After Action Report-Counter Protest of HR 676 Rally

It turned out to be a beautiful day for a counter protest as an over cast sky turned bright blue and the sun shone.
About 45 -50 patriots heeded the Grassroots in Michigan call for a counter protest of the leftist rally in support of the "cradle to grave" socialized medicine bill HR 676. We came from from Lansing, Kalamazoo, Greenville, Holt and Grand Rapids.

As planned we all met up at Calder Plaza by the big red statue between noon and 12:45 and headed out the the protest location, the Federal Building at 1:00. The leftist had only between 12-20 at any given time and were taken completely by surprise by our number.

We were up close and personal engaging in discussion with the leftist/Socialist/Marxist.

One of ours on the right bringing the truth the socialist on the left.

However as usual when dealing with the leftist/socialist/Marxist its not long before the vitriol comes spewing out. It's seems to be their natural reaction when confronted with facts and common sense. One woman repeatedly called me "bitter, stingy, mean spirited" This same woman proudly proclaimed herself a socialist and said that's what America needed and told me and I quote, "You are not bright enough to decide what to do with you money so we will decide for you" One man suggested I should step a little farther out into the road as to get hit by a passing car and of course no protest is complete without at least least one leftist giving you the bird! And its in the leftist/socialists/Marxist handbook to always, always have at least one sign about war,even if it has nothing to do with the reason of your rally/protest.

At about 2:45pm one of the Grand Rapids Press showed up and I gave an interview.

After my interview the opposition organizer, while shaking his head begrudging told me "You did a great job organizing" Well thanks guy

With the job done we headed back to our homes. Big thank you to all the patriots who participated! God Bless America!

Don't Tread on Me big government!

More right wing extremists

From
Greenville

From Bay City
and yours truly from Holt
(greater Lansing area)

From Kalamazoo

From Grand Rapids
(who decided to take up a postion across the street)

Indicatations are that the liberals are ramming this committee and this bill could be up for vote as soon as August. We need to act NOW

What can you do?

• Email, call, fax, or write your representatives
• Write a Letter to the Editor
• Post to opinion sections of newspaper websites
• Call talk radio
• Send information to your entire email address book
• Talk to your friends, family, and neighbors about the facts

Contact information links, nationwide:

House of Represenatives

White House

As with many issues, Reagan was able to articulate basic principles in a way that is timeless
Click here to listen to the audio
(Audio link couresty of Grassroots in Nebraska

To get additional information on the bill, click on one of the links below:

THOMAS

Govtrack.us

Counter-Protest of HR 676 in Grand Rapids Sat May 30

Greetings Michigan Patriots,

Meet up location for the counter protest is Calder Plaza address is 300 Ottawa Ave. NW Grand Rapids, 49503 We can meet by the big red (ugly) statue

Meet up time 12:30 gives time for people to find location especially out of town Then proceed to counter protest location : Vern Ehler’s office - Federal Building, 110 Michigan Street no later than 12:50

Please bring signs and flags They don't have to be fancy, poster board and sharpie Be sure to read up on the Action Alert (posted below) so you have some talking points if approached by the press. I have send out a press release to Grand Rapids media

Suggested Signs

Communist Party Supports HR 676 and I am no Communist!
It worked so well in Canada!
I choose my health care not big Government!
NO Taxpayer Dollars for HR 676
Give me Liberty, not Debt
Keep HR 676, I’ll keep my freedom!
YES WE CAN!…HAVE EVERYTHING FOR FREE!
If You Think Health Care is Expensive Now, Wait Until it’s Free
“Government is not the solution to our problem, government IS the problem.”
Government’s first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives.


Action Alert

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Fan Fiction Creative Writing protest hr 676

WHAT IS THE GRASSROOTS?

Thank you to S. Dawdy who did the majority of writing this piece and Sandra Crosnoe for their input on this post.

A grassroots effort is individuals, who voluntarily, out of their own free will, choose to engage with other free will individuals on projects that further their shared goals and on causes they believe in.

It’s not a formalized organization of group-think, or layers of bureaucracy in the form of committees and subcommittees.
It’s not a pyramidal structure as has been seen time and again in government, in political parties, in 501c3’s or large corporations.

If that worked, would we all be here today? If we create this formal structure, how are we going to spark people to get involved, why would they be invested in the process if they are not members of the “Executive Committee” or “Board”?

Grassroots is a collaborative effort of free individuals with the help of the coordination of an inspired facilitator or leader with a vision.

A true leader doesn’t take credit when things go right, but is willing to take the blame when things go wrong. They are usually reluctant, but out of a deep conviction of their beliefs, step forward. And a true leader is protective of those who are looking for vision, guidance, and help.

True leadership has a vision and direction, but at the same time has a willingness to make difficult decisions when necessary. They are principled, and sometimes, out front, particularly when they are avid seekers of the truth.

I think it has been so long, and we have come so far from having that, when we are trying to do anything, we turn to the “default” for the answers. The default is a very formalized, pyramidal structure with layers of bureaucracy. But bureaucracy and pyramidal structures trap potential and paralyze action.

Did Paul Revere run around consulting with a committee before he jumped on his horse?

True grassroots individuals encourage and inspire one another to use their talents and skills to have an impact on the things they are passionate about and agree need to be accomplished. Rather than going to the “default”, such as the pyramidal structure, it would seem it is better to do things in a as free a manner as possible while still being effective.

Rather than the failed pyramid, we need to try to do things by project. Projects that are hubs of activity but connected with one another and moving toward shared goals. Anyone who agrees with the goals of a project is free to join in. We are all adults who want to take personal responsibility and we want to get something done.

In order to be most effective, a new grassroots movement should focus on educating and informing themselves, help one another do the same, and share information and try to educate the public when appropriate. Leaders and members of the group should help get people the tools and skills they need to accomplish these goals.

If “all” a grassroots movement ever accomplished was to move towards an informed electorate, that would be a worthy accomplishment.

But when an educated, skilled grassroots, project-oriented effort is moving toward the overall goal of moving towards originally intended, Constitutionally limited government, it’s difficult to imagine they can’t accomplish more.

Will Grassroots Leaders Arise?

Occasionally something is so clear to me that I assume others understand. Then I find out that is not true. So to that end this seems very necessary to go over and may be old information to some. Did you know that there are those among us who are actually empowering those who would destroy us with time, talent, and treasure? Yes folks, we are complaining about the enemy and the enemy is in our midst. If we refuse to recognize the problem, how will we deal with the problem?

Is it easy? NO!

“A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” James 1:8

It means we must insist on a standard that other groups do not have. It means that we must challenge those among us not doing things properly. It means that we must examine our own hearts and repent daily and ask forgiveness of God and our brothers and sisters when we err. It means that we stand ready to rescue the one sheep who is being abused by the tyrant even when it means that others will look down on us for doing so. It means answering to the Lord God Almighty above men and the desires of men (and women too - this writer uses masculine for mankind with no qualms to PC!)

The purpose of this piece is to announce a new site that is born out of a need to protect the Grassroots. It will succeed only if grassroots people choose to engage and support and promote. It was worth doing whether that occurs or not because you will have been given a choice. You will know which choice you made and why.

TeapartyGrassroots.com is now online. At this incredible site you can find an event or list an event. The event will be published to a composite page and a master teaparty google calendar. We have also opened a page and a calendar for LibertyRider - Michael Maresco and his cross country ride with day one now complete and Michael safely in Trenton NJ. This website and calendar process has huge implications for our movement and the protection thereof if you will make it yours. If you continue to empower the national groups sapping your strength - that will be your choice because at least now you have an option. [Editor's note: more sections to this project are opening daily including now: all events, teaparties, other rallies and protests, liberty rider days, conventions and conferences, media events, and volunteer opportunities.]

Please try it out and take your name off of the national sites who are taking credit for your efforts and trying to collect money from your grassroots constituents to do things that you may or may not agree with at all! I was recently at a meeting where a field director from a national group took personal credit for all the teaparties in Oklahoma. I personally knew that wasn’t true so do you think I believed the other things he claimed credit for? I am not saying these national groups are all bad - just must be reined in and monitored closely by real people who actually want bailouts stopped, the constitution followed, etc. etc.

I pray you will ponder these matters and understand the importance of proper action. Please properly empower the real servant leaders among you and rein in those who are plundering your efforts and sapping your energy to other ends. Please let us know how you plan to help by commenting on this piece here and sharing it with your networks if you are in agreement.

For Life and Liberty,
Sandra Crosnoe for
Constitutional Liberty Coalition

For Love of Country

NEVER FORGET THEIR SACRIFICE

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May (May 25 in 2009). Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in the military service. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War (it is celebrated near the day of reunification after the civil war), it was expanded after World War I to include American casualties of any war or military action.

American Beauty

When I first heard this song I cried, because.. I love my country and its being ruined. I knew I wanted to make a video using it as a visual poem to my "American Beauty" however I just didn't have the time so I entrusted the song to my friend Dan and he did a beautiful job!

Thank you my friend!

Why D.C? Change Starts in Our Own Backyard!

It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people's minds
Samuel Adams

Facts are Stubborn Things

You know a notion is sound when it rings true in current times as much as when originally articulated.

Excellent examples abound:

“The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people’s money.” - Margaret Thatcher

“The more the plans fail, the more the planners plan.” - Ronald Reagan

“Being ignorant is not so much a shame, as being unwilling to learn.” - Benjamin Franklin

“A democracy is nothing more than mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people may take away the rights of the other forty-nine.“ - Thomas Jefferson

That being said, the piece below, rings very true although it was written in 2002. I have left the original formatting to keep the “flavor” of the piece. (Note: I don’t personally support The Fair Tax, but these are excellent)


RECENT “MARCHES ON WASHINGTON.”
by Dick Bachert, long-time grassroots activist

These “Show Biz on the Mall” events are generally a HUGE WASTE OF TIME AND RESOURCES. The only folks who benefit from them are the airlines, restaurants and motel owners.
I think folks could save some dough and time by doing more LOCALLY. When you go to DC, you’re on THEIR turf and in THEIR comfort zone and THEY find it far to easy to smile and nod while thinking “Why don’t you BOZOS go to hell.”

Galvanize the CONSTITUTIONAL/CONSERVATIVE ACTIVISTS in their states to GET BUSY organizing their like-minded fellows and SQUEEZE these guys so hard they CHANGE THEIR POSITIONS OR GET INVOLUNTARILY RETIRED (TO CUSHY JOBS WITH THE VERY LOBBYING FIRMS THEY HAVE SO ABLY REPRESENTED WHILE ON THE PUBLIC PAYROLL). Ever notice how so few of these guys ever return to their HOME STATES once out of office? Ever wonder why? Can you say “7 figure sinecure?”

Look, this is a LONG-TERM proposition — and, in terms of cleaning up the national legislature, many of us are late to the party, many of us having come ONLY for the Fair Tax. And while that IS as good a reason as any, ridding this nation of the CRAPPY, ABUSIVE MARXIST INCOME is simply TREATING A SYMPTOM OF THE DISEASE. We ALL need to get busy in our HOME STATES and CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS, exerting every effort to let all who will hear and are intelligent enough to understand the words of one Joseph D’Maestre that “People get the government they deserve.” We should thank God daily that we’re not getting all we’re paying for –YET!

A number of years ago, a 15 year-old newspaper delivery boy in the midwest delivered 12,000 legislative report cards to his congressional district informing the constituents of a really lousy congress critter exactly how the guy was voting in Washington (which was — surprise, surprise — completely OPPOSITE the votes this guy and his handmaidens in the media were reporting)..This kid delivered 12,000 of these things for 4 quarters (one year) — ON A BIKE!!!!!! The heat on the congress critter was so intense that a decent challanger arose and TOOK HIM OUT THE NEXT ELECTION!!!!!

And I have a PERSONAL story in that arena:

Around 6 am on dark morning in the early 80s, 4 of us piled into a car in Atlanta with a few hundred TRIM bulletins and other fact-packed flyers detailing how then Georgia Representative Ed Jenkins and Senator Sam Nunn were voting on issues important to all citizens. Our destination was Hartwell, Georgia and an “Eggs and Issues Breakfast” hosted by a large Hartwell church.

We arrived at the church about an hour early and deployed. As folks arrived for the buffet line, each was handed some of this highly informative literature. As they waited in line, they read and chatted as new information came to their attention. Just before the invited dignitaries were to make their 20 minute speeches (aka, pitches for re-election), we made certain a supply of these flyers made it to the head table. Ed and Sam ate precious little of the fine southern breakfast cuisine before them as they periodically glanced menacingly at the table we occupied. In unison, the 4 of us smiled sweetly and waved.

When Ed and Sam each rose to speak, each devoted 16 or 17 minutes of the allotted 20 minutes TRYING TO DEFEND their DOCUMENTED VOTING RECORDS to an increasingly hostile gathering as we returned Ed and Sam’s constant withering glares with more sweet smiles and waves. It was truly one of the highlights of my early years as a political bomb-thrower. YOU should try it!

After a bit more bomb-throwing in other parts of his district, Ed Jenkins was defeated in the next election. Because he ran state-wide and we lacked the resources and manpower to cover the entire state (and he did begin to clean up his act) Sam hung on for another term or two. (And those 2 year House terms — where the power to tax and spend repose — is where the effort must be concentrated.

Friends, THIS IS WHAT IT TAKES: DOGGED PERSISTENT EFFORT OVER TIME. It’s the only acceptable way a system such as ours can be made to operate in any meaningful way.


MAYBE IT’S TIME WE “OUTED” EVERY — AND I DO MEAN EVERY — MEMBER OF CONGRESS WITH A “FAIR TAX REPORT” AND LET THE CHIPS FALL WHERE THEY MAY. DOCUMENT EVERY TAX AND SPEND VOTE LINKED TO EVERY ATTEMPT BY FRIEND AND FOE ALIKE TO REWARD FRIENDS AND PUNISH ENEMIES WITH THE CURRENT TAX CODE. IT MIGHT DISCLOSE THOSE OSTENSIBLE “FRIENDS OF THE FAIR TAX” WHO, WHILE CLOAKING THEMSELVES IN THE FAIR TAX RHETORIC, DO, IN FACT, CLING TO THE OLD SYSTEM AS THEY RECOGNIZE IT REALLY IS THE BASIS OF MOST OF THEIR POWER OVER THE REST OF US. AND, IF THAT IS THE CASE, THESE ARE THE GUYS WHO WILL EITHER FOLD LIKE A CHEAP SUITCASE WHEN THE FAT HITS THE FIRE OR EVEN WORK AGAINST US BEHIND THE SCENES. THAT’S A PROVEN TECHNIQUE IN OLD MALFUNCTION JUNCTION.


Perhaps these guys will start to pay attention to our DEMAND if we can demonstrate that ignoring us has SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES.

What's Next? A July 4 Tea Party and More!

Newsletter2.pdf
Issue 1 Volume 1

What's Next?
Greeting Michigan Patriots,

The April 15 tea party was an amazing experience as 5,000 patriots gathered at our state Capitol in Lansing. Capitol facilities said this was one of the largest gatherings in many years. Additionally there were 25 other tea parties across the state.

As the co-organizer of the April 15th Tea party I am being asked," What's Next?"

July 4th Independence Day Tea Party

At the State Capitol 1:00-3:00pm. (Hold on to those great signs!) There will be city events around the Capitol starting with a parade at 11:00. Bring the family, great civics lesson for the kids! Web site Lansing, MI Independence Day Tea Party This event is also listed on FaceBook

The Independence Day Tea Party is a total grassroots effort by and for the people because we do not want to become an "Astroturf" event or leave any room to be excused of being so. Many Tea Parties have been done this way; the people stepping up to provide what is needed to conduct a great event. Therefore, we need and have many opportunities for volunteers! If you are interested in volunteering please e-mail to lansingmiteaparty@gmail.com

It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people's minds.

Samuel Adams

The most important thing to come out of the “Tea Party movement” is the potential for people to create networks and organize locally.

We are at war. We are at war with those who have methodically worked to dismantle our Constitution, torn apart our representative Republic, and who wish to put another form of government in its place.

That form is the antithesis of our foundations. Men well educated in history and rooted in a belief and reliance in the Creator wrote our Constitution. They recognized the nature of man does not change; he is corruptible. Since men run governments, government is corruptible and its power must be limited. Inalienable rights come from the Creator.

The antithesis is a belief that man can be perfected and therefore, so can government. Government can and must do for people if only the right planners are in place. They believe rights and liberties come from government. With the right planners in place, government knows what is best for all.

This system, the antithesis of our system, has failed repeatedly throughout history. Government is no more benevolent than the latest dictator or tyranny as history has shown.

The soldiers in Washington’s army with rags on their feet instead of shoes, crowded into tiny rowboats crossing the icy waters of the Delaware River, farm boys from the Heartland turned into Doughboys who fought in the trenches of foreign lands, to the Greatest Generation, whose blood was shed on Normandy Beach, fought against tyranny, fought for liberty. All these men risked their lives, just like the Founders, who under penalty of death, signed the Declaration of Independence, and pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.

Should we give anything less?

We need to recognize we are at war. Everyone can play a part in the army. The part that people can play can be as “simple” as individuals who write letters to the editor, call, email, fax, or write their representatives, be peaceful protestors or they could be as committed to the cause as running for office. Regardless of your calling, we can and must be in this army.
We need to educate ourselves, ensure we are operating under a set of core principles, and return to a culture where an informed public, actively engaged is not looked at as a “hobby” or “interest” but one wherein it is looked upon as a civic duty.
If we are at war, it is somewhat within ourselves. More of us need to get involved in the whole process and that of course, requires sacrifice of other things we may wish to do with our time. We have become much more a society of leisure time over the course of history, yet less engaged in the processes that result in policies that affect our lives.
Finally, if we know we have arrived at a “critical pass,” we had better take a look at how we have gotten here. And that means we need to reexamine the structures that have existed and the means by which they have operate.
We must reject what has not worked, and keep what has. None of this is easy.

Are you ready for the battle?

Then please join me and other Michiganders from across our state on Grassroots in Michigan. Learning, serving, encouraging and mentoring each other as together we build a Grassroots army in Michigan!

Our mission at Grassroots in Michigan is to encourage public policy that promotes personal responsibility, individual liberty, limited government, and free markets. In an effort to emulate the principles upon which the United States was founded, we think this mission is best fulfilled through efforts from the bottom up, not the top-down.

Therefore, we will serve as a support to all in the state of Michigan who wish to collaborate openly with others to meet our stated mission.

With that mind, we will not endorse or support any officially organized groups whose agendas and/or use of funds is not clearly stated, or is in direct contrast to our mission.

What Can Grassroots in Michigan Do....

1. EDLs
Michigan is set to issue new Enhanced Drivers' Licenses (EDLs) that include long-range RFID (Radio Frequency ID) technology

In the House, Rep. Paul Opsommer has been on the forefront fighting the use of RFIDs

"Michigan is entering into a federal agreement to put unencrypted, long range RFID computer chips into our driver's licenses presents a huge privacy risk with very little benefit.... 'The new licenses would contain an unencrypted RFID chip that would contain a new unique citizen ID number that could be wirelessly read through both wallets and walls at distances of 30 feet.' ... 'Michigan should not be content to just roll over for Washington on this one, especially when there are so many unanswered questions about how the information will be shared."

If you do not pay to enhance your license, you will need a passport in order to continue going across the Canadian and Mexican borders in June

Paul Opsommer also introduced a resolution in the Michigan house called HCR 006 which is described by the short title: "A concurrent resolution to memorialize the President, the Congress, and the Department of Homeland Security of the United States to change requirements, agreements, and memorandums of understanding relating to the creation of Enhanced Drivers Licenses."

This resolution passed the house in March was referred by the Senate to the Committee on Transportation.

What can we do?
Call the members of the Senate committee saying you support the resolution and encourage them to pass this out of committee with a favorable recommendation
Jud Gilbert Toll Free (877)445-2378
Fax (517)373-1450 E-Mail senjgilbert@senate.michigan.gov

Roger Kahn Toll Free (866)305-2131
Fax (517)373-3487 E-Mail senkahn@senate.michigan.gov

Gerald VanWoerkom Toll Free (866)305-2134 Fax (517) 373-3300 E-Mail sengvanwoerkom@senate.michgian.gov

Raymond Basham (517) 373-7800
Fax (517) 373-9310
E-Mail senrbasham@senate.michgian.gov

John Gleason Toll Free (866) 268-2914
Fax (517) 373-3938 E-Mail senjgleason@senate.michigan.gov

Call, fax, Gov. Granholm GRANHOLM - Contact the Governor
PHONE: (517) 373-3400
PHONE: (517) 335-7858
FAX:(517) 335-6863 demanding to get us out of the current EDL agreement so it can be renegotiated without RFID and without foreign data sharing.
Do not get an Enhanced Drivers' Licenses. Use your passport instead. If you don't have a passport get one, if you have one check to make sure if it needs to be renewed Where to Apply for a Passport Nationwide http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/

2. 10th Amendment Legislation
TENTH AMENDMENT: 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.

Rep. Paul Opsommer has a House Resolution to affirm Michigan's 10th Amendment rights

Michigan Legislature - House Concurrent Resolution 0004 (2009)
A concurrent resolution to affirm Michigan's sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States and to urge the federal government to halt its practice of imposing mandates upon the states for purposes not enumerated by the Constitution of the United States.
However, it was referred to Committee on Government Operations were it remains.

What can we do?

Call the members of the committee saying you support the resolution and encourage them to pass this out of committee with a favorable recommendation

Reps. Constan (C), Toll Free (888)345-8017
Fax (517) 373-5967
E-Mail bobconstan@house.mi.gov

Liss Toll Free (888)LISS-028
Fax (517) 373-5910
E-Mail lesialiss@house.mi.gov

Corriveau Toll Free (877)20TH-REP
Fax (517) 373-5952
E-Mail marccorriveau@house.mi.gov
Simpson Toll Free (888)DIST-065
Fax (517) 373-5242
E-Mail simpson.housedems.com

Slezak Toll Free (800)555-8560
Fax (517) 373-5812
E-Mail jimslezak@house.mi.gov

Warren (517) 373-2577
Fax (517) 373-5808
E-Mail rebekahwarren@house.mi.gov

Walsh (Min.VC) (517) 373-3920
Fax (517) 373-5957
E-Mail johnwalsh@house.mi.gov

Daley (517) 373-1800
Fax (517) 373-9981
E-Mail kevindaley@house.mi.gov

McMillin Toll Free (866)969-0450
Fax (517) 373-5838
E-Mail tommcmillin@house.mi.gov

3. Constitutional Convention (Con Con)

APRIL 16, 2009

"Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land is proposing legislation to establish procedures for a possible Constitutional Convention, a move that prepares Michigan if next year voters call for one.
Voters decide every 16 years whether a convention will be convened to revise Michigan's Constitution. The question will be on the Nov. 2, 2010 general election ballot. ... Michigan has adopted four constitutions, the last being in 1963. The requirement for a Constitutional Convention ballot question every 16 years is part of the 1963 constitution. The question was on the 1978 and 1994 ballots. It was rejected both
times."

SOS - Secretary Land ensuring state is ready for possible Constitutional Convention http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,1607,7-127--212969--,00.html

If this passes, there will be a new constitution in Michigan. The State Constitution is the Supreme Law of the land here (second only to the US Constitution).

In Michigan, we could lose:
Headlee. Prop A. Ballot requirements for some taxes.
Checks and balances on some governmental offices
Gas tax only goes to roads
Affirmative Action ban
Right to keep and bear arms on the state level
Right to vote on judges
Redistricting reform
Ballot initiative process
Ability to amend the constitution.
Referendum
Recall elections

This will be on the ballot in 2010.

What can we do?
Vote against the call for a Con Con

Did You Know?

You can get a free 2009-10 Citizen's Guide to State Government & a Michigan Constitution by calling or e-mailing your Representative
house.mi.gov - Find a Representative

Or PDF of the
Citizen's Guide to State Government

Stay informed, stay involved, stay encouraged, and be an encouragement!

Regards
Joan Grassroots in Michigan
Co-Organizer Lansing, MI 02-27,04-15 and 07-4 Tea Parties

Obama cuts prayer-day service

Julia Duin (Contact)

The Washington Times

President Obama is distancing himself from the National Day of Prayer by nixing a formal early morning service and not attending a large Catholic prayer breakfast the following morning.

All Mr. Obama will do for the National Day of Prayer, which is Thursday, is sign a proclamation honoring the day, which originated in 1952 when Congress set aside the first Thursday in May for the event.

For the past eight years, President George W. Bush invited selected Christian and Jewish leaders to the White House East Room, where he typically would give a short speech and several leaders offered prayers.
White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said Tuesday that the president simply is reverting to pre-Bush administration practice.

"Prayer is something the president does every day," he said. "We're doing a proclamation, which I know that many administrations in the past have done."

Pressed by reporters as to the lack of a formal ceremony, Mr. Gibbs said the proclamation was Mr. Obama's choice.
"That's the way the president will publicly observe National Prayer Day -- privately he'll pray as he does every day," he said.

Shirley Dobson, chairwoman of the National Day of Prayer Committee, said the group was "disappointed in the lack of participation by the Obama administration." "At this time in our country's history, we would hope our president would recognize more fully the importance of prayer," said Mrs. Dobson, who occupied a prominent seat in the front row for the ceremonies during the Bush administration.

Well don't most Christains distance themselves from a celebration of prayer? I mean why put any special emphasis on prayer in these difficult times? Of course I am being sarcasic here. However, it is painfully obvious that our "dear leader" who calls himself a "christian" sees little value in a public support of the value pf prayer.

Doesn't it make you want to prayer even harder for our nation?

This is what comes from NOT thinking…and lack of leadership

This is what comes from NOT thinking…and lack of leadership

Posted using ShareThis

This particular instance of Rep. Barrett just reveals some of the many symptoms of the cancers that are eating away at this country. Neither the organizers, nor for sure, could the “Honorable” Barrett possibly “get it”.

Let’s leave the Tea Party organizers out of it, though.

Just how completely out of touch with reality must a U.S. Congressman be to show up to speak at an event, the very purpose of which is to protest, among other things, the thing he himself had done?

He deserved every bit of scorn he received that day. The only thing that requires more utter ignorance than showing up to speak at a Tea Party is that he stayed on the stage so long.