Clinton County Tea Party

Renewal of the County Sales Tax

2011-04-22T07:45:00.000-07:00

In 2005, the county commissioners passed a ½% temporary five year sales tax increase. The commissioners told us #1 – it was to be used to pay down county debt, #2 - any surplus was to be used for carry-over, and #3 – it was to be temporary.

In round numbers the sales tax increase has raised $12 million but only $1.5 million has been used toward debt payment (lie #1), the remaining $10.5 million has been used for the general operating budget so no surplus exists (lie #2). In July 2010 the commissioners quietly renewed the sales tax for another year and are poised to vote to extend it again perhaps even making it permanent (lie #3). There we have it...lies on all three points.

Based on 2007 data from the US Census Bureau, Tax Foundation, the ½% sales tax costs the average person an additional $117 per year, money we could all use given the current economy. Three bordering counties have lower sales tax rates (6.5%) meaning many of our retail dollars are moving out of the county. A study by Francisco M. Torralba at the University of Chicago confirms this fact stating “…places with higher tax rates are characterized by weaker retail industries in terms of sales and number of employees.” Eliminating the sales tax will put us on equal footing with three bordering counties and make our sales tax lower then the other three bordering counties. This will make it more attractive for retail stores to locate here and shoppers to spend their money here. That should help the “Buy Local” campaign.

The argument will be made that the county can’t afford the loss of revenue but the tax was never supposed to be used for operating expenses. County residents have had to tighten their belts and reduce their budgets; local government must do the same.

Call the commissioners and/or attend the meetings on Mondays and Wednesdays at 8:00 AM at the courthouse. Tell them to vote against renewing the sales tax. A vote by the commissioners to extend the sales tax is a vote for fewer jobs in Clinton County and less money in the pockets of county residents.

Funds from the Hospital sale

2011-04-22T07:43:00.000-07:00

I attended the recent public meeting discussing the sale of the Clinton Memorial Hospital. Bill Baecker, Andrew McCoy and Geoff Phillips did a great job of distilling the numbers and legalities down into an easily understandable presentation. Kudos to them all!
I was pleasantly surprised by the apparent consensus that the proceeds from the sale should be preserved and invested in order to allow the county to reap the long term benefits of the returns from that investment.

I was not so pleasantly surprised at the number of people that attended to lobby the commissioners for control and/or use of the funds. Apparently a self-appointed “board” has been meeting for nine months to determine what to do with the funds. This “board” insisted that a large portion of the funds (if not all) be given to a foundation that would distribute the funds for worthwhile causes to improve the health and human services in Clinton County. Pitches were made for a playground for disabled children, a free dental clinic, a free medical clinic, the schools and generically other health and human services.

The hospital funds were referred to as “county funds” or “belonging to the county”. To be clear, the funds belong to the taxpayers of Clinton County who paid increased taxes to support various bond issues over the years. Therefore the taxpayers of Clinton County should determine how the funds are used not a Foundation Board of unelected people with their own liberal agendas.

Impassioned pleas were made for the funds to be used for the good of Clinton County. Phrases like “we need to give back to the people of Clinton County” and “we need to help the people of Clinton County” were also used a lot. Unfortunately, what was meant by “the people” is a selected group of people that are chosen by the Foundation Board to receive the benefit of the funds, not the collective group of Clinton County taxpayers.

It was interesting to me that Commissioner Randy Riley had been a participant in these foundation board meetings, knew all of the various lobbyist by name, and was so very eager to support their cause but was not near as sympathetic to the taxpayers who voiced objections to the use of the funds for a foundation. A reminder, Randy, you work for the taxpayers.

In a December 24th, 2010 article in the Wall Street Journal titled Tea Partiers and the Spirit of Giving, Arthur C. Brooks writes;

“When it comes to voluntarily spreading their own wealth around, a distinct "charity gap" opens up between Americans who are for and against government income leveling. Your intuition might tell you that people who favor government redistribution care most about the less fortunate and would give more to charity. Initially, this was my own assumption. But the data tell a different story.

The most recent year that a large, nonpartisan survey asked people about both redistributive beliefs and charitable giving was 1996. That year, the General Social Survey (GSS) found that those who were against higher levels of government redistribution privately gave four times as much money, on average, as people who were in favor of redistribution. This is not all church-related giving; they also gave about 3.5 times as much to nonreligious causes. Anti-redistributionists gave more even after correcting for differences in income, age, religion and education.” Mr. Brooks is president of the American Enterprise Institute.

Consistent with Mr. Brooks article, I give a significant portion of my income to charitable organizations, the ones that I choose, the ones I believe are doing a good work. It is not the commissioners’ right or any foundations right to take what belongs to me and give it to those that they choose to give it to. If they support a particular cause they can use their own money to support that cause. It’s easy to be charitable with someone else’s money.

I encourage all county residents to contact the County Commissioners and tell them to wisely invest the hospital funds and to either save the returns for special projects (such as Commissioners Riley’s Emergency Communication System) or deposited into the general fund. This will help to reduce or eliminate future tax increases or emergency levies providing a tangible benefit to all Clinton County residents. I also encourage residents to be generous and support causes and organizations that are important to you as an individual matter of choice.

We Are Just Getting Started

2010-11-17T06:25:00.000-08:00

The 2010 midterm election is over. The Tea Party has shown that we are a credible, and rather powerful group. Though there is no national leader and we are not a political party, despite what the left believes, we succeeded in getting people involved and encouraging people to consider our conservative agenda. Rather than focusing on what we are not, I would like to take this chance, post-election to state who and what we are and name things for which we stand.

1. We are people who have taken a renewed interest in being active participants in the political process.

2. We believe that conservatism is the best way to continue America on the path of greatness.

3. We believe that government has overstepped its bounds on many fronts and want our representatives to thoroughly scale back the cost of government, not just cut taxes. We do not want to run up deficits so we do not have high taxes. We want less spending so higher taxes are not necessary.

4. We want solutions to the size and scope of government and don't care where the solutions come from. We will let our representatives know what we want through phone calls and letters and most importantly our votes. We will let our voices be heard firmly but respectfully.

5. We are tired of choosing between the lesser of two evils and will seek out good people to run in primary elections. Our main aim is to get conservatives involved. We want people to step up and outside their comfort zones. Local government is where it all begins. It is closest to us and therefore most able to affect us. The 2011 elections have all city and township positions in Clinton County up for grabs. Talk to friends and neighbors who would make good candidates or run yourself. Find candidates you can get behind and support them. This is the way to real conservative change.

Our work has only begun. We are just getting started. Another large test lies in our local impact in 2011 and national impact in 2012. We have shown we can get our message heard and impact elections. Now it we must force conservative action by our elected officials and continue to add conservative leaders at all levels of government.

Bryan Siebenaller
President
Clinton County Tea Party

Election Day

2010-11-01T18:34:00.000-07:00

2 November 2010 is finally here. It is election day. Every election in our republic is important. We have had the direction of our country change with midterm, off year and of course presidential elections. This year is no different. With Republicans poised to take over our state and federal government the promise of a fiscally responsible, smaller, more constitutionally minded government is again upon us. We have heard this before. History repeats itself only this time, we must not let that happen. Regardless of who is put in charge of our local, state and federal governments, it is our duty to stay on top of the issues, stay involved and engaged. We must not fall asleep for we have seen what happens when those in power feel they have free rain to do as they please without regard to the constitution or the people of this great state and country. Nearly a century of spend and tax, increased social programs and the welfare state have nearly bankrupted the country. Both parties are guilty.

Republicans, if put in power must rule as a majority not worried about keeping their jobs but doing what is right. It is working in New Jersey where a governor who is keeping his promise to reduce the size of government seems to be earning himself rave reviews. If put in power, we must stay on top of a republican majority so they do not forget what they were sent to do. We must have the courage to demand they be conservatives who happen to be Republican. They must end nationalized healthcare, reduce spending and eliminate redundant programs along with eliminating unconstituional programs and agencies.

If we as Tea Party members do not stand up over the next two years and allow those in power, regardless of party to continue our path down this socialist republic road, we will be robbing our children of the prosperity granted us through years of American prosperity. This prosperity is the by product of true liberty. We can return to it but we must work together for what is best for our country and our children, not what is politically expedient or politically correct.

Please, exercise your right and civic duty to vote. Vote in an educated manner. Check out the voter's guides at www.clintoncountyteaparty.com and then get involved and write your representatives, call and visit them over the next two years and let them know we are watching and will reward them with our vote if they are truly conservative.

Bryan Siebenaller
President
Clinton County Tea Party

10/12 Meeting Notes

2010-10-13T10:58:00.000-07:00

Joe Roberts was not able to attend our meeting last night, but we read some statements from Mr. Roberts' website. Here is a link if you want to read more about him and his priorities: http://www.robertsforohio.com/jr_priorities.html.

To find out who is on the ballot for every race, as well as links to their websites, and links to some other great voters guides, visit our voters guide at: http://www.clintoncountyteaparty.com/resources/voters_guide.htm.
We started collecting items for "Operation: Thank You". To find out more about this organization and how you can help, visit our "doing good" page here: http://www.clintoncountyteaparty.com/doing_good.htm .

There were no endorsements for Governor, Secretary of State, or Auditor of State from the Ohio Liberty Council. Here were the results from our group (80% needed for endorsement):

Governor:
John Kasich: 66%
Ken Matesz: 17%
No votes: 17%

Secretary of State:
Earl: 42%
Husted: 33%
No votes: 25%
Auditor of State:
Howard: 17%
Yost: 25%
No votes: 58%
For the entire Ohio Liberty Council, here are the votes:

Governors race: no endorsement, not enough people participated in vote

Kasich: 25 votes
Matesz: 0 votes
Spisak: 0 votes
Strickland: 0 votes
Swain: 0 votes

Secretary of State Race, no 7/8ths or participation
Earl: 18 votes
Husted: 6 votes
O’Shaughnessy: 0 votes

Auditor, no 7/8ths or participation
Howard: 0 votes
Pepper: 1 vote
Yost: 19 votes

To see how we are doing with the Ohio Project, click here: http://theohioproject.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=51&Itemid=59

Our next meeting will be Oct. 26th at 7:00 at the Hampton Inn in Wilmington. We will be welcoming David Daniels, candidate for State Senate. For more upcoming events, please visit our events page here: http://www.clintoncountyteaparty.com/events.htm

If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at info@clintoncountyteaparty.com.

Thoughts on our "Meet the Candidates" Night

2010-09-29T11:43:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed very much, listening to the candidates last night. As I sat there observing and listening to these men, I really felt the power that each of us has- finally. We have been upset that our "Representatives" do not and will not listen to us. We are angry that our congressmen and senators DO NOT represent us, and are clearly doing what they want, even though we are strongly saying NO! This IS the moment, this is where, by our vote, we say No to the Democrats . . . No to the Republicans . . . No to this administration! It IS defining, in that, we must choose a new, different representative-such as one of these gentlemen we heard from. Ken Matesz, for example,is a businessman. He studies and teaches the constitution. He knows how our country was originally formatted, and knows that we can live by those guidelines today. He is willing to step up and make the hard choices. I believe it is crucial that we understand the sacrifices we WILL have to make in order to reverse the economic chaos in Ohio. It is crucial that IF we REALLY want to reclaim our country, we must start here. With these men or men like them. We must be willing to make hard choices in our own lives and our families lives, our community, our state, and ultimately, our country. It is time for action. Enough talk. The choice is yours.

Christina Fritz

New "Tea Party Tracker" Website Keeps an Eye on the Tea Party.

2010-09-07T19:47:00.000-07:00

There is a new website out there, http://www.teapartytracker.org/, promising to "monitor racism and other forms of extremism within the tea party movement." According their website, The Tea Party Tracker was founded by the NAACP, Media Matters, Think Progress and New Left Media. And according to Tea Party Patriots http://teapartypatriots.org/ , this website was started by socialist multi-billionaire George Soros.

We will not spend much time defending this attack on the tea party - those of us in the Clinton County Tea Party know that we do not discriminate against anyone. We care about this country and all of its citizens, regardless of race, religion, etc. Instead of trying to constantly defend the wrong actions of a few (none of them in our group), we will continue to focus on what matters - educating the people and standing up for what is right - so that all Americans can have a better future.

The Labor Department using Socialist to Promote Illegal Worker Fair Pay Program

2010-09-01T12:19:00.000-07:00

This is a very disturbing video clip from www.theblaze.com . In it, we not only see how illegal or "undocumented" workers are being protected by our government, but we hear how our children are being taught that "republicans hate Latinos" and we should spread the wealth like in Venezuela. We have provided a link to the video as well as some more information on the items it contains.

First of all, watch the video: http://www.theblaze.com/stories/obama-adm-uses-child-indoctrinating-socialist-to-promote-illegals-pay-program/ .

You may have already seen the video by the labor department directed towards legal and illegal, or undocumented as they call them, telling them about a program to make sure they receive fair pay (they even go on to say they should have safe transportation and housing). If not, watch it here on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3owMAs2t2Fo . You can also visit the Department of Labor's website to see more about the "We Can Help" program at http://www.dol.gov/wecanhelp.

The next part is audio of Dolores Huerta, one of the prominent people in the "We Can Help" ads, speaking at a Tuscon high school in 2006. You will hear her talk about how many CEOs are making too much money and they need to share it like they do in Venezuela (does it sound to you like communism or socialism?). Read more about Venezuela here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venezuela and Hugo Chavez here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugo_chavez ,

Then, to top it all off, she ends her speech by reminding the high schoolers that "Republicans hate Latinos." You can read more about her visit here: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1610739/posts and here: http://tucsoncitizen.com/morgue/2006/04/13/9256-hate-speak-at-school-draws-scrutiny/.

What do you think of all of this? Do you agree that illegal workers should be paid fairly, or should the priority be on returning them to their country. Do you think that we should be more like Venezuela? And do you think that our public schools should be inviting speakers who speak hate speech and immigration propaganda to speak to our children? Most importantly, should our government be using Dolores Huerta as a spokesperson? Let us know what you think, and share any other information on these issues that you may have.

Friends of Liberty Day at Kings Island

2010-08-30T17:18:00.000-07:00

We invite everyone to join liberty groups from Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana at the "Friends of Liberty Day" at Kings Island this Saturday, September 4th from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm. This is a chance for us all to do something fun together. It will also be very informative, as there are guest speakers all day and even some candidate events.

If you will be attending, please let us know so we can set up a meeting place for all of the Clinton County Tea Party folks! To RSVP, send us an email at info@clintoncountyteaparty.com or RSVP on Facebook.

Here is more info (from Chris Littleton, President, Cincinnati Tea Party)

Tickets and Details: http://www.visitkingsisland.com/liberty/ohio/
There is an agenda at Bottom of Description

Over the last year and a half we've done a lot of interesting things, and many times we are lucky enough to be the first tea party group in the nation to try a new idea.

Our Friends of Liberty Day at Kings Island on September 4th is definitely one of those things. We are combining politics with entertainment and education with family fun.
It's not every day you can ride a roller coaster then walk across the park and attend a serious discussion about state sovereignty and constitutional rights. Or, maybe grab a piece of pizza and hear from key candidates in the upcoming election.

So, who would care about such an event?

We believe this is a great opportunity to introduce new families and friends to the tea party movement . It's a safe environment where people can enjoy time with family while taking a peak into the tea party value system.
Its perfect for those busy families who work hard during the week and cherish their weekends with the kids (that's me!). This is their chance!

And, it's a huge savings for these families as well. Regular admission to Kings Island is $49.99, but for Friends of Liberty Day, they are offering tickets for $19.99!

Maybe your sister or brother? Maybe your kids or grandkids? So many people still have no idea about the principles of the tea party. What are we about? What do we believe?
There are many times when someone hears that I am a tea party supporter, and they look at me funny and ask - you? But, you seem so normal. And my response is, yes, we are all pretty normal people. We are just regular Americans concerned about our country.
Let's show those people - they are tea party people too.
This is your opportunity to invite them to a wonderful event where they can be informed and have a great time. This is your opportunity to make a difference by inviting just one person to join you in changing the future of our state and nation.
Please print this flyer and pass out to friends and family at work, church, school or anywhere else. Everyone is invited!

Flyer: http://www.visitkingsisland.com/liberty/ohio/
Tickets: http://www.visitkingsisland.com/liberty/ohio/
Or call Kings Island at 513-754-5700.

A detailed agenda for the day is below. We look forward to seeing you for this tea party first!
For general information - no proceeds from ticket sales go to the Cincinnati Tea Party. This is not a fundraiser, just a great time with like minded people.
Chris Littleton

President, Cincinnati Tea Party

President and Co-Founder, Ohio Liberty Council

Agenda:
10am-10pm - Park open to everyone for rides and attractions

1pm-4:30pm - Private Picnic Area - Friends of Liberty BBQ Lunch

-Featured Speaker: Brian Thomas of 55KRC

-Friends of Liberty from all over Ohio, Kentucky and Ohio to attend

4:30pm-4:45pm - International Showplace Amphitheater - What is the Tea Party Movement?

- Brief overview of Tea Party movement for general public

5pm-7:15pm - Peanuts Playhouse Amphitheater - The Nation Speaks

- Traditional tea party speakers

- Speakers from Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky along with Americans for Prosperity

- Topics vary, but mostly citizen speakers

5pm-7:15pm - Kings Island Theater - Issues Affecting Ohioans

- This is for advanced Tea Partiers only. Serious content!

- Ohio Freedom Alliance: Economic and Monetary Policy

- 1851 Center for Constitutional Law: Ohio, US Constitution and State Sovereignty

- Buckeye Institute: Solutions for Ohio

7:30pm-8:45pm - Festhaus - Dinner with the Candidates - Sponsored by Ohio Tea Party PAC

- Various Statewide and Congressional candidates will be featured

- Seth Morgan to moderate

9pm - Eiffel Tower Concert Stage - Closing Concert and Fireworks

- Closing comments

- Jordan Page Musical Concert and the best Tea Party anthem - "Liberty"

- Fireworks

Tickets

- $0 for Season Pass holders

- $19.99 for General Admission ($49.99 regular Kings Island admission at the door)

- Friends of Liberty Lunch: $9.99 for adults, $6.99 for kids

- All ticket proceeds go directly to Kings Island. This is not a fundraiser.

The Tea Party influence is fading???

2010-08-27T09:52:00.000-07:00

Not according to voters on both ends of the country. Tea party backed candidates in Alaska and Florida are both expected to win their August 24th primary races pending final certification of results.
Rick Scott defeated the Republican Party backed candidate, Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum, and former congressman, in the primary race for Florida Governor.
Joe Miller is poised to win the Republican primary for the Alaska Senate seat held by the eight year incumbent Lisa Murkowski. If Murkowski is defeated she will become the third incumbent senator to be defeated by Tea Party backed primary candidates.

Even Senator John McCain, who won his primary bid, had to spend $21 million dollars and adopt a more conservative stance in order to defeat his conservative opponent former Rep. J.D. Hayworth.
The message is clear, the tea party is making a difference and politicians in both parties need to wake up to what the American people are saying. No more politics as usual, no more spending, no more treading on the constitution. We want limited government, fiscal responsibility, free markets, virtue and accountability of those who hold public office, and constitutional adherence.

Read more article 1

Read more article 2

The Tea Party is Growing

2010-08-25T12:43:00.000-07:00

Many talking heads that say the Tea Party is fizzling out, dying off, etc. We beg to differ. In the Clinton County and surrounding areas alone, the Tea Party is growing. Here are some stats that might interest you:

1. The Clinton County tea party started with 12 members in late April of 2010. We now have over 115 members.

2. We had our largest meeting attendance last night, August 24th, with 56 people gathering together at the Wilmington Library.

3. A Tea Party has started in Fayette County and after only a few weeks they have over 170 Facebook friends already.

If you look around, you see more and more "Don't Tread on Me" flags and tea party bumper stickers. This is not a dying movement - it is alive and well. Keep up the fight!!

State Department Funding for Mosque Restorations Abroad

2010-08-25T07:05:00.000-07:00

What happened to separation of church and state? It is convenient for politicians to quote "separation of church and state" (which, by the way, is not in the Constitution... read more about the phrase and where it came from here: http://www.allabouthistory.org/separation-of-church-and-state.htm) when there is a religious issue that they do not want to deal with. Apparently, however, that excuse does not apply to spending American taxpayer dollars to rebuild mosques and other religious houses all over the world.

According to the Washington Post, this year the Obama administration will spend nearly $6 million to restore 63 historic and cultural sites in 55 countries. This money is just part of the total dollars spent from the 2010 Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation. According to the article "Since 2001, the U.S. government has spent almost $26 million on the program to fund about 640 cultural preservation projects in more than 100 countries." The contributions include $76,135 for a 16th century Grand Mosque in Tongxin, China (you know, that country that is taking all of our jobs).

Read the full article here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/24/AR2010082405238.html?hpid=sec-religion

If the government really believed in "separation of church and state" they would not spend our money to rebuild religious houses. So the next time an elected official makes that statement to you, remind them of this.

Study the First Amendment and the Constitution today. Do not let your religious (or any other) freedoms be taken from you. Visit our Constitution page for more information: http://www.clintoncountyteaparty.com/resources/Constitution.htm .

Republicans File Another Petition to Repeal Obamacare

2010-08-15T15:45:00.000-07:00

Republicans have filed another petition that would force the House to vote on repealing Obamacare. This discharge petition was filed by Rep. Wally Herger (R-Calif.) Tuesday. This petition is different from Rep. Steve King’s (R-Iowa) petition, which simply sought to repeal the reform without replacing it with new legislation.

According to an article on Politico.com, Herger’s petition would repeal all of health care reform, including the reconciliation, and replace it with a plan that would go after frivolous medical lawsuits and fund state-run programs for people with pre-existing medical conditions.

Republicans are feeling pressure to continue to fight Obamacare from conservative groups across America. Let's make sure they hear from the Tea Party, too.
Read more about this petition at: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0810/40922.html

Republican Congressman Says Every Bill Should State Its Constitutional Authority

2010-08-13T14:12:00.000-07:00

Rep. John Shadegg (R-Ariz.) says all bills introduced in Congress should include a statement setting forth the specific constitutional authority under which a law is being enacted. This will hopefully force each member to actually abide by the Constitution when passing a new law.

This seems pretty reasonable, considering that if you read the oath that each member of Congress takes, they say they will "...support and defend the Constitution of the United States..." But we know that it is not always the case, and Nancy Pelosi and her liberal colleagues in Washington are ignoring the Constitution more and more.

The bill is still in subcommittee, but we will keep you informed of what happens to it.

Read more about this bill here: http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/70900 .

10 Questions to Ask Your Representatives This Summer

2010-08-11T11:03:00.000-07:00

Congress is coming home for summer "recess."

As they are on the campaign trail taking questions and speaking with you, ask them if they will make commitments to these things - a "Commitment to America":

1. Stop the massive spending that is bankrupting America. Start with no new bailouts. Roll back federal spending to 2007 levels and cap annual spending growth at the rate of inflation plus population growth.

2. Vote for a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution that also requires a 2/3 supermajority to raise taxes.

3. Repeal or defund the government takeover of our health care. Start over with health care reform that is patient centered and reduces - not raises - our health care costs.

4. Repeal the automatic tax increases scheduled for 2011. Vote against increased taxation, including energy taxes and value added taxes.

5. Require "sunset" provisions for every spending program passed and every agency created by Congress.

6. Legislate limits on excessive agency rule making by requiring that Congress vote to approve all major new rules.

7. Demonstrate legislative transparency. Five days in advance of a vote, post online all bills, resolutions and conference reports. Require roll call votes on all measures that spend money.

8. Hold no votes in a "lame duck" session that would increase spending, taxes or regulation. This would include, for example, cap and trade, card check and immigration.

9. Abide by the principle that any law that does not apply to Congress or its staff does not apply to the American people.

10. Provide specific citations from the Constitution for any legislation introduced.

You can read more about the Commitment to America on the Cincinnati Tea Party's blog here: http://cincinnatiteaparty.org/blog/

You can also find 10 similar questions - called the Contract From America - from Freedomworks here: http://www.contractfromamerica.org/ . This has been signed by many candidates for U.S. Congress and Governor all over the U.S. Visit the webpage to see if your representative or candidate has signed it.

Be sure to let us know what they say when you ask these questions!! Leave a comment here or contact us at info@clintoncountyteaparty.com and share your experience with us!!

Contact Your Representative to Vote "NO" on HR1586

2010-08-10T05:50:00.000-07:00

The House is expected to vote on HR1586 - a $26 billion bill supposed to help the states with education and medicare. This is the bill that Nancy Pelosi called representatives back from vacation to vote for. Not only is this bill more spending, but there are other problems with it.

1. This legislation is Unconstitutional because it is a revenue bill and should have started in the House (the bill has already passed in the Senate)
2. They used the shell of HR 1586 which had to do with Aviation and stripped it and replaced it with this spending bill.
3. The purpose of this bill is to give this money to Unions and the unions will use it to get Democrats elected in November; that is why this is so important that Pelosi called everyone back to Washington.

Read more about the bill here: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/08/09/days-decide-democrats-roll-dice-education-aid-vote/. The labor unions plan "an onslaught against those who oppose it". Read more about what the unions plan to do in this article: http://thehill.com/business-a-lobbying/113215-after-jobs-bill-vote-unions-plan-recess-action.

Contact your representative and tell them to vote no on this outrageous spending bill.

For Clinton County, contact Rep. Mike Turner:
Washington, D.C. Office:

1740 Longworth House Office Building,
District of Columbia 20515-3503
Phone: (202) 225-6465
Fax: (202) 225-6754
Dayton Office:
120 West Third Street, Suite 305
Dayton, Ohio 45402
Phone: (937) 225-2843
Fax: (937) 225-2752
Website: turner.house.gov
Click here to contact Representative Turner

If you live outside of Mike Turner's district, please visit Congress.org to contact your representative.

Another Step Towards Socialized Health Care

2010-08-08T13:43:00.001-07:00

Here is yet another way that President Obama and his administration are trying to cram government-run health care down your throat: Dr. Donald Berwick. Dr. Berwick was recess-appointed by President Obamato run Medicare and Medicaid - instead of being confirmed by a committee and the full Senate. And it looks like there will never be an actual confirmation. Read more here: http://cnsnews.com/news/article/70618.

To make matters worse, Dr. Berwick has admitted his love for the British, government-run health care, as well as his belief that successful health care must be accomplished through redistribution of wealth. Listen to and read about his statements here: http://cnsnews.com/news/article/70618 . Just another step on the way to socialized medicine.

Fortunately, we still have a voice in this country and we can stop this health care monstrosity. You can sign the Ohio Project’s petition here to exempt Ohio from Obamacare. You can also vote for conservative, fiscally responsible candidates this November. Inform yourself and take action.

The People are Speaking

2010-08-04T11:24:00.000-07:00

More than 70% of Missouri voters have taken their shot at an increasingly intrusive federal government. By passing Proposition C voters in Missouri changed statutes in their state to prevent the federal government from forcing people to buy health insurance and preventing those who do not buy insurance in Missouri from being penalized.

Tuesday’s vote is being called “largely symbolic” by the associated press. This statement is only true if we buy into unlimited federal power. The associated press says that it is largely a symbolic vote because “federal law generally trumps state law.” This statement shows absolutely no constitutional knowledge and is the result of a century if exponential growth in federal power.

While the supremacy clause of the constitution is used to prevent state law from contradicting federal law, there are powers that just do not belong to the federal government. Nowhere does the constitution give the federal government the power to force us to purchase any good or control our healthcare system. The tenth amendment reserves all powers not specifically given the federal government for the states and the people.

Amendment 10 - Powers of the States and People. Ratified 12/15/1791.
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
The associated press, as mentioned before, shows no understanding of this concept. Government is not the solution to every problem. We are all better off when government gets out of our way and simply does the job of protecting our rights. It is up to us to try to improve our own lives.
The people of Missouri have challenged the federal government. The people of Arizona have done the same through their representatives on the issue of immigration policy. The federal government has sued Arizona citing the supremacy clause of the constitution. Missouri should be prepared for the same shameful behavior from those appointed by our elected officials. So much for keeping their oath to uphold and defend the constitution.

Bryan Siebenaller

Do you have a question?

2010-05-21T11:53:00.000-07:00

One of the goals of the Clinton County Tea Party is to educate the electorate.

One of the ways we will do that is hosting debates and inviting candidates to speak with us and answer our questions. This gives the candidates a chance to convey their thoughts and positions to us in person, and gives us the opportunity to ask them about the issues that are important to us.

But first, we want to hear from you! What questions would you like to ask your candidates for state and national House and Senate, Secretary of State, Governor, or any other elected office? Do you have specific questions for specific candidates?

Please leave a comment on this blog with a question you would like to ask any of our candidates that may speak to us in the future. You may also do this by visiting our Facebook page under "Discussions" (or click this link http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=119341814744469&topic=137 ) to post your questions there. We will also be discussing this at our next Tea Party meeting June 3rd.

Thanks for sharing with us! We appreciate your input!

Hillary Clinton and the UN Small Arms Treaty

2010-05-19T19:32:00.000-07:00

If you are a gun owner, or even just believe in the 2nd amendment, this story concerns you. The Obama administration, through Hillary Clinton, is supporting the UN's "Small Arms Treaty". The Treaty is described as as legislation to help in the fight against “terrorism,” “insurgency” and “international crime syndicates", but it may affect your right to own firearms. If nothing else, it will probably add more red tape for law-abiding citizens who want to arm and protect themselves. That is not what the Tea Party and America want - we want limited government, not more bureaucracy.

Here are some articles to help you find out more about this Treaty:

None of the major news outlets, as far as we know, are covering this story. Do a Google search for "UN Small Arms Treaty" under "news" and you will probably not find anything.

What you can do...

The Congress must approve all treaties, so you can call your congressman and tell them to vote against it.
There is even a petition against this treaty that you can sign: http://www.nagr.org/UNpetition1.aspx?pid=1
Learn more about the treaty and make an informed decision on what you think is right. Many resources/ links are provided in this article.

According to the UN website, they are not trying to take away our gun rights. Read their statement here: http://www.un.org/events/smallarms2006/pdf/SettingRecordStraight.pdf

Articles like this one: http://www.undispatch.com/node/9553 will tell you that the government is not trying to take away your guns and there is nothing to worry about.

What do you think - will this treaty be agreed to by the U.S.? Will it hurt your 2nd amendment rights? Will it help stop the bad guys? Tell us your thoughts!

"A Message From the Tea Party"

2010-05-19T12:04:00.000-07:00

These were the words of Rand Paul of Kentucky after his victory Tuesday night over Trey Grayson, the Secretary of State and establishment-endorsed candidate, for the Republican Senate Candidacy. He went on to say that the message from the Tea Party was "A message that is loud and clear and does not mince words: We have come to take our government back."

That is what the Tea Party movement is all about. Putting our nation back on the right track. Getting our country back from Obama, Reid, Pelosi and the other liberals. Getting our spending under control and lowering our debt. Getting the government out of every single aspect of our lives and getting some freedom back.

Last night we had some victories. But we cannot rest with those and be content. We still have to get the House and Senate back in true conservative hands. We have some good, fiscally conservative candidates now, but the Liberals are going to fight, and we have to fight harder.

Now we know that we can make a difference in the November 2010 election. But it will take every single one of us stepping out of our comfort zones, speaking loud and clear, standing up for what is right, and doing what we must do to get victory.

If you have not already joined a Tea Party or 912 Project, please do so today. If you are a member of one of these organizations, be as involved as you can.

To join the Clinton County Tea Party, visit our Membership page on our website at http://www.clintoncountyteaparty.com/membership.htm . If you live outside of Clinton County, you can find a local Tea Party by visiting the Tea Party Patriots website at http://www.teapartypatriots.org/. For the 912 Project, visit http://www.the912project.com/. If your area does not have a Tea Party or 912 Project, start one yourself!

Remember, when we stand together, we can do anything!

Can the Tea Party really make a difference?

2010-05-09T13:31:00.000-07:00

Depending on what news article you are reading, you will hear that the Tea Party movement is having no or little effect on the election, and in other cases we have pushed our candidates to the tops of the ballots.

According to these articles, we are all just making a bunch of noise:

Some think we may have a chance:

But recent defeats like Bob Bennett in Utah:

Senator Bob Bennett Loses Nomination Bid in GOP Primary

And smaller victories in Ohio:

Tea Party: Statewide losses, local gains

show that we do have some power to change things, when we stand together and make our voices heard.

So what do you think? Can this "Tea Party Movement" really do anything? Are we just a bunch of frustrated people looking to vent our dissatisfaction? Should we even bother?

Here's what some wise men might say in response to these questions:

"You and I have a rendezvous with destiny. We will preserve for our children this, the last best hope of man on earth, or we will sentence them to take the first step into a thousand years of darkness. If we fail, at least let our children and our children's children say of us we justified our brief moment here. We did all that could be done. "
- Ronald Reagan

“Determine never to be idle. No person will have occasion to complain of the want of time who never loses any. It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing.”
- Thomas Jefferson

"Our country is in danger, but not to be despaired of. Our enemies are numerous and powerful; but we have many friends, determining to be free, and heaven and earth will aid the resolution. On you depend the fortunes of America. You are to decide the important question, on which rest the happiness and liberty of millions yet unborn. Act worthy of yourselves."
- Joseph Warren, Boston Massacre Oration , 1775

Do not be dismayed, do not believe them when they tell you that you cannot make a difference... Got out there and stand up for what is right. Join a Tea Party, 912 Project group, or just become more involved with your local and national government. Your children (and your grandchildren) will thank you for it.

The Beauty of the Tea Party

2010-04-27T19:41:00.001-07:00

Many people across the country, over the last year, have become party of the Tea Party movement. According to Wikipedia “On February 19, 2009, in a broadcast from the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, CNBC Business News editor Rick Santelli criticized the government plan to refinance mortgages, which had just been announced the day before. He said that those plans were, "promoting bad behavior," by, "subsidizing losers' mortgages." He suggested holding a tea party for traders to gather and dump the derivatives in the Chicago river on July 1. A number of the derivative traders around him cheered on his proposal, to the apparent amusement of the hosts in the studio. Video of Santelli's 'rant' went viral after it received a "red siren" headline on the news aggregation website, Drudge Report. “ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea_Party_movement
There is a wonderful thing happening in this country as a result of patriots long ago and Mr. Santelli’s “rant.” People are rediscovering our political process and republican government. People are getting involved for the first time. People are educating themselves and each other on the exceptional history of this country.
No civilization in the history of the world has been able to sustain our form of government, limited government, government of the people, for the people, by the people, as long as we have. No civilization has ever prospered as quickly with such a diverse population as we have. No civilization has ever been the hope of the world as we have.

People risk everything they have to come to this country. Even as our congress continues to refuse to assert its duty to be a check on the executive and judicial branches, as our congress passes its powers to the executive branch for ease and expediency, as our executive branch erodes liberties and ignores the will of the peoples’ representatives when legislation fails through executive orders and continued disregard for the Framers’ meaning in the constitution, people come. Beginning with the Founders and Framers who pledged, risked and in many times lost their property, fortunes and lives in the pursuit of a country where all men are equal under the law and where those who are free, prosper of their own industriousness and ingenuity. People from all corners of the earth saw the light and hope that was and is the United States of America and they continue to risk everything to taste that hope and freedom.

An electorate with an understanding of republican government, its strengths and weaknesses, the reason for its selection by the Framers is a very powerful and beautiful thing. I cannot help but think that it will force the government, citizens just like you and I, chosen to represent us, to remember who they are working for. It will help us restore our elected positions as places of honor rather than places of profit. It is our duty and civic responsibility to educate and involve ourselves in the political process of the country so many strive to enter and so many have fought to establish and keep. In short, an increasingly involved citizenry will increase our liberties. There is nothing in the history of the world more beautiful, sought after and paid for by any higher cost than that.

Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010

2010-04-27T07:11:00.000-07:00

Republican lawmakers stuck together Monday in preventing a massive financial regulatory bill from proceeding in the Senate, despite efforts by Democrats to portray the GOP as supporters of Wall Street -- not Main Street.

In a key test vote Monday evening on bill, all Republican senators -- and one Democrat -- voted to block floor debate on the legislation, sending both sides back to the negotiating table.

It is not enough that they have taken over the auto, banking and health industries, now the Obama administration wants the rest of the financial sector and the power to shut down businesses that are a threat to the economy. WHO IS DEFINING THE THREAT?

This Bill may be dead for now, but we all know from Health Care that anything can happen, no matter how loud the people say "NO!".

We have included links below from different sources that provide different viewpoints, so you can inform yourself and make educated decisions. One thing we all must keep in mind is that a free market is just that - free. Free from government over-regulation, and also not at the expense of taxpayers, who will foot the bill for this if enacted.

Related links:
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/04/26/dems-eager-test-gop-wall-st-showdown/
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/04/26/financial.reform.faq/index.html
http://atr.org/taxpayers-lose-under-dodd-shelby-financial-a4834#
http://www.congress.org/congressorg/issues/bills/?billnum=S.3217&congress=111&size=full
http://www.congress.org/congressorg/webreturn/?url=http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:S.3217:

Beware of the "Tea Party Values" logo

2010-04-25T17:27:00.000-07:00

Many candidates claim to have "Tea Party Values" , but according to some recent news articles (read below to see some highlights), that may not always be true. From the Clinton County Tea Party to everyone out there: educate yourselves!! Research every candidate - What are their voting / performance records? What is their business/ community background? Are the things that their opponent says about them true? See for yourself if they really hold the values that you believe to be important in a candidate. That is our goal - not to tell you who to vote for - we urge you to become informed!

Here are some highlights from recent news:

The tea party movement is making a difference and some politicians are trying to capitalize on the tea party's popularity. An article from the Ohio Free Press states "It was the recognition of an unusually large number of people running for State Central Committee that motivated ORP Chairman DeWine to issue “slate cards” endorsing the people he wanted on his governing board, in what appears to be violation of party rules and state election law. The Ohio Election Commission has determined that there is “probable cause” and has scheduled a hearing for the full OEC of the case..."

The article goes on to say "Recent unethical actions of some Republican primary candidates utilizing a pseudo TEA Party symbol to mislead voters on mailers and flyers, has caused numerous TEA Party groups throughout the state to compile its own list of authentic candidates. This list of candidates are men and women who are actually associated with various TEA Party organizations. This list includes TEA Party organizers, TEA Party participants, or incumbents who appear to have a conservative voting record which reflects the true TEA Party values, including fiscal responsibility. TEA Party members have been forced to compile this list to prevent the disingenuous candidates from misleading the voters into thinking there were actually associated with the movement."
A similar article on Cincinnati.com describes how the GOP is trying to keep tea party acitivists out of Central Committee positions. The article states "It's the natural thing to do,'' said John McClelland, communications director for the Ohio Republican Party. "The Ohio House Republican caucus supports its incumbents. So does the Senate caucus. And so does the party."

Take the time to do some research and decide for yourself!

Secretary of State’s Ruling to Block Ohioans From Voting on Amendment Will be Challenged in Ohio Supreme Court

2010-04-24T21:21:00.000-07:00

Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner and the Ohio Ballot Board rejected a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at protecting Ohioans from the financial burdens and individual mandates of forthcoming federal health care regulations on Friday by ruling that the measure must be split into two parts. This decision would force the Ohio Liberty Council, sponsor of the proposed amendment, to restart the language approval process and collect two sets of 402,275 signatures by June 30. Read the full article here: http://www.ohiolibertycouncil.org/?p=2033

Majority of Union Workers are government workers rather than private-sector employees

2010-04-24T21:14:00.000-07:00

"For the first time in American history, a majority of union members are government workers rather than private-sector employees" according to a New York Times report.
Andy Stern the president of the 2.2 million-member Service Employees International Union (SIEU) is the most frequent outside visitor to the White House and helped shape health-care legislation. Remember the $60 billion backroom giveaway where the Democrats agreed to extend special exemption from the Cadillac tax to any health plan that is part of a collective-bargaining agreement until 2018. Any of the rest of us that have a higher-end plan will start paying the tax in 2013.
Administration policies are creating more and more government union jobs. Private-sector unions workers are getting special treatment by the Administration and the Democrats. So who will these union voters be indebted too?
Founding Fathers on the issue...

“If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or your arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains set lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen.” Samuel Adams
“When the people find they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the republic.”

Benjamin Franklin

Government Pay exceeds Private Sector Pay

2010-04-24T21:12:00.000-07:00

According to a USA Today report federal workers earned an average of$67,691 in 2008 compared to $60,046 average pay for the same mix of jobs in the private sector. According to a Washington Times report there will be 2.15 million federal employees this year. topping the 2 million mark for the first time since President Clinton declared that "the era of big government is over".
So let's break this down. We've got more federal workers than ever and they make a lot more than their private sector counterparts. This at a time when everyone else is tightening their belts and cutting back. Does anyone else see the sad irony of this?
What does Thomas Jefferson have to say on the matter? "Let the general government [federal government] be reduced to foreign concerns only, and let our nations affairs be disentangled from those of other nations, except to commerce, which the merchants will manage the better, the more they are left to manage for themselves, and our general government may be reduced to a very simple organization, and a very inexpensive one; a few plain duties to be performed by a few servants" (Bergh, Writings of Thomas Jefferson, 10:168)

The Ohio Project: Health Care Freedom Amendment

2010-04-20T21:23:00.000-07:00

This site is for anyone who wants to sign the Health Care Reform Freedom Amendment which aims to nullify the Obama-care mandate. We're too short on time and do not have a warchest of funds. Technology is the only route we have to successfully achieve the 500,000 signatures we need to place the amendment on the November 2010 ballot. Sign it today! To sign the petition or for more information, visit the Ohio Project website at http://www.theohioproject.com/