What's Wrong With America?

For most of last year, I carried a sign to various Tea Party events. It read, “2010 is Coming...Congress, Start Packing”. Of course, I'll now have to update that to read, “2010 is HERE...Congress Start Packing”. But I digress. The point is that we have to follow through on that message. We must issue pink slips to EVERY SINGLE ONE of our elected Representatives in Congress—Or do we?


Since the inception of the Tea Party and other Patriot movements, there have been (and still are) several initiatives based entirely on this concept. “Get Out Of Our House” (GOOOH) and “Kick Them All Out”, come to mind. Their rallying cry is essentially, “FIRE EVERY ONE OF THEM”--and with good reason. Many of our Representatives have shown themselves to be totally unworthy to hold elective office...voting for one ill-conceived, boneheaded, unconstitutional initiative after another. But not all of them!

I think it's a mistake to send EVERY SINGLE MEMBER to the unemployment line. There are some true Patriots in Congress who are, and have been, fighting the good fight...right along with us. Who can forget Rep Michelle Bachman's impassioned speech on the House floor in which she described our current government as a, “Gangster Government”? Throw her out? That would be shameful.

But then, there are those who have shown by their actions, their votes, and their words, that they are against the American people. THESE ARE THE ONES WE MUST RETIRE! But how do we know who they are?

Well, here's a thought. Why not identify those members of Congress most responsible for our current state of affairs—AS WELL AS— for most of the other Marxist, socialist, communist and unconstitutional initiatives of the last 100 years? Can it be done? Can we know who these people are? Well, to coin a phrase, YES, WE CAN!

In fact, I'm not only going to tell you how to readily identify these people—those who would destroy this nation—BUT ALSO—what to do about it.

So, who are they, and how do we identify them? Let's begin with “Who They Are”. In general terms, quite simply, they are Marxists, Socialists, and/or Communists and have been around for over 100 years, dating back to the time of Woodrow Wilson, for all practical purposes.

They hide their true natures because they know they cannot win national elections by running openly as far leftists. The Socialist and Communist Parties of America tried to do so early in the 20th century, but failed—repeatedly! So, they hijacked one of the already established political parties, the Democrat party.

Since they realize how distasteful the old descriptive terms were to most Americans (socialists, communists, etc.), today, they go by the more “gentle” term, “PROGRESSIVES”. Yes, the so-called Progressives of today were yesterday's communists and socialists. However, their goals remain the same. Only the name was changed to protect the truly guilty.

Think about it. Both Clinton and Obama ran as moderates, talking about “conservative” issues, like Tax Cuts, Free Markets, etc. However, once elected, they reverted to form, and began governing from the far left.

Now that we know, “Who They Are” and what their true nature is like, how do we identify them? Well, this is actually the easy part. Simply look at how they vote, and listen to what they say. They are against the very people they're supposed to represent and they generally support legislation that is clearly unconstitutional, and NOT representative of the American people. Specifically:

- They propose legislation and vote against the interests of the American people (Healthcare, Immigration, Cap & Tax, Cardcheck, The Fairness Doctrine, etc.).
- They have little regard for the US Constitution and are relentlessly attempting to destroy it. In furthering their agenda, they champion social causes that SEEM to be ok...causes that a significant number of people might deem to be “needed”, but that are clearly unconstitutional. But, that's never an issue for these folks because the US Constitution, to them, is a “flawed”, and “outdated” document, written for another time. According to them, we've evolved, and grown beyond the “constraints” of the Constitution.
- They speak in terms of economic and social inequality and justice, which provides cover for their redistributive schemes.
- They have never met a tax they didn't like (especially a tax on the so-called rich).
- And, because they can't reveal their true intentions, they are also inclined to tell whoppers while campaigning! Obama: “95% of Americans won't see their taxes go up one dime”. A LIE! Or, “I support free markets”. ANOTHER LIE!

But let's get even more specific. Where do we find these people?

I am ashamed to admit that some are found in the Republican Party, or are Independents. However, most of these people reside within the Democrat Party as part of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), which is the largest caucus within the Democrat Party in the US Congress. It has 83 declared members, who work to advance progressive issues and positions.

The CPC was founded in 1991 and is currently co-chaired by Representatives Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) and Lynn Woolsey (D-CA). But, here's the frightening part: Of the 20 standing committees of the House, 11—more than 50%—are chaired by members of the CPC! That, Folks...Is a Problem!

In Florida, our very own Corrine Brown is a member. So is Alan Grayson, and Alcee Hastings. [Toward the end of this, I'll tell you where to find a complete list of these scoundrels. Folks! EVERY ONE OF THESE MEMBERS MUST BE DEFEATED, BEGINNING IN 2010! They are responsible for much of the unconstitutional legislation that has been passed by Congress over the past century. We have an opportunity to put a stop to it--and we must--if we are to save our nation from further ruin!

Ok, we now know, Who They Are, How to Identify them, and We also know Where to Find Them. So now, what can we do about it?

First, get the list of Congressional Progressive Caucus members. You can probably find it by doing a computer search, but you can also go to the following blog site, which will have some additional info: www.AmericanDiscussion.Blogspot.com

Next, determine if YOUR representative is among them. If so, resolve to actively oppose them. How? Contribute to their constitution-minded opponent. Or, become politically involved by volunteering your time to organizations with similar goals.

Then, determine if you have friends or relatives living within the districts of any of the others. If so, contact them and inform them about this issue. If you have the means, contribute there as well.

Then, since it's not enough to just fire these radicals, leaving a void, you must identify, encourage, and support Constitution-minded candidates to replace these Progressives.

Next, register to vote in one of the two main political parties, either Democrat or Republican. Do not complain about what's happening if you fail to do this. Libertarians, Independents! Moderates! Get off the fence and pick a side! This is too important for you not to.

Finally, Three words: Vote, Vote, Vote!

There is a lot more information on this topic and it is crucial that you are exposed to it, because the very fate of this nation may very well rest on how successful we are beginning this year. And success, in this case, begins with knowledge.

Please visit elsewhere on this site for more information and a list of members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Also, get online and do your due diligence. Find out everything you can about these Progressives, their agenda, and their plans for this nation.

The takeover of this nation by these Progressives has been a planned, gradual process...and they are currently ahead on points. They've won some major battles. But, what matters is who wins the war. WE CAN win this thing, but, in order to do so we must make huge strides in November and then again in 2012. At a minimum, We MUST take back the House and make major inroads in the Senate. If not, all may be lost.

That is why it has to be now, it must begin with us! With each one of you!

I began by asking the question, “What's wrong with America?” The answer: Nothing that a return to the principles espoused by the US Constitution and our other Charters of Freedom wouldn't fix. And we begin to do that by firing every Progressive in our Congress.

This is OUR government! We DON'T like what's being done to it! AND, WE WANT IT BACK!

Tax Day Tea Party Impressions 4/15/10 Jacksonville, FL

Wow! What an awesome experience!

While I don't have a firm number on attendees, there were at LEAST as many as last year, although the crowd density did seem to be somewhat higher to me (last year was at 5000+).

The event was informative, as well as inspiring. We heard many excellent speeches on a variety of relevant topics, but the highlight had to be the message delivered by our keynote speaker, Star Parker (www.StarParker.com).

This incredible woman gave an impassioned speech (sans telepromter) about her transformation from a single welfare mom to a powerful, Black, conservative crusader for REAL change in the Black community.

She shined the light of truth on the evil inherent in our welfare system and spoke about other issues of note. I'm sure this will be up on YouTube in the very near future so everyone can hear her speak.

On another note, I'd like to relate what I can only consider to be VERY GOOD news.

I attended the Tax Day event last year right here in Jacksonville. As far as I could tell, there were only TWO Black Americans in attendance, Chris Nwasike (the MC), and yours truly. There may have been others, but, if so, I didn't see them.

At THIS event, I deliberately made my way completely around the venue (the Landing) twice, looking for fresh black faces. By my "unofficial" count, there were at least 40-45 Black Americans in attendance, besides Chris and me. But, I must emphasize that I more than likely missed a few so the number is probably a lot higher. That, folks, is progress, and it is significant.

At any rate, I am SO PUMPED after that event. As far as I know, there were no "incidents" of note, nor were there any disruptions from the, "Crash The Tea Party" group. All in all, a very good event.

Thanks go to Billie Tucker and the other organizers for their inspired leadership, to the volunteers for their selfless service, to all the speakers for their inspired words of wisdom, and to all who attended for their dedication and sacrifice for the cause.

History was made yesterday. Every American who loves freedom knows it. Soon, those who don't will too.

Joshua

What More Can We Do?!

Many have asked some variant of the following question: "After all that we've done, our representatives still won't listen to us. What more can we do?"

Answer #1: We already have a great start in what happened recently in the Virginia, New Jersey and New York races. Then came the "Massachusetts Massacre". Without the Tea Party and other Patriot initiatives, none of those would have occurred. So, don't feel as though our efforts have been wasted.

Answer #2: DO NOT...I repeat...DO NOT allow these sweet victories (yes, I count New York as a victory as well) to cause us to let up...not for an instant. Do everything you can to identify, support and campaign for (if appropriate) Patriotic, Unabashedly-Pro-American, Principled, Constitutionalists who understand that document and will stand by it by subjecting ALL proposals and legislation through the prism that is the US CONSTITUTION. If it fails that test, the vote must be, "NO"!

Answer #3: Get involved in the selection process for candidates at the precinct level. This strategy (The Precinct Strategy) has already produced some tangible results and is helping to propel the "right" candidates to become nominated. Details at: www.NationalPrecinctAlliance.org

Answer #4: No matter which Patriot Group(s) you are currently affiliated with, there is one group that ALL Patriots should join. The group is called, "Freedom Force USA": www.FreedomForce.US

Freedom Force seeks to "UNIFY" all other Patriot group factions.
More info: http://freedomforce.us/TheFreedomForceStrategy.pdf
http://freedomforce.us/ff-faq.htm

The ultimate goals of this Patriot movement, in my view, must be:
A. Replace ALL incumbents, except those who have demonstrated a commitment to the values and principles that have made this nation the envy of the world, AS OUTLINED BY THE US CONSTITUTION!

B. Subject ALL would-be candidates to the one litmus test that makes sense--The US CONSTITUTION! Anyone who has not, or cannot, unwaveringly uphold, support, and defend that document is unworthy to hold ANY PUBLIC OFFICE in this great nation of ours--PERIOD! And I mean from dog-catcher on up!

Think about this: What would this country be like if all of our Senators and Representatives subjected every piece of legislation to that one document?

So, the question that has to be answered is: "How do I find such a candidate and how will I vet him or her? "

Fortunately, that part is being taken care of by a Patriot Group known as "ICaucus" or the "Independence Caucus". They have a very in depth educational arm as well as a vetting process that has already vetted, or is in the process of vetting, dozens of candidates around the nation.

These three initiatives are now working in unison, in sort of a symbiotic relationship that I believe is, at least PART of, the answer.

The subject of this email, Judge Don Lowery for Congress....special election, Illinois, has been vetted and endorsed by ICaucus. Mark Kirk is the front runner, and the choice of the Republican party establishment...and Kirk is currently a Representative who voted for TARP and was one of only 8 Republicans to vote for Cap and Trade which you may recall passed by only 7 votes.

This special election, is only days away (Feb 2nd). See the article below for tips on what you can do.

Folks, we have the capacity to wield tremendous power in ANY election process...if we are informed, committed, and all pulling in the same direction. Let's send another message, not only to Washington, but to the GOP leadership as well. "We are sick and tired of 'Liberal-Lite'. If you can't provide us with suitable candidates...we'll supply our own".

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ARTICLE BEGINS HERE:



For Immediate Release



IF YOU HAVE FRIENDS, FAMILY OR KNOW PEOPLE IN ILLINOIS

Please read the information below from Illinois Caucus
Our entire push this year is to get the RIGHT candidates in office. They have vetted and approved with stellar recommendations, Judge Don Lowery for Congress....special election

The Republican Party has endorsed a candidate that voted on Tarp and Cap and Trade. He refused to be vetted by the Illinois Caucus. Please do your own research, but if you want to make a difference in this vote: take action. We only have 11 days!

Independence Caucus
A Citizen's movement to take back government from "Big Money" Interests groups
A message to all members of Independence Caucus
Greetings to all members:

I-caucus has a Horse in the Illinois Race and he needs your help !!!
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This past weekend, Illinois I-caucus members endorsed Judge Don Lowery in Illinois and I am excited to see such a stellar candidate emerge from the vetting process.

Here's problem #1: Mark Kirk is the front runner, and the choice of the Republican party establishment...and Kirk is currently a Representative who voted for TARP and was one of only 8 Republicans to vote for Cap and Trade which you may recall passed by only 7 votes.

Here's problem #2: There are several challengers who are all currently splitting votes amongst themselves which is working to Mark Kirk's advantage

Here's problem #3: A lot of media types, even some of the Fox News media types, are touting Patrick Hughes as the "tea party" or "grass roots" candidate...but Hughes is not the true fiscally responsible constitutional candidate in this race!

OK, so now Here's SOLUTION #1: YOU are the solution!

Beginning Right Now today, we need every I-caucus member to do whatever they can to spread the word about Judge Lowery in Illinois.

WE have 11 days and 11 days only!

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1 - Email anyone and everyone you know in Illinois about Judge Lowery and our endorsement.

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2 - Post on blogs and comment sections anywhere and everywhere you can about Judge Lowery...especially if you see posts that are supporting anyone else.

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3 - You have info above on Mark Kirk..."TARP" and "Cap and trade" are sufficient to write him off. Make sure Illinois voters know about it!

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4 - Here's some important info for you, because we must let grass roots activists and the media know that Hughes is NOT the right choice and NOT the choice of grassroots tea party members in Illinois:

A) Patrick Hughes would not agree to go through our vetting process, despite repeated attempts by local members to get him to do so and despite a personal email plea I sent to his campaign manager explaining who we are and that we wanted to help keep Kirk out of office.

B) This is huge: The Illinois Conservative Network, a respected grassroots group, just switched their endorsement on January 15th away from Patrick Hughes...and over to our endorsed candidate Judge Lowery:

http://www.examiner.com/x-17412-Macon-County-Conservative-Examiner~y2010m1d16-ICAN-retracts-Hughes-endorsement-sides-with-Lowery

C) As reported by our friends over at ResistNet, Tea Party members of Kane County (KCAP) which is home to Ililnois' 2nd largest city have endorsed Lowery over Hughes:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2419235/posts

D) The Southern Illinois Tea party has vetted and approved Lowery over hughes AND they announced yesterday (Jan. 21st) that "there are groups looking to come into Illinois and capitalize on the tea party movement. They are trying to speak for us and to push a
candidate (Hughes) that we have seen in person and have rejected."

http://illinoisconservative.wordpress.com/2010/01/21/important-message-from-so-il-tea-party-patriot/

E) Our friends at the Examiner.com are reporting that the Illinois State Rifle Association has endorsed Judge Lowery:

http://www.examiner.com/x-17412-Macon-County-Conservative-Examiner~y2010m1d18-ISRA-to-endorse-Don-Lowery-for-US-Senate?cid=channel-rss-Politics

f) and then the Gun owners of America endorsed Judge Lowery: http://www.examiner.com/x-17412-Macon-County-Conservative-Examiner~y2010m1d21-Gun-Owners-of-America-endorses-Hughes

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5 - Here's some good info about Judge Lowery:

You tube about Judge Lowery: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AK6-L-cZSD0

Reclaiming America: Patriots United

I have been accused of being somewhat of a recluse over the past couple of months -- "Guilty As Charged"! However, it's all been by design.

Since the beginning of the Tea Party movement earlier this year and especially since the DC trip, I've been struggling with one all-consuming fear. That the movement (to include ALL freedom-loving Patriotic groups) would become fractured as time went on as different agendas began to emerge. That fear has long since been realized. We now have more than 2000 different Patriot groups across the nation. Unfortunately, we also have more than 2000 differing agendas that are often at odds with one another. This is not good.

However, I was confident that others were struggling with the same fear and that someone(s), somewhere would develop something to address this challenge. In truth, efforts are already underway to unite some of these factions, especially within the "Tea Party" movement. But even if this effort to unite is "successful", I realized, as have all of you, that no effort will truly succeed that does not translate into votes at the ballot box. I understood that there needed to be some vehicle that would enable the conservative movement within these Patriot groups to be able to effectively lobby (I know--bad word) our legislators in Washington.

Let's face it! We've tried talking, protesting, sign-waving, writing, calling, faxing, and visiting with them -- all to no avail. We even sent 1.7 million of our best "Ambassadors of Freedom" to Washington, DC. Still, we are ignored. Why? Three basic reasons:
1. Simply because they've seen this sort of thing before (although never on this scale) and we've always forgotten about their misdeeds by the next election. We vote them right back into office. They are not convinced that this time is any different.
2. A politician responds best to money. They listen to whomever it is that is funding them. In essence, money trumps votes (or the threat of a non-vote). So, they listen to what we have to say, then listen to the lobbyists who fund them. If they value the lobbyist's donation more than they fear the electorate, they respond favorably to the lobbyist. This folks, is reality.
3. They don't see us as a unified group of millions of conservatives. Rather, they see 2000 fractured, bickering, unfocused groups jockeying for position and political influence.

I have spent the past couple of months attempting to find that vehicle and am confident that I've met with success.

It's called, "Freedom Force". The web site is: www.freedomforce.us

Rather than trying to tell you what it's all about, I encourage you to visit the site and immediately start reviewing the material there.

TheFreedomForceStrategy(PDF)

FreedomForce On FaceBook

FreedomForce On YouTube

Time for the Tea Party to become Tangible

Making the Tea Party Tangible

Tangible Tea Party Tactics

I Pledge My Allegiance to the Charters of Freedom

One thing I will say by way of clarification. This is NOT something to join in lieu of the Tea Party, or 912Project, or FreedomWorks, or The Patriotic Resistance, or Grassfire, or whatever group you currently belong to. Continue with what you are doing. This is simply an effort to harness that energy inherent in all Patriot Groups combined, to bring focus to what we all say we want...a return to the traditional principles and values that we all cherish under the rule of law as afforded by the US Constitution. This will entail becoming an effective, laser-focused force at the ballot box. We can do this. Please join today, acquaint yourself with the basic plan, and then encourage others to get involved.

Since the "March on Washington, I've listened to many discussions and lamentations about, "What now?" Well, THIS is now! www.freedomforce.us

Joshua

Obama’s Bow to “World Opinion” – by Thomas Sowell

There are any number of good, solid reasons why bringing the five 9/11 terrorists to NY for trial is a bad idea. Thomas Sowell cites one of the most insidious in this article.

Joshua


Obama’s Bow to “World Opinion” – by Thomas Sowell
Posted By Thomas Sowell On November 17, 2009 @ 12:00 am

In the string of amazing decisions made during the first year of the Obama administration, nothing seems more like sheer insanity than the decision to try foreign terrorists, who have committed acts of war against the United States, in federal court, as if they were American citizens accused of crimes.

Terrorists are not even entitled to the protection of the Geneva Convention, much less the Constitution of the United States. Terrorists have never observed, nor even claimed to have observed, the Geneva Convention, nor are they among those covered by it.

But over and above the utter inconsistency of what is being done is the utter recklessness it represents. The last time an attack on the World Trade Center was treated as a matter of domestic criminal justice was after a bomb was exploded there in 1993. Under the rules of American criminal law, the prosecution had to turn over all sorts of information to the defense— information that told the Al Qaeda international terrorist network what we knew about them and how we knew it.

This was nothing more and nothing less than giving away military secrets to an enemy in wartime— something for which people have been executed, as they should have been. Secrecy in warfare is a matter of life and death. Lives were risked and lost during World War II to prevent Nazi Germany from discovering that Britain had broken its supposedly unbreakable Enigma code and could read their military plans that were being radioed in that code.

“Loose lips sink ships” was the World War II motto in the United States. But loose lips are mandated under the rules of criminal prosecutions.

Tragically, this administration seems hell-bent to avoid seeing acts of terrorism against the United States as acts of war. The very phrase “war on terrorism” is avoided, as if that will stop the terrorists’ war on us.

The mindset of the left behind such thinking was spelled out in an editorial in the San Francisco Chronicle, which said that “Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, the professed mastermind of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, will be tried the right way— the American way, in a federal courtroom where the world will see both his guilt and the nation’s adherence to the rule of law.”

This is not the rule of law but the application of laws to situations for which they were not designed.

How many Americans may pay with their lives for the intelligence secrets and methods that can forced to be disclosed to Al Qaeda was not mentioned. Nor was there mention of how many foreign nations and individuals whose cooperation with us in the war on terror have been involved in countering Al Qaeda— nor how many foreign nations and individuals will have to think twice now, before cooperating with us again, when their role can be revealed in court to our enemies, who can exact revenge on them.

Behind this decision and others is the notion that we have to demonstrate our good faith to other nations, sometimes called “world opinion.” Just who are these saintly nations whose favor we must curry, at the risk of American lives and the national security of the United States?

Internationally, the law of the jungle ultimately prevails, despite pious talk about “the international community” and “world opinion,” or the pompous and corrupt farce of the United Nations. Yet this is the gallery to which Barack Obama has been playing, both before and after becoming President of the United States.

In the wake of the obscenity of a trial of terrorists in federal court for an act of war— and the worldwide propaganda platform it will give them— it may seem to be a small thing that President Obama has been photographed yet again bowing deeply to a foreign ruler. But how large or small an act is depends on its actual consequences, not on whether the politically correct intelligentsia think it is no big deal.

As a private citizen, Barack Obama has a right to make as big a jackass of himself as he wants to. But, as President of the United States, his actions not only denigrate a nation that other nations rely on for survival, but raise questions about how reliable our judgment and resolve are — which in turn raises questions about whether those nations will consider themselves better off to make the best deal they can with our enemies.

Home Owners...About to be Screwed!

"Cap and Trade" will prevent you from selling your house unless you,...Letter Written by: Ernest Hancock
Date of Letter: 2009-10-02
Subject: Economy - Economics USA

(From an email to me)

"Beginning 1 year after enactment of the Act, you won't be able to sell your home unless you retrofit it to comply with the energy and water efficiency standards of this Act"

Here's the link to the bill in case you think this might be false.

H.R. 2454: American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-2454

This is unbelievable! Only the beginning... ..

Wow! Home owners take note & tell your friends and relatives who are home owners!!! Beginning 1 year after enactment of the Act, you won't be able to sell your home unless you retrofit it to comply with the energy and water efficiency standards of this Act.

H.R. 2454, the "Cap & Trade" bill passed by the House of Representatives, if also passed by the Senate, will be the largest tax increase any of us has ever experienced. The Congressional Budget Office (supposedly non-partisan) estimates that in just a few years the average cost to every family of four will be $6,800 per year. No one is excluded. However, once the lower classes feel the pinch in their wallets, you can be sure these voters get a tax refund (even if they pay no taxes at all) to offset this new cost. Thus, you Mr. and Mrs. Middle Class America will have to pay even more since additional tax dollars will be needed to bail out everyone else.

But wait. This awful bill (that no one in Congress has actually read) has many more surprises in it.

Probably the worst one is this: A year from now you won't be able to sell your house.

Yes, you read that right. The caveat is (there always is a caveat) that if you have enough money to make required major upgrades to your home, then you can sell it. But, if not, then forget it. Even pre-fabricated homes ("mobile homes") are included.

In effect, this bill prevents you from selling your home without the permission of the EPA administrator.

To get this permission, you will have to have the energy efficiency of your home measured. Then the government will tell you what your new energy efficiency requirement is and you will be forced to make modifications to your home under the retrofit provisions of this Act to comply with the new energy and water efficiency requirements. Then you will have to get your home measured again and get a license (called a "label" in the Act) that must be posted on your property to show what your efficiency rating is; sort of like the Energy Star efficiency rating label on your refrigerator or air conditioner If you don't get a high enough rating, you can't sell. And, the EPA administrator is authorized to raise the standards every year, even above the automatic energy efficiency increases built into the Act.

The EPA administrator, appointed by the President, will run the Cap & Trade program (AKA the "American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009") and is authorized to make any future changes to the regulations and standards he alone determines to be in the government's best interest. Requirements are set low initially so the bill will pass Congress; then the Administrator can set much tougher new standards every year. The Act itself contains annual required increases in energy efficiency for private and commercial residences and buildings. However, the EPA administrator can set higher standards at any time.

Sect. 202:
Building Retrofit Program mandates a national retrofit program to increase the energy efficiency of all existing homes across America .

Beginning 1 year after enactment of the Act, you won't be able to sell your home unless you retrofit it to comply with the energy and water efficiency standards of this Act. You had better sell soon, because the standards will be raised each year and will be really hard (i.e., ex$pen$ive) to meet in a few years. Oh, goody! The Act allows the government to give you a grant of several thousand dollars to comply with the retrofit program requirements if you meet certain energy efficiency levels. But, wait, the State can set additional requirements on who qualifies to receive the grants. You should expect requirements such as "can't have an income of more than $50K per year", "home selling price can't be more than $125K", or anything else to target the upper middle class (and that's YOU) and prevent them from qualifying for the grants Most of us won't get a dime and will have to pay the entire cost of the retrofit out of our own pockets. More transfer of wealth, more "change you can believe in."

Sect. 204:Building Energy Performance Labeling Program establishes a labeling program that for each individual residence will identify the achieved energy efficiency performance for "at least 90 percent of the residential market within 5 years after the date of the enactment of this Act." This means that within five years, 90% of all residential homes in the U.S. must be measured and labeled. The EPA administrator will get $50M each year to enforce the labeling program. The Secretary of the Department of Energy will get an additional $20M each year to help enforce the labeling program. Some of this money will, of course, be spent on coming up with tougher standards each year. Oh, the label will be like a license for your car. You will be required to post the label in a conspicuous location in your home and will not be allowed to sell your home without having this label. And, just like your car license, you will probably be required to get a new label every so often - maybe every year. But, the government estimates the cost of measuring the energy efficiency of your home should only cost about $200 each time. Remember what they said about the auto smog inspections when they first started: that in California it would only cost $15. That was when the program started. Now the cost is about $50 for the inspection and certificate; a 333% increase. Expect the same from the home labeling program.

Sect. 304:Greater Energy Efficiency in Building Codes establishes new energy efficiency guidelines for the National Building Code and mandates at 304(d) that 1 year after enactment of this Act, all state and local jurisdictions must adopt the National Building Code energy efficiency provisions or must obtain a certification from the federal government that their state and/or local codes have been brought into full compliance with the National Building Code energy efficiency standards.

Republicans Win in NJ and Virginia!

Regardless of how the liberal press and others try to spin and downplay these races, this is huge! All three states went for Obama in the 2008 election--by big margins. Two of the three now go to Republicans--also by big margins. And, even though it looks like Hoffman may lose in his bid in NY, to finish as close as he apparently will poses big problems for Democrats (ignore comments to the contrary by liberal spin-masters).

How this will play out going forward…especially with the midterm elections in 2010 looming, is anybody's guess. My gut feeling is that Democrats have a lot to fear. One little-noticed fact helps support this: Turnout of Republican and Independent voters is up--substantially. That's telling!

Hoffman's performance in NY…effectively ousting the "Republican" candidate has been noticed by the Republican leadership. Will they "get the message" and stop nominating liberals and moderates…masquerading as conservatives? Time will tell, but one thing is certain. The Conservatives within the Republican Party are now engaged, fully awake, and aware of their inherent power. The Republican Party leadership had better take notice. They are being watched.


Joshua