New Documentary Exposes the Threats to American Parental Rights

/PRNewswire/ -- ParentalRights.org and Watchman Cinema are proud to announce the release of "The Child: America's Battle for the Next Generation" on Saturday, November 20, 2010.

The 90-minute documentary explores the current state of parental rights in America. The goal of the production is to bring awareness to the seldom-visited issue of parental rights. With the grassroots efforts of ParentalRights.org, over 300 venues have been booked to premiere this compelling documentary on or around November 20, with the hopes of educating the general public.

"'The Child' will fill this void of unawareness by explaining the situation," Director Grace Tate wrote on the documentary website. "… [Parental rights] are not just an issue – this is a battle for the future."



In 2009, President Obama's administration vowed support for a variety of UN bodies and treaties including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. With the "best interest of the child" standard outlined in the Convention pushed by Senator Barbara Boxer (CA), U.S. Representative to the UN, Susan Rice, and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the treaty would grant the government authority to override parental decisions at the state level.

"The Supreme Court held parental rights at a high level in 1925 with Pierce v. Society of Sisters," Farris explains. "But in 2000, the Court really messed up with Troxel v. Granville when parental rights were deemed non-fundamental."

Under the Supremacy Clause (Article VI) of the U.S. Constitution, ratified treaties preempt state law. Since virtually all laws in the U.S. regarding children are state laws, this treaty would negate nearly 100% of existing American family law. The U.S. Constitution is silent on the subject of parental rights, leaving them unprotected against activist judges or the federal treaty power.

"The government gets to decide what is best for children on any subject whatsoever," Farris says. "That's how the Convention works; the government wins all the time."

Featured in the film are interviews with professors, congressmen, coalition leaders, parents and children hailing from all across the country. The Watchman production team, comprised of homeschooled students and graduates from North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, traveled for months gathering interviews and conducting research on this topic with professional movie-quality equipment.

Parental rights are an issue that motivated many activists in this month's elections, while going largely uncovered by the national media. With close to 160 Congressmen already committed to the Parental Rights Amendment in the House for the 112th Congress, the Amendment promises to be on the agenda in both the House and the Senate next year.

The first premiere will be held at Blue Ridge Bible Church in Purcellville, Virginia on Saturday, November 20. The event is free of charge and open to the public. Preview the trailer at www.parentalrights.org/TheChild.

States' Rights Took Beating Almost 100 Years Ago

I came across an interesting fact that the 17th Amendment changed the voting of senators from the states' legislatures to mimic the general population vote of the House.  Was that intended to give the people more of a voice?

So, states' rights were diminished in 1913.  Wonder how that will play out as the federal government takes on more power and control of our citizens' lives?

Thar's Gold in Them Hills, er, New Gold Tax in Health Care

Or at the very least, there is a new gold tax which was hidden in the health care reform bill.........






I wonder what else will come to the light of day?

Is Free Speech Free If You Have to Tell the Government?

I saw this article come through on Twitter and almost dropped my daily dose of caffeine.

You have to read about a lawsuit to protect your rights when talking to your neighbor......

Lawsuit Seeks to Protect Americans’ Right To Most-Basic Political Speech: Talking to Their Neighbors
John Kramer

Washingtonians from both sides of the political spectrum filed a lawsuit today to stop their state from monitoring, collecting and publicly disseminating information about the political activities of private citizens who do nothing more than urge their fellow citizens to take political action.  They seek to vindicate the belief that if the First Amendment protects anything, it protects the right of all Americans to speak to one another about the issues affecting their lives without having to first register with the government.........http://www.ij.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3316&Itemid=165

HT to Conservative Gal

Shouldn't the Supreme Court be Constitution Addicts?

Over the last several years, I've become more interested in politics. Why? Is it because I have finally grown up and realized the changes that the government, whether local, state or national, have made to my lifestyle? Is it because I have friends who can intelligently discuss their political views? Whatever the reason, I now follow what is happening in the world around me.

I find Supreme Court nominations fascinating. Shouldn't all party interests and agendas be on hold and the search for a true American who lives and dies for the Constitution be the goal?

I think all the latest reports on whether Kagan "is or is not" to be not as important as the bigger issue. Is she or is she not an American who believes in the Constitution? Will she or will she not put all personal thoughts aside and follow the law of the land? You know, the Constitution? The bedrock of our country? The one which spells out the powers of the government and the freedoms of the people? The one where it is a government of the people, by the people and for the people whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed?


Just wondering......

Census Data- Used for What During War Time?

Being a good law abiding citizen, I opened up the second letter today regarding the 2010 census.  The first letter was just informing me the census would be taken.  Ok.  Was this a huge waste of money in a tight (or any) economy?

So, I opened up the census and looked at it.  It's the short form, which means they are only asking for your name, rank, age and race.  How will this information be used?

According to the insert, the information can not be used by law enforcement or by tax collection folks.  Hmmm. Really?  It's only to decide how much money your neighborhood gets for children and the elderly?  It's only to identify how many Representatives are to be in Congress from your state?

The census bureau has in the past given information found on the census to the federal government for purposes other than law enforcement or tax collection.  What?  It has been claimed the census bureau gave info on residents to the government during World War I so they could look for draft dodgers.  Hmmm.  It has been claimed the census bureau gave info on Japanese American citizens for the infamous detention camps on American soil during World War II.  Is this true?  Did the phone ring over at the big boss's house saying, "Hey, I've got some people you may want to round up?" Did the big boss decide the information was needed to secure America?

I don't know if the claims are accurate or not, but it certainly gives me chills just imaging how the information could be used by those who may be in a position to abuse power given them.  After all, we are in a time of war against terrorism. Hmmmm.

Another fun little tidbit I've heard is there is no long form this time around.  So, genealogy types who delve into the census years of old will be mightily disappointed come 2082.  

Guess I'll get out my blue or black pen so I can fill in the blanks.  Just too bad there won't be anyone coming around to fill out all the blanks in previous census years with a completely illegible writing skill or with guesses on how old the residents are since the neighbors were supposed to know!

Will States Stand Up to Big Brother Taxes for Healthcare?

Will the states listen to their population or will the states realize that the new tax burdens each state (other than Nebraska) will have to impose upon their citizens will be too high for the taxpayers? Will the states stand up to Big Brother Healthcare?

Just wondering....

I thought this opinion piece very interesting. Guess I'll be contacting my local boys to see what they have in mind to do to protect our state.

Health Care Nullification: Things have just gotten underway
21. DEC, 2009

by Michael Boldin

For the past few days, I’ve received loads of emails urging me to get active regarding the healthcare vote – most of which had a subject line similar to: “Last Chance to Stop National Healthcare!”

Well, if you believe the only way to protect your rights is by begging federal politicians to do what you want, then these emails are certainly right. The vote went as expected, and so will the next.

So if you think marching on D.C. or calling your Representatives, or threating to “throw the bums out” in 2010 or 2012 or 20-whatever, is going to further the cause of the Constitution and your liberty – you might as well get your shackles on now. Your last chance has come and gone.

But, those of you who visit this site regularly already know that the Senate’s health care vote is far from the end of things – and you also know that even when it goes into effect (which I assume some version will), it’s still not the end of the road for your freedom.

The real way to resist DC is not by begging politicians and judges in Washington to allow us to exercise our rights…it’s to exercise our rights whether they want to give us “permission” to or not.

Nullification – state-level resistance to unconstitutional federal laws – is the way forward.

When a state ‘nullifies’ a federal law, it is proclaiming that the law in question is void and inoperative, or ‘non-effective,’ within the boundaries of that state; or, in other words, not a law as far as that state is concerned.

It’s peaceful, effective, and has a long history in the American tradition. It’s been invoked in support of free speech, in opposition to war and fugitive slave laws, and more. Read more on this history here.

Regarding nullification and health care, there’s already a growing movement right now. Led by Arizona, voters in a number of states may get a chance to approve State Constitutional Amendments in 2010 that would effectively ban national health care in their states. Our sources here at the Tenth Amendment Center indicate to us that we should expect to see 20-25 states consider such legislation in 2010.

20 States resisting DC can do what calling, marching, yelling, faxing, and emailing has almost never done. Stop the feds dead in their tracks.

For example, 13 states are already defying federal marijuana prohibition, and the federal government is having such a hard time dealing with it that the Obama administration recently announced that they would no longer prioritize enforcement in states that have medical marijuana laws.

Better yet, in the last 2+ years more than 20 states have been able to effectively prevent the Real ID Act of 2005 from being implemented. How did they do that? They passed laws and resolutions refusing to comply with it. And today, it’s effectively null and void without ever being repealed by Congress or challenged in court.

While the Obama administration would like to revive it under a different name, the reality is still there – with massive state-level resistance, the federal government can be pushed back inside its constitutional box. Issue by issue, law by law, the best way to change the federal government is by resisting it on a state level.

That’s nullification at work.

Over the years, wise men and women warned us that the Constitution would never enforce itself. The time is long overdue for people to start recognizing this fact, and bring that enforcement closer to home.

The bottom line? If you want to make real change; if you want to really do something for liberty and for the Constitution…focus on local activism and your state governments.

Thomas Jefferson would be proud!

Michael Boldin is the founder of the Tenth Amendment Center

Copyright © 2009 by TenthAmendmentCenter.com. Permission to reprint in whole or in part is gladly granted, provided full credit is given.

As if Government Run Health Care Wasn't Enough- Now It's Education

Guess what guys. I just saw the following article on the proposed government takeover of the historically desirable way to take students loans. You gotta read it and let your officials know your thoughts.

Eliminating the Federal Family Education Loan Program: Hurting Students & Increasing the Size of the Government
September 10, 2009

By having the government take over all federal student loan originations, it would involve one of the largest expansions of a government program in recent memory. It would dismantle a system that has successfully served generations of Americans. Within a decade the Federal Direct Loan Program would be a trillion dollar operation, making it one of the biggest banks in the world. It would ultimately have responsibility for tens of millions of borrowers ... http://ow.ly/pteB

Saving Health Care Money without Passing a Bill?

If the Obama administration's plan is to pay for universal health coverage by identifying and taking out wasteful spending in health care , and if they have already identified them, then why do we need a bill passed which would spend a whole lot more money? Can't the current government minions slam the door shut on wasteful spending now? And if not, why?

Just wondering.

Education is the Key- So Why Don't We Try It?

Having a solid education is the key for opening doors and opportunities. On this one issue, it would appear the president and I agree strongly.

With that said, I was shocked this morning to read an article about the lack of education in our colleges and universities. The report released indicates a serious lack of teaching students about American government or American history. Actually, it said that of the 100 leading colleges and universities, only 11% require these courses. Only 53% require mathematics.

How can that be? Is it more important to learn to be a free thinker or to be a free thinker with knowledge in your head?

Maybe I'll start a survey. Now seems just like the perfect time as I reflect on a couple of upcoming American history events.

Quick. Tell me.

What was the Treaty of Paris? Is any part of it still in use today?
When was the United States Constitution framed?

Do you know the answers? I do.

Learn from History When Life was Devalued by a Government

VWV Note: I saw this episode of Glenn Beck's show yesterday. This story paints a grim view of what did happen in the past with eugenics. But, happen it did.

Learn from history. I hope we haven't forgotten the lessons learned.


http://www.thehopeforamerica.com/play.php?id=1700

Does Your Computer and Personal Files Now Belong to the Government?

Did you click on cars.gov to see if you qualify for the cash for clunkers? If so, your computer and your personal files now belong to the government. The disclaimer you agreed to said your computer and files are now the property of the government which they can follow, copy, or give to law enforcement- in or out of America.

You've got to see the video by Glenn Beck which exposed this invasion of privacy.





Unbelievable.

"Mr. Sandman, Send Me..."

Have you wondered how so many people still choose to hide their heads in the sand when it comes to what is going on around us?

I've been having a couple of ongoing conversations lately with two colleagues. I won't mention names, but I can guarantee they wouldn't be able to figure out who they are. Why? Because there are so many Americans just like them.

One colleague is distressed over the recession and the way the government is taking over private enterprise. My first question was, "Who did you vote for?" His response was he didn't vote for anyone. My response was, "You voted for the President." By not bothering to take time to learn about the issues and study the candidates, this person abdicated on their responsibility. By not voting, they said that either candidate was fine. By not voting, they gave their thumbs up to the winner. Gee, my colleague is flabbergasted now. Kind of wishes he had voted. Perhaps, he has learned his lesson and will take the next elections more to heart and let his voice be heard.

The other conversation is an ongoing educational one. The lady is such a sweet soul, but she voted for the color of the skin. She openly admits it and says that "He is going to take care of all Americans." She goes on to talk about how wonderful the stimulus is and how great it will be when all Americans get free insurance coverage.

Now she is gainfully employed at a company who has only laid off the temporary workers and reduced hours for some of its hourly employees. She is salaried, so she hasn't been too concerned yet. Imagine her surprise when I asked her who was paying for all the wonderful things the government is doing. She says "the government." "Where does the government get its money?" She honestly thinks that only the rich will pay.

What about the proposed cap and trade tax for every American, rich or poor? What about the proposed Cash for Clunkers so people can take out more debt? (Yep, my cars don't even qualify.)
What about the proposed government rationed healthcare? What about the proposed tax on health insurance the employer provides?

Her eyes get big and she says, "Well, I always get a tax refund." Wake up sister. Just wait till the end of this year and you get the honor of paying back the tax the feds put in your pocket this year since the tax codes have yet to be adjusted. Just wait until your property tax bill comes in.

You've got a job? You're rich. Go on. Rub your eyes and see if some of that sand gets out.

House Republicans push for spending freeze

Excellent idea: On the heels of the successful Senate GOP move to slow down passage of the $410 billion omni-pork bill, House GOP leader John Boehner is pushing for a freeze on government spending that would hold federal spending at current levels and strip the omnibus of all 9,000 un-scrutinized earmarks:

The top Republican in the House is seizing on the latest spike in unemployment to call for a freeze on government spending and to urge President Barack Obama to veto a $410 billion spending bill....http://michellemalkin.com/2009/03/06/house-republicans-push-for-spending-freeze/

HT to Michelle Malkin for getting the news out fast!!

Change for Middle Class Led for Unions?

I do agree this order signals the beginning of a new government. The question remains. Is it the one we want? Will we still have freedom of choice? Will we still have freedom of speech?

Change to Win Statement on President Obama's Executive Orders for Working America

/PRNewswire/ -- Change to Win chair Anna Burger released the following statement today regarding President Obama's White House ceremony to sign four worker-related executive orders into law, including the creation of the Middle Class Working Families Task Force led by Vice-president Joe Biden.

"Change to Win, its seven unions and six million members, applaud President Obama and Vice-President Biden for continuing to stand up for working families by taking bold actions to restore the economy, rebuild the middle class and renew the American Dream. Today's executive orders are further proof that when workers vote for pro-worker candidate, workers win.

"Today, the Obama administration reaffirmed its commitment to America's workers. Taken together, these orders show that the administration recognizes the federal government's responsibility, as the nation's largest purchaser of goods and services, to set model employment standards for private sector workers, as well as for the direct federal workforce.

"Millions of American families are facing tough decisions when they gather around the kitchen table trying to find how to survive the economic recession. Can they pay for their health care bills as well as the home over their heads? Will they ever be able to retire or will their golden years be spent working at the Golden Arches? Workers' wages are the single largest source of consumer spending. Stimulating worker wage increases will help drive consumption and generate economic growth.

"The mandate of the Middle Class Working Families Task Force sends a clear signal of a new government. A government that makes sure working Americans are treated with the dignity and respect at the work place that everyone deserves. A government that understands that rebuilding the American Dream and fixing the economy means creating more than just jobs, it means creating good jobs with a wage that can support a family, benefits that can keep them healthy, and a secure and dignified retirement.

"We look forward to working with the new administration and Vice-President Biden on the Middle Class Working Families Task Force. Vice-President Biden has proven time and again his leadership and commitment to workers' issues and we are honored for the chance to work alongside him. On behalf of the growing numbers of workers who belong to unions as well as the millions more who are struggling to secure a fair voice in the workplace, we must explore every avenue available to create change that works now and for generations to come."

About Change to Win
Seven unions and six million workers united in Change to Win to build a new movement of working people equipped to meet the challenges of the global economy and restore the American Dream in the 21st century: a paycheck that can support a family, affordable health care, a secure retirement and dignity on the job. The seven partner unions are: International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Laborers' International Union of North America, Service Employees International Union, UNITE HERE, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, United Farm Workers of America, and United Food and Commercial Workers International Union.

Hustler's Larry Flynt and Girls Gone Wild CEO Joe Francis Ask for Government Bailout of the Adult Entertainment Industry

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Taking Care of the People and Happiness

I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.

Thomas Jefferson

Another State Wants to Raise Taxes- Now it is Virginia

FreedomWorks Calls on Virginia to Cut the Budget, Not Raise Taxes

(BUSINESS WIRE)--When states are faced with a budget deficit, the fiscally prudent solution is to tighten the budget and cut bureaucratic waste before increasing taxes on strapped citizens. Virginia is currently facing a $2 billion budget shortfall, which is due in part to over-spending when times were good. FreedomWorks is disappointed that Gov. Timothy Kaine has proposed a 100 percent increase in the state cigarette tax.

FreedomWorks opposes raising taxes, especially in an economic recession. Cigarette taxes are historically a failed public policy and do not bring in anticipated revenue as smokers either cut back, cross borders, or turn to the black market for their cigarettes.

Cigarette taxes are regressive, disproportionately hurting poor families’ budgets. Small business owners, the backbone of our economy, would also be devastated with a loss of a critical revenue stream.

FreedomWorks issued a call to action today to its members in Virginia, asking them to contact the General Assembly and Governor Kaine. FreedomWorks volunteers will deliver the message that this tax increase should be defeated, and the size of the bloated state budget should be reduced.

FreedomWorks President Matt Kibbe commented:

“It is unfortunate that in tight budget times politicians resort to gimmicks to fill budget holes. These problems are often created by their inability to rein in spending during the good times. The Virginia General Assembly would best serve the citizens by rejecting all tax increases and instead look for ways to shrink government and cut spending to cover the budget deficit. Rejecting tax increases would send a strong message to Governor Kaine that as Virginians prepare to live on a budget, so should the government."

Another Bailout Industry Could be Created-- All in the Name of Free

Note: Setting the stage for a wireless czar?

FCC to Consider Next Entity for Taxpayer Bailout

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- If the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) moves forward with plans to create a government-operated nationwide wireless network provider at an up-coming meeting scheduled for Dec. 18, it will create yet another government-mandated entity at risk for failure and future taxpayer bailout.

The FCC plans to use this week's meeting to vote on a proposal to auction 25 megahertz of spectrum to be used as a free national wireless network operated by a single provider, creating a new government sponsored enterprise in the tradition of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

According to the IPI publication, "Should the U.S. Favor a Free Nationwide Wireless Network Provider?"

(http://ipi.org/ipi/IPIPublications.nsf/PublicationLookupFullTextPDF/94BE0 017C8D28CFB862574CE00596D98/$File/NationwideWireless.pdf?OpenElement)

Author and IPI adjunct fellow Solveig Singleton warns the plan is risky.

"This kind of company would not be allowed to fail and therefore sets up a future bailout at taxpayer expense," she says.

The risk of failure is substantial, says Singleton: "The entity will have little flexibility to change business models if it finds itself in trouble."

In the report, Singleton recalls how other failed municipal Wi-Fi plans, including one proposal for the city of Portland, Ore., found the deal uneconomical and unsuccessfully tried to bow out.

Furthermore, in the event the auction winner is headed for bankruptcy and collapse, Singleton warns supporters of the plan if they are prepared to allow the entity to fail.

"Policy makers should keep the federal thumb off the broadband competition scales and stay out of the business of designing broadband business models," Singleton concluded.

The Institute for Policy Innovation is an independent, non-profit public policy organization based in Dallas, Texas. Copies of the publication, "Should the U.S. Favor a Free Nationwide Wireless Network Provider?" are available by visiting www.ipi.org .

Big Government in the Words of Our President--- Jefferson, That Is

The following quote is attributed to President Thomas Jefferson. What wise men our founders were.

A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to
take everything you have.

Bingo.