Alabama Republican Assembly

Initiative and Referendum

2008-03-03T13:29:00.000-08:00

In his address to the 1912 Ohio constitutional convention Theodore Roosevelt told delegates, "the initiative and referendum should be used, not as substitutes for representative government, but as methods of making such government really representative. Action by the initiative or referendum ought not to be the normal way of legislation; but the power to take it should be provided in the constitution, so that if the representatives fail truly to represent the people on some matter of sufficient importance to rouse popular interest, then the people shall have in their hands the facilities to make good the failure."

I think most Alabamians would say that our legislature has failed to represent us on numerous matters.

Would you like to comment on this? Is is a certainly that we cannot trust our legislature in its present makeup to put the will of the people over their own self interest.

Guns best crime deterrent after all

2008-03-01T11:58:00.000-08:00

By Bob Unruh
© 2008 WorldNetDaily

When sexual assaults started rising in Orlando, Fla., in 1986, police officers noticed women were arming themselves, so they launched a firearms safety course for them. Over the next 12 months, sexual assaults plummeted by 88 percent, burglaries fell by 25 percent and not one of the 2,500 women who took the course fired a gun in a confrontation.

And that, says a new brief submitted to the U.S. Supreme Court by police officers and prosecutors in a controversial gun-ban dispute, is why gun ownership is important and should be available to individuals in the United States.

The arguments come in an amicus brief submitted by the Law Enforcement Alliance of America, whose spokesman, Ted Deeds, told WND there now are 92 different law enforcement voices speaking together to the Supreme Court in the Heller case.

For more of this story, click here. What do you think? Post your comments below.

Jefferson County to Creditors: We're Broke!

2008-02-29T06:32:00.000-08:00

From the Birmingham News:

Jefferson County told creditors in a filing Thursday night that it could offer no assurances it can meet its sewer debt obligations.

In two securities disclosure documents, the county said:

Soaring interest rates mean it may not be able to make payments on $3.2 billion in sewer bonds.

It may not be able to post $184 million in collateral required when credit-rating agencies lowered the grade for its interest-rate swap agreements.

Its sewer debt service reserve fund was now underfunded because of the credit downgrade, and the county could not guarantee it could properly fund or insure it.

Read the rest of the article here.

Editor's Note: Let this be a lesson to politicians who mortgage our children's future for their present political pleasure.

"Double-Dipper" Terry Spicer Rams through Bill to Protect His own Job

2008-02-28T05:48:00.000-08:00

MONTGOMERY - On disputed voice votes Wednesday, a state lawmaker who works for a community college rammed through for final legislative action a bill that would give legislators power to overturn state school board rules for two-year colleges.

The action by Rep. Terry Spicer, D-Elba, an employee of Ozark-Enterprise Community College, drew harsh words from some committee members. They charged Spicer with ignoring repeated pleas for roll call votes and then using his position as acting chairman to declare the outcome of each vote in favor of the legislation.

"I'm not very pleased with the way this committee meeting went," said Rep. Mike Ball, R-Huntsville. Ball sat next to Spicer during the meeting and at one point jumped from his chair and, leaning toward Spicer, waved his hands and arms repeatedly asking Spicer for a roll call vote. Spicer ignored the move.
For the complete story click here

Note: This is an outrage! The very legislators who abuse the system are trying to take over control so they can continue to use the system for their and/or their family's financial gain. This is a perfect example of the fox watching the hen house. Republicans are preparing for a floor fight. We need to make our voices known by calling our representatives and insisting that this bill be defeated. The first thing the legislature will do if it passes is to reverse the ban on legislators working for the two year system passed by the state school board last year.

What do you think about this? Post your opinions!

The More Things "Change"...

2008-02-27T09:12:00.000-08:00

Legislators do not expect convention bill to pass

2008-02-27T08:57:00.000-08:00

MONTGOMERY -- Although many state legislators agree that Alabama's 1901 Constitution is antiquated and should be replaced, they do not expect a bill allowing voters to decide whether they want a convention to rewrite the document to pass this year.
Click here for full article

Rush on McCain

2008-02-19T15:38:00.001-08:00

McCain: Surprisingly Liberal.

2008-02-19T15:11:00.000-08:00

If and when Senator John McCain finally receives the GOP nomination for President, the cattle call will sound and all Republicans will be expected to file behind the lead elephant. The alternative, we are told, will be much worse: perhaps a Hillary administration.

But as this ad shows, much of what conservatives fear from Hillary holds true for Senator McCain.

Jefferson County: $4.6 billion in the hole

2008-02-19T14:51:00.000-08:00

“Shhhhh. Someone might find out!”

The Birmingham News recently reported that many Jefferson County Commissioners don’t want their colleagues to discuss county finances publicly because it might “rattle” investors. Jefferson County has the distinction of being $4.6 billion in debt, 43% of this debt carrying variable interest rates—you know, the kind responsible for sinking the housing market and triggering our present recession.

Naturally, few in government want this news to get out. People may get the idea that one county racking up $ billions in debt and charging it to future generations may be bad economic policy for the present time as well.

Investors know that a county close to $5 billion in debt will eventually have no choice in the future but to raise taxes—substantially. And when local governments need more revenue, they tax businesses first. But the problem with raising taxes (especially on businesses) is that it drives businesses and residents away, thereby hurting the overall tax base.

Businessmen have longer memories than politicians, and a much better grasp of history. That is why people always beat their governments. If they can’t find loopholes, they create them. If they don’t have enough clout in government to create them, they vote with their feet. No people, no taxes.

But Jefferson County does not have a revenue problem anymore than a compulsive gambler has a revenue problem.

The only long-term solution for any failed government is to drastically cut spending, privatize (and preferably eliminate) government services where possible, and cut—not raise—taxes. Cutting taxes and spending is the biggest draw for investors Jefferson County could make.

In his book, For Good and Evil: The Impact of Taxes on the Course of Civilization, historian Charles Adams points out that virtually every struggling government in history became successful and prosperous when it drastically lowered taxes. But the flip side is also true throughout history: every prosperous government that raised taxes weakened and ultimately collapsed.

The Jefferson County Commission must take drastic measures to save the county from inevitable bankruptcy. I suggest turning the county into a “tax haven” in the South. For it is certain that if the Commission does not act, Jefferson County will become a desert island.

From the archive (1999)

2008-02-13T20:08:00.000-08:00

Friends,

I found this going through some old papers...

1999

Hold on to your Wallet!
The U.S. Taxpayer Copes With “Fuzzy English”

By Matthew Chancey

There have been several new words tossed around in Washington, D.C., in recent years that warrant a proper definition and consequent warning to the U.S. taxpayer.

Most Americans believe that politicians lie. But what might surprise some folks is that most politicians don’t lie; they simply don’t use the same vocabulary as 99.9% of their constituents. Call it “fuzzy English,” if you will. Politicians love to twist the meaning of words so that no matter what they say, their statements will tickle the ears of any audience—regardless of the hearers’ political opinions. In one sense, this little game of semantical gymnastics is lying, because its underlying purpose is to deceive people on the true meaning of a politician’s words. But as far as making the statement, “Read my lips…” most politicians are not that daring.

Republicans and Democrats alike engage in this “fuzzy English,” although they might at times use a different dialect. The following are examples and definitions of several words and phrases commonly used by politicians:

“Compassionate”— When a conservative politician says he’s “compassionate,” this does not mean he has a personal soft spot for spotted owls. It means that he is going to spend your money for spotted owl preservation. A “compassionate conservative” is usually a socialist-lite who has no desire to eliminate social welfare programs, but wants to use them to promote certain conservative “ideals”.

“Local Control”— When a politician in Washington says he is supportive of “local control” for X, it does not necessarily mean he supports the elimination of any federal department or program. He simply means that he will keep the federal program, but allow states and communities to have more input over how the money is spent. This view holds that too much red tape—not the federal government—is the problem. These politicians do not subscribe to the view articulated by Sen. Eugene McCarthy, who said that “an efficient bureaucracy is the greatest threat to liberty.”

“Responsible”— In politics, the word “responsible” means “more.” To call for “responsible” gun laws means to call for more gun control. To call for “responsible” banking laws, means to call for more banking regulations. Under no circumstances does “responsible” mean “more efficient.”

“Affordable”— When a politician says he wants to make X more “affordable,” he means he wants the government to subsidize it in some form or fashion. It never means that federal regulations or meddling will be reduced or eliminated to lower prices.

“Investment”— A very popular word among liberal politicians. A call for more “investment” in, say, education is not an encouragement for taxpayers to take out an education IRA for their grandchildren. It means that the government must spend more on education. Note: this word never refers to private investments of any kind.

“Reform”— When a politician says he will fight for “X Reform,” it means that more money will be spent on X and more regulations will be enacted no matter what type of legislation is proposed. “Reform” is never equated with “elimination” in Washington.

“Partnership”— When a politician says he wants to form a “partnership” between the government and X, he is saying that he wants the government to control X in some manner. It does not mean that he wants to assist X or share input with X.

“Reasonable” and "Common Sense"

If a politician says he favors “reasonable” this or “common sense" that, it is almost always used to modify the words “regulations” or “restrictions.” A politician uses the words “reasonable” and “common sense” to make anyone who dares to oppose him seem “un”-reasonable and “lacking” in common sense.

“Fair”— Another favorite of all politicians. “Fair” is usually used in the context of what a politician thinks you deserve. For instance, the rich are taxed more than the poor because it’s “fair.” Taxpayer-funded education loans are given to poor students because it’s “fair.” Certain minorities get special hiring privileges because it’s “fair.” Under no circumstances does “fair” mean “just” in politics.

“Surplus”— In the corporate world, if an employee takes more money from his employer than is stated in his contract, we call it “embezzlement.” In Washington, it’s called “surplus.”

This is just a sampling of the “fuzzy English” you will hear in our nation’s capital.
For those finding the above confusing or hard to follow, the best advice this writer can give is to hide your kids, plug your ears, and hold on to your wallets when
a politician opens his mouth.

RON PAUL ENDORSED BY THE ALABAMA REPUBLICAN ASSEMBLY

2008-01-31T19:30:00.000-08:00

Texas Congressman also wins organization’s public straw poll

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: ELAINE LITTLE 205-663-0525

BIRMINGHAM, January 26—The Alabama Republican Assembly today announced the winner of its Presidential Endorsing Convention held on January 26, 2008 at the Birmingham Marriott.

Delegates from ALRA clubs around the state attended the endorsing convention to select their choice for the Republican nomination. The ALRA requires a 2/3rds majority to endorse a candidate, otherwise no endorsement is made.

Republican Ron Paul succeeded in winning the ALRA endorsement on the 1st round of voting. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee came in second.

“We congratulate Ron Paul on winning the ALRA endorsement,” said Elaine Little, Chairman of the Endorsing Convention. “It’s evident that the overwhelming majority of delegates determined that Congressman Paul best represents the Republican platform and the conservative values of limited government and personal freedom.”

Little went on to explain that in a crowded field of several candidates, it’s unusual that an endorsement would be won on the first ballot.

The ALRA hosted a corresponding straw poll that was open to the public while the endorsing convention was taking place. The winner of the straw poll, with 81% of total votes cast was Ron Paul, with Mike Huckabee coming in second with 13% and Mitt Romney in third with 6%

“Ron Paul’s grassroots support is second to none among all other republican campaigns this cycle,” stated attorney Tom Davis, Vice President of the ALRA and delegate to the endorsing convention. “The results of our straw poll parallel the results in most straw polls throughout the country. Ron Paul has clearly excited many new people and energized them to get involved in the political process. The Republican Party should be grateful for all the ‘new blood’ coming in as a result of Congressman Paul’s message of freedom and returning to the Constitution.”

The Alabama Republican Assembly is a grass-roots volunteer organization chartered by the National Federation of Republican Assemblies. The NFRA was founded in 1997 to promote conservative values and principles in the Republican Party.

Ronald Reagan referred to the NFRA as “the conscience if the Republican Party.”

##

The 2008 ALRA Presidential Endorsing Convention

2008-01-04T09:15:00.000-08:00

The Alabama Republican Assembly 2008 Presidential Endorsing Convention and Straw Poll is to be held Saturday, January 26th, 2008 at the Marriott Hotel in Birmingham, located just south of the intersection of I-459 and US 280.

The endorsing convention will begin promptly at 10 am and should conclude by 12:00 noon. All dues-paying members of the Alabama Republican Assembly as of 12/26/07 shall be eligible to vote in this important convention.

Conference registration is only the amount of your 2008 dues plus $5.00. thus it is $25 per person or $15 per additional person in a household such as a spouse or eligible child. Since 2008 dues are due in January, this would cover your dues for the year, plus support for the convention.

In addition to the endorsing convention, we will host a concurrent straw poll at the Marriott that will be open to all registered voters in Alabama. Straw poll tickets will be sold for $20 a piece at the door. ALRA delegates will receive a complementary ballot with their registration. The straw poll will open at 10am and close at 11:30am. The results of the straw poll will be announced at the conclusion of the convention.

As we near the February 5th “Super Tuesday” primary in Alabama, top conservative Republican grassroots activists in the state (i.e. you) need to make their Presidential preference known to rank and file Republican voters. This endorsing convention provides you with an opportunity to do just that.

A press release announcing the results of the endorsing convention and straw poll will be released following the meeting.

As a bonus, we have invited Senator Jeff Sessions to address the convention on the very dangerous “Law of the Sea” treaty. Senator Sessions is fast emerging as on of the most important conservative voices in the US Senate. After taking a very principled stand against the Democrats and the Whitehouse on illegal immigration, Sessions is now taking on a treaty that threatens to turn over most of the world’s surface to the United Nations and impose a direct tax on the United States.

Please make it a priority to attend this important endorsing a convention. The year 2008 will be a momentous one in America’s political history. Let’s do our part in letting our voices be heard! Below is a registration form if needed.

Rudy: A Real Conservative?

2007-10-16T21:59:00.000-07:00

Rudy Giuliani is running right now as a conservative. But as this video shows, he's equally capable of running as a liberal...

Ron Paul Wins Second Alabama Straw Poll in a Row

2007-10-14T05:55:00.000-07:00

From the Birmingham News:

GOP hopeful Paul wins local straw poll

Sunday, October 14, 2007
PATRICK HICKERSON
News staff writer

Ron Paul won the Jefferson County Republican Party's presidential straw poll Saturday at the Birmingham Zoo, with supporters casting more than half of the votes collected.

Paul, a Republican congressman from Texas, took about 57 percent of the vote with 115 ballots.

Read the rest of the article here.

Once upon a time....

2007-10-09T07:30:00.001-07:00

Why James Dobson will vote 3rd Party if Giuliani gets the GOP nomination...

2007-10-03T09:20:00.000-07:00

Land of the Free? 70-year-old woman arrested for having a brown lawn.

2007-09-19T13:13:00.001-07:00

A 70-year-old great grandmother was arrested, cuffed, and jailed for having a brown lawn. She was charged with "resisting arrest." Read this article. Look at the picture of the woman. Does she look like she needed to be handcuffed and jailed? And for what? Not watering her lawn?

Our Founding Fathers would be horrified to learn that the American they fought and died to establish is now arresting old women for "turf abuse."

God help America.

NEWSFLASH: RON PAUL WINS ALABAMA STRAW POLL

2007-08-19T07:33:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: August 19, 2007
CONTACT: Matt Chancey

TUSCALOOSA, Al. Congressman Ron Paul of Texas walked away with a surprising victory at an Alabama Republican Straw Poll in Tuscaloosa today, picking up 216 votes out of the 266 cast (81%). The straw poll, sponsored by the West Alabama Republican Assembly, was open to all Alabamians of voting age. Voters from all corners of the state attended the event held at the Bryant Conference Center.

“This event was open to all Republican Presidential Candidates,” said DeWayne Fowler, President of the West Alabama Republican Assembly. “All campaigns were contacted. And Ron Paul’s campaign clearly wins the award for most grassroots enthusiasm.”

Mitt Romney’s campaign picked up 14 votes (5%), and Duncan Hunter came in third at 10 votes (4%).

Fowler emphasized that the Republican Assembly was not endorsing candidates, but the poll represented the choice of those attending the straw poll. “In addition to Ron Paul, we had representatives from Mitt Romney’s campaign, as well as Fred Thompson, Mike Huckabee and a surprise showing, via conference call from Duncan Hunter.”

“This was clearly a victory for Ron Paul’s organization,” said Matt Chancey, President of the Alabama Republican Assembly. “This event was an opportunity for campaigns to flex their grassroots muscle. No one paid these people to show up. No major network advertised this event. The people who showed up today wanted to be here.”

The Alabama Republican Assembly is affiliated with the National Federation of Republican Assemblies, a membership-based organization that prides itself as being the “Republican Wing of the Republican Party.” “We’re strong, limited government, Ronald Reagan conservatives,” said Fowler, who says his group hopes to host more straw polls in the future. “We hope that in future elections, we’ll attract as much attention as the Iowa straw poll.”

Iowa Straw Poll Results

2007-08-11T18:50:00.000-07:00

1. Mitt Romney: 4,516 (31.6%)
2. Mike Huckabee: 2,587 (18.1%)
3. Sam Brownback: 2,192 (15.3%)
4. Tom Tancredo: 1,960 (13.7%)
5. Ron Paul: 1,305 (9.1%)
6. Tommy Thompson: 1,039 (7.3%)
7. Fred Thompson: 203 (1.4%)
8. Rudy Giuliani: 183 (1.3%)
9. Duncan Hunter: 174 (1.2%)
10. John McCain: 101 (0.7%)
11. John Cox 41: (0.3%)

Hunter tops Thompson-- misses NFRA endorsement by 2%

2007-08-10T16:01:00.000-07:00

(St. Louis, MO) The National Federation of Republican Assemblies, who calls themselves the "Republican Wing of the Republican Party," held a straw poll at its convention in St. Louis last weekend and California Congressman Duncan Hunter exceeded all expectations. Hunter missed receiving the official endorsement of the Assemblies by a couple of percentage points. After seven rounds of voting by the endorsement committee of the organization, Hunter received 64.8 percent of the balloting, less than two percent of the two thirds vote needed. After seven ballots, Fred Thompson was the only other candidate considered.

After the general Assemblies vote, convention delegates were charged with making a formal endorsement of one candidate. Their rules required that the delegates cast their votes while in session for candidates that they wish to endorse. Only candidates receiving more than 15% of the delegate's votes in the first round of voting in the second session were considered for endorsement. After that vote, only Hunter and Fred Thompson received more than 15% of the delegate's votes. After the seventh and final round of voting Hunter had 64.8 percent support, less than two percentage points short of the needed vote. Thompson had 35.2 percent. The assemblies made no endorsement.

Editor's note: During the first round of delegate voting, Ron Paul received the third highest number of votes-- even beating Mitt Romney. Moreover, at least 50 Ron Paul supporters from the St. Louis area showed up on Saturday to hear Dr. Rand Paul (Ron Paul's son) speak to the NFRA delegates. Although clearly the underdog, Ron Paul clearly wins the award for grassroots energy in my opinion.

West Alabama Republican Assembly Presidential Straw Poll

2007-07-23T10:39:00.000-07:00

Make your plans to attend the
2008
PRESIDENTIAL
PREFERENCE
STRAW POLL

Sponsored by the:
West Alabama Republican Assembly

Location: Bryant Conference Center
Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Date: Saturday - August 18, 2007

Time: 10AM – 2 PM

Come make our CONSERVATIVE VOICE
known in the State of Alabama!

Call 205-345-5595 for more info and to RSVP

How can I become "illegal?"

2007-07-11T21:20:00.000-07:00

(Actual letter from an NH resident and sent to his senator)

Dear ----------,

As a native NH and excellent customer of the Internal Revenue Service, I am writing to ask for your assistance. I have contacted the Department of Homeland Security in an effort to determine the process for becoming an illegal alien and they referred me to you.

My primary reason for wishing to change my status from U.S. Citizen to illegal alien stems from the bill which was recently passed by the Senate and for which you voted. If my understanding of this bill's provisions is accurate, as an illegal alien who has been in the United States for five
years, all I need to do to become a citizen i s to pay a $2,000 fine and income taxes for three of the last five years. I know a ood deal when I see one and I am anxious to get the process started before veryone figures it out.

Simply put, those of us who have been here legal ly have had to pay taxes very year so I'm excited about the prospect of avoiding two years of taxes in return for paying a $2,000 fine. Is there any way that I can apply to be illegal retroactively? This would yield an excellent result for me and my family because we paid heavy taxes in 2004 and 2005.

Additionally, as an illegal alien I could begin using the local emergency room as my primary health care provider. Once I have stopped paying premiums for medical insurance, my accountant figures I could save almost $10,000 a year.

Another benefit in gaining illegal status would be that my daughter would receive preferential treatment relative to her law school applications, as well as "in-state" tuition rates for many colleges throughout the United States for my son.

Lastly, I understan d that illegal status would relieve me of the burden of renewing my driver's license and mak ing those burdensome car insurance premiums. This is very important to me given that I still have college age children driving my car.

If you would provide me with an outline of the process to become illegal (retroactively if possible) and copies of the necessary forms, I would be most appreciative.

Thank you for your assistance.

Ron Paul-- the GOP "Sleeper Candidate"

2007-07-11T16:19:00.000-07:00

From Ron Paul's website today...

July 11, 2007

Paul rises from GOP unknown to 'sleeper'

The Washington Times, 07/11/07

Aides helping Rep. Ron Paul of Texas with his long-shot run for the Republican presidential nomination never thought they would need more than the corner of a one-bedroom apartment.
They were wrong. The campaign has outgrown its second headquarters, a 348-square-foot office.

Mr. Paul has more campaign cash available than former Republican front-runner Sen. John McCain of Arizona, Federal Election Commission records show, and the antiwar conservative has become an Internet sensation.

Though political pros say Mr. Paul's chances of moving into the White House are between slim and none, some expect him to have an effect on the Republican race.

"I watched the Republican presidential debates with neighbors, and two of the five people in the room said, 'Who is that guy? I really like him,' " said Republican media consultant Tom Edmonds. "My gut tells me he's a sleeper and will indeed have an impact on the Republican race."

The Texas obstetrician — whose habit of opposing measures he deems unconstitutional won him the sobriquet "Dr. No" — is admired as a man of principle by many conservative leaders and has won attention from voters across the land, including Democrats.

Iowan Alex Gabis attended an event for Sen. Barack Obama, Illinois Democrat, in the Fairfield town square last week, but another presidential candidate was on his mind.

"There is a Republican I like — he's from Texas," Mr. Gabis volunteered. "I don't look at the label. I listen to what he says. I think his name is Ron Paul. I like him. I'd vote for him."

Mr. Paul, who raised most of his campaign dollars in the past quarter on the Internet and has $2.4 million cash on hand, wowed young voters across the country last month when he appeared on Comedy Central's "Colbert Report."

When host Stephen Colbert introduced Mr. Paul as having voted against the USA Patriot Act and the Iraq war, the liberal audience went wild with cheers. Mr. Colbert asked, "Are you a Republican or are you not a Republican?" Mr. Paul responded: "You're confused because I'm a constitutionalist. ... It's not that unusual to put those together if you believe in the rule of law, and you believe in the American tradition, and believe in limited government and you believe in liberty."

Mr. Paul was one of six House Republicans to vote against the Iraq war in 2002.

Commentator Pat Buchanan says Mr. Paul's effect on the race will depend on the size of the vote he attracts.

"If he starts running up 15 percent or 20 percent of the vote in Republican primaries, it says: The GOP is headed in the wrong direction, secure the border, get out of Iraq, come home, America," Mr. Buchanan told The Washington Times.

Influencing the Republican stance on major issues is the most likely outcome of the Paul candidacy.

"While I am very skeptical that he will win the nomination, historically challengers' biggest impact has been in shaping the debate — forcing the more popular candidates to address issues they might like to gloss over," said Merrill Matthews, resident scholar at the Institute for Policy Innovation in Dallas. "I suspect Paul's principled opposition to massive government spending and the war could reach out to two different GOP groups — one large, one not so large — with the message: 'You are not alone.' "

Mr. Matthews sees a twofold effect for Mr. Paul: "His libertarian bent makes him the most principled of the Republican candidates. The large segment of the conservative base shares his rebellion against the GOP's willingness to become part of Washington's big-spending establishment. And as the only antiwar Republican candidate, he may provide a safe harbor to conservatives who are increasingly growing dissatisfied with the war."

Still, even some admirers are skeptics.

"Certainly there is a case to be made for a GOP protest vote in favor of Ron Paul," said Jameson Campaigne Jr., an Illinois-based director of the American Conservative Union. "But I don't think small-'c' conservative voters dare waste a vote on such a thing — unless the three front-runners in January are all discredited — Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani and Fred Thompson."

Mr. Buchanan thinks the Texan is in it for the duration.

"If he stays in the race, he will have a solid, hard-core but small following the whole way through the nomination contest," the former Nixon and Reagan White House aide said. "He has the money to go the distance because he harbors his resources."

The Christian Coalition: You've come a long way, baby

2007-07-02T11:23:00.000-07:00

Since when does a Conservative Christian organization worry about businesses in our society "not paying their fair share of taxes?"

"Wal-Mart, the largest retailer in the nation, has been a model of success in the retail industry and been a boon for the shareholders of the company. No one should question or restrict the business community's efforts to improve investor's returns or shareholder's valuation.

"However, all of us including the business community must remember that there is a basic obligation to support and pay their fair share of local tax burden in order to be a responsible corporate citizen. In the case of Wal-Mart, not only are they not paying their fair share of taxes, but creating a health care burden for the state and local governments as well."

- Randy Brinson, chairman of the Christian Coalition of Alabama

Remember the good ol' days when the Christian Coalition was all about limiting government-- not in making sure everybody gets fairly fleeced by the state? Of course "fair share" to most people who talk like this is code for "soak the rich little devils." The "Social Gospel" is nothing more that baptized socialism. It's Karl Marx in an Easter Sunday dress. It's certainly not "good news." Taxing Wal-Mart more helps no one ultimately because it increases the size of government. Big Government is bad for everyone, whether they pay taxes or not. "Christian coalitions" throughout America would be wise to put their trust in Christ-- not Caesar. Christ is the Lord of all, yet He only asks for a tithe. Caesar, on the other hand, owns nothing but debt obligations and demands a whole lot more than 10 percent.

Gimme that ol' time Religion... it's good enough for me!

Romney's Dog had it easy...

2007-06-30T08:47:00.000-07:00

GOP Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney is getting criticized from the press and animal rights activists for an incident that happened in 1983, in which Romney strapped his dog to the roof of the family car for a 12 hour trip to Ontario.

I personally think Fido had it easy. I recall a recent trip to Darfur, where my comrades and I procured "takeout" -- a live goat -- which we strapped to the top of our vehicle and then drove 2 hours back to our base camp. Upon our return, we promptly slaughtered the goat and ate him over a three day period.

Our dinner:

Russia is Dead

2007-06-28T16:01:00.000-07:00

Population Growth: -0.484%

Fertility rate: 1.39%

RIP: Brownback Nomination

2007-06-26T12:06:00.001-07:00

The US Senate today voted to keep alive the Immigration bill that grants amnesty to illegal immigrants. One of those voting for amnesty was Senator Sam Brownback, the Conservative Kansas Republican vying for the GOP nomination for President. By voting for cloture (which is a pro-amnesty vote), Brownback essentially doomed his candidacy in my opinion.

Brownback is very pro-life, and favors limited government. However, he's from an area that would probably have a net negative population growth were it not for illegal immigration. His bias in favor of a policy that will supposedly benefit his home state may end up sinking his national aspirations.

In order to be a viable candidate in the Republican primary, Brownback cannot afford to be on the wrong side of one of the most important issues to conservatives this election cycle.

Sessions Stands Tall Against Illegal Immigration

2007-06-26T08:08:00.000-07:00

Conservative Americans owe a lot to Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions. Over the years, Senator Sessions has largely been a low-profile Senator. He hasn’t constantly been on C-Span “showing off” as it were. However, in the debate over whether to grant amnesty to illegal aliens, Sessions has simply been superb. He has been the undisputed leader in the Senate protecting America from this real threat to our national security.

Please send an e-mail today to Senator Sessions or give his office a call thanking him for his defense of America’s borders.

DUNCAN HUNTER to Attend the NFRA Presidential Endorsement Convention in St. Louis

2007-06-25T08:25:00.000-07:00

The Convention Committee is excited to announce that Presidential Candidate Duncan Hunter will be joining us to speak at the NFRA Grassroots Presidential Endorsement Convention in St. Louis. He will be sharing his vision with the Republican Grassroots Activist on the morning of Saturday, August 4.

Since first being elected to Congress in 1980, Duncan Hunter has devoted himself to ensuring that our military is second to none, securing our nation’s borders, and protecting American workers from unfair competition. Hunter works on these issues because he believes that America’s greatest strength is our freedom and its protection requires our effort in all areas.

A Vietnam veteran, Duncan Hunter served in the 173rd Airborne and 75th Army Rangers and, after coming home, utilized the G.I. Bill to attend Western State University Law School in San Diego (now Thomas Jefferson School of Law). While completing his degree, Hunter supplemented his income by working in farming and construction, and opened a storefront legal office after graduation where he began serving many in the Hispanic community, often without compensation.

In 1980, Hunter was asked to mount a challenge for the Congressional seat held by 18-year incumbent Lionel Van Deerlin. Despite the district having a 2-to-1 Democrat registration, Hunter won the seat in an upset. Coming to Washington, Hunter successfully sought a seat on the House Armed Services Committee where he could work on America’s national security needs. Serving on this committee throughout his career, Hunter became Chairman of the full committee in 2002, overseeing a $532 billion defense budget. During his chairmanship from 2002-2006, and now as Ranking Member of the committee, Hunter focuses his efforts on providing President Bush with the necessary resources to win our nation’s military conflicts, protecting our men and women in uniform, and developing modernization initiatives that will move new and more effective technologies into the field of battle.

Living in a border community, Hunter also came to Congress to make securing the California-Mexico border a top priority. Hunter’s goal was to make the region safe for communities on both sides of the border by providing the necessary resources to our border enforcement agencies. September 11th, however, made border security a national security issue and Hunter responded by leading efforts in Congress to seal a porous border susceptible to illegal aliens, drug trafficking and terrorism. Hunter’s efforts have resulted in over 59 miles of fencing and border infrastructure to date in San Diego County. Hunter also wrote the Secure Fence Act, extending the San Diego fence 854 miles across California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. These fence provisions were signed into law by President Bush on October 26, 2006.

On the House Armed Services Committee, Hunter has protected U.S. defense jobs in aircraft, ship repair, machine tools, textile, steel and titanium to ensure that what he calls the “Arsenal of Democracy,” the U.S. industrial base, is maintained to provide security in time of war. Hunter’s other legislative priorities include retaining and increasing jobs across this nation, providing tax relief to hard-working families, keeping our promises to America’s veterans, protecting Social Security for present and future generations, and promoting strong family values.

Hunter resides in East San Diego County with his wife Lynne where they, like many of their neighbors, just completed re-building their Alpine home after it was lost in the October 2003 wildfires. In 2006, Duncan and Lynne celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary; they have two sons, Duncan Duane, who served two tours in Iraq in the U.S. Marine Corps, and Sam Hunter, a business student at San Diego State University. Duncan D. and his wife, Margaret, have three children, Duncan Lee, Elizabeth Grace and Sarah Louise, and reside in Lakeside, California. Sam was married on Valentine’s Day 2004 to the former Theresa Heger of Jamul and they had their first child, Marin, in October of 2006.

Hubbert: Don't Fire Double-Dipping Legislators-- (He's got too much invested)

2007-06-25T08:01:00.001-07:00

Boss Hubbert

HUGE SURPRISE! The Bham News has reported that Union Boss Paul Hubbert has come out against Governor Riley's proposed ban on state colleges hiring lawmakers. Recall that the News reported last year that 43 lawmakers had financial ties to the higher educational institutions they fund.

Hubbert's answer: "Just fire the incompetent legislators."

No comment.

This prescription seems to fly in the face of the institutional opposition of all teacher unions to "merit pay" and other proposals that tie teacher jobs and promotion to performance objectives!

But don't hold it against Hubbert. Remember, he has a lot invested in the 43 legislators currently on the take. I would not want to lose such unprecedented influence in politics either without a fight.

The sad fact is that our institutions of higher learning are churning out thousands of credentialed educators every year who could more than adequately fill the hole left by legislators currently enjoying cushy jobs.

Kudos to Governor Riley for supporting this pork-cutting proposal. We should all send him an e-mail thanking him and encouraging him to follow up this proposal up with prompt action.

Sweet Home Alabama -- all over the world

2007-06-25T07:51:00.000-07:00

Check out this great story in the Bham News by Greg Richter on the Lynyrd Skynyrd song "Sweet Home Alabama." It explains that the popular tune now has world-wide popularity. I personally witnessed this when I visited Nairobi, Kenya, for the first time. I was invited to a cook-out and the first song I heard played by the African DJ was-- you guessed it-- Sweet Home Alabama.

ALRA Opposes Amendment 1

2007-06-01T10:27:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release
Date: Friday, June 1, 2007

ALABAMA REPUBLICAN ASSEMBLY OPPOSES AMENDMENT 1 CORPORATE WELFARE SCHEME

BIRMINGHAM, AL—The Board of Directors of the Alabama Republican Assembly recently and unanimously passed a resolution opposing the Amendment 1 ballot initiative that would increase Alabama’s bond debt cap by over $400 million and provide many other corporate welfare incentives which the group charges is fundamentally unfair to Alabama businesses and taxpayers.

“[I]t is not the place of government officials to intervene in the market place and use tax dollars as subsidies to decide which businesses thrive, and which fail” the resolution states. “[A]lthough this bond debt plan is being promoted as a job creator, it is essentially nothing more than corporate welfare funded by the credit of future taxpayers yet unborn.”

“This whole plan stands in complete defiance of the most basic of conservative free market principles,” stated ALRA President Matt Chancey. “The Republican party has been slammed at the polls all over America because it is abandoning its conservative base for politically-correct social policies and anti-free market economic principles.”

“What is the point in criticizing ‘welfare queens’ when too many self-professing conservatives support ‘Wall Street welfare?’” Chancey added.

The ALRA resolution criticized Amendment 1 for costing Alabama taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars for every job it supposedly will bring to the State.

“Amendment 1 was designed for one company and one company only. It was not designed to help the thousands of small business owners in Alabama—who constitute the backbone of our economy,” Chancey said.

The company Chancey refers to is ThyssenKrupp, a foreign steel manufacturer which recently decided to locate a plant in Mobile County and to which Amendment 1 was designed to attract.
The ALRA resolution states “every state in the union except for Alabama and Katrina-ravaged Louisiana decided that ThyssenKrupp's demands were excessive and should not be paid by their taxpayers.”

“We welcome ThyssenKrupp to Alabama," said Chancey. “But the ‘red carpet’ we need to roll out is not a big welfare package billed to the Alabama taxpayer, but rather an environment of low taxes, limited regulation, and a level market playing field for every business in the state.

“There are other steel companies already in Alabama,” added Chancey. “Why are we offering 30 years of income tax credits to ThyssenKrupp? Why not just get rid of all corporate income taxes? That will help every business in the state and encourage more industry and business development without having to load up our kids with bond debt before they’re even born.

“In my opinion, this is largely about a numbers game for politicians. It’s nice when elected officials get to claim that they brought ‘thousands of new jobs to Alabama.’ But it’s at best a short term adrenaline shot for our economy. Like all adrenaline rushes, it ends with a crash and it’s our kids who will suffer for our short-sighted economic policies like Amendment 1. Thank Heaven our Alabama Constitution gives the people the final say on this issue and we encourage Alabamians to vote NO on Amendment 1.”

Dr. Falwell's Funeral

2007-05-22T22:41:00.001-07:00

The line of people waiting to get into Thomas Road Baptist Church easily exceeded 1/2 mile. This picture was taken 2 1/2 hours before the funeral service.

I was privileged to attend the funeral service for Dr. Jerry Falwell. Many thousands of people joined me from all over the country. A great many “who’s who” of the Christian Right were in attendance as well, including Alan Keyes, Roy Moore, Howard Phillips, Jay Sekulow, Tony Perkins, Gary Bauer, Pat Robertson, Ralph Reed, Franklin Graham, and many more.

The service was very moving and very evangelical—including a sermon and “alter call.” Franklin Graham gave a wonderful eulogy and warmly embraced the Falwell family. Although Jerry Falwell and Billy Graham had their disagreements, look for the next generation to work closer together.

The most impressive part of the funeral service was the way all the Falwell children honored their dad. It’s so hard to find a charismatic leader of Falwell’s standing today who has good relationships with their kids. The press is already eating Rudy Giuliani alive for his dysfunctional family. And, of course, even Ronald Reagan had to deal with black sheep in his immediate family. Seeing Jerry’s children honor their dad made me respect Jerry all the more.

While I was waiting in line, I thought about Hustler’s founder Larry Flynt. Jerry and Larry were mortal enemies but later developed a cordial relationship after Jerry lost his Supreme Court case against Larry (Jerry had a remarkable talent of being a friend to anybody). I mentioned to a friend of mine at the funeral that “Larry should take note. Anybody can win a Supreme Court case. But Larry Flynt will not have a funeral like Jerry Falwell’s!”

Cavaliers + Roundheads... a Falwell Legacy

2007-05-17T08:14:00.000-07:00

King Charles I

Oliver Cromwell

by Matt Chancey

My friend Rick Shaftan, who in addition to being an excellent political strategist also enjoys an encyclopedic political memory, reminded me of an important Falwell legacy-- which brought to my mind some historical lessons from our British forefathers.

During the English Civil War, King Charles I’s supporters (Cavaliers) were composed of many Catholics. Charles’s wife was Catholic and the king had been integrating many “Popish” features into the Anglican liturgy—much to the dismay of the Puritan majority (Roundheads) led by Oliver Cromwell.

This Catholic vs. Protestant conflict in English politics crossed the Atlantic and has manifested itself at various times in various ways in our own political history.

What Rick pointed out to me was that during the 1960s and 70s when school prayer was outlawed and abortion legalized, there was pathetically little organized resistance from "Christian Fundamentalists." The greatest organized opposition came from Conservative Catholics.

This is where Jerry Falwell comes in.

In 1977, my friend Howard Phillips, Chairman of the Conservative Caucus, drove to Lynchburg to meet with Dr. Falwell. He proposed that Jerry become the leader of a new movement to enlist Evangelicals as a block vote into the political arena. His suggested name for the organization? The Moral Majority. The rest is history.

Falwell’s greatest political legacy was orchestrating a shotgun wedding between Conservative Catholics and Christian Fundamentalists. This unprecedented alliance of conservative "Cavaliers and Roundheads" gave Reagan the Presidency and forever changed American politics.

Matt Chancey is President of the Alabama Republican Assembly

Thank you, Dr. Falwell. 1933-2007

2007-05-15T12:17:00.000-07:00

In the coming days, many eulogies will doubtless be written about Dr. Jerry Falwell by more capable writers. Many will extol his gifted preaching, his vision for a Christian University, his organizational genius, his profound personal faith…etc. But I have just one observation to make. I will remember Dr. Falwell for his personal charm.

Jerry was a charming man. He always looked for the best in people – even to a fault.

His goodwill went both ways. There are not many Christian Fundamentalists who would reach out to porn magnet Larry Flynt. And Falwell was gracious to conservative friends who were often critical (often justifiably so) of his defense of policy betrayals by the Bush family and other GOP nobility.

On the political level, I believe this virtue was taken advantage of by some Neocons and establishment Republicans, who used Jerry’s incredible charm to “baptize” their poor political decisions and policies. But whatever you believe of Jerry’s motivating factors, the fact is that he always believed the best of people—even when it came to some real stinkers in Washington.

When a man achieves great things in a short time, it’s easy to find something to attack or criticize. President Bush is routinely criticized for his verbal blunders, which, compared to the thousands of successful speeches he has given, would seem small and insignificant. But it’s human nature to focus on the negative. But this was not Jerry’s nature. He chose to always look on the bright side, and there are few men I know who I can never picture wearing a frown or sullen countenance. When I think of Jerry Falwell, I picture that big, round smiling face.

Jerry Falwell was a political father to so much of what constitutes conservative politics in America today. We owe him a lot. He wasn’t perfect. He wasn’t always right. He fought some battles he shouldn’t have fought, and he neglected some that could have really used his help. But this can be said of any man—including great men. Our job, as the heirs, is to honor our fathers and be grateful for what God did through them and the things we learned from their successes and failures; their strengths and weaknesses; and, in the case of Jerry Falwell, his incredible charm.

Thanks, Jerry. We’ll miss you.

Matt Chancey is President of the Alabama Republican Assembly

A Message from our President

2007-05-01T13:38:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Alabama Republican Assembly Blog!

In this day of lightning fast communication and information overload, it's important that conservatives be able to wade through this swamp and cut through the varnish to find out what's really going on in the world-- especially our political world.

This requires us all working together to build a network of like-minded citizens across Alabama determined to defend our uniquely Conservative and Christian heritage from the seemingly unending attack from the Left.

This forum is designed for Alabama Conservatives to address and read about currently political events in the state and nation from a conservative viewpoint. Comments are welcome, but moderated. Unsolicited articles are also welcome. Send them to alabamaconservative@gmail.com for consideration.

Our hope is that this blog will become "Grand Central Station" for the exchange of information and ideas that will educate, inform, and equip Alabama Conservatives for the battlefield of ideas in our government.