[ for #180 (2/1), scroll down below] #179 (1/30) - State of Dysfunction

[To Florida residents - With less than 30 percent of evangelicals voting in general elections, I fear even less will bother to vote, As God's stewards of this great democracy, we as Christians have a responsibility and not just a civic duty and vote every chance we get. If by some miracle the vast majority did vote in every election, we could very well decide the outcome more often than the "experts" say. Personally, I am using this one opportunity to vote in the Republican primary to vote for Rick Santorum. I have no reason not to have confidence in his leadership.]

Poshttp://blog.heritage.org/2012/01/24/morning-bell-state-of-dysfunction/print/?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=Morning%2BBellted
By Mike Brownfield opn January 24, 2012

Tonight, Americans who tune in to the State of the Union will watch the work of a rhetorical master with a flair for illusion. President Barack Obama will take to the floor of the Capitol in hopes of laying the groundwork for a political debate on his terms–one where he stands on emotional appeals, populism, and class warfare, not the shaky ground of his crumbling record. And looking right back at him will be the U.S. Senate [contolled by his Democrats], which has for the past 1,000 days failed to pass a budget [2]–a total shirking of their fundamental duty to be diligent stewards of the taxpayers’ dollars.

The President will thus rely on the power of his words. With flourish, he will tell the story of America through a progressive’s eyes–one where “fairness” takes on a new meaning, where America’s core values are brushed aside, and where the truth about a failed presidency is forgotten in the shadows of his country’s collective memory. The President will speak from the high ground of his vaulted office. The question is whether the elevation conferred by his office will allow him to escape the soaring deficits, depths of unemployment, or miles of job-killing regulation that his Administration has wrought.

Before considering the President’s record, first consider his message–that economic populism is the core of America’s principles, that the federal government should be the guarantor of equal outcomes and that “fairness” of achievement should be decided by legions of bureaucrats in Washington. It is a theme that the President unveiled in a speech last month in Osawatomie, Kansas, and it’s one he plans to return to tonight. This vision is at the root of the President’s progressive ideal. It is not, however, the ideology on which our country was founded. The Heritage Foundation’s Matthew Spalding, vice president of American Studies and director of the B. Kenneth Simon Center for Principles and Politics, explains [3]:

"America is exceptional because it is dedicated to the principle of universal human liberty: that all are fundamentally equal by nature and equally endowed with unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This principle and the constitutional framework of law that enlivens it are the foundation of the American Dream… What is truly revolutionary about the United States is that the ladder of opportunity became available to everyone. As a result, poverty has been vastly diminished. Even more important, it is no longer a permanent condition from which there is no real possibility of escape."

The “ladder of opportunity” exists so that people may apply their God-given talents and abilities in order to better themselves and pursue the American dream. That is the liberty that makes the United States unique. The President, though, does not stand for that dream. Instead, as he has made clear, he believes that it is through government engineering that society can advance–through more government power, federal education programs, economic regulations, and infrastructure spending, all funded by “fair” taxes on “wealthy” Americans. This sort of progressivism has its roots in 100 years of history and 100 years of failure. But the country need not look back into the annals of time to see the proof. They only need to see the President’s record of the past three years–facts that will undoubtedly receive short shrift in tonight’s speech.

Obama enacted a purely progressive agenda with his expansion of the state under Obamacare, his trillion-dollar stimulus bill, the government takeover of the auto industry, the proliferation of regulations under the Dodd-Frank regulatory reform bill, the crony capitalism of the Solyndra scandal, and the illegal appointments to the unrestrained Consumer Financial Protection Agency and the National Labor Relations Board. The result: Some 13.1 million Americans remain unemployed, job creation has been abysmal for much of the past three years, and the President’s promise to turn around the U.S. economy has gone unfulfilled.

Meanwhile, the Senate has largely acceded to the President’s agenda while leaving undone the budgeting process for the past 1,000 days. Instead of respecting the people’s money and putting it to its appropriate use, the Senate has chosen to pass short-term “business as usual” continuing resolutions, one after another, all while government spending continues to skyrocket, deficits are exploding, the country’s credit rating is in jeopardy, Social Security and Medicare are in crisis states, and future generations are left holding the bag.

The President’s “populist” message is designed to appeal to the American people–and this is after all what all American politicians try to do. It is fair, however to ponder how the people have fared under the President’s policies. It is hard to miss the mass of unemployed Americans, the plodding economy, the businesses that are afraid to grow and expand, and the jobs that are being left on the table. It is understandable that the President will not want to bring up these “achievements.”
Christopher Columbus discovered the New World in 70 days. The Empire State Building was built in 410 days. Yet for 1,000 days, the U.S. Senate has failed to pass a budget. Find out more in our newest video, “1,000 Days Without A Budget.” [4]

[bold and italics emphasis mine]
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Article printed from The Foundry: Conservative Policy News Blog from The Heritage Foundation: http://blog.heritage.org; URL to article: http://blog.heritage.org/2012/01/24/morning-bell-state-of-dysfunction/

URLs in this post:
[2] failed to pass a budget: http://blog.heritage.org../2012/01/20/1000-days-without-a-budget-facts-on-the-senates-failure/
[3] explains: http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/286840/string-pullers-matthew-spalding
[4] “1,000 Days Without A Budget.”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QG0stsk3Ljs&feature=youtu.be

#178 (1/23) "Marking 39 Years of Roe v. Wade - Some Very Good News"

[I hope that you enjoyed my essay in yesterday's posting #177. The following continues the theme of recognizing the 39 years of legalized abortion in this country. Note that the following article is followed by links to several other articles. Please note in particular that the final article noted contains links to 11 other articles!]
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By Chuck Colson| Breakpoint.com: January 12, 2012 http://www.breakpoint.org/bpcommentaries/entry/13/18541

Even though there’s a long way to go, 2011 was a great year for the pro-life movement. I’ll explain why.

This month marks the 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court’s hideous decision to legalize abortion on demand in the United States. Since then, some 50 million unborn children have lost their lives. The constant killing, with the blessing of both the government and the media, has coarsened our national life, and deadened the consciences of many.

And for those of us who believe in the sanctity of human life, and the Imago Dei being implanted in every human being, these 39 years have been full of frustration and anguish in our so-far unsuccessful efforts to overturn Roe.

Adding insult to injury, the Obama administration is seeking to increase access to abortion through the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act — otherwise known as ObamaCare. According to CitizenLink, “Under ObamaCare regulations, insurance policies would be required to cover free to women all contraceptive methods, sterilization procedures, and reproductive counseling methods that the Food and Drug Administration has approved.”

Knowing all this, it would be easy to get discouraged. But I’m not, and you shouldn’t be, either. First of all, as Christians we believe in the sovereignty of God. So despair is a sin! Never despair!
Secondly, the pro-lifer cause is gaining tremendous ground in the states. Let me list just some of the signs of progress. According to Americans United for Life (AUL) five states have reacted to ObamaCare by restricting insurance coverage of abortion: Florida, Idaho, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Virginia. Good start.

In addition, more than 30 states have either introduced or are laying the groundwork to introduce an opt-out bill as soon as their legislative calendars allow. Many have already passed such legislation like Arizona, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Utah, Mississippi.

Meanwhile, AUL sees “an unprecedented level of pro-life activity in the states,” with 70 pro-life bills passed in 2011. In all, pro-lifers in 47 states got their legislators to consider 460 bills, and they’re keeping the pressure on daily.

In Kansas, pro-life lawmakers are seeking to bolster legal protections for doctors, pharmacists, and other health-care providers opposed to abortions or abortion-inducing drugs. These legislators hope to block even indirect taxpayer support for abortion.

In Ohio, Gov. John Kasich signed four bills into law last year that either put additional restrictions on abortion or benefited the pro-life movement. Says Mike Gonidakis, president of Ohio Right to Life, “Never in the history of the pro-life movement have we had so many legislative measures enacted in one year.”
These Ohio laws prohibit public hospitals from performing abortions and ban abortion coverage in the insurance plans of local public employees. Pro-life college groups now cannot be denied use of school funds or facilities. Kasich also signed a law that makes it harder for minors to get abortions without parental consent. And the polls continue to show us gaining in public support.

Okay folks, 2011 was a good year for the pro-life cause. And no, we haven’t overturned Roe v. Wade — yet. And we face entrenched interests that will fight us tooth and nail. But that’s because the tide is turning! So even as we mark 39 years of abortion on demand, hang in there! And keep fighting the good fight.

[bold and italics emphasis mine]
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Further Reading

The 12 Days of Pro-Life Christmas: Marking Victories in 2011 and Information
http://www.lifenews.com/2011/12/26/the-12-days-of-pro-life-christmas-marking-victories-in-2011/ Charmaine Yoest | LifeNews.com | December 26, 2011
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Record number passed in 2011-Cornelius Frolik | The Oxford Press | January 2, 2012
http://www.oxfordpress.com/news/oxford-news/record-number-passed-in-2011-1306652.html
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Congressional Panel Says ObamaCare Violates Conscience Rights Karla Dial | Citizens Link | November 2, 2011 http://www.citizenlink.com/2011/11/02/congressional-panel-says-obamacare-violates-conscience-rights/
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Why Won’t Abortion Go Away As an Issue? - January 18, 2012, by Jerry nEWcombe
http://www.truthinaction.org/index.php/2012/01/why-wont-abortion-go-away-as-an-issue/
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The Culture of Death Grows Desperate: War Declared on Crisis Pregnancy Centers By Albert Mohler|Published Date: January 17, 2012
http://worldviewchurch.org/columns/featured-column/1118-the-culture-of-death-grows-desperate-war-declared-on-crisis-pregnancy-centers
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The quiet triumph of life
by Gary Bauer
01/23/2012 http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=48960

[Asked by NPR last week to assess the state of the political battle over abortion, NARAL President Nancy Keenan responded, “The bottom line here is that elections matter.” That truism was never more true for the pro-life cause than in 2010, the “Year of the Tea Party.” The Tea Party’s purpose was to demand fiscal responsibility from lawmakers and to elect candidates who would address the country’s towering budget deficits.]
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Full of life-ROE V. WADE || Marvin Olasky January 28, 2012
http://www.worldmag.com/articles/19068 [This article contains link to 11 other related articles as well as a link to the magazine's pro-life archives.]

"Revitalized by young activists and growing support, the pro-life movement faces new tensions ... In 2010 Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, watched the march and gave Newsweek her thoughts of the unfolding nightmare: "My gosh, they are so young. There are so many of them, and they are so young." "Some numbers show the pro-life movement's revival. Students for Life has doubled the number of its chapters in the past five years, and now has more than 600. The prayer group 40 Days for Life began in 2004 and now has vigils in about 400 cities. Care Net has doubled the number of centers in the past decade, and now has more than 1,100 affiliates."

#180 (2/1) - Twinkies, Kodak, Bailouts, and the Free Market

[NOTE: The following is a great article about why we cant have the federal government picking winners and losers in the marketplace. THAT is what is called crony capitalism and Americans need to speak out against it.It is followed by a reference to a related article on Barnes & Noble and finally, in entirety, an article of what the Founders view was of government's role in capitalism. I believe you'll find the final article particularly interesting.]
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by Mike Brownfield January 10, 2012
http://blog.heritage.org/2012/01/10/twinkies-kodak-bailouts-and-the-free-market/

Are you a fan of Twinkies, the cream-stuffed yellow cake confection packed with sugary goodness, wrapped in a thin layer of cellophane? If so, here’s some bad news for your sweet tooth: Hostess Brands Inc., the maker of Twinkies, HoHos and other convenience store delicacies, has filed for bankruptcy just two years after emerging from its previous bankruptcy.

CBS News and the AP report that Hostess—which employs 19,000 workers in 49 states—has more than $860 million in debt, faces high labor expenses, rising ingredient costs, and a decrease in sales (despite the fact that the industry is flat). And all of this comes despite $40 million in private equity investment and a $20 million loan last year.

Then there’s another great American corporate icon on the ropes: Eastman Kodak Co. It was reported last week that the 131-year-old film company is preparing a bankruptcy filing if it fails to sell 1,100 digital-imaging patents. The Associated Press writes that Kodak is about to run out of cash and “was reporting a third-quarter loss of $222 million — its ninth quarterly loss in three years.” Their troubles? The company has lost 95 percent of its value in the rise of digital and the fall of film, along with increased competition.

Certainly if Hostess or Kodak goes down, job losses will follow, causing ripple effects throughout the economy. Those job losses are truly lamentable, and those with a penchant for Twinkies, HoHos, and 35 millimeter film might feel a bit of nostalgia for the brands going bye-bye. But in the free-market system, companies come and go, the strong survive, and good products, efficient management, and meeting consumer demand are rewarded.

That system is under attack from the inside and the outside. From the outside, the Occupy Wall Street movement has assailed corporate America and profits, decrying inequities and crucifying capitalism. Unions are shouting down corporate executives for not sharing enough profits with their workers, and private equity firms are under attack because under our system, companies can, in fact, go out of business. In short, “success” and “profits” and “capitalism” have become pejoratives.

From the inside, the free market is under attack from a government that is picking winners and losers and deciding which companies should and should not survive. The Obama Administration has singled out “green energy” as a “winner,” doling out millions to companies like Solyndra because, in its view, producing solar energy is the “right” move for America—even if those companies can’t stand on their own two feet.

Likewise, when General Motors and Chrysler stood before Congress and begged for a bailout, they argued that they needed taxpayer relief as they struggled with massive debt, high fixed costs (labor/pension/health care costs), and declining sales. The Detroit automakers found a friend in Washington, receiving bailouts under two Administrations.

Does it seem fair that Solyndra and GM receive taxpayer funding when they can’t make it in the free market? Unfortunately, “fairness” is a word that takes on a new meaning in a crony capitalist society. Under the rules of this game, those with the best friends in power reap the benefits, while all others are stuck playing by the rules they set.

In the case of Kodak, it appears that the company is trying to play within the rules of the capitalist system, simplifying its structure and cutting its costs—without cutting jobs. The market today responded favorably to the new business plan with shares going up by 45 percent.

That’s how the system is supposed to work. Kodak didn’t get a bailout, and it’s doing what it can to change its business model, make a profit, and stay afloat. It isn’t relying on nostalgia or good will, political favors or taxpayer bailouts.

As for Hostess, should the company go bankrupt if it can’t compete? Yes, and that’s the way it should be, even if it leaves a bad taste in some people’s mouths. The consequences of poor business decisions encourage companies to make the right decisions so they can grow and prosper. That grows wealth, creates new jobs, and moves the economy forward—what the free-market capitalist system does best.

[bold and italics emphasis mine]
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What Liberals Don’t Understand About Business and Profit
by Mike Brownfield January 6, 2012
http://blog.heritage.org/2012/01/06/what-liberals-dont-understand-about-business-and-profit/

At the above site, you'll find an article about how Barnes & Noble is working to survive, despite being critized by a liberal."What liberals don’t understand is that profit is a phenomenal motivator for companies and their shareholders. Corporations don’t exist just for the heck of it, they exist to make money. And they do it by providing products and services that people want. If consumers’ demand changes, profitable companies will change, too. And shareholders, workers, and the economy are better for it."
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Did the Founders Support Free-Market Capitalism?
by Julia Shaw January 13, 2012 (5)
http://blog.heritage.org/2012/01/13/did-the-founders-support-free-market-capitalism/

Free-market capitalism is losing supporters these days. Wall Street occupiers blame banks, financial firms, and Wall Street for the bad economy. President Obama derides free markets, in true straw-man fashion, as you’re-on-your-own economics with “a free license to take whatever you want from whoever you can.” Even some Republican presidential candidates have inveighed against capitalism.

What about the Founders? What did they think about free-market capitalism?

Although the term capitalism was scarcely in use at the time of the Founding, the Founders supported the principle of economic liberty underlying it. The Founders understood that property rights and free markets were constitutive elements of what it means to be free. They therefore believed that government has a responsibility to protect the rights of all to participate in the economy by upholding contracts, lifting artificial trade barriers, and protecting the right to acquire, possess, and freely use property.

The Founders did not, however, advocate a completely “laissez-faire” economic policy, since they understood that the government had a role to play—a limited role—in regulating the economy. For example, at the time of the Founding, the government inspected goods that were imported into the United States and created licensing systems for certain professions—such as medicine—that were essential to public health and safety. Such regulations strengthen a free-market economy by protecting consumers from fraud and by expanding the opportunity for all to participate in the market by ensuring the reliability of goods and services.

The Founders’ defense of limited regulations enacted by elected representatives is a far cry from the Progressive embrace of far-reaching regulations made by unelected and unaccountable bureaucrats.

This question was reprinted from the new First Principles page at Heritage.org. For more answers to frequently asked questions, visit: http://www.heritage.org/Initiatives/First-Principles/basics.

[bold and italics emphasis mine]

#177 (1/22) - Sunday Special - All That Is Necessary ... - Sanctity of Human Life Sunday

[PLEASE check in tomorrow for a series of articles on abortion in America. ALSO, please be sure to tune in to today's broadcast of "Truth That Transforms"(Orlando, Sun.-5 pm, ch. 55.1; Mon. 7 pm, ch. 52.2) or download it at www.truthinaction.org It will be another powerful message on the sanctity of human life you will not want to miss!]
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“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men [and women]to do nothing.” – [attributed to] Edmund Burke

Today we recognize “Sanctity of Human Life Sunday.” It is also the day in 1973 that the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the unborn to be “non-persons” and allowed for them to be aborted – their life terminated – at any point while they resided in their mother’s womb. It is ironic that two days ago, January 20th, marked the day 70 years ago when the Nazi regime officially began its attempt to completely exterminate the Jewish people in their sphere of influence. Now we are in the midst of the on-going American Holocaust in which over 57 MILLION of our most innocent citizens have been murdered and tens of millions of women and men have been victimized.

As Chuck Colson wrote in the article I posted on Friday(1/20)[#176], while it’s understandable these days that people most want to talk about the need for job creation and the bad state of our economy, the poor moral health of our nation must not be disregarded from our discussions. Great nations throughout history have not fallen so much from a poor economy as from moral decay. Our nation is never in greater danger than when its concerns are so limited to the material (the “pocketbook” issues) that it turns its back on the “social” issues.

As Christians, I, of course, believe that we need to work for the fulfillment of Christ’s Great Commission (Mat. 28:18-20). But I have long been concerned with what I call the Great Omission, for which I reference in Matthew 5:13. When Jesus calls us in this verse to be “salt,” he refers to adding “flavor” or “taste” to society. I believe it refers to making a difference in the society God has placed us in and made us stewards of, in effect to being effective Christian citizens. While Christians still comprise a significant portion of our society, it has to be asked “Why are we not making more of an impact on our society (apart from spiritually)?”

The answer, I fear, is that too many of us have withdrawn from any involvement for fear of getting mixed up with what we consider “political,” which is somehow supposed to be anathema for “spiritual” creatures. But is that really true? Where would be the Judeo-Christian foundations of our country that has clearly been the cause for it succeeding as a republic had our Founding Fathers retreated to their churches instead of becoming involved in politics? Furthermore, the anti-slavery, prison reform, and even women’s rights are among many causes that in their time were considered “political” were in fact led by Christians.

This need - no, this requirement - for Christians to be “salt” in our society was brought home to me in 1987 while I was at a Christian world-view retreat. One day, we were all shown the film, “The Silent Scream,” which showed the images of a baby as it was about to be aborted in its mother’s womb. (It was produced by the former abortionist, the late Dr. Bernard Nathanson.) Just as the scalpel is shown entering the womb and the baby clearly fights to get away, the screen mercifully goes to black. By that time, I had risen to my feet and stood at the back of the room in absolute horror.

As I reflected on this later, I concluded that in the 14 years I had been a Christian until then (and had almost 13 years been in Christian ministry), I had had no memory of ever once hearing the subject of abortion discussed. It didn’t take me long to realize that the subtle implication impressed on me had always been that abortion was a “Catholic” issue, that we evangelicals were supposed to be concerned about the “more important” issue of evangelism. (It really is sad the way Christians are often guilty of comparing their “spirituality” with that of others.) But as I saw the horror that is abortion presented to me in that film, I was suddenly aware that abortion is not so much a “political” or a “Catholic” issue but really a human rights issue. I’ve since learned that even in the first century, when infanticide as well as abortion was accepted practice in the larger society, Christians demonstrated the love of Christ by literally rescuing many such endangered children. There can be no doubt that their unselfish actions went a long way in causing many to be drawn to the gospel of Christ.

Today, you will probably not find a single evangelical church or evangelical that does not say they are pro-life. And yet in my over 38 years as a Christian, I have rarely heard the pro-life message proclaimed from the pulpits I’ve sat under. I also rarely meet a Christian who can describe what they have done as a “pro-life” Christian. Is being “pro-life” merely a descriptive term like “evangelical” that in the lives of many Christians in essence means little in reality?(Mark 11:12-13) It leaves me to ask, if the day came (and if you think this is not possible you really haven’t been paying attention to what is going on in America) when a person could be arrested for being pro-life or a church taken to court for declaring itself to be such, would there be sufficient evidence to convict them?

When we stand before God, will we be praised for helping to fulfill the Great Commission but be chastened for being part of the Great Omission -of generally being negligent as steward-citizens of this great nation in standing up to that which threatens the “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” of it’s people, especially its most vulnerable?

If individual Christians do not (in some tangible way) stand up against the evil of abortion, are we contributing to its becoming a norm and as acceptable in society? If Christians do not speak up for the women who will be victimized by their abortion, are we failing to provide the message of God’s forgiveness and to offer healing to the hurting? In effect, in our desire to stay away from “all things political,” we fail to be “our brother’s keeper,” then what is our message? “All that is necessary…[see quote above].”

#175 (1/18) "New Year’s Resolutions for Conservatives"

[P.S.–In case you missed this past Sunday’s “Truth That Transforms” broadcast, you missed one of the most powerful pro-life messages I have ever heard preached. The broadcast also includes an incredible video of women who describe how abortions have impacted them personally. You can still watch this presentation at www.truthinaction.org I hope that you will take the time to do so and will tell others about it. Don’t forget that this coming Sunday is Sanctity of Human Life Sunday.]
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The following article was posted by David Azerrad On January 2, 2012 at: http://blog.heritage.org/2012/01/02/morning-bell-new-years-resolutions-for-conservatives/
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Let’s be honest: We all know you’re not really gonna quit smoking, start exercising, and eat more vegetables as of today. As Emerson wryly remarked [1]: “All promise outruns performance.” The key to keeping your New Year’s resolutions is to make them more realistic. Rather than try to drastically change the way you live, why not start with the more modest goal of changing the way you speak? And what better place to start for conservatives than with America’s Founding principles?

As conservatives continue to rediscover the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, it is important to use words and embrace ideas that are consistent with our Founding principles. If you’re fond of the term “states’ rights,” have a soft spot for nullification, are tempted by isolationism or are wary of equality, here are four simple resolutions to begin getting right with America’s principles. Once you have these down, you can start correcting your friends and move on to other core concepts[2].

1.Speak of Federalism, not “States’ Rights”
States don’t have rights. People do.States have powers. Nowhere in the Constitution are states said to possess rights. Congress has certain powers, clearly enumerated in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution [3], and the conservative-favorite Tenth Amendment [4] makes clear that all the other powers are reserved to the states.
Not only is it incorrect to speak of states’ rights, but the expression has more baggage than Samsonite and Louis Vuitton combined. In case you didn’t know, “states’ rights” was the rallying cry of segregationists. Since no right-thinking conservative will keep company with such people, let’s just drop the term states’ rights once and for all.

If you’re concerned about federal encroachments on state sovereignty or the erosion of federalism–as you should be–then speak of federal encroachments on state sovereignty or the erosion of federalism. Or of the need to restore limited constitutional government, reinvigorate local self-government, decentralize power or check the growth of out-of-control government. With so many great formulations to choose from, why weaken the case for liberty by relying on “states’” rights?

2.Resist the Nullification TemptationAre you unhappy with the constitutional abomination called Obamacare? Do you think that Congress has no power to compel you to purchase health insurance [5]? Good. Now encourage the repeal of the law or wait and see what mood Justice Anthony Kennedy will be in next June when the Supreme Court rules on the constitutionality of Obamacare. But please don’t start talking about nullification as the magical silver bullet that other conservatives somehow overlooked in their efforts to repeal Obamacare (or any other unconstitutional law, for that matter).

Nullification is blatantly unconstitutional. As James Madison pointed out in 1798 [6], 1800 [7] and again during the Nullification Crisis of 1832
[8], individual states do not have the power to unilaterally declare federal legislation unconstitutional. They have the power–in fact, the duty–to challenge laws they deem objectionable, but this must be done within the existing constitutional framework. Let us behold a republican remedy, as Madison would say, to this federal overreach.

3. Isolationism is un-American>Unless you’re describing the Tokugawa Shogunate in Japan or the hermit kingdom of North Korea, “isolationism” should be eliminated from conservative foreign policy discussions.

As a nation dedicated to the universal truth of human equality, America simply cannot withdraw from the world and be indifferent to the fate of liberty. American exceptionalism [9] is fundamentally incompatible with isolationism. More so than any other country, we have a duty to stand for liberty [10].And no, the Founders were not isolationists. The Heritage Foundation’s Marion Smith has written the definitive refutation of this bogus argument in “The Myth of Isolationism [11].”

So if we’re not isolationists, does that mean we’re interventionists who want to make the world “safe for democracy [12]“? Of course not.There is a middle ground between naive isolationism and crusading interventionism: a distinctively American foreign policy, anchored in the principles of the Founding [13], that secures our interests all the while upholding our commitment to liberty–a commitment which need not necessarily translate into military interventions.

4.Equality is not a four-letter wordSeeing how the Left blathers on incessantly about inequality and dreams of a Harrison Bergersonesque [14] America, some conservatives are wary of equality. Yet no word is more central to the American tradition which we uphold than equality. Equality is the first self-evident truth proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence and ours is a country “dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal [15].” By this, of course, we mean equal natural rights and the equal opportunities afforded by free markets and the rule of law.

The real tragedy of inequality in America is not that some earn more than others–class envy is something that afflicts Europeans, not Americans. Rather, it is thatbig government breeds what Paul Ryan[16]calls “a class of bureaucrats and connected crony capitalists trying to rise above the rest of us, call the shots, rig the rules, and preserve their place atop society.” Let us therefore reclaim the mantle of equality from those who’ve perverted it in the pursuit of equal outcomes[17].

[bold and italics emphasis mine]

- David Azerrad [18]is Assistant Director, B. Kenneth Simon Center for Principles and Politics.
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Article printed from The Foundry: Conservative Policy News Blog from The Heritage Foundation: http://blog.heritage.org

URLs in this post:
[1] remarked: http://www.emersoncentral.com/nature2.htm
[2] core concepts: http://www.heritage.org/initiatives/first-principles/basics
[3] Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution: http://www.heritage.org/initiatives/first-principles/primary-sources/the-constitution-of-the-us
[4] Tenth Amendment: http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2011/01/the-constitution-in-one-sentence-understanding-the-tenth-amendment
[5] compel you to purchase health insurance: http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2009/12/executive-summary-why-the-personal-mandate-buy-health-insurance-is-unprecedented-unconstitutional
[6] 1798: http://www.constitution.org/cons/virg1798.htm
[7] 1800: http://press-pubs.uchicago.edu/founders/documents/v1ch8s42.html
[8] Nullification Crisis of 1832: http://www.constitution.org/jm/18300828_everett.htm
[9] American exceptionalism: http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2010/09/why-is-america-exceptional
[10] a duty to stand for liberty: http://site.heritage.org/understandingamerica/?query=Understanding+America+Series
[11] The Myth of Isolationism: http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2010/12/the-myth-of-isolationism-part-1-american-leadership-and-the-cause-of-liberty
[12] safe for democracy: http://www.heritage.org/initiatives/first-principles/primary-sources/woodrow-wilsons-war-message-to-congress
[13] anchored in the principles of the Founding: http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2010/10/americas-founders-and-the-principles-of-foreign-policy-sovereign-independence
[14] Harrison Bergersonesque: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harrison_Bergeron
[15] dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal: http://showcase.netins.net/web/creative/lincoln/speeches/gettysburg.htm
[16] Paul Ryan: http://www.heritage.org/research/lecture/2011/11/saving-the-american-idea-rejecting-fear-envy-and-the-politics-of-division
[17] equal outcomes: http://www.heritage.org/initiatives/first-principles/primary-sources/from-opportunity-to-outcomes-lbj-expands-the-meaning-of-equality
[18] David Azerrad: http://www.heritage.org/about/staff/a/david-azerrad

[19] Top 10 Foundry blog posts of 2011.: http://blog.heritage.org/2011/12/29/top-10-most-read-foundry-posts-of-2011/
[20] Find out our Top 10 Heritage papers of 2011.: http://blog.heritage.org/2011/12/29/top-10-heritage-papers-of-2011/
[21] Watch the 10 most popular Heritage videos of 2011.: http://blog.heritage.org/2011/12/29/the-10-most-popular-heritage-videos-of-2011/
[22] Heritage’s Top 10 charts of 2011: http://blog.heritage.org/2011/12/29/top-10-charts-of-2011/
[23] Find out which others are on the list.: http://blog.heritage.org/2011/12/28/top-10-worst-federal-rules-of-2011/

Copyright © 2011 The Heritage Foundation. All rights reserved

[see post BELOW for # 173 (1/13)] #172 (1/11) - MLK and Religious Freedom; Tebow-Led Win Sparks Jn. 3:16 Interest

By: Chuck Colson|Breakpoint.com : January 6, 2012 http://www.breakpoint.org/bpcommentaries/entry/13/18500

What better way to honor Martin Luther King than to celebrate our religious freedom?

Monday, January 16, is Martin Luther King Day. Most schools recognize the day — as they should. But will they teach students about Dr. King’s Christian faith, which motivated and guided his campaign for civil rights?

During his Birmingham civil rights campaign, Dr. King required every participant to sign a pledge committing to do ten things. The first was to “meditate daily on the teachings and life of Jesus.” Others included the expectation that all participants would “walk and talk in the manner of love, for God is love;” and “pray daily to be used by God in order that all men might be free.”

To truly understand Martin Luther King, students must learn about his Christian faith. It was at the heart of what he did.

This year, something else worth celebrating happens to fall on the same day as Martin Luther King Day, and it’s a perfect fit. Every year since 1993, the President proclaims January 16 to be Religious Freedom Day and asks the nation to celebrate its religious liberty. It is the anniversary of the passage in 1786 of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, which was drafted by Thomas Jefferson. The men who drafted the Constitution leaned heavily on Jefferson’s statute in establishing the First Amendment’s guarantee of religious freedom. Today, it is more important than ever that we remind ourselves of that protection.

Since Martin Luther King Day and Religious Freedom Day fall on the same day this year, it is a perfect time for schools to help students connect the dots between Martin Luther King’s fight for civil rights and the freedom of religious expression in America. Dr. King’s call for justice was guided by his religious convictions and the liberty to act on those convictions.

You’ve heard me say often on BreakPoint that religious freedom is coming under increasing assault in this country. It’s one reason I and others drafted and signed the Manhattan Declaration, which has been signed by half a million people. The Declaration specifically cites Dr. King’s magnificent “Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” in which he taught that “A just law is a man-made code that squares with the moral law or the law of God.” An unjust law, however, “is a code that is out of harmony with the moral law,” and therefore has no binding power over human conscience.

It’s vital that every church defend freedom of religion, the bulwark of all of our freedoms. Here’s something you can do right now: Tell your church leaders about the Manhattan Declaration [there is a link for it under "Let Your Voice Be Heard" in the column to the right] and about Religious Freedom Day coming up on the 16th. Ask them to talk to your congregation the day before — on Sunday, January 15 — about the importance of religious liberty. In fact, devote a sermon to it!

You can also help clear up some of the confusion over religious liberty in our public schools. Students can pray in school. They can read the Bible. That makes Sunday the 15th a great time for Sunday school teachers to talk to their students about the freedoms they have to express their religious faith — even at school.

Be sure your church celebrates Religious Freedom Day — there’s no better way to honor the legacy of Dr. King. ... Please check out the links listed below.

[bold and italics emphasis mine]
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Further Reading and Information

Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Christian Pledge - http://www.gtbe.org/news/index.php/1/68/240.html
Religious Freedom Sunday- http://www.religiousfreedomsunday.com/
Religious Freedom Day (January 16) http://www.religiousfreedomday.com/
The Manhattan Declaration
http://www.manhattandeclaration.org/home.aspx
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Tebow Win Sparks Interest in John 3:16 : (Even as a huge Tim Tebow fan, I confess I had my doubts that they would win their game this past Sunday. NOW, until the final gun ending the game, I plan to believe they can win this Saturday night’s game.) No matter what you think about all the interest he has generated, are you aware of the countless people who have gone to the internet to find out what John 3:16 says?(Tebow threw for 316 yards which gave him 31.6 yards per completion.)I’ve actually seen several television news reporters actually quoting John 3:16 in its entirety. I even found it quoted in the very liberal Huffington Post> http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/09/tim-tebow-throws-for-316-yards-broncos-steelers_n_1194617.html Maybe God doesn't choose the winners in sports contests, but He is still sovereign, right? (Rom. 8:28)

#176 (1/20) - No, America, It's NOT Just the Economy

[NOTE: Please make a point to check here for my upcomingSunday Special. I will be sharing my personal perspective on the theme raised by the article below. Also, please let me know how your church is recognizing Sancity of Human Life Sunday. Finally, be sure to tune in again on Sunday to this week's broadcast of "Truth That Transforms" (Orlando, Sun.-5 pm, ch. 55.1; Mon. 7 pm, ch. 52.2)or download it at www.truthinaction.org]
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Morality and the Economy - By: Chuck Colson |Breakpoint.com; January 9, 2012
http://www.breakpoint.org/bpcommentaries/entry/13/18513

The next election should be all about the economy, right? Wrong in spades!

During the seemingly endless build-up to the Iowa caucuses, there was one consistent refrain repeated over and over. It’s like the big lie — the more you keep repeating it, the more people are going to believe it, but it remains a lie. The lie was simply this: that the political parties have to choose between social issues and economic issues. This year, the media and the party machines are telling us ad nauseam that the only issue that matters is the economy. So any candidate who wants to win the White House should just shut up about things like marriage, the sanctity of life, religious liberty, and those other annoying issues that distract us from focusing on jobs and the economy.

But that’s crazy! Doesn’t anybody get the connection between the social issues and economics issues?

One candidate who does, Rick Santorum had the courage to link the two in a recent Iowa town hall meeting. (And before I go on, please, folks, I’m not endorsing him or anyone. I never do.) Here’s what Senator Santorum said:

“Yes, [the election is] about growth and the economy, [but] it’s also about what is at the core of our country . . . faith and family. You can’t have a strong economy, you can’t have limited government if the family is breaking down and we don’t live good, moral, and decent lives.”

Precisely right. And what does he get for his remarks? Backhanded compliments for his showing in Iowa and a stern warning from, among others, the conservative National Review. Here’s what the National Review wrote online: “In a general election…where the focus is almost certainly going to be on economic issues, it is questionable whether Santorum’s relentless focus on social issues will play well with independent voters, especially in the crucial suburbs.”

Hogwash. If the nation’s current economic crisis has taught us anything, it’s that a healthy economy cannot thrive in the midst of moral breakdown. Ethical failures on Wall Street, Main Street, and Capitol Hill put us into this mess we’re in today, as I’ve said many times before.

But how about some facts? I’ll have the citations for you at BreakPoint.org: Take incarceration rates: something Santorum has alluded to and I’ve seen with my own eyes: “Young men who grow up in homes without fathers are twice as likely to end up in jail as those who come from traditional two-parent families.” And “70% of juveniles in state-operated institutions come from fatherless homes.”

How about education? 71% of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes. And children from low-income, two-parent families outperform students from high-income, single-parent homes.

I could go on and on.

Do you think that crime rates, incarceration, low educational achievement, out of wedlock births, affect the economy and government spending? Of course they do, and the statistics prove this! If you want a healthy, thriving economy you’ve got to have a strong moral societal foundation. And any so-called “conservatives” who think otherwise are simply deluding themselves; the two issues simply can’t be separated

As Christians, we can’t buy into the lie that we can separate economic prosperity from moral behavior. And we can’t be afraid to hold the candidates’ feet to the fire on this, either.

[bold and italics emphasis mine]
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Further Reading and Information:

Statistics on Fatherless Children in America Wayne Parker|About.com
Rick Santorum in Altoona, IowaRick Santorum | C-Span Video Library |January 2,2012
DoingtheRightThing.com

#173 (1/13) - Deep Cuts To Our Military? Now? Really?!!!

ATTENTION: 1)Please be sure to check here for my Sunday Special; 2)Remember to check this Sunday's broadcast of "Truth That Transforms"(Orlando - 5 pm, ch. 55.1; www.truthinaction.org; and 3) the editorial cartoons at www.worldmag.org/editorial cartoons

[Note: I don't know about you, but it made me nervous when I heard the President announce he was going to dramatically down-size our military force. Does he fully realize the continually growing threat Iran poses to the Middle East AND Europe (and the US) as well as the danger if Pakistan suddenly fell to Islamists and North Korea made a provacative move against S. Korea or even Japan? Or is this action merely a cynical election year ploy to create an economic windfall from the savings that would justify more government spending on social programs to pacify his political base or for another "stimulus" for the economy to curry favor with voters? Think about it. ALSO, be sure to read an excerpt from a related story about Vice-President saying that the Taliban is NOT our enemy!]

- "Can America Defend Itself?"-The following article was posted by Mike Brownfield on January 9, 2012 http://blog.heritage.org/2012/01/09/morning-bell-can-america-defend-itself/

The Iranian threat yet again finds itself on the front page of America’s newspapers this morning, this time with news that the rogue regime has sentenced a U.S. citizen to death [1] for working for the CIA and that it has started refining uranium [2] deep inside a mountain bunker. Meanwhile, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is launching a week-long trip [3] through South America in order to bolster ties with his allies in the region in hopes of strengthening the country’s challenge to the United States.

This news comes just after a series of Iranian threats to close the Strait of Hormuz–a provocative move that would cut off a quarter of the world’s energy supply and wreak havoc on the global economy. Of course, on top of this verbal threat, Iran is continuing its pursuit of nuclear weapons despite an uproar from the international community.

Despite this emerging threat, President Barack Obama traveled to the Pentagon last Thursday to announce that the “tide of war is receding” for the United States, thereby justifying massive cuts to the U.S. military. “In short, we’ve succeeded in defending our nation, taking the fight to our enemies, reducing the number of Americans in harm’s way, and we’ve restored America’s global leadership. That makes us safer and it makes us stronger.”

The President, though, did not mention the Iranian threat, North Korea’s new 28-year-old leader whose finger rests on a nuclear trigger, and the growing dominance of China as a regional power. In other words, the President is pursuing a strategy to cut the U.S. military by a half-trillion dollars over ten years based on the argument that the world is a safer place, yet he is totally ignoring the very real threats around the world today. Defense expert Mackenzie Eaglen explains [4] how the military plans to cope with the resulting reduction in funding and forces, one component of which includes a “strategic pivot” from southwest Asia to East Asia in order to counter a rising China:

"Pentagon leaders plan to skirt the lack of capabilities through an increased reliance on National Guard and reserve forces–the same men and women who are worn out from a decade of multiple tours overseas. DoD plans to assume more risk in the active component and the capabilities that are available immediately in the event of conflict or crisis. Examples include heavy armor brigades and tactical fighter wings."

"Another tenet of the “pivot” to Asia is the transition from a military focused on manpower-intensive counterinsurgency to the light footprint doctrine of counterterrorism.Panetta has mentioned unmanned or remotely piloted aircraft, cyber, and special forces as key areas that must be protected from budget cuts. They may even get more money."

Of course, the Pentagon will do its best to answer the call to duty under the limitations that the White House imposes. But that does not mean that it will be as well-equipped as it could and should be to defend the United States, at home and abroad. As Heritage’s James Carafano writes [5],“It is completely unreasonable for the White House to argue the world has changed so much that we can just do all this with less.” That is especially true given the threats that are lurking around the corner from the likes of Iran, North Korea, and China.
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Article printed from The Foundry: Conservative Policy News Blog from The Heritage Foundation: http://blog.heritage.org;URLs in this post:

[1] sentenced a U.S. citizen to death:http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/checkpoint-washington/post/iran-sentences-us-citizen-to-death-for-spying/2012/01/09/gIQAhxuokP_blog.html
[2] started refining uranium: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/09/us-nuclear-iran-iaea-idUSTRE8080KT20120109
[3] launching a week-long trip: http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/americas/iran-looks-for-friends-in-latin-america/2012/01/08/gIQACtHAkP_story.html
[4] explains: http://blog.heritage.org/2012/01/05/obama%E2%80%99s-new-defense-strategy-less-of-the-same/
[5] writes: http://www.nypost.com/p/news/opinion/opedcolumnists/gutting_defense_JTMp5AaH7cERrdzBCan1XM#ixzz1iy8BJ7OU

Copyright © 2011 The Heritage Foundation. All rights reserved.
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Biden Says Taliban Is Not Our Enemy
Posted By Mike Brownfield on December 20, 2011 [URL to article: http://blog.heritage.org/2011/12/20/morning-bell-biden-says-taliban-is-not-our-enemy/]

An excerpt:"Unfortunately, the American people are not seeing realism from the White House. Rather, they are witnessing the Obama Administration trying to make a friend out of an enemy all in the name of justifying a premature withdrawal from Afghanistan. America has made tremendous sacrifices in Afghanistan for the sake of U.S. security– the greatest sacrifice being the lives of its sons and daughters lost in waging the war. Ignoring the Taliban’s true nature jeopardizes the successes that our military has won, and it risks turning back the clock to September 10, 2001, when terrorist forces could find safe refuge from which they could plan their attacks."

[bold and italics emphasis mine]

#171 (1/9)– Make Yourself Heard! – An Action Alert!

[Note: Have you found out yet WHAT your pastor/church will be doing to recognize the Sanctity of Human Life Sunday on January 22nd? (That's just the Sunday after next!) Don't the unborn deserve at least that one Sunday A YEAR to be spoken up for if we are going to say we are pro-life?]
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I don’t know about you, but there are times when I just want my voice to be heard to the “powers that be” on this issue or that issue. Well, below are 3 ways you can do that using the internet. Isn’t worth a few minutes of your time to put in YOUR 2 cents ?!!! [Please be sure to regularly check the section to the right of these blog postings entitled “Let Your Voice Be Heard!” for ways that you express yourself to our leaders.]
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1)Stop the Death Panel!(remember when someone used this term and was ridiculed? Hint: HER initials are S.P.)

The legislative clock is ticking. If you and I don’t take action immediately, healthcare rationing could become a deadly reality in America.

Buried deep within the new health care law is provision for an “Independent Payment Advisory Board,” or IPAB — 15 politically appointed “experts.” Not elected by the people. Not accountable even to majorities in both houses of Congress.But to “save money” and “cut healthcare costs,” they will have authority to take away your healthcare options ... Cutting payments ... making life-and-death decisions for you and your loved ones ... leaving some to suffer…and some to die.

How can America survive if, rather than honoring our elders, we’re putting their lives at risk through something ironically termed “healthcare reform”? WE MUST PUT A STOP TO IT — by petitioning Congress to repeal or de-fund IPAB.

http://www.truthinaction.org/index.php/stop-the-death-panels/
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2)Sign the American Center for Law and Justice Brief for the
Supreme Court to rule Obamacare Unconstitutional

http://click1.action.aclj.org/amdhfp/ShareArticle.do?recipID=1813024&siteID=ihntcrhcbcvrdzzbnppctvhnmtvmrgbdcqg&perform=view&articleID=dcttpgm
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3)Dirty Little Spending Secrets

It’s the seedy underbelly of Washington, D.C. The hallways of Congress are often dark alleys of wasteful spending and pork-laden deal-making. Down these lanes, shadowy special interests and empire-building bureaucracies lie in wait to relieve innocent taxpayers of their hard-earned money. They spend billions on wasteful programs, pet projects, and the accumulation of personal power. They threaten to bankrupt our country as our national debt soars out of control.

The victims often don’t even know it’s happening. Many don’t realize how bad it is. Do you? Take the following test to see if you can detect five of the dirty spending secrets Washington doesn’t want you to know . . . and let them know what you think of them!

http://www.dirtyspendingsecrets.com/

#170 (1/8) - Sunday Special - Christianity's Impact on Western Civilization

[Note: Two weeks from today, Jan. 22, is Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. This year it falls on the 39th anniversary of the Supreme Court decisionS that made abortion legal throughout all 9 months of a woman's pregnancy, which has resulted in the murder of over 55 million unborn babies and victimized tens of millions of women and men. It is a day to celebrate how precious and inalienable (God-given) is our right to life. I would challenge you to call your pastor in the next day or two and find out how, as a pro-life pastor, he plans to recognize that Sunday. (Email me at: yonashiro@bellsouth.net for things to suggest to him that he could do.)]

[Also, don't forget to watch today's broadcast of "Truth That Transforms"(Orlando - 5 pm., ch. 55.1)]

Christianity and Freedom - By: Chuck Colson|Breakpoint.com: November 16, 2011 http://www.breakpoint.org/bpcommentaries/entry/13/18245

Heaven help us, literally, if Americans truly forget where their rights and freedoms come from.

A recent op-ed in the Los Angeles Times asked “What’s God got to do with it?” The “it” being referred to was the security and freedom that Americans enjoy and often take for granted. The answer to the question is “quite a bit,” and arguing otherwise requires taking something else for granted: our way of life’s debt to Christianity.

The man asking and answering the question was Michael Shermer, the publisher of Skeptic magazine. Shermer took exception to the words of a recent House resolution to keep “In God We Trust” as the national motto. The resolution read: “Whereas if religion and morality are taken out of the marketplace of ideas, the very freedom on which the United States was founded cannot be secured.”Shermer was troubled by the “belief that religion has a monopoly on morality,” especially, he says, “in this age of science and technology, computers and cyberspace, and liberal democracies securing rights and freedoms for oppressed peoples all over the globe.”

According to Shermer what really makes people “feel free and secure” are things like “the rule of law,” “education for the masses,” the establishment of “fair and just laws,” and the “equitable enforcement of those fair and just laws.” What Shermer doesn’t tell us is that things like the rule of law, mass education, and the other things he credits with making our freedom and security possible, didn’t spring fully-formed out of nowhere. They are part of Christianity’s legacy to the West.

Take the rule of law. It was Christianity that taught the West that rulers are not free to do as they pleased and that they are not above the law. According to John Calvin, resisting tyranny was the duty of those “who desire that every individual should preserve his rights, and that all men may live free from injury.”

The same can be said about mass education and even the science that Shermer puts so much stock in. They are the result of what Christianity taught: that God created the world, and we were called to explore every aspect of it.

Most of all, our ideas about what constitutes a free and secure society are derived from Christianity. Political scientist Glenn Tinder has written about how much of what we celebrate in our society, like the “respect for the individual and a belief in the essential equality of all human beings,” has “strong roots in the union of the spiritual and the political achieved in the vision of Christianity.”

It was Christianity, you see, that taught the West that all human beings are created in the image of God. Without that understanding, the very words of the Declaration of Independence, “that all Men are created equal, that they endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights,” could never have been written.

Without this Christian vision we wouldn’t have the freedom and security that Shermer ascribes to science, technology, and politics... The issue isn’t what’s inscribed on our money but whether Americans understand what makes our way of life possible. Sadly, I’m afraid the answer to that right now is “no, they don’t." So it’s up to us, the Church, to explain just how vital the Christian faith has been — and still is — to our rights and freedoms.

[bold and italics emphasis mine]
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(for a listing of many related articles, please check out the webpage below)

The Contribution of Christianity
By T. M. Moore|Published Date: November 16, 2011

http://www.colsoncenter.org/the-center/columns/talking-points/17146-the-contribution-of-christianity

#169 (1/6/2012) - Preident Bypasses Constitution!

[HAPPY NEW YEAR! THANK YOU for your continued prayers as I have continued to have renewed struggles with my health. Please check here on Sunday as I hope to post a Sunday Special. And on Sunday, please remember to tune in to the broadcast of "Truth That Transforms" (Orlando - 5 pm, ch. 55.1) Finally, in case you missed it, please check the blog posting #169 below.]

[Note: The President's recess appointment yesterday was just the latest example of how he has used his executive power to bypass the check and balance of our Constitution to impose his will on America. As with most of the things posted on this blog for almost 3 years now, you will not hear this more TRUTHFUL perspective from the mainstream media's reporting. We can only pray that in this year's critical Presidential election, the American people will be fully aware of the TRUE nature of the President's actions and decide that this is NOT the kind of leadership we can tolerate.]

Obama’s Tyrannical Abuse of Power - Posted By Mike Brownfield On January 5, 2012

[1] Standing behind a podium on a stage just outside Cleveland, President Barack Obama delivered a speech yesterday that will reverberate throughout history. No, its lasting impact will not come because of its soaring rhetoric. Instead, it will make its mark because it was at that moment on a Wednesday afternoon in Ohio that the President announced his plans to act in total and utter disregard of the U.S. Constitution [2] with his illegal appointment of Richard Cordray to serve as director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

It’s an astonishingly reckless exercise of executive authority that Heritage’s Todd Gaziano described [3] as a “tyrannical abuse of power.” Never before in the 100-plus years of precedent on the recess appointment power has a President taken such an action while the Senate was still in session. Yet notwithstanding that fact, President Obama yesterday decided that he would be the first.

Here’s why the President finds himself so far outside of constitutional bounds. Under Article II, section 2, clause 2 of the Constitution [2], the President has the power to fill vacancies that may happen during Senate recesses, as Gaziano writes [3]. In this case, President Obama was seeking to fill the vacancy in the CFPB, a new agency that has come under significant criticism [4] given its unparalleled powers [5] to issue expansive regulations with virtually no accountability. Republicans in the Senate, to date, have refused to confirm the President’s nominees to head up the CFPB, vowing to block Senate approval until reforms are made [6] to the agency. So President Obama has decided to act without their approval by attempting to make a recess appointment. The trouble is that Congress is not in a recess because the House of Representatives never consented, as required under the Constitution, Article I, section 5. That means that the President simply does not have the power to make this appointment. Gaziano explains [3] the implications of the President’s actions:

"[The recess appointment] power has been interpreted by scores of attorneys general and their designees in the Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel for over 100years to require an official, legal Senate recess of at least 10-25 days of duration. (There are a few outlier opinions, never sanctioned by the courts, that suggest a recess of six to seven days might be enough–but never less than that.)"

"The President’s purported recess appointment of Cordray would render the Senate’s advice and consent role to normal appointments almost meaningless. It is a grave constitutional wrong that Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has already denounced. But it fits a pattern of extra-constitutional abuse by the White House that seems more interested in energizing a liberal base than safeguarding the office of the presidency."

Why take such action? The President says it’s because he can’t wait for Congress to act on behalf of the American people. The truth is that the President is hell bent on ramming through his agenda, and he is entirely unwilling to compromise with the duly elected representatives who sit in the House and Senate. By circumventing the Senate and appointing Cordray, the President can ensure that his big-government regulatory agenda is enacted without the reforms that Congress is demanding. Unfortunately, the Cordray appointment is not the only example of the President’s wanton, unilateral actions.

Apart from Cordray, the President also plans to make three appointments [7] to the National Labor Relations Board without Senate approval, which will fundamentally alter the makeup of the board and enable the President to realize his Big Labor agenda. That means an unrestrained push to unionize businesses at all costs and punish companies that seek to grow in non-union states (as was attempted in the Boeing case) — even if it means harming both workers and the economy. And in the case of environmental regulations, immigration law, No Child Left Behind, the auto bailout [8], the selective enforcement of voting rights laws, and the regulation of the Internet (among others), the Obama Administration has in fact enacted its agenda via legislative fiat time and time again.

In an interview last month with 60 Minutes,[9] the President gave warning of his intentions to preside over an imperial presidency for the next year. “What I’m not gonna do is wait for Congress,” he said. “So wherever we have an opportunity and I have the executive authority to go ahead and get some things done, we’re just gonna go ahead and do ‘em.” The President now, though, seems to have made a significant course correction. With these latest illegal, unconstitutional appointments, the President has jumped at an opportunity to act regardless of the fact that he has no executive authority to do it. And under his feet is a trampled Constitution and 100 years of precedent for which he has no use. It’s time for Congress and the American people to take a stand against President Obama’s abuse of power.
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Article printed from The Foundry: Conservative Policy News Blog from The Heritage Foundation: http://blog.heritage.org

URL to article: http://blog.heritage.org/2012/01/05/morning-bell-obamas-tyrannical-abuse-of-power/ URLs in this post:
[1] Image: http://blog.heritage.org/wp-content/uploads/Obama-podium-pointing.jpg
[2] U.S. Constitution: http://www.heritage.org/initiatives/first-principles/primary-sources/the-constitution-of-the-us
[3] described: http://blog.heritage.org/2012/01/04/a-tyrannical-abuse-of-power-obama-attempts-to-appoint-cordray-to-cfpb/
[4] significant criticism: http://blog.heritage.org/2011/12/06/consumers-need-protection-from-consumer-protection-bureau/
[5] unparalleled powers: http://blog.heritage.org/2011/06/02/new-evidence-reveals-vast-powers-of-consumer-finance-bureau
[6] until reforms are made: http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2011/09/gop_senators_tell_richard_cord.html
[7] make three appointments: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/jan/4/obama-unprecedented-recess-appointment/
[8] auto bailout: http://blog.heritage.org../2011/07/06/is-general-motors-headed-back-to-square-one/
[9] interview last month with 60 Minutes,: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18560_162-57341032/president-obama-the-economy-the-congress-the-future/?pageNum=2&tag=contentMain;contentBody

Copyright © 2011 The Heritage Foundation. All rights reserved.
___________________________________________________________
The Cordray Imperial Charter; Authority cannot be bound only by the laws it likes.
by John Hayward 01/05/2012
http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=48561

An excerpt: "Yesterday President Obama decided to do away with that pesky little “Constitution” thing, and assign himself the power to make recess appointments when the Senate is not in recess. The Constitution could not be more clear about this: “The President shall have Power to fill up all Vacancies that may happen during the recess of the Senate, by granting Commissions which shall expire at the end of their next session.” The meaning of this power is equally clear, providing a mechanism for the President to expediently fill important offices left vacant by sudden illness or resignation. The President is most certainly not granted the power to unilaterally decide whether the Senate is in recess or not."

[bold and italics emphasis mine]