Two processes are playing out this week that will shape the balance of political power in Mississippi for much of this decade.>> read more
___________________________ Chartering the same old course by Cory Wilson The Empire strikes back. Last week, the debate in Jackson over charter schools culminated in a 15-16 defeat in the House Education Committee of a bill that would have brought strong reforms to the state's educational system. >> read more
"I am confident the Supreme Court will not take what would be an unprecedented, extraordinary step of overturning a law that was passed by a strong majority of a democratically-elected congress . . . I am confident this will be upheld because it should be upheld." - President Barack Obama, at the White House Monday.>> read more
Last week, Obamacare turned two years old. To celebrate, the Supreme Court threw a real birthday bash, inviting as guests 26 states, a crowd of lawyers almost as numerous as the Obama bureaucrats hired to dictate our health care, and the few apologist Democrats who still defend the law despite objective reality. >> read more
I am excited to pass on some great news! I received an email response from Representative Becky Currie tonight telling me that the anti-Agenda 21 Resolution has been filed! >> read more
Chairman Andy Gipson introduced the Child Protection Act and Child Rape Protection Act on February 2, 2012 for the purpose of solving a very serious problem in Mississippi that has made it next to impossible to prosecute perpetrators of child rape and sexual abuse. >> read more
Most people will see by the title that I am a bean counter and their eyes will begin to glaze over. Hopefully that won’t happen until you check out the links to the charts. >> read more
Please read and familiarize yourself with them, contact your State Representative and Senator, watch the Legislature website...http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/ and be ready to contact in advance of the actions that take place during the session.
"Glad to have you here. We have some serious work to do.
Visit the site often to keep up to date, and learn what you can do to help with the fight to re-gain our freedoms and preserve our American way of life. Use the "Invite" button at the…"
"Glad to have you here. We have some serious work to do.
Visit the site often to keep up to date, and learn what you can do to help with the fight to re-gain our freedoms and preserve our American way of life. Use the "Invite" button at the…"
"Glad to have you here. We have some serious work to do.
Visit the site often to keep up to date, and learn what you can do to help with the fight to re-gain our freedoms and preserve our American way of life. Use the "Invite" button at the…"
"Glad to have you here. We have some serious work to do.
Visit the site often to keep up to date, and learn what you can do to help with the fight to re-gain our freedoms and preserve our American way of life. Use the "Invite" button at the…"
What's happening with the Mississippi Tea Party and the Tea Party scene, Nationwide
BARACK OBAMA, LIBERALS AND THE POWER OF "COOL"
The hypocritical double standard of the main stream media.
May 24, 2012, Victor Davis Hanson
When Barack Obama two years ago joked at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner that potential suitors of his two daughters might have to deal with Predator drones (“But boys, don’t get any ideas. Two words for you: Predator drones. You will never see it coming.”), crowd roared. That failed macabre joke would have earned George W. Bush a week of headline condemnation from the New York Times and the Washington Post. Read more: http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/300700/power-cool-victor-davis-hanson
TheU.S.Navy has been the master of the seven seas since World War II, the pre-eminent maritime force.
It seems odd, then, that Navy leadership has long pressed for what amounts to a redundant international hall pass.
A steady stream of admirals and service chiefs over many years have advocated for the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, or the Law of the Sea Treaty — an accord rejected by President Ronald Reagan in 1982.
Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, for example, said this treaty “codifies navigational rights and freedoms essential for our global mobility.”
It is true that the treaty’s navigational articles codify noncontroversial traditional maritime rules of the road. But the Navy has successfully preserved and protected its navigational rights and freedoms for 200 years without it.
For the treaty to be “essential for our global mobility,” the Navy would have to suffer a devastating decline — either from drastic budget cuts or a major reduction in its mission and capabilities. Ceding any authority to an international body is not only a threat to our sovereignty, it also creates another avenue for other nations to stopU.S.unilateral activity.
Some fear the Navy is at a tipping point. Increased global threats, combined with fewer resources, have created growing concern for its future. Devastating budget cuts under the Obama administration mean doing even more with much less.
If the proposed defense cuts through sequestration go into effect, potential cuts include the littoral combat ship, amphibious ships, a reduction in aircraft carriers and far fewer sailors. After sequestration, our fleet could be smaller than 230 ships — the smallest since 1915.
Could it be that some have decided to put their hope in a piece of paper rather than provide the resources necessary to maintain our Navy’s traditional strength? Does this U.N. treaty provide real justification for such devastating cuts? If not, we need detailed explanations from our top military officials.
The Navy already operates within the bounds of international and customary laws. Shortly after World War II, theU.S.joined the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization, now called the International Maritime Organization. The purpose of the group is to set maritime laws that are now broadly enforced by national and local maritime authorities to improve safety at sea, facilitate trade among seafaring states and protect the marine environment.
These laws allow theU.S.to execute commerce and military operations around the globe — as an independent and sovereign nation. Thus, LOST is unneeded and redundant.
Most of the opposition to the Law of the Sea pact stems from the treaty’s non-navigational portions that deal with the international taxation from natural resources revenue, issues related toU.S.sovereignty and the redistribution of wealth from theU.S.to theThird World. But even worse, this agreement would be an albatross that takes our nation’s military down with it.
Proponents say the treaty exempts military activity from international litigation. But those of us opposing it are deeply concerned because this terribly flawed document fails to define what is included in that exemption. In addition, it opens theU.S.military to the jurisdiction of international courts and governing bodies.
Military training exercises that do not have the approval of other nations could be prevented because of potentially negative environmental impacts.U.S.military vessels could be stopped on the grounds that they are too heavy a polluter.
All the while, billions — if not trillions — in limitedU.S.funds would be transferred from theU.S.Treasury to international coffers through the tax and redistribution provisions of the treaty. As we have seen, when funds are limited, the first place to get squeezed is our military.
At the same time, nations likeChinaandIran, both signers of the treaty, have been flexing their muscles.Iranthreatened to shut down theStrait of Hormuzand attackU.S.vessels.China’s navy has engaged in acts of harassment meant to intimidate its neighbors in theSouth China Sea. In both cases, it is the might of theU.S.Navy — not the treaty — that maintains order.
The Senate should reject this dangerous hand over ofU.S.sovereignty. Instead, it should provide the Navy with the resources necessary to keep it the best force on the high seas.
Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) is the second ranking member of the Armed Services Committee. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) is the ranking member of the SASC Subcommittee on Seapower. Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) is the ranking member of the Budget Committee.
CBO says US likely to fall off 'fiscal cliff' if Bush-era tax cuts allowed to expire
A new government study released Tuesday says that allowing Bush-era tax cuts to expire and a scheduled round of automatic spending cuts to take effect would probably throw the economy into a recession.
Tea Party Got it Right - Americans prefer a more hands-off government in return for lower taxes.
May 21, 2012
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 64% of LikelyU.S.Voters prefer a government with fewer services and lower taxes over one with more services and higher taxes. That's unchanged from last month and consistent with findings in regular surveys since late 2006.
At the Ms State Republican Convention on Saturday May 19, 2012, a single amendment to the GOP Platform for Mississippi was offered from the floor to the proposed platform of the State committee. It came from a liberty minded Tea Party patriot Moira Wade of DeSoto County.
Mrs. Wade had contributed to the Platform committee a number of thoughts, including one that addressed the National debt. Her "English only" language was already included in the Platform introduced to the floor. It is presumed that others submitted 'English only' language to the Platform committee prior to the Saturday convention.
When she didn't see any mention of her concern with the national debt in the committee's recommendations, she was very concerned that the MS GOP may not recognize how seriously important the deficit spending and debt are to all Americans. The Committee challenged her by asking if she had provided them a copy of her request as per the predetermined rules. And of course Wade had followed the rules to the letter. They then were forced to passage on the floor. By voice vote of about 281 delegates, the Yeas were very loud. then Nays were requested--there were ONLY 2 voices heard! This is VERY EXCITING TO the Tea Party folks who were there, because when you read it you will see that it fits in exactly with what the Tea Party has said all along! Fiscal responsibility! This was the ONLY amendment offered! And it came from a "Tea Party" patriot! Congratulations to Mrs. Wade!
Here's the language she proposed to the convention and it was accepted:NATIONAL DEBT
The Mississippi Republican Party believes that the National Debt is unsustainable. It has caused our country's credit rating to be lowered and has caused uncertainty globally. Our National Debt makes the security of our citizens vulnerable. We support a plan that will lower this debt and keep in check future budgets that are unrealistic. Even though there are many ways the military would be paid, military pay could be made an essential government payment. In addition, while Social Security has its own trust fund and other government ways for seniors to continue to receive their benefits, Social Security Benefits could be given essential payment status as well. This would eliminate any perceived threats to these vital expenses. We support significant budget cuts to accompany necessary raises of the debt ceiling.
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Several patriots from Mississippi traveled to Wisconsin to join in the fight against the recall of Governor Scott Walker.
Here is a photo of some of the opposition propaganda:
5/17/12 - At an 11 a.m. news conference, Gov. Phil Bryant, flanked by key legislators and leaders of the MS Tea Party, signed the bill requiring photo identification at the polls.
Lawmakers this session passed legislation to support voters’ decision in November to require voter ID. Read More:See video here
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Roubini Says ‘Perfect Storm’ May Threaten Global Economy
May 15, 2012Could a tidal wave of public and private debt swamp the global economy? This from the analyst who predicted the Great Recession.
A “perfect storm” of fiscal woe in the U.S. - where the president and congress fail to reduce the debt and deficit spending, a slowdown in China, European debt restructuring and stagnation in Japan may converge on the global economy, New York University professor Nouriel Roubini said.
There’s a one-in-three chance the factors will combine to stunt growth from 2013, Roubini said in a June 11 interview in Singapore. Other possible outcomes are “anemic but OK” global growth or an “optimistic” scenario in which the expansion improves.
May 15, 2012.Obama’s claim that the GOP is mounting a so called "war on women" has proven to be a big failure. A month into his assault on the conservatives and Mitt Romney, the new CBS-New York Times poll shows that the GOP presidential candidate now leads among women--and men.
________________________________________________________ FORMER SENATOR TRENT LOTT: Standing on Principle or Just Another Hired Gun?
May 3, 2012. Dot Ward, Clarion Ledger Guest Editoralist & MS Tea Party Member.
Years ago, when I first met Trent Lott, I was impressed. He was savvy, conservative and unbeatable on the campaign trail. The people of Mississippi elected him to six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and three terms in the U.S. Senate, giving him a career in Congress spanning 35 years. His ability was recognized by his colleagues who elected him to leadership positions in both the House and Senate, which be-speaks of a man of power and influence. But then something happened...
The United States Senate votes on this on June 12th.
What would the Law of the Sea Treaty do?
creates an International Seabed Authority and gives it unprecedented powers to regulate seven-tenths of the world’s surface
the power to levy international taxes
the power to impose production quotas on deep-sea mining and oil production
the power to regulate ocean research and exploration
the power to create a multinational court system to make judgments about who owns what, and enforce those judgments
imposes mandatory information-sharing so that our enemies will get all our confidential military information
requires obligatory technology transfers that would equip actual or potential enemies with sensitive information about all our submarine and anti-submarine technology
**Former Senator Trent Lott lobbies for U.N. Treat, he vehemently opposed. Read More:
**Dot Ward has a great article in the Clarion Ledger about Sen. Lott and L.O.S.T. Read More:
*****We must make sure that our Senators vote AGAINST the ratifications of this treaty on June 12th.***** _____________________________________________________
Indiana Republican Senate Moderate Incumbent (36 years) Defeated by Tea Party Challenger. What does this say about Thad Cochran's re-election?
Jackson, MS--Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann addressed the comments allegedly made by a Department of Justice (DoJ) employee, calling her remarks irresponsible.
Allegedly, United States Justice Department employee Stephanie Gyamfi posted the following statements on the social networking site, Facebook:
"They never do...disgusting and shameful. Hey, that should replace the state motto! "Mississippi: Disgusting and Shameful."...forget the magnolia state motto."
"I find these comments unprofessional, unwarranted, irresponsible, and misguided, particularly with Mississippi's pending voter identification submission before the Department of Justice," says Secretary Hosemann. "I respectfully request the Department of Justice take appropriate disciplinary action against Ms. Gyamfi and to publically clarify its own position that such a statement does not reflect the opinions of its department."
"I do not believe," adds Hosemann, "an employee who makes such statements should review any voter identification application by the State of Mississippi, or, for that matter, any state subject to Section 5."
Federal law requires any voting change in Mississippi to receive preclearance from the United States Department of Justice. Gyamfi's job description for the Department of Justice includes reviewing whether these voting changes meet the requirements of Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act.
In a conversation with Secretary Hosemann, Gyamfi said the statement was taken, "out of context."
"A Justice Department employee stating our state is 'disgusting and shameful' is another indication Mississippi's voter ID submission will not receive fair consideration," says Secretary Hosemann. "The real problem is not the current culture of Mississippi, but the current culture of the Justice Department."
"Our Agency has taken great strides to educate voters on the implementation of voter ID. During the initiative process, we held nine public hearings on the issue in geographically dispersed areas of the State, when State law required we only hold five," adds Hosemann. "Those hearings were transcribed and are currently on our website, along with written comments submitted by the public. Overwhelmingly, voters expressed concern over the integrity of the election process, voter impersonation, and inaccurate and inflated voter rolls."
Voter roll maintenance is conducted at the county level.
State inconsistent on local option sales tax policies
May 2, 2012, Clarion Ledger
STARKVILLE — For more than a decade, state Sen. Hob Bryan has successfully battled any attempt for other local governments to have the same advantage that the regional economic hub near his home county has enjoyed for more than two decades.
In the latest effort to kill an optional sales tax for the benefit of the city of Jackson, Bryan found a strong Republican ally in state Sen. Merle Flowers, R-Southaven.
Jackson was seeking the opportunity to let voters decide a 1-cent sales tax hike. Bryan and Flowers were able to prevail based in no small measure of their mastery of legislative procedures. Bryan has been a particularly vocal opponent.
Skirmishes between the two chambers of the Legislature are sure to come even with both being in the R column, but the truth is few saw a fiscal battle brewing amongst friends.
Last weekend an elephant fight erupted between the Tate Reeves led Senate and the newly minted Republicans in the state House over a bond bill. What should seemingly be an easy debate since both sides claim to be fiscally sensitive, the two sides were some $280 million apart in their wish lists of items to be funded on the state's credit card.
MS Tea Party's Legislative Report Card April 17, 2012
Illegal Immigration Enforcement House Speaker - A House of Representatives - A Senate - n/a (no opportunity for a floor vote) Lt. Gov. - F Representative Becky Currie wrote HB 488. The full House of Representatives approved it 70-48. Lt. Governor Tate Reeves assigned the bill to Jud B Committee, chaired by Dem. Sen. Hob Bryan (whom he knew not to be an advocate of enforcement). Predictably Bryan let the bill die in committee, thus preventing floor vote and killing the bill. Losers were taxpayers and legal working citizens. Winners were agricultural and construction interests who benefit from cheap illegal labor. Education House Speaker - C House of Representatives - C Senate - C Lt. Gov. - C House Ed. Committee Chair, Rep. John Moore gave an overview of several bills. While HB 888 (Charter Schools) never came to the floor of the House, the Senate brought its Charter School bill (SB 2401), written by Sen. Gray Tollison, to the floor. What ensued was a lively debate, and after 4 hours the Senate passed the bill. Therefore, for Charter Schools, the Senate receives good marks. However, the House and the Senate have much work to do to improve Education in MS. Among the really important bills to be considered is the bill that makes it illegal to grant a 'social promotion'. The House voted on this bill just before the tea party's Report Card event. The Senate still has several bills to consider coming over from the House on education. Pro-Life Legislation House Speaker - A+ House of Representatives - A Senate - C Lt. Gov. - C Teri Herring and Dana Chisholm of the Pro-Life movement gave summaries of the legislation that has been addressed by the Legislature as a result of Pro-Life forces in Mississippi holding them accountable. State Sovereignty and Voter ID House Speaker - A House of Representatives - A Senate - A Lt. Gov. - A Secretary of State Delbert Hoseman has lead the way for Voter ID, and the MS Tea Party gives him an A+. It is a constitutional requirement that the legislature enable Voter ID due it passing by virtue of a popular vote of the citizens. In November, Voter ID was placed on the ballot as the result of a petition initiative by the tea party and other groups. It passed by 62%, which means the legislature is charged with writing the language to enact the bill into law. The Senate debate was very heated and charged with ill founded racial accusations. The Voter ID Law passed the House on Wednesday, March 14, 2012, 78-40. In November, Mississippi voters went to the polls and passed a Constitutional amendment to require voter identification at elections. House Bill 921 was adopted to fulfill the Constitutional mandate.
Persons appearing to vote must present valid ID in any of the following forms: • MS Driver’s License; • ID card issued by a branch department of Mississippi; • US Passport; • Employee ID card with a photo; • an accredited college, university, or community college student ID with a photo; • MS license to carry a pistol; • travel ID card with a photo; • military ID; • MS Voter ID card with photo. • Should a person not have one of the required forms of ID, they may apply to receive a free Voter ID card (funded by the General Fund). • To apply for the Voter ID card, a person will be required to show their Social Security card, Medicare card, Medicaid card or a verification of residence in the county. • Voters may vote by affidavit if they present a valid ID within five days of voting. As Mississippi is a “covered jurisdiction” under the Federal Voting Rights Act, the Voter ID provisions will not become law unless approved by the U.S. Justice Department or the Federal Court. Anti-Agenda 21 House Speaker - * House of Representatives - * Senate - F Lt. Gov. - F Agenda 21 is a highly repugnant United Nations initiative. It is founded upon the taking of private property rights and comes from globalists at the United Nations. It threatens our very way of life. An educational report was presented to the Conservative Caucus early in the session. The Chairman of Wildlife and Fisheries, Representative Jessica Upshaw refused to allow a bill written by Representative Becky Currie to be discussed in committee and thus it was killed at that point. This explains the F grade given on this issue. For more complete information on Agenda 21, visit the website: http://www.stopagenda21inms.com/ It will enlighten as to the intent of the U.N. and the globalists who are pushing it on the American people, especially in Mississippi. * Becky Currie gets an A for writing the bill to stop Agenda 21 in Mississippi. * The House of Representatives was never given the opportunity to consider this measure. So no grade can be given to the House of Representatives on the Agenda 21 measure.
The Lieutenant Governor just issued the following press release:
JACKSON – The Mississippi State Senate today approved much-needed education reform by passing legislation to allow public charter schools to operate in the state, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves announced.
The Senate amended House Bill 1152 to allow public charter schools to open in Mississippi with approval from a newly created independent commission. The bill, which passed 31-19, heads to the Mississippi House.
Public charter schools will be funded with existing dollars from the federal, state and local levels. The funds within the current Mississippi Adequate Education Program will follow a student to their school of choice.
“It’s time to change the status quo and give parents a choice in their children’s education,” Lt. Gov. Reeves said. “For far too long, we have had students trapped in failing districts with no options for a better education. This legislation can change that.”
Public charter schools could be allowed in any district in the state. However, the local school boards of districts rated as “star” or “high performing” by the state Department of Education also would have to give a stamp of approval to any charter school seeking to open within those top districts. The bill is similar to a plan approved by the Senate in February. However, this version allows school boards of districts rated as “successful” also to approve charter schools over the next four academic years.
Charter schools are public schools that operate under a contract that allows administrative freedom and flexibility in exchange for exceptional levels of results-driven accountability. Students attending public charter schools must comply with provisions of the Mississippi compulsory school attendance law, meet health and safety standards, and adhere to state testing model. This legislation does not require charter schools; it simply gives a community the option to support a public charter school to enter into their district.
The newly created commission will be comprised of appointees from the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and the Superintendent of Education. The commission will consider applications from charter school providers with a proven track record of success.
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MSTP update on Voter ID 4/10/2012
HB 921 passed both the Mississippi House and Senate chambers. Voter ID was passed by the people in November with a 62-38 margin. The Legislators job, now, is to implement the voters wishes.
Nays--Blount, Bryan, Butler A. (36th), Butler K. (38th), Dawkins, Frazier, Harden, Jackson R. (11th), Jones, Jordan, Simmons D. T. (12th), Simmons W. (13th), Stone, Turner. Total--14.
Absent and those not voting--Horhn, Jolly. Total--2.
Senator Montgomery, who would have voted yea on H. B. No. 921, announced a pair with Senator Jackson (32nd), who would have voted nay.
Now, we’ll just have to see if US Atty. General Eric Holder has his say. Somehow or another, Mr. Holder doesn’t believe that having voter ID protects the right of the citizen’s vote.
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O'Keefe Voter Fraud Investigation: Young Man Offered Holder's Ballot
Holder's DOJ: Evidence of Voter Fraud 'Manufactured'
4/7/12 - The Department of Justice is in full-on spin mode over the James O’Keefe Project Veritas tape in which a young white man is offered Attorney General Eric Holder’s ballot. Desperate to prove that voter ID should not be presented in order to obtain a ballot, the DOJ fired back at O’Keefe and Project Veritas today, with a DOJ official telling tried-and-true media ally Talking Points Memo, “It’s no coincidence that these so-called examples of rampant voter fraud consistently turn out to be manufactured ones.” READ MORE:
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Molpus: Block voter ID
4/7/12 - Former Secretary of State Dick Molpus is asking Attorney General Eric Holder to block implementation of the state's Voter Identification Law, saying it would disenfranchise many Mississippians. "My request is that you protect those who would be excluded from our democracy by this ill-conceived law," Molpus wrote Attorney General Eric Holder Friday in a letter.
Molpus, a Democrat, says the new law, adopted by Mississippi voters Nov. 8, would violate the Voting Rights Act.
Current Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann, a Republican, disagrees. "And so does the Supreme Court," he said.
STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTION
The Mississippi Tea Party believes in the dignity of all human beings and believes that all people are endowed by their Creator with unalienable rights. But possession of this inherent dignity and these fundamental rights does not empower one person to infringe on the rights of another. Among the rights all human beings are entitled with is the right of private property. That right is a foundation on which many our other freedoms rest and it is the corner stone of a civil society in which the actual rights of all people can be enjoyed to their fullest.
Since the purpose of government is to secure those rights so it is that we require our government to take the legislative and law enforcement steps necessary to ensure that the property rights of it citizens are protected at both private and public levels.
We expect people who are not citizens of our great country to respect our rights and not be in our country illegally. And since it is our citizens who have themselves funded from their own pockets the many benefits provided for citizens we expect our government to withhold those benefits and entitlements from all who are not U.S. citizens.
At the same time we condemn the abusive treatment of any who are here illegally, or suspected of being so. We require that the actions of all persons, both private and public, show the highest respect for the native human dignity possessed by all people even while enforcing our laws and protecting the rights of citizens.
Roy Nicholson
Chairman
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Who will go...and who will stand with them?
Imagine how many times such questions were asked when our Patriot forefathers were assembling a militia to confront the British tyranny? Tyranny still exists and patriots are still needed to stand for liberty. We have an opportunity in a few weeks to join fellow patriots from around America in taking a stand for freedom. Will you go?
On March 26-28, the Supreme Court will take up the legal challenges to Obamacare. Tea Party Patriots are asked to assemble in a Road to Repeal Rally in Washington on Saturday, March 24.
Speaking to the importance of this event, CMTP Events Chairman Mike Bostic says, "If the Tea Party is to be taken seriously, there needs to be large numbers show up for this rally and other such events."
To help in the effort to have a strong delegation from MS, Mike is working with Cline Tours to put together a bus trip. Plans are still tentative, however, departure is expected to be around midnight on March 23, arriving in D.C.around 6 p.m. The Rally is at noon on Saturday, March 24. Arrival back in Jackson would be very late on Sunday, March 25.
If you would commit to going, you must notify Mike by 8 a.m. on Monday, March 5. Contact him at michael_bostic@att.net.
This afternoon The Ms Tea Party had an informative meeting with Lt Gov. Tate Reeves in room 216 of the State Capitol. Lt. Gov. Reeves had some opening remarks about what his legislative agenda was for this 2012 session. It is unknown if he realizes what a great turnaround the atmosphere has enjoyed by the change of majority to conservative members of the House and the Senate. He was a little tired since, in the last 36 hours, his wife gave birth to their third daughter! We presented him with cards of well wishes for the new baby and mother.
At that point, Roy Nicholson took the lead to introduce us and by referencing our loyalty to Founding Principles.
Getting down to business, we started with prayer that established that we believe in the Christian principles that were the basis for the Founding Documents. Laura Van Overschelde covered the background of how we came up with what our legislative issues are established over one and a half years ago. Because the important point of that is that it COMES FROM THE PEOPLE OF MISSISSIPPI. They were not formulated by a board, but by the people; ANOTHER FOUNDING PRINCIPLE. Included in these are State Sovereignty, Immigration reform, Education reform, Equitable property taxation reform, Welfare Reform, Zero based budgeting. These same issues were presented to Gov. Phil Bryant in January. Information can be found on the Ms Tea Party website to learn particulars about these.
Among the details presented by Richard Wilbourn of Ridgeland, were the problems with Obamacare, its unconstitutional status, the establishment of Insurance exchanges, as well as the individual mandate, and the Supreme Court hearing arguments coming in March of this year. Jennifer West of Hattiesburg presented information that encompasses Agenda 21 which is a United Nations introduced over 20 years ago by Bill Clinton for complete takeover of personal liberties, including property rights. Dr. Rodney Hunt presented information about illegal immigration and its associated costs and depressive effect on employment in Ms.
The Lt. Governor listened attentively to these issues; issues that are of great consequence to our State and its ability to live in harmony and freedom. We were able to present him with facts and white papers that detailed and substantiated our positions.
We also provided him with our "Legislative Issues" refrigerator magnets so that he would have no problem remembering that we intend to continue until we get some action on our actions to get Mississippi back on its feet!
We thank the Lt. Gov. and his staff for their time, and look forward to working with the MS State Senate where possible.
_______________________________________________________ Governor Phil Bryant welcomed a delegation of the Board of Directors representing The Mississippi Tea Party to his office at the State Capitol on Friday, January 20, 2012, for a meeting to discuss the Legislative Agenda for 2012.
At the meeting, key agenda items presented by the Mississippi Tea Party included illegal immigration, tenth amendment issues, equitable property tax, education reform, welfare program reform and zero based budgeting. The deadline for making requests for general bills and constitutional amendments to be drafted during Mississippi's 2012 legislative session is February 16. The Mississippi Tea Party worked closely with Lt. Governor Bryant since forming in 2010 and now looks forward to continuing that work under his leadership as Governor of Mississippi. Governor Bryant will announce his priorities for 2012 during his first 'State of the State' address to be delivered on the South steps of the Capitol on Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.
Now that you've become a member of the Mississippi Tea Party, how else can you get involved? Below are suggestions, laid out by head committee member Roy Nicholson. Does this inspire you to action? Talk about it here on the site in a blog post or a discussion in one of our groups!
MISSISSIPPI TEA PARTY CALL TO ACTION
PRAY FOR OUR NATION AND HER LEADERS AND ORGANIZE PRAYER GROUPS
If God does not intervene, turning the hearts of our politicians and opening the hearts and minds of the citizens, then all is lost.
Invite your neighbors and friends to a prayer meeting at your home or church to pray for the country. It can be as general or as specific as you are led to provide.
The group should pray in ways that they share the most agreement.
If your group sees situations and issues differently than we do, pray anyway. Do not be afraid of any honest prayer. The Father is able to hear our hearts and answer with what is best in His sight.
GET INVOLVED IN THE POLITICAL PROCESS
Register to Vote AND Vote.
Vote only for candidates who are of genuine good character that will honor their pledge to support and defend the Constitution and who will not go along with the Socialist agenda coming out of Washington.
Become an active member of your party but stand up for your beliefs and serve on committees and in leadership positions.
Campaign for good candidates who have real character and who will only vote or administrate according to the U.S. Constitution.
Write editorials for your paper, websites, and blogs.
Run for office.
GET ACTIVE AND BE WILLING TO SERVE
• Petition your federal, state, and local governments
Phone them
Visit them
Send them E-mails
Send them letters
Send them petitions with signatures
• Attend every event you can
• Volunteer at events
• Make posters and signs, greet people, do whatever needs doing
BECOME KNOWLEDGEABLE AND EDUCATE OTHERS
Educate yourself on our history, our form of government, the history of other types of political philosophies, the political process in your area.
Inform, educate, and motivate your community, neighbors, friends, family
Invite them to attend events, Send them letters & e-mails, call them, invite them to visit web sites, open your house to your neighbors and friends to hear a speaker or review information.
Distribute flyers, put up posters in stores, hand out flyers and pamphlets on the street.
Organize a group to work together doing these kinds of things.
STAY FOCUSED AND STAY IN THE GAME! This is not a one time pep rally or a short term effort. We have to push until we have completely won. We have to continue to sacrifice until our country is restored.
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THE MISSISSIPPI TEA PARTY PRESENTS:
“Governing by Principle” by
Mississippi Center for Public Policy
March 29, 2007
Governing Principles
1. Government exists to protect rights, not to create them.
2. The legitimate power of government begins and ends with the people, while its authority comes from the Creator.
3. Just because a problem exists doesn't mean government should try to solve it.
4. Long-term and cumulative consequences should be considered more carefully than short-term benefits.
5. Government has nothing to give anyone except what it first takes from someone else.
6. Individuals are ultimately responsible for governing themselves and for the consequences of their decisions.
7. Free enterprise, not government, is the engine of personal economic prosperity.
8. The free market should not be distorted by government-designed dictates or advantages.
9. Government has a responsibility to protect the foundational institution of society: the marriage based, two-parent family.
10. Parents, not government, are responsible for the education and upbringing of their children.
Principles provided by: Mississippi Center for Public Policy
http://www.mspolicy.org
Adopted and Promoted by: The Mississippi Tea Party
www.MSTeaParty.ning.com
To read MCPP’s book on the 10 Principles please go to:
Were you confused on the recent events in the MS legislature regarding the 10th amendment? Below is a concise explanation of how it has gone through the legislature and where it is now.
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In drafting the U.S. Constitution, our founders were concerned about the federal government collecting too much power. The solution that was reached was to limit the authority of the federal government to only those powers specifically named and to divide or separate those powers among the three branches provided for in the Constitution. Among the safeguards included in the Constitution were the 9th and 10th amendments, contained in the Bill of Rights.
The 9th Amendment addresses the rights of the people that are not specifically mentioned in the Constitution and says:
"The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage other retained by the people."
The 10th Amendment addresses the rights retained by the states and the people and says:
"The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."
Since the 1930's, all three branches of the federal government have been steadily working to erode the rights promised under the 9th and 10th amendments. As the federal government has become larger and larger, the freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution have been compromised. In the past year, the federal governments expansion into areas not authorized by the Constitution have dramatically increased, threatening the continued survival of our nation and our way of life.
In response, at least 35 state legislatures have introduced resolutions affirming the 10th amendment and requesting that the federal government cease infringing upon the constitutional rights of the states and the people. Many of those state legislatures have also affirmed the importance of the 9th amendment.
Mississippi is among the states considering similar resolutions. On Thursday, May 7, 2009, the House of Representatives passed House Concurrent Resolution 69, which affirmed Mississippi's 10th amendment rights. Unfortunately, in passing the resolution, the Mississippi House of Representatives permitted several amendments to the resolution which took away from the purpose of the original resolution and some which actually contradict the 10th amendment. The passed version of H.C.R. 69 sends mixed signals to Washington and is bad legislation. Prior to closing the session, a motion to reconsider H.C.R. 69 was made, but that motion has not been voted on yet. Since the motion to reconsider is still pending, H.C.R. 69 has not been transferred to the Senate.
On the same day that H.C.R. 69 was passed, the Senate passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 630. S.C.R. 630 affirms the importance of both the 9th and 10th amendment and was passed without harmful amendments. S.C.R. 630 has been transferred from the Senate to the House. In order for the House to vote on S.C.R. 630, the House Rules committee will have to allow it out of committee and onto the floor for a vote. Even then, S.C.R. 630 will face an uphill battle as those who proposed and voted for the harmful amendments to H.C.R. 69 may try to vote in those same amendments to S.C.R. 630.
The Mississippi Tea Party supports the passage of S.C.R. 630 and can make a difference in this fight. We need to be letting our representatives in the House hear from us, particularly those members of the House rules committee and those members who voted for the harmful amendments to the H.C.R. 69. In the coming days, we will be posting sample correspondence and talking points, along with the names and contact numbers of key representatives. Please check back and make a point to commit to letting our representatives hear from you. In all of your contact with members of the legislature, please be respectful, but firm in your conviction. Remember that today's opponent can be tomorrow's friend!
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