Post on 22-Jan-2022
transcript
M A Y 2 0 1 4
Next Meeting Date: May 8th, 2014 at 11:30
At Republican Headquarters on the Square
2014 OFFICERS
President, Joan King .......................... 903-489-3918
Vice-President, Leona Bruce ............. 903-675-4202
Secretary, Ann Spitzer ...................... 903-477-6600
PAC Treasurer, Shirley Hornbeck ....... 903-677-1208
Parliamentarian, Fritzi Rizer ................ 903-675-1404
COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN
Awards, Caring for America
Campaign Activities, Lee Nutt ............. 903-681-4417
Chaplain, Fritzi Rizer .......................... 903-675-1404
Martha Hardwick .......................... 903-852-6253
Creative Director, Nancy Marshall ....... 903-675-6566
Fund Raising, Betty Herriage .............. 903-677-3209
Historian, Joan Meadows .................. 903-675-1147
Legislative Issues, Christine Hudson ... 903-292-1967
Literacy, Nancy Rogers ...................... 903-677-1605
Annette Trammell ......................... 903-675-5315
Membership, Sara Taylor .................. 903-340-7774
Mary McCreary ............................. 903-425-6462
Newsletter, Sharon Chasey ................ 903-469-4435
Publicity, Nancy Marshall .................... 903-675-6566
Sharon Harding ............................ 903-677-3433
Telephone-Chair: Nancy Rogers ........ 903-677-1605
Sylvia Cleveland ........................... 903-675-6664
Dawn Hennon .............................. 903-292-1281
Joan Meadows ............................ 903-675-1147
Fritzi Rizer.................................... 603-675-1404
Annette Trammell ........................ 903-675-5315
Voter Registration
HENDERSON COUNTY REPUBLICAN HEADQUARTERS
Betty Holland, County Chairman 112 N. Palestine, Athens, TX 75751
903-675-2829 hctxgop@gmail.com
Regular Meeting Thursday,
May 8, 2014
Republican Headquarters
at 11:30 a.m.
On the Square
Dr. Stuart Spitzer
Kelly Harris
Salad Luncheon will follow the
program and business meeting.
PAC Report April 2014
Balance as of 3/31/14: $3,959.70
Income thru 4/30/14: No Income .00
Total Income: .00
Disbursements thru 4/30/14: Headquarter Rental for March, April & May 90.00
Total Disbursements: 90.00
Balance as of 4/30/14: $3,869.70
Thoughts from your President
Last month I began a sum-
mary of the book “Waking the Sleeping Giant” by Drs. Tomothy C.
Daughtry and Gary R. Casselman. The 1st half of the book
pointed out why the mainstream
Conservatives are losing the battle against far left Lib-erals. The author’s stated why we Conservatives think
all we have to do is vote and go back to our lives, how we dislike confrontation and how the Liberals put us
on the defensive and we take the bait. Today I want to go into the 2nd half of the
book. I am skipping a lot of it that I don’t think really
applies to us. We most likely will not be interviewed by the media or engage in public debates. I will try to
highlight the areas of discussion we are most likely to engage in. While it may take us out of our comfort
zone a little, I don’t think it will keep us from doing
what we need to be doing to keep our Country on a somewhat sane path. Remember the main idea of the
book is that we can only succeed if we are able to “take back the power”. This includes changing or neu-
tralizing the message coming from our schools and universities, news media, government and entertain-
ment. In other words, “the cultural institutions that
determine the political narrative.” The principles laid out are:
1. We are the mainstream and Liberals are the
fringe. Act like It. Never ever fall into a defen-
sive position. “What will we delegate to the gov-ernment and what do we reserve for ourselves?”
Example: In defense of Obamacare – The govern-ment can buy medicine more cheaply than we
can. The same can be said of clothes, food, cars
etc. Point made no debate.
2. We can only change the misinformed peo-ple. Forget the radicals. For the misin-formed:
“Create the impression of a massive movement away
from liberal candidates and policies.”
Example: “I think most people are just trying to sur-vive until the next election so we can get these
radicals out of power and get our country back on a sane course.”
“Emphasize you are talking about sensible positions versus nonsensical positions, not Democrats ver-
sus Republicans.”
Listen for and acknowledge areas of common ground.
Don’t overwhelm them all at once. Ask questions to clarify their thinking.
Example: If they talk about the rich paying their fair
share of taxes: Point out that half the voters don’t pay any taxes at all. They probably don’t
know this.
Ask them whether the purpose of taxation is to fund the government or to redistribute earnings?
Ask who they define as rich? Does this apply to busi-ness owners who have worked for years to build
up a business, taking risks, sacrificing income and stability to keep their people employed.?
3. Reframe the narrative – try the etiquette approach. “This is a diverse group, and we
have many points of view. I for one don’t think it’s appropriate to make comments that might be
offensive to some.” This works well for a Sun-
day School class or a party.
Check out our website in process:
Log on to www.weebley.com
Then enter user name
letitia.carpenter1237@gmail.com Password: lsrw2001
Any suggestions/changes, tell Joan King, Letitia Carpenter or
Sharon Chasey.
4. The double bind reframe:
Liberal: “It amazes me that anyone would think Mich-
ele Bachmann is qualified to be president” Mainstreamer: Well, a lot of people are threatened by
strong women.”
If you want to get tough on liberals and education
here is a very abbreviated part of the book: Liberal: Some teachers have to bring their own pen-
cils, etc. Mainstreamer: “How do you justify spending billions
on a political boondoggle like the Department of
Education when we need more money for class-room teachers? And how much of that money
makes its way back into the coffers of the left-wing politicians who are in the pocket of the teacher’s
union?”
Other retorts on education are: Are you willing to fire incompetent teachers? Are you willing to
allow vouchers so that parents can afford to get their children out of failing schools? Are you will-
ing to get the political indoctrination out of our schools so that children can actually learn math
and science?”
“We’ve got the most expensive school system on the planet and the results are dismal and do you
know why? Because the leadership of the teach-ers’ unions only care about their own power, and
they oppose anything that might actually raise
educational standards”. How about a response to the extremism of the
Tea Party: Mainstream Activist: (chuckling) “Oh, the radical left
screams ‘extremism” whenever they don’ t want
to talk about the issues that are important to the taxpayers, and mainstream Americans aren’t fal-
ling for that. But seriously, we have to get con-trol of our insane spending, we have to reduce
the tax barriers to job creation, and we want to see some sanity in our homeland security poli-
cies. The Tea Party has finally given the people
who pay for our government a chance to have a voice in that government”.
Remember: In all cases you want to present yourself as cool-headed, rational, mature and caring.
5. There are no Enemies on the Right. We at times can be our own worst enemies. We can
quibble about the finer points once we get back into
power.
6. Control the Language: Tax cuts should be described as “benefiting
working families”
All tax increases: “Sapping the hard-earned resources of working families and cramping job
creation”.
“Redistribution of earnings – not redistribu-
tion of wealth” Reform: Ex. We are not against health care re-
form but opposed to takeover of health care by
government bureaucrats. Unions: We are opposed to the corruption of
some union bosses and how that corruption is un-fair to the hardworking rank- and- file union mem-
bers. Never criticize teachers. Make a clear distinction
between “hardworking teachers” and “the radical
teachers’ union” and the federal bureaucrats who
make it so hard for good teachers to do their job.
For those who truly want to get into the trenches the authors say find three rallying themes for your cause.
Staying with the subject of education here is an exam-
ple of the 3 R’s:
Recognize: The liberals want you on the defen-
sive: You don’t support education because you are
against raising taxes.
Reframe: When will we get past the tired old
dogma of throwing more money at our problems
to fix them?
Refocus: “Parents are telling us: (fill in the
blank): out of control administrative costs,
teacher’s hands tied on discipline, excessive em-phasis on social work instead of teaching, etc… It
seems grossly unfair to working families to talk about increases while we ignore the concerns of
those who are footing the bill.
The left may control our formal educational
institutions but a lot of education takes place outside of our schools. We are still free to talk to our children
and grandchildren, nieces and nephews about the con-stitution, the myths of open- ended welfare being
good, the importance of family and children having
good male and female role models, and our Christian and Jewish values. Why respect is earned not given
for no reason. The value of voting, what makes a good citizen and the list goes on and on. Ask questions
about what they are studying!
There is so much more in the book, I have
tried to hit some of the high spots. I would be happy to lend the book to anyone who would like to delve
into this in depth.
Blessings to all,
Joan
Political ad paid for by Lone Star Republican Women of Henderson County PAC
Lone Star Republication Women of Henderson County
General Meeting April 10, 2014 The meeting was called to order by President Joan King. She stated that Kelly Harris, run off candidate scheduled to speak, had called at 11am saying he had an all day commitment and would not be able to speak today. Opening Prayer: Annette Trammel led us in prayer. Pledge of Allegiance to the United States Flag and the Texas State Flag: Pledges to flags were led by Joan King. Presentation of donation to South Athens Elementary School: Ann Spitzer introduced Principal Eugene Buford and presented him with the gift of children’s underwear and socks for use of the school nurse when needed. Welcome New Members and Guests: Sara Taylor reported there were 9 guests and 24 members present. The guests stood and introduced themselves. Program: Vice President Leona Bruce introduced the speaker Ken Geeslin, run off incumbent candidate for Henderson County Commissioner of Precinct 4. Mr. Geeslin spoke of his past 39 months in office, the difficult economic downturn and dropping property values. In spite of these difficulties, they have able to fund the county programs and not raise taxes. He has a military background as well as engineering/construction experience in the private sector. He spoke of his miles of road upgrades, maintaining right of ways, drainage issues, equipment purchases, joint ventures with other commissioners, and allocation of grant monies. He has also started a recycling program that includes glass, oil, and will soon include elec-tronics for Precinct 4 in Larue. He has found a more efficient place for tire disposal that all the commis-sioners use, as well as more efficient trash disposal. Sign visibility has been improved on all Precinct 4 FM, US and TX highways. Future budgets will be difficult because of facility upgrades, fair park lighting, library grants, and the Affordable Health Care Act. However, by 2016 Henderson County will be debt free—jail will be paid for. LSRW Business Meeting: Minutes were accepted as being approved and they will go into our records. Treasurer’s report was accepted and filed for end of year approval. Communication: None Reports from Standing Committee Chairs: Literacy chair Nancy Rogers stated they have given the diabetic information to Sheriff Nutt and have ordered another set to give to Police Chief Buddy Hill. She has con-tacted a history professor from TVCC concerning the program Teaching American Teenagers. He thought it would be of more use at the high school level. She is finding it difficult to talk to a teacher at Athens High School. It was decided that she talk with other county schools such as Brownsboro, Eustace, Mala-koff, or Cross Roads. There were no other committee chair reports.
Lone Star Republication Women of Henderson County General Meeting April 10, 2014 (continued)
Special Committee Reports: Judith Austin was asked to report on the Hispanic Outreach. She asked to meet with Joan King later because she is not having much luck getting this going. Judith has con-tacted the PTO President at South Athens Elementary, Teri Kirksey, about a project we could do there as a community service. Mrs. Kirksey is speaking with her board about this. Unfinished Business: None New Business—Plan our May meeting luncheon: Shirley Hornbeck has volunteered to chair this salad luncheon. She will get a few others to help brainstorm and then be contacting the members for help. Joan King has invited our District Director Janis Boulware. Run off candidate Precinct 4 Kelly Harris has asked to speak. Also Dr. Stuart Spitzer, primary winner for District 4 State Representative, will speak that day. Announcements: Joan King, Sharon Chasey, and Leticia Carpenter will be meeting at close of this business meeting to make final plans for our new website. Meeting was adjourned. Ann Spitzer
C L U B C A L E N D A R o f E V E N T S
Regular Club Meeting May 8th, 11:30 Republican Headquarters Dr. Stuart Spitzer Kelly Harris Salad Luncheon after Meeting
Exec. Board Meeting May 22nd, 10:00 Home of Sara Taylor
Have a safe & happy Summer !
T E X A S E L E C T I O N D A T E S - 2 0 1 4
May 19th thru 23rd, 2014 Early voting Primary Runoff Election
May 27th, 2014 Primary Runoff Election Day October 6th
Last day to register to vote for general election November 4, 2014
October 20th thru 31st, 2014 Early voting for General Election November 4th, 2014 General Election Voting
“Socks” & “Undies”
Anne Spitzer, South Athens Elementary Principal, Eugene
Buford, and Joan King.
Presentation of “Socks” & “Undies”
Scenes from
April
Meeting
Ken Geesllin Pct. 4 Commissioner
Legislative Tidbits Christine Hudson
Abuse of Executive Power
The Bureau of Land Management
(BLM), the nation's biggest landlord, found
itself in the spotlight after a high-profile
brawl with Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy
and another dispute with state officials over
the Texas-Oklahoma borderlands. These
conflicts brought a spotlight to a recurring
theme within the Obama administration,
that of abuse of executive power. There
have been many different instances of this
abuse and I will present a few brief facts to
help you understand what is happening a
little more clearly.
The seemingly obscure agency is in
charge of 247.3 million acres of public lands
– about one-eighth of the land in the coun-
try. About 72 million acres are in Alaska
and 44 million are in Nevada. It also owns
700 million acres of on-shore federal mineral
estates. The Bureau of Land Management
was formed in 1946 for the purpose of over-
seeing public land. In the beginning, the
BLM mostly focused on livestock and mines.
Its mission shifted in the 1970s when it took
on the role of mediator between commerce
and conservation in regards to its holdings.
This latest push is a result of states who
have renewed their concerns about the
amount of land controlled by the BLM and a
desire to see the return of control over fed-
eral lands to individual states. Congress
also recently weighed in, with House law-
makers passing a bill in February that would
prevent the BLM from buying new land.
The BLM is also responsible for man-
aging a wide spectrum of natural resources.
The federal agency regulates logging, min-
ing and fracking practices across the coun-
try. It also administers close to 18,000 per-
mits and leases a year held by ranchers who
graze their livestock on land managed by
the federal government. The permits and
leases they issue usually last a decade and
can be renewed. In 2009, regulation of
public lands in western states generated
$6.2 billion. Gov. Rick Perry said on Fox
News that the federal government should be
returning control of many federal land hold-
ings to the individual states.
Besides issues of federal control, other dis-
cussion regarding the abuse of executive
power is focused on the signing of executive
orders by President Obama. Many of these
executive orders are signed when Congress
is not in session. The defenders of these
actions say that the President needs to by-
pass Congress because Congress is slow to
act. However, the writers of the Constitu-
tion were very intentional in their desire to
have a balance of powers between the ex-
ecutive, legislative and judicial branches.
These defenders also seem to con-
centrate on the number of executive orders
signed by other Presidents, as though num-
bers provide justification. It was stated on
the fix.gov blog written by John Hudak on
January 30, 2014 that “not all executive or-
ders are created equal. Some are quite
forceful, making dramatic changes to policy.
Others are more routine, housekeeping is-
sues. To say that one president issued more
executive orders than another tells us little
about the scope of those orders or the im-
pact they have on policy. Also, executive
orders are just one type of executive power
and do not necessarily reflect the true might
(Continued on page 8)
Legislative Tidbits (continued) Christine Hudson
Surrendering America
of the president. Presidents can issue signing
statements, presidential memoranda and
presidential proclamations, engage in rule-
making (regulatory) authority, reassign ap-
pointees, influence budgeting decisions, and
use a host of other means of influencing out-
comes.”
One can easily dig into the details of
orders, which are available on line at The
American Presidency Project.
Obama’s use of executive orders is question-
able for several reasons. He is using them to
alter his own legislation that he has already
signed, most notably, the Affordable Care
Act. He has also used executive orders to
prevent the legislature from acting as he did
in 2012 when he changed implementation of
immigration legislation by his executive order
regarding the Dream Act so that Congress
would not have the opportunity to pass the
version being recommended by Senator
Marco Rubio (FL). Another abuse is the con-
tradiction seen in Obama’s use of executive
power, such as when Obama makes claims
that he has no power over NSA surveillance
programs. The Heritage Foundation pointed
out that “in the case of environmental regula-
tions, immigration law, No Child Left Behind,
the auto bailout, the selective enforcement of
voting rights laws, and the regulation of the
Internet (among others), the Obama Admini-
stration has in fact enacted its agenda via
legislative fiat time and time again.”
No specific provision in the U.S. Constitution
and no statute explicitly permits or governs
executive orders, and on these grounds alone
the “strict” constitutionalists insist that none
are ever warranted. Executive orders are
valid so long as they don’t violate other provi-
sions and rights. Not until 1952 were specific
rules and guidelines given for what a presi-
dent could or could not via executive orders.
A Supreme Court decision in 1952, invali-
dated Truman’s decree to nationalize steel
mills, on the grounds that he was attempting
to make law (a legislative function), not
merely carrying out (or “executing”) existing
law. Presidents since that decision have tried
to cite the specific laws they are acting un-
der, when issuing new executive orders.
One other tidbit to note is the information
sent out by TFRW in the April Bullet-Point
Memo that can be useful in understanding
Texas legislative issues, for which I have pro-
vided very little analysis over the past year.
There is a new link at www.tfrw.org website
called the Online Legislative Research
Resource that is located at:
http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?
e=001h5JWvHvTp0Y86EiVwQ_ug5zDclpl5q25
bsWMko9Sc0azQlSM4SI4NgXmj69GjcB_8i6Lx
c30HTNlsotAMc4dv09m6On6WhlfoLz_bTmpc
8Ca3AVdbGaDI7JldG8e29fa
No more worries about remembering numer-
ous web addresses to find committee hear-
ings, to listen online or to follow legisla-
tion. You can now go to TFRW website and
find the above link to Legislative Research
pages under Programs/Legislative tabs.