Category Archives: Civil rights

FEC 2008 FOIA request, Philip J Berg lawsuit, Old information viewed with 20 20 hindsight, Citizen Wells exclusive

FEC 2008 FOIA request, Philip J Berg lawsuit, Old information viewed with 20 20 hindsight, Citizen Wells exclusive

“Why has Obama, for over 2 years, employed numerous private and government attorneys to avoid presenting a legitimate birth certificate and college records?”…Citizen Wells and millions of concerned Americans

I was going through some old paperwork recently and reexamined a 2008 FOIA request I made to the FEC regarding any information they had about the Philip J Berg lawsuit which had just included them as a defendant. With the clarity of 20 20 hindsight, several items of interest are presented.

The Citizen Wells blog was definitely in the mix questioning many aspects of Obama’s past in 2008. This blog was one of the first entities anywhere to announce the Berg lawsuit due to the efforts of faithful followers. Here are the actual heads up that we received.

“Date: Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 4:24 PM
Subject: About to break news”

“My name is XXXXXXX XXXXXXX of XX. I have been working with Phil Berg on
this project. Here’s the scoop.

Attorney Phil Berg of Philadephia, PA alleges that Obama is not a us
citizen nor his he “natural born” and within the next 30 minutes will
be filing a complaint and motion for a temporary restraining order
prohibiting Obama from running for Office of the President and
enjoining the DNC from naming Obama as a nominee for Democratic
Presidential election.

Go to the US District Court, Eastern District of PA, 2nd floor Clerk’s
Office on 601 Market Street in Philadelphia, PA”

“Date: Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 6:40 PM
Subject: Update from xxxxxxx”

“I just spoke to Phil Berg. The suit is filed in Philadelphia in the
US District Court, Eastern District of PA, at 601 Market St, 2nd
floor District Clerk’s office. There will be an emergency hearing in
the morning to determine if they will issue the temporary injunction
barring him from running anymore.”

On August 21, 2008, the following was reported at Citizen Wells.

“We were given a heads up earlier that a complaint was being filed in US District Court, Eastern District of PA. The complaint is a follows: ”for an emergency temporary restraining order prohibiting Obama from running for president, and enjoining the DNC from nominating Obama as the Democratic presidential candidate.””

https://citizenwells.wordpress.com/2008/08/21/obama-citizenship-federal-court-challenging-barack-obama%e2%80%99s-qualifications-to-be-president-us-district-court-eastern-district-of-pa-philip-j-berg-complaint-filed/

From the FOIA documents sent to me.

Cover letter pg 1, 2.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/49423265/FEC-2008-FOIA-request-Philip-Berg-lawsuit

http://www.scribd.com/doc/49423694/FEC0002

Within approx. 24 hours of the filing of Philip J. Berg’s lawsuit, the following memo surfaced. Notice “Re: Victory in Berg v. Obama” What does this mean?

Scribd pg 3

http://www.scribd.com/doc/49423970/FEC0003

Letter to FEC referencing an email.

Scribd pg 6

http://www.scribd.com/doc/49425436/FEC0006

“August 18, 2008”

“This is a request for an opinion”

“email which I have received from a friend in Arizona”

Email received by letter author from a friend in Arizona.

Scribd pg 7

http://www.scribd.com/doc/49425908/FEC0007

“I did not find anything to confirm or refute this story. Should everyone (extra should) wait til later to see if this hits the fan?”

Scribd pg 8

http://www.scribd.com/doc/49426322/FEC0008

“Interesting! Now what? Who dropped the ball or are we all being duped? Who do you know whom you can forward this to who might be able to help answer this question?”
Response from FEC.

Scribd pg 4

http://www.scribd.com/doc/49424393/FEC0004

“You ask the Commission to consider issues arising in an email circulating on the internet. The email, which is attached to your letter, asserts that a candidate for President is not eligible to be President because the candidate may not be a U.S. natural-born citizen. You ask how the legal requirements for obtaining and maintaining U.S. citizenship would apply to the assertions made in the email.”

“The Act authorizes the Commission to issue an advisory opinion in response to a complete written request from any person about a specific transaction or activity that the requesting person plans to undertake or is presently undertaking.”
Observations.

The letter is dated 3 days before the Berg lawsuit.  

The wording above indicates to me that the person who sent the email and the person who wrote the letter are likely involved in the election process as election officials or are involved in a political party.

The following comments are particularly interesting.

“Interesting! Now what? Who dropped the ball or are we all being duped?”

“Should everyone wait til later to see if this hits the fan?”

The FEC response states “your inquiry does not qualify as an advisory opinion request.”

However, the FEC website states:

“Election Administration

The FEC’s Office of Election Administration (OEA) serves as a central exchange for information and research on issues related to the administration of federal elections on the state and local level.”

http://www.fec.gov/pages/brochures/fecfeca.shtml#Clarifying_Law
Who “dropped the ball”? Obviously the FEC.

Obama is ineligible to occupy White House, Obama must resign immediately or be arrested, US Constitution clear, Many state laws clear, NC officials in trouble

Obama is ineligible to occupy White House, Obama must resign immediately or be arrested, US Constitution clear, Many state laws clear, NC officials in trouble

If Obama is not a natural born citizen, and it appears that he is not, then he is not president and must resign or be arrested. The US Constitution is clear on that requirement. No amount of electoral college votes, certification by Congress or swearing in attempts can remedy that deficiency. There are more clauses in the Constitution that add clarity to that requirement.

From the Twelfth Amendment to the US Constitution.

” then the Vice-President shall act as President, as in the case of the death or other constitutional disability of the President.”

There is and was some confusion about the responsibility of state election officials to insure that presidential candidates are qualified. In 2008 I made sure that the office of the Secretary of State of NC as well as the State Board of elections was notified of the Philip J Berg lawsuit and serious questions regarding Obama’s eligibility. Instead of following their oaths to uphold the US Constitution and in some cases state law, they played party politics. Now is the time to pay the piper.

From Citizen Wells October 30, 2008.

Legal Notice

To:

The State of North Carolina

The Governor of North Carolina

The Attorney General of North Carolina

The Secretary of State of North Carolina

The NC Board of Elections

The Electoral College Electors of North Carolina

Whereas: Barack Obama was placed on the ballot in NC in the primary and
General Election.

Whereas: The NC Board of Elections placed Barack Obama on the ballot
solely on the basis of the direction of the DNC, Democratic National
Committee.

Whereas: The NC Board of Elections has not requested proof of eligibilty
for Barack Obama to be president from Barack Obama or the DNC despite
strong evidence that Barack Obama is not eligible.

Whereas: The NC Board of Elections has been aware of the lawsuit and
associated evidence of Philip J Berg for several months.

Whereas: Citizen Wells contacted the NC Board of Elections by email
and telephone conversation on or about 10/06/08 and provided
information that Barack Obama is ineligible.

Whereas: Citizen Wells contacted the office of the Secretary of State
of NC by email and telephone conversation on or about 10/27/08 and provided information that Barack Obama is ineligible.

Whereas: Most, if not all, NC Officers and Election officials have sworn
an oath to uphold the US Constitution.

Whereas: The US Constitution clearly defines the requirements to be
president of the US.

Whereas: The following NC statute provides for replacing a presidential
candidate if “for any reason becomes ineligible or disqualified“.
Chapter 163.

Elections and Election Laws.

§ 163-114.  Filling vacancies among party nominees occurring after nomination and before election. If any person nominated as a candidate of a political party for one of the offices listed below (either in a primary or convention or by virtue of having no opposition in a primary) dies, resigns, or for any reason becomes ineligible or disqualified before the date of the ensuing general election, the vacancy shall be filled by appointment according to the following instructions:

Position

President 

Vacancy is to be filled by appointment of
national executive committee of
political party in which vacancy occurs”
Whereas: Barack Obama is ineligble to be President of the United States
and the NC State Board of Elections and the NC Secretary of State have
been notified by email and telephone.

Citizen Wells, a citizen of the State of North Carolina, demands that
the NC State Board of Elections obtain proof of eligibility from
Barack Obama or the Democrat Party in the form of a vault copy of
a birth certificate or pledge of allegiance to the US, and in the absence
of proof, remove Barack Obama from the ballot and request that the DNC
provide a replacement candidate per NC Law.

Citizen Wells further requests that the citizens of NC contact the NC
Board of elections and demand that they uphold the US Constitution and
NC Law.

Furthermore, all NC officials and election officials will be held
accountable if a non eligible presidential candidate is allowed to remain
on the ballot. The severity of the consequences will increase if the
ineligible candidate receives votes in the general election and Electoral
College. Many voters have been disenfranchised by Barack Obama being on
the ballot in the primary election. The further disenfranchisement of
voters, and the potential constitutional crisis must be taken seriously.
Citizen Wells              October 30, 2008

Attachments:
Email sent to NC Board of Elections:

Hi.
What I am about to share is serious and not a joke.
I am going to post this on my blog.
You may or may not be aware of the lawsuit filed by Philip J Berg
in federal court on August 21, 2008. Mr. Berg states that Obama
is not qualified to be president. I helped break this story and I am
in contact with Mr. Berg. He is trying to avoid a constitutional
crisis.
 
Here is a subchapter from the NC statues:
 
(Changes effective January 1, 2007)
§ 163-114. Filling vacancies among party nominees occurring
after nomination and before election.
If any person nominated as a candidate of a political
party for one of the offices listed below (either in a primary
or convention or by virtue of having no opposition in a primary)
Current through September 7, 2008
Page 118 of 429
dies, resigns, or for any reason becomes ineligible or
disqualified before the date of the ensuing general election,
the vacancy shall be filled by appointment according to the
following instructions:
Position
President vacancy is to be filled by
Vice President appointment of national
executive committee of
political party in which
vacancy occurs

I am a NC voter.

Citizen Wells
Email sent to NC Secretary of State:

This email is a followup to a phone coversation with the Secretary
of State’s office.

The following article was posted on my blog. My viewership is in
the hundreds of thousands. A response is most welcome.
Citizen Wells
https://citizenwells.wordpress.com/

“Our Constitution is in actual operation; everything appears to promise
that it will last; but nothing in this world is certain but death and
taxes.”

Benjamin Franklin

“A strict observance of the written laws is doubtless one of the high
duties of a good (officer), but it is not the highest. The laws of
necessity, of self-preservation, of saving our country when in danger,
are of higher obligation.”

Thomas Jefferson

“The ballot is stronger than the bullet.”

Abraham Lincoln

Up to this point, the political parties and the individual states have been in control of the election process. The state boards of elections, in conjunction  with the major political parties have controlled which candidates will be on the ballots. However, the US Constitution still rules and just beneath that the Federal election laws rule. The states have control over their respective elections and electors, but are still governed by federal law.

Several weeks ago, Citizen Wells contacted the NC State Board of Elections.
After a brief phone call dominated by the Board of Elections staff member,
Citizen Wells was told that they had been aware of the Philip J Berg
lawsuit for several months and that they took their cue from the
Democratic Party regarding Obama’s eligibility. Once again, the US
Constitution rules and we will hold the NC State Board of Elections
accountable.

Once the individual state electors meet on December 15, 2008, the Federal
Government takes control of the process. Lawsuits in courts require
the burden of proof on the part of the plaintiff. This burden is not necessary
for those charged with upholding and defending the Constitution.
Consider the following:

Both John McCain and Barack Obama are US Senators. When they took office they spoke the following pledge:

“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.”

UNITED STATES ELECTION LAW

“The following provisions of law governing Presidential Elections are contained in Chapter 1 of Title 3, United States Code (62 Stat. 672, as amended):”

“§ 8.   The electors shall vote for President and Vice President, respectively, in the manner directed by the Constitution.”

Pennsylvania Law

“§ 3192. Meeting of electors; duties.
The electors chosen, as aforesaid, shall assemble at the seat of government of this Commonwealth, at 12 o’clock noon of the day which is, or may be, directed by the Congress of the United States, and shall then and there perform the duties enjoined upon them by the Constitution and laws of the United States.”

NC Law

“At the first meeting held after new appointments are made, the members of the State Board of Elections shall take the following oath:

“I, __________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States; that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the State of North Carolina, and to the constitutional powers and authorities which are or may be established for the government thereof; that I will endeavor to support, maintain and defend the Constitution of said State, and that I will well and truly execute the duties of the office of member of the State Board of Elections according to the best of my knowledge and ability, according to law, so help me, God.””
“§ 163-114.  Filling vacancies among party nominees occurring after nomination and before election.

If any person nominated as a candidate of a political party for one of the offices listed below (either in a primary or convention or by virtue of having no opposition in a primary) dies, resigns, or for any reason becomes ineligible or disqualified before the date of the ensuing general election, the vacancy shall be filled by appointment according to the following instructions:
Position

President

Vacancy is to be filled by appointment of national executive
committee of political party in which vacancy occurs”

This is not a situation where Obama is on trial and the burden of proof is on the prosecutor.

The government of the US has not filed a lawsuit with the burden of proof placed on the plaintiff.

Barack Obama is running for the office of president of the US, This is no different than applying for any other job involving competition.
As in any other situation involving a job application, the burden of
proof regarding qualification to hold office, falls on Obama. The
rules are spelled out in the US Constitution. The preponderance of
evidence reveals that Obama was born in Kenya, became an Indonesian
citizen and is in fact an illegal alien. Those who choose to ignore
these facts and allow Obama to proceed are violating the law and
will be held accountable.

Regardless of how the Philip J Berg lawsuit plays out, the US Constitution
must be upheld. Many people involved in the election process are
charged with upholding the US Constitution and will be held accountable.
This article will be emailed to the Secretary of State in each state
after a phone call to explain that the citizens are watching them. The
individual electors will also be held accountable. The Citizen Wells
blog will also create an accountability page for each state and will
provide feedback on how each state cooperates with the letter and spirit
of the Constitution.

I urge all of you to contact your Secretary of State and Board of Elections
in your state. Let them know you do not want an illegal alien on the
ballot or voted for by state electors. While you are at it, let them
know that voter fraud will not be tolerated. Let us know about the level
of concern and cooperation in your state.

The Philip J Berg lawsuit Timeline can be accessed at the top of this blog.”

Constitution 101, Justice Scalia, Pay attention to the Constitution, Michele Bachmann class

Constitution 101, Justice Scalia, Pay attention to the Constitution, Michele Bachmann class

“Why has Obama, for over 2 years, employed numerous private and government attorneys to avoid presenting a legitimate birth certificate and college records?”…Citizen Wells and millions of concerned Americans

From MinnPost.com January 24, 2011.

“Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia gave members of Congress what amounted to a largely uncontroversial lesson on the Constitution and Federalist Papers in a briefing this afternoon organized by Rep. Michele Bachmann.

“I told them to pay attention to the Constitution,” Scalia told MinnPost following the hourlong discussion, which included a short question and answer session between lawmakers and the Court’s most outspoken conservative jurist.

More than 50 members and staffers attended the “wonderful civil discussion,” which was closed to the press, Bachmann told reporters in a news conference afterwards. At least three Democrats were present, one of whom said the briefing was “incredibly useful” and non-partisan.

Rep. Jan Schakowsky, Democrat of Illinois, said Scalia told the members to get a hard copy of the Federalist Papers and keep it on their desks.

“You’re not going to like some of the things I have to say about the ability of Congress to limit the executive [branch],” Schakowsky said Scalia told them. Iowa Republican Steve King later told reporters that was in reference to Congress ceding authority to the executive in recent years, a practice King has frequently (and vocally) opposed.

King said Scalia was “very careful to not address subject matter that may come before the Court.” That includes the recently-passed health reform law, which is being challenged in several federal courts and is expected to be appealed to the Supreme Court.”

Read more:

http://www.minnpost.com/derekwallbank/2011/01/24/25162/pay_attention_to_the_constitution_scalia_tells_bachmann_group

Pop Quiz.

According to the US Constitution, which of the following is a requirement to be President of the US?

A) Citizen.

B) Natural born citizen.

C) No birth certificate.

Purpura et al. v. Sebelius et al, Standing v US Constitution, First amendment rights, Legalese cited to perpetuate legalese

Purpura et al. v. Sebelius et al, Standing v US Constitution, First amendment rights, Legalese cited to perpetuate legalese

“Why has Obama, for over 2 years, employed numerous private and government attorneys to avoid presenting a legitimate birth certificate and college records?”…Citizen Wells and millions of concerned Americans

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”…First Amendment US Constitution

From  Birther Report January 17, 2011.

“Government files their motion to dismiss in Purpura et al. v. Sebelius et al.. The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey by Nicholas Purpura and Donald Laster of the Jersey Shore Tea Party Patriots and the New Jersey Tea Party Coalition. Other plaintiffs in the lawsuit include the Colts Neck Tea Party, Jersey Shore Tea Party Patriots, Jackson Tea Party Patriots, Bayshore Tea Party Group and Ocean County Citizens for Freedom. The lawsuit alleges the healthcare bill is unconstitutional on 15 separate counts including Obama’s ineligibility. Full brief embedded below. More background on the case can be found here. The lead plaintiffs discuss their lawsuit here, the video is also embedded at bottom of this post.

The government argues the plaintiffs lack standing and the court does not have jurisdiction…”

Read more:

http://obamareleaseyourrecords.blogspot.com/2011/01/government-files-motion-to-dismiss-in.html

Notice from the Table of Authorities:

“Kerchner v. Obama,
612 F.3d 204 (3d Cir. 2010)”
“Lightfoot v. United States,
564 F.3d 625 (3d Cir. 2009)”

They are attempting to use legalese, “standing”, applied in earlier cases to substantiate further legalese and thus attempt to trump the First Amendment and effectively block attempts to redress government for grievances by petition.

Ezra Klein, Constitution has no binding power, Text confusing, 112th Congress reads US Constitution

Ezra Klein, Constitution has no binding power, Text confusing, 112th Congress reads US Constitution

Ezra Klein of the Washington Post was interviewed on MSNBC. He was asked to respond to the 112th Congress reading the US Constitution on January 6, 2011. His response, though stupefying, was consistent with the attitudes of the left and what would be expected from an associate of the Washington Post.

In the interview he states:

“it has no binding power on anything.”

“The text is confusing”

Ezra Klein, which of these provisions of the US Constitution do you consider confusing and non binding?

“Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

“Amendment XV

Section 1.
The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude–”

“Amendment XIX

The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.”

Ezra Klein, after being bombarded with responses to his idiotic statements, posted a “clarification” of his remarks. The problem I mostly have with Mr. Klein is his cavalier attitude in regard to the US Constitution. He must have a great many followers on the left.

“This morning, I gave a quick interview to MSNBC where I made, I thought, some fairly banal points on the GOP’s plan to honor the Constitution by having it read aloud on the House floor. Asked if it was a gimmick, I replied that it was, because, well, it is. It’s our founding document, not a spell that makes the traitors among us glow green. It’s also, I noted, a completely nonbinding act: It doesn’t impose a particular interpretation of the Constitution on legislators, and will have no practical impact on how they legislate.”

“But my inbox suggests that my comments weren’t taken that way: The initial interpretation was that I’d said the Constitution is too complicated to understand because it was written a long time ago, and then, as the day went on, that I’d said the document itself is nonbinding. I went back and watched the clip — or at least the part someone clipped and sent me, which is above — and thought I was clear enough. But when a lot of people misunderstand you at once, the fault is usually yours. So if I was unclear: Yes, the Constitution is binding. No, it’s not clear which interpretation of the Constitution the Supreme Court will declare binding at any given moment.”

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/ezra-klein/2010/12/yes_the_constitution_is_bindin.html

Yes, Ezra Klein, the fault is yours. And once again, which provision is ok for you or the Supreme Court to declare not binding?

Ezra Klein, welcome the the US Constitution Hall of Shame.

Thanksgiving 2010, Citizen Wells challenge to Glenn Beck, Glenn Beck Thanksgiving Challenge

Thanksgiving 2010, Citizen Wells challenge to Glenn Beck, Glenn Beck Thanksgiving Challenge

Glenn Beck has issued a Thanksgiving Challenge.

“You are probably, like I am, you are excited to enjoy a nice big meal with your family and friends — well, at least the meal part. I don’t know, I’m always excited for people to come over for the holidays until the family actually arrives. And then you hear the doorbell and you’re like — oh, crap, they’re here.
Unfortunately, for as excited as we all may be, I’m about to rain on your parade. Yes, that’s me. I’m your little black rain cloud. I’m going to issue to a challenge to you this Thanksgiving to try to think past the stuffing, think past the turkey in your face and watching football — and try to talk to your family this year about things that really matter.”

“I am the grim reaper of apathy. That is me.”

“I want you to honestly think of this, this weekend when you are with your family, what holds this country together? Is it our values, our principles, our history? Or is it materialism?”

“So, I want to apologize in advance, but it is important. If we don’t wake up our family and friends up and we don’t start having this conversation on a weekend like Thanksgiving, unfortunately, I don’t think that they’re going to know what hit them after the holidays.”

“I know it’s not easy to talk to your families about anything — really anything. You know, our families are so divided right now and we have to try to stitch it back up. And it’s hard to talk about anything other than football and food on Thanksgiving. But when you go through the news of the day, it’s apparent that it cannot be business as usual in this country.”

Read more:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,602266,00.html

I agree with what Glenn Beck is saying. Our friends and associates who are ill informed and in denial need to be awakend. Glenn Beck addresses important issues like terrorism, our economy, inflation and more government control of our lives. But isn’t that like talking about problems in Nazi Germany in 1945 and not mentioning Adolf Hitler? 

I agree that Barack Obama is not the only problem, but he is a huge part of the problem and his issues go to the heart of the matter. Upholding and defending the US Constitution.

Increasingly awareness of Obama eligibility issues has spread. Rush Limbaugh, Lou Dobbs and Sean Hannity have all asked questions about Obama’s birth certificate, natural born citizen status and eligibility. High ranking military officers, including multiple generals, have come out and questioned Obama. Major General Paul E. Vallely, retired, has asked for Obama’s resignation. LTC Terry Lakin is facing court martial for refusing illegal orders to deploy.

Kerchner v Obama, with plaintiff  CDR Charles Kerchner (Ret), went to conference in the US Supreme Court on November 23, 2010. No mention anywhere by Beck.

With all of the awareness and information about Obama’s eligibility issues, one major media player, Glenn Beck, has not only not covered these stories, he has insulted millions of concerned Americans who question Obama. Beck has not covered these issues on Fox, his radio show and TheBlaze.com.

Glenn Beck stated:

“But when you go through the news of the day, it’s apparent that it cannot be business as usual in this country.”

Glenn Beck, that includes you!

If you are not going to cover the important story, or at least ask this simple question and demand an answer:

“Why has Obama, for over 2 years, employed numerous private and government attorneys to avoid presenting a legitimate birth certificate and college records?”

If you are not going to cover this story of a lifetime, then at least

Apologize to the American people and the military.

 

Ron Wyden to block COICA, Oregon senator opposes Combating Online Infringement and Counterfeits Act, Citizen Wells open thread, November 21, 2010

Ron Wyden to block COICA, Oregon senator opposes Combating Online Infringement and Counterfeits Act

From PC World November 19, 2010.

“A U.S. senator has vowed to fight attempts to pass a controversial copyright protection bill that would allow the U.S. government to shut down websites suspected of hosting infringing materials.

Senator Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat, said late Thursday that he would seek to block the Combating Online Infringement and Counterfeits Act, or COICA, from passing through the full Senate, unless the legislation is changed. Earlier Thursday, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 19-0 to approve the bill and send it to the full Senate.

Wyden called the bill the “wrong medicine” for dealing with online copyright infringement. The bill would allow the U.S. Department of Justice to seek expedited court orders requiring U.S. domain-name registrars to shut down domestic websites suspected of hosting infringing materials. The bill would also allow the DOJ, through court orders, to order U.S. ISPs to redirect customer traffic away from infringing foreign websites.

“Deploying this statute to combat online copyright infringement seems almost like using a bunker-busting cluster bomb, when what you need is a precision-guided missile,” Wyden said during a hearing on digital trade issues. “If you don’t think this thing through carefully, the collateral damage would be American innovation, American jobs, and a secure Internet.”

Wyden’s opposition means the bill is likely dead this year. Individual senators can place holds on legislation, and there are only a few working days left in the congressional session this year. Sponsors of the legislation, including fellow Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont, would have to reintroduce the bill if it doesn’t pass this year.”

“COICA is an example of repeated efforts to fix long-time problems through Internet restrictions, said Ed Black, president and CEO of the Computer and Communications Industry Association, a tech trade group. The Judiciary Committee pushed through the bill without adequate hearings and input from the public, Black said.

“The significance and implications of the legislation I don’t think have been well thought through,” Black said during the hearing on digital trade. “Sadly, it’s an example of what not to do in an important, complicated digital ecosystem.””

Read  more:

http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/211162/senator_threatens_to_block_online_copyright_bill.html

I agree with senator Ron Wyden and Ed Black. This bill gives the government too much power and was not well thought out.

For starters, Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont is the sponsor. That should be red flag enough. This is the same Senator Leahy of Vermont who did not reply to my voice message or email when I was in Burlington, VT when I got the video of the Senator Bernie Sanders speech and a brief interview.

And what about these Republican Senator cosponsors?

Lamar Alexander [R-TN]
Thomas Coburn [R-OK]
Lindsey Graham [R-SC]
Charles Grassley [R-IA]
Orrin Hatch [R-UT]
James Inhofe [R-OK]
George Voinovich [R-OH]

More RINO’s? Or are they just not paying attention or listening to the public?

I am not certain if the full text of the bill is available yet. My first 2 attempts to get it failed.

From GovTrack, a summary.

“Congressional Research Service Summary

The following summary was written by the Congressional Research Service, a well-respected nonpartisan arm of the Library of Congress. GovTrack did not write and has no control over these summaries.

9/20/2010–Introduced.
Combating Online Infringement and Counterfeits Act – Amends the federal criminal code to authorize the Attorney General (AG) to commence an action for injunctive relief against a domain name used by an Internet site that is “dedicated to infringing activities,” even where such a domain name is not located in the United States. Defines an Internet site that “dedicated to infringing activities” as a site that is: (1) subject to civil forfeiture; (2) designed primarily to offer goods or services in violation of federal copyright law; or (3) selling counterfeit goods. Requires the AG to maintain a public listing of domain names that the Department of Justice (DOJ) determines are dedicated to infringing activities but for which the AG has not filed an action. Allows parties to petition the AG to remove such a domain name from the list and obtain judicial review of the final determination in a civil action.”

Read more:

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s111-3804

Another source of information:

http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-s3804/show

NC voter fraud update, Voting machine errors, NC GOP lawsuit status, Voter registration issues

NC voter fraud update, Voting machine errors, NC GOP lawsuit status, Voter registration issues

Multiple times before the 2008 elections, I contacted the NC Secretary of State office and NC Board of Elections office to inform them that there were clear concerns about Obama’s eligibility to run for president. The reception that I got, though courteous, was less than impressive. The fix was in. The end justified the means. We are watching the elections today with eagle eyes. Already many reports of voter fraud and improper voting machine activity has sprung up. We are watching you NC. If I hear of rampant, non resolved voter fraud in my home state of NC, there will be hell to pay.

From Citizen News, October 25, 2010.

“A Craven County voter says he had a near miss at the polls on Thursday when an electronic voting machine completed his straight-party ticket for the opposite of what he intended.

Sam Laughinghouse of New Bern said he pushed the button to vote Republican in all races, but the voting machine screen displayed a ballot with all Democrats checked. He cleared the screen and tried again with the same result, he said. Then he asked for and received help from election staff.”

Read more:

https://citizenwells.com/2010/10/25/nc-voter-fraud-voting-machines-straight-democrat-defaults-craven-county-north-carolina/

From Citizen News November 2, 2010.

“On Saturday evening, after a two-day hearing, a Federal Judge ordered in the NCGOP’s favor, requiring the SBOE to take the following steps on Election Day:

1) Provide written and oral notice to every voter using touch screen machines that problems exist, and to carefully review their ballots before confirming them.

2) Preserve all Personal Electronic programs, ballots, metadata, source codes, and any programs or data that reflects machine calibration.

3) Issue an order that poll workers in all precincts be required to keep a record of all complaints by voters regarding the touch screen voting machines.”

Read more:

https://citizenwells.com/2010/11/02/nc-voter-fraud-nc-gop-lawsuit-judge-rules-on-voting-machine-lawsuit-voting-inaccuracies-north-carolina-counties/

From WITN November 1, 2010.

“Chairman of the Craven County Republican Party, Chuck Tyson, says this is a win for voters but hopes something will be done in future to prevent this from happening again. “At this late stage in the election, I think it’s the only thing that can be done. So I think moving forward the state board and the local board need to look into the reliability of these touch-screen voting machines.”
Thirty-five counties use the machines for one-stop voting and 23 use them on election day.”

Read more:
http://www.witn.com/home/headlines/Craven_County_GOP_Applauds_Judges_Ruling_106490003.html

From Carolina Journal October 26, 2010.

“Gaps in Voter Registration Process Raise Concerns of Fraud
Affadavit seen as insufficient safeguard to keep non-citizens from polls”

“Anyone possessing a North Carolina driver’s license, a Social Security card, a utility bill — and a willingness to lie on a voter registration form — can establish enough “proof” of citizenship allowing him to register to vote in North Carolina.

Moreover, the state’s system of allowing voter registration by mail and same-day registration at early voting sites operates essentially on the honor system. The registration form requires each applicant to sign an affidavit confirming that the applicant is a U.S. citizen.

The penalty for “knowingly” providing a false statement on the form is a felony. But critics say the process for checking citizenship status is lax, so anyone with phony documents and no qualms about choosing untruthfully the “yes” box under “Are you a U.S. citizen?” has a good chance of beating the system.

The state’s efforts at verifying the accuracy of voter rolls have concentrated largely on making sure the lists have been purged of people who die, move, are convicted of felonies, do not vote over several election cycles, or change their legal names.

As for citizenship status?

“It’s tough to get anybody to admit that they have committed voter fraud,” former state Auditor Les Merritt told Carolina Journal. “It’s tough to ever prove, but there are certainly opportunities for people who are not here legally to vote.”

In 2007, Merritt’s office uncovered 24,821 invalid driver’s license numbers and 700 invalid Social Security numbers in the voter registration database; 380 people who appeared to have voted after their deaths; and a handful of votes cast by 17-year-olds in previous election cycles.”

Read more:

http://www.carolinajournal.com/exclusives/display_exclusive.html?id=7012

The following controversy in NC received brief national attention in 2008.

From the Alamance County Sheriff’s Ofice, Alamance County Health Department Investigation, 2008.
(Alamance County is just east of Greensboro)

“On Monday June 23rd, 2008 the SBI initiated an
investigation into allegations that employees of the
Alamance County Health Department specifically Dr.
Kathleen Shapley-Quinn and Nurse Karen Saxer were
knowingly and willingly falsifying patient medical
records.”
“At the request of some patients, Alamance
County Health Department provided work
notes and prescriptions in alias names.

 Providing these services would assist illegal
aliens with maintaining assumed or stolen
identities, which may be a violation of state, or
federal law. (Identity Theft, Fraud, etc.)”
“The staff was divided with some believing the practice of writing
work notes (utilizing aliases) to suspected illegal aliens was wrong
and therefore they refused to do so. Subsequently they reported
feeling pressured or feared repercussions.

 Others, particularly Shapely-Quinn and Saxer believed the
guidance they had sought and received was vague at best, but
believed their actions did not violate the law and they were
providing care for their patients. Furthermore, according to
them, an illegal alien can not be refused medical care.”
“On more than one occasion Nurse Karen Saxer at the
direction of Dr. Shapley-Quinn prepared or made
health related employer work notes for patients under
alias names, knowing that the names on the documents
were in fact not the birth name or legal name of the
patient.”
“Veronica Arias, of Texas, reported on May 2nd, 2008 to
the ACSO that someone in Swepsonville, NC had
stolen her identity and was using same to be employed.

 Maria Sanchez was arrested on May 6, 2008 by
investigators of the Alamance County Sheriff’s Office
for stealing and using the identity of Veronica Arias.

 Sanchez used the name, SSN, DOB, of Veronica Arias
who is a living resident of Texas.”

Read more:

http://www.alamance-nc.com/fileadmin/alamance/Commissioners/Packets/2008/SheriffPresentation81808sm.pdf

Election day, November 2, 2010, Today is the first day of the rest of our country, Citizen Wells open thread

Election day, November 2, 2010, Today is the first day of the rest of our country

Today, Tuesday, November 2, 2010 is election day. Perhaps the most important day in the history of this country since it’s founding. If you or someone you know has not voted, make certain that you do. I pray to God that we get the results that we need and that are anticipated. This, of course, will not be the end of the struggle. We must stay engaged and motivate others to do so. This, as it should be, will be a life long endeavor.

“Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.”…Winston Churchill

NC voter fraud, October 29, 2010, iVotronic voting machines, North Carolina counties, Machines straight ticket Democratic overrides Republican, Hanover, Craven, Cumberland, Rutherford, Lenoir, Mecklenburg

NC voter fraud, October 29, 2010,  iVotronic voting machines, North Carolina counties, Machines straight ticket Democratic overrides Republican, Hanover, Craven, Cumberland, Rutherford, Lenoir, Mecklenburg

From the NC Republican Party October 29, 2010.
“Voting Irregularities
The North Carolina Republican Party has been diligently investigating problems associated with voting machines, in particular iVotronic touch-screen voting machines in our state. These types of machines are in use in 35 of North Carolina’s 100 counties.
Reports began to surface last week of voter’s intentions not being properly registered by these machines.   The specific incidents that first came to our attention were those who were attempting to cast a straight-ticket Republican vote but the machine was verifying that a straight-ticket Democratic vote had been registered. Fortunately, these initial voters were diligent in the verification process and after repeated attempts, called the problem to the attention of poll workers who assisted in making sure that the voter’s intentions were properly tallied.
Reports of similar problems began to come in from other parts of the state and at the time of this correspondence, (5pm October 28) we now have complaints from the counties New Hanover, Craven, Cumberland, Rutherford, Lenoir and Mecklenburg.   I want to stress that there may indeed be similar issues in other counties using these same machines. To date, all documented voter issues involve attempts to cast votes for Republicans and at least one voter was a registered Democrat who was attempting to vote a straight-ticket Republican ballot.
Attorneys working on behalf of the NCGOP have been in contact with the State Board of Elections as early as last week in hopes of rectifying this issue and clarifying the causes of these problems. To date, it is our opinion that sufficient effort or progress has not been made by the State Board of Elections to ensure the integrity of the voting process. 
For example, on Wednesday, October 27 the State Board of Elections conducted a informational session to instill voter confidence in Craven County, one of the first to report these problems.   Concerned citizens came to hear information on the documented reports of machines engaging in what is known as “vote flipping”, registering for the opposite party or candidate than the voters intention. Instead they were given a remedial demonstration as to the operation of the touch-screen machine.
When one citizen expressed frustration about the lack of answers to the obvious concerns of the majority in the room, he was told by the State Board of Elections official that she was only there to demonstrate the machine and if he didn’t like that, he could leave.
Just today in Craven County, two republican poll workers were fired for talking to the media about the voting irregularities and what they claim was elections officials failure to properly address the issue.
Additional skepticism surrounds this situation due to the fact that the company responsible for the sale, distribution and maintenance of these machines has made headlines recently for questionable dealings in obtaining state contracts. Knowing that the ownership of the company in question, Printelect, has strong ties to the North Carolina Democratic Party and that the company itself holds a virtual monopoly on ballot printing and equipment maintenance for the state has only fueled suspicions. 
This morning, NCGOP attorneys delivered a letter to the State Board of Elections demanding corrective action be taken immediately.  (a copy of that letter can be viewed here.)
Appearing that the State Board of Elections has no intentions of taking corrective action, the NCGOP is contemplating proceeding to Federal Court on Friday to seek appropriate action to ensure the validity of the voting process in North Carolina. A total of 65 counties in our state use paper ballots tabulated by optical scanners; universally considered to be highly accurate and efficient. It is not equitable that those voters leave the polling place with a higher level of confidence that the votes have been accurately recorded than those using touch-screen machines.
Make no mistake; the NCGOP will not stand idly by and watch one of the most important rights we hold as Americans become subject to at best, a random game of electronic chance and at worst, an effort to subvert the political process.
Letter to SBOE Requesting Immediate Action”

http://www.ncgop.org/atf/cf/%7B4d473206-3077-4e88-951a-80af9d1c4fbf%7D/10.28.2010.PDF