The Judge Formerly Known as Sonya

Each Supreme Court Justice takes the following oath:

“I, [NAME], do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will administer justice without respect to persons, and do equal right to the poor and to the rich, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon me as Justice of the Supreme Court under the Constitution and laws of the United States. So help me God.”

compare that oath to this statement from Sonya Sotomeyor, “I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn’t lived that life.”

Or this one:

“Whether born from experience or inherent physiological or cultural differences,” she said, for jurists who are women and nonwhite, “our gender and national origins may and will make a difference in our judging.”

This is evidence that the Constitution will play very little into her decisions and her “empathy” will have a much bigger part to play. “empathy” is the criteria that Obama set forth for choosing a justice, not adherence to the Constitution, but empathy.

Judges are to be unbiased, unaffected by their beliefs, life experience, or political leaning. She has shown time and again that she rules from her beliefs and not from the law. Her ruling have been routinely overturned by the Supreme Court because she ruled from her beliefs and not the Constitution.

All the rights secured to the citizens under the Constitution are worth nothing, and a mere bubble, except guaranteed to them by an independent and virtuous Judiciary.
Andrew Jackson

But in her confirmation hearings she has dismissed, denied, and distanced herself from these statements. She has remade her self in a strict constructionist image. This is completely foreign to her based on her former rulings and statements. So should we believe her when she is doing the job she knows she has, where she is the authority, or should we believe her when she is interviewing for a job she wants that she can’t be fired from?

Her decision on the Delaware Firefighters was recently overturned by the Supreme Court. This isn’t unfamiliar territory for Sotomeyor, a majority of her decisions have been overturned by the high court. So why, if she can’t follow the law from the Court of Appeals, will she suddenly follow the Constitution from the Supreme Court?

Tea bagger, redneck or American you be the judge.

I never thought I would hear the words “If you’ve ever gone to a tea party protesting the over taxation of the American people…well ya might be a redneck.”

That is exactly what actress/ comedian Janeane Garofolo thinks.  She recently appeared on Keith Oberman’s show and said as much.

Quoting Janeane,

“Let’s be very honest about what this is about,” she said. “It’s not about bashing Democrats, it’s not about taxes, they have no idea what the Boston tea party was about, they don’t know their history at all. This is about hating a black man in the White House. This is racism straight up. That is nothing but a bunch of tea bagging rednecks.”

I doubt she has even attended one tea party.

Why is it that now that we have an African American president if we speak up were are labeled racist?

 I recently attended a tea party and it was a blanket of Americans as far as the eye could see. When I looked across the crowd I saw all groups represented, if we have to categorize, black, white, young, old, rich, poor and so on and so on.

 I saw Americans who have lost their family businesses, fathers out of work and families losing their homes.

I heard Americans who were fighting mad over the governments answer to the financial crisis chanting “no new taxes, no new taxes.”  I saw politicians from the republican and democratic parties coming together as one to speak up against being over taxed and unnecessary spending in Washington.    

I have even heard our very own president Barak Obama on his 100^th day in office speaking in a mocking manner about “folks waving tea bags around” As if we have no right to speak up against issues that have a huge impact on our lives.  Instead he uses this opportunity to promote his health care and social security plan by saying he will discuss these things by sitting down and having a “serious” conversation with the “tea baggers”

I was under the impression that here in America we had the right, given to us under the first amendment to gather speak and freely without government interference.

I’m pretty sure that a majority of the Americans who took the time out of their busy schedules to come together as a group of citizens, unhappy with the government’s answers to the economic problems were very serious.  Surely all of us as American citizens would take the chance to sit down with the president and speak our minds pertaining to what we feel are the first steps to socialism. 

We would have a “serious” discussion of how we do not want our taxes hiked up so high that we cannot even keep small businesses open or even feed our families.

It is not an issue of what color our president is. The tea parties are about issues bigger than Obama.  It’s about concern for our family’s future and the stabilization of our country. 

If I speak against decisions the president and congress make I am not a tea bagger or a redneck.

I am an American plain and simple.

by  JSQ American citizen

What are President Obama’s real beliefs?

We should be very concerned about the true core beliefs of Mr. Obama.

Which is more important to him, his image or freedom? Is he a hardcore leftist, or just a typical liberal? Recent actions and inactions of his administration leave some of us with the impression of a President who is far more concerned with his world image than with freedom and thus in line with hard-core, committed ‘leftists.’

It is far too early in his administration to make a final judgment, but the trends to date are disturbing at best. Consider his actions during the Iranian election-

When the student protests first began after the ‘fixed’ election, the Obama Administration played the ‘moral-equivalency card’ by equating the student protesters with the oppressive and corrupt Islamic theocratic government.

As pressure mounted, Obama reluctantly called for restraint on the part of the Iranian government, and subsequently praised the Iranian Mullahs for their use of non lethal measures on the protestors. Translation- “It’s awfully nice of the Mullahs to use clubs and water cannons to disperse the peaceful protestors, rather than actual gunfire!”

At no point did he ever strongly champion the students and their cause for true and open democracy. (Remember Iran is the very den of the Islamic Fascists who have bedeviled us since 1979!) One of the stated goals of the United States Iraqi policy is that young people in Iran may see their Iraqi contemporaries voting and living in a modern and non-theocratic state, thereby compelling them to demand the same of their respective government. Imagine all of the problems that could be solved throughout the Middle East if Iran were to become a modern democratic state? After all of the American ‘blood and treasure’ invested in this Iraqi Policy, Obama simply walks away from the Iranian students and offers them no support what-so-ever.

What is behind this decision? It is my opinion that Obama does not want to upset the Iranian Mullahs and thereby destroy his chances at persuading them to cease their nuclear weapons program. If so, one could surmise that his strategy is to rely more on the powers of his own persuasion than to encourage a potential radical democratic transformation of Iran from within.

I am of the belief that democracy is like an ‘ember’ that needs to burn within the people of Iran, and the Obama administration need only ‘supply a little oxygen to that ember’ so it can burst into flame.’ It is clear from Obama’s chosen strategy that he is willing to risk the collapse of student protests for a mere chance at gaining concessions from the Iranian hardliners, and thereby allowing him to bask in the resulting glory. Thus, it appears that Obama’s potential for glory supersedes the potential radical democratic transformation of Iran.

Consider another measure of Obama’s true core beliefs- Honduras, President Mel Zelaya, a committed leftist and potential ‘Chavez-like’ dictator, had attempted to rewrite the Honduran Constitution on his own through an illegal referendum. He was refuted in his unconstitutional ‘grab’ of power by both the Honduran Congress and Supreme Court.

President Zelaya, accompanied by a mob of supporters, broke into an army compound to obtain the illegal ballots (manufactured by Chavez in Venezuela) for the banned referendum. Since both the Congress and the Supreme Court ruled that Zelaya’s actions were unconstitutional, the military intervened and removed President Zelaya from power, installing the Speaker of the Honduran Congress as President.

Now, imagine if President Obama had attempted to create a nation-wide vote so as to be eligible to run for a third term over the objection of the Supreme Court. Further, imagine if he proceeded to hold an illegal vote before Congress could remove him from office- Would it not be incumbent upon the U.S. Military, or some other specified law-enforcement agency to arrest him for treason and remove him from office in order to restore the United States Constitution? It is this exact scenario that has transpired in Honduras, and yet, Obama decides to back the leftist, treasonous President? Hard core committed leftists in the region such as Castro, Chavez and our old friend Daniel Ortega all support Zelaya’s reinstatement. Why would the President of the United States agree with such leaders?

The WSJ recently reported that Obama said the following about the Giorgio Napolitano, a former Italian Communist Party leader, while visiting Italy-
“He is a man who has the admiration of the Italian people. That admiration stems not just from the 84-year-old’s lifetime of service,” the U.S. President continues, “but because of his integrity. I have heard of the wonderful reputation of President Napolitano, a man who had the admiration of the Italian people, not only for his long-standing service, but also for his integrity, and his graciousness,” Obama said. “And I just want to confirm everything I have heard about him is true.”

Why would the President of the United States go to such lengths to praise the former head of the Italian communist party?
At this point, it is difficult to know what Obama really believes, but from his inactions, and by default, it becomes obvious that he supports the status quo in Iran, over the dreams of real freedom for its people. In Honduras, he supports the ‘unconstitutional’ President, over the rule of law, and as such, is in agreement with the worst type of leftist and communist leaders in the hemisphere.

President Obama reactions to these events beg the question, what in fact are his true core beliefs?

By Richard Garner

The Standard

The signing of the Constitution.

The United States was formed over 233 years ago. Its foundation is a document that forged a rule of law that vested the power of government in the people that it governed. That great experiment was to be executed by the people under its rule, in the best interest of the people and their descendants, and for their liberty. We set in place a standard by which ALL governmental actions are to be measured. A bar set high to inspire the very best from our leaders, a clear unwavering criterion that all laws, treaties, and taxes should be compared to. This gauge is not a moving target, It cannot be moved to fit any one person’s need or whim. These principles that we hold dear should not be manipulated to further any agenda or set of perversions.

We are the standard bearers. We hold the power of this measure. This criterion is ours to keep cherish and protect.

“We the people are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution.”
Abraham Lincoln

All of our elected officials, our representatives, our Judges, and our president took oaths to uphold this standard. But it is OUR responsibility and privilege to hold our representatives to the highest standard…The Constitution. The U.S. is THE STANDARD our nation has to live up to at every turn. It is the approved model for our society. It is our privilege to shoulder the duty of protecting it.

“To live under the American Constitution is the greatest political privilege that was ever accorded to the human race.”
Calvin Coolidge

How do we take on such a task? How do we maintain the standard that is the Constitution. Our first task is to know it. In our day and age, not reading the Constitution is surprising. To avoid the very document that hundreds of thousands of men died for, nations went to war for, immigrants risk their lives to reach, is short of the standards our Founding Fathers set for us as a people. I would imagine, when the Declaration of Independence, as well as the Constitution was signed, that every one would want to read it, or at least hear what each document said. I can guarantee that every one of the signers of the Declaration and the Constitution read every word and considered every consequence. They were signing their own death warrants. They knew if they didn’t succeed they would be hung as traitors. However today our House of Representatives sign bills without reading them. Some are signed before they are written. Can you imagine Thomas Jefferson condoning this practice? Can you see Benjamin Franklin signing any document not knowing what was in it? Do you think the Declaration was signed before or after it was written?

“I weep for the liberty of my country when I see at this early day of its successful experiment that corruption has been imputed to many members of the House of Representatives, and the rights of the people have been bartered for promises of office.”
Andrew Jackson

Our second task is to elect those that will truly uphold that standard that we hold dear. I don’t care what label you put on them, what party they are running under, or their core beliefs. If they do not hold true to the Constitution and the intent of it’s authors, they should be removed from office, immediately, if not sooner.

Third, our only criteria for selecting our judiciary is their adherence to the Constitution. End of story. There is no other question. Will they hold true to the standard that has provided for this country for over 230 years?

Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.
John Adams

It is time for the parties that this government is made of, maintained by, and created for be directly involved in it’s day to day actions. We should be informed about what our government should be, what our government has become, and where our government is going. Its up to you.

“The people are the government, administering it by their agents; they are the government, the sovereign power.”
Andrew Jackson

Have You Earned it?

Sunday, May 24, 2009
This weekend we remember what many men and women sacrificed for our freedom. We honor the blood spilled, the lives lost, the price paid. We pay homage to the sons, fathers, daughters, and mothers that gave their life in service to their country. There isn’t enough room here to list the name and rank of one fallen, but that doesn’t diminish their bravery or the price they paid. There aren’t enough words to express my gratitude to those who bought my freedom. I wish I could shake each hand, look in each eye and tell each one thank you. Thank you for fighting and dying so I and my family could be free. I can’t tell each one in history, but I can start now. If you see a member of our military, walk up to them and tell them “Thank You for your service”.

As I look over history and account for each conflict I am struck with awe at the number of patriots that would lay down their life so we can live the freedom our Founding Fathers dared to dream of.

Revolutionary War – 4,435 Dead … 6,188 Wounded
War of 1812 – 2,260 Dead … 4,505 Wounded
Mexican War – 13,283 Dead… 4,152 Wounded
Civil War – 364,511 Dead … 281,881 Wounded
Spanish-American War – 2,446 Dead… 1,662 Wounded
World War I – 116,516 Dead… 204,002 Wounded
World War II – 405,399 Dead … 671,846 Wounded
Korean War – 36,574 Dead … 103,284 Wounded
Vietnam Conflict – 58,209 Dead … 153,303 Wounded
Persian Gulf War – 382 Dead…467 Wounded
Iraq War – 4,902 Dead…33,552 Wounded

These numbers do pale justice to the commitment of our armed forces. They hold but a candle to the shining example of bravery and determination of those who serve. I am humbled at the thought of so many, paying so much. We all owe them not only a debt of gratitude, but a oath of commitment. If so many are willing to lay down their life to protect the idea of freedom, we owe it to them to not let it slip away. We owe it to them to earn the freedom they paid for. We must guard our freedom jealously from all who attack, or attempt to erode. We must be vigilant to keep our Constitution in tact so we can give it away to our sons and daughters.

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.”
Ronald Reagan

Have you earned the freedom so many died for?

What can I do? you ask. Here are some suggestions:

1. Thank a member of our military.

2. Read the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence.

3. Read about our Founding Fathers and their writings.

4. Write your state and national representatives.

5. Vote

6. Stand up for what you believe in.

7. Keep our government accountable.

8. Read about our national monuments and what they stand for.

9. Learn about our national history.

10. Think for yourself.

The Last Independence Day

With the sounds of fireworks still in the air, BBQ on the grill, and kids in the pool we celebrate perhaps our last Independence Day in our country’s history. As we take a day off from work our government is still hard at it to take our independence away from us, and yet we still celebrate. The State takes over private companies and we still cheerfully say, “Happy 4th” Our citizenry has forgotten what independence means. Webster defines independence as “freedom from the control, influence, support, aid, or the like, of others.”

 

We have lost control of our own lives. The state now exercises influence on GM, our energy, potentially our health. What comes next? Our government was created to ensure this independence and protect the freedom it provides. But within the last decades and certainly in the last six months our government has moved with varying speed to make us more and more dependant on the very system that was founded to protect us. Our Founding Fathers never intended for the citizens of this nation to depend on government for every detail of life.

 

All of the writers of the Declaration and the Constitution believed whole heartedly in the individual and the power of their independence. Thomas Jefferson wrote, “Dependence begets subservience and venality, suffocates the germ of virtue, and prepares fit tools for the designs of ambition.” Our independence is the very foundation this nation was founded on. It was declared to escape an oppressive, overbearing government. I can relate to that sentiment.

 

We have become more and more dependent on the State. Beginning with welfare, to unemployment, to affirmative action, to government bailouts, to universal healthcare; the State has become more of a cradle to grave care giver than a protector of freedom. In the words of the greatest president from the 20th century, Ronald Reagan, “Government’s first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives.”

 

I cringe at the growing desire to be provided for by the all powerful government. Then I ask my self why. Why would a people that once had the greatest nation ever on the face of the earth would trade the gift of freedom and independence for a nanny state. The only answer I find is from Sigmund Freud, “Most people do not really want freedom, because freedom involves responsibility, and most people are frightened of responsibility.” Now I am not a big Freud fan but it sounds like a valid point.

 

We must be very careful and extremely vigilant not to allow our precious gift of true independence to be promised away to special interest groups for the price of a back room deal that benefit only the ones who shook hands. John Adams warned us of these dangers, “But a Constitution of Government once changed from Freedom, can never be restored. Liberty, once lost, is lost forever.”. He is not the only Founder that warned us of losing our independence. Thomas Jefferson said, “That government is best which governs the least, because its people discipline themselves.”

 

 We cannot allow the diluting of our foundation, Samuel Adams wrote, “The liberties of our country, the freedom of our civil constitution are worth defending against all hazards: And it is our duty to defend them against all attacks.” It our job. The people are the protectors of our independence. We are responsible for its health. Our situation is the perfect recipe for tyranny. We are in a economic crisis, we are primed to accept any promise to avoid the consequence of our actions.

 

What is the answer? Perfect Freedom. “Perfect freedom is as necessary to the health and vigor of commerce as it is to the health and vigor of citizenship.” – Patrick Henry. Perfect freedom is not that difficult. It was given to us 233 years ago. Its called the Declaration and the Constitution. All decisions must be based and compared to THE STANDARD for freedom in the world, Our Constitution. We must hold each attempt to water down our independence up to that high mark. If it takes away any freedom from any citizen, if it diminishes the independence of any individual, it should be wholly rejected.

 

 So this 4th of July, think long and hard about your “independence” and consider if you would like to celebrate it again next year. If you do, take action now. Contact your elected officials, read the Constitution and your Bill of Rights, become an informed citizen. I will leave you with this quote from Thomas Jefferson.

 

 “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.”