American Sovereignty: LOST at Sea?

Below is a letter sent from our own Paula Helton, via The Flortida Alliance, to our Senators regarding The Law Of The Sea Treaty (LOST). Following the letter are the emails for  our two Senators  so you may contact them if you agree with the contenet of the letter. We also have an article further describing LOST by Carrie Donovan, coordinator of the Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Institute for International Studies at The Heritage Foundation.

A Tea Party Coalition, Working for Individual Freedom

May 11, 2012

Senator Marco Rubio
317 Senate Hart Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510

Senator Bill Nelson
716 Senate Hart Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Senators Rubio and Nelson:

There appears to be a renewed interest in the ratification of the Law of the Sea Treaty, or LOST.

We the grassroots leaders of Tea Party/912 patriot groups, and your constituents, write to you today to state our firm opposition to the ratification of LOST.

The Law of the Sea Treaty, which originated in the 1970’s,  is yet another redistribution scheme of the United Nations,  known as  the “New International Economic Order”.

This treaty gives the United Nations authority over most of the world’s oceans, including the power to regulate and tax deep sea mining and redistribute the proceeds to Third World governments.

LOST fundamentally threatens U.S. sovereignty as any issues that arise would be adjudicated by a LOST Tribunal, which would contain members hostile to the United States. Tribunal rulings may not be appealed. The treaty is designed to replace national decision making with U.N. decision making.

At the heart of LOST is the  “International Seabed Authority”, which supervises a mining  subsidiary known as the Enterprise that is in turn ruled by an Assembly, Council, and various commissions and committees.  In essence, in order to be allowed to mine companies would be required to pay substantial fees to the “Authority” while being mandated to do surveys for the Enterprise, their government-subsidized competition.

The treaty mandates a transfer of mining technologies to Third World companies by stating, “sponsoring states would have to facilitate such transfers if the “Enterprise” and Third World competitors are unable to obtain necessary equipment commercially”.

This treaty gives the United Nations international taxing authority and amounts to the backdoor implementation of the “Kyoto Protocol”

The United States would be required to provide twenty five percent of the budget for LOST, but have no control over how the money is spent.

LOST applies eminent domain to intellectual property giving the U.N. the power to seize technology and share it with potentially enemy states.

President Ronald Reagan wisely refused to sign the treaty.  As the U.S. Attorney General at that time, Edwin Meese, stated,  “It was out of step with the concepts of economic liberty and free enterprise”. Those words still ring true today.

You pledged to represent the best interests of the citizens of Florida and today we demand you uphold that pledge and vote a resounding NO on the Law of the Sea Treaty.

Respectfully,

Paula Helton, Gainesville Tea Party
Paula Schaff, Punta Gorda Tea Party
Pete Franco, South Pinellas 912
Alan Berkelhammer, Gainesville Tea Party
Tina Woode, Seminole 912 Project
Tim Curtis, Tampa 912 Project
Carole McManus, First Coast Tea Party
Leanne King, First Coast Tea Party
Don Forward, Titusville Patriots
Elaine Laffey, Tea Party Ft. Lauderdale
Nancy Meinhardt, Miami 912 Project
Marian Rowe, Brevard 912
Stacy Snow Feiler, Tampa Tea Party
Kathy Gibson, East Orlando Tea Party
Jason Hoyt, Liberty Restoration Foundation
RoseAnn Bright, Nature Coast 912
Pat Wayman, Venice 912 Project
Walter Hughes, American Citizens League
Sharon Calvert, Tampa Tea Party
Karin Hoffman, DC Works For Us
Pam Evans, DC Works For Us – Dade
Pam Wohlschlegel, Palm Beach County Tea Party

 

Email for Senator Rubio:  http://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contact

Email for Senator Nelson:  http://billnelson.senate.gov/contact/email.cfm

 

The Law of the Sea Treaty (“Treaty”) was conceived in
1982 by the United Nations (U.N.) as a method for governing activities on, over,
and beneath the ocean’s surface. It focuses primarily on navigational and
transit issues. The Treaty also contains provisions on the regulation of
deep-sea mining and the redistribution of wealth to underdeveloped countries–as
well as sections regarding marine trade, pollution, research, and dispute
resolution. The Bush Administration has expressed interest in joining the
International Seabed Authority and has urged the U.S. Senate to ratify the
Treaty. However, many of former President Ronald Reagan’s original objections to
the Treaty–while modified–still hold true today, and many of the possible
national security advantages are already in place.

BREAKING – Governor Rick Scott’s Rogue Chief of Staff Steve MacNamara Has Resigned

Author’s note:  The following article from the Miami Herald’s online outlet was published before MacNamara’s resignation was tendered.  He has in fact, resigned:

Sources: Gov. Rick Scott’s embattled chief of staff to step down from post

TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Rick Scott’s chief of staff Steve MacNamara will be announcing his resignation, ending what has been a tumultuous week of news reports about his steering no-bid contracts to friends and interfering in staffing decisions throughout state government, sources close to the Scott administration said Saturday afternoon.  Continue reading this article at:  miamiherald.typepad.com.

MacNamara’s resignation letter to Governor Scott:  http://miamiherald.typepad.com/files/skmbt_c45112051215000.pdf

Great Candidate Forum last Saturday!

 This past Saturday GTP hosted a forum for the 2012 Alachua County Commission Republican candidates and we were fortunate to have them all there! It is a pleasure that our community can produce such an impressive field of candidates and we thank them for their service.

Below are the YES/NO questions and the candidates’ responses. (Due to family circumstances Dean Cheshire was not able to stay for this portion of the forum).

1.       Do you support a rapid transit bus system for our county?

Jean Calderwood -  NO

 John Martin          -  NO

Brandon Kutner   -  NO

Kevin Riordan      -   NO

 

2.        Do you think that taxpayer subsidies should be used to attract private business to Alachua County?

Jean Calderwood – NO

John Martin           - NO

Brandon Kutner   - NO

Kevin Riordan      - NO

 

3.       Do you think that tax credits should be used to attract private business to Alachua County?

Jean Calderwood -  NO

John Martin          -  NO

Brandon Kutner   -  NO

Kevin Riordan       -  NO

 

4.       Do you believe that the most recent Alachua County Charter Review Commission should have allowed the voters to decide if they wanted Alachua County Commission races to be single member districts versus at-large districts?

 Jean Calderwood -  YES

John Martin          -   YES

Brandon Kutner   -   YES

Kevin Riordan      -  YES

 

5.       Do you believe the County Commission should allow the voters to decide on a road repair and/or a transportation sales tax?

Jean Calderwood -  YES

John Martin           -  YES

Brandon Kutner   -   NO

Kevin Riordan       - YES

 

6.        Do you believe that government employees should contribute a percentage of their earnings towards their pension benefits? 

Jean Calderwood -  YES

John Martin           -  YES

Brandon Kutner   -  YES

Kevin Riordan      -  YES

 

7.       Alachua County is currently a member of ICLEI (the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives originating from and supported by the United Nations). ICLEI is also known as Local Governments for Sustainability. The principles of ICLEI have been a guiding force for over a decade for the Alachua County commission’s vision for development. As a commissioner would you vote to resign from ICLEI?

Jean Calderwood -  YES

John Martin         -   YES

Brandon Kutner  -   YES

Kevin Riordan      -   YES

Governor Scott Vetoes Student Loan Bill

Yesterday the Governor vetoed HB7129 which would give UF and USF unlimited ability to raise tuition.  It might suprise you to know that only three Republicans voted against that bill.  Rep. Page Kreegel (R District 72) put out the following press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 28, 2012

CONTACT: Jason Roe, 800-916-1770

 

Kreegel One of Only Three Republicans to Oppose Tuition Hike

Governor Scott Vetoes Bill

 

(Fort Myers, Fla.) -  Governor Rick Scott this week vetoed HB 7129, a bill that would allow unlimited tuition increases on students at the University of Florida and Florida State University.

 “I am glad the governor made the right decision for Florida students by vetoing this tax which would have disproportionately affected the students and their families,” said Kreegel.  “Saddling them with higher student loan debts is not the right formula for Florida’s future.”

 Kreegel voted AGAINST the legislation, which passed the House 85-28, with only two other Republicans opposing it.  Rep. Gary Aubachaun, also running for the 19^th Congressional District, missed the vote but then recorded a yes vote after the roll call closed.

 “Florida’s universities are already some of the best in the country,” said Kreegel, countering claims that the institutions needed the increase to compete with Ivy League schools.  “The idea that at a time of record continued unemployment, we would saddle our young people with an unlimited tax increase so they can charge as much as Harvard just doesn’t make sense.  One of the strengths of our universities is that we are able to provide an affordable education.”

 Rep. Paige Kreegel is a family doctor, citrus grower, and businessman.  First elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2004, he has served as chairman of the House Energy and Utilities Committee, the House Health Care Services Committee, and vice-chairman of the Appropriations Committee.

 

###

Florida Legislative Wrap Up

This piece was forwarded to us by our realtor friends with a description of what some of the FL legislation will mean going forward. It’s amazing the volume of bills that get filed every year. This year there were 1747 bills filed. Florida Realtors® News Legislature 2012 Wrap UpTALLAHASSEE, Fla. — March 9, 2012 — If you’ve been following the 2012 regular session of the Florida Legislature, you know it’s been anything but typical.In addition to dealing with a $2 billion budget shortfall, legislators had another time-consuming task that happens only once a decade: redraw political boundaries, a process that required the Legislature to convene two months earlier than usual.Given these circumstances, Florida Realtors® went into the 2012 session with realistic expectations and a modest agenda. “Last year, we took on some big issues — ‘scrapping the cap’ on the Sadowski Housing Trust Funds and passage of a proposed constitutional amendment providing property tax relief for thousands of residential and commercial property owners. That will appear as Amendment 4 on the November ballot,” says John Sebree, senior vice president of public policy for Florida Realtors.”With the budget shortfall, we knew legislators wouldn’t have an appetite for additional property tax reform, so we focused primarily on initiatives that could strengthen the real estate market and improve the business environment of our members.” Of the 1,747 general bills filed this session, about 300 passed both chambers. Among these are several of Florida Realtors priority bills dealing with septic tank inspections, local business taxes and Citizens Property Insurance Corp. Following are highlights of the 2012 legislative session, which adjourned minutes ago: Real estate sales associates and broker associates exempt from local business taxes. HB 7125, a bill by the House Economic Affairs Committee and Rep. Ken Roberson (R-Port Charlotte) exempts real estate sales associates and broker associates from paying local business taxes (formerly known as occupational license fees) if required in their city or county. Under Florida law, these individuals must affiliate with a real estate broker who already pays local business taxes. Brokers will continue to pay the tax. Repeal of the tax will save real estate licensees $3.8 million annually. Effective date if signed by governor: Oct. 1, 2012. Mandatory septic tank inspections out, optional inspections in. HB 1263 , an omnibus health care bill by Rep. Matt Hudson (R-Naples), was amended yesterday with Realtor-supported language originally provided in HB 999 by Rep. Chris Dorworth (R-Heathrow) and SB 820 by Sen. Charlie Dean (R-Inverness) to repeal the mandatory septic tank inspection law passed in 2010. It establishes an optional inspection program for the 19 counties with the 33 largest springs. However, other cities and counties may opt into the program as well. Also, septic tank inspections cannot be required as a condition of sale. Effective date if signed by governor: March 9, 2012. A major step toward creating a competitive property insurance market. HB 1127 by Rep. Ben Albritton (R-Bartow) reduces the amount of money private insurers must give Citizens Property Insurance Corp. if the state insurer goes broke after a catastrophic storm. The first check a private insurer writes after a catastrophic storm should be to their policyholders, not Citizens. However, current law requires insurers to pay Citizens up to 18 percent of their premiums within 30 days of being assessed. They can later recoup these monies from their policyholders. It’s hoped that HB 1127 will attract new insurers to Florida and keep existing insurers here. Effective date if signed by governor: July 1, 2012. Tax boost for businesses. HJR 1003 by Rep. Eric Eisnaugle (R-Orlando) creates a proposed constitutional amendment to increase the exemption for tangible personal property taxes. Under current law, an exemption applies to the first $25,000 in property taxes such as business equipment. If approved by 60 percent of voters in the November election, the exemption would expand to include the value of tangible personal property between $25,000 and $50,000. Options for challenging Citizens replacement cost estimates. In January, following discussions with Florida Realtors and policyholders concerned about unreasonably high replacement cost estimates, Citizens Property Insurance Corp. agreed to consider valuation sources other than 360Value software. HB 1101 codifies three options into law, including valuations prepared by real estate appraisers licensed under Chapter 475, F.S. Effective date if signed by governor: July 1, 2012. Broad range of economic development incentives. HB 7087 is a large omnibus tax bill that’s part of the budget deal agreed to between the House and Senate. Of particular interest to real estate companies is an increase in the corporate income tax exemption from $25,000 to $50,000. Effective date if signed by governor: July 1, 2012. Reducing condo inventory and protecting an appraiser’s interests. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) pushed two bills this session that contain items of interest to the real estate industry. You may recall that the 2010 Legislature wanted to encourage investors to purchase blocks of condo units to reduce inventory levels. This was accomplished in part by amending condo laws to protect bulk buyers from some of the liabilities faced by condo developers. These protections were set to expire on July 1, 2012. HB 517 by Rep. James Grant (R-Tampa) extends the “bulk buyer” provision to July 1, 2015. Effective date if signed by governor: July 1, 2012. The other DBPR bill, HB 887 by Rep. Clay Ingram (R-Pensacola), prohibits Appraisal Management Companies from requiring appraisers to sign hold harmless agreements as a condition of business. Effective date if signed by governor: Oct. 1, 2012. Budget appropriations. Though the Legislature swept all monies collected for the Sadowski Affordable Housing Trust Fund into general revenue, it appropriated funds for economic development initiatives and tourism that could ultimately benefit the real estate market: $61 million for the State Economic Enhancement and Development (SEED) Fund and other economic development funds. These monies may be used to fund affordable housing programs and projects. $27.5 million for Visit Florida, the state’s marketing agency. $8.6 million for Enterprise Florida, a state economic development agency. In addition, the Legislature set aside $285,000 to combat unlicensed activity, $30 million for Everglades restoration, $8.4 million for the Florida Forever land acquisition program and $1.5 million to study nitrogen reduction and develop possible new technology for passive septic systems. INITIATIVES THAT FAILED SJR 314 by Sen. David Simmons (R-Altamonte Springs) would have replaced Amendment 4 on the November ballot — supported by Florida Realtors — with one that created a “super exemption” on homestead properties. Amendment 4, which lawmakers approved in 2011, includes a property tax break for first-time homebuyers and curbs the growth of commercial property assessments. HB 213/SB 1890 Rep. Kathleen Passidomo (R-Naples) and Sen. Jack Latvala (R-St. Petersburg), which sought to speed up Florida’s judicial foreclosure process. The bills also contained language to reduce the amount of time lenders have to request a deficiency decree from five years to one. SJR 838/HJR 55 by Miguel Diaz de la Portilla (R-Miami) and Rep. Jeanette Nunez (R-Miami) sought to freeze property tax rates for low-income seniors. SB 1784/HB 245 by Sen. Alan Hays (R-Umatilla) and Rep. Jim Boyd (R-Bradenton), which would have allowed surplus lines carriers to take policies out of Citizens Property Insurance Corp. HB 319 by Rep. George Moraitis, Jr. (R-Fort Lauderdale) included language clarifying that a lender is responsible for a specific amount of unpaid fees and assessments for association-controlled foreclosures (condos/HOA/co-op). Safe Harbor provisions already exist in statute and state that a bank’s liability is capped at the lesser of 12 months’ past due assessments or 1 percent of the original mortgage debt. However, this hasn’t stopped collection agencies and attorneys from disrupting closings with dubious financial claims against lenders.

Septic Tank Law Repealed!!!

Victory!!  Septic Tank Law Repealed!!!

 As reported by our friends at The Tea Party Network-
I am happy to report that after years of hard work on the part of dedicated legislators and many groups across the State of Florida including The Tea Party Network, and through the dedication of many citizens who own septic tanks that the Septic Tank  Law (commonly known as SB550) which mandated septic tank inspections on 2.7 million people was repealed in the Senate and the House today.
 
Read the full language here: http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2012/1263/Amendment/538152/PDF  Summary:Even though this bill does set certain statutes for septic tank inspection ordinances, they only apply to those counties with Magnitude One Springs. The language does allow those counties to opt out by following a certain procedure. Any county without a Magnitude One Springs will not have to do anything. If a county should wish to adopt an ordinance in the future they will have to follow the statues set in this bill. This is a good bill for homeowners.
 
What happened:

SB820 was not going to be allowed to be heard on the Senate floor which killed teh companion bill HB999.
Some very smart legislators (whom we will recognize after we compile the information) put the SB820/HB999 language into SB1824 and HB1263.
SB1824 was brought to the Senate floor 03/08 and “laid on table”. The Senate picked up HB1263 and voted on it, which also had the septic tank repeal language in it.
HB1263 was passed 03/09/12 in the Senate with a 31 to 9 vote, and went back to the House floor where it passed 86 to 29.
HB1263 – Ordered engrossed, then enrolled. Legislative meaning of Engrossed – “The version of a bill that incorporates adopted floor amendments. The revision is done in the house of origin and engrossed under the supervision of the Secretary of the Senate or the Clerk of the House.” Legislative meaning of Enrolled “Once a bill has passed, it is enrolled in the house of origin. After it has been enrolled and signed by officers of both houses, it is then sent to the Governor for action and transmittal to the Secretary of State. The version of the bill sent to the Governor is referred to as an enrolled bill.”
What happens now?
 
An act becomes a law when the Governor either approves it or fails to sign or veto it within the period specified in the State Constitution. An act can also become a law when a subsequent legislature overrides a veto by the Governor. While the legislature is in session, the constitution allows a 7-day period following presentation of a bill to the Governor within which to sign or veto the bill. If the legislature adjourns sine die before an act is presented to the Governor or while an act is in the Governor’s possession, the Governor has 15 days following the date of presentation in which to take action.
 
Share this information with those you know who have septic tanks. 
 
Submitted by: Sharon Glass
Issue Lead for Septic Tank Issue
The Tea Party Network

Obama Eligibility Press Conference – Full Video and Report

The Western Center For Journalism joined with World Net Daily (WND) and the Article II Super PAC to live stream the Maricopa County “Cold Case Posse” Investigative Report of President Barack Obama initiated following a request from Tea Party members from Surprise, Arizona.

The Video will be live below. The press conference is over. The full video is now posted at the bottom of this post. Additionally, the videos that accompanied the press conference are also embedded.  Please share this link with your friends.  Get the full written report and the videos at westernjournalism.com.  At the very least you’ll learn how to make a birth certificate!

Sheriff Arpaio’s Cold Case Posse Uncovers “Systematic Effort to Obscure the Truth”

Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Maricopa County, Arizona released his report on president Obama’a birth certificate and Selective Service (Draft) card on Thursday.  It is important to note that Arpaio reluctantly initiated  this investigation ONLY after receiving a petition signed by 250 of this constituents and with no preconceived conclusions.  He noted that his oath is to “preserve, protect, and defend” both the Arizona and United States Constitutions.

The Cold Case Posse’s investigation team contained many experts of many disciplines and is the first time that law enforcement has been involved in this matter.

Tune in tomorrow when I will post the full video of Thursday’s press conference and the PDF file of the full written report.  It’s stunning and CREDIBLE!

Since first announcing the formation of a “cold case posse” to investigate the legitimacy of Barack Hussein Obama’s claim to Constitutional occupation of the White House, Sheriff Joe Arpaio has been at once the object of  legacy media smears and new media encouragement. And though the information gathered in the 6 month effort will probably not change the minds of many dedicated Obamabots, it has provided stark and irrefutable evidence that “person or persons unknown” worked long and hard in a systematic effort to obscure the truth about Barack Obama’s birth, heritage and qualifications to serve as President of the United States.  (1) Continue reading at: coachisright.com.

Join Tea Party Express and Gainesville Tea Party

Sunday, January 29th  – Stein Mart Parking Lot

Newberry Road beside the Oaks Mall

4:00 to 5:30 PM

TEA PARTY EXPRESS BUS IS ROLLING THROUGH FLORIDA

Gainesville is one of only 7 cities statewide chosen to participate in this landmark event.

“Rallying for Victory” Tour to Bring Tea Party Issues to the Forefront

Speakers include (others to be determined):

Amy Kremer, Chairman Tea Party Express
Judson Phillips, Founder Tea Party Nation
Lloyd Marcus, Tea Party Express Entertainer, American Tea Party Anthem
Diana Nagy, Tea Party Express Performer and Entertainer
Andrea Shea King, Radio Patriot and Vice President of the Campaign to Defeat Barack Obama
Jeniffer Horn, Mitt Romney Campaign
Susan Baird, Alachua County Commissioner
Laurie Newsom, President Gainesville Tea Party
Alan Berkelhammer, Leader Gainesville Tea Party
Paula Helton, Leader Gainesville Tea Party

 

 

Jacksonville, FL - Tea Party Express, the nation’s largest tea party political action committee, is excited to announce the launch of its “Rallying for Victory” bus tour through Florida. The tour will start this Saturday, January 28th and will make seven stops up and down the Sunshine State.

Amy Kremer, Chairman of the Tea Party Express, said, “The Tea Party Express is here rallying for victory against the policies of Barack Obama and the Harry Reid-led Senate. The current Administration has showed zero leadership and interest in listening to the voice of the American people. Our ‘Rallying for Victory’ tour through Florida will be an exhibition of the Tea Party’s strength and determination in pursuing and promoting Tea Party values.

“Florida is a key state in the presidential election campaign and one in which the future direction of the country could be determined.  This will be the place to reject the Obama policies of promoting his big government, liberal policies that have killed job growth and added trillions of dollars of debt. It is critical to have an energized and engaged Tea Party electorate, just like we saw in 2010 as the Tea Party movement elected more Republican state legislators since 1928 and more Republican congressional representatives since 1948.

“Our ‘Rallying for Victory’ bus tour will bring together local and national Tea Party activist to raise awareness of the Tea Party movement and the conservative principles that will put this nation back on the path to prosperity. It is an opportunity to inform the American people that there is a free-market solution to get the economy on the right track and that the president’s actions have not accomplished what he has promised,” Kremer concluded.

The Tea Party Express plans to make stops in Jacksonville, Winter Park, West Palm Beach, The Villages, Gainesville, Panama City and Pensacola. The Tea Party Express will be joined by conservative leaders from across the country and will provide a platform for Presidential candidates to present their Tea Party qualifications. The organization is directing the public to its website (www.TeaPartyExpress.org) for the details of the stops.

 

Rick Santorum to Attend Rally in Lake City, Thursday, January 26!

Courtesy of the NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA TEA PARTY

The North Central Florida Tea Party invited all of the Presidential Candidates to visit Lake City during their campaigns here.  Senator Rick Santorum has accepted for Thursday, January 26. He will arrive in Lake City for a Tea Party Rally  in the large parking area behind the Lake City Mall on US 90 in Lake City at 3PM and depart the area at 4:30PM after speaking and a Q&A session from the audience. Everyone is invited to attend! If you have questions please call  Wilbur Corbitt at 386-867-1687.  

 

 

Breaking: Rubio Withdraws Support for ProtectIP Act

Below is a note from J.R. Sanchez of Senator Marco Rubio’s office.  It is about the PROTECT IP Act under consideration in the Senate  [House companion bill is the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)].  J.R. has advised that Marco, who was originally in favor of this bill, and for the right reasons, has been persuaded  by grassroots activists that this bill is flawed and he has withdrawn his support.  While no elected official will vote the way we want them 100% of the time, Senator Rubio has stood for conservative, free market principles time and time again.  He remains accessible to his constituents and he has demonstrated that he not only listens to what we have to say, but is willing to act on it.

My comment on Senator Rubio’s Facebook page:
Thanks Marco for your being flexible and listening to We the People. And thanks, J.R., for being our conduit! – Alan Berkelhammer

_________

J.R.’s Note:
Dear Friends, Please distribute this IMPORTANT press release to ALL your friends, family and Colleagues.                                                                                                                      

Many thanks,

J.R.

http://www.facebook.com/SenatorMarcoRubio/posts/340889625936408

 

SENATOR RUBIO’S STATEMENT:

 

A Better Way to Fight the Online Theft of American Ideas and Jobs

By Senator Marco Rubio

In recent weeks, we’ve heard from many Floridians about the anti-Internet piracy bills making their way through Congress. On the Senate side, I have been a co-sponsor of the PROTECT IP Act because I believe it’s important to protect American ingenuity, ideas and jobs from being stolen through Internet piracy, much of it occurring overseas through rogue websites in China. As a senator from Florida, a state with a large presence of artists, creators and businesses connected to the creation of intellectual property, I have a strong interest in stopping online piracy that costs Florida jobs.

However, we must do this while simultaneously promoting an open, dynamic Internet environment that is ripe for innovation and promotes new technologies.

Earlier this year, this bill passed the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously and without controversy. Since then, we’ve heard legitimate concerns about the impact the bill could have on access to the Internet and about a potentially unreasonable expansion of the federal government’s power to impact the Internet. Congress should listen and avoid rushing through a bill that could have many unintended consequences.

Therefore, I have decided to withdraw my support for the Protect IP Act. Furthermore, I encourage Senator Reid to abandon his plan to rush the bill to the floor. Instead, we should take more time to address the concerns raised by all sides, and come up with new legislation that addresses Internet piracy while protecting free and open access to the Internet.

J.R. Sanchez

Tonight (Tuesday): Live From the Iowa Caucuses on Street Voices Live

Access to this live historic media event via simultaneous streaming is available by registration at:

www.streetvoiceslive.com for a one time subscription fee of $3.99

B!G Voices Media is Here Now

Introducing a new media platform.  This time the microphone belongs to US!

No longer will the only reporting available be what is spoon fed to the public through a filter controlled by the mainstream media and elite paid political consultants from both parties, all deciding what they want the public to hear.  The voices “of the people, by the people, and for the people” will be heard through B!G Voices Media, our media.

That’s right.  We’re taking the media back – On the way to taking our country back.  From now on the grassroots will take control of our own destiny.  This is going to be big.  And it’s starting with live broadcasts from the Iowa Caucuses next week (see below).  And then be sure to attend our next regular monthly meeting on January 7^th to see how you can be involved in this peaceful media revolution on an ongoing basis.

Click the link below to register for the Live Stream

www.StreetVoicesLive.com

U.S. Citizens Targeted? Senate Bill – 1867

Wow!  What a difference it makes when the electorate AND the politicians actually read a bill.  The concerns about Senate Bill 1867 and ALL its potential ammendments justifiably give one pause and concern.  As with most of the legislation that is passed nowadays, the legal language makes it virtually impossible to understand the true ramifications of the bill.

Please click the two links below to see why opponents of the bill are concerned, followed by some current language in the bill which states that PRESENTLY U.S. Citizens cannot be targeted. We all know however, that any definition is subject to change and as such this should concern you. Keeping law enforcement local has worked for decades but more and more that falls under the reach of the Federal government.

http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/195889-sens-paul-mccain-clash-over-terrorist-detainee-amendment-

http://www.businessinsider.com/secret-bill-to-be-voted-on-today-would-allow-the-military-to-sweep-up-us-citizens-at-home-or-abroad-2011-11

http://www.infowars.com/yes-americans-will-be-targeted-as-terrorists-under-the-ndaa/

Defenders of the bill state that if you read the bill closely one can see that all the concerns are unfounded.

 Two of the Sections most worrisome are printed below and do state that U.S Citizens are not to be included in the COVERED PERSONS definition.

Subtitle D–Detainee Matters

SEC. 1031. AFFIRMATION OF AUTHORITY OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES TO DETAIN COVERED PERSONS PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORIZATION FOR USE OF MILITARY FORCE.

(a) In General- Congress affirms that the authority of the President to use all necessary and appropriate force pursuant to the Authorization for Use of Military Force (Public Law 107-40) includes the authority for the Armed Forces of the United States to detain covered persons (as defined in subsection (b)) pending disposition under the law of war.

(b) Covered Persons- A covered person under this section is any person as follows:

(1) A person who planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, or harbored those responsible for those attacks.

(2) A person who was a part of or substantially supported al-Qaeda, the Taliban, or associated forces that are engaged in hostilities against the United States or its coalition partners, including any person who has committed a belligerent act or has directly supported such hostilities in aid of such enemy forces.

(c) Disposition Under Law of War- The disposition of a person under the law of war as described in subsection (a) may include the following:

(1) Detention under the law of war without trial until the end of the hostilities authorized by the Authorization for Use of Military Force.

(2) Trial under chapter 47A of title 10, United States Code (as amended by the Military Commissions Act of 2009 (title XVIII of Public Law 111-84)).

(3) Transfer for trial by an alternative court or competent tribunal having lawful jurisdiction.

(4) Transfer to the custody or control of the person’s country of origin, any other foreign country, or any other foreign entity.

(d) Construction- Nothing in this section is intended to limit or expand the authority of the President or the scope of the Authorization for Use of Military Force.

(e) Requirement for Briefings of Congress- The Secretary of Defense shall regularly brief Congress regarding the application of the authority described in this section, including the organizations, entities, and individuals considered to be `covered persons’ for purposes of subsection (b)(2).

SEC. 1032. REQUIREMENT FOR MILITARY CUSTODY.

(a) Custody Pending Disposition Under Law of War-

(1) IN GENERAL- Except as provided in paragraph (4), the Armed Forces of the United States shall hold a person described in paragraph (2) who is captured in the course of hostilities authorized by the Authorization for Use of Military Force (Public Law 107-40) in military custody pending disposition under the law of war.

(2) COVERED PERSONS- The requirement in paragraph (1) shall apply to any person whose detention is authorized under section 1031 who is determined–

(A) to be a member of, or part of, al-Qaeda or an associated force that acts in coordination with or pursuant to the direction of al-Qaeda; and

(B) to have participated in the course of planning or carrying out an attack or attempted attack against the United States or its coalition partners.

(3) DISPOSITION UNDER LAW OF WAR- For purposes of this subsection, the disposition of a person under the law of war has the meaning given in section 1031(c), except that no transfer otherwise described in paragraph (4) of that section shall be made unless consistent with the requirements of section 1033.

(4) WAIVER FOR NATIONAL SECURITY- The Secretary of Defense may, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence, waive the requirement of paragraph (1) if the Secretary submits to Congress a certification in writing that such a waiver is in the national security interests of the United States.

(b) Applicability to United States Citizens and Lawful Resident Aliens-

(1) UNITED STATES CITIZENS- The requirement to detain a person in military custody under this section does not extend to citizens of the United States.

(2) LAWFUL RESIDENT ALIENS- The requirement to detain a person in military custody under this section does not extend to a lawful resident alien of the United States on the basis of conduct taking place within the United States, except to the extent permitted by the Constitution of the United States.

(c) Implementation Procedures-

(1) IN GENERAL- Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President shall issue, and submit to Congress, procedures for implementing this section.

(2) ELEMENTS- The procedures for implementing this section shall include, but not be limited to, procedures as follows:

(A) Procedures designating the persons authorized to make determinations under subsection (a)(2) and the process by which such determinations are to be made.

(B) Procedures providing that the requirement for military custody under subsection (a)(1) does not require the interruption of ongoing surveillance or intelligence gathering with regard to persons not already in the custody or control of the United States.

(C) Procedures providing that a determination under subsection (a)(2) is not required to be implemented until after the conclusion of an interrogation session which is ongoing at the time the determination is made and does not require the interruption of any such ongoing session.

(D) Procedures providing that the requirement for military custody under subsection (a)(1) does not apply when intelligence, law enforcement, or other government officials of the United States are granted access to an individual who remains in the custody of a third country.

(E) Procedures providing that a certification of national security interests under subsection (a)(4) may be granted for the purpose of transferring a covered person from a third country if such a transfer is in the interest of the United States and could not otherwise be accomplished.

(d) Effective Date- This section shall take effect on the date that is 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and shall apply with respect to persons described in subsection (a)(2) who are taken into the custody or brought under the control of the United States on or after that effective date.

Republican Congressman Justin Amash told the The Grand Rapids Press today, the language of the bill is “carefully crafted to mislead the public.”

“Note that it does not preclude U.S. citizens from being detained indefinitely, without charge or trial, it simply makes such detention discretionary,” Amash wrote on his Facebook page.

“The controversy over whether or not the text of the bill suggests the legislation applies to U.S. citizens is largely inconsequential given the fact that every piece of anti-terror legislation passed since 9/11 has been used against Americans, both at home and abroad.

The Patriot Act was passed in the name of giving federal authorities the tools to catch terrorists, but it has been used in hundreds of cases against American citizens.”

Please contact your Senators and express your concerns and ask WHY we need this bill. We also have a link to an explanation from Senator Rubio’s office.

Senator Marco Rubio (R)
Telephone: 202-224-3041
Email Link: http://rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contact

Click here for Senator Rubio’s Office comments-Senator Rubio Office

Senator Bill Nelson (D)
Telephone: 202-224-5274
 Email Link: http://billnelson.senate.gov/contact/email.cfm

Thanksgiving: Our Treasured Celebration

Two years ago a movement started spreading across our country, a movement determined to change the course of our country. This movement has touched the lives of every citizen with its insistence that our government return to the principles of the Constitution, principles rooted in individual freedom. For too long our country has relentlessly marched toward the loss of this freedom and we now stand at a crossroad: what will we choose…rule of law or rule of men? What kind of government do we want…democratic socialism or a republic? Most importantly… will we choose freedom or tyranny?

It is Thanksgiving, a time to remember all that we hold dear and to give thanks for the freedom bequeathed to us by our forefathers. What will you choose? What kind of country do you want? Are you willing to fight for the liberty in which the only country in the history of mankind was framed? If your answer is YES  then your place is with us, the new revolution, the Tea Party. Together we will again bring our country back to the principles of individual liberty and responsibility. It is up to us – and we can do it!

AMERICA, AMERICA

God shed his grace on thee

And crown thy good with brotherhood

From sea to shining sea!   

Happy Thanksgiving

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