Republican Orem 28 Precinct

New Legislative District 60 Chair

2012-01-28T18:10:00.000-07:00

On January 28,2012 we attended our quarterly Central Committee Meeting. Everyone who is elected as a Precinct Chair or Vice Chair comprises the body of this meeting. It is where we vote on issues critical to the county party, prepare for elections, caucuses, have district elections, etc. I ran for Leg 60 Chair and won.

My vision for our district is threefold. I very want to unite a district that has become quite divisive. Regardless of which side we are in the issues, in my opinion, when we come together as a district we must focus on spreading the Republican message, registering voters and getting out the vote, and supporting our candidates and elected officials.

On March 15th we will hold the statewide caucuses for the Republican Party. At each of these caucuses new precinct officers will be elected: Precinct Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary/Treasurer as well as state and county delegates. It is our goal to get every voting Republican in Legislative District 60 to the caucus. Here, patterned after the representational government our Founding Fathers gave us, we elect those who will meet with candidates, research them and the issues, and whittle the Republican field down to one candidate who will represent us in November.

We face a historic time in America and are in the battle for her very soul. It is my hope that we can have record turnouts at our caucuses and at the polls. It is one of my strongest beliefs that in order to salvage our nation, we must begin at home. Our political home begins in District 60 of Utah County's Republican Party. I look forward to working with everyone.

Because I am now the Leg Chair, I will not be able to conduct our March 15 Caucus. Robin Devey, who is my vice-chair, will be conduct that night. It has been an honor to serve the Orem 28th Precinct for all these years. I intend to remain active and will seeking a county and state delegate position so that I may continue to represent you. Thanks for your confidence all these years. I am certain I am leaving you in very competent hands.

Thank you,

Candace Salima

Leg 60 Chair

Brad Daw: Legislative Update

2012-01-28T16:50:00.001-07:00

Commencement Newsletter

Dear Neighbor,

The Utah State Legislative Session has begun and is already in full swing. There is a lot going on at Capitol hill that I'm excited to share with you. To address concerns raised at the last City Council meeting, I have included a brief summary of Representative Ken Ivory's mission to take back our Utah state lands, below. This really is wonderful work and we are all behind him and wishing him the greatest success. First off however, we had a very provoking presentation delivered in the Committee of Higher Education that I'd like to share, on the potential usurpation of higher learning.

The future of Higher Education?

In the Committee of Higher Education this week, we were privileged to hear from Professor Clayton Christensen, a Professor of Business at Harvard University, who delivered a very interesting presentation on his projected views for the future of higher education. According to Professor Christensen, higher education is now in a position to be disrupted by developing institutions such as the evolvement of online learning. In other words, the growth of online learning is on track to compete with prestigious universities and higher education. The University of M.I.T. provided a perfect example of this when they recently allowed their courses to be taken online. Students around the world are now able to complete coursework taught by the brightest Professors in the country and they do not have to be full time students of M.I.T. to do so. And so this raises the question: What does this development mean for Professors and classes of introductory curriculum? In other words, why would students want to attend a public university Physics 1010 class when they could take Physics 1010 from the most capable Professor of physics in the country? It will be interesting to see how this idea progresses as the world of online learning continues to grow exponentially. In fact, Professor Christensen had a very amusing story about the University of Phoenix that he used to emphasize this conclusion.

Taking back Utah State Public Land

As promised, I'd like to give you a brief overview of Representative Ken Ivory's work to take back our state lands from the federal government. Take a look at this map to see how outrageous the issue really is. Notice Utah is number three on the list of the top ten states of federally owned land. Also note the drastic differences between the two coasts. Representative Ivory is currently working with lawmakers in five western states to pass similar legislation: Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Idaho, and Wyoming. It is absolutely essential that the states control the majority of their public lands.

On a lighter note,

A friend of mine sent me this link that I found to be amusing in light of today's current debt crisis.

Local Political Blog

LOCAL POLITICAL BLOG: A neighbor of mine recently uploaded a local political blog to keep up to date with current legislation and important events in Utah, specifically in the Orem District. Check it out here.

- Brad Daw

From the office of Senator Mike Lee: Tribute to Officer Jared Francom

2012-01-24T15:40:00.001-07:00

FOR IMMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Sen. Lee Pays Tribute to Fallen Officer Francom on Senate Floor

Today, Senator Mike Lee spoke on the Senate floor about the tragic death of Utah policeman Jared Francom, who was shot in the line of duty on January 4th. A video of the speech is available here, and a transcript of Senator Lee’s remarks is below:

Mr. President, today I rise with a heavy heart to mourn the loss of Ogden police officer Jared Francom.

Earlier this month, on the evening of January 4th, 2012, Agent Francom was senselessly gunned down defending his fellow officers as they attempted to serve a search warrant in Ogden, Utah. Five other officers – Shawn Grogan, Kasey Burrell, Michael Rounkles, Nate Hutchinson, and Jason Venderwarf – were wounded in the gun battle.

A week later, a crowd of roughly 4000 family members, friends, and supporters, including more than a thousand uniformed officers, gathered at a public memorial for Jared to saygoodbye to one of America’s fallen heroes.

The sentiment from all that knew him was the same: Jared was a devoted family man, a dedicated father to his two young daughters, a fun loving brother and son to his family.

At the funeral, which I attended, I heard Jared’s brother Ben say he “taught people to care for each other and taught others to change the world like he was doing on the streets of Ogden.”

Commenting on the outpouring of support, Jared’s brother Travis said, “I know my brother would be proud, because we all are his family.”

Achieving a goal he’d set for himself as a young boy, Agent Francom became a member of the Ogden police force seven years ago and and was assigned to the Weber-Morgan Narcotics Strike Force.

Jared’s sacrifice should be a reminder to us of the incredible risks our brave law enforcement officers all take to protect the people they serve. I have a deep and unwavering respect for the law enforcement community and, as a former Assistant U.S. Attorney, have seen up close how these men and women serve with honor, integrity, and dedication.

Jared Francom was no exception. He will be remembered for giving his life in service to the people and community he loved.

###

Orem 28: Senator Mike Lee Responds to S&P Downgrade of U.S.

2011-08-07T19:04:00.002-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, August 5, 2011

Senator Lee Responds to S&P Downgrade of United States

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee responded to S&P lowering the long held AAA rating for the UThe Freedom Agenda: Why a Balanced Budget Amendment is Necessary to Restore Constitutional Governmentnited States saying, “This downgrade confirms what we have known was coming, but have chosen to ignore, for a long time. This downgrade further confirms that the true threat to our country, our economy and our way of life is our debt and the continued deficit spending Washington and the current administration are pursuing.”

For the first time ever the United States does not hold a AAA rating. The impact could be felt in numerous ways including higher interests rates for car, home or student loans along with credit card rates. Lee then stated, “Unfortunately, when it comes to the significant financial challenges this country faces, we have been swatting at the branches and symptoms issue instead of attacking the root and core causes. Never has there been a greater need for a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution – to ensure we get our fiscal house in order, reduce our debt, and get Washington to live within its means.”

Calling on his colleagues in the House and Senate along with the Administration and Americans across the country Lee said, “The answer to our economic challenges lies within a simple concept most Americans and most states understand and live by – balance your checkbook and don’t spend more than you bring in. This is not a liberal or conservative issue, it isn’t a Democrat or Republican issue – it is an American issue. If ever there were a time for Americans and members of Congress to have an open debate and dialogue about the future of our country, that time is now. I invite everyone to begin to understand where we are as a nation and what it will take to restore both our AAA rating, and more importantly, our strength and greatness as a country.”

# # #

Brad Daw: Child Protection Laws and Administrative Subpoenas

2010-04-19T10:25:00.002-06:00

Dear Delegate:

One of the lessons I have learned in my time at the legislature is that good legislation is often a very carefully crafted balancing act between two worthy but opposite goals. HB150 is a great example of this. The two goals are: 1) Give law enforcement useful tools to quickly pursue sexual predators and kidnappers; 2) Preserve people’s right to privacy. In its final form, HB150 was able to give investigators a much improved ability to track down sexual predators and significantly increase safeguards against prosecutors overstepping their bounds. Prior to HB150, investigators had to approach a federal prosecutor to obtain a subpoena to get contact information for suspected predators from internet service providers or telephone companies. The time lag involved in getting a subpoena from a federal prosecutor often put abducted children at grave risk. Also, having to use a subpoena from a federal agency prevented the state from having any real oversight on how the su bpoena power was being used or, in some cases, abused. With the passage of HB150 we accomplished three important goals:

1. State investigators now have the ability to issue subpoenas in a timely manner, which in the case of a child abduction may mean the difference between life and death.

2. Since this is now a state granted power we are able to add two specific checks:

a) Anyone using this subpoena power will be required to report to the Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice annually detailing how many subpoenas they issued using the state granted authority and how many were issued on their behalf by a federal prosecutor;

b) Any person whose contact information has been obtained via the state granted subpoena power must be notified of this fact within 90 days after the information was obtained.

3. By this being a state granted power it is now subject to oversight and review by the legislature and if further checks are deemed necessary, the state has the ability to implement them.

By moving our prosecutors from using a federal subpoena with no oversight from the state to a state subpoena with specific and implied oversight in place, I believe we have taken a good step forward. But, constant vigilance on the part of the legislature and the citizens in general is vital to maintaining a free society and I openly welcome any reasoned discussion of what can be done to improve this or any other law. As many of you know from experience, I am always ready to listen, to respond to your questions, and bring all interested parties together to try and work towards a better law.

For those of you who are interested, here is the text of HB150 and here is a discussion on what the law does and why it falls within the bounds of the constitution.

Brad Daw

Brad Daw: Federalism, Health Care Reform, and States Rights

2010-04-19T10:19:00.002-06:00

Dear Delegate,

Throughout the next few weeks I want to take the opportunity to inform you of several issues that I am involved with and feel are important for the betterment of our district and the state of Utah.

The first issue I would like to address is federalism and health care reform. I am deeply concerned by the federal government’s overreaching role in this matter. It seems to be a federal government power grab in the name of health care reform, a reform that is very personal to all US citizens.

During the past session, I backed legislation which supported states rights as mandated by the United States Constitution and attempts to push back on federal encroachment.

I have also been recently appointed to the Health Reform Task Force for the third year in a row where we will work on an effective consumer driven, market oriented approach. This will serve as a strong counter-point to the federal plan and will be a model that other states can adapt and implement. Thus, it will have the potential to contest and ultimately defeat the federal reform.

Thank you for your support,

Brad Daw

Brad Daw has become a proven leader in the fight for market-driven, consumer-oriented health care.

"Brad Daw is a champion of consumer and private health care solutions. He understands the importance of solving our health system challenges on a state level rather than an undesired federal option. Brad helped launch the idea of defined-contribution health plans which I think will revolutionize the way health insurance is purchased in the state of Utah.

I appreciate his support of consumer driven health plans like health savings accounts and business-friendly solutions like the Utah Health Exchange. Representative Daw has proven to be an integral and effective leader. I support him in his strong legislative work to improve our health system and find solutions to control cost."

S. David Jackson, SPHR
President
FirstWest Benefit Solutions

Brad Daw is a proven champion of states rights.

Brad Daw is a man of integrity, courage and strength. He has consistently fought to make Utah safer with his fight against prescription fraud and addiction, strengthening Utah in many ways and through his work with the Patrick Henry Caucus has worked hard to protect Utah against the ever encroaching federal government. He has always been responsive when approached and helpful in every way. I am more than pleased to publicly endorse Brad Daw as our Legislative District 60 Representative. He has my vote.

Candace Salima
Author, entrepreneur, and publisher

Brad Daw: Post Session Wrapup

2010-04-19T10:13:00.004-06:00

Emailed to me 6 April 2010.

Dear Neighbor:

The session is fully over now. All the bills have been signed or vetoed and all the legislators are back to real life. As part of the legislative wrap up, I’ve been asked for an item of information that have just become available: My voting record. Now you have always been able to see how I voted on a specific bill, but this link allows you to see all my votes in one place. Just click here to see every single vote that I took on the floor of the House.

Another part of the end of the session is the preparation for interim. This is when committee assignments are made and we begin to discuss what topics will be on the agendas of each committee. This is a vital step in the legislative process as many major legislative initiatives are first heard in an interim committee. I will be proposing a couple of topics. First, I had the chance to see the latest technology in tamper proof prescription pads and I would like to bring that to a committee to see how this might be used in Utah. Second, I have met with the chair of the education committee to see about devoting a part of a meeting to promoting on line education. I see a wide expanse of knowledge available over the internet and I’d like to find ways to open up this world to more Utah students.

I have also been reappointed to the Health Reform Task Force for the third year in a row. This committee becomes ever more vital as we work hard to find ways to preserve our health care system from federal encroachment and move it more towards a free market, consumer-driven system. We’ve had some good success already, but the effort is far from over and with the passage of a very ill advised national health care bill we are under a tight timeline to show real progress and clearly demonstrate that the national plan is the exact wrong direction to move in.

Finally, I’d like to welcome all of the county delegates to my newsletter and congratulate them for getting out to caucus and being willing to take part in what makes our country free. My hat is off to you and I hope you enjoy this newsletter. I try to send it out around once a month during the interim and once a week while we are in session.

If you prefer not to receive this letter you can hit the unsubscribe link below and your email address will be automatically removed from the list.

Brad Daw

Utah Senate Debate

2010-04-01T12:10:00.003-06:00

Utah Valley University is proud to welcome candidates running for the 2010 United States Senate seat that is being contested this election year. Engaging in debate Friday, April 2 at UVU are willing candidates Senator Bob Bennett (R incumbent), Mike Lee (R), Tim Bridgewater (R), Cherylin Eagar (R), Merrill Cook (R), and Sam Granato (D). The Senatorial debate is sponsored by the UVU Student Association (UVUSA).

“This debate is unique because it has been completely student-driven. We are an engaged University and with that comes immense civic responsibility for the students here,” said Christina Lowe, UVUSA chief justice. “Many clubs and organizations have collaborated with UVUSA to host this debate. UVUSA feels that this collaboration of these organizations is key to helping students become more civically engaged.”

The debate will begin at noon in the Lakeview Room, on the fourth floor of UVU’s Library. In addition to UVUSA, other student group sponsors for the debate include UVU College Republicans and Young Americans for Liberty. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend “and to learn the standpoints of all of the candidates before the upcoming elections,” Lowe said.

UVU Senate Debate
April 2nd: Friday, 12:00-2:00 PM
Utah Valley University

Lakeview Room, 4th floor of Library
800 West University Parkwa
Orem, UT 84058-6703

Legislative District 60 Debate

2010-03-31T18:40:00.001-06:00

For all Orem 28 County Delegates:

I would like to invite you to a debate that I am hosting between the candidates for House District 60 on April 14th at 7:00 p.m. The debate will be held in the gym at:

Noah Webster Academy
205 East 400 South
Orem, UT

Brad Daw - Incumbent

Website: www.braddaw.com

Email: brad at braddaw dot com

Calvin Harper - Challenger

Website: www.electcalvinharper.org

Email: calvin at electcalvinharper dot org

Moderator: Ivan Keller, Legislative Vice-Chair

Please plan on joining me for this great opportunity to hear the candidates in this race. Please respond to this e-mail with any questions you would like asked at the debate.

Richard Jaussi

Delegate Training April 7th

2010-03-31T08:22:00.005-06:00

This delegate training is for all state and county delegates in Legislative District 60. I strongly urge all of Orem 28's state and county delegates attend this training as well as the County Commissioner debate right afterward.

Dear Delegate:

I am inviting you to a great night of training and fun.

The location:

Noah Webster Academy
noahwebsteracademy.org
205 East 400 South
Orem, UT 84058-6311
(801) 426-6624

The time: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM EXACTLY
The date: April 7th, 2010 (Next Wednesday night)

Come enjoy an hour with a wild and crazy Education Officer (that would be Steve Diamond.) You will learn:
How to prepare for the Republican State and County Nominating Conventions.
What it means to be a delegate--the great privilege it is to represent the people in your precinct.
What you can do to make a difference in the Party.
How to submit ideas to your legislators and participate in getting them passed. I will give you examples of legislation that has passed and how it happened.
How to put the FUN back into the fundamentals of politics.
And we'll have a Question and Answer period at the end -- I hope I can answer your questions! All this in one hour or less. I believe in getting to the point. Short and sweet. We must be done by 7:00 PM because a debate for County Commissioner will take place at 7:00 PM. You are encouraged to stay for the debate if you would like to.

I look forward to seeing you there.

We are also extending an invitation to anyone in Legislative District 58 who could not come to the last training. You are welcome to come to this training.

Sincerely,
Steven Diamond
Legislative District 60 Education Officer
Email: redcastle at comcast dot net

Please adjust your schedules and plan on attending this training. I look forward to seeing all you there.

Candace E. Salima

Orem 28 Precinct Chair

You're Invited!

2010-03-30T11:28:00.002-06:00

Mike Lee, U.S. Senatorial candidate and constitutional scholar, will be speaking at a rally this evening and you're invited. It is an amazing opportunity to hear one of the greatest constitutional scholars of our generation.

I've heard Mike speak about the U.S. Constitution, America and the situation we find ourselves in many times. He has many wise solutions to the problems we face. And he has given me hope. When hope becomes present, a wise person seeks the source and does all they can to keep that source burning brightly...in this case, keeping the light of freedom burning brightly, and it does that in Michael S. Lee.

For Mike, the solutions to the problem we face are outlined on his website.

In addition, I have posted on my blog the reasons why I am supporting Mike Lee in his bid for Senator Bennett's seat. You can read more about that at Why I Support Mike Lee.

In the meantime, I hope to see everyone in Utah County there tonight. It is always inspiring and always leaves me with a brighter hope for America.

Rally for Mike Lee

7:00 p.m to 8:30 p.m.

644 North 2000 West

Lindon, UT

(Access off Exit 275. Turn right at 700 North, which is the first light. Then right at 2000 West. Noah's is the big gray building off to your left.)

"Posterity, you will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it. If you do not, I shall repent in heaven that ever I took half the pains to preserve it." -- John Adams

May God bless and preserve this great nation we call the United States of America.

Caucus Meeting Tonight

2010-03-23T07:24:00.003-06:00

Our precinct caucus will be held at Orem High School tonight. Each of you should have a received a flyer on your door, thanks to Robin Devey and her helpers.

Orem High School

175 South 400 East

Orem, UT

The caucus will begin at 7:00 p.m.

Many people wonder why they should even bother to become politically active and how the caucus plays a role in the process.

The caucus is where it all begins. At the caucus is where you elect the precinct chair, vice chair, two state delegates, four county delegates, secretary and treasurer. At the caucus, you should vote for those people who you feel will best represent your interests in your city, county, state and country.

The precinct chair and state delegates will meet and assess every single candidate running on the federal level and attend the state Republican convention on May 8th to whittle the field down to the federal candidate (congressmen, senators, governor, etc.) who will represent you in the November election, assuming a clear candidate emerges. If not, a primary will go forward and you will cast a vote again to choose your November candidates.

The precinct chair, vice chair and county delegates will meet and assess every single candidate on the county and state levels and attend the county Republican convention on April 24th to whittle the field down to the candidates (representative, state senator, etc.) who will represent you in the November election, again assuming a clear candidate emerges. If not, a primary will go forward and you will cast a vote again to choose your November candidates.

The neighborhood caucus, our is Orem 28, is where it all begins. No one is elected into office without beginning at the neighborhood caucus. Those you elect tonight will choose the candidates who will go forward in the general election. Even the president of the United States begins his journey at the neighborhood caucus.

I hope to see you all there tonight.

Governor Herbert Signs HB67

2010-03-23T07:20:00.002-06:00

Governor Herbert Signs HB67, Responds to Passage of Federal Healthcare Reform

Monday, March 22, 2010

SALT LAKE CITY - Governor Gary R. Herbert has signed HB67, which requires the Utah Department of Health to carefully analyze federal healthcare reform efforts prior to implementation and to report to the Legislature potential impacts on Utahns and to the state's own healthcare reform efforts.

"States must take reasoned, proactive steps to keep themselves in control of their own reform efforts," Governor Herbert said. "With last night's passage of federal healthcare reform legislation, it is more important than ever that we stand up to the federal government. States simply cannot afford an unfunded mandate of this magnitude that creates yet another unmanageable federal entitlement program."

"In addition, every Utahn should be concerned about the impact of this legislation on our economic recovery, the chilling effect on job creation for small businesses, and the added burden to an already unacceptable and growing national debt."

One possible response to the expected signing of the legislation by President Barack Obama is a lawsuit against the federal government, such as that proposed Monday by Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff.

"In light of the concerns shared by many people in Utah and around the country, it is entirely appropriate that the Attorney General and his counterparts across the nation consider every option on this issue," Governor Herbert said. "A lawsuit puts into action concerns over a federal government overreach that is unprecedented and possibly unconstitutional."

Of particular concern to the Governor is the possibility that the federal legislation will supersede Utah's own healthcare reform efforts, which have been ongoing for several years and are beginning to show great promise toward increasing transparency, access and choice in Utah's healthcare system.

"I have consistently said that one-sits-fits-all federal solutions do not address states' unique circumstances, on this issue or any others," Governor Herbert said. "We must recognize the differences that exist throughout the country and develop customized solutions to healthcare reform that addresses the needs of our citizens."

# # #

Brad Daw, our own representative, strongly supported HB67, voting for it to pass out of committee and against casting a vote in the positive on the floor. Thanks, Brad, for watching out for Utah. And thank you Governor Herbert, for signing the bill sponsored by Representative Wimmer into law.

March Madness at the Legislature

2010-03-06T19:24:00.004-07:00

March Madness at the Utah Legislature

Dear Neighbor,

As the session draws to a close, the legislature is at full speed. We have one week left, just one, to do everything that we need to do. This means that our last committee sessions have taken place and we are now in floor time from sun up to sun down (but every once in a while they allow us a motion for a fifteen minute “saunter”).

I have recently completed the analyses of the constituent surveys that I sent out with Senator Dayton prior to the commencement of this year’s session. The results of this survey can be found by clicking here.

The majority of my bills this session have been given the gubernatorial stamp and been set in stone as a law of Utah. HB 401, Residential Facilities for Elderly Persons, has been sent back to Interim Committee to work out some final quirks before a final vote, and HB 366, Motor Vehicle Business Regulation Act Amendments, and HB 150S01, Administrative Su bpoena Amendments, still sit in the Senate to await a final debate and vote. Also, my trio of prescription drug abuse bills have finally passed through the senate and are enrolled to be sent to the governor.

Highlights of this week include the following: The Legislature passed legislation that would expand and strengthen the state's health insurance exchange. House Speaker David Clark says, in regards to his bill, that he wants Utah to be the model of a market based health care solution. HB 294 now advances to the governor's office. For information on the health exchange, visit http://le.utah.gov/~2010/htmdoc/hbillhtm/hb0294.htm.

Other bills to take note of that have passed through both the Senate and the House and are: Two bills to overhaul the state's retirement system, four bills regarding ethics reform one of which establishes an independent five-member ethics commission and a tobacco tax bill which increases a pack of cigarettes by a dollar and will generate about $43 million in revenue.

I truly am grateful to all of you for expressing your support during this past year and not hesitating in contacting me with questions on legislation or in providing your own insight on issues here at the capitol. With that said, I do have one last favor—as if you’re not tired enough of surveys already—I have compiled together a survey asking for your opinions on this session’s newsletters and my communication. I would very much appreciate if you took a moment to fill it out so that I may be able to improve my ways of connecting to our district while working at the capitol. It is only eight brief questions and can be found here: 2010 Newsletter, Tell Me What You Think.

Thanks again and have a great week!

Sincerely,

Brad Daw

Utah County Republican Party Platform

2010-01-29T06:00:00.001-07:00

Utah County Republican Party Platform
(as adopted 25April 2009)

PREAMBLE

We the members of the Utah County Republican Party do hereby affirm our belief and trust in God and that it was through His intervention that this nation was established. The foundation of our platform is the knowledge that all people are created equal and that the role of government should be limited to protecting and preserving the God-given rights of life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and the ownership and control of property.

And in order to identify our Party and our elected officials with certain shared values and principles, we do hereby present this platform to convention delegates and the public and invite all who share these values and principles to vote for Republican candidates.

PROPER ROLE OF CITIZENS

Individual responsibility and accountability are necessary for government to operate within the limited powers granted by the divinely

inspired Constitution of the United States of America in keeping with the principles established by our Founding Fathers. We believe a society can only remain free when the majority of its members lead spiritually grounded and morally upright lives and are willing to become involved to preserve these values. We support the “Rule of Law” and believe in upholding the law of the land.

PROPER ROLE OF GOVERNMENT

The proper role of government at all levels is to protect each person’s unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; and each individual's right to own and control property. Any other rights or privileges should not be construed or applied in any way to infringe on our God-given unalienable rights.

Freedom of Religion. God is our supreme Sovereign, and the sole source of our rights. We must, therefore, be free to worship Him in public and private. Government should not restrict public prayer or other forms of public religious expression.

Right to Bear Arms. The right of individuals to keep and bear arms must not be infringed.

Support of Local Government. Local governments allow for greater community involvement and are most aware of the needs of the people. Federal regulations of state and local governments should be restricted to powers specifically enumerated in the Constitution of the United States.

Accountable Government. All government officials are accountable to the people. Any government agency or entity that receives public funds must be open to public audit and review. Elected officials are accountable for all taxpayer money and will not delegate appropriation authority to non-elected or appointed entities.

Voter Registration. The Party supports needed legislation to ensure the integrity of the voter registration rolls and to reduce voter fraud.

Fiscal Responsibility. Government at all levels should be required to live within a balanced budget. Increases in government spending should not exceed inflation and population growth.

National Sovereignty. Ours is a sovereign nation governed solely by the Constitution of the United States of America. Our government shall not relinquish its authority to foreign or world powers.

National Defense. We affirm the principle of peace through strength and call for the rebuilding of our armed services to defend our nation. The United States of America should only be involved in armed conflicts when there is a clear and present threat to our safety or vital national interest. It is the right of the United States Congress alone to declare war.

EDUCATION

A well-educated and informed citizenry is essential to the long-term well being of a free society. The primary responsibility for education rests with the student and the family. Parents have the right to choose whether a child is educated in private, public or home schools and government should not infringe on that right. To promote excellence, consumer choice in education should be encouraged. Schools or other government entities should not invade the privacy of parents or their children. We favor local accountability and control in all aspects of the education system.
Public schools should abstain from teaching promiscuity in any form.

Higher Education. Funding for Utah’s public higher education institutions should be based on the number of students currently attending that college or university and the type of degrees offered, and not on past history.

ECONOMY

The proper role of government in economic development is to create an environment in which free enterprise, innovation, investment and risk-taking can thrive. In order to create such an environment, we believe the following principles:

Economic Development. Utah's economic growth should be sustained through the principles of free enterprise. We encourage the privatization of public services where appropriate.

Regulation. We oppose excessive and restrictive government regulation. Regulation should be minimized, or eliminated, unless a convincing case can be made that the collective good is clearly improved by such regulation. Regular review of regulatory goals is necessary to insure their effectiveness.

Taxation. Taxation should be as equitable, simple, and minimal as possible. Limited government dictates that taxpayers should keep the majority of their money instead of giving it to government. Utah’s system of taxation has improved and government should continue to refine and improve it. Appropriate tax policy is essential if Utah is to compete globally.

Infrastructure. Funding shall be formula based to provide an adequate source of funding to develop and maintain Utah County’s infrastructure. Decisions need to be made now on how to build the necessary infrastructure to handle growth, or future economic development could be lost, and our quality of life rapidly diminished.

ENVIRONMENT

There must be a balance between the economic benefits of growth and the need for clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment.

We are stewards of the earth, and we should leave our posterity an earth in better condition than we started with. Market forces should be considered when managing environmental issues.

LAW ENFORCEMENT AND JUSTICE

Law enforcement agencies and the judiciary should strictly uphold the law in the exercise of their duties and work with citizens to maintain safe communities.

Crime Prevention. The primary defense against crime is stable and responsible family life emphasizing personal accountability and respect for the law. Swift and certain punishments with just and appropriate penalties are essential deterrents to crime.

Victims’ Rights. Victims’ rights are always superior to criminals’ rights. Victims’ right of restitution should be required of criminals.

Judicial System. Each individual is entitled to a trial by jury in both criminal and civil cases. It is the duty of juries to rule on the law as well as the facts of a case. We call upon the judiciary to reestablish this process and to inform juries of this duty. State senators must hold thorough hearings for all judicial nominees, and members of the Judiciary should undergo regular reviews. The results of such reviews should be a matter of public record. We support the appointment of judges who respect traditional family values and the sanctity of human life. Judges should not make statute but apply it.

Juvenile Crime. Juveniles who are charged with a serious violent crime should be tried as adults, acknowledging that in some instances the judicial system must use discretion when dealing with young offenders. We support adult punishment for the conviction of adult crimes. We call for swift, just, and appropriate punishment for adults who aid in the commission of crimes by juveniles.

SOCIAL NEEDS

Family. We believe that marriage consists only of the legal union between a man and a woman and that no other domestic union should be recognized as a marriage or given the same or substantially equal legal effect. Parents have the right to bear children, (or otherwise add children to their families), to determine their own family size, and to determine what is in their best interest without interference from government. We encourage all efforts to strengthen the moral character of our children and oppose policies, practices, and public expressions that degrade humanity and the sanctity of family relationships. We oppose efforts to include sexual orientation as a protected minority.

Protection of Human Life. We affirm the fundamental, unalienable right to life for both the born and the unborn. We oppose using public funds for abortion or to support any organizations that promote abortion. Abortion should be illegal except where the life of the mother is at serious risk, or the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest. All people should be protected from abuse and exploitation.

Personal Agency and Accountability. Individuals have the primary responsibility for their own welfare. Family, church, and private organizations should provide secondary support when needed. The focus of assistance programs should be the development of self-reliance.

Gambling. We oppose all efforts to legalize gambling in any form.

Pornography. Pornography is destructive to the individual, family, and the community. We support the vigorous prosecution of those who create, distribute, or promote pornographic materials, especially in connection with children. Local communities have the right to
establish moral and ethical standards.

IMMIGRATION

We support the 2008 National Republican Party Platform under the title of Immigration, National Security, and the Rule of Law. We also support measures to ensure that the immigration system is structured to address the needs of national security. We support efforts to
enforce the law while welcoming immigrants who enter America through legal avenues. America is a stronger and better nation because of the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit of immigrants. We support the Constitutional mandate for the federal government to protect and secure our national borders. Taxpayers should not be covering state benefits for illegal aliens.

SOCIAL SECURITY

Social Security must satisfy its obligations to those who have contributed to it, and become an optional program for any who wish to participate.

All Republican elected officials, candidates and party officers are expected to endorse these principles and agree to be held accountable to the people and to the party.

Brad Daw, Our Representative, In Session

2010-01-27T11:22:00.007-07:00

Joe Pyrah and Heidi Toth - Daily Herald | Posted: Tuesday, January 26, 2010 12:45 am

More than 4,000 people are admitted to the emergency room every year with a prescription drug overdose, says one Utah County lawmaker, and it's time to put an end to it.

"Even if it was an accident, if there was an overdose, there's a problem there," said Rep. Brad Daw, R-Orem.

Daw is running a trio of bills targeting prescription drug abuse, a growing problem in Utah and specifically Utah Valley. His bills would require the state Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing to send notification to a doctor anytime someone went to the ER on an overdose or was arrested for DUI involving prescription drugs. -- Read More

And from Brad to his constituents (that would be us), he emailed on January 23, 2010:

Dear Neighbor,

This coming Monday, January 25th, the 2010 session of the Utah State Legislature will begin. The session will last for 45 days ending on March 11th. I will be sending you weekly updates to keep you informed on the activities of the legislature. Additionally, during this time, I invite you to e-mail me with your comments and concerns; I would love to hear from you and will take all input with the utmost consideration.

During this session I am sponsoring three main bills that involve prescription drug abuse. They all deal with helping to educate and inform those that write the prescriptions. Hopefully, through this heightened awareness, preventative measures can be taken to reduce the number of unnecessary deaths resulting from prescription drug abuse. If you wish to follow these bills during the times of the session, you can find them on the quick bill search on le.utah.gov. You can also see what these bills are about by clicking on the following links: HB 28, HB 35, HB 36.

Another piece of legislation you may be interested in coming to the floor this session is an ethics bill. A great article describing this bill can be found on the Deseret News [website.]

On the national front, some interesting events have happened as of late involving national health care reform. Scott Brown, Republican, landed the Massachusetts’ senate seat, thus representing the 41st vote in the senate against the health care bill. The LA Times summarizes the situation in the following paragraph:

“To many Democrats, the bill is a victim of simple math. All 435 members of the House and one-third of the Senate are up for reelection in November, a fact that makes them acutely tuned to shifts in public opinion. With Brown campaigning . . . against healthcare in the Senate, they're not sure they want to risk their own political necks for a proposal that is spurring a huge voter backlash.” (Does Scott Brown’s Election Doom Healthcare?)

Other insighful articles on this topic can be found at Newsmax - Scott Brown Win Is a Wake-Up Call, and the Daily Caller: What’s next for health-care reform? We are currently diligently working in the state of Utah on reform that empowers consumers to make their own health care decisions as opposed to reform that enables the government to have that right.

Once again, I welcome your comments and concerns and invite you to visit me at the capital during the session. Thank you for your support and I promise to do all that I can to make this 2010 session the best one yet in representing the needs of our district.

Brad Daw

To receive your own email updates from Brad Daw, subscribe here.

Mike Lee Opposes Nomination of Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke

2010-01-26T17:51:00.001-07:00

January 25th, 2010

Utah Republican Candidate for U.S. Senate demands transparency and accountability

Salt Lake City, UT, January 25, 2010 — Joining an increasing number of current U.S. Senators, Utah Republican Senate candidate Mike Lee today voiced his opposition to the nomination of Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke to a second term. Bernanke's current term expires on January 31st. President Obama's nomination of Bernanke is seen by many as a continuation of the status quo in Washington, without transparency or accountability, sparking significant opposition from Senators on both sides of the political aisle.

Mike Lee stated, "It is clear that during Chairman Bernanke's term, the Federal Reserve has played a significant role in creating and perpetuating policies and strategies that have contributed significantly to the most difficult economic environment our country has faced in a generation." Lee continued, "To confirm the Chairman to a second term would be both a tacit approval of his actions during these past few years, and an endorsement that 'business as usual' is acceptable. That is something I am simply not willing to do."

Lee is not alone in this sentiment, as he is joined by members of the Senate and by a vast majority of Americans. Lee pointed to a recent Rasmussen poll which found that only 21% of people favor the reappointment of Bernanke. "I believe people are seeing through the flowery rhetoric and hollow reassurances in the statements Bernanke has made and continues to make," Lee said. "For example, Congress was warned that we were on the precipice of collapse in the credit markets and that the premise for voting for the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) was to purchase toxic assets. Despite their stated intentions to the contrary, the Department of the Treasury, under guidance from the Fed, used the appropriated money for bailing out banks and other purposes unrelated to purchasing toxic assets. The TARP funds were simply not used as they were described and intended. For this reason and others, I strongly support Senator Jim DeMint's efforts to block Chairman Bernanke's confirmation until the Senate votes up or down on the Federal Reserve Sunshine Act."

The Federal Reserve Sunshine Act, sponsored by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), currently has over thirty sponsors in the Senate and would give the Government Accountability Office authority to conduct a full audit of the Federal Reserve. Efforts to have this bill come to a vote on the Senate floor have recently been blocked, but according to a Rasmussen poll conducted last month, 8 out of 10 Americans support the audit. Lee commented, "The Sunshine Act seems aptly named, as a little sunshine pointed at the Federal Reserve, by way of an audit, would do wonders to increase transparency and assure accountability."

"The Federal Reserve is an institution which has mismanaged the people's money, inflated our currency, blocked efforts to determine and disclose who they have given over $2 trillion of our money to, all while earning $45 billion during 2009," Lee explained. "Simply replacing Bernanke may not be sufficient, but Chairman Bernanke must be held accountable for the Fed's actions. It is time to send a clear message that 'business as usual' is not acceptable, that transparency is mandatory and that everyone is accountable, now and in the future. This is the first in a series of important steps which must be taken to ensure the integrity and reliability of our monetary system."

Mike Lee is running for the seat currently held by three-term incumbent Senator Bob Bennett, who recently cast an approving vote in the Senate Banking Committee to confirm Bernanke for a second term.

About Mike Lee: An attorney from Alpine, Utah, Lee has served as a law clerk to Judge Dee Benson of the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah, as a law clerk to Judge Samuel Alito of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, as General Counsel to Governor Jon Huntsman, and as a law clerk to Justice Samuel Alito of the U.S. Supreme Court. He has also held positions in private practice, and is currently a partner with the Washington, D.C.-based law firm of Howrey LLP.  

###

Learn more about Mike Lee and donate to the restoration of America at www.mikelee2010.com.

Copyright 2009. All rights reserved by Candace E. Salima.

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An Evening with the U.S. Constitution and Mike Lee

2010-01-09T16:28:00.005-07:00

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

You are invited to an Evening with the U.S. Constitution and Mike Lee. This night is about the U.S. Constitution, why it was created, what it is all about. The Constitution is our rule of law, and as Mike Lee has said, every law and piece of legislation should be measured against the Constitution and then dealt with accordingly. Come and learn, be motivated and be inspired. Bring your friends, family and neighbors...leave no one untold about this incredible opportunity to learn from one of the most brilliant constitutional minds in our nation. I do not grant that title lightly, for I am related to another of the greatest constitutional minds in our nation.

This is an amazing opportunity for every Utahan. I love, support, stand for and defend the U.S. Constitution as our rule of law. This is your chance to strengthen your educational foundation as an American citizen. An educated and literate society cannot be overthrown...think about that for a moment, and then come meet Mike Lee.

I've created a flyer announcing "An Evening with the U.S. Constitution and Mike Lee" for those willing to hand out to their friends, family and neighbors. If you are interested in receiving one, please feel free to email me and I'll send it right back to you.

Mike’s formal bio:

Mike has a great love of the Constitution, which he holds dear and wants desperately to preserve. The Constitution - including everything from the Due Process Clause to the Presentment Clause - was discussed around the Lee family's dinner table, almost in the same way many families talk about the weather, school, or the day's events. As a result, at a very young age Mike acquired a great love and admiration for the Constitution and for the principles found therein.

After graduating from Law School in 1997, he served as a law clerk to Judge Dee Benson of the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah. He then clerked for then-Judge Samuel A. Alito, Jr., who was serving at that time on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit Court. From there he went into private practice, joining the Washington, D.C. office of Sidley & Austin, where he specialized in appellate and Supreme Court litigation. Several years later, Mike returned to Utah after being invited to serve as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Salt Lake City, preparing briefs and arguing cases before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. He served as Governor Huntsman's General Counsel from January 2005 until June 2006, when he returned to Washington to serve a one-year clerkship at the U.S. Supreme Court with Justice Alito.

Mike returned to Utah (and to private practice) in the summer of 2007, joining the Salt Lake office of the Washington, D.C.-based law firm of Howrey LLP. Mike has earned a reputation as a truly outstanding lawyer based on his sound judgment, unsurpassed writing and courtroom advocacy skills, and thorough understanding of the Constitution (and of federal law generally).

Mike has a strong desire to bring about fundamental change in the way the federal government operates. In particular, he supports efforts to:

1. Secure passage and ratification of a constitutional amendment requiring Congress to operate on a balanced budget

2. Secure passage and ratification of a constitutional amendment imposing term limits on U.S. Senators and Representatives

3. Rein in entitlement spending

4. Reform campaign finance laws, many of which restrict core political speech in violation of the First Amendment and - while cleverly presented to the public as ethics-reform laws - are principally designed to give incumbent Senators and Representatives an unfair advantage over challengers

Mike, his wife Sharon, and their three children live in Alpine.

To learn a little more about Mike:

http://mikelee2010.com
http://candacesalima.blogspot.com/2010/01/mike-lee-general-welfare-clause-in-us.html
http://candacesalima.blogspot.com/2010/01/mike-lee-to-announce-his-candidacy.html

I hope to see you all there. Mike Lee has formally announced his bid for Bob Bennett’s U.S. Senate seat. He is actively campaigning around the state, but has graciously agreed to come and speak to us about that document he loves so much.

Thursday, 14 January 2010
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

An Evening with the U.S. Constitution and Mike Lee
Noah Webster Academy
205 East 400 South
Orem, UT

Candace E. Salima
Precinct Chair
OR/28

Evening with the U.S. Constitution and Mike Lee

2009-12-27T22:59:00.002-07:00

Every single day I receive phone calls, emails and Facebook messages from people begging me to give them the answers ... they want to know how we are going to rescue the U.S. Constitution and the Republic. I have been very public about the solutions: become educated about the Constitution and the Republic, American history and our founding fathers. Learn why they chose a representational form of government over a pure democracy. But the thing I've said once if I've said it a thousand times, "find a candidate you can get behind and throw your support behind that person, 150%."

While Mike Lee has not formerly announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate and the seat Bob Bennett currently holds, he has made his intentions clear enough that everyone knows he will be throwing his hat into the ring in a matter of weeks. He is the one I'm throwing my support behind, 150%.

But this night is about the U.S. Constitution, why it was created, what it is all about. The Constitution is our rule of law, and as Mike Lee has said, every law and piece of legislation should be measured against the Constitution and then dealt with accordingly. Come and learn, be motivated and be inspired. Bring your friends, family and neighbors...leave no one untold about this incredible opportunity to learn from one of the most brilliant constitutional minds in our nation. I do not grant that title lightly, for I am related to another of the greatest constitutional minds in our nation.

This is an amazing opportunity for every Utahan. I love, support, stand for and defend the U.S. Constitution as our rule of law. This is your chance to strengthen your educational foundation as an American citizen. An educated and literate society cannot be overthrown...think about that for a moment, and then come meet Mike Lee.

I've created a flyer announcing "An Evening with the U.S. Constitution and Mike Lee" for willing Americans to hand out to their friends, family and neighbors. If you are interested in receiving one, please feel free to email me at ces@candacesalima.com and I'll send it right back to you.

Here's a little bit about Mike Lee himself:

Mike has a great love of the Constitution, which he holds dear and wants desperately to preserve. The Constitution - including everything from the Due Process Clause to the Presentment Clause - was discussed around the Lee family's dinner table, almost in the same way many families talk about the weather, school, or the day's events. As a result, at a very young age Mike acquired a great love and admiration for the Constitution and for the principles found therein.

After graduating from Law School in 1997, he served as a law clerk to Judge Dee Benson of the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah. He then clerked for then-Judge Samuel A. Alito, Jr., who was serving at that time on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit Court. From there he went into private practice, joining the Washington, D.C. office of Sidley & Austin, where he specialized in appellate and Supreme Court litigation. Several years later, Mike returned to Utah after being invited to serve as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Salt Lake City, preparing briefs and arguing cases before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. He served as Governor Huntsman's General Counsel from January 2005 until June 2006, when he returned to Washington to serve a one-year clerkship at the U.S. Supreme Court with Justice Alito.

Mike returned to Utah (and to private practice) in the summer of 2007, joining the Salt Lake office of the Washington, D.C.-based law firm of Howrey LLP. Mike has earned a reputation as a truly outstanding lawyer based on his sound judgment, unsurpassed writing and courtroom advocacy skills, and thorough understanding of the Constitution (and of federal law generally).

Mike has a strong desire to bring about fundamental change in the way the federal government operates. In particular, he supports efforts to:

1. Secure passage and ratification of a constitutional amendment requiring Congress to operate on a balanced budget

2. Secure passage and ratification of a constitutional amendment imposing term limits on U.S. Senators and Representatives

3. Rein in entitlement spending

4. Reform campaign finance laws, many of which restrict core political speech in violation of the First Amendment and - while cleverly presented to the public as ethics-reform laws - are principally designed to give incumbent Senators and Representatives an unfair advantage over challengers

Mike, his wife Sharon, and their three children live in Alpine.

Mike is an administrator for The Article I Society, check it out: (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=143699482286&v=info#/group.php?v=wall&gid=143699482286)

And please become a member of "Draft Mike Lee to run for the U.S. Senate: (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=221765717795&ref=ts)

Keep an eye on this man. Michael Lee will be our next U.S. Senator. I am putting my "money" where my mouth is. This is how we will turn this nation around. Electing men and women with courage, strength, a deep and abiding love of the U.S. Constitution, America and an understanding of the American purpose in the world.

Date: Thursday, January 14, 2010
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Noah Webster Academy
Street: 205 East 400 South
City/Town: Orem, UT

Candace Salima
OR28 Precinct Chair
Republican Party

...but more importantly, first and foremost,

an American citizen.

Copyright 2009. All rights reserved by Candace E. Salima.

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Meet with our Representative: Brad Daw

2009-08-19T15:34:00.000-06:00

Don't forget everyone. Tonight is the night where Representative Brad Daw is meeting with everyone in Legislative District 60, be you a delegate or a constituent, you are invited to join us. This is your opportunity to hear Rep. Daw's take on what our nation is facing right now and what Utah's legislators can do to protect us.

Noah Webster Academy
206 East 400 South
Orem, UT

We have moved the time from 7:30 p.m. back to 7:00 p.m. So be sure and be there this evening by 6:55 p.m.. This is your chance to hear and be heard from someone who is in our corner! One hour of your time dedicated to the health and wealth of Utah. Not a bad way to spend an hour.

I hope to see you all there. Please bring your neighbors and friends...this is open to everyone in Legislative District 60.

Candace Salima
Candidate for Legislative District 60 Chair

Legislative District 60 Open House

2009-07-30T12:08:00.004-06:00

. . . Q&A with Representative Brad Daw

Meet with your legislator in Legislative District 60 -- Brad Daw. Brad has done a great job of representing our district over the last few years. This is your chance to sit down with him and ask him any questions you want.

Brad is extremely knowledgeable about the Constitution, America, Utah and what we are facing today, from both a federal and state level. He is a member of the Patrick Henry Caucus and is doing great things for the State of Utah.

This is a wonderful opportunity for both delegates and citizens to show up, learn from and question our representative and become more involved in the political process. This is one of the rare events which allows everyone to attend, not just delegates. So please spread the word and let's get involved!

Wednesday - August 13, 2009
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Tentatively Scheduled at Noah Webster Academy
206 East 400 South
Orem, UT 84058

Contact: Candace E. Salima (801-358-6213) or ces@candacesalima.com.
Organized by Candace E. Salima of Orem Precinct 28.

It's Time for a Tea Party

2009-06-30T09:21:00.001-06:00

This Saturday is July 4th, America's Birthday. The Patriot's Day Tea Party is a gathering of Americans from all walks of life, from all parties, all organizations, all with one goal...the restoration of the Republic and the Constitution reinstated as the rule of law. We are speaking up for America. Americans uniting in a single voice in defense of our nation.

Yes, we have great speakers, great music, great food and fun planned for this tea party. But at its heart is the desire of each person attending to restore America to her full glory. May I issue each of you a solemn promise: America will not fall. We can and will save her. But it will take each of us talking to family, friends, neighbors and peers, encouraging them to stand up for truth, stand up for America.

This Saturday, those attending the Orem tea party will be joining over 1,33 other tea parties and millions of Americans across the nation as we unite in this great cause. As I have stated over and over, there is no greater way to celebrate the birth of America by fighting for our liberty and our Constitution on our Independence Day.

Have a wonderful week everyone. See you on Saturday, 10:00 a.m. sharp!

Lakeridge Junior High Football Field
951 South 400 West
Orem, UT
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Park in the UVU (Utah Valley University) parking lots H & J right across the street (behind the trees).

The parking lot to the north of Lakeridge Junior High is reserved for the disabled and elderly who are limited in their physical capabilities.

Remember that Rubios, Wallabys, Hot Dog King, Flour Girls & Dough Boys as well as SubZero Ice Cream will all be there selling food.

Also, Veterans of Foreign Wars will be selling drinks, the proceeds of which will go to the Veterans Administration in order to purchase a van to transport soldiers and veterans to and from their appointments.

I look forward to seeing you all there. Join us in the morning and early afternoon and then you're off for family celebrations and Freedom Festival festivities.

Speakers: Candace E. Salima, AG Mark Shurtleff, Rep. Brad Daw, Jean-Claude Wicks, Scott Bishop, Jennifer Kindrick, Doug Osmond, Denise (Letters to Soldiers), Sgt. Kraig A. Thorne

Musicians: Shaun Barrowes, Doug Osmond, Jill Camp Swensen, Drew Reese, Heather Andrews, Angela Winston and the One Voice Children's Choir

May God bless each of you and America,
Candace E. Salima

More details at: Tea Party Utah Blog
Facebook Event: Patriot Day July 4th Tea Party - Orem

Wake Up America

2009-06-22T17:18:00.002-06:00

I will be interviewed about the direction America is heading in tomorrow on the Devin Norris Radio Show, join us at 8:00 a.m. MST or call in at (646) 378-1596. You can simply listen in by clicking on the link below. I'd love to have all of you calling in or listening tomorrow.

FYI: Devin Norris has already announced his intention to run for president in 2012 (http://devinnorris.com). He is a staunch conservative so I'm really looking forward to the conversation tomorrow!

Wake Up America

From Devin's radio show page:

Special Guest on this broadcast with best selling Author Candace E. Salima who is author of the book titled: Forged In the Refiners Fire. She will be here with us on Tuesday, June 23rd at 8:00 a.m. MST. We are going to talk about first where this nation is headed. Candace's point of view is very unique. Trust me, She will Wake America Up!

http://candacesalima.blogspot.com, http://candacesalima.com, http://teapartyutah.blogspot.com

Catch you all in the a.m.

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Utah Republican 2009 State Organizing Convention

2009-04-27T11:43:00.002-06:00

2009 Utah Republican Party Organizing Convention

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Davis County Conference Center
1651 North 700 West,
Layton, UT

8 a.m. State Central Committee
10 a.m. 2009 Organizing Convention Call to Order

Those intending to run for State Party Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary or Treasurer must file in writing no later than 5:00 pm Wednesday May 13, 2009.

Candidates may file by:

Fax: 801.533.0327
Email: info@utgop.org

In person:
117 E South Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84111

CHECK OUT THE UT GOP BLOG

CONTACT US AT
info@utgop.org

800.230.UTAH
801.533.9777

Utah Tax Day Tea Party

2009-03-25T09:24:00.002-06:00

For Immediate Release: PRESS RELEASE

Wednesday, 18 March 2009

Salt Lake City: The Tax Day Tea Party is a national collaborative grassroots effort organized by Smart Girl Politics, Top Conservatives on Twitter, the DontGo Movement and many other online groups/coalitions.

The Tea Party protests, in their current form, began in early 2009 when Rick Santelli, the On Air Editor for CNBC, set out on a rant to expose the bankrupt liberal agenda of the White House Administration and Congress. Specifically, the flawed "Stimulus Bill" and pork filled budget.

During Rick's rant, he called for a "Chicago tea Party" where advocates of the free-market system could join in a protest against out of control government spending. On February 27th, an estimated 30,000 Americans took to the street in 40+ cities across the country in the first nationwide "Tea Party" protest.

Newt Gingrich announces his endorsement of nation-wide Tax Day Tea Parties:

What: Tax Day Tea Party Protest Rally
Who: All of Utah with all other 49 states participating
When: April 15, 2009
From: Noon – 2PM
Where: Federal Building
125 S. State St.
Salt Lake City, UT

Contact Person: Adam Gardiner, 801-814-8963 // Email Adam

National Website: Taxdayteaparty.com
Local Website: Utah Tax Day Tea Party
Event Link: Join Us and Make Your Voice Be Heard, accept your invitation to the party.

###

Adam Gardiner is doing a fantastic job so I hope to see you all there! Let's blow that 30,000 out of the water and have millions upon millions of America participating across the nation. Go to the national website and locate your local Tax Day Tea Party and let's raise our voices to the heaven. America will stand. Freedom will stand. The Constitution will stand. Socialism will not succeed in the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Confirmed Speakers:

Attorney General Mark Shurtleff: Strength and Power of the Constitution as the Rule of Law
Congressman Jason Chaffetz: Dangers of Big Government
Congressman Rob Bishop: High Taxes, BLM and Federal Land Grabs
Candace E. Salima: Dangers of Socialism

From the crowd, 2 to 3 minute speakers in between each of the main speakers. Come and let your voice be heard. The silent majority is silent no longer.

Bring your flags.
Bring your signs.
Bring your teabags.

Socialism Series Part 1: A Vision and a Hope for the Youth

2009-03-01T22:56:00.002-07:00

I find it wholly and completely appropriate to begin our series on socialism with a talk by Ezra Taft Benson, the 13th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His words, so prophetic at the time, describe our day and time and the same deception which was occurring then has now taken over the nation.

The last presidential election, and I speak boldly and truthfully, was an election of race and ignorance. Minorities, almost as a whole, voted for the first black man to make a successful run for the oval office. It didn't matter what his politics or values were, he was black . . . they voted for him. And second, and most frightening, Americans no longer understand the inherent and insidious dangers of socialism to freedom and the American way.

Obama wants to wash away all that is good and right about America, sweep the republic under rug and emerge with shining example of socialism, nee' communism, just as predicted by Kreuchev in the mid 1960's.

And so, I ask you to carefully read, and take to heart, what Ezra Taft Benson had to say to the students of Brigham Young University on the topic of socialism, which is the practice of communism:

A Vision and a Hope for the Youth
Elder Ezra Taft Benson, Apostle
Speech to BYU Students
12 April 1977

My beloved brethren and sisters, humbly and gratefully I stand before you this morning and seek an interest in your faith and prayers that the message that I have may be accompanied by the Spirit. It is a wonderful sight that I view here this morning. It is good to be with you, my beloved young friends, distinguished members of the faculty, and special guests.

My wife and I have just returned from a glorious weekend at St. George, where I had the privilege of addressing three overflow audiences, two in the largest auditorium they have at Dixie College and made up largely of young people, and one on the fourth floor of the temple in a Solemn Assembly. We were honoring the centennial of the dedication of the St. George Temple, the first one to be erected in the western part of the country. We are still basking in the aftermath of another great general conference of the Church. Never in my memory have we had more explicit warnings from prophets of God; and nowhere in the world are there men better prepared or more obligated to issue such warnings.

The Celestial Kingdom

Today I want to discuss some principles and laws of the celestial kingdom, and some of the fallacies of their perverted counterfeits in the world. I share with you a vision of your eternal possibilities. The celestial kingdom, residence of God, our Eternal Father, is comprised of men and women who have complied with divine law and who were not deceived by the craftiness of men or the doctrines of devils. They are just men made perfect through the mediation and atonement of Jesus Christ (see D&C 76:69). They are obedient to celestial law; for, as the Lord has said, he who is not able to abide the law of a celestial kingdom cannot abide a celestial glory (D&C 88:22).

Celestial laws, embodied in certain ordinances belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ, are complied with by voluntary covenants. The laws are spiritual. Thus, our Father in Heaven has ordained certain holy sanctuaries, called temples, in which these laws may be fully explained, the laws include the law of obedience and sacrifice, the law of the gospel, the law of chastity, and the law of consecration.

I want to speak more particularly this morning about this one law--the law of consecration. It is that one's time, talents, strength, property, and money are given up to the Lord for the express purpose of building up the kingdom of God and establishing Zion on the earth. Or, as we read in Doctrine and Covenants 105:5, "Zion cannot be built up unless it is by the principles of the law of the celestial kingdom."

Much has been written about this law and its attempted implementations in the early history of the Church; and much deception has taken root, even among some of our members, because of misinformed opinion or misguided interpretations. Some view it as merely an economic alternative to capitalism or the free enterprise system, others as an outgrowth of early communal experiments in America. Such a view is not only shortsighted but tends to diminish in importance a binding requirement for entrance into the celestial kingdom. The law of consecration is a celestial law, not an economic experiment.

The vehicle for implementing the law of consecration is the united order. The basic principle underlying the united order is that everything we have belongs to the Lord; and, therefore, the Lord may call upon us for any and all of our property, because it belongs to him. The united order was entered by "a covenant and a deed which cannot be broken" (D&C 42:30), according to the scriptures. In other words, an individual conveys his titles to all his property to the Church through the bishop. The property becomes the property of the Church. You read about this in the forty-second section of the Doctrine and Covenants.

The bishop then deeds back to the consecrator by legal instrument the amount of personal property required by the individual for the support of himself and his family, as the Lord declares, "according to his circumstances and his wants and needs" (D&C 51:3). This becomes the private, personal property of the individual to develop as he sees fit. It is his stewardship. When an individual produces a profit or surplus more than is needful for the support of himself and his family, the surplus is then placed in the bishops storehouse to administer to the poor and the needy. Under the united order, idleness has no place, and greed, selfishness, and covetousness are condemned. The united order may therefore operate with only a righteous people.

It has been erroneously concluded by some that the united order is both communal and communistic in theory and practice because the revelations speak of equality. Equality under the united order is not economic and social leveling as advocated by some today. Equality, as described by the Lord, is "equal[ity] according to [a man's] family, according to his circumstances and his wants and needs" (D&C 51:3).

Is the united order a communal system? Emphatically not. It never has been and never will be. It is "intensely individualistic." Does the united order eliminate private ownership of property? No. "The fundamental principle of this system [is] the private ownership of property" (J. Reuben Clark, Jr., Conference Report, October 1942, p. 57).

Two separate groups of saints have fully implemented this divine law. The first was the united order under Enoch, wherein the Lord designated this people Zion, "because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them." We read of this in the seventh chapter, eighteenth verse, of Moses, in the Pearl of Great Price. A second instance was the Nephite civilization following the visit of the Savior to the Western Hemisphere after his resurrection. This is recorded in 4 Nephi, the third verse particularly. The failure of the early Saints in this dispensation to live according to the fulness of the law is explained by the Lord in revelations recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants, sections 101 and 105.

I repeat and emphasize that the law of consecration is a law for an inheritance in the celestial kingdom. God, the Eternal Father, his Son Jesus Christ, and all holy beings abide by this law. It is an eternal law. It is a revelation by God to his Church in this dispensation. Though not in full operation today, it will be mandatory for all Saints to live the law in its fulness to receive celestial inheritance. You young people today abide a portion of this higher law as you tithe, pay a generous fast offering, go on missions, and make other contributions of money, service, and time.

Satan's Counterfeit System

But whenever the God of heaven establishes by revelation his design, Satan always comes among men to pervert the doctrine, saying, "Believe it not." He often establishes a counterfeit system, designed to deceive the children of men. His aim, as it was before the foundation of this earth was laid, is to thwart the agency of man and to subjugate him. Throughout all ages of mankind, the adversary has used human agents and despotic governments to establish his purpose. Satan is determined to destroy all that is dear, all that will ennoble and exalt man to a celestial kingdom.

Isaiah foresaw the time when a marvelous work and a wonder would come forth among men (see Isaiah 29:14). Isaiah also predicted that there would be those that "seek deep to hide their counsel from the Lord, and their works are in the dark, and they [shall] say, Who seeth us?" (Isaiah 29:15). He saw the time when the work, man, shall say of him that made him, "He made me not," denying his creation (see Isaiah 29:16). It is well to ask what self-proclaimed atheists came on the human scene following the restoration of the gospel, who established secret works of darkness to overthrow nations by violent revolution and who blasphemously proclaimed the atheistic doctrine that God made us not. Yes, Satan works through human agents. We need only look to some of the ignoble figures in human history who were contemporary to the restoration of the gospel to discover fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy. I refer to the infamous founders of communism, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. Today, if we are alert, we can see further fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecies.

Communism--a System Antithetical to the Gospel of Christ

Through the instigation of Marx and Engels, a most successful counterfeit to the united order was introduced into the world. The declaration of principles found in their Manifesto to the World advocated the overthrow of capitalism and free enterprise, the abolition of private property, the elimination of the family as a social unit, the abolition of all classes, the overthrow of all governments, and the establishment of communal ownership of property in a classless, stateless society. All this was to be accomplished by revolution.

On July 3, 1936, the First Presidency published this warning to Church members. I quote it in part; I hope you will get a copy of the full statement for your files. In part, the statement reads:

. . . Communism is not a political party, nor a political plan under the Constitution; it is a system of government that is the opposite of our Constitutional government. . . .

Since Communism, established, would destroy our American Constitutional government, to support Communism is treasonable to our free institutions, and no patriotic American citizen may become either a Communist or supporter of Communism.

To our Church members we say, Communism is not the United Order, and bears only the most superficial resemblance thereto. Communism is based upon intolerance and force, the United Order upon love and freedom of conscience and action. . . .

Communists cannot establish the United Order, nor will Communism bring it about. . . .

Communism being thus hostile to loyal American citizenship and incompatible with true Church membership, of necessity no loyal American citizen and no faithful Church member can be a Communist.

We call upon all Church members completely to eschew [and shun] Communism. The safety of our divinely inspired Constitutional government and the welfare of our Church imperatively demand that Communism shall have no place in America.

Signed,

President Heber J. Grant
J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
David O. McKay
The First Presidency

You students have only to read some of the speeches and writings of the exiled Russian Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn to appreciate this farsighted warning of the First Presidency.

I have been on both sides of the Iron Curtain several times. I have talked to these godless leaders face to face. I say to you with all the sincerity of my soul that since 1933 this godless counterfeit to the gospel has made tremendous progress towards its objective of world domination, for over one-third of the human family are now under totalitarian subjugation.

Today we are in a battle for the bodies and souls of men. It is a battle between two opposite systems: freedom and slavery, Christ and anti-Christ. The struggle today is more momentous than a decade ago, yet today the conventional wisdom, so called, is that we have got to learn to live with communism, to give up our ideas about national sovereignty. You hear that repeated today. Tell that to the millions--yes, the scores of millions--who have met death or imprisonment under the tyranny of communism. Learn to live with communism? Such would be the death knell of freedom and all we hold dear.

The gospel of Jesus Christ can prosper only in an atmosphere of freedom. As members of his Church, we have a major responsibility to do all in our power to see that freedom is preserved and safeguarded. I pray that God will bless you to see communism for what it really is: the greatest system of human slavery that the world has ever known. May you not be deceived into believing that the communists have moderated their goal toward world domination. I say to you that so-called detente is a fraud. Time will prove it to be such.

There is no excuse for any BYU instructor to grant a forum to an avowed communist for the purpose of teaching communism on this campus. It may be done on other campuses in the United States, but it will not be done here.

Socialism--a Philosophy Incompatible with Man's Liberty

Another notable counterfeit system to the Lord's plan is collectivized socialism. Socialism derives its philosophy from the founders of communism, Marx and Engels. Communism in practice is socialism. Its purpose is world socialism, which the communists seek to achieve by revolution, and which the socialists seek to achieve by evolution. Both communism and socialism have the same effect upon the individual--a loss of personal liberty. As was said so well by President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., "The two are as two peas in a pod in their ultimate effect upon our liberties."

Why is socialism incompatible with man's liberty? Socialism cannot work except through an all-powerful state. The state has to be supreme in everything. When individuals begin to exert their God-given rights, the state has to suppress that freedom. So belief in God must be suppressed, and with that gone freedom of conscience and religion must also go. Those are the first of our liberties mentioned in the Bill of Rights.

There are some among us who would confuse the united order with socialism. That is a serious misunderstanding. It is significant to me that the Prophet Joseph Smith, after attending lectures on socialism in his day, made this official entry in the Church history: "I said I did not believe the doctrine" (Joseph Smith, History of the Church 6:33).

Socialism Disguised under Welfare State Measures

As citizens of this noble land, we have marched a long way down the soul-destroying road of socialism. If you question that statement, consider the recent testimonial from the Nobel prize-winning economist, Milton Friedman. He indicated that government spending in the United States at all levels amounts to over forty percent of today's total national income. If we continue to follow the trend in which we are heading today, two things will inevitably result: first, a loss of our personal freedom, and second, financial bankruptcy. This is the price we pay when we turn away from God and the principles which he has taught and turn to government to do everything for us. It is the formula by which nations become enslaved.

This nation was established by the God of heaven as a citadel of liberty. A constitution guaranteeing those liberties was designed under the superintending influence of heaven. I have recounted here before what took place in the St. George Temple when the Founding Fathers of this nation visited President Wilford Woodruff, who was then a member of the Twelve and not president of the Church. The republic which was established was the most nearly perfect system which could have been devised to lead men toward celestial principles. We may liken our system to the law of Moses which leads men to the higher law of Christ.

Today, two hundred years later, we must sadly observe that we have significantly departed from the principles established by the founders of our country. James Madison opposed the proposal to put Congress in the role of promoting the general welfare according to its whims in these words:

If Congress can employ money indefinitely to the general welfare, they may take the care of religion into their own hands; they may appoint teachers in every state, county and parish and pay them out of their public treasure; they may take into their own hands the education of children, establishing in like manner schools throughout the Union; they may assume the provision of the poor. . . . Were the power of Congress to be established in the latitude contended for [and it was an issue then], it would subvert the very foundations, and transmute the very nature of the limited Government established by the people of America. [quoted in Donald L. Newquist, Prophets, Principles, and National Survival, p. 342]

That statement, given as a warning, has proved prophetic. Today Congress is doing what Madison warned about. Many are now advocating that which has become a general practice since the early 1930s: a redistribution of wealth through the federal tax system. That, by definition, is socialism!

Americans have always been committed to taking care of the poor, aged, and unemployed. We have done this on the basis of Judaic-Christian beliefs and humanitarian principles. It has been fundamental to our way of life that charity must be voluntary if it is to be charity. Compulsory benevolence is not charity. Today's socialists--who call themselves egalitarians--are using the federal government to redistribute wealth in our society, not as a matter of voluntary charity, but as a so-called matter of right. One HEW official said recently, "In this country, welfare is no longer charity, it is a right. More and more Americans feel that their government owes them something" (U.S. News and World Report, April 21, 1975, p. 49). President Grover Cleveland said--and we believe as a people--that though the people support the government the government should not support the people.

The chief weapon used by the federal government to achieve this "equality" is the system of transfer payments. This means that the federal governments collects from one income group and transfer payments to another by the tax system. These payments are made in the form of social security benefits, Medicare and Medicaid, and food stamps, to name a few. Today the cost of such programs has been going in the hole at the rate of 12 billion dollars a year; and, with increased benefits and greater numbers of recipients, even though the tax base has been increased we will have larger deficits in the future.

Today the party now in power is advocating and has support, apparently in both major parties, for a comprehensive national health insurance program--a euphemism for socialized medicine. Our major danger is that we are currently (and have been for forty years) transferring responsibility from the individual, local, and state governments to the federal government--precisely the same course that led to the economic collapse in Great Britain and New York City. We cannot long pursue the present trend without its bringing us to national insolvency.

Edmund Burke, the great British political philosopher, warned of the threat of economic equality. He said,

A perfect equality will indeed be produced--that is to say, equal wretchedness, equal beggary, and on the part of the petitioners, a woeful, helpless, and desperate disappointment. Such is the event of all compulsory equalizations. They pull down what is above; they never raise what is below; and they depress high and low together beneath the level of what was originally the lowest.

Are we part of the problem or part of the solution?

Recently a letter came to my office, accompanied by an article from your Daily Universe, on the matter of BYU students taking food stamps. The query of the letter was: "What is the attitude of the Church on taking food stamps?" The Church's view on this is well known. We stand for independence, thrift, and abolition of the dole. This was emphasized in the Saturday morning welfare meeting of general conference. "The aim of the Church is to help the people to help themselves. Work is to be re-enthroned as the ruling principle of the lives of our Church membership" (Heber J. Grant, Conference Report, October 1936, p. 3).

When you accept food stamps, you accept an unearned handout that other working people are paying for. You do not earn food stamps or welfare payments. Every individual who accepts an unearned government gratuity is just as morally culpable as the individual who takes a handout from taxpayers' money to pay his heat, electricity, or rent. There is no difference in principle between them. You did not come to this University to become a welfare recipient. You came here to be a light to the world, a light to society--to save society and to help to save this nation, the Lord's base of operations in these latter days, to ameliorate man's social conditions. You are not here to be a parasite or freeloader. The price you pay for "something for nothing" may be more than you can afford. Do not rationalize your acceptance of government gratuities by saying, "I am a contributing taxpayer too." By doing this you contribute to the problem which is leading this nation to financial insolvency.

Society may rationalize immorality, but God cannot condone it. Society sponsors Sabbathbreaking, but the Church counsels otherwise. Society profanes the name of Deity, but Latter-day Saints cannot countenance it. Because society condones a dole, which demoralizes man and weakens his God-given initiative and character, can we?

I know what it is, as many of your faculty members do, to work my way through school, taking classes only during winter quarters. If you don't have the finances to complete your education, drop out a semester and go to work and save. You'll be a better man or woman for so doing. You will have preserved your self-respect and initiative. Wisdom comes with experience and struggle, not just with going through a university matriculation. I hope you will not be deceived by current philosophies which will rob you of your godly dignity, self-respect, and initiative, those attributes that make a celestial inheritance possible. It is in that interest, and that only, that I have spoken so plainly to you.

My Hope for You, the Youth of Zion

In opening my remarks to you, beloved youth of the Church, I attempted to share with you a vision of your eternal possibilities. In closing my remarks, I share with you my hope for you:

I hope that you learn through your struggles the joy of achievement.

I hope that you recognize in the gospel of Jesus Christ a solution to our problems, temporal and spiritual.

I hope that you marry well, live together in love, rear a family in righteousness, and have joy and rejoicing in your posterity.

I hope that you follow the example and counsel of him whom the Lord has appointed as prophet, seer, and revelator.

I hope that you learn the joy of work, the ability to postpone wants, and the economic independence not to be a slave to any man.

I hope that you keep yourselves clean morally and spiritually, that your confidence will wax strong in the presence of God, as the scriptures say, and the Holy Ghost will be your constant companion (see D&C 121:45–46).

I hope that you will be united in philosophy, purpose, and action to the laws of the celestial kingdom.

I pray God's choicest blessings on you, my beloved brethren and sisters. May I say to you that there isn't anything in this world that's right that the leadership of this Church wouldn't do for the youth of the Church; and so I hope and pray that you realize the hope of those who love you and serve you and the possibilities of your potential as sons and daughters of God. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Thus the Battle for Economic Freedom from Government Tyranny Begins

2009-02-11T21:49:00.000-07:00

From my own legislator, Brad Daw, I received a copy of this letter, Representative Mike Noel (Kanab) sent to all members of the House of Representatives in Salt Lake City in response to monstrous actions of Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar and Barack Obama, the puppet president of the liberal left, oh yeah, and the United States. Salazar, under direction from Barack Obama, canceled the oil and gas leases in Utah, Colorado and Wyoming. Leases which would have been a monumental boon to the American economy, and specifically to these three states. Please read on:

# # #

Dear Colleagues,

I just received the attached notice of cancellation of 77 oil and gas leases in Utah. These leases have already been awarded and bonus monies have been paid to the state of Utah. Indications are that the state will lose as much as $8.5 million dollars to the state in just the bonus bids not the millions that we will lose by not going into production. Take out the jobs, the local and state taxes and you can see the magnitude of this decision. More revenue losses to Utah state programs, more job losses at a time when we can hardly afford it. Please join with me in trying to convince Governor Huntsman that the state's policy of trying to appease and work with the environmental community rather than take a strong position on these federal land issues these past four years has now come home to seriously impact all of our constituents. I applaud the governor in his decision to have the state intervene in the SUWA/Wilderness Society lawsuit to cancel the leases which at this point is mute. Besides the cancellation of these leases, there are indications that Secretary Salazar is also considering canceling all of the resource management plans that have been approved in Utah. Seven years of work and millions of dollars of taxpayer’s monies down the drain. If the RMPs are canceled, we will be back in a situation that development of our natural resources will be put on permanent hold until the plans are reviewed and most likely changed for the worse. I am calling on the legislature and the governor’s office to begin at once with an all out legal defense of these leases and RMPs and a public relations campaign that lays out the fact that Utah is now the first casualty of the radical environmental agenda that we can expect to see implemented via this administration over the next 4 years.

This means an expansion of the SUWA/Wilderness Society lawsuit to include the secretary of interior. The action by the secretary is a breech of faith with federal government and existing law in the federal land policy management act of 1976, the mineral leasing act and the doctrine of state sovereignty. Please help me in this effort. School trust lands will also be negatively impacted from this egregious decision. With large one party majorities in both houses of congress, our only recourse is the judicial branch of government that may rein in this administration in the early goings. Not doing anything will certainly send the message that we don’t care about our children and grandchildren's future.

Representative Mike Noel
Kanab, UT

Cancellation of Lease Sale Contrary to Administration's Energy Goals
Interior Decision Detrimental to Economic Development, Energy Security,
Climate Change Solutions

(DENVER)- The Independent Petroleum Association of Mountain States (IPAMS) today expressed grave concern over Secretary Salazar's decision to reject 77 bids from the BLM's Utah lease sale that occurred on December 19, 2008, saying that the action runs contrary to President Obama's energy goals and will have a chilling effect on Utah's economy.

"The BLM's initial decision to lease federal lands for the responsible development of clean, affordable, domestic natural gas was a step in the right direction in helping to meet the President's goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing energy security," said Kathleen Sgamma, IPAMS Director of Government Affairs. "Ninety seven percent of the natural gas consumed in the U.S. is produced right here in North America, and since it emits just over half the CO2 of coal, we will need even more natural gas to reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

Despite the rhetoric, there was nothing "last minute" or "rushed" about the lease sale in question. In fact, the sale was the result of a seven-year comprehensive, open and public land management planning process in which everyone - environmental groups, the National Park Service, EPA, other federal and state agencies, and the general public - had ample opportunity to comment. No new acreage was opened to energy leasing that was not available before, and no lands have fewer restrictions on them than before.

"We wonder why the Administration is implementing polices that will limit economic development in the West, decrease energy security and make addressing climate change even more difficult. Natural gas producers in Utah and the Intermountain West produce 27% of America's natural gas on less than 1% of public lands," noted Sgamma. "These lands, where vast amounts of domestic, clean energy are found, are crucial to meeting the President's energy goals of increasing energy security and tackling climate change."

"It's hard to imagine why this Administration would come out with policies that limit economic development in Utah. A lease sale is an economic stimulus to the state and federal government. The State of Utah and federal government are losing millions of dollars from the lease sale. At a time when the Utah legislature has contemplated cutting back a day from the school year to address a 15% budget shortfall, the state is losing income from its share of the lease sale, not to mention royalty and other tax revenue from forfeited production. With this decision, our government is denying access to American energy that belongs to all Americans, and making it even more difficult to increase energy security and tackle climate change," concluded Sgamma.

# # #

So you may be asking: "What am I to do?"

It's actually very simple. If you live in Utah, or have interests in Utah, then you MUST call Governor Huntsman (801-538-1000), your local senator (state not federal) and your representative and demand a lawsuit be filed against Secretary Ken Salazar and Barack Obama as stated above. Those leases must be honored. Progress must be moved forward and it is criminal that Salazar and Obama should strip Utah, Colorado and Wyoming of this massive investment into the western economy, even the American economy. The State of Utah must file a lawsuit now and wrest that power from the federal government and return it to the State of Utah.

If you do not know who your representative or senator is, click the appropriate link below to find out who they are:

Find your Representative
Find your Senator: Locate your county, and your senator will be provided.

Please copy and paste the text of this post on to every single citizen of Utah you know, we must all take action and take action now. It is time to draw that line in the sand and tell the federal government to “butt out”. It is my recommendation, that those in the states of Colorado and Wyoming follow the same course of action. Begin with your local representative and then spread the word far and wide. In fact, it might not be a bad idea for the 3 governors, with the full weight of their state legislatures, file individual state lawsuits and then one colossal lawsuit name the immediate and long term damages to our economies.

Brad Daw's Take on the Stimulus Package

2009-02-09T18:55:00.002-07:00

Brad Daw, the representative for District 60 in Utah agreed to write a response to the situation America is now facing. So thank you Brad, for doing this for me:

Today we are witnessing the biggest robbery in the history of the human race. And, we are watching it occur in the bright light of day. All you have to do is pick up a current newspaper, tune in to the national news, or if you want to watch it in real time tune in to C-SPAN. The robbers are rationalizing their intended theft by giving nice names like "bailout" and "stimulus" but don't be fooled, this is a robbery.

The real tragedy of this robbery is that the victims being stolen from aren't able to defend themselves. By saddling ourselves with nearly a trillion dollars of new debt we are ensuring that our kids and grandkids will be paying for our excess for decades to come.

In addition to robbing future generations we are robbing ourselves of the freedom to conduct business in a free and open marketplace.

Many will say that we need this bailout to jump start the credit industry or we need this stimulus package to kick start the economy. The fact is that it was government interference that caused the problem in the first place. And continued government interference will only deepen the problem and lengthen the amount of time needed to correct it.

We are quickly moving from a free market economy to a centrally planned one. Instead of an economy driven by simple supply and demand we are moving to an economy where government will determine who succeeds and who fails. There will be little or no regard to efficiency and even need. The only factor that will be talked about is growth and stimulus. Innovation, competition, entrepreneurism, and all other positive hallmarks of a free market will become things of the past.

Fasten your seatbelts folks. It’s going to be a rough ride.

Brad Daw

Chris Cannon Immigration

2008-06-10T08:22:00.002-06:00

I contacted Chris Cannon's office and asked for a point by point stance on immigration from him. They emailed the following to me, which, as I understand it, has also been published in the Deseret News. It's good information:

Please give — point by point — your solution to the U.S. illegal immigration problem?

Point 1: Complete the Border Fence. I voted for and support and continue to staff up the Border Patrol to cover the entire southwest border.

Point 2: Institute a tamper-proof ID card for all immigrants seeking to work in the United States. This ID card would employ biometrics and interface with an entry-exit database.

Point 3: Strengthen E-verify for employers to eliminate excuses and confusion inherent in our current work verification process. Employers should know in minutes if an applicant is legal.

Point 4: Require any immigrant seeking US Citizenship to demonstrate a proficiency in English, American History, and Civics.

Point 5: Institute "Catch and Deport" while mandating that after a certain date, any person found in the US illegally, would be barred from re-entry for any reason for 10, 20, or more years.

Point 6: Create a process whereby anyone currently in the United States illegally can come forward, pay a fine, receive a criminal background check, go to the end of the line if interested in becoming a US citizen, receive a temporary work status, forfeit all Social Security monies earned, be required to either have employer provided health insurance or a Health Savings Account. If anyone is found to have a criminal history of any kind, they are to be deported and barred from re-entry. If anyone is found after the grace period, they are to be deported and barred from re-entry.

Point 7: Enforce the law and the new programs from day 1.

Chaffetz to Hold Town Meetings

2008-06-06T07:26:00.002-06:00

Republican House challenger Jason Chaffetz is holding a series of four town hall gatherings, billed as "Ask Jason Anything" meetings, where voters can gather and explore the candidate's views.
Chaffetz is challenging six-term Rep. Chris Cannon for the GOP nomination in the 3rd Congressional District.

The meetings, which all begin at 7 p.m., are scheduled to be held:

* June 10 at the South Jordan Library;
* June 12 at the Provo City Library;
* June 17 at the Hunter Library in West Valley City;
* And June 19 at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Orem.

Here's your chance to listen to the man and make a decision for yourselves. I urge you to listen carefully and demand a "plan of action" for each point.

I was speaking to a gentleman the other day who had a nice sit-down with Chaffetz. He really pushed him on the issues and he found what I've found, Jason Chaffetz is a shallow candidate. Meaning, he can trot out the proper phrases, but he can't deliver the goods. He doesn't even understand the Constitution of the United States or what our fundamental rights and responsibilities are as Americans. So again, I say, listen very carefully and be sure to question him just as thoroughly.

Hannity's Top 10 Items for Victory

2008-05-21T19:58:00.001-06:00

I love the way Sean Hannity thinks. He has written, and posted on his website, 10 things he believes that politicians should hold dear to their hearts, and should be the standard of the Republican Party. While I am beginning to believe the Republican Party cannot be saved, I love the 10 things Sean came up with as standards for a political candidate. Here they are:

Hannity's Top 10 Items for Victory
1) To be the Candidate of National security:
Victory in Iraq
Fully support NSA, Patriot act, tough interrogations, keeping Gitmo open
Candidate that pledges to NOT demean our military while they are fighting for their Country. eg Harry Reid: "the surge has failed", "the war is lost"
Candidate that promises to ensure that our veterans can live out their lives in dignity.
2) The Candidate who pledges to oppose Appeasement:
The Candidate will oppose any and all efforts to negotiate with dictators of the world in places like Iran, Syria, N.Korea, Cuba, and Venezuela without "pre-conditions"
3) The Candidate Pledges to support Tax CUTS, and fiscal responsibility:
The American people are NOT under taxed, Government Spends too much
The Candidate who Pledges to ELIMINATE and VOTE AGAINST ALL Earmarks
The Candidate pledges to BALANCE the budget
4) The Candidate Pledges to be a supporter of "Energy Independence"
supports Immediate drilling in Anwar and the 48 states
Building new refineries
Begin building and using Nuclear Facilities
expand coal mining
realistic steward of the environment
While simultaneously working with private industry to develop the new energy technologies for the future, with the goal being that America becomes completely energy independent within the next 15 years.

5) The Candidate pledges to secure our borders completely within 12 months:
build all necessary fences
use all available technology to help and support agents at the border
train and hire agents as needed
6) Healthcare:

The Candidate will look for Free-Market solutions to the problems facing the Healthcare industry, and will vigorously oppose any efforts to "nationalize healthcare".
The Candidate will fight for Individual health savings accounts, that includes "catastrophic insurance" for every American, so people can control their own healthcare choices.
7) Education:
The Candidate pledges to "save" American children from the failing educational system
The Candidate will fight to break the unholy alliance of the Democratic party and teachers unions, which at best has institutionalized mediocrity, and has failed children across the country
fight for "CHOICE" in education and let parents decide
fight for vouchers for parents
8) Social Security and Medicare:
The Candidate will "save" social security and medicare from bankruptcy.
Options will include "private retirement" funds so people can "control" their own destiny.
9) Judges
The Candidate vows to support ONLY judges who recognize that their job is to interpret the Constitution, and NOT legislate from the bench.
10) American Dream:

The Candidate accepts as their duty and responsibility to educate, inform, and remind people that with the blessings of Freedom comes a Great responsibility. That Government's primary goal is to preserve, protect and defend our God given gift of freedom.

That Government's do not have the ability to solve all of our problems, and to take away all of our fears and concerns. We need their pledge that we will be the candidate that promotes Individual liberty, Capitalism, a strong national defense and will support policies that encourage such...

It is our fundamental belief that limited Government, and Greater individual responsibility will insure the continued prosperity and success for future generations.

We the people who believe in the words of Ronald Reagan, that we are "the best last hope for man on this earth," "a shining city on a hill," and that our best days are before us if our Government will simply trust the American people.

I agree with Sean Hannity, 100%. These are the things I want in my political candidates. These are the values, standards and stances on the issues I want my candidate to not only agree to, I want this to be the standard by which he or she conducts themselves.

Excellent job, Sean. Thank you for articulating what every Conservative in the nation believes. I'm sending this entire thing to my Congressman, I urged each of you to do the same.

Call to Convention for County Delegates

2008-04-14T17:06:00.000-06:00

Call to Convention
Utah County Republican Party

Saturday ∙ April 26, 2008
Orem High School
175 South 400 East
Orem, UT

Delegate Credentials -- begins 6:30 a.m.
Central Committee Meeting -- 7:30 a.m.
Senate District Caucuses -- 8:00 a.m. Sharp
House District Caucuses -- 8:45 a.m.
General Session -- 9:30 a.m.

Credentialing will end at 9:45 a.m. Please bring photo ID for check in. In order to vote in House and Senate races, you must attend the caucus meeting for your House or Senate District.

See you at Convention!

Meet with Opponents: Brad Daw & Linda Houskeeper

2008-04-13T06:05:00.004-06:00

BOTH Linda Houskeeper and Brad Da w agreed upon a meeting this coming Wednesday at 6:30pm. Kip Meacham has proposed and both have accepted the following format:

Date: Wednesday, 4/16/08
Time: 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Place: Tahitian Noni Auditorium (Place could change, check back here for latest details.)
Moderator: Either Kip Meacham (Orem 27 Precinct Chair) or Ivan Keller (Legislative District 60 Chair)

Agenda:

1. Coin toss - winner chooses to go first with opening statement or closing statement

2. Candidate 1 introduction (10-15 minutes)

3. Candidate 2 introduction (10-15 minutes)

4. Questions from the attendees directed to individual candidates or to both--giving both candidates an opportunity to respond or comment on the questions (55 minutes)

5. Candidate 2 conclusion (2 minutes)

6. Candidate 1 conclusion (2 minutes)

Email Kip Meacham with questions for candidates.

Delegate Meeting with House Representative Brad Daw

2008-04-09T06:20:00.008-06:00

Not a lot of delegates showed up last night, which was a shame. But for those of us who did we were able to really question Brad about what he's done as our Representative as well as what he intends to do in the future. These are the issues effecting District 60 and what Brad has done, in his own words:

Accountability and Transparency in Government

Transparency and accountability for government officials has been an issue since the divinely inspired creation of our nation's constitution. To better bring this transparency to light, in the General Session of 2008 Representative Daw sponsored and passed HB 29.

HB 29 Election Law: Financial Reporting brings a greater transparency in Government, including at the local level, leaving a greater accountability of our elected officials to the people they represent.

Transportation

As our community continues to grow, the needs for proper transportation planning become increasingly important. To address the needs of our district Representative Daw helped in the moving forward needed reconstruction on I-15 in Utah County. He also serves as the Vice-Chair of the House Transportation Committee and has had great influence over the planning for how to best move forward to meet the community and state's transportation needs.

Those in attendance last night asked Brad to be certain that the sections of I-15 laid in Utah County are of high quality and durability. We expressed, vehemently, that we do not want to pay for the same stretch of freeway five times over because the job wasn't done right the first time. He agreed.

We also asked that there be efficient oversight of the contractors so that the debacle which occurred in Salt Lake City with their freeway redo does not happen in Utah County. He also agreed with that.

Illegal Immigration

Of all the talk on how to deal with the issue of illegal immigration recently, only two pieces of legislation passed in the 2008 General Session; SB 81, loosely based on how Arizona is handling their illegal immigrants, which Representative Daw voted for, and HB 171 which Representative Daw sponsored.

HB 171 Driving Privilege Card Amendment restricts the use of the Drivers' privilege card to its original intentions. It clarifies the card may not be used as a form of identification for voting or any other government function. As well, it restricts its use as a form of identification acceptable for the purchase of alcohol, tobacco or firearms.

I'll admit, I have problems with HB 171, but Brad made an excellent point last night. He wrote this bill to protect Utahns from uninsured illegal aliens. He said that 75% of illegal aliens with Driving Privilege Cards have automobile insurance. This is a good thing, certainly.

But let me point out the obvious here! If we know that 75% of illegal aliens have Driving Privilege Cards and insurance . . . why are they still here?

Prescription Drug Addiction

This issue has become a plague of epidemic proportion in our community, with hundreds of deaths annually, other lives ruined, and the devastation of the families of those addicted to pain medication as a result. Representative Daw has taken the lead in combating this devastating erosion of our community. He sponsored and passed HB 137 and HB 119.

HB 137 Pain Medication Management and Education (passed in the 2007 General Session and received continued funding in the 2008 General Session) provided funding for the Health Department to implement a campaign to properly educate the population on prescription drug addiction and its dangers.

HB 119 Controlled Substance Database (passed in the 2008 General Session) provides Physicians, Pharmacies and Public Safety with a real-time database of the prescriptions for controlled substances, halting the ability of an addict or distributor to duplicate a prescription or receive multiple prescriptions of controlled substances unbeknown to the prescribing physician. This tool will help Utah to lead the nation in combating prescription drug addiction, and more importantly save lives.

I know this to be a viciously pervasive problem in Utah. We experienced it personally with a neighbor across the street (who no longer lives there). She was addicted to painkillers and would do anything, including break into your home or con you into picking up her "prescription," anything to get her hands on those painkillers. She was in and out of rehab and finally arrested when her prescription fraud was finally noticed. Brad's bills to combat this are a good thing.

Internet Pornography

Pornography is an insidious problem in our community. While pornography has been a problem for many years, the internet has made it far more widespread and allowed it to claim far more victims than it would have otherwise.

HCR 3 Resolution Urging Congress to Stop Internet Pornography to Children and Employees. This resolution affirmed the legislature's ongoing commitment to keeping pornography away from children and those who do not wish to see it. Since the passage of the resolution, Representative Daw has been working with government and civic leaders to find ways to accomplish this.

I questioned Brad on this thoroughly. He talked about a sweet wi-fi spot at Pioneer Park in Salt Lake City. From that point, you can apparently access multiple wireless connection and cruise whatever sites you want. His point is to have everyone with a wireless network lock it down with a security key, given only to those who should have access, in order to prevent children from access pornographic sites.

Economic Growth

Utah has a wonderful and dynamic higher education system that produces world class research and development in many areas. Bringing university research together with the business community is a great way to create good jobs right here in the state.

HB125 Centers of Excellence Amendments. This bill cleared the way to bring market savvy entrepreneurs together with university research and create new business opportunities in the state.

Brad has a watchful eye on our community and its economic growth.

Brad also talked about working with health care, vouchers and a few other things.

I have linked every single one of Brad's bills, so please read through them so that you are able to see what he has accomplished in office. I am emailing Brad and Linda Houskeeper, his opponent, a list of questions. I will ask for further information on health care and vouchers, as well as any other issues Brad feels are important. Brad has already committed to answer them and allowing me to put them on this blog. It is my hope Linda will do the same. I anticipate having those interviews in place some time next week.

Meet with Brad Daw Tonight

2008-04-08T07:44:00.006-06:00

County Delegates: This is your chance to meet with Representative Brad Daw, the incumbent in the District 60 race for the House seat.

Tahitian Noni Conference Room
(Follow the signs)
333 River Park Dr
Provo, UT 84604

6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

Bring your questions and concerns.

We are also arranging a meeting with Linda Houskeeper, his opponent. She refused to come at the same time as Brad, so we're shooting for a separate meeting.

Jason Chaffetz Views on Illegal Immigration

2008-04-03T11:13:00.003-06:00

This is what I know of Jason, he played football at BYU. That's all I know, but here is his Illegal Immigration plan:

Becoming a citizen of the United States of America is earned and means something special. We are the envy of the world and it is no wonder why. We are the nation that empowers the individual with life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We are also a nation of laws, guided by a Constitution, to ensure those rights.

The Constitution gives Congress the responsibility “to establish a uniform rule of naturalization.” We have a duty and responsibility to the legal citizens to set the terms of entry and exit. Currently, we are being unfairly asked to subsidize and tolerate a mass of illegal people flooding our country. This is a failure of Congress and an unprecedented unfunded mandate upon the states.

An Immoral Position: The status-quo is in many ways immoral. Current government policy, including the lack of political will to enforce the existing laws, unfairly exploits people who were enticed, encouraged, and incentivized to come to the United States of America illegally. As a country, we have given millions of illegal aliens access to jobs and taxpayer-supported entitlements including health care and education. It is morally wrong to tacitly approve breaking our laws. This must be fixed.

Most illegal aliens are good, hard working, decent people who have made a significant contribution to our country and our economy, but it often comes at an incalculable expense of other resources and jobs. We can accept that people are often simply trying to improve their lives for themselves and their families, but we should reject exploitation and return to the rule of law.

What To Do: Our first priority should be to legal citizens, and then we should prioritize those who want to come here legally. Our current system is failing by giving those with closest proximity and a willingness to break our laws favor over those who are willing to enter the country legally.

It is time to do right. Everyone will benefit. It is for this reason we must elect political leaders willing to solve this difficult issue.

As your Congressman, I will vote based on these principles:

▪ FIX LEGAL IMMIGRATION
▪ REJECT AMNESTY
▪ LOCK DOWN THE BORDER, ENFORCE VISAS
▪ HAVE THE POLITICAL WILL TO ENFORCE THE CURRENT LAWS
▪ GET RID OF REWARDS & INCENTIVES TO BE HERE ILLEGALLY
▪ GIVE BUSINESS THE TOOLS & ALIGN FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
▪ INSIST ON ASSIMILATION

~ Jason Chaffetz

Fix illegal immigration: There are millions of people from around the world who seek to legally become a citizen of the United States of America. Unfortunately, the system is failing. Last year the Wall Street Journal stated the current green-card backlog includes applicants who face a 22-year wait time. This doesn’t work for anybody. We need to implement the leadership necessary to fix this problem and appropriate the money needed to thoroughly process applicants in a timely manner. Until legal immigration works, we will continue to have major problems.

Reject Amnesty: Restitution is something most of us learned by third grade. If you take a candy bar that is not yours, you need to give it back. Take money that is not yours, you need to return it. Cut in line, you go to the back of the line. I still believe what I learned in third grade.

I will not support or vote for amnesty in any way, shape or form. If you are here illegally, there is no pathway to citizenship except to apply from your country of origin.

Lock down border, enforce visas: Our porous borders open the way for illegal entry, drug trafficking and terrorism. We must appropriate the funding for physical barriers and technology to lock down the border. By some estimates, 40% of the people coming to the United States on a non-immigrant visa fail to depart as directed. This is unacceptable. Further, we should not issue visas, including student visas, for those coming from terrorist nations.

Have the Political will to enforce the current laws: The existing laws are not being enforced. As your Congressman, I will insist the law is enforced.

* Homeland Security believes we have 623,292 “fugitive aliens” who did not obey orders to leave the country. --Cases as of Aug. 2006, AP, March 27, 2007

*The Homeland Security Department Inspector General said, “Backlog fugitive alien cases have increased each fiscal year since program was started in Feb 2002” because of too little bed space, poor staffing and an inaccurate database.

As your Congressman, I will fight to solve these problems.

We need to expand federal prisons for those non-American citizens breaking the laws of the USA. Like the Western Governor’s Association, I, too, encourage the construction of western regional federal prisons to house criminal aliens who have been apprehended and convicted in state criminal justice systems. The federal government failed to carry out its constitutional responsibility to protect the borders and the resulting financial burden of detaining these criminals should not fall on the shoulders of the states.

Get ride of rewards and incentives to be here illegally: We exacerbate the situation by offering rewards and incentives, such as free health care, free education and driver’s licenses to those here illegally. Eliminate these incentives and we will help solve the problem.

* Illegal aliens should not get preferential treatment over United States citizens.

* Illegal immigration should be a felony aggravating factor.

* “According to 2006 audit by the Social Security inspector general, 17 of the 100 worst employers using employees with non-work numbers were government agencies. That means the government knows who those employees are, but usually does not go after them.” Deseret Morning News, 8/26/07. This is unacceptable.

* Birth in the USA should not automatically make you a citizen. I support legislation and/or a constitutional amendment eliminating the automatic granting of citizenship to those born in the United States of America. At least one parent should be a legal citizen to trigger birthright citizenship.

Give business the tools and align financial incentives: Most businesses operate legally and want to do the right thing. But for those that do not, we must impose stiffer fines and criminal penalties.

Once it has improved, employers should be required to validate social security numbers and employee names with E-Verify. Coupled with tough enforcement, this will help improve the current situation. Employers who knowingly hire illegals should be punished. They are breaking the laws of the nation.

For those entering our country on a non-immigrant visa (NIV), we should explore aligning financial incentives through employers and educational institutions to ensure timely departures. Financial bonding as an incentive to depart the country as planned will help motivate those tempted to stay beyond what was originally agreed upon. This must be backed up with severe economic penalties.

After the 9/11 terrorist attack, the FBI sought to interview 4,112 people in the United States on NIVs. Over half of those people could not be located because they no longer resided at the address they had registered with the government. If you are here on a NIV, you must be registered. If not, you should be considered in violation of the law with severe penalties, possible incarceration and deportation.

Insist on Assimilation: By becoming a citizen of the United States of America, you are pledging allegiance to our country and our flag. In essence, you are abandoning your previous allegiances in favor of your commitment to the U.S.A. We celebrate diversity and vast fabric of culture in this country, but we are bound together in our loyalty to the goodness of the United States of America.

* English should be the official language of the United States of America. Taxpayers should not pay additional money for translation and printing in other languages.

* Proof of citizenship to vote.

What should we do with those currently here illegally?

For those here illegally, the ONLY pathway to U.S. citizenship is to go home to their country of origin and apply from there. Period.

We must have the political will, including funding, to enforce the law. No amnesty.

In addition to the natural attrition that will occur as we implement the previously mentioned policies, we need a pathway to deportation. To facilitate this pathway to deportation, we should allow current illegal aliens to come forward and apply for a short term work visa if done in conjunction with a sponsoring legal business. The visa will be for a specified time. At the conclusion of the visa, the illegal alien must return to their country of origin, or face serious criminal consequences.

This should be a limited time offer and any adult person identified without this application in process should be detained and deported. This will allow us to identify illegal aliens and uniformly return illegal aliens to their country of origin while allowing a legal workforce, with proper documentation and background checks, to enter the country in a uniform fashion.

Consider this:

Roughly 10% of Mexico’s 107 million population now lives in the USA.

15% of the labor force is in the USA.

One in every seven Mexican workers comes to the USA.

¾ of the illegal aliens come from Mexico and Central America.

--San Francisco Chronicle, 5/21/06

* * *

Jason's big push is "if you want more status quo, vote Chris Cannon." In all honesty, Chris has been incredibly responsive to his constituents. Over the years, as I have contacted his office on a number of issues he has always responded. It didn't matter if it was over water rights (when Bill Clinton signed all of America's waters over to the U.N. Utah and Idaho were the only ones who kept their rights), immigration (and yes, we've gone the rounds on that), lands (Clinton again), business, national security, border patrol, energy independence . . . it simply didn't matter. He always responded by either mail, email or phone call. He listened to me and his other constituents and if the overwhelming number of us wanted a change in policy, he did it.

Point in case: Chris supported "No Child Left Behind." Hey, it was a nice idea but anytime you allow the federal government into any portion of your life chaos will reign, and it did. Chris recognized that and is the main push behind http://endfeded.com. So, don't be so quick to call Chris "status quo." Call him, talk to him and listen, really listen. But don't spout the standard expecting it to fly with those of us who have done our homework.

David Leavitt's Stance on Illegal Immigration

2008-04-02T11:05:00.005-06:00

I have two major problems with David Leavitt. His people called me several weeks in a row, as if they were approaching me for the first time, and asked me the same questions over and over. Shows a startling lack of efficiency and carelessness with budget. Then I found he was Mike Leavitt's brother. Yes, that's a problem for me too.

Putting those things aside, I have fairly considered the candidates and would like you to do the same:

Securing Our Borders: It is time to enforce current security measures which allow only persons with proper documentation into the United States. We welcome the tired, the poor, and the yearning masses who want to speak English, contribute to the economy, foster patriotism, and become citizens and who cross the borders legally. Government's laid back attitude toward border control has seriously burdened cities and states with a high population of illegal immigrants and opened our nation to terrorist attacks. Schools are crowded with students who do not speak fluent English. Hospitals are closing because care for uninsured immigrants is depleting their already strained budgets. For the protection of America, we must block anyone who has the potential to introduce a security or economic threat to our country.

Because government at a local level is more effective than at a federal level, states should have the authority to maintain and enforce border security. I will support appropriate legislation and funding as an incentive for border states to hire and train additional border patrol and customs agents, making sure they enforce laws already in place including tracking those with a visitor's visa whose time in the country is limited. This does not replace the federal government's responsibility to secure our borders. Government has the technology and the tools to do a better job. It is critical that we improve the present infrastructure to include updated border surveillance technology. The use of security cameras, unmanned aerial vehicles, ground-based radar towers, and fencing, where feasible, will send the message that we mean business.

Providing Economic Prosperity: We recognize the economic need for legal migrant labor. Congress can begin to address this problem by implementing a worker-visa program which will provide a transition period where those who are here illegally can voluntarily leave the country and apply for a temporary work visa. This program will not guarantee citizenship. Those who wish to gain citizenship must continue to go through the already established process. It is necessary to adhere to justice while remembering that America is a humane nation. Employers will be responsible to hire legal workers and will be held accountable for circumventing laws. Businesses who hire illegal immigrants should be heavily fined and put on strict probation. We can sustain our labor force without disruption by providing a positive alternative amnesty.

Preserving the Rule of Law: We must preserve our legal system or we will lose the principles upon which America was founded. The United States has always been a land of hope and opportunity for legal immigrants. They infuse the country with new life and invigorate the economy. However, amnesty for illegal immigrants is not an option. It erodes the rule of law and does not work. Countries that have chosen amnesty as a solution have done so repeatedly without solving the problem of illegal immigration.

We cannot create legality out of illegality. We cannot maintain the law if we simply pardon illegal immigrants in this country. Neither can we succeed as a union of states if members of that union do not uphold the laws passed by the national government. State and local governments not willing to uphold the law of the land and enforce immigration statutes should not receive federal appropriations. Illegal immigrants must return to the border if they wish to apply for the guest worker program. If they have a full-time job, no criminal record, and present documentation such as a card stamped by the local post office or other notarized evidence that they have been living in the country, they could be admitted as temporary guest-workers. However, such status would not be a path to citizenship.

These steps may not be quick, easy, or popular, but by exerting the political will to implement them, we can strengthen our borders, our economy, and our country. We will never know what might not have happened on September 11, 2001, if tight border controls and mandated follow-up on foreign visitors had been in force. We can learn from this tragedy and make provisions to protect our future. It is time to play by the rules, to do the hard thing, and to develop, implement, and fund a system that will safeguard our borders, strengthen our economy, and enforce the law.

Tomorrow, I'll post Jason Chaffetz views on Illegal Immigration. In the meantime, it would behoove all voters to ask David how he hopes to accomplish this.

Chris Cannon's Stance on Illegal Immigration

2008-04-01T10:59:00.004-06:00

I've had a few people express concern about Chris's stance on immigration. He does favor a Worker ID program, but I popped over to his website and pulled the information straight from him.

Indeed, the time for action has come. Today, there may be as many as 12 million illegal immigrants in the United States. For the most part, we have no real way to know with any certainty who they are, where they are, or what they are doing. What we do know is that the majority of these folks are in fact living in our communities, sending their kids to our schools and, yes, working in jobs that are absolutely essential to our local, state and national economies. But, since they entered the country illegally, they cannot let us know who they are, they cannot obtain reliable identification and they live in the shadows of our society. In our post 9-11 environment, it is simply not acceptable to have that many people living and working in those shadows.

There are some who maintain that the solution to illegal immigration is simple: We should just round all these folks up and send them home, wherever that might be.

And in the context of an election year, that approach might have some appeal, however, [it] is not a real solution. Our immigration bureaucracy today cannot even efficiently manage the flow of legal immigrants and guests-- much less find and deport 12 million illegal immigrants. Perhaps more importantly, it is not entirely clear that our economy could withstand the loss of what has become an essential part of our national workforce. As the Deseret News and many others have said, we need plausible solutions to the challenge of illegal immigration not simplistic rhetoric.

As a member of the House Judiciary Committee, I have been deeply involved for several years in trying to achieve reasonable and practical solutions to this vexing issue. My efforts with regard to immigration policy have been, and continue to be, driven by a few very basic principles:

Secure Borders Protecting the Homeland: There is nothing more fundamental to national security than control of our borders -- knowing who is coming in and preventing entry by those who would do us harm. We can and must do a better, and smarter, job of meeting this most basic responsibility. Of course, a key requirement for secure borders is to have rational immigration laws and policies which allow us to focus our security expertise, state-of-the-art technology and resources on real threats.

Economic Security: The fact that we have millions of illegal aliens in the United States today is the result of some basic realities: Existing and past immigration policies that have not worked; a failure to adequately control our borders; and the law of supply and demand. America is still the Land of Opportunity, and it is opportunity that is driving the majority of illegal immigrants to go to extraordinary lengths to enter our country and fill jobs in vital sectors of our economy--including many right here in Utah. We need immigration policies that will allow those willing workers to meet the needs of willing employers and do so in such a way that does not endanger the jobs of American workers.

Fairness to Legal Immigrants: The term amnesty is tossed about in debates over immigration policy, and with good reason. Millions of hard working, tax-paying legal immigrants are today living in America and making tremendous contributions to society. In many instances, those immigrants endured years of patiently waiting and complying with the complicated process of legal entry. It is essential that any legislation or initiative to allow illegal immigrants who are already in the U.S. to gain some form of temporary status be equitable to those who are here legally. The key to that equity lies in placing strict work requirements, monetary penalties, or other reasonable burdens on those who wish to stay here and work here despite having entered illegally. I will only support legislation which encompasses such penalties and mandates a fair price of admission for all.

Reality-Based Immigration Laws: Americans, and particularly we Utahns, are fundamentally welcoming people. We understand that reasonable and robust levels of immigration are critical to the continued growth and well-being of our economy, our communities, and our entire nation. It is a simple fact that we would not today have millions of illegal immigrants if our immigration laws and policies were based upon reality. We must have a system which allows willing workers to come here legally if there are jobs to fill. Likewise, we cannot just ignore the fact that those millions of illegal immigrants are, in fact, here, using our health care facilities, sending their kids to our schools, and in most cases, paying taxes to our federal, state and local governments.

In short, our immigration laws and policies must reflect the realities we face today: Our economy demands a robust supply of willing workers; our security demands that we bring people who are here illegally out of the shadows and into the light of day; and common sense demands that we find realistic solutions to a system that is clearly not working. ~ Chris Cannon

I have spoken with Chris, in length, on this issue. Yes, I'd like to see every single illegal immigrant rounded up and deported. I'd like to see our borders completely secured. Barring the first, I'll unhappily recognize that rounding them all up might not work. Although I'd sure like it to.

My second desire is slowly being taken care of. Chris said he drove, he believes, 400 miles of border fence. Some of it he says is inadequate, some of it is good. He is working hard to get the fence up and secure.

On the first, Chris says there is no way to round up 12 to 15 million people and deport them. We don't have the budget or manpower for that. He stated that we have to come up with the alternative. He favors, as I said, the Worker ID program which will allow them to work here but not allow them to access our health care and welfare programs. Barring shipping them all out, which is still my favorite option, Chris' plan works for me.

Tomorrow I'll post David Leavitt's stance on immigration.

Voting Precinct Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary and Treasurer Duties

2008-03-31T09:23:00.000-06:00

Voting Precinct Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary and Treasurer Duties
(Subject to County Leadership)

1. The Precinct Chair shall:

Direct Party affairs within their respective Precincts.
Organize and preside over their Precinct Caucus.
Assist the campaigns of Republican nominees’ (candidates unopposed by other Republican candidates) campaigns. Distribute election related materials within the precinct on behalf of the Republican Party and its nominees at the request of the County Chairman.
Assist the County Chairman in the recruitment of poll-watchers, election judges and volunteers for other county events.
Organize and direct Get-out-the-vote (GOTV) programs.
Attend County Central Committee meetings.
Direct County fundraising programs in the Precinct and, together with the Precinct Treasurer, be responsible for all funds collected from precinct members.
Serve the Party generally, when needed, with events and general operations, at the request of the County Chairman.
Participate in the governance of the County Party by faithfully attending meetings of which each Precinct Chair is a member. When unable to attend an official meeting, it is expected that the precinct chairman will notify the county chairman or secretary in advance.
Serve a 2 year term (from the date elected to the adjournment of the precinct caucus in which a new chair is elected).

2. The Precinct Vice-Chair shall preside and direct the Voter Precinct caucus, and other precinct meetings, in the absence of their chair, and shall attend Central Committee meetings.

3. The Precinct Secretaries shall provide notice of precinct meetings to members, prepare agendas, record minutes of meetings at which the Chair presides, and shall maintain historical documents.

4. The Precinct Treasurer shall receive, account for, and turn in collected monies to the appropriate organization as directed and shall submit a financial report at each meeting of the precinct.

5. The powers and responsibilities of the other Legislative and Senate District chairs and Precinct Officers are as delegated by their county leadership and respective chairs.

This text should assist the members of the precinct in holding the Precinct Officers responsible for the discharge of their duty. Please feel free to contact these officers and make sure we’re doing our duties.

My Conversation with Chris Cannon

2008-03-29T21:02:00.007-06:00

Today, Alvin and I were able to spend two-and-a-half hours with Chris Cannon and a few other Precinct Chairs. He welcomed us into his home and it was great to listen to what he had to say, and to hear others stand up and talk about how impressed they've been with Chris and his time served in the Congress.

I have been a staunch supporter of Chris for many years. To learn of my experiences with Chris over the eleven years he has served as my congressman, read what I wrote on my personal blog: "Become a Partner With Chris Cannon."

Today I learned that one of his opponents has chosen to hammer him for not being present for various votes which needed to be cast by him. Chris is a hard-working congressman who fights for his constituents, the Constitution and this nation every minute, of every day, of every week, of every month and year. Today, one of his staff outlined for us what was going on in Chris' life when he missed those votes.

The first time his wife, Claudia, was having a baby. (She chimed in that she was old when this occurred and she needed Chris by her side.) Really, his opponent has a problem with Chris being by his wife's side when she gave birth to one of their children? That's not a man I'd want to vote for.

The second time was when his daughter, Rachel, was sick, so was the third time as she was reacting violently due to the medications she was being given. The fourth time he missed the vote was when his sweet daughter died. What kind of man would attack our congressman over these missed votes?

There was indeed one time when Chris missed a vote because he was working hard on some legislation and heard the buzzer too late to get the floor and cast his vote. He did say he felt pretty bad about that one.

Chris does not rush to the floor to vote on bills renaming post offices or roads, or other nonsensical matters which I am floored to find Congress dabbling in . . . but there you have it. Our Congressman was busy dealing with the bills he was writing, co-sponsoring or submitting in order to protect our rights and our lands here in Utah.

Again I ask . . . what opponent would challenge him on this?

So I brought up my concerns. I asked what was being done about our dependence on foreign oil. I knew this was a hot issue for him. He asked me if I knew how much was being sent out of the country? I nodded and replied, "$450 billion . . ." I was wrong. It is now $550 billion! Chris has been pushing hard to end of our reliance on foreign oil. He told us about reports stating we have five times the amount of shale oil in Colorado, Wyoming and Utah as they do in the Middle East. He explained the technology was in place, a company had purchased the rights to the technology and is prepared to begin drilling in the fall. They only have 47 government agencies which have to sign off on it. He feels pretty optimistic that it will come to pass. Until it does, he'll keep fighting for it.

In the meantime, the Democrats are fighting the Republicans tooth and nail. They want us to continue being reliant on foreign energy sources. The only answer to the myriad of problems we face in America is the taking back of the Senate and the House. Some say it can't be done. I say it will be deadly if it is not.

By the way . . . shale oil produces diesel and will drastically drop the diesel costs here in Utah. I'm guessing we will all want to start looking at diesel engines eventually. Just keep your eye on the news.

We also talked about immigration and how he and the other committee members drove along our southern border checking the fence which has been built. He talked about erroneous numbers coming out of Homeland Security, there's a surprise, and shared with us what he'd actually experienced.

He favors a worker ID program for the following reasons:

1. We don't know who is illegal in the U.S. and who is not. Finding out will cost a fortune.
2. We don't have the manpower to round them up and it will cost a fortune to hire all the policemen and agents needed to accomplish this monumental task.
3. He believes a worker ID program will restrict them being able to use our Emergency Rooms for their free medical visits and end their reliance on our welfare programs.
4. And finally he said we need to increase the number of citizenship spots available

I don't know if Chris is right, but I sure haven't heard a better plan. Yes, we need to close the borders. Fight with us to take the majority of the Senate and the House back and get the job done. It won't get done with the Democrats. Yes, we need to rectify the illegal immigration problem, this definitely won't get done with the Democrats. In other words, work with us to bring Conservative Republicans, like Chris, back into power so that we can get America back on the right track.

We spoke about universal health care. He's not a fan of it. Neither am I.

We spoke about the War on Terror. He thinks our efforts can be logistically improved, but that pulling out now would be the worst mistake we could make. I agree.

We spoke of honor, integrity, the courage to stand for the issues as well as the values and needs of Utahns despite all obstacles. He has done this.

I have spoken with Chris often over the last few years, as I outlined in the article on my personal blog linked at the top of this article, and he has always answered me. Whether by email, letter or phone call, Chris has been my support, in the congressional sense, when I stood helpless against issues only my congressman could fix. And he fixed them. He has never let me down. Ever.

You can go to Chris' website and learn where he stands and what he's done on the issues facing America today. You can check his record in Congress and see for yourself what he has done for the State of Utah and the constituents of the 3rd Congressional District.

In other words, it behooves you to investigate the claims made by the other candidates and learn for yourself why I stand behind Chris Cannon in his bid for the 3rd Congressional seat. The websites links of each of the candidates are available to the left of this article.

Responsibilities of a State Delegate

2008-03-28T09:19:00.003-06:00

Kim Meacham, the Precinct Chair over at Orem 27 added this information on their precinct blog. I thought it was a great idea, so here you go:

2008-2010 STATE DELEGATE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Congratulations on being elected a State Delegate! Your willingness to participate in the Party and the political process is greatly appreciated. This sheet will hopefully provide a few details of your new responsibilities and what is expected.

First, remember that each State Delegate must be a registered affiliated Republican. To be seated the Utah Republican Party must have on file your name, telephone number and mailing address. The name you use should be the exact name you used to register to vote.

The term of service for all delegates is two years. Should you move or change addresses during that time, please inform your County Chair.

For the near future, your biggest responsibility is to attend and participate in the 2008 Utah Republican Party State Convention. It will be held on Saturday, May 10 in the David 0 McKay Center on the UVSC Campus in Orem. The official Call to Convention with credentials and instructions will be mailed to you. At the convention, state delegates, by casting ballots, will choose the Party’s nominees for elected office. The offices you will be voting for include Governor, Attorney General, State Auditor, State Treasurer and the U.S. House of Representatives. Some of you will also be voting in multi-county State Legislative races. In addition, all state delegates will vote for National Delegates and Alternates, Presidential Electors, and a National Committeeman and Committeewoman (the filing deadline for Presidential Elector, National Delegate, and National Committee member is 5:00 p.m. Thursday, April 10 at State GOP Headquarters). It is your responsibility to educate yourself about all the candidates. You will also have the chance to debate and vote on any changes to the State Party Constitution, Bylaws, Platform, Rules of the Convention, and possibly Resolutions.

You should also plan on attending the 2009 State Organizing Convention next year where the State Party Officers will be selected by the State Delegates. You are also encouraged to stay as involved as you can in your County Party.

If you ever have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call the State Party Office at 801-533-9777 or 1-800-230-UTAH or visit us at www.utgop.org . And again, thank you for your willingness to serve.

This text should assist the members of the precinct in holding the State Delegates responsible for the discharge of their duty.

As the delegates (of which I am one of three) are responsible “to educate [ourselves] about all the candidates” I am working to arrange meetings with the candidates in conjunction with other Republican precincts in LEG60, and will publish more on this as the meeting plans solidify.

Obama's Anger

2008-03-27T07:45:00.003-06:00

by Ed Kaitz

This is a helpful article in helping Americans to gain some small understanding to the commotion surrounding Barack Obama, his former preacher/mentor and the angry rhetoric filling the airwaves and pulpits across the nation. Simply an FYI.

From www.AmericanThinker.com I found the following column written by Ed Kaitz and published on March 20, 2008:

Obama's Anger

"The anger is real. It is powerful, and to simply wish it away,
to condemn it without understanding its roots, only serves to widen
the chasm of misunderstanding that exists between the races."
- Barack Obama

Back in the late 1980s I was on a plane flying out of New Orleans and sitting next to me was a rather interesting and, according to Barack Obama, unusual black man. Friendly, gregarious, and wise beyond his years, we immediately hit it off. I had been working on Vietnamese commercial fishing boats for a few years based in southern Louisiana. The boats were owned by the recent wave of Vietnamese refugees who flooded into the familiar tropical environment after the war. Floating in calm seas out in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico, I would hear tearful songs and tales from ex-paratroopers about losing brothers, sisters, parents, children, lovers, and beautiful Vietnam itself to the communists.

In Bayou country I lived on boats and in doublewide trailers, and like the rest of the Vietnamese refugees, I shopped at Wal-Mart and ate a lot of rice. When they arrived in Louisiana the refugees had no money (the money that they had was used to bribe their way out of Vietnam and into refugee camps in Thailand), few friends, and a mostly unfriendly and suspicious local population.

They did however have strong families, a strong work ethic, and the "Audacity of Hope." Within a generation, with little or no knowledge of English, the Vietnamese had achieved dominance in the fishing industry there and their children were already achieving the top SAT scores in the state.

While I had been fishing my new black friend had been working as a prison psychologist in Missouri, and he was pursuing a higher degree in psychology. He was interested in my story, and after about an hour getting to know each other I asked him point blank why these Vietnamese refugees, with no money, friends, or knowledge of the language could be, within a generation, so successful. I also asked him why it was so difficult to convince young black men to abandon the streets and take advantage of the same kinds of opportunities that the Vietnamese had recently embraced.

His answer, only a few words, not only floored me but became sort of a razor that has allowed me ever since to slice through all of the rhetoric regarding race relations that Democrats shovel our way during election season:

"We're owed and they aren't."

In short, he concluded, "they're hungry and we think we're owed. It's crushing us, and as long as we think we're owed we're going nowhere."

A good test case for this theory is Katrina. Obama, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton and assorted white apologists continue to express anger and outrage over the federal response to the Katrina disaster. But where were the Vietnamese "leaders" expressing their "anger?" The Vietnamese comprise a substantial part of the New Orleans population, and yet are absent was any report claiming that the Vietnamese were "owed" anything. This is not to say that the federal response was an adequate one, but we need to take this as a sign that maybe the problem has very little to do with racism and a lot to with a mindset.

The mindset that one is "owed" something in life has not only affected black mobility in business but black mobility in education as well. Remember Ward Churchill? About fifteen years ago he was my boss. After leaving the fishing boats, I attended graduate school at the University of Colorado at Boulder. I managed to get a job on campus teaching expository writing to minority students who had been accepted provisionally into the university on an affirmative action program. And although I never met him, Ward Churchill, in addition to teaching in the ethnic studies department, helped to develop and organize the minority writing program.

The job paid most of my bills, but what I witnessed there was absolutely horrifying. The students were encouraged to write essays attacking the white establishment from every conceivable angle and in addition to defend affirmative action and other government programs. Of the hundreds of papers that I read, there was not one original contribution to the problem of black mobility that strayed from the party line.

The irony of it all however is that the "white establishment" managed to get them into the college and pay their entire tuition. Instead of being encouraged to study international affairs, classical or modern languages, philosophy or art, most of these students became ethnic studies or sociology majors because it allowed them to remain in disciplines whose orientation justified their existence at the university. In short, it became a vicious cycle.

There was a student there I'll never forget. He was plucked out of the projects in Denver and given a free ride to the university. One day in my office he told me that his mother had said the following to him: "M.J., they owe you this. White people at that university owe you this." M.J.'s experience at the university was a glorious fulfillment of his mother's angst.

There were black student organizations and other clubs that "facilitated" the minority student's experience on the majority white and "racist" campus, in addition to a plethora of faculty members, both white and black, who encouraged the same animus toward the white establishment. While adding to their own bona fides as part of the trendy Left, these "facilitators" supplied M.J. with everything he needed to quench his and his mother's anger, but nothing in the way of advice about how to succeed in college. No one, in short, had told M.J. that he needed to study. But since he was "owed" everything, why put out any effort on his own?

In a fit of despair after failing most of his classes, M.J. wandered into my office one Friday afternoon in the middle of the semester and asked if I could help him out. I asked M.J. about his plans that evening, and he told me that he usually attended parties on Friday and Saturday nights. I told him that if he agreed to meet me in front of the university library at 6:00pm I would buy him dinner. At 6pm M.J. showed up, and for the next twenty minutes we wandered silently through the stacks, lounges, and study areas of the library. When we arrived back at the entrance I asked M.J. if he noticed anything interesting. As we headed up the hill to a popular burger joint, M.J. turned to me and said:

"They were all Asian. Everyone in there was Asian, and it was Friday night."

Nothing I could do, say, or show him, however, could match the fire power of his support system favoring anger. I was sad to hear of M.J. dropping out of school the following semester.

During my time teaching in the writing program, I watched Asians get transformed via leftist doublespeak from "minorities" to "model minorities" to "they're not minorities" in precise rhythm to their fortunes in business and education. Asians were "minorities" when they were struggling in this country, but they became "model minorities" when they achieved success. Keep in mind "model minority" did not mean what most of us think it means, i.e., something to emulate. "Model minority" meant that Asians had certain cultural advantages, such as a strong family tradition and a culture of scholarship that the black community lacked.

To suggest that intact families and a philosophy of self-reliance could be the ticket to success would have undermined the entire angst establishment. Because of this it was improper to use Asian success as a model. The contortions the left exercised in order to defend this ridiculous thesis helped to pave the way for the elimination of Asians altogether from the status of "minority."

This whole process took only a few years.

Eric Hoffer said:

"...you do not win the weak by sharing your wealth with them; it will but infect them with greed and resentment. You can win the weak only by sharing your pride, hope or hatred with them."

We now know that Barack Obama really has no interest in the "audacity of hope." With his race speech, Obama became a peddler of angst, resentment and despair. Too bad he doesn't direct that angst at the liberal establishment that has sold black people a bill of goods since the 1960s. What Obama seems angry about is America itself and what it stands for; the same America that has provided fabulous opportunities for what my black friend called "hungry" minorities. Strong families, self-reliance, and a spirit of entrepreneurship should be held up as ideals for all races to emulate.

In the end, we should be very suspicious about Obama's anger and the recent frothings of his close friend Reverend Wright. Says Eric Hoffer:

The fact seems to be that we are least open to precise knowledge concerning the things we are most vehement about. Vehemence is the expression of a blind effort to support and uphold something that can never stand on its own.

Elected Officials for Orem 28 Precinct

2008-03-25T21:03:00.004-06:00

We had a small gathering of people join us at the Caucus tonight. Many of our standard families were not there tonight and they were sorely missed. But we had a whole new young group of Republicans move into our precinct and they are real go-getters! We also had some of our faith Republicans who turn out to every caucus and election. They are the backbone of our precinct and it is always so nice to see them.

We're planning on being a much more active precinct this year. We're planning a precinct Barbecue in June -- date to be announced on this blog -- and we're very excited about it! I'll do my best to get some of our candidates to come and mingle, answer questions, etc.

Tonight we elected the new officers for our precinct. Here's who they are and their contact information:

Precinct Officers

Precinct Chair: Candace E. Salima
Vice Chair: Dan Sinema
Secretary/Treasurer: Amy Stone

State Delegates

Candace E. Salima

Dan Glahn
Brett Nielsen

County Delegates

Candace E. Salima
Dan Sinema
Scott Martin
Ronald Gubler
Toni Beard
Jill Nielsen

These are the duly elected officers of Orem 28 Precinct for the 2008-2010 election season.

Republican Party Caucuses Tonight!

2008-03-25T14:50:00.000-06:00

Today is the day!

Your neighborhood caucus is your best chance to effect change in the political process at the grass roots level.

Tonight, Republicans across the state of Utah will be gathering in their local caucuses to elect delegates, precinct chairs, precinct vice-chairs and support staff. These people then go on to the county and state Republican conventions where the vast political field is whittled down to a single candidate, for example, Chris Cannon.

If that candidate cannot garner 60% of the vote at convention, then it will go to a primary between the two highest contenders. This is where you as the voter step in and choose one candidate to represent our part in the November elections.

It is an exciting political process our nation is founded on. Through this process, power has passed from American to American without any coups, revolutions or uprisings. This is a privilege that Americans enjoy and should be excited to participate in.

We have been admonished to choose honest and wise men to lead us in government.

Proverbs 29:2 reads: "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn."

This is where it starts. The caucuses begin at 7:00 p.m. tonight. Mountain View High School is the place. Walk in and ask where Orem 28 is and they'll direct you right to us. Hire the babysitter, grab your husband and all those who are of voting age in your household and join us!

This is where it all begins!

Tomorrow I will post the new Precinct Leadership.

We are looking for an active precinct this year . . . so tell every one you know who lives North of 400 South, East of I-15, South of Center Street and West of 750 West to join us tonight.