AZTLAN – Go to Oz, turn left past Camelot and head south
Posted: Wednesday, June 1, 2011 4:00 am
AZTLAN – Go to Oz, turn left past Camelot and head south By Emil Franzi, Special to The Explorer Explorer News | 0 comments
The recent outbursts – the proponents’ behavior was too thuggish to call it a legitimate debate – over Ethnic Studies at TUSD concerned making the program elective. The program as taught should be completely scrapped for the fraud it is.
Society gets no benefit from teaching blatant falsehoods. Claims that lands ceded by Mexico to the United States after the War of 1846 were the home of an advanced Aztec culture called Aztlan that was eliminated by invading Europeans are simply absurd.
Native tribes living here had little contact with the Aztecs, a culture engaged in the same group psychosis and internal genocide as Pol Pot’s Cambodia. The Aztecs were conquered by a handful of Spaniards because many other tribes Aztecs oppressed and murdered joined the invaders. Life for the average Native American of this continent before Columbus was best illustrated in “Apocalypto.” Try Netflix for a real elective.
Until Mexican Independence in 1821, the area may have been colored Spanish on European maps but they were barely ruling anything. Scattered settlements and missions existed at the sufferance of the mostly nomadic warrior tribes who were really in charge and constantly fought with each other.
Mexican successors to the Spaniards also fought each other and neglected their northern provinces, often not even arming what few troops they posted. By the 1840s, the real rulers of “Aztlan” were folks like the Comanche, who sent giant raiding parties within 200 miles of Mexico City and brought parrots back to Texas. Apaches and other warrior tribes controlled the rest. Forget that peaceful farmers bilge. It insults great warrior cultures that were the real rulers of that mythical realm.
By the time President Polk led the American Empire against the one Santa Ana was establishing., there were few Mexicans remaining in northern Mexico. Those surviving lived in the accumulations of hovels that were Tucson and other small settlements, finally under the protection of a country that at least bothered to send an army.
While there was discrimination by some Europeans against Mexicans, the overwhelming majority of both hadn’t arrived yet. The hostility between native tribes and Mexicans was even greater than that between gringos and either of them. To teach otherwise is to blatantly distort the truth.
So is teaching that Euro-Americans oppress Mexican-Americans. Media covered one female student claiming she never knew she was oppressed until she was taught it in her Ethnic Studies class. Really?
The Alabama slave working the fields all day knew he was oppressed. So did the Jewish family hiding in an attic from the Nazis in occupied Holland, the Chinese woman raped by occupying Japanese troops, and the Cambodian school teacher hunted down to be part of a mass execution by Pol Pot’s lunatic regime. Closer to home, so did the young Aztec man having his heart cut out by a batch of insane priests from a vicious society of which so many are genuinely ignorant and wish to honor. Nobody had to tell any of them they were being oppressed.
If you don’t know you are being oppressed, you are probably aren’t. Here are some more hints.
If you can run off at the mouth about it and nobody busts you, you probably aren’t oppressed. If you can freely and publicly meet with others who share your perspectives and particularly if those who tell you of oppression are on the payroll of the very society they claim is doing the oppressing and are funded by taxes raised from the supposed oppressors, there’s a real good chance you aren’t oppressed.
If you abuse others and keep them from speaking, threaten folks and disturb public meetings that give you your own say, you just moved into being the oppressor yourself. That’s what you and the rest of those at TUSD really need to learn about.
Hear Emil Franzi and Tom Danehy Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. on KVOI 1030 AM.
© 2011 The Explorer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
AZTLAN – Go to Oz, turn left past Camelot and head siuth
Resolution in Gratitude for the Professional Staff Service
Resolution in Gratitude for the Professional Staff Service
of Brett Mecum to the MCRC
WHEREAS Mr. Brett Mecum was instrumental in offering AZGOP headquarter’s services and staff support for the operation of MCRC meetings, mailings, data services and events, and
WHEREAS Mr. Mecum made significant contributions as both AZGOP Political Director and Executive Director to the Arizona 2008, 2009, and 2010 successful Republican county and state elections, culminating in the November, 2010, Republican veto-proof Legislature and Republican sweep of all statewide elected offices, and
WHEREAS Mr. Mecum, under the direction of former AZGOP Chairman, Randy Pullen, expanded the use of AZGOP data and other services, where appropriate, in runoff/general city races increasing the success of Republicans in previous Democrat strongholds, therefore be it
RESOLVED we wish to express the gratitude of the Maricopa County Republican Committee Executive Guidance Committee to Mr. Brett Mecum, former Executive Director of the AZGOP, for his faithful and professional support throughout his tenure.
McClusky: Democrat Party Seeks to Deny Tucson Voters A Choice in Mayor’s Race
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 3, 2011
CONTACT: Sam Stone
Tucson, AZ – Yesterday, Pima County Democratic Chairman Jeff Rogers announced that he will challenge the ballot status of Republican Mayoral contender Shaun McClusky and is looking to do the same to Independent candidate Pat Darcy. Rogers clearly believes that, if successful, his challenge will clear the way for fellow attorney and Democratic candidate Jonathan Rothschild to run virtually unopposed for the position of Mayor of Tucson.
In response, McClusky has already said that he is preparing his defense in court and is confident that Mr. Rogers’ challenge will fail. “I’m getting used to being sued by Democrats in this town,” said McClusky. “I kept the citizens of Tucson from having to pay an additional sales tax and they sued me, only to have their case thrown out in court. I’m confident that the judge in this case will also rule in my favor.”
“Does the Pima Democratic Party even believe in Democracy?” asked McClusky. “They clearly want to litigate this race instead of leaving it in the hands of voters who have so far clearly been unimpressed with the Democratic Party’s chosen candidate.”
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Arizona State Legislators to Spur Outreach in Colorado
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 3, 2011
CONTACT: Karen Schutte
An Arizona contingency including two of our State Representatives will be headed to the Colorado State Capitol on June 6 to meet with current and former conservative officials. They will be discussing common legislative issues and meeting with grassroots activists in the state.
Representatives Terri Proud and Brenda Barton will be participating in this exchange with Laura Donnelly of University of Arizona and Mike Shaw, First Vice-Chairman of Pima County GOP. The inspiration behind this was Senator Al Melvin and the coordination of Charles Heatherly, Colorado Senate Executive Policy Director, along with Winning With Women.
Others expected to attend are former Colorado Congressman, Tom Tancredo; Colorado Deputy Attorney General, Cynthia Coffman, Congressmen, Mike Coffman; and Colorado State GOP Chairman, Ryan Call.
Lesley VanBorssum, of Winning With Women stated, “The purpose of Winning With Women is to bring together women at state and regional levels, to make a difference in the political process. As this effort crisscrosses America, we enable women to do what they do best: develop relationships and support for women breaking through the ‘steel ceiling’ of government service.”
Also attending the event will be Lisa Ruth, a local Tucson artist and educator who will have a premier showing of her original art collection entitled “Women and Courage”. Another showing of this collection is planned for Scottsdale in August.
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Schweikert Discusses Meeting with Geithner
In case you missed it, Congressman David Schweikert was on Fox Business’ Nightly Scoreboard with David Asman discussing his Thursday meeting with Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner.
Great interview Congressman Schweikert!
Friday Poll: Do you support or oppose the recall of Senator Russell Pearce?
It’s Friday again and that means a new poll! This time we’re asking the question whether or not you support or oppose the recall of Senator Russell Pearce.
The poll will remain open until next Friday and will limit voting based on cookie and IP address.
This will also be your chance to sound off on the committee supporting and committee opposing the recall effort.
Rep. Quayle Statement on May Unemployment Report
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 3, 2011
CONTACT: Richard Cullen
WASHINGTON (D.C.) Congressman Ben Quayle (R-AZ) released the following statement Friday after the U.S. Department of Labor released its May unemployment report:
“Today’s jobs report continues the recent trend of negative economic indicators that point to a stalling of our recovery. Especially disappointing was the addition of a mere 54,000 non-farm payroll jobs in May. In addition to poor job numbers, the housing and construction markets continue to struggle. Economists agree that our economy will not fully recover until we see dramatic improvements in employment and housing.
“Renewed economic worries frustrate all of us, but for a job seeker or a family watching the value of their home plummet, the lack of progress is especially frustrating. The economic policies that the White House implemented have failed. House Republicans will continue to push for pro-growth policies that will lead to job creation and investment, including the Plan for America’s Job Creators that we released last week. We have a choice: We can double down on President Obama’s failed economic policies or we can implement the House Republican plan that will lead to more jobs and a stronger future for America.
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Associated General Contractors of Arizona Stand With Matt Salmon
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 2, 2011
CONTACT: Robert Johnson
“Matt has been a strong advocate for small businesses and the construction industry.”
EAST VALLEY – Matt Salmon, Republican candidate for Arizona’s 6th Congressional District today announced the endorsement of the Arizona Chapter Associated General Contractors. The Associated General Contractors had the following to say about their endorsement for Matt Salmon:
“Matt Salmon is a true man of his word and we are proud to endorse his candidacy for Congress. Matt has been a strong advocate for small businesses and the construction industry. He understands that the best way to facilitate jobs is to create a stable, predictable economic environment with balanced budgets, reduced bureaucratic regulation, and fair rules for all business – he’s done it in Congress before, he’ll do it again.”
Matt Salmon said, “I am honored to receive the support from such a great organization. Representing one of Arizona’s most important industries, the Associated General Contractors and its members strive everyday to provide Arizona citizens with a thriving, sustainable, and safe construction industry. Transportation is critical to the Arizona economy in creating jobs and moving goods and services throughout our state.”
About the Arizona Chapter, Associated General Contractors
The Arizona Chapter, Associated General Contractors (AzAGC), chartered in 1934, is a not-for-profit association of general contractors, subcontractors, and other construction industry affiliated firms engaged in highway, heavy, industrial and municipal-utility construction. AzAGC has been instrumental in bringing about economic and key infrastructure in Arizona through involvement in legislative affairs, specification reviews, labor matters, highway budgeting and appropriations, education and training, and many other subjects of importance to AGC members statewide.
About Matt Salmon
Matt Salmon was first elected to the United States Congress in 1994 and served until 2000, honoring his term limit pledge. A proud fiscal conservative, Salmon was rated in the top five among all 535 members of the House and Senate by Citizen’s Against Government Waste for all six years he was in office. He is a lifetime member of the NRA with an A+ rating and also earned a 100% rating by the National Right to Life. He was also the proud recipient of the American Cancer Society’s “Top National Elected Official” award.
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Special needs students can apply for education savings accounts July 1
by Jonathan Butcher
Goldwater Institute
Mark your calendars: beginning July 1, Arizona students with special needs and their families can begin applying for Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA’s), a new program for this traditionally underserved population. The state will deposit 90 percent of the student’s funds into an account parents can use for a variety of educational expenditures, including textbooks, therapy services, tutoring, and even tuition for alternative or online schools.
Since 1999, a similar Florida program has given parents the freedom to select the best school for their child. Over 22,000 students with special needs participate in the McKay program, and to great effect. In 2009, 45 percent of McKay fourth-graders showed at least a partial mastery in reading, compared to 34 percent of disabled students nationally. In Arizona, only 30 percent of special needs students show a partial mastery of reading in fourth grade. And studies have found parents of McKay scholarship students are more satisfied with their children’s schools than are parents of disabled students in traditional public school programs.
A recent study from the Thomas B. Fordham Institute puts the special education population in perspective: nationally, special needs children account for 13.1 percent of all students, while 21 percent of education spending is directed to special ed services. The Fordham authors write, “America needs to approach special education with greater creativity and flexibility in the future,” and ESA’s do just that. The program will save tax dollars while providing new choices and opportunities to some of our most vulnerable students.
Jonathan Butcher is education director for the Goldwater Institute.
Learn More:
Goldwater Institute: Education Savings Accounts: Giving Parents Control of Their Children’s Education
Thomas B. Fordham Institute: Shifting Trends in Special Education
Arizona Department of Education: Empowerment Scholarship Accounts
Shane Wikfors Responds to Rumors Regarding Arizona GOP Spokesman
OK, I might as well have some fun with this…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 1, 2011
CONTACT: Shane Wikfors
(Mesa, AZ) – Within the last 24 hours, rumors have been swirling that longtime Arizona conservative Republican activist, Shane Wikfors, has been named the official spokesman for the Arizona Republican Party. This is categorically false.
When asked by several political reporters, Wikfors responded, “At this time, I have not been asked to serve as the spokesman for the Arizona GOP nor has anyone from the party seriously approached me about stepping into this important position.”
Wikfors went on to add that he would take any offer to serve the GOP seriously and would be honored to fulfill the role if needed.
“The party has some serious challenges in the months ahead and will clearly require individuals with unique talents and skill sets in order to continue its trajectory of success,” Wikfors added. “2012 will be a critical year for Republicans and Arizona will be on the leading edge of delivering the vote for a conservative President.”
Shane Wikfors has been involved in Arizona politics for over 21 years having served in many grassroots organizations and for conservative candidates. He is astutely familiar with the Arizona political environment and culture. You can follow his writings at www.SonoranAlliance.com and on Twitter at @RedMtnConsult.
Goldwater Institute Helps States Declare Independence from Big Government
Goldwater Institute
News Release
PHOENIX – From light bulbs to cheeseburgers, the federal government is more involved in the details of American life than ever before – and far more than the country’s Founders ever envisioned.
“The Constitution was designed to guard our freedom by dividing power not only between the three branches of the federal government – Congress, the president, and the courts – but also between the federal government and states,” said Nick Dranias, the Goldwater Institute’s director of constitutional studies. “But the federal government has been taking control of decisions that once belonged exclusively to the states or to the people in their private lives.”
The Goldwater Institute has developed 10 innovative ideas for reinstating the constitutional roles of state and federal governments in a new, comprehensive guidebook, “Federalism-Do-It-Yourself: 10 Ways for States to Check and Balance Washington.”
In the study, Mr. Dranias highlights dozens of policies enacted by the federal government that intrude on state laws. The study also points out that, with 20 percent of the money spent by state and local governments coming from the federal government, state and local budget priorities are effectively determined in Washington, D.C.
Examples of federal overreach into state affairs abound. Officials in Pima County, Ariz., secured $16 million in federal stimulus money by proposing to adopt “obesity zoning” that would limit the construction of new fast-food restaurants. Lured by the promise of federal grants, Wisconsin towns and counties want to take away the property rights of rural families by blocking their land from being used for anything other than farming.
But more than local control is at stake, Mr. Dranias said. Individual liberty is also under siege when Congress can mandate that nearly every adult must buy a government-approved health insurance policy by 2014.
“States have lost their status as equal partners in governing, which has opened the door to a nearly unchecked national government that our Founders knew would be dangerous to a free society,” Mr. Dranias said. “The federal government is poised to dictate our most important choices in life, including what we choose to eat, how we use our property, and whether we get health care, unless the states begin using the legal and constitutional tools available to them.”
This report proposes 10 tools that state legislatures, county governments, and city councils can adopt to rebuff further federal intrusion, including:
• Adopt state laws to preserve and expand liberty and defend those laws in court against federal encroachment. Ten states are protecting health care freedom for their residents by enacting the Health Care Freedom Act and defending it in court.
• Forbid state and local officials from assisting the federal government in carrying out mandates when doing so threatens individual liberty. Attempts by the Department of Homeland Security to implement the REAL ID Act were thwarted because 14 states adopted laws that ordered their motor vehicle departments or similar agencies not to cooperate.
• Invoke existing coordination rights under many federal laws that require federal agencies to coordinate with state and local governments when imposing new mandates and regulations that conflict with state laws and local ordinances. Uintah County in Utah blocked the federal government from releasing diseased wild horses into public ranch lands by exercising its right to demand coordination between federal and local regulations.
• Call one or more Amendments Conventions to draft amendments to the U.S. Constitution that would limit the size, scope, and intrusiveness of the federal government. North Dakota already has taken this step with a proposal to limit federal debt, and 29 other states are considering this strategy as well.
Click here for a one-page explanation of the 10 tools to bring rebalance power between states and the federal government. The Goldwater Institute also has prepared model legislation that uses these tools to limit federal debt, protect health care freedom, and preserve private property rights. This model legislation can be viewed here.
About the author: Nick Dranias holds the Clarence J. and Katherine P. Duncan Chair for Constitutional Government and is director of the Joseph and Dorothy Donnelly Moller Center for Constitutional Government at the Goldwater Institute.
The Goldwater Institute is an independent government watchdog that develops innovative, principled solutions to issues facing the states and whose work is made possible by the generosity of its supporters.
Is MCSO ignoring serious crimes?
by Clint Bolick
Goldwater Institute
In a pair of reports in 2008-09, the Goldwater Institute documented a very disturbing practice in the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office: a persistent habit of declaring serious crimes solved and closing cases without serious investigation, much less arrest or identification of suspects.
Amidst the swirl of funding misappropriations and alleged internal misconduct, MCSO’s failure in this core law-enforcement function has gone relatively unnoticed. But the real-world ramifications are enormous, because declaring a crime solved without investigating it means that criminals are at large, no one is looking for them, and the victim likely never will have justice.
When El Mirage formed its own police department several years ago, it obtained dozens of files from MCSO in which serious criminal cases were closed with little or no investigation.
More recently, according to ABC 15, MCSO itself reopened 500 cases dating back to 2005, and found that 400 lacked investigative work. Many of the uninvestigated cases reportedly involved sex crimes against young victims.
In our reports, the Goldwater Institute recommended that all law enforcement agencies be required to report essential statistics such as number of crimes, cases closed by arrest or otherwise, and cases prosecuted; and that random audits should be conducted to ensure that cases that are declared solved actually resulted in the arrest or identification of a suspect who is beyond the reach of law enforcement. Unfortunately, those recommendations were stripped from a government transparency bill in the legislature in 2010. These recommendations were introduced again this year and didn’t even get a hearing.
If there is a silver lining to this dark cloud perhaps it is that all this media attention will finally prompt the legislature into action next year. If there is one area beyond all others in which people need to be able to hold government accountable, it is those entities charged with the high responsibility of protecting our safety, our lives, and our property.
Clint Bolick is director of the Goldwater Institute’s Scharf-Norton Center for Constitutional Litigation.
Learn More:
Goldwater Institute: Mission Unaccomplished: The Misplaced Priorities of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office
Goldwater Institute: Justice Denied: The Improper Clearance of Unsolved Crimes by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office