Ponder's News

Executive Order Contains Toughest and Most Far Reaching 'Revolving Door' Provisions Ever Adopted

2009-01-21T21:19:00.000-08:00

PN - Washington, D.C. - January 21, 2009 -- President Barack Obama issued a ground breaking Executive Order today that establishes unprecedented new rules to govern the role of lobbyists in the Obama Administration, according to Democracy 21 President Fred Wertheimer.

The ethics Executive Order issued by the Obama Administration goes further than any previous action taken by a President to restrict the ability of presidential appointees who serve in the Executive Branch from coming back to lobby the Administration, and also to limit the role of lobbyists coming in to serve in the Administration.

It also bans presidential appointees from accepting gifts from lobbyists and lays the groundwork for extending this gift ban to all Executive Branch employees.

The new Executive Order contains the toughest and most far reaching revolving door provisions ever adopted.

The new Executive Order, for the first time, prohibits presidential appointees who leave the government from coming back to lobby high level executive branch officials throughout the entire government, not just in their own department or agency, and from doing so for the entire period that President Obama serves as president. This includes a second term if the President is reelected.

The Executive Order also contains reverse "revolving door" provisions that will for the first time restrict the ability of lobbyists entering the Obama Administration from helping their former clients or influencing decisions on issues on which they have lobbied.

It prohibits any presidential appointee who served as a lobbyist during the two-year period prior to joining the Administration from working in any agency or department that they had lobbied, for a two-year period after they join the Administration.

It also provides that a person who served as a lobbyist during the two-year period prior to joining the Obama Administration cannot for the first two years after being appointed to the Obama Administration participate in any particular matter on which the person lobbied or in the specific issue area in which the particular matter falls.

These are unprecedented restrictions on what lobbyists can do when they join an Administration.

The Executive Order requires all presidential appointees to sign a binding agreement that they will comply with the Executive Order and sets up an important oversight and enforcement process, giving responsibilities to the Office of Government Ethics and the Justice Department to ensure compliance with the new Order.

President Obama's Executive Order follows on the important leadership he provided on lobbying reform in the last Congress when, along with Senator Russell Feingold (D-WI) and Representative Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), then-Senator Obama led a hard fought, successful battle to enact key lobbying transparency provisions. The provisions require members of Congress and federal candidates, for the first time, to disclose the lobbyists who bundled contributions for them and the total amounts each raised.

During the 2008 presidential campaign, President Obama stated that he was "firmly committed to reforming the [presidential public financing] system as president so that it's viable in today's campaign climate."

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Ramos And Compean Are Going Home

2009-01-20T10:34:00.000-08:00

by Chuck Baldwin

After tens of thousands of phone calls and emails, after the combined efforts of columnists such as myself and radio and television talk show hosts such as Lou Dobbs, and even after persistent appeals by congressmen such as Dana Rohrabacher, former Border Patrol agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean finally received a commutation of their 10-plus year prison sentences from outgoing President George W. Bush and will soon be going home. It's about time! What took Mr. Bush so long?

Ramos and Compean were victimized by an out-of-control U.S. Attorney by the name of Johnny Sutton (who should be fired for his despicable conduct), and by a White House that cared more about appeasing the Mexican government than it did about protecting the American border and the Border Patrol agents who were trying to do their jobs.

I won't rehash the details of this unbelievable miscarriage of justice, as I have already covered this atrocity in past columns. See two of these columns at:

http://www.chuckbaldwinlive.com/c2007/cbarchive_20070731.html

http://www.chuckbaldwinlive.com/c2007/cbarchive_20070131.html

I was also privileged to appear with Agent Ramos' wife, Monica, on the Lou Dobbs show last year. As such, I was the only Presidential candidate in 2008 who publicly promised to fully pardon (not just grant commutation to) Ramos and Compean. See the video at:

http://www.youtube.com:80/watch?v=G-DyfFa0tZg

According to press reports, now that President Bush has commuted the sentences of Ramos and Compean, they should be released from prison "within the next two months." In issuing the commutation, it was made clear that "Bush didn't pardon the men for their crimes, but decided instead to commute their prison sentences because he believed they were excessive and that they had already suffered the loss of their jobs, freedom and reputations."

The senior administration official quoted also said, "The action by the president, who believes the border agents received fair trials and that the verdicts were just, does not diminish the seriousness of their crimes."

Ramos and Compean have served about two years of their sentences.

And, as far as what the Bush administration official said, let's set the record straight. First of all, while Ramos and Compean have lost their jobs and more than two years of freedom (not to mention untold grief and agony by their family members), they have not lost their reputations. If anyone has lost their reputation, it is Johnny Sutton and George W. Bush, his act of clemency notwithstanding.

Secondly, if the trial and conviction of Ramos and Compean is an example of a "fair trial," everyone in the country better pray they never have to go to trial. The truth is, if there ever was an example of a Kangaroo Court in these United States, it was the trial of Ramos and Compean.

Thirdly, the "crimes" that were committed were perpetrated by a serial drug-smuggling illegal alien, and then by a groveling, grotesque U.S. Attorney's office under the leadership of Johnny Sutton.

And lest readers think that Ramos and Compean were alone in the wake of a Presidential administration bent on sacrificing American law enforcement personnel on the altar of appeasement to the Mexican government, please familiarize yourself with the case of the brave Texas Sheriff's Deputy, Gilmer Hernandez; and with the case of the heinous Mexican murderer, Jose Ernesto Medellin. It is incomprehensible what the Bush administration has done to facilitate illegal immigration. See the story at:

http://www.chuckbaldwinlive.com/c2007/cbarchive_20070413.html

Am I happy that President Bush has at least commuted the sentences of Ramos and Compean? Of course I am. I am happy for the two agents; I am happy for their families. They deserve to be together. I pray it will not take months to release them. And I also pray that both of these gentlemen will find gainful employment sufficient to adequately meet the needs of their wives and children.

It is shameful that the country agents Ramos and Compean were so proud and diligent to serve treated them (and their families) so disgracefully. Furthermore, it is totally disgusting to realize that the Bush administration treated a serial drug-smuggling illegal alien better than two Border Patrol agents who were simply trying to enforce our country's immigration laws. Bush's commutation of sentence does nothing to erase that humiliation.

*If you appreciate this column and want to help me distribute these editorial opinions to an ever-growing audience, donations may now be made by credit card, check, or Money Order. Use this link:

http://www.chuckbaldwinlive.com/donate.php

(c) Chuck Baldwin

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The Weekend Voting Act

2009-01-11T13:49:00.000-08:00

PN - Washington, D.C. - January 11, 2009 -- Sen. Herb Kohl (D-WI) and Rep. Steve Israel (D-NY) announced the introduction of the Weekend Voting Act in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. The legislation would move Election Day from the first Tuesday in November to the first full weekend in November. Kohl and Israel both sponsored the legislation in previous sessions of Congress.

“Holding elections on the first Tuesday of November makes it difficult, even impossible, for many Americans with work and family responsibilities to exercise their fundamental right to vote,” Kohl said. “Weekend voting would remove unnecessary obstacles to voting and ensure more fair, open, and credible elections for citizens to choose their representatives in government.”

“When Congress decided, in 1845, that we should vote on a Tuesday it made sense. It was the easiest day for farmers in our agrarian society to get to the polls. Times have changed, and Tuesday voting just doesn’t make sense anymore,” said Rep. Steve Israel. “Voting should be easy. It should be accessible. By moving Election Day from a single day in the middle of the work week to a full weekend, we are encouraging Americans to participate. Our democracy will be best served when our leaders are elected by as many Americans as possible.”

The Weekend Voting Act would mandate national polls to be open from 10 a.m. (Eastern Time) Saturday to 6 p.m. (ET) Sunday in the 48 contiguous states. Election officials would be permitted to close polls during the overnight hours if they determine it would be inefficient to keep them open.

"Despite the excitement of the 2008 campaign, all the early predictions of record voter turnout proved to be too optimistic,” said Dr. Norman Ornstein, a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, and co-founder of Why Tuesday?, a nonpartisan group seeking to increase voter participation. “Turnout was up, but barely higher than in 2004. At the same time, many voters found their experience at the polls marred by long lines at peak hours early in the morning before work or at the end of the day after work. During the campaign, President-Elect Obama talked about bringing our antiquated voting system into the modern age. The number one reason given by nonvoters in the U.S. Census for not casting a ballot is that they're too busy. This proposal to move Election Day from Tuesday, where it has been since 1845, to the weekend, is a giant step in the right direction."

The long-standing tradition of holding federal elections on the first Tuesday of November began with an act of Congress in 1845. Tuesday was selected for its comparative convenience because it was a designated “court day” and the day in which land-owners would typically be in town to conduct business. The tradition was based on the then-agrarian American society.

In today’s America, 60 percent of all households have two working adults. Since most polls are open only 12 hours (from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.) voters only have one or two hours to vote. As seen in the 2008 and 2004 elections and primaries, long lines in many polling places kept voters waiting longer than one or two hours.

The Weekend Voting Act would also build on individual state efforts to increase voter participation by providing absentee ballots and early voting. Thirty-two states permit in-person early voting at election offices or at other approved satellite locations. Twenty-eight states allow registered voters no-excuse absentee voting by mail.

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Fortenberry Seeks to Reform American Health Care System

2009-01-11T12:07:00.000-08:00

PN - Washington, D.C. - January 11, 2009 -- Congressman Jeff Fortenberry NE 1st reintroduced America’s Affordable Health Care Act (AAHCA), legislation he authored to promote affordable insurance options for individuals who do not receive health coverage through their employer and create coverage opportunities for those with complex health conditions.

“Our health care system faces serious challenges,” Fortenberry said. “Rising costs, chronic diseases, and lack of choices are impediments to quality health insurance for too many families in Nebraska and nationwide. Americans deserve better, more innovative policies that will lower costs and improve care while protecting our most vulnerable.

“This bill would increase accessibility, affordability, and portability of health insurance, three major challenges for Americans struggling to find adequate coverage,” said Fortenberry.

AAHCA would permit insurance companies to offer policies with limited benefit mandates, called “health benefit plans.” The legislation would also allow individuals to purchase personalized health plans with benefits and services they need while not being required to pay for those they do not. Individuals and families who do not receive health insurance coverage through their employer or from the government would have the option of purchasing these lower cost plans.

AAHCA also provides coverage opportunities for those with chronic health conditions, who might otherwise have difficulty finding insurance, by providing more funding for high-risk pools. High-risk pools offer insurance coverage to individuals with pre-existing medical conditions who are unable to individually obtain or afford insurance.

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New Bills Introduced by Dreier: Stimulus, Immigration, and Water

2009-01-10T11:44:00.000-08:00

PN - Washington, D.C. - January 10, 2009 - Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas, CA), House Rules Committee Ranking Republican, has introduced several pieces of legislation aimed at stimulating the economy, enhancing our border security and meeting local needs in the Foothills. Dreier said the current economic conditions require bi-partisan cooperation and he looks forward to working with both Republican and Democratic colleagues to secure passage of these bills.

"As the 111th Congress begins, getting our economy back on track is my top priority," Dreier said. “The economic turmoil we’ve been experiencing is taking its toll on working Americans across the country. Families in the Foothill Communities are hurting. From falling home prices to rising unemployment, now more than ever, we need bi-partisan solutions to help working families through these tough times and get our economy growing again. That is why I am introducing three pieces of legislation specifically aimed at addressing the needs of working Americans.”

The centerpiece of Dreier’s economic plan, the Fair and Simple Tax (FAST) Act, H.R. 99, is legislation that will dramatically simplify the tax-filing process by creating an optional, one-page tax form, while reducing the tax burden on working families. The new form implements three simplified income tax brackets – 10% on the first $40,000 in income, 15% on incomes between $40,000 and $150,000 and 30% on any income above $150,000. The FAST Act also retains all the major deductions, including mortgage interest, state and local sales tax, charitable contributions, the child tax credit and the personal exemption.

The economic package also includes two bills to jumpstart the housing and auto industries. The Economic Recovery Through Responsible Homeownership Act, H.R. 101, creates a new tax credit for 2009 and 2010 for every home purchase made with a down payment of at least 5 percent. Under the legislation, prospective home buyers will be eligible for three different tax credits based on the size of their down payment. A home buyer making a down payment of 5 percent will receive a tax credit of $2,000, while a home buyer making a down payment of 10 percent will receive a tax credit of $5,000 and a home buyer making a down payment of 15 percent will receive a credit of $10,000.

The Commonsense Auto Recovery (CAR) Act, H.R. 100, will provide an immediate and important stimulus to aid with the purchase of an automobile by creating a tax credit in the amount of state and local sales taxes paid on the purchase of a new or used vehicle in 2009 and 2010.

“While simplifying the tax code and reducing the overall tax burden through the FAST Act is my ultimate goal, I believe that current economic conditions also require immediate, targeted solutions designed to provide a much-needed stimulus. My proposed legislation will make the purchase of homes and automobiles more affordable for working Americans over the next two years. These are the types of solutions that can provide the shot in the arm that our economy needs,” said Dreier.

In keeping with his commitment to securing our borders and cracking down on employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants, Congressman Dreier also re-introduced his border security legislation, the Illegal Immigration Enforcement and Social Security Protect Act, H.R. 98. Said Dreier, "I am reintroducing my bipartisan legislation to make the Social Security card counterfeit-proof and crack down on the hiring of illegal immigrants, because securing our borders remains a top priority. I believe this proposal must be a critical component of any legislation aimed at fixing the broken immigration system in this country.”

As a continuation of his long-standing commitment to water quality and water safety, Congressman Dreier has also re-introduced his bill to provide funds for ongoing perchlorate clean-up in the San Gabriel Valley. "The San Gabriel Basin Restoration Fund has a proven track record of success," Dreier said. "I am proud to say that this partnership is an example of good stewardship of taxpayer money. Making sure we maintain a safe drinking water supply is critical priority for all of us and I am gratified to once again have the strong bipartisan support of the San Gabriel Valley Members of Congress."

To view summaries of the legislation, please click on bill titles below.

Illegal Immigration Enforcement and Social Security Protection Act
Fair and Simple Tax (FAST) Act
Commonsense Auto Recovery (CAR) Act
Economic Recovery Through Responsible Homeownership Act
San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Initiative

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Congressman Cardoza introduces bill targeting political corruption

2009-01-10T11:36:00.000-08:00

PN - Washington, D.C. - January 10, 2009 -- Congressman Dennis Cardoza (CA 18th) introduced legislation aiming to provide more severe penalties for elected officials who violate the trust of their public office.

Specifically, the bill would give judges discretion to double the length of a sentence for any elected official who is convicted of bribery, fraud, extortion, or theft of public funds greater than $10,000. The recent alleged auctioning of an Illinois senate seat by Gov. Rod Blagojevich makes the issue especially relevant, said the congressman.

“Elected officials are afforded an enormous amount of trust from the public they represent,” said Congressman Cardoza. “That trust should be held to the highest standard. Unfortunately, time and time again we are reminded of the potential for abuse of public offices. This legislation marks a significant step in deterring such abuses and punishing those who commit it.”

During the past two years, the United States Congress has passed several landmark measures addressing ethics violations. Restrictions have been placed on travel, dining and lobbying practices.

“These are significant first steps in ensuring a higher standard of ethics,” Congressman Cardoza said. “However, my bill goes much further by providing even stiffer sentencing to those who violate the trust of those they represent.”

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Stop the Congressional Pay Raise Act

2009-01-10T11:29:00.000-08:00

PN - Washington, D.C. - January 10, 2009 - New Legislation called Stop the Congressional Pay Raise Act has been introduced in the House. The legislation would block the automatic pay increase Members of Congress are set to receive next year.

“I have consistently voted against this pay raise and will continue to support this effort,” Congressman Baron P. Hill (IN 9th) said. “Particularly during this time of economic hardship, Members of Congress need to step up to the plate and do the right thing here.”

According to an article that appeared in The Hill on December 17, 2008, forgoing the anticipated 2010 pay raise for Members of Congress would save taxpayers approximately $2.5 million.

In addition, Hill was an original cosponsor of H.R. 5087, which would have blocked the automatic pay adjustment for this year.

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Issue: Immigration

2009-01-10T11:10:00.000-08:00

Here you will find all of the information we have on immigration:

Ramos And Compean Are Going Home

New Bills Introduced by Dreier: Stimulus, Immigration, and Water

Who’s Lobbying on Immigration and Why? New Report Details Extensive Corporate Lobbying for Increased Immigration

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Who’s Lobbying on Immigration and Why? New Report Details Extensive Corporate Lobbying for Increased Immigration

2009-01-10T11:05:00.000-08:00

PN - Washington, D.C. - January 6, 2009 -- A new report from the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) finds that over the past three years dozens of well-known American corporations, representing virtually every sector of the economy, have committed extensive resources lobbying for increased immigration, more foreign guest-workers, and amnesty for illegal aliens. Many of these same corporations that have pressured Congress to provide them a cheap labor supply have recently been pink-slipping their existing workers and seeking federal taxpayer bailouts. The report, Immigration Lobbying: A Window into the World of Special Interests, is the first and only study of lobbying on immigration policy and reveals a scope of influence previously unknown.

FAIR’s Immigration Lobbying report uncovers how in the past three years, 521 corporations, trade associations, business groups, labor organizations, government entities, educational institutions, and non-profit groups attempted to influence key congressional immigration-related legislation. Only about 2 percent of these organizations supported reductions in immigration and enhanced enforcement of U.S. immigration laws. The rest 98 percent fought for increased immigration, amnesty and more foreign guest workers.

In addition, FAIR’s report shows that over 58 percent of the lobbying on immigration between 2006 and 2008 was carried out by American corporations and business and trade associations ranging from high tech to agriculture. Their primary goals included:

Amnesty for the estimated 13 million illegal aliens residing in the U.S. Dramatic increases in both low-skill and high-skill foreign guest workers. Increased admission of foreign students to U.S. universities, and subsequent entry to the U.S. labor market.

“This new report demonstrates conclusively that the hallmark of corporate concern about immigration policy has been to increase their own access to cheap foreign labor,” stated Dan Stein, president of FAIR. “Equally evident from this lobbying investigation is that the public interest has been almost entirely absent from efforts to influence the direction of U.S. immigration policy.”

“In the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, many of these companies are simultaneously asking for more cheap foreign labor while laying off existing U.S. workers. It’s contradictory behavior and shows an appalling lack of community and corporate responsibility.” observed Stein. “With the exception of a small number of public interest advocacy organizations like FAIR, nearly every lobbying dollar spent on influencing immigration policy has been focused on bringing cheaper labor to this country, rewarding illegal immigration, and building ethnic political constituencies.

“Given the damage that these interests have already inflicted on hard-working American families, we hope that the incoming Obama administration will restore some modicum of public interest to this important policy debate,” said Stein.

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Issues List

2009-01-06T09:17:00.000-08:00

This is a list of issues that Ponder's News is interested in:

Auto-Maker Bailout
Bailout
Credit Card Reform
Energy
Gun Rights
Health Care Reform
Immigration
Israel
Stimulus Package Information
Treatment of Detainees
Voting Rights

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Consumers and Taxpayers Benefit by Government Taking Advantage of Low Price of Oil

2009-01-06T06:31:00.000-08:00

After a recent request from Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and others to start re-filling the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced it will seek to purchase approximately 12 million barrels of crude oil. Rep. Markey and other members of Congress passed a bill last year that forced the Bush administration to cease filling the reserve during the record price spike of 2008, and encouraged DOE to begin filling the SPR again when prices lowered. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) estimated that had the DOE filled the SPR using a constant dollar value -- rather than a constant volume between 2001 and 2005 -- it could have reduced costs to taxpayers by more than 10 percent, saving approximately $590 million.

"Now that the holiday shopping season is over, it appears the Bush administration is finally joining other consumers in shopping for some bargains. Filling our nation’s oil reserves now, when prices are low, is smart energy and economic policy that will benefit consumers and taxpayers," says Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-MA). "It made little sense to buy oil for the reserve when it was more than $140 a barrel. But now, with prices about $100 lower, resuming the purchase of oil for our reserves is warranted in order to advance America’s long-term energy security goals and save taxpayer money."

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Obama To Create Loopholes for Venture Capitalists

2009-01-05T06:24:00.000-08:00

PN - Petaluma, California - January 5, 2009 -- President-elect Barack Obama is preparing to create significant changes in federal contracting law that will allow some of the nation's wealthiest investors to receive federal contracts earmarked for small businesses. Under the banner of "increasing access to capital" for small businesses, the policies will allow firms controlled by individual venture capitalist and even large venture capital firms to participate in federal small business contracting programs.

The Obama Administration's new pro-venture capital policy could virtually repeal the Small Business Act for legitimate American small businesses by modifying the longstanding federal definition of a small business as "independently owned."

Under the proposed Obama Administration policy, "independently owned" will be changed to include firms that are not independently owned, but are actually controlled by wealthy investors and possibly some of the nation's largest venture capital firms.

Opponents of the new policy say it appears to be designed more to increase wealthy venture capitalist access to billions of dollars in federal small business contracts as opposed to "increasing access to capital" for legitimate small businesses.

If the policy is successfully implemented it could force the average American small business to compete head-to-head with firms controlled by wealthy investors for even the smallest government orders for goods and services. Thousands of middle class jobs could be lost as billions of dollars in federal small business contracts are diverted to a small number of venture capitalist controlled firms.

The plan will likely include a provision that would exempt the venture capitalist owned firms from capital gains taxes. The Obama-Biden Transition Team website, www.change.gov mentions such a proposal.

The appointment of multi-millionaire venture capitalist Karen Mills to head the Small Business Administration (SBA) is the latest indication that President-elect Obama is moving forward with his plans to divert government small business contracts to venture capital controlled firms.

The National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) and its members have been lobbying for the new loophole in federal contracting law for more than two years. The NVCA and its members have contributed millions of dollars to Obama and key Democratic leaders in Congress such as Nancy Pelosi, John Kerry, Joe Lieberman and Hillary Clinton. (http://www.maplight.org/map/us/interest/F2500)

"The easiest and quickest way to stimulate our nation's failing economy is for the government to spend infrastructure funds with America's 27 million small businesses that create all the new jobs and employ most Americans," American Small Business League President Lloyd Chapman said. "This new Obama policy will do just the opposite and will push our economy closer to a depression by diverting billions of dollars in federal funds away from middle class America and into the hands of small number of wealthy investors that backed Obama."

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Issue: Israel

2009-01-03T08:46:00.000-08:00

This is where you will get all the information we have on Israel:

Bingaman Urges Incoming Obama Administration to Make Peace in Middle East a Priority

A Hands-On Approach to the Middle East?

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A Hands-On Approach to the Middle East?

2009-01-02T07:52:00.000-08:00

Ponder's News
Updated January 10, 2009

While Hamas-controlled Gaza is attacking the Middle East with rockets, Congressman Russ Carnahan (MO, 3rd) has stated, "Israel has an undeniable right to take action to defend its people."

"The world must stand with Israel as it rightfully acts to protect the security of its citizens against the Gaza-based terrorists. Israel is legitimately defending its people and its sovereignty," said Congressman Eliot Engel (NY 17th)

Obama, according to Carnahan, is committed to taking a more hands-on approach to peace in the Middle East.

"When I was in Israel earlier this month, I told Prime Minister Olmert that the United States would not tolerate Hamas attacks on Israel," Says Alcee L. Hastings (FL 23rd). "I reinforced the overwhelming view in Congress that Hamas is not only an impediment to peace between Israel and the Palestinians, but also to Israel's efforts to establish normal diplomatic relations with many in the Arab world."

Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (OH 10th) sent a letter to Secretary General Ban ki-Moon urging the United Nations to establish an independent inquiry of Israel's war against Gaza. "The attacks on civilians represent collective punishment, which is a violation of Article 33 of the Fourth Geneva Convention (http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu3/b/92.htm). The perpetrators of attacks against Israel must also be brought to justice, but Israel cannot create a war against an entire people in order to attempt to bring to justice the few who are responsible. The Israeli leaders know better. The world community, which has been very supportive of Israel's right to security and its right to survive, also has a right to expect Israel to conduct itself in adherence to the very laws which support the survival of Israel and every other nation," Kucinich said.

In the last eight years, more than 10,000 rockets and mortars have been fired at Israel from Gaza. Israel unilaterally withdrew from Gaza in September 2005.

Since Hamas’ violent takeover of Gaza in June 2007, the frequency of rocket attacks rose 150% to more than 250 rockets and mortars per month. In 2008 alone, approximately 3,000 rockets and mortars of increasing range have been launched at southern Israeli cities.

Arab leaders, including Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit, urged Hamas to continue the ceasefire and have blamed Hamas for instigating the crisis.

"I also believe that the United States has been dis-engaged from this process for far too long. President-elect Obama should indicate that he will appoint a Special Envoy to the region to revitalize stalled peace negotiations and to demonstrate the United States’ commitment to finding a long-term two-state solution," says Congressman Jim McGovern (MA 3rd).

According to published news reports, since the commencement of aerial strikes, over 300 Palestinians have been killed and approximately 1,400 have been wounded. The dead include 20 children under the age of 16--nearly half of them killed while on a school bus, according to the United Nations--and 9 women. The attack aggravated a humanitarian crisis wrought by the Israeli-imposed blockade of food, fuel, and medical supplies. With a population of 1.5 million people, the Gaza Strip is among the most densely populated territories in the world.

The Washington Post has reported that the International Committee of the Red Cross has accused the Israeli military of preventing ambulances from reaching at least 15 emaciated people for four days. Israel has said that it will facilitate humanitarian access to the victims of the conflict in Gaza, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross. This implies granting unrestricted access for ambulances and emergency medical personnel.

According to news accounts, demonstrations against Israel’s actions occurred in Tampa and Ft. Lauderdale.

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Issue: Gun Rights

2008-12-30T21:19:00.000-08:00

This is where you will find all the information related to gun rights that we have:

Brady Campaign Suing for Change in Bush's CCL Ruling

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Brady Campaign Suing for Change in Bush's CCL Ruling

2008-12-30T20:52:00.000-08:00

PN - Washington, D.C. - December 30, 2008 -- The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence filed suit in federal court asking that the court strike down a last-minute Bush Administration rule change allowing concealed, loaded firearms in national parks and wildlife refuges.

The suit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, and seeks an injunction to block the rule, which is scheduled to go into effect on January 9, 2009.

The rule will allow guns in rural and urban national park areas around the country, from Wyoming's Yellowstone and California's Yosemite to Philadelphia's Independence National Historical Park, home of the Liberty Bell.

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Save Our Secret Ballot Moves to Protect Secret Ballots in State Constitutions

2008-12-30T07:20:00.000-08:00

PN - Washington, D.C. - December 30, 2008 -- With Congress poised to act to end the secret ballot right of employees choosing representation, a national movement to protect the secret ballot in state constitutions has launched in Washington, DC, and in five states. Save Our Secret Ballot is the new organization behind the movement. The new group announced its efforts to place before voters a secret ballot constitutional amendment in Arizona, Arkansas, Missouri, Nevada and Utah, with the expectation that additional states will be announced in the coming weeks.

SOS Ballot National Advisory Board Chairman and former Congressman Ernest Istook said, "Most of us assume voting by secret ballot in America is a constitutional right that has always existed and always will. But neither is the case. With America's right to a secret ballot under serious threat, I'm proud to be part of a citizens' movement to give voters the opportunity to vote by secret ballot, to amend state constitutions to guarantee the right of a secret ballot. We know some in Congress and some from big labor will fight this effort or even arrogantly say the people do not have a right to vote to protect their secret ballot. But rather than deter us, we take this as the proof that we must work diligently in every state to protect and re-affirm our secret ballot rights. The more vocal the opposition, the more every voter will see why we must act immediately, lest we lose the secret ballot and return to the time when voter intimidation and even physical harm were a common place."

The initiative language was written by noted attorney and constitutional scholar Clint Bolick, director of the Goldwater Institute's Scharf-Norton Center for Constitutional Litigation. The Goldwater Institute has pledged its efforts for legal defense of the language if challenged. The 47-word amendment says:

"The right of individuals to vote by secret ballot is fundamental. Where state or federal law requires elections for public office or public votes on initiatives or referenda, or designations or authorizations of employee representation, the right of individuals to vote by secret ballot shall be guaranteed."

In Arkansas, Arizona, and Missouri local committees are filing for citizen initiative petitions to amend their state constitutions to require secret ballots. In Nevada and Utah, state senators and representatives will announce efforts to legislatively refer a secret ballot constitutional amendment to the November 2010 ballot. If the legislative referral fails to pass in Nevada or Utah, citizens' initiative petitions will be gathered to place the measure on the ballot.

For more information, please visit Save Our Secret Ballot at http://www.sosballot.org/

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Issue: Voting Rights

2008-12-30T07:10:00.000-08:00

This is where you will find all of the information we have on voting rights:

The Weekend Voting Act

Save Our Secret Ballot National Moves to Protect Secret Ballots in State Constitutions

Our view on labor laws: No way to form a union

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Issue: Credit Card Reform

2008-12-27T12:16:00.001-08:00

This is where you will find information on the Credit Card Reform Act (S. 2753):

Protect Credit Card Holders Now, Cap Interest Rates

SEN. MENENDEZ URGES CREDIT CARD COMPANIES TO ADOPT NEW CREDIT CARD REGULATIONS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

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Issue: Health Care Reform

2008-12-24T08:46:00.000-08:00

Here you will find all the information Ponder's News has on Health Care Reform:

Fortenberry Seeks to Reform American Health Care System

Kerry Calls on Incoming Administration to Reverse Bush's Discriminatory Health Care Edict

KENNEDY ON MA DIVISION OF HEALTHCARE & FINANCE POLICY DATA

KENNEDY ON HEALTH CARE CBO REPORT

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Issue: Bailout

2008-12-24T08:34:00.000-08:00

Here you will find all the information available on the Bailout:

(See also "Issue: Auto-maker Bailout")

NELSON SEEKS INVESTIGATION INTO EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION LIMITS IN MANAGEMENT OF ECONOMIC STABILITY ACT

Johnson Presses for Stricter Executive Pay Limitations in Bailout

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Issue: Energy

2008-12-22T12:14:00.000-08:00

This is where you will find all the information Ponder's News has on Energy:

Consumers and Taxpayers Benefit by Government Taking Advantage of Low Price of Oil

Isakson Signs Pledge to Break Addiction to Foreign Oil

Conrad: Energy Key to Rebuilding Economy

Issue: Treatment of Detainees

2008-12-22T11:56:00.000-08:00

Here you will find information on the Treatment of Detainees:

Inhofe, Chambliss, Cornyn, Martinez, Sessions, Thune Statement on SASC Inquiry into Detainee Treatment

Chambliss, Inhofe, Sessions, Cornyn, Thune, Martinez Statement on SASC Inquiry into Detainee Treatment

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Sen. Carper Responds to the President's Auto Rescue Plan

2008-12-22T11:35:00.000-08:00

PN - Wilmington, DE - December 19, 2008 -- In response to the Bush Administration's announcement about and auto rescue plan, Sen. Carper (D-Del.) said the following:

"I am encouraged and more than a little relieved to hear that the Administration has agreed to provide a financial lifeline to our domestic auto industry. It is the right thing to do. Bankruptcy would do more than cripple both companies. It would likely have a ripple effect, causing major job losses among suppliers at the worst possible time for our struggling economy. This decision, however, sets the stage for eventually allowing the Big 3 to emerge from this near-death experience as lower-cost, more viable companies as the economy recovers.

"The Administration's proposal to use TARP funds with conditions to ensure the taxpayers' investment is protected looks very similar to the proposal the Senate considered last week. It will provide $17.4 billion bridge loan to ensure that our domestic auto industry survives difficult market conditions and a shrinking economy while they take steps to modernize and restructure. That proposed measure mandates taxpayer protections (including warrants and preferred stock in the companies), strong oversight and limits on executive compensation, and stipulated that the Big 3 continue restructuring under the direction of the Secretary of the Treasury and a possible future "car czar."

"This restructuring will have to include a write-down of the companies' debt by two-thirds as well as a renegotiation of wages and benefits for workers to ensure the companies are competitive. Further, GM and Chrysler would have to agree to management concessions, such as limits on executive pay and the elimination of corporate jets, in order to receive the bridge loan. The companies' restructuring plans are due by March 30 and must demonstrate that they are financially viable. If the companies do not comply with these requirements, their loans could be recalled.

"Much like the federal government did in the early 1980s when it provided loan guarantees to keep Chrysler afloat, and later realized a sizeable return on that investment, this legislation could have helped preserve the short-term financial solvency of the auto industry and provided long-term financial rewards for taxpayers.

"It is important that GM and Chrysler put together restructuring plans that include shared sacrifice and concessions from all involved, including lenders, dealers, labor, suppliers, management and bondholders.

"I am encouraged that the Administration's proposal will give the Big 3 the time they need to do this and emerge as stronger companies that can help lead our country out of the current recession.

"Finally, it is important to remember that it is not only the Big Three that need help. Thousands of auto workers across this country, and at home in Delaware, are already losing their jobs no matter how successfully we restructure our domestic auto companies.

"Since 1976, I have had the privilege of working for the people of Delaware, a small state with the only two domestic auto assembly plants on the entire Eastern Seaboard. Our Chrysler plant is closing at the end of this month, and it is painful for me and for all the people who have worked there and who have bought their products to watch workers lose jobs and their livelihood.

"It is imperative that we make sure these folks have the opportunity to be trained for new jobs in other industries, enabling them to again make a decent income to support themselves and their families. I will work with the new Congress and Administration to include this in an economic stimulus package next year."

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CARDIN SUPPORTS BUSH DECISION TO OFFER AUTOMAKERS EMERGENCY LOANS

2008-12-22T11:28:00.000-08:00

PN - Washington, D.C. -- December 19, 2008 -- U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), a member of the Senate Budget Committee, released the following statement in response to President Bush’s extension of $17.4 billion in emergency loans to General Motors and Chrysler LLC:

“This morning President Bush finally acted to prevent the collapse of a critical U.S. industry. Our fragile economy – and the world financial markets – cannot afford yet another devastating blow. We always have known that the President had the ability, under the authority Congress granted him in the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, to provide relief to General Motors and Chrysler. This funding is a lifeline that gives the auto companies the breathing room they need as they weather the credit crisis and work to restructure their operations.”

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Casey: Stimulus Should be Timely, Targeted and Transformative

2008-12-22T11:10:00.000-08:00

PN - Washington, D.C - December 22, 2008 -- U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), a member of the Senate Banking Committee sent a letter to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and to U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) outlining his priorities for the upcoming stimulus package.

“Now is the time for bipartisan action, and I am confident that the Senate can work together to produce a legislative package that will encourage the generation of family-sustaining jobs and support for families struggling in the downturn,” Senator Casey wrote. “I am committed to working with you to spur immediate new job creation and ease the challenges facing families in the current economic crisis. I also believe that while circumstances require us to stimulate the economy immediately, we have a unique opportunity to reinvent our economy for the 21st century.”

In the letter, Senator Casey expressed that the stimulus should be based on the new three “Ts”: Timely, Targeted and Transformative. “Timely: Workers and families are suffering now, businesses of all sizes are struggling to stay afloat and access credit, and state and local governments face significant budget shortfalls. Any stimulus should be targeted at initiatives that can be implemented quickly. “Targeted: Already this year, the Federal government has passed one stimulus and committed $700 billion to rescuing the financial sector. Any additional stimulus money should be directed to entities – whether households, businesses or state and local governments – that will spend it or lend it, thus pumping funds into the economy. “Transformative: Although the United States now competes in a global economy, it does so with crumbling infrastructure that was not designed to meet the challenges or seize the opportunities of the next century, such as climate change, energy independence, or technological innovation. We also lack a clear human capital strategy, which deprives our workers and businesses of what they need to compete. We must take steps now to transform our economy for the world we live in, which is vastly different than the one our economy is built for.”

Full text of the letter is below:

Dear Majority Leader Reid and Minority Leader McConnell:

My constituents in Pennsylvania are looking to Washington for concrete action that will reverse the economic downturn. I am committed to working with you to spur immediate new job creation and ease the challenges facing families in the current economic crisis.

I also believe that while circumstances require us to stimulate the economy immediately, we have a unique opportunity to reinvent our economy for the 21st century. The problems that began in the housing and financial sectors are now firmly entrenched in the broader economy. I am deeply concerned that the 1.9 million jobs lost so far this year are only the beginning. Even working middle-class families are straining to cover the rising costs of important family expenses like health care and college tuition. The severity and length of this recession therefore requires us to take significant action.

To that end, I believe we must provide a multi-year, tiered stimulus that will put people to work now and make the investments necessary to prepare our workforce and our businesses to compete on a global level over the long-term. With that in mind, I suggest that whatever stimulus we pass be guided by three core principles: The stimulus should be timely, it should be targeted, and it should be transformative.

Timely: Workers and families are suffering now, businesses of all sizes are struggling to stay afloat and access credit, and state and local governments face significant budget shortfalls. Any stimulus should be targeted at initiatives that can be implemented quickly.

Targeted: Already this year, the Federal government has passed one stimulus and committed $700 billion to rescuing the financial sector. Any additional stimulus money should be directed to entities – whether households, businesses or state and local governments – that will spend it or lend it, thus pumping funds into the economy.

Transformative: Although the United States now competes in a global economy, it does so with crumbling infrastructure that was not designed to meet the challenges or seize the opportunities of the next century, such as climate change, energy independence, or technological innovation. We also lack a clear human capital strategy, which deprives our workers and businesses of what they need to compete.

We must take steps now to transform our economy for the world we live in, which is vastly different than the one our economy is built for. With these three principles in mind, I have specific suggestions for targeted Congressional action.

At its core, this package should invest in initiatives that will encourage immediate job creation. To that end, I am calling for the following investments in the economic recovery package:

Rebuilding Our Transportation and Water Infrastructure - Countless studies have demonstrated that every $1 billion in new infrastructure spending creates tens of thousands of new jobs. The package should therefore make funding available to states for “ready-to-go” highways, bridges, mass transit (including subways and light rail), airports, rail, and port projects. Capital funding for AMTRAK will fund the purchase of new rail cars.

New funding for the Army Corps of Engineers, including a substantial investment in the national locks and dams program, will allow important initiatives to move forward. The package should also include new funding to help states and local municipalities begin work today on clean water and sewer projects that will both create jobs and clean up our rivers and streams.

Revitalizing Communities - To help states and local communities speed completion of “ready-to-go” economic development projects that will bring new jobs and revitalize towns and neighborhoods, the recovery package should include significant new funding for the Community Development Block Grant Program, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Program, and the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

We also need to take action now to help states offset the ever growing costs associated with the Medicaid program, which end up being shouldered by both states and local health care providers that are major employers in local communities. Finally colleges, universities and community colleges have shovel-ready projects that can contribute to community revitalization and help meet local and regional needs for a skilled workforce.

Supporting Small Businesses and Manufacturing - To help small businesses compete, I propose (1) increasing the availability of microloans for prospective small businesses and emerging entrepreneurs; (2) an extension of the Section 179 business investment expense deduction, which will encourage small businesses to make investments; and, finally, (3) a low interest loan program through the Small Business Administration for small businesses involved in technology development. Additionally, in order to help the manufacturing sector adapt to changing markets, we should immediately inject more funding into the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program.

Protecting Communities – In light of the revenue shortfalls hitting municipalities and the direct correlation between economic slowdowns and crime rates, we should immediately increase funding for the Byrne Justice Assistance Grants program and the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program. These programs play a crucial role in supporting local efforts to protect our communities.

In putting this package together, we must also take timely action to ease the burdens of the millions of faultless families now being swept up in the recession. Unemployment insurance, job retraining (including rapid response and trade adjustment assistance), and food and energy assistance (such as food stamps, food banks, and LIHEAP) are vital to millions of American families right now, and we must include spending to provide adequate assistance.

Additionally, we need to take immediate action to stem the foreclosure crisis by implementing a foreclosure mitigation strategy. We should also make more funding available to states for programs designed to keep families in their homes.

We should also take steps in the next Congress that will strengthen our economy in the long run and prepare workers for the 21st century. This transformative spending should fall into one of three overlapping categories: human capital, innovative investments, and green and greening technology.

Human Capital: The American worker is the backbone of families, communities, and companies. Unfortunately, our education system has not kept up with the rising demands of our times. All workers must now have the ability to pivot into new jobs throughout their careers, and this requires a new investment in our education system. We must invest in childcare, early childhood and pre-kindergarten education, and the K-12 system. We must also improve the affordability of and access to higher education for all high school graduates, from those who will enter technical trade programs or community college, to those who will attend elite academic institutions.

We must also enhance the career training opportunities available to workers throughout their careers. The economy continuously demands new skills and makes old ones obsolete. Workers and businesses alike need an infrastructure that anticipates this and trains workers for the skills they will need next.

Innovative Technology Investments: It is not only many of our roads and bridges that are obsolete and crumbling. Much of our broadband and information technology must be updated and upgraded to keep American companies ahead of their competitors around the world. Projects that would adopt the latest technology, such as high speed rail or universal broadband, need lead time. We must begin during the upcoming year to meet this important challenge.

21st Century Health Care: In the upcoming year, we must pursue the goal of ensuring that all Americans have access to affordable health care. Unmet health care needs create ripple effects across the economy, costing employers in lost productivity and imposing greater long-term health care costs when minor illnesses go untreated. As we work toward a comprehensive solution, we must take immediate action to implement cost-saving measures, including a robust investment in information technology, which will improve care and cut costs. Green Technology: Our Nation imports and consumes too much energy, and does so in an economically and environmentally unsustainable way. We must do better, and I believe that we can reverse this costly trend by coupling public investments with the creation of private sector incentives. Taking bold and swift action to stimulate our economy is essential. Now is the time for bipartisan action, and I am confident that the Senate can work together to produce a legislative package that will encourage the generation of family-sustaining jobs and support for families struggling in the downturn.

I look forward to working with you.

Sincerely,

Robert P. Casey, Jr.
United States Senator

###

Press Contact
Kendra Barkoff - (202) 228-6367

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Stimulus Package Information

2008-12-22T11:03:00.000-08:00

Here you will find links for information regarding the Stimulus Package:

Bayh, Lugar Urge Senate to Tie Stimulus Funding to Job Creation

New Bills Introduced by Dreier: Stimulus, Immigration, and Water

Obama To Create Loopholes for Venture Capitalists

Murray, Cantwell Increased Investments in Long Neglected Energy Infrastructure in Economic Stimulus Proposal

Casey: Stimulus Should be Timely, Targeted and Transformative

==============

Issue: Auto-Maker Bailout

2008-12-22T10:54:00.001-08:00

Here you will find information about Senate and House actions and opinions on the auto-maker bailout issue:

SEN. VOINOVICH STATEMENT ON AUTO INDUSTRY

Stabenow Statement on Administration Announcement of Auto Rescue Package

Stabenow Statement on Provisions in the Auto Rescue Package

Sessions Comments On Bush Plan To Assist Automakers

Reid Statement on White House Plan to Help Auto Industry

NELSON STATEMENT ON WHITE HOUSE PLAN TO HELP AUTO INDUSTRY

Lincoln on Administration's Use of TARP funds for Auto Industry

STATEMENT BY SENATOR JOHN McCAIN

Statement from Sen. Levin and Rep. Levin on Auto Bridge Loans

Kyl on Auto Bailout: “Where Will it Stop?”

Isakson Urges President to Deny Auto Industry Access to Treasury Funds

Isakson Statement on Auto Bailout

INHOFE STATEMENT ON THE PRESIDENT’S PLAN TO BAIL OUT CARMAKERS

GREGG COMMENTS ON WHITE HOUSE USE OF TARP FUNDS FOR THE U.S. AUTO INDUSTRY

Graham Statement on Automotive Bailout

Statement of U.S. Senator Russ Feingold on the White House Plan to Help U.S. Auto Makers

Enzi says no to bail out and “car czar”

ENSIGN: TARP OPTION UNDERCUTS NEGOTIATIONS

DeMint Says UAW Monopoly Must End

Corker Says White House Plan Eliminates Sense of Crisis, Open to Interpretation, and Relies on Will of Next Administration to Enforce Tough Concessions

SENATOR NORM COLEMAN STATEMENT ON THE AUTO BAILOUT PROCEDURAL VOTE

Statement of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton on Emergency Assistance for American Automakers

CARDIN SUPPORTS BUSH DECISION TO OFFER AUTOMAKERS EMERGENCY LOANS

Sen. Carper Responds to the President's Auto Rescue Plan

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A Tale of Two Christmas’

2008-12-19T13:48:00.000-08:00

An Editorial by Representative John R. Carter (TX 31st)

PN - Washington, D.C. - December 18, 2008 - Things weren’t going so well for the Administration of King Herod the Great in 4 BC. As soon as one scandal was buried by the articulate and politically-savvy Herod, another would crop up.

Herod had earlier survived an impeachment trial in Egypt, held by the joint court of Roman General Mark Antony and Egyptian Queen Cleopatra. The King was charged with murdering his chief political rival during a vacation at Herod’s Jericho estate - a swimming pool “accident”. Yes, Herod actually had a swimming pool built in the desert.

According to Herod, he and his rival were innocently engaged in horse play in the pool, when Herod “playfully” held the other politician under the water a little too long. With no witnesses or evidence to the contrary, he was acquitted.

Speculation abounded that Herod had “cut a deal” with Antony and Cleopatra. Sure enough, within a short time, the Roman general and Egyptian queen revolted against Imperial Rome, with Herod the Great’s forces in full support. The rebels lost, and Herod was back under suspicion, this time for treason against Caesar Augustus.

If Teflon had been around at the birth of Christ, Herod would have been known as the Teflon King of the Roman Empire. He got off scot-free. Nothing could bring this tyrant down, and he made sure of it by just plain killing anyone that threatened his reign.

When he now received word that some of his fellow Jews were acknowledging the birth of a future king in a small farming community outside Jerusalem, he ordered every male child under the age of two in the vicinity to be killed, to make sure his successors wouldn’t face a challenger in the coming decades. The murder of the innocents turned out to be one of his final acts.

His son, Herod Antipas, was no better. When an “extremist” religious leader, John the Baptist, called attention to the incestuous sins of the continued Herod dynasty, John’s severed head was soon displayed on a silver platter for the amusement of the crown. Political leaders didn’t sit still for moral criticism in those days anymore than now. But the ancient version of “slash and burn” politics wasn’t just a figure of speech - it was literal.

The point of looking at Herod’s dynasty is to gain a little perspective on where we are this Christmas season in America. Herod, in spite of his power and ruthlessness, is remembered today only as a historical footnote to the birth of Jesus Christ.

Those who held all the political powers of earth in their hands - Herod, Antony and Cleopatra, Pontius Pilate, Caesar Augustus - are now just dusty recollections in the annals of history. Their trials and tribulations, scandals, victories and defeats, are now the near-exclusive domain of historians, all but erased from the consciousness of the world that is so important to politicians of all ages.

What remains vividly alive from that day? Only the worldwide recognition of that Child born in a manger in the obscure village of Bethlehem, outside Jerusalem. A Child who never sought an earthly crown or kingdom. A Child that instead created a Kingdom of the Spirit, Which can never fall or be conquered. A Child who simply spoke the truth, regardless of whether it was politically prudent or popular, and Who was eventually killed because of it.

This Christmas we are coming out of a tumultuous and historic federal and presidential election cycle. Many conservatives like me and the solid majority of voters in our district and state are deeply disappointed in the outcome, and greatly concerned over the impact those results may have on the future of our nation.

The new administration will be sworn in this January under a cloud of controversy, as a result of the continuing revelations concerning the alleged scheme by the Governor of Illinois to sell President-elect Obama’s seat in the U.S. Senate, and the seemingly never-ending discoveries of ethics violations by embattled House Ways and Means Chairman Charles Rangel (D-NY).

We are simultaneously facing what may be the greatest economic downturn since the Great Depression, under a new, untested political landscape in Washington in all branches of government.

But there’s a valuable lesson from Herod the Great in 4 BC to all of us in 2008.

Two thousand years from now, do you think any of this will matter? What will survive? The Kingdom of the Christ Child will still be there. All this will be past and forgotten.

As Americans gather together with our loved ones for the holidays, let’s keep that in mind, and allow this celebration of the birth of the Messiah to remind us of what really matters in the long run.

Merry Christmas.

=================================

Obituary: Paul Weyrich

2008-12-19T12:47:00.000-08:00

PN - Washington, D.C. - December 18, 2009 -- Fox News reported that Paul Weyrich, 66, died Thursday morning around 1 AM. The cause of death is still pending.

According to the Renew America web site, Paul M. Weyrich was Chairman and CEO of the Free Congress Research and Education Foundation. He served as President of the foundation from 1977 to 2002.

From 1989 to 1996, Mr. Weyrich served as President of the Kreible Institute of the Free Congress Foundation, responsible for training democracy movements in the states comprising the Former Soviet Empire. He is a founder and past director of the American Legislative Exchange Council, the founding president of the Heritage Foundation, and the current National Chairman of Coalitions for America.

A former reporter and radio news director, Mr. Weyrich was a regular guest on daily radio and television talk shows. A sought-after writer, Mr. Weyrich published policy reports and journals on a variety of conservative issues and contributed editorials to The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal.

He was described by The Economist as "one of the conservative movement's more vigorous thinkers." Voted three years in a row from 1981 – 1983 by readers of Conservative Digest as one of the top three "most popular conservatives in America not in Congress," Mr. Weyrich was been named by Regardie's Magazine as "one of the 100 most powerful Washingtonians."

He was married since 1963 to the former Joyce Smigun, was the father of five children, and served as a deacon in his church.

"Paul Weyrich was a strong leader who helped spur a conservative movement that was both principled and compassionate. In helping to establish the the Heritage Foundation and the Free Congress Foundation, Paul’s legacy will live on to positively influence future generations for years to come," says Congressman J. Gresham Barrett (SC, 3)

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Fighting Poverty

2008-12-17T09:46:00.000-08:00

Written by Shonda Ponder
December 17, 2008

Being labeled as one in the "poor" class, I do have some experience dealing with "poor" people. I don't know about the rest of the country, but I would bet that it's the same everywhere.

Having stayed at a homeless shelter for nearly three months, I came to know those who were less fortunate. While it is true that many of those who are "helped" by social programs such as the Randy Sam's Homeless Shelter, the Friendship Center, and the Salvation Army here in Texarkana, are in situations beyond their control, it is also true that the situation that got them there were because of poor decision-making in their past.

This does not mean that they shouldn't be given the opportunity to correct their mistakes. I needed that opportunity, and I will forever be grateful for the help I got. I owe it to them to do what I can to help others in similar situations, and when the opportunity presents itself, I have, and will do what I can with what little I have.

But the difference between someone like me, and nine out of ten of those in that situation, is that I was determined to get out of that part of my life. I was not hooked on drugs. I did not lead a questionable lifestyle, and I let NOTHING keep me from getting and holding a job. I went into the homeless shelter with goals, which I quickly let the social worker at the shelter know. I told her why I was there, and what my plans were, and how I intended to implement them. She was very encouraging, and everyone there was very supportive when I met all of my goals.

Most who go in there have no goals, no plan, and to be honest, they don't care. Drugs and alcohol influence their decision-making abilities and their ambition. You can't help anyone who won't help themselves. To me, they are a waste to society. I helped several their get a job at the place where I worked. Only one out of the ten I helped went on to better herself. I am proud of her.

It is the same in the freedom movement. The addiction may not be drugs and alcohol, but the influences are just as powerful. Only one out of ten will come to see the light. Only one out of ten will ever work toward a better outcome.

Today I live in an apartment about a block from the homeless shelter where I stayed. There are prostitutes and drug addicts all over the place around here. It is not a place I would choose to raise my children, if they were still young. My daily acquaintances, for the most part, all do drugs or are heavy drinkers. There are a lack of options as to who I have to deal with for my daily necessities and my social interactions. It is hard to help someone get off crack and ice when crack and ice come knocking at your door on a daily basis.

We will never be able to defeat poverty. Even Jesus said that when he said, "For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always" (Mark 14:7). But, we can fight what makes them poor. We can teach our children that those things that make them poor is bad. We can show them examples. We can talk to them about their options. Until we target our children and educate them about the dangers of what causes poverty and lack of ambition, our future will remain insecure.

Issues List

2008-12-16T17:55:00.000-08:00

This is a list of issues that Ponder's News is interested in:

Auto-Maker Bailout
Bailout
Credit Card Reform
Gun Rights
Health Care Reform
Israel
Stimulus Package Information
Treatment of Detainees
Voting Rights

Keep checking back to this post. We will be adding to it.

=============================

Radio and Video Friends' Links

2008-12-16T10:49:00.000-08:00

These links are to liberty-loving radio and television broadcasts:

Restore the Republic

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What Ponder's News is About:

2008-12-15T12:24:00.000-08:00

This news blog is dedicated to getting out information vital to encouraging action and thought toward protecting our rights as Americans. I will post information that is important to the Judeao-Christian point of view. I will encourage activism in many aspects from organizing rallies to writing our congressman.

Here you will see news, views, and ideas that will help you in your daily decision making as a citizen.

Shonda Ponder does not necessarily support any one person, group or organization. She is dedicated to information as a whole. If you don't like the information posted here, don't share it. It's that simple. If you do find this information useful, then by all means, please share the information

Ponder's News is a member of the Citizen's Network Alliance. The CNA is an alliance of conservative-minded, patriotic news people, groups, and organizations dedicated to getting the REAL news out to the American People. We provide the American People with unmasked, unadulterated truth in order to better help them keep informed on the issues that the mainstream, government biased media wants to sweep under the rug.

If you, your group, or your organization would like to join us, send an email to: ponderaa1@windstream.net

Shonda Ponder is the President of Citizen's Network Alliance