candidate Mason Weaver revved up the crowd with his humor and more importantly, candor.

Weaver, who happens to be black, says “we are all American’s no hyphen required.”

He went on to explain how the current administration is busy taking away basic freedoms and compared the current administration to plantation owners. “You have 100 percent employment, you have a house, you have food, but what they forget to remind you of is you have no freedom!”

“American’s voted for hope and change, but what they got was rope and chains,” Weaver shouted to the excited audience. “If this is a mob, where do I sign up?”

In an effort to corral all the industries threatened in the state, Dr. Bill Wattenburg talk show host of KGO AM 810 fame, urged truckers to use their vehicles as anti-campaigning vehicles and target politicians who oppose industries required to keep California afloat.

A mish mash of booths encouraged voters to get involved and ensure their voices are heard. One such booth targeted Republican Assemblyman Anthony Adams for recall. Eagle-eyed voters are taking him to task because he voted for a tax and spend budget in California. “We’re not going to take it anymore from either side,” they said.

So far the recall Adam group has raised $100,000 and has gathered nearly enough signatures. Chandra Chell of “Recall Adam” said, “We are very close.”

Another Republican recall was announced against state Senator Roy Ashburn of Bakersfield. His constituents were furious of his ‘yes’ vote for a tax and spend Sacramento as well.

California’s anti-business policies continue with the proposed ban on big screen televisions. “In three weeks the California Energy Commission is set to ban the sales of big screen TVs in California by 2011,” Charlie Martinez said. “I stand to lose a large part of my business. How many jobs, money and taxes does California want to lose to other states?”

The electric buzz throughout the day only ignited the already mad voters looking for ways to make a change. It is clear the 2010 elections are going to have a big impact throughout the country and many have noted the “sleeping giant has been awakened.”

Starting from a grassroots level, Virginia Fuller, a black emigrant from the Netherlands plans to run for office in the minority-based, 7th district. “I will stand for smaller government.”

Her first big speech was greeted warmly and she spoke with enthusiasm, Leslie Eastman said; “She is very dynamic and charismatic.”

Many of the organic protesters had a bone to pick with California’s Air Resources Board. This particular California regulation department will hit the trucking industry hard. Shelly Archer has an 18 employee trucking business in Ukiah, CA.

The state will be phasing out diesel engines used by truckers beginning 2011-2013. “The cost is $40,000 per engine and there is no way I can change over my 18 trucks and stay in business,” Archer explained.

The last time Archer was part of the political process was during the Ronald Reagan governorship. “I took 35 letters from my high school to the Capital in order to get smoking out of our bathrooms in high school. Reagan himself came out and talked to me!”

While the event was taking place there were more than 200 truckers circling the California capital, all were on their own time and paid for the fuel in an effort to alert the country that California truckers are under siege. According to one trucker, law enforcement stated there would be an $800 fine for honking their horns. California can find a way to tax everything.

Hundreds of homemade signs circulated through the sea of voters. Save a farmer, eat a fish, and Term limits! Honesty!! And Politicians pay your taxes!!! Is a sampling of the many creative signs.

Daniel Linder of California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) says that California has the most regulations in the U.S. “It is so expensive to just get a degree and a license in the Forestry industry."

“As a state, California imports 70 percent of lumber for building, while our over-stocked forests are responsible for devastating wildfires that creates 55 million metric tons of pollution each year,” Linder explains. “Californians pay $1.4 billion each year on taxes to fight wildfires rather than use the lumber.”

The tea party rally insisted California state legislature repeal AB 32 (cap-and-trade) and reduce government regulation – not pile on more.

By the end of the day the message could not have been any clearer.

***
For part one;www.examiner.com/x-10317-San-Diego-County-Political-Buzz-Examiner~y2009m8d28-Tea-Party-Patriots-take-Californias-capital-by-storm-Part-One

For part two; www.examiner.com/x-10317-San-Diego-County-Political-Buzz-Examiner~y2009m8d29-Tea-Party-Patriots-sound-off-in-Sacramento-Part-Two

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

A special thank you to my eyes and ears, Leslie Eastman!

Tea Party Patriots take California’s capital by storm (Part One)

Sacramento California became a firestorm of angry voters voicing their concerns about the current state and national issues impacting the economy.

The protesters started to arrive at the capital steps around 8:00 in the morning by 10:00 the crowds had swelled to more than 1,000 people and noon saw the number increase to 6,000. Among them were 35 San Diego residents that made the grueling all-night drive to Sacramento.

Petitions circulating around included the California Taxpayers Protection Act of 2010, which will limit the benefits illegal immigrants can receive from the government for their American born children; the part-time legislature bill and the repeal of AB32, California’s version of cap-and-trade.

The diverse crowd carried home-made signs with slogans like “No cap and trade, our electricity is too high; fruit trees are dead, so are your political careers; and no hate…not all wee weed up!”

Lynn Miller of San Diego also made the trek to Sacramento to ask Governor Schwarzenegger to repeal AB32 as well as, “Turn the water back on and get the 40 percent of unemployed workers back to work in the field.” Gene Buel concurred and said, “Stop creating a desert in our central valley.”

The plight of many farmers in the central Californian region is daunting at best. Chester Andrews is a third-generation farmer who works a couple-hundred acre farm in Mendota. Along with his three sisters, Andrews’s family has toiled on the farm for more than 100 years.

“I’ve been targeted by environmentalists simply because we incorporated our farm to save precious tax dollars,” he said. “But we are a family-run farm.”

Their almond and pistachio trees are threatened by the lack of water and the only thing keeping them alive right now is the well water the farm procures. However, this year the level has dropped by 60 feet and Andrews fears his water will completely run out within a couple of years.

All this anguish is created by the Delta Smelt fish. Families are losing their livelihoods overnight – all for something they cannot eat and something that threatens the state’s bread basket’s very existence.

“They are killing us,” Andrews said about the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

Patriots drove from all corners of the state to show their displeasure with the government. Christina Michas, of Palm Springs, said her most memorable moment so far was when she made a pit stop at Harris Ranch in Coalinga.

“The employees told us about all the hardship in the Central Valley and they all knew some affected by the current crisis. It was very, very sad.”

While Michas was dining and talking to the locals; California Senator Diane Feinstein walked in with her Secret Service entourage. “Let’s just say she isn’t very popular here.”

Earlier this year, Feinstein said she would make sure the food pantry’s received money and food to ease the crisis, yet simply turning on the water would solve the problem and allow the residents to earn a living and not take money from the government.

In an interview this week with the Fresno Bee Feinstein said, “There are 30 lawsuits on the biological opinions and two separate opinions, one for the Smelt and one for the Salmon. The rules need to be reconsidered.”

Do you think?

****

The rally begins. (Part Two)

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

This story could not have been written without the help of Leslie Eastman who has been my eyes and ears on this protest in Sacramento

A new 65-page health care plan emerges

A San Diego business man has proposed an overhaul of the health care industry in a 65-page report that saves the taxpayer’s 34 percent in overall costs and keeps the government completely out of the health care business.

So what prompted a private citizen to come up with a plan to save the health care industry? “The realization that government has been systematically devaluing the family and the role family plays in the foundation of our way of life,” says Michael Bond the author of this plan.

His company, Quantrex Research has been working to develop multiple family initiatives to dismantle federal bureaucracy; The Family Managed Health Care System is the result.

His efforts concentrate on personal and family accountability. By using the technological advances in the banking system, his plan would cut bureaucratic quagmire and implement the ATM-card technology to pay health care providers instantly eliminating most bureaucracy.

“The plan will require medical providers to post their prices on the internet and a family ATM-style medical card will allow payment to any provider. This will create instant competition,” Bond claims.

While no plan is perfect this one seems to offer alternatives worth paying attention to. “I believe the solution to the problems facing health care and the federal budget could be found in approaching the problems with a new system-level approach,” Bond explains.

The three main components this plan puts forward are; Families will be responsible for using the system and not over using it. A family grouping would rid the system of pre-existing conditions, add portability and the account would cover everyone in the family group as each person would pay into it.

Second, employers benefit from fixed hourly rate of $2.11/per hour to provide health benefits, this levels the medical insurance playing field and averages out at $4,000 per year, much less than the current $10,000 the government is now paying. Part time employees could work multiple jobs to meet a national average and employers do not have to pay to administer in-house plans. Bond also feels the $2.11 cost could be driven down as the plan becomes more established.

Third, the plan uses tried and true existing technology and systems to replace outdated risk mitigation in making payments to medical providers, thus reduces health care costs by 34 percent immediately.

Bond contends public awareness is critical to getting alternative health care reform plans into Washington D.C. “This plan addresses all the criteria required by both major political parties, yet it removes government from the equation.”

Another aspect of this plan involves how the current system will absorb 47 million new patients. Every plan floating around Washington D.C. puts the burden on administrative issues with the doctor.

“Currently it takes doctors 40 percent of their time writing up justifications for procedures to get approval. Under the Family Managed Health Care System these requirements would go away,” Bond says. “This would result in free time for doctors.”

Another issue this plan includes is tort reform. “All doctors would be charged an additional 1 percent merchant fee to be put into a malpractice fund in order to cover any lawsuits,” Bond said.

The malpractice portion would include an arbitration board that must review all claims of malpractice and make a determination of an appropriate settlement before the case can be taken to court, according to Bond.

As the health care reform legislation heats up, Bond feels the time is right to insert his ideas into the negotiations. “I think this plan will gain traction as people begin looking for a solution that is compatible with the principles of free market, non-government intervention and individual responsibility.”

Like most Americans who are speaking out across this country at town halls, Bond intends to do his part when it comes to health care.

“Health care is the family first issue that strikes directly at the heart of the social mandates that government has been using to undermine the family,” Bond explains. “I intend to correct the mistakes of the last 40 years and create systems that incrementally move the nation back to one founded on the strength and value of the American family.”

Doctors hold all the power, according to Bond. By publishing their rates online, the free market will create a downward pressure therefore reducing overall health care costs. Once the family is in charge of their own health care, the industry will see a shift into the preventative mode.

The current focus of asking doctors who they want to work for, the government, insurance companies or themselves is front and center. This is the only plan that makes it possible for doctors to remain in control of their business and receive direct payment for medical services.

For more information on this 65-page health care alternative; www.smart-web.org/fmhc

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

Protesters to Senator Boxer – you’re fired

San Diego- This is termination of employment from ‘we the people.’ It was clear outside California Senator Barbara Boxer’s office; ‘we the people’ were giving her a pink slip for a variety of reasons.

“She is not holding town hall meetings, she is not coming to San Diego and she refuses to answer questions about her votes in Washington D.C.,” says Linda Reedy a furious California voter.

Approximately 200 protesters from both sides of the isle stood outside Boxer’s office, parading their signs for all to see. From the onset, the Tea Party movement had a clear message that resonated with passerby’s in the downtown location.

Many of the people walking by stopped to thank the protesters for doing everything they were doing. Also, many passing cars and trucks honked their horns in support of the anti-health care protesters.

The health-care protest 'mob' attracted younger people to senior citizens.

“Doesn’t the government and people recognize this will cost our country a trillion plus dollars?” said Ann Holley, a senior who came to see what all the fuss was about. “Why hasn’t there been more discussion about community clinics similar to what we have in my town?”

Others were concerned about the free market in this country. Recent college graduates, Jessi Bridges, 24 and Britni Chadwick, 24 said, “We care about the direction our country is going and we care about our future.” They found out about the protest at an online community – not the Tea Party Patriots where a lot of the demonstraters are learning about protests and town halls across the country.

The lunchtime festivities were also recorded by the local news. One broadcaster found himself in the middle of a rude and in your face proponent of a single-payer health insurance program.

Another senior citizen who was holding her sign along the street said, “I was given the middle finger one-inch from my face by a young person with no respect for me whatsoever. It was my generation who sacrificed the most.”

In the meantime, small groups of protesters were escorted up to the Senator’s office to hand deliver their letters and petitions.

Once inside the office the group was greeted by a single employee who had no knowledge other than the fact that Senator Boxer has not been in the office for at least two years.

“You want to know why we are upset? She won’t even meet with her constituents, she is disrespecting the people,” Reedy said. “How is it she can vote on issues when she hasn’t bothered to visit San Diego in two years?”

The argument is the same across the country and as August continues, canceling or not holding town halls will only lament the anger constituents feel about their lawmakers. Protesters are hopping mad and they are not going to take it anymore.

“And by the way, no one is paying me to be here,” Chadwick said.

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

Democracy alive and well at town hall meetings

While the Administration ushers in a new era of health care reform, town halls find democracy alive and well across the country. As these meetings unfold, Rasmussen Polls reports health care is more unpopular and nearing double digit 53-42 deficit.

Getting to the nitty gritty of the health care bill isn’t easy. There are up to six bills floating around Washington D.C., making it hard for legislators to either defend or defeat an industry that consumes one-sixth of the U.S. economy.

The White House is trying to re-brand its health care reform package to health ‘insurance’ reform; thus painting the insurance company as the bogeyman. The shift in tactics, however, has done nothing to sway public support and the numbers continue to move away from the White House plans.

Town halls across the swath of the nation have generating genuine passion and California has been no different. Although, the crowd in San Diego early in the day, seemed to be fairly split, one thing was clear; there was anger on both sides of the issue.

Congressman Brian Bilbray-R, Calif. braved the packed senior center to answer questions about the Obama Administrations attempt to push through health care reform. Questions varied from rationing, to costs and what will be covered.

Oddly, when it came to the insurance companies themselves, the Congressman placed the blame squarely on the U.S. government and stated that “Washington will create the monopoly with health insurance companies, if people were allowed to buy insurance across state lines there would be a lot more competition and less price fixing.”

When the discussion moved to true reform, “cleaning up waste, fraud and abuse,” the entire room erupted in laughter. Bilbray said, “Why do we need legislation to fix this problem, we should be doing that anyway- it’s your money.” Again, the majority agreed.

“If it doesn’t pass the smell test, something is wrong,” he said. “Listen to all the points on this issue and we can build a consensus.”

Among the many agreements within the room was the inclusion of those here illegally. Most did not want to cover people who were not citizens in this country and the Congressman stated he would not vote for legislation with coverage for illegals.

The ability to afford health insurance is a problem for the recently unemployed, young people, self employed and small business owners. Bilbray said “Washington should be eliminating the walls for the individuals and allowing them to get together and purchase reasonable health care.” Again, there was consensus among the audience on this topic.

Most walked away from the hour-long Q &A believing the free-market system was the way out of this with insurance reform, not government control.

“I was just looking for answers and I found out we are all talking about something that really doesn’t even exist yet,” says Bob Crowe of San Diego.

“What the government is doing is a travesty,” said Gary Odaffer, a San Diego resident. “Our government is worthless; it’s all about big business and Troubled Assets Relief Program, TARP.”

Others were looking to see if the Republicans had any alternatives to the Democrat plan. One resident asked the Congressman if they were just the party of ‘no’ or if they had a plan out there as well.

“The Republicans are not allowed to bring anything to the floor without 218 votes. We currently have only 178 Republicans in the House a number well-short of what is needed,” an exasperated Bilbray said. “We are not even allowed to write amendments, the House Republicans have been completely shut out of the process.”

“However, the House and the Senate Republicans both have a plan,” Bilbray says. The following sites contain Republican options.www.gop.gov/solutions/healthcare or House plan www.house.gov/ryan/healthcare/index.htm .

When the government gets involved in handing out an item, such as health care, and when it becomes a scarcity, it is common sense to see there will be rationing. Bilbray pointed out that if the 47 million number is accurate, then where we are going to find all the new doctors, nurses and facilities required to treat the influx of new people.

The Obama Administration also seems to be driving a fissure between his party and the senior citizens as they oppose this bill in a 56 -39 percent. This is a double-digit unfavorable rating for the Presidents’ health reform bill.

Some continuants noticed the current health care bill will only be implemented in 2013 and wondered why. “Sticker shock,” replied Bilbray. “The President wants to win a second term and if he announces that health care will cost $1.6 trillion for six years; voters may have buyer’s remorse.”

After meeting with several doctors, Bilbray noted the need for health insurance portability and the fact there will be a shortage of doctors and nurses in the future. “I wanted to talk to people with a vested outcome in health care reform.”

Physicians have pointed out that medical schools have already seen a fall off in students looking to the medical profession. Before long America will have to look to India for medical field professionals, the Congressman noted.

At a later town hall in San Diego with Democrat Susan Davis-D, Calif., the ruckus crowd could not squeeze into the community center, leaving hundreds outside to make their voices heard.

With San Diego Police Department out making their presence known, the voters on either side of the debate were chanting political slogans like, ‘yes we can and health care now.’ Clearly there were grass roots members from the tea parties to the right and the White House’s Organize for America in attendance.

“We must be respectful inside and out,” said Edith Smith of San Diego. “We all need to contribute when it comes to health care; the status quo is not working.”

Another San Diego resident, David West said, “The leaders need to create a list of what is broken and try to fix it.”

The bottom line for voters to keep in mind is to, read, listen and question with boldness everything the elected officials put before the taxpayer. And maybe cooler heads can result in something everyone can live with.

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

Health Care Obama-style

San Diego- Now that cap-and-trade has been shelved; the Obama administration still can’t let the crisis go to waste, so here's Obamacare.

While the trillion (yes trillion) dollar price tag doesn’t seem to worry the White House, Americans took to the streets this weekend to make their voices heard. The monstrosity legislation has cleverly added a new kinder, gentler word, revenue or in layman’s terms-TAX increase.

Democratic leaders are considering a slew of new progressive taxes. Included in the recent proposals would be a soda, beer, employee payroll, flat-tax on insurance, VAT (value added tax on everything) and employer mandate taxes, according to the Heritage Foundation.

These proposed taxes would most certainly hit those making less than $250,000 per year, a promise Obama made to the American people and has already broken by raising taxes on tobacco products.

And let’s not forget the wealthy; those who make over the $250,000 per year would get an extra special tax around 3 percent to make up the costs and provide “free” health care to all. If you ask the upper-echelon taxpayers how they feel about free care, they might say something about the free part.

Last week the Congressional Budget Office (CBO the non-partisan gold standard) Director Douglas Elmendorf told the Senate, nothing in their current health care plan reduces health care costs.

Furthermore, Elmendorf explained, the Democrat’s health care plan only “puts an additional long-term burden on top of an already unsustainable path.” He went on to suggest Medicare reform would be a better route for the White House to tackle.

Obama said in Italy last week that he didn’t want a timeline or anything, “but I really want to get it done by the August recess.” The reason is the longer the plan is out there, more pork hidden in the bill is destined to get out to the public.

One such money-grabber was pointed out by Dawn Wildman, of So-Cal Tax Revolt Coalition, she found at least $16 billion in pork spending.

“The fact that they claim Americans will be able to keep their private insurance when the bill clearly makes it illegal to buy or sell private insurance. ‘It is unlawful for a private health insurer to sell health insurance coverage that duplicates the benefits provided under the Act’ (title I sec. 104a, of HR 676),” Wildman said.

She continues to voice her concerns about who will be offered health care. “They say all residents, not citizens, will be offered care. It's a kind of medical tourism.”

Wildman also explains the government will set up migrant health centers and she wants to know what exactly that looks like.

The bill even includes a ghastly “duty to die” that would hit senior citizens who have worked their whole life and paid all their taxes. Obama even danced around this topic at townhall meeting. “We need to think about costly testing and surgery for older patients.”

Taxes, taxes and more taxes, “The bill states they will increase taxes on the top-5 percent of income earners, modest progressive excise tax on payroll and self-employed as well as a tax on stock bond transactions,” Wildman said.

The National Coalition on Benefits which represents major business groups like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and AT&T told House leaders this plan would hurt their businesses. “The proposal in its current form needs serious revision,” the letter stated.

Another group put out an open invitation to all lawmakers. The Let Freedom Ring organization called on every Congressperson and Senator to pledge to the voters that they won’t sign a health care bill unless they (not staffers or lobbyist) have read the entire 1,300-plus bill and have posted it on the internet for 72 hours.

House Minority Whip, Eric Cantor-R-VA said where do I sign?

***
At the So-Cal Tax Revolt Coalition’s Tea Party this weekend Wildman and her coalition partner Leslie Eastman were able to raise awareness about the mammoth health care bill.

“We did this old school. The main reason was to get everyone up to speed on the latest legislation,” Wildman said. “We can’t rely on politicians across the board, most aren’t honest.”

San Diego resident Bob Morey agreed with Wildman. “We need to show up and have our voice heard, otherwise there will be no opposition and the bills will just roll through.”

The group also claimed their first victory against Washington D.C.’s political machine. “Our constant phone calling, emailing and faxing paid off when the Senate chose to shelf the cap-and-trade bill,” Eastman said.

Wildman said, now it was up to them to get the blue-dog democrats to slow down and read the 1,300-page health care bill, something other organizations are trying to do as well.

The coalition hopes to get more stories out there to Americans and politicians like Claudia Busath’s. She spent four years in Canada in the 1990s.

“What the politicians don’t tell you is Canada nearly went bankrupt providing national health care. They had to make deep cuts across the board to pay for an unsustainable health care system,” she said.

That meant health-care rationing. “I’m in a wheel chair and am fighting cancer, if I stayed in Canada I’d be dead,” Busath explained. “They put doctors, nurses and specialists on strict salaries and as a result they left Canada and went to countries so they could earn a living – like America.”

During Busath’s time in Canada, she paid 55 percent in taxes to the government; she was middleclass and that was gross income that was levied.

Next on deck was Eastman herself. “I’m a registered Democrat, most people think I’m with the other party. I’m mad at politicians who don’t represent me.”

Responding to the 10 counter-protestors across the street, Eastman said “we must be doing something right.” She also told the crowd those fake protestors are paid by George Soros of MoveOn.org.

Last on the podium was Mason Weaver, motivational speaker and radio host. “Want to see a black man speak without a teleprompter? When you speak the truth, it’s not hard,” the crowd erupted with laughter.

Weaver spoke to the crowd, very clearly telling them that Washington was trying to divide America. “Where are ‘we the people’ of the constitution, Obama is treating you like you are 4-years-old.”

“Freedom or Slavery, you have to choose today. It’s time to take back our country,” Weaver fanned the flames by telling the 10 counter protestors across the street “get a job.”

Weaver also explained that the African-American phrase is something we need to get over. “I’m a principled black American.”

For more stories;www.examiner.com/x-10317-San-Diego-County-Political-Buzz-Examiner~y2009m6d18-Health-care-reform-is-proving-to-be-much-more-difficult

Tea Parties gaining traction for July 4th

As the holiday weekend approaches, Tea Party organizations are gearing up to have their voices heard. There are more than 1,300 parties taking place across the country.

Tea Party participants are committed to letting Washington D.C. know that they have had enough of taxes, immigration issues and out-of-control spending.

One such group is Tea Party Day.com who has a few issues on their mind.

“We are tired of record spending in the budget. The budget increases spending to $3.9 trillion in 2009, or 27 percent of the GDP; the highest level since World War II,” the group says.

“The Obama Administration has spent approximately $24 billion per day during the first 50 days in office. Most of this is borrowed money,” they explain.

This and other Tea Party organizations are outraged about the doubling of the national debt, the trillion dollar entitlement spending sprees and increased tax burdens average families will have to bear in order to cover the growing government, cap-and-trade and health care policies.

The latest cap-and-trade bill just squeaked by in the house last week and equates to the largest tax hike in American history.

The Club for Growth, a taxpayer advocacy group, give Americans six reasons not to allow the cap-and-trade bill be signed into law.

1. All taxpayers will pay more than $3,000 per year in various taxes;
2. It exacerbates the current economic crisis; massive job losses, approximately 2.5 million;
3. It picks winners and losers by transferring money from rural areas to the big cities;
4. It has little environmental impact;
5. Green jobs are a proven failure, in Spain for every one green job created, 2.2 regular jobs are lost
6. It creates a new derivative market for companies like AIG, Goldman Sachs and GE.

A few talking points that Leslie Eastman of Southern California Tax Revolt Coalition points outs are the cap-and-trade bill deserves a full deliberation of the 1,200 pages. Also Eastman says the cap-and-trade carbon tax is an “outrageous power grab that will dramatically increase taxes and regulation.”

A big gripe many tea party attendees complain about is Washington D.C.’s problem of not reading any of the bills they are voting on. A message to all legislators from the silent majority; “we are watching.”

Biased News Coverage of Tea Parties

A local newspaper in my town shockingly wrote a negative op/ed piece on the Tea Parties. Well, to be fair, they are a newspaper so I wasn't really shocked, but I responded. At the end of my mini-rant you will find a link to the story.

Wow, I'm not sure Mr. Riehl attended the same 4,000 to 5,000 group at the Oceanside Tax Day Tea Party. This wasn't a group of professional protestors, the majority were self-professed rookies. This group wanted to voice their dissatisfaction of HOW their taxes were being spent. Most of these attendees work and accredit themselves as the silent majority. If you went to this event you would see that these tax-paying people are tired of doing the right thing, paying mortgages, taxes, bills and seeing entitlements are on the rise. Why continue doing the right thing if you are going to get nothing from it. These people are already paying towards their social security benefits that Mr. Reihl claims they will all accepting in their golden years. Even though there is much debate if enough money will be there to pay seniors in 20 to 30 years. I feel your paper's opinion piece misses the point of this grassroot cause and as we all see across the country newspapers are unable to sell their papers. Bankruptcy and loss revenues will continue to plague News organizations if they don't listen to what consumers really want. Just the facts or as I knew it in Journalism 101!

Here's the story

http://nctimes.com/articles/2009/04/24/opinion/riehl/z407b1b17170cf880882575a0005c6a35.txt">

Tea Party Photos

An average sign at this Oceanside, California Tea Party.