Congressman Sam Graves-This Week in Washington June 4th, 2009

Below is the most recent This Week in Washington from Congressman Sam Graves.

This Week in Washington- June 4th, 2009

1. H.R. 2200 - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Authorization Act –This bill authorizes $15.7 billion for TSA programs and activities for FY2010 and FY2011. This bill funds the programs and directs the policy of the TSA, among other things.

Congressman John Mica and I offered an amendment to focus TSA’s resources where they can be most effective. There are roughly 51 security directives from TSA that have never been through the rule-making process. Some of those directives really aren’t applicable to smaller airports or general aviation enthusiasts.

However, because these directives did not go through the normal rule-making process, those voices of the public, industry, employees, pilots, etc have never been heard. My amendment simply says that after 180 days of a security directive being in place, the rule making process must begin. In other words, TSA will hear from the public, industry and others how a security directive affects them. It does not prohibit TSA from issuing a security directive.

The bill passed by a 397-25 vote, and my amendment was adopted by a 219-211 vote and is included in the bill.

2. H.R. 626 - Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act of 2009 – Currently, federal employees are guaranteed 12 weeks of unpaid leave for the birth or adoption of a child. HR 626 would allow federal employees to substitute 4 weeks of paid leave and expands coverage to foster children as well. It is estimated that this bill will cost over $938 million over five years. This bill pertains only to federal employees. At a time when Missouri families are struggling to find and keep jobs, I am not going to ask them to pick up the tab for a benefit that many of them do not have. The bill passed the House and now heads to the Senate. (Thanks Sam! I am sure that Bond and McCaskill will let us down on this.)

3. H. Res 232 - Toys for Tots- This was my resolution recognizing and commending the Toys for Tots Literacy Program for its contributions in raising awareness of illiteracy, promoting children’s literacy, and fighting poverty through the support of literacy. Through this initiative comes an inspiring story. Alferd Williams, a son of sharecroppers, had a simple and uncomplicated dream – he wanted to learn to read. That is how the then 70-year-old came to enroll in Alesia Hamilton’s first grade class at Edison Elementary School in St. Joseph. With help from Alesia, Alferd learned to read. And in the process he inspired a movement to do more to combat illiteracy. The Toys for Tots Literacy program was started with the goal of providing the nation’s least fortunate children with books and educational material.

Small Business Hearing
The House Small Business Committee convened to discuss health care reform and the impact of its costs on small businesses. According to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) nearly 46 million Americans are without health care coverage and more than 26 million of those are small business owners, employees and their dependents. (I am a little bit confused on this one, if you are smart enough to run your own business, shouldn't you be smart enough to know that you should have health insurance? I new I needed health insurance at 19 years old, what's their excuse?)

As Congress gets set to consider comprehensive health care legislation, my principal objective is to make health care more affordable without sacrificing access to quality doctors. Allowing businesses to pool together to negotiate better health insurance rates would help bring down the cost. The Chairwoman, Nydia Velázquez, and I have introduced the bi-partisan CHOICE Act, which would do just that.

A federal mandate that employers provide health insurance for their employees is one option that may be included in a comprehensive health care reform bill. NFIB estimates that an employer mandate could cost our economy roughly 1.6 million jobs, including one million alone in small businesses. Any health care proposal must first consider small businesses.

A mandate would only reduce job creation and could mean the end of many small businesses. The House will be in session next week.

Have a good weekend.

Sincerely,
Sam Graves

Clay County Pachyderm Meeting June 11th!

I wanted to get this put up again. I think I had the date wrong last time. June 11th is the next Clay County Pachyderm Club meeting. It will be at 6:00PM at Tommy's Restaurant on Antioch Road. I had planned on attending but have another obligation that I must attend to.

Bob Nance Capitol Report June 4th

This is Representative Bob Nance's R-36 most recent Capitol Report. Lots of education stuff below in this one.

“Education is a better safeguard of liberty than a standing army. “ Edward Everett

In the District

We are still in the process of working with all appropriate entities of government to try to solve flooding in Orrick. This includes both the north and south areas of 210 highway.

A fundraiser for the Orrick Community Center is this Sunday from 11- 2. A “free will” donation will be accepted for the Ribs and Burger luncheon. Funds go toward the operation of the center.

Education

HCS #2 SB291 passed in the last days of session and is on the Governors desk. It deals with many aspects of education. Some of its component allows:·

GENERAL ELECTION DAY IN NOVEMBER 2009: This act provides that the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November 2009 will be a general election day for the purpose of allowing school districts to incur debt. ·

STUDY ON OPEN ENROLLMENT OF STUDENTS BETWEEN SCHOOL DISTRICTS: The Joint Committee on Education must study the issue of open enrollment of public school students across school district boundary lines. It must submit a report of its findings, and any recommendations for legislative action to the General Assembly, by December 31, 2009. ·

USE OF SECLUSION ROOMS: This act requires school district discipline policies to prohibit confining a student in an unattended, locked space except for an emergency situation while awaiting the arrival of law enforcement personnel. ·

MISSOURI SENIOR CADETS PROGRAM: This act creates the Missouri Senior Cadets Program, which will provide opportunities for twelfth graders in public school to mentor kindergarten through eighth grade students as described in the act. ·

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will commission a study comparing the performance of charter school students with an equivalent group of district students representing an equivalent demographic and geographic population that will be conducted by the Joint Committee on Education. ·

SCHOOL FLEX PROGRAM, COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE AGE & HOME SCHOOLS: This act establishes the School Flex Program to allow eligible students to pursue a timely graduation from high school. The program is available for eleventh and twelfth graders who have been identified by their principal and parent or guardian. ·

This act also changes the requirement for compulsory attendance age for school districts. Current law defines the compulsory attendance age as sixteen. This act changes that to seventeen years or age or successful completion of sixteen credits toward high school graduation. In addition, for purposes of home schooling, this act defines a completed credit towards high school graduation as one hundred hours or more of instruction in a course. ·

P-20 COUNCIL: This act allows the Governor to establish the "P-20 Council" as a private-not-for profit corporation on behalf of the state. The purpose of the P-20 Council will be to create a more efficient and effective education system to more adequately prepare students for entering the workforce and will be reflected in the articles of incorporation and bylaws. ·

PERSISTENCE TO GRADUATION FUND: This act creates the Persistence to Graduation Fund. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will establish a procedure for school districts to apply for grants to implement drop-out prevention strategies. ·

TEACHING STANDARDS FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Each public school must develop standards for teaching by June 30, 2010, including charter schools operated by the board of a school district. ·

VOLUNTEER AND PARENTS INCENTIVE PROGRAM: This act creates the Volunteer and Parents Incentive Program, to be implemented and administered by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Under the program, the Department will provide a reimbursement to parents or volunteers who donate time at certain schools. The provisions of this section will expire in six years unless reauthorized. ·

PARENTS' BILL OF RIGHTS: This act requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to produce "The Parents' Bill of Rights," to inform parents of children with an individualized education program of their educational rights under federal and state law by January 1, 2010. ·

SCHOOL DISTRICT RECORDS: This act allows school districts to maintain permanent records in a digital or electronic format. School districts must follow the manufacturer's guidelines, suggestions, and recommendations when using digital or electronic storage media and must not use them beyond the manufacturer suggested or recommended period of time. ·

CHANGE IN SCHOOL DISTRICT BOUNDARY LINES: Under current law, when a board of arbitration is appointed to determine whether to modify the boundary lines between school districts, the board must base its decision, in part, on the presence of actual educational harm to children, due to a significant difference in time involved in transporting them. ·

MISSOURI PRESCHOOL PLUS GRANT PROGRAM: This act creates the Missouri Preschool Plus Grant Program as a pilot program within the Missouri Preschool Project. ·

VIRTUAL COURSES FOR SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND CHARTER SCHOOLS: This act provides that school districts that offer virtual courses to resident students who are enrolled in the school district shall receive state school funding. ·

EDUCATION FUNDING: This act modifies the elementary and secondary education funding formula. It removes from the calculation of the state adequacy target the inclusion of the gaming revenues from the repeal of the loss limits. This becomes effective July 1, 2009. ·

Beginning on July 1, 2010, the moneys derived from the passage of Proposition A will be deposited into the Classroom Trust Fund and distributed to school districts in that manner. ·

This act eliminates, after the 2008-2009 school year, the penalty on a school district that experiences a decrease in summer school average daily attendance of more than 35% from the 2005-2006 summer school average daily attendance. This becomes effective July 1, 2009. ·

FOSTER CARE EDUCATION BILL OF RIGHTS: This act establishes the "Foster Care Education Bill of Rights." Each school district must designate a staff person to be an educational liaison for foster care children. This liaison would assist with proper educational placements, transferring between schools, ensuring transfer of grades and credits, requesting school records, and submitting school records that have been requested. ·

A child placing agency will promote educational stability for foster care children when making placements. A foster care child may continue to attend his or her school of origin pending resolution of a dispute.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY REQUIREMENTS: Beginning with the 2010-2011 school year, school districts must ensure that students in elementary schools participate in moderate physical activity, as described in the act, for the entire school year for an average of 150 minutes per week, or thirty minutes per day. Students with disabilities must participate to the extent appropriate. Middle school students may, at the school's discretion, participate in at least 225 minutes of physical activity per week.

Elementary school students must be provided a minimum of one recess period of twenty minutes per day, which may be incorporated into the lunch period.

TEACHER CERTIFICATION: This act creates a method of obtaining teacher certification from the State Board of Education for individuals to teach in the areas of banking or financial responsibility.

EMPLOYEE BACKGROUND CHECKS AND FINGERPRINT RECORDS: An employee background check and fingerprint record is good for one year and transferable from district to district or to a private or parochial school. A teacher's change in certification will not affect the transferability of records.

FOUR-DAY SCHOOL WEEK: This act allows school boards to establish a four-day school week instead of a five-day school week by the adoption a resolution by a majority vote of board members.

SCHOOL MAKE-UP DAYS RESULTING FROM INCLEMENT WEATHER: Current law requires school districts to make up the first six days of school lost or canceled due to inclement weather and half the number of days lost or canceled in excess of six days. This act creates an exception for the 2008-2009 school year and subsequent school years. School districts may only have to make up a total of ten school days.

This provision is substantially similar to a provision contained in HCS/SB 559 (2009) and HCS/SB 79 (2009) and is similar to HB 682 (2009). (Section 171.033)

SCHOOL BOARDS AND AGREEMENTS WITH CERTAIN POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS: This act authorizes any school board to enter into an agreement with the county in which the school district is located, or a city, town, or village that is wholly or partially located within the boundaries of the school district to acquire, construct, improve, extend, repair, remodel, or finance sites, buildings, facilities, furnishings, and equipment for the school district's educational purposes. An agreement may provide for the present or future acquisition of an ownership in the facilities, including joint ventures.

In your service
Bob Nance

Rasmussen Presidential Poll

Today's daily Presidential Tracking Poll from Rasmussen Reports shows some interesting numbers. For the first time yet Obama's approval index rating has dropped to 0. This means that the same amount of people strongly disapprove of him (34%) as there are people who strongly disapprove of him. If you are wondering I would fall in the latter. The fact that 34% of people in a poll can still say that they strongly approve of him absolutely fascinates me, but that is a whole other discussion. I still think that there are a lot of people out there who buy in to the mentality of "he has only been there for 100 days or so, we have to give him time." Well keep thinking that, as he slowly destroys this nation.

Please sign my petition!

I was sitting and thinking about what could be done about the stupid decision by our government to own two American car companies. The thought hit me to create an online petition. Please join me in telling the government, GM, and Chrysler that we will not bear the burden of your failures. Capitalism should be allowed to succeed.

 

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/notogovernmentownedcarcompanies/

Please forward this around so others can sign it.
--
Andrew Palmer
H: 816-781-4248
C: 816-678-6965
http://claycountypolitics.blogspot.com/
Follow me on Twitter @claycopolitics
I am on Facebook, too!

"I swear by my Life and my love of it that I will never live for the sake of another wo/man, nor ask another wo/man to live for the sake of mine." source John Galt from Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged

Straight Talk with Congressman Sam Graves

Below is the most recent Straight Talk with Sam Graves. Mr. Graves addresses the issue of energy independence. This is one that has continued to fascinate me. We have oil resources in this country and because of those on the left that have little sense we have failed to capitalize upon them. ANWR should have a straw stuck in the middle of it, put as many oil rigs as you need in the gulf, and keep up the research on harvesting shale oil. When gas prices go back up don't blame the "evil" oil companies, blame our stupid politicians who are unwilling to stand up to a bunch of wining environmentalists. Luckily Mr. Graves is a little more rational than his peer group.

Energy Independence Should Still Be Our Goal

Last summer we all dreaded every trip to the gas pump. Prices soared to $4 a gallon, putting a strain on every Missouri family and business. Today, gas prices are about half as much as they were last summer.

However, we are still dependent on foreign sources of oil. Now is the time for Congress to take action so that we do not see the return of $4 gas. We need to increase the use of renewable and alternative energy, we need to increase the number of refineries, we need a smart energy conservation plan and we need to keep exploring for energy in America.

Congress should act quickly to pass legislation to allow energy exploration in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). I have supported this legislation every time it has been brought up for a vote in the House of Representatives.

ANWR is an area the size of South Carolina with billions of barrels of recoverable oil. New technology means that we could explore the entire region while leaving a footprint the size of Kansas City International Airport.

Last year, the ban on exploring for energy on the OCS expired. Yet, many new leases are tied up in bureaucracy or litigation. Congress should send a strong signal that it is serious about energy independence by authorizing energy exploration on the OCS. We are the only developed country in the world that does not allow for exploration that far off our coast.

We need to take advantage of our own resources and act now before $4 gas returns.

Sincerely,
Sam Graves

Missouri Senators in the News 6/4/2009

Senator Bond and Dianne Feinstein are working together on a bill that will grant duty free access to 14 least developed countries.

Kit Bond: Federal stimulus funds are paying for a battery plant in Lee's Summit and an air cargo facility at Lambert-St. Louis International airport for trade with China. That's nice isn't it, when your kids get older you can tell them all about the two projects we just bought into with their money.

Senator McCaskill on Climate Change

Below is a recent letter that I received from Senator Claire McCaskill on climate change legislation. Ms. McCaskill claims below that she will make sure that our dollars are spent wisely. She must be expecting an epiphany because she sure hasn't done that to this point.

Dear Mr. Palmer:

Thank you for contacting me regarding climate change legislation and "green jobs" in the 111th Congress. I appreciate your comments and welcome the opportunity to respond.

I believe global climate change threatens our health, environment, and national security. Congress needs to implement meaningful reform that addresses this issue as soon as possible. Drafting a responsible measure that makes both significant reductions in carbon emissions and maintains a strong U.S. economy will be difficult, but it is a task my colleagues and I are committed to.

Regarding carbon emissions and potential “cap-and-trade” legislation, I agree that something must be done to protect and preserve our environment for future generations. However, as an elected representative for all Missourians, I will always seek to protect my constituents from undue hardship and ensure that the federal government will spend their hard-earned taxpayer dollars wisely. That is why, as we continue the debate on climate change legislation, I will be working hard to include safeguards that minimize costs, keep government accountable and prevent harm to the U.S. economy.

Working families will be significantly affected by climate change legislation, so any bill addressing this issue should provide financial protection to avoid passing all costs on to consumers. There must be a cushion to offset rising energy costs and provisions that protect American jobs from international competitors that do not face the same environmental constraints. Strong climate change legislation must also spread the burden of rising energy costs evenly throughout the country, rather than disproportionately affecting one region over another. Additionally, the green jobs created by such legislation must be ones that are available to the already skilled workers of Missouri.

My colleagues and I have already taken a good first step on the way to curbing carbon emissions by passing comprehensive energy legislation into law in December 2007. This bill is expected to remove 500 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from the air through improved energy efficiency standards. However, we need to do more. Further investment in clean energy sources along with responsible climate change legislation will drastically reduce carbon emissions and start our country down a cleaner, economically stronger path, including the path to green jobs for Missouri residents.

My colleagues and I will continue to pursue legislation that will achieve real emissions reductions and still protect our nation's economy and Missouri jobs.

Thank you again for contacting me about this very important issue and please do not hesitate to let me know if I can address any other issues that might be important to you.

All best,
Senator Claire McCaskill

P. S. You may sign up for my email newsletter at www.mccaskill.senate.gov

Congressman Graves on Climate Change

Below you will find a recent response that I recieved from Congressman Graves regarding climate change legislation. I am gravely concerned about the recent climate change legislation (HR 2454) that has been proposed.

Dear Andrew:

Thank you for contacting me regarding climate change legislation before Congress. I appreciate your comments and this opportunity to address your concerns.

Congress is now considering what type of federal action is needed to reduce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions. No matter what path we choose, success will require an aggressive and sustained commitment by industry and policymakers to the development and deployment of a wide range of technologies over several decades.

The underlying goal of all bills being considered is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to levels significantly below current levels. This will be achieved, in most instances, by capping emissions and then allowing industry to focus on an array of options to reduce emissions or buy credits on the market. My concerns are that the goals would undermine America's economic security and force consumers and industries to pay significantly higher energy prices. Also, because of the global nature of the climate change problem, solutions should require the participation of the entire world, including developing nations like China and India; however these bills remains silent on this international component.

I believe that we need an all-of-the-above approach to our energy needs. It is important to continue to develop the resources we currently have while supporting efforts like the research and development tax credit that will lead to advancements in energy technology. Also, it is important to extend the production tax credit so we can further develop our wind power in a way that is affordable to both industry and consumers.

I remain committed to working towards reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. However, I do not believe we should do that at the detriment of crippling our economy. Please know that I will take a balanced approach considering both the environmental and economic impacts of all legislation regarding climate change that come to the floor in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance in the future or visit my website at www.house.gov/graves for more information.

Sincerely,
Sam Graves
Member of Congress

Local House Representatives in the news 6/2/2009

State Rep. Doug Ervin R-35th will be speaking June 4^th at O'Dowds located in Zona Rosa. Doug will be speaking to the Platte County Pachyderms about healthcare and how it relates to small businesses. It does cost and you can find out more at www.pcpaychs.com.

US Rep. Sam Graves discusses Guantanamo detainees and veterans issues at a speech in St. Joeseph. There is a video clip of the speech with the article.

Graves tacks legislation on bill to require airports to continue customer convenience at airports.

State Rep. Ryan Silvey to take help decide how best to distribute your money from the stimulus.

Missouri Senators in the News 6/1/2009

It seems that the Social Security Administration is way behind on processing disability benefit claims. Sen. McCaskill is jumping in the mix.

Senator McCaskill shows her ignorance yet again. I didn't realize her interview on Fox News went this bad. Maybe if she would spend less time on Twitter she might actually be prepared for real questions.

Let's hope that Senator Bond can actually vote no on Sotomayor this time. Because for the most part he is being pretty tight lipped. In fairness she should get her say before the Senate, I just hope the Republicans ask the right questions.

Senator Bond before the aerospace industry.

 

Reflections on Memorial Day and Congressman Sam Graves latest Straight Talk

Last Monday my wife and I had the privilege of going down to the Memorial Day ceremony on the lawn at the Liberty Memorial. I am ashamed to say that this was the first time that I have ever been able to do something like this. This has not always been my fault for the last ten years of my life I have worked in retail oriented jobs and Memorial Day is one that you pretty much have to work. As a child and teenager we just never did stuff like this, usually on vacation or at the lake during this weekend. I must say we had a great time despite the rain. The ceremony was nice and made me think of just the amazing courage that it takes to say that you value ideas and country more than your own life. Thank you to all who have served this great nation. The freedoms that I have enjoyed are because of your selfless service and sacrifice. For that aspect alone I will forever be grateful.

Below you will find the most recent Straight Talk with Sam Graves.

Remember to Thank a Veteran

Americans pause this week as we observe Memorial Day. No doubt many Americans will take advantage of the holiday to enjoy the outdoors. Some will attend cookouts with their neighbors; others will use the long weekend to visit family and friends. Americans work hard and they will no doubt enjoy a little extra time to spend with friends and family.

Memorial Day though is not simply a day to take it easy. The holiday began after the Civil War as a way to honor soldiers who had given their life in order to maintain our Union. Since then it has been expanded to include the veterans of all wars and conflicts. It is a day to pause and remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Even today, brave young men and women are standing watch far from home. They are helping to protect the freedoms that we enjoy today. From the Civil War to today, our professional and citizen soldiers have always answered the call of duty.

Not every soldier who serves this country participates in an epic battle. Every major victory though is made possible by soldiers who are simply doing their job. No matter what battle they fought in, I believe we need to keep our commitment to all veterans.

As Americans we have a duty to remember and care for all of those who served this country and carried the banner of freedom. I hope that you will join me in pausing to remember all of those that have served and sacrificed for this great country.

Sincerely,
Sam Graves

What Chrysler dealerships do you close, well, those that didn't donate to Obama of course!

I just found this, it was first reported by Darla Jaye from news radio 980. According to multiple sources and reported on this blog there is a strong correlation between the Chrysler dealerships that are being closed and whether or not they donated to Obama's Presidential campaign. This President is slowly becoming the worst nightmare that this country has ever seen! By all appearances this accusation is true, it looks like they cross referenced the donor lists to the dealership closing list. If it is true, everyone with any sense of patriotism should work diligently to make sure that Mr. Obama is defeated. This is not politics, this is not change, it is thuggery! No rational thinking person can agree that this type of behavior should be permitted by any sitting President. Please pass this along, people need to know about it.

Update: It is important to note that a disproportionate amount of car dealers donate to Republican campaigns. I hate Keith Olberman but he made a good point of this tonight on his WTF! moment. You can watch it on the MSNBC website. It's something like 10 to 1 the amount of dealerships that donate to Republicans versus those that donate to Democrats. Logic would dictate that more Republican donating dealerships would be closed.

Judge Sonia Sotomayor and more McCaskill ignorance

I seriously think that Claire McCaskill is related to Joe Biden. The woman is consistently off base and says some things that are blatantly ignorant. Michelle Malkin wrote a great column Wednesday that describes this more in detail. The column revolved around the great Latina hope Judge Sonia Sotomayor. If you haven't heard the woman has a compelling (or choose one of a dozen other adjectives) personal story. I am sorry, but I am about ready to scream. So do millions of other Americans of all races, some may find this hard to believe, but even white people too. All white people don't belong to country clubs and make millions of dollars. These people have overcome amazing hurdles in their lives to accomplish great things. Clarence Thomas is one that comes to mind. You may have forgotten how the Democrats tried to filet him like a fish when he was nominated to the court. Why, well he was a conservative, an unworthy racial minority.

I found this part of the Malkin column the most intriguing. McCaskill was on Fox News the other morning to talk about Sonia Sotomayor. For those that are not following this closely Sotomayor has made one comment that really has people upset, me included. She said in a 2001 statement at UC-Berkeley: ""I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn't lived that life."

I am not quite sure what exactly that is supposed to mean, but your ethnic heritage is not necessarily going to qualify you to make any sort of wise decision. If you really want to analyze the reality of this statement further, I would be even more fearful of any judge that wears their ethnicity on their sleeve as a qualification to make any sort of decision. Those that have been paying attention the last thirty years realize that minorities in this society are repetitively told that they cannot get ahead and the only way that they can get ahead is if they support those on the left who are going to level the playing field for them. Look no playing field is perfectly level in any culture around the world. It just doesn't work that way. I am not saying as rational human beings we shouldn't work to make things more equal. Turning those that trully need help into helpless victims who can't escape because the color of their skin is worse than any intentional racist behavior. It's manipulative, it's psychological, and it creates more harm.

McCaskill, never one to disappoint came through in usual flying colors on this one. I had often suspected that there was more to this comment and low and behold there is. According to McCaskill the statement is out of context. For those less attentive, anytime a liberal is lying or trying to spin something they bring out the context defense. To the average person this makes sense because politics is often a game of taking things out of context. I don't think liberals ever learned the concept of context in grade school and middle school. Oh, so, what's the context you ask?

Here is your context: "Whether born from experience or inherent physiological or cultural differences, a possibility I abhor less or discount less than my colleague Judge Cedarbaum, our gender and national origins may and will make a difference in our judging. Justice [Sandra Day] O'Connor has often been cited as saying that a wise old man and wise old woman will reach the same conclusion in deciding cases.... I am... not so sure that I agree with the statement. First... there can never be a universal definition of wise. Second, I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn't lived that life."

Her words prove that she is incapable of impartial jurisprudence. Law is not gendered or colored, it's law. If you can't look past your own racial views then you do not deserve to dawn a robe in a county court, forget the Supreme Court. The human mind is capable of using logic and ignoring race. It's really not that hard.

You do realize her words stereotype white males into an inability to make fair and impartial decisions. I am severely offended by that statement. She has no right to make comments like this. A judge must be capable of understanding all perspectives but knowing that his/her decision boils down to the law and a fair treatment of all races and genders before that law.

In the same speech she went even further to say that for judges to be impartial is an "aspiration because it denies the fact that we are by our experiences making different choices than others." (Stuart Taylor, National Journal, 5/23/2009). An aspiration, why in the world even have the damn law! If you can't determine what the law is because of your own racial background you really are feeble minded.

Judges should not be empathetic, that's not their job. That's what we have lawyers for. Mr. Obama has further demonstrated his willingness to cast this society in his image in what he wants to see. Are you shocked? Let us not forget that this man sat in a church of 20 years where a racist pastor, Jeremiah Wright, spewed racial hatred to his parishioners. Racial hatred that was intentionally directed at whites and the United States government. Mr. Obama was never fit to be President of this nation and he is proving his ineptness on a daily basis. It's no wonder that Ms. McCaskill makes a good little lap dog for this administration.

Local Representatives in the News 5/25/09

Tim Flook: Article on end of session stuff. Apparently the Fair Tax failed but at least it was brought up. It appears we had a fair amount of spending approved in this session.

McCaskill and Bond: Who would have thought that a day would come when two sitting US Senators would have to ask a car czar about what car dealerships they would be closing in their state? There is something seriously wrong with this.

McCaskill: McCaskill has a website on how organizations can get some stimulus action. Let me get this straight, a US Senator is going to train people how to get the money back that was wrongfully stolen from them and future generations. Something really wrong with this too!

2010 Senate Race: A storm is a brewin'. I can't really say that I am impressed much with Roy Blunt or Tom Schweich. From what I hear Sarah Steelman is not quite ready to be Senator. It seems the Republicans may lose both state seats at the rate we are going in 2010.

Sam Graves: Congressman Graves will co-chair the rural solutions group.

Claire McCaskill: Read about Cruella de Vil, I mean, Senator McCaskill and her tweeting habit.

Socialism in action

If you voted for Barack Obama and his thugs, this is your responsibility, this is your crime, and I hope for a minute you have the capacity to sit back and consider your actions. Your hope and your change are destroying what was great about this nation. This letter below checks out. George C. Joseph is (soon to be was) the Owner of Sunshine Dodge (page 36 of this PDF document that lists dealership closings). The letter was posted to American Thinker on May 19, 2009. The mess that is being created right now is just the beginning of something larger. You know the idiots in control right now kind of remind me of high school students. For various reasons high school kids seem to think they know everything about the world and just have to say something for it to be true. The problem is reality is what it is and you cannot change that fact. Capitalism is the only truly successful and just form of economic orientation and the more we stray from that the more problems we will have in this society.

We never should have bailed any of these companies out but thugs like Timothy Geithner and Hank Paulson encouraged it. Now we have government hands in private business. Chrysler could have declared bankruptcy on its own. Mr. Joseph has run a successful dealership and he could have figured out how to survive. That's how capitalism works. Many people in this country were never taught it and for some reason they think that government is the answer to protect them from the alleged "evil" of capitalism. That protection is working out real well for the families who depended on income from this Dodge dealership, isn't it? It is imperative you wake up and realize that the reason companies like Chrysler are failing is primarily because of an involvement of government and organized labor. Organized labor and the democrats are tied at the hip. Are you now surprised that the UAW owns 55% of a restructured Chrysler? This is not a coincidence. Organized labor has no business having a controlling interest in the companies that they work for.

Letter from a Dodge dealer

- letter to the editor of American Thinker magazine, May 22, 2009 edition

My name is George C. Joseph. I am the sole owner of Sunshine Dodge-Isuzu, a family owned and operated business in Melbourne, Florida. My family bought and paid for this automobile franchise 35 years ago in 1974. I am the second generation to manage this business.

We currently employ 50+ people and before the economic slowdown we employed over 70 local people. We are active in the community and the local chamber of commerce. We deal with several dozen local vendors on a day to day basis and many more during a month. All depend on our business for part of their livelihood. We are financially strong with great respect in the market place and community. We have strong local presence and stability.

I work every day the store is open, nine to ten hours a day. I know most of our customers and all our employees. Sunshine Dodge is my life.

On Thursday, May 14, 2009 I was notified that my Dodge franchise, that we purchased, will be taken away from my family on June 9, 2009 without compensation and given to another dealer at no cost to them.

My new vehicle inventory consists of 125 vehicles with a financed balance of 3 million dollars. This inventory becomes impossible to sell with no factory incentives beyond June 9, 2009. Without the Dodge franchise we can no longer sell a new Dodge as "new," nor will we be able to do any warranty service work. Additionally, my Dodge parts inventory, (approximately $300,000.) is virtually worthless without the ability to perform warranty service. There is no offer from Chrysler to buy back the vehicles or parts inventory.

Our facility was recently totally renovated at Chrysler's insistence, incurring a multi-million dollar debt in the form of a mortgage at Sun Trust Bank.

HOW IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA CAN THIS HAPPEN?

THIS IS A PRIVATE BUSINESS NOT A GOVERNMENT ENTITY.

This is beyond imagination! My business is being stolen from me through NO FAULT OF OUR OWN. We did NOTHING wrong.

This atrocity will most likely force my family into bankruptcy. This will also cause our 50+ employees to be unemployed. How will they provide for their families? This is a total economic disaster.

HOW CAN THIS HAPPEN IN A FREE MARKET ECONOMY IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA?

I beseech your help, and look forward to your reply. Thank you.

Sincerely,

George C. Joseph

President & Owner

Sunshine Dodge-Isuzu

Clay County Pachyderms

I am really delayed on posting this! I should have gotten to it sooner. On Thursday May 15^th I was able to go and meet with a group that wants to start a Pachyderm club here in Clay County. I was impressed with the 15 or so that showed up that night. Everyone there truly loves their country and sees the wrongs that are currently being perpetrated upon them. Most importantly they are ready to do something about it! The purpose of the Pachyderm club is kind of an informal meeting that is centered around a speaker and discussion on some particular issue or set of issues. Anyone in Clay County that wants to come out is welcome. We will be having a meeting on Thursday June 14^th the time and place is TBA. I will post as soon as I know where. If you are interested in coming out please shoot me a line at claycomopolitics@gmail.com

Straight Talk with Congressman Sam Graves 5/22/2009

Below is the most recent Straight Talk with Congressman Graves, this is his weekly email newsletter.

This Week in Washington-

Congress often likes to use the hurry up and wait approach to legislation. After having very little legislation on the floor for the entire month of May, there were a lot of bills on voted on this week.

Legislation

Small Business Bill: On Wednesday, the House passed H.R. 2352, the Job Creation through Entrepreneurship Act by a strong bi-partisan vote of 406-15. The bill expands programs like Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), Women's Business Centers (WBCs) and the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE). The bill also creates new support services for veteran-owned and Native American-owned small businesses. In addition, new online learning programs are included in the bill to assist entrepreneurs in rural regions and underserved communities. Finally, it creates a grant program for SBDCs designed to assist small firms in securing capital and credit.

Defense Procurement: On Thursday, the House passed the conference report for S. 454, the Weapons Acquisition System Reform through Enhancing Technical Knowledge and Oversight Act of 2009. This was legislation authored by my Missouri colleague Ike Skelton and it passed unanimously. The conference report reforms the Department of Defense's weapons acquisition process and requires the President to nominate a senior official within DoD for cost assessment and program evaluation. The conference report also requires the Secretary to assign responsibility to independent officials within the Pentagon for oversight of developmental test and evaluation, systems engineering, and performance assessment.

FAA Reauthorization: On Thursday, the House passed H.R. 915, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2009 by a vote of 277-136. The bill would reauthorize Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funding and safety oversight programs for four years with a total authorized spending level of $70 billion. The bill also increases the Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) on airline flights from $4.50 to $7. I opposed this legislation because there were a number of provisions that I felt were bad public policy. The bill now goes to the Senate who will draft their own version.

Mortgage Fraud Bill: On Monday, the House passed S. 386, the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act of 2009, by a vote of 338-52. The bill broadens the coverage of current laws against financial crimes, including fraud affecting mortgages, securities, and federal assistance and relief programs. The bill also established a Congressional Financial Markets Commission to examine all causes, domestic and global, of the current financial and economic crisis. The bill was sent to the President and signed into law on Wednesday, May 20.

Mortgage Foreclosure Bill: The House passed an amended version S. 896, the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act, by a vote of 367-54-1. The bill will make a number of changes to current law regarding federally insured mortgages, increase federal bank deposit insurance, and expand federal mortgage modification programs in an attempt to encourage home mortgage modifications. S. 896, as passed by the House and Senate did not contain a "cramdown" provision. The bill was also signed into law on Wednesday.

Credit Card Bill: The House passed H.R. 627, Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights Act, with Senate amendments. The bill prohibits a creditor from adjusting any annual percentage rate on preexisting balances, except in certain circumstances, requires increased disclosures, requires 45 days notice before interest rates are increased, and outlaws providing a credit card to an individual under the age of 21 without a cosigner. The bill also included a Senate amendment that protected second amendment rights on federal land by prohibiting a ban on the possession of a firearm in compliance with State law in a National Park. I supported the bill, which passed 361-64. The final bill now awaits the President's signature sometime on Friday.

Memorial Day Recess Events

Congress will be in recess next week for the Memorial Day recess. I will be in King City for a Memorial Day event on Sunday, several area cemeteries on Monday and in St. Joseph on Tuesday at the National Guard Armory for a Veterans' Expo event.

Enjoy the long weekend and remember to thank a veteran for their service this week.

Sincerely,

Sam Graves

Our representatives in the news 5/23/2009

This is an open letter that Sam Graves signed on to regarding the adverse effects of HR 2454 on farmers. If you don't know HR 2454 is the Waxman-Markey Cap and Trade Bill. This ignorant legislation is dangerous and misguided. The science of global warming is still not fully understood and the sky is falling mentality of liberals, leftists, and global warming hacks should be received with caution. If you want to see food prices and everything else go up in this country then this is the bill for you!

This article discusses comments Mr. Graves made regarding the reauthorization of the Entrepreneurial Development Programs of the Small Business Administration.

Good ole' Claire McCaskill thinks we can safely house terrorists in our prisons. Yeah, we probably could house them but not safely. These are radicals and there are plenty of potential candidates in prison who could be radicalized. Good idea Claire!

It seems we have a substance abuse problem in the military too. I can't say that I am surprised. I will actually give McCaskill credit on this one. This does need addressed and it looks like she is trying to do something.

The always entertaining Claire McCaskill 5/23/2009

You know, Claire McCaskill is a never ending bundle of fun. Why? Because it's hard to believe that anyone can say the dumb things she says and never get called on it. See McCaskill play both sides of the Guantanamo Bay issue. She voted against the funding but that was as she said "I think it is more of an indication that the planning process is taking longer than anticipated." No Claire, you like your role as Obama's lap dog and you knew if you voted for this funding that Missouri would not like that. You were protecting your political behind. Way too lead Claire!

While we are on the topic of Claire I received a fun Tweet from her the other day and thought I would share with you. "Every single day, during every single sportng event, there're ongoing human tragedies,despair,&strife.I still think it's ok to enjoy sports. [sic]" I think it's okay to keep Guantanamo open to prevent further American human despair, but hey that's okay I guess we should just forget about the 3,000 people that died on 9/11. But you see Claire disagrees with you and me because as she said "We will close Gitmo, We must keep America safe & shut down terrorist recruiting tool. We have to plan & do it right, just not as quickly." Hmmm… I'll let you decide.