Governor Mike Huckabee, who ran for president in 2008 and is a regular on Fox TV, appeared at a book signing at Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Charlotte, NC, today, Friday, November 13, 2009. I spoke briefly to Governor Huckabee and he is just as nice in person as he is on TV. A large crowd stood in line for the signing of Huckabee’s book, “A Simple Christmas.”
While waiting in line I spoke to several people about the state of the country, health care and Congress. All of the folks I spoke to seemed like average Americans and they weer not happy with Congress or the Health Care Bill.
One lady, much younger than I had recently moved from Florida. She has always voted and is not happy with the current state of things. She bought 6 of Huckabee’s books.
A couple near my age group were very unhappy with the state of things and especially the Health Care Bill. The lady stated I should run for office. Ouch. I must control my passion.
An older lady next to me was also concerned. She stated that she had never seen things go from bad to worse as when Obama got elected. She was very concerned but seemed pleased to hear of efforts to unseat congressmen next year.
“Feds Prepare to Seize Four Mosques, Office Building Suspected of Iranian Ties”
“Federal prosecutors Thursday took steps to seize four U.S. mosques and a Fifth Avenue skyscraper owned by a nonprofit Muslim organization long suspected of being secretly controlled by the Iranian government.
In what could prove to be one of the biggest counterterrorism seizures in U.S. history, prosecutors filed a civil complaint in federal court seeking the forfeiture of more than $500 million in assets of the Alavi Foundation and an alleged front company.
The assets include Islamic centers in New York City, Maryland, California and Houston, more than 100 acres (40 hectares) of land in Virginia, and a 36-story office tower in New York.
Seizing the properties would be a sharp blow against Iran, which has been accused by the U.S. government of bankrolling terrorism and seeking a nuclear bomb.
A telephone call and e-mail to Iran’s U.N. Mission seeking comment were not immediately answered.
It is extremely rare for U.S. law enforcement authorities to seize a house of worship, a step fraught with questions about the First Amendment right to freedom of religion.
The action against the Shiite Muslim mosques is sure to inflame relations between the U.S. government and American Muslims, many of whom are fearful of a backlash after last week’s Fort Hood shooting rampage, blamed on a Muslim American soldier.
The mosques and the office tower will remain open while the forfeiture case works its way through court in what could be a long process. What will happen to them if the government ultimately prevails is unclear. But the government typically sells properties it has seized through forfeiture, and the proceeds are sometimes distributed to crime victims.”
“Prosecutors said the Alavi Foundation, through a front company known as Assa Corp., illegally funneled millions in rental income back to Iran’s state-owned Bank Melli. Bank Melli has been accused by a U.S. Treasury official of providing support for Iran’s nuclear program, and it is illegal in the United States to do business with the bank.
Government officials have long suspected the foundation was an arm of the Iranian government; a 97-page complaint details involvement of several top officials in foundation business, including the country’s deputy prime minister and ambassadors to the United Nations.
“For two decades, the Alavi Foundation’s affairs have been directed by various Iranian officials, including Iranian ambassadors to the United Nations, in violation of a series of American laws,” U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said in a statement.”
Government health insurance plan included in the House bill is unacceptable to some Democratic moderates who hold the balance of power in the Senate . If a government health plan is part of the deal “as a matter of conscience, I will not allow this bill to come to a final vote,” Sen. Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn, said.”
“The glow from a health care triumph faded quickly for President Barack Obama on Sunday as Democrats realized the bill they fought so hard to pass in the House has nowhere to go in the Senate.
Speaking from the Rose Garden about 14 hours after the late Saturday vote, Obama urged senators to be like runners on a relay team and “take the baton and bring this effort to the finish line on behalf of the American people.”
The problem is that the Senate won’t run with it. The government health insurance plan included in the House bill is unacceptable to a few Democratic moderates who hold the balance of power in the Senate.
If a government plan is part of the deal, “as a matter of conscience, I will not allow this bill to come to a final vote,” said Sen. Joe Lieberman, the Connecticut independent whose vote Democrats need to overcome GOP filibusters.
“The House bill is dead on arrival in the Senate,” Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said dismissively.
Democrats did not line up to challenge him. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., has yet to schedule floor debate and hinted last week that senators may not be able to finish health care this year.
Nonetheless, the House vote provided an important lesson in how to succeed with less-than-perfect party unity, and one that Senate Democrats may be able to adapt. House Democrats overcame their own divisions and broke an impasse that threatened the bill after liberals grudgingly accepted tougher restrictions on abortion funding, as abortion opponents demanded.
In Senate, the stumbling block is the idea of the government competing with private insurers. Liberals may have to swallow hard and accept a deal without a public plan in order to keep the legislation alive. As in the House, the compromise appears to be to the right of the political spectrum.
Republican Sen. Olympia Snowe of Maine, who voted for a version of the Senate bill in committee, has given the Democrats a possible way out. She’s proposing to allow a government plan as a last resort, if after a few years premiums keep escalating and local health insurance markets remain in the grip of a few big companies. This is the “trigger” option.
That approach appeals to moderates such as Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La. “If the private market fails to reform, there would be a fallback position,” Landrieu said last week. “It should be triggered by choice and affordability, not by political whim.”
Lieberman said he opposes the public plan because it could become a huge and costly entitlement program. “I believe the debt can break America and send us into a recession that’s worse than the one we’re fighting our way out of today,” he said.
For now, Reid is trying to find the votes for a different approach: a government plan that states could opt out of.
The Senate is not likely to jump ahead this week on health care. Reid will keep meeting with senators to see if he can work out a political formula that will give him not only the 60 votes needed to begin debate, but the 60 needed to shut off discussion and bring the bill to a final vote.”
“The 220-215 vote cleared the way for the Senate to begin debate on the issue that has come to overshadow all others in Congress.
In a victory for President Barack Obama, the Democratic-controlled House narrowly passed landmark health care legislation Saturday night to expand coverage to tens of millions who lack it and place tough new restrictions on the insurance industry. Republican opposition was nearly unanimous.
The 220-215 vote cleared the way for the Senate to begin a long-delayed debate on the issue that has come to overshadow all others in Congress.
A triumphant Speaker Nancy Pelosi likened the legislation to the passage of Social Security in 1935 and Medicare 30 years later — and Obama issued a statement saying, “I look forward to signing it into law by the end of the year.”
“It provides coverage for 96 percent of Americans. It offers everyone, regardless of health or income, the peace of mind that comes from knowing they will have access to affordable health care when they need it,” said Rep. John Dingell, the 83-year-old Michigan lawmaker who has introduced national health insurance in every Congress since succeeding his father in 1955.
In the run-up to a final vote, conservatives from the two political parties joined forces to impose tough new restrictions on abortion coverage in insurance policies to be sold to many individuals and small groups. They prevailed on a roll call of 240-194.
Ironically, that only solidified support for the legislation, clearing the way for conservative Democrats to vote for it.
The legislation would require most Americans to carry insurance and provide federal subsidies to those who otherwise could not afford it. Large companies would have to offer coverage to their employees. Both consumers and companies would be slapped with penalties if they defied the government’s mandates.
Insurance industry practices such as denying coverage on the basis of pre-existing medical conditions would be banned, and insurers would no longer be able to charge higher premiums on the basis of gender or medical history. In a further slap, the industry would lose its exemption from federal antitrust restrictions on price fixing and market allocation.
At its core, the measure would create a federally regulated marketplace where consumers could shop for coverage. In the bill’s most controversial provision, the government would sell insurance, although the Congressional Budget Office forecasts that premiums for it would be more expensive than for policies sold by private firms.
A cheer went up from the Democratic side of the House when the bill gained 218 votes, a majority. Moments later, Democrats counted down the final seconds of the voting period in unison, and let loose an even louder roar when Pelosi grabbed the gavel and declared, “the bill is passed.”
The bill drew the votes of 219 Democrats and Rep. Joseph Cao, a first-term Republican who holds an overwhelmingly Democratic seat in New Orleans. Opposed were 176 Republicans and 39 Democrats.
From the Senate, Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada issued a statement saying, “We realize the strong will for reform that exists, and we are energized that we stand closer than ever to reforming our broken health insurance system.””
“”We are going to have a complete government takeover of our health care system faster than you can say, `this is making me sick,”‘ jabbed Rep. Candice Miller, R-Mich., adding that Democrats were intent on passing “a jobs-killing, tax-hiking, deficit-exploding” bill.”
“Health Care Debate on Capitol Hill Begins”
“The debate on the House floor comes as President Obama prepares to make a rare visit to Capitol Hill aimed at closing the deal, a move that reflects the do-or-die stakes.”
“The House kicked off what is expected to be a tense day of debate Saturday leading up to a final vote on legislation acting on President Obama’s call for a sweeping overhaul of the health care system.
The debate on the House floor comes as Obama prepares to make a rare visit to Capitol Hill aimed at closing the deal, a move that reflects the do-or-die stakes.
The historic House vote, planned for late Saturday, was expected to be tight and Democratic leaders hoped Obama’s late-morning visit would tip the balance in their favor.
In the opening moments of debate, Democrats hailed the legislation, which would extend insurance to tens of millions of Americans and enact dramatic changes to the country’s medical system, as an advance for the nation’s social fabric and a moral and economic imperative.
Republicans said it would be a government takeover of the health care system that would damage the economy and erode the doctor-patient relationship.
Late Friday, House Democrats cleared an abortion-related impasse blocking a vote and officials expressed optimism they had finally lined up the support needed to pass Obama’s signature issue.
“We expect it to come to a vote. We expect it to have 218 votes,” House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said Saturday.”
“With Democrats’ command of the necessary votes looking tenuous in the final hours, Obama threw the weight of his administration behind the effort to round up support. He and top administration officials worked the phones to pressure wavering lawmakers.
Rep. Jason Altmire, D-Pa., said he heard Friday from Obama, White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Education Secretary Arne Duncan.
Their message: “This is a historic moment. You don’t want to end up with nothing,” said Altmire, who remained undecided.
Democratic leaders hoped to hold the vote Saturday evening, but Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said it could slip.
Democrats hold 258 seats in the House and can afford 40 defections and still wind up with 218, a majority if all lawmakers vote. But all 177 Republicans were expected to vote “no,” and Democratic leaders faced a series of complications trying to seal the needed votes for their complex and controversial legislation that would affect one-sixth of the economy and touch the lives of countless Americans.”
“Democrats have little room for error, with the prospect of the 2010 midterms looming large and a some of their own moderates already declaring their opposition.”
Read more:
The Tea Party protest at the Capitol steps today, Thursday, November 5, 2009 and organized by Representative Michele Bachmann was a huge success. We were told that the sounds of the protest could be heard inside of the Capitol Building. That is no wonder. A large crowd showed up and at one time, their constant chants of “No” to government run health care could probably be heard across the Potomac.
Mark Levin was Mark Levin. He told it like it is.
“Thousands descend on Washington DC to protest the Pelosi Health Care Bill. Thousands more attend their Representatives offices around the country to send the message. NO NO NO YOU CAN’T! ”
Jon Voight, who gave a magnificent speech and brought two of this friends to speak, will be on the Hannity Show on Fox, tonight at 9:00 PM ET.
At least one of the commenters on this blog was brought to tears by the inspiration of this protest. I must admit, my eyes too were moistened. I also, once again, want to say how much I admire Michele Bachmann. She should be an inspiration to all who have obtained or seek public office.
As many of you know, I am not fond of either political party. However, the Democrat party is being held hostage by the far left socialists. If the Republicans will listen, serve the American people and stop this socialist Health Care Bill, they will get my support. That is with one stipulation. No more business as usual. Defend the US Constitution, behave more as statesmen and less like politicians and save this country.
Judge Napolitano, substituting for Glenn Beck on Wednesday, November 4, 2009, warned Michele Bachmann about Nancy Pelosi and her power to disrupt the tea party protest on the Capitol steps today, November 5, 2009.
“Bachmann Warned Of Pelosi Security Crackdown On Capitol Tea Party”
From Fox News, November 5, 2009
“Republicans Try to Rally Resistance to Health Care Bill, as House Vote Nears”
“With health care reform tracking toward a possible vote in the House Saturday, Republicans are making a last-ditch bid to derail or at least delay the legislation by bringing public pressure to the steps of Congress.
The GOP is organizing a “House Call” Thursday afternoon on Capitol Hill, where they plan to rally constituents concerned about the implications of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s bill. Republicans are calling on those who attend to corner, politely, their elected representatives in Congress and put pressure on them to think twice about voting for the more than $1 trillion health care overhaul.”
“”It seems like the lessons of the town halls and the tea parties are lost on these people,” Rep. Michelle Bachmann, R-Minn., told Fox News. “So we need to bring the town hall here … and plead for real freedom-loving Americans to come to the steps of the U.S. Capitol.”
The conservative “tea party” movement has gotten involved with the rally, which is expected to feature speakers as well as the formal unveiling of the Republican version of health care reform.
Bachmann said she hatched this idea as a way to “really kill this bill.” ”
“”A lot of Blue Dogs in this country are going to have a lot of ‘splaining to do back at home in their districts, where people do not want the health care that’s being peddled by this administration,” Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele told Fox News. “They don’t want government control. They don’t want a government option.” The Senate, where Democrats have a slighter majority, is not progressing quite as fast. There are emerging doubts over whether the Senate can bring a bill to the floor by the end of the year.”
“THE TEA PARTY EXPRESS SENDING
DELEGATION TO WASHINGTON!
We’ve tipped you off to the fact that we have a lot of big announcements to make, and here’s one more to add to the list (and there are many more to come in these next few days).
As you know, last week Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann put out the call to patriots across the country to head to Washington, D.C. this Thursday, 12:00 Noon for a press conference and rally on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.
Well, friends, we are answering her call! The goal: to defeat Nancy Pelosi’s government-run, socialistic healthcare plan.
During this time we’ve been collecting thousands upon thousands of letters at each of our Tea Party Express rallies across the nation.
Tomorrow we will be flying out two leaders of the Tea Party Express from the middle of our tour to Washington, D.C. with those letters – and they will be carrying your message to the politicians in D.C. Those two representatives will be the great tea party activist, Amy Kremer, and Tea Party Express Co-Chair, Deborah Johns.
Then on Friday, Mark Williams – our other Co-Chair of the Tea Party Express, will be flying out to Washington to follow up that effort – including an appearance on the nationally syndicated “America’s Morning News” radio program hosted by Melanie Morgan and John McCaslin.
This will all be taking place as the Tea Party Express II: Countdown to Judgment Day tour continues – building more and more momentum as we cross the nation.
We continue to ask for your support for the Tea Party Express as we cross the country for the next 12 days. As we keep incurring more and more costs – to expand this effort – we ask for your support by making a donation to the Tea Party Express effort.
You can make a contribution – HERE.
Or, you can mail in a contribution to our headquarters:
Our Country Deserves Better Committee
ATTN: Tea Party Project
770 L Street #1020
Sacramento, CA 95814
We’ve got to keep pushing harder and harder. We hope we can count on your support once more! Again to contribute – JUST CLICK HERE.
P.S. We’ll keep updating our trip reports on the Tea Party Express II rallies at our blog – including going back and adding more details, pictures and news accounts of the rallies that have taken place over the past 9 days: http://teapartyexpressblog.blogspot.com/
”
Here is an update from the Tea Party Express site
“Tuesday, November 3, 2009
What a fantastic rally in Rapid City, South Dakota!
After our great rally in Bozeman, MT we made up some of the distance to Rapid City, SD by driving a ways to Billings, MT.
It was Halloween night and we were sick of the ‘tricks’ being played on “We The People” by the politicians. The next morning we had a long drive across Montana, Wyoming and into South Dakota – in a land where cell phone towers are few and far between. That meant no Internet access and no cell phone access.
We arrived at our venue at the Central States Fairgrounds and had a fantastic event in their rodeo hall. Here are some pics for you all to enjoy:”
“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
My fellow Americans, we have achieved a milestone. We can partially rejoice. As Winston Churchill stated, this is not the end but perhaps we have turned a corner and with cautious optimism, we can try to stop the Democratic Congress and Obama from ramming an unpopular and ruinous Health Care Bill down our throats. And regardless of how the Health Care agenda plays out, we must dramatically change the composition and attitude of Congress next year in the 2010 elections.
We have achieved great victories in Virginia, New Jersey and New York City. The victory in VA was a rout. The victory in New Jersey was a slap in the face to Obama, who had campaigned for Governor Corzine three times in the past several months. This is a clear signal to Obama and the Democrat controlled Congress that Americans want change all right. Change from Obama’s socialist agenda.
We must continue to support the efforts of Minnesota Representative Michele Bachmann and others to confront Nancy Pelosi and Congress to demand no government Health Care. All of our efforts and hopes hinge on contacting our congressmen and holding them accountable. That means in the next several days, leading up to the elections in 2010 and henceforth.
MN Representative Michele Bachmann will be at the steps of the US Capitol Building on Thursday, November 5, 2009 to confront Nancy Pelosi and Congress about the socialist Health Care Bill being rammed down our throats.
“Bachmann: My Capitol Tea Party is ‘The Super Bowl of Freedom'”
Despite this occuring on a work day, many are planning on traveling to Washington DC to attend. Here is a notice of a bus trip from NC.
Due to overwhelming response from AFP members in North Carolina, we will take a bus from Raleigh to DC on Thursday, November 5th.
Nancy Pelosi is trying to ram a 1,990 page House bill down the throats of the American people, and Congress is expected to vote by the end of this week.
I’m asking you to take a crucial step before the House votes on the Health Care Bill and make a “Congressional House Call” this Thursday, November 5th in Washington, DC to tell your Senators and Congressman to vote NO on the government health care takeover.
Please catch the bus leaving from Raleigh if you are able. Michele Bachmann is gathering Members together for this event as we all join together and say, “Keep Your Hands Off My Health Care. Vote NO!”
Limited space available, the bus is leaving from the Raleigh District Drive Park and Ride lot at 6:30 am. (Directions Below) Eat breakfast before you come, bring a packed lunch and some cash for an inexpensive dinner on the way home.
Please register online for only $40. Due to limited time and space, we will only accept online registrations. Please click here to register.
If you wish to drive to DC yourself, here are the event details:
WHAT: Health Care “House Call” on Capitol Hill
WHO: Americans concerned about our health care future
WHEN: Thursday, November 5, 2009 from 12:00-1:00pm
WHERE: East Front Steps of the U.S. Capitol (House Side)
Dress casually and appropriately for the weather. Wear your walking shoes! If time permits, we will visit our Congressional offices. We hope to be back in Raleigh mid to late evening.
Additionally, there will be a Conference Call with Tim Phillips and Rep. Michelle Bachmann (MN-6) today, November 3rd at 5:00-5:30pm. Call 888-632-5950 and you will be directly connected by an operator. (This will be a short informational call with details for Thurs, there will be no Q&A)
Directions to catch the Bus
We will leave at 6:30 am at the District Drive Park and Ride which is just north of the intersection of Wade Avenue and Blue Ridge Road in Raleigh. Please leave early to catch the bus Thursday morning allowing time for rush hour traffic, road construction, and getting lost.
Raleigh Bus Driving Directions
From Raleigh
Coming from downtown Raleigh on Wade Avenue, you will exit onto Blue Ridge Road. At the end of the ramp, turn right onto Blue Ridge. Make a quick Left onto District Drive.
Coming from Hillsborough Street, you will go north on Blue Ridge Road, pass the intersection of Wade Avenue/I-40 and then turn left onto District Drive.
From Durham, Chapel Hill and other places west of Raleigh
Traveling on I-40 East, you will take the Wade Avenue Exit. Go a couple miles and then take the Blue Ridge Road exit. At the end of the ramp, turn left onto Blue Ridge Road. Go a short distance and turn left on District Drive.
From East of Raleigh
Traveling on I-40 W, take INNER Beltline/I-440/I-40 West. You will drive quite a distance across the southern edge of Raleigh on this road. You will take exit 293 and then a quick 293B which is still INNER Beltline I-440. Then take Exit 4 Wade Avenue. At the end of the ramp, turn left onto Wade Avenue/I-40 West. Go about ½ miles and take Blue Ridge Road exit. At the end of the ramp, turn right onto Blue Ridge Road. Go one short block and turn left onto District Drive.
Citizen WElls 