Friday, September 30, 2011

VIDEO: West Wing Week: Behind the Scenes

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. This week, the President announced reforms to No Child Left Behind, traveled to California to hold a town hall on job growth at LinkedIn, spoke on what the American Jobs Act could mean for America's schools and gave his third annual Back To School address.

Watch the video.

Improved Iraq Enjoys Liberty, U.S. Commander Says

By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 29, 2011 – American forces’ efforts in Iraq “have given the people of Iraq a huge gift” through the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of a democratic society, a senior U.S. commander said today.

“We have given them freedom and liberty that they've never known, and we have given them the potential to have a democracy in this part of the world … where it would be a unique institution,” Army Maj. Gen. David G. Perkins, commander of U.S. Division-North and the U.S. Army’s 4th Infantry Division, told Pentagon reporters via video teleconference from his headquarters in Tikrit.

U.S. military forces are slated to depart Iraq by the end of the year. Iraq has experienced significant improvements, although some problems remain to be solved, the general said.

Operation Iraqi Freedom, launched in March 2003, ended the regime of the ruthless Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. Iraqi Freedom transitioned to Operation New Dawn in September 2010, marking the shift from combat operations to training, equipping and assisting Iraqi forces. Perkins’ division has led those efforts in the northern provinces of Nineveh, Kirkuk and Diyala since last October.

The 4th was involved in the first troop rotation to Iraq and is now completing its fourth deployment, the general said, adding that every tour there has had unique aspects.

The advise, train and assist mission also has involved transitioning operations, operating areas and bases to Iraqi forces, Perkins said.

Those forces, he noted, now lead their own internal security operations and are focusing much of their training on the military’s traditional mission of defending against external threats.

Iraqi and Kurdish forces now share bilateral responsibility for 22 formerly trilateral checkpoints along disputed territory in northern Iraq, Perkins said, as U.S. forces have pulled back into an overwatch role.

No violence has occurred at any of those checkpoints since U.S. forces withdrew from daily presence, the general said, noting arbitration mechanisms are in place to manage any disputes, the general said.

“At the very senior level of this mechanism, we will have State Department people engaged as well as Office of Security Cooperation-Iraq people engaged, but it's at a much lower level as far as number of people than we had when I first got here,” Perkins said.

Iraqi forces also take the lead against al-Qaida activity in the north, which has long been a main operating and fund-raising area for the group as well as a primary entry point into the region for foreign fighters, he said.

“We've seen a dramatic drop-off in the foreign fighter flow coming into Iraq … [and] instead of foreign aid coming in large amounts, they're resorting to what I would call extortion, black marketing, robbery of jewelry stores, things like that,” Perkins said.

“We are now seeing intra-al-Qaida fighting and disputes [in] the organization itself about how money is distributed,” he added.

Perkins credited al-Qaida’s decline in Iraq to the capabilities and persistence of the country’s soldiers and police.

“They generally are on the pointy end of the spear here going after these folks,” Perkins said of the antiterrorism efforts conducted by Iraq’s security forces “And then when they do that, they are getting much better at getting their own internal intelligence, turning it around and going after the networks.”

The al-Qaida network in northern Iraq is not ineffective, but it has been “highly degraded,” the general said.

“We see now more vehicle-borne explosive devices that are parked and detonated versus being driven and detonated, which means they're having a hard time getting people who are true believers to actually be the suicide folks,” he said.

Perkins said Iranian-backed attacks in the north also have declined recently under pressure from Iraqi security forces.

“But, again, we know that capacity is there, so we keep those pressures on those networks,” he said, adding that historically, most Iranian-backed attacks happen in Baghdad and the southern part of Iraq.

Iraqi forces must be self-sustainable to maintain pressure on criminal and terrorist networks without U.S. military support, Perkins noted.

“From day one, our intent was to build a sustainable capability that on the last day, we can walk away, and then the day after that, it continues,” he said.

In training Iraqi forces, his troops are now focused on the areas of intelligence fusion and logistics, he added.

“We've paid additional attention to developing a logistics system, a supply system and also an ability for them to share intelligence not only within their army but between their police and border organizations … because, again, fusing that intelligence allows them to get after threats both internal and external,” the general said.

Perkins said his troops have spent much time putting together doctrinal and instructional manuals and getting them translated to Arabic.

“After we leave, again, there is something that they can build on,” he said. “We also videotaped and recorded … infantry movements, all the basic kind of things so they can take a very immature force, recruits, show them what right looks like and then move forward on it.”

Iraq’s defense capability will increase with its recently announced purchase of 18 F-16 fighters, the general said.

“I think the significant part is that they have made that commitment to get 18 [fighters] initially, which means they are now going to have a modern air force,” Perkins said. “They're going to have pilot training; they're going to have to have a maintenance program … and then adding aircraft after that is much easier.”

That sort of capability-building already has taken place in the Iraqi intelligence-gathering community, Perkins said.

“They weren't asking for their own [intelligence and surveillance] platforms because they didn't even know they had them,” he said. “And so once we told them that they had them, once we showed them how to ask for them, then that became self-sustaining because they generated a demand signal which then had to be met by their institution.”

Over the past year U.S. forces in northern Iraq have decreased from around 10,000 in 38 bases to about 5,000 in 14 locations, Perkins said.

“We have tried to do it in a very deliberate manner, in going over in a very deliberate way how they are going to conduct security,” he said.

“We've been very pleased, I think, with their ability to stand up and not only control the base and equipment, but keep security under control here in the north,” he said.

The United States has invested “a lot of treasure, both human and financial” in Iraq, the general said.

“Each day we hand more and more of the responsibility off to the Iraqis … [and] they are grabbing hold of and running with it,” he said.

Iraq’s leaders will determine how successful their country will ultimately be, Perkins said.

“It is up to the [Iraqi] political leadership to make this thing work and do the kind of tough work, selfless service, to make those hard decisions that are for the benefit of their country to make sure that this is a viable democracy,” he said.

Weekly Update from Rep. Denham

Dear Friend,
 
This district work week was very busy but extremely informative and helpful for me. I heard from many of you at various events, roundtables and meetings throughout the district. Today, I was able to speak at the Natural Resources Summit in Sonora.  Congratulations to my friend Assemblywoman Olsen for throwing such a great event for us to discuss ways to responsibly manage California's natural resources. Here in the Valley, water is a great example of a natural resource that we can utilize to create jobs, while also ensuring a consistent and reliable water supply to the Valley. 
 
Unfortunately, our efforts to create jobs are continually blocked by bureaucracies and government regulations. In April, I introduced H.R. 1604 to streamline environmental regulations for Bureau of Reclamation water projects and eliminate regulations that even Governor Brown has said are bogging down job creation. 
 
Costly lawsuit abuse and onerous regulations are also standing in the way of business growth in our community.  With double-digit unemployment in our area, I know how important it is to get people working again.  As we all know, our country's economic recovery is going to start here in our local communities. This week, I hosted small business roundtables in Modesto and Fresno and visited with the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce to hear first-hand the ideas and concerns of our local job creators. Assemblywoman Kristin Olsen and Assemblywoman Linda Halderman were able to join me at the business roundtables to provide their insight from the state level. America's economic recovery begins with our local communities, and I look forward to continuing the discussion on how to reduce these regulations and get our friends and neighbors back to work. 
 
Earlier this week, I announced my participation in the latest YouTube Town Hall. I discussed the concerns I have heard from many of you and the actions I have taken in Congress to increase confidence in our local job creators and their businesses.  I encourage you to watch my video, and let me know what you think on my facebook page.  You can also submit your own questions to YouTube for Congress to answer and vote for the answer that you agree with. 
 
Across the country there are too many men and women returning home from serving our country that cannot find a job or afford a home. I visited with many of these veterans at WestCare's Home Front facility on Wednesday.  Home Front is a residential program designed specifically for homeless female military veterans and their children. As a member of the Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health, I have been working hard in Washington to improve the quality of care that veterans are receiving and to make sure they are aware of the care available to them. I was humbled to hear their stories and was very proud that WestCare is helping so many men and women in our area. 
 
In addition to taking care of our veterans, I also want to ensure that men and women interested in serving our country have the information they need to attend our country's Military Academies.   Earlier this week, I hosted Academy Information Nights in Modesto and Fresno, where representatives from the Military Academies made short presentations, answered questions and served as a great resource for prospective attendees.   It was very inspiring to meet many of these young men and women, discuss my service in the Air Force, and hear about their desire to serve. 
 
This week, the House adopted a short-term Continuing Resolution by voice vote. This will fund the government until we vote next Tuesday to provide much-needed disaster assistance and fund the government through November 18th. During votes and my committee hearings in Washington, I will remember the concerns and ideas you shared with me this week and will be sure to keep you updated on recent developments. 
 
I want to thank all of my followers on facebook and twitter.  Both forums provide a great way to stay up-to-date with my activity and learn about upcoming events and votes. I also encourage you to tell your friends and family members to sign up for this weekly re-cap, as well as participate in the YouTube Town Hall and help me spread my message about reducing regulations to create jobs.
 
Have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

JEFF DENHAM
United States Representative

Iran's Continuing Human Rights Violations

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State

The United States is deeply concerned by reports of the Iranian government’s continued repression of its people. Despite statements from Iran’s Supreme Leader and President claiming support for the rights and freedoms of Iranian citizens and people in the region, the government continues its crackdown on all forms of dissent, belief, and assembly.

We are particularly concerned by reports that Christian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani is facing execution on charges of apostasy for refusing to recant his faith. This comes amid a harsh onslaught against followers of diverse faiths, including Zoroastrians, Sufis, and Baha’is.

Iran’s government continues to arrest journalists and filmmakers. They are restricting access to information by jamming incoming satellite broadcasts and filtering the Internet.

The United States stands with the international community and all Iranians against the Iranian government’s hypocritical statements and actions, and we continue to call for a government that respects the human rights and freedom of all those living in Iran.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

The CONTRAST Between Romney and I


Dear friend,

Establishment candidate Mitt Romney held a fundraiser in New York City this week and raked in a cool one million dollars from his Wall Street banker pals.

I was also in New York City this week.  But I was speaking to 1,800 grassroots supporters at a sold-out event in the city's largest night club!

You see, I'm never going to get fat checks from those who want to continue the big government, big spending status quo in Washington, D.C.

Nor would I want to.

Instead, I'm depending on the generosity of average Americans just like you who want their country back.

So, with the September 30 fundraising deadline only a couple days away, I'm counting on you to make a generous contribution to my End of the Quarter Fundraising Push.

The contrast couldn't be any clearer.

But September 30 is fast approaching.  And this could be the most important day of my campaign yet.

As you know, that's the end of this quarter's fundraising period.

That means national attention will be focused on how much each candidate has raised, which candidates have momentum, and which are falling off.

That's why it's absolutely vital you and I have a strong showing.

So can I count on you to help me raise an additional $1.5 million by making the most generous contribution you can afford to my campaign TODAY?

Not only will your contribution help guarantee I have strong fundraising numbers, but it'll also allow my campaign to launch a $2.5 million media blitz.

In fact, my campaign is preparing to unleash a series of hard-hitting TV and internet ads, as well as a massive phone outreach and targeted voter mail program over the next 30 days.

But only your support will help make it happen.

My campaign to Restore America Now continues to grow by leaps and bounds.

In fact, I'm in the top three in most national polls, and another recent poll shows that I would defeat President Obama in a head-to-head match up!

The $2.5 million media blitz my campaign is preparing to launch will allow my campaign to get my message out to even more voters as quickly as possible.

Once people learn the contrast between my record and establishment candidates like Mitt Romney, I'm only going to go higher.


After all, while Mitt Romney has raised more money from the Wall Street banksters than any other candidate, I've raised more money from our active duty military than every other Republican candidate COMBINED!

Who do you think the American people will side with?

But the truth is, in order to make my media blitz possible and prove to the national media that my campaign is one to reckon with, I need to be able to count on your IMMEDIATE generosity.

So will you help me send a message to the establishment by making a generous donation to my End of the Quarter Fundraising Push?

Together, you and I can Restore America Now!

For Liberty,

Ron Paul

P.S.  The end of the third quarter fundraising period on September 30 marks another important deadline for our efforts.

Will you help us raise $1.5 million by September 30 so we can implement our strategy to reach millions of more Americans with the freedom message?

This is your opportunity to show that grassroots Americans - not Wall Street bankers seeking another bailout - are lining up behind my campaign.

President Obama to Students: "Set Your Sights High"

Yesterday, President Obama spoke directly to students across the country in his third annual Back-to-School speech. The President encouraged America's students to use their time in school to try new things, discover new passions and hone their skills to prepare themselves for the kind of profession they want in the future.

A Ron Paul Constitutional Republican for U.S. Senate!

Rick Williams announces formation of his Exploratory Committee for the California Senate race in 2012. Let's elect a Ron Paul Republican in California and bring Washington DC back under control. Join us at http://www.rickwilliamsforsenate.com/.”


Source: Rick Williams for U.S. Senate Exploratory Committee

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Military Publication Salutes Ron Paul

Recognizes the support active-military confer on Paul

LAKE JACKSON, Texas – 2012 Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul was recently recognized by a well-known West Coast military publication for the campaign contributions active-military men and women give him, contributions that far exceed those given to his other GOP competitors and to President Barack Obama. See piece below from “The Ranger,” a publication celebrating its 60th anniversary:

RON PAUL: YOU WANT HIM
Most money from Joes goes to Ron Paul

By Tyler Hemstreet

As someone who has served his country, Air Force veteran and 2012 Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul has some very straightforward views on the United States’ involvement in the Global War on Terror.

He believes hundreds of thousands of U.S. Service members have been stretched thin all across the globe in more than 135 countries – often without a clear mission, any sense of what defines victory, or the knowledge of when they’ll be permanently reunited with their families.

He believes acting as the world’s policeman and nation-building weakens the U.S., puts our troops in harm’s way, and sends precious resources to other nations in the midst of a historic economic crisis.

And the Texas congressman also believes the U.S. should end nation-building, which is draining troop morale, increasing debt and sacrificing lives with no end in sight.

Those views are striking a chord with military members across the nation…

A link to the full article can be found here.

Source: Ron Paul Campaign

RNC Chairman Priebus & Co-Chairman Day Statement on the Celebration of Rosh Hashanah

By Matt Sauvage

WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus and Co-Chairman Sharon Day released the following statement celebrating Rosh Hashanah:

“As Jewish families in America and across the world come together to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, I wish them the happiest of New Years,” said Chairman Reince Priebus. “A celebration that spans six millennia, the holiday’s traditions have deep roots and great significance. The beginning of the Days of Awe reminds us of the central role that faith and family have played in forging our strong nation. During this time of remembrance and renewal, let us recommit ourselves to God and to a more hopeful future.”

“At sundown today, our Jewish friends and family mark the beginning of Rosh Hashanah, and I share their hopes for the year ahead,” said Co-Chairman Day. “As greetings of ‘L'shana tova’ are shared, we all pray ‘for a good and sweet year’—one of peace and prosperity.”

DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s Statement on Rosh Hashanah

By DNC Press

Tonight marks the beginning of the celebration of Rosh Hashanah. In recognition of that occasion, Democratic National Committee Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement:

“On this eve of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, we celebrate and reflect on how far we have come as a nation. During the past year, we have become a more perfect union. Millions of Americans are now experiencing the benefits of comprehensive health care reform, saving them money and saving lives. We have begun to fulfill a promise to our families, as American troops are coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan. And we ended the discriminatory practice of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.'

“However, we cannot forget the difficulties we have faced this year. This is a challenging time for our nation, as so many Americans are struggling just to make ends meet. Our country has been rocked by hurricanes, tornadoes, and other natural disasters and communities across the nation are still picking up the pieces. It is also a challenging time for our friend and ally, Israel, which continues to face attacks on her safety and legitimacy from hostile neighbors and the broader international community.

“If there is one lesson that these holidays teach us, it is that we must come together to embrace the ideals of reflection, forgiveness, and renewal. Together, we mark the year that was past, and as a community—as a nation—we forge on toward a better future.

“In the spirit of social justice, we must not rest until joblessness, homelessness, and discrimination are relics of history. In the spirit of those before us we must continue to protect the unbreakable bond between Israel and the United States, and stand up for her security. And in the spirit of tikkun olam, we must commit once again to build a better world together that is filled with justice and peace.

“Today, as I celebrate the new year with my own family, I hope you take the opportunity to share this holiday in health and happiness with those you love. May the next year be one of renewed hope in our dreams of all we aspire to be. L'shanah tovah u'metukah, and may you all have a peaceful 5772.”

Justice Department Asks the Supreme Court to Review the Affordable Care Act

By Tracy Russo

The Department of Justice filed a cert petition today asking the Supreme Court to review the 2-1 decision of the Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit striking down the Affordable Care Act.   The following statement was released today regarding this action.

“The Department has consistently and successfully defended this law in several court of appeals, and only the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled it unconstitutional. We believe the question is appropriate for review by the Supreme Court.

 “Throughout history, there have been similar challenges to other landmark legislation such as the Social Security Act, the Civil Rights Act, and the Voting Rights Act, and all of those challenges failed.  We believe the challenges to Affordable Care Act — like the one in the 11th Circuit — will also ultimately fail and that the Supreme Court will uphold the law.”

 For more information about the Justice Department’s continued defense of the Affordable Care Act, visit justice.gov/healthcare.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

RNC Chairman Priebus Responds To Latest Solyndra Development

By Matt Sauvage

WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus made the following comments today on a conference call with reporters regarding the latest development in the ongoing Solyndra scandal which revealed that President Obama had been previously warned of the risks associated with the $535 million loan to the now-bankrupt green firm:

“Now I know we’re all gathered here to talk about Obama’s latest campaign stop here in Colorado, but I wanted to take one second before I get to those issues to talk about another story that came out just this morning. And I think some of you may have seen that the LA Times is out with a story that now details that President Obama was clearly warned by top advisors about the potential financial risk of the Solyndra loan program. The same loan program that we now know gave Solyndra a half a billion dollars in taxpayer money.

“The President’s been silent about this debacle so far but with this news, I think that it’s time for President Obama to do what he does best, which is to start talking. He owes the American people an explanation of how he’s going to get their money back and how he’ll prevent it from happening again in yet another failed Stimulus 2.0 attempt that he’s trying to sell in Denver today.”

To listen to the full audio visit http://www.gop.com/audio/09.27.2011_colorado.mp3

BACKGROUND

•Obama Advisors Raised Warning Flags Before Solyndra Bankruptcy: “Long before the politically connected California solar firm Solyndra went bankrupt, President Obama was warned by his top economic advisors about the financial and political risks of the Energy Department loan guarantee program that boosted the company's rapid ascent. At a White House meeting in late October, Lawrence H. Summers, then director of the National Economic Council, and Timothy F. Geithner, the Treasury secretary, expressed concerns that the selection process for federal loan guarantees wasn't rigorous enough and raised the risk that funds could be going to the wrong companies, including ones that didn't need the help.” (Tom Hamburger, Kim Geiger and Matea Gold, “Obama Advisors Raised Warning Flags Before Solyndra Bankruptcy,” Los Angeles Times, 9/27/11)

Senator Rand Paul: Seize the Momentum


Dear Zach,

The race for the Republican nomination for President is wide open.

And with the September 30 campaign finance reporting period rapidly approaching, it's CRITICAL you help my dad seize the momentum. 

September 30 may very well be the most important day yet of my dad's entire campaign.

So won't you agree to your most generous contribution IMMEDIATELY?

It's vital that you do so.

You see, my dad has set a goal of raising another $1.5 million before September 30, and he's also planning to spend at least $2.5 million on TV ads, internet ads, phone outreach, and targeted voter mail over the next 30 days.

Only your support will enable Ron Paul to achieve these goals and further spread his message of liberty.

But it's important for another reason, too.

The media, voters, and potential donors and supporters will be paying close attention to what each candidate has raised when the September 30 reports are released.

The national media, pundits, potential donors, and new supporters will be pouring through the records to see which campaigns are gaining momentum – and which ones are slowly coming to an end.

It's up to you and me to PROVE the momentum is with Ron Paul!

The good news is that my dad is now consistently polling in third place behind two establishment candidates in most national polls, and another recent poll has my dad running second in New Hampshire!

Not only that, but a recent article I read in The Hill's "Pundit Blog" all but predicted my dad to become one of two candidates to fight it out for the Republican nomination for President!

So I hope you'll help my dad seize the momentum by making a generous contribution IMMEDIATELY.

I believe, with your help, my dad can win this race for President.

You and I know he's the only true constitutional conservative running for President.

And as more and more Americans realize this simple fact, Ron Paul's popularity is only going to grow even more.

Like you, the American people are FED UP.

They're tired of the bailouts, the massive spending, huge deficits, and trillion dollar endless wars.

We can't let opportunities like this slip by.

So can my dad count on you to make a generous contribution to his campaign TODAY?

The deadline is fast approaching, so it's vital you act right away.

Together, you and I can Restore America Now!

For Liberty,

Rand Paul
U.S. Senator, Kentucky

P.S.   September 30, the end of this quarter's fundraising, is fast approaching, and it's vital my dad has a strong showing.

That's why I hope you'll help Ron Paul raise $1.5 million by September 30 by making a generous contribution IMMEDIATELY.

With the race for the Republican nomination for President wide open, it's up to you and me to help my dad seize the momentum!

So please, make a donation to my dad's End of the Quarter Push today!

Ron Paul Bests Obama in Latest Poll

Shows Paul beating President in head-to-head matchup

LAKE JACKSON, Texas – In a new Harris Poll, 2012 Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul beats President Obama 51 percent to 49 percent in a general election race.

“This is yet another poll that clearly proves how competitive Ron Paul is against the sitting President,” said Ron Paul 2012 National Campaign Chairman Jesse Benton.  “Dr. Paul is making strides, affirming that the American people are looking for conviction instead of the typical status quo rhetoric being offered by establishment candidates.”

These results come just a few weeks after a Reuters/Ipsos survey showed Ron Paul polling within striking distance of President Obama among registered voters.  Furthermore, a late August Rasmussen poll showed him within 1 percent of President Obama in a head-to-head matchup.

Another recent Gallup survey, conducted August 17-18, shows Paul only 2 percentage points behind Obama in a general election match-up.  In a similar head-to-head survey from last year done by Rasmussen, Dr. Paul drew a statistical dead heat with the President.  And earlier this year in a survey by CNN, he did the best out of the other Republicans put up against Obama in a head-to-head poll.

Monday, September 26, 2011

LP Monday Message: Americans are upset!

Dear Friend of Liberty,

This poll shows a record-high 81% of Americans are dissatisfied with how our country is being governed. Count me as one of the 81%.

Freedom would provide the best environment for job growth, economic security, innovation, and the pursuit of happiness. Libertarians know that, but not enough others know it.

I hope you'll help us recruit more members. Last week I asked for your help recruiting members, but so far, I'm only aware of one person who recruited a new member. He's listed here.

I'd like to add more names to that list. Please ask someone to join the LP today.

We've also done some mailing to recruit new members. The net cost to bring in a new member by sending out lots of snail mail has been anywhere from $20 to $90. If you make a contribution of $100, that will definitely be enough to help us recruit one new Libertarian Party member.

Please donate $100, $90, or $20 today at LP.org to help us pay for the mailings to recruit new members.

Sincerely,

Wes Benedict
Executive Director
Libertarian National Committee

P.S. If you have not already done so, please join the Libertarian Party. We are the only political party dedicated to free markets, civil liberties, and peace. You can also renew your membership. Or, you can make a contribution separate from membership.

RNC Chairman Priebus Taps Rep. Paul Ryan As Presidential Trust Chairman

WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus today named U.S. Congressman and House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (WI-1) as Chairman of the RNC Presidential Trust:

“I am delighted to announce the appointment of my good friend Paul Ryan to chair the RNC Presidential Trust,” said RNC Chairman Reince Priebus. “Paul is a visionary leader for our Party and it is fitting that he play a crucial role in the upcoming election where our nation’s future hangs in the balance. The Presidential Trust will be tasked with raising the resources needed to directly finance an aggressive ground game and act as partner to our nominee in 2012. Having Congressman Ryan on board to lead this effort is a big win for our Party and I look forward to working with him to make Barack Obama a one-term president.”

Congressman Ryan said he was honored to serve as an advocate for the RNC Presidential Trust as we work to elect a Republican to the White House in 2012.

“Americans struggling under the Obama administration's failed economic policies cannot afford another four years of high unemployment, unchecked government spending and record deficits and debt,” said U.S. Congressman Paul Ryan. “Raising the resources necessary to get out the vote in 2012 will be the difference maker in determining what kind of future we will have – an expanding grade-to-grave social welfare state and the resulting loss of our liberties or a renewed prosperity and pro-growth leadership that will only come if we send a Republican to the White House.”

The RNC is the only party organization with the unique ability under federal law to make coordinated expenditures, working directly with and on behalf of our presidential nominee. In addition to coordinating with the nominee, only the RNC, in concert with state parties, can provide the man power to establish our nationwide Victory 2012 program that is essential to winning the battleground states for the presidential contest and to assisting all Republican candidates up and down the ticket.

DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s Statement on GOP Presidential Debate in Orlando

By DNC Press

Following the Fox News/Google Republican presidential debate held in Orlando, DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement:

“Tonight, the Republican candidates for president held their second Florida debate in as many weeks, and whether they’re in Orlando, Tampa or any other part of the country, the message is always the same: They have no new ideas for creating jobs or helping America’s middle class. They simply want to get rid of all the things that protect and improve the lives of middle class families—Social Security, Medicare, the EPA, the Department of Education, Wall Street Reform, the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell,’ and more. We heard more of the same failed policies of the past that the Tea Party is demanding they support—policies that would dismantle Social Security into pieces, end Medicare as we know it, and provide even more handouts and tax cuts to large corporations, special interests and the richest Americans while asking our nation’s seniors, students and middle-class families to pay for it.

“What we did not see tonight was a single Republican candidate stand up for the bipartisan American Jobs Act, the President’s proposal to get more Americans back to work and put more money back into their pockets. Nor did they offer support for President Obama’s new plan to restore economic security and reduce the deficit by more than $3 trillion over the next decade. That would require the Republican candidates to challenge the right-wing ideology of the Tea Party, and from everything we saw tonight, that is a pipe dream.

“Let’s be clear, the policies GOP frontrunners Mitt Romney and Rick Perry and the rest of the candidates all support would slash Social Security—cutting benefits and putting seniors at risk. And all the GOP candidates support the Republican budget plan in Congress ending Medicare as we know it.

“At a time when we need to be moving our country forward, Republicans are offering no plan for securing our economic future—and that is something we simply cannot afford.”

Rasmussen: Obama 39%, Paul 38%

The president and the maverick are running almost dead even in a hypothetical 2012 election matchup. Texas Republican Congressman Ron Paul earns 38% of the vote to President Obama’s 39% in the latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of Likely U.S. Voters. Fourteen percent (14%) like some other candidate, and eight percent (8%) remain undecided.


Source: Revolution Super PAC

Environmentalists Clobber Texas

By Murray N. Rothbard

We all know how the environmentalists, seemingly determined at all costs to save the spotted owl, delivered a crippling blow to the logging industry in the North west. But this slap at the economy may be trivial compared to what might happen to the lovely city of San Antonio, Texas, endangered by the deadly and despotic combination of the environmentalist movement and the federal judiciary.

The sole source of water for the 900,000-resident city, as well as the large surrounding area, is the giant Edwards Aquifer, an underground river or lake (the question is controversial) that spans five counties. Competing for the water, along with San Antonio and the farms and ranches of the area, are two springs, the Comal and the Aquarena on the San Marcos River, which are becoming tourist attractions. In May 1991, the Sierra Club, along with the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority, which controls the two springs, filed a suit in federal court, invoking the Endangered Species Act. It seems that, in case of a drought, any cessation of water flow to the two springs would endanger four obscure species of vegetables or animals fed by the springs: the Texas blind salamander; Texas wild rice; and two tiny brands of fish: the fountain darter, and the San Marcos gambusia.

On February 1, 1993, federal district judge Lucius Bunton, in Midland, Texas, handed down his ruling in favor of the Sierra Club; in case of drought, no matter the shortage of water hitting San Antonio, there will have to be enough water flowing from the aquifer to the two springs to preserve these four species. Judge Bunton admitted… (Read the full article)

Source: Mises.org

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Weekly Address: Strengthening the American Education System

President Obama explains that states will have greater flexibility to find innovative ways of improving the education system, so that we can raise standards in our classrooms and prepare the next generation to succeed in the global economy. 

Watch the video.