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Tea Party 2.0

May 12, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Here’s something you won’t see in Arizona given that our Republican governor is pushing for a tax hike as part of her 5-point plan.

Hoping to recapture the grassroots energy of last month’s “tea parties,” Republican Govs. Mark Sanford of South Carolina and Rick Perry of Texas will host a tele-town hall Thursday that’s being dubbed “Tea Party 2.0.”

The Republican Governors Association said it is expecting 30,000 people to participate in the town hall, which will take place roughly one month after the much-publicized anti-tax tea party rallies held in hundreds of locations across the country on April 15, the tax filing deadline.

Sanford and Perry will each speak for several minutes before opening up the town hall to up to an hour-long question and answer session.

(Politico – “GOP govs plan Tea Party sequel” - May 12, 2009)

Filed Under: Taxation

2nd Amendment Breached by July 4th?

May 12, 2009 By 6 Comments

RedPlanet

Remember Jeff Foxworthy’s comedy routines?  Well here’s the latest and it isn’t funny:  “You might be a rightwing extremist” … by former governor, now Minister of Internal State Security.  On April 7,  Napolitano’s office issued a report titled “Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment.”

Recall Napolitano’s remarks her first time before Congress as Secretary she avoided using the word “terrorism” or “terrorist”?  However, she instead used the euphinism, “man-caused disasters.  In the April 7th report on “Rightwing Extremism” she uses the word “terrorist” 14 times in 10 pages, and the word “rightwing” is used 47 times in conjunction with “terrorism” or “extremism”.

We all know by now that if you’re a Pro-Life Catholic priest, you could be a “terrorist”.  Or if you’re a conservative Republican who supports marriage you could be a “terrorist”.  Or if you’re a Veteran who enjoys hunting, you might especially be a target of terrorist recruitment (especially down at the American Legion Hall on Saturday nights).  Or if you’re a Pro-Marriage Christian you could be a terrorist.  Well, you have the idea.

We all laughed at Janet.  There were calls for her to be fired.  She even appologized to Ron Paul supporters. But what if we were premature in our laughter?  What if it was by no design of Napolitano’s at all that the report found its way into the public’s awareness?

Let me introduce you to, H.R. 2159: Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act of 2009

Wow do I feel safe now!  A new law to deny firearms and explosives to dangerous terrorists!  Wonderful!

Wait a minute, why would they be on the streets even attempting to buy such things in the first place?  Shouldn’t they already be in custody, prison or Gitmo?  What’s up with a law against those folks who should already be being hunted and locked up?  What else is going on here?

Standard for Exercising Attorney General Discretion Regarding Transferring Firearms or Issuing Firearms Permits to Dangerous Terrorists…

That would be Eric Holder right?  We know how he feels about the Second Amendment.  But lets read on…

Sec. 922A. Attorney General’s discretion to deny transfer of a firearm

‘The Attorney General may deny the transfer of a firearm pursuant to section 922(t)(1)(B)(ii) if the Attorney General determines that the transferee is known (or appropriately suspected) to be or have been engaged in conduct constituting, in preparation for, in aid of, or related to terrorism, or providing material support thereof, and the Attorney General has a reasonable belief that the prospective transferee may use a firearm in connection with terrorism…”

Have you read enough?  Do you think its by accident that law enforcement officers received their copies of the report on “rightwing extremism” concurrent with Charlie Rangle (and others) introducing a bill Obama is sure to sign?

Remember, Napolitano never resinded that report, she only mildly appologized to Veterans groups, the contents and attitude of the report stands.  So will H.R. 2159 – a clear violation of the U.S. Constitution if it is allowed to pass.

Like her mentor Janet Reno, Napolitano never speaks of foreign threats to the Homeland, only those preceived to be a threat to the government like Elian Gonzalez or Vicki Weaver.

Filed Under: 2nd Amendment, Constitutional Law, Legislation, National Security, Public Safety, Terrorism

Stossel In The House!

May 12, 2009 By 15 Comments

This ought to be real good!

The Goldwater Institute presents a
2009 Speaker Series Luncheon featuring John Stossel
~
May 16, 2009
11:00 a.m. VIP Reception and Photo Opportunity
12:00 p.m. Lunch
Scottsdale Plaza Resort, 7200 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85253
~
Goldwater Institute Member Tickets [$40 each]
Non-Member Tickets [$50 each]
VIP Tickets [$250 each]
~
RSVP with the enclosed card,
or RSVP online at www.goldwaterinstitute.org
~
“The more reporting I did, the more it dawned on me that government is often the problem rather than the solution. Free markets, not coercive governments, are the consumer’s best friend.” – JOHN STOSSEL

Since joining ABC’s 20/20 in 1981, John Stossel has become the self-declared “scourge of the liberal media,” dedicating much of his provocative career to the advancement of free market ideas. Once an advocate of consumer protection through increased regulation, his reporting led him to the conclusion that government posed the real danger to consumers and that protectionism had a substantial negative impact on both American business and culture. Now an outspoken proponent of freedom, Stossel exposes the waste and ineffectiveness of government practices like corporate welfare, bailouts, limiting choice in education, and eminent domain abuse.

Stossel, who has praised the Goldwater Institute for its impact on school choice in Arizona, has become one of the media’s most popular champions of market solutions to social and economic challenges. Despite the ongoing opposition of the interventionist elite, his satirical and investigative television segments, documentaries, and books have continued to resonate strongly with audiences, earning him nineteen Emmy Awards and five awards for excellence in consumer reporting by the National Press Club.

On May 16, please join the Goldwater Institute for this special Speaker Series luncheon featuring John Stossel.

Filed Under: Government, Special Event

Immigration, much more than a single 30 second sound bite

May 11, 2009 By 18 Comments

“I support legal and orderly immigration. Enforced borders and orderly entry are prime factors that define a nation; that is my position,” declared the candidate.

His opposition, however opined at length to the contributions of immigrants, carefully omitting the word “illegal” and whined about the impossibility of stemming the hemorrhage from south of the border.

This is the short form of today’s critical national immigration debate.

It’s all about growth. Today, three-fourths of the U.S. population growth is directly due to immigration  – both legal and illegal (including their birth rate). At this rate of increase, our present population of about 288 million will nearly double to over 500 million in less than 45 years.  With them they bring their labor, but they also bring their cultural attitudes.  One only has to study the last great wave of immigration from 1890 to 1920 to see the changes they wrought in our society, culture and future.

But where is that growth? Notice it is among new immigrants — both legal and otherwise. The net population of Western European Americans is aging and declining. By the year 2050 the United States will be a very different place.  Here’s an example of what I mean, this new demographic is generally Christian, Pro-Life, and not too interested in Gay Marriage.  Of course, if an devout immigrant Muslim father learns that his two twin 9 year old daughters are being exposed to the LBGT agenda in school, who knows what he’s apt to do about it.

Two historical events directly impacted this current immigration explosion: the Immigration Act of 1965, which radically altered traditional U.S. immigration policy, and the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. The 1986 Act, under then Vice President George Bush, granted amnesty to an estimated three million illegal aliens in exchange for strict sanctions against employers hiring workers without documentation.  The 1986 Act has been enforced very sparingly if at all in the years since.

In 1925, during the last wave of major immigration, it was noted that,  “… they who control a country’s immigration policy controls the future of that country.” What does that mean for our present future as a people?  [and as something fun to do, find out where the quote came from, I know where, but its much better if you look it up for yourselves.]

Just how many sides are there to the immigration issue? You might as well try to figure out how many sides to a sphere, just try to find something that current illegal immigration doesn’t impact.

Immigration impacts (in no particular order):

· Urban sprawl

· Education quality

· Infrastructure development (roads, transportation and energy needs)

· Wages, jobs, and the legal system

· Crime, police, the courts, and the prison system

· The environment and open spaces

· Housing costs

· Political power as individuals with little or no background in our Constitutional Republic begin to organize politically and demand a voice in the process

· The religious institutions of our society

· Our welfare and social services

· Our taxes

· Our social security

· Our health care systems (and our health)

· Our language

· National Park System, which just announced spending federal funds to explore ways to increase park attractiveness to new migrants!

All of these facets to immigration require resources; they cost money.   Where are those resources going to come from?  A single undocumented worker’s family often has a single wage earner at the semi-skilled end of the wage scale and, from that income a wife and children (and grandparents) must be supported.  The tax revenues simply aren’t there to support all the social costs of the larger extended families and special needs based on the taxes derrived from the wage earner.

In simple terms contrast the immigrant just here from Sinaloa having his mother-in-law, his wife, and six children … with the mid-50 year old childless university couple looking forward to retirement.  Now tell me this is a single point issue.

The bottom line is, an equitable system must be established to deal with labor migration in North America.  I for one would love to enjoy the political, social, and economic benefits that migrants in the US enjoy – in Mexico.  Unfortunately it doesn’t seem to work two ways (yet).

Filed Under: Border, Illegal Aliens, Illegal Immigration, Migrants

This weeks visit to Diversity Lane

May 11, 2009 By 4 Comments

Tolerance – the power or capacity of an organization or society to put up with that which the majority considers an unfavorable condition or behavior.  Used in a sentence:  The guests graciously tolerated the undisciplined behavior of their host’s child.

When it is a two way street, it works.  When tolerance is enforced one way it, it becomes tyranny – a tyranny of the minority in this case.

Historic note, “Gay” is a meme specifically chosen to achieve an outcome not available with the then existing vocabulary for the behavior.

Filed Under: Homosexuality

AZ GOP 3.1 in 2010

May 9, 2009 By 30 Comments

by Gayle Plato

I thought about a comment I made regarding my last post of re-branding the GOP and I decided I was rude.  Many incredibly loyal, dedicated people have given years of their lives to make the Grand Ol’ Party truly grand.  There is a life blood: a cause for individualism, limited government, and states rights.  Yet there is also a changing world we cannot deny. 

 Simply though, the GOP of the past, of the Barry Goldwater years, is not dying.  It is evolving.  I might also add, the AuH20 (Goldwater) legend is becoming a bit of folklore. Senator Goldwater rides off into the sunset like John Wayne.  But he’s not here to dress down everyone for putting him up as a Cowboy Conservative.  We truly NEED a Goldwater approach.  Republicans need to stay on message but also stay open to all evolving ideas and views.  We must stop trying to get even, we need to get ahead, and hold the lead.  Let’s get the majority of voters to join the ranks. Period. 

 

“My faith in the future rests squarely on the belief that man, if he doesn’t first destroy himself, will find new answers in the universe, new technologies, new disciplines, which will contribute to a vastly different and better world in the twenty-first century. Recalling what has happened in my short lifetime in the fields of communication and transportation and the life sciences, I marvel at the pessimists who tell us that we have reached the end of our productive capacity, who project a future of primarily dividing up what we now have and making do with less. To my mind the single essential element on which all discoveries will be dependent is human freedom.”  -Goldwater’s Autobiography, With No Apologies (1979)

Politics is a game and it’s played to win.  Once in, we debate, disagree, and mainly, we get the job done.  It’s HOW we do the job, and send the message that wins today.

 There is a social media push that made Barack Obama, that whooshed wind under the sails of Governor Napolitano, and fried the likes of John McCain. You may think that Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, iPods, blogging, and all of the Webmania is pointless.  In many ways, it is.  It’s also an outgrowth of a society scared about strangers, about risking ourselves in this dangerous world.  Social media is the confessional booth, it’s the listening bartender, it’s the life coach and spiritual advisor just 140 characters away.

 In true definition, social media is pure politics. Denying its reality is the parent saying the Beatles will never become anything and nobody will replace Andy Williams or Pat Boone. It’s here. It’s also well beyond Web 2.0.  All of the writing and social chatter, with ten zillion twitter biters hitting each up to be our social media experts; they are like snake oil salesmen.  None of them is an expert any more than the next guy.

 But Republican mastery of the Internet universe matters. Whether Crunchy Con Dennis Millers, or Libertarians hanging out to see if we’ll get it, watching Glen Beck, these souls are loitering in the Web halls, waiting for Miss California, for Ron Paul, for Ted Nugent, for Trey Stone, or maybe even Sarah Palin to World Wide Wow them.

 My take is this: Web 2.0 is in play and lag timing spin doctors are almost missing the power gem in the game of  Web 3.1 Republicanism. We are in a battle with the intellectual elite, the high colonics of liberalism with a big MoveOn.org dropping millions in their laps. These dems are Janet Napolitano devotees, watching Anderson Cooper, reading Daily Kos and the Huffington Post.  We are also seeing a number of Caterpillar Liberals- those afraid of the confinement that comes with responsibility. They’re fighting for the rights of scared terrorists with caterpillars in their cells, they are screaming the rights of pro-choice, and they’re watching Oprah, The View.  They vote democrat but deeply resent being told to do so or to being pigeon-holed.  They are random abstracts of limited knowledge. They like Perez Hilton, and still wish they could smoke clove cigs, sipping spiked tea at the crack of noon in Flagstaff. Problem is, the Web got them in and got them to vote.  Now, they’ve got to keep them voting.  I think THAT is the GOP in.

 

Doofii Democrats who just registered last year, they don’t like to do much twice.  They voted for Barack Obama, but will they find the polls come 2010? Now, all of my frustrated conservatives that do not respect my somewhat hands-off conservatism, I ask you this:  Do you know what I was talking about in the previous paragraphs?  If you’re a bit lost with the whole social media thing, and 2.0 or 3.1 whatever is hooey to you, well then you are the minority.  We have a loyal, needed, valued minority.  We also have a republican problem of being out of touch and under-educated.  Either get up to speed and embrace the reality you’re in like a good general does before battle, or welcome sitting the next one out, on your helmet, protecting your jewels.  This game is afoot and the playing field includes a virtual reality so explosive, exciting, innovative, and yes welcomingly conservative. Best of all, it’s conservative in the purest sense of limited government and respect of the individual. We cannot let the GOP miss the social mnemonic device that will build us up and help us to not get even, but help us to win.

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Blogs, Campaigns & Elections, Political Parties, Political Science, Predictions

Update: Mecum Pleads “Not Guilty”

May 8, 2009 By 13 Comments

Greg Patterson of EspressoPundit is reporting that the Arizona Department of Public Safety did NOT execute a warrant in the arrest of Brett Mecum. This means that Mecum’s arrest may have been illegal.

Sonoran Alliance has also learned that Brett Mecum entered a plea of “Not Guilty” which indicates that the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has indeed charged him.

Finally, Yellow Sheets is reporting that State Chairman Randy Pullen may lose the support of Governor Jan Brewer. According to YS, Mecum could be dismissed by July 4th:

The prospect of the top staff job opening up at the party opens the door for Brewer’s team to install their choice in that position. It’s a common belief that Coughlin was pulling the strings on the hiring of former HighGround-er Colin Shipley for political director and Michelle Schmitt, who was the advance person for McCainand his wife, as finance director. Mecum is the lone significant holdover on staff from Pullen’s first term at the top.

Pullen is already widely believed to be beholden to Brewer and Coughlin – the prevailing thought is that they promised to raise funds for the party that far exceed what he would otherwise be able to secure – and they could expand their control of the state party by dictating who should be hired as executive director.

“Are the people on the 9th Floor going to continue to subsidize this operation?” if Mecum isn’t let go, asked one Republican.

Filed Under: Crime and Punishment, Human Condition

Promoting the Gay Agenda in the classroom

May 8, 2009 By 3 Comments

Parents Sue School District Over Secrecy Surrounding Lesbian Minister’s Visit
City: Sacramento, CA
May 6, 2009

More than twenty parents filed suit yesterday against the Castro Valley Unified School District, after the District refused to comply with a public records request. The parents are represented by staff attorneys with Pacific Justice Institute.

The parents sought more information after learning from their children that a lesbian minister had been invited by the school to speak to math and science classes at Castro Valley High School. According to students, the minister spoke about her lesbian wedding and similar events under the heading “Out for Good.” Pacific Justice Institute sent a public records request to the school on the parents’ behalf, seeking all records related to the minister’s presentations, as well as any records demonstrating the connection between the minister’s talk and the math and science curriculum.

In response, the school district flatly refused to provide the records. To the astonishment of PJI attorneys, the District invoked the clergy-penitent privilege – ordinarily used to shield ministers from testifying in court about confessions made to them in private. PJI filed a writ petition yesterday in Alameda Superior Court to compel release of the records.

“It’s a mystery to us why the district chose to take such a hard-line approach with these parents who simply wanted all the information they are entitled to about this minister’s visit,” noted PJI Chief Counsel Kevin Snider. “But the parents have a strong right under California law to examine the curriculum and materials associated with in-class presentations, and we intend to vindicate that right.”

Brad Dacus, president of Pacific Justice Institute, commented, “Parents are the first and foremost educators of their own children. Castro Valley’s refusal to honor these parents’ request for basic information reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of the school’s proper role as helping – not replacing – parents.”
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
logoThe Pacific Justice Institute is a non-profit 501(c)(3) legal defense organization specializing in the defense of religious freedom, parental rights, and other civil liberties.
P.O. Box 276600 Sacramento, CA 95827-6600
Phone: (916) 857-6900 Fax: (916) 857-6902 Internet: www.pacificjustice.org [Read more...]

Filed Under: Culture, Family, Homosexuality, Human Condition

POTUS Approval Ratings by Religion

May 7, 2009 By 23 Comments

Percent of US population Jewish – 2.2% (2006 as reported)

Percent of US population Muslim – 0.6% (2007 as reported)

Percent of US population Catholic – 22% (2008 as reported)

Percent of US population Mormon – 1.7% (as reported)

Percent of US population Protestant – 51.3% (as reported)

Percent of US population “Non-Religious – 15% (2009 as reported)

Summing up by group, the percentage who approve of the job Barack Obama’s been doing is 39.9% of the nation’s population.  Meanwhile, among Protestants and Mormons (53% of the US population) the POTUS is holding a 58% or lower approval rating.

Consider now that 30% of Congress is Catholic and 51.3% are Protestant.  Jewish influence is 8.4% in Congress for 2.2% of the population while Mormons comprise 2.6% of Congress for 1.7% of the country.   There are 3 Buddhists, two Muslims and one out-of-the-closet atheist.

Now here’s the question:  Is religious background (or lack thereof) a factor in the MSM’s coverage and hype of Obama?  [I'm only asking a question]

Filed Under: Culture, Demographics

Diversity Lane and Beauty Pageants

May 7, 2009 By 7 Comments

… and they call us haters.  Have you heard their potty mouths?  Even the “feminists” have attacked Miss California for daring to have a value set different from their own.  Zig Heil or Shut Up… that’s the Liberal Message to all who oppose their vision of Utopia.  Ridicule, “translating” from what was said to the twist they want to spin are all the ways they tell anyone who has a different or diverse point of view to “shut up”.

Isn’t their version of tollerance and diversity civil?

Filed Under: Culture

GOP Rebrand? Drop Palin and Get Off Gay Marriage

May 7, 2009 By 24 Comments

by Gayle Plato

In my humble opinion (only mine and not reflective of other SA writers), many conservatives are making grave errors in terms of the real focus moving forward: some issues and candidates are not the key points.

About three or four years ago, I felt drawn in to politcal debate. I grew up in a family that talks of everything, I had a small child and felt concerned about the world around me.  I’m also a social studies teacher and spent years telling kids to get involved; there’s always a way at some level.  Blogging was ideal; I’ve always written from high school newspaper editor to low-level freelancing of mainly educational material: I love to write.
 
But I credit Feminists for Life  (www.feministsforlife.org)  for getting me activated.  Their message suited me 100%.  Imagine the excitement I felt as the prospects of John McCain, my senator, getting the GOP nomination; I KNEW it was a great opportunity to get a woman in and make sure it was an  FFL woman as the running mate. 
 
On June 4, 2008, I wrote within a piece regarding McCain that he should pick Sarah Palin. I purposely posted it 88 years to the day of the proposal of the Women’s Right to Vote in the United States.  Though not an expert, I am aware of history.  Sarah Palin had a place in it and I knew it. (http://sonoranalliance.com/?p=2945)
 
No one was happier than me to see her secure the Vice Presidential nomination, and I felt the team had a chance.  But unfortunately, the majority of the voters were not with the message. Now we jump to today, and I see the Republican party a scattered, frustrated bunch of grumblers lost. We are not clear, and we are not going to win anything like this:
 
1) SARAH PALIN is DONE-  I do not think she wants to run at a national level in 2012.  She might be the wisest of the field too as it is very shaky.  But in truth, she does not have a good control of her camp, the message they are sending is basically all about teen pregnancy including the fertile daughter and hound dog partner, Levi the Tool. He is out on of all places, Larry King discussing when and where he did Sarah’s daughter.  This is SO BAD, and shows no sense of reality in terms of a future Presidential run. She’s done.
 
2) GAY MARRIAGE is a TRAP- Liberals, democrats, they LOVE when conservative republicans come out swinging against same-sex marriage.  It is a huge issue amongst the conservative christians and it is dripping with hypocrisy.  Conservatives shout values, put up brain trust bikini queens feigning good morality, and then talk of how sexual morality is determined by God. Some put forth the need to legally protect marriage (this might be the only way to go here), but all of it is fodder for the Democratic Party.  This stuff kills the GOP.  Why? Well how many conservative christians would tell their kids that sexual activity is sacred and for marriage?  How many would ALSO partake in sexual activity prior to marriage?  Enter Bristol Palin and the fertile Palin poster family.  We get killed on this issue, including beauty queens with Internet posing pasts talking up good values.  Whether we feel it is a valid issue or not, it is not a good platform point.  Period.  Take the same-sex issue another way and have candidates talk of it as states rights. Tenth amendment is a biggie for value.  See all of the states considering denying federal process these days?   Maybe a point about monogomy being the key would help bring this issue into a useful place,  not who you touch and when it’s legal.  But as a political position-drop same-sex marriage as a platform issue. 
 
3) Consider clever and smart candidates nationally with a range of position.  Like these- a) Michigan Representative Thaddeus McCotter: smart, sharp, youthful geek cool, focuses on fiscal responsibility and cleverly asks for help that is targeted to those he represents- like they are supposed to do.  b)Minnesota Representative Michele Bachmann: very conservative, much better on-the-ground knowledge of issues  than Palin, great mom and family person, a little more mature but just as beautiful with less Jerry Springer elements. c) Governor of Texas Rick Perry: great leader, staunch conservative with great record, likeable family man with the salt to stand up to Washington; great states rights advocate d) Governor of Utah Jon Huntsman:  He seems the maverick type to me with the John McCain moderate take, stands up to some of the most conservative constituents in the country, but is popular for his direct and decent approach to governance.  A little liberal for me but I like his McCainess without it being too obviously there e) Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour: great governor expecially during hurricane Katrina, very likeable good ol’ boy with a cracker jack wit and warmth which is hard to fake. He’s a throw back to another time with state-of the-art awareness.
 
There are plenty of others being thrown around including Virginia Representative Eric Cantor, South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford, Wisconsin Representative Paul Ryan ( I always think of Jack Ryan of the Tom Clancy novels), and of course I am so far in the tank for Newt Gingrich (but have been since 1994 and never left this tank) but until we get clear of our goal– WINNING!

I also think we need good governors and less congressional hacks running.
 
 Without a clear plan of action, we are not going anywhere but back to the TV to watch football and beauty pageants, hoping one day to see a GOP in the White House again.

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Political Parties

Brett Mecum: Thoughts & Fallout

May 6, 2009 By 52 Comments

As you can see from an earlier post, one of our writers posted the story that ran in the Arizona Republic today regarding the arrest of Arizona Republican Party Executive Director, Brett Mecum. The earlier post featured a mugshot of Brett taken by MCSO and featured on the AZCentral website. I received a number of angry emails and phone calls asking why our writer put up the mugshot. Having known Brett to be a conservative Republican (although he was have to admit he was driving pretty “liberal” when photo radar snapped his photo), I made the decision, out of respect of Brett, to replace the photo with a more respectful one. Now I don’t want to receive another angry bunch of emails/phone calls from the other side on this which then becomes another story. Enough said on that!

Several of us bloggers are asking some interesting questions: For starters, why did DPS take 30 days before it arrested Brett Mecum? (I’m not buying the “I was confronted by…” line. If they handcuff you and take you downtown for a mugshot, that qualifies as an “arrest.” Or, did I miss something?)

Back to the delay in the arrest. Is DPS that far backlogged in warrants? Was Redflex running the operation on Brett’s speeding photo and if so, why did it take sooooo long to get that photo of a driver at 100+ mph over to DPS? Is that standard operating procedure? Did the entity who took the photo stall on the release of the photo to DPS? Are these types of prosecutions delayed as a result of lack of funding? Or is there something political going on? Why not arrest Brett at his address of record? Did Brett piss off someone at DPS?

There will be fallout over this. According to the liberal media, there’s never a bad time for a good Republican scandal. Doug Quelland is in the middle of one with the Clean Elections Commission. Like they say, when it rains, it pours.

I would expect the party to put pressure on Brett to resign. His arrest will likely be a distraction but more important, the expectation on Republicans to be good role models is much higher than it is on Democrats. Democrats expect to “get a free pass” because people expect them to be the way they are – no moral absolutes. So Brett will likely have to go regardless of what any judge or jury decides.

The party will get over it and so will leadership.

I suppose the important lesson in all this is that the party takes a hit because someone in leadership does something stupid. But you get back up on your feet and you fight another day. Once upon a time, I would have thrown Brett under the nearest bus. Now that I’m a little older, I recognize and accept the fact that people make mistakes. Do I think that Brett should remain in leadership? My answer is no. But I don’t think this is an open and shut case and hopefully, we’ll have some questions answered.

Meanwhile, Brett will pay a price and hopefully learn a lesson. Thank God no one got killed.

Filed Under: Crime and Punishment, Human Condition

PR: Brewer Names Director of AZ Homeland Security

May 6, 2009 By 8 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 6, 2009

Governor Brewer Names Gilbert Orrantia
Director, Arizona Department of Homeland Security

PHOENIX – Arizona Governor Jan Brewer today named Gilbert Orrantia as the new Director of the Arizona Department of Homeland Security. Mr. Orrantia will guide the Department in it’s mission to protect Arizona citizens by providing strategic direction for enhancing regional capability and capacity to prevent terrorist attacks within Arizona; reduce Arizona’s vulnerability to all critical hazards; and minimize the damage and recover from all critical hazards that affect the safety, well-being and economic security of the citizens of Arizona.

“I am honored to add Mr. Orrantia to my Cabinet,” stated Brewer. “His extensive background and numerous years with the FBI will be invaluable, particularly during these volatile and dangerous times for our nation. His experience in the areas of counterterrorism, homeland security, drugs and organized crime will be a tremendous asset as we work diligently to keep our great state and citizens safe and secure.”

Most recently, Mr. Orrantia served as Director of Atalert Investigations and Consulting, performing major case investigations involving criminal, counterterrorism and homeland security matters. He is fluent in both English and Spanish and conducted in-depth witness and subject/suspect interviews using both languages. Prior to his time with Atalert, he spent 27 years with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as a Special Agent and Supervisory Special Agent in Phoenix, New Mexico, Tennessee and Florida. In these roles, he gained in-depth, hands-on experience conducting and supervising complex investigations involving counterterrorism, drugs and organized crime. He also served as an FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force Supervisory Special Agent supervising international and domestic terrorism investigations, which included overseeing special events and airport security matters. He also spent seven years investigating Colombian Drug Trafficking Organizations. Mr. Orrantia received his Bachelor of Arts from Arizona State University. His father, Gilbert Orrantia, Sr., is an Arizona native and a member of the Arizona Veteran’s Hall of Fame.

“I want to thank the outgoing Director, Ms. Leesa Berens Morrison, for her dedication, hard work, and efforts in helping to establish Arizona’s Department of Homeland Security and for her willingness to engage in an effective transition process with the incoming Director,” said Governor Brewer. “She has served the State of Arizona and its citizens very well, and I wish her all the best.”

 

Filed Under: Border, Press Release, Public Safety

Mecum Arrested

May 6, 2009 By 48 Comments

Straight from the Arizona Republic:

The executive director of the Arizona Republican Party was charged with reckless driving and criminal speeding Wednesday after a photo radar camera caught him driving 109 mph on Loop 101.

Brett Mecum was arrested by Department of Public Safety officers around 10:30 a.m. at party headquarters in Phoenix in connection with an April 10 incident.

DPS Spokesman Bart Graves said Mecum was driving a blue 2008 Ford Mustang eastbound on the 101 near 59th Avenue. The camera caught him going 44 mph over the posted speed limit of 65.

Mecum, 30, was booked into the 4th Avenue Jail. He became executive director of the party Jan. 1 following the resignation of Sean McCaffrey. Mecum had previously served as the party’s political director.

The party did not respond to a request for comment.

 

Filed Under: Crime and Punishment, Human Condition

The Republic of Arizona

May 6, 2009 By 24 Comments

There is a discussion taking place among some Arizonans to depart dramatically from the agenda of the new socialist federal government. This should come as no surprise as other “red states” are also tossing variations on the idea around. Last month, Texas Governor Rick Perry did not condemn the idea and now we hear that Oklahomans are restless in their distrust, dismay and disgust with the federal government (“House bypasses governor’s veto to claim Oklahoma’s sovereignty“).

If Arizona were to in fact embark on a course of secession, fear not, the new republic would be able to stand on her own financially. An elimination of the income tax and dramatic reduction in the corporate tax would draw individuals and businesses to the new republic in droves. Tourism would also continue to thrive with our majestic Grand Canyon, Mogollon rim high country and Sonoran desert. But I would make one go-no-go suggestion. Approach the Governor of Sonora Mexico and request to extend the Arizona-Mexico border directly  due west (at 31.332140, -111.074230) to extend to the Gulf of California. In doing so, this would provide Arizona with both a southern riviera and open access to the Pacific Ocean. Imagine the amount of wealth Arizona could create with the additional tourism and commerce obtained and developed by annexing the additional land.

Republic of ArizonaNow before you completely dismiss the idea of a sovereign Republic of Arizona, how many of you would have ever expected the brash and blatant disregard of states’ rights by this federal government? How many of you expected the internationalization of the United States by this Administration? The country is more divided than ever as this federal government seeks to socialize industry, financial institutions, health care, energy, you name it. And if you think the idea of an Arizona seaport is a little wacky, consider that the public policy group, Imagine Arizona headed by John Munger, has also called on the same idea – “Port of Arizona” – minus the official border realignment.

I would argue that if the federal government continues to reshape this country in the image of an internationally-intwined, socialist nation state, we can expect the issue of a sovereign Arizona Republic to gain popularity with historically independent-minded Arizonans.

Finally, a disclaimer: This author and post categorically denies any association with any racist, confederate, militia or xenophobic organizations.

 

Filed Under: Border, Economic Development, Economics, Foreign Policy, Government, International Trade

Will the Speed Tax be repealed?

May 6, 2009 By 5 Comments

Chairman Biggs passed around to the Members for review, a copy of Solicitation Number L8‑022 from DPS, which included an introduction to Redflex usage of cameras for tailgating infractions and equipment locations in an enforcement zone (Attachment 5).

Pay Attention

With the state budget woes, (and all bets suggesting Napolitano knew how bad it was going to be), consider the ubiquitous and hated by many photo radar from RedFlex or Arizona Traffic Systems.  Recent upgrades to their system allow units to make real-time notification to law enforcement of any “vehicle of interest” that happens to pass the camera.  This unit is operational in Show Low Arizona today. Re-read that last sentence, its not just a quick pic but a networked system to law enforcement to run your plates real-time on the fly.

But what does this have to do with the budget?

Per the contract documents, each speed camera is expected to generate 3,000 citations per month, or between 4 to 5 hits per hour per location.  The first phase of the contract specifies 100 deployed cameras (not counting those in your local municipality, but on state highways).  By 2010 the system is expected to expand to 200 units.

The state’s share of the booty?  Each camera per month is projected to generate $282,600 and, when fully deployed over the entire state the new “speed tax” should generate upwards of $340 million dollars per year for a starved state budget and dubious programs.

In January H.B. 2106 was approved by transportation and infrastructure committee and approved by the House Rules Committee on March 30, 2009.

“The state reserves the right to terminate the contract, in whole or in part at any time, when in the best interests of the state, without penalty or recourse,” section 9.4 of the contract states. “Upon receipt of the written notice, the contractor shall stop all work, as directed in the notice… The contractor shall be entitled to receive just and equitable compensation for work in progress, work completed and materials accepted before the effective date of the termination.”

Faced with such a huge cash cow (remember only 5 snapshots per hour generate huge revenues to the state), does the Legislature have what it takes to do the right thing?  Remove the system and prohibit the use of these devices in Arizona.  Or will the lure of easy money have a very strong appeal?

It can be argued that these cameras are indeed a safety device.  I doubt that however.  And in Arizona, one key law enforcement official agrees with me  And he cites the Constitution.

House Bills to monitor:

  • HB 2106 kills the camera program altogether
  • HB 2124 restricts the use of the photo radar system to enforcing only a few specific sections of ARS.
  • HB 2168 mandates a study to determine the necessity of photo radar cameras before AZ DPS and DOT can enter into or renew a contract for speed cameras.
  • HB 2494 creates a statutory limit for photo radar violations of 11 miles above the speed limit. The threshold for triggering speed cameras is currently decided by the police jurisdiction which controls the cameras.

Senate Bills:

  • SB 1291 allows the courts to share photo enforcement violation records with ADOT.
  • SB 1355 removes the cameras from state highways.
Filed Under: Constitutional Law, State Budget, Taxation, Transportation

100 Days … are we there yet?

May 6, 2009 By 1 Comment

Filed Under: Media
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